Letter from General Washington

v5:13

Another Letter from his Excellency General Washington.

"Cambridge, January 21, 1776.

"SIR: In the hurry of my last despatches to you, of the 19th instant, I forgot to intimate that, for the encouragement of the regiment destined for Canada, a month' s advance pay will be allowed officers and soldiers by me, in behalf of the Congress; at the same time, I think it but right that you should be apprized of the intention of this Government to allow their regiment another month' s pay, to enable the men to provide for so long and fatiguing a march, and, in the mean time, leave something for their families to subsist upon during their absence. I have no doubt but that this last advance will be pleasing enough to Congress, and that the money will be speedily refunded; but as I have no authority to direct it, and would not appear, by any act of mine, to put the three regiments for Canada upon a different footing than those who have been raising for this Army, I only give you a hint of the intention of this Government, that, if you think proper, the regiment from your Colony may be placed upon the same footing, as I know all kind of distinctions are considered by troops with an evil and jealous eye. Such necessaries as are absolutely requisite for the march of this regiment you will please have provided, upon the best terms you can, and regular accounts, with vouchers thereof, kept, that payment may be made. The importance of despatch will, I am persuaded, appear in so urgent a light to you, that I need add nothing on this head, but shall be glad to hear what progress you make in the business.

"Being with the sincerest regard and esteem, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

G˙ WASHINGTON."