George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, 14 July 1778

To Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber

Head Quarters Paramus [N.J.] July 14th 1778

Sir,

I have received your favour of yesterday, and am obliged to you for the intelligence, it contains. I beg you will continue your endeavours to procure every information, you can, concerning the enemy’s situation and designs, as well with respect to their naval as to their land force, which, at this time, is peculiarly important. For this purpose, I send you a number of questions, which you will deliver to the persons you employ in the business, to direct the objects of their inquiry. If you think of any matters, not mentioned there, the knowledge of which may be useful, you will add the necessary questions for obtaining it.1 I am at a loss what will be a reasonable compensation to Hendricks. His expectations, founded on the risk he has run, what he has suffered and what he has lost seem to be pretty high. Of these, as he was not employed under my immediate direction and I am unacquainted with the circumstances attending the execution of his trust, I cannot be a proper judge. I should be glad you would make particular inquiry, into the matter, and let me have your opinion, what may be an adequate reward. I understand he has been chiefly employed by General Wynds and Col: Dayton, who will therefore be able to inform what services he has rendered. With my best wishes for your speedy recovery and with much regard—I am Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington

LS, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC: Hamilton-McLane Family Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1On the draft, Hamilton wrote at this point, “I have given Hendricks a reward which I hope will be adequate to his expectations and deserts,” but he crossed those words out and substituted text that essentially matches that used in the LS.

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