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. 249
dom of applying the public money in hand to procuring victuals and clothes. They cannot be dispensed
with even for a day; and when both are assured that
certificates of pay, due to the 1st of the present year,
will be given with interest, and that pay thenceforward
will be more regular and as frequent as the public
treasury will admit, they ought to be satisfied.
Should the troops composing the western garrison
be discontented with their situation, and think that they
are partially dealt by, you may make them an offer of
being relieved and of taking their chance of the emoluments, which they may suppose accrue to those serving
with either the northern or southern armies. There
may be policy in this offer, because, if I am not mistaken, most of the men, who have connexions in the
upper country, would rather remain there at some disadvantage than be brought away from their families.
You will make such arrangements, as shall comport
with the above instructions and the strictest principles
of economy, with General Knox and the quartermastergeneral respecting military and other stores necessary
for the posts under your orders; and you will, I am
persuaded, use every means in your power to prevent
any waste or embezzlement of them. Given at HeadQuarters, at Philadelphia, the 8th of March, 1782.
TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL KNOX AND
GOUVERNEUR MORRIS.
Instructions.
GENTLEMEN,
The powers of equal date herewith authorize you
to proceed to Elizabethtown, in the State of New JerVOL. VIII. 32