George Washington Papers

To George Washington from William Barber, 23 August 1783

West Point August 23d 1783

Sir,

I have the Honor to inclose to your Excellency the Abstracts of Muster of the northern Army for the Months of May and June inclusive, and for July—It was not in our power to execute the Business for the two former Months seperately and distinctly, or to have made a Return of them much sooner, on account of the deranged Condition of the Troops who were retained in Service at the Reduction in June, and their detached Situation since. I have at Length made the most general Muster and Inspection of the whole possible; Copies of the latter I have not transmitted, which should your Excellency wish to be possessed of, I will forward by another opportunity.

I conceive it unnecessary to make the usual Remarks upon the Appearance and Discipline of the Corps now in Service, for, had your Excellency not a personal Knowledge of each as it respects them, that, of the many Circumstances which have lately intervened to prevent, not only Improvements (if any had been attempted) in either, but to impair what lately existed, would furnish an adequate Idea of their Proficiency in both. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & sincerest Regard Your Excellencys Most obedient & very humble Servt

W. Barber Major &

Asst Insr N. Army

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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