From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 23 October 1778
To Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.
Head Quarters Fredericksbg 23d Octobr 1778
Sir
By the inclosed Resolution you will find the determination of Congress to remove the Troops1 of the Convention from the State of Massachusetts to Charlottville in Virginia, should not the conditions therein required have been complied with.2 I have directed Genl Heath, should it be found necessary, to put those troops in motion as quick as possible, as the Season is already far advanced, and the distance, from the place of their present Cantonments to that of their destination, very considerable.3 I propose, as the most speedy way of forwarding the prisoners, that each State shall furnish a guard of Militia through its own Boundaries, and Carriages to transport their Baggage.4 Should they move I have desired Genl Heath to give you notice when they will march from their present quarters, and by what Route, that you may have due time to order a proper escort; and I mention the matter to you at this early period, that you may make such provision for their passage thro’ Connecticut as you may think necessary. I have the honor &c.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. This letter was delivered to Trumbull by Timothy Pickering (see Pickering to GW, 25 Oct.).
1. At this place on the draft manuscript, Tilghman first wrote: “prisoners.” He then struck out that word and wrote “Troops” above the line.
2. GW enclosed a copy of Congress’s act of 16 Oct. concerning the removal of the Convention Army to Charlottesville, Va., a copy of which Henry Laurens had enclosed in his letter to GW of that date (see also , 12:1016).
3. See GW’s second letter to William Heath of 21 October.
4. At the beginning of this sentence on the draft manuscript, Tilghman first wrote and then struck out the following phrase: “You will perceive by the Copy of my letter to Genl Heath, which you have enclosed, that.” See GW to William Heath, 22 October.