“A Quantity of Tow Cloth, for the Purpose of making of Indian or Hunting Shirts …”: Proper Terminology: Hunting shirt, Rifle Shirt, Rifle Frock … ?

8/11/2019 A Quantity of Tow Cloth, for the Purpose of making of Indian or Hunting Shirts : Proper Terminology: Hunting s

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A Quantity of Tow Cloth, for the Purpose of making of Indian or Hunting Shirts Proper Terminology: Hunting shirt, Rifle Shirt, Rifle Frock ?

John U. Rees

So, given that the coat pictured on this rifleman was the military garment mostsymbolizing the War for American Independence, and widely worn by Continentalsoldiers and militia alike, from 1775 to 1783, what was the term most-used whenreferring to it? The appended study addresses this question by looking atcorrespondence and army orders in the George Washington Papers(http://international.loc.gov/ammem/gwhtml/gwhome.html ), and searching forspecific words or phrases. The results are appended.

A Virginian Rifleman Artist: Richard St George Mansergh St George, 52d Regiment of Foot, 1777
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Search Terms

Rifle shirt , no items (Don Hagist found a 4 th Pennsylvania Regiment deserter notice inthe 5 February 1777 Pennsylvania Gazette with this term; see below.)

Rifle frock , 1 item(31 July 1779 )

Hunting frock , 1 item(G.O. 29 February 1780 )

Frock (only references that definitely or probably refer to hunting shirts), 10 items(6 in 1777; 1 in 1779; 1 in 1780; 2 in 1782)(20 May 1777 ; 8 June 1777 ; 10 June 1777 ; 10 June 1777 ; 20 June 1777 ; 23 June1777 ; 31 July 1779 ; 29 February 1780 ; 5 June 1782 ; 31 July 1782 )

Hunting shirt , 38 items (11 in 1775; 2 in 1776; 5 in 1777; 2 in 1778; 11 in 1779; 1in 1780; 2 in 1781; 5 in 1782)(6 February 1775 ; 25 April 1775 ; 10 July 1775 ; 4 August 1775 ; 4 August 1775 ; 7August 1775 ; 11 August 1775 ; 14 August 1775 ; 23 August 1775 ; 31 August 1775 ;21 September 1775 ; 6 May 1776 ; 24 July 1776 ; 7 June 1777 ; 8 June 1777 ; 8 June1777 ; 10 June 1777 ; 13 June 1777 ; 27 January 1778 ; 2 June 1778 ; 20 March 1779 ;21 March 1779 ; 26 March 1779 ; 8 April 1779 ; 20 April 1779 ; 22 April 1779 ; 23May 1779 ; 24 May 1779 ; 14 June 1779 ; 21 August 1779 ; 24 July 1780 ; 20 April1781 ; 22 April 1781 ; 30 July 1782 ; 31 July 1782 ; 3 August 1782 ; 18 August 1782 ;27 August 1782 )

Dual references in same document10 June 1777 , hunting shirts and frocks used to refer to same garment. 31 July 1782 , hunting shirts and frocks used to refer to same garment.

For more information see, Neal Thomas Hurst, K ind of armour, being peculiar to America : The American Hunting Shirt http://www.academia.edu/3336557/_kind_of_armour_being_peculiar_to_America_ The_American_Hunting_Shirt
http://www.academia.edu/3336557/_kind_of_armour_being_peculiar_to_America_The_American_Hunting_Shirthttp://www.academia.edu/3336557/_kind_of_armour_being_peculiar_to_America_The_American_Hunting_Shirthttp://www.academia.edu/3336557/_kind_of_armour_being_peculiar_to_America_The_American_Hunting_Shirthttp://www.academia.edu/3336557/_kind_of_armour_being_peculiar_to_America_The_American_Hunting_Shirthttp://www.academia.edu/3336557/_kind_of_armour_being_peculiar_to_America_The_American_Hunting_Shirt


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********************************* From Don N. Hagist (http://redcoat76.blogspot.com/ ) I have a file of several hundred runaway ads (about 1400) fromAmerican newspapers all over the colonies, covering the years 1775through 1783. A quick search of this file reveals the frequency of the

following terms:

hunting shirt: 74hunting frock: 4rifle shirt: 1 (the ad using this term appears below)

This is a quick and dirty survey, but it does suggest that "huntingshirt" was the most common terminology, and that "hunting frock" and"rifle shirt" were known terms but seldom used. Don N. Hagist22d Regt. F.

February 5, 1777The Pennsylvania GazettePhiladelphia, January 1, 1777 .THIRTY DOLLARS Reward.DESERTED from the fourth Pennsylvania regiment, under the command ofCol. ANTHONY WAYNE, a certain WILLIAM BAKER, born in England, about 5feet 8 inches high, of a fair complexion, short light coloured hair,had been in the British service a short time, is extremely handsomeand very active, was inlisted the beginning of last month at Sussexcourt house, in New Jersey; Had on when he deserted, a rifle shirt,

but it is probable may have changed his dress. JOHN STEVENS, born inCulpepper county, Virginia, about 5 feet 8 inches high, of a darkcomplexion, short black hair, was inlisted in Philadelphia the

beginning of last month; had on when deserted, a new brown coat andacket , leather breeches, and an old felt hat. JOHN LOWE, and

Irishman, about 23 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, of a faircomplexion, brown hair, has been formerly in the first regiment ofYorkers, a very likely fellow, was inlisted in Philadelphia the middleof last month; had on when he deserted, a brown broad cloth coat, a

pair of white overhauls, &c. Whoever will take up and secure saiddeserters, in such a manner that their commanding officer may havethem again, shall have the above reward, or Ten Dollars for any one ofthem. Francis Johnston, Lieut. Col. 4th Pennsylvania Regt.

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Overalls. 4834 Pair Buckles. 401 Sword Belts. 6134 Socks, 2396 Stocks." Moylan'sletter is in the Washington Papers .]

******************************************FrocksGeorge Washington to Thomas Gibson, July 15, 1772, Account Book 2

Virginia, July 15, 1772.Mr. Gibson: The Coat and Waistcoat which you sent me last year (by order of Robt.Cary Esq'r & Co.) fitted very well, except having the fault you apprehended of beingtoo long in the Skirts (for I was obliged to cut of near three Inches from the length)and being at the sametime a little too tight in the Sleeves; with an allowance forthese alteration's I have to desire you to make the following Cloaths for me nowA Fash'e Suit of Cloaths made of a handsome Super'eBroad Cloth for dressA Fash'e Ditto made of Cassimer for Summer Wear, wellfancied and only faced and Lined in the foreskirtsA Riding Frock of a handsome Drab colour'd broad Cloth

with plain dble gilt Button'sA Riding Waistcoat of Superfine Scarlet Cloth, and gold Lacewith Button's like those of the Coat.A Blew Sartoot Coat, andA pair of best black Silk Nett Breeches, made longer thanthe Measure sent last y'r, all the Breeches to be worn w' DrawersI have also to request you to send the following Cloaths for Mr. Custis, desiring at thesame time that they may be made larger than those you sent him last year as theBreeches were too small for him every way especially in the Seat, and the Coats toonarrow across the shoulders over and above these alteration's you are to make aproper allowance for his growth since as he is not only Taller, but lustier in ev' otherresp'tA Fash'e Suit of Cloaths made of a handsome Super'ebrd. Cloath for dressA Fash'e and hands'e Suit of Do for Summer Wear tobe faced and Lined in the Foreskins only.A Fash'e Riding Frock , and Buff cloath Waist' w'a gold LaceApr. of Fash'e Silk Nett Breeches, andApr. of very fine Black Everlasting DoRobt. Cary Esqr. & Co. will pay you for these things and I am Sir, etc.P.S. Send Mr. Custis also, a Waistcoat of Superfine Scarlet Cloth with a Neat light goldEmbroidery (if Embroidery is in Fashion, if not then to have a gold Lace on it). Inshort he wants a fash'e Winter Waistcoat which you will please to let this be, Yrs.&ca.

*****************************George Washington to James Mease, May 20, 1777 Head Quarters, Morris Town, May 20, 1777.Sir: I am favoured with yours of the 12th. instant. I am informed, that Colo. Moylanhas provided Frocks for his Men, with which they can cover their Red Coats


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occasionally; if so, it takes off the objection which I had to their Uniform. But thiscannot be done by the Foot, as they cannot carry a coat and Frock , you musttherefore contrive to have their Coats dyed, as quick as possible.Colo. Mason's Regiment must have the Brown and Buff Clothing. I imagine theTroops from North Carolina will want every kind of necessary, you will therefore be

making preparation for them. I am informed there are about two thousand of them. Ibeg you will, every now and then, call upon the Secret Committee 72 and know whatAccounts they have from abroad; if they are not frequently put in mind of our wants,they will perhaps forget or over look them. I am etc

*******************************George Washington to James Mease, June 8, 1777 Head Quarters, Middle Brook, June 8, 1777.Sir: I have just received Letters from Genl. Heath at Boston, in which he makes mostheavy complaints for the want of Clothing for the Troops of Massachusetts, many ofwhom were marched to Peeks Kill, under a promise of having their Clothes sentafter them or finding them there. They have been disappointed in both and are now

naked and unfit for duty. I always understood from you, that in your allotment, youhad left a Sufficiency of Clothing at Boston for the Troops of that State; if so, how is itdisposed of. I understand that a quantity of light Clothing, such as Shirts, Frocksand overalls , are coming on. I shall order them to be stopped at Peeks Kill anddeliver'd out to those troops that are in want, and an account taken to whom. And Ithink you ought immediately to send a proper person there, to settle matters withthe Officers who draw them, and then to proceed to Boston and make Inquiry intothis matter which has some how or other been badly conducted. I am anxious tohave the matter looked into, because I am certain that it is in some measureattributed to my partiality for the Southern Troops, to whom they say all theClothing has been sent .16 I am etc

********************************George Washington to Israel Putnam, June 10, 1777 Head Quarters, Middle Brook, June 10, 1777.Dear Sir: This will be delivered to you by Mr. Young who is sent up by the ClothierGeneral to issue Clothing to the Troops at Peeks Kill. I beg you will give him yourCountenance and assistance in seeing that none are allowed to draw but such as arereally in want. Some Regiments not content with a complete Suit of Uniform, havedrawn a Frock, Waistcoat and Overalls , by which means they are doubly cladwhile others are perishing. This must not be allowed in our present scarcity, and Itherefore beg that you will be particularly careful that none but the needy areSupplied. There are among the Clothing 350 Coats, Blue and Red which were madeup purposely for Colo. Daytons Regiment of Jersey, and of which they are in greatwant, they must come on immediately. I am etc.P.S. Yours of the 8th. is just come to hand. Mr. Young will make the necessary inquiryabout Clothing, it is very extraordinary that Genl. Gates should undertake to Stop theClothing of those Regiments that are at Peeks Kill; that accounts for the deficiency.Colo. Saml. B. Webb has drawn a vast deal more than he has men to put them on, Ihave desired him to bring the overplus to Peeks Kill and deliver it up and I beg youwill see it done .27
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*******************************George Washington to Charles Young, June 10, 1777 Head Quarters, Middle Brook, June 10, 1777.Sir: Upon your arrival at Peeks Kill deliver the inclosed to Genl. Putnam whocommands there. I have desired him to see that those Troops, who drew their

Cloathing before they marched, do not come in for a share of this, except it may befor Shoes or some few things absolutely necessary. What you are particularly toguard against is, to prevent those who have drawn compleat Suits of Uniforms,from taking another of Hunting Shirt, Waistcoat and Overalls . Some Regimentshave done so in a very unwarrantable manner. There are about 350 Coats blue andred intended for Colo. Dayton's Regiment of Jersey, which must come immediatelyon. Endearour to find out how many of the Troops, coming in from Massachusetts,will want Clothing, and, if possible, reserve Sufficient for them. The Frocks andoveralls at this Season, are far preferable to Uniforms which Mr. Mease says hewill have ready by the Fall. The State of Rhode Island has not only had a largeallowance, but have lately stopped 1000 Blankets and 20 Bales of Cloth; their

Troops therefore have no claim, if they want any thing their Officers must sendhome for it. As Mr. Mease has always assured me that a full proportion of Clothingwas left at Boston for Massachusetts, endeavour to find out the reason of theirTroops being the only ones who have come on naked. I am etc

*******************************George Washington to James Mease, June 20, 1777 Head Quarters, Middle Brook, June 20, 1777.Sir: I have yours of the 14th. As I have not wrote to you since the 8th., no letters ofmine were among those lost by Mr. Gurney. I cannot tell how the Clothing designedfor the Eastern Troops, has been disposed of, but there arc universal Complaints,from Massachusetts in particular, for want. If the Quantity that will meet Mr. Youngat Pecks Kill is not Sufficient, many of the Troops will be obliged to quit the Field, forsome of them are already so naked that they cannot do duty. The Board of War ofMassachusetts say, that as they had delivered a large quantity of Clothing toLivingston & Turnbull ,3 which they had collected and purchased, they expected theirtroops would have received the benefit of it, but that so far from that's being thecase, they are file only people left destitute. As these repeated Complaints are allthrown upon me, I could wish that some measures may be taken by you or yourAgents to Settle this matter and endeavour to give Satisfaction.[Note 3: Agents for cIothing, Continental Army.]The Light Horsemen are not intitled to any more than a suit of Uniform annually.The coarse Jackets and Frocks are extra's and must be charged to them; their paywas augmented in order to enable them to purchase these necessaries. I am etc .4

********************************George Washington to William Heath, June 23, 1777 Head Quarters, Middle Brook, June 23, 1777.Dear Sir: I am favoured with yours of the 3rd., 7th., and 12th. Nothing has given memore uneasiness than the Complaints of want of Clothing for the Troops of yourState, especially as I have been led to believe that they were most amply provided. Ihave ordered all the Clothing now coming on to stop at Peeks Kill, and the Clothier
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General has sent up a Deputy to distribute it to those who want. As it consists ofFrocks, Waistcoats, and Over-alls, it will be more proper for the Season thanCloth Uniform, which must be provided against Winter. I have wrote to Mr.Mease and informed him of the Complaints that are made against his Agents, fortheir unequal or at least irregular supply to your troops. He asserts, that a full

Supply has been delivered, but that by the alteration of the first destination of theirTroops, the Clothing of the whole is gone to the Northward. I have directed him tohave the matter some how settled, for nothing can be more disagreeable to me, thanto be obliged to hear constant complaint of this nature.General Howe moved from Brunswick on the 13th. at night and marched as far asSomerset Court House on the Road leading to Delaware, he remained there until the18th. and then suddenly marched back to Brunswick, leaving a Number of works,which they had begun, half finished. They burnt many farm Houses in this shortdistance of Nine Miles. Finding, from many accounts and various circumstances, thatthey intended to move from Brunswick to Amboy, Majr. Genl. Greene marchedYesterday morning with three Brigades, in order to fall upon their Rear. Upon the

first appearance of our Troops they abandoned the Town with precipitation andwent off to Amboy, as they had previously sent off their Stores and Baggage they hadnothing to incumber them in their retreat, and therefore only received a few firesfrom our flankers; they are now removing their Baggage to New York, from whencethey will plan some new Expedition; As it will take some time to concert andprepare for it, I hope we shall find ways and means to come at their intention andprepare against them.If the March to Peeks Kill, by way of Kinderhook, is more inconvenient than by thecommon Road. I do not desire it to be pursued, it was a measure recommended byGeneral Schuyler.I have long found the ill effect of the Wretched Cartouch Boxes generally in use, andI am very glad to find that Colo. Lee has found out a kind that will preserve theAmmunition; you will admit him to have them made and I should be glad of one byway of pattern.

******************************George Washington to George Measam, July 31, 1779 Head Quarters, West point, July 31, 1779.Sir: I duly received your several letters of the 6th. 7th. and 25th Instant. TheBatallion Hats mentioned in the first, may remain at Springfield for the present, as Iwould not wish any more stores to be with the Army than are absolutely essential,and the number is so small that a distribution of them would rather serve to exciteuneasiness. It will be well, if you can, to procure more.The Commissary of Hides at Albany was appointed, I imagine, by the Board of Waror by the State in consequence of some requisition by Congress, and probablyreceived Instructions from the authority by which he was constituted. It wasnecessary that the Troops under Genl. Clinton should have been supplied by him. Iwill write to him and know the footing upon which his appointment stands and theconduct which has been prescribed to him, that I may be able to give any fartherdirections that may be necessary.


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You will send on the Rifle Frocks , Shirts and Shoes. The Shirts are most essentiallywanted, there being many Soldiers unfit for duty on account of the deficiency.With respect Mr. Henry Pynchon, I have no objection to his remaining with you as anAssistant, as you must have some, and they are so difficult to procure. It will notoblige the state to furnish a Man more. I do not mean however, that this should

infringe or counteract in the smallest degree any Law of the State that may affect Mr.Pynchon or subject him to any fine for any previous conduct or non compliance withthem and my permission for his staying is to be considered under those restrictions.I am, &c.

******************************George Washington, February 29, 1780, General Orders Head Quarters, Morristown, Tuesday, February 29, 1780.Parole Lincoln. Countersigns Law, Logic.Regimental returns of cloathing actually wanting, to be made as soon as possible tothe Adjutant General.The State Cloathiers or their Assistants are also to make exact returns to the

Cloathier General of all cloathing in their hands .9 [Note 9: According to Assistant Clothier Gen. John Moylan's letter of Mar. 1, 1780, toTench Tilghman, the clothing then in store amounted to: "4050 Coats. 3146 Vests.2977 Breeches and Overalls. 9330 Hose. 10730 Shoes. 7916 Shirts. 7504 Hatts. 205Blankets. 340 Pair Boots. 840 Cloaks and Watch Coats. 1422 Leather Breeches. 6856Wollen Caps. 2794 Mitts. 254 Linnen Caps. 437 Hunting frocks . 2634 CanvasOveralls. 4834 Pair Buckles. 401 Sword Belts. 6134 Socks, 2396 Stocks." Moylan'sletter is in the Washington Papers .]

***************************************George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, June 5, 1782, three same date Head Quarters, June 5, 1782.Sir: I have made Enquiry respecting the 1000 Arms you complain of being Detained.No Orders of mine are or can be produced to justify this Detention. I can't absolutelyascertain the true Reasons, but believe the failure has happened thro Mr Ruddock,the D Comy of Military Stores, who says he had conceived an Idea that 1000 Standsonly were Ordered, and that Number are gone on.I forward to you a Representation which has this Day been handed to me from ournaval Prisoners in N York, which was presented by two Gentlemen, Prisonersthemselves, who were permitted to come out on parole With this Application.Considering myself to have no Authority in naval Matters, I have told theseGentlemen that their Representation should be conveyed to you. I have however,from a Commiseration of their Suffering, taken upon me to write to Admiral Digbyon the Subject: a Copy of which Letter is inclosed for your Observation. "TheComplaints of these unhappy, miserable, people have been so often reiterated to us,that I feel myself exceedgly interested for their Relief .47 [Note 47: On June 5 Washington wrote to Abraham Skinner, ordering him toproceed to New York "and examine into the State and accommodation of ourprisoners, and report on your return." This draft is in the Washington Papers .]Will you take this Matter into your most serious Consideration? and procure somespeedy and decisive Measure to be taken whereby the Sufferings at least may be


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Hunting Shirts George Mason to George Washington, February 6, 1775, with Plan for Militia Letters to Washington and Accompanying Papers. Published by the Society of theColonial Dames of America. Edited by Stanislaus Murray Hamilton.GUNSTON HALL February 6th. 1775.

DEAR SIR, Inclosed you have a Copy of the plan I drew for embodying the people of thisCounty; in which you'll be pleased to make such Alterations as you think necessary.--You will observe I have made it as general as I well cou'd, this I thought better atfirst than to descend to particulars to Uniform &c. which perhaps may be moreeasily done, when the Companys are made up .1 --[Note 1: 1 "Threatened with the Destruction of our antient Laws & Liberty, and theLoss of all that is dear to British Subjects & Freemen,--justly alarmed with theProspect of impending Ruin,--firmly determined, at the hazard of our Lives, totransmit to our Children & Posterity those sacred Rights to which Ourselves wereborn; & thoroughly convinced that a well regulated Militia, composed of the

Gentlemen Freeholders & other Freemen, is the natural Strength, and only safe &stable Security of a free Government, & that such Militia will relieve our MotherCountry from any Expence in our Protection & Defence, will obviate the Pretence ofa necessity for taxing us on that Account, & render it unnecessary to keep anystanding Army (ever dangerous to Liberty) in this Colony. We the Subscribers,Inhabitants of Fairfax County, have freely & voluntarily agreed, & hereby do agree &solemnly promise to inroll & Embody ourselves into a Militia for this County,intended to consist of all the able-bodied Freemen from eighteen to fifty Years ofAge, under Officers of their own Choice; & for that Purpose to form ourselves intodistinct Companies of Sixty eight Men each; and so soon as the said Companies, orany of them in convenient neighbourhoods & Districts are completed, to chuse fromamong our Friends and Acquaintance, upon whose Justice Humanity & Bravery wecan relie, a Captain, two Lieutenants, an Ensign & four Serjeants for each Company;every Captain respectively to appoint four Corporals & a Drummer for his Company,which Election of Officers is to be annual in any Company, if the Majority of theCompany think fit; & whenever a sufficient Number of Companies shall be made up;all the said Companies are to be formed into a Regiment, under the Command of aColonel, Lieutenant-Colonel, & Major, to be chosen by the Captains, Lieutenants &Ensigns of the said Companies; which Election of Field-Officers is to be annual also,if the Majority of the Officers think fit.--And such of us as have, or can procure RiphelGuns, & understand the use of them, will be ready to form a Company of Marksmenor Light-Infantry for the said Regiment, chusing our own Officers as aforesaid, &distinguishing our Dress, when we are upon Duty, from that of the other Companies,by painted Hunting-Shirts , and Indian Boots, or Caps; as shall be found mostconvenient.--Which Regulation & Establishment is to be preserved & continued,until a regular and proper Militia Law for the Defence of the Country shall beenacted by the Legislature of this Colony--And we do Each of us, for ourselvesrespectively, promise and engage to keep a good Firelock in proper Order, & tofurnish Ourselves as soon as possible with, & always keep by us, one Pound of GunPowder, four Pounds of Lead, one Dozen Gun-Flints, & a pair of Bullet-Moulds, with
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a Cartouch-Box, or powder-horn & Bag for Balls--That we will use our bestEndeavours to perfect Ourselves in the Military Exercise & Discipline, & thereforewill pay due Obedience to our Officers, & regularly attend such private & generalMusters as they shall appoint--And that we will always hold Ourselves in Readiness,in Case of Necessity, Hostile-Invasion, or real Danger, to defend & preserve to the

utmost of our Power, Our Religion, the Laws of our Country, & and the just Rights &Privileges of our fellow-Subjects, Our Posterity, & Ourselves, upon the Principles ofthe English Constitution."--The above plan is bound in manuscript with GeorgeMason's letter to Washington. It is also to be found in Force's American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. i. p. 1145.]... Dear Sir Yr. affecte. & obedt. Sert.... G MASON

******************************************Fairfax County, Virginia, Independent Company to George Washington, April25, 1775 Letters to Washington and Accompanying Papers. Published by the Society of the

Colonial Dames of America. Edited by Stanislaus Murray Hamilton.ALEXANDRIA April 25. 1775SIR [to GW]We are under some doubt whether we did not agree at the last meeting 2 to take thefashion of the Hunting Shirt Cap & Gaiters from you, and shall be glad to beinformed by the return of Mr Johnson whether you Intend to send yours up that wemay get the fashion, or that you will give your direction about the same.[Note 2: 2 At Alexandria, April 15.]... We are Sir... very respectfully... Your Most Obedt. Ser [mutilated]... JAMES HENDRICKS... GEO GILPIN... ROB H HARRISON

*******************************George Washington to Continental Congress, July 10, 1775 Camp at Cambridge, July 10, 1775. I find the Army in general and particularly the Troops raised in MassachusettsBay very difficient in necessary Clothing: Upon Inquiry it appears there is noProbability of Obtaining any supplies in this Quarter; upon the best consideration ofthis matter, I am able to form, I am of Opinion that a number of hunting Shirts , notless than 10,000, would in a great Degree remove the difficulty in the cheapest andquickest manner. I know nothing so trivial in a speculative View, that in Practicewould have a happy Tendency to unite the men and abolish those Provincialdistinctions which lead to Jealousy and Dissatisfaction. In a former part of my LetterI mentioned the want of Engineers. I can hardly express the Disappointment I haveexperienced on this Subject; the Skill of those we have being very imperfect andconfined to the mere manual exercise of cannon, whereas the war in which we areengaged, requires a Knowledge comprehending the Duties of the Field andFortifications. If any Persons possessed of these Qualifications are to be found in the
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Southern Colonies, it would be of great Public Service to forward them with allexpedition. Upon the Article of Ammunition, I must re-echo the former complaintson this Subject; we are so exceedingly destitute that our Artillery will be of little usewithout a supply both large and seasonable; what we have, must be reserved for thesmall Arms and that managed with the utmost Frugality. I am very sorry to observe

that the appointments of General Officers in the Provinces of Massachusetts andConnecticut have not corresponded with the wishes and Judgment of either the Civilor Military.

**********************************George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, August 4, 1775 August 4, 1775.Sir: I am favored with yours of the 31st July, informing me, that the New Levie s56 arecoming forward with all expedition; As the Enemy has lain much longer inactivethan I expected, I hope they will arrive in Time to give us their Assistance.[Note 56: Fourteen hundred new troops ordered raised by the ConnecticutLegislature.]

My last Letter from the Honble. Continental Congress, recommends my procuringfrom the Colonies of Rhode Island and Connecticut, a Quantity of Tow Cloth, for thePurpose of making of Indian or Hunting Shirts for the Men, many of whom aredestitute of Cloathing. A Pattern is herewith sent you; and I must request you, togive the necessary Directions throughout your Government, that all the Cloth of theabove kind may be bought up for this Use, and suitable Persons set to work to makeit up, As soon as any Number is made, worth the Conveyance, you will please todirect them to be forwarded. It is design'd as a Species of Uniform, both cheap andConvenient.

*******************************George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, August 4, 1775 Camp at Cambridge, August 4, 1775.Sir: I am Yesterday favored with yours of the 31st July; We have yet no certainAccounts of the Fleet which Sail'd out of Boston the 25th; but if our Conjectures andInformation are just we may expect to hear of it every Hour. I am now, Sir, in strictConfidence to acquaint you, that our Necessities in the Articles of Powder and Leadare so great as to require an immediate Supply. I must earnestly intreat you will fallupon some Measure to forward every Pound of each in the Colony which canpossibly be spared; It is not within the Propriety or Safety of such a Correspondenceto say what I might on this Subject; It is sufficient that the Case calls loudly for themost strenuous Exertions of every friend of his Country and does not admit of theleast delay. No Quantity, however Small, is beneath notice and should any arrive, Ibeg it may be forwarded as soon as Possible; But a Supply of this kind is soprecarious, not only from the Danger of the Enemy, but the opportunity ofPurchasing, that I have resolved in my mind every other possible chance and listnedto every proposition on the subject which could give the smallest Hope; Amongothers I have had one mentioned which has some Weight with me, as well as theGeneral Officers to whom I have proposed it, one Harris is lately come fromBermuda, where there is a very considerable Magazine of Powder in a remote Partof the Island and the Inhabitants well disposed not only to our Cause in General, but


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to assist in this Enterprize in particular; we understand there are two ArmedVessels in your Province commanded by Men 52 of known Activity and Spirit; one ofwhich it is proposed to dispatch on this Errand, with such other assistance as maybe required; Harris is to go along as the Conductor of the Enter prize and to availourselves of his knowledge of the Island, but without any Command. I am very

sensible that at first view the project may appear hazardous and its Success mustdepend on the Concurrence of many Circumstances; but we are in a Situation whichrequires us to run all Risques. No Danger is to be considered when put inCompetition with the Magnitude of the Cause and the Absolute Necessity we areunder of increasing our Stock. Enterprises which appear Chimerical, often[Note 52: Capt. Abraham Whipple was the one who sailed to Bermuda.] provesuccessful from that very Circumstance, Common Sense & Prudence will SuggestVigilance and care, when the Danger is Plain and obvious, but where little Danger isapprehended, the more the enemy is unprepared and consequently there is thefain'd Prospect of Success .53 [Note 53: See Washington's letter to the Inhabitants of the Island of Bermuda, Sept.

6, 1775, post .]Mr. Brown 54 has been mentioned to me as a very Proper Person to consult upon thisOccasion you will judge of the Propriety of communicating it to him in Part or thewhole, and as soon as possible, favor me with your Sentiments and the Steps youmay have taken to forward it. If no immediate and safe Opportunity offers you willplease to do it by Express. Should it be inconvenient to part with one of the armedVessels, perhaps some other might be fitted out, or you could devise some otherMode of executing this Plan; so that in case of a Disappointment, the Vessel mightproceed to some other Island to purchase. My last Letter from the HonorableContinental Congress, recommends my procuring from the Colonies of Connecticutand Rhode Island a Quantity of Tow Cloth, for the purpose of making of Indian orHunting Shirts for the Men, many of whom are very destitute of Cloathing; APattern will be sent you and I must request you to give the Necessary Directionsthroughout your Government, that all the Cloth of the above Kind may be bought upfor this use, and suitable Persons set to work to make it up. As soon as any Numberis made worth the Conveyance, you will Please to direct them to be forwarded; It isdesigned as a Species of Uniform both cheap and convenient. We have had noTransactions in either Camp since my last but what are in the Public Papers andrelated with tolerable Accuracy.

**********************************Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 7, 1775.Parole Newcastle. Countersign Maldin. Application having been made for Sutlers to supply the different Regiments withNecessaries: The Commander in Chief has no Objection to each Colonel appointingone for his particular regiment, provided the public is not to be tax'd with anyExpence by the Appointment, and provided also; that each Colonel doth becomeanswerable for the Conduct of the Sutler so appointed, and taking care, that heconform strictly to all Orders given for the regulation of the Army, and that he doesnot in any Instance attempt to impose upon the Soldiers in the price of their goods.No Officer directly, or indirectly, is to become a Sutler. It is in an especial manner
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recommended to the Commanding Officer of each regiment, to see that a Store ofshoes and shirts, are laid in for the Men, as those are at all times necessary. TheGeneral also recommends it to the Colonels, to provide Indian Boots, or Leggins, fortheir men, instead of stockings; as they are not only warmer, and wear longer, but(by getting them of a colour) contribute to uniformity in dress; especially, as the

General has hopes of prevailing with the Continental Congress, to give each Man ahunting shirt .*******************************

George Washington to Massachusetts Council Committee, August 11, 1775 Camp at Cambridge, August 11, 1775.I have considered the papers you left with me Yesterday; those of which relate toJones ,79 shew him to be a malignant and inveterate Enemy to his Country, and I trusthe will meet with his Deserts, but I have such various and important Mattersrequiring my constant attention, that I must beg leave to refer him and all othersunder similar Circumstances to the Authority of the Province for Punishment andsafe Custody.

[Note 79: Ichabod Jones.]The payment of the Troops is of such indispensable Necessity, that I mustendeavour to use those Powers committed to me by the Honble. Congress, toremove this cause of Complaint: I propose to direct the New Paymaster tocommence his Payments from the 1st August and hereafter continue them Monthly;I have consider'd that there are few if any Men who have not served Two Monthsand tho' some have received their Advance twice, it cannot be supposed there aremany who have had it. The two Months Service will then be set against the doubleadvance, and if a strict Scrutiny is immediately made, which I would recommend,the Accounts may be settled to that time, the Delinquents probably be detected andin the end justice be done both to the Province and the Men.If any Embezzlements have been made by the officers, they will stand accountable tothe Public, but at all Events the Soldiers are entitled to and must have their Pay ifany service is expected from them. The Shirts, Shoes, Breeches and Stockings,Provided by the Province can be taken on the Continental Account: but I apprehendthere will not be the same Necessity to provide Coats; the Continental Congresshaving ordered Hunting Shirts , as an outside Dress and warm waistcoats under willbe Cheaper and more convenient.

**********************************George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, August 14, 1775 August 14, 1775.Sir: Your Favors of the 8th & 11th Instant, are duly received; the former, I laid beforethe General Court of this Province, but one of the Delegates having communicated tothem what Mr. Ward did to you, of the proceedings of the Continental Congresstouching this Powder, nothing was done towards the providing of Specie, that theVessel might proceed to other Places in case of a Disappointment at the first. I am ofOpinion that the Collection of any considerable Sum here, would be difficult in theTime proposed and I think there is the less Necessity for it, as there are few Colonieswho have not some Vessel out on this Errand, and will probably bring all that is atMarket. Having conversed with Col Porter and farther considered the Matter, I am of


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Opinion, it ought to be prosecuted on the Single Footing of procuring what is in theMagazine; The Voyage is short, our Necessity is great, the Expectation of beingSupplied by the Inhabitants of the Island under such Hazards as they must run isslender, so that the only Chance of Success is by a sudden stroke. There is a greatDifference between acquiescing in the Measure and becoming Principals, the former

we have great Reason to expect the latter is doubtful, The Powder by all ourInformation is public Property, so that as you observe it may be settled with ourother Accounts. The draughting of Men from hence would be very difficult andendanger a Discovery of the scheme; I am not clear that I have Power to send themoff the Continent and to engage them as Volunteers, it would be necessary to maketheir Destination known; I should suppose the Captain who is to have the Directionof this Enterprize, would rather choose to have Men whom he knew and in whom hecould confide, in Preference to Strangers. From what Col Porter informs me I do notsee that Harris's Presence is absolutely necessary, and as his Terms would addConsiderably to the Expence, after obtaining from him all the Intelligence he couldgive, his attendance might be dispensed with. The Vessel lately sent out to cruise for

the Powder, seems to me the properest for this Voyage, and as the Ten Days willsoon be out, if no objection occurs to you she might be dispatch'd.I have given Directions respecting the Lead at Ticonderoga, which I am of opinionwith you is the surest Mode of Supply in that Article.I have sent by this Opportunity a hunting Shirt , as a Pattern. I should be glad youwould inform me of the Number you think I may expect.

************************************George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, August 23, 1775 Camp at Cambridge, August 23, 1775.Sir: Yesterday I received advice from Boston, that a Number of Transports haveSailed on a Second Expedition for fresh Provisions; As they met with such Successbefore, it is probable they may pursue the same Course, only Advancing farther; Wethink Montawck Point on Long Island, a very probable Place of their Landing; I havetherefore thought it best to give you the earliest Intelligence; But I do not mean toconfine your Attention or Vigilance to that Place; you will please to extend yourViews as far as the Mischief may be probably intended.We have no Transactions of Sufficient Consequence in the Camp to make a Part of aLetter. I am Sir, etc.P.S. You will please to let me know in your next, what Progress you make with theHunting Shirts .

************************************George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, August 31, 1775 Camp at Cambridge, August 31, 1775.Sir: Last night I received Information, that Messrs. Clark and Nightingale ofProvidence had imported a Quantity of Gun Powder, Lead and 500 Stand of Arms;upon which I have dispatch'd Capt. Baylor one of my Aids de Camp to treat withthose Gentlemen for the whole Importation if not otherwise disposed of; I havedirected him to wait on you immediately on his Arrival and must beg the Favor ofyour Advice and Assistance both in negociating the Purchase, and transporting ithither, in the cheapest safest and most expeditious Manner; I flatter myself those


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Gentn. will not take an undue advantage of the Distresses of their Country, so as toexact an unreasonable Price; and that a due Regard will be had to the very particularNecessities of this Army, so as to prevent as far as Possible, any Part of this Supplybeing diverted to other uses.--As I have the most perfect Confidence in yourAttachment and Zeal for the Public Interest, I am pursuaded you will use your

utmost Influence to give Effect to Capt. Baylors Commission; To him I must beg leaveto refer you for the News of the Camp. In your next, you will please to inform me,what Progress you make with the Hunting Shirts . With much Respect and Esteem,Sir Your &ca.

************************************George Washington to Continental Congress, September 21, 1775 The Season advances so fast, that I have given Orders to pre pare Barracks and otherAccomodations for the Winter. The great Scarcity of Tow Cloth in this Country, Ifear, will totally disappoint us in our expectations of procuring Hunting Shirts .Govr. Cooke informs me, few or none to be had in Rhode Island, and Govt. Trumbullgives me little Encouragement to expect many from Connecticut.

************************************Head Quarters, New York, May 6, 1776.Parole Virginia. Countersign Lee.The Colonels, and commanding Officers of Regiments are again reminded, of thepropriety of immediately providing their men with cloathing, and necessaries; thatthey may be ready to march, or embark, upon the shortest notice; The Generalwishes to impress this strongly, upon the minds of the Colonels; because no Excusewill be taken to delay their departure, the moment that it becomes necessary. It isrecommended to those Corps which are not already supplied with Uniforms, toprovide hunting Shirts for their men.

**************************************Head Quarters, New York, July 24, 1776.Parole Virginia. Countersign Wales.Each Brigadier, with the Colonel and commanding officer of the several Regimentsin his Brigade, are to meet and estimate the quantity of paper, absolutely necessaryto serve a Regiment for Returns, and other public Uses for a Month, and make reportthereof to the General at Orderly time on Friday next, that the Quarter MasterGeneral may be directed to provide & deliver the same Monthly to the Colonels, forthe use of their respective regiments .4 [Note 4: A ream per month to each regiment was thought sufficient. The estimate,dated July 25, 1776, submitted jointly by Nathanael Greene, James Mitchell Varnum,Daniel Hitchcock, Moses Little, and Edward Hand, is in the Washington Papers .]The General being sensible of the dificulty, and expence of providing Cloaths, ofalmost any kind, for the Troops, feels an unwillingness to recommend, much more toorder, any kind of Uniform, but as it is absolutely necessary that men should haveCloaths and appear decent and tight, he earnestly encourages the use of HuntingShirts, with long Breeches, made of the same Cloth, Gaiter fashion about theLegs , to all those yet unprovided. No Dress can be had cheaper, nor moreconvenient, as the Wearer may be cool in warm weather, and warm in cool weatherby putting on under Cloaths which will not change the outward dress, Winter or


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Summer--Besides which it is a dress justly supposed to carry no small terror to theenemy, who think every such person a complete Marksman.

***************************************George Washington to Samuel B. Webb, June 7, 1777 Camp at Middlebrook, June 7, 1777.

Dear Sir: By Mr. Trumbull ,6 who is just past this for Philadelphia, I am informd thatyou have lately drawn 500 Hunting Shirts, 500 Waistcoats, and 500 Overalls , in

addn. to the cloathing you obtaind some time ago. By a late return from Genl.Putnam, who Comds. at Peeks kill, dated the 31st. Ulto. it appears that of yourRegiment, he has only 21 Men at that Post; And, by a Return from Genl. Parsons ofthe 13th. of the same month, it further appears that the whole strength of yourRegiment was only 205. Rank and file; What is the meaning of all this? and in whatpoint of view am I to consider such proceedings? do you conceive it necessary thatyour Regiment is to have one Suit for parade (the Streets of Wethersfield in) andanother to March to New Haven? (for I believe they never) [present appearancesrender it doubtful whether they will ever get further or] intend to leave the State of

Connecticut, and[Note 6: William Turnbull, of Livingston & Turnbull, agents for clothing for theContinental Army.] (not content with this) [more than all this, can you think itjustifiable] to keep 200 and odd Spare Suits by them when a Number of poor fellowswho have been doing hard duty in the Field have scarcely Cloathing to cover theirnakedness and many of them renderd unfit for duty for want thereof whilst theClothier Genl. knows not where to provide them.I (must) [am sorry you oblige me to] tell you in plain terms, that this conduct ishighly offensive to me, and you are hereby enjoined, to proceed with every Man ofyour Regiment, fit for duty immediately to Peeks kill, leaving the necessary Officers,with proper Instructions to Recruit to your Establishmt.You are to carry all the Cloathing to Peeks kill that the Troops there may bebenefited by the superfluity of your Regimt.I well remember that you, to obviate my objections to Cloathing your Men in red,propos'd Hunting Shirts as a Covering; but I then observd that this could not beexpected at the Public expence, nor had I any conception that you could haveentertaind the most distant thought of drawing these things from the Public Stores,when you must have know how difficult a matter it is to provide for the largedemands of the Army.[It is with pain, I have been induced to express myself in a language so pointed; butyour own reflection will convince you that I have but too much reason.] I am etc.

**************************************George Washington to Israel Putnam, June 8, 1777 Head Quarters, Middle Brook, June 8, 1777.Dear Sir: The accounts you give me of the distress of the Massachusetts Troops forClothing surprise me a good deal, as I was always taught to believe that they had anabundance in that State. I have wrote to the Clothier General to know the reason ofit; In the mean time, that the men may not Suffer, I desire you will stop a parcel ofHunting Shirts , Overalls, Waistcoasts, Shoes and Shirts that are coming on andsupply those that are in most want of them, appointing a careful person to take an


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account of the Quantity and to whom delivered. I have directed the Clothier Generalto send up a deputy to take the account from you, and to endeavour to procure whatfurther is necessary .13 All our accounts, for several days past, agree, that the Enemyare preparing to make a considerable embarkation of Horse and Foot, and by theQuantity of Water, Hay and Provision of other kind it should seem that they are

going out to Sea. But tho' this is the appearance, I beg you to keep a good look outlest they make a sudden turn towards you. I am &ca .14 [Note 13: The next day Hamilton wrote Putnam, by Washington's order, not to openor distribute the clothing stopped until the Deputy Clothier General arrived.]

******************************************George Washington to William Heath, June 8, 1777 Head Quarters, Middle Brook, June 8, 1777.Dear Sir: I am this day favor'd with yours of the 27th. and 29th. of May. I amsurprised at the accounts you give me of the want of Cloathing for the Troops ofMassachusetts. I took it for granted that they had been sent forward when it wasintended that all your Troops should go to the Northward, and that they would meet

them at Peekskill. My reason for this was, that the Cloathier General repeatedlyassured me and continues to assure me, that a Sufficiency of Cloathing was left tothe Eastward for the Troops of those States. I have however wrote to him this day ina positive manner to send some person forward to issue the Cloathing which I havedirected to be stopped at Peekskill, and then to proceed to Boston and inquire howit comes to pass, that the Troops have been so illy supplied. This however has notbeen the case with all the regiments, for I am informed that Greaton's have not onlydrawn a full supply of Cloth Cloaths, but have likewise drawn the same number ofhunting Shirts , under Waistcoats and overalls. Others may have done the same, andif so, it is no wonder that part go naked when some are double clad. Anotherpractice, and a very unjustifiable one has prevailed in some Corps, they have drawnfrom the Clothier General five or six hundred Suits under pretence of having asmany Men, when in fact they have not half the Number. This is very unfair andindeed dishonest, because every Officer must certainly know the Scarcity ofCloathing and the Shifts we are obliged to make, and shou'd for that reason take hisproportion and no more, for if he does he keeps a useless hoard while others arestarving for want.I am fearful that if there has been any mismanagement in the allotment of Cloathing,that it may be imputed to partiality in me for the Southern Troops. If there is theleast suspicion of that kind, my Letters and orders to the Clothier General willplainly evince the contrary, for I have ever strictly enjoined him to leave a fullproportion to the Eastward, and till the late Complaints I thought it had been done.If there are no Store Houses at the places which are thought convenient and safe,they must certainly be built, at as cheap a rate as possible.The Officers of Colo. Lee's and Jackson's Regiments are entitled to Pay from the timeof their appointments, and may therefore draw for it.The Quarter Master General has sent 1000 Tents to the Northern Army, which ismore than their proportion and I will inform Genl. Knox of the want of Tin, a properQuantity of which shall be ordered up.


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This accounts for one half of the Troops of that State being left naked. The HuntingShirts and over alls will however be more comfortable at this Season than Uniform,and I have given Genl. Putnam particular orders to let none draw them that hadbefore been furnished with Uniform.The proceeding of the State of Rhode Island is to be sure very extraordinary, they

had not, by the last returns raised but between four and five hundred Men, forContinental Service. You had better apply to Congress on this head, for if someRegulation is not made, every State will think itself intitled to seize what is passingthro' it, for the use of some of the others.It would be by no means proper to erect a Store at Princeton, directly in the Enemy'sroute. If the commanding Officers of Regiments are provident and look well to thewants of their men, they can always send an Officer for a Supply of necessariesbefore they are really wanted.I have no objection to your distributing the fine Shirts yourself; I would only wishyou to allot a proportion to each Regiment, to avoid an imputation of Partiality.I have directed the Coats intended for Dayton's Regiment to be sent forward. And

immediately upon Mr. Young's arrival at Camp, sent an express to Peeks Kill toforbid breaking any of the packages till he got there. This I hope will prevent theconfusion that would have ensued had the Packages been opened at a guess to findthe Contents.I would wish you to endeavour to keep a good Supply of Shirts and Shoes, theArticles most in demand and most necessary. I am etc.

************************************George Washington to Jacob Morris, January 27, 1778 Head Quarters, Valley Forge, January 27, 1778.Dear Sir: I last night received yours by Colo. Williams with several letters from Genl.Lee. I am sorry that his request for a passport for Mrs. Battier had not beenimmediately granted upon the first request in Jersey, you have one inclosed, and Iam persuaded you will do every thing in your power to accommodate a Lady sowarmly recommended by the General. I am not without hopes that he will be able towait upon her himself, as Genl. Prescot, for whom he is to be exchanged upon parole,has been ordered to Rhode Island some time ago.I would have you comply with Genl. Lee's several requests for his Horses, and forthe Hunting Shirt and Rifle . I return you the Letters and Papers and inclose you aletter for the General which be kind enough to forward to him. I am, etc

************************************Head Quarters, V. Forge, June 2, 1778.Parole Montgomery. Countersigns Mercer, McClary.At a General Court Martial, Colo. Chambers, Presidt. 29th. May, Lieutt. Colo. Gray 5 of12th. Pennsylvania Regt. tried for unofficer and ungentlemanlike behaviour inentering into[Note 5: Lieut. Col. Neigal Gray.] Private Contracts with the soldiers of his Regimentfor the deficiencies of rations by which means and other unwarrantable practicesthe soldiers are defrauded of a considerable sum of Money, found guilty of thecharges exhibited against him being a breach of the 21st. Article of the 14th. sectionof the Articles of War and sentenced to be cashiered and that agreeable to the 22nd.
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Article of the 14th. section of the Articles of War, his Crime, Name, Place of Abodeand Punishment be publish'd in the News-Papers in and about Camp and of thatparticular state from which he came or in which he usually resides.His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it takeplace.

At the same Court, Lieutt. Webb6 of the 7th. Virginia Regiment was tried fordisobedience of Orders for going upon duty in a hunting shirt after confessing he

had a Coat and being desired if he had no regard for his own Appearance to havesome for the Credit of his Regiment and therefore not to appear in so unofficer like amanner; found guilty and sentenced to be reprimanded by the Officer commandingthe Regiment to which he belongs in presence of the officers of the Regimt.[Note 6: Lieut. Isaac Webb, He was transferred to the Fifth Virginia Regiment inSeptember, 1778; promoted to captain in 1781; served to the close of the war.]The General approves the sentence and orders it put in Execution tomorrowmorning at Roll Call.

***********************************

George Washington to Continental Congress War Board, March 20, 1779, twosame date Head Quarters, Middle Brook, March 20, 1779.Sir: I have the honor of yours of the 13th instant inclosing a Copy of a letter fromColo. Brodhead with an estimate of the Stores necessary for an expedition againstDetroit. As there is no probability of an attempt upon that post at this time, I shouldnot think it prudent to send the Artillery required and necessary Stores just now,but as we do not know what an unlooked for turn in the affairs of the enemy mayenable us to undertake I think it will be good policy to have such a train prepared atCarlisle which may be moved forward should circumstances require it. The QuarterMaster and Commy. General have given directions and are making the necessarypreparations in their respective departments.I imagine that the quantities of Shoes, Shirts, Overalls and hunting Shirts which youpropose to send up, were calculated upon a supposition that a larger force would beemployed to the Westward than there really will. If you form your estimates ofCloathing upon the supply of 800 Men it will be sufficient. You will, I dare to say,agree with me, that our magazines at that distance should contain nothingsuperfluous.In my several conferences with the Committee of Congress it was evident that theywished upon the present prospect of Affairs to decrease rather than increase theCavalry on account of the immense expence and difficulty of their subsistence. Iwould not therefore encourage Colo. White 74 to inlist any new Recruits. If theRegiment has any spare Horses they will be[Note 74: Lieut. Col. Anthony Walton White, of the Fourth Continental Dragoons. Hewas made lieutenant colonel and commandant of the First Dragoons in December,1779; colonel in February, 1780; taken prisoner at Lanneaus Ferry, S. C., in May,1780; exchanged in October, 1780; retired in November, 1782.] wanted to remountBaylor's Dragoons, who lost most of theirs when surprised last Fall.I have just received a letter from Mr. Meas e75 informing me that he has forwarded2000 pair Overalls, 1000 shirts and 1000 pair Shoes. He says should more overalls
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be wanting he has 10,000 pair ready. As it will be sometime before the season willadmit of that kind of cloathing being worn, I would not wish them to be sent forwardyet, but as many shirts and shoes as can be procured. Be pleased to order whatBlankets are in the Cloathier's Store, to be forwarded to Camp. Many of the Men aredestitute and all those who go upon the Indian Expedition must be supplied with

that Article. I have the honour, etc.***************************************George Washington to Moses Hazen, March 21, 1779 Head Quarters, Middlebrook, March 21, 1779.Sir: I am favd. with yours of the 13th. I do not know that there is any provision madefor procuring Hunting Shirts for the Army or that the Stock of linen will allow of it. Icannot therefore give an order in favor of any particular Regt. If the Statesundertake to furnish these to their own troops, it is done without my knowledge orinterference. The inclosed Copy of a Resolve of Congress ,88 will, I hope, provesatisfactory to those Corps which do not belong properly to any particular State.Your Regiment being one of those included in the Resolve, you will be pleased to pay

due attention to the Contents and make the proper Returns to entitle the Officersand Men to the priviledges of the States to which they belong. I am, etc.

*************************************George Washington to Continental Congress War Board, March 26, 1779 HeadQuarters, Middle Brook, March 26, 1779.Sir: I must request the Board to give orders to have a considerable number ofCartridges made up with Buck Shott and Ball, indeed it might not be amiss to haveall from this time made up in that manner.I wish to be informed what number of Hunting Shirts are on hand and where theyare lodged. There are none among the Cloathing in Camp, and but 500 in the Store atFishkill. If there are any more, they must be either at Boston, Philada. or Springfield,from which places I have seen no late general Return. I am &c.

***********************************George Washington to Continental Congress War Board, April 8, 1779 Head Quarters, Middle Brook, April 8, 1779.Gentlemen: The Board of General Officers to whom were referred the dispute ofRank between Majors Mentges, Murray and Nicholls having made the inclosedReport, I must request the Board to give them the information (thro' me) which theycall for respecting the appointment of Major Nicholls to the rank of Lieut. Colonel.In mine of the 26th March I desired to be informed of the number of Hunting shirts upon hand and where they are deposited. I shall be glad of an answer on that head,as it is time to have them collected to the quarters where they will be wanted. Bepleased to inform me also whether you have heard from Governor Johnson on thesubject of sending a guard of Militia to relieve Colo. Rawling's at Fort Frederick. Ihave the honor, &c

*********************************George Washington to George Measam, April 20, 1779 Head Quarters, Middlebrook, April 20, 1779.Sir: I have your favr. of the 30th. March. What I have principally in command atpresent is to desire you to forward on to Fishkill with the greatest expedition all the


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Shirts, Overalls, Hunting Shirts , Shoes and Stockings that are either at Boston,Springfield or any other place to the Eastward. The above Articles are much wantedjust now and as they are the only kind that will be in demand, between this and thefall, I must request, that the transportation of every other kind may be postponeduntill they are forwarded. Be pleased to give your deputy at Fishkill orders to inform

me when any quantities of the above Articles arrive there, that I may know how toorder a proper disposition of them. I have directed this to Messrs. Otis and Henly incase you should have left Boston and desire that they will follow the abovedirections should that have happened. I am, etc.

******************************George Washington to Continental Congress War Board, April 22, 1779 Head Quarters, Middle Brook, April 22, 1779.Gentlemen: I have been honored with your favr. of the 13th. instant and those of Mr.Scull of the 13th, 15th and 19th. The number of Hunting shirts ordered to be madeup by Otis and Henly will be fully sufficient, if they can be provided in time. Iyesterday wrote to Boston and desired that they might be sent forward as fast as

finished. Be pleased to direct Mr. Mease to send on to the Camp the ten thousandOveralls which he some little time ago mentioned as being ready, as also what Shirtsand Blankets he may have upon hand. The troops destined for the Indian Expeditionmust be completed in the latter Article, as they will carry but few tents. It will beabsolutely necessary that at least two spare pairs of Shoes pt. Man should be carriedupon this expedition, and from the Returns of which I am possessed, the quantitiesin this Store and that at Fishkill are not more than sufficient, with the addition ofoccasional supplies to keep, the troops that will remain, shod. I must thereforerequest, that the Board will if possible have eight or ten thousand pair collected atLancaster by the 10th of next Month. From thence they can be carried to Susque.hannah and transported up the River with the other Stores. If the above quantitycannot be certainly procured for that time, be pleased to say how many can bedepended upon, and I will endeavour to procure the others from the Eastward. There are upwards of one hundred Drums wanting in this part of the Army and Iimagine a proportion in the remainder. I shall be obliged by having means taken toprocure them if it is not already done, and forwarded as fast as finished. I have thehonor etc.

*************************George Washington to George Measam, May 23, 1779 Head Quarters, Middlebrook, May 23, 1779.Sir: I have given orders on the Store at Peeks-kill, for 3,400 Hunting shirts , 2,000pair of Shoes to be sent to Easton, with all possible dispatch. I am fearful lest theformer demands on this quarter may have totally exhausted the Store, you willtherefore, take the most immediate measures to have a supply at least equal to thisorder brought forward to Peekskill. I shall on this occasion expect your particularattention, as it will be a great disappointment should any thing detain these articles.I am, etc.

**********************************George Washington to John Sullivan, May 24, 1779, two same date Head Quarters, Middle Brook, May 24, 1779.


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Dear Sir: On receipt of your letter of the 21st. I wrote to the Board of War urgingthem immediately to send forward the shoes, which they had promised to collect forthe supply of your troops amounting to about 4500 and 2000 prs. of Overalls. Theformer was to have been collected at Lancaster and is directed to be forwarded toSunbury; the latter will go to Easton. I have requested them to send as many more

shoes as they can procure; but the above number is all that can be depended on. Inaddition to these, I have directed the Clothier here, to dispatch 2000 prs. of overallsand 2,000 prs. shoes to Easton. I have also written to General McDougall to forwardto the same place 3400 Hunting shirts and 2000 pr. of shoes; if the former shouldbe arrived at Fish Kill and the latter can be spared so as to leave a sufficiency for theoccasional demands of the troops with him, of which however I am in great doubt.Supplies of these articles were on their way from the Eastward; but I am uncertainwhat progress they may have made. These orders comprehend a full supply ofOveralls and hunting shirts with what have been already delivered. It was myintention to furnish you with a couple of spare pair of Shoes for each man. Oursupplies are so defective that I am apprehensive it will hardly be possible to

accomplish it, I shall endeavour to do it. I do not think you need be delayed onaccount of the articles you want. The shoes and overalls will speedily get to you,which are the essential ones. When other matters are ready you may be advancingon; you will necessarily make some delays in your route, which will give time forsuch of these as do not arrive before hand to overtake you. In a Letter of the 10th.from General Schuyler he mentions the examination of some prisoners taken atOswegatchie. Their account is that no Troops have passed that place this spring andthat they have heard of none coming from Canada. An inhabitant of Albany Countymade his escape from Montreal on the 22nd. of April where he was a prisoner, andinforms that no troops had been sent from Canada. With great regard, etc.

*********************************Robert H. Harrison to Daniel Kemper, June 14, 1779 [June 14, 1779.]Sir: His Excellency the Commander in Chief desires that you will remove all theShirts, Shoes and Overalls and any Other Light Cloathing there may be at NewGerman Town, which the Troops may probably want, to the Neighbourhood of thisCamp. Chester the General thinks, will be a proper place. You will also have Twohundred suits of complete Uniform, that is to say, a Hundred of Brown and aHundred of blue; and a small number of Blankets brought with the above Articles tosupply contingent demands. All the rest of the Cloathing in your Hands at GermanTown, is to be carried to Easton and there to be safely stored till further Orders.That there never may be a deficiency of Supplies to answer occasional purposes. TheGeneral directs, that you take especial care after every issue of Light Cloathingvizt. of Shirts, Shoes, Overalls and Hunting Shirts, to have a small proportion ofeach brought to the Store near the Army. This to be a constant rule. And it havingbeen found that a great part of the shoes lately brought to Camp were entirely unfitfor service; His Excellency also directs, that whenever any future supplies of thisArticle arrive, you will have the Shoes inspected, and report any defects that theremay be; particularly specifying where and from whom they were procured, in orderthat they may be returned and the public saved a heavy expence.


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Papers and copies are filed with this letter from Washington in the Papers of theContinental Congress .]I flatter myself Congress will be satisfied from this state of the matter that GeneralSullivans troops in the article of Cloathing, so far from being neglected have had alarge proportion of the general stock which is far from being adequate to the

necessities of the army.It gives me pleasure in justice to the Board of War, who, I find are also involved inthe complaint, to declare that I made no other applications to them on this headthan are here mentioned; and that I have every reason to believe these werecomplied with substantially as far as was possibly in their power. They also informme, that in addition to what had been done by me, upon the requisitions of GeneralSullivan they had just sent on 1000 pair of overalls 1000 hunting Shirts and 3000body Shirts all of which except 1000 of the latter probably reached him in time. Hadthe expedition gone on as early as was expected, the previous supplies would havebeen abundant. The delay made this additional provision desirable; and upon thewhole I think Genl. Sullivan might have spared the remonstrances he has made upon

this subject. I have the honor, etc.I find I have omitted Hartleys regiment which was at Sunbury and under Genl. Hand.This Regiment was supplied by the Board of War.

************************************Head Quarters, July 24, 1780. Sir: I have been duly favoured with your Letters of the 20th. 21. and 22 Inst.It was not my intention that the Companies of Light Infantry should finally consist ofdifferent numbers. My design was at present to draw out twenty men from eachRegiment for that service, and to augment the Companies hereafter to the fullestablishment whenever the strength of the several Regts. would admit of it.As the men who are selected for the Light Infantry, are not at present to be detachedfrom their respective Corps, there will be an opportunity before their formation intoRegiments, to make the necessary arrangements, on the subjects you are so good asto mention.However eligible the plan you suggest of clothing all the Light Infantry in HuntingShirts and overalls , the want of the former I am apprehensive will prevent its beingcarried into execution.I shall give orders to have the Lt. Infantry on this side the River compleated withBayonets without delay. I am etc.P.S. Altho' the Light Companies are not yet to be detached from their Regts. I wouldnot, by any means have the object out of view, so but that the formation may becompleated whenever necessary .13

******************************************George Washington to Continental Congress War Board, April 20, 1781 Head Quarters, New Windsor, April 20, 1781.Gentlemen: Inclosed is an estimate of Military Stores which will be necessary at FortPitt ;30 it is formed partly upon the requisition of the Commanding Officer of Artillerythere; but chiefly upon a presumption that a considerable quantity of the largerspecies of Stores will be expended by Colo. Clarke in an expedition against Detroit.At the request of the State of Virginia, I gave an order upon the Commandant of Fort


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Pitt for the Artillery &c. necessary for the understanding. I would wish the Articlesmight be forwarded as expeditiously as possible.[Note 30: The list of the artillery stores necessary to be sent to Fort Pitt were givenin Knox's letter to Washington, Apr. 19, 1781, in the Washington Papers , and werecopied with this letter to the Board of War in the Varick Transcripts in the Library of

Congress.]The Marquis de la Fayette has informed me that he had sent Colo. Barber to Philada.to make application to the Board for light Cloathing for his detachment, previous toknowing that I had sent from hence 1200 shirts, 1200 linen Overalls , 1200 pair ofshoes, 1200 socks and 100 hunting shirts purposely for them and about 900Hunting shirts and 3000 pair of socks for the southern Army in general. TheDeputy Cloathier has likewise ordered about 4000 pr. of shoes which were in Jerseyto be sent to Philada. for the southern Army. But notwithstanding these Supplies Iwould wish the Board to forward all the light Cloathing and shoes that they canpossibly procure, and with the greatest expedition, as by the last accounts fromGeneral Greene he was exceedingly distressed for those Articles.

Inclosed you have the returns of the Officers of Rawlins's Corps and Hethsindependent Company which were reformed by the late arrangement.

**************************************George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, April 22, 1781 Head Quarters, New Windsor, April 22, 1781.My Dear Marquis: I have received your several letters of the 11th 12th two of the13th and two of the fifteenth. I am extremely concerned at the temper of yourdetachment and the desertions that are taking place. I imagine however these wouldhave been nearly as great in any other corps that might have been sent, and after thePensylvania line I think it would be ineligible to detach any other state line. We findby experience that they are not only dissipated on the march; but being at a greatdistance from their states are almost intirely neglected. Few recruits are raised forthem, and these few are lost on the way. We see how totally the Maryland line hasdeclined, and how little is doing to reestablish it; a line formerly among the mostnumerous and respectable in the army. Our plan at present appears to me to be tocommit the defence of the Southern states to the states as far as Pensylvaniainclusive, and to make up any additional succours that may be necessary bydetachment. We must endeavour to compensate these detachments for the loss ofstate supplies by giving them a larger proportion of Continental. On this principle Iam sending you the articles mentioned in the inclosed list. 1200 Shirts, 1200 linenOveralls , 1200 pr. shoes, 1200 socks, 100 Hunting Shirts , which set out two daysago from this place. I have also urged the Board of War to do their best for you.Colonel Vose shall be relieved. If there is any good Officer of the Eastern Lines heredesirous of the command he must have it.I mentioned to you that I had a warm remonstrance soon after your departure fromthe Massachusetts line, on the manner of officering your corps; if there should be noofficer of the proper rank desirous of the command, I shall be glad to employ Lt ColSmith. I will see what can be done in the case of Major Galvan. I wish at all events toretain Gimat; but it will be difficult to remove the one without the other.


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It appears to me extraordinary that your advices should have given you an idea sodifferent from the whole complexion of the intelligence I had received concerningthe probability of a certain event .54 This and the situation of our own force haveinduced me to regard it as barely possible; too precarious to enter far into ourdispositions; possibly only in a case which we are not authorised to expect will

happen .55

I dare not trust the details on which this opinion is founded to paper.[Note 54: An attempt upon New York City.][Note 55: The arrival of the second division of the French.]The danger to the Southern states is immediate and pressing; it is our duty to givethem support; the detachment with you all circumstances considered was the mostproper for the purpose. The project General Greene has lately adopted adds aparticular motive to continuing its destination. It is essential to him that Philipsshould be held in check, and we cannot wholly rely on militia for this. As to atransportation by water while the enemy command the Chesapeak and Cape Fear Ido not see how it is practicable.The only cause of hesitation in my mind about sending your corps to the Southward

was a separation from you. I refer you to private letters accompanying this [one],written previous to the receipt of your last, [the other subsequent.]As to our force here; you know what it was when you left us, and you will knowwhat it is now when I tell you that we have as yet received but few recruits. Theenemys present force of regular troops at New York is near 7000.I shall recommend Major McPherson as you request to General Greene. Present mywarmest thanks to that officer and assure him of the sense I have of his services.You were right My Dr Marquis, in supposing that no explanation could be necessaryas to your letter to the Board of war. I know your sentiments and your Friendship.I shall not detain the express to enlarge on the other subjects of your letters. I willembrace the first safe opportunity to give you a full view of our affairs; what we areand what we expect to be; that you may regulate your future correspondence withyour Court accordingly. Hitherto I could give you nothing material more than youknow as to ourselves.Wherever you are, assure yourself of all my esteem, confidence and affection. Yrs.sincerely.

*************************************Head Quarters, Newburgh, Tuesday, July 30, 1782.Parole --. Countersigns --.The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolves.By the United States in Congress assembled April 23, 1782Whereas the most strict economy in the public expenditures is absolutely necessaryfor a vigorous prosecution of the war; and whereas to that end it is requisite todiscontinue the practice of filling some of the places in the staff departments withpersons not of the line of the army, which places may, with great savings to thepublic, be filled by supernumerary officers from the line.Resolved, therefore, That in future there be only ten lieutenants to each regiment ofinfantry, to be employed in the regimental line and staff, the regimental paymasterto be considered as not attached to any company.


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That the supernumerary junior lieutenants, beyond the number of ten in eachregiment of infantry, be reduced; unless the officers of the regiment shall otherwiseagree, as to those that shall retire according to the resolutions of the 3d and 21st ofOctober, 1780, and shall accordingly retire on, or before the first day of June next, ifin the main army and the first day of July next, if in the southern army, except such

of them as shall accept of employments in the staff departments, with theapprobation of the heads of the respective departments, in which case they shallseverally retain their respective ranks in the army and be entitled to the full pay andsubsistance belonging to their rank in the line, as a compensation for theirrespective services in the staff, without any other allowance whatsoever: providedalways, that nothing contained in the above resolution, shall effect the pay or rank ofany officers in captivity during such captivity.In Congress July 11, 1782.Resolved, That junior lieutenants, who were to retire agreeably to the act ofCongress of the 23 day of April last, may at their option be retained in their presentpay and rank as far as there are vacant ensigncies in their respective corps.

The regimental surgeons are to make a return immediately to the Physician of thearmy of all the medicines and instruments on hand likewise a return of suchMedicines as they want that orders may be issued for their being supplied so far asthe stock on hand will admit.Returns are to be made by the regimental paymasters to the Assistant Clothiergeneral of the Hunting shirts actually wanting in the several regimts. that an equaldistribution may be made of those which are expected, in case there should be adeficiency. It is expected that those corps which received a proportion last fall, orhave drawn a partial supply from their states will not include the men who are atpresent supplied in a tolerable manner in these returns. Should there be asufficiency, the remainder will afterwards be issued.As long as the army remains in its present position or untill a more convenientcommunication of orders can be established, the Adjutant general or one of hisAssistants will every day attend at Westpoint between eleven and one o'clock todistribute General orders to the several Brigade Majors, the Adjutants of corps notbrigaded and Aids de Camp to General officers, who are punctually to assemble atthe Collonade for the purpose.Major General Heath and the Commandant at Westpoint will be pleased to transmittheir orders to the Adjutant general or officer attending for him at the above timeand place who will take the trouble of making them public; extraordinary ordersthey must communicate to the corps they respect by their Aids de camp or in suchother manner as the nature of the order may require.Officers of the Line and Staff of every denomination are to make themselvesperfectly acquainted with all General Orders. The plea of ignorance, so far frombeing admitted as an excuse for their noncompliance with them, will be consideredas an aggravation; it behoves

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“A Quantity of Tow Cloth, for the Purpose of making of Indian or Hunting Shirts …”: Proper Terminology: Hunting shirt, Rifle Shirt, Rifle Frock … ?