Washington, George. Highly important Revolutionary War-date letter signed, 3 pages, 3 August 1782....

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Washington, George. Highly important Revolutionary War-date letter signed, 3 pages, 3 August 1782. Washington, George. Highly important Revolutionary War-date letter signed, 3 pages (11.75 x 7 in.; 295 x 183mm), 3 August 1782, Head-Quarters, Newburgh, to John Moylan Esquire, Clothier General; overall browning, separations at folds skillfully repaired. George Washington still faces rampant shortages of clothing and essential supplies for his threadbare troops as the Revolutionary War comes to a close. Washington writes in full: Sir, By the last Inspections Returns of the Army, I find that the men in general are possessed of but one Shirt each, and that in a Short time they will be totally destitute of that necesary Article, unless a supply is immediately provided. I wish, therefore, to point and fix your attention immovably to this subject. Let every exertion be used, and every Resource be tried, for procuring such a supply of Sharts that two may be issued to every Soldier at the next Delivery, which must be as early as possible. Thisis not only essentially necessary for the Comfort of the Troops, but will be found eventually the most substantial and best Economy. The Difficulty of attaining Supplies and the Embarrassments of the Publick for Want of Money are generally known and considered; but Should it notwithstanding be discovered by the Army that any of the States had in Possession a Quantity of Linen suitable for Shirts, an that no Efforts were made to obtain it for the Publick, it will probably excite great uneasiness and may be attended with very pernicious Effects, especially when the Men find themselves exceedingly distressed for Want of a single shirt. This you will represent to those who are competent to have the Business put in a Train of Negociation, if they should judge proper and you will inform me of the result. I must again urge that the Remainder of the Hunting Shirts should be sent on without Delay, if possible, or the season proper for wearing them will have elapsed. I am Sir, Your most humble servt. Go:Washington Washington's letter attests that the problem of clothing his troops was still pervasive, even five years after the harsh lessons learned at Valley Forge. The present letter beautifully illustrates Washington's uncompromising efforts on behalf of his men--some of whom had served with Washington for over seven years and well remember the brutal winter of 1777-78. Clearly, Washington is incensed to learn that most of his men, then in camp on the Hudson, still had only a single shirt to wear and wanted the matter rectified at all costs. Washington's worries came to fruition in March 1783, when a sizeable number of Army Officers, aggrieved at ongoing shortages and unpaid salaries, circulated the infamous Newburgh Addresses. Only Washington's personal intervention at the final hour averted outright mutiny.