General  Washington to the President of Congress (excerpt on the lack of almost every necessity for the army) Harlem Heights, September 25, 1776 "I would also observe, as I esteem it my duty, that this army is in want of almost every necessary--tents, camp-kettles, blankets, and clothes of all kinds; but what is to be done with respect to the last two articles, I know not, as the term of inlistment will be nearly expired by the time they can be provided. This may be exhibited as a further proof of the disadvantages attending the levying of an army upon such a footing as never to know how to keep them without injuring the publick, or incommodating the men." American Archives 5,  Vol. 2, column 520