George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-15-02-0428

From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 15 June 1778

To Timothy Pickering

Head Quarters Valley Forge 15th June 1778

Dear Sir

I am favd with yours of the 9th instant. I have directed the Blankets to be brought forward to Camp, after the North Carolinians are supplied the remainder shall be distributed among the troops who most want1—The draughts from the Army for Teamsters, Mechanics and persons of different occupations are so great, that our return, upon command, amounts to almost half the effective fit for duty.2 And what is worse they scarce ever come back. At the Rate Capt. Coren is going on he will soon make up as many Cannisters as will supply the want of Cartouch Boxes, and for that, and the Reasons I have just given I have not ordered any Workmen from the Army. I am &c.

Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1Tilghman marked out additional text at this point: “I wish I could, without reducing the Regiments, already small, to mere Companies, furnish you with workmen for making Cannisters: But.”

2Tilghman wrote and then crossed out this additional text: “I have endeavoured to strengthen the Army as much as possible by drawing in all the soldiers who were employed as waiters upon officers not in the line, and the Qr Mr General is hiring teamsters at an immense price.”

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