5229. MILITIA, Subsistence of.—
The
present [British] invasion [of Virginia] having
rendered it necessary to call into the field
a large body of militia, the providing them
with subsistence, and the means of transportation
becomes an arduous task in the unorganized
state of our military system. To
effect this we are obliged to vest the heads of
the Commissary's and Quartermaster's departments
with such powers as, if abused, will be
most afflicting to the people. Major General
Steuben, taught by experience on similar occasions,
has pressed on us the necessity of
calling to the superintendence of these officers
some gentleman of distinguished character
and abilities, who, while he prescribes
to them such rules as will effectually produce
the object of their appointment, will yet
stand between them and the people as a
guard from oppression. * * * Under the
exigency we have taken the liberty of casting
our eyes on yourself as most likely to fulfill
our wishes and, therefore, solicit your undertaking
this charge.—
To Colonel Richard Meade.
Ford ed., ii, 400.
(R.
1781)
