Head Quarters, Dobbs's Ferry, } August 17th, 1781. } Dear Sir, I have in confidence imparted to you the alteration of our late plan, and made you acquainted with our intended operations. Besides the provision necessary at the head of the Elk to carry the troops down the bay, a very considerable quantity will be wanted in Virginia. I should suppose three hundred barrels of flour, as many of salt meat, and eight or ten hogsheads of rum, would be sufficient, at the Elk. For what will be consumed in Virginia, I imagine the order must be general, as we can neither ascertain the number of men which will be drawn together, or the time they will be employed. I have written to the Count de Grasse, and have requested him to send up his light vessels of every kind to the Elk; but I would, nevertheless, wish to have all that may be at Baltimore, and the upper parts of the bay, secured. I shall therefore be obliged to you, to take measures at the proper time for that purpose. When that time will be, and when you shall give orders for the deposit at the Elk, I will hereafter inform you. I shall direct the Quarter Master in due season to take up all the small craft in the Delaware, for the purpose of transporting the troops from Trenton to Christiana. Should he have occasion for advice or assistance from you on this occasion, I most request you to give him both. I am confident it will be necessary to give the American troops, destined for Southern services, one month's pay in specie. This will amount to about ---- dollars. If it will be possible for you to procure this sum, you will infinitely oblige me, and will much benefit the service. I shall also stand in need of a sum of specie for secret services; I suppose about five hundred guineas. I have the honor to be, &c. GEORGE WASHINGTON. * * * * * TO GEORGE WASHINGTON. Office of Finance, August 22d, 1781. Dear Sir, I arrived in town the day before yesterday. Having taken the earliest opportunities to acquire information, I am sorry to inform you, that I find money matters in as bad a situation as possible. The exchange, by the concourse of venders, has run down to five shillings, and bills are offered at that rate in such great numbers, as to command all the money which is to be disposed of; so that reducing the price of bills still lower, would not command money, or answer any other good purpose.