From George Washington to George Clinton, 12 March 1779
To George Clinton
Head Quarters [Middlebrook] 12th March—79
Sir.
I have received the letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write the 7th inst: with the depositions of Capt. Laurence and Thomas Minor—relative to Col. Holdridges seisure of the schooner General Howe.
As I am informed that a complaint on the same subject1 has been laid before Congress—and am ignorant what orders they may have given in consequence—I have given conditional directions to General Putnam, to have a Court of Inquiry or2 Court Martial held for the trial of Col. Holdridge—and in the mean time to have the Vessel and effects secured—unless Congress shall have ordered differently.3 I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem Sir Your Excellencys most obedt Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in John Laurens’s writing, PHi: Gratz Collection; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Laurens addressed the cover of the LS to “His Excellency Governor Clinton Poughkeepsie,” and GW franked it.
1. At this place on the draft manuscript, Laurens wrote “of the same nature” rather than “on the same subject.”
2. GW inserted the previous four words on the LS in his own writing.
3. See GW to Israel Putnam, 13 March, and n.1 to that document.