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.

316 WASHI'NGTON'S WRITINGS. [AET. 50.
utmost utility, and continues to be of the greatest importance, for reasons too plain and obvious to need
enumeration; but more especially for having established one uniform system of manceuvres and regulations
in an army, composed of the troops of thirteen States
(each having its local prejudices), and subject to constant interruptions and deviations from the frequent
changes and dissolutions it has undergone.
It is equally just to declare, that the department,
under your auspices, has been conducted with an intelligence, activity, and zeal, not less beneficial to the
public than honorary to yourself, and that I have had
abundant reason to be satisfied with your abilities and
attention to the duties of your office, during the four
years you have been in the service. I am, &c.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Newburg, 9 July, 1782.
SIR,
Having found a moment's leisure to examine, myself,
into the situation of affairs on the frontiers of this State,
I have lately made a journey up the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers as far as Saratoga and Schenectady. Just
before my arrival there, a party of three or four hundred of the enemy, consisting of British, refugees, and
savages, had made an incursion down the Mohawk,
attacked, and captured (after a gallant defence) a small
guard of Continental troops, who were stationed at the
only remaining mill in the upper settlements, which
they also destroyed.
By a deserter from this party we are informed, that
the enemy are taking post at Oswego, and are either
rebuilding the old, or erecting new fortifications there.