From George Washington to George Measam, 13 June 1779
To George Measam
Head Quarters Smiths Clove [N.Y.]
June 13th 1779
Sir
Your favour of the 9th instant came to hand yesterday—Three of the 6th 11th of May & 2d of June have been also received and through hurry of business lain by.1
The shoes overalls and shirts which were coming on to Fish Kill and stopped in consequence of the enemy’s approach, I have directed Col. Hay to have forwarded to the army.2
I am sorry to discover among a quantity of shoes delivered out yesterday a large proportion unfit for use. Some regiments had an inspection condemned and returned all they had received—I wish the most effectual measures to be taken to prevent the like in future—I need not enlarge on the loss to the public and injury to the service which attend instances of this kind. The shoes rejected were in some of the hhds marked & numbered RL3 14. 15. 18—63. 65: 71—75—61. 72. 73—69 & 60.4
The blankets mentioned in yours of the 2d of June are to remain where they are ’till further orders.
I am much obliged to you for the Register.5 It will be very useful to me. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt serv.
Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Measam’s letters to GW of 11 May and 9 June have not been found.
2. GW probably is referring to his letter to Lt. Col. Udny Hay of 7 June, which has not been found, but see Hay to GW, 5 June; see also Alexander McDougall to GW, 1 June (second letter), and n.5 to that document.
3. The character transcribed as “L” from the draft manuscript has a small slash through its lower element that may indicate that it was a symbol rather than a letter.
4. For more on unsatisfactory shoes, see General Orders, 10 June, and n.1 to that document.
5. This “Register” has not been identified.