Notes and Queries, Number 177, March 19, 1853 / A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.

The letters of great men are always interesting, more particularly when they are connected with important historical facts. I presume, therefore, that those I subjoin from General Washington and General Green will not be unwelcome to your readers. They were among the papers of an officer, long deceased, who at the time was aide-de-camp to Sir Guy Carlton, the commander-in-chief of our army in America; and were, I presume, intercepted before they reached their respective destinations.
General Washington to Governor Livingston. Head Quarters, Newburgh, July 3rd, 1782. Sir, From the inclosed information of Captain Stevens, there is reason to apprehend the business of driving cattle to the enemy is carrying on with great art and assiduity; it would be a happy circumstance if the villains concerned in it could be detected. I have therefore to propose to your Excellency, that you will be pleased to take such precautions as you shall judge best calculated to learn whether any such cattle are passing in droves, or smaller parcels (for they may be divided on the road), to the enemy. If your Excellency should hear of them before they turn off towards New York, I think it would be advisable to employ some trusty man or men to dog and follow them privately, until the fact is ascertained; otherwise, it is to be feared, no positive proof of the intention of the people engaged in this infamous trade can be obtained. I sincerely wish every practicable plan may be attempted for seizing the cattle, apprehending and bringing to condign punishment the men; as this would tend essentially to frustrate the insidious schemes of our enemies, as well as deter their other agents from similar practices. I have the honor to be, With perfect respect, Your Excellency's Most Obedient Servant, Go. Washington. P.S.—I am honor'd with your Excellency's letter of the 24th June. His Excellency Gov. Livingston.
Edward Foss.
In this work, to the justly high character of which I need scarcely refer, the General Remarks relating to the periods under consideration are full of information of the most interesting kind, as they often contain illustrations of manners and customs not to be met with elsewhere.