412 Journal and Correspondence

Original

feel the impolicy of trusting our security to a want of activity
and enterprise in the enemy.
An expectation of peace and an opinion of the Enemy's in-
ability to send more troops to this country, I fear, have had too
powerful an influence in our affairs. I have never heard any
thing conclusive to authorise the former, and present appear-
ances are in my opinion against it. The accounts we receive
from Europe uniformly announce vigorous preparations to con-
tinue the war, at least another campaign. The debates and
proceedings in Parliament wear this complexion. The public
papers speak confidently of large reinforcements destined for
America. The minister in his speech asserts positively that re-
inforcements will be sent over to Sir Henry Clinton; though he
acknowledges the future plan of the war will be less extensive
than the past. Let it be supposed, that the intended succours
will not exceed five thousand men. This will give the enemy
a superiority very dangerous to our safety, if their strength be
properly exerted, and our situation is not materially altered
for the better.
These considerations and many more that might be sug-
gested point to the necessity of immediate and decisive exer-
tions to complete our battalions and to make our military force
more respectable. I thought it my duty to give an idea of its
true state and to urge the attention of the States to a matter
in which their safety and happiness are so deeply interested.
I hope a concern for the public good will be admitted as the
motive and excuse of my importunity.
There is one point which I beg leave to mention also. The
want of system, which has prevailed in the clothiers depart-
ment has been the source of innumerable evils, defective sup-
plies, irregular and unequal issues great waste loss and expence
to the public general dissatisfaction in the army, much confusion
and perplexity, an additional load of business to the officers
commanding make but a part of them. I have for a long time
past most ardently desired to see a reformation.
Congress by a resolve of the 23^d of March has established
an ordinance for regulating this department. According to
this, there is a sub or State Clothier to be appointed by each
State. I know not what instructions may have been given
relative to these appointments; but, if the matter now rests
with the particular States, I take the liberty to press their
execution without loss of time. The Service suffers amazingly
from the disorder in this department, and the regulations for
it cannot be too soon carried into effect.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem
Y^r Excellency's Most obe' hum. Serv^t
G^o Washington