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.

56 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [2ETn 49.
Pennsylvania to hold sixteen hundred militia in readiness.
Congress have been made so fully acquainted with
the difficulties of every kind, under which the military
department labors, that they must be sensible nothing
but the most vigorous exertions on the part of the
States to supply men, provisions, and the means of
transportation, can enable me to prosecute to effect the
operations, which I have agreed, in conjunction with
the army of our allies, to undertake, or indeed any
other. At the time I made my requisitions upon them,
I advanced every argument in my power to induce a
compliance; but, should I find any hesitation, I shall
hope for.the countenance and support of Congress.
I am very apprehensive of a formidable invasion of
the northern frontier, as the enemy from Canada are
undoubtedly collecting in considerable force at Crown
Point. Should this be the case, it will cause a very
unfortunate diversion, and be very embarrassing just at
this time, when our whole force will be required here.
The necessity, which I clearly foresee we shall be under, of taking every man, who can be spared from other duties, into the field, induces me to request an order for such men of the invalid corps at Boston and
Philadelphia, as are fit for garrison duty, to march to
West Point, where their services will be the same as
those upon which they are now employed, and where
they may be very useful.
There has been a necessity of abandoning the post
of Fort Schuyle;r and removing the garrison and stores
to the German Flats. The barracks had been, at the
beginning of this month, consumed by fire, and the
works so exceedingly damaged by a heavy storm of
rain, that they were rendered indefensible; nor could
they be repaired in any reasonable time by the number