George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Henry Dearborn, 8 April 1782

Exeter April 8th 1782

Sir

I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency an act of this State passd at the last Session of the general Assembly for raising the deficient[cies] of this States quota of Troops.

the delinquent Towns are now begining to exurt them selves in procureing the men, but I have too much reason to fear they will fall far short of compleeting the whole; the State has authorised me to appoint Muster Masters for the recruits, I have accordingly appointed three Captains of the New Hampshire Line for that purpose, one for each rendisvous, from which circumstance I flatter myself that what men are procured will be much better then the recruits we have had the three last years, but there will be but very little time for making soldiers of them before it may be necessary for them to appeer in the field; this State seems very much attach’d to that behind hand policy which they have already too long practised; altho that blaze of public spirit which prevail’d at the commencement of the war, has been almost extinguished in this State for some time pass’d, there is some small appeerence of its rekindling again, in consequence of the Inspiring letters receiv’d from your Excellency this spring respecting the infinite importence of their early & vigorous [exertions] in preparing for the approaching Campaign.

I shall do myself the honour to inform your Excellency as early as possible of what number of recruits may be depended on from this State. I have the Honour to be with the highest sentiments of respect, your Excellencies most Obedt Hume Servt

Henry Dearborn

Lt Colo. [Comdr] 1st N.H. [R.]

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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