416 HISTORY OF 



they will be too powerful for us in the field, miless great 

 and speedy supplies be thrown in. It therefore becomes 

 the duty of the state to make an immediate and effectual 

 exertion to complete her quota of men ; but whilst this is 

 doing, let me entreat you, sir, not to neglect providing 

 the linen over-alls and other clothing, to enable us to take 

 the field with some eclat ^ which will add both spirit and 

 health to your troops ; for you may rest assured nine out 

 of ten deaths and desertions, in this army, are owing to 

 dirt and nakedness. 



I have the happiness to inform your excellency that 

 the troops of this state enjoy a much greater share of 

 health than any other post of the army, and I pledge my 

 reputation to keep them so, on condition that I can be 

 provided with linen and other clothing. 



It's to you, sir, that we look up to for those matters — 

 and in this case we consider you as our common father.. 

 Adieu, my dear sir, and believe me 



Yours, most sincerely, 



Ant*y Wayne. 

 To his excellency, Governor Thomas Wharton, Esq,, 



Lancaster : 



Mountjoy, April 10th, 1778. 



Dear sir : — Agreeable to your desire, I have ordered 

 up an additional number of recruiting officers, who are 

 well recommended for their industry and sobriety, and 

 who I wish were tolerated to enlist in any quarter where 

 it is most probable they may meet with success ; as con- 

 fining them to particular counties will rather retard than 

 expedite the recruiting service. I communicated your 

 idea to his excellency, of constantly employing some 

 officers in that business, in order to keep the regiment 

 and corps complete, which meet his Avarmest approba- 

 tion, and he requests, through me, that your excellency 



