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

   Head Qrs. near Hackensack Bridge, September 6, 1780.

    Sir: I had the honor to receive your Excellency's Letters of the 24th. and 28th. Ulto, on the 1st. and 2d. Instt. with the resolutions to which they refer. The latter have been announced to the Army in Orders, and I hope that they will quiet many of the complaints which have existed. I cannot forbear expressing my wishes for the sake of harmony, which our affairs essentially require, that the business of depreciation7 so far as it is not to be provided for by the different States, could be a matter of speedy and general arrangement so as to shew at one view All the Parties who are to have their pay made good. For I would beg leave to observe that the mentioning of one part or class of the Army and postponing another, tho' they should eventually be placed on the same footing, is the source

[Note:Of the pay of the Army.]
of uneasiness and of apprehensions; that injurious discriminations may obtain; and it is said that All Officers and persons of every description who have constantly served for a fixed, and standing pay; which has not been encreased from time to time with the depreciation, stand upon the same principle and are entitled to the same consideration.

    I am sorry to inform Congress that our distresses for Meat still continue. The Army in genl. have been entirely destitute for two and three days, and at most have not drawn more than one days supply in four or five. Such injury to the discipline of the Army, and such distresses to the Inhabitants, result from these frequent wants, that my feelings are hurt beyond description at the cries of the one and a view of the other.

    Your Excellency's very Interesting letter of the 31st. by Mr. Izard 8 came to my hand yesterday. The event which its Inclosures announce, is an unfortunate one indeed. 9 It had arrived in Camp from Philadelphia before your dispatches were received. I have the honr. etc. 10

[Note:Ralph Izard, of South Carolina. He was formerly United States Commissioner to the court of Tuscany, and later Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1782 -- 1783; United States Senator from South Carolina, 1789 -- 1795; president pro tempore of the Senate from May, 1794, to February, 1795.]
[Note:Gates's defeat at Camden, S. C.]
[Note:The letter was read in Congress on September 11 and referred to the committee on Washington's letter of August 20.]