George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Board of War, 8 May 1781

Head Quarters New Windsor 8th May 1781.

Gentlemen

I have been honored with your favors of the 30th April and 1st Instant. After a conference with Mr Cornel I ordered as much Cloathing as could possibly be shared from hence to be immediately forwarded to the southward with one thousand Muskets and one thousand Cartouch Boxes which appeared as many as could be sent from hence upon a comparison of our own probable wants with our stock on hand. Our prospects on account of lead are alarming indeed—It will be impossible to send any more from hence than what is contained in the ready made Cartridges. I know not whether any of the States have any quantity in their private Magazines, but I think enquiry should be made and a loan obtained, if practicable.

The artillery at present at the Southward and what is upon the way appears to me fully sufficient.

Mr Moylan is making up the Accounts of the late Cloathier, which he tells me will be finished in a few days, he then proposes to repair to Philada.

I am of the same opinion with the Board respecting the construction of the Resolve of the 3d October 1780—It would defeat the end proposed by the abolition of the Rank of full Colonels in the army were they suffered to be still created in the Regiments of Artillery and Cavalry[.] If Colo. Carringtons Commission of Lieut. Colo. Commandant to the 4th Regt of Artillery has not yet been sent to him I would wish it to be delayed untill some Regulations respecting the mode of promotion in the Artillery and Cavalry which are now before Congress shall have been determined upon. For the same reason I think the promotion of the 2d major to the 1st Regt of Cavalry had best be delayed also. I have the honor to be &c.


Cloathing sent to the southward upon Mr Cornels requisition.

1500 Woolen Vests

300 pr leather Breeches

3000 linen Overalls

3000 pr socks.


sent to the southward at the same time the Cloathing for the Marquis’s detachment went.

3000 pr socks

900 Hunting shirts

4000 pr shoes ordered from Jersey


DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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