Washington, George, 1732-1799. The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources
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To GOVERNOR GEORGE CLINTON
Head Quarters, New Windsor, April 29, 1781.
Dear Sir: I have received Your Excellency's favor of Yesterday with the inclosures, by Col Nicoll. 9 An order for the Ammunition has been previously given, in consequence of your first application. With respect to provision, of the Meat kind, I confess I am entirely at a loss by what means it can be supplied to the Troops on the Frontier: the whole dependance
[Note:Col Isaac Nicoll, of the Orange County (N.Y.) militia. ]
of the Army for this Article is upon the Eastern States; the unfavorable season for obtaining Beef Cattle between this time and grass and especially the want of means for purchasing will prevent the supply which was expected: and the difficulty of transporting the salted Provisions has already reduced us to the last Mouthfull. General Heath informed me yesterday, that there was but one day's allowance of the Irish Beef left in the store, and that not a barrel had arrived at the Garrison from the Eastward. Thus unpromising, your Excellency sees, our prospects of supplies and transportation are! I have ordered a quantity of Fish to be contracted for, on this River. And will still persist in using my best endeavors to keep the Army together, and to afford as much protection to the Country, as the means intrusted to me shall enable me to do. I have the honor etc. 10 [Note:The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys. ]