Head Quarters near Passaic Falls, October 11, 1780
Madam:
I am honored with your Letter of the 27th. of Septr. and cannot forbear taking the earliest moment to express the high sense I entertain of the patriotic exertions of the Ladies of Maryland in favor of the Army.
In answer to your enquiry respecting the disposal of the Gratuity, I must take the liberty to observe; that it appears to me, the Money which has been, or may be collected, cannot be expended in so eligible and beneficial a manner, as in the purchase of [Shirts and Stocks (black)] for the use of the troops in the Southern Army.
The polite offer you are pleased to make of your further assistance in the execution of this liberal design, and the generous disposition of the Ladies, insure me of its success, and cannot fail to entitle both yourself and them, to the warmest gratitude of those who are the objects of it.
I am &c.2
1 Wife of Gov. Thomas Sim Lee.
2 The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys. The words in brackets are in the writing of Washington.