To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 18 April 1783

Sir	Dobbs’s ferry 18th April 83

a Sloop with a permit from Mr Parker loaded with provission & stores, said to be for the use of the Army arrived at this Post from New York this Day—her situation is very similar to the Schooners I sent up yesterday under the orders of Capt. Fry—I have orderd a Corporal & three Privates to take possession of her & directed him to proceed to Head Qu[arters]. Your Excellency will observe the pass from [Mr] Parker with my instructions to the Corporal[.] I have not the least doubt of the propriety of Mr Parkers Conduct as I am inform’d he is acting under the direction of the Minister of War, & the Financier but as this is only report my duty obliges me to take possession of her with the Guard above mentiond, & Submit the Matter to your Excellency’s determination. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt

W.S. Smith Lt Colo.

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

Enclosure

New York 17 April 1783

we do hereby Certify that Sloop Industry as Loaded with Articles for the American Army, and is under the Care & Direction of Mr Sampson Dyckman who is to proceed with her to Newburg.

Dan. Parker & Co.

Contractors American Army

Enclosure

[18 April 1783]

To Sergeant Smith of the 6th Masstts Regt

You are to take possession of the within mentioned Sloop Industry with three soldiers—and proceed with her without breaking bulk to Head Qu[arters] where you will deliver this Passport & a Letter dire[cted] to His Excellency Genl Washington relative to the g [uard ] Sloop & Cargo ; you will anchor as near the warf in rear of Head Quarters as possible deliver the papers with which you are charged in person & direct the soldiers to remain on board untill your return—You are to consider yourself answerable that neither the Persons at present on board nor any Article wh[ether] is landed or taken from her previous to your making re[port] to Head Quarters—you will there receive orders re [specting] its & your return—you must be particular in halting [at] the several Posts on the River (to shew your passport [to] the officers Commanding) when hailed. Given at Dobbs’s ferry this 18th Day of April 1783.

W.S. Smith Lt Colo. Comg

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