In a very long and confidential letter to governor Henry of Virginia, the commander in chief, when adverting to the additional regiments to be raised in that state, thus pressed the necessity of selecting with care the officers to be appointed to them.

I imagine, before this, congress have made you acquainted with their resolutions for raising the new army, and that your colony is to furnish fifteen battalions to be inlisted during the war. As it will occasion the choosing a number of new officers, I would, in the most urgent manner, recommend the utmost care and circumspection in your several appointments. I do not expect that there are many experienced gentlemen now left with you, as, from what I have understood, those who served in the last war, are chiefly promoted; however, I am satisfied that the military spirit runs so high in your colony, and that

the number of applicants will be so considerable, that a very proper choice may be made. Indeed the army's being put upon such a permanent footing, will be a strong inducement for them to step forth on the present interesting occasion. One circumstance in this important business ought to be cautiously guarded against, and that is, the soldier and officer being too nearly on a level. Discipline and subordination add life and vigour to military movements. The person commanded yields but a reluctant obedience to those he conceives undeservedly made his superiors. The degrees of rank are frequently transferred from civil life into the departments of the army. The true criterion to judge by, when past services do not enter into the competition, is, to consider whether the candidate for office has a just pretension to the character of a gentleman, a proper sense of honour, and some reputation to lose.

Perhaps, sir, you may be surprised at my pressing this advice so strongly, as I have done in this letter; but I have felt the inconveniencies resulting from a contrary principle in so sensible a manner, and this army has been so greatly enfeebled by a different line of conduct, that I hope you will readily excuse me.

NOTE....No. XX.

"My reasons for this measure," said the commander in chief in his letter to general Lee, ordering him to cross the Hudson," and which I think must have weight with you, are, that the enemy are evidently changing the seat of war to this side of the North river; that this country, therefore, will expect the continental army to give what support they can; and, if disappointed in this, will cease

to depend upon, or support a force by which no protection is given to them. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that at least an appearance of force should be made, to keep this state in connexion with the others. If that should not continue, it is much to be feared that its influence on Pennsylvania would be very considerable; and the public interests would be more and more endangered. Unless, therefore, some new event should occur, or some more cogent reason present itself, I would have you move over by the easiest and best passage. I am sensible your numbers will not be large, and that the movement may not perhaps be agreeable to your troops. As to the first, report will exaggerate them, and there will be preserved the appearance of an army, which will, at least, have the effect of encouraging the desponding here; and, as to the other, you will doubtless represent to them, that in duty and gratitude, their service is due wherever the enemy may make the greatest impression, or seem to intend to do so."