From George Washington to John Haring, 11 August 1780
To John Haring
Head Quarters Orange Town 11th Augt 1780
Sir
I am pained at the contents of your letter of this date.1 It has always been my endeavour as much as in my power to prevent the troops from committing depradations of any kind whatso[e]ver on the inhabitants. That there should be cause of complaint from the well-affected is an additional aggravation. You may be assured, that the most pointed orders have been issued to the army on this subject since we came on this ground, and the strongest recommendations used to the officers that they may be carried into execution.2 I flatter myself that these will have the good effect, which you desire, and which it is intended they should produce. I am Sir &c.
G.W.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Haring wrote GW on this date from Orangetown: “The Conduct of the troops under your Excellency’s command has much alarmed the Inhabitants, and filled them with apprehensions of being brought to a Starving Condition. Fences are wantonly destroyed and consequently Cornfields, Buckwheat, Orchards, meadows &c. &c. are laid waste, and we know not where it will end—I therefore in behalf of the Inhabitants at large most humbly request, and Seriously entreat that measures may be taken to prevent unnecessary waste & destruction” (Transcript, DLC:GW).
2. See General Orders, 9 August.