From George Washington to Major Caleb Gibbs, 18 June 1780
To Major Caleb Gibbs
Camp near Springfield 18th June 1780.
Dr Gibbs,
A Trunk of mine No. 4 (which the inclosed Key will open1) is not more than half filled. I intended to have compleated the package with my Bed blankets, but on enquiry, found they had been sent down to the Marquis2 (which I am sorry for, as I hardly expect to see them again, or much dirtied if I do). Under these circumstances I wish you to fill the Trunk No. 4 with the best of those blankets which were drawn from the public stores as well for the purpose of preventing injury from the loose state they are now in, as to secure some covering for me against the Winter—The remainder of those Blankets I would also have detained subject to my order only as there may be in the course of the Campaign & our intercourse with our allies, occasion for them.
Pray send us (if it is not already done) such things as are necessary for our tolerable comfort, & convenience at this place, & nothing more. The rest to be in Waggons. With much esteem & regard—I am Dr Gibbs Yrs
Go: Washington3
Write again to Cheever abt the Plates—& to Phila. for what things are wanted.4
If my Watch which was sent to Mr Washington is done, pray let it—& the Chain which is in the hands of Colo. Blaine be sent to me by a careful hand.
The Pipe of ⟨spiri⟩ts you recd the other day is a p⟨resent⟩ to me from Mr R. Morris & oth⟨ers⟩ ⟨mutilated⟩ be very fine.5
ALS, DNA: RG 15, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800–1900. GW addressed the letter to Gibbs at Morristown and signed the cover.
1. The enclosed key has not been identified.
2. GW is referring to his marquee field tent.
3. GW’s signature is rendered in full although partially mutilated.
4. On 22 July, Gibbs wrote a receipt to Ephraim Blaine, who had recently been in Philadelphia: “Received Head Quarters Bergen County … for the use of His Excellency General Washington the following articles Viz.—One pipe No. 4. containg one hundred and three gallons & one hhd No. 12. Contg fifty one gallons of Maderia wine, two hundred and two pounds & fourteen ounces of Loaf sugar, one hundred & ninety eight pounds of Muscovada sugar, twenty four pounds of Chocolate, one hundred and fifteen smoakd nut’s tongues, twelve bottles of Mustard, one barrell of vinegar three bottles of sweet oil, Eleven pounds of hyson tea, and [ ] gallons of Spirit” (Revolutionary War Accounts, Vouchers, and Receipted Accounts, 1776–80, DLC:GW, ser. 5).
5. See GW to Blair McClenachan and Robert Morris, 20 June, and n.1 to that document.