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Revolutionary War-dated letter communicated by George Washington, with his signature excised and absent, one page, 9.25 x 7.5, January 6, 1780. Penned in an unknown hand, the letter offers a solution to a critical lack of provisions for troops—an early discharge for men whose enlistments are soon expiring. In full: "As it will contribute in some degree to relieve our distress on the subject of provision, I am to desire that you will discharge all the men in the Brigade under your command whose inlistments and terms of service will clearly expire by the last of this month. In conducting the matter you will be pleased to call upon the commanding officers of Regiments, to prevent the discharge of any not coming within the above description." Annotated in the left margin: "From His Ex. Gen. Washington." In good to very good condition, with tape stains and paper loss, including the removal of Washington's signature.
In 1780, the Continental Army faced severe supply problems that threatened its effectiveness and morale. Poor organization, lack of funding from the Continental Congress, and widespread inflation made it nearly impossible to provide adequate food, clothing, and equipment for the soldiers. Supply lines were unreliable, and local communities, already strained by years of war, could offer little support. One way to ease the burden was to discharge soldiers whose terms were soon up, freeing the Army of its obligation to feed and clothe the men.
