From George Washington to the Board of Treasury, 31 December 1779
To the Board of Treasury
Hd Qr. Morristown 31st Der 1779
Gentn
The want of a Pay Master to that detatchment of the army which lays at and near the Highlands is attended with many inconveniences to the troops, and an accumulation of expence to the public, as the officers are obliged to draw for their pay rolls from this part of the army. Should the Board have no person in view, perhaps it might be eligible to place Mr Reed who is at Albany on this station. His continuance there is noways essential as there are but a few troops in that quarter.1
The increased drafts on the military chest for reinlisting and other purposes have nearly exhausted it of money. The greatest part of the army have also pay to receive since the 1st of Sepr. I thought it necessary to mention these circumstances, to the Board that a proper supply may be ordered as soon as possible.2 I have the honor to be with the greatest regard Genn Yr most.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Asst. paymaster Thomas Reed reached West Point later that winter (see William Heath to GW, 2–3 Feb. 1780, MHi: Heath Papers; see also Heath to GW, 17–18 and 23 Jan., both in DLC:GW).
2. The Board of Treasury indicated its favorable response to these requests in a letter from John Gibson to GW written at Philadelphia on 5 Jan. (DLC:GW).