1Instructions to James Mease, 15 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
In order to enable you to carry on the business of your department with facility & despatch—You are hereby authorized to purchase hire or press as circumstances may require from time to time—such number of horses and waggons as you shall stand in need of to answer the necessary purposes thereof—And in Consideration of the wants of the Army in many essential Articles of Cloathing, and the...