'How far we have fallen short of this, the following state of the levies received, and of the present deficiencies, will show. 'By a return of the 16th instant we had received from New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Rank and file, "The deficiencies of the battalions from a return of the 12th, allowing for the levies since arrived, to the 16th, Of New Hampshire, three battalions, . 248 Of Massachusetts, including Jackson's adopt 'If the amount of these deficiencies and the detached, corps, necessarily on the frontier, and at particular posts, be deducted, and a proper allowance made for the ordinary casualties, and for the extra calls. upon the army for wagoners, artificers, &c. it will be easy to conceive how inadequate our operating force must be to any capital enterprize against the enemy. It is indeed barely sufficient for defence. 'Hitherto all the militia for three months, that have taken the field under my orders, have been about 700 from New Hampshire, 1,700 from Massachusetts, 800 from New York, 500 from New Jersey. 'A part of the eastern militia has been detained to assist our allies at Rhode Island, and will shortly march to join the army. 'But from all the information I have, the number of militia will fall as far short of the demand as the continental troops; and from the slow manner in which the latter have for some time past come in, I fear we have had nearly the whole we are to expect. 'In the article of provisions, our prospects are equally unfavourable. We are now fed by a precarious supply from day to day. 'The commissary, from what has been done in the several States, so far from giving assurances of a continuance of this supply, speaks in the most discouraging terms, as you will perceive by the enclosed copy of a letter of the 15th instant, in which he proposes sending back the Pennsylvania militia, who were to assemble at Trenton the 12th, on the principle of a failure of supplies. 'As to forage and transportation, our prospects are still worse. These have lately been principally procured by military impress, a mode too violent, unequal, oppressive, and consequently odious to the people, to be long practised with success. 'In this state of things, gentlemen, I leave it to your own judgment to determine how little it will be in my power to answer the public expectations, unless more competent means can be, and are, without delay, put into my hands. 'From the communications of the general and admiral of our allies, the second division, without some very unfortunate contrariety, will in all probability arrive before the time mentioned as the ultimate period for commencing our operations. 'I submit it to you whether it will not be advisable immediately to lay before the several States, a view of our circumstances at this juncture, in consequence of which they may take their measures. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect and esteem, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 'The Honourable the Committee 'Go. WASHINGTON. of Congress for Co-operation. 'N. B. The returns of the Rhode-Island recruits, is to the last of July. More may have since joined. "There is a body of Connecticut State troops and militia, stationed on the Sound, employed in preparing fascines.' Letter from General Washington to George Plater, Esq., President of the Senate, and William Bruff, Speaker of the House of Delegates of Maryland, dated February 9th, 1781. 'Gentlemen,—I am honoured with your favour of the 27th ultimo. As the troops of Maryland compose part of the southern army now under the immediate command of major-general Green, I think there would be an impropriety (as it may interfere with the arrangements of that army) to give general Smallwood directions to remain in Maryland for the purposes you mention; but if his doing this is not incompatible with the orders or views of general Green, I have no objection to his remaining in that State till application can be made to general Green, who I make no doubt will acquiesce in a measure which seems calculated for the public good, if general Smallwood's services from the army can be dispensed with. 'I have the honour to be, &c. 'GO. WASHINGton.' Letter from General Washington to Governor Lee, dated 'June 7, 1781. 'Sir,-By a resolve of congress of 31st May, two battalions of infantry and a corps of horse, consisting of sixty four dragoons, are required of the State of Maryland, to serve for three months from the time of their respectively rendezvousing at the place or places directed by me. 'Your excellency has no doubt been made acquainted that the aforegoing requisition is founded upon the alarming progress which the enemy are making in Virginia. 'You will be pleased, therefore, to give orders to the officers commanding the respective corps, to march by detachments as they are raised and equipped, to whatever place may be the head-quarters of the American army in Virginia or Maryland, (should the enemy have advanced into that State,) and take their further commands from the general or other commanding officer. 'I need but refer your excellency to the circular letter of the president of congress, of the 1st inst., for the reasons which ought to influence the exertions of your State, most particularly at this moment. 'I have the honour to be, &c. 'Go. WASHINGTON.' Extract of a letter from General Washington to Governor Lee, dated 10th July, 1781. 'I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's favour of the 29th June. It is with very great satisfaction I observe the proceedings of the general assembly of your State, which you have been pleased to communicate to me. "The exertions of that legislature have heretofore been laudable, and I am exceedingly glad to see the same spirit still prevailing. G. WASHINGTON.' Letter from General Washington to Governor Lee. 'HEAD-QUARTERS, CHATHAM, 27th August, 1781. 'Sir-Official accounts which I have received, giving me reason to expect the arrival of a powerful fleet of our allies very soon in the Chesapeake, if not already there; this expectation, together with some other circumstances not necessary at present to detail to your excellency, have induced me to make a total alteration in the concerted operations of this campaign. In consequence, I am now marching a very considerable detachment from the American army, with the whole of the French troops, immediately to Virginia. 'As our hopes of success against lord Cornwallis, in a great measure depend on the despatch and celerity of our movements, I have to request in the most earnest manner, all the aid and assistance from your excellency, which we may have occasion for, and that may be in your power to afford us. 'Among these the means of transportation from the head of Elk to the point of operation, will be among the most essential. All the water craft that can be procured suitable for the transportation of our army, with their artillery, baggage, stores, &c., will be needed, and should be ready at the head of Elk, by the 8th of September; a quantity of forage will also be necessary for the cattle which will unavoidably attend the army. As I shall probably be disappointed of a quantity of salted provisions, which cannot with safety be conveyed from the eastern States, I must beg your excellency to pay particular attention to that article, if any is to be obtained in your State. Other aids, as well in provisions as other articles, will probably be needed, which cannot at this moment be particularly specified. 'I communicate my intentions to your excellency, and have the fullest confidence that I shall receive every aid and assistance that is in your power, towards their execution. 'I expect to have no occasion to call on you for the aid of men, further than your State troops which are ordered |