|
|
Affairs, being advised by Letters from our Delegates last
Tuesday that it was obtained & would be sent as soon as
possible under Guard. We would have the Wheat ground
up as soon as may be and the Flour lie 'til further Orders.
We believe the Quantity wanted is procured and would not
have you make further Purchases. The six Hundred Barrls in
Kent, we reckon in & hope that it will not be lost by Colo
Henry's and your differing in Opinion about it. Would it not
be well to send over some Body and have the Point settled?
We are &ca
Richard Dallam Esqr
|
C. C.
|
|
|
|
[Washington to Gov. Johnson.]
Circular Head Quarters Middle
Brook 22d May 1779
Sir,
The situation of our affairs at this period appears to me
peculiarly critical, and this I flatter myself will apologise for
that anxiety which impels me to take the liberty of addressing
you on the present occasion.
The State of the army in particular is alarming on several
accounts that of its numbers is not among the least. Our
battalions are exceedingly reduced, not only from the natural
decay incident to the best composed armies; but from the ex-
piration of the term of service for which a large proportion of
the men were engaged. The measures hitherto taken to re-
place them so far as has come to my knowledge have been at-
tended with very partial success; and I am ignorant of any
others in contemplation that afford a better prospect. A
reinforcement expected from Virginia, consisting of new levies
and reinlisted men is necessarily ordered to the Southward.
Not far short of one third of our whole force must be de-
tached on a service undertaken by the direction of Congress
and essential in itself. I shall only say of what remains, that
when it is compared with the force of the enemy now actually
at New York and Rhode Island, with the addition of the suc-
cours, they will in all probability receive from England, at the
lowest computation it will be found to justify very serious ap-
prehensions and to demand the zealous attention of the differ-
ent legislatures
When we consider the rapid decline of our currency the
general temper of the times the disaffection of a great part of
the people, the lethargy that overspreads the rest, the increas-
ing danger to the Southern States we cannot but dread
the consequences of any misfortune in this quarter; and must
|
Original
|
|
