To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 24 January 1778
From Major General John Sullivan
Camp Valley Forge Jany 24th 177[8]1
Dear General
I do myself the Honor to Inclose your Excellency the Result of The General officers Respecting the Market which I hope will meet your Excellencys approbation.2 I was Desired to mention to your Excellency that The people at Germantown have Large Quantities of Leather in ⟨Fuls⟩ which they are Daily taking out & Carrying to Philadelphia for Sale. Some of which Tis Said our Commy General of Hides in his Great Wisdom Sent there to be Tanned—perhaps a Strong party being Sent there might Secure it for the use of the Army.3
The officers Complain that they have no Kettles for Boiling the oil & Soap agreable to yr Excellys orders.
They also want to know whether the Brigadiers & officers Commanding Brigades may appoint Serjeants or Soldiers to Inspect the Boiling & what pay they are to Draw & from whom for their Trouble.4 Dr General I have the honor to be with much Respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt
Jno. Sullivan
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Sullivan inadvertently wrote “1777” on the manuscript.
3. For the results of GW’s attempt to secure the leather at Germantown, see GW to Richard Peters, 24–25 Jan., n.3.
4. See Daniel Brodhead to Tench Tilghman, 30 Dec. 1777, n.3.