From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 May 1779
To the Board of War
Head Quarters Middlebrook 3d May 1779
Gentn
I had the honor of your favor of the 25th ultimo thro’ Col. Pickering.1
The extract of a letter from Mr Measam D.C.G. and the several objects to which it refers, will naturally claim the earliest notice. In particular the linen and blankets are greatly wanted for the troops; and the necessity of encreasing our supply of both so evident as to stand in need of no arguments to induce the board to take such measures as the present occasion may require, to provide the one—and encrease to other. I am, with due respect Gentn your most obedient and very hble servt.
P.S. Since Baron Steuben’s arrival in camp I have confered with him on the subject of the Adjt General as assistant to the inspectorate General—And upon the whole, I would think it advisable that the two offices should be connected by such an appointment.2
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
2. Major General Steuben, who had been in Philadelphia at least through mid-April, apparently returned to camp on 25 April, when general orders were issued appointing a guard at his quarters (see , 12:348, and General Orders, 25 April). The Board of War had raised the possibility of merging the offices of adjutant and inspector general in its letter to GW of 31 March, which has not been found, and GW had responded on 10 April that he did not feel comfortable to decide on the subject until he had a chance to confer with Steuben.