1783]

WOMEN AND CHILDREN

199

can be done upon consistent principles, and such as will not involve future Inconvenience. Their own Memorials, which I expect will be presented to Congress, will shew the Claims of the Gentlemen entertain from the length of their Services. I have the Honor etc."

97

TO HEZEKIAH WETMORE 98

Head Quarters, March 8, 1783. Sir: The Commander in Chief is clearly of opinion, that under the peculiar circumstances of the R Island Regt. the full amount of subsistence for all the Officers of it, ought to be paid for the month of March. I am etc.

99

TO MAJOR GENERAL HENRY KNOX

Head Quarters, March 8, 1783. Dear Sir: The Women of the New York Regt. of Artillery have applied to me on the Subject of allowing them and their Children Provisions.

The number of Women and Children in the New York Regiments of Infantry before the new System of Issues took place obliged me, either to depart from that System and allow them provision or by driving them from the Army risk the loss of a number of Men, who very probably would have followed their Wives. I preferred the former and accordingly directed that the whole of the Women and Children then with the Troops, should be allowed to draw as usual. So far as the Artillery Regimt. was under the same circumstances they are entitled to the same indulgence: but as that indulgence was to

In the writing of Jonathan Trumbull, jr.

Deputy Paymaster General.

"The draft is in the writing of and the letter sent is signed by David Humphreys.

remedy, and not to create, an evil, I would by no means extend it to Women who on the prospect of it, have since been brought into Camp; and I would wish you to see that no such do draw Provisions. I am etc.1

[MS. H.S.]

TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCE

Head Quarters, March 8, 1783.

Sir: Very painful Sensations are excited in my Mind by your Letter of the 27th. of Feby. It is impossible for me to express to you the Regret, with which I received the Information it contains.2

I have often reflected, with much Solicitude, upon the disagreeableness of your Situation and the Negligence of the several States, in not enabling you to do that Justice to the public Creditors, which their Demands require. I wish the Step you have taken, may sound the Alarm to their inmost Souls, and rouse them to a just Sense of their own Interest, honor and Credit. But I must confess to you, that I have my fears, [for as danger becomes further removd from them] their feelings seem to be more callous to those noble Sentiments, with which I could wish to see them inspired, mutual Jealousies, local prejudices, and misapprehensions have taken such deep Root, as will not easily be removed.

Notwithstandg the Embarrassments which you have experienced, I was in hopes that you would have continued your Efforts to the Close of the War, at least; but if your Resolutions are absolutely fixed, I assure you I consider the Event, as one of the most unfortunate that could have fallen upon the States, and most sincerely deprecate the sad Consequences which I fear will follow. The Army, I am sure, at the same Time that

'In the writing of Benjamin Walker.

"The resignation of Morris as Superintendent of Finance.

1783]

FIRE PREVENTION

201

they entertain the highest Sense of your Exertions, will lament the Step you are obliged to take, as a most unfortunate Circumstance to them. I am &c.3

GENERAL ORDERS

Head Quarters, Newburgh, Saturday, March 8, 1783. Parole Goshen. Countersigns Hartford, Islington. For the day tomorrow Major Ashley.

For duty the 4th. Massachusetts regiment.

All officers and soldiers are requested to use their endeavours to prevent fires from spreading over the Country contiguous to the Cantonments, in case of any accidental communication of fire, Commanding officers of the nearest regiments or Brigades will be pleased to order out their corps and have the flames extinguished immediately: so as to prevent the distruction of the neighbouring Fences and woods.

The Quarter Master General will settle with Major General Knox the manner in which two packet Boats shall ply daily between the Village of Newburgh and the Garrison of Westpoint, in order to accomodate all Gentlemen of the Army who may have occasion to pass by Water, from the Cantonments to the Garrison, or from the Garrison to the army. This will superscede the necessity of drawing men from the Line, and attaching them to the boats or barges of any particular officers.

TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL

WILLIAM STEPHENS SMITH

Head Quarters, March 9, 1783.

Dr Sir: The Commander in Chief desires you will send in to N York the Naval Prisoners forwarded to you by the Adjt Genl

The draft is in the writing of Jonathan Trumbull, jr.

and have proper Rects taken for them; unless there should be a Commissy of Marine Prisoners at Dobb's Ferry who will in that case negociate the business. Pray inform us whether there is such a Commisy residt there or not. I am etc.*

GENERAL ORDERS

Head Quarters, Newburgh, Sunday, March 9, 1783. Parole Kingston. Countersigns London, Mindon. For the day tomorrow Major Porter.

For duty the 2d Massachusetts regiment.

The Commander in chief having yesterday observed Lt. Bradford of the 7th. Massachusetts regiment marching a Guard in a very irregular and unmilitary manner thinks proper to give him this public admonition to be ware of such conduct in future; and at the same time to signify to the whole army that he is resolved no irregularity which comes to his knowledge shall pass unnoticed.

The Serjeant and sentinel accused of robbing the Clothiers store are to be brought to tryal instantly and the proceedings reported as soon as possible to Head Quarters.

The General Courtmartial of which Colonel M. Jackson is president will assemble for the purpose tomorrow morning ten o'clock.

*To JAMES MITCHELL VARNUM

Newburgh, March 10, 1783. Dear Sir: I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 21st. Ulto. and beg your acceptance of my particular acknowledgments for the honorauble and flattering manner in which

The draft is in the writing of and is signed "D Humphrys A D C." "Lieut. Andrew Bradford. He served to April, 1783.

1783]

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS

203

you have spoken of me, in the dedication to your Oration, delivered before our Brethren at Providence.

The Sentiments which you have expressed in your Oration® I have read with pleasure, and am with great esteem etc.

*To ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON

Newburgh, March 10, 1783.

Dear Sir: The honor of your favor, dated, the 26th. Ult, inclosing the resolves of Congress of the 20th. preceding, and a state of the Negociations for a general pacification (when your last advices were dated) came duly to hand; and I thank you for the information, and your observations thereon.

The present state of suspence, in which we are held with respect to Peace or War is not more irksome than it is unaccountable; unless the detention of the Cadiz Fleet, giving more time for mænuvring, has inspired hope in some of the contending parties of bettering their terms; especially on the part of Great Britain on whom I suppose the treaty will bear hardest.

Mrs. Washington unites her compliments and best wishes with mine, to Mrs. Livingston, and the other ladies of your family. I am etc.

TO THE SECRETARY AT WAR

Head Quarters, March 10, 1783. Sir: I have the honor to inclose you a return of the Canadians who are drawing Provisions in this Department from the Public,

"An Oration: | delivered in | The Episcopal Church in Providence (RhodeIsland) | Before the | Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of | Free and Accepted | Masons, On the American Festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27, 1782, ... | Providence: Printed by John Carter. " From a pamphlet which is in the Washington Papers.