Chapter 31

After the full conversation with which we were honored on the 12th instant, it is unnecessary to enter at large into those reasons, or to urge the pressing necessity of economising our affairs so as to make our revenues in a great degree meet our expenses. Your Excellency must be equally sensible with us of the necessity, and we are perfectly convinced that you are disposed to assist in every measure tending to promote so desirable an object. You are also sensible of the impolicy of calling on the States for men or money, in numbers or quantities so extensive as to excite among even the zealous and considerate, ideas of the impracticability of carrying on the war on such terms. Demands of this nature, instead of animating to exertions, are only productive of hopeless languor. Your mortifying experience of the inadequate compliance of the States heretofore, with your former requisitions, will explain the motives inducing to the expediency of moderating those demands, so as to render them productive, and in case of failure to leave the delinquent State without excuse. Your Excellency has no doubt considered that the class of men who are willing to become soldiers is much diminished by the war, and therefore the difficulties of raising an army equal to former establishments has increased, and will continue to increase, and embarrass the States in their measures for filling up their quotas, should the mode of recruiting the army be continued in the present line. You will also have considered, that the enemy proportionably debilitated by war, is incapable of opposing to us the force we originally had to encounter; and, therefore, the necessity of such extensive levies as we formerly raised, seems to be in some measure superseded.

In what degree the forces of these States should be decreased, we do not pretend to determine, leaving this to your Excellency's better judgment. But from past experience it appears, that the States are incapable of bringing into the field an army equal to that called for by the last arrangement; or, if all the demands of Congress on the States become merely pecuniary it does not seem probable that they can or will furnish money for raising, equipping, and supporting such an army.

We wish we were capable, from any information we are possessed of, to assist your Excellency in the investigation of the subject with respect to the probable designs or force of the enemy the next campaign. This must in its nature depend upon contingencies at present even beyond conjecture. At this time, therefore, in our apprehension, the only solid grounds of procedure is to consider what force these States are capable of producing.

Having thus, in general, mentioned the ideas which have arisen on the subject, we beg to leave the matter to your consideration, and take the liberty of proposing the following queries, after further stating that it has been thought that it would be expedient, in case of a reform, to lessen the number of regiments so as to make fewer commissioned officers and privates in the regiments. It has been supposed that a considerable saving would arise from this measure, by not having so many officers in full pay, with their horses, servants, baggage, and other consequent expenses in the field. Or if they remain in quarters from want of commands, they are in a situation disagreeable to their own feelings, and uselessly expensive to the public. We presume that gentlemen qualified for staff officers, and that artificers and other persons employed by the staff department, should not come into the calculation, as the officers at the head of those departments should be enabled to carry on their business without taking men from the line, a practice introduced from necessity, very prejudicial to discipline, and productive of pernicious consequences by lessening the effective force of the army.

Quere 1. Is a reduction of the number of the officers and men, as fixed by the last arrangement, expedient or proper?

2. How can the reduction be brought about, consistently with the good of the service? and what arrangement should be made in consequence of this resolution?

The answer to the above queries will no doubt include the number of men necessary for the next campaign, and the organization of them so as to designate the numbers of regiments, and the numbers in those regiments, both of commissioned and non-commissioned officers and privates, as well regimentally as by companies. The expediency of having fewer regiments of artillery and horse, and of consolidating the independent corps, will also, we presume, come into your Excellency's consideration.

3. What periods of enlistment, under present circumstances, are most proper to be adopted?

4. What regulation can be made to modify the practice of taking servants from the line by officers? and, on this head we beg leave to submit to your opinion a copy of a motion made in Congress on this subject.

5. What is to be done with officers by brevet, or those who have no particular commands? Can they not be placed in the regiments, or retire on half pay?

6. Would it be practicable, consistent with justice, and the good of the service, to call into actual service officers who have retired on half pay, by the former arrangement, to fill vacancies happening in the lines to which they respectively belong?

We have the honor to be, with much regard, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS, RICHARD PETERS.

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GEORGE WASHINGTON TO ROBERT MORRIS.

Head Quarters, Dobbs's Ferry, } August 17th, 1781. }

Dear Sir,

I have in confidence imparted to you the alteration of our late plan, and made you acquainted with our intended operations. Besides the provision necessary at the head of the Elk to carry the troops down the bay, a very considerable quantity will be wanted in Virginia. I should suppose three hundred barrels of flour, as many of salt meat, and eight or ten hogsheads of rum, would be sufficient, at the Elk. For what will be consumed in Virginia, I imagine the order must be general, as we can neither ascertain the number of men which will be drawn together, or the time they will be employed.

I have written to the Count de Grasse, and have requested him to send up his light vessels of every kind to the Elk; but I would, nevertheless, wish to have all that may be at Baltimore, and the upper parts of the bay, secured. I shall therefore be obliged to you, to take measures at the proper time for that purpose. When that time will be, and when you shall give orders for the deposit at the Elk, I will hereafter inform you.

I shall direct the Quarter Master in due season to take up all the small craft in the Delaware, for the purpose of transporting the troops from Trenton to Christiana. Should he have occasion for advice or assistance from you on this occasion, I most request you to give him both.

I am confident it will be necessary to give the American troops, destined for Southern services, one month's pay in specie. This will amount to about ---- dollars. If it will be possible for you to procure this sum, you will infinitely oblige me, and will much benefit the service. I shall also stand in need of a sum of specie for secret services; I suppose about five hundred guineas.

I have the honor to be, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

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TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Office of Finance, August 22d, 1781.

Dear Sir,

I arrived in town the day before yesterday. Having taken the earliest opportunities to acquire information, I am sorry to inform you, that I find money matters in as bad a situation as possible. The exchange, by the concourse of venders, has run down to five shillings, and bills are offered at that rate in such great numbers, as to command all the money which is to be disposed of; so that reducing the price of bills still lower, would not command money, or answer any other good purpose.

The paper of this State, (Pennsylvania) is indeed appreciating; but to issue it, in the present moment, would destroy in embryo all my hopes from that quarter, cut off the only resource which I have the chance of commanding, and shake a confidence which has been reposed in me, and which the public interest calls upon me to cherish. I am sorry to observe, in consequence, that you must expect to meet with disappointments; but I assure you, that I will make every possible exertion to place you in the most eligible situation which my means will admit of.

I am, Sir, your most obedient, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

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TO THE GOVERNORS OF NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE.

Office of Finance, August 22d, 1781.

Sir,

I have, in a former letter, forwarded to your Excellency, an account of the specific supplies, which Congress had demanded from your State. It now becomes my duty again to press for a compliance with those demands. The exigencies of the service require immediate attention. We are on the eve of the most active operations; and should they be in anywise retarded by the want of necessary supplies, the most unhappy consequences may follow. Those who may be justly chargeable with neglect, will have to answer for it to their country, their allies, to the present generation, and to posterity. I hope, entreat, expect, the utmost possible efforts on the part of your State; and confide in your Excellency's prudence and vigor to render those efforts effectual.

I beg to know, most speedily, Sir, what supplies are collected, and at what places; as also the times and places at which the remainder is to be expected. I cannot express to you my solicitude on this occasion. My declaration to Congress, when I entered upon my office, will prevent the blame of ill accidents from lighting upon me, even if I were less attentive than I am; but it is impossible not to feel most deeply on occasions where the greatest objects may be impaired or destroyed, by indolence or neglect. I must, therefore, again reiterate my requests; and while I assure you, that nothing but the urgency of our affairs would render me thus importunate, I must also assure you, that while those affairs continue so urgent, I must continue to importune.

With all possible respect, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.[41]

FOOTNOTES:

[41] _August 21st._ During my stay it camp, I had constant applications for money from almost everybody, as all had claims on the public. I took with me only one hundred and fifty guineas; and, finding so many demands, I thought it best to satisfy none, therefore brought the money back. I had conferences with the Quarter Master General, Paymaster General, Clothier General, Commissary General of Issues, Director General of the Hospitals, and with many other persons; but as these chiefly ran on the wants of themselves and others employed in their departments, I could only recommend the strictest economy in their expenditures, that I might thereby be the better warranted in making reasonable requisitions from the several States; always promising what I mean most punctually to perform, that is, to use my utmost endeavors to establish such revenues, as will enable the regular payment of their salaries and other just demands; but always concluded with assuring them, that this ultimately depended on the several Legislatures, which could only be induced to grant such revenues from a conviction, that their grants would be faithfully and frugally used. I made the same observations to the general officers and others, who spoke to me on money matters. _Diary._

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TO THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.

Office of Finance, August 23d, 1781.

Sir,

I am just returned from the head quarters of the Commander in Chief, where I have been for some days, in order to confer with him on the various military operations and arrangements, as far as they are connected with the duties of my department. Of consequence the defence of that valuable part of Virginia now invaded, became much a subject of consideration, and I am happy to inform you, that every measure will be pursued for its safety, which is consistent with the general objects of the war.

The force in Virginia ought to be very considerable, for reasons, which it is unnecessary to mention to you, who are so well acquainted with the country. But it is necessary to observe that the supplies to this force must be proportionably great. I have already done myself the honor to transmit to your Excellency an account of specific supplies, which have been required by Congress. Virginia stands debited for the whole, and it is not in my power, perhaps not in yours, to state as yet the credit side of that account. Let, however, the amount of the articles already furnished, be what it may, this at least is certain, that I have the command of no money from the several States, which will serve to maintain a force in Virginia. Much, therefore, must depend on the provisions and forage, which that State can call forth.

It is necessary for me to inform the General what reliance can be made on your resources, and it is also necessary, that this information should be just. Your Excellency must perceive, that his arrangements will greatly depend upon my communication; and therefore you will need no incitement to transmit to me as soon as possible the answers to my inquiries.

Let me then entreat, Sir, to know what quantity of flour, beef, and pork, both fresh and salted, and what quantity of hay and Indian corn, or other forage, can be delivered by the State of Virginia, at what places, and by what times. I shall also be happy to be informed, where the tobacco required of your State is deposited, that I may take proper measures for the disposal of it.

With all possible respect, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *

TO MESSRS LE COUTEULX & CO.

Office of Finance, Philadelphia, } August 26th, 1781. }

Gentlemen,

My former letters advised you of the sundry bills I had drawn on you to the 2d day of this month, being numbered from one to one hundred and thirtyone inclusive, and amounting to five hundred and twentyone thousand, six hundred and thirtyfour livres, sixteen sous, and eight dernier tournois, as you will perceive by a copy of a list of said bills, herein enclosed. To which you will find added the list of sundry bills drawn on the 10th instant, numbered one hundred and thirtytwo to one hundred and fiftyeight inclusive, all at sixty days' sight, in favor of Mr Haym Solomans, amounting to two hundred and one thousand, three hundred and twentythree livres, eight sous tournois.

On the 8th of this month I had occasion to visit his Excellency General Washington at camp, and at my departure I left these bills signed. They were sold during my absence, and I pray that they may be duly honored. You will be enabled to pay these punctually, as his Excellency the Minister Plenipotentiary of France has engaged, that five hundred thousand livres tournois, should be placed with you for that purpose; of course you will have received one million of livres, subject to my drafts, and I shall continue to pass them on you as occasion may require.

On the 17th of July last, I drew one hill on you at sixty days, in favor of Robert Smith, or order, for five hundred thousand livres, but that bill is either sunk, or has fallen into the enemy's hands, therefore should it ever appear it must be refused as a fraud.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

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GEORGE WASHINGTON TO ROBERT MORRIS.

Chatham, August 27th, 1781.

Dear Sir,

Accounts brought by several vessels to Philadelphia, and to the eastward, leave little doubt but that the Count de Grasse must have already arrived in the Chesapeake, or that he must be very soon there. The Count de Rochambeau and myself have therefore determined, that no time ought to be lost in making preparations for our transportation from Trenton to Christiana, and from the head of the Elk down the Chesapeake. I have written by this opportunity to Colonel Miles, and have directed him immediately to engage all the proper kind of craft for the navigation of the Delaware, which can be found in Philadelphia, or in the creeks above and below it; and as your advice may be useful to him, more especially as far as respects procuring the vessels at a distance from Philadelphia, I have desired him to wait upon you for that purpose.

I shall also be obliged to you for using your influence with the gentlemen of Baltimore to permit any vessels, which may be in that port to come up to the Elk to assist us in transportation. I have little doubt, from the cheerfulness with which they furnished the Marquis de Lafayette last winter, that they will comply with your requisition on the present occasion. But lest there should be a necessity for the interference of the Executive of the State, I have written to Governor Lee, upon that and other matters. I enclose the letter under flying seal for your information, and you will be good enough to forward it by a chain of expresses, which is established. Any vessels, which may be procured in the Chesapeake, should rendezvous as soon as possible in Elk river.

You will be pleased to make the deposit of flour, rum, and salt meat, at the head of the Elk, which I requested in a former letter.

I am very fearful, that about fifteen hundred barrels of salt provisions, and thirty hogsheads of rum, which I directed to be sent from Connecticut and Rhode Island, under convoy of the Count de Barras, would not have been ready when the fleet sailed from Newport. Should that have been the case, the disappointment will be great. I would wish you to see whether a like quantity of those articles can be procured in Philadelphia, or in Maryland, if we should find that they have not gone round from the eastward.

I must entreat you if possible to procure one month's pay in specie for the detachment, which I have under my command. Part of the troops have not been paid anything for a long time past, and have upon several occasions shown marks of great discontent. The service they are going upon, is disagreeable to the northern regiments, but I make no doubt, that a _douceur_ of a little hard money would put them in proper temper. If the whole sum cannot be obtained, a part of it will be better than none, as it may be distributed in proportion to the respective wants and claims of the men.

The American detachment will assemble in this neighborhood today. The French army tomorrow.

I have the honor to be, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

* * * * *

TO DONALDSON YEATES.

Office of Finance, August 28th, 1781.

Sir,

The express which carries this letter will bring you one from Colonel Miles, on the same subject. It is necessary, that vessels be procured as speedily us possible, to transport a body of from six to seven thousand men from the head of the Elk to Virginia, with their necessary apparatus. You will, therefore, collect them at the head of the Elk, on the 5th of September, and us soon after as may be, engage them by the day on the cheapest terms you can, to be paid in hard money, and obtain as long a credit as possible. There will be little or no risk of the vessels, and therefore you may insure them to the owners, if that will tend to obtain them either sooner or cheaper. The express has letters to William Smith and Matthew Ridley, of Baltimore, on this subject, and they will give you their advice and assistance, as will some other gentlemen, to whom I have written, should either be necessary. He has also letters to the Governor of Maryland, who will I am confident give every aid, which the Executive authority of the State can afford. You will therefore either apply to the Governor or not, as circumstances shall require.

Any engagements you enter into on this account, shall be fulfilled; but I must again request, that you will be as economical as the nature of the business will permit. I expect and rely on the exertion of your utmost industry and attention and am, Sir, very respectfully, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *

TO B. FRANKLIN.

Philadelphia, August 28th, 1781.

Sir,

Herewith I send you triplicates of my letters of the 13th and 14th of July last, and duplicates of my letters of the 19th and 21st of July last. I have not yet executed the plan mentioned in mine of the 21st of July, of drawing bills on you, for reasons, which it is not necessary to enumerate at present.

Since my letter to you of the 8th of June last, I have found it necessary to apply to the Minister of his Most Christian Majesty in this place, to direct another sum of five hundred thousand livres to be deposited with Messrs Le Couteulx &. Co., and I am now drawing bills for that sum, wherefore I must pray your Excellency to take measures, that they be put in cash to answer my drafts. Although I have no doubt that this will be done on the Chevalier de la Luzerne's application, yet as his letters may miscarry, or other unavoidable misfortune happen, I take this additional precaution, because it is of the utmost importance to the United States, that these bills be duly honored.

The last advices from Europe inform us of M. Necker's resignation and removal, which occasions much speculation, as to the causes which produced this event. I should be glad to hear from you upon that subject.

We learn from Boston the arrival of the frigate Magicienne, with a large store ship laden with clothing, &c. for the United States; another store ship put back to Corunna, as is said, having been dismasted in a gale of wind. If this be so, it is a loss which will be more easily supplied than that of the Lafayette, which ship we are informed was taken and carried into England.

Colonel Laurens's embarkation on board a frigate for this place, with money, is also announced, and I hope she will speedily arrive. The Boston account of the 16th of August, mentions the arrival of the Magicienne in fifty days. If Colonel Laurens had then sailed, he must now have been out sixtytwo days, which is a very long period for a single frigate to be engaged in that voyage. If that frigate arrives safe, with five hundred thousand dollars, which is, as I am informed, on board of her, it will relieve me from many very great difficulties, which I have now to struggle with, and give a much better appearance to our affairs, as it will enable us to operate with far more vigor and activity.

It is now a very long time since we have had any tidings of Mr Adams. We have indeed been informed, though not from himself, that he had opened a loan for a million of florins; but we are much in the dark as to the success of it, as well as many other particulars relative to his situation, which would be very interesting.

_September 7th, 1781._ Since writing the above letter, Colonel Laurens has come to this city from Boston, at which place he arrived in the Resolve, with the two store ships under her convoy, after a passage uncommonly tedious. It is certainly unnecessary to mention how great pleasure we have received from this occurrence.