To George Washington from Brigadier General John Stark, 31 July 1778
From Brigadier General John Stark
Head Quarters Albany 31st July 1778
Dear General
I Received orders last Jany to Raise a Number of Voluntiers to Burn the Shipping at St Johns a Copy of which I Inclose1—I proceeded to Raise a Number of men for that purpose and had them Ready to march when the Expedition fell Through which put me and the officers to A good deale of Expence and the men I Raised are daily Haunting me for their pay—would be glad if your Excellency would put me in a way to get some Recompence for my Extra Expences and the pay of the Officers & Soldiers Engaged for that Service.
there is a number of State Prisoners in this Goal which draw provision out of the Continental Store which I look upon to be very wrong your orders on this Head I should be Very glad off—besides them, there is a Number of Soldiers Wifes, in this City, in almost a Starving Condition, and no person to give them any Relief, I have applyed to the Corporation but they Refuse to take any care of them I would be glad of your Instructions on that Matter. I am Sir with Great Respect your Very Humbl. Servt
John Stark
N.B. I have been oblidged to purchase fifty Pairs of Shoes for the Rifle Detatchment before they could be fit for a march. as before
J.S.
LS, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed copy of Congress’s resolutions of 3 Dec. 1777 is in DLC:GW (see also , 9:999–1001).