The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources: Volume 14

Washington, George, 1732-1799. The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources: Volume 14
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To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS

Head Quarters, Philadelphia, January 21, 1779.

Sir: Colonel Rawlins who as well as his officers in general distinguished himself at the affair of Fort Washington has remaining of his Regiment about fifty or sixty men and a few officers.

As the latter are at present an expence to the Continent without being employed, and the Colonel after having deserved well of his Country and suffered a grievous captivity, has some claim to attention, I beg leave to propose to Congress, that the officers be authorised to complete their present number of men being part of three companies, to the full establishment by recruiting; there is an additional motive in favor of this, which is that the three full companies might be employed in the Western Expedition under General Mcintosh and by being composed of men enlisted for the War supply with advantage

RESOLVE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL THAT A PORTRAIT IF WASHINGTON BE PAINTED AND HUNG IN THE STATE HOUSE, JANUARY 18, 1779.

the place of so many Militia; the uncertainty of whose service is often a great impediment to the most important Enterprises. ⁴⁰ I have the honor, etc. ⁴¹

[Note:On January 23 Congress, by resolve, authorized the recruiting of three companies of this corps. Washington on January 30 sent a copy of this resolution to Colonel Rawlins, with the note, "I have only to add that the bounty now allowed to soldiers who enlist for the War, is two hundred Dollars, besides Clothing and Land as before." This note is in the Washington Papers.]

[Note:In the writing of John Laurens. The letter was read in Congress on January 23 and "Order taken thereon." ]