To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 12 January 1783
Fishkill 12th Janry 1783
Sr
I have been favoured with yours and immediately sent to the officer commanding at the Landing to procure the necessary certificates which I send enclosed.
I understand the reason for the detachment of the Invalids still continuing home is that the barracks on the Island is not yet fit for their reception, on account of the delays occasioned by bad weather, Genl Knox told me he would send me directions when the party was to march. Believe me Sr Your most obedt Servant
Lewis Nicola Col. Inv.
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
Fishkill Landing Janry 12th 1783
This to Certify that on Eighth Inst. the Serjet of the guard at this Post Went over to NewBurgh for Provition on his Return, being Some time in the Even. or after Dark i Saw them Comeing with there Provt on a Sled, from the [Battau] Part of the River their being open, he Told me that the Sled had broke into the ice, by which he had Lost three Quarters & two or three Peaces of Beaf, they in my Presence had much Difilcuty in geting the Sled with what Provition they had to the Store the ice be bad.
John Palmer [ ]
Enclosure
Fishkill Landing 12 January 1783
In Examination of Sergt Gerralds Charles Purkins and Stephen Califf Soldiers under my Command at Fish Kill Landing who were the Only persons present when the Provisions was lost on Wednesday the 8th Inst. in Crossing the River from Newburgh.
Sergt Gerrolds being Sworn says he had the care of Drawing the provisions for a Party of the Inv. Regt at Fish Kill was on the Ice between the Channel and Fish Kill Landing, with a Sled Load of Beef, through In avoidable Axident broke through the Ice and lost three Quarters and two Midling large Peaces together with 17 1/2 lb. Soap; and 3 1/4 lb. Candles which was not in his Power to prevent. Stephen Califf and Charles Purkins being Sworn. Agrees with the Above.
Sworn and Examined by Saml Gibbs Lt Inv. Regt [Comcy]