From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 August 1778
To Henry Laurens
White plains August 11th 1778
sir
I take the liberty of transmitting to Congress the Inclosed Letter, which I just now received from the pay Master General.1 They will perceive by it, that the Military Chest is entirely exhausted, and, that a third of the Army remains unpaid for the Months of April and May. The importance & necessity of an immediate and large supply will at once appear—and I am persuaded it will be ordered and forwarded with all possible expedition.
Since I had the honor of writing by Colo. Heth on Sunday last,2 I have not received any advices from Rhode Island. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem sir Your Most Obedt sert
Go: Washington
LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GC; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS, which is docketed in part, “Received 15th P.M.” Congress read this letter on 17 Aug., when the enclosure was referred to the Board of Treasury; see , 11:802.
1. William Palfrey’s letter of this date has not been found.
2. GW was probably referring to his first letter to Laurens of 9 August.