Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Daniel Brodhead

General Washington refers to previous correspondence with General Brodhead, known for leading several military expeditions against Native Americans. Writes that a previously mentioned expedition "against the Natches and the English settlements upon the Mississippi, is now at an end, the Spaniards having already possessed those Posts." Instructs Brodhead not to attack the British force at Detroit, but states "if you think yourself competent to an excursion against any of the hostile tribes of Indians, you are at liberty, as I have mentioned ... to undertake it." Orders Brodhead to supply information on future military returns regarding Brodhead's regiment, as well as several other regiments and companies, so he can give the states credit for their soldiers' service in detached corps. Reports that he previously requested that the Board of War send ordnance stores to Fort Pitt, where Brodhead was stationed, but that it was deemed impractical due to the difficulty of passage at that time of year. States that he recently ordered General Henry Knox to detach an Officer of Artillery and other men for duty at the Garrison at Fort Pitt. Disapproves of a sentence brought against Lieutenant Gordon, stating "a General Court Martial can only be held by order of the Commander in Chief- or of a General Officer commanding a separate department ... " Expresses the need for a new trial for Gordon and other prisoners. Discusses the loss of unspecified boats and the expense of boat building. Surmises that the remaining boats are sufficient for carrying supplies. Gives Brodhead permission to visit his family.