Premeir (especially if he should find the opposition powerful) intends to submit the decision of these matters to Parliament. The Speech, the Addresses, and Debates for which we are looking in every direction, will give a data from which the bright rays of the one, or the gloomy prospect of the other, may be discovered. If Historiographers should be hardy enough to fill the page of History with the advantages that have been gained with unequal numbers (on the part of America) in the course of this contest, and attempt to relate the distressing circumstances under which they have been obtained, it is more than probable that Posterity will bestow on their labors the epithet and marks of fiction; for it will not be believed that such a force as Great Britain has employed for eight years in this Country could be baffled in their plan of Subjugating it by numbers infinitely less, composed of Men oftentimes half starved; always in Rags, without pay, and experiencing, at times, every species of distress which human nature is capable of undergoing. I intended to have wrote you a long letter on sundry matters but Majr. Burnett popped in unexpectedly, at a time when I was preparing for the Celebration of the day; and was just going to a review of the Troops, previous to the Fue de joy. As he is impatient, from an apprehension of the Sleighing failing. and as he can give you the occurrences of this quarter more in detail than I have time to do, I will refer you to him. I cannot omit informing you however, that I let no oppertunity slip to enquire after your Son George** at Princeton, and that it is with pleasure I hear he enjoys good health, and is a fine promising boy. On February 6 Washington wrote to Gates that he was satisfied with the reasons Gates assigned [for his posting Lieutenant Colonels Newhall and Hull to the Fourth and Sixth Massachusetts Regiments, respectively]. This draft is in the Washington Papers. 1783] PAULDING'S EXCHANGE 105 Mrs. Washington joins me in most Affectionate regards, and best wishes for Mrs Greene and yourself. With great truth and sincerity and every sentiment of friendship. I am etc. TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM STEPHENS SMITH 45 Head Quarters, February 6, 1783. Sir: In a late Excursion of the Militia on the other side under Cap Williams, John Paulding, one of the Persons who took Major André, was made Prisoner with some others. His friends, apprehensive for his safety, have made intercession with the General on his behalf and, tho' His Excellency does not approve the excursions of these people, yet in consideration of the former services Mr. Paulding has rendered the Country, and as we have in the Provost Guard, four Prisoners taken by them some time since. He has been pleased to consent that those four Prisoners be sent in on Parole and you will desire the Enemy to send out on Parole for them the within mentioned Persons.46 The Prisoners to be sent in will be forwarded from hence tomorrow Morning. I have the honor etc.* TO COLONEL MICHAEL JACKSON OR 47 Head Quarters, Newburgh, February 7, 1783. Sir: I am excessively sorry to be under the disagreeable necessity of informing you that the 8th Masstts. Regt. was one of the 45 Capt. Daniel Williams, of Dutchess County (N. Y.) militia. "Walker wrote again to Lieutenant Colonel Smith, this same day (February 6), that 6 prisoners would be sent down for parole exchange, instead of 4. Walker's draft is in the Washington Papers. "The draft is in the writing of and is signed “B[enjamin] W[alker]." Corps alluded to in the orders of this day, as not having made that elegant appearance at the Review yesterday which was expected. Let me entreat and conjure you, Sir, in the most forcible terms, and let me enjoin it upon both Officers [and Men] that the greatest possible exertions should be made to put the Regt in a more respectable condition before another Review: in order to save me the irksome task of carrying into execution what I have promised in the orders of this day and then the otherwise inevitable disgrace of being held up to public view in a disagreeable manner. These observations will be understood to apply only to the Battalion Companies; for in justice to the Lt Compy I must say that I thought very few, if any, in the Line made a more soldierlike figure. I am etc.48 TO COLONEL LEWIS NICOLA February 7, 1783. Sir: I return the Certificate respecting Loudon Sawyer.“ Of those Men who have neglected to Join or have deserted and may hereafter come in, such only as are fit for duty must be reced, the others can have no claim. I am &c." 50 TO MAJOR THOMAS LANSDALE Head Quarters, Newburgh, February 7, 1783. Sir: It gave me very sensible pleasure to observe at the Review yesterday the very great alteration for the better in the appearance of the Maryland Detachment, which had taken place, since 49 "The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys. 'In Nicola's letter of February 6 this name is given as Lowdon Sayer. The certificate seems to have been to grant him entrance to the Invalid regiment. Nicola's letter is in the Washington Papers. 50 The draft is in the writing of Benjamin Walker. 1783] BLANKET ISSUE 107 I last saw them under Arms. Be pleased to make known to the Officers and Men the satisfaction I experienced on this occasion; and at the same time to acquaint them, that I anticipate the day, when this Detachment will rival if not surpass in excellence the Oldest and best Troops in the American service. [I feel as much pleasure in passing this encomium on it as I did pain at writing my former Letter of the 25th. ulto. on the contrary appearance of your Corps &c.] I am etc."1 TO DAVID BROOKS Head Quarters, February 7, 1783. Sir: An Order is given for the Regimental Pay Mastrs to apply for their proportion of Blankets. General Hazen's Regt is to be included in all distributions of Cloathg unless you shall receive particular Orders to the contrary. For upon that General Officer's representing, that there had been an unequal and partial distribution of Cloathg relatively to his Corps and applying to know how the wants of the Regt should be supplied, he was referred by the Commander in chief to your Department with particular directions to make application to you and exhibit the proper Returns; by a comparison of which the Issues made in Philadelphia, His Excellency supposed you would be able to do ample justice to the Corps. I am etc.52 To JONATHAN HOBBY Head Quarters, Newburgh, February 7, 1783. Sir: As the Court of Enquiry upon a revisal of their Proceedings are still of opinion that the Negro man claimed by you is "The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys. The portion in brackets is in the writing of Washington. 52 53 The draft is in the writing of and is signed "D Humphrys A. D. C." legally holden to serve the term he is inlisted for, and that your only remedy is against the State. The Commander in Chief does not think himself authorized to discharge the Sd Negro, unless another man is obtained by the State, or otherwise, to serve in his room. I am etc.53 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Newburgh, Friday, February 7, 1783. Parole Dartmouth. Countersigns Epsom, Philadelphia. For the day tomorrow Major Morrell. For duty the 4th. Massachusetts regiment. The Commander in chief orders it to be signified to the troops of this Cantonment that he was yesterday perfectly satisfied with their appearance in general. He thinks proper however in justice to his own observations and the reputation of those corps which made the most respectable figure, to observe that the distinction hereafter will be publickly noticed unless an alteration shall take place before another Review. The regimental paymasters are desired to apply at the Cloathers store in Newburgh for a proportion of blanketts. TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL EZRA NEWHALL Head Quarters, Newburgh, February 8, 1783. Sir: I am excessively sorry to be under the disagreeable necessity of informing you that the 5th. Masstts Regt was one of the Corps alluded to in the Orders of this day, as not having made that elegant appearance at the Review yesterday, which was expected. Let me entreat and conjure you, Sir, in the most forcible 53 The draft is in the writing of and is signed “D Humphrys A. D. C." |