George Washington to John Pierce, Jr., 6 May 1781
To John Pierce, Jr.
Head Quarters New Windsor May 6th 1781
Sir
As there is a sum of Money sent on from the Eastern States, for the Payment of the Detachments from their Lines under the command of the Marquis De la Fayette1—I wish provision could be made to forward two or three Month pay, in specie value, for the Company of Colonel Hazens Regiment on that Command2—You will consider yourself authorized hereby to make application for the same.
Leiut. Colonel Barber having been sent by the Marquis De la Fayette to negotiate the affairs of the Detachment of the Jersey Line, it is to be presumed, that State has or will advance Money for their payment3—in which case, the Company from Col. Hazens Regt will be the only one unprovided for. And the sum necessary for the purpose being inconsiderable, I hope it may be procured, and sent on by Colonel Tupper, who will deliver you this Letter. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Serv⟨t⟩
Go: Washington
LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 165; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Massachusetts troops in Major General Lafayette’s detachment had been sent pay (see William Heath to GW, 3 May, and n.2 to that document). For the detachment, see GW’s second letter to Lafayette, 20 February.
2. For the company from Col. Moses Hazen’s Canadian Old Regiment that served with Lafayette’s detachment, see GW to Heath, 17 Feb. (second letter). GW’s warrant book for 6 May indicates $2,000 “in old Emission” given to Lt. William Stewart of Hazen’s regiment “on Account” (Revolutionary War Warrant Book 5, 1780–1783, DLC:GW, ser.5).
3. Lafayette had written Samuel Huntington, president of Congress, from Alexandria, Va., on 22 April about supply shortages and Lt. Col. Francis Barber’s trip to Philadelphia: “Our Circumstances are peculiar—our cloathing, more Ragged than usual. The Situation of the officers Requires a particular and Instant Consideration. Clel. Barber Having waïted on the Board of war with Instructions Relative to our Relief I Hope some Supplies are By this time on their Way” (, 4:53–54; see also Lafayette to GW, 12 April, and GW to the Board of War, 20 April). For clothing sent for the detachment, see GW to the Board of War, 8 May.