C. George Washington's Writings to Continental Congress, November 1778

Below are images of George Washington's Writings to the Continental Congress, November 23, 1778.

Then, below that is a transcript of the writing that is in the images below.

1. First try to read George Washington's handwriting. Start with the second paragraph on page 99 and read on to the end of that paragraph on page 100.

2, See if you can understand more by reading the typed transcript of the writing below.

The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.

Below is an excerpt of a full transcript of the writing above: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mgw:@field%28DOCID+@lit%28gw130283%29%29

[Note 2: Hand's letter to Washington, dated November 20, inclosing Maj. Benjamin Whetcomb's petition, is in the Washington Papers. Whetcomb's (Whitcomb) petition is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 41, 10, fol. 370. His letter to Hand (November 16) is on folio 377.] on his presenting proper Rolls. With respect to Cloathing, the only application I recollect ever to have had from Major Whetcomb, was answered with such supplies both in quantity and quality, as our stores at the time would admit of. It may perhaps be practicable hereafter to put his Corps on a better footing in this instance. The alarm which Major Whetcomb speaks of, in the beginning of his Letter to Genl. Hand was occasioned, Congress will perceive by a Copy of another Letter from him to Genl Hand, by a descent made by a body of the Enemy in the Country about the south end of Lake Champlain, and who according to his report have done considerable damage.

I directed General Du Portail some time ago to take an accurate view of the works carrying on in the Highlands, for the defence of the North River, and to make an estimate of the Cannon necessary for the purpose. This he did, and as he is now at Philadelphia, I have written to him by this conveyance to present the Estimate of Congress.³ I am sorry the number wanted is so great and the more so, as I find upon inquiry, that the Salisbury furnace in Connecticut, which used to cast many, is much out of repair and could not possibly be put in order and in a proper state of supplies before May. The providing of Cannon is a matter of infinite importance and I am persuaded Congress will take every means in their power to accomplish it. Besides the pressing and extensive demand for the Works on the North river, we cannot extend our views too soon to the obtaining further large supplies. We must in the course of things have occasion for a great deal of Artillery, and in any enterprise we may undertake against Canada, whether on a large or a small scale, several pieces of various Calibers will be

[Note 3: "The estimate you delivered me sometime since of the Cannon wanted for the works of West Point, having been, by some accident mislaid, I am to request you will deliver a copy of it to the President of Congress, which you will be pleased to do as speedily as possible."-- Washington to General Du Portail, Nov. 24, 1778. This letter is in the Washington Papers.] absolutely essential. Besides arming the Ships and Vessels we shall be obliged to build to gain the navigation of the Lakes, our land operations will require a great number.