502 Journal and Correspondence

C. C.

tlemen have represented the distress of the Army for want of
Provision so fully, and in so just a light, that I shall forbear to

trouble you with many observations upon the subject. I shall
only add, if the picture they have drawn is imperfect, it is
because the colouring is not sufficiently strong. It does not
exceed our real situation, nor will it be easy to give you an
adequate idea of it.
The only public stores of the meat kind that I can hear of
in your State, lie at the Head of Elk. I have sent an active
Officer there to day, and I hope with the assistance of M^r
Hollingsworth, who resides there, that in the course of a few
days they will be transported to Camp: But, should this be
the case, the quantity is so small that it will afford but a very
short and temporary relief, nor can I find from the most
minute inquiry, that the Magazines of this kind, when drawn
together and aided by the Supplies of Cattle the Commissary
expects to get, will be more than sufficient to support the
Army longer than this month. After our prospect of support
from him seems to be at an end, or at least it will be extremely
precarious.
From this view of matters, and foreseeing the fatal and
alarming consequences that will necessarily attend a dissolu-
tion or dispersion of the Army, I must take the liberty of
sollicking your good Offices, and to request your exertions &
to prevent as far as possible, so melancholy a catastrophe, by
having forwarded to Camp all the provisions of the meat kind
that may be in your power. I know not what resources Mary-
land may have in this instance, but perhaps thro your means
and influence, we may derive no inconsiderable supplies. Not
to mention our distresses during the active part of the last
Campaign, and that our operations were then much retarded.
This is the second time in the present year, that we have been
on the verge of a dissolution on this account.
I am sensible, Sir, I have addressed you upon a Subject out
of your province. But I am assured, your zeal for the service
and wishes to promote it, where possible, will indulge me
with an apology, especially when I add that my application is
the result of the most painful and pressing necessity
I have the Honor to be
with great esteem & regard
Sir
Your most Obed^t Servant
G^o Washington