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. 271
TO THE SECRETARY AT WAR.
Newburg, 27 April, 1782.
DEAR SIR,
Finding the commissioners appointed to liquidate the
accounts of moneys due for the maintenance of prisoners, and make permanent provision for their future
support, have separated without accomplishing any thing,
I think it highly expedient, that measures should be
adopted, at this moment, for takking the German prisoners of war into our service. As this measure has been
considerably agitated, I shall not amplify upon the justice and propriety of it, which to me seem very obvious.
I am equally well persuaded of the policy there will be
in augmenting every company with at least ten of these
men, or more if they can be obtained; for I am
convinced, that, by such an incorporation, they will
make exceedingly cheap and valuable recruits, and, being able-bodied and disciplined men, they will give a
strength and solidity to our regiments, which they will
not otherwise acquire this campaign. All my accounts
respecting the recruiting service are unfavorable; indeed, not a single recruit has arrived, to my knowledge,
from any State except Rhode Island, in consequence
of the requisitions of Congress in December last.
Should the plan be adopted by Congress, the sooner
it is carried into execution the better. In that case, I
think the men ought to be recruited for the continent,
and not carried to the credit of the quotas of the State
for the American cause," say the committee, "which the author of it
professes, and which the generous terms of the plan evince, have not
failed to inspire a just esteem for his character and a disposition to favor
his wishes. Considerations, however, which in no respect derogate from
this esteem or this disposition, render it expedient for Congress to decline the offer, which has been made to them." - Journals, JMay 29th.