The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PART II.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 409
business at Yorkl; but, from what he has communicated, it is in part to get the duties and powers of
his appointment minutely defined and settled. I enclose a copy of orders on the 15th instant, which were
issued to quiet the minds of the general officers, and
to remove a spirit of jealousy, which but too apparently
was rising among them. These contain my ideas of
the principal duties of the inspector's office, and, I
have reason to think, are generally agreeable to the
army. While I am on this subject, I must do justice
to the Baron's intelligence, zeal, and indefatigable industry, from which we have experienced very happy
effects. I have the honor to be, &c.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Head-Quarters, half after eleven, A. MI., 18 June, 1778.
SIR,
I have the pleasure to inform Congress, that I was
this minute advised by Mr. Roberts that the enemy
evacuated the city early this morning. He was down
at the Middle Ferry on this side, where he received
the intelligence from a number of citizens, who were
on the opposite shore. They told him that about three
thousand of the troops had embarked on board transports. The destruction of the bridge prevented him
from crossing. I expect every moment official accounts
on the subject.
I have put six brigades in motion; and the rest of
the army are preparing to follow with all possible despatch. We shall proceed towards Jersey, and govern
ourselves according to circumstances. As yet I am
not fully ascertained of the enemy's destination; nor
is there wanting a variety of opinions, as to the route
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