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.

292 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [iET. 46.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Head-Quarters, Valley Forge, 21 March, 1778.
SIR,
In consequence of the resolves transmitted to me,
I have despatched an express to the Marquis de Lafayette and Baron de Kalb, to recall them from the
northward; and, instead of ordering down Hazen's
regiment to rejoin this army, I have ordered Van
Schaick's immediately to the Highlands, where the
public works are in a manner at a stand for want of
hands. Van Schaick's is a full and fresh regiment;
Hazen's but weak in point of numbers, and must be
considerably fatigued from their late long march.*
Enclosed you have the copy of a letter, which 1
received a few days ago from Doctor Rush. As this
letter contains charges of a very heinous nature against
the director-general, Doctor Shippen, for mal-practices
and neglect in his department, I could not but look
upon it as meant for a public accusation, and have
therefore thought it incumbent upon me to lay it before
Congress. I have showed it to Doctor Shippen, that
he may be prepared to vindicate his character, if
called upon. He tells me, that Doctor Rush made
charges of a private nature before a committee of Congress, appointed to hear them, which he could not
support. If so, Congress will not have further occasion
to trouble themselves in the matter.
I have the honor to be, &c.
fayette and Baron de Kalb were directed by Congress to repair to the
main army. - Secret Journals, Vol. I. p. 65. Conway was left with the
command at Albany, but he remained only a short time, when by order
of Congress he joined the army under General McDougall in the Highlands.
~ They had marched from Wilmington in Delaware, during the severe
season of winter.