1S99.] CALENDAR OF THE WEEDON CORRESPONDENCE, HI 



Washington, General {contitiued^ : 



tions and arrangements in the army. One-half of the present 

 staff belonging to the army, idle and pleasure-loving ; mere 

 sinecures, of no benefit to the public. Reforms needed. 



No. 12. 



1780. — August 24. Fredericksbw'o. — Present military law for 

 raising 3000 new levies exempts those who apprehend and 

 deliver over deserters. Danger of impositions under this 

 rule. Suggests slight changes in the law. Also proposes that 

 Gen. Washington should offer free pardon to all deserters who 

 deliver themselves up by a certain day. All who escaped from 

 Bluford's rout brought in as deserters; this, of course, 

 wrong. No. 33. 



1 781. — April 8. Willianisbm^g. — Acknowledging letter, directing 

 the disposal of militia. Incloses general return of counties 

 making his defences on his side of James river. In writing 

 British General at Portsmouth about exchange of prisoners, 

 the list for exchange left entirely to the Executive. Dangers 

 of favoritism ; therefore merely hinted at the justness of such 

 a favor, leaving Mr. Armistead to mention Col. Curie as the 

 object of the hint. Desire of Gen. Phillips, as well as him- 

 self, to encourage liberal exchanges, therefore begs to be 

 authorized to assure the British General that on his sending 

 out the whole number of prisoners taken in arms, an equal 

 number shall be sent back. Enemy's preparations for a 

 move ; nearly all their ships gone out. No. 79. 



1 78 1. — April II. Williamsburg, — Has received a report from a 

 Mr. Turberville that a small fleet of the enemy's vessels is in 

 the Potomac. Fears they will visit Hunter's works and the 

 gun factory in Fredericksburg, both important points, totally 

 undefended. Proposes marching some of the troops back for 

 their defense. Names troops whose tour of duty will soon 

 expire, as suitable for that purpose. Thinks Mr. Beal's offer 

 of 1000 weight of lead ought to be accepted. No. Zt^. 



Washington, John A. (Col.): 



i^^i.— June 8. Camp, Hunter's Heights. — Requesting troops to 

 halt, as it appears the enemy are at Guynn's Island in the 

 Potomac. Would like officer sent to get information and to 

 report at once. Gives him leave to impress horses for this ser- 

 vice, being careful to return them to their owners. No. 112. 



