From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 1 March 1782

I have received your Letter of the 22nd of Febry enclosing the Proceedings of a Court Martial on James Fury a Soldier of the 2nd Regt of Jersey who is sentenced to death for desertion—I have approved the Sentence, without appointing the time for his Execution—Should it, upon farther consideration, be deemed necessary that an example of this kind should be made at the present time, and that the Person now under Sentence is a proper subject for such an example; you will be pleased to signify the same to me—And a Warrant will be made out accordingly—otherwise the punishment may still be remitted.

I had heard thro’ another channel, of the sailing of the Fleet you mention, but am not perfectly satisfied with regard to the supposed object of it, should that be ascertained, or any other Movement take place, I shall be glad to be advised thereof, as soon as may be—and also whether there is any truth in the report that Barracks are building in New York, & preparations making for the reception of Troops; which would be a strong circumstance to corroborate the opinion that the Fleet is destined to Charles Town—if the fact is so (that is, respecting the preparations) it must be a matter of such public notoriety as cannot escape the most cursory or superficial observation. I am Sir, With great regard Your Most Obedt Servant