The Virginia Gazette

MR. PURDIE,

By inserting the following extract of a letter from General Washington, you will wipe off the many unjust stains which have been fixed on the characters of our New England brethren by some prejudiced or inconsiderate persons in this state. Should any person doubt their authenticity, you are at liberty to make use of my name, which will be communicated to you by the gentleman who will deliver this. I am your humble servant, &c.

Extract of a letter from his Excellency General Washington, dated Morris Town, January 22, 1777.

It is painful to me to hear of such illiberal reflections upon the Eastern troops as you say prevail in Virginia. I always have, and always shall say, that I do not believe that any of the states produce better men, or persons capable of making better soldiers. Equal injustice is done them, in depriving them of merit in other respects; for no people fly to arms readier than they do, or come better equipped, or with more regularity into the field, than they.

The following extract from the same letter will confirm the accounts we have received of the horrid barbarities committed by the British and Hessian armies in the Jerseys.

Those who want faith to believe the account of the shocking wastes committed by Howe's army, of their ravaging, plundering, and abuse of women, may be convinced to their sorrow, perhaps, if a check cannot be put to their progress.

Every person, in every state, should exert himself to facilitate the raising and marching the new regiments to the army with all possible expedition.