From George Washington to Ephraim Blaine, 29 January 1781
To Ephraim Blaine
Head Quarters New Windsor Janry 29. 1781
Sir
Representations having been made to me, by the Commissy of the ⟨Artt Park⟩ Staff, that there is no provision of the Meat kind, for the Artillery & other Troops at this place, nor a prospect of any immediately on account of the impossibility of transportation by Water & that there are Beef Cattle in the Neighbourhood for sale, but which cannot be obtained wihout hard Money. You are therefore directed to procure an immediate supply for the Troops, & if it cannot be obtained by purchase; You will take Measures for impressing the same, having the Cattle properly estimated & Making compensation for them agreeable to the just value. I am Sir.
Df, in David Humphreys’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.