1. For the enclosed resolutions passed on 21 Oct., see DLC:GW; see also JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 18:958–62, the general orders for 1 Nov., and Huntington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 26 Oct., in Smith, Letters of Delegates description begins Paul H. Smith et al., eds. Letters of Delegates to Congress, 1774–1789. 26 vols. Washington, D.C., 1976–2000. description ends , 16:264–65. This army reform followed GW’s recommendations after he objected to a previous congressional plan (see his letter to Huntington, 11 Oct.). Huntington had written GW from Philadelphia on 4 Oct.: “Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed the Copy of an Act of Congress of the 3. Instant, containing a new Arrangement of the Army.

“You will please to observe, that, if in your Opinion there shall appear no material Objection to this Plan of Arrangement, it is the Pleasure of Congress that the same be carried into immediate Effect.

“Congress are extremely anxious, not only to avoid the Embarrassments heretofore experienced, by Delays in recruiting the Army until the Opening of the Campaign; but to establish a permanent Army, of Troops engaged for the War, to consist of such Numbers as may probably be adequate to the Service; and at the same Time not exceed the Ability of the States to raise, recruit and constantly maintain, fit for Service. To accomplish this desirable Purpose, it is but too obvious, that every practicable retrenchment of Expences, and the greatest Œconomy is indispensably necessary.

“Under these Considerations, having but a Choice of Difficulties, Congress have adopted the Plan enclosed, as subject to the least Objections of any that could be devised.

“Should your Excellency’s Opinion coincide therewith, the returns of Deficiencies in each State may be laid before their respective Assemblies; most of which meet before the End of this Month, which may enable them to facilitate the recruiting Service in proper Season, to comply with the Intentions of Congress” (LS, DLC:GW; LB, DNA:PCC, item 15). For the enclosed resolutions adopted on 3 Oct., see DLC:GW; see also JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 18:893–97, and GW to Huntington, 20 Aug., source note.

2. The enclosure regarding the promotion of Brig. Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons to major general has not been identified, but see JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 18:965; see also Parsons to GW, 4 October.