Sir,
I was in the moment of sending off a despatch to Count de Rochambeau, of which I have the honor to enclose a copy, when your Excellency's letter of the 14th instant arrived.
I have only to refer you to my letter of the 20th of April, for a perfect statement of matters in this quarter; and as little alteration has taken place since that period, your Excellency will readily perceive the impracticability of the movement expected by Congress, (and mentioned in your letter to Count de Rochambeau,) especially too, when you consider how unprepared we are to encounter any expense, that can possibly be avoided.
My ideas on this head, the removal of the French army in our present state of uncertainty, the consequent call of the militia to occupy the posts they would leave, and cover the stores, shipping, &c. which must necessarily remain, were communicated fully to the Secretary of War, when he was here, with a request that he would unfold them to your Excellency, as I could not commit them to paper without a cypher.
The enemy, from the best intelligence I get from New York, has made no detachment. Things remain there in statu quo. They seem to be suspended and are waiting for orders from their Court, which I hear they anxiously expect. As I am just stepping into a boat for Albany, and dare not commit more to paper, I have only to give a fresh testimony of the respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 3d, 1782.
Sir,