To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 19 January 1780
From Colonel Israel Shreve
Burlington [N.J.] 19th Jany 1780.
Sir
Last Saterday1 the Majestrates of this County met, And Chearfully undertook to Raise the provision Called for,2 and Gave Written orders to Edward Thomas & Richd price (Contractors) to Immediately Collect it,3 I fear the Number of Cattle will fall Short, but that Deficiency will be made up in other meat, Exclusive of what the Commisarys had Purchaced before this Requisition was made, upwards of one hundred Carcases of Good mutten, and Several of Veal, fresh pork &c. will Set out in Sleds tomorrow, and one Cask of Poultry, this Last I have Directed to be Delivered at your Excys Quarters, the Grain will be Easily Raised, and Ready to be Sent off Soon.
one brigade of Sleds that went with Mutton, was Several times Stoped, and the Drivers much Insulted, and Several Carcases of Mutton forceably taken away, principelly by a person, (name forgot) but Gave a Cirtificate on their Return as Surgeon to the Second pennsulvania Regt this Conduct very much Discorages the Inhabitants from turning out with their Sleds, who as yet offers to Go Voluntirily.4
Receivd your Excellencys favour of the 16th Inst: this Day. I am with much Respect your Excys Most Obedt Hume Servt
Israel Shreve
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The previous Saturday was 15 January.
2. See Circular to the New Jersey Magistrates, 7 Jan., and GW to William De Hart, 8 Jan., a version of which was sent to Shreve.
3. On 25 Dec. 1779, the New Jersey legislature had named contractors in each county to procure provisions for the army (see William De Hart to GW, 13 Jan., n.2). Edward Thomas (1750–1797) and Richard Price were appointed for Burlington County. Thomas also held a captain’s commission in the Burlington County militia.
4. The surgeon of the 2d Pennsylvania Regiment was Benjamin Perry (Parry). Perry had joined the regiment as surgeon’s mate on its formation in January 1777 and became the regiment’s surgeon in July of that year, but by January 1783 he was no longer with the regiment.