1/21/1781
Col. Israel Shreve:
"Dr. Sir: With not less pain than you communicate it, I receive the information contained in your letter of yesterday. This affair, if possible, must be brought to an issue favourable to subordination, or the army is ruined. I shall therefore immediately march a detachment from these posts to quell the mutineers. Col Freelinghuyssen will impart to you what I have written to him. In addition to that, I am to desire you will endeavour to collect all those of your regiments who have had virtue enough to resist the pernicious example of their associates. If the revolt has not become general, and if you have force enough to do it, I wish you to compel the mutineers to unconditional submission. The more decisively you are able to act the better. I am &c"
-- George Washington