From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 September 1778
To Henry Laurens
Head Qrs White plains Sept. 7th 1778
sir.
I take the liberty of laying before Congress the inclosed Copies of a paragraph and Schedule, contained in a Letter from General Heath, which I lately received.1 These will apprize Congress, if they are not already informed, of the supplies of provision and wood wanted by the Count D’Estaing; and will naturally lead to a consideration of the ways and means to be pursued for furnishing them, as soon as possible.
Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 4th and 5th Instant, I have obtained a Return of the Blankets which are now deficient.2 This and the fast approach of the Fall will suggest, the necessity of the most vigorous exertions being used to procure ’em. Not a night will pass from this time, without the Soldiers feeling the want. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem sir Your Most Obedt servant
Go: Washington
LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Congress read this letter on 10 Sept. and referred it to the Board of War (see , 12:896).
1. The enclosure consisted of the last paragraph and schedule of provisions from Maj. Gen. William Heath’s letter to GW of 30 August.
2. The “Return of Blankets, wanting in the several Brigades at White Plains,” dated 6 Sept. and signed by Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell, reported 11,067 blankets needed (DNA:PCC, item 152).