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.

PARTII.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 173
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Camp, before York, 6 October, 1781.
SIR,
Since mine to your Excellency of the 1st instant,
we have been employed in repairing the enemy's works
upon Pigeon Hill, and in constructing a new intermediate redoubt. These will serve to give security to
our troops in making their approaches. We have been
assiduously employed in making fascines and gabions,
and in transporting our heavy cannon, mortars, and
stores from Trebell's Landing, on James River. In
the last we made slow progress, until the arrival of
the wagons and teams from the northward; but, it
being the opinion of the engineers, that we now have
a sufficient stock to commence operations, we shall
this night open trenches. I take a very singular pleasure in congratulating Congress upon the very important and brilliant' victory gained by General Greene
on the 8th of September.* I am, &c.
TO EDWARD RUTLEDGE.
Camp, before York, 6 October, 1781.
MY DEAR SIR,
I am fully impressed with the justice and truth of
every remark contained in your letter of the 12th ultimo, and you may be assured, were the means of
carrying your wishes into effect under my control and
direction, that they should be applied, as soon as cirup some of his vessels, provided General Washington would furnish such
a number of row-boats as would protect them from the fire-ships. This
was about to be executed when Lord Cornwallis proposed terms of surrender.
* At the battle of Eutaw Springs.
0*