nder my command. Part of the troops
have not been paid anything for a long time past, and have upon
several occasions shown marks of great discontent. The service they
are going upon, is disagreeable to the northern regiments, but I make
no doubt, that a _douceur_ of a little hard money would put them in
proper temper. If the whole sum cannot be obtained, a part of it will
be better than none, as it may be distributed in proportion to the
respective wants and claims of the men.

The American detachment will assemble in this neighborhood today. The
French army tomorrow.

I have the honor to be, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

* * * * *

TO DONALDSON YEATES.

Office of Finance, August 28th, 1781.

Sir,

The express which carries this letter will bring you one from Colonel
Miles, on the same subject. It is necessary, that vessels be procured
as speedily us possible, to transport a body of from six to seven
thousand men from the head of the Elk to Virginia, with their
necessary apparatus. You will, therefore, collect them at the head of
the Elk, on the 5th of September, and us soon after as may be, engage
them by the day on the cheapest terms you can, to be paid in hard
money, and obtain as long a credit as possible. There will be little
or no risk of the vessels, and therefore you may insure them to the
owners, if that will tend to obtain them either sooner or cheaper. The
express has letters to William Smith and Matthew Ridley, of
Baltimore, on this subject, and they will give you their advice and
assistance, as will some other gentlemen, to whom I have written,
should either be necessary. He has also letters to the Governor of
Maryland, who will I am confident give every aid, which the Executive
authority of the State can afford. You will therefore either apply to
the Governor or not, as circumstances shall require.

Any engagements you enter into on this account, shall be fulfilled;
but I must again request, that you will be as economical as the nature
of the business will permit. I expect and rely on the exertion of your
utmost industry and attention and am, Sir, very respectfully, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *

TO B. FRANKLIN.