word "powder." At
another time, when doubtful of the safety of his letter, he used the
paraphrase, "what we greatly need." He knew that his correspondents
would supply the omission and interpret the reference. But once at
least, on the 14th of January, when writing to Joseph Reed, formerly his
aide, to whom at this period he seems to have written more freely than
to any one else, Washington gave a complete account of his situation
when almost at its worst, and ended with an explanation of his state of
mind. Conditions are so completely summarized, and his thoughts are so
frankly given, that the paragraphs had best be given entire.

"Our enlistments are at a stand; the fears I ever entertained are
realized; that is, the _discontented officers_ (for I do not know how
else to account for it) have thrown such difficulties or
stumbling-blocks in the way of recruiting, that I no longer entertain a
hope of completing the army by voluntary enlistments, and I see no move
or likelihood to do it by other means. In the last two weeks we have
enlisted but about a thousand men; whereas I was confidently led to
believe, by all the officers I conversed with, that we should by this
time have had the regiments nearly completed. Our total number upon
paper amounts to about ten thousand five hundred; but as a large portion
of these are returned _not joined_, I never expect to receive them, as
an ineffectual order has once issued to call them in. Another is now
gone forth, peremptorily requiring all officers under pain of being
cashiered, and recruits of being treated as deserters, to join their
respective regiments by the 1st day of next month, that I may know my
real strength; but if my fears are not imaginary, I shall have a
dreadful account of the advanced month's pay.[145] In consequence of the
assurances given, and my expectation of having at least men enough to
defend our lines, to which may be added my unwillingness to burthen the
cause with unnecessary expense, no relief of militia has been ordered
in, to supply the places of those, who are released from their
engagements tomorrow, and as to whom, though many have promised to
continue out the month, there is no security for their stay.

"Thus I am situated with respect to men. With regard to arms I am yet
worse off. Before the dissolution of the old army, I issued an order
directing three judicious men of each brigade to attend, review, and
appraise the good arms of every regimen