From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 February 1781
To Major General William Heath
Head Quarters New Windsor 16 Feby 1781
Dear Sir
I return you the proceedings of the Division Court Martial held by order of Majr Genl Parsons.1 I have confirmed the sentence of Taylor and ordered it to be carried into execution, at such time and place as you shall direct2—The punishment ordered to be inflicted upon Cahos is not authorised by the Articles of War, but as it may be sometimes necessary to depart somewhat from the line laid down, for the sake of making the greater impression upon the Soldiery, General parsons may order the sentence to be executed at his discretion—That the Man may not be lost to the service, he may, after being drummed out of the line, be delivered to the Quarter Masters department, in which, he [may]3 make an useful labourer, tho’ not qualified for a Soldier.4 I am Dear Sir Yr most obt and humble Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi: Heath Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed court-martial proceedings have not been identified.
2. See General Orders, this date.
3. This word appears at this place on the draft, which is also in Tilghman’s writing.
4. The identity and fate of the man named “Cahos” has not been determined.