George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 16 December 1777

To Major John Clark, Jr.

Head Quarters [Gulph Mills, Pa.] 16th Decemr 1777

Dear Sir

Your Messenger went away before I got home yesterday, or I should have answered your letter.1 Altho’ I would not grant permission to all those who want to go into Philada to get paid for what they were plundered of, you may allow it to those on whom you can depend and from whom you expect any intelligence in return. I have directed that all passes granted by you shall be sufficient for the purposes you want them.2

We have not at present much more paper than the sheet I write upon and not a whole stick of Wax. When I get a supply you shall have part.

I have given an order upon Colo. Biddle for one hundred dollars, but I am not certain that he has any Money. If he has Mr Fawkes will carry it to you.3 The Paymaster Genl has not arrived in Camp since our late move. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. The depositions which you mention may be of use if taken.

LS (photocopy), in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW. The cover contains a pass signed by GW’s aide-de-camp John Fitzgerald, “Permit the bearer to pass,” as well as a docket, “No 4 Credit side.” Fitzgerald also wrote Clark on this date: “I have just received your Note & shall forward the Letters you mention as soon as possible—the Commodities you mention are very scarce here & should be glad to have it in my power to pay you a Visit. Tomorrow we shall move 4 or 5 Miles higher up & build for Winter Quarters” (DLC:GW).

2GW included an order to this effect in his general orders of 18 December.

3Clark’s accounts with the United States show an entry for $100 cash paid for secret service “p. Mr John Fawkes” (N.Y. Account, 1776–1779, DNA:PCC, item 138).

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