From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 9 August 1778
To Colonel Israel Shreve
Head Quarters White plains 9th Augt 1778
Sir
I have been favd with a letter of the 6th signed by yourself and other Feild Officers of the Jersey Brigade.1 You cannot feel, more sensibly than I do, the inconveniencies that arise from a delay of the new arrangement of the Army. Just as the Committee had made a beginning of that business at the Valley Forge, the removal of the Enemy from Philada obliged them to desist. Congress have since directed them to repair to the Army and proceed in the Business.2 As some time has elapsed since the Resolve was passed, and the Gentlemen have not arrived; I took a few days ago, the liberty to mention to Congress the total derangement of the Army for want of their presence, and my wish that they should come immediately forward.3 I therefore am in hopes that we shall see them soon, or that some other mode will be pointed out to compleat the Work. I am sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, NjP: GW Misc. Mss; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS.
1. The letter of 6 Aug. has not been found.
2. Congress passed a resolution to this effect on 9 July (, 11:676).