Head Quarters, October 17, 1778.
Dear Sir: As the term of your Regiment's inlistment is nearly expiring, it is time to fall upon some mode to continue the men in the service. Genl. Scott in a letter to me of the 15th. Inst. observes that could they be indulged with leave of absence for the winter, he thinks the greatest number would reenlist. 96 I am not over fond of making a stipulation of this kind could it be avoided, besides it is setting up a pernicious precedent to the Army. I would therefore have every other methodtryed, the inducements offered by congress, with the endeavours of those of your officers, whom you perceive to have a more immediate influence over the men. In the mean time you will be pleased to make me a return of those whose times are expiring or may have expired, with your opinion whether the regiment can be reinlisted without having recourse to this expedient. When I receive your report I shall instruct you further on this subject. I am &ca. 97
[Note:"The measure you have mentioned I believe must be put in practice, in case the men cannot be induced to continue in the service by the common means." -- Washington to Brig. Gen. Charles Scott , Oct. 17, 1778. Washington wrote to Scott this same day also: "You will give orders to your Commissary to supply such small parties of Militia with provision as Genl. Morris may judge necessary for the protection of the Farmers whose Situation renders them liable to be interrupted in their farming business; and you will as far as circumstances will allow second the Militia in this duty; by disposing your patroles as much as is in your power for the Security of the Country people." These letters are in the Washington Papers.]
[Note:In the writing of John Laurens. ]