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. 283
TO MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAM.
Valley Forge, 16 March, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
The Congress having, by a resolve of the 28th of
November last, directed that an inquiry be made into
the loss of Forts Montgomery and Clinton, and into
the conduct of the principal officers commanding those
forts, I have appointed Major-General McDougall, Brigadier-General Huntington, and Colonel Wigglesworth,
to carry the resolve into execution. It is more than
probable, that the conduct of the officer commanding
at the time in that department will be involved in the
inquiry, and I therefore desire, that you will repair immediately to Fishkill upon the receipt of this, to meet
General McDougall and the other gentlemen.
General McDougall is to take the command of the
posts in the Highlands. My reason for making this
change is owing to the prejudices of the people, which,
whether well or ill grounded, must be indulged;and I should think myself wanting in justice to the
public and candor towards you, were I to continue you
in a command, after I have been almost in direct terms
informed, that the people of the State of New York
will not render the necessary support and assistance,
while you remain at the head of that department.
When the inquiry is finished, I desire that you will
return to Connecticut and superintend the forwarding
on the new levies with the greatest expedition.
I am, &c.*
" General Putnam's advanced age, his good nature, and easy temperament were among the chief causes of the ill success of his command
on the North River. His proceedings were not marked with the promptness, decision, and energy, nor even with the military address, which
had characterized his early years. If all these had been combined and