To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 18 April 1783
Dobbs’s ferry 18th April 83
Sir
a Sloop with a permit from Mr Parker loaded with provission & stores, said to be for the use of the Army arrived at this Post from New York this Day—her situation is very similar to the Schooners I sent up yesterday under the orders of Capt. Fry—I have orderd a Corporal & three Privates to take possession of her & directed him to proceed to Head Qu[arters]. Your Excellency will observe the pass from [Mr] Parker with my instructions to the Corporal[.] I have not the least doubt of the propriety of Mr Parkers Conduct as I am inform’d he is acting under the direction of the Minister of War, & the Financier but as this is only report my duty obliges me to take possession of her with the Guard above mentiond, & Submit the Matter to your Excellency’s determination. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt
W.S. Smith Lt Colo.
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
New York 17 April 1783
we do hereby Certify that Sloop Industry as Loaded with Articles for the American Army, and is under the Care & Direction of Mr Sampson Dyckman who is to proceed with her to Newburg.
Dan. Parker & Co.
Contractors American Army
Enclosure
18 April 1783
To Sergeant Smith of the 6th Masstts Regt
You are to take possession of the within mentioned Sloop Industry with three soldiers—and proceed with her without breaking bulk to Head Qu[arters] where you will deliver this Passport & a Letter dire[cted] to His Excellency Genl Washington relative to the g [uard ] Sloop & Cargo ; you will anchor as near the warf in rear of Head Quarters as possible deliver the papers with which you are charged in person & direct the soldiers to remain on board untill your return—You are to consider yourself answerable that neither the Persons at present on board nor any Article wh[ether] is landed or taken from her previous to your making re[port] to Head Quarters—you will there receive orders re [specting] its & your return—you must be particular in halting [at] the several Posts on the River (to shew your passport [to] the officers Commanding) when hailed. Given at Dobbs’s ferry this 18th Day of April 1783.
W.S. Smith Lt Colo. Comg