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.

296 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [/ET. 46,
as soon as it could be done. Out of the number of
men said to be drafted in Virginia last fall, and others
from North Carolina, very few have joined the army;
but, owing to desertion and other causes, they have
dwindled to nothing; and this will always be the case
with new recruits, especially those who are unwillingly
drawn forth, if much time is spent in getting them to
their regiments under the care of proper officers. This
shows the necessity (if the season and other powerful
reasons did not loudly call for it) of hastening them to
the army.
My solicitude for the preservation of the communication of the North River gives me very uneasy sensations on account of our posts there, and will excuse
my again asking if the troops to the northward, except
such as are necessary for the defence of Fort Schuyler,
can be so advantageously employed as at the works
on that river. A respectable force at those posts would
awe New York, and divide General Howe's force or
expose the city. To depend too much upon militia is,
in my opinion, putting every thing to hazard. If I
should appear uncommonly anxious, respecting the
several matters contained in this letter, by repeating
them, Congress will do me the justice, I hope, to believe, that I am actuated by no views but such as are
prompted by circumstances and the advanced season.
I have the honor to be, &co
TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH.
Valley Forge, 25 March, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
I hope-that no time will be lost in removing General
Burgoyne's troops from Boston after the receipt of the