From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 19 March 1779
To Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum
Hd Qrs Middlebrook 19 March 1779.
Sir.
In answer to your letter of the 9th Inst. I would observe; that the sentiments contained in mine of the 14th of February Ulto were of a general nature; not pointed at any particular corps, or description of Officers; had reference barely to a prudence and circumspection of language before the soldier, and recommended severe or adequate punishment in case of licentious behaviour.
I inclose you a copy of your letter agreeable to your request which will shew on what ground those sentiments were founded.1 I am sir &c.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed copy of Varnum’s letter of 29 Jan. to GW, like the original, has not been found. For additional correspondence concerning fears of a mutinous spirit within Maj. Gen. John Sullivan’s division, see GW to Sullivan, 14 Feb. and this date, and Sullivan to GW, 3 March.