George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 10 April 1781

Head Quarter New Windsor April 10th 1781

Dear Sir

By an almost total failure of the Supplies of Beef Cattle, demanded by Congress of the Eastern States; I find we are again reduced to the verge of Distress, (Our little Magazines, which were laid up for an emergency being entirely exhausted) and that there is no prospect of immediate relief, but from the salted provisions of Connecticut.

I have therefore to request in the most earnest manner, that Your Excellency will interpose Your influence and authority to aid the Quarter Master in forwarding these Provisions, and that a sufficient number of Teams may be procured in the several Towns westward of Connecticut River, to take up at once the whole of the salted Meat in those Towns, and transport it directly to Fishkill, or the nearest landing on the North River where it can safely be deposited: Or that some other speedy and effectual means may be devised for the transportation. Mr Pomeroy the Dep. Quartr Mastr of your State having informed Mr Stevens the Acting Commissy with the Army, that there were some embarrassments which prevented the forwarding these Provisions; I have already written to the former, expressing my idea of his misapprehension of this Matter, & directing him (if there still remained any difficulties) to make application to your Excellency for their removal.

Convinced that nothing but an immediate Supply thro this channel, can avert the most imminent and fatal Misfortunes, I have been thus explicit and pointed in my representation; and cannot but flatter myself, that, on such an occasion, the substantial Farmers will furnish their Teams with great alacrity, upon your requisition: especially as the roads are now good, and as the whole business may be performed, without interfering much with the planting season. I have the honor to be With great respect & esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

Go: Washington

Ct: Trumbull Papers.

Index Entries