NELSON, THOMAS (continued):

edge of country. Will establish another fleet to be stationed at Sandy Point or Hoods. No. 19. 1780.-November 2. Richmond.-Acknowledging his favor of 21st ult. Evident that his despatches of 29th and 30th not yet received. Inclosed in them authority to establish a communication between his (Nelson's) troops and the advance body under Muhlenberg. This to be done with the utmost despatch. Wishes Col. Southall's forty horse to be sent to join Gen. Muhlenberg, who is in great need of them. No. 25. 1781.-June 9. Camp, Hunter's Heights.—In consequence of the report that the enemy is in the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers, has directed the colonels in the four lower counties to remain at home until further notice. Orders him (Nelson) to take command of troops from counties of Westmoreland, Richmond, Lancaster and Northumberland, to rendezvous at a convenient place and to consolidate, arrange and train the troops. Further minute directions concerning his movements, in case of the enemy's landing at certain points. No. 114. 1780.-June 10. Camp, Hunter's Heights.-Marquis de LaFayette desires a reinforcement of horse immediately. Enemy's superiority of horse subjects him to many evils. His position yesterday was near the borders of Orange county, pointing southward. No. 116.

PAYNE (Gen.): 1777.-June 3. Camp, Hunter's Heights.-Suggesting a change of route to Norman's Ford. Waiting for express returns from the Marquis to determine his own route. Has sent to the ford to make rafts in case the river rises. Evacuated Fredericksburg the night before and has four hundred militia with him. No. 104.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS:

1777. December 26. Camp, Valley Forge.-A protest against the injustice of a resolve passed by Congress, which could affect his honor and his rank in the army.

RUDE (Capt.):

No. II.

1781.-April 27. Fredericksburg.-Desiring him to send at once all the cavalry fit for duty to join the Marquis, who is on his way to Richmond.

No. 90.

RUSSELL, THOMAS:

1780.-October 31. Richmond.-Order to collect a fleet of flatbottomed boats not to exceed twenty, and to station them at Hoods, on James river.

No. 21.

SPOTSWOOD (Gen.): 1781.-April 27. Fredericksburg.-The Marquis anxious for a few horse to protect him till his reinforcements arrive. He is on his way to Richmond where there is not a man in arms. Enemy supposed to be in Petersburg. Richmond probably their next object. Need for cavalry. No. 91.

STEUBEN, BARON:

1781.-April 1.

Williamsburg.-Letter of 28th ult. communicated change of position of troops. From information received, expected an attack, therefore drew (our) extended line together. Gen. Muhlenberg's orders were to keep near the enemy's lines, but before he knew their designs, they em. barked. 700 of them crossed over to Newport News with intention of beating up troops at the Half-way House. Finding them withdrawn, they secretly and silently returned. Only nine small and shattered vessels of the enemy got up to Portsmouth with reinforcements. Incloses examination of some deserters. Murmuring of the people consequent on the withdrawal of his troops; has sent detachments there to pacify them. Arms badly needed. Disposition of vessels and boats. No. 67. 1781.-April 1. Acknowledging letter of 29th ult. Incloses a letter to him from Gen. Muhlenberg, with an apology for having opened it. Will see by it that the withdrawal of troops from below was exceedingly judicious, the enemy intending to attack some part of the dispersed line. Notwithstanding the necessity of the measure, the people below murmur and threaten to make terms with the enemy. Thinks of sending a light corps there with a prudent officer. Exceedingly distressed for arms. Would like 200 sent on immediately. Disposition of boats. Marquis' barge made prize of a vessel on James river, fitted out on a pirate plan, which had done much mischief to the shores of Maryland and Virginia. Mr. Lane sent the rascals to the Governor to meet their just rewards. No. 65.

STEUBEN, BARON (continued): 1781.-April 3. Williamsburg.-Apologizing for having opened a letter from Gen. Muhlenberg to him (Steuben). Account of Muhlenberg's confidential agent corroborates that of Capt. Ross. Always his own opinion that the English would try hard to succour Cornwallis by penetrating North Carolina, at the same time, holding a strong post in Virginia to keep them diverted. Fatal consequences should they prove superior in the South. Propriety of supporting Greene. Asks for directions concerning a considerable number of public horses, of no use to his post. Distressed for arms. No. 71. 1781. April 8. Williamsburg. Inclosing copies of his correspondence with Gen. Phillips, concerning exchange of prisoners. Careful in his letters not to show favoritism. Object of enemy's preparations probably a junction with Cornwallis, but uncertain by which route. French fleet arrived safely at Rhode Island. Sends British account of the engagement of the 16th. No. 8o. 1781.-April 25. Williamsburg.-Acknowledging letter of 11th inst. from Richmond. Announcing his intended departure for Fredericksburg. Will report on his arrival. Incloses copies of his correspondence with Gen. Phillips. Hopes he has not incurred Baron Steuben's censure by what he has said. Exceedingly desirous of cultivating the liberal idea held out by Gen. Phillips, as it will result in reciprocal advantages. Has directed Col. Innes to take command until Gen. Nelson arrives. Incloses general return of the troops. No. 88.. 1781. April 26. Fredericksburg.-Concerning his correspondence with Gen. Phillips about the exchange of prisoners. Advises him to liberate all American prisoners taken in arms. Good results accruing from this. Many prisoners at large in Winchester, some of whom make their escape. Advantage of exchanging these very men for Americans on board prisonships. Frederick and Barkley riflemen on their march. Unless directed otherwise, will come down with them.

No. 89.

WASHINGTON, GEORGE (Gen.) : 1777. December 29. Vailey Forge.-A detailed account of a permanent system to be adopted in future promotions, regula

WASHINGTON, GENERAL (continued):

tions and arrangements in the army.

One-half of the present

staff belonging to the army, idle and pleasure-loving; mere sinecures, of no benefit to the public. Reforms needed.

No. 12.

1780.-August 24. Fredericksburg.-Present military law for raising 3000 new levies exempts those who apprehend and deliver over deserters. Danger of impositions under this rule. Suggests slight changes in the law. Also proposes that Gen. Washington should offer free pardon to all deserters who deliver themselves up by a certain day. All who escaped from Bluford's rout brought in as deserters; this, of course, wrong. No. 33. 1781.-April 8. Williamsburg.-Acknowledging letter, directing the disposal of militia. Incloses general return of counties making his defences on his side of James river. In writing British General at Portsmouth about exchange of prisoners, the list for exchange left entirely to the Executive. Dangers of favoritism; therefore merely hinted at the justness of such a favor, leaving Mr. Armistead to mention Col. Curle as the object of the hint. Desire of Gen. Phillips, as well as himself, to encourage liberal exchanges, therefore begs to be authorized to assure the British General that on his sending out the whole number of prisoners taken in arms, an equal number shall be sent back. Enemy's preparations for a move; nearly all their ships gone out. 1781.-April 11. Williamsburg.-Has received a report from a Mr. Turberville that a small fleet of the enemy's vessels is in the Potomac. Fears they will visit Hunter's works and the gun factory in Fredericksburg, both important points, totally undefended. Proposes marching some of the troops back for their defense. Names troops whose tour of duty will soon expire, as suitable for that purpose. Thinks Mr. Beal's offer of 1000 weight of lead ought to be accepted. No. 83. WASHINGTON, JOHN A. (Col.):

No. 79.

1781. June 8. Camp, Hunter's Heights.-Requesting troops to halt, as it appears the enemy are at Guynn's Island in the Potomac. Would like officer sent to get information and to report at once. Gives him leave to impress horses for this service, being careful to return them to their owners. No. 112.

WOOD, JAMES (Capt.): 1780.-August 28. Fredericksburg.-Has information of the whereabouts of four deserters. Desires him to send Sergeant Jones to apprehend them. Every one's duty to recover as many deserters as possible rather than allow rascals, after long concealing them, to give them up in order to get excused from service themselves. Gen. Gates defeated at Camden; has retreated to Hillsborough. Particulars not yet at hand. No. 34.

MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS AND PAPERS.

BRADFORD, SAMUEL K., Aid-de-Camp to WILLIAM PRICE, Wagon-Master: 1780.-August 28. Fredericksburg. Orders to proceed with brigade of wagons to Richmond, and to suffer no delay en route. On arriving to apply to Brig.-Gen. Muhlenberg for orders, or in his absence to the officer in command, before unloading. Nature of service requiring utmost expedition and attention. This by order of Gen. Weedon. No. 35.

BRADFORD, SAMUEL K., to WILLIAM WOODSIDES:

1781-August 31. Fredericksburg.-Orders to proceed with. utmost despatch to Richmond with brigade of wagons, and to report to Gen. Muhlenberg, or in his absence, to the officer in command, before unloading. No. 37.

No. 24.

JEFFERSON, THOMAS, to MAJOR P. COOKE: 1780.-November 2. In Council.-Unless armed elsewhere, the fifty Marylanders passing to the southward can be armed at Richmond. Will countermand all the militia called from the proprietary counties. With this deduction, militia will number 4150, which, with the new levies, will be sufficient. JEFFERSON, THOMAS, to GEN. MUHLENBERG 1780.- October 28. Richmond.-Incloses latest intelligence from north side of river, also advice of Council for regimenting the militia. Leaves it to the General to overcome certain difficulties which must arise between the militia and the regular Captains and subalterns. Incloses names of many resigned and supernumerary officers and dates of their original appointments, also letters to be directed to such as can be

got.

No. 48.