very earnestly on the General Officers to assist in putting the Army in the best possible condition for activity of Service: but as you will have learnt my sentiments on this matter from the transcript of an Order which has been forwarded to you officially by the Adjutant General, I have only to enquire when I may actually expect the pleasure of seeing you at the Army, and to assure you that I am &c."1 TO MAJOR JAMES RANDOLPH REID [MS. H.S.] Head Quarters, Newburgh, February 22, 1783. Sir: I have recd your favor of this date, and have to inform you that there are some circumstances which render it inexpedient for a furlough to be granted to you at this Moment, in a few days (by the first of March I presume) you may expect the permission you sollicit. As no Warrants for Pay or Subsistence are now given by me, it will be proper to make your Arrangements on that head with the Depy Pay Mastr Genl in such Manner as that the Money may be properly accounted for. I am etc.22 TO SAMUEL ADAMS AND TRISTRAM DALTON 28 Head Quarters, Newburgh, February 22, 1783. Gentlemen: I have been honoured by the hands of Genl Lincoln and Mr. Higginson with the joint address of the Honble the Senate, and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated the 8th day of this Month, containing a representation respecting the British Post at Penobscot, "In the writing of David Humphreys. 22 The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys. 23 President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts, respectively. 1783] PENOBSCOT EXPEDITION 155 and the dangerous situation of the eastern frontiers of the Commonwealth; together with some proposals for the defence, or entire liberation thereof from danger. Ever disposed to give the utmost succour to every part of the United States (which the means entrusted to my care will enable me to do), when invaded or menaced by the Enemy, I can never fail to pay a due consideration to the calls of a State, whose exertions have been so great and meritorious as those of Massachusetts. There are, however, two things in expectation which do at this time prevent my giving any possitive Answer to the propositions in question; and which may, in case either of them should take effect, eventually supersede the necessity of taking any farther Measures on the subject; the first is (the most desireable of all Events) a general Pacification; the second (should the first mentioned Event not happen) is a project for attacking the Garrison of New York with an intention to reduce or exterminate the Enemy by a single decisive effort; should this be resolved on as the most eligible Measure, after the maturest deliberation, it will doubless be conceded on all hands, that, while our Resources ought to be opened for the attainment ofthis object, every subordinate consideration must of course give place to one of almost infinitely greater Magnitude. But as these Matters are now before Congress, to whom I have had the honor of submitting them, and whose decision respecting offensive or defensive operations, I shall await for the Government of my future conduct; I can only add, that altho I do not conceive how a serious Expedition could, with any prospect of success, be attempted against the Enemy at Penobscot without a Naval co-operation, on account of the heavy expense and consequent impracticability of land transportation for the Artillery, Stores &c; I beg it may nevertheless be understood I shall always be ready to give my concurrence to any judicious Plans which will contribute to the security of the exposed extremeties of your Commonwealth, whenever the circumstances will admit, and whenever an object of confessedly higher consideration and importance shall not occur to prevent it. In the mean time, should the War be protracted and only defensive Measures adopted; the protection and safety of the eastern frontiers of your State (a territory whose utility is very deeply impressed upon me) will claim and receive my particular attention. With perfect respect, etc.24 GENERAL ORDERS Saturday, February 22, 1783. Parole Georgia. Countersigns Huntington, Indoston. For duty the 6th Massachusetts regiment. In order to extend the weekly allowances of pay to all Noncommissioned officers and privates who may be present with the Army during any part of the time such payment shall be made, altho' they have not been included in the Musters or Pay rolls for the month of January they are (after having been mustered seperately or collectively) to be included in the Weekly Abstracts for pay, and the aggregate of such men are to be annexed to the Pay rolls of the several regiments for the month of January at the conclusion of the payments for that month, with a Certificate from the Inspector that they have been duly mustered for said month. Whenever the rolls are thus made to correspond with the weekly payments, attested Copies are to be lodged at the War office without delay. "The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys. 1783] OVERALLS AND BREECHES 157 *To MISS LUCY RANDOLPH 25 Newburgh, February 23, 1783. Madam: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 20th. of last Month, and to inform you that your Letter to Sir Guy Carleton covering one for Mrs. Necks was sent into New York last Week, and that I had a pleasure in doing it. If, at any time, you should have occasion to write to your Friends in England and will send the Letters under cover to me, I will take care to have them forwarded safely to the extremity of our lines. I pray to make a tender of my best respects to Mrs. Randolph. I have the honor etc. GENERAL ORDERS Sunday, February, 23 1783. Parole Kilmarnack. Countersigns Lancaster, Mountholly. For the day tomorrow Major Carr.26 For duty the 2d. Massachusetts regiment. TO THE SECRETARY AT WAR Head Quarters, February 24, 1783. Dear Sir: When you passed the Army in December I believe you was fully impressed with the necessity of furnishing at least one pair of Woolen overalls pr man; the necessity is daily increasing, for the building of the Hutts has almost entirely destroyed their last Years breeches; I must therefore again take the liberty to urge in the strongest terms that a supply of this 25Of Wilton, Va. *Maj. James Carr, of the New Hampshire battalion. He served to November, 1782. Article may be sent on as soon as possible. The Officers are making every possible exertion, to put the old Cloathing into as good a state as it will admit, to give it a tolerably decent appearance. The scarlet Cloth for facings &c will be wanted. I have repeatedly pressed the sending on a farther Supply of Shirts, so as to compleat each Man to two a principle of œconomy (if there was no other consideration) would induce this, for without a Change, the one Shirt will soon be rotted off their backs. You mentioned when here that you would furnish me with a Return of the Ordnance Stores on hand in the several Magazines of the United States. I wish to remind you of this. with very great regard etc. P.S. Your Letter of the 19 inclosing the contracts is received." GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Newburgh, Monday, February 24, 1783. Parole Norway. Countersigns Ohio, Pottsgrove. For the day tomorrow Lt. Colonel Vandyke. For duty the 8th. Massachusetts regiment. year The Non arrival of the Cloathing expected from Europe renders the gratest Oeconemy in that article doubly necessary. The Commander in Chief therefore recommends that the business of turning and repairing the Coats of last should now be considered as a primary object, in doing which a certain Model as to the fashion and length (for the coats ought to be made something shorter than at present) will be established by the Commanding officer of the Corps, from which there must be no deviation. Should the men in any instance presume |