Washington, George, 1732-1799. The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources: Volume 11
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To CAPTAIN STEPHEN CHAMBERS37

[Note:Of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Regiment. ]

   March 15, 1778.

    Sir: I received your favour of the 12th. Instant and am well pleased with the account of your proceedings. 38 I have ordered a party to march with Lieutenant Quin 39 which I hope will make you so strong as to answer most of the objects of your command.

[Note:Chambers was on scout duty on the northern and western sides of Philadelphia, endeavoring to prevent provisions being taken into the city by the inhabitants. His letter, dated Mar. 12, 1778, is in the Washington Papers.]
[Note:Lieut. Samuel Quinn, of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Regiment. He retired July 1, 1778. ]

    With respect to the Shoes, I think you should get them. You will procure them in a way, as little exceptionable as possible, giving receipts for the number that they may be paid for. It will also be necessary to keep a note of the amount and the Soldiers names and Corps to whom you may have occasion to deliver any part of them, that they may be settled for.

    The Horses which you mention, we shall want, if we do not get them the Enemy will. You will therefore take such, as will answer either for the Regiments of Cavalry or Waggons, and give the owners receipts, describing the quality and size of each and affixing what you may consider a just and reasonable price, that it may be paid when applied for. I need not mention to you that Horses obtained in this way, do not come within the meaning of Genl. Orders giving the benefit of Captures in some instances to the parties who make them.

    You will take a particular account of all you get and report the number and price to me when you send them to Camp. If the Stallion you speak of, is a good one for covering it would perhaps be wrong to convert him to another use. In such case, however, you must oblige the owner to send him into a more interior and secure part of the Country where the Enemy cannot get him. This business, as I mentioned in the case of the Shoes, you will also conduct in the best, at the same time in the least exceptionable manner. I am &ca.

    P.S. You will let me know when you expect to return to Camp, and where it is likely to meet with you should I have occasion to write hereafter. 40

[Note:The draft is in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. ]