changing. the reason of my mentioning these matters to you is. that you may enquire into her real wants and see what is necessary to make her comfortable. If the Rent is insufficient to do this, while I have anything I will part with it to make her so; and wish you to take measures in my behalf accordingly; at the sametime I wish you to represent to her in delicate terms the impropriety of her complaints and acceptance of favors even where they are voluntarily offered, from any but relations. It will not do to touch upon this subject in a letter to her, and therefore I have avoided it. I do not believe that Sir Guy Carleton gives any countenance to those dirty piccaroons that infest your Rivers. If they are encouraged at all, it must be by the Admiral in whose Element they are; but I am rather inclined to think that they are Navigated by a Lawless Banditti who would rob both sides with equal facility, if they could do it with equal impunity. With respect to Peace, we are held in a very disagreeable state of suspence; and shall I expect remain in it till sometime in February. My opinion of it however, has been uniformly the same since the death of the Marquis of Rockingham and appointment of the present Premier. It is thought nothing would be concluded till the meeting of the British Parliament in November, and if the influence of the Crown could prevent it, that it would not take place even then, if the Independence of this Country is to be the consequence of it. . . . tho' the patience of them is equally thread bear it seems to be a matter of small concern to those at a distance. In truth if one was to 65 hazard an opinion .65 that the Troops have ever yet been in. I am very sorry to find that my Sister was in bad health. I suppose you are to be congratulated on your Gouty fit. My The omitted portions are identical with those in Washington's letter to Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, Jan. 10, 1783, q. v. 1783] PROVISION SPOILAGE 45 love in which Mrs. Washington joins is offered to you both, and to the rest of the Family. Compliments to all friends, with much sincerity I am etc. Head Quarters, Newburgh, January 17, 1783. Sir: The Commander in Chief expects whenever there are two Field Officers with the Regt. on the Lines, that one of them will take the Command of the Posts at Kings Ferry and at other times that the senior Officer present will have the general superintendance of them. As to the salted provisions which is in danger of being spoiled; His Excellency thinks, if it is the property of the present Contractors, their Commissary at Kings ferry ought to be informed of it, that he may take measures to have it issued or put in better order; and indeed if it belongs to the public, he wishes similar measures may be adopted without delay. I am &c.67 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Newburgh, Friday, January 17, 1783. Parole Kalendar. Countersigns Louisbough, Madiera. For the day tomorrow Major Oliver. 68 For duty tomorrow the Maryland Detachment. In consequence of the promotion of Brigadrs. Generals, Greaton, Putnam, and Dayton, Lieutenant Colonel Mellon is Of the Second Continental Artillery. He was transferred to the corps of artillery in June, 1783, and served to June, 1784. The draft is in the writing of and is signed "D Humphrys, A. D. C." Maj. Robert Oliver, of the Second Massachusetts Regiment. He served to November, 1783. On January 17 Benjamin Walker wrote to Jonathan Smith, the State recruiting officer for Massachusetts, explaining the case of Joseph and William Hackney, charged with a double enlistment. Walker's draft is in the Washington Papers. posted to the 3d. and Lieutenant Colo. Cobb to the 5th. Regiments of Massachusetts, as Lieutenant Colonels commandants. Lieutenant Colonel Barber takes command of the 2d. regiment of Jersey as Lieutenant Colonel Commandant. Major General Gates will be pleased to ascertain what transference of officers from one corps to another will be rendered necessary in consequence of this arrangement, and post them accordingly. It is with great pleasure the General communicates to the Army the following translation of a Letter, he received yesterday from the Minister of France: TO HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON Philadelphia, January 10, 1783. Gentlemen: His Majesty has been informed of the marks of Joy, shewn by the American Army, on the birth of the Dauphin; and it has given him great satisfaction to see the part which the American officers and soldiers have taken in that happy event. The King has ordered me to make known to you, his sensibility on this Occasion and has charged me to assure the American Army and the General who commands it, of his affection and particular Esteem. To COLONEL WALTER STEWART Head Quarters, January 18, 1783. Dr. Sir: I am extremely happy to hear from some Gentlemen, who very lately left Philadelphia, of your recovery; and I take the more pleasure in congratulating you on this event, from having once almost despaired that it would ever happen; this was in consequence of the repeated accounts I had received of your dangerous illness. The original of this letter is in the Washington Papers. 1783] WOOLEN SOCKS AND MITTS 47 I cannot now omit taking the first opportunity of mentioning the state of the Inspection Department to you. Notwithstanding I am convinced that Major Barber uses the greatest diligence, and does as much as is in the power of any one Man towards accomplishing the business of Inspecting and Mustering the Troops Monthly; yet it scarcely need be suggested, that without more assistance, the Department must lose, in a great degree its efficiency and utility, and dwindle into a name only; it is for these reasons that I feel exceedingly anxious for your return to the Army; and especially as the great object in taking a Cantonment of repose for the Winter was to improve the tranquility of that season, by encreasing the emulation, and establishing the Discipline of the Army; and by introducing a perfect system of police to render the Troops more and more fit for the activity of service at the opening of the Campaign; to which purposes I flattered myself the frequency and exactness of Inspections would have greatly contributed; I shall therefore expect to hear from you, or rather to see you, as soon as it can possibly be made convenient for you to undertake the Journey. [bring Mrs Stewart with you, and then your temptation to return to Phila will not be so powerful.] I am etc." TO DAVID BROOKS 70 Head Quarters, January 18, 1783. Sir: It is the Commander in Chiefs pleasure that you issue five hundred Woolen Caps, five hundred Socks and five hundred pr of Mits to Capt Ten Eyck Pay Mastr of Col Willets Regt. for the use of that and Col Olney Regt; also such other Articles as you may have in store, which are wanted by sd 70 The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys. The phrase in brackets is in the writing of Washington. Regts; the same to be delivered on account, and proper vouchers Recd. for the whole, when the Cloathing is issued to them which is daily expected from Philadelphia. I am etc."1 GENERAL ORDERS 71 Head Quarters, Newburgh, Saturday, January 18, 1783. Parole Netherlands. Countersigns Oporto, Pandora. It is the intention of the Commander in chief that the order of the 20th of December last respecting returning the Marques and other Tents to the Quarter Master General by the 20th instant shall be strictly complied with, in every instance. The Quarter Master General will not only report all delinquent officers, but will lodge their names with an estimate of the value of the Marques &ca. retained by them at the pay office. that the amount may be deducted by the Pay-Master from the first money belonging to such officers which shall be put into his hands. The General is induced to give this further order on the subject because he has been informed the former has been understood by some to relate particularly to soldiers Tents; and consequently that a compliance with respect to other Tents might be dispenced with under certain circumstances. GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Newburgh, Sunday, January 19, 1783. Parole Quebec. Countersigns Rumney, Suffolk. For the day tomorrow Major Gibbs. "The draft is in the writing of and is signed "D Humphreys. A. D. C." |