tunities to the enemy, and wearies and disgusts the people: This has doubtless had great influence in preventing their coming to terms, and will continue to operate in the same way. The debates on the ministerial side have frequently manifested the operation of this motive, and it must in the nature of things have had great weight. The interposition of neutral powers may lead to a negociation this winter. Nothing will tend so much to make the Court of London reasonable as the prospect of a permanent army in this Country, and a spirit of exertion to support it. 'Tis time we should get rid of an error which the experience of all mankind has exploded, and which our own experience has dearly taught us to reject-the carrying on a War with militia, or, which is nearly the same thing, temporary levies against a regular permanent and disciplined force. The Idea is chimerical, and that we have so long persisted in it, is a reflection on the judgment of a nation so enlightened as we are, as well as a strong proof of the empire of prejudice over Reason. If we continue in the infatuation, we shall deserve to lose the object we are contending for. America has been almost amused out of her liberties. We have frequently heard the behavior of the militia extolled upon one and another occasion, by men who judge only from the surface, by men who had particular views in misrepresenting, by visionary men whose credulity easily swallowed every vague story in support of a favorite Hypothesis. I solemnly declare I never was witness to a single instance that can countenance an opinion of militia or raw troops being fit for the real business of fighting. I have found them useful as light parties to skirmish in the Woods, but incapable of making or sustaining a seri ous attack. This firmness is only acquired by habit of discipline and service. I mean not to detract from the merit of the militia. Their zeal and spirit upon a variety of occasions have entitled them to the highest applause; but it is of the greatest importance we should learn to estimate them rightly: we may expect every thing from ours that militia is capable of, but we must not expect from any, services for which Regulars alone are fit. The late Battle of Campden is a melancholy comment upon this doctrine. The militia fled at the first fire, and left the Continental troops surrounded on every side and overpowered by numbers to combat for safety instead of Victory. The enemy themselves have witnessed to their Valor. An ill effect of short inlistments which I have not yet taken notice of, is that the constant fluctuation of their men is one of the sources of disgust to the officers. Just when, by great trouble fatigue and vexation (with which the training of Recruits is attended) they have brought their men to some kind of order; they have the mortification to see them go home, and to know that the drudgery is to recommence the next Campaign. In Regiments so constituted, an officer has neither satisfaction. nor credit in his command. Every motive which can arise from a consideration of our circumstances, either in a domestic or foreign point of view, calls. upon us to abandon temporary expedients and substitute something durable, systematic and substantial. This applies as well to our civil administration as to our military establishment. It is as necessary to give Congress, the common Head, sufficient powers to direct the common forces, as it is to raise an army for the War, but I should go out of my province to expatiate on Civil affairs. I cannot forbear adding a few more remarks. Our finances are in an alarming state of derangement. Public credit is almost arrived at its last stage. The people begin to be dissatisfied with the feeble mode of conducting the War, and with the ineffectual Burthens imposed upon them, which tho' light in comparison with what other nations feel are from their novelty heavy to them. They lose their confidence in Government apace. The army is not only dwindling into nothing, but the discontents of the officers as well as the men have matured to a degree that threatens but too general a renunciation of the service, at the end of the Campaign. Since January last we have had registered at Head Quarters more than one hundred and sixty resignations, besides a number of others that never were regularly reported. I speak of the army in this Quarter. We have frequently in the course of this Campaign experienced an extremity of want. Our officers are in general indecently defective in Cloathing. Our men are almost naked, totally unprepared for the inclemency of the approaching season. We have no magazines for the winter; the mode of procuring our supplies is precarious, and all the reports of the officers employed in collecting them are gloomy. These circumstances conspire to shew the necessity of immediately adopting a plan that will give more energy to Government, more vigor and more satisfaction to the army. Without it we have every thing to fear. I am persuaded of the sufficiency of our resources if properly directed. Should the requisitions of Congress by any accident not arrive before the Legislature is about to rise, I beg to recommend that a plan be devised which is likely to be effectual for raising the men that will be required, for the War, leaving it to the Executive to apply it to the Quota which Congress will fix. I flatter myself, however, the requisition will arrive in time. The present Crisis of our affairs appears to me so serious as to call upon me as a good Citizen to offer my sentiments freely for the safety of the Republic. I hope the motive will excuse the liberty I have taken. I have the honor to be, with the highest Respect, Yr. Excellency's most obt. and humble Serv't Go. Washington.* His Excellency Gov. Clinton. [No. 3284.] Colonel Henry B. Livingston to George Clinton--Important Letters Lost. Johns Town 11 O'Clock. D'r Sir, I just now rec'd yours; we have been here about half an Hour and the men much Fatigued but I shall march them as requested in about an Hour. An accident happened to your express sent to Saractoga via Johnstown; he was Chalenged by my advance; forcibly past them, thinking we were the Enemy and threw away his pocket Book, Containing your Letters which could not be found; as want of knoledge of the Country, prevents my guesing at the Contents, I can take no other measure, than that of acquainting your Excellency. I believe we shall be able to procure Cattle at this post. I am, D'r Sir, your Humble Serv't H. B. Livingston. P. S. Your Express is two much fatigued to return; the man I send you may be depended upon. His Excellency Governor Clinton. *This letter of General Washington to Governor Clinton differs in several minor verbal respects from the circular which is printed in the Writings of George Washington edited by Worthington Ford, Vol. VIII, pages 502-508.-STATE HISTORIAN. [No. 3285.] Colonel Livingston Proceeds by the River Road. D'r Sir, I have rec'd your two Letters the one dated four and the other five Miles from Fort Hunter. We set out immediately for Colo. Klock's. Capt. Gano is with us, and we have replaced his garrison with the lame men and some unarmed. We shall proceed by the River Route, as we are informed by Capt. Gano that it is impossible to take our waggons the other Road, and we cannot spare a guard sufficient for their security if we send them alone. We have had no Intelligence of the Enemy's movements except thro' your Excellency. I am, with Respect, your Excellency's most obed. ser't His Excellency Gov. Clinton. H. B. Livingston. [No. 3286.] Colonel Duboys in Pursuit of the Enemy. 11 O'Clock. D'r Coll, We are now as far as Fall Hill Bell's House, in full pursuit of the Enemy; they pass'd this place sum half an hour high; they spoke with some people here, and said that they had 1200 pick❜d men and could go where the pleasd; after they pass'd this a smart fireing was heard, supposed to be at the fort as they pass'd the Germain Flatts; I have three more prisners of their party; no Time must be Lost, in pursuing them. Sir John is wounded through the thigh; they Enquired of Esqr. Bell particu larly, concerning the strength of Fort Scuyler and their Numbers there; the Left all their Cattle behind them where they Cross'd the River. Esqr. Bell supposed their Numbers to be |