Smallwood, William, 1732-1792 to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06506 Author/Creator: Smallwood, William, 1732-1792 Place Written: Annapolis, Maryland Type: Autograph letter Date: 30 July 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.2 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Indicates that he is sending recruitment-related reports (not included) and discusses difficulties recruiting soldiers. Lists the reasons that soldiers will not join: worries about pay and depreciation, efforts to defend Chesapeake Bay, lazy officers, and poor conditions including lack of food, clothes and shelter for the recruits. Comments that "The treatment, naked and wretched situation of those in service, the abject distress and total neglect of disabled and disbanded soldiers... rendered desertion very prevalent." Complains of delays in fulfilling his requests for provisions and argues that he will be unable to meet recruitment expectations without aid. Document is a retained copy in Smallwood's hand.
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