GEORGE WASHINGTON TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Head Quarters, August 6th, 1783.
Sir,
I thank you for the communication, which you have been pleased to make to me under the 11th of July. It was handed to me on my return last evening from a tour —— have been making to the northward and westward, as far as Crown Point and Fort Schuyler, to view the posts and country in that part of the United States' territory.
The anticipations you have been obliged to make are indeed great, and your circular letter to the States on the occasion appears to me sufficient, if anything of the kind can be so, to arouse their attention to the necessity of your circumstances. I most sincerely wish it may have the desired effect.
In consequence of my tour to the northward, the Quarter Master General, will have my orders to prepare batteaux and other means of transportation to the upper posts, of the cannon, stores and provisions, which will be absolutely necessary for possessing and maintaining them. To effect this money will be necessary, and I give you this information, that a demand will probably be made on you for the purpose.
The State of New York, which is deeply interested in the security of these posts, and effecting this business, may perhaps be prevailed on to furnish the necessary sums to be placed to general accounts. This will probably exert itself in this case preferably to any other. I give you this hint, and leave its improvement to you.
Knowing your situation, I am pained when necessity obliges me to make any application for money. But this purpose is of so great importance to the interests of the United States, and of so urgent necessity, that if the sums required cannot be obtained in the way I have hinted, I must entreat you to give every assistance to Colonel Pickering that shall be necessary.
I am, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.