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. 37
consequence; not merely once or twice, but have reiterated them over and over again. I have struggled
to the utmost of my ability to keep the army together,
but all will be in vain without the effectual assistance
of the States. I have now only to repeat the alternative, which has been so often urged, that supplies, particularly of beef-cattle, must be speedily and regularly
provided, or our posts cannot be maintained, nor the
army kept in the field much longer. I entreat your
Excellency, that this representation may be received in
the serious light it is meant and deserves, or that I may
stand exculpated from the dreadful consequences, which
must otherwise inevitably follow in a very short time.
I enter not into the detail of matters, as General Heath
will be able to give your Excellency every necessary
information, as well as to lay the proper estimates of
supplies for the campaign before you. I am, &c.*
TO JOHN SULLIVAN, IN CONGRESS.
New Windsor, 11 May, 1781.
DEAR SIR,
Not having seen or heard of any resolve of Congress
for establishing the principles of promotion in the army,
I am apprehensive that the report of the committee,
who had this matter under consideration, is now sleeping in Congress. This, and a recent instance in- the
Pennsylvania regiment of artillery in proof of the absolute necessity of adopting some mode, by which the
whole army may be bound, and a stop thereby be put
to those disputes, which keep it in a continual state of
distraction and discontent, are the reasons for my troub* Sent as a circular to each of the eastern States.
VOL. VIII. D