From George Washington to Colonel Peter Gansevoort, 29 August 1778
To Colonel Peter Gansevoort
Head Quarters White plains 29 August 1778
Sir
I have just received your favor of the 18th Instant.
Inclosed is a copy of a letter sent you some time ago respecting the court martial you transmitted.1
The spirit of desertion which possessed your soldiers was certainly very alarming and required a serious check. I hope the intention of the example you have made will be fully answered; and altho’ the proceeding was not strictly in the prescribed form, yet the necessity of the case may justify the measure.
I have spoken to Lieut. Colonel Willet on the application of the officers of the garrison. It is impossible to comply at present with their request, things are so circumstanced—but I shall take steps to releive it before winter.2 I am Sir your Obt hble servt
Go: Washington
LS, in James McHenry’s writing, NN: Gansevoort-Lansing Collection; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS.
1. GW enclosed a copy of his letter to Gansevoort of 13 August.
2. For the officers’ application, see Officers of the 3d New York Regiment to GW, 13 Aug.; for GW’s arrangements to relieve the garrison at Fort Schuyler, see GW to George Clinton, 19 Oct., and Goose Van Schaick to GW, 1 November.