414 Journal and Correspondence, etc.

C. C.

supplied. Stokings are most wanted, & I fear will be most
difficult to procure, which induces me to recommend (if they
can't be had) Woolen Overhalls with Socks, these for Winter,
and Linnen for Summer provided the Soldiery coud have two
pair, I have ever thought a good Substitute for Breeches and
Stokings, indeed in most Instances they are preferable for
Soldiers. The Troops in general are bare, but the two Mary-
land Brigades are more so perhaps than any in the Army,
their Suffering arises from the want of Gen^l Officers at their
Head, to provide and draw their Proportions of public Stores,
without a strict attention to this, the Cloathing often fall into a
partial distribution, notwithstanding general Orders to the
contrary, my Removal & Debow's incapacity and Inatten-
tion, may account for this Distress, & may serve to revive an
old maxim, that every Government is best served by its own
Natives, this Observation our Countrymen have not suffi-
ciently adverted to, nor will they I am afraid, till fatal Experi-
ence has verified it in more Instances. I refer you to Col^o
Adams respecting our Military operations. Nothing has
occurred worthy of Recital, since the fortunate Events of
Burgoyne's Surrender, the Repulse at red bank, and the
destruction of two of the Enemys Ships off Fort Mifflin.
Howes situation is critical, he might soon be reduced to
Burgoynes Fate, cou'd a small Effort of that boasted Valour,
public Spirit & Patriotism, (which were so conspicuous in the
mouth of every man at the commencement of this contest) be
exerted, but Professions are made, and Wars carried on, with
more facility in a warm Room, than in the Field. Amidst all
this boasted Patriotism the burthen has & must hang on a
handful of worn out worried continentals.
I remain with much Esteem
Y^rs Sincerely
W Smallwood
Cap^t Craig w^th his Troops has just brought in 7 British
Dragoons & 7 foot Soldiers w^th their Horses Arms and instru-
ments taken by the Enemy's Lines to Day 35 large Trans-
ports with 2000 Men New York on the 7^th Inst.
supposed to be destined up the Delaware.