"Sir.
"I have just received your favor of the 13th instant. Inclosed is a copy of a letter sent you some time ago respecting the court martial you transmitted.
"The spirit of desertion which possessed your soldiers, was certainly very alarming, and required a serious check. I hope the intention of the example you have made will be fully answered; and although the proceeding was not strictly in the prescribed form, yet the necessity of the case may justify the measure.
"I have spoken to Lieut. Colonel Willett on the application of the officers of the garrison. It is impossible to comply at present with their request, things are so circumstanced—but I shall take steps to relieve it before winter. [FN-1]
"I am, sir, your obedient, humble serv't. Geo. Washington. "Col. Gansevoort." [FN-2]
[FN-1] In November following, Gansevoort's command was relieved by Colonel Guise Van Schaick, whose regiment was assigned to that post.
[FN-2] These letters have been copied by the author from the originals. The enclosure mentioned in the above letter from General Washington reads as follows:—
[Copy.]
"Head-Quarters, White Plains,}
August 13, 1778.}