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.

428 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [JET. 51.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Head-Quarters, 3 May, 1783,
SIR,
I take the liberty to mention to your Excellency,
that, in attending to the resolutions of Congress of the
15th of April, respecting the posts in the United States
occupied by the British troops, I find it necessary to
apply for some more particular explanation of the intentions of Congress than is there expressed.*
Taking it for granted, that the northern and western
posts are included within the ideas of Congress, as
well as New York, arrangements for receiving possession of those posts are to be made with General Haldimand, who commands in the district of Canada. As
our communication will be distant and take much time,
previous to commencing this correspondence it will be
necessary that I should be as fully instructed as circumstances will admit, as to the intentions of Congress
respecting these frontier posts; particularly what footing they will determine to place them upon in their
peace establishment, and what number of men shall be
sent to maintain them. Congress will also be irhpressed with the necessity of adopting the earliest measures
decline the personal interview proposed by your Excellency, and purpose
being in a frigate as near Tappan as may be, where I understand you
mean to lodge. If I hear nothing from you to occasion an alteration, I
intend being up, on the 5th of May, accompanied by a smaller vessel or
two, for the accommodation of Lieutenant-Governor Elliot, Chief Justice
William Smith, and part of my family." - New York, Jspril 24th.
* By a resolve of the 15th of April, the Commander-in-chief was instructed to make arrangements with the British commander for receiving
possession of the posts held by the British troops in the United States,
and for obtaining the delivery of all negroes and other property, which
by the treaty were to be given up. It was also resolved, that the secretary at war, in conjunction with the Commander-in-chief, should concert
measures for liberating all the land prisoners. They had recently met
at Ringwood for this purpose.