From George Washington to William Heath, 24 December 1781

Dear Sir

Philadelphia Decr 24th 1781

I have received your favors of the 12th and 18th Instants—Doctor Cochran is of opinion that the season is favorable for the innoculation of all those who have not had the small pox. The new Contractors have agreed to furnish Stores necessary for the Patients, and the moment things are in readiness, you will be pleased to have the work begun.

The Cloathing for the Rhode Island Regiment which had been prepared last Summer by the State, has been ordered down here; Should it not have left the North River, the Subalterns party may take it in charge. If it should have come forward, the party must nevertheless join the Regiment.

It is not now material whether the returns called for in mine of the 8th are transmitted, as others, of a particular discription, have been required by Congress, and the Adjutant General has furnished his Deputy with you and the Commanding Officers of the York and Jersey Lines with forms for their Goverment in making them out.

You will be pleased to inform me what Officer of the New Hamshire Line will take the command upon General Starks retiring for the winter—If he should not be fully competent to the purpose, another must be sent up.

I am glad to hear you are so well supplied with provisions and I hope the Troops are by this time getting on some of their new Cloathing—I may on these accounts venture to hope that you will spend a happy and merry Christmas—a thing that has not happened for some years past. I am with much esteem Your Obt Hum. Servt

Go: Washington

MHi.

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