Source: Project Gutenberg #11314; Internet Archive writingsofgwash05washuoft/lettersandrecol00washgoog Source URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11314 ; https://archive.org/details/writingsofgwash05washuoft ; https://archive.org/details/lettersandrecol00washgoog Public domain basis: Public-domain editions: A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, vol. 1, ed. James D. Richardson (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1896-1897), a US government publication; The Writings of George Washington, ed. Worthington Chauncey Ford, vol. 5 (New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1890); Letters and Recollections of George Washington (New York: Doubleday, Page & Co., 1906), published before 1931. Coverage: Partial: Washington's presidential papers from Richardson's Messages and Papers (inaugural addresses, annual addresses, messages, proclamations, and the Farewell Address of 17 September 1796, with Richardson's biographical note; the volume's opening Declaration, Articles, and Constitution are omitted); Ford's Writings vol. 5, letters of 1776-1777 (including the orders to inoculate the army against smallpox and letters on camp disease and supply), as Internet Archive OCR; and the 1906 Letters and Recollections, letters to Tobias Lear and others 1790-1799 with Lear's diary account of Washington's last illness, bleeding, and death (December 1799), as Internet Archive OCR of a Google scan with its watermark lines removed. Ford's other thirteen volumes and other wartime letters are not included; both OCR texts keep running page heads and scattered errors. # Messages and Papers of the Presidents, vol. 1: George Washington, including the Farewell Address (Richardson, 1896) George Washington April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797 George Washington George Washington was born at Bridges Creek, on the Potomac River, in Westmoreland County, Va., on the 22d day of February (or 11th, old style), 1732. Augustine Washington, his father, was a son of Lawrence Washington, whose father, John Washington, came to Virginia from England in 1657, and settled at Bridges Creek. Augustine Washington died in 1743, leaving several children, George being the eldest by his second wife, Mary Ball. At the early age of 19 years he was appointed adjutant-general of one of the districts of Virginia, with the rank of major. In November, 1753, he was sent by Lieutenant-Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia, to visit the French army in the Ohio Valley on important business. War followed, and in 1754 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and engaged in the war. In 1755 he acted as aid-de-camp to General Braddock. Soon after this he was appointed by the legislature commander in chief of all the forces of the Colony, and for three years devoted himself to recruiting and organizing troops for her defense. In 1758 he commanded a successful expedition to Fort Du Quesne. He then left the Army, and was married to Mrs. Martha Custis, a widow lady of Virginia. For sixteen years he resided at Mount Vernon, occasionally acting as a magistrate or as a member of the legislature. He was a delegate to the Williamsburg convention, August, 1773, which resolved that taxation and representation were inseparable. In 1774 he was sent to the Continental Congress as a delegate from Virginia. The following year he was unanimously chosen commander in chief, and assumed the command of the Continental Army July 2, 1775. He commanded the armies throughout the War for Independence. At the close he resigned his commission, December 23, 1783, and retired to private life. He was a delegate to, and president of, the National Convention which met in Philadelphia, Pa., in May, 1787, and adopted a new Constitution, that greatly increased the power of the Federal Government. He was unanimously elected the first President of the United States, and was inaugurated on the 30th of April, 1789, in New York City, and at the end of his first term was unanimously reelected. He retired March 4, 1797, having declined a third term. In September, 1796, he issued his Farewell Address to the people. July 3, 1798, he was again appointed to the command of the armies of the United States, with the rank of lieutenant-general. He was a Freemason, and served as master of his lodge. He died at Mount Vernon, Va., after a short illness, December 14, 1799, and was buried there. PROCEEDINGS INITIATORY TO THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION. [From the Washington Papers (Executive Proceedings, vol. 17), Department of State.] Charles Thomson, esq., Secretary of the late Congress, being appointed by the Senate of the United States to carry to General Washington the official information of his unanimous election to the office of President of the United States of America, arrived at Mount Vernon on the 14th day of April, A.D. 1789, when he communicated to General Washington the purport of his mission in the following words: Sir: The President of the Senate chosen for the special purpose, having opened and counted the votes of the electors in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, I was honored with the commands of the Senate to wait upon Your Excellency with the information of your being elected to the office of President of the United States of America. This commission was intrusted to me on account of my having been long in the confidence of the late Congress, and charged with the duties of one of the principal civil departments of Government. I have now, sir, to inform you that the proofs you have given of your patriotism, and of your readiness to sacrifice domestic ease and private enjoyments to preserve the happiness of your country, did not permit the two Houses to harbor a doubt of your undertaking this great and important office, to which you are called, not only by the unanimous vote of the electors, but by the voice of America. I have it, therefore, in command to accompany you to New York, where the Senate and House of Representatives are convened for the dispatch of public business. To which General Washington replied: SIR: I have been accustomed to pay so much respect to the opinion of my fellow-citizens that the knowledge of their having given their unanimous suffrages in my favor scarcely leaves me the alternative for an option. I can not, I believe, give a greater evidence of my sensibility of the honor which they have done me than by accepting the appointment. I am so much affected by this fresh proof of my country's esteem and confidence that silence can best explain my gratitude. While I realize the arduous nature of the task which is imposed upon me, and feel my own inability to perform it, I wish, however, that there may not be reason for regretting the choice, for, indeed, all I can promise is only to accomplish that which can be done by an honest zeal. Upon considering how long time some of the gentlemen of both Houses of Congress have been at New York, how anxiously desirous they must be to proceed to business, and how deeply the public mind appears to be impressed with the necessity of doing it speedily, I can not find myself at liberty to delay my journey. I shall therefore be in readiness to set out the day after to-morrow, and shall be happy in the pleasure of your company, for you will permit me to say that it is a peculiar gratification to have received the communication from you. OFFICIAL INFORMATION OF THE ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, APRIL 6, 1789. Be it known that the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, being convened in the city and State of New York, this 6th day of April, A.D. 1789, the underwritten, appointed President of the Senate for the sole purpose of receiving, opening, and counting the votes of the electors, did, in the presence of the said Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and count all the votes of the electors for a President and Vice-President, by which it appears that His Excellency George Washington, esq., was unanimously elected, agreeably to the Constitution, to the office of President of the said United States of America. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. JOHN LANGDON. MOUNT VERNON, _April 14, 1789_. To the Honorable JOHN LANGDON, _President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States_. SIR: I had the honor to receive your official communication, by the hand of Mr. Secretary Thomson, about 1 o'clock this day. Having concluded to obey the important and flattering call of my country, and having been impressed with an idea of the expediency of my being with Congress at as early a period as possible, I propose to commence my journey on Thursday morning, which will be the day after to-morrow. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of esteem, sir, your most obedient servant, GEORGE WASHINGTON. RESOLVE OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES RESPECTING MR. OSGOOD'S PREPARING HIS HOUSE FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA _In Senate, April 15, 1789_. The committee to whom it was referred to consider of and report to the House respecting the ceremonial of receiving the President, and to whom also was referred a letter from the chairman of a committee of the Senate to the Speaker, communicating an instruction from that House to a committee thereof to report if any and what arrangements are necessary for the reception of the Vice-President, have agreed to the following report: That Mr. Osgood, the proprietor of the house lately occupied by the President of Congress, be requested to put the same and the furniture thereof in proper condition for the residence and use of the President of the United States, and otherwise, at the expense of the United States, to provide for his temporary accommodation. That it will be more eligible, in the first instance, that a committee of three members from the Senate and five members from the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the two Houses respectively, attend to receive the President at such place as he shall embark from New Jersey for this city, and conduct him without form to the house lately occupied by the President of Congress, and at such time thereafter as the President shall signify it will be most convenient for him, he be formally received by both Houses. Read and accepted. IN SENATE, _April 16, 1789_. The Senate proceeded by ballot to the choice of a committee, agreeably to the report of the committee of both Houses agreed to the 15th instant, when the Honorable Mr. Langdon, the Honorable Mr. Carroll, and the Honorable Mr. Johnson were chosen. A true copy from the Journals of the Senate. Attest: SAM. A. OTIS, _Secretary_. RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES RESPECTING MR. OSGOOD'S PREPARING HIS HOUSE FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES _Wednesday, April 15, 1789_. Mr. Benson reported from the committee to whom it was referred to consider of and report to the House respecting the ceremonial of receiving the President, and to whom was also referred a letter from the chairman of a committee of the Senate to the Speaker, communicating an instruction from that House to a committee thereof to report if any and what arrangements are necessary for the reception of the Vice-President, that the committee had, according to order, considered of the same, and had agreed to a report thereupon, which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, and where the same was thrice read, and the question put thereupon agreed to by the House as followeth: That Mr. Osgood, the proprietor of the house lately occupied by the President of Congress, be requested to put the same and the furniture therein in proper order for the residence and use of the President of the United States, and otherwise, at the expense of the United States, to provide for his temporary accommodation. That it will be most eligible, in the first instance, that a committee of three members from the Senate and five members from the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Houses respectively, attend to receive the President at such place as he shall embark from New Jersey for this city, and conduct him without form to the house lately occupied by the President of Congress, and that at such time thereafter as the President shall signify it will be most convenient for him, he be formally received by both Houses. Extract from the Journal. JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RESPECTING A COMMITTEE TO MEET THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, _Wednesday, April_ 15, _1789_. _Resolved_, That it will be most eligible, in the first instance, that a committee of three members from the Senate and five members from the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Houses respectively, attend to receive the President at such place as he shall embark from New Jersey for this city, and conduct him without form to the house lately occupied by the President of Congress, and that at such time thereafter as the President shall signify, he be formally received by both Houses. THURSDAY, _April 16, 1789_. The committee elected on the part of this House, Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Bland, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Benson, and Mr. Lawrance. Extract from the Journal. JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. REQUEST OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY CONGRESS TO KNOW WHEN THEY SHOULD MEET THE PRESIDENT. The committee appointed in consequence of the resolutions of both Houses of Congress, and which accompany this note, most respectfully communicate their appointment to the President of the United States, with a request that he will please to have it signified to them when they shall attend, with a barge which has been prepared for that purpose, to receive him at Elizabeth Town, or at such other place as he shall choose to embark from New Jersey for this city. NEW YORK, _April 17, 1789_. JOHN LANGDON. CHARGES CARROLL, of Carrollton. WM. SAMUEL JOHNSON. ELIAS BOUDINOT. THEODORICK BLAND. THOS. TUDR. TUCKER. EGBT. BENSON. JOHN LAWRANCE. TO THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE TIME OF THE PRESIDENT MEETING THEM AT ELIZABETH TOWN. PHILADELPHIA, _April 20, 1789_. GENTLEMEN: Upon my arrival in this city I received your note, with the resolutions of the two Houses which accompanied it, and in answer thereto beg leave to inform you that, knowing how anxious both Houses must be to proceed to business, I shall continue my journey dispatch as possible. To-morrow evening I purpose to be at Trenton, the night following at Brunswick, and hope to have the pleasure of meeting you at Elizabeth Town point on Thursday at 12 o'clock. GEORGE WASHINGTON. LETTER FROM THE HONORABLE ELIAS BOUDINOT. NEW YORK, _April 21, 1789_. His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. SIR: The committee have just received Your Excellency's letter of the 20th, and will be at Elizabeth Town on Thursday morning. I must beg Your Excellency will alight at my house, where the committee will attend, and where it will give me (in a particular manner) the utmost pleasure to receive you. I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, ELIAS BOUDINOT. LETTER FROM THE HONORABLE ELIAS BOUDINOT, APRIL 23, 1789. ELIZABETH TOWN, _Wednesday Evening_. His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. SIR: I have the honor of informing Your Excellency that the committees of both Houses arrived here this afternoon, and will be ready to receive Your Excellency at my house as soon as you can arrive here to-morrow morning. If you, sir, will honor us with your company at breakfast, it will give us great pleasure. We shall wait Your Excellency's arrival in hopes of that gratification. You can have a room to dress in, if you should think it necessary, as convenient as you can have it in town. I have the honor to be Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant, ELIAS BOUDINOT. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE TIME OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES _Saturday, April 25, 1789_. Mr. Benson, from the committee appointed to consider of the time, place, and manner in which, and of the person by whom, the oath prescribed by the Constitution shall be administered to the President of the United States, and to confer with a committee of the Senate, appointed for the purpose, reported as followeth: That the President hath been pleased to signify to them that any time or place which both Houses may think proper to appoint and any manner which shall appear most eligible to them will be convenient and acceptable to him. That requisite preparations can not probably be made before Thursday next; that the President be on that day formally received in the Senate Chamber; that the Representatives' Chamber being capable of receiving the greater number of persons, that therefore the President do take the oath in that place and in the presence of both Houses; that after the formal reception of the President in the Senate Chamber he be attended by both Houses to the Representatives' Chamber, and that the oath be administered by the chancellor of this State. The committee further report it as their opinion that it will be proper that a committee of both Houses be appointed to take order for further conducting the ceremonial. The said report was twice read, and on the question put thereupon was agreed to by the House. _Ordered_, That Mr. Benson, Mr. Ames, and Mr. Carroll be a committee on the part of this House pursuant to the said report. Extract from the Journal. JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS TO THE SENATE RESPECTING THE TIME OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, _In Senate_, _April 25, 1789_. The committee appointed to consider of the time, place, and manner in which and of the person by whom the oath prescribed by the Constitution shall be administered to the President of the United States, and to confer with a committee of the House appointed for that purpose, report: That the President hath been pleased to signify to them that any time or place which both Houses may think proper to appoint and any manner which shall appear most eligible to them will be convenient and acceptable to him; that requisite preparations can not probably be made before Thursday next; that the President be on that day formally received in the Senate Chamber by both Houses; that the Representatives' Chamber being capable of receiving the greater number of persons, that therefore the President do take the oath in that place in presence of both Houses; that after the formal reception of the President in the Senate Chamber he be attended by both Houses to the Representatives' Chamber, and that the oath be administered by the chancellor of this State. The committee further report it as their opinion that it will be proper that a committee of both Houses be appointed to take order for conducting the ceremonial. Read and accepted. And Mr. Lee, Mr. Izard, and Mr. Dalton, on the part of the Senate, together with the committee that may be appointed on the part of the House, are empowered to take order for conducting the business. A true copy from the Journals of Senate. IN SENATE, _April 27_, _1789_ The committees appointed to take order for conducting the ceremonial of the formal reception, etc., of the President report that it appears to them more eligible that the oath should be administered to the President in the outer gallery adjoining the Senate Chamber than in the Representatives' Chamber, and therefore submit to the respective Houses the propriety of authorizing their committees to take order as to the place where the oath shall be administered to the President, the resolutions of Saturday assigning the Representatives' Chamber as the place notwithstanding. Read and accepted. A true copy from the Journals of the Senate. SAM. A. OTIS, _Secretary_. ORDER FOR CONDUCTING THE CEREMONIAL FOR THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. The committees of both Houses of Congress appointed to take order for conducting the ceremonial for the formal reception, etc., of the President of the United States on Thursday next have agreed to the following order thereon, viz: That General Webb, Colonel Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel Fish, Major Franks, Major L'Enfant, Major Bleeker, and Mr. John R. Livingston be requested to serve as assistants on the occasion. That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the President. That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the Vice-President, to the right of the President's chair, and that the Senators take their seats on that side of the Chamber on which the Vice-President's chair shall be placed. That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the left of the President's chair, and that the Representatives take their seats on that side of the Chamber on which the Speaker's chair shall be placed. That seats be provided in the Senate Chamber sufficient to accommodate the late President of Congress, the governor of the Western Territory, the five persons being the heads of the great Departments, the minister plenipotentiary of France, the encargado de negocios of Spain, the chaplains of Congress, the persons in the suite of the President, and also to accommodate the following public officers of the State, viz: The governor, lieutenant-governor, the chancellor, the chief justice of the supreme court and other judges thereof, and the mayor of the city. That one of the assistants wait on these gentlemen and inform them that seats are provided for their accommodation, and also to signify to them that no precedence of seats is intended, and that no salutation is expected from them on their entrance into or their departure from the Senate Chamber. That the members of both Houses assemble in their respective chambers precisely at 12 o'clock, and that the Representatives, preceded by their Speaker and attended by their Clerk and other officers, proceed to the Senate Chamber, there to be received by the Vice-President and Senators rising. That the committees attend the President from his residence to the Senate Chamber, and that he be there received by the Vice-President, the Senators and Representatives rising, and by the Vice-President conducted to his chair. That after the President shall be seated in his chair and the Vice-President, Senators, and Representatives shall be again seated, the Vice-President shall announce to the President that the members of both Houses will attend him to be present at his taking the oath of office required by the Constitution. To the end that the oath of office may be administered to the President in the most public manner and that the greatest number of the people of the United States, and without distinction, may be witnesses to the solemnity, that therefore the oath be administered in the outer gallery adjoining to the Senate Chamber. That when the President shall proceed to the gallery to take the oath he be attended by the Vice-President, and be followed by the chancellor of the State, and pass through the middle door; that the Senators pass through the door on the right, and the Representatives pass through the door on the left, and such of the persons who may have been admitted into the Senate Chamber and may be desirous to go into the gallery are then also to pass through the door on the right. That when the President shall have taken the oath and returned into the Senate Chamber, attended by the Vice-President, and shall be seated in his chair, that Senators and Representatives also return into the Senate Chamber, and that the Vice-President and they resume their respective seats. That when the President retire from the Senate Chamber he be conducted by the Vice-President to the door, the members of both Houses rising, and that he be there received by the committees and attended to his residence. That immediately as the President shall retire the Representatives do also return from the Senate Chamber to their own. That it be intrusted to the assistants to take proper precautions for keeping the avenues to the hall open, and for that purpose they wait on his excellency the governor of this State, and in the name of the committees request his aid by an order or recommendation to the civil officers or militia of the city to attend and serve on the occasion as he shall judge most proper, RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE RESPECTING THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES _Monday, April 27, 1789_. Mr. Benson, from the committee of both Houses appointed to take order for conducting the ceremonial of the formal reception of the President of the United States, reported as followeth: That it appears to the committee more eligible that the oath should be administered to the President in the outer gallery adjoining the Senate Chamber than in the Representatives' Chamber, and therefore submits to the respective Houses the propriety of authorizing their committees to take order as to the place where the oath shall be administered to the President, the resolutions of Saturday assigning the Representatives' Chamber as the place notwithstanding. The said report being twice read, _Resolved_, That this House doth concur in the said report and authorize the committee to take order for the change of place thereby proposed. Extract from the Journal. JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS. IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. APRIL 30, 1789. _Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Among the vicissitudes incident to life no event could have filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was transmitted by your order, and received on the 14th day of the present month. On the one hand, I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years--a retreat which was rendered every day more necessary as well as more dear to me by the addition of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste committed on it by time. On the other hand, the magnitude and difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my country called me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and most experienced of her citizens a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm with despondence one who (inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpracticed in the duties of civil administration) ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies. In this conflict of emotions all I dare aver is that it has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance by which it might be affected. All I dare hope is that if, in executing this task, I have been too much swayed by a grateful remembrance of former instances, or by an affectionate sensibility to this transcendent proof of the confidence of my fellow-citizens, and have thence too little consulted my incapacity as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me, my error will be palliated by the motives which mislead me, and its consequences be judged by my country with some share of the partiality in which they originated. Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which most governments have been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence. By the article establishing the executive department it is made the duty of the President "to recommend to your consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." The circumstances under which I now meet you will acquit me from entering into that subject further than to refer to the great constitutional charter under which you are assembled, and which, in defining your powers, designates the objects to which your attention is to be given. It will be more consistent with those circumstances, and far more congenial with the feelings which actuate me, to substitute, in place of a recommendation of particular measures, the tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt them. In these honorable qualifications I behold the surest pledges that as on one side no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests, so, on another, that the foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world. I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as _deeply_, as _finally_, staked on the experiment intrusted to the hands of the American people. Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your care, it will remain with your judgment to decide how far an exercise of the occasional power delegated by the fifth article of the Constitution is rendered expedient at the present juncture by the nature of objections which have been urged against the system, or by the degree of inquietude which has given birth to them. Instead of undertaking particular recommendations on this subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived from official opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire confidence in your discernment and pursuit of the public good; for I assure myself that whilst you carefully avoid every alteration which might endanger the benefits of an united and effective government, or which ought to await the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen and a regard for the public harmony will sufficiently influence your deliberations on the question how far the former can be impregnably fortified or the latter be safely and advantageously promoted. To the foregoing observations I have one to add, which will be most properly addressed to the House of Representatives. It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as possible. When I was first honored with a call into the service of my country, then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its liberties, the light in which I contemplated my duty required that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From this resolution I have in no instance departed; and being still under the impressions which produced it, I must decline as inapplicable to myself any share in the personal emoluments which may be indispensably included in a permanent provision for the executive department, and must accordingly pray that the pecuniary estimates for the station in which I am placed may during my continuance in it be limited to such actual expenditures as the public good may be thought to require. Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally _conspicuous_ in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend. ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: We, the Senate of the United States, return you our sincere thanks for your excellent speech delivered to both Houses of Congress, congratulate you on the complete organization of the Federal Government, and felicitate ourselves and our fellow-citizens on your elevation to the office of President, an office highly important by the powers constitutionally annexed to it and extremely honorable from the manner in which the appointment is made. The unanimous suffrage of the elective body in your favor is peculiarly expressive of the gratitude, confidence, and affection of the citizens of America, and is the highest testimonial at once of your merit and their esteem. We are sensible, sir, that nothing but the voice of your fellow-citizens could have called you from a retreat chosen with the fondest predilection, endeared by habit, and consecrated to the repose of declining years. We rejoice, and with us all America, that in obedience to the call of our common country you have returned once more to public life. In you all parties confide; in you all interests unite; and we have no doubt that your past services, great as they have been, will be equaled by your future exertions, and that your prudence and sagacity as a statesman will tend to avert the dangers to which we were exposed, to give stability to the present Government and dignity and splendor to that country which your skill and valor as a soldier so eminently contributed to raise to independence and empire. When we contemplate the coincidence of circumstances and wonderful combination of causes which gradually prepared the people of this country for independence; when we contemplate the rise, progress, and termination of the late war, which gave them a name among the nations of the earth, we are with you unavoidably led to acknowledge and adore the Great Arbiter of the Universe, by whom empires rise and fall. A review of the many signal instances of divine interposition in favor of this country claims our most pious gratitude; and permit us, sir, to observe that among the great events which have led to the formation and establishment of a Federal Government we esteem your acceptance of the office of President as one of the most propitious and important. In the execution of the trust reposed in us we shall endeavor to pursue that enlarged and liberal policy to which your speech so happily directs. We are conscious that the prosperity of each State is inseparably connected with the welfare of all, and that in promoting the latter we shall effectually advance the former. In full persuasion of this truth, it shall be our invariable aim to divest ourselves of local prejudices and attachments, and to view the great assemblage of communities and interests committed to our charge with an equal eye. We feel, sir, the force and acknowledge the justness of the observation that the foundation of our national policy should be laid in private morality. If individuals be not influenced by moral principles, it is in vain to look for public virtue. It is therefore the duty of legislators to enforce, both by precept and example, the utility as well as the necessity of a strict adherence to the rules of distributive justice. We beg you to be assured that the Senate will at all times cheerfully cooperate in every measure which may strengthen the Union, conduce to the happiness or secure and perpetuate the liberties of this great confederated Republic. We commend you, sir, to the protection of Almighty God, earnestly beseeching Him long to preserve a life so valuable and dear to the people of the United States, and that your Administration may be prosperous to the nation and glorious to yourself. MAY 7, 1789. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: I thank you for your address, in which the most affectionate sentiments are expressed in the most obliging terms. The coincidence of circumstances which led to this auspicious crisis, the confidence reposed in me by my fellow-citizens, and the assistance I may expect from counsels which will be dictated by an enlarged and liberal policy seem to presage a more prosperous issue to my Administration than a diffidence of my abilities had taught me to anticipate. I now feel myself inexpressibly happy in a belief that Heaven, which has done so much for our infant nation, will not withdraw its providential influence before our political felicity shall have been completed, and in a conviction that the Senate will at all times cooperate in every measure which may tend to promote the welfare of this confederated Republic. Thus supported by a firm trust in the Great Arbiter of the Universe, aided by the collected wisdom of the Union, and imploring the divine benediction on our joint exertions in the service of our country, I readily engage with you in the arduous but pleasing task of attempting to make a nation happy. GEORGE WASHINGTON. MAY 18, 1789. ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States present their congratulations on the event by which your fellow-citizens have attested the preeminence of your merit. You have long held the first place in their esteem. You have often received tokens of their affection. You now possess the only proof that remained of their gratitude for your services, of their reverence for your wisdom, and of their confidence in your virtues. You enjoy the highest, because the truest, honor of being the first Magistrate by the unanimous choice of the freest people on the face of the earth. We well know the anxieties with which you must have obeyed a summons from the repose reserved for your declining years into public scenes, of which you had taken your leave forever. But the obedience was due to the occasion. It is already applauded by the universal joy which welcomes you to your station. And we can not doubt that it will be rewarded with all the satisfaction with which an ardent love for your fellow-citizens must review successful efforts to promote their happiness. This anticipation is not justified merely by the past experience of your signal services. It is particularly suggested by the pious impressions under which you commence your Administration and the enlightened maxims by which you mean to conduct it. We feel with you the strongest obligations to adore the Invisible Hand which has led the American people through so many difficulties, to cherish a conscious responsibility for the destiny of republican liberty, and to seek the only sure means of preserving and recommending the precious deposit in a system of legislation founded on the principles of an honest policy and directed by the spirit of a diffusive patriotism. The question arising out of the fifth article of the Constitution will receive all the attention demanded by its importance, and will, we trust, be decided under the influence of all the considerations to which you allude. In forming the pecuniary provisions for the executive department we shall not lose sight of a wish resulting from motives which give it a peculiar claim to our regard. Your resolution, in a moment critical to the liberties of your country, to renounce all personal emolument, was among the many presages of your patriotic services which have been amply fulfilled; and your scrupulous adherence now to the law then imposed on yourself can not fail to demonstrate the purity, whilst it increases the luster, of a character which has so many titles to admiration. Such are the sentiments which we have thought fit to address to you. They flow from our own hearts, and we verily believe that among the millions we represent there is not a virtuous citizen whose heart will disown them. All that remains is that we join in our fervent supplications for the blessings of Heaven on our country, and that we add our own for the choicest of these blessings on the most beloved of her citizens. MAY 5, 1789. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: Your very affectionate address produces emotions which I know not how to express. I feel that my past endeavors in the service of my country are far overpaid by its goodness, and I fear much that my future ones may not fulfill your kind anticipation. All that I can promise is that they will be invariably directed by an honest and an ardent zeal. Of this resource my heart assures me. For all beyond I rely on the wisdom and patriotism of those with whom I am to cooperate and a continuance of the blessings of Heaven on our beloved country. GEORGE WASHINGTON. MAY 8, 1789. SPECIAL MESSAGES. NEW YORK, _May 25, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: In pursuance of the order of the late Congress, treaties between the United States and several nations of Indians have been negotiated and signed. These treaties, with sundry papers respecting them, I now lay before you, for your consideration and advice, by the hands of General Knox, under whose official superintendence the business was transacted, and who will be ready to communicate to you any information on such points as may appear to require it, GEORGE WASHINGTON. NEW YORK, _June 11, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: A convention between His Most Christian Majesty and the United States, for the purposes of determining and fixing the functions and prerogatives of their respective consuls, vice-consuls, agents, and commissaries, was signed by their respective plenipotentiaries on the 29th of July, 1784. It appearing to the late Congress that certain alterations in that convention ought to be made, they instructed their minister at the Court of France to endeavor to obtain them. It has accordingly been altered in several respects, and as amended was signed by the plenipotentiaries of the contracting powers on the 14th of November, 1788. The sixteenth article provides that it shall be in force during the term of twelve years, to be counted from the day of the exchange _of ratifications, which shall be given in proper form_, and exchanged on both sides within the space of one year, or sooner if possible. I now lay before you the original by the hands of Mr. Jay for your consideration and advice. The papers relative to this negotiation are in his custody, and he has my orders to communicate to you whatever official papers and information on the subject he may possess and you may require. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NEW YORK, _June 15, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Mr. Jefferson, the present minister of the United States at the Court of France, having applied for permission to return home for a few months, and it appearing to me proper to comply with his request, it becomes necessary that some person be appointed _to take charge_ of our affairs at that Court during his absence. For this purpose I nominate William Short, esq., and request your advice on the propriety of appointing him. There are in the Office for Foreign Affairs papers which will acquaint you with his character, and which Mr. Jay has my directions to lay before you at such time as you may think proper to assign. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NEW YORK, _August 6, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: My nomination of Benjamin Fishbourn for the place of naval officer of the port of Savannah not having met with your concurrence, I now nominate Lachlan McIntosh for that office. Whatever may have been the reasons which induced your dissent, I am persuaded they were such as you deemed sufficient. Permit me to submit to your consideration whether on occasions where the propriety of nominations appear questionable to you it would not be expedient to communicate that circumstance to me, and thereby avail yourselves of the information which led me to make them, and which I would with pleasure lay before you. Probably my reasons for nominating Mr. Fishbourn may tend to show that such a mode of proceeding in such cases might be useful. I will therefore detail them. First. While Colonel Fishbourn was an officer in actual service and chiefly under my own eye, his conduct appeared to me irreproachable; nor did I ever hear anything injurious to his reputation as an officer or a gentleman. At the storm of Stony Point his behavior was represented to have been active and brave, and he was charged by his general to bring the account of that success to the headquarters of the Army. Secondly. Since his residence in Georgia he has been repeatedly elected to the assembly as a representative of the county of Chatham, in which the port of Savannah is situated, and sometimes of the counties of Glynn and Camden; he has been chosen a member of the executive council of the State and has lately been president of the same; he has been elected by the officers of the militia in the county of Chatham lieutenant-colonel of the militia in that district, and on a very recent occasion, to wit, in the month of May last, he has been appointed by the council (on the suspension of the late collector) to an office in the port of Savannah nearly similar to that for which I nominated him, which office he actually holds at this time. To these reasons for nominating Mr. Fishbourn I might add that I received private letters of recommendation and oral testimonials in his favor from some of the most respectable characters in that State; but as they were secondary considerations with me, I do not think it necessary to communicate them to you. It appeared, therefore, to me that Mr. Fishbourn must have enjoyed the _confidence_ of the militia officers in order to have been elected to a military rank; the _confidence_ of the freemen to have been elected to the assembly; the _confidence_ of the assembly to have been selected for the council, and the _confidence_ of the council to have been appointed collector of the port of Savannah. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NEW YORK, _August 7, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: The business which has hitherto been under the consideration of Congress has been of so much importance that I was unwilling to draw their attention from it to any other subject; but the disputes which exist between some of the United States and several powerful tribes of Indians within the limits of the Union, and the hostilities which have in several instances been committed on the frontiers, seem to require the immediate interposition of the General Government. I have therefore directed the several statements and papers which have been submitted to me on this subject by General Knox to be laid before you for your information. While the measures of Government ought to be calculated to protect its citizens from all injury and violence, a due regard should be extended to those Indian tribes whose happiness in the course of events so materially depends on the national justice and humanity of the United States. If it should be the judgment of Congress that it would be most expedient to terminate all differences in the Southern district, and to lay the foundation for future confidence by an amicable treaty with the Indian tribes in that quarter, I think proper to suggest the consideration of the expediency of instituting a temporary commission for that purpose, to consist of three persons, whose authority should expire with the occasion. How far such a measure, unassisted by posts, would be competent to the establishment and preservation of peace and tranquillity on the frontiers is also a matter which merits your serious consideration. Along with this object I am induced to suggest another, with the national importance and necessity of which I am deeply impressed; I mean some uniform and effective system for the militia of the United States. It is unnecessary to offer arguments in recommendation of a measure on which the honor, safety, and well-being of our country so evidently and so essentially depend; but it may not be amiss to observe that I am particularly anxious it should receive as early attention as circumstances will admit, because it is now in our power to avail ourselves of the military knowledge disseminated throughout the several States by means of the many well-instructed officers and soldiers of the late Army, a resource which is daily diminishing by death and other causes. To suffer this peculiar advantage to pass away unimproved would be to neglect an opportunity which will never again occur, unless, unfortunately, we should again be involved in a long and arduous war. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NEW YORK, _August 10, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I have directed a statement of the troops in the service of the United States to be laid before you for your information. These troops were raised by virtue of the resolves of Congress of the 20th October, 1786, and the 3d of October, 1787, in order to protect the frontiers from the depredations of the hostile Indians, to prevent all intrusions on the public lands, and to facilitate the surveying and selling of the same for the purpose of reducing the public debt. As these important objects continue to require the aid of the troops, it is necessary that the establishment thereof should in all respects be conformed by law to the Constitution of the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NEW YORK, _August 20, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_ In consequence of an act providing for the expenses which may attend negotiations or treaties with the Indian tribes and the appointment of commissioners for managing the same, I nominate Benjamin Lincoln as one of three commissioners whom I shall propose to be employed to negotiate a treaty with the Southern Indians. My reason for nominating him at this early moment is that it will not be possible for the public to avail itself of his services on this occasion unless his appointment can be forwarded to him by the mail which will leave this place to-morrow morning. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NEW YORK, _August 21, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: The President of the United States will meet the Senate in the Senate Chamber at half past 11 o'clock to-morrow, to advise with them on the terms of the treaty to be negotiated with the Southern Indians. GEORGE WASHINGTON. SEPTEMBER 16, 1789. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: The governor of the Western territory has made a statement to me of the reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians and the people inhabiting the frontiers bordering on the river Ohio, which I herewith lay before Congress. The United States in Congress assembled, by their acts of the 21st day of July, 1787, and of the 12th August, 1788, made a provisional arrangement for calling forth the militia of Virginia and Pennsylvania in the proportions therein specified. As the circumstances which occasioned the said arrangement continue nearly the same, I think proper to suggest to your consideration the expediency of making some temporary provision for calling forth the militia of the United States for the purposes stated in the Constitution, which would embrace the cases apprehended by the governor of the Western territory. GEORGE WASHINGTON. SEPTEMBER 17, 1789. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: It doubtless is important that all treaties and compacts formed by the United States with other nations, whether civilized or not, should be made with caution and executed with fidelity. It is said to be the general understanding and practice of nations, as a check on the mistakes and indiscretions of ministers or commissioners, not to consider any treaty negotiated and signed by such officers as final and conclusive until ratified by the sovereign or government from whom they derive their powers. This practice has been adopted by the United States respecting their treaties with European nations, and I am inclined to think it would be advisable to observe it in the conduct of our treaties with the Indians; for though such treaties, being on their part made by their chiefs or rulers, need not be ratified by them, yet, being formed on our part by the agency of subordinate officers, it seems to be both prudent and reasonable that their acts should not be binding on the nation until approved and ratified by the Government. It strikes me that this point should be well considered and settled, so that our national proceedings in this respect may become uniform and be directed by fixed and stable principles. The treaties with certain Indian nations, which were laid before you with my message of the 25th May last, suggested two questions to my mind, viz: First, whether those treaties were to be considered as perfected and consequently as obligatory without being ratified. If not, then secondly, whether both or either, and which, of them ought to be ratified. On these questions I request your opinion and advice. You have, indeed, advised me "_to execute and enjoin an observance of_" the treaty with the Wyandottes, etc. You, gentlemen, doubtless intended to be clear and explicit, and yet, without further explanation, I fear I may misunderstand your meaning, for if by my _executing_ that treaty you mean that I should make it (in a more particular and immediate manner than it now is) the act of Government, then it follows that I am to ratify it. If you mean by my _executing it_ that I am to see that it be carried into effect and operation, then I am led to conclude either that you consider it as being perfect and obligatory in its present state, and therefore to be executed and observed, or that you consider it as to derive its completion and obligation from the silent approbation and ratification which my proclamation may be construed to imply. Although I am inclined to think that the latter is your intention, yet it certainly is best that all doubts respecting it be removed. Permit me to observe that it will be proper for me to be informed of your sentiments relative to the treaty with the Six Nations previous to the departure of the governor of the Western territory, and therefore I recommend it to your early consideration. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate:_ His Most Christian Majesty, by a letter dated the 7th of June last, addressed to the President and members of the General Congress of the United States of North America, announces the much lamented death of his son, the Dauphin. The generous conduct of the French monarch and nation toward this country renders every event that may affect his or their prosperity interesting to us, and I shall take care to assure him of the sensibility with which the United States participate in the affliction which a loss so much to be regretted must have occasioned both to him and to them. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate:_ Agreeably to the act of Congress for adapting the establishment of the troops in public service to the Constitution of the United States, I nominate the persons specified in the inclosed list to be the commissioned officers thereof. This nomination differs from the existing arrangement only in the following cases, to wit: Lieutenant Erkuries Beatty, promoted to a vacant captaincy in the infantry; Ensign Edward Spear, promoted to a vacant lieutenancy of artillery; Jacob Melcher, who has been serving as a volunteer, to be an ensign, vice Benjamin Lawrence, who was appointed nearly three years past and has never been mustered or joined the troops. It is to be observed that the order in which the captains and subalterns are named is not to affect their relative rank, which has been hitherto but imperfectly settled owing to the perplexity of promotions in the State quotas conformably to the late Confederation. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Having been yesterday informed by a joint committee of both Houses of Congress that they had agreed to a recess to commence this day and to continue until the first Monday of January next, I take the earliest opportunity of acquainting you that, considering how long and laborious this session has been and the reasons which I presume have produced this resolution, it does not appear to me expedient to recommend any measures to their consideration at present, or now to call your attention, gentlemen, to any of those matters in my department which require your advice and consent and yet remain to be dispatched. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:_ Having been yesterday informed by a joint committee of both Houses of Congress that they had agreed to a recess to commence this day and to continue until the first Monday of January next, I take the earliest opportunity of acquainting you that, considering how long and laborious this session has been and the reasons which I presume have produced this resolution, it does not appear to me expedient to recommend any measures to their consideration at present. GEORGE WASHINGTON. PROCLAMATION. A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING. [From Sparks's Washington, Vol. XII, p. 119.] Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:" Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other trangressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789. GEORGE WASHINGTON. FIRST ANNUAL ADDRESS. UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1790_. _Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents itself of congratulating you on the present favorable prospects of our public affairs. The recent accession of the important State of North Carolina to the Constitution of the United States (of which official information has been received), the rising credit and respectability of our country, the general and increasing good will toward the Government of the Union, and the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are blessed are circumstances auspicious in an eminent degree to our national prosperity. In resuming your consultations for the general good you can not but derive encouragement from the reflection that the measures of the last session have been as satisfactory to your constituents as the novelty and difficulty of the work allowed you to hope. Still further to realize their expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within our reach will in the course of the present important session call for the cool and, deliberate exertion of your patriotism, firmness, and wisdom. Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies. The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indispensable will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements which may be made respecting it it will be of importance to conciliate the comfortable support of the officers and soldiers with a due regard to economy. There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted with regard to certain hostile tribes of Indians would have relieved the inhabitants of our Southern and Western frontiers from their depredations, but you will perceive from the information contained in the papers which I shall direct to be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the Commonwealth of Virginia) that we ought to be prepared to afford protection to those parts of the Union, and, if necessary, to punish aggressors. The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with other nations should be facilitated by such provisions as will enable me to fulfill my duty in that respect in the manner which circumstances may render most conducive to the public good, and to this end that the compensations to be made to the persons who may be employed should, according to the nature of their appointments, be defined by law, and a competent fund designated for defraying the expenses incident to the conduct of our foreign affairs. Various considerations also render it expedient that the terms on which foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens should be speedily ascertained by a uniform rule of naturalization. Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the United States is an object of great importance, and will, I am persuaded, be duly attended to. The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by all proper means will not, I trust, need recommendation; but I can not forbear intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual encouragement as well to the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad as to the exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, and of facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of our country by a due attention to the post-office and post-roads. Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness. In one in which the measures of government receive their impressions so immediately from the sense of the community as in ours it is proportionably essential. To the security of a free constitution it contributes in various ways--by convincing those who are intrusted with the public administration that every valuable end of government is best answered by the enlightened confidence of the people, and by teaching the people themselves to know and to value their own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of lawful authority; between burthens proceeding from a disregard to their convenience and those resulting from the inevitable exigencies of society; to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness--cherishing the first, avoiding the last--and uniting a speedy but temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an inviolable respect to the laws. Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids to seminaries of learning already established, by the institution of a national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of a place in the deliberations of the Legislature. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session the resolution entered into by you expressive of your opinion that an adequate provision for the support of the public credit is a matter of high importance to the national honor and prosperity. In this sentiment I entirely concur; and to a perfect confidence in your best endeavors to devise such a provision as will be truly consistent with the end I add an equal reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other branch of the Legislature. It would be superfluous to specify inducements to a measure in which the character and permanent interests of the United States are so obviously and so deeply concerned, and which has received so explicit a sanction from your declaration. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, respectively, such papers and estimates as regard the affairs particularly recommended to your consideration, and necessary to convey to you that information of the state of the Union which it is my duty to afford. The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive great satisfaction from a cooperation with you in the pleasing though arduous task of insuring to our fellow-citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from a free, efficient, and equal government. GEORGE WASHINGTON. ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: We, the Senate of the United States, return you our thanks for your speech delivered to both Houses of Congress. The accession of the State of North Carolina to the Constitution of the United States gives us much pleasure, and we offer you our congratulations on that event, which at the same time adds strength to our Union and affords a proof that the more the Constitution has been considered the more the goodness of it has appeared. The information which we have received, that the measures of the last session have been as satisfactory to our constituents as we had reason to expect from the difficulty of the work in which we were engaged, will afford us much consolation and encouragement in resuming our deliberations in the present session for the public good, and every exertion on our part shall be made to realize and secure to our country those blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within her reach. We are persuaded that one of the most effectual means of preserving peace is to be prepared for war, and our attention shall be directed to the objects of common defense and to the adoption of such plans as shall appear the most likely to prevent our dependence on other countries for essential supplies. In the arrangements to be made respecting the establishment of such troops as may be deemed indispensable we shall with pleasure provide for the comfortable support of the officers and soldiers, with a due regard to economy. We regret that the pacific measures adopted by Government with regard to certain hostile tribes of Indians have not been attended with the beneficial effects toward the inhabitants of our Southern and Western frontiers which we had reason to hope; and we shall cheerfully cooperate in providing the most effectual means for their protection, and, if necessary, for the punishment of aggressors. The uniformity of the currency and of weights and measures, the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad and the exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, the facilitating the communication between the distant parts of our country by means of the post-office and post-roads, a provision for the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and a uniform rule of naturalization, by which foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens, are objects which shall receive such early attention as their respective importance requires. Literature and science are essential to the preservation of a free constitution; the measures of Government should therefore be calculated to strengthen the confidence that is due to that important truth. Agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, forming the basis of the wealth and strength of our confederated Republic, must be the frequent subject of our deliberation, and shall be advanced by all proper means in our power. Public credit being an object of great importance, we shall cheerfully cooperate in all proper measures for its support. Proper attention shall be given to such papers and estimates as you may be pleased to lay before us. Our cares and efforts shall be directed to the welfare of our country, and we have the most perfect dependence upon your cooperating with us on all occasions in such measures as will insure to our fellow-citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from a free, efficient, and equal government. JANUARY 11, 1790. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: I thank you for your address, and for the assurances which it contains of attention to the several matters suggested by me to your consideration. Relying on the continuance of your exertions for the public good, I anticipate for our country the salutary effects of upright and prudent counsels. GEORGE WASHINGTON. JANUARY 14, 1790. ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States have taken into consideration your speech to both Houses of Congress at the opening of the present session. We reciprocate your congratulations on the accession of the State of North Carolina, an event which, while it is a testimony of the increasing good will toward the Government of the Union, can not fail to give additional dignity and strength to the American Republic, already rising in the estimation of the world in national character and respectability. The information that our measures of the last session have not proved dissatisfactory to our constituents affords us much encouragement at this juncture, when we are resuming the arduous task of legislating for so extensive an empire. Nothing can be more gratifying to the Representatives of a free people than the reflection that their labors are rewarded by the approbation of their fellow-citizens. Under this impression we shall make every exertion to realize their expectations, and to secure to them those blessings which Providence has placed within their reach. Still prompted by the same desire to promote their interests which then actuated us, we shall in the present session diligently and anxiously pursue those measures which shall appear to us conducive to that end. We concur with you in the sentiment that agriculture, commerce, and manufactures are entitled to legislative protection, and that the promotion of science and literature will contribute to the security of a free Government; in the progress of our deliberations we shall not lose sight of objects so worthy of our regard. The various and weighty matters which you have judged necessary to recommend to our attention appear to us essential to the tranquillity and welfare of the Union, and claim our early and most serious consideration. We shall proceed without delay to bestow on them that calm discussion which their importance requires. We regret that the pacific arrangements pursued with regard to certain hostile tribes of Indians have not been attended with that success which we had reason to expect from them. We shall not hesitate to concur in such further measures as may best obviate any ill effects which might be apprehended from the failure of those negotiations. Your approbation of the vote of this House at the last session respecting the provision for the public creditors is very acceptable to us. The proper mode of carrying that resolution into effect, being a subject in which the future character and happiness of these States are deeply involved, will be among the first to deserve our attention. The prosperity of the United States is the primary object of all our deliberations, and we cherish the reflection that every measure which we may adopt for its advancement will not only receive your cheerful concurrence, but will at the same time derive from your cooperation additional efficacy, in insuring to our fellow-citizens the blessings of a free, efficient, and equal government. JANUARY 12, 1790. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: I receive with pleasure the assurances you give me that you will diligently and anxiously pursue such measures as shall appear to you conducive to the interest of your constituents, and that an early and serious consideration will be given to the various and weighty matters recommended by me to your attention. I have full confidence that your deliberations will continue to be directed by an enlightened and virtuous zeal for the happiness of our country. GEORGE WASHINGTON. JANUARY 14, 1790. SPECIAL MESSAGES. UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Having advised with you upon the terms of a treaty to be offered to the Creek Nation of Indians, I think it proper you should be informed of the result of that business previous to its coming before you in your legislative capacity. I have therefore directed the Secretary for the Department of War to lay before you my instructions to the commissioners and their report in consequence thereof. The apparently critical state of the Southern frontier will render it expedient for me to communicate to both Houses of Congress, with other papers, the whole of the transactions relative to the Creeks, in order that they may be enabled to form a judgment of the measures which the case may require, GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: I have directed Mr. Lear, my private secretary, to lay before you a copy of the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United States by the State of North Carolina, together with a copy of a letter from His Excellency Samuel Johnston, president of the convention of said State, to the President of the United States. The originals of the papers which are herewith transmitted to you will be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 12, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I lay before you a statement of the Southwestern frontiers and of the Indian Department, which have been submitted to me by the Secretary for the Department of War. I conceive that an unreserved but confidential communication of all the papers relative to the recent negotiations with some of the Southern tribes of Indians is indispensably requisite for the information of Congress. I am persuaded that they will effectually prevent either transcripts or publications of all such circumstances as might be injurious to the public interests, GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 21, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: The Secretary for the Department of War has submitted to me certain principles to serve as a plan for the general arrangement of the militia of the United States. Conceiving the subject to be of the highest importance to the welfare of our country and liable to be placed in various points of view, I have directed him to lay the plan before Congress for their information, in order that they may make such use thereof as they may judge proper. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 25, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have received from His Excellency John E. Howard, governor of the State of Maryland, an act of the legislature of Maryland to ratify certain articles in addition to and amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress to the legislatures of the several States, and have directed my secretary to lay a copy of the same before you, together with the copy of a letter, accompanying the above act, from his excellency the governor of Maryland to the President of the United States. The originals will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 28, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of an act of the legislature of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations entitled "An act for calling a convention to take into consideration the Constitution proposed for the United States, passed on the 17th day of September, A.D. 1787, by the General Convention held at Philadelphia," together with the copy of a letter, accompanying said act, from His Excellency John Collins, governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, to the President of the United States. The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 1, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have received from His Excellency Alexander Martin, governor of the State of North Carolina, an act of the general assembly of that State entitled "An act for the purpose of ceding to the United States of America certain western lands therein described," and have directed my secretary to lay a copy of the same before you, together with a copy of a letter, accompanying said act, from His Excellency Governor Martin to the President of the United States. The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 9, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_ You will perceive from the papers herewith delivered, and which are enumerated in the annexed list, that a difference subsists between Great Britain and the United States relative to the boundary line between our eastern and their territories. A plan for deciding this difference was laid before the late Congress, and whether that or some other plan of a like kind would not now be eligible is submitted to your consideration. In my opinion, it is desirable that all questions between this and other nations be speedily and amicably settled, and in this instance I think it advisable to postpone any negotiations on the subject until I shall be informed of the result of your deliberations and receive your advice as to the propositions most proper to be offered on the part of the United States. As I am taking measures for learning the intentions of Great Britain respecting the further detention of our posts, etc., I am the more solicitous that the business now submitted to you may be prepared for negotiation as soon as the other important affairs which engage your attention will permit. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 15, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of a vote of the legislature of the State of New Hampshire, to accept the articles proposed in addition to and amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, except the second article. At the same time will be delivered to you the copy of a letter from his excellency the president of the State of New Hampshire to the President of the United States. The originals of the above-mentioned vote and letter will be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: By the mail of last evening I received a letter from His Excellency John Hancock, governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, inclosing a resolve of the senate and house of representatives of that Commonwealth and sundry documents relative to the eastern boundary of the United States. I have directed a copy of the letter and resolve to be laid before you. The documents which accompanied them being but copies of some of the papers which were delivered to you with my communication of the 9th of this month, I have thought it unnecessary to lay them before you at this time. They will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State, together with the originals of the above-mentioned letters and resolve. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 8, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have received from His Excellency Joshua Clayton, president of the State of Delaware, the articles proposed by Congress to the legislatures of the several States as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, which articles were transmitted to him for the consideration of the legislature of Delaware, and are now returned with the following resolutions annexed to them, viz: The general assembly of Delaware having taken into their consideration the above amendments, proposed by Congress to the respective legislatures of the several States, _Resolved_, That the first article be postponed; _Resolved_, That the general assembly do agree to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth articles, and we do hereby assent to, ratify, and confirm the same as part of the Constitution of the United States. In testimony whereof we have caused the great seal of the State to be hereunto affixed this 28th day of January, A.D. 1790, and in the fourteenth year of the independence of the Delaware State. Signed by order of council. GEORGE MITCHELL, _Speaker_. Signed by order of the house of assembly. JEHU DAVIS, _Speaker_. I have directed a copy of the letter which accompanied the said articles, from His Excellency Joshua Clayton to the President of the United States, to be laid before you. The before-mentioned articles and the original of the letter will be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 16, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of an act and the form of ratification of certain articles of amendment to the Constitution of the United States by the legislature of the State of Pennsylvania, together with the copy of a letter which accompanied the said act, from the speaker of the house of assembly of Pennsylvania to the President of the United States. The originals of the above will be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _April 1, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have directed my private secretary to lay before you a copy of the adoption by the legislature of South Carolina of the articles proposed by Congress to the legislatures of the several States as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, together with the copy of a letter from the governor of the State of South Carolina to the President of the United States, which have lately come to my hands. The originals of the foregoing will be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _April 5, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have directed my private secretary to lay before you copies of three acts of the legislature of the State of New York, which have been transmitted to me by the governor thereof, viz: "An act declaring it to be the duty of the sheriffs of the several counties within this State to receive and safe keep such prisoners as shall be committed under the authority of the United States." "An act for vesting in the United States of America the light-house and the lands thereunto belonging at Sandy Hook." "An act ratifying certain articles in addition to and amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress." A copy of a letter accompanying said acts, from the governor of the State of New York to the President of the United States, will at the same time be laid before you, and the originals be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 31, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Mr. de Poiery served in the American Army for several of the last years of the late war as secretary to Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette, and might probably at that time have obtained the commission of captain from Congress upon application to that body. At present he is an officer in the French national guards, and solicits a brevet commission from the United States of America. I am authorized to add, that while the compliance will involve no expense on our part, it will be particularly grateful to that friend of America, the Marquis de Lafayette. I therefore nominate M. de Poiery to be a captain by brevet. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _June 1, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: Having received official information of the accession of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to the Constitution of the United States, I take the earliest opportunity of communicating the same to you, with my congratulations on this happy event, which unites under the General Government all the States which were originally confederated, and have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of the letter from the president of the convention of the State of Rhode Island to the President of the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _June 11, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of the ratification of the amendments to the Constitution of the United States by the State of North Carolina, together with an extract from a letter, accompanying said ratification, from the governor of the State of North Carolina to the President of the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _June 16, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: The ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America by the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was received by me last night, together with a letter to the President of the United States from the president of the convention. I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of each. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _June 30, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: An act of the legislature of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, for ratifying certain articles as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, was yesterday put into my hands, and I have directed my secretary to lay a copy of the same before you. GO. WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _August 4, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_; In consequence of the general principles agreed to by the Senate in August, 1789, the adjustment of the terms of a treaty is far advanced between the United States and the chiefs of the Creek Indians, now in this city, in behalf of themselves and the whole Creek Nation. In preparing the articles of this treaty the present arrangements of the trade with the Creeks have caused much embarrassment. It seems to be well ascertained that the said trade is almost exclusively in the hands of a company of British merchants, who by agreement make their importations of goods from England into the Spanish ports. As the trade of the Indians is a main mean of their political management, it is therefore obvious that the United States can not possess any security for the performance of treaties with the Creeks while their trade is liable to be interrupted or withheld at the caprice of two foreign powers. Hence it becomes an object of real importance to form new channels for the commerce of the Creeks through the United States. But this operation will require time, as the present arrangements can not be suddenly broken without the greatest violation of faith and morals. It therefore appears to be important to form a secret article of a treaty similar to the one which accompanies this message. If the Senate should require any further explanation, the Secretary of War will attend them for that purpose. GEORGE WASHINGTON. The President of the United States states the following question for the consideration and advice of the Senate: If it should be found essential to a treaty for the firm establishment of peace with the Creek Nation of Indians that an article to the following effect should be inserted therein, will such an article be proper? viz: SECRET ARTICLE. The commerce necessary for the Creek Nation shall be carried on through the ports and by the citizens of the United States if substantial and effectual arrangements shall be made for that purpose by the United States on or before the 1st day of August, 1792. In the meantime the said commerce may be carried on through its present channels and according to its present regulations. And whereas the trade of the said Creek Nation is now carried on wholly or principally through the territories of Spain, and obstructions thereto may happen by war or prohibitions of the Spanish Government, it is therefore agreed between the said parties that in the event of any such obstructions happening it shall be lawful for such persons as ---- ---- ---- ---- shall designate to introduce into and transport through the territories of the United States to the country of the said Creek Nation any quantity of goods, wares, and merchandise not exceeding in value in any one year $60,000, and that free from any duties or impositions whatsoever, but subject to such regulations for guarding against abuse as the United States shall judge necessary, which privilege shall continue as long as such obstruction shall continue. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _August 6, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Considering the circumstances which prevented the late commissioners from concluding a peace with the Creek Nation of Indians, it appeared to me most prudent that all subsequent measures for disposing them to a treaty should in the first instance be informal. I informed you on the 4th instant that the adjustment of the terms of a treaty with their chiefs, now here, was far advanced. Such further progress has since been made that I think measures may at present be taken for conducting and concluding that business in form. It therefore becomes necessary that a proper person be appointed and authorized to treat with these chiefs and to conclude a treaty with them. For this purpose I nominate to you Henry Knox. GO. WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _August 6, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of an exemplified copy of a law to ratify on the part of the State of New Jersey certain amendments to the Constitution of the United States, together with a copy of a letter, which accompanied said ratification, from Hon. Elisha Lawrence, esq., vice-president of the State of New Jersey, to the President of the United States. GO. WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _August 7, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate:_ I lay before you a treaty between the United States and the chiefs of the Creek Nation, now in this city, in behalf of themselves and the whole Creek Nation, subject to the ratification of the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate. While I flatter myself that this treaty will be productive of present peace and prosperity to our Southern frontier, it is to be expected that it will also in its consequences be the means of firmly attaching the Creeks and the neighboring tribes to the interests of the United States. At the same time it is to be hoped that it will afford solid grounds of satisfaction to the State of Georgia, as it contains a regular, full, and definitive relinquishment on the part of the Creek Nation of the Oconee land in the utmost extent in which it has been claimed by that State, and thus extinguishes the principal cause of those hostilities from which it has more than once experienced such severe calamities. But although the most valuable of the disputed land is included, yet there is a certain claim of Georgia, arising out of the treaty made by that State at Galphinston in November, 1785, of land to the eastward of a new temporary line from the forks of the Oconee and Oakmulgee in a southwest direction to the St. Marys River, which tract of land the Creeks in this city absolutely refuse to yield. This land is reported to be generally barren, sunken, and unfit for cultivation, except in some instances on the margin of the rivers, on which by improvement rice might be cultivated, its chief value depending on the timber fit for the building of ships, with which it is represented as abounding. While it is thus circumstanced on the one hand, it is stated by the Creeks on the other to be of the highest importance to them as constituting some of their most valuable winter hunting ground. I have directed the commissioner to whom the charge of adjusting this treaty has been committed to lay before you such papers and documents and to communicate to you such information relatively to it as you may require. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _August 11, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Although the treaty with the Creeks may be regarded as the main foundation of the future peace and prosperity of the Southwestern frontier of the United States, yet in order fully to effect so desirable an object the treaties which have been entered into with the other tribes in that quarter must be faithfully performed on our parts. During the last year I laid before the Senate a particular statement of the case of the Cherokees. By a reference to that paper it will appear that the United States formed a treaty with the Cherokees in November, 1785; that the said Cherokees thereby placed themselves under the protection of the United States and had a boundary assigned them; that the white people settled on the frontiers had openly violated the said boundary by intruding on the Indian lands; that the United States in Congress assembled did, on the 1st day of September, 1788, issue their proclamation forbidding all such unwarrantable intrusions, and enjoined all those who had settled upon the hunting grounds of the Cherokees to depart with their families and effects without loss of time, as they would answer their disobedience to the injunctions and prohibitions expressed at their peril. But information has been received that notwithstanding the said treaty and proclamation upward of 500 families have settled on the Cherokee lands exclusively of those settled between the fork of French Broad and Holstein rivers, mentioned in the said treaty. As the obstructions to a proper conduct on this matter have been removed since it was mentioned to the Senate on the 22d of August, 1789, by the accession of North Carolina to the present Union and the cessions of the land in question, I shall conceive myself bound to exert the powers intrusted to me by the Constitution in order to carry into faithful execution the treaty of Hopewell, unless it shall be thought proper to attempt to arrange a new boundary with the Cherokees, embracing the settlements, and compensating the Cherokees for the cessions they shall make on the occasion. On this point, therefore, I state the following questions and request the advice of the Senate thereon: First. Is it the judgment of the Senate that overtures shall be made to the Cherokees to arrange a new boundary so as to embrace the settlements made by the white people since the treaty of Hopewell, in November, 1785? Second. If so, shall compensation to the amount of ---- dollars annually, or of ---- dollars in gross, be made to the Cherokees for the land they shall relinquish, holding the occupiers of the land accountable to the United States for its value? Third. Shall the United States stipulate solemnly to guarantee the new boundary which may be arranged? GEORGE WASHINGTON. PROCLAMATIONS. [From the Gazette of the United States (New York), September 15, 1790, in the Library of Congress.] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas a treaty of peace and friendship between the United States and the Creek Nation was made and concluded on the 7th day of the present month of August; and Whereas I have, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, in due form ratified the said treaty: Now, therefore, to the end that the same may be observed and performed with good faith on the part of the United States, I have ordered the said treaty to be herewith published; and I do hereby enjoin and require all officers of the United States, civil and military, and all other citizens and inhabitants thereof, faithfully to observe and fulfill the same. Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, in the city of New York, the 14th day of August, A.D. 1790, and in the fifteenth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States. [SEAL.] GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: THOMAS JEFFERSON. [From Miscellaneous letters, Department of State, vol. 3.] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas it hath at this time become peculiarly necessary to warn the citizens of the United States against a violation of the treaties made at Hopewell, on the Keowee, on the 28th day of November, 1785, and on the 3d and 10th days of January, 1786, between the United States and the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw nations of Indians, and to enforce an act entitled "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes," copies of which treaties and act are hereunto annexed, I have therefore thought fit to require, and I do by these presents require, all officers of the United States, as well civil as military, and all other citizens and inhabitants thereof, to govern themselves according to the treaties and act aforesaid, as they will answer the contrary at their peril. Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, in the city of New York, the 26th day of August, A.D. 1790, and in the fifteenth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States. [SEAL.] GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: THOMAS JEFFERSON. SECOND ANNUAL ADDRESS. UNITED STATES, _December 8, 1790_. _Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives_: In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed our country with plenty and with the means of a flourishing commerce. The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of American stock abroad as well as at home, and the revenues allotted for this and other national purposes have been productive beyond the calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance is the more pleasing, as it is not only a proof of the fertility of our resources, but as it assures us of a further increase of the national respectability and credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable testimony to the patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine part of our citizens. The punctuality of the former in discharging their engagements has been exemplary. In conformity to the powers vested in me by acts of the last session, a loan of 3,000,000 florins, toward which some provisional measures had previously taken place, has been completed in Holland. As well the celerity with which it has been filled as the nature of the terms (considering the more than ordinary demand for borrowing created by the situation of Europe) give a reasonable hope that the further execution of those powers may proceed with advantage and success. The Secretary of the Treasury has my directions to communicate such further particulars as may be requisite for more precise information. Since your last sessions I have received communications by which it appears that the district of Kentucky, at present a part of Virginia, has concurred in certain propositions contained in a law of that State, in consequence of which the district is to become a distinct member of the Union, in case the requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this sanction application is now made. I shall cause the papers on this very important transaction to be laid before you. The liberality and harmony with which it has been conducted will be found to do great honor to both the parties, and the sentiments of warm attachment to the Union and its present Government expressed by our fellow-citizens of Kentucky can not fail to add an affectionate concern for their particular welfare to the great national impressions under which you will decide on the case submitted to you. It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent incursions have been made on our frontier settlements by certain banditti of Indians from the northwest side of the Ohio. These, with some of the tribes dwelling on and near the Wabash, have of late been particularly active in their depredations, and being emboldened by the impunity of their crimes and aided by such parts of the neighboring tribes as could be seduced to join in their hostilities or afford them a retreat for their prisoners and plunder, they have, instead of listening to the humane invitations and overtures made on the part of the United States, renewed their violences with fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a number of valuable citizens have thus been sacrificed, and some of them under circumstances peculiarly shocking, whilst others have been carried into a deplorable captivity. These aggravated provocations rendered it essential to the safety of the Western settlements that the aggressors should be made sensible that the Government of the Union is not less capable of punishing their crimes than it is disposed to respect their rights and reward their attachments. As this object could not be effected by defensive measures, it became necessary to put in force the act which empowers the President to call out the militia for the protection of the frontiers, and I have accordingly authorized an expedition in which the regular troops in that quarter are combined with such drafts of militia as were deemed sufficient. The event of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary of War is directed to lay before you a statement of the information on which it is founded, as well as an estimate of the expense with which it will be attended. The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical posture of the great maritime powers, whilst it ought to make us the more thankful for the general peace and security enjoyed by the United States, reminds us at the same time of the circumspection with which it becomes us to preserve these blessings. It requires also that we should not overlook the tendency of a war, and even of preparations for a war, among the nations most concerned in active commerce with this country to abridge the means, and thereby at least enhance the price, of transporting its valuable productions to their proper markets. I recommend it to your serious reflections how far and in what mode it may be expedient to guard against embarrassments from these contingencies by such encouragements to our own navigation as will render our commerce and agriculture less dependent on foreign bottoms, which may fail us in the very moments most interesting to both of these great objects. Our fisheries and the transportation of our own produce offer us abundant means for guarding ourselves against this evil. Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular branch of our trade which belongs to the Mediterranean. So many circumstances unite in rendering the present state of it distressful to us that you will not think any deliberations misemployed which may lead to its relief and protection. The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a judiciary system have opened the doors of justice to all descriptions of persons. You will consider in your wisdom whether improvements in that system may yet be made, and particularly whether an uniform process of execution on sentences issuing from the Federal courts be not desirable through all the States. The patronage of our commerce, of our merchants and seamen, has called for the appointment of consuls in foreign countries. It seems expedient to regulate by law the exercise of that jurisdiction and those functions which are permitted them, either by express convention or by a friendly indulgence, in the places of their residence. The consular convention, too, with His Most Christian Majesty has stipulated in certain cases the aid of the national authority to his consuls established here. Some legislative provision is requisite to carry these stipulations into full effect. The establishment of the militia, of a mint, of standards of weights and measures, of the post-office and post-roads are subjects which I presume you will resume of course, and which are abundantly urged by their own importance. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the objects to which they are appropriated leaves no doubt that the residuary provisions will be commensurate to the other objects for which the public faith stands now pledged. Allow me, moreover, to hope that it will be a favorite policy with you, not merely to secure a payment of the interest of the debt funded, but as far and as fast as the growing resources of the country will permit to exonerate it of the principal itself. The appropriation you have made of the Western land explains your dispositions on this subject, and I am persuaded that the sooner that valuable fund can be made to contribute, along with other means, to the actual reduction of the public debt the more salutary will the measure be to every public interest, as well as the more satisfactory to our constituents. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: In pursuing the various and weighty business of the present session I indulge the fullest persuasion that your consultations will be equally marked with wisdom and animated by the love of your country. In whatever belongs to my duty you shall have all the cooperation which an undiminished zeal for its welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us both, and our best reward, if, by a successful administration of our respective trusts, we can make the established Government more and more instrumental in promoting the good of our fellow-citizens, and more and more the object of their attachment and confidence. GEORGE WASHINGTON. ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: We receive, sir, with particular satisfaction the communications contained in your speech, which confirm to us the progressive state of the public credit and afford at the same time a new proof of the solidity of the foundation on which it rests; and we cheerfully join in the acknowledgment which is due to the probity and patriotism of the mercantile and marine part of our fellow-citizens, whose enlightened attachment to the principles of good government is not less conspicuous in this than it has been in other important respects. In confidence that every constitutional preliminary has been observed, we assure you of our disposition to concur in giving the requisite sanction to the admission of Kentucky as a distinct member of the Union; in doing which we shall anticipate the happy effects to be expected from the sentiments of attachment toward the Union and its present Government which have been expressed by the patriotic inhabitants of that district. While we regret that the continuance and increase of the hostilities and depredations which have distressed our Northwestern frontiers should have rendered offensive measures necessary, we feel an entire confidence in the sufficiency of the motives which have produced them and in the wisdom of the dispositions which have been concerted in pursuance of the powers vested in you, and whatever may have been the event, we shall cheerfully concur in the provisions which the expedition that has been undertaken may require on the part of the Legislature, and in any other which the future peace and safety of our frontier settlements may call for. The critical posture of the European powers will engage a due portion of our attention, and we shall be ready to adopt any measures which a prudent circumspection may suggest for the preservation of the blessings of peace. The navigation and the fisheries of the United States are objects too interesting not to inspire a disposition to promote them by all the means which shall appear to us consistent with their natural progress and permanent prosperity. Impressed with the importance of a free intercourse with the Mediterranean, we shall not think any deliberations misemployed which may conduce to the adoption of proper measures for removing the impediments that obstruct it. The improvement of the judiciary system and the other important objects to which you have pointed our attention will not fail to engage the consideration they respectively merit. In the course of our deliberations upon every subject we shall rely upon that cooperation which an undiminished zeal and incessant anxiety for the public welfare on your part so thoroughly insure; and as it is our anxious desire so it shall be our constant endeavor to render the established Government more and more instrumental in promoting the good of our fellow-citizens, and more and more the object of their attachment and confidence. DECEMBER 10, 1790. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: These assurances of favorable attention to the subjects I have recommended and of entire confidence in my views make the impression on me which I ought to feel. I thank you for them both, and shall continue to rely much for the success of all our measures for the public good on the aid they will receive from the wisdom and integrity of your councils. GEORGE WASHINGTON. DECEMBER 13, 1790. ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States have taken into consideration your address to the two Houses at the opening of the present session of Congress. We share in the satisfaction inspired by the prospects which continue to be so auspicious to our public affairs. The blessings resulting from the smiles of Heaven on our agriculture, the rise of public credit, with the further advantages promised by it, and the fertility of resources which are found so little burdensome to the community, fully authorize our mutual congratulations on the present occasion. Nor can we learn without an additional gratification that the energy of the laws for providing adequate revenues have been so honorably seconded by those classes of citizens whose patriotism and probity were more immediately concerned. The success of the loan opened in Holland, under the disadvantages of the present moment, is the more important, as it not only denotes the confidence already placed in the United States, but as the effect of a judicious application of that aid will still further illustrate the solidity of the foundation on which the public credit rests. The preparatory steps taken by the State of Virginia, in concert with the district of Kentucky, toward the erection of the latter into a distinct member of the Union exhibit a liberality mutually honorable to the parties. We shall bestow on this important subject the favorable consideration which it merits, and, with the national policy which ought to govern our decision, shall not fail to mingle the affectionate sentiments which are awakened by those expressed on behalf of our fellow-citizens of Kentucky. Whilst we regret the necessity which has produced offensive hostilities against some of the Indian tribes northwest of the Ohio, we sympathize too much with our Western brethren not to behold with approbation the watchfulness and vigor which have been exerted by the executive authority for their protection, and which we trust will make the aggressors sensible that it is their interest to merit by a peaceable behavior the friendship and humanity which the United States are always ready to extend to them. The encouragement of our own navigation has at all times appeared to us highly important. The point of view under which you have recommended it to us is strongly enforced by the actual state of things in Europe. It will be incumbent on us to consider in what mode our commerce and agriculture can be best relieved from an injurious dependence on the navigation of other nations, which the frequency of their wars renders a too precarious resource for conveying the productions of our country to market. The present state of our trade to the Mediterranean seems not less to demand, and will accordingly receive, the attention which you have recommended. Having already concurred in establishing a judiciary system which opens the doors of justice to all, without distinction of persons, it will be our disposition to incorporate every improvement which experience may suggest. And we shall consider in particular how far the uniformity which in other cases is found convenient in the administration of the General Government through all the States may be introduced into the forms and rules of executing sentences issuing from the Federal courts. The proper regulation of the jurisdiction and functions which may be exercised by consuls of the United States in foreign countries, with the provisions stipulated to those of His Most Christian Majesty established here, are subjects of too much consequence to the public interest and honor not to partake of our deliberations. We shall renew our attention to the establishment of the militia and the other subjects unfinished at the last session, and shall proceed in them with all the dispatch which the magnitude of all and the difficulty of some of them will allow. Nothing has given us more satisfaction than to find that the revenues heretofore established have proved adequate to the purposes to which they were allotted. In extending the provision to the residuary objects it will be equally our care to secure sufficiency and punctuality in the payments due from the Treasury of the United States. We shall also never lose sight of the policy of diminishing the public debt as fast as the increase of the public resources will permit, and are particularly sensible of the many considerations which press a resort to the auxiliary resource furnished by the public lands. In pursuing every branch of the weighty business of the present session it will be our constant study to direct our deliberations to the public welfare. Whatever our success may be, we can at least answer for the fervent love of our country, which ought to animate our endeavors. In your cooperation we are sure of a resource which fortifies our hopes that the fruits of the established Government will justify the confidence which has been placed in it, and recommend it more and more to the affection and attachment of our fellow-citizens. DECEMBER 11, 1790. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: The sentiments expressed in your address are entitled to my particular acknowledgment. Having no object but the good of our country, this testimony of approbation and confidence from its immediate Representatives must be among my best rewards, as the support of your enlightened patriotism has been among my greatest encouragements. Being persuaded that you will continue to be actuated by the same auspicious principle, I look forward to the happiest consequences from your deliberations during the present session. GEORGE WASHINGTON. DECEMBER 13, 1790. SPECIAL MESSAGES. UNITED STATES, _December 23, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: It appearing by the report of the secretary of the government northwest of the Ohio that there are certain cases respecting grants of land within that territory which require the interference of the Legislature of the United States, I have directed a copy of said report and the papers therein referred to to be laid before you, together with a copy of the report of the Secretary of State upon the same subject. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1790_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I lay before you a report of the Secretary of State on the subject of the citizens of the United States in captivity at Algiers, that you may provide on their behalf what to you shall seem most expedient. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 3, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I lay before you a copy of an exemplified copy of an act passed by the legislature of the State of New Jersey for vesting in the United States of America the jurisdiction of a lot of land at Sandy Hook, in the county of Monmouth, and a copy of a letter which accompanied said act, from the governor of the State of New Jersey to the President of the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 17, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I lay before you an official statement of the appropriation of $10,000, granted to defray the contingent expenses of Government by an act of the 26th March, 1790. A copy of two resolutions of the legislature of Virginia, and a petition of sundry officers and assignees of officers and soldiers of the Virginia line on continental establishment, on the subject of bounty lands allotted to them on the northwest side of the Ohio; and A copy of an act of the legislature of Maryland to empower the wardens of the port of Baltimore to levy and collect the duty therein mentioned. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 17, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I lay before you a letter from His Most Christian Majesty, addressed to the President and Members of Congress of the United States of America. GEORGE WASHINGTON. _To our very dear friends and allies, the President and Members of the General Congress of the United States of North America_. VERY DEAR GREAT FRIENDS AND ALLIES: We have received the letter by which you inform us of the new mark of confidence that you have shown to Mr. Jefferson, and which puts a period to his appointment of minister plenipotentiary at our Court. The manner in which he conducted during his residence with us has merited our esteem and entire approbation, and it is with pleasure that we now give him this testimony of it. It is with the most sincere pleasure that we embrace this opportunity of renewing these assurances of regard and friendship which we feel for the United States in general and for each of them in particular. Under their influence we pray God that He will keep you, very dear friends and allies, under His holy and beneficent protection. Done at Paris this 11th September, 1790. Your good friend and ally, LOUIS. MONTMORIN. [SEAL.] The UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. UNITED STATES, _January 10, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I lay before you a representation of the chargé d'affaires of France, made by order of his Court, on the acts of Congress of the 20th of July, 1789 and 1790, imposing an extra tonnage on foreign vessels, not excepting those of that country, together with the report of the Secretary of State thereon, and I recommend the same to your consideration, that I may be enabled to give to it such answer as may best comport with the justice and the interests of the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. DOCUMENTS. JANUARY 18, 1791. The Secretary of State having received from the chargé d'affaires of France a note on the tonnage payable by French vessels in the ports of the United States, has had the same under his consideration, and thereupon makes the following report to the President of the United States: The chargé d'affaires of France, by a note of the 13th of December, represents, by order of his Court, that they consider so much of the acts of Congress of July 20, 1789 and 1790, as imposes an extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels without excepting those of France, to be in contravention of the fifth article of the treaty of amity and commerce between the two nations; that this would have authorized on their part a proportional modification in the favors granted to the American navigation, but that his Sovereign had thought it more conformable to his principles of friendship and attachment to the United States to order him to make representations thereon, and to ask in favor of French vessels a modification of the acts which impose an extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels. The Secretary of State, in giving in this paper to the President of the United States, thinks it his duty to accompany it with the following observations: The third and fourth articles of the treaty of amity and commerce between France and the United States subject the vessels of each nation to pay in the ports of the other only such duties as are paid by the most favored nation, and give them reciprocally all the privileges and exemptions in navigation and commerce which are given by either to the most favored nations. Had the contracting parties stopped here, they would have been free to raise or lower their tonnage as they should find it expedient, only taking care to keep the other on the footing of the most favored nation. The question, then, is whether the fifth article cited in the note is anything more than an application of the principle comprised in the third and fourth to a particular object, or whether it is an additional stipulation of something not so comprised. I. That it is merely an application of a principle comprised in the preceding articles is declared by the express words of the article, to wit: "_Dans l'exemption ci-dessus est nommément compris_," etc., "_in the above exemption is particularly comprised_, the imposition of 100 sols per ton established in France on foreign vessels." Here, then, is at once an express declaration that the exemption from the duty of 100 sols is _comprised_ in the third and fourth articles; that is to say, it was one of the exemptions enjoyed by the most favored nations, and as such extended to us by those articles. If the exemption spoken of in this first member of the fifth article was _comprised_ in the third and fourth articles, as is expressly declared, then the reservation by France out of that exemption (which makes the second member of the same article) _was also comprised_; that is to say, if _the whole_ was comprised, _the part_ was comprised. And if this reservation of France in the second member was comprised in the third and fourth articles, then the counter reservation by the United States (which constitutes the third and last member of the same article) was also comprised, because it is but a corresponding portion of a similar whole on our part, which had been comprised by the same terms with theirs. In short, the whole article relates to a particular duty of 100 sols, laid by some antecedent law of France on the vessels of foreign nations, relinquished as to the most favored, and consequently to us. It is not a new and additional stipulation, then, but a declared application of the stipulations comprised in the preceding articles to a particular case by way of greater caution. The doctrine laid down generally in the third and fourth articles, and exemplified specially in the fifth, amounts to this: "The vessels of the most favored nations coming from foreign ports are exempted from the duty of 100 sols; therefore you are exempted from it by the third and fourth articles. The vessels of the most favored nations coming coastwise pay that duty; therefore you are to pay it by the third and fourth articles. We shall not think it unfriendly in you to lay a like duty on coasters, because it will be no more than we have done ourselves. You are free also to lay that or any other duty on vessels coming from foreign ports, provided they apply to all other nations, even the most favored. We are free to do the same under the same restriction. Our exempting you from a duty which the most favored nations do not pay does not exempt you from one which they do pay." In this view, it is evident that the fifth article neither enlarges nor abridges the stipulations of the third and fourth. The effect of the treaty would have been precisely the same had it been omitted altogether; consequently it may be truly said that the reservation by the United States in this article is completely useless. And it may be added with equal truth that the equivalent reservation by France is completely useless, as well as her previous abandonment of the same duty, and, in short, the whole article. Each party, then, remains free to raise or lower its tonnage, provided the change operates on all nations, even the most favored. Without undertaking to affirm, we may obviously conjecture that this article has been inserted on the part of the United States from an overcaution to guard, _nommément, by name_, against a particular aggrievance, which they thought they could never be too well secured against; and that has happened which generally happens--doubts have been produced by the too great number of words used to prevent doubt. II. The Court of France, however, understands this article as intended to introduce something to which the preceding articles had not reached, and not merely as an application of them to a particular case. Their opinion seems to be founded on the general rule in the construction of instruments, to leave no words merely useless for which any rational meaning can be found. They say that the reservation by the United States of a right to lay a duty equivalent to that of the 100 sols, reserved by France, would have been completely useless if they were left free by the preceding articles to lay a tonnage to any extent whatever; consequently, that the reservation of a part proves a relinquishment of the residue. If some meaning, and such a one, is to be given to the last member of the article, some meaning, and a similar one, must be given to the corresponding member. If the reservation by the United States of a right to lay an equivalent duty implies a relinquishment of their right to lay any other, the reservation by France of a right to continue the specified duty to which it is an equivalent must imply a relinquishment of the right on her part to lay or continue any other. Equivalent reservations by both must imply equivalent restrictions on both. The exact reciprocity stipulated in the preceding articles, and which pervades every part of the treaty, insures a counter right to each party for every right ceded to the other. Let it be further considered that the duty called _tonnage_ in the United States is in lieu of the duties for anchorage, for the support of buoys, beacons, and light-houses, to guide the mariner into harbor and along the coast, which are provided and supported at the expense of the United States, and for fees to measurers, weighers, gangers, etc., who are paid by the United States, for which articles, among many others (light-house money excepted), duties are paid by us in the ports of France under their specific names. That Government has hitherto thought these duties consistent with the treaty, and consequently the same duties under a general instead of specific names, with us, must be equally consistent with it. It is not the name, but the thing, which is essential. If we have renounced the right to lay any port duties, they must be understood to have equally renounced that of either laying new or continuing the old. If we ought to refund the port duties received from their vessels since the date of the act of Congress, they should refund the port duties they have received from our vessels since the date of the treaty, for nothing short of this is the reciprocity of the treaty. If this construction be adopted, then each party has forever renounced the right of laying any duties on the vessels of the other coming from any foreign port, or more than 100 sols on those coming coastwise. Could this relinquishment be confined to the two contracting parties alone, the United States would be the gainers, for it is well known that a much greater number of American than of French vessels are employed in the commerce between the two countries; but the exemption once conceded by the one nation to the other becomes immediately the property of all others who are on the footing of the most favored nations. It is true that those others would be obliged to yield the same compensation, that is to say, to receive our vessels duty free. Whether we should gain or lose in the exchange of the measure with them is not easy to say. Another consequence of this construction will be that the vessels of the most favored nations paying no duties will be on a better footing than those of natives which pay a moderate duty; consequently either the duty on these also must be given up or they will be supplanted by foreign vessels in our own ports. The resource, then, of duty on vessels for the purposes either of revenue or regulation will be forever lost to both. It is hardly conceivable that either party looking forward to all these consequences would see their interest in them. III. But if France persists in claiming this exemption, what is to be done? The claim, indeed, is couched in mild and friendly terms; but the idea leaks out that a refusal would authorize them to modify proportionally the favors granted by the same article to our navigation. Perhaps they may do what we should feel much more severely, they may turn their eyes to the favors granted us by their arrets of December 29, 1787, and December 7, 1788, which hang on their will alone, unconnected with the treaty. Those arrets, among other advantages, admit our whale oils to the exclusion of that of all other foreigners. And this monopoly procures a vent for seven-twelfths of the produce of that fishery, which experience has taught us could find no other market. Near two-thirds of the produce of our cod fisheries, too, have lately found a free vent in the colonies of France. This, indeed, has been an irregularity growing out of the anarchy reigning in those colonies. Yet the demands of the colonists, even of the Government party among them (if an auxiliary disposition can be excited by some marks of friendship and distinction on our part), may perhaps produce a constitutional concession to them to procure their provisions at the cheapest market; that is to say, at ours. Considering the value of the interests we have at stake and considering the smallness of difference between foreign and native tonnage on French vessels alone, it might perhaps be thought advisable to make the sacrifice asked, and especially if it can be so done as to give no title to other the most favored nations to claim it. If the act should put French vessels on the footing of those of natives, and declare it to be in consideration of the favors granted us by the arrets of December 29, 1787, and December 7, 1788 (and perhaps this would satisfy them), no nation could then demand the same favor without offering an equivalent compensation. It might strengthen, too, the tenure by which those arrets are held, which must be precarious so long as they are gratuitous. It is desirable in many instances to exchange mutual advantages by legislative acts rather than by treaty, because the former, though understood to be in consideration of each other, and therefore greatly respected, yet when they become too inconvenient can be dropped at the will of either party; whereas stipulations by treaty are forever irrevocable but by joint consent, let a change of circumstances render them ever so burdensome. On the whole, if it be the opinion that the first construction is to be insisted on as ours, in opposition to the second urged by the Court of France, and that no relaxation is to be admitted, an answer shall be given to that Court defending that construction, and explaining in as friendly terms as possible the difficulties opposed to the exemption they claim. 2. If it be the opinion that it is advantageous for us to close with France in her interpretation of a reciprocal and perpetual exemption from tonnage, a repeal of so much of the tonnage law will be the answer. 3. If it be thought better to waive rigorous and nice discussions of right and to make the modification an act of friendship and of compensation for favors received, the passage of such a bill will then be the answer. TH. JEFFERSON. [Translation.] _L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State_. PHILADELPHIA, _December 13, 1790_. SIR: During the long stay you made in France you had opportunities of being satisfied of the favorable dispositions of His Majesty to render permanent the ties that united the two nations and to give stability to the treaties of alliance and of commerce which form the basis of this union. These treaties were so well maintained by the Congress formed under the ancient Confederation that they thought it their duty to interpose their authority whenever any laws made by individual States appeared to infringe their stipulations, and particularly in 1785, when the States of New Hampshire and of Massachusetts had imposed an extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels without exempting those of the French nation. The reflections that I have the honor to address to you in the subjoined note being founded on the same principles, I flatter myself that they will merit on the part of the Government of the United States the most serious attention. I am, with respect, etc., L.G. OTTO. [Translation.] _L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State_. PHILADELPHIA, _December 13, 1790_. NOTE.--The underwritten, chargé d'affaires of France, has received the express order of his Court to represent to the United States that the act passed by Congress the 20th July, 1789, and renewed the 20th July of the present year, which imposes an extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels without excepting French vessels, is directly contrary to the spirit and to the object of the treaty of commerce which unites the two nations, and of which His Majesty has not only scrupulously observed the tenor, but of which he has extended the advantages by many regulations very favorable to the commerce and navigation of the United States. By the fifth article of this treaty the citizens of these States are declared exempt from the tonnage duty imposed in France on foreign vessels, and they are not subject to that duty but in the coasting business. Congress has reserved the privilege of establishing _a duty equivalent to this last_, a stipulation founded on the state in which matters were in America at the time of the signature of the treaty. There did not exist at that epoch any duty on tonnage in the United States. It is evident that it was the nonexistence of this duty and the motive of a perfect reciprocity stipulated in the preamble of the treaty that had determined the King to grant the exemption contained in the article fifth; and a proof that Congress had no intention to contravene this reciprocity is that _it only reserves a privilege of establishing on the coasting business a duty equivalent to that which is levied in France_. This reservation would have been completely useless if by the words of the treaty Congress thought themselves at liberty to lay _any_ tonnage they should think proper on French vessels. The undersigned has the honor to observe that this contravention of the fifth article of the treaty of commerce might have authorized His Majesty to modify proportionately the favors granted by the same article to the American navigation; but the King, always faithful to the principles of friendship and attachment to the United States, and desirous of strengthening more and more the ties which subsist so happily between the French nation and these States, thinks it more conformable to these views to order the undersigned to make representations on this subject, and to ask in favor of French vessels a modification of the act which imposes an extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels. His Majesty does not doubt but that the United States will acknowledge the justice of this claim, and will be disposed to restore things to the footing on which they were at the signature of the treaty of the 6th February, 1778. L.G. OTTO. [Translation.] _L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State_. NEW YORK, _January 8, 1791_. His Excellency M. JEFFERSON, _Secretary of State_. SIR: I have the honor herewith to send you a letter from the King to Congress, and one which M. de Montmorin has written to yourself. You will find therein the sincere sentiments with which you have inspired our Government, and the regret of the minister in not having a more near relation of correspondence with you. In these every person who has had the advantage of knowing you in France participates. At the same time, it gives me pain, sir, to be obliged to announce to you that the complaints of our merchants on the subject of the tonnage duty increase, and that they have excited not only the attention of the King but that of several departments of the Kingdom. I have received new orders to request of the United States a decision on this matter and to solicit in favor of the aggrieved merchants the restitution of the duties which have already been paid. I earnestly beg of you, sir, not to lose sight of an object which, as I have already had the honor to tell you verbally, is of the greatest importance for cementing the future commercial connections between the two nations. In more particularly examining this question you will perhaps find that motives of convenience are as powerful as those of justice to engage the United States to give to His Majesty the satisfaction which he requires. At least twice as many American vessels enter the ports of France as do those of France the ports of America. The exemption of the tonnage of duty, then, is evidently less advantageous for the French than for the navigators of the United States. Be this as it may, I can assure you, sir, that the delay of a decision in this respect by augmenting the just complaints of the French merchants will only augment the difficulties. I therefore beg of you to enable me before the sailing of the packet, which will take place toward the last of this month, to give to my Court a satisfactory answer. I have the honor to be, etc., L.G. OTTO. UNITED STATES, _January 24, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I lay before you a statement relative to the frontiers of the United States, which has been submitted to me by the Secretary for the Department of War. I rely upon your wisdom to make such arrangements as may be essential for the preservation of good order and the effectual protection of the frontiers. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 24, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: In execution of the powers with which Congress were pleased to invest me by their act entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of Government of the United States," and on mature consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the several positions within the limits prescribed by the said act, I have by a proclamation bearing date this day (a copy of which is herewith transmitted) directed commissioners, appointed in pursuance of the act, to survey and limit a part of the territory of 10 miles square on both sides of the river Potomac, so as to comprehend Georgetown, in Maryland, and extend to the Eastern Branch. I have not by this first act given to the said territory the whole extent of which it is susceptible in the direction of the river, because I thought it important that Congress should have an opportunity of considering whether by an amendatory law they would authorize the location of the residue at the lower end of the present, so as to comprehend the Eastern Branch itself and some of the country on its lower side, in the State of Maryland, and the town of Alexandria, in Virginia. If, however, they are of opinion that the Federal territory should be bounded by the water edge of the Eastern Branch, the location of the residue will be to be made at the upper end of what is now directed. I have thought best to await a survey of the territory before it is decided on what particular spot on the northeastern side of the river the public buildings shall be erected. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 26, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I lay before you the copy of a letter from the President of the National Assembly of France to the President of the United States, and of a decree of that Assembly, which was transmitted with the above-mentioned letter. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 27, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: In order that you may be fully informed of the situation of the frontiers and the prospect of hostility in that quarter, I lay before you the intelligence of some recent depredations, received since my message to you upon this subject of the 24th instant. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 9, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: I have received from the governor of Vermont authentic documents, expressing the consent of the legislatures of New York and of the Territory of Vermont that the said Territory shall be admitted to be a distinct member of our Union; and a memorial of Nathaniel Chipman and Lewis R. Morris, commissioners from the said Territory, praying the consent of Congress to that admission, by the name and style of the State of Vermont, copies of which I now lay before Congress, with whom the Constitution has vested the object of these proceedings. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 14, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: Soon after I was called to the administration of the Government I found it important to come to an understanding with the Court of London on several points interesting to the United States, and particularly to know whether they were disposed to enter into arrangements by mutual consent which might fix the commerce between the two nations on principles of reciprocal advantage. For this purpose I authorized informal conferences with their ministers, and from these I do not infer any disposition on their part to enter into any arrangements merely commercial. I have thought it proper to give you this information, as it might at some time have influence on matters under your consideration. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 14, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Conceiving that in the possible event of a refusal of justice on the part of Great Britain we should stand less committed should it be made to a private rather than to a public person, I employed Mr. Gouverneur Morris, who was on the spot, and without giving him any definite character, to enter informally into the conferences before mentioned. For your more particular information I lay before you the instructions I gave him and those parts of his communications wherein the British ministers appear either in conversation or by letter. These are two letters from the Duke of Leeds to Mr. Morris, and three letters of Mr. Morris giving an account of two conferences with the Duke of Leeds and one with him and Mr. Pitt. The sum of these is that they declare without scruple they do not mean to fulfill what remains of the treaty of peace to be fulfilled on their part (by which we are to understand the delivery of the posts and payment for property carried off) till performance on our part, and compensation where the delay has rendered the performance now impracticable; that on the subject of a treaty of commerce they avoided direct answers, so as to satisfy Mr. Morris they did not mean to enter into one unless it could be extended to a treaty of alliance offensive and defensive, or unless in the event of a rupture with Spain. As to the sending a minister here, they made excuses at the first conference, seemed disposed to it in the second, and in the last express an intention of so doing. Their views being thus sufficiently ascertained, I have directed Mr. Morris to discontinue his communications with them. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: The aspect of affairs in Europe during the last summer, and especially between Spain and England, gave reason to expect a favorable occasion for pressing to accommodation the unsettled matters between them and us. Mr. Carmichael, our charge d'affaires at Madrid, having been long absent from his country, great changes having taken place in our circumstances and sentiments during that interval, it was thought expedient to send some person, in a private character, fully acquainted with the present state of things here, to be the bearer of written and confidential instructions to him, and at the same time to possess him in full and frequent conversations of all those details of facts and topics of argument which could not be conveyed in writing, but which would be necessary to enable him to meet the reasonings of that Court with advantage. Colonel David Humphreys was therefore sent for these purposes. An additional motive for this confidential mission arose in the same quarter. The Court of Lisbon had on several occasions made the most amicable advances for cultivating friendship and intercourse with the United States. The exchange of a diplomatic character had been informally, but repeatedly, suggested on their part. It was our interest to meet this nation in its friendly dispositions and to concur in the exchange proposed. But my wish was at the same time that the character to be exchanged should be of the lowest and most economical grade. To this it was known that certain rules of long standing at that Court would produce obstacles. Colonel Humphreys was charged with dispatches to the prime minister of Portugal and with instructions to endeavor to arrange this to our views. It happened, however, that previous to his arrival at Lisbon the Queen had appointed a minister _resident_ to the United States. This embarrassment seems to have rendered the difficulty completely insurmountable. The minister of that Court in his conferences with Colonel Humphreys, professing every wish to accommodate, yet expresses his regrets that circumstances do not permit them to concur in the grade of chargé d'affaires, a grade of little privilege or respectability by the rules of their Court and held in so low estimation with them that no proper character would accept it to go abroad. In a letter to the Secretary of State he expresses the same sentiments, and announces the appointment on their part of a minister _resident_ to the United States, and the pleasure with which the Queen will receive one from us at her Court. A copy of his letter, and also of Colonel Humphreys's giving the details of this transaction, will be delivered to you. On consideration of all circumstances I have determined to accede to the desire of the Court of Lisbon in the article of grade. I am aware that the consequences will not end here, and that this is not the only instance in which a like change may be pressed. But should it be necessary to yield elsewhere also, I shall think it a less evil than to disgust a government so friendly and so interesting to us as that of Portugal. I do not mean that the change of grade shall render the mission more expensive. I have therefore nominated David Humphreys minister resident from the United States to Her Most Faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 22, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I will proceed to take measures for the ransom of our citizens in captivity at Algiers, in conformity with your resolution of advice of the 1st instant, so soon as the moneys necessary shall be appropriated by the Legislature and shall be in readiness. The recognition of our treaty with the new Emperor of Morocco requires also previous appropriation and provision. The importance of this last to the liberty and property of our citizens induces me to urge it on your earliest attention. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 23, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Information having been received from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed vice-consul of the United States at Cowes, in Great Britain, that his commission has not been recognized by that Government because it is a port at which no foreign consul has yet been received, and that it has been intimated to him that his appointment to the port of Poole and parts nearer to that than to the residence of any other consul of the United States would be recognized and his residence at Cowes not noticed, I have therefore thought it expedient to nominate Thomas Auldjo to be vice-consul for the United States at the port of Poole, in Great Britain, and such parts within the allegiance of His Britannic Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance. I also nominate James Yard, of Pennsylvania, to be consul for the United States in the island of Santa Cruz and such other parts within the allegiance of His Danish Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 4, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: The act for the admission of the State of Vermont into this Union having fixed on this as the day of its admission, it was thought that this would also be the first day on which any officer of the Union might legally perform any act of authority relating to that State. I therefore required your attendance to receive nominations of the several officers necessary to put the Federal Government into motion in that State.[1] For this purpose I nominate Nathaniel Chipman to be judge of the district of Vermont; Stephen Jacobs to be attorney for the United States in the district of Vermont; Lewis R. Morris to be marshal of the district of Vermont, and Stephen Keyes to be collector of the port of Allburgh, in the State of Vermont. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 4, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Pursuant to the powers vested in me by the act entitled "An act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their stead, and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same," I have thought fit to divide the United States into the following districts, namely: The district of New Hampshire, to consist of the State of New Hampshire; the district of Massachusetts, to consist of the State of Massachusetts; the district of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, to consist of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations; the district of Connecticut, to consist of the State of Connecticut; the district of Vermont, to consist of the State of Vermont; the district of New York, to consist of the State of New York; the district of New Jersey, to consist of the State of New Jersey; the district of Pennsylvania, to consist of the State of Pennsylvania; the district of Delaware, to consist of the State of Delaware; the district of Maryland, to consist of the State of Maryland; the district of Virginia, to consist of the State of Virginia; the district of North Carolina, to consist of the State of North Carolina; the district of South Carolina, to consist of the State of South Carolina; and the district of Georgia, to consist of the State of Georgia. And I hereby nominate as supervisors of the said districts, respectively, the following persons, viz: For the district of New Hampshire, Joshua Wentworth; for the district of Massachusetts, Nathaniel Gorham; for the district of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, John S. Dexter; for the district of Connecticut, John Chester; for the district of Vermont, Noah Smith; for the district of New York, William S. Smith; for the district of New Jersey, Aaron Dunham; for the district of Pennsylvania, George Clymer; for the district of Delaware, Henry Latimer; for the district of Maryland, George Gale; for the district of Virginia, Edward Carrington; for the district of North Carolina, William Polk; for the district of South Carolina, Daniel Stevens; for the district of Georgia, John Mathews. GEORGE WASHINGTON. [Footnote 1: For proclamation convening Senate in extraordinary session see p. 587.] PROCLAMATIONS. [From a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas the general assembly of the State of Maryland, by an act passed on the 23d day of December, A.D. 1788, intituled "An act to cede to Congress a district of 10 miles square in this State for the seat of the Government of the United States," did enact that the Representatives of the said State in the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, appointed to assemble at New York on the first Wednesday of March then next ensuing, should be, and they were thereby, authorized and required on the behalf of the said State to cede to the Congress of the United States any district in the said State not exceeding 10 miles square which the Congress might fix upon and accept for the seat of Government of the United States; And the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by an act passed on the 3d day of December, 1789, and intituled "An act for the cession of 10 miles square, or any lesser quantity, of territory within this State to the United States in Congress assembled, for the permanent seat of the General Government," did enact that a tract of country not exceeding 10 miles square, or any lesser quantity, to be located within the limits of the said State, and in any part thereof, as Congress might by law direct, should be, and the same was thereby, forever ceded and relinquished to the Congress and Government of the United States, in full and absolute right and exclusive jurisdiction, as well of soil as of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the tenor and effect of the eighth section of the first article of the Constitution of Government of the United States; And the Congress of the United States, by their act passed the 16th day of July, 1790, and intituled "An act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States," authorized the President of the United States to appoint three commissioners to survey under his direction and by proper metes and bounds to limit a district of territory, not exceeding 10 miles square, on the river Potomac, at some place between the mouths of the Eastern Branch and Connogocheque, which district, so to be located and limited, was accepted by the said act of Congress as the district for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States: Now, therefore, in pursuance of the powers to me confided, and after duly examining and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the several situations within the limits aforesaid, I do hereby declare and make known that the location of one part of the said district of 10 miles square shall be found by running four lines of experiment in the following manner, that is to say: Running from the court-house of Alexandria, in Virginia, due southwest half a mile, and thence a due southeast course till it shall strike Hunting Creek, to fix the beginning of the said four lines of experiment. Then beginning the first of the said four lines of experiment at the point on Hunting Creek where the said southeast course shall have struck the same, and running the said first line due northwest 10 miles; thence the second line into Maryland due northeast 10 miles; thence the third line due southeast 10 miles, and thence the fourth line due southwest 10 miles to the beginning on Hunting Creek. And the said four lines of experiment being so run, I do hereby declare and make known that all that part within the said four lines of experiment which shall be within the State of Maryland and above the Eastern Branch, and all that part within the same four lines of experiment which shall be within the Commonwealth of Virginia and above a line to be run from the point of land forming the upper cape of the mouth of the Eastern Branch due southwest, and no more, is now fixed upon and directed to be surveyed, defined, limited, and located for a part of the said district accepted by the said act of Congress for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States (hereby expressly reserving the direction of the survey and location of the remaining part of the said district to be made hereafter contiguous to such part or parts of the present location as is or shall be agreeable to law). And I do accordingly direct the said commissioners, appointed agreeably to the tenor of the said act, to proceed forthwith to run the said lines of experiment, and the same being run, to survey and by proper metes and bounds to define and limit the part within the same which is hereinbefore directed for immediate location and acceptance, and thereof to make due report to me under their hands and seals. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 24th day of January, A.D. 1791, and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: TH: JEFFERSON. [From a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas it hath been represented to me that James O'Fallon is levying an armed force in that part of the State of Virginia which is called Kentucky, disturbs the public peace, and sets at defiance the treaties of the United States with the Indian tribes, the act of Congress intituled "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes," and my proclamations of the 14th and 26th days of August last founded thereon; and it is my earnest desire that those who have incautiously associated themselves with the said James O'Fallon may be warned of their danger, I have therefore thought fit to publish this proclamation, hereby declaring that all persons violating the treaties and act aforesaid shall be prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law. And I do, moreover, require all officers of the United States whom it may concern to use their best exertions to bring to justice any persons offending in the premises. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 19th day of March, A.D. 1791, and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: TH: JEFFERSON. [From the Washington Papers (Executive Proceedings), vol. 20, p. 191.] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas by a proclamation bearing date the 24th day of January of this present year, and in pursuance of certain acts of the States of Maryland and Virginia and of the Congress of the United States, therein mentioned, certain lines of experiment were directed to be run in the neighborhood of Georgetown, in Maryland, for the purpose of determining the location of a part of the territory of 10 miles square for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States, and a certain part was directed to be located within the said lines of experiment on both sides of the Potomac and above the limit of the Eastern Branch prescribed by the said act of Congress; And Congress by an amendatory act passed on the 3d day of the present month of March have given further authority to the President of the United States "to make any part of the territory below the said limit and above the mouth of Hunting Creek a part of the said district, so as to include a convenient part of the Eastern Branch and of the lands lying on the lower side thereof, and also the town of Alexandria": Now, therefore, for the purpose of amending and completing the location of the whole of the said territory of 10 miles square in conformity with the said amendatory act of Congress, I do hereby declare and make known that the whole of the said territory shall be located and included within the four lines following, that is to say: Beginning at Jones's Point, being the upper cape of Hunting Creek, in Virginia, and at an angle in the outset of 45 degrees west of the north, and running in a direct line 10 miles for the first line; then beginning again at the same Jones's Point and running another direct line at a right angle with the first across the Potomac 10 miles for the second line; then from the termination of the said first and second lines running two other direct lines of 10 miles each, the one crossing the Eastern Branch aforesaid and the other the Potomac, and meeting each other in a point. And I do accordingly direct the commissioners named under the authority of the said first-mentioned act of Congress to proceed forthwith to have the said four lines run, and by proper metes and bounds defined and limited, and thereof to make due report under their hands and seals; and the territory so to be located, defined, and limited shall be the whole territory accepted by the said acts of Congress as the district for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done at Georgetown aforesaid, the 30th day of March, A.D. 1791, and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. THIRD ANNUAL ADDRESS. UNITED STATES, _October 25, 1791_. _Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I meet you upon the present occasion with the feelings which are naturally inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situation of our common country, and by a persuasion equally strong that the labors of the session which has just commenced will, under the guidance of a spirit no less prudent than patriotic, issue in measures conducive to the stability and increase of national prosperity. Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our grateful acknowledgments, the abundance with which another year has again rewarded the industry of the husbandman is too important to escape recollection. Your own observations in your respective situations will have satisfied you of the progressive state of agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and navigation. In tracing their causes you will have remarked with particular pleasure the happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well as private, to which the Constitution and laws of the United States have so eminently contributed; and you will have observed with no less interest new and decisive proofs of the increasing reputation and credit of the nation. But you nevertheless can not fail to derive satisfaction from the confirmation of these circumstances which will be disclosed in the several official communications that will be made to you in the course of your deliberations. The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which completed the sum allowed to be subscribed in a single day, is among the striking and pleasing evidences which present themselves, not only of confidence in the Government, but of resource in the community. In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the execution of the different objects which were specially provided for by the laws and resolutions of the last session. Among the most important of these is the defense and security of the Western frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane principles was a primary wish. Accordingly, at the same time that treaties have been provisionally concluded and other proper means used to attach the wavering and to confirm in their friendship the well-disposed tribes of Indians, effectual measures have been adopted to make those of a hostile description sensible that a pacification was desired upon terms of moderation and justice. Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to convince the refractory of the power of the United States to punish their depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been directed, to be conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of humanity. Some of these have been crowned with full success and others are yet depending. The expeditions which have been completed were carried on under the authority and at the expense of the United States by the militia of Kentucky, whose enterprise, intrepidity, and good conduct are entitled to peculiar commendation. Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them have lately renounced all further opposition, removed from their former situations, and placed themselves under the immediate protection of the United States. It is sincerely to be desired that all need of coercion in future may cease and that an intimate intercourse may succeed, calculated to advance the happiness of the Indians and to attach them firmly to the United States. In order to this it seems necessary-- That they should experience the benefits of an impartial dispensation of justice. That the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be so defined and regulated as to obviate imposition and as far as may be practicable controversy concerning the reality and extent of the alienations which are made. That commerce with them should be promoted under regulations tending to secure an equitable deportment toward them, and that such rational experiments should be made for imparting to them the blessings of civilization as may from time to time suit their condition. That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the means to which the Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their immediate interests with the preservation of peace. And that efficacious provision should be made for inflicting adequate penalties upon all those who, by violating their rights, shall infringe the treaties and endanger the peace of the Union. A system corresponding with the mild principles of religion and philanthropy toward an unenlightened race of men, whose happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be as honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of sound policy. The powers specially vested in me by the act laying certain duties on distilled spirits; which respect the subdivisions of the districts into surveys, the appointment of officers, and the assignment of compensations, have likewise been carried into effect. In a matter in which both materials and experience were wanting to guide the calculation it will be readily conceived that there must have been difficulty in such an adjustment of the rates of compensation as would conciliate a reasonable competency with a proper regard to the limits prescribed by the law. It is hoped that the circumspection which has been used will be found in the result to have secured the last of the two objects; but it is probable that with a view to the first in some instances a revision of the provision will be found advisable. The impressions with which this law has been received by the community have been upon the whole such as were to be expected among enlightened and well-disposed citizens from the propriety and necessity of the measure. The novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the United States and a misconception of some of its provisions have given occasion in particular places to some degree of discontent; but it is satisfactory to know that this disposition yields to proper explanations and more just apprehensions of the true nature of the law, and I entertain a full confidence that it will in all give way to motives which arise out of a just sense of duty and a virtuous regard to the public welfare. If there are any circumstances in the law which consistently with its main design may be so varied as to remove any well-intentioned objections that may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise moderation to make the proper variations. It is desirable on all occasions to unite with a steady and firm adherence to constitutional and necessary acts of Government the fullest evidence of a disposition as far as may be practicable to consult the wishes of every part of the community and to lay the foundations of the public administration in the affections of the people. Pursuant to the authority contained in the several acts on that subject, a district of 10 miles square for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States has been fixed and announced by proclamation, which district will comprehend lands on both sides of the river Potomac and the towns of Alexandria and Georgetown. A city has also been laid out agreeably to a plan which will be placed before Congress, and as there is a prospect, favored by the rate of sales which have already taken place, of ample funds for carrying on the necessary public buildings, there is every expectation of their due progress. The completion of the census of the inhabitants, for which provision was made by law, has been duly notified (excepting one instance in which the return has been informal, and another in which it has been omitted or miscarried), and the returns of the officers who were charged with this duty, which will be laid before you, will give you the pleasing assurance that the present population of the United States borders on 4,000,000 persons. It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of 2,500,000 florins has been completed in Holland, the terms of which are similar to those of the one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges. Another, on like terms, for 6,000,000 florins, had been set on foot under circumstances that assured an immediate completion. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Two treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees and Six Nations of Indians will be laid before you for your consideration and ratification. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust you must anticipate with pleasure that many of the difficulties necessarily incident to the first arrangements of a new government for an extensive country have been happily surmounted by the zealous and judicious exertions of your predecessors in cooperation with the other branch of the Legislature. The important objects which remain to be accomplished will, I am persuaded, be conducted upon principles equally comprehensive and equally well calculated for the advancement of the general weal. The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by the act making provision for the debt of the United States having expired, statements from the proper department will as soon as possible apprise you of the exact result. Enough, however, is known already to afford an assurance that the views of that act have been substantially fulfilled. The subscription in the domestic debt of the United States has embraced by far the greatest proportion of that debt, affording at the same time proof of the general satisfaction of the public creditors with the system which has been proposed to their acceptance and of the spirit of accommodation to the convenience of the Government with which they are actuated. The subscriptions in the debts of the respective States as far as the provisions of the law have permitted may be said to be yet more general. The part of the debt of the United States which remains unsubscribed will naturally engage your further deliberations. It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you that the revenues which have been established promise to be adequate to their objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency occurs, to supersede for the present the necessity of any new burthens upon our constituents. An object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the current service of the ensuing year, together with such ascertained demands upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, and such casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public business, for which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; of all which a proper estimate will be laid before you. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I shall content myself with a general reference to former communications for several objects upon which the urgency of other affairs has hitherto postponed any definitive resolution. Their importance will recall them to your attention, and I trust that the progress already made in the most arduous arrangements of the Government will afford you leisure to resume them with advantage. There are, however, some of them of which I can not forbear a more particular mention. These are the militia, the post-office and post-roads, the mint, weights and measures, a provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States. The first is certainly an object of primary importance whether viewed in reference to the national security to the satisfaction of the community or to the preservation of order. In connection with this the establishment of competent magazines and arsenals and the fortification of such places as are peculiarly important and vulnerable naturally present themselves to consideration. The safety of the United States under divine protection ought to rest on the basis of systematic and solid arrangements, exposed as little as possible to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances. The importance of the post-office and post-roads on a plan sufficiently liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety, and facility of communication, is increased by their instrumentality in diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government, which, while it contributes to the security of the people, serves also to guard them against the effects of misrepresentation and misconception. The establishment of additional cross posts, especially to some of the important points in the Western and Northern parts of the Union, can not fail to be of material utility. The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the scarcity of small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer classes, strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the resolution already entered into concerning the establishment of a mint. Measures have been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some of the most necessary artists, together with the requisite apparatus. An uniformity in the weights and measures of the country is among the important objects submitted to you by the Constitution, and if it can be derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must be no less honorable to the public councils than conducive to the public convenience. A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important considerations that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; that if timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of burthening our citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and that being free to discharge the principal but in a limited proportion, no opportunity ought to be lost for availing the public of its right. GEORGE WASHINGTON. ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: The Senate of the United States have received with the highest satisfaction the assurances of public prosperity contained in your speech to both Houses. The multiplied blessings of Providence have not escaped our notice or failed to excite our gratitude. The benefits which flow from the restoration of public and private confidence are conspicuous and important, and the pleasure with which we contemplate them is heightened by your assurance of those further communications which shall confirm their existence and indicate their source. While we rejoice in the success of those military operations which have been directed against the hostile Indians, we lament with you the necessity that has produced them, and we participate the hope that the present prospect of a general peace on terms of moderation and justice may be wrought into complete and permanent effect, and that the measures of Government may equally embrace the security of our frontiers and the general interests of humanity, our solicitude to obtain which will insure our zealous attention to an object so warmly espoused by the principles of benevolence and so highly interesting to the honor and welfare of the nation. The several subjects which you have particularly recommended and those which remain of former sessions will engage our early consideration. We are encouraged to prosecute them with alacrity and steadiness by the belief that they will interest no passion but that for the general welfare, by the assurance of concert, and by a view of those arduous and important arrangements which have been already accomplished. We observe, sir, the constancy and activity of your zeal for the public good. The example will animate our efforts to promote the happiness of our country. OCTOBER 28, 1791. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: This manifestation of your zeal for the honor and the happiness of our country derives its full value from the share which your deliberations have already had in promoting both. I thank you for the favorable sentiments with which you view the part I have borne in the arduous trust committed to the Government of the United States, and desire you to be assured that all my zeal will continue to second those further efforts for the public good which are insured by the spirit in which you are entering on the present session. GEORGE WASHINGTON. OCTOBER 31, 1791. ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: In receiving your address at the opening of the present session the House of Representatives have taken an ample share in the feelings inspired by the actual prosperity and flattering prospects of our country, and whilst with becoming gratitude to Heaven we ascribe this happiness to the true source from which it flows, we behold with an animating pleasure the degree in which the Constitution and laws of the United States have been instrumental in dispensing it. It yields us particular satisfaction to learn the success with which the different important measures of the Government have proceeded, as well those specially provided for at the last session as those of preceding date. The safety of our Western frontier, in which the lives and repose of so many of our fellow-citizens are involved, being peculiarly interesting, your communications on that subject are proportionally grateful to us. The gallantry and good conduct of the militia, whose services were called for, is an honorable confirmation of the efficacy of that precious resource of a free state, and we anxiously wish that the consequences of their successful enterprises and of the other proceedings to which you have referred may leave the United States free to pursue the most benevolent policy toward the unhappy and deluded race of people in our neighborhood. The amount of the population of the United States, determined by the returns of the census, is a source of the most pleasing reflections whether it be viewed in relation to our national safety and respectability or as a proof of that felicity in the situation of our country which favors so unexampled a rapidity in its growth. Nor ought any to be insensible to the additional motive suggested by this important fact to perpetuate the free Government established, with a wise administration of it, to a portion of the earth which promises such an increase of the number which is to enjoy those blessings within the limits of the United States. We shall proceed with all the respect due to your patriotic recommendations and with a deep sense of the trust committed to us by our fellow-citizens to take into consideration the various and important matters falling within the present session; and in discussing and deciding each we shall feel every disposition whilst we are pursuing the public welfare, which must be the supreme object with all our constituents, to accommodate as far as possible the means of attaining it to the sentiments and wishes of every part of them. OCTOBER 27, 1791. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: The pleasure I derive from an assurance of your attention to the objects I have recommended to you is doubled by your concurrence in the testimony I have borne to the prosperous condition of our public affairs. Relying on the sanctions of your enlightened judgment and on your patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my endeavors for the public weal, and particularly in those which may be required on my part for executing the salutary measures I anticipate from your present deliberations. GEORGE WASHINGTON. OCTOBER 28, 1791. SPECIAL MESSAGES. UNITED STATES, _October 26, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you copies of the following acts, which have been transmitted to me during the recess of Congress, viz: An act passed by the legislature of New Hampshire for ceding to the United States the fort and light-house belonging to the said State. An act of the legislature of Pennsylvania ratifying on behalf of said State the first article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States as proposed by Congress; and An act of the legislature of North Carolina granting the use of the jails within that State to the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _October 26, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you for your consideration all the papers relative to the late negotiations with the Cherokee Indians, and the treaty concluded with that tribe on the 2d day of July last by the superintendent of the southern district, and I request your advice whether I shall ratify the same. I also lay before you the instructions to Colonel Pickering and his conferences with the Six Nations of Indians. These conferences were for the purpose of conciliation, and at a critical period, to withdraw those Indians to a greater distance from the theater of war, in order to prevent their being involved therein. It might not have been necessary to have requested your opinion on this business had not the commissioner, with good intentions, but incautiously, made certain ratifications of lands unauthorized by his instructions and unsupported by the Constitution. It therefore became necessary to disavow the transaction explicitly in a letter written by my orders to the governor of New York on the 17th of August last. The speeches to the Complanter and other Seneca chiefs, the instructions to Colonel Proctor, and his report, and other messages and directions are laid before you for your information and as evidences that all proper lenient measures preceded the exercise of coercion. The letters to the chief of the Creeks are also laid before you, to evince that the requisite steps have been taken to produce a full compliance with the treaty made with that nation on the 7th of August, 1790. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _October 27, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a copy of a letter and of sundry documents which I have received from the governor of Pennsylvania, respecting certain persons who are said to have fled from justice out of the State of Pennsylvania into that of Virginia, together with a report of the Attorney-General of the United States upon the same subject. I have received from the governor of North Carolina a copy of an act of the general assembly of that State, authorizing him to convey to the United States the right and jurisdiction of the said State over 1 acre of land in Occacock Island and 10 acres on the Cape Island, within the said State, for the purpose of erecting light-houses thereon, together with the deed of the governor in pursuance thereof and the original conveyances made to the State by the individual proprietors, which original conveyances contain conditions that the light-house on Occacock shall be built before the 1st day of January, 1801, and that on the Cape Island before the 8th day of October, 1800. And I have caused these several papers to be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. A statement of the returns of the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States which have been received will at this time be laid before you. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _October 27, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you, for your information, the reports of Brigadier-General Scott and Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant Wilkinson, the officers who commanded the two expeditions against the Wabash Indians in the months of June and August last, together with the instructions by virtue of which the said expeditions were undertaken. When the operations now depending shall be terminated, the reports relative thereto shall also be laid before you. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _October 31, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I send you herewith the arrangement which has been made by me, pursuant to the act entitled "An act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their stead, and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same," in respect to the subdivision of the several districts created by the said act into surveys of inspection, the appointment of officers for the same, and the assignment of compensations. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _November 1, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I received yesterday from the judge of the district of South Carolina a letter, inclosing the presentments of the grand jury to him, and stating the causes which have prevented the return of the census from that district, copies of which are now laid before you. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _November 10, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The resolution passed at the last session of Congress, requesting the President of the United States to cause an estimate to be laid before Congress at their next session of the quantity and situation of the lands not claimed by the Indians nor granted to nor claimed by any of the citizens of the United States within the territory ceded to the United States by the State of North Carolina and within the territory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio, has been referred to the Secretary of State, a copy of whose report on that subject I now lay before you, together with the copy of a letter accompanying it. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _November 11, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I have received from the governor of Virginia a resolution of the general assembly of that Commonwealth, ratifying the first article of the amendments proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United States, a copy of which and of the letter accompanying it I now lay before you. Sundry papers relating to the purchase by Judge Symmes of the lands on the Great Miami having been communicated to me, I have thought it proper to lay the same before you for your information on that subject. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 12, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: It is with great concern that I communicate to you the information received from Major-General St. Clair of the misfortune which has befallen the troops under his command. Although the national loss is considerable according to the scale of the event, yet it may be repaired without great difficulty, excepting as to the brave men who have fallen on the occasion, and who are a subject of public as well as private regret. A further communication will shortly be made of all such matters as shall be necessary to enable the Legislature to judge of the future measures which it may be proper to pursue. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 13, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I place before you the plan of a city that has been laid out within the district of 10 miles square, which was fixed upon for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 20, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of sundry documents which accompanied it, relative to a contract for the purchase of a certain tract of land bounding on Lake Erie, together with a copy of a report of the Secretary of State on the same subject. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1791_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a copy of the ratification by the Commonwealth of Virginia of the articles of amendment proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United States, and a copy of a letter which accompanied said ratification from the governor of Virginia. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I lay before you the following report, which has been made to me by the Secretary of State: DECEMBER 22, 1791. The Secretary of State reports to the President of the United States that one of the commissioners of Spain, in the name of both, has lately communicated to him verbally, by order of his Court, that His Catholic Majesty, apprised of our solicitude to have some arrangements made respecting our free navigation of the river Mississippi and the use of a port thereon, is ready to enter into treaty thereon at Madrid. The Secretary of State is of opinion that this overture should be attended to without delay, and that the proposal of treating at Madrid, though not what might have been desired, should yet be accepted, and a commission plenipotentiary made out for the purpose. That Mr. Carmichael, the present chargé d'affaires of the United States at Madrid, from the local acquaintance which he must have acquired with persons and circumstances, would be an useful and proper member of the commission, but that it would be useful also to join with him some person more particularly acquainted with the circumstances of the navigation to be treated of. That the fund appropriated by the act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations will insufficiently furnish the ordinary and regular demands on it, and is consequently inadequate to the mission of an additional commissioner express from hence. That therefore it will be advisable on this account, as well as for the sake of dispatch, to constitute some one of the ministers of the United States in Europe, jointly with Mr. Carmichael, commissioners plenipotentiary for the special purpose of negotiating and concluding with any person or persons duly authorized by His Catholic Majesty a convention or treaty for the free navigation of the river Mississippi by the citizens of the United States under such accommodations with respect to a port and other circumstances as may render the said navigation practicable, useful, and free from dispute, saving to the President and Senate their respective rights as to the ratification of the same, and that the said negotiation be at Madrid, or such other place in Spain as shall be desired by His Catholic Majesty. TH. JEFFERSON. In consequence of the communication from the Court of Spain, as stated in the preceding report, I nominate William Carmichael, present chargé d'affaires of the United States at Madrid, and William Short, present chargé d'affaires of the United States at Paris, to be commissioners plenipotentiary for negotiating and concluding with any person or persons who shall be duly authorized by His Catholic Majesty a convention or treaty concerning the navigation of the river Mississippi by the citizens of the United States, saving to the President and Senate their respective rights as to the ratification of the same. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you, in confidence, two reports, made to me by the Secretary for the Department of War, relatively to the present state of affairs on the Western frontiers of the United States. In these reports the causes of the present war with the Indians, the measures taken by the Executive to terminate it amicably, and the military preparations for the late campaign are stated and explained, and also a plan suggested of such further measures on the occasion as appear just and expedient. I am persuaded, gentlemen, that you will take this important subject into your immediate and serious consideration, and that the result of your deliberations will be the adoption of such wise and efficient measures as will reflect honor on our national councils and promote the welfare of our country. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 18, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a copy of an exemplified copy of an act of the legislature of Vermont, ratifying on behalf of that State the articles of amendment proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United States together with a copy of a letter which accompanied said ratification. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 18, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I lay before you the communications of a deputation from the Cherokee Nation of Indians now in this city, and I request your advice whether an additional article shall be made to the Cherokee treaty to the following effect, to wit: That the sum to be paid annually by the United States to the Cherokee Nation of Indians in consideration of the relinquishment of lands as stated in the treaty made with them on the 2d day of July, 1791, shall be $1,500 instead of $1,000 mentioned in the said treaty. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 23, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Having received from the governor of Virginia a letter, inclosing a resolution of the general assembly of that State and a report of a committee of the House of Delegates respecting certain lands located by the officers and soldiers of the Virginia line under the laws of that State, and since ceded to the Chickasaw Indians, I lay copies of the same before you, together with a report of the Secretary of State on this subject. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 8, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: An article of expense having occurred in the Department of Foreign Affairs for which no provision has been made by law, I lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State explaining the same, in order that you may do thereon what you shall find to be right. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 3, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a copy of a return of the number of inhabitants in the district of South Carolina as made to me by the marshal thereof, and a copy of a letter which accompanied said return. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 5, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Knowing the friendly interest you take in whatever may promote the happiness and prosperity of the French nation, it is with pleasure that I lay before you the translation of a letter which I have received from His Most Christian Majesty, announcing to the United States of America his acceptance of the constitution presented to him by his nation. GEORGE WASHINGTON. _Very Dear Great Friends and Allies_: We make it our duty to inform you that we have accepted the constitution which has been presented to us in the name of the nation, and according to which France will be henceforth governed. We do not doubt that you take an interest in an event so important to our Kingdom and to us, and it is with real pleasure we take this occasion to renew to you assurances of the sincere friendship we bear you. Whereupon we pray God to have you, very dear great friends and allies, in His just and holy keeping. Written at Paris the 19th of September, 1791. Your good friend and ally, LOUIS. MONTMORIN. The UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. UNITED STATES, _March 6, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I lay before you the following report, which has been submitted to me by the Secretary of State: JANUARY 10, 1792. The Secretary of State having received information that the merchants and merchandise of the United States are subject in Copenhagen and other ports of Denmark to considerable extra duties, from which they might probably be relieved by the presence of a consul there-- Reports to the President of the United States that it would be expedient to name a consul to be resident in the port of Copenhagen; that he has not been able to find that there is any citizen of the United States residing there; that there is a certain Hans Rudolph Saaby, a Danish subject and merchant of that place, of good character, of wealth and distinction, and well qualified and disposed to act there for the United States, who would probably accept the commission of consul; but that that of vice-consul, hitherto given by the President to foreigners in ports where there was no proper American citizen, would probably not be accepted because in this, as in some other ports of Europe, usage has established it as a subordinate grade. And that he is therefore of the opinion that the said Hans Rudolph Saaby should be nominated consul of the United States of America for the port of Copenhagen and such other places within the allegiance of His Danish Majesty as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance. THOMAS JEFFERSON. With a view to relieve the merchants and merchandise of the United States from the extra duties to which they are or may be subjected in the ports of Denmark, I have thought it for the interest of the United States that a consul be appointed to reside at Copenhagen. I therefore nominate Hans Rudolph Saaby, a Danish subject and merchant of Copenhagen, to be consul for the United States of America at the port of Copenhagen and for such other places within the allegiance of His Danish Majesty as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 7, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I submit to your consideration the report of the Secretary of State, which accompanies this, stating the reasons for extending the negotiation proposed at Madrid to the subject of commerce, and explaining, under the form of instructions to the commissioners lately appointed to that Court, the principles on which commercial arrangements with Spain might, if desired on her part, be acceded to on ours; and I have to request your decision whether you will advise and consent to the extension of the powers of the commissioners as proposed, and to the ratification of a treaty which shall conform to those instructions should they enter into such a one with that Court. GEORGE WASHINGTON. MARCH 7, 1792. The Secretary of State having understood from communications with the commissioners of His Catholic Majesty, subsequent to that which he reported to the President on the 22d of December last, that though they considered the navigation of the Mississippi as the principal object of negotiation between the two countries, yet it was expected by their Court that the conferences would extend to all the matters which were under negotiation on the former occasion with Mr. Gardoqui, and particularly to some arrangements of commerce, is of opinion that to renew the conferences on this subject also, since they desire it, will be but friendly and respectful, and can lead to nothing without our own consent, and that to refuse it might obstruct the settlement of the questions of navigation and boundary; and therefore reports to the President of the United States the following observations and instructions to the commissioners of the United States appointed to negotiate with the Court of Spain a treaty or convention relative to the navigation of the Mississippi, which observations and instructions he is of opinion should be laid before the Senate of the United States, and their decision be desired whether they will advise and consent that a treaty be entered into by the commissioners of the United States with Spain conformably thereto. After stating to our commissioners the foundation of our rights to navigate the Mississippi and to hold our southern boundary at the thirty-first degree of latitude, and that each of these is to be a sine qua non, it is proposed to add as follows: On the former conferences on the navigation of the Mississippi, Spain chose to blend with it the subject of commerce, and accordingly specific propositions thereon passed between the negotiators. Her object then was to obtain our renunciation of the navigation and to hold out commercial arrangements perhaps as a lure to us. Perhaps, however, she might then, and may now, really set a value on commercial arrangements with us, and may receive them as a consideration for accommodating us in the navigation, or may wish for them to have the appearance of receiving a consideration. Commercial arrangements, if acceptable in themselves, will not be the less so if coupled with those relating to navigation and boundary. We have only to take care that they be acceptable in themselves. There are two principles which may be proposed as the basis of a commercial treaty: First, that of exchanging the privileges of native citizens, or, second, those of the most favored nation. First. With the nations holding important possessions in America we are ready to exchange the rights of native citizens, provided they be extended through the whole possessions of both parties; but the propositions of Spain made on the former occasion (a copy of which accompanies this) were that we should give their merchants, vessels, and productions the privileges of native merchants, vessels, and productions through the whole of our possessions, and they give the same to ours only in Spain and the Canaries. This is inadmissible, because unequal; and as we believe that Spain is not ripe for an equal exchange on this basis, we avoid proposing it. Second. Though treaties which merely exchange the rights of the most favored nations are not without all inconvenience, yet they have their conveniences also. It is an important one that they leave each party free to make what internal regulations they please, and to give what preferences they find expedient to native merchants, vessels, and productions; and as we already have treaties on this basis with France, Holland, Sweden, and Prussia, the two former of which are perpetual, it will be but small additional embarrassment to extend it to Spain. On the contrary, we are sensible it is right to place that nation on the most favored footing, whether we have a treaty with them or not, and it can do us no harm to secure by treaty a reciprocation of the right. Of the four treaties before mentioned, either the French or the Prussian might be taken as a model; but it would be useless to propose the Prussian, because we have already supposed that Spain would never consent to those articles which give to each party access to all the dominions of the other; and without this equivalent we would not agree to tie our own hands so materially in war as would be done by the twenty-third article, which renounces the right of fitting out privateers or of capturing merchant vessels. The French treaty, therefore, is proposed as the model. In this, however, the following changes are to be made: We should be admitted to all the dominions of Spain to which any other foreign nation is or may be admitted. Article 5, being an exemption from a particular duty in France, will of course be omitted as inapplicable to Spain. Article 8 to be omitted as unnecessary with Morocco, and inefficacious and little honorable with any of the Barbary powers; but it may furnish occasion to sound Spain on the project of a convention of the powers at war with the Barbary States to keep up by rotation a constant cruise of a given force on their coasts till they shall be compelled to renounce forever and against all nations their predatory practices. Perhaps the infidelities of the Algerines to their treaty of peace with Spain, though the latter does not choose to break openly, may induce her to subsidize _us_ to cruise against them with a given force. Articles 9 and 10, concerning fisheries, to be omitted as inapplicable. Article 11. The first paragraph of this article respecting the droit d'aubaine to be omitted, that law being supposed peculiar to France. Article 17, giving asylum in the ports of either to the armed vessels of the other with the prizes taken from the enemies of that other, must be qualified as it is in the nineteenth article of the Prussian treaty, as the stipulation in the latter part of the article that "no shelter or refuge shall be given in the ports of the one to such as shall have made prize on the subjects of the other of the parties" would forbid us, in case of a war between France and Spain, to give shelter in our ports to prizes made by the latter on the former, while the first part of the article would oblige us to shelter those made by the former on the latter--a very dangerous covenant, and which ought never to be repeated in any other instance. Article 29. Consuls should be received at all the ports at which the vessels of either party may be received. Article 30, concerning free ports in Europe and America, free ports in the Spanish possessions in America, and particularly at The Havannah, are more to be desired than expected. It can therefore only be recommended to the best endeavors of the commissioners to obtain them. It will be something to obtain for our vessels, flour, etc., admission to those ports during their pleasure. In like manner, if they could be prevailed on to reestablish our right of cutting logwood in the Bay of Campeachy on the footing on which it stood before the treaty of 1763, it would be desirable and not endanger to us any contest with the English, who by the revolution treaty are restrained to the southeastern parts of Yucatan. Article 31. The _act_ of ratification on our part may require a twelvemonth from the date of the treaty, as the Senate meets regularly but once a year; and to return it to Madrid for _exchange_ may require four months more. The treaty must not exceed ---- years' duration, except the clauses relating to boundary and the navigation of the Mississippi, which must be perpetual and final. Indeed, these two subjects had better be in a separate instrument. There might have been mentioned a third species of arrangement--that of making special agreements on every special subject of commerce, and of settling a tariff of duty to be paid on each side on every particular article; but this would require in our commissioners a very minute knowledge of our commerce, as it is impossible to foresee every proposition of this kind which might be brought into discussion and to prepare them for it by information and instruction from hence. Our commerce, too, is as yet rather in a course of experiment, and the channels in which it will ultimately flow are not sufficiently known to enable us to provide for it by special agreement; nor have the exigencies of our new Government as yet so far developed themselves as that we can know to what degree we may or must have recourse to commerce for the purposes of revenue. No common consideration, therefore, ought to induce us as yet to arrangements of this kind. Perhaps nothing should do it with any nation short of the privileges of natives in all their possessions, foreign and domestic. It were to be wished, indeed, that some positively favorable stipulations respecting our grain, flour, and fish could be obtained, even on our giving reciprocal advantages to some of the commodities of Spain, say her wines and brandies; but, First. If we quit the ground of the _most favored nation_ as to certain articles for our convenience, Spain may insist on doing the same for other articles for her convenience, and thus our commissioners will get themselves on the ground of _a treaty of detail_, for which they will not be prepared. Second. If we grant favor to the wines and brandies of Spain, then Portugal and France will demand the same; and in order to create an equivalent Portugal may lay a duty on our fish and grain, and France a prohibition on our whale oils, the removal of which will be proposed as an equivalent. Thus much, however, as to grain and flour may be attempted. There has not long since been a considerable duty laid on them in Spain. This was while a treaty on the subject of commerce was pending between us and Spain, as that Court considers the matter. It is not generally thought right to change the state of things pending a treaty concerning them. On this consideration and on the motive of cultivating our friendship, perhaps the commissioners may induce them to restore this commodity to the footing on which it was on opening the conferences with Mr. Gardoqui, on the 26th day of July, 1785. If Spain says, "Do the same by your tonnage on our vessels," the answer may be that "Our foreign tonnage affects Spain very little and other nations very much; whereas the duty on flour in Spain affects us very much and other nations very little; consequently there would be no equality in reciprocal relinquishment, as there had been none in the reciprocal innovation; and Spain, by insisting on this, would in fact only be aiding the interests of her rival nations, to whom we should be forced to extend the same indulgence." At the time of opening the conferences, too, we had as yet not erected any system, our Government itself being not yet erected. Innovation then was unavoidable on our part, if it be innovation to establish a system. We did it on fair and general ground, on ground favorable to Spain; but they had a system, and therefore innovation was avoidable on their part. THOMAS JEFFERSON. ARTICLES PROPOSED BY DON DIEGO GARDOQUI TO BE INSERTED IN THE TREATY WITH THE UNITED STATES. First. That all commercial regulations affecting each other shall be founded in perfect reciprocity. Spanish merchants shall enjoy all the commercial privileges of native merchants in the United States, and American merchants shall enjoy all the commercial privileges of native merchants in the Kingdom of Spain and in the Canaries and other islands belonging to and adjacent thereto. The same privileges shall extend to their respective vessels and merchandise consisting of the manufactures and products of their respective countries. Second. Each party may establish consuls in the countries of the other (excepting such provinces in Spain into which none have heretofore been admitted, viz, Bilboa and Guipusca), with such powers and privileges as shall be ascertained by a particular convention. Third. That the bona fide manufactures and productions of the United States (tobacco only excepted, which shall continue under its present regulation) may be imported in American or Spanish vessels into any parts of His Majesty's European dominions and islands aforesaid in like manner as if they were the productions of Spain, and, on the other hand, that the bona fide manufactures and productions of His Majesty's dominions may be imported into the United States in Spanish or American vessels in like manner as if they were the manufactures and productions of the said States. And further, that all such duties and imposts as may mutually be thought necessary to lay on them by either party shall be ascertained and regulated on principles of exact reciprocity by a tariff, to be formed by a convention for that purpose, to be negotiated and made within _one_ year after the exchange of the ratification of this treaty; and in the meantime that no other duties or imposts shall be exacted from each other's merchants and ships than such as may be payable by natives in like cases. Fourth. That inasmuch as the United States, from not having mines of gold and silver, may often want supplies of specie for a circulating medium, His Catholic Majesty, as a proof of his good will, agrees to order the masts and timber which may from time to time be wanted for his royal navy to be purchased and paid for in specie in the United States, provided the said masts and timber shall be of equal quality and when brought to Spain shall not cost more than the like may there be had for from other countries. Fifth. It is agreed that the articles commonly inserted in other treaties of commerce for mutual and reciprocal convenience shall be inserted in this, and that this treaty and every article and stipulation therein shall continue in full force for ----- years, to be computed from the day of the date hereof. UNITED STATES, _March 9, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I now lay before you a general account rendered by the bankers of the United States at Amsterdam of the payments they had made between the 1st of July, 1790 and 1791, from the fund deposited in their hands for the purposes of the act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations, and of the balance remaining in their hands, together with a letter from the Secretary of State on the subject. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 20, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The several acts which have been passed relatively to the military establishment of the United States and the protection of the frontiers do not appear to have made provision for more than one brigadier-general. It is incumbent upon me to observe that, with a view merely to the organization of the troops designated by those acts, a greater number of officers of that grade would, in my opinion, be conducive to the good of the public service. But an increase of the number becomes still more desirable in reference to a different organization which is contemplated, pursuant to the authority vested in me for that purpose, and which, besides other advantages expected from it, is recommended by considerations of economy. I therefore request that you will be pleased to take this subject into your early consideration and to adopt such measures thereon as you shall judge proper. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 23, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: At the conferences which Colonel Pickering had with the Five Nations at the Painted Post the last year ideas were then held out of introducing among them some of the primary principles of civilization, in consequence of which, as well as more firmly to attach them to the interests of the United States, they have been invited to the seat of the General Government. As the representation now here is respectable for its character and influence, it is of some importance that the chiefs should be well satisfied of the entire good faith and liberality of the United States. In managing the affairs of the Indian tribes generally it appears proper to teach them to expect annual presents, conditioned on the evidence of their attachment to the interests of the United States. The situation of the Five Nations and the present crisis of affairs would seem to render the extension of this measure to them highly judicious. I therefore request the advice of the Senate whether an article shall be stipulated with the Five Nations to the following purport, to wit: The United States, in order to promote the happiness of the Five Nations of Indians, will cause to be expended annually the amount of $1,500 in purchasing for them clothing, domestic animals, and implements of husbandry, and for encouraging useful artificers to reside in their villages, GEORGE WASHINGTON. APRIL 13, 1792. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I have thought it proper to lay before you a communication of the 11th instant from the minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the Secretary of State, relative to the commerce of the two countries, together with their explanatory correspondence and the Secretary of State's letter to me on the subject, GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _April 16, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a copy of a letter from the judges of the circuit court of the United States held for the New York district, and of their opinion and agreement respecting the "Act to provide for the settlement of the claims of widows and orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions." GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _April 21, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the judges of the circuit court of the United States held for the Pennsylvania district relatively to the "Act to provide for the settlement of the claims of widows and orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions." GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 8, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: If the President of the United States should conclude a convention or treaty with the Government of Algiers for the ransom of the thirteen Americans in captivity there for a sum not exceeding $40,000, all expenses included, will the Senate approve the same? Or is there any, and what, greater or lesser sum which they would fix on as the limit beyond which they would not approve the ransom? If the President of the United States should conclude a treaty with the Government of Algiers for the establishment of peace with them, at an expense not exceeding $25,000, paid at the signature, and a like sum to be paid annually afterwards during the continuance of the treaty, would the Senate approve the same? Or are there any greater or lesser sums which they would fix on as the limits beyond which they would not approve of such treaty? GEORGE WASHINGTON. VETO MESSAGE. UNITED STATES, _April 5, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: I have maturely considered the act passed by the two Houses entitled "An act for an apportionment of Representatives among the several States according to the first enumeration," and I return it to your House, wherein it originated, with the following objections: First. The Constitution has prescribed that Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, and there is no one proportion or divisor which, applied to the respective numbers of the States, will yield the number and allotment of Representatives proposed by the bill. Second. The Constitution has also provided that the number of Representatives shall not exceed 1 for every 30,000, which restriction is by the context and by fair and obvious construction to be applied to the separate and respective numbers of the States; and the bill has allotted to eight of the States more than 1 for every 30,000. GEORGE WASHINGTON. PROCLAMATION. [From Sparks's Washington, Vol. X, p. 532.] Whereas certain violent and unwarrantable proceedings have lately taken place tending to obstruct the operation of the laws of the United States for raising a revenue upon spirits distilled within the same, enacted pursuant to express authority delegated in the Constitution of the United States, which proceedings are subversive of good order, contrary to the duty that every citizen owes to his country and to the laws, and of a nature dangerous to the very being of a government; and Whereas such proceedings are the more unwarrantable by reason of the moderation which has been heretofore shown on the part of the Government and of the disposition which has been manifested by the Legislature (who alone have authority to suspend the operation of laws) to obviate causes of objection and to render the laws as acceptable as possible; and Whereas it is the particular duty of the Executive "to take care that the laws be faithfully executed," and not only that duty but the permanent interests and happiness of the people require that every legal and necessary step should be pursued as well to prevent such violent and unwarrantable proceedings as to bring to justice the infractors of the laws and secure obedience thereto: Now, therefore, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do by these presents most earnestly admonish and exhort all persons whom it may concern to refrain and desist from all unlawful combinations and proceedings whatsoever having for object or tending to obstruct the operation of the laws aforesaid, inasmuch as all lawful ways and means will be strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the infractors thereof and securing obedience thereto. And I do moreover charge and require all courts, magistrates, and officers whom it may concern, according to the duties of their several offices, to exert the powers in them respectively vested by law for the purposes aforesaid, hereby also enjoining and requiring all persons whomsoever, as they tender the welfare of their country, the just and due authority of Government, and the preservation of the public peace, to be aiding and assisting therein according to law. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done this 15th of September, A.D. 1792, and of the Independence of the United States the seventeenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. FOURTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. UNITED STATES, _November 6, 1792_. _Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the present occasion that, in felicitating you on a continuance of the national prosperity generally, I am not able to add to it information that the Indian hostilities which have for some time past distressed our Northwestern frontier have terminated. You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I communicate it that reiterated endeavors toward effecting a pacification have hitherto issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. An earnest desire to procure tranquillity to the frontier, to stop the further effusion of blood, to arrest the progress of expense, to forward the prevalent wish of the nation for peace has led to strenuous efforts through various channels to accomplish these desirable purposes; in making which efforts I consulted less my own anticipations of the event, or the scruples which some considerations were calculated to inspire, than the wish to find the object attainable, or if not attainable, to ascertain unequivocally that such is the case. A detail of the measures which have been pursued and of their consequences, which will be laid before you, while it will confirm to you the want of success thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as proper and as efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. The issue of some of them, indeed, is still depending, but a favorable one, though not to be despaired of, is not promised by anything that has yet happened. In the course of the attempts which have been made some valuable citizens have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A sanction commonly respected even among savages has been found in this instance insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace. It will, I presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not call for an exercise of liberality toward the families of the deceased. It must add to your concern to be informed that, besides the continuation of hostile appearances among the tribes north of the Ohio, some threatening symptoms have of late been revived among some of those south of it. A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamaugas, inhabiting five villages on the Tennessee River, have long been in the practice of committing depredations on the neighboring settlements. It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee Nation in July, 1791, would have prevented a repetition of such depredations; but the event has not answered this hope. The Chickamaugas, aided by some banditti of another tribe in their vicinity, have recently perpetrated wanton and unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the United States in that quarter. The information which has been received on this subject will be laid before you. Hitherto defensive precautions only have been strictly enjoined and observed. It is not understood that any breach of treaty or aggression whatsoever on the part of the United States or their citizens is even alleged as a pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter. I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made (pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) to be prepared for the alternative of a prosecution of the war in the event of a failure of pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be raised have been recruited, though the number is still incomplete, and pains have been taken to discipline and put them in condition for the particular kind of service to be performed. A delay of operations (besides being dictated by the measures which were pursuing toward a pacific termination of the war) has been in itself deemed preferable to immature efforts. A statement from the proper department with regard to the number of troops raised, and some other points which have been suggested, will afford more precise information as a guide to the legislative consultations, and among other things will enable Congress to judge whether some additional stimulus to the recruiting service may not be advisable. In looking forward to the future expense of the operations which may be found inevitable I derive consolation from the information I receive that the product of the revenues for the present year is likely to supersede the necessity of additional burthens on the community for the service of the ensuing year. This, however, will be better ascertained in the course of the session, and it is proper to add that the information alluded to proceeds upon the supposition of no material extension of the spirit of hostility. I can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again recommending to your consideration the expediency of more adequate provision for giving energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier and for restraining the commission of outrages upon the Indians, without which all pacific plans must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent rewards, the employment of qualified and trusty persons to reside among them as agents would also contribute to the preservation of peace and good neighborhood. If in addition to these expedients an eligible plan could be devised for promoting civilization among the friendly tribes and for carrying on trade with them upon a scale equal to their wants and under regulations calculated to protect them from imposition and extortion, its influence in cementing their interest with ours could not but be considerable. The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be still more the case were it not for the impediments which in some places continue to embarrass the collection of the duties on spirits distilled within the United States. These impediments have lessened and are lessening in local extent, and, as applied to the community at large, the contentment with the law appears to be progressive. But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves in certain quarters, I judged a special interposition on my part proper and advisable, and under this impression have issued a proclamation warning against all unlawful combinations and proceedings having for their object or tending to obstruct the operation of the law in question, and announcing that all lawful ways and means would be strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the infractors thereof and securing obedience thereto. Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders, and Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal limits which may depend upon me shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust I shall count entirely upon the full cooperation of the other departments of the Government and upon the zealous support of all good citizens. I can not forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the subject of a revision of the judiciary system. A representation from the judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points out some of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the execution of the laws considerations arise out of the structure of that system which in some cases tend to relax their efficacy. As connected with this subject, provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon processes out of the courts of the United States and a supplementary definition of offenses against the Constitution and laws of the Union and of the punishment for such offenses will, it is presumed, be found worthy of particular attention. Observations on the value of peace with other nations are unnecessary. It would be wise, however, by timely provisions to guard against those acts of our own citizens which might tend to disturb it, and to put ourselves in a condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations which we may sometimes have occasion to require from them. I particularly recommend to your consideration the means of preventing those aggressions by our citizens on the territory of other nations, and other infractions of the law of nations, which, furnishing just subject of complaint, might endanger our peace with them; and, in general, the maintenance of a friendly intercourse with foreign powers will be presented to your attention by the expiration of the law for that purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, at the close of the present session. In execution of the authority given by the Legislature measures have been taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of our mint. Others have been employed at home. Provision has been made of the requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for the purposes of the establishment. There has also been a small beginning in the coinage of half dimes, the want of small coins in circulation calling the first attention to them. The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the principles of our national coinage, as being essential to their due operation and to order in our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and completed. It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes the post-office operate, in experiment, against the transmission of newspapers to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the circulation of political intelligence and information will, I doubt not, lead to the application of a remedy. The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has been notified to me. The Legislature will share with me in the satisfaction which arises from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of the nation to which it relates and conducive to the general order. It is proper likewise to inform you that since my last communication on the subject, and in further execution of the acts severally making provision for the public debt and for the reduction thereof, three new loans have been effected, each for 3,000,000 florins--one at Antwerp, at the annual interest of 4-1/2 per cent, with an allowance of 4 per cent in lieu of all charges, and the other two at Amsterdam, at the annual interest of 4 per cent, with an allowance of 5-1/2 per cent in one case and of 5 per cent in the other in lieu of all charges. The rates of these loans and the circumstances under which they have been made are confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad. Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers, according to the provision made during the last session, has been embraced. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is now sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon a systematic and effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt, according to the right which has been reserved to the Government. No measure can be more desirable, whet her viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance or to the general sentiment and wish of the nation. Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which has been made of the Bank of the United States, pursuant to the eleventh section of the act by which it is incorporated. In fulfilling the public stipulations in this particular it is expected a valuable saving will be made. Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year and for such extraordinaries as may require provision will demand, and I doubt not will engage, your early attention. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I content myself with recalling your attention generally to such objects, not particularized in my present, as have been suggested in my former communications to you. Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among these, that which regulates trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes will merit particular notice. The results of your common deliberations hitherto will, I trust, be productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents, such as, by conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend to strengthen and confirm their attachment to that Constitution of Government upon which, under Divine Providence, materially depend their union, their safety, and their happiness. Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends there is nothing which can have a more powerful tendency than the careful cultivation of harmony, combined with a due regard to stability, in the public councils. GEORGE WASHINGTON. ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Accept, sir, our grateful acknowledgments for your address at the opening of the present session. We participate with you in the satisfaction arising from the continuance of the general prosperity of the nation, but it is not without the most sincere concern that we are informed that the reiterated efforts which have been made to establish peace with the hostile Indians have hitherto failed to accomplish that desired object. Hoping that the measures still depending may prove more successful than those which have preceded them, we shall nevertheless concur in every necessary preparation for the alternative, and should the Indians on either side of the Ohio persist in their hostilities, fidelity to the Union, as well as affection for our fellow-citizens on the frontiers, will insure our decided cooperation in every measure which shall be deemed requisite for their protection and safety. At the same time that we avow the obligation of the Government to afford its protection to every part of the Union, we can not refrain from expressing our regret that even a small portion of our fellow-citizens in any quarter of it should have combined to oppose the operation of the law for the collection of duties on spirits distilled within the United States, a law repeatedly sanctioned by the authority of the nation, and at this juncture materially connected with the safety and protection of those who oppose it. Should the means already adopted fail in securing obedience to this law, such further measures as may be thought necessary to carry the same into complete operation can not fail to receive the approbation of the Legislature and the support of every patriotic citizen. It yields us particular pleasure to learn that the productiveness of the revenue of the present year will probably supersede the necessity of any additional tax for the service of the next. The organization of the government of the State of Kentucky being an event peculiarly interesting to a part of our fellow-citizens and conducive to the general order, affords us particular satisfaction. We are happy to learn that the high state of our credit abroad has been evinced by the terms on which the new loans have been negotiated. In the course of the session we shall proceed to take into consideration the several objects which you have been pleased to recommend to our attention, and keeping in view the importance of union and stability in the public councils, we shall labor to render our decisions conducive to the safety and happiness of our country. We repeat with pleasure our assurances of confidence in your Administration and our ardent wish that your unabated zeal for the public good may be rewarded by the durable prosperity of the nation, and every ingredient of personal happiness. JOHN LANGDON, _President pro tempore_. NOVEMBER 9, 1792. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. I derive much pleasure, gentlemen, from your very satisfactory address. The renewed assurances of your confidence in my Administration and the expression of your wish for my personal happiness claim and receive my particular acknowledgments. In my future endeavor for the public welfare, to which my duty may call me, I shall not cease to count upon the firm, enlightened, and patriotic support of the Senate. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NOVEMBER 9, 1792. ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: The House of Representatives, who always feel a satisfaction in meeting you, are much concerned that the occasion for mutual felicitation afforded by the circumstances favorable to the national prosperity should be abated by a continuance of the hostile spirit of many of the Indian tribes, and particularly that the reiterated efforts for effecting a general pacification with them should have issued in new proofs of their persevering enmity and the barbarous sacrifice of citizens who, as the messengers of peace, were distinguishing themselves by their zeal for the public service. In our deliberations on this important department of our affairs we shall be disposed to pursue every measure that may be dictated by the sincerest desire, on one hand, of cultivating peace and manifesting by every practicable regulation our benevolent regard for the welfare of those misguided people, and by the duty we feel, on the other, to provide effectually for the safety and protection of our fellow-citizens. While with regret we learn that symptoms of opposition to the law imposing duties on spirits distilled within the United States have manifested themselves, we reflect with consolation that they are confined to a small portion of our fellow-citizens. It is not more essential to the preservation of true liberty that a government should be always ready to listen to the representations of its constituents and to accommodate its measures to the sentiments and wishes of every part of them, as far as will consist with the good of the whole, than it is that the just authority of the laws should be steadfastly maintained. Under this impression every department of the Government and all good citizens must approve the measures you have taken and the purpose you have formed to execute this part of your trust with firmness and energy; and be assured, sir, of every constitutional aid and cooperation which may become requisite on our part. And we hope that, while the progress of contentment under the law in question is as obvious as it is rational, no particular part of the community may be permitted to withdraw from the general burthens of the country by a conduct as irreconcilable to national justice as it is inconsistent with public decency. The productive state of the public revenue and the confirmation of the credit of the United States abroad, evinced by the loans at Antwerp and Amsterdam, are communications the more gratifying as they enforce the obligation to enter on systematic and effectual arrangements for discharging the public debt as fast as the conditions of it will permit, and we take pleasure in the opportunity to assure you of our entire concurrence in the opinion that no measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to the urgent wish of the community or the intrinsic importance of promoting so happy a change in our situation. The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky is an event on which we join in all the satisfaction you have expressed. It may be considered as particularly interesting since, besides the immediate benefits resulting from it, it is another auspicious demonstration of the facility and success with which an enlightened people is capable of providing, by free and deliberate plans of government, for their own safety and happiness. The operation of the law establishing the post-office, as it relates to the transmission of newspapers, will merit our particular inquiry and attention, the circulation of political intelligence through these vehicles being justly reckoned among the surest means of preventing the degeneracy of a free government, as well as of recommending every salutary public measure to the confidence and cooperation of all virtuous citizens. The several other matters which you have communicated and recommended will in their order receive the attention due to them, and our discussions will in all cases, we trust, be guided by a proper respect for harmony and stability in the public councils and a desire to conciliate more and more the attachment of our constituents to the Constitution, by measures accommodated to the true ends for which it was established. NOVEMBER 10, 1792. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: It gives me pleasure to express to you the satisfaction which your address affords me. I feel, as I ought, the approbation you manifest of the measures I have taken and the purpose I have formed to maintain, pursuant to the trust reposed in me by the Constitution, the respect which is due to the laws, and the assurance which you at the same time give me of every constitutional aid and cooperation that may become requisite on your part. This is a new proof of that enlightened solicitude for the establishment and confirmation of public order which, embracing a zealous regard for the principles of true liberty, has guided the deliberations of the House of Representatives, a perseverance in which can alone secure, under the divine blessing, the real and permanent felicity of our common country. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NOVEMBER 12, 1792. SPECIAL MESSAGES. UNITED STATES, _November 7, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: In pursuance of the law, I now lay before you a statement of the administration of the funds appropriated to certain foreign purposes, together with a letter from the Secretary of State explaining the same. I also lay before you a copy of a letter and representation from the Chief Justice and associate judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, stating the difficulties and inconveniences which attend the discharge of their duties according to the present judiciary system. A copy of a letter from the judges attending the circuit court of the United States for the North Carolina district in June last, containing their observations on an act, passed during the last session of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for the settlement of the claims of widows and orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions;" and A copy of the constitution formed for the State of Kentucky. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _November 9, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I now lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State, covering the copy of one from the governor of Virginia, with the several papers therein referred to, on the subject of the boundary between that State and the territory of the United States south of the Ohio. It will remain with the Legislature to take such measures as it shall think best for settling the said boundary with that State, and at the same time, if it thinks proper, for extending the settlement to the State of Kentucky, between which and the same territory the boundary is as yet undetermined. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _November 22, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I send you herewith the abstract of a supplementary arrangement which has been made by me, pursuant to the acts of the 3d day of March, 1791, and the 8th day of May, 1792, for raising a revenue upon foreign and domestic distilled spirits, in respect to the subdivisions and officers which have appeared to me necessary and to the allowances for their respective services to the supervisors, inspectors, and other officers of inspection, together with the estimates of the amount of compensations and charges. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 6, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The several measures which have been pursued to induce the hostile Indian tribes north of the Ohio to enter into a conference or treaty with the United States at which all causes of difference might be fully understood and justly and amicably arranged have already been submitted to both Houses of Congress. The papers herewith sent will inform you of the result. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 7, 1792_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you two letters, with their inclosures, from the governor of the Southwestern territory, and an extract of a letter to him from the Department of War. These and a letter of the 9th of October last, which has been already communicated to you, from the same Department to the governor, will shew in what manner the first section of the act of the last session which provides for calling out the militia for the repelling of Indian invasions has been executed. It remains to be considered by Congress whether in the present situation of the United States it be advisable or not to pursue any further or other measures than those which have been already adopted. The nature of the subject does of itself call for your immediate attention to it, and I must add that upon the result of your deliberations the future conduct of the Executive will on this occasion materially depend. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 23, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Since my last communication to you on the subject of the revenue on distilled spirits it has been found necessary, on experience, to revise and amend the arrangements relative thereto in regard to certain surveys and the officers thereof in the district of North Carolina, which I have done accordingly in the manner following: First. The several counties of the said district originally and heretofore contained within the first, second, and third surveys have been allotted into and are now contained in two surveys, one of which (to be hereafter denominated the first) comprehends the town of Wilmington and the counties of Onslow, New Hanover, Brunswick, Robertson, Sampson, Craven, Jones, Lenox, Glascow, Johnston, and Wayne, and the other of which (to be hereafter denominated the second) comprehends the counties of Kurrituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Chowan, Gates, Hartford, Tyrrel, Bertie, Carteret, Hyde, Beaufort, and Pitt. Secondly. The several counties of the said district originally and heretofore contained within the fifth survey of the district aforesaid has been allotted into and is contained in two surveys, one of which (to be hereafter denominated the third) comprehends the counties of Mecklenburg, Rowan, Iredell, Montgomery, Guilford, Rockingham, Stokes, and Surrey, and the other of which (to be hereafter denominated the fifth) comprehends the counties of Lincoln, Rutherford, Burke, Buncombe, and Wilkes. Thirdly. The duties of the inspector of the revenue in and for the third survey as constituted above is to be performed for the present by the supervisor. Fourthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue for the first survey as above constituted are to be a salary of $250 per annum and commissions and other emoluments similar to those heretofore allowed to the inspector of the late first survey as it was originally constituted. Fifthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue for the second survey as above constituted are to be a salary of $100 per annum and the commissions and other emoluments heretofore allowed to the inspector of the late third survey as it was originally constituted. Sixthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue for the fifth survey as above constituted are to be a salary of $120 per annum and the commissions and other emoluments similar to those heretofore allowed to the inspector of the late fifth survey as it was originally constituted. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 25, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you an official statement of the expenditure to the year 1792 from the sum of $10,000, granted to defray the contingent expenses of Government by an act passed on the 26th of March, 1790. Also an abstract of a supplementary arrangement made in the district of North Carolina in regard to certain surveys to facilitate the execution of the law laying a duty on distilled spirits. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 13, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I lay before you for your consideration and advice a treaty of peace and friendship made and concluded on the 27th day of September, 1792, by Brigadier-General Rufus Putnam, in behalf of the United States, with the Wabash and Illinois tribes of Indians, and also the proceedings attending the said treaty, the explanation of the fourth article thereof, and a map explanatory of the reservation to the French inhabitants and the general claim of the said Indians. In connection with this subject I also lay before the Senate the copy of a paper which has been delivered by a man by the name of John Baptiste Mayeé, who has accompanied the Wabash Indians at present in this city. It will appear by the certificate of Brigadier-General Putnam that the Wabash Indians disclaimed the validity of the said paper, excepting a certain tract upon the Wabash, as mentioned in the proceedings. The instructions to Brigadier-General Putnam of the 22d of May, together with a letter to him of the 7th of August, 1792, were laid before the Senate on the 7th of November, 1792. After the Senate shall have considered this treaty, I request that they would give me their advice whether the same shall be ratified and confirmed; and if to be ratified and confirmed, whether it would not be proper, in order to prevent any misconception hereafter of the fourth article, to guard in the ratification the exclusive preemption of the United States to the lands of the said Indians. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I now lay before you a report and plat of the territory of the United States on the Potomac as given in by the commissioners of that territory, together with a letter from the Secretary of State which accompanied them. These papers, being original, are to be again deposited with the records of the Department of State after having answered the purpose of your information. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 19, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: It has been agreed on the part of the United States that a treaty or conference shall be held at the ensuing season with the hostile Indians northwest of the Ohio, in order to remove, if possible, all causes of difference and to establish a solid peace with them. As the estimates heretofore presented to the House for the current year did not contemplate this object, it will be proper that an express provision be made by law as well for the general expenses of the treaty as to establish the compensation to be allowed the commissioners who shall be appointed for the purpose. I shall therefore direct the Secretary of War to lay before you an estimate of the expenses which may probably attend this measure. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 27, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a copy of an exemplification of an act of the legislature of New York ceding to the United States the jurisdiction of certain lands on Montauk Point for the purpose mentioned in said act, and the copy of a letter from the governor of New York to the Secretary of State, which accompanied said exemplification. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 28, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I was led by a consideration of the qualifications of William Patterson, of New Jersey, to nominate him an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. It has since occurred that he was a member of the Senate when the law creating that office was passed, and that the time for which he was elected is not yet expired. I think it my duty, therefore, to declare that I deem the nomination to have been null by the Constitution. GEORGE WASHINGTON. PROCLAMATIONS. [From Freneau's National Gazette of December 15, 1792.] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Whereas I have received authentic information that certain lawless and wicked persons of the western frontier in the State of Georgia did lately invade, burn, and destroy a town belonging to the Cherokee Nation, although in amity with the United States, and put to death several Indians of that nation; and Whereas such outrageous conduct not only violates the rights of humanity, but also endangers the public peace, and it highly becomes the honor and good faith of the United States to pursue all legal means for the punishment of those atrocious offenders: I have therefore thought fit to issue this my proclamation, hereby exhorting all the citizens of the United States and requiring all the officers thereof, according to their respective stations, to use their utmost endeavors to apprehend and bring those offenders to justice. And I do moreover offer a reward of $500 for each and every of the above-named persons who shall be so apprehended and brought to justice and shall be proved to have assumed or exercised any command or authority among the perpetrators of the crimes aforesaid at the time of committing the same. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 12th day of December, A.D. 1792, and of the Independence of the United States the seventeenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: THOMAS JEFFERSON. [From Annuals of Congress, Second Congress, 666.] MARCH 1, 1793. _The President of the United States to the President of the Senate_: Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday, the 4th instant, I have desired their attendance, as I do yours, by these presents, at the Senate Chamber, in Philadelphia, on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such communications as shall be made to you on my part. GEORGE WASHINGTON. SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS. IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, PA. Fellow-citizens: I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of united America. Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my administration of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony. MARCH 4, 1793. FIFTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. PHILADELPHIA, _December 3, 1793_. _Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Since the commencement of the term for which I have been again called into office no fit occasion has arisen for expressing to my fellow-citizens at large the deep and respectful sense which I feel of the renewed testimony of public approbation. While on the one hand it awakened my gratitude for all those instances of affectionate partiality with which I have been honored by my country, on the other it could not prevent an earnest wish for that retirement from which no private consideration should ever have torn me. But influenced by the belief that my conduct would be estimated according to its real motives, and that the people, and the authorities derived from them, would support exertions having nothing personal for their object, I have obeyed the suffrage which commanded me to resume the Executive power; and I humbly implore that Being on whose will the fate of nations depends to crown with success our mutual endeavors for the general happiness. As soon as the war in Europe had embraced those powers with whom the United States have the most extensive relations there was reason to apprehend that our intercourse with them might be interrupted and our disposition for peace drawn into question by the suspicions too often entertained by belligerent nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty to admonish our citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and of hostile acts to any of the parties, and to obtain by a declaration of the existing legal state of things an easier admission of our right to the immunities belonging to our situation. Under these impressions the proclamation which will be laid before you was issued. In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved to adopt general rules which should conform to the treaties and assert the privileges of the United States. These were reduced into a system, which will be communicated to you. Although I have not thought myself at liberty to forbid the sale of the prizes permitted by our treaty of commerce with France to be brought into our ports, I have not refused to cause them to be restored when they were taken within the protection of our territory, or by vessels commissioned or equipped in a warlike form within the limits of the United States. It rests with the wisdom of Congress to correct, improve, or enforce this plan of procedure; and it will probably be found expedient to extend the legal code and the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States to many cases which, though dependent on principles already recognized, demand some further provisions. Where individuals shall, within the United States, array themselves in hostility against any of the powers at war, or enter upon military expeditions or enterprises within the jurisdiction of the United States, or usurp and exercise judicial authority within the United States, or where the penalties on violations of the law of nations may have been indistinctly marked, or are inadequate--these offenses can not receive too early and close an attention, and require prompt and decisive remedies. Whatsoever those remedies may be, they will be well administered by the judiciary, who possess a long-established course of investigation, effectual process, and officers in the habit of executing it. In like manner, as several of the courts have doubted, under particular circumstances, their power to liberate the vessels of a nation at peace, and even of a citizen of the United States, although seized under a false color of being hostile property, and have denied their power to liberate certain captures within the protection of our territory, it would seem proper to regulate their jurisdiction in these points. But if the Executive is to be the resort in either of the two last-mentioned cases, it is hoped that he will be authorized by law to have facts ascertained by the courts when for his own information he shall request it. I can not recommend to your notice measures for the fulfillment of our duties to the rest of the world without again pressing upon you the necessity of placing ourselves in a condition of complete defense and of exacting from them the fulfillment of their duties toward us. The United States ought not to indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order of human events, they will forever keep at a distance those painful appeals to arms with which the history of every other nation abounds. There is a rank due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready for war. The documents which will be presented to you will shew the amount and kinds of arms and military stores now in our magazines and arsenals; and yet an addition even to these supplies can not with prudence be neglected, as it would leave nothing to the uncertainty of procuring of warlike apparatus in the moment of public danger. Nor can such arrangements, with such objects, be exposed to the censure or jealousy of the warmest friends of republican government. They are incapable of abuse in the hands of the militia, who ought to possess a pride in being the depository of the force of the Republic, and may be trained to a degree of energy equal to every military exigency of the United States. But it is an inquiry which can not be too solemnly pursued, whether the act "more effectually to provide for the national defense by establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States" has organized them so as to produce their full effect; whether your own experience in the several States has not detected some imperfections in the scheme, and whether a material feature in an improvement of it ought not to be to afford an opportunity for the study of those branches of the military art which can scarcely ever be attained by practice alone. The connection of the United States with Europe has become extremely interesting. The occurrences which relate to it and have passed under the knowledge of the Executive will be exhibited to Congress in a subsequent communication. When we contemplate the war on our frontiers, it may be truly affirmed that every reasonable effort has been made to adjust the causes of dissension with the Indians north of the Ohio. The instructions given to the commissioners evince a moderation and equity proceeding from a sincere love of peace, and a liberality having no restriction but the essential interests and dignity of the United States. The attempt, however, of an amicable negotiation having been frustrated, the troops have marched to act offensively. Although the proposed treaty did not arrest the progress of military preparation, it is doubtful how far the advance of the season, before good faith justified active movements, may retard them during the remainder of the year. From the papers and intelligence which relate to this important subject you will determine whether the deficiency in the number of troops granted by law shall be compensated by succors of militia, or additional encouragements shall be proposed to recruits. An anxiety has been also demonstrated by the Executive for peace with the Creeks and the Cherokees. The former have been relieved with corn and with clothing, and offensive measures against them prohibited during the recess of Congress. To satisfy the complaints of the latter, prosecutions have been instituted for the violences committed upon them. But the papers which will be delivered to you disclose the critical footing on which we stand in regard to both those tribes, and it is with Congress to pronounce what shall be done. After they shall have provided for the present emergency, it will merit their most serious labors to render tranquillity with the savages permanent by creating ties of interest. Next to a rigorous execution of justice on the violators of peace, the establishment of commerce with the Indian nations in behalf of the United States is most likely to conciliate their attachment. But it ought to be conducted without fraud, without extortion, with constant and plentiful supplies, with a ready market for the commodities of the Indians and a stated price for what they give in payment and receive in exchange. Individuals will not pursue such a traffic unless they be allured by the hope of profit; but it will be enough for the United States to be reimbursed only. Should this recommendation accord with the opinion of Congress, they will recollect that it can not be accomplished by any means yet in the hands of the Executive. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: The commissioners charged with the settlement of accounts between the United States and individual States concluded their important functions within the time limited by law, and the balances struck in their report, which will be laid before Congress, have been placed on the books of the Treasury. On the 1st day of June last an installment of 1,000,000 florins became payable on the loans of the United States in Holland. This was adjusted by a prolongation of the period of reimbursement in nature of a new loan at an interest of 5 per cent for the term of ten years, and the expenses of this operation were a commission of 3 per cent. The first installment of the loan of $2,000,000 from the Bank of the United States has been paid, as was directed by law. For the second it is necessary that provision should be made. No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt. On none can delay be more injurious or an economy of time more valuable. The productiveness of the public revenues hitherto has continued to equal the anticipations which were formed of it, but it is not expected to prove commensurate with all the objects which have been suggested. Some auxiliary provisions will therefore, it is presumed, be requisite, and it is hoped that these may be made consistently with a due regard to the convenience of our citizens, who can not but be sensible of the true wisdom of encountering a small present addition to their contributions to obviate a future accumulation of burthens. But here I can not forbear to recommend a repeal of the tax on the transportation of public prints. There is no resource so firm for the Government of the United States as the affections of the people, guided by an enlightened policy; and to this primary good nothing can conduce more than a faithful representation of public proceedings, diffused without restraint throughout the United States. An estimate of the appropriations necessary for the current service of the ensuing year and a statement of a purchase of arms and military stores made during the recess will be presented to Congress. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The several subjects to which I have now referred open a wide range to your deliberations and involve some of the choicest interests of our common country. Permit me to bring to your remembrance the magnitude of your task. Without an unprejudiced coolness the welfare of the Government may be hazarded; without harmony as far as consists with freedom of sentiment its dignity may be lost. But as the legislative proceedings of the United States will never, I trust, be reproached for the want of temper or of candor, so shall not the public happiness languish from the want of my strenuous and warmest cooperation. GEORGE WASHINGTON. ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Accept, sir, the thanks of the Senate for your speech delivered to both Houses of Congress at the opening of the session. Your reelection to the Chief Magistracy of the United States gives us sincere pleasure. We consider it as an event every way propitious to the happiness of our country, and your compliance with the call as a fresh instance of the patriotism which has so repeatedly led you to sacrifice private inclination to the public good. In the unanimity which a second time marks this important national act we trace with particular satisfaction, besides the distinguished tribute paid to the virtues and abilities which it recognizes, another proof of that just discernment and constancy of sentiments and views which have hitherto characterized the citizens of the United States. As the European powers with whom the United States have the most extensive relations were involved in war, in which we had taken no part, it seemed necessary that the disposition of the nation for peace should be promulgated to the world, as well for the purpose of admonishing our citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and of acts hostile to any of the belligerent parties as to obtain by a declaration of the existing legal state of things an easier admission of our right to the immunities of our situation. We therefore contemplate with pleasure the proclamation by you issued, and give it our hearty approbation. We deem it a measure well timed and wise, manifesting a watchful solicitude for the welfare of the nation and calculated to promote it. The several important matters presented to our consideration will, in the course of the session, engage all the attention to which they are respectively entitled, and as the public happiness will be the sole guide of our deliberations, we are perfectly assured of receiving your strenuous and most zealous cooperation. JOHN ADAMS, _Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. DECEMBER 9, 1793. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: The pleasure expressed by the Senate on my reelection to the station which I fill commands my sincere and warmest acknowledgments. If this be an event which promises the smallest addition to the happiness of our country, as it is my duty so shall it be my study to realize the expectation. The decided approbation which the proclamation now receives from your House, by completing the proofs that this measure is considered as manifesting a vigilant attention to the welfare of the United States, brings with it a peculiar gratification to my mind. The other important subjects which have been communicated to you will, I am confident, receive a due discussion, and the result will, I trust, prove fortunate to the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. DECEMBER 10, 1793. ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States, in meeting you for the first time since you have been again called by an unanimous suffrage to your present station, find an occasion which they embrace with no less sincerity than promptitude for expressing to you their congratulations on so distinguished a testimony of public approbation, and their entire confidence in the purity and patriotism of the motives which have produced this obedience to the voice of your country. It is to virtues which have commanded long and universal reverence and services from which have flowed great and lasting benefits that the tribute of praise may be paid without the reproach of flattery, and it is from the same sources that the fairest anticipations may be derived in favor of the public happiness. The United States having taken no part in the war which had embraced in Europe the powers with whom they have the most extensive relations, the maintenance of peace was justly to be regarded as one of the most important duties of the Magistrate charged with the faithful execution of the laws. We accordingly witness with approbation and pleasure the vigilance with which you have guarded against an interruption of that blessing by your proclamation admonishing our citizens of the consequences of illicit or hostile acts toward the belligerent parties, and promoting by a declaration of the existing legal state of things an easier admission of our right to the immunities belonging to our situation. The connection of the United States with Europe has evidently become extremely interesting. The communications which remain to be exhibited to us will no doubt assist in giving us a fuller view of the subject and in guiding our deliberations to such results as may comport with the rights and true interests of our country. We learn with deep regret that the measures, dictated by love of peace, for obtaining an amicable termination of the afflicting war on our frontiers have been frustrated, and that a resort to offensive measures should have again become necessary. As the latter, however, must be rendered more satisfactory in proportion to the solicitude for peace manifested by the former, it is to be hoped they will be pursued under the better auspices on that account, and be finally crowned with more happy success. In relation to the particular tribes of Indians against whom offensive measures have been prohibited, as well as on all the other important subjects which you have presented to our view, we shall bestow the attention which they claim. We can not, however, refrain at this time from particularly expressing our concurrence in your anxiety for the regular discharge of the public debts as fast as circumstances and events will permit and in the policy of removing any impediments that may be found in the way of a faithful representation of public proceedings throughout the United States, being persuaded with you that on no subject more than the former can delay be more injurious or an economy of time more valuable, and that with respect to the latter no resource is so firm for the Government of the United States as the affections of the people, guided by an enlightened policy. Throughout our deliberations we shall endeavor to cherish every sentiment which may contribute to render them conducive to the dignity as well as to the welfare of the United States; and we join with you in imploring that Being on whose will the fate of nations depends to crown with success our mutual endeavors. DECEMBER 6, 1793. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: I shall not affect to conceal the cordial satisfaction which I derive from the address of the House of Representatives. Whatsoever those services may be which you have sanctioned by your favor, it is a sufficient reward that they have been accepted as they were meant. For the fulfillment of your anticipations of the future I can give no other assurance than that the motives which you approve shall continue unchanged. It is truly gratifying to me to learn that the proclamation has been considered as a seasonable guard against the interruption of the public peace. Nor can I doubt that the subjects which I have recommended to your attention as depending on legislative provisions will receive a discussion suited to their importance. With every reason, then, it may be expected that your deliberations, under the divine blessing, will be matured to the honor and happiness of the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. DECEMBER 7, 1793. SPECIAL MESSAGES. UNITED STATES, _December 5, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: As the present situation of the several nations of Europe, and especially of those with which the United States have important relations, can not but render the state of things between them and us matter of interesting inquiry to the Legislature, and may indeed give rise to deliberations to which they alone are competent, I have thought it my duty to communicate to them certain correspondences which have taken place. The representative and executive bodies of France have manifested generally a friendly attachment to this country; have given advantages to our commerce and navigation, and have made overtures for placing these advantages on permanent ground. A decree, however, of the National Assembly subjecting vessels laden with provisions to be carried into their ports and making enemy goods lawful prize in the vessel of a friend, contrary to our treaty, though revoked at one time as to the United States, has been since extended to their vessels also, as has been recently stated to us. Representations on this subject will be immediately given in charge to our minister there, and the result shall be communicated to the Legislature. It is with extreme concern I have to inform you that the proceedings of the person whom they have unfortunately appointed their minister plenipotentiary here have breathed nothing of the friendly spirit of the nation which sent him. Their tendency, on the contrary, has been to involve us in war abroad and discord and anarchy at home. So far as his acts or those of his agents have threatened our immediate commitment in the war, or flagrant insult to the authority of the laws, their effect has been counteracted by the ordinary cognizance of the laws and by an exertion of the powers confided to me. Where their danger was not imminent they have been borne with from sentiments of regard to his nation, from a sense of their friendship toward us, from a conviction that they would not suffer us to remain long exposed to the action of a person who has so little respected our mutual dispositions, and, I will add, from a reliance on the firmness of my fellow-citizens in their principles of peace and order. In the meantime I have respected and pursued the stipulations of our treaties according to what I judged their true sense, and have withheld no act of friendship which their affairs have called for from us, and which justice to others left us free to perform. I have gone farther. Rather than employ force for the restitution of certain vessels which I deemed the United States bound to restore, I thought it more advisable to satisfy the parties by avowing it to be my opinion that if restitution were not made it would be incumbent on the United States to make compensation. The papers now communicated will more particularly apprise you of these transactions. The vexations and spoliation understood to have been committed on our vessels and commerce by the cruisers and officers of some of the belligerent powers appear to require attention. The proofs of these, however, not having been brought forward, the descriptions of citizens supposed to have suffered were notified that, on furnishing them to the Executive, due measures would be taken to obtain redress of the past and more effectual provisions against the future. Should such documents be furnished, proper representations will be made thereon, with a just reliance on a redress proportioned to the exigency of the case. The British Government having undertaken, by orders to the commanders of their armed vessels, to restrain generally our commerce in corn and other provisions to their own ports and those of their friends, the instructions now communicated were immediately forwarded to our minister at that Court. In the meantime some discussions on the subject took place between him and them. These are also laid before you, and I may expect to learn the result of his special instructions in time to make it known to the Legislature during their present session. Very early after the arrival of a British minister here mutual explanations on the inexecution of the treaty of peace were entered into with that minister. These are now laid before you for your information. On the subjects of mutual interest between this country and Spain negotiations and conferences are now depending. The public good requiring that the present state of these should be made known to the Legislature _in confidence only_, they shall be the subject of a separate and subsequent communication. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 16, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The situation of affairs in Europe in the course of the year 1790 having rendered it possible that a moment might arrive favorable for the arrangement of our unsettled matters with Spain, it was thought proper to prepare our representative at that Court to avail us of it. A confidential person was therefore dispatched to be the bearer of instructions to him, and to supply, by verbal communications, any additional information of which he might find himself in need. The Government of France was at the same time applied to for its aid and influence in this negotiation. Events, however, took a turn which did not present the occasion hoped for. About the close of the ensuing year I was informed through the representatives of Spain here that their Government would be willing to renew at Madrid the former conferences on these subjects. Though the transfer of scene was not what would have been desired, yet I did not think it important enough to reject the proposition, and therefore, with the advice and consent of the Senate, I appointed commissioners plenipotentiary for negotiating and concluding a treaty with that country on the several subjects of boundary, navigation, and commerce, and gave them the instructions now communicated. Before these negotiations, however, could be got into train the new troubles which had arisen in Europe had produced new combinations among the powers there, the effects of which are but too visible in the proceedings now laid before you. In the meantime some other points of discussion had arisen with that country, to wit, the restitution of property escaping into the territories of each other, the mutual exchange of fugitives from justice, and, above all the mutual interferences with the Indians lying between us. I had the best reason to believe that the hostilities threatened and exercised by the Southern Indians on our border were excited by the agents of that Government. Representations were thereon directed to be made by our commissioners to the Spanish Government, and a proposal to cultivate with good faith the peace of each other with those people. In the meantime corresponding suspicions were entertained, or pretended to be entertained, on their part of like hostile excitements by our agents to disturb their peace with the same nations. These were brought forward by the representatives of Spain here in a style which could not fail to produce attention. A claim of patronage and protection of those Indians was asserted; a mediation between them and us by that sovereign assumed; their boundaries with us made a subject of his interference, and at length, at the very moment when these savages were committing daily inroads upon our frontier, we were informed by them that "the continuation of the peace, good harmony, and perfect friendship of the two nations was very problematical for the future, unless the United States should take more convenient measures and of greater energy than those adopted for a long time past." If their previous correspondence had worn the appearance of a desire to urge on a disagreement, this last declaration left no room to evade it, since it could not be conceived we would submit to the scalping knife and tomahawk of the savage without any resistance. I thought it time, therefore, to know if these were the views of their sovereign, and dispatched a special messenger with instructions to our commissioners, which are among the papers now communicated. Their last letter gives us reason to expect very shortly to know the result. I must add that the Spanish representatives here, perceiving that their last communication had made considerable impression, endeavored to abate this by some subsequent professions, which, being also among the communications to the Legislature, they will be able to form their own conclusions. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 16, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a report of the Secretary of State on the measures which have been taken on behalf of the United States for the purpose of obtaining a recognition of our treaty with Morocco and for the ransom of our citizens and establishment of peace with Algiers. While it is proper our citizens should know that subjects which so much concern their interest and their feelings have duly engaged the attention of their Legislature and Executive, it would still be improper that some particulars of this communication should be made known. The confidential conversation stated in one of the last letters sent herewith is one of these. Both justice and policy require that the source of that information should remain secret. So a knowledge of the sums meant to have been given for peace and ransom might have a disadvantageous influence on future proceedings for the same objects. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 23, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Since the communications which were made to you on the affairs of the United States with Spain and on the truce between Portugal and Algiers some other papers have been received, which, making a part of the same subjects, are now communicated for your information. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1793_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you, for your consideration, a letter from the Secretary of State, informing me of certain impediments which have arisen to the coinage of the precious metals at the Mint, as also a letter from the same officer relative to certain advances of money which have been made on public account. Should you think proper to sanction what has been done, or be of opinion that anything more shall be done in the same way, you will judge whether there are not circumstances which would render secrecy expedient. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 7, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Experience has shewn that it would be useful to have an officer particularly charged, under the direction of the Department of War, with the duties of receiving, safe-keeping, and distributing the public supplies in all cases in which the laws and the course of service do not devolve them upon other officers, and also with that of superintending in all cases the issues in detail of supplies, with power for that purpose to bring to account all persons intrusted to make such issues in relation thereto. An establishment of this nature, by securing a regular and punctual accountability for the issues of public supplies, would be a great guard against abuse, would tend to insure their due application and to give public satisfaction on that point. I therefore recommend to the consideration of Congress the expediency of an establishment of this nature, under such regulations as shall appear to them advisable, GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 20, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Having already laid before you a letter of the 16th of August, 1793, from the Secretary of State to our minister at Paris, stating the conduct and urging the recall of the minister plenipotentiary of the Republic of France, I now communicate to you that his conduct has been unequivocally disapproved, and that the strongest assurances have been given that his recall should be expedited without delay. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 21, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: It is with satisfaction I announce to you that the alterations which have been made by law in the original plan for raising a duty on spirits distilled within the United States, and on stills, cooperating with better information, have had a considerable influence in obviating the difficulties which have embarrassed that branch of the public revenue. But the obstacles which have been experienced, though lessened, are not yet entirely surmounted, and it would seem that some further legislative provisions may usefully be superadded, which leads me to recall the attention of Congress to the subject. Among the matters which may demand regulation is the effect, in point of organization, produced by the separation of Kentucky from the State of Virginia, and the situation with regard to the law of the territories northwest and southwest of the Ohio. The laws respecting light-house establishments require, as a condition of their permanent maintenance at the expense of the United States, a complete cession of soil and jurisdiction. The cessions of different States having been qualified with a reservation of the right of serving legal process within the ceded jurisdiction are understood to be inconclusive as annexing a qualification not consonant with the terms of the law. I present this circumstance to the view of Congress, that they may judge whether any alteration ought to be made. As it appears to be conformable with the intention of the "ordinance for the government of the territory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio," although it is not expressly directed that the laws of that territory should be laid before Congress, I now transmit to you a copy of such as have been passed from July to December, 1792, inclusive. being the last which have been received by the Secretary of State. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 30, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Communications have been made to Congress during the present session with the intention of affording a full view of the posture of affairs on the Southwestern frontiers. By the information which has lately been laid before Congress it appeared that the difficulties with the Creeks had been amicably and happily terminated; but it will be perceived with regret by the papers herewith transmitted that the tranquillity has, unfortunately, been of short duration, owing to the murder of several friendly Indians by some lawless white men. The condition of things in that quarter requires the serious and immediate consideration of Congress, and the adoption of such wise and vigorous laws as will be competent to the preservation of the national character and of the peace made under the authority of the United States with the several Indian tribes. Experience demonstrates that the existing legal provisions are entirely inadequate to those great objects. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 7, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I transmit to you an act and three ordinances passed by the government of the territory of the United States south of the river Ohio on the 13th and 21st of March and the 7th of May, 1793, and also certain letters from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Secretary of State, inclosing dispatches from the general and extraordinary commission of Guadaloupe. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 19, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the Chief Justice and associate justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, and, at their desire, the representation mentioned in the said letter, pointing out certain defects in the judiciary system. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 24, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The extracts which I now lay before you, from a letter of our minister at London, are supplementary to some of my past communications, and will appear to be of a confidential nature. I also transmit to you copies of a letter from the Secretary of State to the minister plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty, and of the answer thereto, upon the subject of the treaty between the United States and Great Britain, together with the copy of a letter from Messrs. Carmichael and Short, relative to our affairs with Spain, which letter is connected with a former confidential message, GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 26, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I have caused the correspondence which is the subject of your resolution of the 24th day of January last to be laid before me. After an examination of it I directed copies and translations to be made, except in those particulars which, in my judgment, for public considerations, ought not to be communicated. These copies and translations are now transmitted to the Senate; but the nature of them manifests the propriety of their being received as confidential. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 3, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I transmit to you an extract from a letter of Mr. Short, relative to our affairs with Spain, and copies of two letters from our minister at Lisbon, with their inclosures, containing intelligence from Algiers. The whole of these communications are made in confidence, except the passage in Mr. Short's letter which respects the Spanish convoy. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 5, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The Secretary of State having reported to me upon the several complaints which have been lodged in his office against the vexations and spoliations on our commerce since the commencement of the European war, I transmit to you a copy of his statement, together with the documents upon which it is founded. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 18, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic having requested an advance of money, I transmit to Congress certain documents relative to that subject. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 28, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_; In the execution of the resolution of Congress bearing date the 26th of March, 1794, and imposing an embargo, I have requested the governors of the several States to call forth the force of their militia, if it should be necessary, for the detention of vessels. This power is conceived to be incidental to an embargo. It also deserves the attention of Congress how far the clearances from one district to another, under the law as it now stands, may give rise to evasions of the embargo. As one security the collectors have been instructed to refuse to receive the surrender of coasting licenses for the purpose of taking out registers, and to require bond from registered vessels bound from one district to another, for the delivery of the cargo within the United States. It is not understood that the resolution applies to fishing vessels, although their occupations lie generally in parts beyond the United States. But without further restrictions there is an opportunity of their privileges being used as means of eluding the embargo. All armed vessels possessing public commissions from any foreign power (letters of marque excepted) are considered as not liable to the embargo. These circumstances are transmitted to Congress for their consideration. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _April 4, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you three letters from our minister in London, advices concerning the Algerine mission from our minister at Lisbon and others, and a letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Secretary of State, with his answer. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _April 15, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a letter from the minister plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty to the Secretary of State; a letter from the secretary of the territory south of the river Ohio, inclosing an ordinance and proclamation of the governor thereof; the translation of so much of a petition of the inhabitants of Post Vincennes, addressed to the President, as relates to Congress, and certain dispatches lately received from our commissioners at Madrid. These dispatches from Madrid being a part of the business which has been hitherto deemed confidential, they are forwarded under that view. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _April 16, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: The communications which I have made to you during your present session from the dispatches of our minister in London contain a serious aspect of our affairs with Great Britain. But as peace ought to be pursued with unremitted zeal before the last resource, which has so often been the scourge of nations, and can not fail to check the advanced prosperity of the United States, is contemplated, I have thought proper to nominate, and do hereby nominate, John Jay as envoy extraordinary of the United States to His Britannic Majesty. My confidence in our minister plenipotentiary in London continues undiminished. But a mission like this, while it corresponds with the solemnity of the occasion, will announce to the world a solicitude for a friendly adjustment of our complaints and a reluctance to hostility. Going immediately from the United States, such an envoy will carry with him a full knowledge of the existing temper and sensibility of our country, and will thus be taught to vindicate our rights with firmness and to cultivate peace with sincerity. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 12, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: As the letter which I forwarded to Congress on the 15th day of April last, from the minister plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty to the Secretary of State, in answer to a memorial of our minister in London, related to a very interesting subject, I thought it proper not to delay its communication. But since that time the memorial itself has been received in a letter from our minister, and a reply has been made to that answer by the Secretary of State. Copies of them are therefore now transmitted. I also send the copy of a letter from the governor of Rhode Island, inclosing an act of the legislature of that State empowering the United States to hold lands within the same for the purpose of erecting fortifications, and certain papers concerning patents for the donation lands to the ancient settlers of Vincennes upon the Wabash. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 20, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: In the communications which I have made to Congress during the present session relative to foreign nations I have omitted no opportunity of testifying my anxiety to preserve the United States in peace. It is peculiarly, therefore, my duty at this time to lay before you the present state of certain hostile threats against the territories of Spain in our neighborhood. The documents which accompany this message develop the measures which I have taken to suppress them, and the intelligence which has been lately received. It will be seen from thence that the subject has not been neglected; that every power vested in the Executive on such occasions has been exerted, and that there was reason to believe that the enterprise projected against the Spanish dominions was relinquished. But it appears to have been revived upon principles which set public order at defiance and place the peace of the United States in the discretion of unauthorized individuals. The means already deposited in the different departments of Government are shewn by experience not to be adequate to these high exigencies, although such of them as are lodged in the hands of the Executive shall continue to be used with promptness, energy, and decision proportioned to the case. But I am impelled by the position of our public affairs to recommend that provision be made for a stronger and more vigorous opposition than can be given to such hostile movements under the laws as they now stand. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 21, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you in confidence sundry papers, by which you will perceive the state of affairs between us and the Six Nations, and the probable cause to which it is owing, and also certain information whereby it would appear that some encroachment was about to be made on our territory by an officer and party of British troops. Proceeding upon a supposition of the authenticity of this information, although of a private nature, I have caused the representation to be made to the British minister a copy of which accompanies this message. It can not be necessary to comment upon the very serious nature of such an encroachment, nor to urge that this new state of things suggests the propriety of placing the United States in a posture of effectual preparation for an event which, notwithstanding the endeavors making to avert it, may by circumstances beyond our control be forced upon us. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 26, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The commissioners of His Catholic Majesty having communicated to the Secretary of State the form of a certificate without which the vessels of the United States can not be admitted into the ports of Spain, I think it proper to lay it before Congress. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 27, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: The Executive Provisory Council of the French Republic having requested me to recall Gouverneur Morris, our minister plenipotentiary in France, I have thought proper, in pursuance of that request, to recall him. I therefore nominate James Monroe, of Virginia, as minister plenipotentiary of the United States to the said Republic. I also nominate William Short, now minister resident for the United States with Their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands, to be minister resident for the United States to His Catholic Majesty, in the room of William Carmichael, who is recalled. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _June 2, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I send you certain communications, recently received from Georgia, which materially change the prospect of affairs in that quarter, and seem to render a war with the Creek Nations more probable than it has been at any antecedent period. While the attention of Congress will be directed to the consideration of measures suited to the exigency, it can not escape their observation that this intelligence brings a fresh proof of the insufficiency of the existing provisions of the laws toward the effectual cultivation and preservation of peace with our Indian neighbors. GEORGE WASHINGTON. PROCLAMATIONS. [From a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands of the one part and France on the other, and the duty and interest of the United States require that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent powers: I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the disposition of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid toward those powers respectively, and to exhort and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever which may in any manner tend to contravene such disposition. And I do hereby also make known that whosoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations by committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities against any of the said powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States against such punishment or forfeiture; and further, that I have given instructions to those officers to whom it belongs to cause prosecutions to be instituted against all persons who shall, within the cognizance of the courts of the United States, violate the law of nations with respect to the powers at war, or any of them. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 22d day of April, 1793, and of the Independence of the United States of America the seventeenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: THOMAS JEFFERSON. BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas I have received information that certain persons, in violation of the laws, have presumed, under color of a foreign authority, to enlist citizens of the United States and others within the State of Kentucky, and have there assembled an armed force for the purpose of invading and plundering the territories of a nation at peace with the said United States; and Whereas such unwarrantable measures, being contrary to the laws of nations and to the duties incumbent on every citizen of the United States, tend to disturb the tranquillity of the same, and to involve them in the calamities of war; and Whereas it is the duty of the Executive to take care that such criminal proceedings should be suppressed, the offenders brought to justice, and all good citizens cautioned against measures likely to prove so pernicious to their country and themselves, should they be seduced into similar infractions of the laws: I have therefore thought proper to issue this proclamation, hereby solemnly warning every person, not authorized by the laws, against enlisting any citizen or citizens of the United States, or levying troops, or assembling any persons within the United States for the purposes aforesaid, or proceeding in any manner to the execution thereof, as they will answer for the same at their peril; and I do also admonish and require all citizens to refrain from enlisting, enrolling, or assembling themselves for such unlawful purposes and from being in anywise concerned, aiding, or abetting therein, as they tender their own welfare, inasmuch as all lawful means will be strictly put in execution for securing obedience to the laws and for punishing such dangerous and daring violations thereof. And I do moreover charge and require all courts, magistrates, and other officers whom it may concern, according to their respective duties, to exert the powers in them severally vested to prevent and suppress all such unlawful assemblages and proceedings, and to bring to condign punishment those who may have been guilty thereof, as they regard the due authority of Government and the peace and welfare of the United States. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 24th day of March, 1794, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighteenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: EDM. RANDOLPH. [From Annals of Congress, Fourth Congress, second session, 2796.] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas combinations to defeat the execution of the laws laying duties upon spirits distilled within the United States and upon stills have from the time of the commencement of those laws existed in some of the western parts of Pennsylvania; and Whereas the said combinations, proceeding in a manner subversive equally of the just authority of government and of the rights of individuals, have hitherto effected their dangerous and criminal purpose by the influence of certain irregular meetings whose proceedings have tended to encourage and uphold the spirit of opposition by misrepresentations of the laws calculated to render them odious; by endeavors to deter those who might be so disposed from accepting offices under them through fear of public resentment and of injury to person and property, and to compel those who had accepted such offices by actual violence to surrender or forbear the execution of them; by circulating vindictive menaces against all those who should otherwise, directly or indirectly, aid in the execution of the said laws, or who, yielding to the dictates of conscience and to a sense of obligation, should themselves comply therewith; by actually injuring and destroying the property of persons who were understood to have so complied; by inflicting cruel and humiliating punishments upon private citizens for no other cause than that of appearing to be the friends of the laws; by intercepting the public officers on the highways, abusing, assaulting, and otherwise ill treating them; by going to their houses in the night, gaining admittance by force, taking away their papers, and committing other outrages, employing for these unwarrantable purposes the agency of armed banditti disguised in such manner as for the most part to escape discovery; and Whereas the endeavors of the Legislature to obviate objections to the said laws by lowering the duties and by other alterations conducive to the convenience of those whom they immediately affect (though they have given satisfaction in other quarters), and the endeavors of the executive officers to conciliate a compliance with the laws by explanations, by forbearance, and even by particular accommodations founded on the suggestion of local considerations, have been disappointed of their effect by the machinations of persons whose industry to excite resistance has increased with every appearance of a disposition among the people to relax in their opposition and to acquiesce in the laws, insomuch that many persons in the said western parts of Pennsylvania have at length been hardy enough to perpetrate acts which I am advised amount to treason, being overt acts of levying war against the United States, the said persons having on the 16th and 17th July last past proceeded in arms (on the second day amounting to several hundreds) to the house of John Neville, inspector of the revenue for the fourth survey of the district of Pennsylvania; having repeatedly attacked the said house with the persons therein, wounding some of them; having seized David Lenox, marshal of the district of Pennsylvania, who previous thereto had been fired upon while in the execution of his duty by a party of armed men, detaining him for some time prisoner, till for the preservation of his life and the obtaining of his liberty he found it necessary to enter into stipulations to forbear the execution of certain official duties touching processes issuing out of a court of the United States; and having finally obliged the said inspector of the said revenue and the said marshal from considerations of personal safety to fly from that part of the country, in order, by a circuitous route, to proceed to the seat of Government, avowing as the motives of these outrageous proceedings an intention to prevent by force of arms the execution of the said laws, to oblige the said inspector of the revenue to renounce his said office, to withstand by open violence the lawful authority of the Government of the United States, and to compel thereby an alteration in the measures of the Legislature and a repeal of the laws aforesaid; and Whereas by a law of the United States entitled "An act to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions," it is enacted "that whenever the laws of the United States shall be opposed or the execution thereof obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the marshals by that act, the same being notified by an associate justice or the district judge, it shall be lawful for the President of the United States to call forth the militia of such State to suppress such combinations and to cause the laws to be duly executed. And if the militia of a State where such combinations may happen shall refuse or be insufficient to suppress the same, it shall be lawful for the President, if the Legislature of the United States shall not be in session, to call forth and employ such numbers of the militia of any other State or States most convenient thereto as may be necessary; and the use of the militia so to be called forth may be continued, if necessary, until the expiration of thirty days after the commencement of the ensuing session: _Provided always_, That whenever it may be necessary in the judgment of the President to use the military force hereby directed to be called forth, the President shall forthwith, and previous thereto, by proclamation, command such insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes within a limited time;" and Whereas James Wilson, an associate justice, on the 4th instant, by writing under his hand, did from evidence which had been laid before him notify to me that "in the counties of Washington and Allegany, in Pennsylvania, laws of the United States are opposed and the execution thereof obstructed by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the marshal of that district;" and Whereas it is in my judgment necessary under the circumstances of the case to take measures for calling forth the militia in order to suppress the combinations aforesaid, and to cause the laws to be duly executed; and I have accordingly determined so to do, feeling the deepest regret for the occasion, but withal the most solemn conviction that the essential interests of the Union demand it, that the very existence of Government and the fundamental principles of social order are materially involved in the issue, and that the patriotism and firmness of all good citizens are seriously called upon, as occasions may require, to aid in the effectual suppression of so fatal a spirit: Wherefore, and in pursuance of the proviso above recited, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do hereby command all persons being insurgents as aforesaid, and all others whom it may concern, on or before the 1st day of September next to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes. And I do moreover warn all persons whomsoever against aiding, abetting, or comforting the perpetrators of the aforesaid treasonable acts, and do require all officers and other citizens, according to their respective duties and the laws of the land, to exert their utmost endeavors to prevent and suppress such dangerous proceedings. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 7th day of August, 1794, and of the Independence of the United States of America the nineteenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: EDM. RANDOLPH. [From Annals of Congress, Third Congress, 1413.] BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas from a hope that the combinations against the Constitution and laws of the United States in certain of the western counties of Pennsylvania would yield to time and reflection I thought it sufficient in the first instance rather to take measures for calling forth the militia than immediately to embody them, but the moment is now come when the overtures of forgiveness, with no other condition than a submission to law, have been only partially accepted; when every form of conciliation not inconsistent with the being of Government has been adopted without effect; when the well-disposed in those counties are unable by their influence and example to reclaim the wicked from their fury, and are compelled to associate in their own defense; when the proffered lenity has been perversely misinterpreted into an apprehension that the citizens will march with reluctance; when the opportunity of examining the serious consequences of a treasonable opposition has been employed in propagating principles of anarchy, endeavoring through emissaries to alienate the friends of order from its support, and inviting its enemies to perpetrate similar acts of insurrection; when it is manifest that violence would continue to be exercised upon every attempt to enforce the laws; when, therefore, Government is set at defiance, the contest being whether a small portion of the United States shall dictate to the whole Union, and, at the expense of those who desire peace, indulge a desperate ambition: Now, therefore, I, George Washington, President of the United States, in obedience to that high and irresistible duty consigned to me by the Constitution "to take care that the laws be faithfully executed," deploring that the American name should be sullied by the outrages of citizens on their own Government, commiserating such as remain obstinate from delusion, but resolved, in perfect reliance on that gracious Providence which so signally displays its goodness towards this country, to reduce the refractory to a due subordination to the law, do hereby declare and make known that, with a satisfaction which can be equaled only by the merits of the militia summoned into service from the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, I have received intelligence of their patriotic alacrity in obeying the call of the present, though painful, yet commanding necessity; that a force which, according to every reasonable expectation, is adequate to the exigency is already in motion to the scene of disaffection; that those who have confided or shall confide in the protection of Government shall meet full succor under the standard and from the arms of the United States; that those who, having offended against the laws, have since entitled themselves to indemnity will be treated with the most liberal good faith if they shall not have forfeited their claim by any subsequent conduct, and that instructions are given accordingly. And I do moreover exhort all individuals, officers, and bodies of men to contemplate with abhorrence the measures leading directly or indirectly to those crimes which produce this resort to military coercion; to check in their respective spheres the efforts of misguided or designing men to substitute their misrepresentation in the place of truth and their discontents in the place of stable government, and to call to mind that, as the people of the United States have been permitted, under the Divine favor, in perfect freedom, after solemn deliberation, and in an enlightened age, to elect their own government, so will their gratitude for this inestimable blessing be best distinguished by firm exertions to maintain the Constitution and the laws. And, lastly, I again warn all persons whomsoever and wheresoever not to abet, aid, or comfort the insurgents aforesaid, as they will answer the contrary at their peril; and I do also require all officers and other citizens, according to their several duties, as far as may be in their power, to bring under the cognizance of the laws all offenders in the premises. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 25th day of September, 1794, and of the Independence of the United States of America the nineteenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: EDM. RANDOLPH. SIXTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. UNITED STATES, _November 19, 1794_. _Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_; When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven by which the American people became a nation; when we survey the general prosperity of our country, and look forward to the riches, power, and happiness to which it seems destined, with the deepest regret do I announce to you that during your recess some of the citizens of the United States have been found capable of an insurrection. It is due, however, to the character of our Government and to its stability, which can not be shaken by the enemies of order, freely to unfold the course of this event. During the session of the year 1790 it was expedient to exercise the legislative power granted by the Constitution of the United States "to lay and collect excises." In a majority of the States scarcely an objection was heard to this mode of taxation. In some, indeed, alarms were at first conceived, until they were banished by reason and patriotism. In the four western counties of Pennsylvania a prejudice, fostered and imbittered by the artifice of men who labored for an ascendency over the will of others by the guidance of their passions, produced symptoms of riot and violence. It is well known that Congress did not hesitate to examine the complaints which were presented, and to relieve them as far as justice dictated or general convenience would permit. But the impression which this moderation made on the discontented did not correspond with what it deserved. The arts of delusion were no longer confined to the efforts of designing individuals. The very forbearance to press prosecutions was misinterpreted into a fear of urging the execution of the laws, and associations of men began to denounce threats against the officers employed. From a belief that by a more formal concert their operation might be defeated, certain self-created societies assumed the tone of condemnation. Hence, while the greater part of Pennsylvania itself were conforming themselves to the acts of excise, a few counties were resolved to frustrate them. It was now perceived that every expectation from the tenderness which had been hitherto pursued was unavailing, and that further delay could only create an opinion of impotency or irresolution in the Government. Legal process was therefore delivered to the marshal against the rioters and delinquent distillers. No sooner was he understood to be engaged in this duty than the vengeance of armed men was aimed at _his_ person and the person and property of the inspector of the revenue. They fired upon the marshal, arrested him, and detained him for some time as a prisoner. He was obliged, by the jeopardy of his life, to renounce the service of other process on the west side of the Allegheny Mountain, and a deputation was afterwards sent to him to demand a surrender of that which he _had_ served. A numerous body repeatedly attacked the house of the inspector, seized his papers of office, and finally destroyed by fire his buildings and whatsoever they contained. Both of these officers, from a just regard to their safety, fled to the seat of Government, it being avowed that the motives to such outrages were to compel the resignation of the inspector, to withstand by force of arms the authority of the United States, and thereby to extort a repeal of the laws of excise and an alteration in the conduct of Government. Upon the testimony of these facts an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States notified to me that "in the counties of Washington and Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, laws of the United States were opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the marshal of that district." On this call, momentous in the extreme, I sought and weighed what might best subdue the crisis. On the one hand the judiciary was pronounced to be stripped of its capacity to enforce the laws; crimes which reached the very existence of social order were perpetrated without control; the friends of Government were insulted, abused, and overawed into silence or an apparent acquiescence; and to yield to the treasonable fury of so small a portion of the United States would be to violate the fundamental principle of our Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority shall prevail. On the other, to array citizen against citizen, to publish the dishonor of such excesses, to encounter the expense and other embarrassments of so distant an expedition, were steps too delicate, too closely interwoven with many affecting considerations, to be lightly adopted. I postponed, therefore, the summoning the militia immediately into the field, but I required them to be held in readiness, that if my anxious endeavors to reclaim the deluded and to convince the malignant of their danger should be fruitless, military force might be prepared to act before the season should be too far advanced. My proclamation of the 7th of August last was accordingly issued, and accompanied by the appointment of commissioners, who were charged to repair to the scene of insurrection. They were authorized to confer with any bodies of men or individuals. They were instructed to be candid and explicit in stating the sensations which had been excited in the Executive, and his earnest wish to avoid a resort to coercion; to represent, however, that, without submission, coercion _must_ be the resort; but to invite them, at the same time, to return to the demeanor of faithful citizens, by such accommodations as lay within the sphere of Executive power. Pardon, too, was tendered to them by the Government of the United States and that of Pennsylvania, upon no other condition than a satisfactory assurance of obedience to the laws. Although the report of the commissioners marks their firmness and abilities, and must unite all virtuous men, by shewing that the means of conciliation have been exhausted, all of those who had committed or abetted the tumults did not subscribe the mild form which was proposed as the atonement, and the indications of a peaceable temper were neither sufficiently general nor conclusive to recommend or warrant the further suspension of the march of the militia. Thus the painful alternative could not be discarded. I ordered the militia to march, after once more admonishing the insurgents in my proclamation of the 25th of September last. It was a task too difficult to ascertain with precision the lowest degree of force competent to the quelling of the insurrection. From a respect, indeed, to economy and the ease of my fellow-citizens belonging to the militia, it would have gratified me to accomplish such an estimate. My very reluctance to ascribe too much importance to the opposition, had its extent been accurately seen, would have been a decided inducement to the smallest efficient numbers, In this uncertainty, therefore, I put into motion 15,000 men, as being an army which, according to all human calculation, would be prompt and adequate in every view, and might, perhaps, by rendering resistance desperate, prevent the effusion of blood. Quotas had been assigned to the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, the governor of Pennsylvania having declared on this occasion an opinion which justified a requisition to the other States. As commander in chief of the militia when called into the actual service of the United States, I have visited the places of general rendezvous to obtain more exact information and to direct a plan for ulterior movements. Had there been room for a persuasion that the laws were secure from obstruction; that the civil magistrate was able to bring to justice such of the most culpable as have not embraced the proffered terms of amnesty, and may be deemed fit objects of example; that the friends to peace and good government were not in need of that aid and countenance which they ought always to receive, and, I trust, ever will receive, against the vicious and turbulent, I should have caught with avidity the opportunity of restoring the militia to their families and homes. But succeeding intelligence has tended to manifest the necessity of what has been done, it being now confessed by those who were not inclined to exaggerate the ill conduct of the insurgents that their malevolence was not pointed merely to a particular law, but that a spirit inimical to all order has actuated many of the offenders. If the state of things had afforded reason for the continuance of my presence with the army, it would not have been withholden. But every appearance assuring such an issue as will redound to the reputation and strength of the United States, I have judged it most proper to resume my duties at the seat of Government, leaving the chief command with the governor of Virginia. Still, however, as it is probable that in a commotion like the present, whatsoever may be the pretense, the purposes of mischief and revenge may not be laid aside, the stationing of a small force for a certain period in the four western counties of Pennsylvania will be indispensable, whether we contemplate the situation of those who are connected with the execution of the laws or of others who may have exposed themselves by an honorable attachment to them. Thirty days from the commencement of this session being the legal limitation of the employment of the militia, Congress can not be too early occupied with this subject. Among the discussions which may arise from this aspect of our affairs, and from the documents which will be submitted to Congress, it will not escape their observation that not only the inspector of the revenue, but other officers of the United States in Pennsylvania have, from their fidelity in the discharge of their functions, sustained material injuries to their property. The obligation and policy of indemnifying them are strong and obvious. It may also merit attention whether policy will not enlarge this provision to the retribution of other citizens who, though not under the ties of office, may have suffered damage by their generous exertions for upholding the Constitution and the laws. The amount, even if all the injured were included, would not be great, and on future emergencies the Government would be amply repaid by the influence of an example that he who incurs a loss in its defense shall find a recompense in its liberality. While there is cause to lament that occurrences of this nature should have disgraced the name or interrupted the tranquillity of any part of our community, or should have diverted to a new application any portion of the public resources, there are not wanting real and substantial consolations for the misfortune. It has demonstrated that our prosperity rests on solid foundations, by furnishing an additional proof that my fellow-citizens understand the true principles of government and liberty; that they feel their inseparable union; that notwithstanding all the devices which have been used to sway them from their interest and duty, they are now as ready to maintain the authority of the laws against licentious invasions as they were to defend their rights against usurpation. It has been a spectacle displaying to the highest advantage the value of republican government to behold the most and the least wealthy of our citizens standing in the same ranks as private soldiers, preeminently distinguished by being the army of the Constitution--undeterred by a march of 300 miles over rugged mountains, by the approach of an inclement season, or by any other discouragement. Nor ought I to omit to acknowledge the efficacious and patriotic cooperation which I have experienced from the chief magistrates of the States to which my requisitions have been addressed. To every description of citizens, indeed, let praise be given. But let them persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious depository of American happiness, the Constitution of the United States. Let them cherish it, too, for the sake of those who, from every clime, are daily seeking a dwelling in our land. And when in the calm moments of reflection they shall have retraced the origin and progress of the insurrection, let them determine whether it has not been fomented by combinations of men who, careless of consequences and disregarding the unerring truth that those who rouse can not always appease a civil convulsion, have disseminated, from an ignorance or perversion of facts, suspicions, jealousies, and accusations of the whole Government. Having thus fulfilled the engagement which I took when I entered into office, "to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States," on you, gentlemen, and the people by whom you are deputed, I rely for support. In the arrangements to which the possibility of a similar contingency will naturally draw your attention it ought not to be forgotten that the militia laws have exhibited such striking defects as could not have been supplied but by the zeal of our citizens, Besides the extraordinary expense and waste, which are not the least of the defects, every appeal to those laws is attended with a doubt on its success. The devising and establishing of a well-regulated militia would be a genuine source of legislative honor and a perfect title to public gratitude. I therefore entertain a hope that the present session will not pass without carrying to its full energy the power of organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and thus providing, in the language of the Constitution, for calling them forth to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. As auxiliary to the state of our defense, to which Congress can never too frequently recur, they will not omit to inquire whether the fortifications which have been already licensed by law be commensurate with our exigencies. The intelligence from the army under the command of General Wayne is a happy presage to our military operations against the hostile Indians north of the Ohio. From the advices which have been forwarded, the advance which he has made must have damped the ardor of the savages and weakened their obstinacy in waging war against the United States, And yet, even at this late hour, when our power to punish them can not be questioned, we shall not be unwilling to cement a lasting peace upon terms of candor, equity, and good neighborhood. Toward none of the Indian tribes have overtures of friendship been spared. The Creeks in particular are covered from encroachment by the interposition of the General Government and that of Georgia. From a desire also to remove the discontents of the Six Nations, a settlement meditated at Presque Isle, on Lake Erie, has been suspended, and an agent is now endeavoring to rectify any misconception into which they may have fallen. But I can not refrain from again pressing upon your deliberations the plan which I recommended at the last session for the improvement of harmony with all the Indians within our limits by the fixing and conducting of trading houses upon the principles then expressed. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: The time which has elapsed since the commencement of our fiscal measures has developed our pecuniary resources so as to open the way for a definite plan for the redemption of the public debt. It is believed that the result is such as to encourage Congress to consummate this work without delay. Nothing can more promote the permanent welfare of the nation and nothing would be more grateful to our constituents. Indeed, whatsoever is unfinished of our system of public credit can not be benefited by procrastination; and as far as may be practicable we ought to place that credit on grounds which can not be disturbed, and to prevent that progressive accumulation of debt which must ultimately endanger all governments. An estimate of the necessary appropriations, including the expenditures into which we have been driven by the insurrection, will be submitted to Congress. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_. The Mint of the United States has entered upon the coinage of the precious metals, and considerable sums of defective coins and bullion have been lodged with the Director by individuals. There is a pleasing prospect that the institution will at no remote day realize the expectation which was originally formed of its utility. In subsequent communications certain circumstances of our intercourse with foreign nations will be transmitted to Congress. However, it may not be unseasonable to announce that my policy in our foreign transactions has been to cultivate peace with all the world; to observe treaties with pure and absolute faith; to check every deviation from the line of impartiality; to explain what may have been misapprehended and correct what may have been injurious to any nation, and having thus acquired the right, to lose no time in acquiring the ability to insist upon justice being done to ourselves. Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to spread his holy protection over these United States; to turn the machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our Constitution; to enable us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to flight; to perpetuate to our country that prosperity which His goodness has already conferred, and to verify the anticipations of this Government being a safeguard to human rights. GEORGE WASHINGTON. ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: We receive with pleasure your speech to the two Houses of Congress. In it we perceive renewed proofs of that vigilant and paternal concern for the prosperity, honor, and happiness of our country which has uniformly distinguished your past Administration. Our anxiety arising from the licentious and open resistance to the laws in the western counties of Pennsylvania has been increased by the proceedings of certain self-created societies relative to the laws and administration of the Government; proceedings, in our apprehension, founded in political error, calculated, if not intended, to disorganize our Government, and which, by inspiring delusive hopes of support, have been influential in misleading our fellow-citizens in the scene of insurrection. In a situation so delicate and important the lenient and persuasive measures which you adopted merit and receive our affectionate approbation. These failing to procure their proper effect, and coercion having become inevitable, we have derived the highest satisfaction from the enlightened patriotism and animating zeal with which the citizens of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia have rallied around the standard of Government in opposition to anarchy and insurrection. Our warm and cordial acknowledgments are due to you, sir, for the wisdom and decision with which you arrayed the militia to execute the public will, and to them for the disinterestedness and alacrity with which they obeyed your summons. The example is precious to the theory of our Government, and confers the brightest honor upon the patriots who have given it. We shall readily concur in such further provisions for the security of internal peace and a due obedience to the laws as the occasion manifestly requires. The effectual organization of the militia and a prudent attention to the fortifications of our ports and harbors are subjects of great national importance, and, together with the other measures you have been pleased to recommend, will receive our deliberate consideration. The success of the troops under the command of General Wayne can not fail to produce essential advantages. The pleasure with which we acknowledge the merits of that gallant general and army is enhanced by the hope that their victories will lay the foundation of a just and durable peace with the Indian tribes. At a period so momentous in the affairs of nations the temperate, just, and firm policy that you have pursued in respect to foreign powers has been eminently calculated to promote the great and essential interest of our country, and has created the fairest title to the public gratitude and thanks. JOHN ADAMS, _Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. NOVEMBER 21, 1794. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: Among the occasions which have been afforded for expressing my sense of the zealous and steadfast cooperation of the Senate in the maintenance of Government, none has yet occurred more forcibly demanding my unqualified acknowledgments than the present. Next to the consciousness of upright intentions, it is the highest pleasure to be approved by the enlightened representatives of a free nation. With the satisfaction, therefore, which arises from an unalterable attachment to public order do I learn that the Senate discountenance those proceedings which would arrogate the direction of our affairs without any degree of authority derived from the people. It has been more than once the lot of our Government to be thrown into new and delicate situations, and of these the insurrection has not been the least important. Having been compelled at length to lay aside my repugnance to resort to arms, I derive much happiness from being confirmed by your judgment in the necessity of decisive measures, and from the support of my fellow-citizens of the militia, who were the patriotic instruments of that necessity. With such demonstrations of affection for our Constitution; with an adequate organization of the militia; with the establishment of necessary fortifications; with a continuance of those judicious and spirited exertions which have brought victory to our Western army; with a due attention to public credit, and an unsullied honor toward all nations, we may meet, under every assurance of success, our enemies from within and from without. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NOVEMBER 22, 1794. ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: The House of Representatives, calling to mind the blessings enjoyed by the people of the United States, and especially the happiness of living under constitutions and laws which rest on their authority alone, could not learn with other emotions than those you have expressed that any part of our fellow-citizens should have shewn themselves capable of an insurrection. And we learn with the greatest concern that any misrepresentations whatever of the Government and its proceedings, either by individuals or combinations of men, should have been made and so far credited as to foment the flagrant outrage which has been committed on the laws. We feel with you the deepest regret at so painful an occurrence in the annals of our country. As men regardful of the tender interests of humanity, we look with grief at scenes which might have stained our land with civil blood; as lovers of public order, we lament that it has suffered so flagrant a violation; as zealous friends of republican government, we deplore every occasion which in the hands of its enemies may be turned into a calumny against it. This aspect of the crisis, however, is happily not the only one which it presents. There is another, which yields all the consolations which you have drawn from it. It has demonstrated to the candid world, as well as to the American people themselves, that the great body of them everywhere are equally attached to the luminous and vital principle of our Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority shall prevail; that they understand the indissoluble union between true liberty and regular government; that they feel their duties no less than they are watchful over their rights; that they will be as ready at all times to crush licentiousness as they have been to defeat usurpation. In a word, that they are capable of carrying into execution that noble plan of self-government which they have chosen as the guaranty of their own happiness and the asylum for that of all, from every clime, who may wish to unite their destiny with ours. These are the just inferences flowing from the promptitude with which the summons to the standard of the laws has been obeyed, and from the sentiments which have been witnessed in every description of citizens in every quarter of the Union. The spectacle, therefore, when viewed in its true light, may well be affirmed to display in equal luster the virtues of the American character and the value of republican government. All must particularly acknowledge and applaud the patriotism of that portion of citizens who have freely sacrificed everything less dear than the love of their country to the meritorious task of defending its happiness. In the part which you have yourself borne through this delicate and distressing period we trace the additional proofs it has afforded of your solicitude for the public good. Your laudable and successful endeavors to render lenity in executing the laws conducive to their real energy, and to convert tumult into order without the effusion of blood, form a particular title to the confidence and praise of your constituents. In all that may be found necessary on our part to complete this benevolent purpose, and to secure the ministers and friends of the laws against the remains of danger, our due cooperation will be afforded. The other subjects which you have recommended or communicated, and of which several are peculiarly interesting, will all receive the attention which they demand. We are deeply impressed with the importance of an effectual organization of the militia. We rejoice at the intelligence of the advance and success of the army under the command of General Wayne, whether we regard it as a proof of the perseverance, prowess, and superiority of our troops, or as a happy presage to our military operations against the hostile Indians, and as a probable prelude to the establishment of a lasting peace upon terms of candor, equity, and good neighborhood. We receive it with the greater pleasure as it increases the probability of sooner restoring a part of the public resources to the desirable object of reducing the public debt. We shall on this, as on all occasions, be disposed to adopt any measures which may advance the safety and prosperity of our country. In nothing can we more cordially unite with you than in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to multiply his blessings on these United States; to guard our free and happy Constitution against every machination and danger, and to make it the best source of public happiness, by verifying its character of being the best safeguard of human rights, NOVEMBER 28, 1794. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: I anticipated with confidence the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the regret produced by the insurrection. Every effort ought to be used to discountenance what has contributed to foment it, and thus discourage a repetition of like attempts; for notwithstanding the consolations which may be drawn from the issue of this event, it is far better that the artful approaches to such a situation of things should be checked by the vigilant and duly admonished patriotism of our fellow-citizens than that the evil should increase until it becomes necessary to crush it by the strength of their arm. I am happy that the part which I have myself borne on this occasion receives the approbation of your House. For the discharge of a constitutional duty it is a sufficient reward to me to be assured that you will unite in consummating what remains to be done. I feel also great satisfaction in learning that the other subjects which I have communicated or recommended will meet with due attention; that you are deeply impressed with the importance of an effectual organization of the militia, and that the advance and success of the army under the command of General Wayne is regarded by you, no less than myself, as a proof of the perseverance, prowess, and superiority of our troops. GEORGE WASHINGTON. NOVEMBER 29, 1794. SPECIAL MESSAGES. UNITED STATES, _November 21, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State of New York and of the exemplification of an act of the legislature thereof ratifying the amendment of the Constitution of the United States proposed by the Senate and House of Representatives at their last session, respecting the judicial power. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _November 21, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: In the negotiation between the United States and His Catholic Majesty I have received satisfactory proofs of attention and ability exerted in behalf of the United States to bring it to a happy and speedy issue. But it is probable that by complying with an intimation made to the Secretary of State by the commissioners of His Catholic Majesty much further delay in concluding it may be prevented. Notwithstanding, therefore, I retain full confidence in our minister resident at Madrid, who is charged with powers as commissioner plenipotentiary, I nominate Thomas Pinckney to be envoy extraordinary of the United States to His Catholic Majesty, for the purpose of negotiating of and concerning the navigation of the river Mississippi, and such other matters relative to the confines of their territories, and the intercourse to be had thereon, as the mutual interests and general harmony of neighboring and friendly nations require should be precisely adjusted and regulated, and of and concerning the general commerce between the United States and the kingdoms and dominions of his said Catholic Majesty. It is believed that by his temporary absence from London in the discharge of these new functions no injury will arise to the United States. I also nominate: John Miller Russell, of Massachusetts, to be consul of the United States of America for the port of St. Petersburg, in Russia, and for such other places as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance; Joseph Pitcairn, of New York, to be vice-consul of the United States of America at Paris, vice Alexander Duvernet, superseded; and Nathaniel Brush, of Vermont, to be supervisor for the United States in the district of Vermont, vice Noah Smith, who has resigned. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _November 25, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a statement of the troops in the service of the United States, which has been submitted to me by the Secretary of War. It will rest with Congress to consider and determine whether further inducements shall be held out for entering into the military service of the United States in order to complete the establishment authorized by law. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 17, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before Congress copies of the journal of the proceedings of the executive department of the government of the United States south of the river Ohio to the 1st of September, 1794. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1794_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before you a report, made to me by the Secretary of War, respecting the frontiers of the United States. The disorders and the great expenses which incessantly arise upon the frontiers are of a nature and magnitude to excite the most serious considerations. I feel a confidence that Congress will devise such constitutional and efficient measures as shall be equal to the great objects of preserving our treaties with the Indian tribes and of affording an adequate protection to our frontiers. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 2, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: A spirit of discontent, from several causes, arose in the early part of the present year among the Six Nations of Indians, and particularly on the ground of a projected settlement by Pennsylvania, at Presque Isle, upon Lake Erie. The papers upon this point have already been laid before Congress. It was deemed proper on my part to endeavor to tranquillize the Indians by pacific measures. Accordingly a time and place was appointed at which a free conference should be had upon all the causes of discontent, and an agent was appointed with the instructions of which No. 1, herewith transmitted, is a copy. A numerous assembly of Indians was held in Canandaigua, in the State of New York the proceedings whereof accompany this message, marked No. 2. The two treaties, the one with the Six Nations and the other with the Oneida, Tuscorora, and Stockbridge Indians dwelling in the country of the Oneidas, which have resulted from the mission of the agent, are herewith laid before the Senate for their consideration and advice. The original engagement of the United States to the Oneidas is also sent herewith. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before Congress copies of acts passed by the legislatures of the States of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York, ratifying the amendment proposed by the Senate and House of Representatives at their last session to the Constitution of the United States respecting the judicial power thereof. The minister of the French Republic having communicated to the Secretary of State certain proceedings of the committee of public safety respecting weights and measures, I lay these also before Congress. The letter from the governor of the Western territory, copies of which are now transmitted, refers to a defect in the judicial system of that territory deserving the attention of Congress. The necessary absence of the judge of the district of Pennsylvania upon business connected with the late insurrection is stated by him in a letter of which I forward copies to have produced certain interruptions in the judicial proceedings of that district which can not be removed without the interposition of Congress. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 4, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I lay before Congress, for their consideration, a letter from the Secretary of State upon the subject of a loan which is extremely interesting and urgent. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 17, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I transmit to Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State of New Hampshire and of an act of the legislature thereof "ratifying the article proposed in amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting the judicial power." I also lay before Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State of North Carolina and of an act of the legislature thereof ceding to the United States certain lands upon the conditions therein mentioned. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 17, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I have received copies of two acts of the legislature of Georgia, one passed on the 28th day of December and the other on the 7th day of January last, for appropriating and selling the Indian lands within the territorial limits claimed by that State. These copies, though not officially certified, have been transmitted to me in such a manner as to leave no room to doubt their authenticity. These acts embrace an object of such magnitude, and in their consequences may so deeply affect the peace and welfare of the United States, that I have thought it necessary now to lay them before Congress. In _confidence_, I also forward copies of several documents and papers received from the governor of the Southwestern territory. By these it seems that hostilities with the Cherokees have ceased, and that there is a pleasing prospect of a permanent peace with that nation; but from all the communications of the governor it appears that the Creeks, in small parties, continue their depredations, and it is uncertain to what they may finally lead. The several papers now communicated deserve the immediate attention of Congress, who will consider how far the subjects of them may require their cooperation. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 25, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I communicate to Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State of Georgia and of an act of the legislature thereof "to ratify the resolution of Congress explanatory of the judicial power of the United States." GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 28, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: In my first communication to Congress during their present session I gave them reason to expect that "certain circumstances of our intercourse with foreign nations" would be transmitted to them. There was at that time every assurance for believing that some of the most important of our foreign affairs would have been concluded and others considerably matured before they should rise. But notwithstanding I have waited until this moment, it has so happened that, either from causes unknown to me or from events which could not be controlled, I am yet unable to execute my original intention. That I may, however, fulfill the expectation given as far as the actual situation of things will in my judgment permit, I now, _in confidence_', lay before Congress the following general statement: Our minister near the French Republic has urged compensation for the injuries which our commerce has sustained from captures by French cruisers, from the nonfulfillment of the contracts of the agents of that Republic with our citizens, and from the embargo at Bordeaux. He has also pressed an allowance for the money voted by Congress for relieving the inhabitants of St. Domingo. It affords me the highest pleasure to inform Congress that perfect harmony reigns between the two Republics, and that those claims are in a train of being discussed with candor and of being amicably adjusted. So much of our relation to Great Britain may depend upon the result of our late negotiations in London that until that result shall arrive I can not undertake to make any communication upon this subject. After the negotiation with Spain had been long depending unusual and unexpected embarrassments were raised to interrupt its progress. But the commissioner of His Catholic Majesty near the United States having declared to the Secretary of State that if a particular accommodation should be made in the _conducting_ of the business no further delay would ensue, I thought proper, under all circumstances, to send to His Catholic Majesty an envoy extraordinary specially charged to bring to a conclusion the discussions which have been formerly announced to Congress. The friendship of Her Most Faithful Majesty has been often manifested in checking the passage of the Algerine corsairs into the Atlantic Ocean. She has also furnished occasional convoys to the vessels of the United States, even when bound to other ports than her own. We may therefore promise ourselves that, as in the ordinary course of things few causes can exist for dissatisfaction between the United States and Portugal, so the temper with which accidental difficulties will be met on each side will speedily remove them. Between the Executive of the United States and the Government of the United Netherlands but little intercourse has taken place during the last year. It may be acceptable to Congress to learn that our credit in Holland is represented as standing upon the most respectable footing. Upon the death of the late Emperor of Morocco an agent was dispatched to renew with his successor the treaty which the United States had made with _him_. The agent, unfortunately, died after he had reached Europe in the prosecution of his mission. But until lately it was impossible to determine with any degree of probability who of the competitors for that Empire would be ultimately fixed in the supreme power. Although the measures which have been since adopted for the renewal of the treaty have been obstructed by the disturbed situation of Amsterdam, there are good grounds for presuming as yet upon the pacific disposition of the Emperor, in fact, toward the United States, and that the past miscarriage will be shortly remedied. Congress are already acquainted with the failure of the loan attempted in Holland for the relief of our unhappy fellow-citizens in Algiers. This subject, than which none deserves a more affectionate zeal, has constantly commanded my best exertions. I am happy, therefore, in being able to say that from the last authentic accounts the Dey was disposed to treat for a peace and ransom, and that both would in all probability have been accomplished had we not been disappointed in the means. Nothing which depends upon the Executive shall be left undone for carrying into immediate effect the supplementary act of Congress. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: It appears from the information which I have lately received that it may be probably necessary to the more successful conduct of our affairs on the coast of Barbary that one consul should reside in Morocco, another in Algiers, and a third in Tunis or Tripoli. As no appointment for these offices will be accepted without some emolument annexed, I submit to the consideration of Congress whether it may not be advisable to authorize a stipend to be allowed to two consuls for that coast in addition to the one already existing. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I transmit to you copies of a letter from the governor of the State of Delaware and of an act inclosed "declaring the assent of that State to an amendment therein mentioned to the Constitution of the United States." GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _June 8, 1795_.[2] [Footnote 2: For proclamation convening Senate in extraordinary session see p. 587.] _Gentlemen of the Senate_: In pursuance of my nomination of John Jay as envoy extraordinary to His Britannic Majesty on the 16th day of April, 1794, and of the advice and consent of the Senate thereto on the 19th, a negotiation was opened in London. On the 7th of March, 1795, the treaty resulting therefrom was delivered to the Secretary of State. I now transmit to the Senate that treaty and other documents connected with it. They will, therefore, in their wisdom decide whether they will advise and consent that the said treaty be made between the United States and His Britannic Majesty. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _June 25, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: It has been represented by our minister plenipotentiary near the French Republic that such of our commercial relations with France as may require the support of the United States in _detail_ can not be well executed without a consul-general. Of this I am satisfied when I consider the extent of the mercantile claims now depending before the French Government, the necessity of bringing into the hands of one agent the various applications to the several committees of administration residing at Paris, the attention which must be paid to the conduct of consuls, and vice-consuls, and the nature of the services which are the peculiar objects of a minister's care, and leave no leisure for his intervention in business to which consular functions are competent. I therefore nominate Fulwar Skipwith to be consul-general of the United States in France. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _June 25, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Just at the close of the last session of Congress I received from one of the Senators and one of the Representatives of the State of Georgia an application for a treaty to be held with the tribes or nations of Indians claiming the right of soil to certain lands lying beyond the present temporary boundary line of that State, and which were described in an act of the legislature of Georgia passed on the 28th of December last, which has already been laid before the Senate. This application and the subsequent correspondence with the governor of Georgia are herewith transmitted. The subject being very important, I thought proper to postpone a decision upon that application. The views I have since taken of the matter, with the information received of a more pacific disposition on the part of the Creeks, have induced me now to accede to the request, but with this explicit declaration, that neither my assent nor the treaty which may be made shall be considered as affecting any question which may arise upon the supplementary act passed by the legislature of the State of Georgia on the 7th of January last, upon which inquiries have been instituted in pursuance of a resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives, and that any cession or relinquishment of the Indian claims shall be made in the general terms of the treaty of New York, which are contemplated as the form proper to be generally used on such occasions, and on the condition that one-half of the expense of the supplies of provisions for the Indians assembled at the treaty be borne by the State of Georgia. Having concluded to hold the treaty requested by that State, I was willing to embrace the opportunity it would present of inquiring into the causes of the dissatisfaction of the Creeks which has been manifested since the treaty of New York by their numerous and distressing depredations on our Southwestern frontiers. Their depredations on the Cumberland have been so frequent and so peculiarly destructive as to lead me to think they must originate in some claim to the lands upon that river. But whatever may have been the cause, it is important to trace it to its source; for, independent of the destruction of lives and property, it occasions a very serious annual expense to the United States. The commissioners for holding the proposed treaty will, therefore, be instructed to inquire into the causes of the hostilities to which I have referred, and to enter into such reasonable stipulations as will remove them and give permanent peace to those parts of the United States. I now nominate Benjamin Hawkins, of North Carolina: George Clymer, of Pennsylvania, and Andrew Pickens, of South Carolina, to be commissioners to hold a treaty with the Creek Nation of Indians, for the purposes hereinbefore expressed. GEORGE WASHINGTON. PROCLAMATIONS. BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. When we review the calamities which afflict so many other nations, the present condition of the United States affords much matter of consolation and satisfaction. Our exemption hitherto from foreign war, an increasing prospect of the continuance of that exemption, the great degree of internal tranquillity we have enjoyed, the recent confirmation of that tranquillity by the suppression of an insurrection which so wantonly threatened it, the happy course of our public affairs in general, the unexampled prosperity of all classes of our citizens, are circumstances which peculiarly mark our situation with indications of the Divine beneficence toward us. In such a state of things it is in an especial manner our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experience. Deeply penetrated with this sentiment, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do recommend to all religious societies and denominations, and to all persons whomsoever, within the United States to set apart and observe Thursday, the 19th day of February next, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, and on that day to meet together and render their sincere and hearty thanks to the Great Ruler of Nations for the manifold and signal mercies which distinguish our lot as a nation, particularly for the possession of constitutions of government which unite and by their union establish liberty with order; for the preservation of our peace, foreign and domestic; for the seasonable control which has been given to a spirit of disorder in the suppression of the late insurrection, and generally, for the prosperous course of our affairs, public and private; and at the same time humbly and fervently to beseech the kind Author of these blessings graciously to prolong them to us; to imprint on our hearts a deep and solemn sense of our obligations to Him for them; to teach us rightly to estimate their immense value; to preserve us from the arrogance of prosperity, and from hazarding the advantages we enjoy by delusive pursuits; to dispose us to merit the continuance of His favors by not abusing them; by our gratitude for them, and by a correspondent conduct as citizens and men; to render this country more and more a safe and propitious asylum for the unfortunate of other countries; to extend among us true and useful knowledge; to diffuse and establish habits of sobriety, order, morality, and piety, and finally, to impart all the blessings we possess, or ask for ourselves, to the whole family of mankind. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. [SEAL.] Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 1st day of January, 1795, and of the Independence of the United States of America the nineteenth. GEORGE WASHINGTON. By the President: EDM. RANDOLPH. [From Sparks's Washington, Vol. XII, p. 134.] PROCLAMATION. Whereas the commissioners appointed by the President of the United States to confer with the citizens in the western counties of Pennsylvania during the late insurrection which prevailed therein, by their act and agreement bearing date the 2d day of September last, in pursuance of the powers in them vested, did promise and engage that, if assurances of submission to the laws of the United States should be bona fide given by the citizens resident in the fourth survey of Pennsylvania, in the manner and within the time in the said act and agreement specified, a general pardon should be granted on the 10th day of July then next ensuing of all treasons and other indictable offenses against the United States committed within the said survey before the 22d day of August last, excluding therefrom, nevertheless, every person who should refuse or neglect to subscribe such assurance and engagement in manner aforesaid, or who should after such subscription violate the same, or willfully obstruct or attempt to obstruct the execution of the acts for raising a revenue on distilled spirits and stills, or be aiding or abetting therein; and Whereas I have since thought proper to extend the said pardon to all persons guilty of the said treasons, misprisions of treasons, or otherwise concerned in the late insurrection within the survey aforesaid who have not since been indicted or convicted thereof, or of any other offense against the United States: Therefore be it known that I, George Washington, President of the said United States, have granted, and by these presents do grant, a full, free, and entire pardon to all persons (excepting as is hereinafter excepted) of all treasons, misprisions of treason, and other indictable offenses against the United States committed within the fourth survey of Pennsylvania before the said 22d day of August last past, excepting and excluding therefrom, nevertheless, every person who refused or neglected to give and subscribe the said assurances in the manner aforesaid (or having subscribed hath violated the same) and now standeth indicted or convicted of any treason, misprision of treason, or other offense against the said United States, hereby remitting and releasing unto all persons, except as before excepted, all penalties incurred, or supposed to be incurred, for or on account of the premises. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed, this 10th day of July, A.D. 1795, and the twentieth year of the Independence of the said United States. [SEAL.] GEORGE WASHINGTON. SEVENTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. UNITED STATES, _December 8, 1795_. _Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I trust I do not deceive myself when I indulge the persuasion that I have never met you at any period when more than at the present the situation of our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation, and for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy. The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war in which we have been engaged with certain Indians northwest of the Ohio is placed in the option of the United States by a treaty which the commander of our army has concluded provisionally with the hostile tribes in that region. In the adjustment of the terms the satisfaction of the Indians was deemed an object worthy no less of the policy than of the liberality of the United States as the necessary basis of durable tranquillity. The object, it is believed, has been fully attained. The articles agreed upon will immediately be laid before the Senate for their consideration. The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the Southern tribes had annoyed our frontiers, have lately confirmed their preexisting treaties with us, and were giving evidence of a sincere disposition to carry them into effect by the surrender of the prisoners and property they had taken. But we have to lament that the fair prospect in this quarter has been once more clouded by wanton murders, which some citizens of Georgia are represented to have recently perpetrated on hunting parties of the Creeks, which have again subjected that frontier to disquietude and danger, which will be productive of further expense, and may occasion more effusion of blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate the usual consequences of such outrages, and with the hope of their succeeding at least to avert general hostility. A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his recognition of our treaty made with his father, the late Emperor, and consequently the continuance of peace with that power. With peculiar satisfaction I add that information has been received from an agent deputed on our part to Algiers importing that the terms of the treaty with the Dey and Regency of that country had been adjusted in such a manner as to authorize the expectation of a speedy peace and the restoration of our unfortunate fellow-citizens from a grievous captivity. The latest advices from our envoy at the Court of Madrid give, moreover, the pleasing information that he had received assurances of a speedy and satisfactory conclusion of his negotiation. While the event depending upon unadjusted particulars can not be regarded as ascertained, it is agreeable to cherish the expectation of an issue which, securing amicably very essential interests of the United States, will at the same time lay the foundation of lasting harmony with a power whose friendship we have uniformly and sincerely desired to cultivate. Though not before officially disclosed to the House of Representatives, you, gentlemen, are all apprised that a treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation has been negotiated with Great Britain, and that the Senate have advised and consented to its ratification upon a condition which excepts part of one article. Agreeably thereto, and to the best judgment I was able to form of the public interest after full and mature deliberation, I have added my sanction. The result on the part of His Britannic Majesty is unknown. When received, the subject will without delay be placed before Congress. This interesting summary of our affairs with regard to the foreign powers between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted, and with regard also to those of our Indian neighbors with whom we have been in a state of enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for consoling and gratifying reflections. If by prudence and moderation on every side the extinguishment of all the causes of external discord which have heretofore menaced our tranquillity, on terms compatible with our national rights and honor, shall be the happy result, how firm and how precious a foundation will have been laid for accelerating, maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country. Contemplating the internal situation as well as the external relations of the United States, we discover equal cause for contentment and satisfaction. While many of the nations of Europe, with their American dependencies, have been involved in a contest unusually bloody, exhausting, and calamitous, in which the evils of foreign war have been aggravated by domestic convulsion and insurrection; in which many of the arts most useful to society have been exposed to discouragement and decay; in which scarcity of subsistence has imbittered other sufferings; while even the anticipations of a return of the blessings of peace and repose are alloyed by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, which press upon all the departments of industry and threaten to clog the future springs of government, our favored country, happy in a striking contrast, has enjoyed general tranquillity--a tranquillity the more satisfactory because maintained at the expense of no duty. Faithful to ourselves, we have violated no obligation to others. Our agriculture, commerce, and manufactures prosper beyond former example, the molestations of our trade (to prevent a continuance of which, however, very pointed remonstrances have been made) being overbalanced by the aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral position. Our population advances with a celerity which, exceeding the most sanguine calculations, proportionally augments our strength and resources, and guarantees our future security. Every part of the Union displays indications of rapid and various improvement; and with burthens so light as scarcely to be perceived, with resources fully adequate to our present exigencies, with governments founded on the genuine principles of rational liberty, and with mild and wholesome laws, is it too much to say that our country exhibits a spectacle of national happiness never surpassed, if ever before equaled? Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of commanding force impel us, with sincere acknowledgment to Heaven and pure love to our country, to unite our efforts to preserve, prolong, and improve our immense advantages. To cooperate with you in this desirable work is a fervent and favorite wish of my heart. It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our welfare that the part of our country which was lately the scene of disorder and insurrection now enjoys the blessings of quiet and order. The misled have abandoned their errors, and pay the respect to our Constitution and laws which is due from good citizens to the public authorities of the society. These circumstances have induced me to pardon generally the offenders here referred to, and to extend forgiveness to those who had been adjudged to capital punishment. For though I shall always think it a sacred duty to exercise with firmness and energy the constitutional powers with which I am vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent with the public good than it is with my personal feelings to mingle in the operations of Government every degree of moderation and tenderness which the national justice, dignity, and safety may permit. GENTLEMEN: Among the objects which will claim your attention in the course of the session, a review of our military establishment is not the least important. It is called for by the events which have changed, and maybe expected still further to change, the relative situation of our frontiers. In this review you will doubtless allow due weight to the considerations that the questions between us and certain foreign powers are not yet finally adjusted, that the war in Europe is not yet terminated, and that our Western posts, when recovered, will demand provision for garrisoning and securing them. A statement of our present military force will be laid before you by the Department of War. With the review of our Army establishment is naturally connected that of the militia. It will merit inquiry what imperfections in the existing plan further experience may have unfolded. The subject is of so much moment in my estimation as to excite a constant solicitude that the consideration of it may be renewed until the greatest attainable perfection shall be accomplished. Time is wearing away some advantages for forwarding the object, while none better deserves the persevering attention of the public councils. While we indulge the satisfaction which the actual condition of our Western borders so well authorizes, it is necessary that we should not lose sight of an important truth which continually receives new confirmations, namely, that the provisions heretofore made with a view to the protection of the Indians from the violences of the lawless part of our frontier inhabitants are insufficient. It is demonstrated that these violences can now be perpetrated with impunity, and it can need no argument to prove that unless the murdering of Indians can be restrained by bringing the murderers to condign punishment, all the exertions of the Government to prevent destructive retaliations by the Indians will prove fruitless and all our present agreeable prospects illusory. The frequent destruction of innocent women and children, who are chiefly the victims of retaliation, must continue to shock humanity, and an enormous expense to drain the Treasury of the Union. To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice it is indispensable that there shall be competent means of rendering justice to them. If these means can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, and especially if there can be added an adequate provision for supplying the necessities of the Indians on reasonable terms (a measure the mention of which I the more readily repeat, as in all the conferences with them they urge it with solicitude), I should not hesitate to entertain a strong hope of rendering our tranquillity permanent. I add with pleasure that the probability even of their civilization is not diminished by the experiments which have been thus far made under the auspices of Government. The accomplishment of this work, if practicable, will reflect undecaying luster on our national character and administer the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds can know. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been borrowed and reimbursed pursuant to different acts of Congress, will be submitted from the proper Department, together with an estimate of the appropriations necessary to be made for the service of the ensuing year. Whether measures may not be advisable to reenforce the provision for the redemption of the public debt will naturally engage your examination. Congress have demonstrated their sense to be, and it were superfluous to repeat mine, that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable extinction of our public debt accords as much with the true interest of our country as with the general sense of our constituents. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The statements which will be laid before you relative to the Mint will shew the situation of that institution and the necessity of some further legislative provisions for carrying the business of it more completely into effect, and for checking abuses which appear to be arising in particular quarters. The progress in providing materials for the frigates and in building them, the state of the fortifications of our harbors, the measures which have been pursued for obtaining proper sites for arsenals and for replenishing our magazines with military stores, and the steps which have been taken toward the execution of the law for opening a trade with the Indians will likewise be presented for the information of Congress. Temperate discussion of the important subjects which may arise in the course of the session and mutual forbearance where there is a difference of opinion are too obvious and necessary for the peace, happiness, and welfare of our country to need any recommendation of mine. GEORGE WASHINGTON. ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: It is with peculiar satisfaction that we are informed by your speech to the two Houses of Congress that the long and expensive war in which we have been engaged with the Indians northwest of the Ohio is in a situation to be finally terminated; and though we view with concern the danger of an interruption of the peace so recently confirmed with the Creeks, we indulge the hope that the measures that you have adopted to prevent the same, if followed by those legislative provisions that justice and humanity equally demand, will succeed in laying the foundation of a lasting peace with the Indian tribes on the Southern as well as on the Western frontiers. The confirmation of our treaty with Morocco, and the adjustment of a treaty of peace with Algiers, in consequence of which our captive fellow-citizens shall be delivered from slavery, are events that will prove no less interesting to the public humanity than they will be important in extending and securing the navigation and commerce of our country. As a just and equitable conclusion of our depending negotiations with Spain will essentially advance the interest of both nations, and thereby cherish and confirm the good understanding and friendship which we have at all times desired to maintain, it will afford us real pleasure to receive an early confirmation of our expectations on this subject. The interesting prospect of our affairs with regard to the foreign powers between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted is not more satisfactory than the review of our internal situation. If from the former we derive an expectation of the extinguishment of all the causes of external discord that have heretofore endangered our tranquillity, and on terms consistent with our national honor and safety, in the latter we discover those numerous and widespread tokens of prosperity which in so peculiar a manner distinguish our happy country. Circumstances thus every way auspicious demand our gratitude and sincere acknowledgments to Almighty God, and require that we should unite our efforts in imitation of your enlightened, firm, and persevering example to establish and preserve the peace, freedom, and prosperity of our country. The objects which you have recommended to the notice of the Legislature will in the course of the session receive our careful attention, and with a true zeal for the public welfare we shall cheerfully cooperate in every measure that shall appear to us best calculated to promote the same. JOHN ADAMS, _Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. DECEMBER 11, 1795. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: With real pleasure I receive your address, recognizing the prosperous situation of our public affairs, and giving assurances of your careful attention to the objects demanding legislative consideration, and that with a true zeal for the public welfare you will cheerfully cooperate in every measure which shall appear to you best calculated to promote the same. But I derive peculiar satisfaction from your concurrence with me in the expressions of gratitude to Almighty God, which a review of the auspicious circumstances that distinguish our happy country have excited, and I trust the sincerity of our acknowledgments will be evinced by a union of efforts to establish and preserve its peace, freedom, and prosperity. GEORGE WASHINGTON. DECEMBER 12, 1795. ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: As the Representatives of the people of the United States, we can not but participate in the strongest sensibility to every blessing which they enjoy, and cheerfully join with you in profound gratitude to the Author of all Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings which He has conferred on our favored country. A final and formal termination of the distressing war which has ravaged our Northwestern frontier will be an event which must afford a satisfaction proportionate to the anxiety with which it has long been sought, and in the adjustment of the terms we perceive the true policy of making them satisfactory to the Indians as well as to the United States as the best basis of a durable tranquillity. The disposition of such of the Southern tribes as had also heretofore annoyed our frontier is another prospect in our situation so important to the interest and happiness of the United States that it is much to be lamented that any clouds should be thrown over it, more especially by excesses on the part of our own citizens. While our population is advancing with a celerity which exceeds the most sanguine calculations; while every part of the United States displays indications of rapid and various improvement; while we are in the enjoyment of protection and security by mild and wholesome laws, administered by governments founded on the genuine principles of rational liberty, a secure foundation will be laid for accelerating, maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country if, by treaty and amicable negotiation, all those causes of external discord which heretofore menaced our tranquillity shall be extinguished on terms compatible with our national rights and honor and with our Constitution and great commercial interests. Among the various circumstances in our internal situation none can be viewed with more satisfaction and exultation than that the late scene of disorder and insurrection has been completely restored to the enjoyment of order and repose. Such a triumph of reason and of law is worthy of the free Government under which it happened, and was justly to be hoped from the enlightened and patriotic spirit which pervades and actuates the people of the United States. In contemplating that spectacle of national happiness which our country exhibits, and of which you, sir, have been pleased to make an interesting summary, permit us to acknowledge and declare the very great share which your zealous and faithful services have contributed to it, and to express the affectionate attachment which we feel for your character. The several interesting subjects which you recommend to our consideration will receive every degree of attention which is due to them; and whilst we feel the obligation of temperance and mutual indulgence in all our discussions, we trust and pray that the result to the happiness and welfare of our country may correspond with the pure affection we bear to it. DECEMBER 16, 1795. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: Coming as you do from all parts of the United States, I receive great satisfaction from the concurrence of your testimony in the justness of the interesting summary of our national happiness which, as the result of my inquiries, I presented to your view. The sentiments we have mutually expressed of profound gratitude to the source of those numerous blessings, the Author of all Good, are pledges of our obligations to unite our sincere and zealous endeavors, as the instruments of Divine Providence, to preserve and perpetuate them. Accept, gentlemen, my thanks for your declaration that to my agency you ascribe the enjoyment of a great share of these benefits. So far as my services contribute to the happiness of my country, the acknowledgment thereof by my fellow-citizens and their affectionate attachment will ever prove an abundant reward. GEORGE WASHINGTON. DECEMBER 17, 1795. SPECIAL MESSAGES. UNITED STATES, _December 9, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I lay before you, for your consideration, a treaty of peace which has been negotiated by General Wayne, on behalf of the United States, with all the late hostile tribes of Indians northwest of the river Ohio, together with the instructions which were given to General Wayne and the proceedings at the place of treaty. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _December 21, 1795_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Herewith I transmit, for your information and consideration, the original letter from the Emperor of Morocco, recognizing the treaty of peace and friendship between the United States and his father, the late Emperor, accompanied with a translation thereof, and various documents relating to the negotiation by which the recognition was effected. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 4, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: A letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic, received on the 22d of the last month, covered an address, dated the 21st of October, 1794, from the committee of public safety to the Representatives of the United States in Congress, and also informed me that he was instructed by the committee to present to the United States the colors of France. I thereupon proposed to receive them last Friday, the first day of the new year, a day of general joy and congratulation. On that day the minister of the French Republic delivered the colors, with an address, to which I returned an answer. By the latter Congress will see that I have informed the minister that the colors will be deposited with the archives of the United States. But it seemed to me proper previously to exhibit to the two Houses of Congress these evidences of the continued friendship of the French Republic, together with the sentiments expressed by me on the occasion in behalf of the United States. They are herewith communicated. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I transmit to you a memorial of the commissioners appointed by virtue of an act entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States," on the subject of the public buildings under their direction. Since locating a district for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States, as heretofore announced to both Houses of Congress, I have accepted the grants of money and of land stated in the memorial of the commissioners. I have directed the buildings therein mentioned to be commenced on plans which I deemed consistent with the liberality of the grants and proper for the purposes intended. I have not been inattentive to this important business intrusted by the Legislature to my care. I have viewed the resources placed in my hands, and observed the manner in which they have been applied. The progress is pretty fully detailed in the memorial from the commissioners, and one of them attends to give further information if required. In a case new and arduous, like the present, difficulties might naturally be expected. Some have occurred, but they are in a great degree surmounted, and I have no doubt, if the remaining resources are properly cherished, so as to prevent the loss of property by hasty and numerous sales, that all the buildings required for the accommodation of the Government of the United States may be completed in season without aid from the Federal Treasury. The subject is therefore recommended to the consideration of Congress, and the result will determine the measures which I shall cause to be pursued with respect to the property remaining unsold. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 29, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I send herewith for the information of Congress: First. An act of the legislature of the State of Rhode Island, ratifying an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prevent suits in certain cases against a State. Second. An act of the State of North Carolina making the like ratification. Third. An act of the State of North Carolina, assenting to the purchase by the United States of a sufficient quantity of land on Shell Castle Island for the purpose of erecting a beacon thereon, and ceding the jurisdiction thereof to the United States. Fourth. A copy from the journal of proceedings of the governor in his executive department of the territory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio from July 1 to December 31, 1794. Fifth. A copy from the records of the executive proceedings of the same governor from January 1 to June 30, 1795; and Sixth and seventh. A copy of the journal of the proceedings of the governor in his executive department of the territory of the United States south of the river Ohio from September 1, 1794, to September 1, 1795. Eighth. The acts of the first and second sessions of the general assembly of the same territory. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 29, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: In pursuance of the authority vested in the President of the United States by an act of Congress passed the 3d of March last, to reduce the weights of the copper coin of the United States whenever he should think it for the benefit of the United States, provided that the reduction should not exceed 2 pennyweights in each cent, and in the like proportion in a half cent, I have caused the same to be reduced since the 27th of last December, to wit, 1 pennyweight and 16 grains in each cent, and in the like proportion in a half cent; and I have given notice thereof by proclamation. By the letter of the judges of the circuit court of the United States, held at Boston in June last, and the inclosed application of the underkeeper of the jail at that place, of which copies are herewith transmitted, Congress will perceive the necessity of making a suitable provision for the maintenance of prisoners committed to the jails of the several States under the authority of the United States. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 2, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I transmit herewith the copy of a letter, dated the 19th of December last, from Governor Blount to the Secretary of War, stating the avowed and daring designs of certain persons to take possession of the lands belonging to the Cherokees, and which the United States have by treaty solemnly guaranteed to that nation. The injustice of such intrusions and the mischievous consequences which must necessarily result therefrom demand that effectual provision be made to prevent them. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 15, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Herewith I transmit, for your consideration and advice, a treaty of peace and amity, concluded on the 5th day of last September by Joseph Donaldson, Jr., on the part of the United States, with the Dey of Algiers, for himself, his Divan, and his subjects. The instructions and other necessary papers relative to this negotiation are also sent herewith, for the information of the Senate. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _February 26, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I send herewith the treaty concluded on the 27th of October last between the United States and Spain by their respective plenipotentiaries. The communications to the Senate referred to in my message of the 16th of December, 1793, contain the instructions to the commissioners of the United States, Messrs. Carmichael and Short, and various details relative to the negotiations with Spain. Herewith I transmit copies of the documents authorizing Mr. Pinckney, the envoy extraordinary from the United States to the Court of Spain, to conclude the negotiation agreeably to the original instructions above mentioned, and to adjust the claims of the United States for the spoliations committed by the armed vessels of His Catholic Majesty on the commerce of our citizens. The numerous papers exhibiting the progress of the negotiation under the conduct of Mr. Pinckney, being in the French and Spanish languages, will be communicated to the Senate as soon as the translations which appear necessary shall be completed. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 1, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation concluded between the United States of America and His Britannic Majesty having been duly ratified, and the ratifications having been exchanged at London on the 28th day of October, 1795, I have directed the same to be promulgated, and herewith transmit a copy thereof for the information of Congress. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 8, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I send herewith, for the information of Congress, the treaty concluded between the United States and the Dey and Regency of Algiers. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 15, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: By the ninth section of the act entitled "An act to provide a naval armament" it is enacted "that if a peace shall take place between the United States and the Regency of Algiers, that no further proceedings be had under this act." The peace which is here contemplated having taken place, it is incumbent upon the Executive to suspend all orders respecting the building of the frigates, procuring materials for them, or preparing materials already obtained, which may be done without intrenching upon contracts or agreements made and entered into before this event. But inasmuch as the loss which the public would incur might be considerable from dissipation of workmen, from certain works or operations being suddenly dropped or left unfinished, and from the derangement in the whole system consequent upon an immediate suspension of all proceedings under it, I have therefore thought advisable, before taking such a step, to submit the subject to the Senate and House of Representatives, that such measures may be adopted in the premises as may best comport with the public interest. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 25, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: I send herewith, for your information, the translation of a letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Secretary of State, announcing the peace made by the Republic with the Kings of Prussia and Spain, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel, and that the republican constitution decreed by the National Convention had been accepted by the people of France and was in operation. I also send you a copy of the answer given by my direction to this communication from the French minister. My sentiments therein expressed I am persuaded will harmonize with yours and with those of all my fellow-citizens. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 29, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: I send herewith a copy of the treaty of friendship, limits, and navigation, concluded on the 27th of October last, between the United States and His Catholic Majesty. This treaty has been ratified by me agreeably to the Constitution, and the ratification has been dispatched for Spain, where it will doubtless be immediately ratified by His Catholic Majesty. This early communication of the treaty with Spain has become necessary because it is stipulated in the third article that commissioners for running the boundary line between the territory of the United States and the Spanish colonies of East and West Florida shall meet at the Natchez before the expiration of six months from the ratification; and as that period will undoubtedly arrive before the next meeting of Congress, the House will see the necessity of making provision in their present session for the object here mentioned. It will also be necessary to provide for the expense to be incurred in executing the twenty-first article of the treaty, to enable our fellow-citizens to obtain with as little delay as possible compensation for the losses they have sustained by the capture of their vessels and cargoes by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during the late war between France and Spain. Estimates of the moneys necessary to be provided for the purposes of this and several other treaties with foreign nations and the Indian tribes will be laid before you by the proper Department. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 30, 1796_. _To the House of Representatives of the United States_: With the utmost attention I have considered your resolution of the 24th instant, requesting me to lay before your House a copy of the instructions to the minister of the United States who negotiated the treaty with the King of Great Britain, together with the correspondence and other documents relative to that treaty, excepting such of the said papers as any existing negotiation may render improper to be disclosed. In deliberating upon this subject it was impossible for me to lose sight of the principle which some have avowed in its discussion, or to avoid extending my views to the consequences which must flow from the admission of that principle. I trust that no part of my conduct has ever indicated a disposition to withhold any information which the Constitution has enjoined upon the President as a duty to give, or which could be required of him by either House of Congress as a right; and with truth I affirm that it has been, as it will continue to be while I have the honor to preside in the Government, my constant endeavor to harmonize with the other branches thereof so far as the trust delegated to me by the people of the United States and my sense of the obligation it imposes to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution" will permit. The nature of foreign negotiations requires caution, and their success must often depend on secrecy; and even when brought to a conclusion a full disclosure of all the measures, demands, or eventual concessions which may have been proposed or contemplated would be extremely impolitic; for this might have a pernicious influence on future negotiations, or produce immediate inconveniences, perhaps danger and mischief, in relation to other powers. The necessity of such caution and secrecy was one cogent reason for vesting the power of making treaties in the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, the principle on which that body was formed confining it to a small number of members. To admit, then, a right in the House of Representatives to demand and to have as a matter of course all the papers respecting a negotiation with a foreign power would be to establish a dangerous precedent. It does not occur that the inspection of the papers asked for can be relative to any purpose under the cognizance of the House of Representatives, except that of an impeachment, which the resolution has not expressed. I repeat that I have no disposition to withhold any information which the duty of my station will permit or the public good shall require to be disclosed; and, in fact, all the papers affecting the negotiation with Great Britain were, laid before the Senate when the treaty itself was communicated for their consideration and advice. The course which the debate has taken on the resolution of the House leads to some observations on the mode of making treaties under the Constitution of the United States. Having been a member of the General Convention, and knowing the principles on which the Constitution was formed, I have ever entertained but one opinion on this subject; and from the first establishment of the Government to this moment my conduct has exemplified that opinion--that the power of making treaties is exclusively vested in the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur; and that every treaty so made and promulgated thenceforward became the law of the land. It is thus that the treaty-making power has been understood by foreign nations, and in all the treaties made with them _we_ have declared and _they_ have believed that, when ratified by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, they became obligatory. In this construction of the Constitution every House of Representatives has heretofore acquiesced, and until the present time not a doubt or suspicion has appeared, to my knowledge, that this construction was not the true one. Nay, they have more than acquiesced; for till now, without controverting the obligation of such treaties, they have made all the requisite provisions for carrying them into effect. There is also reason to believe that this construction agrees with the opinions entertained by the State conventions when they were deliberating on the Constitution, especially by those who objected to it because there was not required in _commercial treaties_ the consent of two-thirds of the whole number of the members of the Senate instead of two-thirds of the Senators present, and because in treaties respecting territorial and certain other rights and claims the concurrence of three-fourths of the whole number of the members of both Houses, respectively, was not made necessary. It is a fact declared by the General Convention and universally understood that the Constitution of the United States was the result of a spirit of amity and mutual concession; and it is well known that under this influence the smaller States were admitted to an equal representation in the Senate with the larger States, and that this branch of the Government was invested with great powers, for on the equal participation of those powers the sovereignty and political safety of the smaller States were deemed essentially to depend. If other proofs than these and the plain letter of the Constitution itself be necessary to ascertain the point under consideration, they may be found in the journals of the General Convention, which I have deposited in the office of the Department of State. In those journals it will appear that a proposition was made "that no treaty should be binding on the United States which was not ratified by a law," and that the proposition was explicitly rejected. As, therefore, it is perfectly clear to my understanding that the assent of the House of Representatives is not necessary to the validity of a treaty; as the treaty with Great Britain exhibits in itself all the objects requiring legislative provision, and on these the papers called for can throw no light, and as it is essential to the due administration of the Government that the boundaries fixed by the Constitution between the different departments should be preserved, a just regard to the Constitution and to the duty of my office, under all the circumstances of this case, forbids a compliance with your request. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 31, 1776_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: The treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and Great Britain requiring that commissioners should be appointed to fix certain boundaries between the territories of the contracting parties, and to ascertain the losses and damages represented to have been sustained by their respective citizens and subjects, as set forth in the fifth, sixth, and seventh articles of the treaty, in order to carry those articles into execution I nominate as commissioners on the part of the United States: For the purpose mentioned in the fifth article, Henry Knox, of Massachusetts; For the purpose mentioned in the sixth article, Thomas Fitzsimons, of Pennsylvania, and James Innes, of Virginia; and For the purposes mentioned in the seventh article, Christopher Gore, of Massachusetts, and William Pinckney, of Maryland. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _April 8, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: By an act of Congress passed on the 26th of May, 1790, it was declared that the inhabitants of the territory of the United States south of the river Ohio should enjoy all the privileges, benefits, and advantages set forth in the ordinance of Congress for the government of the territory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio, and that the government of the said territory south of the Ohio should be similar to that which was then exercised in the territory northwest of the Ohio, except so far as was otherwise provided in the conditions expressed in an act of Congress passed the 2d of April, 1790, entitled "An act to accept a cession of the claims of the State of North Carolina to a certain district of western territory." Among the privileges, benefits, and advantages thus secured to the inhabitants of the territory south of the river Ohio appear to be the right of forming a permanent constitution and State government, and of admission as a State, by its Delegates, into the Congress of the United States, on an equal footing with the original States in all respects whatever, when it should have therein 60,000 free inhabitants; provided the constitution and government so to be formed should be republican, and in conformity to the principles contained in the articles of the said ordinance. As proofs of the several requisites to entitle the territory south of the river Ohio to be admitted as a State into the Union, Governor Blount has transmitted a return of the enumeration of its inhabitants and a printed copy of the constitution and form of government on which they have agreed, which, with his letters accompanying the same, are herewith laid before Congress. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _April 28, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Herewith I lay before you a letter from the Attorney-General of the United States, relative to compensation to the attorneys of the United States in the several districts, which is recommended to your consideration. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 2, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Some time last year Jeremiah Wadsworth was authorized to hold a treaty with the Cohnawaga Indians, styling themselves the Seven Nations of Canada, to enable the State of New York to extinguish, by purchase, a claim which the said Indians had set up to a parcel of land lying within that State. The negotiation having issued without effecting its object, and the State of New York having requested a renewal of the negotiation, and the Indians having come forward with an application on the same subject, I now nominate Jeremiah Wadsworth to be a commissioner to hold a treaty with the Cohnawaga Indians, styling themselves the Seven Nations of Canada, for the purpose of enabling the State of New York to extinguish the aforesaid claim. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 5, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I lay before you, for your consideration and advice, an explanatory article proposed to be added to the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and Great Britain, together with a copy of the full power to the Secretary of State to negotiate the same. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 25, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The measures now in operation for taking possession of the posts of Detroit and Michilimackinac render it proper that provision should be made for extending to these places and any others alike circumstanced the civil authority of the Northwestern Territory. To do this will require an expense to defray which the ordinary salaries of the governor and secretary of that Territory appear to be incompetent. The forming of a new county, or new counties, and the appointment of the various officers, which the just exercise of government must require, will oblige the governor and secretary to visit those places, and to spend considerable time in making the arrangements necessary for introducing and establishing the Government of the United States. Congress will consider what provision will in this case be proper. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _May 28, 1796_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: The extraordinary expenses to be incurred in the present year in supporting our foreign intercourse I find will require a provision beyond the ordinary appropriation and the additional $20,000 already granted. I have directed an estimate to be made, which is sent herewith, and will exhibit the deficiency for which an appropriation appears to be necessary. GEORGE WASHINGTON. EIGHTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. UNITED STATES, _December 7, 1796_. _Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: In recurring to the internal situation of our country since I had last the pleasure to address you, I find ample reason for a renewed expression of that gratitude to the Ruler of the Universe which a continued series of prosperity has so often and so justly called forth. The acts of the last session which required special arrangements have been as far as circumstances would admit carried into operation. Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the Indians and to preserve peace along the extent of our interior frontier have been digested and adopted. In the framing of these care has been taken to guard on the one hand our advanced settlements from the predatory incursions of those unruly individuals who can not be restrained by their tribes, and on the other hand to protect the rights secured to the Indians by treaty--to draw them nearer to the civilized state and inspire them with correct conceptions of the power as well as justice of the Government. The meeting of the deputies from the Creek Nation at Colerain, in the State of Georgia, which had for a principal object the purchase of a parcel of their land by that State, broke up without its being accomplished, the nation having previous to their departure instructed them against making any sale. The occasion, however, has been improved to confirm by a new treaty with the Creeks their preexisting engagements with the United States, and to obtain their consent to the establishment of trading houses and military posts within their boundary, by means of which their friendship and the general peace may be more effectually secured. The period during the late session at which the appropriation was passed for carrying into effect the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and His Britannic Majesty necessarily procrastinated the reception of the posts stipulated to be delivered beyond the date assigned for that event. As soon, however, as the Governor-General of Canada could be addressed with propriety on the subject, arrangements were cordially and promptly concluded for their evacuation, and the United States took possession of the principal of them, comprehending Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and Fort Miami, where such repairs and additions have been ordered to be made as appeared indispensable. The commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and of Great Britain to determine which is the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace of 1783, agreed in the choice of Egbert Benson, esq., of New York, for the third commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrews, in Passamaquoddy Bay, in the beginning of October, and directed surveys to be made of the rivers in dispute; but deeming it impracticable to have these surveys completed before the next year, they adjourned to meet at Boston in August, 1797, for the final decision of the question. Other commissioners appointed on the part of the United States, agreeably to the seventh article of the treaty with Great Britain, relative to captures and condemnation of vessels and other property, met the commissioners of His Britannic Majesty in London in August last, when John Trumbull, esq., was chosen by lot for the fifth commissioner. In October following the board were to proceed to business. As yet there has been no communication of commissioners on the part of Great Britain to unite with those who have been appointed on the part of the United States for carrying into effect the sixth article of the treaty. The treaty with Spain required that the commissioners for running the boundary line between the territory of the United States and His Catholic Majesty's provinces of East and West Florida should meet at the Natchez before the expiration of six months after the exchange of the ratifications, which was effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April; and the troops of His Catholic Majesty occupying any posts within the limits of the United States were within the same period to be withdrawn. The commissioner of the United States therefore commenced his journey for the Natchez in September, and troops were ordered to occupy the posts from which the Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn. Information has been recently received of the appointment of a commissioner on the part of His Catholic Majesty for running the boundary line, but none of any appointment for the adjustment of the claims of our citizens whose vessels were captured by the armed vessels of Spain. In pursuance of the act of Congress passed in the last session for the protection and relief of American seamen, agents were appointed, one to reside in Great Britain and the other in the West Indies. The effects of the agency in the West Indies are not yet fully ascertained, but those which have been communicated afford grounds to believe the measure will be beneficial. The agent destined to reside in Great Britain declining to accept the appointment, the business has consequently devolved on the minister of the United States in London, and will command his attention until a new agent shall be appointed. After many delays and disappointments arising out of the European war, the final arrangements for fulfilling the engagements made to the Dey and Regency of Algiers will in all present appearance be crowned with success, but under great, though inevitable, disadvantages in the pecuniary transactions occasioned by that war, which will render further provision necessary. The actual liberation of all our citizens who were prisoners in Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling heart, is itself an earnest of a satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. Measures are in operation for effecting treaties with the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli. To an active external commerce the protection of a naval force is indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars in which a State is itself a party. But besides this, it is in our own experience that the most sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag requires a naval force organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression. This may even prevent the necessity of going to war by discouraging belligerent powers from committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party as may, first or last, leave no other option. From the best information I have been able to obtain it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean without a protecting force will always be insecure and our citizens exposed to the calamities from which numbers of them have but just been relieved. These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to set about the gradual creation of a navy. The increasing progress of their navigation promises them at no distant period the requisite supply of seamen, and their means in other respects favor the undertaking. It is an encouragement, likewise, that their particular situation will give weight and influence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it not, then, be advisable to begin without delay to provide and lay up the materials for the building and equipping of ships of war, and to proceed in the work by degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable without inconvenience, so that a future war of Europe may not find our commerce in the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present? Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too much consequence not to insure a continuance of their efforts in every way which shall appear eligible. As a general rule, manufactures on public account are inexpedient; but where the state of things in a country leaves little hope that certain branches of manufacture will for a great length of time obtain, when these are of a nature essential to the furnishing and equipping of the public force in time of war, are not establishments for procuring them on public account to the extent of the ordinary demand for the public service recommended by strong considerations of national policy as an exception to the general rule? Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign supply, precarious because liable to be interrupted? If the necessary article should in this mode cost more in time of peace, will not the security and independence thence arising form an ample compensation? Establishments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls of the public service in time of peace, will in time of war easily be extended in proportion to the exigencies of the Government, and may even perhaps be made to yield a surplus for the supply of our citizens at large, so as to mitigate the privations from the interruption of their trade. If adopted, the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are already, or likely soon to be, established in the country, in order that there may be no danger of interference with pursuits of individual industry. It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or national welfare agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this truth becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting it grow up, supported by the public purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with greater propriety? Among the means which have been employed to this end none have been attended with greater success than the establishment of boards (composed of proper characters) charged with collecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment contributes doubly to the increase of improvement by stimulating to enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a common center the results everywhere of individual skill and observation, and spreading them thence over the whole nation. Experience accordingly has shewn that they are very cheap instruments of immense national benefits. I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress the expediency of establishing a national university and also a military academy. The desirableness of both these institutions has so constantly increased with every new view I have taken of the subject that I can not omit the opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not to be fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes to national prosperity and reputation. True it is that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries of learning highly respectable and useful; but the funds upon which they rest are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the different departments of liberal knowledge for the institution contemplated, though they would be excellent auxiliaries. Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the principles, opinions, and manners of our countrymen by the common education of a portion of our youth from every quarter well deserves attention. The more homogeneous our citizens can be made in these particulars the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a primary object of such a national institution should be the education of our youth in the science of _government_. In a republic what species of knowledge can be equally important and what duty more pressing on its legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country? The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and both would hazard its safety or expose it to greater evils when war could not be avoided; besides that, war might often not depend upon its own choice. In proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from the necessity of practicing the rules of the military art ought to be its care in preserving and transmitting, by proper establishments, the knowledge of that art. Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples superficially viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince that the art of war is at once comprehensive and complicated, that it demands much previous study, and that the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, ought to be a serious care of every government, and for this purpose an academy where a regular course of instruction is given is an obvious expedient which different nations have successfully employed. The compensations to the officers of the United States in various instances, and in none more than in respect to the most important stations, appear to call for legislative revision. The consequences of a defective provision are of serious import to the Government. If private wealth is to supply the defect of public retribution, it will greatly contract the sphere within which the selection of character for office is to be made, and will proportionally diminish the probability of a choice of men able as well as upright. Besides that, it would be repugnant to the vital principles of our Government virtually to exclude from public trusts talents and virtue unless accompanied by wealth. While in our external relations some serious inconveniences and embarrassments have been overcome and others lessened, it is with much pain and deep regret I mention that circumstances of a very unwelcome nature have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered and is suffering extensive injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French Republic, and communications have been received from its minister here which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its authority, and which are in other respects far from agreeable. It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony and a perfectly friendly understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated, and I shall persevere in the endeavor to fulfill it to the utmost extent of what shall be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the rights and honor of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation that a spirit of justice, candor, and friendship on the part of the Republic will eventually insure success. In pursuing this course, however, I can not forget what is due to the character of our Government and nation, or to a full and entire confidence in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude of my countrymen. I reserve for a special message a more particular communication on this interesting subject. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary for the service of the ensuing year to be submitted from the proper Department, with a view of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest period to which an account can be prepared. It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you that the revenues of the United States continue in a state of progressive improvement. A reenforcement of the existing provisions for discharging our public debt was mentioned in my address at the opening of the last session. Some preliminary steps were taken toward it, the maturing of which will no doubt engage your zealous attention during the present. I will only add that it will afford me a heartfelt satisfaction to concur in such further measures as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a speedy extinguishment of the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret if from any motive intervals of tranquillity are left unimproved for accelerating this valuable end. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed on an efficient establishment has been so often and so ardently expressed that I shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present occasion, at the same time that I shall submit to your inquiry whether our harbors are yet sufficiently secured. The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst of the representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the period when the administration of the present form of government commenced, and I can not omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the success of the experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Arbiter of Nations that His providential care may still be extended to the United States, that the virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the Government which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties may be perpetual, GEORGE WASHINGTON. ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. We thank you, sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure of the existing situation of our country, and we sincerely join in sentiments of gratitude to an overruling Providence for the distinguished share of public prosperity and private happiness which the people of the United States so peculiarly enjoy. We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted from the adoption of measures (which you have successfully carried into effect) to preserve peace, cultivate friendship, and promote civilization amongst the Indian tribes on the Western frontiers. Feelings of humanity and the most solid political interests equally encourage the continuance of this system. We observe with pleasure that the delivery of the military posts lately occupied by the British forces within the territory of the United States was made with cordiality and promptitude as soon as circumstances would admit, and that the other provisions of our treaties with Great Britain and Spain that were objects of eventual arrangement are about being carried into effect with entire harmony and good faith. The unfortunate but unavoidable difficulties that opposed a timely compliance with the terms of the Algerine treaty are much to be lamented, as they may occasion a temporary suspension of the advantages to be derived from a solid peace with that power and a perfect security from its predatory warfare. At the same time, the lively impressions that affected the public mind on the redemption of our captive fellow-citizens afford the most laudable incentive to our exertions to remove the remaining obstacles. We perfectly coincide with you in opinion that the importance of our commerce demands a naval force for its protection against foreign insult and depredation, and our solicitude to attain that object will be always proportionate to its magnitude. The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain useful manufactures by the intervention of legislative aid and protection and the encouragement due to agriculture by the creation of boards (composed of intelligent individuals) to patronize this primary pursuit of society are subjects which will readily engage our most serious attention. A national university may be converted to the most useful purposes. The science of legislation being so essentially dependent on the endowments of the mind, the public interests must receive effectual aid from the general diffusion of knowledge, and the United States will assume a more dignified station among the nations of the earth by the successful cultivation of the higher branches of literature. A military academy may be likewise rendered equally important. To aid and direct the physical force of the nation by cherishing a military spirit, enforcing a proper sense of discipline, and inculcating a scientific system of tactics is consonant to the soundest maxims of public policy. Connected with and supported by such an establishment a well-regulated militia, constituting the natural defense of the country, would prove the most effectual as well as economical preservative of peace. We can not but consider with serious apprehensions the inadequate compensations of the public officers, especially of those in the more important stations. It is not only a violation of the spirit of a public contract, but is an evil so extensive in its operation and so destructive in its consequences that we trust it will receive the most pointed legislative attention. We sincerely lament that, whilst the conduct of the United States has been uniformly impressed with the character of equity, moderation, and love of peace in the maintenance of all their foreign relationships, our trade should be so harassed by the cruisers and agents of the Republic of France throughout the extensive departments of the West Indies. Whilst we are confident that no cause of complaint exists that could authorize an interruption of our tranquillity or disengage that Republic from the bonds of amity, cemented by the faith of treaties, we can not but express our deepest regrets that official communications have been made to you indicating a more serious disturbance of our commerce. Although we cherish the expectation that a sense of justice and a consideration of our mutual interests will moderate their councils, we are not unmindful of the situation in which events may place us, nor unprepared to adopt that system of conduct which, compatible with the dignity of a respectable nation, necessity may compel us to pursue. We cordially acquiesce in the reflection that the United States, under the operation of the Federal Government, have experienced a most rapid aggrandizement and prosperity as well political as commercial. Whilst contemplating the causes that produce this auspicious result, we must acknowledge the excellence of the constitutional system and the wisdom of the legislative provisions; but we should be deficient in gratitude and justice did we not attribute a great portion of these advantages to the virtue, firmness, and talents of your Administration, which have been conspicuously displayed in the most trying time and on the most critical occasions. It is therefore with the sincerest regret that we now receive an official notification of your intentions to retire from the public employments of your country. When we review the various scenes of your public life, so long and so successfully devoted to the most arduous services, civil and military, as well during the struggles of the American Revolution as the convulsive periods of a recent date, we can not look forward to your retirement without our warmest affections and most anxious regards accompanying you, and without mingling with our fellow-citizens at large in the sincerest wishes for your personal happiness that sensibility and attachment can express. The most effectual consolation that can offer for the loss we are about to sustain arises from the animating reflection that the influence of your example will extend to your successors, and the United States thus continue to enjoy an able, upright, and energetic administration. JOHN ADAMS, _Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. DECEMBER 10, 1796. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: It affords me great satisfaction to find in your address a concurrence in sentiment with me on the various topics which I presented for your information and deliberation, and that the latter will receive from you an attention proportioned to their respective importance. For the notice you take of my public services, civil and military, and your kind wishes for my personal happiness, I beg you to accept my cordial thanks. Those services, and greater had I possessed ability to render them, were due to the unanimous calls of my country, and its approbation is my abundant reward. When contemplating the period of my retirement, I saw virtuous and enlightened men among whom I relied on the discernment and patriotism of my fellow-citizens to make the proper choice of, a successor--men who would require no influential example to insure to the United States "an able, upright, and energetic administration." To such men I shall cheerfully yield the palm of genius and talents to serve our common country; but at the same time I hope I may be indulged in expressing the consoling reflection (which consciousness suggests), and to bear it with me to my grave, that none can serve it with purer intentions than I have done or with a more disinterested zeal. GEORGE WASHINGTON. DECEMBER 12, 1796. ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: The House of Representatives have attended to your communication respecting the state of our country with all the sensibility that the contemplation of the subject and a sense of duty can inspire. We are gratified by the information that measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the Indians and to maintain the tranquillity of the Western frontier have been adopted, and we indulge the hope that these, by impressing the Indian tribes with more correct conceptions of the justice as well as power of the United States, will be attended with success. While we notice with satisfaction the steps that you have taken in pursuance of the late treaties with several foreign nations, the liberation of our citizens who were prisoners at Algiers is a subject of peculiar felicitation. We shall cheerfully cooperate in any further measures that shall appear on consideration to be requisite. We have ever concurred with you in the most sincere and uniform disposition to preserve our neutral relations inviolate, and it is of course with anxiety and deep regret we hear that any interruption of our harmony with the French Republic has occurred, for we feel with you and with our constituents the cordial and unabated wish to maintain a perfectly friendly understanding with that nation. Your endeavors to fulfill that wish, and by all honorable means to preserve peace, and to restore that harmony and affection which have heretofore so happily subsisted between the French Republic and the United States, can not fail, therefore, to interest our attention. And while we participate in the full reliance you have expressed on the patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude of our countrymen, we cherish the pleasing hope that a mutual spirit of justice and moderation will insure the success of your perseverance. The various subjects of your communication will respectively meet with the attention that is due to their importance. When we advert to the internal situation of the United States, we deem it equally natural and becoming to compare the present period with that immediately antecedent to the operation of the Government, and to contrast it with the calamities in which the state of war still involves several of the European nations, as the reflections deduced from both tend to justify as well as to excite a warmer admiration of our free Constitution, and to exalt our minds to a more fervent and grateful sense of piety toward Almighty God for the beneficence of His providence, by which its administration has been hitherto so remarkably distinguished. And while we entertain a grateful conviction that your wise, firm, and patriotic Administration has been signally conducive to the success of the present form of government, we can not forbear to express the deep sensations of regret with which we contemplate your intended retirement from office. As no other suitable occasion may occur, we can not suffer the present to pass without attempting to disclose some of the emotions which it can not fail to awaken. The gratitude and admiration of your countrymen are still drawn to the recollection of those resplendent virtues and talents which were so eminently instrumental to the achievement of the Revolution, and of which that glorious event will ever be the memorial. Your obedience to the voice of duty and your country when you quitted reluctantly a second time the retreat you had chosen and first accepted the Presidency afforded a new proof of the devotedness of your zeal in its service and an earnest of the patriotism and success which have characterized your Administration. As the grateful confidence of the citizens in the virtues of their Chief Magistrate has essentially contributed to that success, we persuade ourselves that the millions whom we represent participate with us in the anxious solicitude of the present occasion. Yet we can not be unmindful that your moderation and magnanimity, twice displayed by retiring from your exalted stations, afford examples no less rare and instructive to mankind than valuable to a republic. Although we are sensible that this event of itself completes the luster of a character already conspicuously unrivaled by the coincidence of virtue, talents, success, and public estimation, yet we conceive we owe it to you, sir, and still more emphatically to ourselves and to our nation (of the language of whose hearts we presume to think ourselves at this moment the faithful interpreters), to express the sentiments with which it is contemplated. The spectacle of a free and enlightened nation offering, by its Representatives, the tribute of unfeigned approbation to its first citizen, however novel and interesting it may be, derives all its luster (a luster which accident or enthusiasm could not bestow, and which adulation would tarnish) from the transcendent merit of which it is the voluntary testimony. May you long enjoy that liberty which is so dear to you, and to which your name will ever be so dear. May your own virtues and a nation's prayers obtain the happiest sunshine for the decline of your days and the choicest of future blessings. For our country's sake, for the sake of republican liberty, it is our earnest wish that your example may be the guide of your successors, and thus, after being the ornament and safeguard of the present age, become the patrimony of our descendants. DECEMBER 15, 1796. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN: To a citizen whose views were unambitious, who preferred the shade and tranquillity of private life to the splendor and solicitude of elevated stations, and whom the voice of duty and his country could alone have drawn from his chosen retreat, no reward for his public services can be so grateful as public approbation, accompanied by a consciousness that to render those services useful to that country has been his single aim; and when this approbation is expressed by the Representatives of a free and enlightened nation, the reward will admit of no addition. Receive, gentlemen, my sincere and affectionate thanks for this signal testimony that my services have been acceptable and useful to my country. The strong confidence of my fellow-citizens, while it animated all my actions, insured their zealous cooperation, which rendered those services successful. The virtue and wisdom of my successors, joined with the patriotism and intelligence of the citizens who compose the other branches of Government, I firmly trust will lead them to the adoption of measures which, by the beneficence of Providence, will give stability to our system of government, add to its success, and secure to ourselves and to posterity that liberty which is to all of us so dear. While I acknowledge with pleasure the sincere and uniform disposition of the House of Representatives to preserve our neutral relations inviolate, and with them deeply regret any degree of interruption of our good understanding with the French Republic, I beg you, gentlemen, to rest assured that my endeavors will be earnest and unceasing by all honorable means to preserve peace and to restore that harmony and affection which have heretofore so happily subsisted between our two nations; and with you I cherish the pleasing hope that a mutual spirit of justice and moderation will crown those endeavors with success. I shall cheerfully concur in the beneficial measures which your deliberations shall mature on the various subjects demanding your attention; and while directing your labors to advance the real interests of our country, you receive its blessings. With perfect sincerity my individual wishes will be offered for your present and future felicity. GEORGE WASHINGTON. DECEMBER 16, 1796. SPECIAL MESSAGES. UNITED STATES, _January 4, 1797_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: I lay before you for your consideration a treaty which has been negotiated and concluded on the 29th day of June last by Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and George Clymer, commissioners on behalf of the United States, with the Creek Indians, together with the instructions which were given to the said commissioners and the proceedings at the place of treaty. I submit also the proceedings and result of a treaty, held at the city of New York, on behalf of the State of New York, with certain nations or tribes of Indians denominating themselves the Seven Nations of Canada. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 9, 1797_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: Herewith I lay before you in confidence reports from the Departments of State and the Treasury, by which you will see the present situation of our affairs with the Dey and Regency of Algiers. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _January 19, 1797_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: At the opening of the present session of Congress I mentioned that some circumstances of an unwelcome nature had lately occurred in relation to France; that our trade had suffered, and was suffering, extensive injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French Republic, and that communications had been received from its minister here which indicated danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its authority, and that were in other respects far from agreeable, but that I reserved for a special message a more particular communication on this interesting subject. This communication I now make. The complaints of the French minister embraced most of the transactions of our Government in relation to France from an early period of the present war, which, therefore, it was necessary carefully to review. A collection has been formed of letters and papers relating to those transactions, which I now lay before you, with a letter to Mr. Pinckney, our minister at Paris, containing an examination of the notes of the French minister and such information as I thought might be useful to Mr. Pinckney in any further representations he might find necessary to be made to the French Government. The immediate object of his mission was to make to that Government such explanations of the principles and conduct of our own as, by manifesting our good faith, might remove all jealousy and discontent and maintain that harmony and good understanding with the French Republic which it has been my constant solicitude to preserve. A government which required only a knowledge of the _truth_ to justify its measures could not but be anxious to have this fully and frankly displayed. GEORGE WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1797_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Application having been made to me to permit a treaty to be held with the Seneca Nation of Indians to effect the purchase of a parcel of their land under a preemption right derived from the State of Massachusetts and situated within the State of New York, and it appearing to me reasonable that such opportunity should be afforded, provided the negotiation shall be conducted at the expense of the applicant, and at the desire and with the consent of the Indians, always considering these as prerequisites, I now nominate Isaac Smith to be a commissioner to hold a treaty with the Seneca Nation for the aforesaid purpose. GEORGE WASHINGTON. VETO MESSAGE. UNITED STATES, _February 28, 1797_. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: Having maturely considered the bill to alter and amend an act entitled "An act to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the United States," which was presented to me on the 22d day of this month, I now return it to the House of Representatives, in which it originated, with my objections: First. If the bill passes into a law, the two companies of light dragoons will be from that moment _legally_ out of service, though they will afterwards continue _actually_ in service; and for their services during this interval, namely, from the time of _legal_ to the time of _actual_ discharge, it will not be lawful to pay them, unless some future provision be made by law. Though they may be discharged at the pleasure of Congress, in justice they ought to receive their pay, not only to the time of passing the law, but at least to the time of their actual discharge. Secondly. It will be inconvenient and injurious to the public to dismiss the light dragoons as soon as notice of the law can be conveyed to them, one of the companies having been lately destined to a necessary and important service. Thirdly. The companies of light dragoons consist of 126 noncommissioned officers and privates, who are bound to serve as dismounted dragoons when ordered so to do. They have received in bounties about $2,000. One of them is completely equipped, and above half of the noncommissioned officers and privates have yet to serve more than one-third of the time of their enlistment; and besides, there will in the course of the year be a considerable deficiency in the complement of infantry intended to be continued. Under these circumstances, to discharge the dragoons does not seem to comport with economy. Fourthly. It is generally agreed that some cavalry, either militia or regular, will be necessary; and according to the best information I have been able to obtain, it is my opinion that the latter will be less expensive and more useful than the former in preserving peace between the frontier settlers and the Indians, and therefore a part of the military establishment should consist of cavalry. GEORGE WASHINGTON. PROCLAMATION. [From Senate Journal, vol. 2, p. 397.] MARCH 1, 1797. _To the Vice-President and Senators of the United States, respectively_. SIR: It appearing to me proper that the Senate of the United States should be convened on Saturday, the 4th of March instant, you are desired to attend in the Chamber of the Senate on that day, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, to receive any communications which the President of the United States may then lay before you touching their interests. GEORGE WASHINGTON. FAREWELL ADDRESS. UNITED STATES, _September 17, 1796_. _Friends and Fellow-Citizens:_ The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the Executive Government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made. I beg you at the same time to do me the justice to be assured that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both. The acceptance of and continuance hitherto in the office to which your suffrages have twice called me have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this previous to the last election had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence impelled me to abandon the idea. I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty or propriety, and am persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that in the present circumstances of our country you will not disapprove my determination to retire. The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed toward the organization and administration of the Government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious in the outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it. In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my political life my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me, and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise and as an instructive example in our annals that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead; amidst appearances sometimes dubious; vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging; in situations in which not unfrequently want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts and a guaranty of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free Constitution which is the work of your hands may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare which can not end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger natural to that solicitude, urge me on an occasion like the present to offer to your solemn contemplation and to recommend to your frequent review some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more freedom as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget as an encouragement to it your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion. Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment. The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth, as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned, and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts. For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together. The independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, and successes. But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the union of the whole. The _North_, in an unrestrained intercourse with the _South_, protected by the equal laws of a common government, finds in the productions of the latter great additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The _South_, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the same agency of the _North_, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the _North_, it finds its particular navigation invigorated; and while it contributes in different ways to nourish and increase the general mass of the national navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength to which itself is unequally adapted. The _East_, in a like intercourse with the _West_, already finds, and in the progressive improvement of interior communications by land and water will more and more find, a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad or manufactures at home. The _West_ derives from the _East_ supplies requisite to its growth and comfort, and what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the _secure_ enjoyment of indispensable _outlets_ for its own productions to the weight, influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as _one nation_. Any other tenure by which the _West_ can hold this essential advantage, whether derived from its own separate strength or from an apostate and unnatural connection with any foreign power, must be intrinsically precarious. While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined can not fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations, and what is of inestimable value, they must derive from union an exemption from those broils and wars between themselves which so frequently afflict neighboring countries not tied together by the same governments, which their own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate and imbitter. Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty. In this sense it is that your union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other. These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of the union as a primary object of patriotic desire. Is there a doubt whether a common government can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in such a case were criminal. We are authorized to hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and full experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to union affecting all parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of those who in any quarter may endeavor to weaken its bands. In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by _geographical_ discriminations--_Northern_ and _Southern, Atlantic_ and _Western_--whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views, One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You can not shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our Western country have lately had a useful lesson on this head. They have seen in the negotiation by the Executive and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the General Government and in the Atlantic States unfriendly to their interests in regard to the Mississippi. They have been witnesses to the formation of two treaties--that with Great Britain and that with Spain--which secure to them everything they could desire in respect to our foreign relations toward confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advantages on the union by which they were procured? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who would sever them from their brethren and connect them with aliens? To the efficacy and permanency of your union a government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate substitute. They must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay by the adoption of a Constitution of Government better calculated than your former for an intimate union and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. This Government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any time exists till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government. All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction; to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community, and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans, digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests. However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. Toward the preservation of your Government and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect in the forms of the Constitution alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what can not be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments as of other human institutions; that experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion exposes to perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember especially that for the efficient management of your common interests in a country so extensive as ours a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a name where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property. I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but in those of the popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness and is truly their worst enemy. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual, and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation on the ruins of public liberty. Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another; foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passion. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another. There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose; and there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume. It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those intrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power and proneness to abuse it which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the guardian of the public weal against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern, some of them in our country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If in the opinion of the people the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this in one instance may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit which the use can at any time yield. Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness--these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation _desert_ the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric? Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened. As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives; but it is necessary that public opinion should cooperate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that toward the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of the Government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue which the public exigencies may at any time dictate. Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct. And can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period a great nation to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that in the course of time and things the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices? In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations and passionate attachments for others should be excluded, and that in place of them just and amicable feelings toward all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges toward another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. The nation prompted by ill will and resentment sometimes impels to war the government contrary to the best calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject. At other times it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility, instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations has been the victim. So, likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others, which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill will, and a disposition to retaliate in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld; and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country without odium, sometimes even with popularity, gilding with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils! Such an attachment of a small or weak toward a great and powerful nation dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter. Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be _constantly_ awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial, else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people to surrender their interests. The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little _political_ connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. Our detached, and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice? It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world, so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But in my opinion it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them. Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable establishments on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies. Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand, neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing; establishing with powers so disposed, in order to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the Government to support them, conventional rules of intercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but temporary and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied as experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view that it is folly in one nation to look for disinterested favors from another; that it must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that character; that by such acceptance it may place itself in the condition of having given equivalents for nominal favors, and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard. In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish--that they will control the usual current of the passions or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good--that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism--this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare by which they have been dictated. How far in the discharge of my official duties I have been guided by the principles which have been delineated the public records and other evidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is that I have at least believed myself to be guided by them. In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe my proclamation of the 22d of April, 1793, is the index to my plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice and by that of your representatives in both Houses of Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me, uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it. After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty and interest to take, a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined as far as should depend upon me to maintain it with moderation, perseverance, and firmness. The considerations which respect the right to hold this conduct it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe that, according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the belligerent powers, has been virtually admitted by all. The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without anything more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of peace and amity toward other nations. The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be referred to your own reflections and experience. With me a predominant motive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption to that degree of strength and consistency which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence, and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love toward it which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize without alloy the sweet enjoyment of partaking in the midst of my fellow-citizens the benign influence of good laws under a free government--the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers. GEORGE WASHINGTON. # The Writings of George Washington, vol. 5: 1776-1777 (Worthington C. Ford, ed., 1890) THE WRITINGS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON COLLECTED AND EDITED WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD Vol. V. 1776-1777 ^oy^{^ NEW YORK AND LONDON G. P. PUTNAM 'S SONS 1890 Press of Ci. P. Putnam's Sons New York CONTENTS OF VOL. V. 1776. PAGE To the President of Congress, November 6th . . i Sudden movement of the enemy — Council of war — Probable intentions of the British — The approaching dissolution of the army. To Governor Livingston, November 7th ... 7 Enemy gone to Kingsbridge — Urgent call for more troops — Stock and supplies near the water. To Major-General Greene, November 8th ... 9 Inefficacy of river obstructions — Doubt as to holding Mount Washington — Enemy's intention to penetrate New Jersey — Removal of stores. To the President of Congress, November 8th . . 11 M. Laytaniac and the French gentlemen. To Lieutenant-General Howe, November 9th . . 12 Return of Major Stewart's servant — Delay in effecting the exchange of prisoners — Confinement of officers in common gaols — Stragglers. To Major-General Lee, November loth ... 14 Instructions. To Governor Trumbull, November loth . . . 17 Commissioners to arrange officers and recruit men — Evils of an additional State bounty — Equality of pay necessary. To the President of Congress, November nth . . 19 Officers for recruiting — Militia about to retire from service — Movements and intentions of the two armies — Advance pay voted by Massachusetts and Connecticut — Its fatal tendency. To Major-General Heath, November 12th . . 22 Instructions. To the President of Congress, November 14th . . 24 Passage of the river by troops — Movements and designs of the enemy — Major Stewart's servant — Necessity of field artil- lery ; of engineers — The case of Mr. Trumbull — Exchange of prisoners. V vi CONTENTS OF VOL. V. To Major-General Lee, November i6th ... 30 Resolutions of Congress respecting the recruiting of the new army — Attack upon and surrender of Fort Washington — Se- curing the pass through the Highlands. To the President of Congress, November i6th . . 33 The affair at Fort Washington. To John Augustine Washington, November 19th . 36 Manoeuvres of the British — Surrender of Fort Washington — A most unfortunate affair — The fort held contrary to his wishes — States inattentive to recruiting the army — Evils of short en- listments urged upon Congress. To the President of Congress, November 19th . . 41 The British loss at Fort Washington — Fort Lee becomes of no importance — Removal of stores — A small army at his disposal — American prisoners in New York — Money for the paymaster- general — Capture of Fort Lee — Retreat into Jersey. To Major-General Lee, November 21st ... 45 Landing of the British at Dobbs Ferry and taking of Fort Lee — Action in matter of Rhode Island officers approved — Ordered to cross the river — Reasons. To Governor Livingston, November 2 1st ... 49 Movements of the army. To Major-General Lee, November 24th ... 52 Loss of the mail — Necessity of guarding the passes of the Highlands — Route of march suggested — Clothing the army. To Major-General Lee, November 27th ... 54 Weakness of his army — Plan of the enemy. To the President of Congress, November 30th . . 54 Militia from Philadelphia — The retreat to Brunswick — Flying- camp forces about to retire — Advance of the enemy — Guarding the ferries. To the Board of War, November 30th ... 58 The stores of the Hancock and Adams — Impropriety of enlisting prisoners of war. To Governor Livingston, December ist . . . 60 Progress of the enemy — Difficulties met in calling out men. To Major-General Lee, December ist . . . 62 Reduction of the army — Urges his speedy march. CONTENTS OF VOL. V. vii To the President of Congress, December 2d . . 63 At Princeton — General Lee's march — The passes of the Highlands. To the President of Congress, December 3d . . 64 Arrival at Trenton— No word from Lee — Reinforcements expected. To the President of Congress, December 5th . . 6^ Movements and designs of the two armies — Impropriety of depending on militia, and necessity for a larger standing army. To the President of Congress, December 6th . . 69 To set out for Princeton — Howe's proclamation — Governor Franklin's exchange. To the President of Congress, December 8th . . 71 The British designs apparent — No certain intelligence of Lee — His slow march cannot be accounted for. To the President of Congress, December 9th . . 72 The Delaware crossed — The enemy seeking a ferry — The security of Philadelphia the next object — Putnam sent down. To Major-General Lee, December loth ... 74 Pressing urgency of the situation — Intelligence — To bring, if possible, the Jersey militia. To Lund Washington, December loth . . . yj The unfavorable situation — Capture of Lee — Without a new army the game is pretty well up. To the President of Congress, December nth . . 80 The enemy at Bordentown — Intelligence by a prisoner — Enemy without boats — General Lee. To the President of Congress, December 12th . . 82 Impolicy of publishing resolve against leaving Philadelphia — Intelligence — Means of preventing the British advance inade- quate— Payment of officers. To Governor Trumbull, December 12th ... 86 Movements of the British — Disaffection in New Jersey — Re- inforcements from Philadelphia — The new army — Disposition of the New England regiments. To the President of Congress, December 13th . . 89 Removal of the army to Trenton Falls — Position of the brigades, flying camp, and militia — Annstrong to recruit. viii CONTENTS OF VOL. V. To Major-General Gates, December 14th . . . 91 The retreat — Let there be no delay in marching to join him — With united forces the enemy may be checked. To Brigadier-Generals Lord Stirling, Mercer, Ste- phens, and De Fermoy, December 14th . . 92 Instructions. To Governor Trumbull, December 14th . • • 93 Position of the armies — The situation to the eastward — Arnold ordered to New London — Lack of public spirit and virtue of the people — Necessity for a stroke upon the enemy. To Major-General Lee, December 14th ... 96 Surprise expressed at the doubts of Lee — Boats at Tinicum Ferry — Fatal results of the loss of Philadelphia. To the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania, December 15th ......... 97 Capture of Lee — Disaffection in the country — Disarming pro- posed— Militia prospects — The enemy about to go into winter- quarters. To the President of Congress, December 15th . . 100 Unhappy fate of Lee — Movements of the enemy. To the President of Congress, December i6th . . lor The new army — Militia not to be depended on — Augmenta- tion of battalions proposed — Nothing to be expected of Jersey — Clothing of the troops. To Lieutenant-General Howe, December 17th . . 104 Exchange of prisoners — Lists of such as are wanted to be sent in. To Major-General Heath, December i8th . . . 106 Massachusetts militia to be sent forward — To be used to guard the passes of the Highlands — Designs of the enemy to defeat recruiting. To John Augustine Washington, December i8th . 109 Movements of the two armies — Conduct of the Jerseys most infamous — Accursed policy of short enlistments and dependence on militia. To the President of Congress, December 20th . . 112 Corps of artillery and of engineers— Pay of artillerists inade- quate— Need of greater powers in the commander-in-chief — No lust after power— Militia and short enlistments the origin of all CONTENTS OF VOL. V. ix PAGE our misfortunes — The new army — Officers to recruit — Plans for the campaign to be determined — Commissary of prisoners wanted — Evils and dangers of existing loose system — The com- manding officer overburdened with work — General officers needed — Promotions — Col. Knox — Needs of the army — Its movements — Gen. Lincoln. To Major-General Heath, December 21st . . . 122 Troops from the east. To Colonel Joseph Reed or Colonel John Cadwalader, December 23d 126 The attack upon Trenton — Cadwalader's rank. To the President of Congress, December 24th . . 128 His (listresses — Few re-enlistments ; causes — Howe's inten- tions— Appointment of officers — Need of money — His letter- books. To the President of Congress, December 27th . . 132 The success at Trenton. To the President of Congress, December 29th . . 136 A second passage of the Delaware to be attempted — Move- ment of troops — Unhappy failure of Generals Ewing and Cadwalader to cross — Prisoners — General Lee. 1777. To the President of Congress, January ist . . 139 Acknowledges the increased powers conferred by Congress — Eastern troops retained by bounty — Position of the armies — New Jersey militia — No return of troops possible. To a Committee of Congress, January ist . . 143 Hard money — Effects of the Trenton affair — Recruits — Dis- position of Hessian prisoners — Increased powers. To the President of Congress, January 5th . . 146 Movement of British — Affair of the Assanpink — Surprise of Princeton — Losses — An attack on Brunswick intended — Good conduct of the militia. To Major-General Putnam, January 5th . . .151 The Princeton affair — Instructions. To Major-General Heath, January 5th . . .152 The American successes — Instructions. To the President of Congress, January 7th . . 154 General Mercer still alive — Movements of the enemy — De- sertion of the militia. CONTENTS OF VOL. V. PAGE To Major-General Lincoln, January 7th . . . 155 Directions to move upon New York. To Lieutenant-Colonel Antill, January 8th . . 156 To hasten recruiting. To Lieutenant-General Earl Cornwallis, January 8th, 158 Protection of convoys of money and stores. To Colonel George Baylor, January 9th . . .158 To command a regiment of horse and appoint his own officers — Character of officers — Horses and uniforms. To Governor Trumbull, January loth . . . 161 Money for recruiting — Wishes to threaten New York — Princeton — Retreat of British. To Colonel Nathaniel Gist, January nth . . " . 163 Instructions. To the President of Congress, January 12th . . 164 Exchange of General Lee — In event of failure retaliation will be enforced — Heath moving towards New York. To Lord Howe, January 13th 166 Cruel treatment of naval prisoners — Retaliation may become necessary — An exchange proposed. To Lieutenant-General Howe, January 13th . . 168 The case of General Lee — Cruel treatment of American prisoners — Enlistment of prisoners. To Joseph Reed, January 14th 170 Putnam's movements inexplicable — The arrangement of troops — British surgeon. To Joseph Reed, January 15th 172 General Putnam — Mercer. To Major-General Heath, January 17th . . .174 Stroke against Staten Island suggested. To Major-General Schuyler, January i8th . . 175 The enemy abandoning New Jersey — Dayton's regiment at Ticonderoga — Garrisons for the Lake forts. To Major-General Heath, January 19th . . . 177 Diversion against New York. To the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, January 19th, 179 Creditable conduct of militia — About to return home — Urgency of retaining them in service— Reduced condition of the army. CONTENTS OF VOL. V. xi PAGE To the President of Congress, January 19th . . 181 The army melting away — Heath hovering around New York — Efforts to recruit. To Governor Cooke, January 20th .... 183 Forces for local service — Necessity of completing Continental regiments. To Lieutenant-General Howe, January 20th . . 186 Proposing an officer in New York to supply prisoners — Mr. Pintard named for the position. To John Parke Custis, January 22d .... 187 Evils of short enlistments — Illiberal opinions in Virginia on eastern troops — Business affairs. To the President of Congress, January 22d . . 190 Foraging party defeated and stores taken — Rumored capture of Fort Independence — Want of arms— General officers — Sug- gestions— Virginia light dragoons. To Joseph Reed, January 23d ..... 195 Continuing in service — Coalition of parties in Pennsylvania — As to complimenting Pennsylvania Executive — Generals wishing to be popular at the expense of others — Howe's manoeuvres — A brush with the enemy. To Governor Trumbull, January 24th . . . 198 Completing the Continental battalions — Diversion on the side of New York. To Governor Livingston, January 24th . . . 200 Suggesting a militia law — Law against plundering. Proclamation to Those Who had Accepted Protec- tion of General Howe, January 25th . . . 202 To the President of Congress, January 26th . . 203 Assisting New York — Complaints against the hospital service — Obstructions in North River — Commissary of forage and wagon master — Maps of the country — Capture of Fort Inde- pendence not accomplished — Recruiting office of Adjutant- General and Major Morris. To Major-General Sullivan, January 28th . . . 208 Position at Scotch Plains. To the Governor of North Carolina, January 31st . 210 Countenance and protection given to deserters. To Governor Trumbull, February 1st . . . 211 Release of prisoners — Bounties for recruits. xii CONTENTS OF VOL. V. To Major-General Heath, February 3d . . . 213 Disappointment at his want of success against Fort Inde- pendence— Reinforcements still coming from New York — Forage parties of the British. To Major-General Heath, February 3d . . . 217 Conduct censured by others as too cautious — The summons idle and farcical — The fort may still be taken by surprise. To the President of Congress, February 5th . . 218 M. Pellisier — Gist instructed to bring some Cherokee Indians — Outrages of the British and Hessian troops in New Jersey — Movements of the enemy — Skirmish near Brunswick — The small- pox— Suggests the obligation of an oath. To Brigadier-General Arnold, February 6th . . 223 Proposed attack on Rhode Island. To Brigadier-General Parsons, February 8th . . 225 Proposed descent upon Long Island. To Major-General Schuyler, February' 9th . . 227 Meeting Carleton's army — Formation of the northern army — Prejudices and jealousies among the troops. To Governor Trumbull, February loth . . . 229 Inoculation for small-pox. To Brigadier-General Knox, February nth . . 230 Troops from Massachusetts — Laboratories. To Brigadier-General Maxwell, February 12th . . 233 On enforcing oath. To the President of Congress, February 14th . . 236 Foraging parties — Massachusetts forces — Laboratory and cannon-foundry — Troops for Ticonderoga — Clothier-General — Money needed. To the President of Congress, February 20th . . 240 Enemy about to make some push — Capture of some loyalists on Lawrence's Island. To Governor Trumbull, February 20th . . . 243 Baggage of the British officers who are prisoners — Impolicy of allowing them in country — ^An immediate exchange to be proposed. To the President of Congress, February 20th . . 244 Proposals of Faneuil to raise a French corps — Impossibility of finding employment for the French officers — Suggestions for dis- posing of them. CONTENTS OF VOL. V. xiii To Joseph Reed, February 23d ..... 247 His commission — Command of the horse — Prisoners — Col. Griffin — Horses — Plan for the prevention of desertion — The return of Congress. To John Augustine Washington, February 24th . 251 Howe of no enterprise — Skirmishing between scouts and foraging parties — Parricides — Strength of the army — Desertion a growing evil. To Patrick Henry, February 24th .... 253 Mr. Walker's errand — His position. To the Council of Massachusetts Bay, February 28th, 254 Treatment of Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell — Impolicy of harsh measures. To the President of Congress, March ist . . . 257 Resolutions respecting General Lee — Retaliation impolitic — Lee's treatment misrepresented — Difficulties of effecting ex- changes— Charges of partiality. To Robert Morris, March 2d 262 Invites an unreserved correspondence — Howe's intentions and movements — His letters to Congress intended to convey the true situation — Lee's request might have been gratified — The resolutions concerning Campbell — Congress ignorant of the real state of affairs. To Governor Trumbull, March 3d ... . 268 Additional bounties — Clothing for the Connecticut troops — Inoculation — Want of arms. To Brigadier-General Andrew Lewis, March 3d . 270 Disappointment that he was not made a brigadier-general — Trusts he will not resign. To Lieutenant-Colonel Robert H. Harrison, March 4th 273 Instructions. To the President of Congress, March 6th . . . 274 A letter from General Lee — The exchange of Lee and re- taliation. To Governor Trumbull, March 6th .... 275 Militia needed — No dependence to be placed on militia of the southern governments — Future condition of the army. To Major-General Gates, March loth . . . 278 Wishes him to be adjutant-general — Treatment of prisoners. XIV CONTENTS OF VOL. V. To Brigadier-General Wooster, March nth An injudicious retreat — The case of Stanton. To Major-General Schuyler, March 12th . Necessity of concentrating force — Philadelphia the object of the enemy — Too large a force sent to Ticonderoga — Peekskill a better point of concentration — Junction of eastern and southern troops necessary for operations. To the President of Congress, March 14th Resolution of Congress — Impossibility of executing it with the means available — Necessity for the new levies — Brigadiers — The hospital plan — Pay of regimental surgeons and mates — Want of money. To Major-General Sullivan, March 15th Imagined slights — Separate commands. To Major-General Greene, March i8th Instructions. To Major-General Mifflin, March i8th Wishes to purchase some brood mares. To Robert Alexander, March 20th Completing a purchase of land. To Governor Trumbull, March 23d . Charge for prisoners — New levies — System of raising men in Massachusetts — Rumored employment of Russians by the Brit- ish— Loyalist correspondence. To the President of Congress, March 29th Expedition against Peekskill — Indians. To Elias Boudinot, April ist Offers position of commissary of prisoners — To procure in- telligence one of the duties. To Governor Cooke, April 3d . Arrival of arms — Effects of extravagant bounties — Number of enemy on Rhode Island overrated — Plans of the British and insufficiency of American force to meet them — State forces and Continental defence. To Brigadier-General Arnold, April 3d . . . His omission from list of promotions — Advises against hasty action — No reason for a court of inquiry, because no charges made — Principle adopted by Congress in promotions. To Brigadier-General Parsons, April 3d . . . Laxness of recruiting officers — Opening of the campaign — Deficiency of troops — Arrangement of regiments in brigades. PAGE 280 281 285 289 291 292 294 296 299 301 304 305 CONTENTS OF VOL. V. xv PAGE Proclamation Respecting Deserters, April 6th . . 307 To General Heard, April 7th 308 Proportion of officers to men — Control of the brigadiers over militia — Returns. To Colonel Reed or Colonel Cox, April 7th . .310 In regard to Smith, an American spy. To Lieutenant-General Howe, April 9th . . .311 On the illiberal performance of Lieutenant-Colonel Walcott — Alleged violation of agreement for exchange of prisoners — Dying men sent out — Agreement founded on general principles of mutual compensation and reward — Usage of prisoners by British unjustifiable — Treatment of Major-General Lee — His proposed exchange — The charge of delay — Conclusion. To Major-General Heath, April loth . . . 318 On demand of Massachusetts for the new arms — Appoint- ment of brigade-majors. To Brigadier-General Mifflin, April loth . . .320 On employing spies. To the President of Congress, April 1 2th . . .321 Prospects of an army being ready to take the field — Difficul- ties in raising men — Recommends Dr. John Cochran. To Governor Trumbull, April 12th .... 325 Correspondence with the enemy and furnishing them with supplies. To Governor Henry, April 13th . . . .327 Slow recruiting service — Short enlistments the source of every misfortune — The evils enumerated — Small-pox. To the President of Congress, April i8th . . . 330 Surprising a picket guard — Embarkation of British from Rhode Island — Unfair practices in exports from Philadelphia — Money — Resolutions on filling vacancies. To Richard Henry Lee, April 24th .... 335 Arthur Lee's message — Plan of campaign — Attack upon British force in Rhode Island — Surgeon's mates — Position of France — Recruiting abuses — Exemption of laborers in iron works. To Brigadier-General Glover, April 26th . . . 339 Against his declining an appointment. To Doctor James Craik, April 26th .... 340 Wishes him to accept an appointment. xvi CONTENTS OF VOL. V. To Major-General Lincoln, April 27th . . . 342 Amazing desertion of troops and its cause — Regularity of pay. To Brigadier-General McDougall, April 28th . . 343 Expedition against Danbury. To the President of Congress, April 28th . . . 345 Hastening recruits to the eastward — British marauding expe- dition against Danbury — Measures of defence defeated by pre- vailing languor and supineness. To Colonel Alexander Spotswood, April 30th . . 349 A personal guard. To the President of Congress, May 5th . . . 350 Arnold's promotion — Carleton on the lake — Bounty offered by British to deserters — The losses at Danbury. To Brigadier-General McDougall, May 7th . . 352 Fort Montgomery — Arnold ordered to Peekskill — Branding of arms. To Governor Trumbull, May 1 1 th .... 354 The Danbury expedition — No attack on Connecticut to be anticipated — Uncertainty of the enemy's plans — Can detach no troops. To Major-General Greene, May 12th . . . 357 Instructions. To the President of Congress, May 12th . . . 359 Officers withholding the pay of the soldiers — Regulation of the paymasters — Auditors suggested — Weakness of the army — Militia — Skirmish near Piscataway. To the President of Congress, May 12th . . . 362 Introducing General Arnold — He proposes to resign. To Monsieur Malmedy, May i6th .... 363 Pretensions to rank based upon an appointment of a State — Distinction between a Continental and a State appointment. To the President of Congress, May i6th . . . 367 Commissions for brigadiers — Claims of the French gentlemen — Attack of tories. To Richard Henry Lee, May 17th . . . . 369 Applications of foreigners — How are they to be treated ? — Bad policy of disgusting natives by preferring foreigners — Too high expectations raised — Artillery officers and engineers an exception. CONTENTS OF VOL. V. xvii PAGE To Governor Henry, May 17th ..... 371 Insufficient reinforcements compel choice between militia or draughting — Indiscriminate drafts or system of substitutes — Dis- advantages of either plan — Suggestions — Law against deserters. To Brigadier-General Parsons, May 17th . . .374 Troops must be sent to PeekskiU — Measures for recruiting — Proposed expedition to Long Island inexpedient. To Major-General Gates, May 19th .... 376 Charges of partiality — The question of tents. To Brigadier-General McDougall, May 23d . . 378 Uniform training — Broken paroles. To James Warren, May 23d ..... 379 No efforts too great for the exigency of the situation — Monopoly repealed — No apprehension of an invasion of Massa- chusetts— The Continental army should take precedence of a local force — Supernumerary regiments suggested. To Governor Trumbull, May 23d .... 383 Deficient regiments — Army of observation about the White Plains — No stores can be spared — Reported death of Tryon. To the President of Congress, May 24th . . . 386 The office of adjutant-general — Pickering accepts the ap- pointment— Col. Lee's character — Defence of the passes in the Highlands — Cables for a boom in the river — The command of the light-horse — Intelligence — Col, Harrison's artillery regiment. To Major-General Putnam, May 25th . . . 390 Proposing a surprise of the enemy at Kingsbridge — Details. To Governor Trumbull, May 26th .... 392 Intentions of the enemy — Reasons against dividing army. To Major-General Greene, May 27th .... 393 Absence of the commissary-general — Intelligence from the enemy. To the President of Congress, May 28th . . . 394 Correspondence with General Howe — Disputes arising from the exchange — Ambiguous terms — Campbell's treatment — Incidents. To Brigadier-General Parsons, May 29th . . . 397 The expedition of Lieutenant-Colonel Meigs against Long Island — Importance of defending Highland passes — Prevents detachment of troops to Connecticut. xviii CONTENTS OF VOL. V. PAGE To Governor Henry, May 31st . . . . . 399 Sailing of the enemy's fleet — Its destination and objects unknown — Suggests measures of defence — Operations by de- tachments likely to prove most effective — Arrival of transports at New York — Filling the Virginia regiments. To the President of Congress, May 31st . , . 401 Ducoudray and his demands — The labors of General Knox — Injustice of displacing Knox. To Richard Henry Lee, June ist . . . . 403 The foreign applicants — Ducoudray and Knox — Howe's proclamation — Completing the regiments. To the President of Congress, June 3d . . . 407 The question of persons who had been misled into joining the enemy — Proposed offer of amnesty — Discrimination to be made — Offer to be communicated secretly rather than by an act of public authority. To the President of Congress, June 5th . . .411 Resolution applying to the French officers — Question of dating the commissions — Officers now in artillery should not be displaced — Proposed new corps for the foreigners — Obstacles to giving them command. To Appolos Morris, June 6th . . . . .415 Advises him to leave the country. To Colonel Samuel B. Webb, June 7th . . . 416 Strictures on his drawing clothing for his men — Conduct highly offensive. To the President of Congress, June 8th . . . 418 Approval of his conduct in proposed cartel — The matter of chaplains — Intelligence — Removal of stores from Philadelphia. To John Augustine Washington, June — . . 420 Movements of the enemy — Howe's general inactivity a matter of surprise — Small-pox and its treatment — Impolitic law re- straining inoculation in Virginia — The affair at Danbury. To Lieutenant-General Howe, June loth . . . 423 No compromise possible from letters — Charge of exciting popular delusion — Treatment of prisoners — Variance between accounts — Supplies of provisions — British prisoners in American hands — Agents for prisoners — Mortality in the army— Return of prisoners in a dying condition — General Lee — Still desirous for an exchange on liberal and impartial principles — Campbell's situation. CONTENTS OF VOL. V. xix PAGE To Joseph Reed, June 14th 432 Returns thanks for friendly and affectionate sentiments — The Lee letter — Hopes he will accept appointment. To Major-General Schuyler, June i6th . . . 433 Intelligence from Canada — Howe begins his march — Massing the army in New Jersey. To Major-General Arnold, June 17th . . . 435 Position of the armies summarized — The intention of the enemy to destroy the army and gain possession of Philadelphia — Animation of the people. To M. Danmours, June 19th 438 Policy of France — The affair at Danbury — Movements of the British. To Major-General Schuyler, June 20th . . . 441 Amsbury's evidence — The suggested plan hardly practicable — Letter to Sullivan — New England troops. To the President of Congress, June 20th . . . 444 Retreat of Howe to Brunswick — Uncertainty as to the mean- ing— Activity of militia a probable cause — Rule of promotion determined. To the President of Congress, June 22d . . . 447 Brunswick evacuated and the British retired to Amboy — Attack on their rear. To Joseph Reed, June 23d. (See under January 23d.) 449 To the President of Congress, June 25th . . . 450 Losses of the enemy in their retreat — Measures taken to annoy the British — Misfortune of orders to Maxwell having miscarried. To the President of Congress, June 28th . . . 452 Advance of the enemy — The design and the effect. To John Augustine Washington, June 29th . . 454 Movements of the two armies. To Governor Trumbull, July 2d .... 456 Exchange of prisoners — Demand for arms cannot be com- plied with — Reasons — The British out of New Jersey — Possible operations against the Highlands. To the President of Congress, July 2d . . . 461 Intelligence from the northern army — Uncertainty of the real intentions of the British — Alternatives and the consequences of each — Confusion in the issuing commissaries' department — Needs of the military chest — Look-outs on Delaware Bay. XX CONTENTS OF VOL. V. To Major-General Lee, July 4th .... 464 Lord Drummond's parole — Inexpedient and unnecessary to reopen the discussion of his acts. To Governor Rutledge, July 5th .... 465 Attack upon St. Augustine — Manoeuvres of the two armies — Uncertainties. To Major-General Sullivan, July 6th .... 468 Proposed attack on Bergen. To Governor Trumbull, July 7th .... 469 Doubts as to intentions of British — No arms to the southward. To the President of Congress, July loth . . . 472 Intelligence from the north — Requests that Arnold be sent there — The army to move. To Major-General Putnam, July 12th . . . 476 Reinforcements for the northern army — Howe's movements — Measures of defence — British vessels in the Sound. To Ducoudray, July 13th 478 Heavy ordnance to be recast — Advantages to be gained — Necessity for light pieces — Cannon detained at Springfield — Du Plessis not the adviser of the step — Cannot recognize Ducoudray in an official capacity until instructions are received from Congress. To Major-General Schuyler, July 13th . . . 483 Supplies — Mystery surrounding the movements of St. Clair, To Major-General Schuyler, July 15th . . . 484 Evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence unex- plained— No room for despair — Intentions of Howe — Evacuation of Fort George regarded as unnecessary. To Lieutenant-General Howe, July i6th . . . 487 Exchange of Prescott for Lee proposed. To Governor Trumbull, July 17th .... 488 Events at the northward — Exchange of Lee for Prescott — Directions for guarding the latter. To Major-General Schuyler, July i8th . . . 489 Arnold to join the northern army — His claim of rank to be waived — The conduct of St. Clair should be investigated — His acts condemned by all ranks of people — Council of war at Ticonderoga received — Supplies sent up — No more troops can be detached from the main army. To the Massachusetts and Connecticut Brifjadier- Generals, July i8th 492 To march with the militia to Saratoga — Arnold to command. CONTENTS OF VOL. V. xxi PAGE To the Committee of Congress, July 19th , . . 493 Completing the Continental regiments — Methods of recruit- ing suggested — The question of feeding the army — Disease and mortality the consequence of a lack of proper articles — Soap — Clothing — Indiscriminate giving of rank — Settlement of accounts — Geographer — A travelling press — Disposition of the French officers — Punishment of skulking spies. To Major-General Heath, July 19th .... 500 The attitude of France — Discrepancy in returns of forces at Ticonderoga To the President of Congress, July 22d . . . 502 Embarrassments respecting the intended operations of Gen- eral Hovs^e — Necessity of look-outs at the Capes of Delaware — Movements of detachments. To Major-General Schuyler, July 22d . . . 504 Burgoyne's movements calculated to ruin him — Urges exer- tions to arouse the people — Policy of evacuating Fort George — Necessity for harmony — Lines a trap. To Lord Stirling, July 24th 507 Movements of the army — Boats to be provided — Number of the British fleet — Uncertainty of intelligence. To Major-General Schuyler, July 24th . . . 508 Disappointed in number of militia — No reinforcements can be sent from the main army — Manning the artillery — Number of the enemy — Disadvantages they must labor under — General Lincoln — A body of men to be stationed about the Grants — Arnold suggested for command at Fort Schuyler. To Major-General Putnam, July 25th . . .512 New orders for disposing the troops — An intercepted letter from Howe to Burgoyne. To the President of Congress, July 25th . . -515 Exchange of Lee for Prescott — British command of the water an amazing advantage — Suggests calling out the militia — Intelli- gence and movements of the army. To Major-General Gates, July 30th . . . .518 State of uncertainty and position of the army — Howe's aban- doning of Burgoyne inexplicable. To Governor Trumbull, July 31st .... 520 Evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence — An inquiry to be held — No more detachments from Peekskill to the northern army — British fleet off the capes of Delaware — Lincoln and Arnold sent to the northern army to quiet militia. THE WRITINGS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.' White Plains, 6 November, 1776. Sir, I have the honor to inform you, that on yesterday morning the enemy made a sudden and unexpected movement from the several posts they had taken in ' Sparks prints no letters of Washington between October 22d and November 6th, and it was through Colonel Harrison that he communicated with Congress. The interval was crowded with movements of both armies, hardly a day passing without some skirmish. On the 27th the British attacked the position of the Americans on Chatterton's Hill, and remained in possession of the field. On the two following days preparations were made by the enemy for again attacking the Americans, but something occurred to prevent, and not till the third was there an active movement, when the American sentries noted an unusual commotion in the British camp that resulted in the sudden march towards Kingsbridge. General Greene, who was now stationed at Fort Lee (formerly called Fort Constitution), gave notice on the 31st of October, that the enemy had taken pos- session of Fort Independence on the north side of Kingsbridge, having made their appearance in that quarter two days before ; that he had previously caused every thing valuable to be removed, and the bridges to be cut down. " I should be glad to know your Excellency's mind," he adds, "about holding all the ground from Kingsbridge to the lines. If we attempt to hold the ground, the gaiTison must be reinforced ; but if the garrison is to be drawn into Fort Wash- ington, and we only keep that, the number of troops on the island is too large." In reply the Commander-in-chief wrote, that the question could be answered only by being on the spot, and knowing all the circumstances, and that he should submit the whole to the judgment of General Greene, reminding him of the original design to garrison the works, and preserve the lower lines as long as they could be kept, and thus, by holding a commmunication across the river, to stop the enemy's ships from passing up or down. In this period the following orders and other matter must be noted : THE WRITINGS OF [1776 our front. They broke up their whole encampments the preceding night, and have advanced towards Kingsbridge and the North River. The design of this manoeuver is a matter of much conjecture and speculation, and cannot be accounted for with any ' ' The moving state of the army will occasion some irregxilarity, but the Gen- eral hopes that officers of all ranks, will exert themselves, to correct all abuses, particularly the following ; "Straggling from camp, or plundering parties. " Taking up and keeping horses. Loading the teams with heavy lumber and unnecessary baggage. " Firing in and about the camp. " To prevent the first the Rolls are to be frequently called, at least three times a day, and the absent punished. — To prevent the second, all horses not belonging to the Artillery or Ammunition or Field-Officers, to be collected and sent to the Quarter-Master-General, near Head Quarters. To prevent the third the Field Officers should have a general examination of the baggage of their regiments, and all heavy chests, Tables, Chairs, and other lumber be left, or after this, they will be thrown off the wagons wherever met with : To prevent firing in camp, the order of yesterday to be executed, by giving the offender 10 lashes on the spot, let him belong to what regiment he may." — Orderly Book, I November, 1776. "The General is sorry to find, that there are some soldiers, so lost to all sense of Honor, and Honesty, as to leave the Army, when there is the greatest necessity for their services. He calls upon the Officers of every Rank, to exert themselves, in putting a stop to it, and absolutely forbids any officer, under the rank of a Brigadier General, discharging any officer, or soldier, or giving any permission to leave the camp on any pretence whatever. " The situation of the Army and the Season, requiring that the Soldiery should be as well accommodated as possible, especially at night ; the taking of straw, or even grain in the sheaf, is not to be considered as included in the orders against plundering." — Orderly Book, 3 November, 1776. " Our situation is altered in no instance, unless in the number of our troops, which is every day decreasing, by their most scandalous desertion and return home." — Robert H. Harrison to the President of Congress, 3 November, 1776. "By command of his Excellency, I have the honor to acknowledge his re- ceipt of your favors of tlie 24th ulto., and to inform you, that he esteems the plan you propose to lay before Congress for preventing more Rations being drawn, than may be due, well calculated to answer the end. That respecting the sick, seems to him, not entirely perfect. The Captains or Commanders of Companies are prohibited from drawing pay for such sick as may be discharged from the Hospitals as unfit for service. If during their stay, and before it can 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 3 degree of certainty. The grounds we had taken pos- session of were strong and advantageous, and such as they could not have gained without much loss of blood in case an attempt had been made. I had taken every possible precaution to prevent their out- be known, whether their case will or will not admit of their return, it should be- come necessary to make up a Regimental pay abstract, in what manner are the officers to make up their Rolls ? Are they to include the sick or not ? As this is a case that may and must of necessity frequently happen, it appears to his Excellency, that the intended regulation should be more general, and restrain the officers from including in their pay abstracts or Rolls, all the sick they send to the Hospitals and the pay due 'em previous to their going. In such case, those who are discharged as unfit for service may receive their pay as intended, those who returned to duty, can obtain what was due them, when the Regiment was paid, by applying to the paymaster with the officer and Surgeon's Certifi- cates, or be included in a subsequent abstract. The Inconveniences and abuses which are designed to be remedied by these regulations, his Excellency does not apprehend to arise so much from necessity as Incident to the nature of Armies, as from the imperfect institution of the present, and the great mixture and diversity of Troops composing it ; and also from the inattention of the officers in whose appointments but too little regard has been had to choosing men of merit and honor. " The defenceless State of Pensylvania as communicated by the Committee of Safety to your Honble. body, is a matter of much concern to his Excellency, which is not a little aggravated by the part too many seem ready to take in favor of the Enemy. He trusts however the defection will be too inconsidera- ble to threaten any alarming consequences. " Agreable to your request his Excellency has consulted with Genl. Lee upon the best mode for employing the French Gentlemen and of making them serviceable. The result is, that they should be appointed to Regiments by Congress according to the Ranks they have been pleased to give 'em, and with the same pay as is allowed other officers in such cases. Their want of our Language is rather an objection, but it is hoped they will attain a sufficient Knowledge of it, ere it be long, to be of great service, and that in the Interim their advice and assistance in directing of Works may be of use where they may be stationed." — Harrison to the President of Congress, 4 November, 1776. " The General is very sensible that the time of service, of many of the Militia, will soon expire but as this is the most interesting and critical part of the Cam- paign, and their departure would greatly discourage the other troops and injure the service. He doubts not their love to their Country will induce them to prolong their stay until the Close of the Campaign, which must soon happen." — Orderly Book, 5 November, 1776. THE WRITINGS OF [1776 flanking us ; which may have led to the present measure. They may still have in view their original plan, and, by a sudden wheel, try to accomplish it. Detachments are constantly out to observe their motions, and to harass them as much as possible. In consequence of this movement I called a council of general officers to-day, to consult of such measures as should be adopted in case they pursued their re- treat to New York ; the result of which is herewith transmitted.' In respect to myself, I cannot indulge an idea that General Howe, supposing he is going to New York, means to close the campaign, and to sit down without attempting something more. I think it highly probable, and almost certain, that he will make a descent with a part of his troops into Jersey ; and, as soon as I am satisfied, that the present ma- noeuver is real and not a feint, I shall use every means in my power to forward a part of our force to coun- teract his designs ; nor shall I be disappointed if he sends a detachment to the southward for the purpose of making a winter campaign. From the information I have received, there is now a number of transports at Red Hook, with about three thousand troops on board. Their destination, as given out, is to Rhode Island ; but this seems altogether improbable for various reasons ; among others, the season is much against it. In the southern States they will find it ' The council agreed unanimously, that, in case the enemy were retreating towards New York, it would be proper immediately to throw a body of troops into New Jersey, that those raised on the east side of Hudson's River should be detached for this purpose, and that three thousand men should be stationed at Peekskill and the passes of the Highlands. :776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. milder, and much more favorable for their purposes. I shall take the liberty of mentioning, that it may not be improper to suggest the probability of such a measure to the Assemblies and Conventions in those States, that they may be on their guard, and of the propriety of their establishing and laying up maga- zines of provisions and other necessaries in suitable places. This is a matter of exceeding importance, and what cannot be too much attended to. From the approaching dissolution of the army, and the departure of the new levies, which is on the eve of taking place, and the little prospect of levying a new one in time, I have wrote to the eastern States, by the unanimous advice of the general officers, to forward supplies of militia in the room of those that are now here, and who, it is feared, will not be prevailed on to stay any longer than the time they are engaged for. The propriety of this application, I trust, will appear, when it is known that not a single officer is yet commissioned to recruit, and when it is considered how essential it is to keep up some show of force and shadow of an army.' I expect the ' ' ' The situation of our affairs is critical and truly alarming ; the dissolution of our army, is fast approaching, and but little if any prospect of levying a new one in a reasonable time. A large part of it, under the denomination of new levies are now on the eve of their departure, and this at a time when the enemy have a very numerous and formidable force, watching an opportunity to execute their plans, and to spread ruin and devastation among us. Impressed with the importance of these matters, I this day laid them before a council of general officers, with a view of obtaining their opinion upon the same, and of the meas- ures, which in their judgment should be immediately adopted. The result was that I should apply to several of the States for supplies of militia. . . . The hope and probability of raising a new army within a convenient time are so little, and the consequences so evidently alarming, if a sufficient force is not THE WRITINGS OF [1776 enemy will bend their force against Fort Washing- ton, and invest it immediately. From some advices, it is an object that will attract their earliest attention. I am happy to inform you, that, in the engagement on Monday se'nnight, I have reason to believe our loss was by no means so considerable as was con- jectured at first. By some deserters and prisoners we are told, that of the enemy was tolerably great ; some accounts make it about four hundred in killed and wounded ; all agree that among the former there was a Colonel Carr of the thirty-fifth regiment. The force that will be sent to Jersey after I am satisfied kept up to counteract the designs of the enemy in the meantime, that the coun- cil and myself have unanimously agreed that the militia should be engaged, if possible, to continue till the 1st of March. We flatter ourselves by that time, if not long before, such an army will be levyed as to render any future claims, upon them, unless in cases of the most pressing emergency, altogether unneces- sary."— Washington to the Massachtisetts General Assembly , 6 November, 1776. He asked for 4000 men from Massachusetts, but " well knowing the condition of your State, and the difficulties you have experienced on account of the fre- quent and large drafts from it from time to time " declined to mention any quota for Connecticut, In reply to a complaint of the Commissioners of Pennsylvania, that recruiting orders had not been issued to Col. Magaw and Col. Cadwalader, Washington wrote on the 6th explaining the want of money, and added : " You will I doubt not agree with me in that it could not be the General's duty or that of any other General officer to attend upon the officers of these two battalions to know whether they would serve, or set about the business of recruiting, and I am very confident that no application was made for money or recruiting orders. Nor, indeed, could they, for the enemy landed immediately after at Frog's Point, the army immediately moved and has been moving ever since, so that there has not been leisure or opportunity for transacting business of this kind. Our communication with Mount Washington has now been cut off for two weeks and, in short, the variety of avocations to the immediate safety and in- terests of the army, under constant alarms, and the approach of the enemy has made that very natural to those on the spot which may appear very much other- wise to gentlemen whose short stay at such times in the camp does not enable them to judge of the difficulties which occur on such occasions." 776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. of Mr. Howe's retreat, in addition to those now there, according to my present opinion, will make it neces- sary for me to go with them, to put things in a proper channel, and such a way of defence as shall seem most probable to check the progress of the enemy, in case they should attempt a descent there, or a move towards Philadelphia. I have the honor to be, &c.' TO GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON. White Plains, 7 November, 1776. Sir, On Tuesday morning the enemy broke up their encampments, which were in front of our lines, after having remained there several days without attempt- ing any thing. They have gone towards the North River and Kingsbridge. This sudden and unex- pected movement is a matter of much speculation. Some suppose they are going into winter-quarters, and will sit down in New York, without doing more than investing Fort Washington. I cannot subscribe ' Read in Congress November nth. The Court-house and several private houses in the village of White Plains \vere burnt on the night of the 5th of November. This wanton act was caused by a major in the army, and was severely censured by the Commander-in-chief in the general orders of the next day. — "It is with the utmost astonishment and abhorrence, that the General is informed, that some base and cowardly wretches last night set fire to the Court-house and other buildings, which the enemy had left ; the army may rely on it, that they shall be brought to justice and meet with the punishment they deserve." When the army evacuated their first works at White Plains, on the 31st of October, a few barns and other houses within the lines, containing forage and public stores, which could not be removed, were burnt by order of the General. Some historians have erroneously confounded the two incidents, and represented the burning of the houses in the village as an act authorized by the Commander-in-chief. 8 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 wholly to this opinion myself. That they will invest Fort Washinofton is a matter of which there can be no doubt ; and I think there is a strong probability, that General Howe will detach a part of his force to make an incursion into the Jerseys, provided he is going to New York. He must attempt something on account of his reputation ; for what has he done as yet with his great army ? ' Persuaded that an expedition to the Jerseys will succeed his arrival in New York with a detachment of his army, as soon as I can be satisfied, that the present manoeuver is a real retreat and not a feint, I shall throw over a body of our troops, with the ut- most expedition, to assist in checking his progress. At the same time, I beg leave to recommend to your consideration the propriety and necessity, that some measures should be taken to place your militia on the best footing possible, and that a part of them may be in readiness to supply the place of the troops, denominated new levies, from your State, whose term of service will presently expire. Your vigi- lance and attention, I know, will not be wanting in any instance. Yet, there is one thing more I will take the liberty to mention ; that is, that the inhabi- tants, contiguous to the water, should be prepared to remove their stock, grain, effects, and carriages upon the earliest notice. If they are not, the calami- ' On the same day, that is, November 7th, General Washington wrote to General Greene, then at Fort Lee, expressing his conviction, that the enemy would invest Fort Washington, and adding, " I must recommend to you to give every attention in your power, and give every assistance you can, to that garrison." 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. ties, which they will suffer, will be beyond all de- scription, and the advantages derived to the enemy immensely great. They have treated all here with- out discrimination ; the distinction of Whig and Tory has been lost in one general scene of ravage and desolation. The article of foraoe is of oreat im- portance to them, and not a blade should remain for their use. What cannot be removed with con- venience should be consumed without the least hesi- tation. These several matters I thought it my duty to suggest to you, not doubting but you will give them such attention as they may seem to deserve ; and that your own good judgment will point out many more necessary regulations, adapted to the exigency of our affairs. I do not know the state of the barracks about Elizabethtown, Amboy, and Brunswic. They may be exceedingly necessary to cover our troops. I think, therefore, it would be ad- visable to have them examined, and that you should direct such necessary repairs to be made as they may require. I have the honor to be, &c. TO MAJOR-GENERAL GREENE. Head-Quarters, 8 November, 1776. Sir, The late Passage of three Vessels up the North River, (which we have just reed, advice of), is so plain a Proof of the Inefficacy of all the Obstructions we have thrown into it, that I cannot but think it will fully justify a Change in the Disposition, which has lo THE WRITINGS OF [1776 been made. If we cannot prevent Vessels from passing up, and the Enemy are possessed of the sur- rounding country, what valuable Purpose can it an- swer to attempt to hold a Post, from which the expected Benefit cannot be had ? I am therefore inclined to think, that it will not be prudent to hazard the Men and Stores at Mount Washington ; but, as you are on the spot, leave it to you to give such orders, as to evacuating Mount Washington, as you may judge best, and so far revoking the order given to Colonel Magaw to defend it to the last. The best accounts obtained from the enemy assure us of a considerable movement among their boats last evening ; and so far as can be collected from the various sources of intelligence, they must design a penetration into Jersey, and to fall down upon your post. You will therefore immediately have all the stores &c, removed, which you do not deem necessary for your defence ; and as the enemy have drawn great relief from the forage and provisions, which they have found in the country, and which our ten- derness spared, you will do well to prevent their receiving any fresh supplies there, by destroying it, if the inhabitants will not drive off their stock and remove the hay and grain, &c. in time. Experience has shown, that a contrary conduct is not of the least advantage to the poor inhabitants, from whom all their effects of every kind are taken, without distinc- tion and without the least satisfaction. Troops are filing off from hence as fast as our situ- ation and circumstances will admit, in order to be 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. ii transported over the river with all expedition. I am, &c.' P. S. I need not suggest to you the necessity of giving General Mercer early information of all cir- cumstances, that he may move up to your relief with what troops he has. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. White Plains, 8 November, 1776. Gentlemen, I have been favored with yours of the 31st ulto. by Monsr. Laytaniac, and must take the liberty of referring you to my former Letters upon the subject of providing for the French Gentlemen who shall in- cline to enter the service of the States. To me there ' General Greene wrote in leply on the 9th : — " The passing of the ships up the river is, to be sure, a full proof of the insufficiency of the obstructions to stop the ships from going up ; but that garrison employs double the number of men to invest it, that we have to occupy it. They must keep troops at Kings- bridge to prevent a communication with the country, and they dare not leave a very small number for fear our people should attack them. Upon the whole, I cannot help thinking, that the garrison is of advantage ; and I cannot con- ceive it to be in any great danger. The men can be brought off at any time, but the stores may not be so easily removed. Yet I think they can be got off in spite of them, if matters grow desperate. This post is of no importance, except in conjunction with Mount Washington. I was over there last evening. The enemy seem to be disposing matters to besiege the place ; but Colonel Magaw thinks it will take them till December expires before they can carry it. If the enemy do not find it an object of importance, they will not trouble themselves about it ; if they do, it is a full proof, that they feel an injury from our possessing it. Our giving it up will open a free communication with the country by the way of Kingsbridge. That must be a great advantage to them and injury to us. " If the enemy cross the river, I shall follow your Excellency's advice, re- specting the cattle and forage. These measures, however cruel in appearance, were ever my maxims of war in the defence of a country ; in attacking, they would be very improper." — MS. Letter, dated Fort Lee, Novetuber gth. 12 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 appears that one of two modes must be adopted : they must either be appointed to places in some of the regiments, or formed into a distinct Corps, The former was advised as the most eligible in Respect to the Gentlemen who were here before. It requires time to form an accurate opinion of the merits of an officer, and the present situation of the Army, will not allow me to pay a particular attention to Monsr. Laytaniac, or such notice as he may wish to receive, or I to give. Nor is there any way of making his stay here agreeable. I have &c.' TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL HOWE. Head-Quarters, 9 November, 1776. Sir, Yesterday evening I received the favor of your letter of the 8th instant. Major Stewart's servant having never represented himself as a person not en- listed in your army, he was considered as a prisoner of war, and sent as such to Jersey. But upon your information, that he was not in the capacity of a sol- ^ " By every information I can obtain, and the accounts I had last night by Two deserters, who were very intelligent and particular, Genl. Howe still has in view an expedition to the Jerseys, and is preparing for it with the greatest industry. I have detached the first division of our Troops, which was thought necessary to be sent, and which I hope will cross the River at Peekskill to day. The Second, I expect, will all march this Evening, and tomorrow Morning, I propose to follow myself, in order to put things in the best train I can, and to give him every possible opposition. I hope when the two divisions arrive and are joined to such other forces, as I expect to collect, to check his progress, and prevent him from penetrating any distance from the river if not to oblige him to return immediately with some loss. Whatever is in my power to effect, shall be done." — Washington to the President of Congress, 9 November, 1776. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 13 dier, I will give immediate directions for him to be brought back, that he may return to his master. This servant was charged with a letter of a private and delicate nature ; but Major Stewart may be assured the contents neither were nor shall be permitted to transpire. I regret that it has not been in my power to effect the proposed exchange of prisoners before this time. As soon as the proposition was agreed to, I wrote to the Governors and Conventions of the different States, where the prisoners were, to have them collected and sent to the most convenient places in the .neighbor- hood of the two armies. Their dispersed situation, for their better accommodation, has been the reason of the delay ; at least I cannot ascribe it to any other cause. It has not arisen. Sir, from any design on my part ; and I am persuaded the difficulty of drawing them together must be evident to you, especially as it was early suggested in some of my former letters. As to the charge of your officers being confined in common gaols, I had hoped that you were satisfied by my assurances on this head before. It is not my wish, that severity should be exercised towards any, whom the fortune of war has thrown or shall throw into our hands. On the contrary, it is my desire, that the utmost humanity should be shown them. I am convinced, the latter has been the prevailing line of conduct to prisoners. There have been instances, in which some have met with less indulgence, than could have been wished, owing to a refractory conduct and a disregard of paroles. If there are other instances, 14 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 In which a strict regard to propriety has not been observed, they have not come to my knowledge, and if you will be pleased to point them out, and to par- ticularize the names of the officers, the earliest inquiry shall be made into the complaint, and the cause removed, if any exists. With respect to the stragglers, who have lately fallen into our hands, I cannot, upon the best con- sideration, discern how the aofreement subsistingf between us is affected by sending them to places from whence they may be easily collected upon a general exchange. That the custom of war requires, or that the interest of an army would admit of a daily exchange of prisoners, are points on which we are so unhappy as to differ in sentiment. The opportuni- ties of conveying intelligence, and many other conse- quences flowing from such an intercourse, seem so very obvious, that, upon further reflection, I flatter myself you will think with me on this subject. But if otherwise, it might have been exemplified on your part in the immediate return of such stragglers from our army, as have fallen into your hands, which would have justified an expectation of a similar conduct from us. I am, Sir with great respect, &c.' TO MAJOR-GENERAL LEE. instructions. Sir, The late movement of the Enemy, and the probability of their having designs upon the Jerseys, (confirmed by sundry accounts from deserters and prisoners,) rendering it necessary to throw a ' Howe's reply is printed in Sparks' Washington, iv., 529. 776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 15 body of troops over the North River, I shall immediately follow, and the command of the army, which remains, (after General Heath's division marches to Peekskill,) devolving upon you, 1 have to request That you will be particularly attentive that all the intrenching and other tools (excepting those in immediate use) be got to- gether, and delivered to the Quarter Master General, or Major Reed, who heretofore has been intrusted with them. That you will direct the commanding officer of Artillery, to exert himself, in having the Army well supplied with Musket Cartridges ; for this purpose a convenient place at a distance, should be fixed on, that the business may go on uninterrupted. That no troops who have been furnished, with Arms, Accou- trements, or Camp utensils, be suffered to depart the Camp, before they have delivered them, either to the Commissary of Stores or the Quarter Master General, (or his Assistant) as the case may be, taking receipts therefor, in exoneration of those which they have passed. In a particular manner let the tents be taken care of, committed to the Quarter Master General's care. A little time now must manifest the Enemy's designs, point out to you the measures proper to be pursued by that part of the army under your command. I shall give no directions, therefore, on this head, having the most entire confidence in your Judgment and military exertions. One thing, however, I will suggest, namely, that as the appearance of embarking troops for the Jerseys may be intended as a feint to weaken us, and render the strong post we now hold more vulnerable, or if they find that troops are assembled with more expedition and in greater numbers, than they expected, on the Jersey shore to oppose them ; I say, as it is possible, from one or the other of the motives, that they may yet pay the army under your command a visit, it will be unnecessary, I am persuaded, to recommend to you the propriety of putting this post, if you stay at it, into a proper posture of defence, and guarding against surprises. But I would recommend it to your consideration, whether, under the sugges- tion above, your retiring to Croton Bridge, and some strong post still more easterly covering the other passes through the High- lands, may not be more advisable, than to run the hazard of an attack with unequal numbers. At any rate, I think all your bag- i6 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 gage and stores, except such as are necessary for immediate use, ought to be to the northward of Croton River. In case of your removal from hence I submit to the consideration of yourself and the General Officers with you, the propriety of destroying the Hay, to prevent the Enemy from reaping the benefit of it. You will consider the post at Croton's (or Pines) Bridge as under your immediate care, as also that lately occupied by General Parsons and the other at Wright's mill ; the first, I am taught to believe is of consequence, and the other two can be of little use, while the Enemy hover about the North River and upon our right flank. General Wooster, of the State of Connecticut, and, by order of the Governor, commanding several regiments of militia, is now I presume in or about Stamford ; they were to receive orders from me, and they are to of course do it from you. There are also some other regiments of Connecticut militia, who came out with General Saltonstall, and annexed to General Parsons's brigade ; and others, whom you must dispose of as occasion and circum- stances shall require ; but as, by the late returns, many of those regiments are reduced to little more than a large company, I recommend the discharge of all such supernumerary officers, and the others annexed to some Brigade. As the Season will soon oblige the Enemy to betake themselves to winter-quarters, and will not permit our troops to remain much longer in tents, it may be well to consider in time where magazines of provisions and forage should be laid in for the army on the East side Hud- son's River. Peekskill, or the neighborhood, would, I should think, be a very advantageous post for as many as can be supported there. Croton Bridge may possibly be another good deposit, or somewhere more easterly for the rest, as the Commissary and Quartermaster &c may assist in pointing out. It may not be amiss to remind you, for it must (as it ought) to have some influence on your deliberations and measures, that the Massachusetts militia stand released from their Contract the 17th this Instant, & that the Connecticut militia are not engaged for any fixed period, &, by what I can learn, begin to grow very impatient to return, and few indeed of whom are left. If the Enemy should remove the whole or the greater part of their force to the West side of Hudson's River, I have no doubt of your following, 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 17 with all possible despatch, leaving the militia & Invalids to cover the frontiers of Connecticut in case of need. Given at Head- Quarters, near the White Plains, this loth day of November, 1776.' ________ TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL. Head-Quarters, 10 November, 1776. Sir, I was yesterday evening favored with a call by the gentlemen appointed Commissioners from your State to arrange your officers, and to adopt some line of conduct for recruiting the quota of men, which you are to furnish. In discussing this subject, the gentle- men informed me, that your Assembly, to induce 1 " As it is more than probable (unless General Howe should throw his whole force into the Jerseys and bend his course towards Philadelphia,) that there will scarce be a junction of our troops again this season, it may be well for you to consider of a proper partition of the field artillery, artillerists, and stores for each service ; and delay no time in the arrangement and despatch of those des- tined for the western side of Hudson's River. . . . It is unnecessary to add, that if the army of the enemy should wholly or pretty generally throw them- selves across the North River, that General Lee is to follow." — Washington to Colonel Knox, lo November, 1776. " Such Officers as have been commissioned by the different States for the New Army, are immediately to set about recruiting from the troops of such State only upon the following terms. " Twenty Dollars Bounty. "A Suit of Cloaths. " One hundred acres of land. " The same pay and rations, as are now given. The service to continue during the present contest with Great Britain. ' ' Such ample encouragement, it is not doubted, will induce every true Lover of his Country, to engage in its defence, to preserve it from the Horrors of Slavery, and the desolation of a cruel and barbarous enemy. No Boys (under the idea of Traiters or otherwise) or old Men to be inlisted, if they are they will be returned on the hands of the Officer, without any allowance for any expense he may be at." — Orderly Book, loth November, 1776. The original orders from November loth to January 12th, 1777, inclusive, are missing. i8 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 their men to enlist more readily into the service, had passed a vote advancing their pay twenty shillings per month, over and above that allowed by Congress. It is seldom, that I interfere with the determinations of any public body, or venture to hold forth my opin- ion contrary to the decisions, which they form ; but, upon this occasion, I must take the liberty to mention, especially as the influence of that vote will be general and. Continental, that, according to my ideas and those of every general officer I have consulted, a more mis- taken policy could not have been adopted, or one that, in its consequences, will more effectually pre- vent the great object, which Congress have in view, and which the situation of our affairs so loudly calls for, the levying a new army. That the advance, allowed by your State, may be the means of rais- ing your quota of men sooner than it otherwise would, perhaps may be true ; but, when it is con- sidered, that it will be an effectual bar to the other States, in raising the quotas exacted from them, when it is certain, that, if their quotas could be made up without this advance coming to their knowledge, the moment they come to act with troops, who receive a higher pay, jealousy, impatience, and mutiny will immediately take place, and occasion desertions, if not a total dissolution of the army, — it must be viewed as injurious and fatal point of light. That troops will never act together, in the same cause and for different pay, must be obvious to every one. Ex- perience has already proved it in this army. That Congress will take up the subject, and make the ad- 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 19 vance general, is a matter of which there can be but little probability, as the addition of a suit of clothes, to the former pay of the privates, was a long time debated before it could be obtained. I am, &c. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Peekskill, II November, 1776. Sir, I have only time to acknowledge, the honor of your Letter of the 5th Inst and its several Inclosures and to inform you that agreeable to the resolves of Congress, I shall use every measure in my power, that the moving and present confused state of the army will admit of, for to appoint officers for recruiting. You will have been advised, before this, of the arrival of Commissioners from Massachusetts. Others have come from Connecticut ; but, from the present ap- pearance of things, we seem but little if any nearer levying an army. I had anticipated the resolve re- specting the militia, by writing to the eastern States and to the Jerseys, by the advice of my general offi- cers, and from a consciousness of the necessity of getting in a number of men if possible, to keep up the appearance of our army. How my applications will succeed, the event must determine. I have little or no reason to expect, that the militia now here will remain a day longer than the time they first engaged for. I have recommended their stay, and requested it in general orders. General Lincoln and the Massa- chusetts Commissioners are using their interest with 20 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 those from that State ; but, as far as I can judge, we cannot rely on their staying.' I left White Plains about eleven o'clock yesterday ; all peace then. The enemy appeared to be preparing for their expedition to Jersey, according to every in- formation. What their designs are, or whether their present conduct is not a feint, I cannot determine. The Maryland and Virginia troops under Lord Stir- ling have crossed the river, as have part of those from the Jerseys ; the remainder are now embarking. The troops, judged necessary to secure the several posts through the Highlands, have also got up. I am going to examine the passes, and direct such works as may appear necessary ; after which, and making the best disposition I can of things in this quarter, I intend to proceed to Jersey, which I expect to do to-morrow." The Assemblies of Massachusetts and Connecti- cut, to induce their men more readily to engage in the service, have voted an advance pay of twenty shillings per month, in addition to that allowed by the Congress to privates. It may perhaps be the means of their levying the quotas exacted from them ' Congress on the 4th had passed resolutions authorizing Washington, after consulting with such of his generals as he could conveniently call together, to grant warrants to officers of States which had not sent commissoners for appoint- ing officers. He was also desired to take such steps as he might think most proper for continuing the militia then in camp. "^ The command of the posts in the Highlands, including the passes on both sides of the river, and the forts Constitution, Montgomery, and Independence, had been assigned to General Heath, and a division of the army had already marched to Peekskill for that purpose. General Washington reconnoitred these posts on the nth of November, and passed over into New Jersey the next day. General Heath's division consisted mostly of Connecticut and Massa- chusetts troops, and General George Clinton's brigade of New York militia. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 21 sooner, than they could otherwise have been raised ; but I am of opinion, a more fatal and mistaken policy could not have entered their councils, or one more detrimental to the general cause. The influence of the vote will become Continental, and materially affect the other States in making up their levies. If they could do it, I am certain, when the troops come to act together, that jealousy, impatience, and mutiny would necessarily arise. A different pay cannot ex- ist in the same army. The reasons are obvious, and experience has proved their force in the case of the eastern and southern troops last spring. Sensible of this, and of the pernicious consequences, that would inevitably result from the advance, I have prevented the Commissioners from proceeding, or publishing their terms, till they could obtain the sense of Con- gress upon the subject, and remonstrated against it in a letter to Governor Trumbull. I am not singular in opinion ; I have the concurrence of all the general officers, of its fatal tendency.' I congratulate you and Congress upon the news from Ticonderoga, and that General Carleton and his army have been obliged to return to Canada without attempting any thing. I have the honor to be, Baz.^ ' Although Congress had determined what inducements should be offered to officers and men inlisting to serve during the war, the individual States under- took in some cases to alter the rewards. Maryland, having no lands in the west, offered to its recruits ten dollars in lieu of the lOO acres of land promised by Congress ; but Congress decided that its faith was pledged to a performance of the promise of land, that the promise was equally obligatory upon its con- stituents, and no one State could by its own act be released therefrom, and requested the convention of Maryland to " reconsider " its resolution, your- nals of Congress, 30 October, 1776. See also Journals, 12 November, 1776. ' Read in Congress November 15th. 2 2 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH. INSTRUCTIONS. The uncertainty with respect to the designs of the enemy ren- ders any disposition of our army at this time a little unsettled ; but, for the present your Division with such troops as are now at Forts Constitution, Montgomery and Independence, are to be under your command, and remain in this quarter for the security of the above posts, and the passes through the Highlands from this place, and the one on the west side of Hudson's River. Colonel Tash's regiment is meant to be included in this command. Unnecessary it is for me to say any thing to evince the im- portance of securing the land and water communication through these passes, or to prove the indispensable necessity of using every exertion in your power to have such works erected for the defence of them as your own judgment, assisted by that of your Brigadiers and the Engineer, may shew the expediency of. To form an accurate judgment of the proper places to fortify in order effectually to secure the two land passes above-men- tioned through the Highlands, requires a considerable degree of attention and knowledge of the roads and ways leading through the hills. These you must get from information and observation as my stay here will not allow me to give any direction on this head with precision. You will not only keep in view the importance of securing these passes, but the necessity of doing it without delay, not only from the probability of the enemy's attempting to seize them, but from the advanced season, which will not admit of any spade work after the frost (which may be daily expected) sets in. Lose not a moment's time, therefore, in choosing the grounds on the east and west side of the river, on which your intended works are to be erected. Let your men designed for each post be speedily allotted, and by your presence, and otherwise, do every thing to stimulate the officers (respectively commanding at each) to exert themselves in forwarding them. The cheapest kind of barracks must be erected, contiguous to these places where no covering now is for the men. These may, I should think be built of logs, and made warm at very little 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 23 cost. In apportioning your men to the different posts, (those to be established, as well as those already fixed on the river), I ad- vise your keeping the corps as much as possible together, and also desire that in this allotment you will consult your officers, and such gentlemen as have it in their power (from their supe- rior knowledge of the country) to afford you good advice. Independent of the barracks, which may be .found necessary for the men at the posts before-mentioned, I should think others ought to be built at such places in this neighborhood as the Quartermaster-General and Engineer shall point out, as this must from the nature of it, be considered in an important point of view, and as well adapted for winter quarters for part of the army as any other place can be. If, contrary to the general received opinion. General Howe's remove to Dobb's Ferry was only intended as a feint to draw off part of our force from the place which we last occupied, and should [he] make an attempt upon General Lee, you are to give him all the aid you can, taking care at the same time to keep Guard in the posts and passes you occupy. For the speedy and regular punishment of officers, you are hereby authorized and em- powered, whilst you remain in a separate camp, to hold general courts-martial, and carry the judgments of them into execution in all cases whatsoever. Be particularly careful of all intrenching tools, tents (seeing that the bottoms of them are not covered with dirt), and above all take care that no discharged soldier is suffered to carry away any of the public arms or accoutrements. Apply to the commis- sary of stores for a list of those things furnished to the respective Colonels of regiments, and see that they account for them before the men are dismissed. In like manner should every thing had of the Quartermaster-General be delivered up. Keep persons employed in making of cartridges, and be particu- larly attentive that the stores are taken care of, and the powder kept from receiving damage. Also, prevent the soldiery from commit- ting any kind of waste and injuries to private or public property. The men which composed the detachment under Colonel Lasher are all to join their respective corps immediately. Given at Headquarters at Peekskill, this 12th day of November, 1776. 24 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. General Greene's Quarters,' 5j]^ 14 November, 1776. I have the honor to inform you of my arrival here yesterday, and that the whole of the troops belonging to the States, which lay south of Hudson's River, and which were in New York government, have passed over to this side, except the regiment lately Colonel Smallwood's, which I expect is now on their march. That they may be ready to check any incursions, the enemy may attempt in this neighborhood, I intend to quarter them at Brunswic, Amboy, Elizabethtown, Newark, and about this place, unless Congress should conceive it necessary for any of them to be stationed at or more contiguous to Philadelphia. In such case they will be pleased to signify their pleas- ure. There will be very few of them after the departure of those, who were engaged for the Flying Camp, and which is fast approaching. The disposi- tion I have mentioned seems to me well calculated for the end proposed, and also for their accommodation. The movements and designs of the enemy are not yet understood. Various are the opinions and reports on this head. From every information, the whole have removed from Dobb's Ferry towards Kingsbridge ; and it seems to be generally believed on all hands, that the investing of Fort Washington is one object they have in view ; but that can employ but a small part of their force. Whether they intend a southern expedition, must be determined by time ; ' At Fort Lee. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 25 to me there appears a probability of it, and which seems to be favored by the advices we have that many transports are wooding and watering.' General Greene's Letter would give you the substance of the intelligence brought by Mr. Mersereau from Staten Island in this instance, which he received before it came to me. Enclosed you have copies of two letters from General Howe, and of my answer to the first of them. The letter alluded to, and returned in his last, was one from myself to Mrs. Washington, of the 25th ultimo, from whence I conclude that all the letters, which went by the Boston express, have come to his possession.^ ' To prevent the Americans from receiving supplies by the North River and check further progress in obstructing the channel at Jeffrey's Hook, three of the British ships had, on the gth, passed up the river, suffering much on their masts and rigging. On the night of the 14th, thirty flat-bottomed boats were ordered to King's Bridge, now left open by the retreat of the Americans, and troops were carried over to invest Fort Washington, succeeding in this venture with little loss. On the i8th, twenty more flat boats passed the American works un- discovered in the night, and a detachment of the army " commanded by Lord Cornwallis, being landed on the Jersey shore the 20th in the morning, above the enemys redoubts, opposite to Jeffrey's Hook, and unperceived by the rebels for some time, they soon became possessed of the redoubts [Fort Lee] without loss." Lord Viscotmt Howe, 23 November, 1776. See yoiirnals of Congi-ess, 14 November, 1776. ^ Timothy Dod, an express rider, received despatches from Washington for Congress and reported that they had been stolen from him at Bristol, Pennsyl- vania. A committee of Congress investigated the matter and discovered no traces of the robbery or stealth. The statement of Dod not being so clear or satisfactory as fully to exculpate himself, he was placed under arrest, but, after a month's confinement was released. Jotirnals of Congress, October 2gth and 31st; and December 12th. The deputy postmaster at Bristol, one Besso- net, and his barkeeper, were arrested, and search made for one Wilkins, who was at the tavern when the packet was lost. Nothing, however, was proved against the prisoners. "Had the Express been charged with no other Letter, the loss would not have been attended with any material injury to us, or advantage to the Enemy, 26 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 You will also perceive that Genl. Howe has re- quested the return of Peter Jack, a servant to Major Stewart to which I have consented as he was not in the military line, and the requisition agreable to the custom of War. This servant having been sent to Philadelphia with the Waldeckers and other prisoners, I must request the favor of you to have him conveyed to Genl. Greene by the earliest opportunity in order that he may be returned to his master.' Before I conclude, I beg leave, not only to suggest, but to urge the necessity of increasing our field artil- lery very considerably. Experience has convinced me, as it has every gentleman of discernment in this army, that, while we remain so much inferior to the enemy in this instance, we must carry on the war under infinite disadvantages, and without the smallest probability of success. It has been peculiarly owing to the situation of the country, where their operations have been conducted, and to the rough and strong grounds we possessed ourselves of, and over which provided it should come to their Hands, but there were others from his Excel- lency of a very interesting nature, the miscarriage of which gives him much concern. As the bundle was taken away in so sudden and secret a manner, I fear there is but little hope of recovering it, being done most probably for the express purpose of furnishing the Enemy with Intelligence and a State of our Army. Besides his Excellency's Letters, the most material of which was to Mr. Rutledge, there were five or six more from the Gentlemen of his family." — Harrison to the President of Congi'ess, i November, 1776. ' While these negotiations for an exchange were pending Howe sent a Lieutenant Barker to New London to propose to the " principle inhabitants or persons of the greatest authority in that colony " an exchange of prisoners " officers for officers in each class, and sailors for sailors." It was very justly determined that such an application to a State was " improper and incon- sistent " and could only be made to General Washington. — Hinman, Connecticut in the Revolution , 572, 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 27 they had to pass, that they have not carried their arms, by means of their artillery, to a much greater extent. When these difficulties cease, by changing the scene of action to a level, champaign country, the worst of consequences are justly to be apprehended. I would, therefore, with the concurrence of all the officers, whom I have spoke to upon the subject, sub- mit to the consideration of Congress, whether imme- diate measures ought not to be taken for procuring a respectable train. It is agreed on all hands, that each battalion should be furnished at least with two pieces, and that a smaller number than a hundred of three pounds, fifty of six pounds, and fifty of twelve pounds, should not be provided, in addition to those we now have. Besides these, if some eighteen and twenty-four pounders are ordered, the train will be more serviceable and complete. The whole should be of brass, for the most obvious reasons ; they will be much more portable, and not half so liable to burst ; and, when they do, no damage is occasioned by it, and they may be cast over again. The sizes before described should be particularly attended to ; if they are not, there will be great reason to expect mistakes and confusion in the charges in time of action, as it has frequently happened in the best regulated armies. The disparity between those I have mentioned, and such as are of an intermediate size, is difficult to discern. It is also agreed, that a regiment of artillerists, with approved and experienced officers, should be obtained if possible, and some en- gineers of known reputation and abilities. I am sorry 28 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 to say, too ready an indulgence has been given to several appointments in the latter instance, and that men have been promoted, who seem to me to know but little if any thing of the business. Perhaps this Train, &c, may be looked upon by some as large and expensive. True, it will be so ; but when it is considered that the Enemy, having effected but little in the course of the present Campaign, will use their utmost efforts to subjugate us in the next, every consideration of that sort should be disregarded, and every possible preparation made to frustrate their unjust and wicked attempts. How they are to be procured, is to be inquired into. That we cannot provide them among ourselves or more than a very small proportion, so trifling as not to deserve our notice, is evident ; therefore I would advise with all imaginable deference, that without any abatement of our own in formal exertions, application should be immediately made to such powers as can and may be willing to supply them. They cannot be obtained too early, if soon enough, and I am told they may be easily had from France and Holland.' Mr. Trumbull, the Commissary General has fre- quently mentioned to me of late, the inadequacy of his pay to his trouble, and the great risk he is subject to on account of the large sums of money which pass thro his hands. He has stated his case with a view of laying it before Congress and obtaining a more adequate compensation. My sentiments upon the Subject are already known, but yet I shall take the ^Journals of Congress, 19 November, 1776. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 29 liberty to add, that I think his complaint to be well founded and that his pay considering the important duties and risks of his Office by no means sufficient, and that the footing he seems to think it should be upon himself appears just and reasonable. A proposition having been made long since to General Howe, and agreed to by him, for an ex- change of prisoners, in consequence of the resolu- tions of Congress to that effect, I shall be extremely happy if you will give directions to the committees, and those having the charge of prisoners in the several States south of Jersey, to transmit me proper lists of the names of all the commissioned officers, and of their ranks and the corps they belong to ; also the number of non-commissioned and privates, and their respective regiments. You will perceive by his let- ter, he supposes me to have effected some delay, or to have been unmindful of the proposition I had made. I propose to stay in this neighborhood a few days, to which time I expect the designs of the enemy will be more disclosed, and their incursions be made in this quarter, or their investiture of Fort Washington, if they are intended.' I have the honor to be, &c.^ ' Read in Congress November i8th. — Referred to Board of War. ° " As an exchange of prisoners is likely to take effect as soon as the nature of the case will admit, and as in the course of the transaction it may possibly hap- pen that an attempt may be made by the enemy to redeem their prisoners by men who were never engaged in our service, I must request you immediately to direct the colonies or commanders of regiments in your division, to make out an exact list of the particular officers and privates who have been killed, taken 30 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO MAJOR-GENERAL LEE. General Greene's Head-Quarters, 16 November, 1776. Dear Sir, You will see by the enclosed Resolves, that Con- gress have entered into some new regulations respect- ing the Enlistment of the new army, and reprobating the measures adopted by the State of Massachusetts Bay for raising their Quota of men. As every possi- ble exertion should be used for recruiting the army as speedily as may be, I request that you immediately publish, in orders, that an allowance of a Dollar and one-third of a Dollar will be paid to the officers for every Soldier they shall enlist, whether in or out of camp. Also, that it will be optional in the Soldier to enlist during the continuance of the War, or for three years, unless sooner discharged by Congress. In the former case, they are to receive all such bounty and pay as have been heretofore mentioned in orders ; those who engage for the latter time, that of three years, are not to receive the bounty in land. That no mistakes may be made, you will direct the recruit- ing officers, from your division, to provide two dis- tinct enlisting rolls ; one for those to sign who engage during the war ; the other for those who enlist for prisoners, or are missing, in the respective regiments and companies to which they belong." — Washington to General Lee, 14 November, 1776. " I also wish that you would have all the British prisoners collected that you conveniently can and sent to me, as soon as possible, with the Hessian prisoners that I may exchange them. The return of the latter I think will be attended with many salutary consequences, but should it be made without that of a large proportion of other Troops, it will carry the marks of design, and occasion precautions to be taken to prevent the ends we have in view." — Washington to the Board of War, 15 November, 1776. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 31 three years, if their service shall be so long re- quested.' I am sorry to inform you, that this day about twelve o'clock, the enemy made a general attack upon ' yournals of Congress, 12 November, 1776. In communicating these resolutions of Congress to the convention of New York, Washington wrote from General Greene's head-quarters on the i6th : " They [the resolutions] are plain and explicit, and I will take the liberty to add should form a part of the instructions to be given to the officers who maybe appointed to recruit. I would also beg leave to observe that the necessity of raising the new army becomes more and more urgent, and is such as calls for every possible exertion to effect it. The Congress convinced of this and seeing the delays of some of the States in carrying the resolves commended to them into execution, have empowered and required me' to nominate officers to the regiments of such States as have not sent Commissioners to the army for that purpose. As this is a matter in which I would not wish to interefere at this time, farther than compelled by their direction and the situation of our affairs, I shall be happy to know what progress you have made in this instance, and whether the arrangement for your regiments is not completed. If it is not finished, let me entreat you to do it as speedily as possible. The necessity is obvious, and must be felt by every one. Till the officers are appointed, no measures for en- listing men can be pursued." In addition to the resolutions already adopted Congress again and again urged upon the States the pressing necessity there was for raising troops. On the 19th it deemed " it necessary upon every principle of propriety to remind the several States, how indispensable it is to the common safety, that they pursue the most immediate and vigorous measures to furnish their respective quotas of troops for the new army, as the time of service for which the present army inlisted is so near expiring that the country may be left in a condition in a great measure defenceless unless quickly supplied by new levies." Two days later wishing to give all possible facility to recruiting the army as the necessity was so evident and pressing, it authorized each State to enlist their men either for the war or three years, without presenting enlisting rolls for both terms, " Keeping it always in view that in the opinion of Congress the public service will be best promoted by inlistments for the war." On the 22d, the matter was again con- sidered, some parts of the army being already disbanded, and there being " great danger that the enemy must be opposed either by unequal numbers, or by mili- tia, not only a more expensive but a less efficacious aid than regular forces ; and there being good grounds to hope that vigorous efforts at this critical conjunc- ture may bring the war to a speedy as well as a happy conclusion," — Washing- ton to appoint recruiting officers. Paca, Witherspoon, and Ross, were appointed to go to headquarters to consult with the General on this and other matters connected with the army. 32 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 our lines about Fort Washington, which having car- ried, the garrison retired within the fort. Colonel Magaw finding there was no prospect of retreating across the River, surrendered the post. We do not yet know the loss of killed and wounded on either side ; but I imagine it must have been pretty consid- erable, as the engagement, at some parts of the lines, was of long continuance and heavy ; neither do I know the terms of capitulation. The force of the garrison, before the attack, was almost two thousand men. Before I left Peekskill, I urged to General Heath the necessity of securing the pass through the High- lands next to the river, as well on that as this side, and to the forts above ; but as the preserving of these and others which lie more easterly, and which are equally essential, is a matter of the last importance, I must beg you to turn your attention that way, and to have such measures adopted for their defence as your judgment shall suggest to be necessary. I do not mean to advise abandoning your present post con- trary to your own opinion, but only to mention my ideas of the importance of those passes, and that you cannot give too much attention to their security, by having works erected in the most advantageous places for that purpose. I am, dear Sir, &c.' P. S. The enclosed Letter for Governor Trum- bull, you will please to transmit by the ist op- portunity. ' A similar letter was sent to Major-General Heath. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 33 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. General Greene's Quarters, 16 November, 1776. Sir, Since I had the honor of addressing you last, an important event has taken place, of which I wish to give you the earliest intelligence. The preservation of the passage of the North River was an object of so much consequence, that I thought no pains or expense too great for that purpose ; and, therefore, after sending off all the valuable stores, except such as were necessary for its defence, I determined, agreea- ble to the advice of most of the general officers, to risk something to defend the post on the east side, called Mount Washington. When the army moved up in consequence of General Howe's landing at Frog's Point, Colonel Magaw was left on that com- mand, with about twelve hundred men, and orders given to defend it to the last. Afterwards, reflecting upon the smallness of the garrison, and the difficulty of their holding it, if General Howe should fall down upon it with his whole force, I wrote to General Greene, who had the command on the Jersey shore, directing him to govern himself by circumstances, and to retain or evacuate the post as he should think best, and revoking the absolute order to Colonel Magaw to defend the post to the last extremity. General Greene, struck with the importance of the post, and the discouragement, which our evacuation of posts must necessarily have given, reinforced Colonel Magaw with detachments from several regiments of 34 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 the Flying Camp, but chiefly of Pennsylvania, so as to make up the number about two thousand. In this situation things were yesterday, when General Howe demanded the surrender of the garrison, to which Colonel Magaw returned a spir- ited refusal.' Immediately upon receiving an account of this transaction, I came from Hackinsac to this place, and had partly crossed the North River when I met General Putnam and General Greene, who were just returning from thence, and informed me that the troops were in high spirits, and would make a good defence ; and, it being late at night, I returned. Early this morning Colonel Magaw posted his troops partly in the lines thrown up by our army on our first coming thither from New York, and partly on a commanding hill lying north of Mount Washington, (the lines being all to the southward). In this position the attack began about ten o'clock, which our troops stood, and returned the fire in such ' Colonel Magaw returned the following answer to the British adjutant- general, who sent him the summons to surrender the fort : " If I rightly understand the purport of your message from General Howe, communicated to Colonel Swoope, this post is to be immediately surrendered or put to the sword. I think it rather a mistake, than a settled purpose of General Howe, to act a part so unworthy of himself and the British nation. But give me leave to assure his Excellency, that, actuated by the most glorious cause that mankind ever fought in, I am determined to defend this post to the very last extremity." A copy of this reply was immediately sent across the river to General Greene, and enclosed in the following note from him to General Washington, who was then at Hackensack. " Enclosed you have a letter from Colonel Magaw. The contents will re- quire your Excellency's attention. I have directed Colonel Magaw to defend the place until he hears from me. I have ordered General Heard's brigade to hasten on. I shall go to the Island soon. Fort Lee, 4 o'clock." 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 35 a manner as gave me great hopes that the enemy was entirely repulsed. But at this time a body of troops crossed Haerlem River in boats, and landed inside of the second lines, our troops being then engaged in the first. Colonel Cadwalader, who commanded in the lines, sent off a detachment to oppose them ; but they, being overpowered by numbers, gave way ; upon which, Colonel Cadwalader ordered his troops to retreat in order to gain the fort. It was done with much confusion ; and the enemy crossing over came in upon them in such a manner, that a number of them surrendered. At this time the Hessians advanced on the north side of the fort in very large bodies. They were re- ceived by the troops posted there with proper spirit, and kept back a considerable time ; but at length they were also obliged to submit to a superiority of numbers, and retire under the cannon of the fort. The enemy, having advanced thus far, halted, and immediately a flag went in, with a repetition of the demand of the fortress, as I suppose.' At this time I sent a billet to Colonel Magaw, directing him to hold out, and I would endeavor this evening to bring off the garrison, if the fortress could not be main- tained, as I did not expect it could, the enemy being possessed of the adjacent ground. But, before this reached him, he had entered too far into a treaty to retract ; after which, Colonel Cadwalader told another ' General Howe in his public despatch stated, that Colonel Rahl had brought his column within one hundred yards of the fort, when he summoned it to sur- render, and a treaty was acceded to by Colonel Magaw. 36 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 messenger, who went over, that they had been able to obtain no other terms than to surrender as pris- oners of war.' In this situation matters now stand. I have stopped General Beall's and General Heard's brigades, to preserve the post and stores here, which, with the other troops, I hope we shall be able to effect. I do not yet know the numbers killed or wounded on either side ; but, from the heaviness and continuance of fire in some places, I imagine there miist have been considerable execution. The loss of such a number of officers and men, many of whom have been trained with more than common attention, will, I fear, be severely felt ; but, when that of the arms and accoutrements is added, much more so ; and must be a further incentive to procure as con- siderable a supply as possible for the new troops, as soon as it can be done. I am, Baz.^ TO JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON. Hackinsac, 19 November, 1776. Dear Brother, At the White Plains, the enemy advanced a sec- ond time upon us, as if they meant a general attack ; but, finding us ready to receive them, and upon such ground as they could not approach without loss, they filed off and returned towards New York. As it was conceived, that this manceuver was made with a de- ' They were required to surrender as prisoners of war, giving up their arms, ammunition, and stores of every kind ; but the men in the garrison were allowed to keep possession of their baggage, and the officers to retain their swords. ' Read in Congress November gth. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 37 sign to attack Fort Washington, or to throw a body of troops into the Jerseys, or, what might be still worse, aim a stroke at Philadelphia, I hastened over to this side, with about five thousand men, by a cir- cuitous march of about sixty-five miles, which we were obliged to take, on account of the shipping that op- posed the passage at all the lower ferries. But I did not arrive in time to take measures to save Fort Washington, though I got here myself a day or two before it surrendered, which happened on the i6th instant, after making a defence of about four or five hours only. We have no particular account of the loss on either side, or of the circumstances attending this matter. The whole garrison, after being driven from the outer lines, and returning within the fort, surrendered themselves prisoners of war, but have given me no account of the terms. By a letter, which I have just received from General Greene at Fort Lee, I am informed, that "one of the train of artillery came across the river last night on a raft. By his account, the enemy have suffered greatly on the north side of Fort Washington. Colonel Rawlings's regi- ment (late Hugh Stephenson's) was posted there, and behaved with great spirit. Colonel Magaw could not get the men to man the lines, otherwise he would not have given up the fort." This is a most unfortunate affair, and has given me great mortification ; as we have lost not only two thousand men that were there, but a good deal of ar- tillery, and some of the best arms we had. And what adds to my mortification is, that this post, after the 38 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 last ships went past it, was held contrary to my wishes and opinion, as I conceived it to be a hazardous one ; but, it having been determined on by a full council of general officers, and a resolution of Congress having been received strongly expressive of their desire, that the channel of the river, which we had been laborino- to stop for a long time at that place, might be ob- structed, if possible, and knowing that this could not be done, unless there were batteries to protect the ob- struction, I did not care to give an absolute order for withdrawing the garrison, till I could get round and see the situation of things, and then it became too late, as the fort was invested. Upon the passing of the last ships, I had given it as my opinion to General Greene, under whose care it was, that it would be best to evacuate the place ; but, as the order was dis- cretionary, and his opinion differed from mine, it un- happily was delayed too long, to my great grief ; as I think General Howe, considering his army and ours, would have had but a poor tale to tell without it, and would have found it difficult, unless some southern expedition may prove successful, to reconcile the people of England to the conquest of a few pitiful islands, none of which were defensible, considering the great number of ships, and the power they have by sea to surround and render them unapproachable/ It is a matter of great grief and surprise to me to find the different States so slow and inattentive to that essential business of levying their quotas of men. ' In connection with this letter should be read Washington to Reed, 22 Au. gust, 1779. :776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 39 In ten days from this date, there will not be above two thousand men, if that number, of the fixed estab- lished reofiments on this side of Hudson's River to oppose Howe's whole army, and very little more on the other to secure the eastern colonies and the im- portant passes leading through the Highlands to Al- bany, and the country about the Lakes.' In short, it is impossible for me, in the compass of a letter, to give you any idea of our situation, of my difficulties, and of the constant perplexities and mortifications I meet with, derived from the unhappy policy of short enlistments, and delaying them too long. Last fall, or winter, before the army, which was then to be raised, was set about, I represented in clear and ex- plicit terms the evils, which would arise from short enlistments, the expense which must attend the rais- ing an army every year, the futility of such an army when raised ; and, if I had spoken with a prophetic spirit, I could not have foretold the evils with more accuracy than I did. All the year since, I have been pressing Congress to delay no time in engaging men upon such terms as would insure success, telling them that the longer it was delayed the more difficult it would prove. But the measure was not commenced ' On the 23d Congress named Wilson, Smith, Chase, Clymer, and Stockton a committee, " with full powers to devise and execute measures for effectually re- inforcing General Washington, and obstructing the progress of General Howe's army." The two Pennsylvania battalions commanded by Colonels Cooke and Mackay were ordered to join Washington, and the General was directed to order "under his immediate command such of the forces now in the northern department as have been raised in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey." The full report of this committee is printed in Force, American Archives, Fifth Series, rii, 828. 40 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 till it was too late to be effected, and then in such a manner, as to bid adieu to every hope of getting an army, from which any services are to be expected ' ; the different 'States, without regard to the qualifications of an officer, quarelling about the appointments, and nominating such as are not fit to be shoeblacks, from the local attachments of this or that member of Assembly.^ I am wearied almost to death with the retrograde motion of things, and I solemnly protest, that a pecuniary reward of twenty thousand pounds a year would not induce me to undergo what I do ; and after all, perhaps, to lose my character, as it is impossible, under such a variety of distressing circumstances, to conduct matters agreeably to public expectation, or even to the expectation of those, who employ me, as they will not make proper allowances for the difficul- ties their own errors have occasioned. I am glad to find by your last letter, that your family are tolerably well recovered from the indispo- sition they labored under. God grant you all health and happiness. Nothing in this world would con- ' ' ' You know that body [Congress] possesses its share of human weakness ; and that it is not impossible for the members of that House to have their atten- tion engrossed by subjects whicir might as well be postponed for the present, while such as require despatch have been — I had almost said — neglected." — Edward Riitledge to John Jay, 24 November, 1776. ' As an example may be cited the effects of General Greene's recommenda- tions. They " threw the officers to whom I communicated it into so great a flame of discontent, that I ventured notwithstanding your orders, to hesitate. They accused him of partiality to his connexions and townsmen, to the prejudice of men of manifestly superior merit ; indeed, it appears from the concurrent testimony of unbiased persons, that some of the subjects he recommended were wretched ; in short, I was so stunned with their clamor that I delayed until the arrival of the committee." Lee to Washington, 19 November, 1776, 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 41 tribute so much to mine, as to be once more fixed among you in the peaceable enjoyment of my own vine and fig-tree. Adieu, my dear Sir ; remember me affectionately to my sister and the children, and give my compliments to those, who inquire after your sincerely affectionate brother. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Hackensack, 19 November, 1776. Sir, I have not been yet able to obtain a particular ac- count of the unhappy affair of the i6th ; nor of the terms on which the garrison surrendered. The in- telligence that has come to hand, is not so full and accurate as I could wish. One of the artillery, and whose information is most direct, who escaped on Sunday night, says, the enemy's loss was very con- siderable, especially in the attack made above the Fort by the division of Hessians that marched from Kingsbridge, and where Lieut. Colo. Rawlings, of the late Colo. Stevenson's Regiment, was posted. They burnt yesterday one or two houses on the Heights and contiguous to the Fort, and appeared by advices from General Greene, to be moving in the evening their main body down towards the City. Whether they will close the Campaign without attempting something more, or make an incursion into Jersey, must be determined by the events themselves. As Fort Lee was always considered as only neces- sary in conjunction with that on the east side of the River, to preserve the communication across, and to 42 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 prevent the enemy from a free navigation, it has be- come of no importance by the loss of the other, or not so material as to employ a force for its defences. Being viewed in this light, and apprehending that the stores there would be precariously situated, their removal has been determined on to Bound Brook, above Brunswick, Prince Town, Springfield and Ac- quankinac Bridge, as places that will not be subject to sudden danger in case the enemy should pass the River, and which have been thought proper, as a repository for some of our stores of provisions and forage. The troops belonging to the Flying Camp, under Genls. Heard and Beall, with what remains of Genl. Ewing's brigade, are now at Fort Lee, where they will continue till the stores are got away. By the time that is effected, their term of enlistment will be near expiring, and if the enemy should make a push in this quarter, the only troops that there will be to oppose 'em, will be Hand's, Hazlet's, the Regiments from Virginia, and that lately Smallwood's, — the lat- ter greatly reduced by the losses it sustained on Long Island, &c, and sickness. Nor are the rest by any means complete. In addition to these, I am told there are a few of the Militia of this State, which have been called in by Governor Livingston. I shall make such a disposition of the whole at Brunswick, and at the intermediate posts as shall seem most likely to guard against the designs of the enemy, and to prevent them making an irruption, or foraging with detached parties. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 43 The inclosed letter from Cols. Miles and Atlee will shew Congress the distressed situation of our prison- ers in New York, and will become greater every day by the cold, inclement Season that is Approaching. It will be happy if some expedient can be adopted by which they may be furnished with necessary blan- kets and cloathing. Humanity and the good of the service require it. I think the mode suggested by these gentlemen for establishing a credit, appears as likely to succeed, and as eligible as any that occurs to me. It is probable, many articles that may be wanted, can be obtained there, and upon better terms than elsewhere. In respect to provision their allow- ance perhaps is as good as the situation of General Howe's stores will admit of. It has been said of late, by deserters and others, that they were rather scant. By a letter from the paymaster general of the 1 7th, he says there will be a necessity that large and early remittances should be made him. The de- mands, when the Troops now in service, are dis- missed, will be extremely great ; besides the bounty to recruits will require a large supply and he adds that the Commissary General has informed him, that between this and the last of December he shall have occasion for a million of dollars. 2ist — The unhappy affair of the i6th has been succeeded by further misfortunes. Yesterday morn- ing a large body of the Enemy landed between Dobb's Ferry and Fort Lee.' Their object was evi- ' Grayson described the landing-place as Closter Dock, " nearly opposite to Philip's house," 44 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 dently to inclose the whole of our troops and stores that lay between the North and Heckenseck Rivers, which form a very narrow neck of land. For this purpose they formed and marched as soon as they had ascended the higrh g^round towards the Fort. Upon the first information of their having landed and of their movements, our men were ordered to meet them, but finding their numbers greatly supe- rior and that they were extending themselves to seize on the passes over the River, it was thought prudent to withdraw our men, which was effected and their retreat secured. We lost the whole of the cannon that was at the Fort, except two twelve pounders, and a great deal of baggage — between two and three hundred tents, about a thousand barrells of flour and other stores in the Quarter Master's department. This loss was inevitable. As many of the Stores has been removed as circumstances and time would ad- mit of ; the Ammunition had been happily got away. Our present situation between Hackensack and Pas- saic Rivers, being exactly similar to our late one, and our force here by no means adequate to an op- position that will promise the smallest probability of success, we are taking measures to retire over the waters of the latter, where the best disposition will be formed that circumstances will admit of. By Colo. Cadwalader, who has been permitted by Genl. Howe to return to his friends,' I am informed ' Colonel Cadwalader was immediately released without parole by Sir William Howe, at the instance of General Prescott, who, when a prisoner in Philadel- phia, had received civilities from Colonel Cadwalader's father. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 45 the surrender of the o-arrison on the i6th was on the common terms, as prisoners of War ; the loss of the Hessians about Three hundred privates and Twenty seven ofificers, killed and wounded, about Forty of the British troops and two or three officers. The loss on our side but inconsiderable. * * * Your favor of the i6th was duly received. My Letter to the Board of War on the subject of the re- turn of the Waldeckers I presume you will have seen.' TO MAJOR-GENERAL LEE. Hackinsac, 21 November, 1776. Dear General, It must be painful to you, as well as to us, that I have no news to send you, but of a melancholy Na- ture. Yesterday morning the Enemy landed a large Body of Troops below Dobbs's Ferry, and advanced very rapidly to the Fort called by your Name. I im- mediately went over, and, as the Fort was not tenable on this side, and we were in a narrow neck of land, the passes out of which the enemy were attempting to seize, I directed the Troops, consisting of Beall's, Heard's, the remainder of Ewing's brigades, and some other Parts of broken Regiments, to move over to the West Side of Hackinsac River. A considerable Quantity of Stores and some artillery have fallen into the enemy's hands. We have no account of their movements this morning. But as this country is al- ' Read in Congress November 23d. On the 15th Congress had given Washington " leave to negotiate an enchange of the foreign troops in the pay of Great Britain, that are prisoners to these States." 46 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 most a dead flat, and we have not an intrenching tool, and not above three thousand men, and they much broken and dispirited, not only with our ill suc- cess, but the loss of their tents and baggage, I have resolved to avoid any attack, though by so doing I must leave a very fine country open to their ravages, or a plentiful storehouse from which they will draw voluntary supplies. Your favor of the 19th is just come to hand. I approve of your step with respect to the Rhode Isl- and officers, as I am unacquainted with their Merits, I was obliged to leave the Determination of the mat- ter much to Genl. Greene, hoping I confess, that he would make an Arrangement acceptable to his Coun- trymen ; however I am satisfied with what you have done and must leave it upon that footing. With respect to your situation, I am very much at a loss what now to determine. There is such a change of circumstances since the date of your letter, as seems to call for a change of measures. Your post undoubt- edly will answer some important purposes ; but whether so many or so great as your removal, is well worthy of consideration. You observe, that it prevents a fine, fertile country from affording them supplies ; but now they have one much more so, and more contiguous. They have already traversed a part of that country, leaving little behind them. Is it probable they will return ? If not, the distance must be too great in winter time to render it effectu- ally serviceable. Upon the whole, therefore, I am of opinion, and the gentlemen about me concur in it. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 47 that the public interest requires your coming over to this side of the Hudson, with the Continental troops, leaving Fellows's and Wadsworth's brigades to take care of the stores during their short stay, at the expi- ration of which I suppose they will set out for home.' My reasons for this measure, which I think must have weight with you, are, that the enemy are evi- dently changing the seat of war to this side of the North River, that this country therefore will expect the Continental army to give them what support they can, and, failing in this, they will cease to depend upon or support a force, from which no protection is given to them. It is therefore of the utmost impor- tance, that at least an appearance of force should be made, to keep this province in the connexion with the others. If that should not continue, it is much to be feared, that its influence on Pennsylvania would be very considerable, and more and more endanger our public interest. Unless therefore some new event should occur, or some more cogent reason present itself to the contrary, I would have you move over by the easiest and best passage. I am sensible your numbers will not be large, and that perhaps it may not be agreeable to the troops. As to the first, report will exaggerate them and preserve an appear- ance of an army, which will at least have an effect to encourage the desponding here ; and as to the other, you will doubtless represent to them, that in duty ' On the day before Grayson had written to Lee : " His Excellency thinks it would be advisable in you to remove the troops under your command on this side of the North River, and there wait for further orders." 48 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 and gratitude their service is due, wherever the enemy make the greatest impression, or seem to intend so to do. * * ^- ' Lee replied to Reed on the 21st : " Withdrawing our troops from hence would be attended with some very serious consequences, which at present would be tedious to enumerate." But he did order Heath to send two thousand men to cross the river, an order which Heath very properly declined to obey, pleading the positive instructions given him by Washington. " By your mode of rea- soning," retorted Lee, " the General's injunctions are so binding that not a tittle must be broke through for the salvation of the General and the army." Lee to Heath, 23 November, 1776. To this Heath replied : " Be my mode of reasoning as it may, I conceive it my duty to obey my instructions. . . . The least recommendation from him [Washington], to march my division or any part of them, over the river, should have been instantly obeyed, without wait- ing for a positive order. ... I shall strictly abide by them [his instructions] until they are countermanded in such manner, as will justify a deviation from them, to him who instructed me, and to the world." Heath to Lee, 24 Novem- ber, 1776. " I sent Heath orders to transport two thousand men across the river . . . but that great man (as I might have expected) intrenched him- self behind the letter of his instructions, and refused to part with a single file, tho' I undertook to replace 'em with a part of my own." Lee to Washingtofi, 24 November, 1776. Washington informed Heath on the 25th that he never meant to take troops from Heath's division. Lee's letter to Heath of the 26th should be read, and also Heath's Memoirs, under date November 30th. Lee left in command of the troops on the east side of the Hudson, began to manoeuvre for an independent command even at the cost of superseding Wash- ington. The confidence reposed in him, his success at the South, the ready expres- sion of his views, and his assiduous courting of prominent members in the Con- tinental and State Congresses, had given rise to an exaggerated opinion of his military ability ; and counting upon this opinion, fostered by the flattery of in- judicious friends and admirers, he was holding up before him the succession to Washington. On the fall of Fort Lee, Reed wrote him : "I have some addi- tional reasons for wishing most earnestly to have you where the principal scene of action is laid. I do not mean to flatter or praise you at the expense of any other, but I confess I do think it is entirely owing to you that this army, and the liberties of America, so far as they are dependent on it, are not totally cut off. You have decision, a quality often wanted in minds otherwise valuable. . . . Every member of the family, the officers and soldiers generally, have a confidence in you — the enemy constantly inquire where you are, and seem to be less confident when you are present." Continuing, he attributed the loss of Fort Washington to the state of suspense in which Washington was thrown by the advice of General Greene. "Oh! General, an indecisive mind is one of 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 49 TO GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON, NEW JERSEY. Aquackenonk Bridge, 21 November, 1776. Sir, I have this moment arrived at this place with Gen- eral Beall's and General Heard's brigades from Mary- land and Jersey, and part of General E wing's' from Pennsylvania. Three other regiments, left to guard the greatest misfortunes that can befal an army ; how often have I lamented it this campaign. All circumstances considered, we are in a very awful and alarming situation — one that requires the utmost wisdom and firmness of mind. As soon as the season will admit, I think yourself and some others should go to Congress and form the plan of the new army, point out their defects to them, and it may possibly prevail on them to lend their whole attention to this great subject, even to the exclusion of every other." This injudicious letter, addressed to a vain man, could not but flatter him. Lee replied on the 24th : " Lament with you that fatal indecision of mind which in war is a much greater disqualification than stupidity, or even want of personal courage ; accident may put a decisive blunderer in the right, but eternal defeat and miscarriage must attend the man of the best parts if cursed with indecision. . , . I only wait myself for this business I mention of Rogers and Co. being over, shall then fly to you ; for to confess a truth, I really think our chief will do better with me than without me." This letter was re- ceived at headquarters when Reed was absent at Burlington, and was opened by Washington under the belief that it was of a public nature. This chance could not but leave an unpleasant impression on the mind of the General, who sent the letter to Reed, and without a word of reproach, explained the circum- stances that had made him see what "neither inclination nor intention would have prompted me to." In 1777 Reed undertook to explain the matter, saying that his own letter to Lee had ' ' led to expressions and an answer which must have been disapproved by you, and which I was far from expecting." See Washington to Reed, 14 June, 1777. In the meanwhile Lee was pursuing a policy calculated to advance himself. To Governor Cooke he wrote on December 7th : " Theory joined to practice, or a heaven-born genius, can alone constitute a general. As to the latter, God Almighty indulges the world very rarely with the spectacle ; and I do not know, from what I have seen, that he has been more profuse of this ethereal spirit to the Americans than to other nations." ' James Ewing, who had served in the Braddock expedition, and had been elected on 4 July, 1776, a brigadier-general of the Pennsylvania militia. His name has suffered at the hands of historians : Marshall spells it Irvine ; Wil- kinson, Irvin ; Botta, Irinin, and Gordon, Erwing. 50 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 the passes upon Hackinsac River, and to serve as covering parties, are expected up this evening. After the unfortunate loss of Fort Washington, it was de- termined to evacuate Fort Lee in a great measure, as it was in a manner useless in obstructing the pas- sage of the North River, without the assistance of Fort Washington. The ammunition and some other stores were accordingly removed ; but, before we could effect our purpose, the enemy landed yesterday morning, in very considerable numbers, about six miles above the fort. Their intent evidently was to form a line across, from the place of their landing to Hackinsac Bridge, and thereby hem in the whole garrison between the North and Hackinsac Rivers. However, we were lucky enough to gain the bridge before them ; by which means we saved all our men, but were obliged to leave some hundred barrels of flour, most of our cannon, and a considerable parcel of tents and baggage. Finding we were in the same danger of being pent up between Hackinsac and Passaic Rivers, that we had been between the North and Hackinsac ; and finding the country, from its levelness and openness, unfit for making a stand, it was determined to draw the whole of our force over to this side of the river, where we can watch the operations of the enemy, without danger of their surrounding us or making a lodgment in our rear. But, as our numbers are still very inadequate to that of the enemy, I imagine I shall be obliged to fall down towards Brunswic, and form a junction with the troops, already in that 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 51 quarter, under the command of Lord Stirling. As the term of the enlistment of the Flying Camp, be- longing to Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, is near expiring, it will occasion so great a diminution of my army, that I submit it to your judgment, whether it would not be proper for you to call to- gether such a number of militia, as, in conjunction with the troops I shall have left, will serve to cover the country and stop the progress of the enemy, if they should attempt to penetrate. If the weather continues favorable, I am apprehensive that they will attempt to make amends for the slowness of their operations at the beginning of the campaign. I have the honor to be, &c.^ ' " The situation of our affairs is truly critical, and such as requires uncommon exertions on our part. From the movements of the enemy, and the informa- tion we have received, they certainly will make a push to possess themselves of this part of the Jerseys. In order that you may be fully apprized of our weak- ness, and of the necessity there is of our obtaining early succors, I have, by the advice of the general officers here, directed General Mifflin to wait on you. He is intimately acquainted with our circumstances, and will represent them better than my hurried state will allow. ... " Before I conclude, I would mention, if an early and immediate supply of money could be sent to Mr. Dallam to pay the Flying Camp troops, it might have a happy effect. They would subsist themselves comfortably on their return, and provide many necessaries of which they are in great want ; and, moreover, it might be the means of inducing many, after seeing their friends, to engage again. I expected, on coming here, to have met with many of the militia, but find from inquiry that there are not more than from four to five hundred at the different posts." — Washiftgton to the President of Congress, 23 November, 1776. Reed was sent into New Jersey to explain the situation to Governor Livingtson. When General Mifflin arrived in Philadelphia, he appeared personally before Congress, at the request of that body, and gave further accounts of the state of the army and the views of the Commander-in-chief. General Mifflin was like- wise requested by Congress to remain in Philadelphia, until his attendance in camp should be required by General Washington, and to use his exertions and 52 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO MAJOR-GENERAL LEE. Newark, 24 November, 1776. Dear Sir, By the negligent and infamous conduct of the post rider, the Eastern mail of Friday was brought to Hackensac and there stopped to fall into the hands of the enemy. Supposing it may have contained some letters from you of a public nature, I have thought it proper to give you the earliest notice, that you may guard against any advantages the enemy may expect to derive from the accident. I perceive by your letter to Col. Reed, that you have entirely mistaken my views in ordering troops from Gen. Heath's division to this quarter. The posts and passes in the Highlands are of such infinite importance that they should not be subjected to the least possible degree of risk. Col. Reed's second letter will have sufficiently explained my intention upon this subject, and pointed out to you that it was your division which I wanted and wish to march. As the enemy have possessed themselves of the usual route of Dobbs Ferry and Hackensac, it will be influence to raise troops in the city and neighboring counties for immediately reinforcing the army. The resolutions adopted by Congress are to be found in the Journals, No- vember 25th, 26th, and 30th. In compliance with a resolve of Congress, General Washington wrote to General Schuyler on the 26th of November, directing him to send down from the army in the northern department the Pennsylvania and New Jersey troops, with orders to join the main army. After the retreat of Sir Guy Carleton from Crown Point, several regiments had been sent by General Gates from Ticon- deroga to Albany, and these continued their march to the Jerseys. Seven regiments were thus despatched, four of which joined General Lee in their progress, and the other three marched by a more interior route, till they reached the main army on the Delaware. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 53 necessary for you to choose some back way in which you and your troops may come secure. I doubt not they will try to intercept you if this precaution is not used, and therefore have been induced to mention it. I would also mention the necessity of my hearing frequently from you in the course of your march, in order to a due regulation of matters, and that I may know how to conduct myself. I am &c. P. S. I have received your favor of the 20th and feel with you the distresses of the army for want of necessary cloathing and covering. I have pointed this out to Congress several times. How to remedy it, I know not. From the number of prizes taken at the eastward, I should suppose the troops from thence could have been much better provided with neces- saries than from the more southern States, where they have not the same advantages of an open navigation.' ' " I wrote you this morning of the probability, that some of your letters to me had fallen with the mail into the enemy's hands. My apprehensions on that head have been since confirmed, by direct intelligence from their camp. I am informed, that a letter from you is confidently said to have come to their hands, and that measures are taking to intercept your march. To prevent them from effecting this object, I have judged it proper to acquaint you of this accident, and of their design ; at the same time I must request, that you will take every precaution to come by a safe and secure route. I am told, by those who have an intimate knowledge of the country, that, after you leave Haver- straw, the western road by Kakiat will be proper for you to take ; but I will not undertake to prescribe any one in particular, only observing, that you will by all means keep between the enemy and the mountains. ... I need not urge the necessity of your gaining intelligence of the enemy's situation, in the course of your march. I will be silent on that head, nor need I mention the propriety of your sending frequent expresses, to advise of your ap- proaches. " P. S. The expresses should come by the western road, otherwise they may fall in with the enemy." — Washington to General Lee, 24 November, 1776. " I have nothing in particular to advise you of respecting the Enemy, 54 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO MAJOR-GENERAL LEE. Newark, 27 November, 1776. Dear Sir, I last night received the favor of your Letter of the 25th. My former Letters were so full and ex- plicit, as to the necessity of your marching as early as possible, that it is unnecessary to add more on that Head. I confess I expected you would have been sooner in motion. The force here, when joined by yours, will not be adequate to any great opposi- tion. At present it is weak ; and it has been more owing to the badness of the weather, that the enemy's progress has been checked, than to any resistance we could make. They are now pushing this way ; part of 'em have passed the Passaic. Their plan is not entirely unfolded, but I shall not be surprised, if Philadelphia should turn out the object of their movement. The distress of the troops for want of cloathes I feel much ; but what can I do ? Hav- ing formed an enterprise against Rogers, &c., I wish you may have succeeded. I am, &c. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Brunswig, 30 November, 1776. Sir, I have been honored with your favor of the 26th, and with the enclosures, by which I perceive the more than that they are advancing this way — part of 'em have passed the Pasaick and I suppose the main body that they have on this side the North River would have done the same before now, as they are coming on, had their progress not been retarded by the weather, which has been rainy for several days past. I have Scouts and detachments constantly out to harrass them and watch their motions and to gain, if possible, intelligence of their designs." — Washington to the President of Congress, 27 November, 1776 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 55 measures that have been adopted for forwarding a reinforcement of miHtia. Their arrival is much to be wished, the situation of our affairs being truly alarming, and such as demands the earliest aids.' As General Mifflin's presence may have a happy infiu" ence on the disposition and temper of many of the Associators, I shall not direct his return so long as he can be done without, and till it becomes indis- pensably necessary/ On Thursday morning I left Newark, and arrived here yesterday with the troops that were there. It was the opinion of all the gen- erals, who were with me, that a retreat to this place was requisite, and founded in necessity, as our force was by no means sufficient to make a stand, with the least probability of success, against an enemy much superior in numbers, and whose advanced guards were entering the town by the time our rear got out. It was the wish of all to have remained there longer, and to have halted before we came thus far ; but, upon due consideration of our strength, the circum- stances attending the enlistment of a great part of our little force, and the frequent advices, that the enemy were embarking or about to embark another detachment for Staten Island, with a view of landing ^ The associators in the city and liberties of Philadelphia, and in the coun- ties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, and Northampton, were to be called out, to serve for six weeks from the time of joining the army, unless sooner dis- charged. The German battalion was also ordered to join Washington. This order was countermanded on the 27th, but was again renewed on December 1st, some delay arising in calling out the associators. * On the 28th a meeting of the Council of Safety and Assembly was held at the State House, with David Rittenhouse presiding. Marshall reports that " It's said Gen. Mifflin spoke animatedly pleasing, which gave great satisfac- tion." See Mifflin to IVashingtoii, 26 November, 1776 ; Force, American Archives, Fifth Series, iii., 852. 56 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 at Amboy to cooperate with this, which seemed to be confirmed by the information of some persons, who came from the island, that they were collecting and impressing all the wagons they could find, it was judged necessary to proceed till we came here, not only to prevent their bringing a force to act upon our front and rear, but also that we might be more convenient to oppose any troops they might land at South Amboy, which may be conjectured to be an object they had in view. This conjecture, too, had probability and some advices to support it' I hoped we should meet with large and early suc- cors by this time ; but as yet no great number of the militia of this State has come in ; nor have I much reason to expect, that any considerable aid will be derived from the counties, which lie beyond this river, and in which the enemy are. Their situation will prevent it in a great measure from those parts where they are, provided the inclinations of the peo- ple were good. Added to this, I have no assurances, that more than a very few of the troops composing the Flying Camp will remain after the time of their engagement is out ; so far from it, I am told, that some of General Ewing's brigade, who stand engaged to the ist of January, are now going away. If those go whose service expires this day, our force will be reduced to a mere handful. From intelligence re- ceived this morning, one division of the enemy was ' "Resolved, That General Washington be informed that he has the full approbation of Congress to order the troops on the east side of Hudson's river over to the west side of that River, whenever he shall think it conducive to the public service so to do." — Journals of Congress, i December, 1776. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 57 advanced last night as far as Elizabethtown, and that some of their quartermasters had proceeded about four or five miles on this side, to provide barns for their accommodation. Other accounts say another divi- sion, composed of Hessians, are on the road through Springfield, and are reported to have reached that place last night. I do not know how far their views extend ; but I doubt not, that they mean to push every advantage resulting from the small number and state of our troops. I early began to forward part of the stores from this place towards Philadelphia. Many are gone ; the rest we are moving, and hope to secure. I am, &c.' P. S. I have wrote to Govr. Livingston who is exerting himself to throw in every assistance and to have guards placed at the ferries to prevent the return of the soldiers who are not discharsied.^ * By a despatch from General Howe, dated November 30th, it would appear, that it was not his expectation to cross the Delaware during the present cam- paign. He considered it essential to gain a footing in New Jersey, where he might quarter a large body of troops for the winter, with the advantage of obtaining shelter, forage, and fresh provisions. In the same despatch he pro- posed a plan for the next campaign, in which he contemplated extensive opera- tions, an incursion into Rhode Island and Massachusetts and if possible the possession of Boston, an ascent up the North River to Albany, and an attack on Philadelphia and Virginia in the autumn. To effect this scheme he required thirty-five thousand men. The rapid retreat of the American army across New- Jersey gave him fresh hopes of further successes, but these were defeated by the battle of Trenton. Meantime he suggested another plan to the minister, for the next campaign, which had for its chief object the reduction of Penn- sylvania. The want of sufficient reinforcements from Great Britain prevented either of them from being put into execution according to the original design. See Sir William Howe's Narrative , p. 9. Almon's Parliamentary Register, vol. xi., pp. 361, 371. ^ " The time of General Heard's brigade of flying campmen for this State and that of General Beale's from Maryland expires today, so that the army will, by that means suffer a considerable diminution. But what is still worse, 58 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO THE BOARD OF WAR. Head-Quarters. Brunswic, 30 November, 1776. Gentlemen, I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 1 8th 19th and 23d Instant, which from the unsettled Situation of our Affairs, I have not been able to answer before. That of the i8th incloses a List of Stores taken in the Hancock and Adams Continental Ship, and carried into Dartmouth in New England, with a Re- solve of Congress to deliver the Muskets, Powder, Lead and Flints to my order. As the other Articles of the Cargo will be full as useful to the army, as those included in the Resolve, I would advise, that Directions be given, to have the whole Cargo re- moved from Dartmouth to some secure place in the Neighborhood of Philadelphia and there deposited till called for. It is by no means proper that so great a Quantity of military stores should be lodged with the Army especially at present, as we know not to- day where we shall be obliged to remove tomorrow, and that will in all probability be the Case, while the Enemy continue with a Light Army, on this side of the North River.' altho' most of the Pennsylvanians are enlisted till the first of January, I am informed that they are deserting in great numbers. I therefore entreat that you would without loss of time, give orders to the officers of militia on the roads and the ferries over Delaware to take up and secure every soldier that has not a regular discharge or pass. In order to effect this, proper guards should be immediately posted." — Washington to Governor Livingston, 30 No- vember, 1776. ^Journals of Congress, 15 November, 1776. The Hancock and Adams, Samuel Smith, Master, employed in the Continental service, had been taken by an American privateer, the Gamecock of Rhode Island, commanded by Timothy 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 59 In answer to that part of yours of the 19th, in which you ask my advice as to the propriety of en- listing prisoners of war, I would just observe, that, in my opinion, it is neither consistent with the rules of war, nor politic ; nor can I think, that, because our enemies have committed an unjustifiable action, by enticing, and in some instances intimidating, our men into their service, we ought to follow their example. Before I had the honor of yours on this subject, I had determined to remonstrate to General Howe on this head. As to those few, who have already enlisted, I would not have them again withdrawn and sent in, because they might be subjected to punishment ; but I would have the practice discontinued in future. If you will revert to the capitulation of St. John's and Chamblee, you will find an express stipulation against the enlisting of the prisoners taken there. I remarked that the enlistment of prisoners was not a politic step. My reason is this, that in time of danger I have always observed such persons most backward, for fear, I suppose, of falling into the hands of their former masters, from whom they expect no mercy ; and this fear they are apt to com- municate to their fellow-soldiers. They are also most ready to desert when any action is expected, hoping, by carrying intelligence, to secure their peace.' I met Captain Hesketh on the road ; and, as Pierce, and taken into Bedford. Journals, November I2th and 13th. For a little political episode arising out of this matter, see Conway, Edmund Ran- dolph, 34. ' Major Lutterloh, a foreign officer, proposed to enlist deserters and prison- ers, assigning as precedents the example of the King of Prussia, and the practice of the last war. 6o THE WRITINGS OF [1776 the situation of his family did not admit of delay, I permitted him to go immediately to New York, not having the least doubt but General Howe will make a return of any officer of equal rank, who shall be required. I am, &c. TO GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON. Brunswig, i December, 1776. Dear Sir, I wrote to you yesterday ; but, as from every infor- mation of the motions of the enemy, their intent seems plainly directed through this State, and then on to Philadelphia, I cannot help calling on you, in the most urgent manner, and begging you to fall upon proper means to draw forth the strength of your province to my support. The enemy's advanced parties were last night at Bonhamtown, four miles on this side of Woodbridge.' They are impressing wagons and horses, and collecting cattle and sheep ; which is a further proof of their intent to march a considerable distance. Unless my force, therefore, is considerably augmented, it will be impossible for me to make any stand at this place, when the enemy advance, as I have not, including General William- son's militia, (say 1,000) more than four thousand men. The militia from the counties of Morris and ' "The defenceless legislature [of New Jersey], with their Governor at their head, wandered from Princeton to Burlington, from Burlington to Pittstowa, from Pittstown to Haddonfield, and there, finally, at the utmost verge of the State, dissolved themselves on the 2d of December, leaving each member to look to his own safety, at a moment when the efforts of legislators would be of no avail." — Sedgwick, Life of William Livingston. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 6i Sussex turn out slowly and reluctantly, whether from the want of officers of spirit to encourage them, or your summons not being regularly sent to them, I cannot say ; but I have reason to believe, that there has been a deficiency in both cases. Designing men have been purposely sent among them, to influence some and intimidate others ; and, unless gentlemen of spirit and character will appear among them, and rouse them, little can be expected. I wrote to Gen- eral Williamson last night, and pressed him to exert himself ; but, I have reason to believe, he has not the confidence of the people so much as could be wished. My accounts of the reinforcements, to be expected from Pennsylvania, are very encouraging ; but, from the distance and necessary delays attending a sudden march, I cannot look for them under a week or ten days ; in which time the enemy will have reached the Delaware ; at least if not opposed by more than my present numbers. General Lee is on his march down to join me ; but, if the enemy should throw in a body of men between us, he will be obliged to make a considerable circuit to avoid them. The boats and craft, all along the Delaware side, should be secured ; particularly the Durham boats used for the transpor- tation of produce down the river. Parties should be sent to all the landings, to have them removed to the other side, hauled up, and put under proper guards. One such boat would transport a regiment of men. I am, &c.' ' On November 30th the Council of Safety of Philadelphia published a notice warning all who would wish to avoid the "insults and oppressions of a 62 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO MAJOR-GENERAL LEE. Brunswig, i December, 1776. Dear Sir, The enemy are advancing, and have got as far as Woodbridge and Amboy, and, from information not to be doubted, they mean to push for Philadelphia. The force I have with me is infinitely inferior in numbers, and such as cannot give or promise the least successful opposition. It is greatly reduced by the departure of the Maryland Flying Camp men, and by sundry other causes.' I must entreat you to hasten your march as much as possible, or your arrival may be too late to answer any valuable purpose. Your licentious soldiery " should be prepared to leave the city on a short warning. The news that arrived on December 2d, placing Howe's army at Brunswick and on the road to Philadelphia, produced a panic, and for days after the roads were crowded with wagons, and all was hurry and confusion in the city. Shops were closed, schools " broke up," and the inhabitants engaged in providing for their own safety or for the defence of the city. " In a little time after I wrote you this Evening, the Enemy appeared in sev- eral parties on the Heights opposite Brunswic, and were advancing in a large body towards the crossing place. We had a smart cannonade whilst we were parading our men, but without any, or but little, loss on either side. It being impossible to oppose them with our present force with the least prospect of suc- cess, we shall retreat to the West side of Delaware and have advanced about eight miles, where it is hoped we shall meet a reinforcement sufficient to check their progress. I have sent Colo. Humpton forward to collect the necessary boats for our transportation, and conceive it proper that the Militia from Pen- sylvania should be ordered towards Trenton, that they may be ready to join us and act as occasion may require. " P. S. I wish my Letters of yesterday may arrive safe, being informed that the return Express who had 'em was idling his time and shewing 'em on the Road." — Washington to the President of Congress, i December, 1776, half past seven, P.M. ' " Two brigades left us at Brunswick, notwithstanding the enemy were within two hour's march and coming on. The loss of these troops at this critical time reduced his Excellency to the necessity to order a retreat again. . . . When we left Brunswick, we had not 3000 men." — General Greene to Governor Cooke, 4 December, 1776. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 63 route, nor the place to join me, I cannot particular- ize. In these respects you must be governed by cir- cumstances, and the intelligence you receive, let the former be secure. I hope to meet a considerable re- inforcement of Pennsylvania Associators. It is said they seem spirited upon this occasion. I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Princeton, 2 December, 1776. Sir, I arrived here this morning with our troops between Eight and nine o'Clock, when I received the Honor of your Letter of the 1st with its inclosures. When the Enemy first landed on this side the North River, I apprehended that they meant to make a push this way, and knowing that the force which I had was not sufficient to oppose 'em, I wrote to Genl, Lee to cross with the Several Continental Regiments in his division, and hoped he would have arrived before now ; by some means or other he has been delayed. I suppose he has passed the River, as his Letter of the 26th ulto. mentioned that he had marched a brigade the day before, and should follow the next himself.' The remainder of the Troops, I conceived necessary to guard the several passes thro' the High- lands ; nor do I think they can be called from thence, their number is very small, being reduced to very few by the departure of the Troops who stood engaged till the 30th ulto. * * * I have &c. ' " General Lee is this day beginning to pass the river with his division." — Heath to Washington, 2 December, 1776. 64 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Trenton, 3 December, 1776.* Sir, I arrived here myself yesterday morning, with the main body of the army, having left Lord Stirling with two brigades at Princeton and that neighborhood, to watch the motions of the enemy and give notice of their approach. I am informed, that they had not entered Brunswic yesterday morning at nine o'clock, but were on the opposite side of the Rariton. Im- mediately on my arrival here, I ordered the removal of all the military and other stores and baggage over the Delaware ; a great quantity is already got over ; and as soon as the boats come up from Philadelphia, we shall load them ; by which means I hope to have every thing secured this night and to-morrow, if we are not disturbed. After being disencumbered of my baggage and stores, my future situation will depend entirely upon circumstances. I have not heard a word from General Lee since the 26th of last month ; which surprises me not a little, as I have despatched daily expresses to him, desiring^ to know when I mig-ht look for him. This makes me fearful, that my letters have not reached him. I am informed by report, that General St. Clair has joined him, with three or four regiments from the northward. To know the truth of this, and also when I may expect him, and with what numbers, I have this minute despatched Colonel Stewart, General ' Washington's head-quarters were in George Clymer's house, afterward Morrisville. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 65 Gates's aid-de-camp, to meet General Lee and bring me an account.' I look out earnestly for the rein- forcement from Philadelphia. I am in hopes, that, if we can draw a good head of men together, it will give spirits to the militia of this State, who have as yet afforded me little or no assistance ; nor can I find that they are likely to do much. General Heard has just informed me, that a person, on whose veracity he can depend, has reported to him that on Sunday last he counted a hundred and seventeen sail of ships going out of the Hook. You may depend upon being advised instantly of any further movement in the enemy's army or that of mine. I have the honor to be, &C.'' ' Congress seemed to be as much in the dark about General Lee's plans and movements as General Washington, and on the 2d of December they instructed a committee " to send an express to General Lee to know where and in what situation he and the army with him are." — Secret jfottrnal, vol. i., p. 50. " I was just now favored with your letter of the 30th ultimo. Having wrote you fully both yesterday and to-day concerning my situation, it is unnecessary for me to add much at this time. You will readily agree, that I have sufficient cause for my anxiety, and for wishing your arrival as early as possible. In re- spect to instructions on your route, you must be governed by circumstances. This has been the language of all my letters, since I had occasion to call for your aid. The sooner you can join me with your division, the sooner the ser- vice will be benefited. As to bringing any of the troops under General Heath, I cannot consent to it. The posts they are at, and the passes through the Highlands, being of the utmost importance, they must be guarded by good men. I would have you give me frequent advices of your approach. Upon proper information in this instance much may depend." — Wahsington to Major - General Lee, 3 December, 1776. In his letter of the 30th Lee had written : " The day after to morrow we shall pass the river, when I shall be glad to receive your instructions ; but I could wish you would bind me as little as possible, not from any opinion, I do assure you of my own parts, but from a persuasion that detached Generals can- not have too great latitude, unless they are very incompetent indeed." ' " Lieutenant Symes came over to me at Brunswick from Bethlehem without the least guard or escort and a lieutenant of the seventh regiment went through 66 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Trenton, 5 December, 1776. Sir, As nothing but necessity obliged me to retire before the enemy, and leave so much of the Jerseys unpro- tected, I conceive it my duty, and it corresponds with my inclination, to make head against them so soon as there shall be the least probability of doing it with propriety. That the country might in some measure be covered, I left two brigades consisting of the five Virginia regiments and that of Delaware, containing in the whole about twelve hundred men fit for duty, under the command of Lord Stirling and General Stephen,' at Princeton, till the baggage and stores could cross the Delaware, or the troops under their respective commands should be forced from thence. I shall now, having removed the greatest part of the above articles, face about with such troops as are here fit for service, and march back to Princeton, and there govern myself by circumstances and the movements of General Lee. At any event, the enemy's progress may be retarded by this means, if they intend to come our whole army, and was at last discovered by a mere accident. He had a pass from the Council of Safety, and that was all. Such an irregular mode of suf- fering prisoners to go in alone must be put a stop to, or the enemy will be as well acquainted with our situation as we are ourselves. If they are left at lib- erty to choose their own route, they will always take that through our army for reasons too obvious to mention." — Washington to the Board of War, 4 De- cember, 1776. ' General Adam Stephen, who had lately joined the army with a detachment of Virginia troops, was the same ofificer that had been a colonel under Wash- ington and second in command of the Virginia forces during the last French war. Congress had appointed him a brigadier-general in the Continental ser- vice on the 4th of September. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 67 on, and the people's fears in some measure quieted, if they do not. Sorry I am to observe, however, that the frequent calls upon the militia of this State, the want of exertion in the principal gentlemen of the country, or a fatal supineness and insensibility of danger, till it is too late to prevent an evil that was not only foreseen but foretold, have been the causes of our late disgraces. If the militia of this State had stepped forth in season (and timely notice they had), we might have prevented the enemy's crossing the Hackinsac, al- though without some previous notice of the time and place it was impossible to have done this at the North River. We might with equal probability of success have made a stand at Brunswic on the Rari- ton. But as both these rivers were fordable in a variety of places, being knee-deep only, it required many men to defend the passes ; and these we had not. At Hackinsac our force was insufficient, because a part was at Elizabethtown, Amboy, and Brunswic, guarding a coast, which I thought most exposed to danger ; and at Brunswic, because I was disappointed in my expectation of militia, and because on the day of the enemy's approach (and probably the occasion of it) the term of the Jersey and Maryland brigades' service expired ; neither of which would consent to stay an hour longer. These, among ten thousand other instances, might be adduced to show the disadvantages of short enlist- ments, and the little dependence upon militia in times of real danger. But, as yesterday cannot be recalled, 68 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 I will not dwell upon a subject, which, no doubt, has given much uneasiness to Congress, as well as ex- treme pain and anxiety to myself. My first wish is, that Congress may be convinced of the impropriety of relying upon the militia, and of the necessity of raising a larger standing army, than what they have voted. The saving in the article of stores, provisions, and in a thousand other things, by having nothing to do with militia unless in cases of extraordinary exi- gency, and such as could not be expected in the com- mon course of events, would amply support a large army, which, well officered, would be daily improv- ing, instead of continuing a destructive, expensive, and disorderly mob. I am clear in the opinion, that if forty thousand men had been kept in constant pay since the first commencement of hostilities, and the militia had been excused from doing duty during that period, the Continent would have saved money. When I reflect on the losses we have sustained for want of good troops, the certainty of this is placed beyond a doubt in my mind. In such a case, the militia, who have been harassed and tired by repeated calls upon them, and farming and manufactures in a manner suspended, would, upon any pressing emer- gency, have run with alacrity to arms ; whereas, the cry now is, "they may be as well ruined in one way as another"; and with difficulty they are obtained. I mention these things to show, that, in my opinion, if any dependence is placed in the militia another year, Congress will be deceived. When danger is a little removed from them, they will not turn out at all. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 69 When it comes home to them, the well-affected, in- stead of flying to arms to defend themselves, are busily employed in removing their families and effects, whilst the disaffected are concerting measures to make their submission, and spread terror and dismay all around, to induce others to follow their example. Daily experience and abundant proofs warrant this information. I shall this day reinforce Lord Stirling with about twelve hundred men, which will make his number about two thousand four hundred. To-morrow I mean to repair to Princeton myself, and shall order the Pennsylvania troops, who are not yet arrived, ex- cept part of the German battalion and a company of light infantry, to the same place. By my last advices, the enemy are still at Bruns- wic ; and the account adds, that General Howe was expected at Elizabethtown with a reinforcement, to erect the King's standard, and demand a submission of this State. I can only give this as a report, brought from the enemy's camp by some of the country people. I have the honor to be, &c.' TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Trenton, 6 December, 1776. Sir, I have not received any intelligence of the enemy's movements since my letter of yesterday. From every information, they still remain at Brunswic, ex- cept some of their parties, which are advanced a ^ Read in Congress December 6th, 70 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 small distance on this side. To-day I shall set out for Princeton myself, unless something should occur to prevent me, which I do not expect. By a letter of the 4th Inst, from a Mr. Caldwell, a clergyman, and a staunch friend to the cause, who has fled from Elizabethtown, and taken refuge in the mountains about ten miles from hence, I am informed, that General or Lord Howe was expected in that town to publish pardon and peace. His words are : " I have not seen his proclamation, but can only say he gives sixty days of grace, and pardons from the Congress down to the committee. No one man in the con- tinent is to be denied his mercy." In the language of this good man," The Lord deliver us from his mercy ! " ' Your letter of the 3d, by Major Livingston, was duly received. Before it came to hand, I had writ- ten to General Howe about Governor Franklin's ex- change, but am not certain whether the letter could not be recovered. I despatched a messenger instant- ly for that purpose.^ I have the honor to be, &c.3 ' A proclamation was issued, on the 30th of November, jointly by Lord Howe and General Howe, offering a pardon to all such as had opposed the King's authority and who should within sixty days subscribe a declaration, that they would remain in peaceable obedience to his Majesty, neither taking up arms nor encouraging others to take up arms against him. In the present dis- couraging state of the afifairs of Congress and of Washington's army, many persons in New Jersey and Pennsylvania sought to secure their safety behind the protecting shield of this proclamation, and went over to the British ; among others was Galloway, a member of the first Continental Congress, and afterwards the author of some attacks on Sir William Howe and strictures on his military operations in America. See Sir William Howe's Narrative, and Observations upon a Pamphlet, &c. , p. 37. ' Congress had directed General Washington to propose an exchange of Governor Franklin for General Thompson, but on a second consideration they rescinded their vote, and countermanded the order. ' Read in Congress December 7th, 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 71 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Mr. Berkeley's Summer-Seat, 8 December, 1776. Sir, Colonel Reed would inform you of the intelligence, which I first met with on the road from Trenton to Princeton yesterday.' Before I got to the latter, I received a second express informing me, that, as the enemy were advancing by different routes, and at- tempting by one to get in the rear of our troops, which were there, and whose numbers were small, and the place by no means defensible, they had judged it prudent to retreat to Trenton. The retreat was accordingly made, and since to this side of the river. This information I thought it my duty to communicate as soon as possible, as there is not a moment's time to be lost in assembling such force as can be collected ; and as the object of the enemy cannot now be doubted in the smallest degree. In- deed, I shall be out in my conjecture, for it is only conjecture, if the late embarkation at New York is not for Delaware River, to cooperate with the army under the immediate command of General Howe, who, I am informed from good authority, is with the British troops and his whole force upon this route. I have no certain intelligence of General Lee, al- though I have sent frequent expresses to him, and lately Colonel Humpton, to bring me some accurate accounts of his situation. I last night despatched ^ " This moment a captain has returned that went to reconnoiter last night, and it is beyond a doubt the enemy are advancing ; and my Lord Stirling thinks they will be up here by twelve o'clock." — Greene to Washington^ 7 December, 1776. 72 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 another gentleman to him, Major Hoops, desiring he would hasten his march to the Delaware, in which I would provide boats, near a place called Alexandria, for the transportation of his troops. I cannot account for the slowness of his march.' In the disordered and moving state of the army, I cannot get returns ; but, from the best accounts, we had between three thousand and three thousand five hundred men, be- fore the Philadelphia militia and German battalion arrived ; they amount to about two thousand. I have, &c. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Trenton Falls, 9 December, 1776. Sir, I did myself the honor of writing to you yesterday, and informing you that I had removed the troops to this Side of the Delaware, soon after the Enemy made their Appearance ; and their van entered, just as our rear guard quitted. We had removed all our stores except a few boards. From the best information, they are in two bodies, ^ On the 8th Lee wrote to Washington, from Morristown : " If I was not taught to think that your army was considerably reinforced, I should imme- diately join you ; but as I am assured you are very strong, I should imagine we can make a better impression by hanging on their rear, for which purpose, a good post at Chatham seems the best calculated. It is at a happy distance from Newark, Elizabethtown, Woodbridge and Boundbrook." He addressed a similar letter to the Committee of Congress sent to learn his position and situation. On the same day, after Major Hoops had reached him, he again wrote to Washington : "I am certainly shocked to hear that your force is so inadequate to the necessity of your situation, as I had been taught to think you had been considerably reinforced." He expressed a belief that the main effort of the enemy was to be directed against the Eastern States, and con- cluded by saying : " It will be difficult, I am afraid, to join you ; but cannot I do you more service by attacking their rear ? " 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 73 one at and near Trenton, the other some Miles higher up, and indining towards Delaware ; but whether with intent to cross there, or throw themselves between General Lee and me is yet uncertain, I have this Morning detached Lord Stirling and his brigade to take post at the different landing places, and prevent them from stealing a march upon us from above ; for I am informed if they cross at Cordis Ferry or thereabouts, they are as near to Philadelphia as we are here. From several accounts I am led to think, that the enemy are bringing boats with them. If so, it will be impossible for our small force to give them any con- siderable opposition in the passage of the river ; in- deed they make a feint at one place, and, by a sudden removal, carry their boats higher or lower before we can bring our cannon to play upon them. Under these circumstances, the security of Philadelphia should be our next object. From my own remem- brance, but more from information, for I never viewed the grround, I should think that a communication of lines and redoubts might soon be formed from the Delaware to the Schuylkill on the north entrance of the city, the lines to begin on the Schuylkill side, about the heights of Springatebury, and run eastward to Delaware, upon the most advantageous and com- manding grounds. If something of this kind is not done, the enemy might, in case any misfortune should befall us, march directly in, and take possession. We have ever found that lines, however slight, are very formidable to them ; they would at least give a check till the people could recover from the fright and con- 74 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 sternatlon, that naturally attend the first appearance of an enemy. In the mean time, every step should be taken to collect a force, not only from Pennsylvania, but from the neighboring States. If we can keep the enemy from entering Philadelphia, and keep the communica- tion by water open for supplies, we may yet make a stand, if the country will come to our assistance till our new levies can be collected. If the measure of forti- fying the city should be adopted, some skilful person should immediately view the grounds, and begin to trace out the lines and works. I am informed there is a French engineer of eminence in Philadelphia at this time ; if so, he will be the most proper.' I have the honor to be, &c. P. S. I have just reed, the enclosed from Genl. Heath. General Mifflin is this moment come up, and tells me, that all the military stores yet remain in Philadelphia. This makes the immediate fortifying of the city so necessary, that I have desired General Mifflin to return to take charge of the stores ; and have ordered Major-General Putnam immediately down to superintend the works and give the neces- sary directions." TO MAJOR-GENERAL LEE. Trenton Falls, 10 December, 1776. Dear Sir, I last night received your favor by Colonel Hump- ton, and were it not for the weak and feeble state of ' Kosciusko. ' Putnam took command on the I2th ; and established martial law. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 75 the force I have, I should highly approve of your hanging on the rear of the enemy, and establishing the post you mention ; but when my situation is directly the opposite of what you suppose it to be, and when General Howe is pressing forward with the whole of his army (except the troops that were lately embarked, and a few besides left at New York), to possess himself of Philadelphia, I cannot but request and entreat you, and this too by the advice of all the general officers with me, to march and join me with your whole force with all possible expedition. The utmost exertions, that can be made, will not be more than sufficient to save Philadelphia. Without the aid of your force I think there is but little if any prospect of doing it. I refer you to the route. Major Hoops would inform you of. The enemy are now extended along the Delaware at several places. By a prisoner, who was taken last night, I am told, that at Pennington there are two battalions of infantry, three of grenadiers, the Hes- sian grenadiers, the forty-second of Highlanders, and two others. Their object doubtless is to pass the river above us, or to prevent your joining me. I mention this, that you may avail yourself of the information. Do come on ; your arrival may be happy, and, if it can be effected without delay, it may be the meajis of preserving a city, whose loss must prove of the most fatal consequence to the cause of America. I am, &c.' * General Washington wrote again the next day to General Lee pressing him to hasten forward. " Nothing less," he observes, " than our utmost exertions will be sufficient to prevent General Howe from possessing Philadelphia. The ^6 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 P. S. Pray exert your influence, and bring with you all the Jersey militia you possibly can. Let them not suppose their State is lost, or in any danger, because the enemy are pushing through it. If you think General St. Clair, or General Maxwell, would be of service to command them, I would send either.' force I have is weak and entirely incompetent to that end. I must therefore entreat you to push on with every possible succor you can bring." ' By a forced march Cornwallis threatened Brunswick on December ist, and was -prevented from following the retreating Continental army only by the de- struction of the bridge at that place. Howe's original design was to obtain pos- session of East Jersey, but considering the advantages to be gained by pushing on to the Delaware and the possibility of getting to Philadelphia, he joinei.1 Cornwallis on the 6th at Brunswick. " On the 7th, Lord Cornwallis' corps . . . marched to Princeton, which the enemy had quitted on the same day. This corps marched in two divisions on the 8th ; the first advancing to Trenton reached the Delaware soon after the enemy's rear guard had crossed ; their main army, having passed the preceding day and night, took post on the other side of the river. Lord Cornwallis with the rear division, halted at Maiden- head, six miles from Trenton, and marched at one o'clock next morning to Corryell's Ferry, thirteen miles higher up the Delaware, in some expectation of finding boats there, and in the neighborhood, sufficient to pass the river, but in this he was disappointed, the enemy having taken the precaution to destroy or to secure on the south side all the boats that could possibly be employed for this purpose." Cornwallis then took post at Pennington, remaining there till the 14th, when the severe weather warned them to go to their winter canton- ments. " The chain I own, is rather too extensive, but I was induced to occupy Burlington, to cover the county of Monmouth, in which there are many loyal inhabitants ; and trusting to the almost general submission of the country to the southward of this chain, and to the strength of the corps placed in the advanced posts, I conclude the troops will be in perfect security." — General Hou>e to Lord George Germaine, 29 December, 1776. " The enemy have a number of parties patrolling up and down the river, particularly above. As yet they have not attempted to pass, nor do any of the patrols, tho' some are exceedingly small, meet with the least interruption from the inhabitants of Jersey. By a letter received last night from General Lee of the 8th instant, he was then at Morristown, where he entertained thoughts of establishing a post ; but on receiving my despatches by Major Hoops I should suppose he would be convinced of the necessity of his proceeding this way, with all the force he can bring. " P, S. 9 o'clock A. M. I this minute received information that the enemy [776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 77 TO LUND WASHINGTON. Falls of Delaware, South Side, ID December, 1776. Dear Lund, ■5£- * -Sf- * * * I wish to Heaven it was in my power to give you a more favorable account of our situation than it is. Our numbers, quite inadequate to the task of oppos- ing that part of the army under the command of General Howe, being reduced by sickness, desertion, and political deaths (on or before the first instant, and having no assistance from the militia), were obliged to retire before the enemy, who were per- fectly well informed of our situation, till we came to this place, where I have no idea of being able to make a stand, as my numbers, till joined by the were repairing the bridges, three or four miles below Trenton, which seems to indicate an intention of their crossing lower down, and suggests to me the necessity that some attention should be had to the fort at Billingsport, lest they should possess themselves of it." — Washington to the President of Congress, Falls of Delaware, 10 December, 1776. " Yours of last evening reached me at 4 o'clock this morning. I immediately sent orders to Commodore Seymour to despatch one of his gallies down to Dunk's Ferry, and I shall dispose of the remainder in such a manner, and at such places as will be most likely, not only to annoy the enemy in their passage, but to give the earliest information of any attempt of that kind. Parties of the enemy have been reconnoitering both up and down the river, and I imagine it has been one of these parties that have appeared near Burlington, for as they liave not found the least opposition from the people of Jersey, they venture very far from their main body, which from the best information, still lays about Trenton and above it. " I have desired Col. Humpton to apply for a party of men to go up Coopers and Ancocus Creeks, and bring down all the craft he may find there, for it is in vain to cut down bridges, if the boats are left. They cannot be trusted to the care of the owners, for if an enemy was to appear, such is their fear, that they would deliver them up, upon the first demand." — Washington to the President of the Philadelphia Council of Safety [Thomas Wharton, Jr.], 10 December, 1776. 78 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 Philadelphia militia, did not exceed three thousand men fit for duty. Now we may be about five thou- sand to oppose Howe's whole army, that part of it excepted which sailed under the command of Gen. Clinton. I tremble for Philadelphia. Nothing, in my opinion, but Gen. Lee's speedy arrival, who has been long expected, though still at a distance (with about three thousand men), can save it. We have brought over and destroyed all the boats we could lay our hands on upon the Jersey shore for many miles above and below this place ; but it is next to impossible to guard a shore for sixty miles, with less than half the enemy's numbers ; when by force or strategem they may suddenly attempt a passage in many different places. At present they are encamped or quartered along the other shore above and below us (rather this place, for we are obliged to keep a face towards them) for fifteen miles. * * December 1 7, ten miles above the Falls. * * "^ I have since moved up to this place, to be more convenient to our great and extensive defences of this river. Hitherto, by our destruction of the boats, and vigilance in watching the fords of the river above the falls (which are now rather high), we have prevented them from crossing ; but how long we shall be able to do it God only knows, as they are still hovering about the river. And if every thing else fails, will wait till the ist of January, when there will be no other men to oppose them but militia, none of which but those from Philadelphai, mentioned 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 79 in the first part of the letter, are yet come (although I am told some are expected from the back counties). When I say none but militia, I am to except the Vir- ginia regiments and the shattered remains of Small- wood's, which, by fatigue, want of clothes, &c., are reduced to nothing — Weedon's, which was the strong- est, not having more than between one hundred and thirty to one hundred and forty men fit for duty, the rest being in the hospitals. The unhappy policy of short enlistments and a dependence upon militia will, I fear, prove the downfall of our cause, though early pointed out with an almost prophetic spirit ! Our cause has also received a severe blow in the captivity of Gen. Lee. Unhappy man ! Taken by his own imprudence, going three or four miles from his own camp, and within twenty of the enemy, notice of which by a rascally Tory was given a party of light horse seized him in the morning after travelling all night, and carried him off in high triumph and with every mark of indignity, not even suffering him to get his hat or surtout coat. The troops that were under his command are not yet come up with us, though they, I think, may be expected to-morrow. A large part of the Jerseys have given every proof of disaffection that they can do, and this part of Pennsylvania are equally inimical. In short, your imagination can scarce extend to a situation more distressing than mine. Our only dependence now is upon the speedy enlistment of a new army. If this fails, I think the game will be pretty well up, as, from disaffection and want of spirit and fortitude, the in- 8o THE WRITINGS OF [1776 habitants, instead of resistance, are offering submis- sion and taking protection from Gen. Howe in Jer- sey. -5^ ■^- * I am &c.' TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Falls of Delaware, II December, 1776. Sir, After I had wrote you yesterday, I received certain information that the Enemy after repairing Crosswicks Bridge, had advanced a party of about five hundred to Borden Town. By their taking this route, it con- firms me in my opinion, that they have an intention to land between this and Philadelphia as well as above, if they can procure boats for the purpose. I last night directed Commodore Seymour to station all his gallies between Bordentown and Philadelphia, to give the earliest intelligence of any appearance of the Enemy on the Jersey Shore. "" I yesterday rode up the river about 1 1 miles to Lord Stirling's post, where I found a prisoner of the 42d Regiment who had been just brought in. He informs me, that Lord Cornwallis was at Penny Town with two battalions of (grenadiers and three of light infantry, all British, the Hessian grenadiers, the 42d Highland Regiment, and two other battalions, the names of which he did not remember. He knew nothinof of the reasons of their beine assembled ' Copied in 1862 from the original, by Mr. Cassius F. Lee, Jr., of Alexan- dria. I have not been able to discover the ownership of this letter, and print it from Mr. Lee's copy. ' yournals of Congress, 10 December, 1776. Minutes of the Philadelphia Council of Safety, 39. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 8i there, nor what were their future intentions ; but I last night received information from my Lord Stir- ling, which had been brought in by his Scouts, which in some measure accounts for their being there. They had made a forced march from. Trenton on Sunday night to Coryell's Ferry in hopes of surpris- ing a sufficient number of boats to transport them, but finding themselves disappointed, had marched back to Penny Town, where the}^ remained yesterday. From their several attempts to seize boats, it does not look as if they had brought any with them, as I was at one time informed. I last night sent a person over to Trenton to learn whether there was any appearance of building any, but he could not perceive any preparations for a Work of that kind. So that I am in hopes, if proper Care is taken to keep all the craft out of their way, they will find the crossing Delaware a matter of considerable Difficulty. I received another Letter from General Lee last Evening. It was dated at Chatham (which I take to be near Morris Town) the 8th of this month, he had then received my Letter sent by Major Hoops, but seemed still inclined to hang upon the Enemy's rear, to which I should have no objection, had I a suffi- cient force to oppose them in front ; but as I have not at present, nor do I see much probability of further reinforcement, I have wrote to him in the most pressing terms, to join me with all Expedition.' ' " I shall only say that Philadelphia, beyond all question, is the object of the enemy's movements, and that nothing less than our utmost exertions will be sufficient to prevent General Howe from possessing it. The force I have is weak and entirely incompetent to that end. I must therefore entreat you to 82 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Trenton Falls, 12 December, 1776. Sir, I last night received the favor of Mr. Thomson's letter, enclosing the proceedings of Congress, of the nth instant. As the publication of their resolve, in my opinion, will not lead to any good end, but, on the contrary, may be attended with some bad conse- quences, I shall take the liberty to decline inserting it in this day's orders. I am persuaded, if the subject is taken up and reconsidered, that Congress will concur with me in sentiment. I doubt not, but there are some, who have propagated the report ; but what if they have ? Their remaining in or leaving Philadelphia must be governed by circumstances and events. If their departure should become necessary, it will be right ; on the other hand, if there should not be a necessity for it, they will remain, and their continuance will show the report to be the production of calumny and falsehood. In a word, Sir, I con- ceive it a matter, that may be as well disregarded ; and that the removal or staying of Congress, depend- ing entirely upon events, should not have been the subject of a resolve.' push on with every possible succor you can bring. Your aid may give a more favorable complexion to our affairs. You knov^f the importance of the city of Philadelphia, and the fatal consequences that must attend the loss of it." — Washington to Lee, ii December, 1776. This letter never reached Lee. ' The timidity of Congress increased daily as the British advanced, their nervousness being shown by the curious resolutions passed directing Washing- ton and Putnam in military matters, appointing a day of fasting and humilia- tion, recommending to "all the members of the United States, and particularly the officers civil and military under them, the exercise of repentance and reformation," the strict observation of the articles of war, and particularly of 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 83 The intelligence we obtain respecting the move- ments and situation of the enemy is far from being so certain and satisfactory, as I could wish, though every probable means in my power, and that I can devise, are adopted for that purpose. The latest I have received was from Lord Stirling last night. He says that two grenadiers of the Ines- killing Regiment, who were taken and brought in by some Countrymen, inform that Gens. Howe, Corn- wallis, Vaughan, &c., with about 6000 of the flying army, were at Penny Town waiting for pontoons to come up, with which they mean to pass the river near the Blue Mounts, or at Coryells Ferry, they believe the latter. That the two battalions, of guards now at Brunswick and the Hessian Grenadiers, Chasseurs those forbidding profane swearing and all immorality. All the vessels in the harbor were placed at the disposal of Putnam, Continental stores were directed to be removed, and a bold front assumed by directing Putnam to defend the city " to the utmost extremity," and by passing the following resolution which is found only in the first rough draft (MS.) of the journals and does not appear either in the MS. transcript or in the printed Journals of Congress, but was sent to Washington in Thomson's letter of the nth : "Whereas a false and malicious report has been spread by the enemies of America, that the Congress was about to disperse ; Resolved, that General Washington be desired to contradict the said scandalous report, this Congress having a better opinion of the spirit and vigor of the army, and of the good people of these States, than to suppose it can be necessary to disperse ; nor will they adjourn from the city of Philadelphia in the present state of affairs, unless the last necessity shall direct it." Congress approved Washington's suppression of this resolution. On the day after, Putnam and Mifflin were called in to consult with Congress, and both " by strong arguments urged the necessity of the Congress retiring." This view met with the acceptance of Congress, who declared that as Philadel- phia was now become the seat of war, "which will prevent that quiet and uninterrupted attention to the public business which should ever prevail in the great Continental Council," adjourned to meet at Baltimore, and conferred on Washington "full power to order and direct all things relative to the depart- ment and to the operations of war." yournals of Congress, 12 December, 1776. 84 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 and a regiment or two of British troops are at Tren- ton. Captain Miller, of Colonel Hand's regiment also informs me, that a body of the Enemy were marching to Burlington on yesterday morning. He had been sent over with a strong scouting party, and at daybreak fell in with their advanced guards, con- sisting of about 400 Hessian troops, who fired upon him before they were discovered, but without any loss, and obliged him to retreat with his party, and to take boat. The number of the whole he could not ascertain, but they appeared to be considerable. Captain Miller's account is partly confirmed by Com- modore Seymour who reports that four or five hun- dred of the Enemy had entered the town. Upon the whole there can be no doubt, but that Philadelphia is their object, and that they will pass the Delaware as soon as possible. Happy should I be, if I could see the means of preventing them ; at present I confess I do not. All military writers agree, that it is a work of great difficulty, nay im- practicable, where there is any extent of coast to ofuard. This is the case with us ; and we have to do it with a force, small and inconsiderable, and much inferior to that of the enemy. Perhaps Congress have some hope and prospect of reinforcements. I have no intelligence of the sort, and wish to be in- formed on the subject. Our little handful is daily decreasing by sickness and other causes ; and, without aid, without considerable succors and exertions on the part of the people, what can we reasonably look for, or expect, but an event that will be severely felt by 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 85 the common cause, and that will wound the heart of every virtuous American, the loss of Philadelphia ? The subject is disagreeable ; but yet it is true. I will leave it, wishing that our situation may become such as to do away the apprehensions, which at this time seem to fill the minds of too many, and with too much justice. By a letter from General Heath, dated at Peekskill, the 8th, I am advised that Lieutenant- Colonel Vose was then there with Greaton's, Bond's, and Porter's regiments, amounting in the whole to between five and six hundred men, who were coming this way. He adds, that Generals Gates and Arnold would be at Goshen that night, with Stark's, Poor's, and Read's regiments ; but for what purpose, he does not mention. The enclosed extract of a Letter which I received last night contains intelligence of an agreeable nature. I wish to hear its confirmation by the arrival of the several prizes. That with Clothing and arms will be an invaluable acquisition. I shall be glad to be advised of the mode I am to observe in paying the Officers, whether they are to be allowed to draw the pay lately established and from what time or how long they are to be paid under the old establishment. A pay roll which was pre- sented yesterday being made up for the New, has given rise to these propositions. Upon my objecting to it, I was told that Congress or the Board of War, had established the precedent by paying the 6th Regiment of Virginia troops commanded by Colo. Buckner, agreeable to the latter, as they came thro' Philadelphia. I have the honor, &c. 86 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL. Head-Quarters, Trenton Falls, 12 December, 1776. Sir, I was a few days ago favored with yours of the 30th of last month ; and this is the first opportunity, that has afforded me the pleasure of answering it. The event has shown, that my opinion of General Howe's intentions to make an excursion into Jersey was .not ill founded. Immediately after the reduction of Fort Washington, he threw a body of men, con- sisting of about six thousand, over the North River, with an intention to surprise the garrison of Fort Lee ; but they withdrew before he could accomplish his purpose. Finding the few troops I had with me insufficient to oppose the enemy, and knowing that my numbers would still be diminished by the expira- tion of the service of the Flying Camp men from Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, which would take place on the last day of November, it was de- termined to retreat as far as Brunswic, where I hoped to receive a reinforcement from the militia of the State of New Jersey, sufficient to check the further progress of the enemy. But in this I was cruelly dis- appointed. The inhabitants of this State, either from fear or disaffection, almost to a man, refused to turn out ; and I could not bring together above one thou- sand men ; and even on these very little dependence was to be put. My numbers were now reduced to three thousand men, and that of the enemy consider- ably increased by fresh reinforcements. I had sent General Mifflin down to Philadelphia, to raise what 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 87 force he could in that province, and to send them on with all speed to my assistance. I fell down myself to Trenton, in order to wait for supplies, hoping that such numbers would come on from Pennsylvania as would enable me to turn upon the enemy, and recover most of the ground, which they had gained. Gen- eral Mifflin was very successful with the militia of Philadelphia, who turned out in a very spirited man- ner, and he immediately marched about fifteen hun- dred men up to Trenton ; but the remainder of the province continues in a state of supineness ; nor do I see any likelihood of their stirring to save their own capital, which is undoubtedly General Howe's great object.' The Delaware now parts the two armies ; and noth- ing hinders the passage of the enemy, but the want of boats, which we have been lucky enough to secure. General Lee is still in the rear of the enemy, with about four thousand men, with whom he is on his march to join me. If he can effect this junction, our army will again make a respectable appearance, and such as, I hope, will disappoint the enemy in their plan upon Philadelphia. I sent down General Put- nam, a few days ago, to begin upon some works for the defence of that city, upon the salvation of which ' " We have been endeavoring to draw a force together to check General Howe's progress ; but the militia of New Jersey have been so frighted, and the Pennsylvania militia so disaffected, that our endeavors have been ineffectual. . . . The militia of the city of Philadelphia are the only people that have shown a disposition to support the cause." — Greene to his wife, i6 December, 1776. "The fright and disaffection were so great in the Jerseys, that, in our retreat of one hundred and odd miles, we were never joined by more than a hundred men." — Greene to Governor Cooke, 88 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 our cause almost depends. I am informed, that the enlistment of the new army goes on very successfully to the eastward and southward. Little or nothing can be expected from New York or Jersey, which are, for the most part, in the hands of the enemy. Every thing must depend upon the regular force we can bring into the field in the spring ; for I find, from fatal experience, that militia serve only to delude us. As my distance from the eastern governments makes me ignorant of their present circumstances, I will not undertake to direct the disposition of the four regiments, you have ordered to be raised till the 15th of March. I would only recommend, if they can be spared, that they should march and take post at the Highlands and at the forts upon the North River, as much depends still upon keeping possession of the upper part of that river. I highly approve of your plan for supplying your new army with neces- saries. Our old one has suffered considerably for the want of some such wholesome regulations ; and you may depend upon my giving due countenance to such a commendable scheme. I am, with great truth and sincerity, Sir, yours, &c.' ' " The enclosed lists, which I have taken the liberty of transmitting, compre- hend the officers belonging to your army, who were returned on the 4th, 7th, and 8th current by Colonel Moylan, in pursuance of my direction. I have affixed X against their names such belonging to us, as I wish to have released, and who are of the same rank, except in the instance of Colonel Allen. His exchange, on account of his long imprisonment, I have been particularly in- structed to propose. The officers, whose enlargement I now require, are chiefly on parole, and of those who were sent from Canada by General Carleton. In respect to the privates, you will be pleased to direct an etjual number to be re- turned, out of those who were made prisoners on Long Island on the 27th of August, including six volunteers described in one of the lists. I thank you for 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 89 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Trenton Falls, 13 December, 1776. Sir, The apparent designs of the enemy being to avoid this ferry, and land their troops above and below us, have induced me to remove from this place the greater part of the troops, and throw them into a different disposition on the river ; whereby, I hope not only to be more able to impede their passage, but also to avoid the danger of being inclosed in this angle of the river. And notwithstanding the extended ap- pearances of the Enemy on the other side, made at least in part, to divert our Attention from any partic- ular point, as well as to harrass us by fatigue, I can- not divest myself of the opinion, that their principal design is to ford the river somewhere above Trenton ; to which design I have had particular respect in the new arrangement, wherein I am so far happy as to have the Concurrence of the general officers at this place. Four Brigades of the Army under Generals Lord the ready attention, that was given to the return of Major Bird and others who came out with him, in exchange for the officers, who went from Brunswic ; but I must request, that, upon any future occasion, the particular officers to be returned shall be of my appointment, or some person authorized for the purpose. " I cannot conclude this letter, without mentioning the severe treatment of Monsieur Wiebert. This gentleman was made prisoner on the i6th ultimo with the garrison on York Island — and holds the rank of a lieutenant-colonel in our service. I am credibly informed he has been committed to the provost- guard, and is there suffering all the inconveniences of a gaol. I am persuaded this treatment is without your knowledge, and that the [cause of the] complaint will be removed, as soon as it is discovered." — Washington to General Howe, 12 December, 1776. 90 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 Stirling, Mercer, Stephen and DeFermoy extend from Yardley's up to Coryells Ferry, posted in such a manner as to guard every suspicious part of the river and to afford assistance to each other in case of attack. Genl. Ewing with the Flying Camp of Pennsylvania, and a few Jersey troops, under Gen- eral Dickinson, are posted from Yardley's Ferry down to the ferry opposite Bordentown. Colo. Cadwal- ader, with the Pennsylvania Militia, occupies the ground above and below the mouth of Neshaminy River as far down as Dunk's Ferry, at which place Colonel Nixon is posted with the 3d Battalion of Philadelphia. A proper quantity of the artillery is appointed to each brigade, and I have ordered small redoubts to be thrown up opposite every place where there is a possibility of fording. I shall remove further up the River to be near the Main Body of my Small Army, with which every pos- sible opposition shall be given to any further approach of the Enemy towards Philadelphia. As Genl. Armstrong has a good deal of influence in this State and our present force is small and incon- siderable, I think he cannot be better employed than to repair to the Counties where his interest lies to animate the people, promote the recruiting Service and encourage the Militia to come in. He will also be able to form a proper Judgment of the places suit- able for magazines of provision to be collected. I have requested him to wait upon Congress on this subject, and if Genl. Smallwood should go to Mary- land on the same business, I think it would have a 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 91 happy effect. He is popular and of great influence, and I am persuaded would contribute greatly to that States furnishing her Quota of men in a little time. He is now in Philadelphia. I have &c. TO MAJOR-GENERAL GATES. Head-Quarters, at Keith's, 14 December, 1776. Dear Sir, Before this comes to hand, you will have heard of the melancholy situation of our affairs. I do not mean now to detail our misfortunes. With a hand- ful of men, compared to the enemy's force, we have been pushed through the Jerseys, without being able to make the smallest opposition, and compelled to pass the Delaware. General Howe is now on the other side, and beyond all question means, if possible, to possess himself of Philadelphia. His troops are extended from Pennington to Burlington ; the main body, from the best advices, at the former, and within the neighborhood of Trenton. I wish it were in my power to tell you, that appearances were much against him ; at present I confess they are not. But few of the militia of this State have yet come out, except those belonging to the city, nor have I any great hope of their assistance, unless we can collect a respectable force ; in such case perhaps they will turn out and afford their aid. I have heard, that you are coming on with seven regiments. This may have a happy effect, and let me entreat you not to delay a moment in hastening to Pittstown. You will advise me of 92 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 your approaches, and of the time you expect to be there, that I may meet you with an express, and in- form you of your destination, and such further move- ments as may be necessary. I expect General Lee will be there this evening or to-morrow, who will be followed by General Heath and his division. If we can draw our forces together, I trust, under the smiles of Providence, we may yet effect an important stroke, or at least prevent General Howe from executing his plans. Philadelphia is now the object of our care ; you know the importance of it, and the fatal consequences, that must attend its loss. I am persuaded no aid, which you can give, will be withheld a single instant ; your arrival may be a most happy circumstance. The Congress have adjourned to Baltimore, but previously resolved that Philadelphia should be defended to the last extremity. Lord Stir- ling is going over to meet General Lee, and concert with him a plan of operations. I wish you could be there, and would advise you not to wait the slow march of your troops. I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. TO BRIGADIER - GENERALS LORD STIRLING, MERCER, STEPHEN, AND DE FERMOY. INSTRUCTIONS. Head-Quarters, at Keith's, 14 December, 1776. Lest the enemy should in some degree avail themselves of the knowledge (for I do not doubt but they are well informed of every thing we do), I did not care to be so particular in the gen- eral orders of this day, as I mean to be in this letter to you. As much time, then, would be lost, should the enemy attempt cross- [776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 93 ing the river at any pass within your guard, in first sending you notice, and in the troops to wait for orders what to do, I would advise you to examine the whole river from the upper to the lower guard of your district ; and, after forming an opinion of the most probable crossing-places, have those well watched, and direct the regiments or companies most convenient to repair, as they can be formed, immediately to the point of attack, and give the enemy all the opposition they possibly can. Every thing in a manner depends upon the defence at the water's edge. In like manner, one brigade is to support another, without loss of time, or waiting for orders from me. I would also have you fix upon some central spot convenient to your brigade, but in the rear a little, and on some road leading into the back road to Philadel- phia, for your unnecessary baggage, wagons, and stores ; that, in case your opposition should prove ineffectual, these things may not fall [into the enemy's hands] but be got off, and proceed over Neshaminy Bridge towards Germantown, agreeably to the deter- mination of the board of officers the other day. Let me entreat you to find out some person, who can be en- gaged to cross the river as a spy, that we may, if possible, obtain some knowledge of the enemy's situation, movements, and inten- tion. Particular inquiry to be made by the person sent, if any preparations are making to cross the river ; whether any boats are building, and where ; whether any are coming over land from Brunswic ; whether any great collection of horses is made, and for what purpose. Expense must not be spared in procuring such intelligence, and it will readily be paid by me. We are in a neighborhood of very disaffected people. Equal care therefore should be taken, that one of these persons does not undertake the business in order to betray us. I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL. Head-Quarters, Bucks County, 14 December, 1776. Sir, I was last night favored with yours of the 6th in- stant. In a letter, which I did myself the pleasure 94 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 to write to you two days ago, I gave you a full ac- count of my present situation, and of the occurrences, which have happened since I left the neighborhood of Fort Lee. The want of the means of transporta- tion has hitherto hindered the enemy from making any attempt to cross the Delaware ; and, I hope, un- less the course of the season entirely changes, that the weather will soon prevent their making use of boats, if they should build them. Your situation at the eastward is alarming ; and I wish it were in my power to afford you that assist- ance, which is requisite.' You must be sensible, that it is impossible for me to detach any part of my small army, when I have an enemy far superior in numbers to oppose. But I have immediately coun- termanded the march of General Heath's division, who were coming down from Peekskill. It is ordered to return again to that place, and hold itself ready to move, as occasion may require. General Lee's divi- sion is so necessary to support this part of the army, that without its assistance we must inevitably be overpowered, and Philadelphia lost, I have ordered General Arnold, who was on his way down from Ticonderoga, immediately to repair to New London, or wherever his presence will be most necessary. The troops, who came down with him and General Gates, are already, from the advices I have received, so far advanced towards this army, that to counter- ' General Clinton and Earl Percy, with six thousand British troops detached from the main army at New York, took possession of Newport and Rhode Island on the 8th of December. For the letters of General Clinton and Sir Peter Parker relating to this event, see Remembrancer, vol. iii., pp. 261. 262. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 95 mand them now would be losing the small remainder of their services entirely, as the time of their enlist- ment would expire before they could possibly reach you ; whereas, by coming on they may, in conjunction with my present force, and that under General Lee, enable us to attempt a stroke upon the forces of the enemy, who lie a good deal scattered, and to all ap- pearances in a state of security. A lucky blow in this quarter would be fatal to them, and would most certainly rouse the spirits of the people, which are quite sunk by our late misfortunes. In the interval between the dissolution of the old and the enlistment of the new army, we must put our dependence on the public spirit and virtue of the people, who, I am sorry to say, have manifested but too small a regard to their rights and liberties in the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the citizens of Philadelphia excepted. But I hope such a spirit still exists among your people, as will convince these bold invaders, that, although they may by a superior naval force take possession of your seaport towns, yet, that they cannot penetrate and overrun your country with impunity. I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem. Sir, &c. P. S. I have just received a letter from General Heath of the loth instant, in which he informs me, that his division was to cross the North River on that day ; so that they must be at Morristown by this time, which is but fifty miles from hence. Upon this consideration, I have changed my intention of coun- 96 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 termanding him, for the same reasons as are given in my letter above, respecting the troops under Gen- erals Gates and Arnold. TO MAJOR-GENERAL LEE. Head-Quarters, at Keith's, 14 December, 1776. Dear Sir, . I last night received your letter of the nth instant by Major Dehart. I am much surprised, that you should be in any doubt respecting the route you should take, after the information you have had upon that head, as well by letter, as from Major Hoops, who was despatched for the purpose. A large num- ber of boats was procured, and is still retained at Tinicum, under a strong guard, to' facilitate your passage across the Delaware. I have so frequently mentioned our situation, and the necessity of your aid, that it is painful to me to add a word upon the subject. Let me once more request and entreat you to march immediately for Pittstown, which lies on the route that has been pointed out, and is about eleven miles from Tinicum Ferry. That is more on the flank of the enemy, than where you are. Advise me of the time you will arrive there, that a letter may be sent to you about your further destination, and such other movements as may be necessary. The enclosed for Generals Gates and Arnold you will forward by an officer without delay. The former I have requested to come on with the regiments un- der his command with all possible expedition ; the latter to go to the eastward, in consequence of the in- 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 97 telligence received from Governor Trumbull. Part of the enemy have advanced as far as Burlington, and their main body, from the best information, is in the neighborhood of Trenton and at Pennington. The Congress have adjourned from Philadelphia to meet at Baltimore, on the 20th instant, and, sensible of the importance of the former, have directed it to be defended to the utmost extremity to prevent the enemy from possessing it. The fatal conse- quences that must attend its loss are but too ob- vious to every one. Your arrival may be the means of saving it. Nothing but a respectable force, I am certain from melancholy experience, can induce the militia to come in and give their aid. The Roebuck and a sloop of war have arrived in Delaware Bay, and from the last advices were lying not far within the Capes. I have wrote to General Heath to proceed with his troops to Pittstown, where I hope to hear of the arrival of General Gates with the regiments that are with him in a short time, if my information is true. I am, &c.' TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Hkad-Quarters, Bucks County, 15 December, 1776. Gentlemen, With the utmost regret, I must inform you of the loss our army has sustained by the captivity of Gen-- ' On the 13th Lee wrote to Gates from " Basking Ridge " : — " Entre nous, a certain great man is most damnably deficient. He has thrown me into a situ- ation where I have my choice of difficulties. If I stay in this Province, I risk myself and army ; and if I do not stay, the Province is lost forever. . . . Our counsels have been weak to the last degree." 98 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 eral Lee, who was made a prisoner on the morning of the 13th by a party of seventy of the enemy's light-horse, near a place called Vealtown, in the Jerseys. For the particulars, I refer you to the en- closed from General Sullivan. The spirit of disaffec- tion, that appears in this country, I think deserves your serious attention. Instead of giving any assist- ance in repelling the enemy, the militia have not only refused to obey your general summons and that of their commanding officers, but, I am told, exult at the approach of the enemy, and on our late misfor- tunes. I beg leave, therefore, to submit to your con- sideration, whether such people are to be trusted with arms in their hands. If they will not use them for us, there is the greatest reason to apprehend they will against us, if opportunity offers. But, even sup- posing they claimed a right of remaining neuter, in my opinion we ought not to hesitate a moment in taking their arms, which will be so much wanted in furnishing the new levies. If such a step meet your approbation, I leave to you to determine upon the mode. If you think fit to empower me, I will under- take to have it done as speedily and effectually as possible. You must be sensible, that the utmost secrecy is necessary, both in your deliberations on, and in the execution of, a matter of this kind ; for, if the thing should take wind, the arms would pres- ently be conveyed beyond our reach, or rendered useless. Your favors of the 13th and 14th Inst, are this mo- ment come to my hands. I am glad to find from the 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 99 latter that the militia of Lancaster county are in mo- tion ; and I am in hopes, that General Mifflin's ap- pearance in the different counties will have as good an effect as it had in Philadelphia. I have received information, that the body of the enemy, which lay at Pennington under Lord Cornwallis, moved this morning back towards Princeton. If so, it looks as if they were going into winter-quarters ; and this corresponds with the account brought last night by a prisoner, a servant belonging to General Vaughan's family, who says, that he heard his master talk of go- ing soon into winter-quarters. The troops, who lay at Trenton, are likewise filing off towards Allentown and Bordentown with their baggage, which makes me conjecture they are taking the road to South Amboy. I have a number of small parties out to make discoveries ; and, if the motions of the enemy are really such as I have mentioned above, I shall soon have information of it. In the mean time, my troops are so stationed, as to prevent them from crossing the river at any place without our knowledge. But I am in great hopes, that the disappointment in boats and the lateness of the season, which now be- gins to put on the face of winter, will prevent their making any attempt on Philadelphia till spring. This, however, should not in the least slacken your exertions in making the necessary preparations for the fortification and defence of the city by land and water ; for you may be assured that will be their first and great object in the spring. I have the honor to be, &c. loo THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Keith's, 15 December, 1776. Sir, About one o'clock to-day I received a Letter from Genl. Sullivan, a Copy of which you have inclosed. I will not comment on the melancholy intelligence, which it contains, only adding, that I sincerely re- gret Genl. Lee's unhappy fate, and feel much for the loss of my Country in his Captivity. In respect to the Enemy, they have been indus- trious in their attempts to procure Boats and small craft, but as yet their efforts have not succeeded. From the latest advices that I have of their move- ments by some prisoners and others, they appear to be leaving Trenton and to be filing off towards Princeton and Allen Town. What their designs are, whether they mean to retreat or only a feint, cannot be determined.' I have parties out to watch their motions, and to form if possible, an accurate opinion of their plans. Our force since my last, has received no augmentation ; of course by sickness and other causes, has diminished ; but I am advised by a letter from the Council of Safety which just came to hand, that Cols. Burd and Galbraeth are marching with their Battalion of Militia and also that some small parties are assembling in Cumberland County.' ' Howe states that " the weather having become too severe to keep the field, and the winter cantonments having been arranged, the troops marched " to their respective stations. ' " From information received of the enemy's movements, it appears to me that they intend leaving this part of the country, and to retire towards Bruns- wic and the towns contiguous to it, perhaps for the purpose of going into win- ter quarters, unless indeed the whole should be intended as a feint. There 776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. loi TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, at Keith's, i6 December, 1776. Sir, In a late letter, which I had the honor of address- ing you, I took the liberty to recommend, that more battalions should be raised for the new army, than what had been voted. Having fully considered the matter, I am more and more convinced, not only of the propriety, but of the necessity of the measure. That the enemy will leave nothing unessayed, in the course of the next campaign, to reduce these States to the rule of a most lawless and insufferable tyranny, must be obvious to every one ; and that the militia are not to be depended on, or aid expected from them but in cases of the most pressing emergency, is not to be doubted. The first of these propositions is unquestionable, and fatal experience has given her sanction to the truth of the latter. Indeed, their lethargy of late, and backwardness to turn out at this alarming crisis, seem to justify an apprehension, that does not, therefore appear the same necessity for your advancing as was con- jectured at the time my orders for your marching were determined on. For this reason (as well as on account of the danger which the State of New York would be exposed to, and which the Convention has represented to me by their letter) I should conceive it to be expedient for you to return with Parson's brigade to your former station : these troops you are to post in the most ad- vantageous manner to answer the purposes of defending the country from the incursions of the enemy and of curbing the insolence of the disaffected. How- ever, previous to your departure from the Jerseys, I entirely agree with you in sentiment, that the troops cannot be better employed than in surprising any of the enemy's posts, either at Hackinsac or the parts adjacent that are so situated as to admit of a strong probability of success. An enterprise of this sort will encourage our friends and advance the recruiting service, which is a matter of infinite importance. As to Colonel Vose, with Greaton's, Bond's, and Porter's regiments, I would choose they should move forwards to join General Gates." — Washington to Major-General Heath, 16 December, 1776. I02 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 nothing can bring them from their homes. For want of their assistance, a large part of Jersey has been exposed to ravage and to plunder ; nor do I know- that Pennsylvania would share a better fate, could General Howe effect a passage across the Delaware with a respectable force. These considerations have induced me to wish, that no reliance, except such as may arise from necessity, should ever be had in them again ; and to make further mention to Congress of the expediency of increasing their army. I trust the measure will meet with their earliest attention. Had I leisure and were it necessary, I could say much upon this head ; but, as I have not, and the matter is well understood, I will not add much. By augmenting the number of your battalions, you will augment your force ; the officers of each will have their interest and influence ; and, upon the whole, their numbers will be much greater, though they should not be complete. Added to this, from the present confused state of Jersey, and the improper appointment of officers in many instances, I have lit- tle or no expectation that she will be able to raise all the troops exacted from her, though I think it might be done, were suitable spirited gentlemen commis- sioned, who would exert themselves, and encourage the people, many of whom (from a failure in this in- stance, and who are well disposed) are making their submission. In a word, the next will be a trying campaign ; and as all that is dear and valuable may depend upon the issue of it, I would advise, that nothing should be omitted, that shall seem necessary 776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. to our success. Let us have a respectable army, and such as will be competent to every exigency. I will also add, that the critical situation of our affairs, and the dissolution of our present force, now at hand, require, that every nerve and exertion be employed for recruiting the new battalions. One part of Gen- eral Howes movements at this time, I believe, is with a design to distract us and prevent this business. If the inclemency of the weather should force him into winter-quarters, he will not remain there longer than necessity shall oblige him ; he will commence his operations in a short space of time ; and in that time our levies must be made up, to oppose him, or I fear the most melancholy of all events must take place. The Cloathing of the Troops is a matter of infi- nite importance, and if it could be accomplished, would have a happy effect. Their distresses are extremely great, many of 'em being entirely naked and most so thinly clad as to be unfit for service. I must entreat Congress to write to the Agrents and Contractors upon this subject, that every possible supply may be procured and forwarded with the utmost expedition. I cannot attend to the business myself, having more than I can possibly do besides.' ' In apologizing for not making an earlier reply to a letter from the Conven- tion of New York, Washington wrote on the i6th : " The continued motion of our army for some time past, put it out of my power to sit regularly down to business. Indeed I have now so much on my hands and such a choice of diffi- culties, that I hardly know which first to attend to. . . . As the office of Aid Major has been hitherto unknown in the Continental Service, perhaps by introducing it among your regiments, umbrage might be given to the others if they were not likewise provided with an officer of the same kind, and therefore I04 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL HOWE. Head-Quarters, 17 December, 1776. Sir, I would beg leave to recall your attention to the proposition for the exchange of prisoners, in the several letters I have lately written on that subject, and to inform you, that I have not received such officers in exchange as were requested by me. I am persuaded. Sir, that this mistake has arisen from Mr. to avoid disputes, I could wish the matter might be waived. . . . When I ordered down Gen. Heath from his post at the Highlands, it was done in con- sequence of a determination of a Council of General Officers, who agreed that we had no other means of stopping the progress of General Howe who was so evidently making a grand push to make himself master of Philadelphia. The advantages of keeping possession of the posts in the Highlands were not unat- tended to. We considered that the Enemy had thrown the main body of their army over into Jersey, that they were about to make a considerable embarka- tion (which has since turned out to be against New England), and that it would take most, if not the remainder of their army to keep up the garrisons at New York, &c. , and that therefore they had not a sufficient force left to attempt the strong posts at the Highlands, tho' only guarded by General George Clinton with the force of the State of New York. "General Howe easily forced our small army to retreat before him to the Delaware, but not finding boats to transport his troops (we having had time and precaution to secure and destroy them) he seems by his late motions to be moving back towards Brunswick for winter quarters or intending a feint. Upon this change of measures I have immediately ordered General Heath to return to Peekskill with General Parsons' brigade. If he finds any of the Enemy's posts at Hackensack or elsewhere weakly guarded, he is to endeavor to beat them up." " I shall give the Deputy quarter master General orders to have the clothing both new and old brought up to this army, and have it distributed as it is most wanted. But you may depend, if the old cloaths, which have been so charitably contributed by the inhabitants of Philadelphia, can answer the pres- ent necessities of the other regiments, that the new shall be all applied to the regiment particularly belonging to your State." — Washington to the Pennsyl- vania Council of Safety, i6 December, 1776. " Your collection of old cloathes for the use of our army deserves my warmest thanks ; they are of the greatest use, and shall be distributed where they are most wanted. I think if the Committee, or some proper persons, were ap- [776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 105 Commissary Loring's ' zeal to facilitate the business ; but I would at the same time desire that you would give him orders, whenever any of your officers are sent in by me, not to send others in exchange, till he is furnished with a list from me, of such as I would choose to prefer, which shall always be done as soon as possible. For as the prisoners seldom pass my head-quarters on their way, it is not in my power to transmit such lists by them, without occasioning their delay. If this mode is not complied with in future, I shall be under the disagreeable necessity of stop- ping others from going in, as my ideas and expecta- tions are by no means answered by what has happened.^ pointed to go through the County of Bucks and make a collection of blankets, &c. , in the manner you have done in Philadelphia, it would be better than doing it in a military way by me, for many people, who would be willing to contrib- ute or sell, if asked to do so by their neighbors or acquaintances, feel them- selves hurt when the demand is made, backed by an armed force. But I would at the same time remark that if any, who can spare without inconvenience, re- fuse to do it, I would immediately give proper assistance to take from them." — Washington to the Pennsylvajiia Council of Safety , 22 December, 1776. ' Joshua Loring, commissary general of British prisoners. "^ "Whether General Howe can accommodate them [the prisoners] better in point of room, I will not determine. To be sure he cannot safely trust them abroad in a country which he has but just taken possession of. I have already sent in all or most of the prisoners that were in the States of Pennsylvania, Jersey and Maryland, and made a demand of such officers in exchange as I thought were best intitled to a preference, beginning with those taken at Quebec under Gen. Montgomery and Arnold. But General Howe, without paying any regard to my request sent out such as best pleased him, or who made the most urgent application. I have remonstrated sharply upon this head, and told Gen. Howe in express terms, that unless he will agree to send out such only as I name, I will not send anymore of his prisoners in. But to this letter I have re- ceived no answer." — Washins^ton to Governor Trumbull, 21 December, 1776. " The accounts received from New York respecting the distresses of our pris- oners, induce me to recommend to your honorable body, that measures should be taken to effect an exchange as soon as possible, or as far as circumstances io6 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 I enclose you a list of 7 officers who were sent in from Bristol on the 14th and of two Officers and two privates who accompany the present flag. As the remainder of all those who were in the state of Penn- sylvania are on the Road and expected here daily, I shall defer making a demand of those I would chuse in Exchange till the whole come up. TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH. Head-Quarters, Bucks County, 18 December, 1776. Dear Sir, By a letter just received from the State of Massa- chusetts, (copy of which you have enclosed) I find that they had ordered six thousand militia to be im- mediately raised, and appointed the place of rendez- vous at Danbury in Connecticut, where they are to meet General Lincoln, who is to take the command. will admit of. Ever since the cartel has been settled between Gen. Howe and myself, I have been endeavoring to accomplish it, but my attempts have been attended with but little success. For the prisoners belonging to the British army and who have been sent from Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, Gen. Howe, or rather his commissary has undertaken of his mere motion, and con- trary to my express requisition, to return a number belonging to us who were not called for, and whose releasement should have been postponed till after that of others. I have wrote to Gen. Howe on the subject, and presume in future that none will be sent out but those named by me. That this business may not remain an object of further delay, I would advise, that all the prisoners in your state be immediately sent to the commanding officer of the British troops on the island of Rhode-Island, taking two exact lists of the names, corps, and ranks of the officers, and the number of privates, signed by the officer of the highest rank ; one to be sent with him accompanied by a line to Gen. Howe, that the particular prisoners belonging to us, and to be received in exchange, will be required by me, to which end I must request that the other list be immediately transmitted to me, that the requisition may be made," — Washington to the Committee of New Hampshire, 22 December, 1776. [776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 107 You will perceive from the tenor of the letter, that the appearance of the men of war and transports off the coast of New England did not seem to alter their intention of sending the militia forward ; but I am inclined to think, if the descent should really be made, they will find employ for them nearer home. If this considerable reinforcement should arrive with you, I do not know how you could better employ them, or render more essential service to the cause, than, after keeping a sufficient force to guard the passes of the Highlands, by throwing such a number over into Jersey, as would cover the upper parts of that province, and afford such support and assistance to the well affected, as would encourage them to join you and keep the enemy within straiter bounds than they are at present. You may depend, that the great end they have in view is to spread themselves over as much country as they possibly can, and thereby strike a damp into the spirits of the people, which will effectually put a stop to the new enlistment of the army, on which all our hopes depend, and which they will most vigorously strive to effect. To carry this plan into execution, they have already extended themselves as far westward as the Delaware, and if the whole of your army continues on the east side of Hudson's River, they will have possession of all the country between that river and the Delaware, which includes the whole province of Jersey and part of New York. As soon as you find yourself in a situa- tion to send a force into the upper parts of Jersey, I would have you immediately communicate your inten- io8 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 tions to the people, with assurances that you will be ready to back and support them in any movements, which they may make in your favor. I am certain, that the defection of the people in the lower part of Jersey has been as much owing to the want of an army to look the enemy in the face, as to any other cause, though to be sure neither cost nor pains has been spared to influence them against us. Whatever steps you take in this affair, I would wish you to consult and cooperate with General Lincoln, of whose judgment and abilities I entertain a very high opinion. I would just add, that your attention should likewise be paid to the country between Peekskill and Kingsbridge, by affording some protection and coun- tenance to the people there, from whom you may draw supplies and perhaps some men for the new army. Particular attention should be paid to the bridge at Croton River, which secures your front. I enclose to you a letter for General Lincoln, which please to forward to him wherever he may be. I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.' ' " Were it not for them [these new forces], in a few days, by reason of the impolicy and fatal system of short inlistments, there would not be the least shadow of an army to check the operations of the enemy. I should be happy if there had been just grounds for the report of the success of our arms at Hackensack, but matters have been entirely the reverse. By the expiration of the service of the troops denominated the Flying Camp men on the ist. inst., and their return home, our force on this side Hudson's River, (which before that period was not competent to a successful opposition,) was reduced to a mere handful. With this small number, without deriving the least aid from the militia, notwithstanding the earliest and most pressing application, I have been pushed thro' Jersey by the main body of the enemy's army, and for want of their assistance a large part of that state has been exposed to all the effects of ravage and of the most wanton plunder. The Delaware now divides what re- mains of our little force from that of Gen. Howe, whose object beyond all 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 109 TO JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON. Camp, near the Falls of Trenton, 18 December, 1776. Dear Brother, Owing to the number of letters I write, the recol- lection of any particular one is destroyed, but I think my last to you was by Colonel Woodford, from Hackinsac. Since that time, and a little before, our affairs have taken an adverse turn, but not more than was to be expected from the unfortunate measures, which had been adopted for the establishment of our army. The Retreat of the Enemy from the White Plains led me to think, that they would turn their thoughts to the Jerseys, if no farther, and induced me to cross the North River with some of the Troops, in order if possible to oppose them. I ex- question is to possess Philadelphia. They have been industrious in their efforts to procure boats for their transportation, but the precautions I have taken, have hitherto rendered their attempts unsuccessful. How things will terminate I must leave to itself ; as yet I have received but little or no augmentation except that of the city militia, who have turned out in a spirited manner. Convinced that Philadelphia was the object of Mr. Howe's movements and of the fatal consequences that would attend the loss of it, I wrote for Genl. Lee to reinforce me with the troops under his immediate command. By some means or other their arrival has been retarded, and unhappily on Friday last, the General, having left his division and proceeded three or four miles nearer the enemy, then 18 miles from him, of which they were informed by some Tories, was sur- prised and carried off about ii o'clock by a party of 70 Light Horse. I will not comment upon this unhappy accident. I feel much for his misfortune and am sensible that in his captivity, our country has lost a warm friend and an able officer. Upon the whole our affairs are in a much less promising condition than could be wished, yet I trust, under the smiles of Providence, and our own exer- tions, we shall be happy. Our cause is righteous and must be supported. Every nerve should be strained to levy the new army. If we can but procure a respectable one in season, all may be well, and to this no pains can be too great. The next campaign will be an important [one], and the issue may lead to hap- piness,— or the most melancholy of all events." — Washington to Governor Bow- doin, 18 December, 1776. no THE WRITINGS OF [1776 pected to have met at least five thousand men of the Flying Camp and militia ; instead of which I found less than one half of that number, and no disposition in the Inhabitants to afford the least aid. This being perfectly well known to the Enemy, they threw over a large body of Troops, which pushed us from place to place, till we were obliged to cross the Dela- ware with less than three thousand men fit for duty, owing to the dissolution of our force by short Enlist- ments ; the Enemy's numbers, from the best accounts, exceeding ten or twelve thousand men. Before I removed to the south side of the river, I had all the Boats and other Vessels brought over, or destroyed, from Philadelphia upwards for seventy miles, and, by guarding the Fords, I have, as yet, baffled all their attempts to cross. But, from some late movement of theirs, I am left in doubt whether they are moving off for Winter-Quarters, or making a feint to throw us off our guard. Since I came on this side, I have been joined by about two thousand of the city militia, and I understand, that some of the country militia, (from the back counties,) are on their way. But we are in a very disaffected part of the Province ; and, between you and me, I think our affairs are in a very bad situation ; not so much from the apprehension of General Howe's army, as from the defection of New York, Jerseys, and Pennsylvania. In short, the conduct of the Jerseys has been most Infamous. Instead of turning out to defend their country, & affording aid to our army, they are making their submissions as fast as they can. If the Jerseys had given us any support, we might have made a 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. iii stand at Hackinsac, and after that at Brunswic ; but the few militia, that were in arms, disbanded them- selves & left the poor remains of our army to make the best we could of it. I have no doubt but General Howe will still make an attempt upon Philadelphia this winter. I see noth- ing to oppose him a fortnight hence, as the time of all the troops, except those of Virginia reduced (almost to nothing,) and Smallwood's Regiment of Maryland, equally as bad, will expire in less than that time. In a word, my dear Sir, if every nerve is not strained to recruit the new army with all possible expedition, I think the game is pretty near up, owing, in a great measure, to the insidious arts of the Enemy, and dis- affection of the colonies before mentioned, but prin- cipally to the accursed policy of short enlistments, and placing too great a dependence on the militia, the evil consequences of which were foretold fifteen months ago, with a spirit almost Prophetic. Before this reaches you, you will no doubt have heard of the captivity of General Lee. This is an additional mis- fortune, and the more vexatious, as it was by his own folly and Imprudence, (and without a view to answer any good,) he was taken, going three miles out of his own camp, and within twenty of the enemy to lodge, a rascally Tory rid in the night to give notice of it to the enemy, who sent a party of light-Horse that seized and carried him, with every mark of triumph and indignity. You can form no idea of the perplexity of my situ- ation. No man, I believe, ever had a greater choice of difficulties, and less means to extricate himself from 112 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 them. However, under a full persuasion of the jus- tice of our cause, I cannot entertain an Idea, that it will finally sink, tho' it may remain for some time under a cloud. My love and sincere regards attend my sister and the family, with compliments to all inquiring friends. With every sentiment of friendship, as well as love, I am your most affectionate brother.' TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Camp, above Trenton Falls, 3iR 20 December, 1776. I have waited with much impatience to know the determination of Congress on the propositions, made some time in October last, for augmenting our corps of artillery,^ and establishing a corps of engineers. The time is now come, when the first cannot be de- layed without the greatest injury to the safety of these States ; and, therefore, under the resolution of Congress bearing date the 12th instant, at the re- peated instance of Colonel Knox, and by the press- ing advice of all the general officers now here, I have ventured to order three battalions of ar- tillery to be immediately recruited. These are two less than Colonel Knox recommends, as you will see ' " Nothing ever amazed me more than the note said to be wrote by John Dickinson, Esqr. to his brother, the general. If he applies to me to show him the contents, I see no reason for refusing, because he may easily be informed by applying to the writer." Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 19 December, 1776. Dickinson had written to his brother not to accept any more Continental money in liquidation of bonds and mortgages held by him. The letter had been intercepted. ' Vol. IV., 476. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 113 by his plan enclosed ; but then this scheme compre- hends all the United States, whereas some of the States have corps already established, and these three battalions are indispensably necessary for the operations in this quarter, including the northern department. The pay of our artillerists bearing no proportion to that in the English and French service, the mur- muring and dissatisfaction thereby occasioned, the absolute impossibility, as I am told, of getting them upon the old terms, and the unavoidable necessity of obtaining them at all events, have induced me, also by advice, to promise officers and men, that their pay shall be augmented twenty-five per cent, or that their engagements shall become null and void. This may appear to Congress premature and unwarrantable. But, Sir, if they view our situation in the light it strikes their officers, they will be convinced of the utility of the measure, and that the execution could not be delayed till after their meeting at Baltimore. In short, the present exigency of our affairs will not admit of delay, either in council or the field ; for well convinced I am, that, if the enemy go into quarters at all, it will be for a short season. But I rather think the design of General Howe is to possess himself of Philadelphia this winter, if possible ; and in truth I do not see what is to prevent him, as ten days more will put an end to the existence of our army. That one great point is to keep us as much harassed as pos- sible, with a view to injure the recruiting service and hinder a collection of stores and other necessaries for 114 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 the next campaign, I am as clear in, as I am of my existence. If, therefore, we have to provide in the short interval and make these orreat and arduous preparations, every matter that in its nature is self- evident is to be referred to Congress, at the distance of a hundred and thirty or forty miles, so much time must necessary elapse, as to defeat the end in view. In may be said, that this is an application for powers that are too dangerous to be entrusted. I can only add, that desperate diseases require desper- ate remedies ; and I with truth declare, that I have no lust after power, but I wish with as much fervency as any man upon this wide-extended continent for an opportunity of turning the sword into the ploughshare. But my feelings, as an officer and a man, have been such as to force me to say, that no person ever had a greater choice of difficulties to contend with than I have. It is needless to add, that short enlistments, and a mistaken dependence upon militia, have been the origin of all our misfortunes, and the great ac- cumulation of our debt. We find. Sir, that the enemy are daily gathering strength from the disaffected. This strength, like a snow-ball by rolling, will in- crease, unless some means can be devised to check effectually the progress of the enemy's arms. Militia may possibly do it for a little while ; but in a little while, also, and the militia of those States, which have been frequently called upon, will not turn out at all ; or, if they do, it will be with so much reluc- tance and sloth, as to amount to the same thing. Instance New Jersey ! Witness Pennsylvania ! Could 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 115 any thing but the river Delaware have saved Phila- delphia ? Can any thing (the exigency of the case indeed may justify it) be more destructive to the recruiting service, than giving ten dollars' bounty for six weeks' service of the militia, who come in, you cannot tell how, go, you cannot tell when, and act, you cannot tell where, consume your provisions, ex- haust your stores, and leave you at last at a critical moment ? These, Sir, are the men I am to depend upon, ten days hence ; this is the basis, on which your cause will and must for ever depend, till you get a large standing army sufficient of itself to oppose the enemy. I therefore beg leave to give it as my hum- ble opinion, that eighty-eight battalions are by no means equal to the opposition you are to make, and that a moment's time is not to be lost in raising a greater number, not less, in my opinion and the opinion of my officers, than a hundred and ten. It may be urged that it will be found difficult enough to complete the first number. This may be true, and yet the officers of a hundred and ten battalions will recruit many more men, than those of eighty-eight. In my judgment this is not a time to stand upon expense ; our funds are not the only object of consid- eration. The State of New York have added one battalion (I wish they had made it two) to their quota. If any good officers will offer to raise men upon Continental pay and establishment in this quar- ter, I shall encourage them to do so, and regiment them when they have done it. If Congress disap- ii6 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 prove of this proceeding, they will please to signify it, as I mean it for the best. It may be thought that I am going a good deal out of the line of my duty, to adopt these measures, or to advise thus freely. A character to lose, an estate to forfeit, the inestimable blessing of liberty at stake, and a life devoted, must be my excuse. I have heard nothino: of the liofht-horse from Vir- ginia, nor of the regiment from the Eastern Shore.' I wish to know what troops are to act in the different departments, and to have those from the southward, designed for this place, ordered on as fast as they shall be raised. The route should be pointed out by which they are to march ; assistant commissaries and quartermasters stationed upon the communication, to supply their wants ; the first or second officer of each battalion should forward them, and the other should come on, receive, and form them at their place of destination. Unless this is immediately set about, the campaign, if it should be closed, will be opened in the spring before we have any men in the field. Every exertion should be used to procure tents ; a clothier-general should be appointed without loss of time for supplying the army with every article in that way ; he should be a man of business and abil- ities. A commissary of prisoners must be appointed to attend the army ; for want of an officer of this kind, the exchange of prisoners has been conducted in a most shameful and injurious manner. We have had them from all quarters pushed into our camps at the ' The eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 117 most critical junctures, and without the least previous notice. We have had them travelling through the different States in all directions by certificates from committees, without any kind of control ; and have had instances of some going into the enemy's camp without my privity or knowledge, after passing in the manner before mentioned. There may be other offi- cers necessary, whom I do not recollect at this time, and who, when thought of, must be provided ; for this, Sir, you may rely on, that the commanding offi- cer, under the present establishment, is obliged to attend to the business of so many different depart- ments, as to render it impossible to conduct that of his own with the attention necessary ; than which nothing can be more injurious. In a former letter, I intimated my opinion of the necessity of having a brigadier for every three regi- ments, and a major-general to every three brigades, at most. I think no time is to be lost in making the appointments, that the arrangements may be conse- quent. This will not only aid the recruiting service, but will be the readiest means of forming and disci- plining the army afterwards, which, in the short time we have to do it, is of amazing consequence. I have labored, ever since I have been in the service, to dis- courage all kinds of local attachments and distinc- tions of country, denominating the whole by the greater name of American, but I have found it impossible to overcome prejudices ; and, under the new establishment, I conceive it best to stir up an emulation ; in order to do which, would it not be ii8 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 better for each State to furnish, though not to appoint, their own brigadiers ? This, if known to be part of the establishment, might prevent a good deal of contention and jealousy ; and would, I be- lieve, be the means of promotions going forward with more satisfaction, and quiet the higher officers. Whilst I am speaking of promotions, I cannot help giving it as my opinion, that, if Congress think proper to confirm what I have done with respect to the corps of artillery, Colonel Knox, at present at the head of that department (but who, without promotion, will resign), ought to be appointed to the command of it, with the rank and pay of brigadier. I have also to mention, that, for want of some establishment in the department of engineers agreeably to the plan laid before Congress in October last. Colonel Putnam, who was at head of it, has quitted, and taken a regi- ment in the State of Massachusetts. I know of no other man tolerably well qualified for the conducting of that business. None of the French gentlemen, wdiom I have seen with appointments in that way, appear to me to know any thing of the matter. There is one in Philadelphia, who, I am told, is clever ; but him I have never seen. I must also once more beg leave to mention to Congress the expediency of let- ting promotions be in a regimental line. The want of this has already driven some of the best officers, that were in your army, out of the service. From repeated and strict inquiry I am convinced, that you can adopt no mode of promotion that will be better received, or that will give more general satisfaction. I wish therefore to have it announced. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 119 The casting of cannon is a matter, that ought not to be one moment delayed ; and, therefore, I shall send Colonel Knox to put this in train, as also to have travelling-carriages and shot provided, and lab- oratories established, one in Hartford, and another in York. Magazines of provisions should also be laid in. These I shall fix with the commissary. As our great loss last year proceeded from a want of teams, I shall direct the quartermaster-general to furnish a certain number to each regiment to an- swer the common purposes thereof, that the army may be enabled to remove from place to place differ- ently from what we have done, or could do, this campaign. Ammunition-carts, and proper carts for intrenching tools, should also be provided, and I shall direct about them accordingly. Above all, a store of small arms should be provided, or men will be of lit- tle use. The consumption and waste of these, this year, have been great. Militia and Flying-Camp men coming in without them were obliged to be fur- nished, or become useless. Many of these threw their arms away ; some lost them, whilst others de- serted, and took them away. In a word, although I used every precaution to preserve them, the loss has been great ; and this will for ever be the case, in such a mixed and irregular army as ours has been. If no part of the troops already embarked at New York has appeared in Virginia, their destination doubtless must be to some other quarter ; and that State must, I should think, be freed from any inva- sion, if General Howe can be effectually opposed in this. I therefore enclose a memorandum, given me I20 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 by Brigadier Stephen of Virginia, which Congress will please to adopt in the whole, in part, or reject, as may be consistent with their plans and intelligence. That division of the army, lately under the com- mand of General Lee, now of General Sullivan, is just upon the point of joining us. A strange kind of fatality has attended it. They had orders on the 17th of November to join, now more than a month. General Gates, with four eastern regiments, is also near at hand ; three others from those States were coming on, by his order, by the way of Peekskill, and had joined General Heath, whom I had ordered on with Parsons's brigade, to join me, leaving Clinton's brio-ade and some militia, that were at Forts Mont- gomery and Constitution, to guard these important passes of the Highlands. But the Convention of the State of New York seemed to be much alarmed at Heath's coming away, a fleet appearing off New- London, and some part of the enemy's troops retir- ing towards Brunswic, induced me to countermand the order for the march of Parsons's brigade, and to direct the three regiments from Ticonderoga to halt at Morristown in New Jersey (where I understand about eight hundred militia had collected), in order to inspirit the inhabitants, and, as far as possible, to cover that part of the country. I shall send General Maxwell this day to take the command of them, and, if to be done, to harass and annoy the enemy in their quarters, and cut off their convoys. The care and vigilance, which were used in securing the boats on this river, have hitherto baffled every attempt of the enemy to cross ; but, from concurring reports and 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 121 appearances, they are waiting for ice to afford them a passage. Since writing the foregoing I have received a letter from Governor Cooke of Rhode Island, of which the enclosed is a copy.' Previous to this, and immedi- ately upon the first intelligence obtained of a fleet's going through the Sound, I despatched orders to Generals Spencer and Arnold to proceed without de- lay to the eastward. The first I presume is gone. The latter, not getting my letter till he came to a place called Easton, was, by advice of General Gates, who also met my letter at the same place, induced to come on hither before he proceeded to the eastward. Most of our brigadiers are laid up. Not one has come on with the division under General Sullivan, but they are left sick at different places on the road. By accounts from the eastward, a large body of men had assembled in Rhode Island from the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut. I presume, but I have no advice of it, that the militia ordered from the first to rendezvous at Danbury, six thousand in number, under the command of Major-General Lin- coln, for supplying the place of the disbanded men of that State in the Continental army, will now be ordered to Rhode Island. In speaking of General Lincoln, I should not do him justice, were I not to add, that he is a gentleman well worthy of notice in ' Governor Cooke wrote on the 8th that 78 British ships of war and trans- ports had entered the harbor of Newport on the 7th ; that Rhode Island had been evacuated v/ith the loss of about 20 heavy cannon ; that eight thousand of the enemy had landed and were marching upon Newport, Howland's and Bristol Ferry. Washington replied that he could not afford any assistance, and believed that the enemy would confine themselves to the island. 122 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 the military line. He commanded the militia from Massachusetts last summer, or fall rather, and much to my satisfaction, having proved himself on all occa- sions an active, spirited, sensible man. I do not know whether it is his wish to remain in the military line, or whether, if he should, any thing under the rank he now holds in the State he comes from would satisfy him. How far an appointment of this kind might offend the Continental brigadiers, I cannot undertake to say ; many there are, over whom he ought not to be placed ; but I know of no way to discriminate. Brigadier Reed of New Hampshire does not, I presume, mean to continue in the service ; he ought not, as I am told, by the severity of the smallpox, he is become both blind and deaf. I have the honor to be, &c. P. S. Generals Gates and Sullivan have this instant come in. By them I learn, that few or no men are recruited out of the regiments coming on with them, and that there is very little reason to expect, that these regiments will be prevailed upon to continue after their term of service expires. If militia then do not come in, the consequences are but too evident' TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH. Headquarters, at Keith's, Dec. 21st, 1776. Dear Sir, I have been favored with yours of the 13th inst, and wish you may have succeeded in your intended scheme to dislodge the enemy from Hackinsac Bridge. ' Read in Congress December 26th. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 123 In my letter of the i8th I transmitted you a copy of a letter from the Council of the Massachusetts Bay, advising that six thousand men were coming from that State, under General Lincoln, to supply the place of the militia which had returned home, and of their troops, whose time of Service will soon ex- pire. At the time of writing, I thought it probable that their reinforcement might be ordered to the State of Rhode Island, in case of an invasion, and which I find has actually taken place ; and therefore did not so strenuously urge that it should be sent here. Indeed, I had then hopes, from the informa- tion I had received, that a large proportion of the eastern troops who were marching to join me had re- enlisted ; but to my great distress and mortification, I find the report to have been without the least foun- dation, and that in the course of a few days I am to be left with a handful of men. I therefore request, that if these troops have come on to Peekskill, and also the four batallions which I am advised by Gov- ernor Trumbull have been raised in Connecticut to serve till the 15th of March next, that, after securing the passes and fortifications in the Highlands, with a sufficient number (which I should imagine need not exceed twelve or fifteen hundred men at farthest,) besides the force which I apprehend will be provided for the purpose by the Convention of New York you will forward on all the rest with the utmost expedi- tion to join such troops as I may be able to collect for the defence of Philadelphia. That city is now the object of the enemy's designs. Let me entreat you 124 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 to impress the officers and men with a due sense of its importance in the present contest for our liberty, and that without their speedy and early arrival it may be lost. I am persuaded these considerations will be duly regarded and urge them on to every possible ex- ertion. As yet, but few succors belonging to this State have come in, nor do I hear that many are in motion.' When they have heard that other States ^ " The first chiefly relates to your wishes, that the troops of the State of Con- necticut, whose time expires on the first of January, may by intreaties and promises of reward be induced to stay beyond their term. Past experience has repeatedly convinced us, that troops, at the most favorable season of the year and well supplied with every necessary, cannot be prevailed upon to stay a day longer than what they engaged for ; if that has been the case under the circum- stances I have mentioned, it cannot be expected that men worn out with a fatiguing campaign and in want of even necessary cloathing at the most in- clement season of the year, will or can stay beyond their engagement. Indeed, except they would enlist anew, or consent to stay a considerable time, I think they had better go home as fast as possible, for thereby they will have time to have refreshed themselves, and when they have forgot their fatigues, they will probably inlist again time enough to take the field in the spring . . . When I reflect upon what our situation in this quarter will be, in ten days from this time, I am almost led to despair. As I said before, I cannot count upon those troops whose time is to expire upon the first of January. I am thus left with a few southern regiments almost reduced to nothing by sickness and fatigue, to oppose the main body of General Howe's army, laying close upon my front, and most assuredly waiting for the dissolution of our army to make as easy a conquest of the province of Pennsylvania as they have done of Jersey. I do not find the militia of Pennsylvania inclined to give me as much assistance as they are able to do, were they willing ; tho' I am endeavoring to bring them out by every means, and am making use of both threats and persuasion to gain my end. I shall draw the new inlisted troops together as fast as they can be collected, armed and accoutred, but much cannot be expected from that source for some time. If the four regiments of militia from your State, and the six thousand men ordered in by the State of Massachusetts should arrive at Peeks- skill, General Heath will have a much larger body of men than he will have any occasion for at that place, and I had determined that they should cover the upper part of Jersey ; but under my present difiiculties, I shall order as many as can be spared to proceed thus far. The necessity of the times must plead my excuse for calling men so far from home, and at this season of the year, who have an enemy just landed on their own coasts, and have not even a Con- 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 125 are applied to, and pushing in aids for their defence, perhaps they will arouse from that lethargy which now keeps them back against the most pressing calls of interest. In a word. Sir, my situation, and that of our cause, is critical, and truly alarming. With- out vigorous exertions and early succors I do not see what reasonable hope there will be to preserve Phila- tinental regiment to assist them ; but I trust they will undertake this chearfully, when they reflect, that they cannot ensure that liberty which they have so nobly contended for, while our common enemy maintains any footing upon any part of this continent." — Washington to Governor Trumbull, 21 December, 1776. " When I wrote to you on the 14th instant, I had little doubt of receiving considerable support from the militia of this State, and was taught to believe that a large part of the old troops coming with General Lee had re-enlisted. It is easier to conceive than describe the situation I am in, — left, — or shall be in a very few days with only a very few Southern regiments (reduced almost to nothing) to oppose Howe's main army, already posted in such a manner as to pour in his whole force upon us so soon as the frost affords him a passage over the Delaware, and our number such as to give no effectual opposition. Thus circumstanced, it is a matter of concern to me that in my last I directed you to take back any of the militia designed for the support of the army under my command, and have to request that instead of ordering the return of any of those that were destined for this Department, by order of the respective States, that you will hasten them on with all possible expedition, as I see no other chance of saving Philadelphia and preventing a fatal blow to America in the loss of a city from whence so much of our resources are drawn." — Washington to Governor Trumbull, 22 December, 1776. " I entreat you to collect every man you possibly can. Send people out to contradict the reports that are circulated that we have more men than we want, from which, many perhaps that would turn out if they thought there was a real necessity, remain at home. " — Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 22 December, 1776. "I most earnestly intreat you, Sir, and the rest of the gentlemen of your Committee to exert your influence among the people of the county, and en- deavor to make them turn out generally, in defence of their capital, which will most assuredly fall a sacrifice, unless the militia of the Province contribute largely to its defence. Those who are so far lost to a love of their country as to refuse to lend a hand to its support at this critical time, may depend upon being treated as their baseness and want of public spirit will most justly de- serve."— Washington to Lewis Gordon, Chairman of A'orthaynpton County, 22 December, 1776. 126 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 delphia from falling into the enemy's hands. They will attempt to possess it as soon as the Delaware is so frozen as to admit of their passage. Appearances and many concurring reports agree in this. I have received yours of the 15th, and am happy to hear of your success at Hackinsac. The stores you got will be of great service. By a letter just received from General McDougall, I find he has been much indisposed, and is now at Morristown. I intend to write him to return to Peekskill to conduct matters in that department with General George Clinton requesting you and General James Clinton to come on with the eastern troops which I have mentioned, if they have arrived at Peekskill, and it should be necessary for him to come. I am, Sir, your most obedient servant. TO COLONEL JOSEPH REED, OR COLONEL JOHN CADWALADER,' AT BRISTOL. Camp, above Trenton Falls, 23 December, 1776. Dear Sir, The bearer is sent down to know whether your plan was attempted last night, and if not to inform you, that Christmas-day at night, one hour before day, is the time fixed upon for our attempt on Tren- ton. For Heaven's sake, keep this to yourself, as the discovery of it may prove fatal to us ; our num- bers, sorry I am to say, being less than I had any conception of; but necessity, dire necessity, will, nay * Brother to Colonel Lambert Cadwalader, of the Continental service. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 127 must, justify any attempt. Prepare, and, in concert with Griffin, attack as many of their posts as you possibly can with a prospect of success ; the more we can attack at the same instant, the more confusion we shall spread, and greater good- will result from it. If I had not been fully convinced before of the enemy's designs, I have now ample testimony of their intentions to attack Philadelphia, so soon as the ice will afford the means of conveyance. ' As the colonels of the Continental regiments might kick up some dust about command, unless Cadwala- der is considered by them in the light of a brigadier, which I wish him to be. I desired General Gates, who is unwell, and applied for leave to go to Philadelphia, ^ Reed had written to Washington from Bristol on the 22d urging the neces- sity of attempting something " to revive our expiring credit, give our cause some degree of reputation, and prevent a total depreciation of the Continental money, which is coming on very fast ; that even a failure cannot be more fatal than to remain in our present situation ; in short, some enterprise must be undertaken in our present circumstances, or we must give up the cause. In a little time the Continental army will be dissolved. The militia must be taken before their spirits and patience are exhausted ; and the scattered, divided state of the enemy affords us a fair opportunity of trying what our men will do, when called to an offensive attack. Will it not be possible, my dear General, for your troops, or such part of them as can act with advantage, to make a diversion, or something more, at or about Trenton ? " The result was a conference at head- quarters and " on the Adjutant-General's return to Bristol, where he conferred with Cadwalader, in company with Colonel John Cox, he crossed the river and proceeded to the quarters of Colonel Griffin at Moimt Holly, to determine on measures of immediate and active co-operation. They found that officer seriously ill, and the condition of his troops, their number and equipment, such as to put an end to all hope of effective effort on his part. All that could be promised was a partial diversion, which was carried into effect the next day, and by means of which Count Donop was drawn from his quarters at Borden- town further into the interior, Griffin retiring, slowly skirmishing, before him." Reed, Life of Joseph Reed, i., 273. See Galloway, Reply to the Observations of Sir Win. Florve, 86, 93. 128 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 to endeavor, if his health would permit him, to call and stay two or three days at Bristol in his way. I shall not be particular ; we could not ripen matters for our attack, before the time mentioned in the first part of this letter ; so much out of sorts, and so much in want of every thing, are the troops under Sullivan, &c. Let me know by a careful express the plan you are to pursue. The letter herewith sent, forward on to Philadelphia ; I could wish it to be in time for the southern post's departure, which will be I believe by eleven o'clock to-morrow. I am, dear Sir, &c. P. S. I have ordered our men to be provided with three days' provisions ready cooked, with which and their blankets they are to march ; for if we are suc- cessful, which Heaven grant, and the circumstances favor, we may push on. I shall direct every ferry and ford to be well guarded, and not a soul suffered to pass without an officer's going down with the permit. Do the same with you. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Camp, above Trenton Falls, 24 December, 1776. Sir, That I should dwell upon the subject of our dis- tresses, cannot be more disagreeable to Congress than it is painful to myself. The alarming situation, to which our affairs are reduced, impels me to the measure. Inquiry and investigation, which in most cases serve to develope and point out a remedy, in ours present more and greater difficulties. Till of 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 129 late, I was led to hope from report, that no inconsid- erable part of the troops composing the regiments that were with General Lee, and those from Ticon- deroga under General Gates, had enlisted again. This intelligence, I confess, gave me reason to expect, that I should have, at the expiration of the present year, a force somewhat more respectable, than what I find will be the case. Having examined into the state of those regiments, I am authorized to say from the information of their officers, that but very few of the men have enlisted. Those, who have, are of the troops from Ticonder- oga, and were permitted to visit their friends and homes, as part of the terms on which they would re-engage. In respect to those, who marched with General Lee, I cannot learn that any have. Their refusal, I am told, has not proceeded more from an aversion to the service, or any fixed determination not to engage again, than from their wishes to return home, the non-appointment of officers in some in- stances, the turning out of good and appointing of bad in others, and the incomplete or rather no arrangement of them, a work unhappily committed to the management of their States ; nor have I the most distant prospect of retaining them a moment longer than the last of this month, notwithstanding the most pressing solicitations and the obvious neces- sity for it. By the departure of these regiments I shall be left with five from Virginia, Smallwood's from Maryland, a small part of Rawlings's, Hand's from Pennsylvania, a part of Ward's from Connecti- I30 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 cut, and the German battalion, comprising in the whole at this time from fourteen to fifteen hundred effective men. This handful, and such militia as may choose to join me, will then compose our army.' When I reflect upon these things, they fill me with much concern, knowing that General Howe has a number of troops cantoned in the towns bordering on and near the Delaware, and his intentions to pass, as soon as the ice is sufificiently formed, to invade Penn- sylvania and to possess himself of Philadelphia if possible. To guard against his designs, and the execution of them, shall employ my every exertion ; but how is this to be done ? As yet but few militia have gone to Philadelphia, and they are to be our support at this alarming crisis. Had I entertained a doubt of General Howe's intentions to pass the Del- aware, on the dissolution of our army, and as soon as the ice is made, it would now be done away. An intercepted letter from a gentleman of Philadelphia, who has joined the enemy, to his friend and partner in the city, declares that to be their design, that the army would be there in ten or twenty days from the 1 6th instant, the time of his writing, if the ice should ' By the adjutant's return on the 22d of December, the army under Washing- ton amounted to ten thoitsand one hundred and six men rank and file. Of this number yfz^^ thousaitd three hundred and ninety-nine were sick, on command, and on furlough ; leaving an immediate effective force of four thousand seven hundred and seven. But this return did not include the four regiments just ar- rived from the northern army, nor Lee's division now commanded by Sullivan, nor the Pennsylvania militia under General Cadwalader at Bristol. The four regiments, having been greatly reduced by disease, amounted to about twelve hundred, Cadwalader's militia to eighteen hundred, and Sullivan's division to about three thousand. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 131 be made ; it advises him by no means to remove their stores, as they would be safe. The obstacles, which have arisen to the raising of the new army, from the mode of appointing the officers, induce me to hope, if Congress resolve on an additional number of battalions to those already voted, that they will devise some other rule by which the officers, especially the field-officers, should be ap- pointed. In case an augmentation should be made to the eastern regiments, a deviation from the former mode will operate more strongly as to them than to other battalions, because there have been many more officers in service from those States, than the regi- ments voted to be raised would admit of ; by which means several deserving: men could not have been provided for, had the utmost pains been used for the purpose ; and many others of merit have been neglected in the late appointments, and those of little worth and less experience put in their places or promoted over their heads. This has been the case with many of the best officers. The enclosed letter from the paymaster-general will show the state of the military chest, and the necessity of a large and immediate supply of cash. The advances to the officers, for bounty, and the recruiting service, are great ; besides the regiments, at the expiration of this month, will require payment of their claims. At the same time it will show the injustice of the clamors, made by some of the officers respecting their pay, and the abuses, that have resulted from an attention to them. Whenever they 132 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 have not been paid, it was because their abstracts were not made up. I have the honor, &c. P. S. If the pubHc papers have been removed from Philadelphia, I hope those which I sent by- Lieutenant Colonel Reed,' before we left New York, have not been forgot. If they have not, I beg the favor of you to break open the chest, and send me the several letter books, sealed up, having frequent occasion to refer to 'em. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Newtown, 27 December, 1776. Sir, I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of an enterprise, which I had formed against a detachment of the enemy lying in Trenton, and which was executed yesterday morning. The evening of the 25th I ordered the troops intended for this service to parade back of McKonkey's Ferry,^ that they might begin to pass as soon as it grew dark, imagining we should be able to throw them all over, with the necessary artillery, by twelve o'clock, and that we might easily arrive at Trenton by five in the morning, the distance being about nine miles. But the quantity of ice, made that night, impeded the passage of the boats so much, that it was three o'clock before the artillery could all be got over ; and near four, before the troops took up their line of march. This made me despair of surprising the town, as I ' Bowes Reed. '^ Now Taylorsville. It was also known as the Eight-Mile Ferry. 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 133 well knew we could not reach It before the day was fairly broke. But as I was certain there was no making a retreat without belnor discovered and harassed on repassing the river, I determined to push on at all events. I formed my detachment into two divisions, one to march by the lower or river road, the other by the upper or Pennington road. As the divisions had nearly the same distance to march, I ordered each of them, Immediately upon forcing the out-guards, to push directly into the town, that they might charge the enemy before they had time to form. The upper division arrived at the enemy's ad- vanced posts exactly at eight o'clock ; and In three minutes after, I found, from the fire on the lower road, that the division had also got up. The out- guards made but small opposition, though, for their numbers, they behaved very well, keeping up a con- stant retreating fire from behind houses. We pres- ently saw their main body formed ; but, from their motions, they seemed undetermined how to act. Being hard pressed by our troops, who had already got possession of their artillery, they attempted to file off by a road on their right, leading to Princeton. But, perceiving their Intention, I threw a body of troops in their way, which immediately checked them. Finding from our disposition, that they were surrounded, and that they must Inevitably be cut to pieces If they made any further resistance, they agreed to lay down their arms. The number that submitted in this manner was twenty-three officers and eight hundred and eighty-six men. Colonel Rahl, the 134 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 commanding officer, and seven others were found wounded in the town. I do not exactly know how many were killed ; but I fancy not above twenty or thirty, as they never made any regular stand. Our loss is very trifling indeed, only two officers and one or two privates wounded. I find that the detachment of the enemy consisted of the three Hessian regiments of Anspach, Knip- h'ausen, and Rahl, amounting to about fifteen hun- dred men, and a troop of British light-horse ; but, immediately upon the beginning of the attack, all those, who were not killed or taken, pushed directly down the road towards Bordentown. These would likewise have fallen into our hands, could my plan have been completely carried into execution. Gen- eral Ewingwas to have crossed before day at Trenton Ferry, and taken possession of the bridge leading out of town ; but the quantity of ice was so great, that, though he did every thing in his power to effect it, he could not get over. This difficulty also hindered General Cadwalader from crossing with the Pennsyl- vania militia from Bristol. He got part of his foot over ; but, finding it impossible to embark his artil- lery, he was obliged to desist. I am fully confident, that, could the troops under Generals Ewing and Cadwalader have passed the river, I should have been able with their assistance to drive the enemy from all their posts below Trenton. But the numbers I had with me being inferior to theirs below me, and a strong battalion of light infantry being at Princeton above me, I thought it most prudent to return the 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. ■ 135 same evening with the prisoners and the artillery we had taken. We found no stores of any consequence in the town.' In justice to the officers and men, I must add, that their behavior upon this occasion reflects the highest honor upon them. The difficulty of passing the river in a very severe night, and their march through a violent storm of snow and hail, did not in the least abate their ardor ; but, when they came to the charge, each seemed to vie with the other in pressing forward ; and were I to give a preference to any particular corps, I should do great injustice to the others. Col- onel Baylor, my first aid-de-camp, will have the honor of delivering this to you ; and from him you may be made acquainted with many other particulars. His spirited behavior upon every occasion requires me to ' " I should have most certainly pursued those that retreated had it not been for the distressed situation of my troops (about three or four and twenty hun- dred in number) who had experienced the greatest fatigue in breaking a passage through the ice, and all the severities of rain and storm. This with the appre- hension that we could receive no succors, and that the difficulty of passing and repassing the river might become greater, led us to conclude our return eligible. The officers and men who were engaged in the enterprise behaved with great firmness, perseverance, and bravery, and such as did them the high- est honor. " I shall be extremely ready, and it is my most earnest wish to pursue every means that shall seem probable to distress the enemy and to promise success on our part. If we could happily beat up the rest of their quarters, bordering on and near the river, it would be attended with the most valuable consequences. I have called a meeting of the General Officers to consult of what measures shall be next pursued, and would recommend that you and General Putnam should defer your intended operations till you hear from me. Perhaps it may be judged prudent for us to pass here with the force we have, if it is practi- cable, or if it is not that I may come down to you and afford every assistance in my power. We will try to concert a plan, and upon such principles as shall appear to promise success." — Washington to General Cadwalader, 27 Decem- ber, 1776. 136 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 recommend him to your particular notice. I have the honor to be, &c/ P. S. Inclosed you have a particular list of the Prisoners, Artillery and other stores.^ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Newtown, 29 December, 1776. Sir, I am just setting out to attempt a second passage over the Delaware, with the troops that were with me on the morning of the 26th. I am determined to effect it if possible ; but know that it will be attended with much fatigue and difficulty on account of the ice, which will neither allow us to cross on foot, nor give us an easy passage with boats. General Cadwalader crossed from Bristol on the 27th, and, by his letter of yesterday, was at Bordentown with about eighteen hun- dred men. 3 In addition to these. General Mifflin sent over five hundred from Philadelphia on Friday, three hundred yesterday evening from Burlington, and will ' " General Greene and Colonel Knox would have persuaded the commander in chief to have pushed on and improved the alarm given the enemy, to which he was inclined ; but the generality of the officers were against it, and his Excel- lency did not then think he could answer going contrary to the judgment of the majority of the council of war. He has since regretted his not seizing the golden opportunity." — Gordon, History, ii., 396. "^ Read in Congress December 31st. ^ General Cadwalader passed over very early in the morning of the 27th, with fifteen hundred of the Pennsylvania militia, without knowing that Washington had recrossed the Delaware. He was informed of this movement after a large part of his men had landed on the Jersey side, and at ten o'clock he wrote from Burlington to the Commander-in-chief, — " As this defeated the scheme of join- ing your army, we were much embarrssaed which way to proceed. I thought it most prudent to retreat ; but Colonel Reed was of opinion, that we might safely 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 137 follow to-day with seven or eight hundred more. I have taken every precaution in my power for subsist- ing the troops, and shall, without loss of time, and as soon as circumstances will admit of it, pursue the enemy in their retreat, try to beat up more of their quarters, and, in a word, adopt in every instance such measures as the exigency of our affairs requires, and our situation will justify. Had it not been for the unhappy failure of Generals Ewing and Cadwalader in their attempts to pass, on the night of the 25th, and if the several concerted at- tacks could have been made, I have no doubt that our views would have succeeded to our warmest expecta- tions. What was done occasioned the enemy to leave their several posts on the Delaware with great pre- cipitation. The peculiar distresses to which the troops, who were with me, were reduced by the severi- ties of cold, rain, snow, and storm, the charge of the prisoners they had taken, and another reason that might be mentioned, and the little prospect of re- ceiving succors on account of the season and situation proceed to Burlington, and recommended it warmly, lest it should have a bad effect on the militia, who were twice disappointed. The landing in open day- light must have alarmed the enemy, or we might have been cut off by all their force collected at this place. We had intelligence immediately after landing, that the enemy had left the Black Horse and Mount Holly. Upon this we de- termined to advance to Burlington. Colonel Reed and two other officers went on from one post to another, till they came to Bordentown, where they found the coast clear. We shall march at four to-moirow morning for that place." Ac- cordingly he reached Bordentown the next day about noon, and wrote that he had then with him eighteen hundred men, and five hundred more were advan- cing from below. Here he received orders from General Washington to remain till he should himself pass over with the Continental battalions, which would take place on the 29th, the men being too much fatigued to make the attempt sooner. 138 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 of the river, would not authorize a further pursuit at that time. Since transmitting, the list of prisoners, a few more have been discovered and taken in Trenton ; among them a lieutenant-colonel and a deputy-adju- tant-general, the whole amounting to about a thou- sand. I have been honored with your letter of the 23d, and its several enclosures, to which I shall pay due attention. A flag goes in this morning with a letter to General Howe, and another to General Lee. For the latter, Mr. Robert Morris has transmitted a bill of exchange, drawn by two British officers, for a hundred and sixteen pounds, nine shillings, and three pence, on Major Small, for money furnished them in South Carolina, which I trust will be paid. This sup- ply is exclusive of the sum you have resolved to be sent to him, and which Mr. Morris will procure in time. I have the honor to be, &c. P. S. I am under great apprehensions about ob- taining proper supplies of provisions for our Troops. I fear it will be extremely difficult if not impracti- cable, as the Enemy from every account, has taken and collected every thing they could find.' ' Read in Congress January 3d, " A division of prisoners of the seventh regiment, with Captain Newmarsh, crossed the river at Easton, and went in without Mr. Moylan's knowledge. From the irregularity of the officer, who conducted them, and who did not make me a return of their names and rank, I am ignorant of both. I shall therefore be much obliged if you will order Mr. Loring to furnish me with a proper list of them, that I may make a demand of the like number in exchange." — Washington to Lieutenant-General Howe, 29 December, 1776. " We have the greatest occasion at present for hard money, to pay a certain set of people, who are of particular use to us. If you could possibly collect a sum, if it were but one hundred or one hundred and fifty pounds, it would be of great service. It too would be most convenient. I am taking every meas- 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 139 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Trenton, i January, 1777.' Sir, Your resolves of the 27th ultimo were transmitted to me last night by Messrs. Clymer, Morris, and Walton.'' The confidence, which Concrress have hon- ored me by with these proceedings, has a claim to my warmest acknowledgments. At the same time I beg leave to assure them, that all my faculties shall be employed to direct properly the powers they have been pleased to vest me with, and to advance those objects, and only those, which gave rise to this hon- ure to improve our late lucky blow, and hope to be successful ; the greatest impediment to our motion is, the want of provisions. If it lays in your way to give the Commissary any advice or assistance, in that way, I am sure you will do it. Some of the troops are yet on the other side of the river, only waiting for provisions. Jersey has been swept so clean that there is no dependance upon any thing there." — Washington to Robert Af orris, Trenton, 30 Decem- ber, 1776. " To induce the officers and soldiery to exert themselves, and to distress the enemy, all plunder, stores, &c., taken are to be divided equally between those who take it, having regard to the pays of the parties concerned, to regulate the distribution. That this may be done equitably, the whole of the plunder &c. is to be returned to the Quartermaster-General, or the Deputy-Quartermaster, where they are, who will distribute it, paying the full value of whatever may be retained for the public. "P. S. The order about plunder and stores does not extend to any but that belonging to the enemy, and not to Tory property. Had that been allowed the effects of many good, stanch worthy persons would have fallen a sacrifice." — Washington to Alajor-General Heath, 31 December, 1776. ' Washington's headquarters are said to have been at the " True American Inn " on Mill Hill, just over the Assanpink bridge. It was destroyed by fire 28 March, 1843. The council of war held on the night of January 2, 1777, was assembled at St. Clair's headquarters in the Douglass house on Broad Street. Raum, History of Trenton, 170, 178. ^ When the Congress assembled in Baltimore, they appointed these gentlemen a committee to remain in Philadelphia, with powers to transact such Continen- tal business as required attention in that city. The correspondence between the Congress and General Washington passed through their hands. I40 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 orable mark of distinction. If my exertions should not be attended with the desired success, I trust the failure will be imputed to the true cause, the pecul- iarly distressed situation of our affairs, and the diffi- culties I have to combat, rather than to a want of zeal for my country, and the closest attention to her interest, to promote which has ever been my study.' On Monday morning I passed the Delaware my- self ; the whole of our troops and artillery not till yesterday, owing to the ice, which rendered their passage extremely difficult and fatiguing. Since their arrival, we have been parading the regiments whose term of service is now expired, in order to ^ " This Congress, having maturely considered the present crisis ; and hav- ing perfect reliance on the wisdom, vigor, and uprightness of General Wash- ington, do hereby " Resolve, That General Washington shall be, and he is hereby, vested with full, ample, and complete powers to raise and collect together, in the most speedy and effectual manner, from any or all of these United States, sixteen battalions of infantry, in addition to those already voted by Congress ; to ap- point officers for the said battalions of infantry ; to raise, officer, and equip three thousand light-horse, three regiments of artillery, and a corps of engineers, and to establish their pay ; to apply to any of the States for such aid of the militia as he shall judge necessary ; to form such magazines of provi- sions, and in such places, as he shall think proper ; to displace and appoint all officers under the rank of brigadier-general, and to fill up all vacancies in every other department in the American army ; to take, wherever he may be, what- ever he may want for the use of the army, if the inhabitants will not sell it, allowing a reasonable price for the same ; to arrest and confine persons who refuse to take the Continental currency, or are otherwise disafTected to the American cause ; and return to the .States, of which they are citizens, their names, and the nature of their offences, together with the witnesses to prove them. " That the foregoing powers be vested in General Washington, for and during the term of six months from the date hereof, unless sooner determined by Congress." The following letter was sent by Congress, as a circular, to the governor of each of the States, accompanied by the above resolve. " Ever attentive to the security of civil liberty. Congress would not have 1776] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 141 know what force we should have to depend on, and how to regulate our views accordingly. After much persuasion, and the exertions of their officers, half or a greater proportion of those from the eastward have consented to stay six weeks on a bounty of ten dollars. I feel the inconvenience of this advance, and I know the consequences which will result from it ; but what could be done ? Pennsylvania had allowed the same to her militia ; the troops felt their importance, and would have their price. Indeed, as their aid is so essential, and not to be dispensed with, it is to be wondered, they had not estimated it at a higher rate. I perceive that Congress, apprehensive of this event, had made unlimited provision for it' consented to the vesting of such powers in the military department, as those which the enclosed resolves convey to the Continental Commander-in-chief, if the situation of public affairs did not require at this crisis a decision and vigor, which distance and numbers deny to assemblies far removed from each other, and from the immediate seat of war. "The strength and progress of the enemy, joined to prospects of consider- able reinforcements, have rendered it not only necessary that the American forces should be augmented beyond what Congress had heretofore designed, but that they should be brought into the field with all possible expedition. These considerations induce Congress to request in the most earnest manner, that the fullest influence of your State may be exerted to aid such levies as the General shall direct, in consequence of the powers now given him ; and that your quota of battalions, formerly fixed, may be completed and ordered to head-quarters with all the despatch, that an ardent desire to secure the public happiness can dictate." — Baltimore, 30 December, 1776. ' " Greater powers must be lodged in the hands of the General than he has ever yet exercised. It is impossible, in his present situation and the short time he has to prepare for the ensuing campaign, to be in readiness so early as Gen- eral Howe will take the field, unless you delegate to him full power to take such measures as he may find necessary to promote the establishment of the new army. Time will not admit nor circumstances allow of a reference to Con- gress. ... I am no advocate for the extension of military power ; neither would I advise it at present, but from the fullest conviction of its being abso- lutely necessary. . . . The state of war is so uncertain, dependent upon so 142 THE WRITINGS OF [1776 General Mifflin is at Bordentown with about eigh- teen hundred men, and General Cadwalader at Cross- wicks with about the same number. We are now making our arrangements, and concerting a plan of operations, which I shall attempt to execute as soon as possible, and which I hope will be attended with some success. As to the number and situation of the enemy, I cannot obtain certain intelligence ; but, from the accounts most to be relied on, they have collected the principal part of their force, from Brunswic and the neighboring posts, at Princeton, where they are throwing up some works. The number there is re- ported to be from five to six thousand ; and it is con- fidently said they have sent the chief part of their baofOfaee to Brunswick. It is added, that General Howe landed at Amboy a day or two ago with a thousand light troops, and is on his march from thence. I have sent into different parts of Jersey men of influence to spirit up the militia, and I flatter myself that the many injuries they have received will induce some to give their aid. If what they have suffered does not rouse their resentment, they must not pos- sess the common feelings of humanity. To oppres- sion, ravage, and a deprivation of property, they have had the more mortifying circumstance of insult added ; after being stripped of all they had without the least many contingencies ; a day, nay, an hour, is so important in the crisis of public affairs, that it would be folly to wait for relief from the deliberative councils of legislative bodies. The virtue of the people, at such an hour, is not to be trusted ; and I can assure you that the General will not exceed his powers, though he may sacrifice the cause. There never was a man that might be more safely trusted, nor a time when there was a louder call." — Greene to the Presi- dent of Congress, 21 December, 1776. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 143 compensation, protections have been granted them for the free enjoyment of their effects. I have the honor to be, with due respect, &c. P.S. I have not been able to procure returns of our force owing to our situation ; I suppose that about Two or three & Twenty hundred passed with me, which number is now reduced to Fifteen or Six- teen hundred. No Estimate of our force can be formed from the number of Regiments ; many of 'em by reason of sickness cannot turn out more than a hundred men.' TO ROBERT MORRIS, GEORGE CLYMER, AND GEORGE WALTON, A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Trenton, i January, 1777. Gentlemen, I have the honor and pleasure of acknowledging your favors of the 28th and 31st December, and Mr. Morris's of the 30th and 31st. ' " I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that the Continental regiments from the eastern governments have agreed to stay six weeks beyond their term of en- listment, which was to have expired the last day of this month. For this extraordinary mark of their attachment to their country, I have agreed to give them a bounty of ten dollars per man, besides their pay running on. I hope this noble example will be followed by the four regiments under your com- mand. Promise them the same reward, and endeavor to work upon them by every means in your power. Let them know the militia are pouring in from all quarters, and only want veteran troops to lead them on." — Washington to the officer conwianding at Morristown, 30 December, 1776. The men took the bounty, and near one half went off in a few days after. " Yet those brave troops innum'rous as the sands One soul inspires, one General Chief commands. Find in your train of boasted heroes, one To match the praise of Godlike Washington, Thrice happy chief ! in whom the virtuous join, And heaven-taught prudence speaks the man divine." —Phillis Whcatley, Boston, 30 December, 1776. 144 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 The messenger delivered me the two parcels of hard money, which I suppose will turn out right, not havinof had time to count it. The sum that is lodg-ed at Ticonderoga shall be ordered down, provided the commander in the northern department finds no better use for it there, than I can make of it here. The accounts you give me in yours of the 28th ulto. of the good effects, that are likely to flow from our success at Trenton, add not a little to the satis- faction I have felt on that occasion. You are pleased to pay me many personal compliments, as if the merit of that affair was due solely to me ; but I assure you, the other general officers, who assisted me in the plan and execution, have full as good right to your encomiums as myself. We are devising such measures, as I hope, if they succeed, will add as much or more to the distress of the enemy, than their de- feat at Trenton, and I promise myself the greatest advantao-es from having- eng-ag-ed a number of the eastern troops to stay six weeks beyond their time of enlistment, upon giving a bounty of ten dollars. This I know is a most extravagant price, when compared to the time of service ; but the example was set by the State of Pennsylvania, with repect to their militia, and I thought it no time to stand upon trifles, when a body of firm troops, inured to danger, was abso- lutely necessary to lead on the more raw and un- disciplined. I shall know this day how many of Colonel Glover's regiment are willing to continue in the land service. I don't expect many will be pre- vailed upon to stay, and I will endeavor to procure 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 145 the rest for the purpose of fitting out the frigates upon the best terms I can.' The future and proper disposition of the Hessian prisoners struck me in the same Hght in which you view it ; for which reason I advised the Council of Safety to separate them from their officers, and can- ton them in the German counties. If proper pains are taken to convince them how preferable the situa- tion of their countrymen, the inhabitants of those counties. Is to theirs, I think they may be sent back in the spring so fraught with a love of liberty and property too, that they may create a disgust to the service among the remainder of the foreign troops, and widen that breach, which is already opened between them and the British, Yours of the 31st of last month enclosed to me sundry resolves of Congress, by which I find they have done me the honor to entrust me with powers, in my military capacity, of the highest nature and almost unlimited in extent. Instead of thinking my- self freed from all civil obligations, by this mark of their confidence, I shall constantly bear in mind, that as ' " Our Affairs are at present in a most delicate — tho' Ihope a fortunate Situa- tion. But the great & radical Evil which pervades our whole System & like an Ax at the Tree of our Safety Interest & Liberty here again shews its baleful Influence — Tomorrow the Continental Troops are all at Liberty — I wish to push our Success to keep up the Pannick & in order to get their Assistance have promised them a Bounty of lo Dollars if they will continue for one Month. But here again a new Difficulty presents itself. We have not Money to pay the Bounty, & we have exhausted our credit by such frequent Promises that it has not the Weight we could wish. If it is possible, Sir, to give us Assistance do it — borrow Money when it can be done we are doing it from our private Credit — every Man of Interest and every Lover of his Country must strain his Credit upon such an Occasion." — Washington to Robert Morris, 31 December, 1776. 146 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 the sword was the last resort for the preservation of our Hberties, so it ought to be the first thing laid aside, when those liberties are firmly established. I shall instantly set about making the most necessary re- forms in the army ; but it will not be in my power to make so great a progress, as if I had a little leisure time upon my hands. Mr. Morris has my sincere thanks for the advice and assistance he promises to give Commissary Wharton, and I beg he would re- mind him, that all his exertions will be necessary to support an army in this exhausted country. I have the honor to be, &c.' TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Pluckemin, 5 January, 1777. Sir, I have the honor to inform you, that, since the date of my last from Trenton, I have removed with the army under my command to this place. The difficulty of crossing the Delaware, on account of the ice, made our passage over it tedious, and gave the enemy an opportunity of drawing in their several cantonments, and assembling their whole force at Princeton. Their large pickets advanced towards ' On the 30th, Reed was ordered by the General to reconnoitre the advanced posts of the enemy, and had proceeded as far as Princeton when a fortunate capture made him acquainted with a plan of the British to attack Trenton. Cadwalader was ordered to join the main army at Trenton, and this he accom- plished on the morning of January 2d, the day on which the intentions of the enemy became clear. Washington drew his force from the Shabbocunk to the east side of Assanpink creek, where a brush was had with the advanced corps of the British. On the night of the 2d, a council of war was held, when the forced march upon Princeton \\as determined upon. — Reed, Life of Reed, i., 282-288. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 147 Trenton, their great preparations, and some intelli- gence I had received, added to their knowledge, that the I St of January brought on a dissolution of the best part of our army, gave me the strongest reasons to conclude, that an attack upon us was meditating. Our situation was most critical, and our force small. To remove immediately was again destroy- ing every dawn of hope, which had begun to revive in the breasts of the Jersey militia ; and to bring those troops, who had first crossed the Delaware and were lying at Crosswicks under General Cadwalader, and those under General MifHin at Bordentown, (amounting in the whole to about three thousand six hundred) to Trenton, was to bring them to an exposed place. One or the other, however, was unavoidable. The latter was preferred, and they were ordered to join us at Trenton, which they did, by a night-march, on the ist instant. On the 2d, accord- ing to my expectation, the enemy began to advance upon us ; and, after some skirmishing, the head of their column reached Trenton about four o'clock, whilst their rear was as far back as Maidenhead. They attempted to pass Sanpink Creek,' which runs through Trenton, at different places ; but, finding the fords guarded, they halted, and kindled their fires. We were drawn up on the other side of the creek. In this situation we remained till dark, cannonading the enemy, and receiving the fire of their field-pieces, which did us but little damage. ' Better known as Assanpink Creek. The bridge was the only structure of the kind on the creek, and lay at Queen (now Greene) Street. 148 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 Having by this time discovered, that the enemy were greatly superior in number, and that their de- sign was to surround us, I ordered all our baggage to be removed silently to Burlington soon after dark ; and at twelve o'clock after renewing our fires, and leaving guards at the bridge in Trenton, and other passes on the same stream above, marched by a roundabout road to Princeton, where I knew they could not have much force left, and mio-ht have stores. One thing I was certain of, that it would avoid the appearance of a retreat (which was of consequence, or to run the hazard of the whole army being cut oft), whilst we might by a fortunate stroke withdraw General Howe from Trenton, and give some reputa- tion to our arms. Happily we succeeded. We found Princeton about sunrise, with only three regiments and three troops of light-horse in it, two of which were on their march to Trenton. These three regi- ments, especially the two first, made a gallant resist- ance, and, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, must have lost five hundred men ; upwards of one hundred of them were left dead on the field ; and, with what I have with me and what were taken in the pursuit and carried across the Delaware, there are near three hundred prisoners, fourteen of whom are ofhcers, all British. This piece of good fortune is counterbalanced by the loss of the brave and worthy General Mercer, Colonels Hazlet and Potter, Captain Neal of the artillery, Captain Fleming, who commanded the first Virginian regiment, and four or five other valuable 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 149 officers, who, with about twenty-five or thirty privates, were slain in the field. Our whole loss cannot be ascertained, as many, who were in pursuit of the enemy (who were chased three or four miles), are not yet come in. The rear of the enemy's army lying at Maidenhead, not more than five or six miles from Princeton, was up with us before our pursuit was over ; but, as I had the precaution to destroy the bridge over Stony Brook, about half a mile from the field of action, they were so long retarded there, as to give us time to move off in good order for this place. We took two brass field-pieces ; but, for want of horses, could not bring them away. We also took some blankets, shoes, and a few other triliing articles, burned the hay, and destroyed such other things, as the shortness of the time would admit of.' My original plan, when I set out from Trenton, was, to push on to Brunswic ; but the harassed state ' "On the 2d. Lord Cornwallis having received accounts of the rebel army being posted at Trenton, advanced thither, leaving the 4th brigade under the command of lieutenant colonel Mawhood at Princeton, and the 2d. brigade, wdth brigadier general Leslie at Maidenhead. On the approach of the British troops, the enemy's forward posts were driven back upon their army, which was formed in a strong position, behind a creek running through Trenton. During tlie night of the 2d. the enemy quitted this situation, and marching by Allen's Town, and from thence to Princeton, fell in on the morning of the 3d. with the 17th and 55th regiments, on their march to join brigadier general Leslie at Maidenhead. Lieutenant colonel Mawhood, not being apprehensive of the enemy's strength, attacked and beat back the troops that first presented themselves to him, but finding them at length very superior to him in numbers, he pushed forward with the 17th regiment, and joined brigadier general Leslie. The 55th regiment retired, by the way of Hillsborough to Brunswick, and the enemy proceeding immediately to Princeton, the 40th regiment also retired to Brunswick. The loss upon this occasion to his majesty's troops is 17 killed, and nearly 200 wounded and missing." — General Howe to Lord George Germaine, 5 January, 1777. I50 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 of our troops, many of them having had no rest for two nights and a day, and the danger of losing the advantage we had gained by aiming at too much, in- duced me, by the advice of my officers, to reHnquish the attempt. But, in my judgment, six or eight hun- dred fresh troops upon a forced march would have destroyed all their stores and magazines, taken (as we have since learned) their military chest, containing seventy thousand pounds, and put an end to the war. The enemy, from the best intelligence I have been able to get, were so much alarmed at the apprehen- sion of this, that they marched immediately to Bruns- wic without halting, except at the bridges (for I also took up those on Millstone, on the different routes to Brunswic), and got there before day. From the best information I have received. Gen- eral Howe has left no men either at Trenton or Princeton. The truth of this I am endeavorinor to ascertain, that I may regulate my movements accord- ingly. The militia are taking spirits, and, I am told, are coming in fast from this State ; but I fear those from Philadelphia will scarcely submit to the hard- ships of a winter campaign much longer, especially as they very unluckily sent their blankets with their baggage to Burlington. I must do them the justice however to add, that they have undergone more fatigue and hardship, than I expected militia, espe- cially citizens, would have done at this inclement sea- son. I am just moving to Morristown, where I shall endeavor to put them under the best cover I can.' ' This decision was attributed to the influence of General Knox. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 151 Hitherto we have been without any ; and many of our poor soldiers quite barefoot, and ill clad in other respects. I have the honor to be, &c.' TO MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAM. Pluckemin, 5 January, 1777. Dear General, Fortune has favored us in an attack on Princeton. General Howe advanced upon Trenton, which we evacuated in the evening of the 2d of this instant, and drew up the troops on the south side of Mill Creek, and continued in that position until dark, then marched for Princeton, which we reached next morn- ing by about nine o'clock. There were three regi- ments quartered there of British troops, which we attacked and routed. The number of the killed, wounded, and taken prisoners amounts to about five or six hundred. We lost several officers and about thirty privates. General Mercer is badly wounded, if not mortally. After the action we immediately marched for this place. I shall remove from hence to Morristown, there shall wait a few days and refresh the troops, during which time I shall keep a strict ' Read in Congress 13th January. In both the actions at Trenton and Princeton, General Washington en- couraged the troops by his presence in the most exposed situations. An othcer who was in these engagements wrote from Morristown on the 7th of January : " Our army love their General very much, but they have one thing against him, which is the little care he takes of himself in any action. His personal bravery, and the desire he has of animating his troops by example, make him fearless of danger. This occasions us much uneasiness. But Heaven, which has hitherto been his shield, I hope will still continue to guard so valuable a life." 152 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 watch upon the enemy's motions. They appear to be panic-struck, and I am in some hopes of driving them out of the Jerseys. It is thought advisable for you to march the troops under your command to Crosswicks, and keep a strict watch upon the enemy in that quarter. If the enemy continue at Brunswic, you must act with great circumspection, lest you meet with a surprise. As we have made two successful attacks upon the enemy by way of surprise, they will be pointed with resentment and if there is any possi- bility of retaliating, they will attempt it. You will give out your strength to be twice as great as it is. Forward on all the baggage and scattered troops belonging to this division of the army, as soon as may be. You will keep as many spies out as you will see proper. A number of horsemen, in the dress of the country, must be constantly kept going backwards and forwards for this purpose, and if you discover any motion of the enemy, which you can depend upon, and which you think of consequence, let me be informed thereof as soon as possible by express. I am, dear General, yours, &c. TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH. Pluckemin, 5 January, 1777. Sir, We have made a successful attack upon Princeton, Genl. Howe advanced upon Trenton, we evacuated the Town and lay on the other side of Mill Creek, 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 153 until dark, then stole a march and attacked Princeton about nine o'clock in the morning ; There was three Regiments quartered there, the killed, wounded and taken prisoners, amounts to about 500. The enemy are in great consternation ; and as the panic affords us a favorable opportunity to drive them out of the Jerseys, it has been determined in council, that you should move down towards New York with a considerable force, as if you had a design upon the city. That being an object of great importance, the enemy will be reduced to the necessity of withdraw- ing a considerable part of their force from the Jerseys, if not the whole, to secure the city. I shall draw the force on this side of the North River together at Morristown, where I shall watch the motions of the enemy, and avail myself of every favorable circum- stance. You will retain four thousand of the militia coming on from the New England governments for the expedition. You will act with great precaution, but avail yourself of every favorable opportunity of attacking the enemy, when you can do it to advan- tage. General Lincoln must cross the North River and come on with the remainder of the militia to Morristown. Leave a sufficient guard at the High- lands. You will also have so many boats collected together, or in such a manner, as you may always avail yourself of them, if it be found expedient for your troops, or any part of them, to cross the North River at Dobbs's Ferry, or at any other of the landings, I am, &c. 154 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. MORRISTOWN, 7 January, 1777. Sir, I am happy to inform you that the account of Genl Mercer's death, transmitted in my last, was premature tho' it was mentioned as certain by many who saw him after he was wounded. By intelligence from Princeton yesterday evening, he was alive, and seemed as if he would do well ; unhappily he is a prisoner. Had it not been for the information I had of his death, I would have tried to have brought him away, tho' I believe it could not have been effected. The enemy have totally evacuated Trenton and Princeton, and are now at Brunswic and the several posts on the communication between that and Hud- son's River, but chiefly at Brunswic. Their numbers and movements are variously reported, but all agree that their force is great. There have been two or three little skirmishes between their parties and some detachments of the militia, in which the latter have been successful and made a few prisoners. The most considerable was on Sunday morning, near Spring- field, when eight or ten Waldeckers were killed and wounded, and the remainder of the party, thirty-nine or forty, made prisoners, with two officers, by a force not superior in number and without receiving the least damage. The severity of the season has made our troops, especially the militia, extremely impatient, and has reduced the number very considerably. Every day more or less leave us. Their complaints, and the 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 155 great fatigue they have undergone, induced me to come to this place, as the best calculated, of any in this quarter, to accommodate and refresh them. The situation is by no means favorable to our views, and as soon as the purposes are answered for which we came, I think to remove, though I confess I do not know how we shall procure covering for our men elsewhere. I am, &c.' TO MAJOR-GENERAL LINCOLN. MORRISTOWN, 7 January, 1777. Dear Sir, I am glad to hear by yours of the 4th instant, that you had arrived at Peekskill, and I hope from the measures you have taken to hasten up your troops, that they will soon be all with you. General Heath will communicate mine of this date to you, by which you will find, that the greatest part of your troops are to move down towards New York, to draw the attention of the enemy to that quarter, and if they do not throw a considerable body back again, you may in all probability carry the city, or at least blockade them in it. I believe they are not prepared for the latter ; for, as they have for some time past made themselves sure of holding Jersey, they have not taken proper precautions to establish large maga- zines at any one place. I leave it entirely to the determination of you and General Heath, whether you shall continue on the east side of Hudson's River, or come in with the troops that are to join me. I ' Read in Congress January 14th. iS6 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 have only to beg of you to be as expeditious as pos- sible in moving forward, for the sooner a panic-struck enemy are followed, the better. If we can oblige them to evacuate Jersey, we must drive them to the utmost distress ; for, as I mentioned above, they have depended upon the supplies from that province for their winter support. I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.' TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL EDWARD ANTILL. MORRISTOWN, 8 January, 1777. Sir, I received yours of the 2d instant from Baltimore ; in answer to which, I have only to desire you to call, upon all your officers, who are upon recruiting ser- vice, to exert themselves as much as possible in fill- ing their companies, and sending their recruits for- ward to some general place of rendezvous, that they may be armed, equipped, and got into service with as much expedition as possible. As you and Colonel Hazen had the nomination of your own officers, by virtue of your commissions, I shall have no objection to any gentleman of good character, that you may ' " I beg you will keep up every appearance of falling down upon New York, as that will be the surest method of obliging the enemy to withdraw their whole force from this side to protect that city ; and, as I am confident they have not proper magazines established there, they must be put to the most extreme want for provisions. If they throw part of their force into New York, they will leave themselves in such a situation, that we may in all proba- bility fall upon them with success. " I received yours of the 4th last night, and am glad to find, that you have already made some dispositions to move towards New York. Your following, with a stronger force, will give a color to our pretended or real design upon that city ; for, if there is a fair opening, I would have you make the attempt." — Washington to Major-General Heath, January 7, 1777. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 157 think fit to appoint. I would only mention to you, that Mr. Burwell has already got a company in the Virginia artillery, and therefore you had better fill up the place you intended for him with some other person. If going to Virginia yourself will be of any service, I certainly shall have no objection to it.' I am, Sir, yours, &c. ' Edward Antill was lieutenant-colonel of the regiment commanded by Col- onel Hazen. The origin and condition of this regiment were different from those of any others in the army. As soon as Congress were made acquainted with the disastrous issue of the attack on Quebec, they authorized the raising of an additional regiment of Canadians in that province, and appointed Hazen to be the colonel and Antill to be the lieutenant-colonel. This was the second Canadian regiment, as one had already been established under Colonel James Livingston. The regiment commanded by Hazen went by the name of Con- gress's Own, because it was not attached to the quota of any of the States. It was to consist of one thousand men, who were to be enlisted for the war, and, on account of the great distance from Congress, and to promote despatch, the appointment of the officers was entrusted to the colonel, with the approbation of the commanding officer in Canada. The regiment was to be arranged in four battalions, divided into five companies each. During the spring of 1776, about five hundred men were raised, who were on service in different parts of the province ; but, on the evacuation of Canada, the number had decreased, and when the regiment arrived in Albany, during the month of August, it was reduced to less than one hundred. Hazen and Antill proceeded to Philadelphia to lay the state of their regiment before Congress ; and, after the resolve was passed for establishing the new army of eighty-eight battalions, to be assigned in due proportions to the several States, it was decided that Hazen's regiment should continue on its original foundation ; that is, the men to serve during the war, and the colonels to be empowered to appoint the subordinate officers. As the regiment belonged to no State, the officers were authorized to raise their men in any or all of the States. To hasten the enlistments, it was agreed, that Colonel Hazen should superintend the recruiting service in New York and the eastern States, and Lieutenant-Colonel Antill in New Jersey. Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. But when Colonel Hazen reached Albany, he found that the eastern States were giving so much larger bounties for filling up their quotas of the eighty-eight battalions, than he was authorized to allow by Con- gress, that his prospect of success was small. Owing to this circumstance the recruits for the regiment chiefly consisted of men from the middle States. — yournals of Congress, January 20th, and October 23d, 1776. Antill's MS. Letter, January 2d, 1777. — Sparks. 158 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL EARL CORNWALLIS. MoRRiSTOWN, 8 January, 1777. My Lord, Your Lordship's Favor of yesterday was delivered to me by the officer, who met your flag of truce. You may be assured, that no molestation will be offered to the convoy of money and stores, which General De Heister means to send to the Hessians taken at Trenton, or to the surgeon with medicines for the wounded at Princeton, by any part of the regular army under my command. But I cannot answer for the militia, who are resorting to arms in most parts of this State, and exceedingly exasperated at the treatment they have met with, from both Hessian and British troops. I therefore thought it most advisable to direct Captain Barry, the bearer of this, to give a safe conduct to the Hessian baggage as far as Philadelphia, and the surgeon and medicines to Princeton. I have no objection to the Hessian sergeant and twelve men's attending their baggage, till it is delivered to their countrymen ; but cannot consent to their carrying their arms, as I think none but bad consequences can ensue from such a measure. I am, with due respect, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient servant. TO COLONEL GEORGE BAYLOR. MoRRiSTOWN, 9 January, 1777. Dear Baylor, Your letter of the ist from Baltimore came to my hands this day. Your desires of commanding a regi- ment of horse I cheerfully yield to, because it is the 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 159 recommendation of Congress, your own wish, and my desire. As nothing contributes so much to the con- stitution of a good regiment, as a good corps of officers, and no method so likely to obtain these, as leaving the choice in a great measure to the gentle- man, who is to reap the honors or share the disgrace arising from their behavior, I shall vest you with the power of nominating the officers of your own regi- ment, except the field-officers and those of the troop commanded by Geo : Lewis, which I shall annex to your regiment, instead of Sheldon's, and except a lieutenancy in some troop for Starke. When I talk of giving you the nomination of the officers, I would have it understood, that I reserve to myself a negative upon a part or the whole, if I have reason to suspect an improper choice. I earnestly recommend to you to be circumspect in your choice of officers. Take none but gentlemen ; let no local attachments influence you ; do not suffer your good nature, when an application is made, to say yes, when you ought to say no ; remember, that it is a public, not a private cause, that is to be injured or benefited by your choice ; recollect, also, that no instance has yet happened of good or bad behavior in a corps in our service, that has not originated with the officers. Do not take old men, nor yet fill your corps with boys, especially for captains. Colonel Landon Carter some time ago recommended a grand- son of his to me. If he still inclines to serve, and a lieutenancy would satisfy him, make him the offer of it. I have wrote to a Major Clough to accept the majority of your regiment. He is an experienced i6o THE WRITINGS OF [1777 officer in the horse service, and a gentlemanHke man as far as I have seen him. The Heutenant-colonel I have not yet absokitely fixed on, though I have a person in my eye. For further instructions refer to Mr. Harrison, who will furnish you with a copy of those given to Colonel Sheldon. One hundred and twenty dollars will be allowed you, as the average price of the horses. The money for these and your accou- trements you must call upon Congress for ; and I have to entreat, that you will not delay a moment, that can be avoided, in preparing to take the field early. You must be upon your mettle, for others are engaged in the same service, and will exert themselves to the utmost to outdo you. I am very sincerely yours, &c. I can say nothing respecting your uniform, as that will depend upon the Cloth to be had. Mr. James Mease of Philadelphia is appointed Clothier General to the Army, and to him you must apply for this Article ; where you will be able to get proper Saddles, I know not, if Maryland and Virginia, together with Lancaster and York could furnish you perhaps it would be better than to depend upon Philadelphia, as it is likely there may be a run upon that city, for more than it can furnish in a short time, let me hear frequently from you.' ' " Since I wrote to you last, the enemy have withdrawn all their out garri- sons, and centered their whole force at and near Brunswic, but whether with an intention to make a stand there, ormake another push towards Philadelphia, I cannot yet determine. Upon the evacuation of Elizabeth town, General Max- well fell upon the enemy's rear, and made seventy prisoners, and took a parcel of baggage." — Washington to the President of Congress, Aforrisiown, 9 Jan- uary, 1777. " I wrote to you lately, since which the enemy appear to be drawing their 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. i6i TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL. Headquarters, Morris Town, lo January, 1777. Sir, I am honored with your favor of the 23d last month. I hope the Congress have, in consequence of your apphcation, ordered up a supply of money for the county to the new enlisted troops in your State ; but lest they should not have done it, I shall order Colonel Palfrey to send what cash he can spare to the Deputy-Pay Master at Peekskill, to be applied to the use of the recruiting service to the eastward. He some little time ago sent a hundred and fifty thousand dollars to Peekskill to be distributed by General Heath among the recruiting officers. If that sum should not be expended some money may be drawn from thence. In the mean time I must beg the favor of you to advance the necessary sums out of the treasury of your State, assuring you it shall be refunded as early as possible. I am very happy to hear that your Assembly have it in contemplation to send a body of troops forward to serve till your regular enlistments can be com- pleted. Nothing can be more distressing to the enemy or serviceable to me than an army hanging whole force to Brunswic, whether with a design to move towards Philadelphia, attack us, or secure themselves from the inconveniences of detached bodies, I know not ; but as many valuable purposes may, I think, be answered, by your moving towards New York, I wish no time may be lost in doing it. I have good reasons to believe, that there are very few men left in the city of New York, or upon the Island ; consequently a body of troops marched that way may possess themselves of the city, or occasion a reinforcement to be thrown in there, and in either case cannot fail of advancing our cause." — Washington to Major-General Heath, January q, 1777- 1 62 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 upon the rear of New York, to move forward as cir- cumstances may require. Their wishes and views are certainly towards Philadelphia ; and valuable as the acquisition of that city would be, it would be paying too dear a price for it, were they to give up New York to a force that might be thrown into it after their army had moved southward. Our success at Trenton has been followed by an- other lucky blow at Princetown on the 3d instant. I lay with about five thousand men at Trenton. The enemy advanced a superior force down upon me from Princetown on the second. Not choosing to risk an engagement there, I decamped as soon as it was dark and marched along their flank to Princetown, which lay directly in their rear. I arrived there by break of day and found three regiments of British troops ready drawn up to march to Trenton. We immedi- ately attacked them, and in a short time put them completely to the rout. We have already taken three hundred prisoners, and the country people are daily bringing in stragglers. Their loss upon the whole will amount to at least five hundred. The enemy confounded at this unexpected stroke in their rear, and fearing that their baggage at Brunswick would fall into our hands, marched back in the greatest hurry from Trenton to Brunswick where their main body now lays. They have called in all their out- posts, so that their late possession of the greatest part of Jersey is reduced to the compass of a very few miles. They evacuated Elizabeth Town with so much precipitation that we made one hundred prison- 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 163 ers and took the baggage of the regiments, besides a quantity of provisions. These successes, though comparatively small, have greatly inspirited the inhabitants of this State and Pennsylvania ; and I am in great hopes if we can once put the enemy into winter quarters, and get some little leisure that our affairs may be put in such a train and upon such a footing as will insure success the next campaign. I have the honor to be, &c. TO COLONEL NATHANIEL GIST. INSTRUCTIONS. Whereas the honorable Continental Congress, by a resolve of the 27th ultimo, have appointed sixteen battalions more to be raised, in addition to eighty-eight voted in September last, and have authorized me to nominate and commission the officers for the same, know you, that I, reposing the utmost confidence in your abilities and attachment to the United States of America, by virtue of the power aforesaid, do constitute and appoint you a colonel of one of the said battalions, giving and granting you authority, by and with the advice of your other field-officers, to appoint all officers under the rank of field-officers necessary for the same, nevertheless reserving to myself the right of ratifying or rejecting such appointments ; and, as many good officers may have been overlooked in the new appointments by the committees of the several States assigned for the discharge of that business, it is my wish, that you give a preference to such of them, as you know to be deserving of notice. I do hereby require and enjoin you, forthwith to take measures for recruiting such battalion, in the most expeditious manner, to serve for the term of three years, or during the continuance of the war with Great Britain, and upon such pay, bounties, and allow- 1 64 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 ances, as have been resolved on by Congress for the eighty-eight battalions aforesaid. Given at Head-Quarters at Morristown, this nth day of Jan- uary, 1777.' TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Morristown, 12 Jan., 1777. Sir, I am honored with yours of the 6th, enclosing sev- eral resolves of Congress respecting an exchange to be proposed between General Lee and the Hessian field-officers taken at Trenton. Colonel Rahl died the day after the action ; and we left one of the majors so ill of his wounds, that I am in doubt of his recovery. I can however make an offer of all that remain, in exchange for General Lee, except one whom you order to be proposed by Colonel Allen. If the offer is rejected by General Howe, I shall think myself then at liberty to remonstrate to him on his treatment of General Lee. If he will not exchange him, he should at least admit him to his parole, as we ' These sixteen additional regiments were established on a different footing from the eighty-eight battalions, which were apportioned among the several States, the appointment of officers being referred to the States respectively accord- ing to the quota of each ; whereas in the sixteen battalions, or regiments, the appointment of the officers was left to the Commander-in-chief, and he was em- powered to raise the men in any or all of the United States. Colonel Gist was authorized to raise four companies of rangers, and instructed to proceed to the Cherokee or any other nation of Indians, and attempt to procure a number of warriors, not exceeding five hundred, who were to be supplied with arms, blan- kets, and other necessaries, and, instead of presents, to receive the same pay as the troops in the Continental service. I am not aware that any Indians were ob- tained. The colonels of ten regiments were appointed in January, and furnished with instructions similar to the above. Their names were Nathaniel Gist, John Patton, William Grayson, Thomas Hartley, Samuel B. Webb, David Henley, Eze- kiel Cornell, Henry Sherburne, Alexander Scammell, Henry Jackson. The ap- pointments to the other six regiments were made subsequently at different times. 777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 165 have ever done to their prisoners, who have fallen into our hands. I understand from undoubted authority, that they intend to try the General by a court-martial, as a deserter from their service, pre- tending that his resignation was never accepted. But I shall inform General Howe, that, if any such step is taken under so shallow and illegal a pretext, and their sentence should extend either to affect his life or liberty, they may depend upon the most severe and adequate retaliation upon our part.' The enemy have made no move since my last. By every account, they begin to be distressed, particularly for forage, of which there is little or none remaining in the small circle they possess, except salt hay. By let- ters from General Heath, of the 9th, he was beginning to move down towards Kingsbridge with the troops from New England. This must add to the distress of the enemy, who will, by this measure, be deprived of the subsistence they formerly drew from Westchester and the counties to the northward of York Island."" ' Congress had instructed General Washington to propose five Hessian field- officers, lately taken at Trenton, in exchange for General Lee, and one for Colonel Ethaii Allen. Reports were received that General Lee was ill used, and Congress resolved, that, in case the British Commander would not consent to the proffered exchange, precisely the same treatment should be exercised towards these officers, as that practised upon General Lee ; in short, that the law of retaliation should be carried into rigid effect. President Hancock wrote to Washington, on the 6th of January : — " General Lee's situation seems to be extremely dangerous and critical, and, from General Howe's behavior to him, it is highly probable he will be brought to trial for desertion. General Lee, it is said by Mr. Eustace, his aide-de-camp, having addressed two letters to Gen- eral Howe, received them both back again unopened, and enclosed under a cover directed to ' Lieutenant-Colonel Lee.' I hope the flag, which Congress ordered to be sent to make inquiry into the manner in which he is treated, has been despatched, and a remonstrance in consequence of it, should your informa- tion on the subject have rendered that step necessary." - Read in Congress January 20th. i66 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 TO LORD HOWE. Head-Quarters, 13 January, 1777. My Lord, I am sorry that I am under the disagreeable neces- sity of troubling your Lordship with a letter, almost wholly on the subject of the cruel treatment, which our officers and men, in the naval department, who are unhappy enough to fall into your hands, receive on board the prison-ships in the harbour of New York. Without descending to particulars, I shall ground my complaint upon the matter contained in the enclosed paper, which is an exact copy of an account of the usage of the prisoners, delivered to Congress by a Captain Gamble, lately a prisoner himself in New York. If this account be true, of which I have no reason to doubt, as Captain Gamble is said to be a man of veracity, I call upon your Lordship to say, whether any treatment of your offi- cers and seamen has merited so severe a retaliation. I am bold to say, it has not. So far from it, that the officers and seamen, taken on board armed ships, have been treated with the greatest humanity, and not forced to enter on board any of our public or pri- vate vessels of war ; and those, taken in the merchant service, have been immediately set at liberty. From the opinion I have ever been taught to enter- tain of your Lordship's humanity, I will not suppose, that you are privy to proceedings of so cruel and un- justifiable a nature ; and I hope, that, upon making the proper inquiry, you will have the matter so regu- lated, that the unhappy creatures, whose lot is cap- 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 167 tivity, may not in future have the miseries of cold, disease, and famine added to their other misfortunes. You may call us rebels, and say that we deserve no better treatment ; but, remember, my Lord, that, supposing us rebels, we still have feelings equally as keen and sensible as loyalists, and will, if forced to it, most assuredly retaliate upon those, upon whom we look as the unjust invaders of our rights, liberties, and properties. I should not have said thus much, but my injured countrymen have long called upon me to endeavor to obtain a redress of their erievances ; and I shall think myself as culpable as those, who inflict such severities upon them, were I to continue silent. I enclose your Lordship a list of the captain and crew of an armed boat belonging to Georgia, taken by the Rover, a man-of-war. Captain Stanhope. There are a sufficient number of prisoners in Georgia, belonging to your navy, to make an exchange. If the measure meets your approbation, it will be very agreeable to both parties. I lately sent in Lieutenant Boger, who belonged to the Liverpool frigate. Cap- tain Bellew of the same frigate took a Captain Burke, and sent him into New York for the express purpose of having him exchanged for Boger. I should there- fore be glad to have Captain Burke sent out. There are two captains of merchantmen, by the name of Bell and Getshius, on board the Whitley prison-ship. If your Lordship will grant them their liberty upon parole, I will engage to send two British masters in exchange for them. I am, &c. 1 68 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL HOWE. Head-Quarters, Morristown, 13 January, 1777. Sir, I am directed by Congress to propose an exchange of five of the Hessian field-officers, taken at Trenton, for Major-General Lee ; or, if this proposal should not be acceded to, to demand his liberty upon parole, within certain bounds, as has ever been granted to your officers in our custody. I am informed, from good authority, that your reason for keeping him hitherto in stricter confinement than usual is, that you do not look upon him in the light of a common prisoner of war, but as a deserter from the British service, as his resignation was never accepted of and that you intend to try him by a court-martial as such. I will not undertake to determine how far this doc- trine may be justifiable among yourselves, but I must give you warning, that Major-General Lee is looked upon as an officer belonging to, and under the pro- tection of, the United Independent States of Amer- ica, and that any violence which you may commit upon his life or liberty, will be severely retaliated upon the lives or liberties of the British officers, or those of their foreign allies, at present in our hands.' I am sorry, that I am again under the necessity of ' The above statement, in regard to the character in which the British com- mander held General Lee, is confirmed by his correspondence with the minister. He wrote to Lord George Germaine, on the 20th of December: — "General Lee, being considered in the light of a deserter, is kept a close prisoner ; but I do not bring him to trial, as a doubt has arisen, whether, by a public resigna- tion of his half-pay, prior to his entry into the rebel army, he is still amenable to the military law as a deserter ; upon which point I shall wait for information; and if the decision should be for trial on this ground I beg to have the judges' 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 169 remonstrating to you upon the treatment, which our prisoners continue to receive in New York. Those, who have lately been sent out, give the most shock- ing account of their barbarous usage, which their mis- erable, emaciated countenances confirm. How very different was their appearance from that of your sol- diers, who have been lately returned to you, after a captivity of twelve months ; and whether this differ- ence in appearance was owing to a difference of treatment, I leave it to you, or any impartial person, to determine. I would beg, that some certain rule of conduct towards prisoners may be settled ; if you are determined to make captivity as distressing as possi- ble to those whose lot it is to fall into it, let me know it, that we may be upon equal terms, for your con- duct must and shall mark mine. If a real scarcity of the articles of provisions and fuel, at this inclement season, is the cause that our prisoners are debarred them, common humanity points opinion to lay before the court. Deserters are excluded in my agreement with the enemy for exchange of prisoners." To this the minister replied : — As you have difficulties about bringing Gen- eral Lee to trial in America, it is his Majesty's pleasure, that you send him to Great Britain by the first ship of war." Sir William Howe wrote in answer to this order : — " Washington declines to exchange the Hessian field-officers, taken at Trenton, or Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, unless Lee is recognised as a prisoner of war. Lee is therefore de- tained for further instructions, being apprehensive, that the close confinement of the Hessian officers would be the consequence of sending Lee to Britain, and that this would occasion much discontent among the foreign troops." — Letter, July 8th, 1777. This measure of caution was approved, and the minister replied: — "His Majesty consents that Lee (having been struck off the half-pay list) shall, though deserving the most exemplary punishment, be deemed as a prisoner of war, and may be exchanged as such, when you may think proper." — Letter, September 3d. I70 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 out a mode, which Is, of suffering them to go home under parole, not to serve during the war, or until an equal number are released by us for them. Most of the prisoners, who have returned home, have informed me, that they were offered better treatment, provided they would enlist into your service. This, I believe, Is unprecedented ; and what, if true, makes it still more unnecessary for me to apologize for the free- dom of expression, which I have used throughout this letter. But it would be criminal in me to be silent, were such abuses, when made known to me, left un- represented by me.' I am, with due respect. Sir, &c. TO JOSEPH REED. Morris Town, Jany. 14, 1777. Dear Sir, I very much approve of your visiting Genl. Put- nam, as I cannot acc't for his remaining at Crosswicks ' " The inhuman treatment our prisoners met with while in New York is be- yond all description. Humanity cannot but drop a tear at sight of the poor, miserable, starved objects. They are mere skeletons, unable to creep or speak in many instances. One vessel lost 27 in her passage from York to Medford, and 7 died the night they were put ashore ; and they are dying all along the roads. Most who have got home in the neighboring towns, are taken with the small pox, which undoubtedly was given them by design — all this does not seem to discourage the few surviving ones. They pray that God would only give them health and strength again, and they are determined to have sweet revenge." — Col. jfohn Chester to Col. Samuel B. Webb, 17 January, 1777. " Complaints of the usage of the prisoners both in the land and sea service have been the subject of many of my letters to Lord and General Howe, but all the satisfaction or answer that I could ever obtain was that the reports were groundless. However upon the authority of Capt. Gamble's relation, and the miserable, emaciated countenances of these poor creatures who have lately been released, I shall take the liberty of remonstrating sharply to his Lordship and the General, and let them know in very plain terms, that if their rule of con- duct towards our prisoners is not altered, we shall be obliged, however disa- greeable it may be, to make retaliation. " — Washington to Committee of Congress, 12 January, 1777. [777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 171 instead of removing to Princeton, as I have desired in several of my Letters. I would have him keep nothing at Princeton (ex- cept two or three days' provisions) but what can be moved off at an hour's warning — in that case if good Scouting Parties are kept constantly out, no possible damage can happen to the Troops, under his Com- mand ; who are to retreat, in case they are compelled to leave Princeton, towards the mountains, so as to form a junction with the army under my immediate Command. This will serve as a direction to him in removing the stores if any yet remain at Princeton. I would have no time lost in drawing the Flour from the Mills on Millstone, least the Enemy should attempt & avail themselves of it. — I would also have Genl. Putnam draw his Forage as much as possible from the Vicinity of Brunswick, that the Enemy may thereby be distressed. The inhabitants of that dis- trict should be compelled to bring it in. — The two Companies under Command of Col. Dur- kee, aided by the militia in that Quarter should be constantly harassing the Enemy about Bound Brook and the Westroad side of Brunswick (Rariton I mean) — I have directed Genl. Sullivan to do the like on the quarter next him. Particular attention should be paid to the Surgeon sent by Lord Cornwallis (by my consent) to take charee of their wounded at Princeton. He will more than probably, convey a true account of your num bers (which ought to be a good deal magnified) at Princeton ; and give other useful knowledge of your situation. If therefore, the wounded are in a condi- 172 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 tion to remove, would it not be best to send them to Brunswick with the Surgeon ? If any of them or their attendants, have been considered, and properly were Prisoners to us, for an equal number to be de- manded in lieu, I have inclosed Genl. Howe a copy of Mr. Yates's declaration, and have remonstrated sharply on the treatment of our Prisoners. — What have you done with the Negro you apprehended ? The waggon with the ammunition and match-coats, I am obliged to you for taking care of. It is not yet arrived. — In. what manner did Col. Quick's militia leave the Ran- gers ? — In the field ? — run away ? If so, they ought to be punished, or sham'd. I recollect of my approving of Windway laying off the Roads between Brunswick and Amboy. — I must beg the favor of Colo. Cox, in your absence, to con- tinue the pursuit after Intelligence. — Would it not be well for the Militia under Colo. Malcom to unite with the Rangers for the purpose of keeping out con- stant scouts to annoy and harass the Enemy in man- ner before mentioned ? — I ask for information, as I would not suffer a man to stir beyond their Lines, nor suffer them to have the least Intercourse with the Country. I am. Dear Sir, &c. TO JOSEPH REED. Morris Town, Jau: 15th 177; Dear Sir, The enclosed was intended to have gone by the Express who brought me your last Letter. — He came in the Evening of the 13th, was desired to call early 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 173 next morning, and I have never seen or heard of him since. Many days ago I wrote to Genl. Putnam supposing him to be at Princeton to have the stores rescued from the hands of the MiHtia who had borne them off, and had no doubt but he had done it. — What in the name of Heaven can he be doing at Crosswicks I know not, after my repeated wishes to hear of him at Princeton. Surely he is there by this time. — In that case desire him from me, to use every possible means to recover the stores and bring the authors to punish- ment ; especially Colo. Chambers to whom I have written on this subject. I will speak to the Quarter Master Genl. for a person to be sent on this business but apprehend from what I heard him say yesterday, that he has nobody to spare not being able to carry on his business here for want of Biddle and Mifflin who are both absent [and] sick. If the Militia cannot be prevail'd upon to restrain the Foraging parties and to annoy and harass the Enemy in their excursions, and upon a march they will be of very little use to us, as I am sure they can never be brought fairly up to an attack in any serious matter. When you see Genl. Mercer, be so good as to present my best wishes to him — and congratulations (if the state of his health will admit of it) on his recovery from death. You may assure him that nothing but the confident assertion to me that he was either dead — or within a few minutes of dying, and that he was put into as good a place as I could 174 . THE WRITINGS OF [1777 remove him to, prevented my seeing him after the action and pursuit at Princeton. My Compliments also if you please to Colo. Cox, from whom I shall expect a continuation of such In- telligence as occurs & he is able to procure. Yours, &:c. P. S. The letter to Colo. Chambers you will have sent — it is open for your perusal.' TO GENERAL HEATH. Headquarters, Morristown, 17 Jan., 1777. Dear Sir, Captain Bell, of Philadelphia, a very intelligent and credible person, made his escape from New York about ten days ago. He informs me that there were no troops upon Long Island but Delancey's brigade, and not more than one thousand men upon York Island, all the rest having joined the army now in Jersey ; and that transports were gone up the Sound to bring back the troops from Rhode Island, in order to make a junction of their whole army, to endeavor to give us a total defeat. This I think by ' " Notwithstanding repeated Orders for all Horses, Plunder, &c., taken from the Enemy to be delivered to the Quarter-Master-General, who was directed to accompt with the Soldiery for them ; The General understands, that some indi- viduals are so lost to obedience as to hold up and Conceal, from the rest of the Army several valuable Horses, for their own private emolument, taken in the action of the 3rd instant at Princeton, and on the march from thence : He therefore strictly orders all such persons, to bring in any Horses, or other plun- der they may have in their possession and deliver it to the Quarter-Master- General for the good of the whole, as they may depend on examples being made of those, who presume a contrary Conduct, so prejudicial to the service." — Orderly Book, 15 January, 1777. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 175 no means improbable. Now, if you could get any certain information of their strength within the Island (which I think may be done by sending in persons who have taken protections), and should not find it to exceed what Captain Bell reports, a stroke might be struck before they are reinforced from Rhode Island, that would ruin them. This is a matter of such consequence, that I would have you spare neither pains nor expense to gain intelligence. We have heard that they were building sleds in New York, which I suppose are for drawing wood this winter ; but it would be well for your Spies to learn what use they are really intended for. I have directed Generals Spencer and Arnold to follow the enemy if they leave Rhode Island and fall down the Sound again. I am, dear Sir, &c.' TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER. Head-Quarters, Morristown, 18 January, 1777. Dear Sir, It is some time since I had the pleasure of writing to, or receiving a letter from you. The weight of business, which has lain upon both our hands, has, I dare say, hindered us from writing letters, but when absolutely necessary. The enemy, by two lucky strokes at Trenton and Princeton, have been obliged to abandon every part of Jersey except Brunswic and ' " The enemy from every account mean to make Brunswic their advanced post for this winter. They are endeavoring to draw in all the forage they can get, in the course of which they have daily skirmishes with our advanced parties ; but I think do what they will, they must be distressed greatly before the winter is over." — Washingtonto the President of Congress, 17 January, 1777. 176 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 Amboy, and the small tract of country between them, which is so entirelyexhausted of supplies of every kind, that I hope, by preventing them from sending their foraging parties to any great distance, to reduce them to the utmost distress, in the course of this winter. Colonel Dayton arrived from the northward a few days ago. He informs me, that the time of most of his regiment expires in February, but that they are extremely anxious to get down to this part of the country, where many of them have families and con- nexions, who they suppose must have suffered many hardships, as the enemy were for some time in pos- session of the country, and committed every kind of depredation upon the inhabitants. He thinks, if they were brought down here, before they are discharged, that most of them might be induced to enlist for the war, which would be a thing to be wished for, as I am told they are a fine body of men, and well ac- quainted with this country, which will in all proba- bility be the scene of action next campaign. I would not give Colonel Dayton any kind of promise to withdraw the regiment from Ticonderoga one day before their time expires, without consulting you, and I do it now, only for the reasons before mentioned.' ' Colonel Dayton commanded a New Jersey regiment, with which he had been stationed during the year preceding on the westerly frontiers of New York, particularly at Fort Stanwix, or Fort Schuyler, as it was called after it was occupied by Colonel Dayton. Near the end of tlie year the regiment was ordered to Ticonderoga, where it w as at this time stationed under Lieutenant- Colonel Barber. The service had borne heavily upon the troops, and they were impatient to return home. This will appear by a letter from Lieutenant- Colonel Barber to Colonel Dayton, dated at Mount Independence, opposite to Ticonderoga. " We have now reached," he observes, " the I2th of February, but have made no advances towards New Jersey. What is yet worse, there is 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 177 I shall be glad to hear from you, upon the subject of garrisoning the forts upon the Lakes, against the next campaign, both as to the number of men and the time that they ought to be there. I should think, that the levies from Massachusetts and New Hamp- shire had better be ordered there, as it is more con- venient for them than the troops of any other State to march to that quarter. I wish to be informed of the number and state of the public arms to the north- ward, as I suppose many of the disbanded troops left theirs behind them. I am, dear Sir, with great regard, &c. TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH. MoRRlSTOWN, 19 January, 1777. Dear Sir, By this time you must have discovered what effect your movement towards New York has occasioned. If the city, on the one hand, is not left so destitute not the least prospect of our departure, notwithstanding our soldiers' times are expiring in thick succession. The time I long dreaded has come, when the virtue of our men is tried in such delicate circumstances, they being detained on this ground after their times are out, their native province and friends suf- fering by the depredations of the enemy, and a most poisonous example set them here by regiments quitting the ground immediately on the expiration of their enlistments. As yet they are quiet, but I fear I shall have much trouble with them before we are relieved. I have written to General Schuyler, accord- ing to your directions, and received his answer requesting my exertions to detain the men until troops can arrive sufficient to garrison this post. We have now the dull prospect of lingering out perhaps two months longer in the disagree- able state of a separation of soul and body ; for you must certainly suppose our hearts are in New Jersey, though our bodies are on Mount Independence. The men think very hard of their fate ; they repeat your promises ; they mention the circumstances of their State, friends, and property ; arguments which cause me a difificulty to answer." 178 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 of troops, as to afford you an easy conquest of it, nor so strengthened, as to leave the enemy weak in this State, the end of your expedition is not answered, and the junction of your troops with these under my command, after leaving sufficient guards at the forts and passes of the Highlands, becomes indispensably necessary. I have therefore to desire, that you will be preparing boats at some convenient place for crossing the North River, in order that no time may be lost, if it should become, as I believe it shortly will, absolutely necessary for a junction of the forces. I cannot in this place assign you my reasons for this opinion, but I desire, if your prospects are not such as I hoped for on that side, that you will prepare for a remove, and pay strict and diligent obedience to the order when you receive it, as much may depend on despatch. In the mean while, continue to pro- cure and give me every possible information of the enemy's strength and situation. I am, Sir, yours, &c.' ' This expedition under General Heath towards New York was unsuccessful. The troops, who were wholly militia, inarched in three divisions. One, com- manded by General Lincoln, proceeded down the road by the North River ; General Scott in the center advanced by the way of White Plains ; and Gen- erals Wooster and Parsons from New Rochelle and East Chester. On the i8th, just before sunrise, the three divisions reached the enemy's outposts, in the neighborhood of Kingsbridge, nearly at the same time. There was skirmish- ing, and a few prisoners were taken from the enemy at Valentine's Hill. This small adventure was magnified into a great victory by the reports that went abroad, and when the state of facts became known, the reaction on the public mind caused the enterprise to be regarded with some degree of ridicule. It is true, that the result seemed insignificant when compared with so formidable an array of generals and troops ; and it is also true, that General Heath summoned Fort Independence to surrender in a more lofty and peremptory tone than was expedient, unless he was prepared to execute his threat with an overwhelming force. His summons was closed with the following words. " Twenty minutes only can be allowed for the garrison to give their answer ; and should it be in 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 179 TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Head-Quarters, Morristown, 19 January, 1777. Gentlemen, The readiness, which the miUtia of Pennsylvania have shown by engaging in the service of their coun- try, at an inclement season of the year, when my army was reduced to an handful of men, and our affairs in the most critical situation, does great honor to them and to your State. But, although they have contributed greatly to the success, which has lately attended our arms, I must inform you, that with pain I hear they have determined to return home. Most of the city militia have determined to stay some days longer ; they must then be discharged, as I am well informed they are generally in want of almost every necessary. I must depend chiefly this winter on the militia, to enable me to act offensively, or even to make a stand ; and therefore sincerely wish they could have been prevailed upon to serve, till they could have been relieved by the troops now raising by the Continent. There now is the fairest opportunity of totally de- stroying the British army, or at least of delaying their operations in the spring, till we may be prepared to oppose them by regular forces. As it is a matter of the highest importance, that your militia should be the negative, they must abide the consequences." The garrison returned no answer, and no consequences followed. The fort was not attacked, and Gen- eral Heath retreated after maintaining his position for ten days very near the enemy's works. The expedition was well conducted on several accounts, but in respect to its main object it was a signal faihire. The particulars may be found in General Heath's Metnoirs, pp. 107-113. i8o THE WRITINGS OF [1777 put on such a footing, as will fully answer the exi- gency of our affairs at this time, I do most earnestly recommend, that such spirited and effectual measures be adopted as will soonest accomplish this great and necessary work. As there is not the least doubt at present, that the principal object of the enemy is to get possession of the city of Philadelphia, it is abso- lutely necessary, that every person able to bear arms, except such as are conscientiously scrupulous against it in every case, should give their personal service, and, whenever a part of the militia is required only, either to join the army, or find a man in their place. In order to effect this, I beg you will order the whole militia of your State to be enrolled and completely equipped, that one half at least may proceed to join the army with all possible expedition : those, who have done their tour of duty already, to be excused ; but those, that have not, should be obliged to come forth, or hire a proper person in their place, and to remain till the ist of April, unless sooner discharged by the Commander-in-chief. You may be assured, that nothing but the united efforts of every State in America can save us from disgrace and too probably from ruin. The army is much reduced since we left Trenton ; and the many that will be discharged in a few days will so weaken our force, that it will be im- possible to oppose the enemy with success, should they advance towards us ; or do any essential service, if they should move towards Philadelphia. As I cannot expect our situation can long be a secret to the enemy, there is no doubt, but they will avail 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. i8i themselves of it, and take advantage of our weakness. When any of your militia are coming forward, I beg you will inform them, that the time, for which they engage to serve, is to begin when they join the army. The want of a regular, well-established gov- ernment in your State has greatly obstructed the public service. I therefore recommend, that some authority be immediately exerted to draw forth your whole strength. I have the honor to be, &c. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Morristown, 19 January, 1777. Sir, The fluctuating state of an army composed chiefly of militia bids fair to reduce us to a situation, in which we were some little time ago ; that is, of scarce having any army at all, except reinforcements speedily arrive. One of the battalions from the city of Phila- delphia goes home to-day, and the other two only remain a few days longer by courtesy. The time for which a county brigade under General Mifflin came out is expired, and they stay from day to day by dint of solicitation, their numbers much reduced by deser- tions. We have about eight hundred of the eastern Continental troops remaining, of twelve or fourteen hundred who at first agreed to stay ; part engaged to the last of this month, and part to the middle of next. The five Virginia regiments are reduced to a handful of men, as are Colonel Hand's, Smallwood's, and the German battalion. A few days ago General 1 82 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 Warner arrived with about seven hundred Massachu- setts militia engaged to the 15th of March. Thus you have a sketch of our present army, with which we are obliged to keep up appearances before an enemy already double in numbers, and who from every account are withdrawing their troops from Rhode Island, to form a junction of their whole army, and make another attempt either to break up ours, or penetrate towards Philadelphia ; a thing by no means difficult now, as the ice affords an easy pas- sage over the Delaware. I do not yet know what effect General Heath's moving down towards New York will have. Yesterday morning a considerable firing was heard, which seemed to be about Kings- bridge. I am in hopes, that his appearance in that quarter with a pretty large force will oblige them to withdraw part of theirs from Jersey, to secure the city of New York, which, by late accounts, is weakly garrisoned. General Heath has all the eastern and New York militia with him, except the small brigade under General Warner, that I mentioned before, one regiment of Connecticut, stopped at Providence in Rhode Island, and a number, how many I do not know, requested by General Schuyler to be sent to Ticonderoga. If it should appear, that they are re- gardless of the diversion made by General Heath, and persist in their plan of drawing their whole army together in Jersey, I must order him over with all his troops, except as many as are necessary to garrison the forts and guard the passes in the Highlands. I have ordered away every officer, that could be spared, some to recruit, and some to collect the scat- :777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 183 tered men of the different regiments, who are dis- persed almost over the continent ; for, of the vast numbers sent to the hospitals at different times, few ever returned after they got well. As militia must be our dependence till we can get the new army raised and properly arranged, I must entreat you to continue your endeavors with the States of Pennsyl- vania, Maryland, and Virginia to turn out every man they possibly can, and for some time longer than they have generally stipulated for. If they agree for a month or any limited time, it should commence from the time they actually join the army, and not from the time they leave their homes ; otherwise the marching backwards and forwards consumes the term of engagement. I think these demands of aid should be made as quietly as the nature of the case will admit, especially at this time when we are deceiving our enemies with false opin- ions of our numbers ; for, to boast of our superiority in that respect on one hand, and to call publicly on the people for assistance on the other, is an impropriety too glaring ; indeed, it has been already noticed in some publications that I have seen from New York. I have the honor to be, &c.' TO GOVERNOR COOKE. MoRRiSTOWN, 20 January, 1777. Sir, I am exceedingly sorry to hear, that your State have ordered several battalions to be raised for the defence of the State only, and this before proper ' Read in Congress January 28th. 1 84 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 measures are taken to fill the Continental regiments. You cannot be insensible how unequal any one State is, unconnected with the others, to defend itself, if the enemy makes a descent against it with any considerable part of their force. Neither have you the least reason to think, you would derive less protection from the troops, if they were raised upon the Continent's account, than on that of the State. If each State was to prepare for its own defence, independent of each other, they would all be soon conquered, one by one. Our success must de- pend upon a firm union and a strict adherence to the general plan. Other measures may produce a partial relief, but never can remove the principal evil. You must be sensible, the season is fast approach- ing, when a new campaign will open ; nay, the former is not yet closed, neither do I intend it shall be, un- less the enemy quits the Jerseys. It is of the last importance to the interest of America, that the new regiments be speedily levied. It would give me an opportunity in the fore part of the campaign, before the enemy can collect their force, or receive any rein- forcement from home, to give them a fatal stab. Such a blow in the fore part of the season might terminate the campaign to great advantage. I am sure, the necessity of having the Continental regiments im- mediately completed are too obvious to need any further arguments. I hope the powers of government are such, as to complete the new levies by draft, if they cannot be filled seasonably by voluntary enlist- 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 185 merits. Necessity obliges me to call upon you, as I shall upon every other State, in the most pressing terms, to complete, without delay, your proportion of the eighty-eight battalions. I am confident, the rais- ing the two regiments at the expense of the State, before the Continental regiments are complete, can answer no valuable purpose. If the enemy make a descent upon Rhode Island with any considerable force, the opposition of two regiments will be incon- siderable. If they only infest the coast with their ships, the militia would answer a much better purpose, and at a far less expense. I must confess, I am ignorant of the reasons, that induced the Assembly to adopt the measure ; neither can I conceive of the use and policy of the scheme. I wish it may not be productive of more injury than benefit, by introducing innova- ' tions and changes, that must retard the filling the Continental regiments, and, consequently, prejudice the general interest, which every State must have an eye to ; and the obligation on you is stronger than on any one else, being the most exposed and the least capable of making a separate defence. Our affairs here are in a very prosperous train. Within a month past, in several engagements with the enemy, we have killed, wounded, and taken prisoners between two and three thousand men. I am very confident, the enemy's loss here will oblige them to recall their force from your State. If I am properly supported, I hope to close the campaign gloriously for America. I have the honof to be, &c. 1 86 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL HOWE. Head-Quarters, Morristown, 20 January, 1777. Sir, I take the liberty to propose the estabhshment of an officer to reside in New York, under parole to transmit no intelligence but what belongs to his office ; whose business it shall be, to provide necessaries for such prisoners as fall into your hands. Perhaps the establishment of such an officer, with proper credits, may put a stop to the many complaints, which I am daily under the necessity of hearing ; some probably, without foundation, and others arising from the want of many things, which you are not obliged to furnish the prisoners. The gentleman, I would beg leave to recommend as a proper agent, is Mr. Lewis Pintard, the bearer, a person well known in New York, and of long-established reputation as a considerable mer- chant' The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania have desired liberty, when the weather permits, of sending a vessel, vmder a flag, with a supply of meat and flour for our prisoners in New York. I shall be glad to be favored with your answer, and am, with due respect, Sir, &c.'' ' This proposition was made conformably to a resolve of Congress, by which General Washington was likewise empowered to appoint the agent. ^ " General Putnam communicated to me last night the disagreeable account, that Lieutenant-Colonel Preston's party of militia from Cumberland county in this State has deserted him. This practice in the militia so generally prevails, that unless some effectual check can be speedily applied, I apprehend the most fatal consequences. The mischief is not confined to the desertion alone. ' They stay till they are properly equipped to render essential service, and by , that means plunder the public of the necessaries, that were at first otherwise intended, and would be better applied. Now I recommend to you, that you call immediately into service, by such ways as you think best, at least one third 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 187 TO JOHN PARKE CUSTIS. Morris Town, January 22, 1777. Dear Sir, Your letter of the seventh came to my hands a few days ago, and brought with it the pleasing reflection of your still holding me in remembrance. The misfortune of short enlistments, and an un- happy dependance upon militia, have shown their baneful influence at every period, and almost upon every occasion, throughout the whole course of this war. At no time, nor upon no occasion, were they ever more exemplified than since Christmas ; for if we could but have got in the militia in time, or pre- vailed upon those troops whose times expired (as they generally did) on the first of this instant, to have continued (not more than a thousand or twelve of all the militia of this State, making it generally known amongst them, that they must come prepared to stay till the ist of April, unless sooner discharged by authority. It will occur to them, that nothing but their most vigorous exertion at this time will enable me to oppose any design of the enemy, and that therefore they ought to continue with me till relieved by the regular troops now raising. I mean, however, that every possible indulgence should be shown to those men, who have been in actual service, and were regularly discharged, and that no excuse shall be admitted for those, who have shamefully remained at home when their every thing was at stake." — Washington to Major-General Dickinson, 2i January, 1777. From the Orderly Book, January ist. — " The General is sorry to find, that the late general order, allowing the plunder taken from the enemy to be divided for the benefit of the captors, has been mistaken by some and abused by others. The indulgence was granted to the scouting parties only, as a reward for the extraordinary fatigue, hardship, and danger they were exposed to upon those parties. The General never meant, nor had an idea that any of ours or the enemy's stores, found at any evacuated post, were to be considered the property of those, that first marched in. Neither did he mean, that any public stores discovered by any of the scouting parties should be appropriated to their use, unless they found the enemy in the actual possession, and dispossessed them. Plunder taken under such circumstances, either by the militia or the Conti- 1 88 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 hundred agreeing to stay) we might, I am persuaded, have cleared the Jerseys entirely of the enemy. In- stead of this, all our movements have been made with inferior numbers, and with a mixed, motley crew, who were here to-day, gone to-morrow, without assigning a reason, or even apprizing you of it. In a word, I believe I may with truth add, that I do not think that any officer since the creation ever had such a variety of difficulties and perplexities to en- counter as I have. How we shall be able to rub along till the new army is raised, I know not. Provi- dence has heretofore saved us in a remarkable man- ner, and on this we must principally rely. Every person in every state should exert himself to facilitate the raising and marching the new regiments to the army with all possible expedition. nental troops, is to be reported by the commanding officer of the party to some of the Continental or Provincial generals, who are directed to have all the provisions and military stores so taken, appraised by the commissary or quarter- master general, or their deputies, and the party paid the value thereof. Such articles as are taken, not necessary for the use of the army, are to be sold at public vendue, under the direction of the quartermaster-general, or some of his deputies, for the benefit of the captors. " The General prohibits, in both the militia and Continental troops, in the most positive terms, the infamous practice of plundering the inhabitants, under the specious pretence of their being Tories. Let the persons of such as are known to be enemies to their country be seized and confined, and their property disposed of as the law of the State directs. It is our business to give protection and support to the poor, distressed inhabitants, not to multiply and increase their calamities. After the publication of this order, any officer, either militia or Continental, found attempting to conceal the public stores, plundering the in- habitants under the pretence of their being Tories, or selling at vendue plunder taken from the enemy, in any other manner than these orders direct, may expect to be punished in the severest manner, and be obliged to account for every thing so taken or sold. The adjutant-general is to furnish the commanding officer of each division with a copy of these orders, who is to circulate copies among his troops immediately." 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 189 I have never seen (but heard of) the resolve you mentioned, nor do I get a paper of Purdie's ' once a month. Those who want faith to believe the account of the shocking wastes committed by Howe's army — of their ravaging, plundering, and abuse of women — may be convinced to their sorrow, perhaps, if a check can not be put to their progress. It is painful to me to hear of such illiberal reflec- tions upon the eastern troops as you say prevails in Virginia. I always have, and always shall say, that I do not believe that any of the states produce better men, or persons capable of making better soldiers, but it is to be acknowledged that they are (generally speaking) most wretchedly officered. To this, and this only, is to be attributed their demerits. The policy of those states has been, to level men as much as possible to one standard. The distinction, there- fore, between officers and soldiers, * * * and that hunger and thirst after glory which ^ ^ '^ ^ This is the true secret, and we have found, that wherever a regiment is well officered, their men have behaved well — when otherwise, ill — the misconduct or cowardly behavior always originating with the officers who have set the example. Equal injustice is done them, in depriving them of merit in other respects ; for no people fly to arms readier than they do, or come better equipped, or with more regularity into the field than they. * Virginia Gazette, published at Williamsburg, Virginia. " " Some modern pen has blotted out several words in the four or five lines succeeding this portion of the sentence, and entirely destroyed the connection." —Note by Geo. W. P. Custis. iQo THE WRITINGS OF [1777 With respect to your inquiries about payments made Mr. I cannot answer them with precision, but I am exceedingly mistaken if I have not made him two, for both you and myself. Indeed I am as sure of it as I can be of any thing from the badness of my memory. I think I made him one payment myself, and the treasurer, or Hill, made him the other. The book, however, in which I keep your accounts will show it (the parchment covered quarto one) as you will, I suppose find yourself charged by me, with the payments made. In my letter to Lund Washington, I have given the late occurrences, and to avoid repetition, I refer you to him. My love to Nelly, and compliments to Mr. Calvert's family, and all other inquiring friends, leaving me nothing else to add, than that I am, your affectionate. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Morristovvn, 22 January, 1777. Sir, My last to you was on the 20th instant. Since that I have the pleasure to inform you, that General Dickinson, with about four hundred militia, has defeated a foraging party of the enemy of an equal number, and has taken forty wagons, and upwards of a hundred horses, most of them of the English draft breed, and a number of sheep and cattle, which they had collected. The enemy retreated with so much precipitation, that General Dickinson had only an opportunity of making nine prisoners. They were 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 191 observed to carry off a good many dead and wounded in light wagons. This action happened near Somer- set Court-House, on Millstone River. General Dick- inson's behavior reflects the highest honor upon him ; for, though his troops were all raw, he led them through the river middle-deep, and gave the enemy so severe a charge, that, although supported by three field-pieces, they gave way and left their convoy. I have not heard from General Heath since the firing near Kingsbridge last Saturday ; which I can- not account for, unless the North River should have been rendered impassable by the ice. But the account of his having surprised and taken Fort Independence on Friday Night, last, comes so well authenticated by different ways, that I cannot doubt it. It is said that he took 400 prisoners in that Fort ; and that he invested Fort Washington on Saturday, which occasioned the firing. This is brought out by three of our Officers, who made their Escape from New York on Sunday and is confirmed by a Spy who went into Amboy who says, an Ex- press had arrived at Amboy from New York, with an Account of the Loss of Fort Independence, and call- ing for a Reinforcement to protect the City, in con- sequence of which, a number of Troops had gone over. I have sent in Spies to Brunswic and Amboy to know the Truth of this, and if it appears that they have weakened themselves to reinforce New York, I shall probably make some attempt upon them, if we have men enough left to do it. 192 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 I shall be glad to know what stock of small arms you at present have, and what are your expectations shortly. The necessity, that we have been and are now under, of calling in and arming the militia, scatters our armory all over the world, in a manner. Their officers are so irregular, that they generally suffer their men to carry home every thing that is put into their hands, which is forever lost to the public. The new raised regiments will call for a great number of arms ; and I do not at present see how they are to be supplied. I would again beg leave to recall the attention of Congress to the appointment of general officers. I will not suppose the nomination of them is postponed upon a saving principle, because the advantage in hav- ing proper officers to examine the pay-rolls of their several regiments, and compare them with the returns of their brigades, to see that the regiments are pro- vided with what is proper, and that no more than a sufficiency is allowed, to keep officers to their duty, and not, while the spirited officer is encountering all the fatigues and hardships of a rigorous campaign, suffer a number of others, under various frivolous pretences and imaginary sicknesses, to enjoy them- selves at the public expense at their own firesides, — I say, if the appointments are withheld upon parsi- monious principles, the Congress are mistaken ; for I am convinced, that, by the correction of many abuses, which it is impossible for me to attend to, the public will be benefited in a great deg-ree in the article of expense. But this is not all. We have very little 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 193 time to do a very great work in. The arranging, providing for, and disciplining a hundred and odd battalions is not to be accomplished in a day ; nor is it to be done at all with any degree of propriety, when we have once entered upon the active part of the campaign. These duties must be branched out, or they will be neglected, and the public injured. Besides, were the brigadiers appointed, they might be facilitating the recruiting service ; they would have time to get a little acquainted with their brigades and the wants of them, and ease me of the great weight and burden, which I at present feel. On whom the choice will or ought to light, I can- not undertake to say. In a former letter I took the liberty of submitting to the consideration of Congress the propriety of appointing, out of each State, briga- diers to command the troops of that State, thinking, as a distinction is now fixed, a spirit of emulation might arise by this means. At any rate, I shall take the liberty of recommending General Cadwalader as one of the first for the new appointments. I have found him a man of ability, a good disciplinarian, firm in his principles, and of intrepid bravery. I shall also beg leave to recommend Colonel Reed to the command of the horse, as a person, in my opinion, every way qualified ; for he is extremely active and enterprising ; many signal proofs of which he has given this campaign. For the rest, the members of Congress can judge better than I can. I can only say, that, as the army will probably be divided in the course of the next campaign, there ought, in my 194 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 Opinion, to be three lieutenant-generals, nine major- generals, and twenty-seven brigadiers ; in other words, there ought, at least, to be a brigadier to every four regiments, and a major-general to every three brigades. The lieutenant-generals will, I pre- sume, be appointed out of the oldest major-generals, and the major-generals from the oldest brigadiers. New brigadiers will then be to nominate. I forgot before this to inform Congress, that, including the regiment of light dragoons from Vir- ginia, and Colonel Sheldon's to be raised in Con- necticut, I have only commissioned officers for four regiments. I was willing to try how these could be equipped before I put more officers into commission. It is apprehended we shall find difficulty in providing necessaries or even horses for these four regiments ; if we should not, I shall immediately set about the residue. Colonel Baylor, Colonel Moylan (who, as volunteer, has remained constantly with the army since his discontinuance in the quarter-master's de- partment), and Colonel Sheldon, command the three new regiments of light dragoons. The treasury has been for some time empty, and the army has labored under the greatest inconvenience for want of money. The recruiting service is particularly injured by this, as many officers are now waiting only for bounty- money. I have also complaints from the eastward of the want of money to carry on their recruiting service. If we are not supplied with that necessary article, all matters must be at a stand. I must there- fore beg, that, if Mr. Palfrey has not been already 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 195 supplied with a large sum, it may be done with the utmost expedition, and that you will endeavor to keep up the supply by constantly sending on smaller parcels. I am, &c. P. S. I did not recollect Major-General Lincoln, in the provincial service of Massachusetts. He is an excellent officer, and worthy of your notice in the Continental line. TO JOSEPH REED. MiDDLEBROOK, 23 January, 1777. Dear Sir, Your favors of the 12th and i8th inst. are both before me, and on two accounts have given me pain : first, because I much wished to see you at the head of the cavalry ; and secondly, by refusing of it my arrangements have been a good deal disconcerted. As your notions for refusing the appointment are no doubt satisfactory to yourself, and your determination fixed, it is unnecessary to enter upon a discussion of the point. I can only add, I wish it had been other- wise, especially as I flatter myself, that my last would convince you, that you still held the same place in my affection that you ever did. If inclination, or a desire of rendering those aids to the service which your abilities enable you to do, should lead you to the camp, it is unnecessary for me, I hope, to add that I should be extremely happy in seeing you one of my family, whilst you remain in it. The late coalition of parties in Pennsylvania is a most fortunate circumstance ; that, and the spirited 196 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 manner in which the militia of this State turned out, upon the late manoeuvre of the enemy, has in my opinion given a greater shock to the enemy than any event which has happened in the course of this dis- pute, because it was altogether unexpected, and gave the decisive stroke to their enterprise on Philadelphia. The hint you have given respecting the compliment due to the executive powers of Pennsylvania I thank you for, but can assure you I gave General Mifflin no direction respecting the militia, that I did not conceive, nay, that I had not been told by Congress, he was vested with before ; for you must know that General Mifflin, at the particular instance, and by a resolve of Congress, had been detained from his duty in this camp near a month, to be in readiness to have out the militia, if the occasion should require it, and only got here the day before I received such intelli- gence, as convinced me that the enemy were upon the point of moving ; in consequence of which I requested him to return, and without defining his duty, desired he would use his utmost endeavors to carry the de- signed opposition into effect ; conceiving that a previous plan had been laid by Congress, or the State of Pennsylvania, so far as respected the mode of drawing the militia out. The action of them afterward, circumstances alone could direct. I did not pretend to give any order about it. It gives me pleasure to learn from your letter that the reasons assigned by me to General Arnold, for not attacking the enemy in their situation between the Raritan and Millstone, met with the approbation 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 197 of those who were acquainted with them. We have some amongst us, and I dare say generals, who wish to make themselves popular at the expense of others, or who think the cause is not to be advanced other- wise than by fighting — the peculiar circumstances under which it is to be done, and the consequences which may follow, are objects too trivial for their attention, — but as I have one great end in view, I shall, maugre all the [illegible] of this kind, steadily pursue the means which in my judgment leads to the accomplishment of it, not doubting but that the can- did part of mankind, if they are convinced of my integrity, will make proper allowance for my inex- perience and frailties. I will agree to be loaded with all the obloquy they can bestow, if I commit a wilful error. If General Howe has not manoeuvred much deeper than most people seem disposed to think him capa- ble of, his army is absolutely gone off panic struck ; but as I cannot persuade myself into a belief of the latter, notwithstanding it is the prevailing opinion of my officers, I cannot say that the move I am about to make towards Amboy accords altogether with my opinion. Not that I am under any other apprehen- sion than that of being obliged to lose ground again, which would indeed be no small misfortune, as the spirits of our troops and the country is greatly re- vived (and, I presume,) the enemy's not a little depressed, by their late retrograde motions. By some late accounts I fancy the British grena- diers got a pretty severe peppering yesterday by 198 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 Morgan's Rifle Corps ; they fought, it seems a con- siderable time within the distance of from twenty to forty yards, and from the concurring accounts of several of the officers, more than a hundred of them must have fallen. Had there not been some mistake in point of time for marching the several brigades that were ordered upon that service, and particularly in delivering an order to General Varnum, I believe the rear of General Howe's troops might have been a little rougher handled than they were, for if an express who went to General Maxwell the evening before had reached him in time to co-operate upon the enemy's flank, for which purpose he was sent down the day before with a respectable force, very good consequences might have resulted from it ; however, it is too late to remedy these mistakes, and my paper tells me I can add no more than to assure you that I am &c.' TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.^ MoRRiSTOWN, 24 January, 1777. Sir, The situation to which I am reduced for want of a regular body of troops, on whom I can depend for a length of time, makes it indispensably necessary for me to call upon you, and entreat you to exert your- self in levying and equipping the number of battalions allotted to your State by the resolution of Congress ' From the Life of Esther de Berdt, afterwards Esther Reed of Pennsylva- nia, p. 271. 2 This letter was likewise sent as a circular to each of the New England States. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 199 In September last. You must be fully sensible of the hardship imposed upon individuals, and how detrimental it must be to the public, to have her farmers and her tradesmen frequently called into the field as militia-men ; whereby a total stop is put to arts and agriculture, without which we cannot possi- bly long subsist. But great as this inconvenience is, we must put up with it, or submit to a greater, the total loss of our liberties, until our regular Continen- tal army can be brought into the field. The above reasons alone, I hope, will be sufficient to induce you to exert yourselves ; for, if our new army are not ready to take the field early in the spring, we shall lose all the advantages, which I may say we have providen- tially gained this winter. While our dependence is upon militia, we have a full army one day, and scarce any the next ; and I am much afraid, that the enemy one day or other, taking advantage of one of these temporary weaknesses, will make themselves masters of our magazines of stores, arms, and artillery. Nothing but their ignorance of our numbers protects us at this very time, when, on the contrary, had we six or eight thousand regular troops, or could the militia, who were with me a few days ago, have been prevailed upon to stay, we could have struck such a stroke, as would have inevitably ruined the army of the enemy, in their divided state. I am not without hopes, that by creating a power- ful diversion on the side of New York, we may still keep their force divided between that province and this ; if so, and a good body of regular troops could 200 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 be thrown in to me, before the roads will be in a con- dition for the enemy, with their reduced wagon and artillery horses, to move out, it perhaps may not be out of my power to strike a decisive blow before spring. This is another and a forcible reason to induce you to send your new levies forward with all expedition. While the men are raising, I beg you will spare no pains to make a collection of all things necessary for their equipment ; not only with such as they can carry with them into the field, but for their use and convenience while they are there, such as spare shoes, stockings, and shirts ; the want of which has been the ruin of the old army. If these articles are provided and put into the hands of the regimen- tal quartermaster, they can always be delivered out when wanted, and stoppages made by the paymasters. I expect the clothier-general will be with the army in a few days, when I shall give him directions to allot a proportion of the clothing lately taken, and purchased for the public, to each State. I have the honor to be, &c. TO GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON. MORRISTOWN, 24 January, 1777. Sir, The irregular and disjointed state of the militia of this province makes it necessary for me to inform you, that, unless a law is immediately passed by your Legislature to reduce them to some order, and oblige them to turn out in a different manner from what they 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 201 have hitherto done, we shall bring very few into the field, and even those few will render little or no ser- vice. Their officers are generally of the lowest class of the people ; and, instead of setting a good exam- ple to their men, are leading them into every kind of mischief, one species of which is plundering the in- habitants, under the pretence of their being Tories. A law should, in my opinion, be passed, to put a stop to this kind of lawless rapine ; for, unless there is something done to prevent it, the people will throw themselves, of choice, into the hands of the British troops. But your first object should be a well-regu- lated militia law. The people, put under good offi- cers, would behave in quite another manner, and not only render real service as soldiers, but would protect, instead of distressing, the inhabitants. What I would wish to have particularly insisted upon, in the new law, should be, that every man, capable of bearing arms, should be obliged to turn out, and not buy off his service by a trifling fine. We want men and not money, I am, &c. GENERAL WASHINGTON'S PROCLAMATION. Whereas several persons, inhabitants of the United States of America, influenced by inimical motives, intimidated by the threats of the enemy, or deluded by a Proclamation issued the 30th of November last, by Lord and General Howe, styled the King's Commissioners for granting pardons, &c. (now at open war, and invading these States), have been so lost to the interest and welfare of their country, as to repair to the enemy, sign a declaration of fidelity, and in some instances have been compelled to take the oath of allegiance, and engaged not to take up arms, 202 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 or encourage others so to do, against the King of Great Britain ; And whereas it has become necessary to distinguish between the friends of America and those of Great Britain, inhabitants of these States ; and that every man who receives protection from, and as a subject of any State, not being conscientiously scru- pulous against bearing arms, should stand ready to defend the same against hostile invasion ; I do therefore, in behalf of the United States, by virtue of the powers committed to me by Con- gress, hereby strictly command and require every person, having subscribed such declaration, taken such oath, and accepted such protection and certificate, to repair to Head-Quarters, or to the quarters of the nearest general ofificer of the Continental army, or militia, until further provision can be made by the civil author- ity, and there deliver up such protection, certificate, and pass- ports, and take the oath of allegiance to the United States of America ; nevertheless hereby granting full liberty to all such as prefer the interest and protection of Great Britain to the freedom and happiness of their country, forthwith to withdraw themselves and families within the enemy's lines. And I do hereby declare, that all and every person, who may neglect or refuse to comply with this order, within thirty days from the date hereof, will be deemed adherents to the King of Great Britain, and treated as common enemies to these American States. Given at Head-Quarters, Morristown, this 25th day of January, 1777.' ' It would hardly be imagined at the present day, that any exceptions could be taken to this proclamation. The circumstances of the case, in fact, seemed to require it, as a necessary check to the effects produced by the measures adopted on the part of the enemy. Yet it was disapproved by some, who be- lieved themselves and doubtless were sincere patriots. Even in Congress there were those, who were not backward to hint, that it was inexpedient, and that, in issuing it, the Commander-in-chief had transgressed the bounds of his power. Mr. Abraham Clark, a delegate from New Jersey, and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, expressed himself as follows, in a letter to Colonel Dayton : " You say that some of our Elizabethtown people want the General to alter his proclamation. It must render any man unpopular to speak in favor of those, who joined the enemy and took protections ; but I think the General's proclamation a violation of our civil rights, and I ventured to call it in question 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 203 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head-Quarters, Morristown, 26 January, 1777. Sir, I was last night honored with yours of the i8th instant, enclosing a letter from the State of New York to Congress. From the particular situation of that State in regard to their being totally deprived of commerce, they certainly must stand in need of the assistance of the other States to provide them with clothing and every thing necessary for the equip- ment of their forces ; and it ever was my intention to allow them a full proportion of the clothing pur- chased to the eastward, whenever it came to hand. Little or none of it has yet reached this army, though in the greatest want, and exposed to the severities of a winter campaign. The Convention have in one instance already provided for themselves out of the public stock, by stopping and making use of twenty- six bales of clothing coming on from the eastward to the army here. As this was done without consulting me, I took the liberty of desiring them not to do the like in future ; not that I meant to deprive them of their share, but because it disappointed me of many in Congress. My motion was committed to a committee, who reported favor- ably of the proclamation ; but, foreseeing their report would be contested, they desired that the same might lie for consi(Jeration ; which, I suppose, was with the design that it should never be called for, and I presume it never will unless I do it, for it is notorious, that the General directly counteracted a resolve of Congress of the gth of March last, strictly forbidding any officer to impose or require any oath of the inhabitants ; and he requires an oath of allegiance to the United States, when such an oath is absurd before our confederation takes place. Each State requires an oath to that particular State. In many other things the proclamation is exceptionable and very improper. I believe the General is honest, but I think him fallible." — MS. Letter, March 7th. 204 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 articles, which I stood in immediate want of, and had not provided from other quarters. But you may be assured, that, whenever returns are made of the whole stock of clothing, they shall have their proportion, and, more than that, allowance for their peculiar situation. I am amazed to hear the complaints of the hospital on the east side of Hudson's River. Dr. Morgan, with most of his mates, has been constantly there since I left it with the main body of the army. It is in vain, however, to look back upon past misfortunes. I will not pretend to point out the causes ; but I know matters have been strangely conducted in the medical line. I hope your new appointment, when it is made, will make the necessary reform in the hos- pital, and that I shall not, the next campaign, have my ears, and eyes too, shocked with the complaints and looks of poor creatures perishing for want of proper care, either in the regimental or hospital surgeons. I agree with the Convention in the expe- diency of obstructing the passage of the North River in some place between the mouth and the Highlands. We have found that our labor and expense have been thrown away in endeavoring to do it below, where the channel is amazingly wide and deep ; but, from the sliofht view I have had of the river above, I think the passage may be easily obstructed, and defended by proper fortifications, as the river is so narrow that no vessel going up could possibly escape the fire. I am no judge of what can be done towards fitting out the frigates at Poughkeepsie ; that must be left to the gentlemen of the marine committee. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 205 The hint given by the Convention of New York, of the necessity and utility of a commissary of forage, had struck me before, and had been mentioned by General Mifflin, whose department of quartermaster- general must be eased of part of the load, which is at present thrown upon it. He is obliged in many in- stances to act entirely out of his proper line ; and instead of being confined to the duty of quartermas- ter-general, is also wagon-master and forage-master general. I have written to two persons, that I think qualified to fill the office of wagon-master ; and I hope one of them will accept. That of commissary of forage shall be attended to. The want of accurate maps of the country, which has hitherto been the scene of war, has been of great disadvantage to me. I have in vain endeavored to procure them, and have been obliged to make shift with such sketches as I could trace out from my own observation, and that of gentlemen around me. I really think, if gen- tlemen of known character and probity could be em- ployed in making maps, from actual survey, of the roads, of the rivers and bridges and fords over them, and of the mountains and passes through them, it would be of the greatest advantage. I had, previous to the receipt of your letter, written to General Howe, and proposed the fixing of an agent for prisoners at New York. I have not re- ceived an answer ; but, if he accedes to the proposal, I shall appoint Mr. Lewis Pintard. I am sorry that I am obliged to contradict the Report of the taking of Fort Independence, as mentioned in my last. I 2o6 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 believe the evacuation of some detatched Redoubts gave Rise to the Report. I have not heard from Genl. Heath since the 14th instant, which I am amazed at. I am quite in the dark as to his Num- bers and what progress he has made.' On the 23d, a party of four hundred of our men, under Colonel Buckner, fell in with two regiments of the enemy, convoying a number of wagons from Brunswic to Amboy. Our advanced party under Colonel Parker engaged them with great bravery upwards of twenty minutes, during which time the colonel-commandant was killed, and the second in command mortally wounded. The people living near the field of action say their killed and wounded were considerable. We lost only two men, who were made prisoners. Had Colonel Buckner come up with the main body. Colo- nel Parker and the other officers think we should have put them to rout, as their confusion was very great, and their ground disadvantageous. I have ordered Buckner under arrest, and shall bring him to trial to answer for so extraordinary a piece of conduct. Reinforcements come up so extremely slow, that I am afraid I shall be left without any men before they arrive. The enemy must be ignorant of our*num- ' " You will receive with this a copy of my letter to you of the igth instant. Two reasons have led me to send it : the one lest the original may have mis- carried ; the other to explain it fully, if you have already received it. I do not mean to tie up your hands from effecting or even attempting any thing, that may prove honorable to yourself or useful to the cause. Although the original design of your movements may not be fully answered in all its parts, yet, if you can take possession of the country round about the city, or the city itself, I do not desire you to desist. I have not been favored with a line from you since the 19th, and that never reached me till this evening. I wish to hear from you frequently." — Washington to Major-Getieral Heath, 27 January 1777. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 207 bers, or they have not horses to move their artillery, or they would not suffer us to remain undisturbed. I have repeatedly written to all the recruiting officers, to forward on their men as fast as they could arm and clothe them ; but they are so extremely averse to turning out of comfortable quarters, that I cannot get a man to come near me, though I hear from all parts that the recruiting service goes on with great success. It would be well if the Board of War, in whose department it is, would issue orders for all officers to equip and forward their recruits to head- quarters with the greatest expedition. By a resolve Congress passed some time ago. General Schuyler is directed to apply to me for ninety-four tons of pow- der, a quantity which it is impossible I should have by me, and for which I do not know where to direct him to apply. I could wish that returns were made to me of the quantity of powder on hand, and where it is to be found, that I may not be at a loss at any time of emergency. Since the resignation of Colonel Reed, the import- ant office of adjutant-general has been left unfilled, I mean as to a principal, and I am much at a loss how or where to find a person in every way capable and proper to execute the office. My inclinations lead me to confer the appointment upon a Major Morris ' ; but ample testimonials should be produced, and full proof of fidelity ought to be made, before an office of so high trust should be conferred upon a person in a manner a stranger to me. I only know Major Morris from a short personal acquaintance, ' ApoUos Morris. 2o8 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 and from report. He never even brought a letter of recommendation to me. From his conversation, and from the accounts I have received from others, he is a man of considerable military abilities ; and, from his behavior in two instances, he is a man of bravery and conduct. His story is simply this ; that he left the British service in disgust upon not receiving a promotion to which he was justly entitled. Perhaps some gentleman of Congress may know more about him, or may be able to make such inquiries as might satisfy them, as to the safety and propriety of appointing him. I have no other motive for wishing him a preference, than that I think him the properest person that has come under my notice, provided all matters before mentioned were cleared up. I shall wait the result of a determination of Congress, before I proceed further in this appointment ; and I wish to be favored with their advice as speedily as possible ; for the remains of the old army are much disarranged for want of a good adjutant-general, and the forma- tion of the new one in a great measure depends upon an able officer in that line. I have the honor to be, &c.^ TO MAJOR-GENERAL SULLIVAN. MORRISTOWN, 28 January, 1777. Dear Sir, The express delivered to me your favor this even- ing. Ignorant as I am of the ground, which you occupy at the Scotch Plains, I cannot positively de- * Read in Congress, February 4th. Referred to the Board of War, 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 209 termine whether it is tenable or not. However, let me recommend to you to consider maturely whether the advantages, that may accrue from your neighbor- hood to the enemy, can balance the consequences, that must result from your being driven from it. It 's true, your being posted so near them will save your scouts a few miles' marching. You have also a better chance of receiving good and early intelligence of their movements ; but 't is as true, that they may and will most certainly very soon discover your real num- bers, and what will follow your being attacked I have already mentioned in mine of this date.' Consult Generals Maxwell and Stephen, lay my letters to you on this head before them, view your continuance there in every point of light, and if you determine that the service may be benefited by remaining where you are, I have no objections to your stay. Upon my word, I think it a manoeuvre of the last conse- quence, and am not without my fears about its success. You will assuredly be attacked in a few days, if they have any spirit left. Knowing your strength, they will do it with a force that will command success, for it will be out of my power to relieve you in time. ' The Commander-in-chief had written in the morning to General Sullivan, as follows : — "Our affairs at present are in a prosperous way. The country seems to entertain an idea of our superiority. Recruiting goes on well, and a belief prevails, that the enemy are afraid of us. If then you should be driven, which nothing but the enemy's want of spirit can prevent, the tables will be turned, the country dispirited, and we shall again relapse into our former dis- credit. I therefore give it as my opinion, that you bad better give your remove to the Scotch Plains the best coloring you can, and return to your former station, or to Springfield, for fear of consequences, which may be extremely injurious to us." 2IO THE WRITINGS OF [1777 Should you determine to remove, remember to give it the air of some manoeuvre, that the enemy may be at a loss what to think of it. I am, &c. TO THE GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA/ MoRRiSTOWN, 31 January, 1777. Sir, • The great countenance and protection shown and given to deserters, by persons in the different neigh- borhoods, from whence they originally came, has made that vice so prevalent in the army, that, unless some very effectual measures are fallen upon to pre- vent it, our new army will scarcely be raised, before it will again dwindle and waste away from that cause alone. I know of no remedy so effectual, as for the different States immediately to pass laws, laying a very severe penalty upon those, who harbor or fail to give information against deserters, knowing them to be such, and strictly enjoining all justices of the peace, and officers of militia to keep a watchful eye over and apprehend all such persons, as shall return from the army without a discharge. In order that this most salutary measure may be carried speedily into execution, I have not only desired Congress to recommend it to the different States, but have myself wrote circular letters to them all, pressing their com- pliance with my request. Desertion must cease of course, when the offenders find that they have no shelter. I have the honor to be, &c.^ ' This letter was sent as a circular to all the States. ^ " There is such a demand upon me from all quarters for money, which I am 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 211 TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL. Headquarters, Morris Town, Sir, I February, 1777. I have the pleasure of yours of the 23d January by Major Wyllys, and thank you for your congratula- tions upon our late successes, which have been at- tended with very happy consequences, as the enemy have remained very quiet at Brunswick and Amboy since the affair at Princetown. I have wrote to Congress in a very pressing man- ner not only to send on a present supply of money, but to forward the check-books and loan-tickets with the greatest expedition. I most sincerely wish it were in my power to pro- cure the immediate release of all our officers and soldiers who have been so unfortunate as to fall into the hands of our enemies ; but when the chance of war has turned the scale against us in point of num- bers what more can be done than to give those a preference who have longest endured captivity ? That I might avoid every imputation of partiality for unable to answer, that I cannot help again pressing you to send on a supply. The recruiting service is almost at a stop here for want of money, and Gov- ernor Trumbull writes me word that it is totally so in Connecticut. He adds, that their loan officers cannot proceed in their business for want of proper cheque books and notes ; but that if they were furnished with them, they could soon take in a sufficient quantity to answer their purposes. I shall be glad to be informed whether I have a right to draw warrants upon the loan officers in the different States. ... I must beg that you will write to the Assemblies of the different States and insist upon their passing a law to inflict a severe and heavy penalty upon those who harbor deserters, knowing them to be such. Our army is shamefully reduced by desertion, and except the people in the country can be forced to give information when deserters return to their old neighborhoods, we shall be obliged to detach one half the army to bring back the other." — Washington to the President of Congress, 31 January, 1777. 212 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 the officers of any particular State, I have in all my letters to General Howe, and to Mr. Loring, the Commissary of prisoners, directed that an equal pro- portion of officers of the Eastern and Southern States be sent out. But without paying any regard to my request, they have given Pennsylvania more than her proportion, having never discharged one of the Maryland officers taken on Long Island. Major Meigs and Captain Hanchet are already released. We have no general officer to propose for Colonel Waterbury, and if we had, General Thompson, who was taken long before, has a preference. If General Howe does not accede to the proposal of Congress for giving up all the Hessian field officers taken at Trenton, for General Lee, Lieuten- ant Colonel Hart and Major Wells will probably come in for their turn of exchange. You, by your return, have sent in but three captains, and I have convinced Major Wyllys, who ranks as captain, that I cannot consent to propose him for one of those without doing injustice to Captain Dearborn, who was taken at Quebec, 31st December, 1775, and Captains Trowbridge and Percival, taken the 27th August last upon Long Island. By my state of the exchange of prisoners, a captain is still due us. If there should be, I have desired Major Wyllys may be accepted for him. You mention the names of several subalterns who were taken upon Long Island and York Island, whose release you would wish, but there are yet eight gen- tlemen taken at Quebec who have a right to a 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 213 preference. I have made a proposition to General Howe, which, if he accepts will give great relief to our prisoners. It is the establishment of an agent, to reside in New York, to see that the prisoners are well used, and to supply them with necessaries. I should have had no objection to appointing Colonel Root, to the command of a regiment, could it possibly be raised upon the terms allowed by Con- gress, which is a bounty of 20 dollars ; but by your State and that of Massachusetts having given an ad- ditional bounty of 33I dollars, not a man can be raised till the eight regiments allotted to your State are full. I have, I may say, unfortunately given seven of the additional regiments to gentlemen of New England, and I was under the strongest hopes that they, from their influence, would have soon filled their regi- ments ; but I cannot suppose that men will enlist for a bounty of 20 dollars, with them, when they can get 53^ dollars from this State. I have the honor, &c.' TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH. MORRISTOWN, 3 February, I777- Dear Sir, Your two favors of the 30th last month reached me last night. I cannot say but I was a good deal sur- 1 "The General positively forbids all recruiting Officers whatever, giving a greater bounty for men, or making them any other promises, than what is par- ticularly mentioned in the Resolve of Congress for that service, nor does he admit of Officers inlisting men out of one State, to serve in another, unless they are of the additional Battalions, the Congress's own Regt. or the Train of Artillery, without Special orders issued for that purpose ; great inconvenience and injustice arising therefrom, and necessary to be prevented." — Orderly Book, 1st February, 1777. 214 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 prised and disappointed at the contents. I never was very sanguine, as to any thing more being effected, than to oblige the garrison either to surrender or evacuate Fort Independence and retire within the Island. As neither has been done, I wish your summons had never been sent, as I am fearful it will expose us to the ridicule of our enemies. By falling back as far as you have done, one valuable purpose of your going down is lost, and that is, depriving the enemy of the forage of which they are in extreme want, and collecting it for our own use.' If my accounts from Brunswic are true, the enemy have, notwithstanding your being upon their backs, drawn considerable reinforcements from New York. If so, and you think that nothing of consequence can be effected by you in the neighborhood of Kings- bridge, I would have you leave a sufficient force at ' This expedition was originally a project of the Convention of New York, and, by the consent and order of General Washington, who also had a larger object in view, it was put under the direction of General Heath, as the Conti- nental commander in that district. General John Morin Scott headed a body of the New York co-operating militia. This gentleman and Mr. William Duer, both members of the Convention, were, with two or three others, appointed a committee to manage the affair in behalf of that assembly ; — MS. Journal of the Convention, December 19th, 2ist, 23d, 1776. They wrote separately to General Washington, disapproving the manner in which the attempt had been conducted. General Parsons expressed himself to the same effect. In reply to the above letter. General Heath wrote ; — " When I received your Excellency's orders to march towards Kingsbridge, nothing could be more agreeable ; but I cannot say that the taking command of a body of troops en- tirely militia was so. It was indeed far otherwise. Upon my arrival before the fort I summoned the garrison to surrender, as your Excellency is sensible is the practice on the first investing of a place. And this I did in particular at the motion of a gentleman before I left Peekskill, as it was supposed the garrison consisted of Hessian troops, and from some preceding circumstances it might answer a very good purpose. And although some of the enemy may laugh at a fort being summoned and not taken, I believe they will scarcely publish the 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 215 Peekskill to make the passes secure, and throw the remainder over the river with orders to march imme- diately down here. For if the troops return from Rhode Island, and do not find you in Westchester county, they will certainly join their main body at Brunswic, and the garrison of York Island may likewise be much reduced, and the troops drawn from thence be likewise sent here. We must, in that case, collect all our force to oppose theirs. I wish we could possibly have foreseen, that the diversion upon your side would not have had the desired effect ; for with the additions of the three thousand four hundred men, that have been with you, we could have dis- tracted the enemy with a variety of attacks, and made some considerable advantages. The report of Carleton's army having joined Howe's is certainly without foundation. summons. After this I called a council of war, as I did in every instance of importance during our continuance before the fort, and in every one of them the council was unanimous. I have taken the liberty of enclosing one of them, namely, that preceding our removal, by which your Excellency will perceive, that the landing of Lord Percy to surround us was not so much as mentioned. The facts were briefly these. The troops were scattered in a circle of more than eight miles. We tried to hut them, but the rain had driven four of General Lincoln's regiments from their huts, with the loss of nearly all their ammuni- tion. The enemy had sallied early one morning and surprised one of our outguards. The regiment nearest the place was struck with a panic, and had quitted their quarters, leaving their baggage. The troops were so scat- tered as not to be collected in less than two or three hours ; in which case those that were quartered within cannon-shot of the fort would be entirely cut to pieces before they could be supported. A diffidence and uneasiness were discovered in even the bravest officers, in such a situation, and a universal desire to get more advantageously quartered. Every officer objected to a storm, as they apprehended the militia inadequate to such an enterprise. Every purpose it was supposed would be, and has been, answered by the troops in their present cantonment, except that of reducing the fort." — Letter, February 6th. 2i6 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 The securing the forage in West Chester County, for our own use, or depriving the enemy from carry- ing it off for theirs, is an object of so much moment, that I desire some measures may yet be fallen upon to effect one or the other. Suppose a light body of troops, under an active officer, sufficient to repel any foraging parties of the Enemy, except they came out in very large bodies, should be left behind, and sta- tioned as near Kingsbridge as possible. While they kept a good lookout they never could be surprised, for not being encumbered with any baggage, they could always move at a moment's warning if the Enemy came out with a superior force, and move back when they returned. This would oblige them to forage with such large covering parties, that it would in a manner harrass their troops to death. We have found the advantage of such practices with us, for by keeping four or five hundred men far ad- vanced, we not only oblige them to forage with parties of 1,500 and 2,000 to cover, but every now and then give them a smart brush. Your Waggons might always safely be at work in the rear of your party, for, at this season of the year, Kingsbridge is the only point from whence the Enemy can issue. As to the number necessary for the above purpose, I would have you consult Mr. Duer and the gentlemen who best know the Country. After fixing that matter, you will next determine what number are to be left at Peekskill, and I would have the remainder immediately marched forward to join me. One thing I would wish you to observe, that is, that the 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 217 Troops that come over should be those who have the longest time to serve. In one of your former letters, you desired leave to return for a while to New Eng- land, when the service would admit of it, I have no objection to your doing it after you have made the arrangements recommended above. I must only wish that you will return as soon as your private affairs will admit, for several of the general officers are de- sirous of making a visit to their respective homes, before the campaign opens in the spring. I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH. MoRRiSTOWN, 3 February, 1777. Dear Sir, This letter is in addition to my public one of this date. It is to hint to you, and I do it with concern, that your conduct is censured (and by men of sense and judgment, who have been with you on the expe- dition to Fort Independence,) as being fraught with too much caution, by which the army has been disappointed, and in some degree disgraced. Your summons, as you did not attempt to fulfil your threats, was not only idle but farcical, and will not fail of turning the laugh exceedingly upon us. These things I mention to you as a friend, for you will per- ceive that they have composed no part of my public letter. Why you should be so apprehensive of being surrounded, even if Lord Percy had landed, I cannot conceive. You know that landing men, and procuring 2i8 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 horses, are not the work of an hour, a day, or even a week. Upon the whole it appears to me from informa- tion, that, if you had pushed vigorously, upon your first going to Fort Independence, the post would have been carried ; and query may it not yet be taken by surprise? It is nothing for a party of light troops to march twelve or fourteen miles in the course of five or six hours. An expedition therefore undertaken with precaution, and conducted with secrecy in a dark night, may be attended with fortunate consequences. I drop this hint ; you may improve or reject it, as circumstances will justify. Too large a body for such an enterprise might be unwieldy, and expose the measure to discovery. I am, dear Sir, &c.' TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. MoRRiSTOWN, 5 February, 1777. Sir, I am honored with yours of the 24 January with sundry Resolves of Congress and a petition of Monsr. Pellisier's inclosed. I am not the proper [person] to refer the Petition to, as I am no judge of his merit as an Engineer, having never had an opportunity of ' " Many persons are extremely dissatisfied with numbers of the General offi- cers of the highest rank. I don't mean the Commander in Chief, his character is justly very high, but Schuyler, Putnam, Spencer, Heath, are thought by very few to be capable of the great command they hold. We hear of none of their heroic deeds of arms. I wish they would all resign. For my part, I will vote upon the genuine principles of a republic for a new election of General officers annually, and every man shall have my consent to be left out who does not give sufficent proof of his qualification." — John Adams to his wife, 21 February, 1777. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 219 seeing any of his performances. At any rate I do not see the necessity of appointing him or any other person principal Engineer, at Ticonderoga, for that would exclude any other, tho' of superior Abilities from being sent there. Besides as a Corps of En- gineers will in all probability be soon established, Monsr. Pellisier's Rank can then be settled with more propriety. I forgot to mention in any of my former Letters that I had appointed Capt. Nathaniel Guest ' of Vir- ginia to the command of a Regiment to be raised upon the Frontiers of Virginia and Carolina, and I have directed him if possible to bring a Company or two of Cherokee Indians. If they can be procured they will answer two valuable purposes, one as excel- lent Scouts, the other, that they will be in fact Hos- tages, and will secure the good behavior of their Nation. Major Bland, commandant of the Virginia Horse, has desired to know whether there is not a necessity of giving a Bounty and reinlisting his Regiment as continental Troops. They were inlisted to serve in the Colony and the Men were with some difficulty prevailed upon to march hither, but the Major thinks they would be entirely reconciled upon receiving the Bounty. I received a Letter from Mr. Chase desiring I would appoint proper persons to make enquiry into and take depositions concerning the Behavior of the British and Foreign Troops in Jersey. This would ' Usually spelled Gist. 2 20 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 be an endless task, as their line of march is marked with devastation, and is a thing of such public noto- riety, that it demands no further proof. I remon- strated with Genl. Howe upon the treatment of our wounded at Princetown ; you will see by the enclosed letter from him, that he disavows and detests the proceeding. But I fear that too much encourage- ment is given to such barbarous Behavior, by the British officers, for in a late skirmish in which Sir William Erskine commanded, Lieut. Kelly of the 5th Virginia Regiment was slightly wounded in the thigh, but before he could get off the field, he was overtaken, and murthered in a most cruel manner. General Stephen informed me that he would write to Sir William and inform him, that unless such prac- tices were put a stop to, our Soldiers would not be restrained from making retaliation.' By a letter from General Heath, of the 30th of last month, I find that he had decamped from the neigh- borhood of Kingsbridge, and removed back towards the White Plains. His reasons for doing so were, that the troops could not stand the inclemency of the weather, and that he feared the troops expected from Rhode Island would land upon his back. I have, however, directed him to have a body of light ' " I shall therefore employ some proper person to take the depositions of people in the different parts of the province of New Jersey, who have been plundered after having taken protection and subscribed the Declaration. "One thing I must remark in favor of the Hessians, and that is, that our people, who have been prisoners, generally agree that they received much kinder treatment from them, than from the British officers and soldiers. The barbarities at Princeton were all committed by the British, there being no Hes- sians there." — Washington to Samuel Chase, 5 February, 1777. 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 221 troops under an active officer, in order to harass their foraging parties, and to cover our own, who are to remove as much of the forage from Westchester county as they can ; and, after leaving as many men as will secure the passes in the Highlands, the remain- der are to be sent over here to join me ; for I am ap- prehensive that the enemy are reinforcing themselves at Brunswic. I shall to-morrow send out parties from every quarter to remove all the wagons, horses, cattle, and sheep, or as many as possible, from the neighborhood of the enemy's lines. They are to attend particularly to the horses ; for, if we can reduce those that they at present have, and can hinder them from getting fresh ones from the adjacent country, it will be impossible for them to move their artillery and wagons forward, should they incline to make another push towards Philadelphia. 7P w W Tv TT W Nothing of consequence has happened since I wrote to you last, except a skirmish on the ist of this month five or six miles from Brunswic landing, be- tween our advanced parties about seven hundred in the whole, and upwards of two thousand of the Enemy under Sir William Erskine. The Heat of the engagement was between Colo. Scott of the 5th Virginia Regiment, who with about one hundred men, beat back two hundred of the British Grena- diers. Several other Officers behaved with great spirit, but there is some reason to suspect that Colo. Andrew Ward who commanded our main Body, did not behave altogether as he ought. 222 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 I have ordered a Court upon him, that the matter may be fairly canvassed, and that he may stand condemned or acquitted by the Evidence of those who were present. Colo. Buckner of the 6th Virginia Regiment who was under Arrest upon a charge of cowardice, broke his parole and went over to Bucks County, I suppose with an intent to make his Escape, but I dispatched a Troop of Light Horse after him, who brought him back yesterday, and he is to take his tryal on Friday. The smallpox has made such head in every quar- ter, that I find it impossible to keep it from spreading through the whole army in the natural way. I have therefore determined, not only to inoculate all the troops now here that have not had it, but shall order Dr. Shippen to inoculate the recruits as fast as they come to Philadelphia. They will lose no time, because they will go through the disorder while their clothing, arms, and accoutrements are getting ready. From the first institution of civil government, it has been the national policy of every precedent State to endeavor to engage its members to the discharge of their duty by the obligation of some oath. Its force and happy influence have been felt in too many instances to need any arguments to support the policy or prove its utility. I have often thought the States have been too negligent in this particular, and am more fully convinced of it from the effect General Howe's excursion has produced in New Jersey. An oath is the only substitute that can be adopted to supply the defect of principle. By our inattention in this article, we lose a considerable cement to our own force, and 1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 223 give the enemy an opportunity to make the first tender of the oath of allegiance to the King. Its baneful influence is but too severely felt at this time. The people generally confess they were compelled to take protection, and subscribe the Declaration, yet it furnishes many with arguments to refuse taking any active part ; and further they allege themselves bound to a neutrality at least. Many conscientious people, who were well-wishers to the cause, had they been bound to the States by an oath, would have suffered any punishment rather than have taken the oath of allegiance to the King ; and are now lost to our in- terest for want of this necessary tie. Notwithstanding the obligations of the Association, they do not con- ceive it to have the same effect as an oath. The more united the inhabitants appear, the greater difficulty General Howe will have in reconciling them to regal government, and consequently the less hope of con- quering them. For these reasons, and many more that might be urged, I should strongly recommend to every State to fix upon some oath or affirmation of allegiance, to be tendered to all the inhabitants with- out exception, and to outlaw those that refuse it. I have the honor to be, &c.' TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL ARNOLD. MORRISTOWN, 6 February, 1777. Dear Sir, I was this evening favored with your letter of the 30th ultimo, and am sorry to find the forces now assembled in Rhode Island are not competent to the ' Read in Congress February 14th. 224 THE WRITINGS OF [1777 projects you have in view.' The propriety of the attack, or of the plan, I cannot determine. The map you sent, and for which I return you my thanks, gives me an idea of the situation of the Island, but not so accurately as to pronounce upon the matter with precision. If the attack can be made, with a strong probability, almost amounting to a certainty of success, it is much to be desired ; otherwise I would not advise it ; for, as a favorable issue would be productive of the most valuable and important consequences, so on the other a miscarriage would lead to those of the most melancholy nature. I have wrote General Spencer on the subject, wishing every ' 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. 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. 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 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, 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 : — " 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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. — 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 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. ^,<&./^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.]