George Washington to John Augustine Washington (his brother) after the defeat and retreat from Long Island Heights of Harlem, September 22, 1776 "The dependence which the Congress have placed upon the militia has already greatly injured, and I fear will totally ruin our cause. Being subject to no control themselves, they introduce disorder among the troops whom we have attempted to discipline, while the change in their living brings on sickness, this causes an impatience to get home, which spreads universally, and introduces abominable desertions. In short, it is not in the power of words to describe the task I have to perform. Fifty thousand pounds would not induce me again to undergo what I have done." American Archives 5, Vol. 2, column 446