Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 28 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

          Dr Sir
          Hd Qrs West-point 28 Augt 1779.

        I have been favored with your letters of the 26th and 27th inst. public—and that of the 26th marked private.
        As the arrival of a 74, one of Arbuthnots fleet is mentioned in a New-York print of the 24, I have no doubt but that the whole are in the Hook by this time. It is now our business to learn the particular Regiments which compose the reinforcement, or their general force. this I should suppose —— will be able to do as also whether there are any appearances of a speedy movement by Land or Water or both from A collection of Teams, Boats &ca—& as far as may be their destination or object.
        We have so little said, or so few principles established, decisive of the propriety or impropriety of flags, or under what circumstances they are detainable that it is no easy matter to give advice on this part of your letter—Should we apply to the practice of war, we shall find this very inconsistent with itself—regulated by a supposed necessity, opinion or caprice. Sometimes it may be expedient to detain a flag sent on the most justifiable occasion. At others the most trifling business must be heard in order to preserve a like indulgence from the enemy and prevent retaliation or recrimination on their part. In general we can only defeat the enemys intentions in such flags as you have described by our instructions to our officers on out posts, and the prudence and caution of their reception—Should such instances occur, as that to Col. Meads Militia, I think you will be perfectly justifiable in a detention of the flag. There is no objection to your using flags occasionally. The resolution of Congress to which you allude, was forbidding officers commanding out posts &c. from suffering Inhabitants or others going within the enemies lines unless on a written pass of the State to which they might belong.
        If the enterprise in contemplation is to be undertaken at all, it must

be executed immediately, but if it is judged ineligible at this time it must be relinquished. The arrival of the enemy’s reinforcement renders it necessary to compact our force more than it is at present. You will take your measures accordingly. Your movement is to the right so far as to put you in a situation to form a junction with this army with dispatch and without being subject to interruption, under almost any circumstances: this may be effected under the appearances of a forage.
        The only actual survey which I have of the Country you now are in, is on a pocket map Had I a duplicate it should be at your service. I am &

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

          My Lord
          Head Quarters West Point Augt 28th 1779

        I have successively received your two favours of the 23d and 26 with their respective inclosures.
        The transactions in the Virginia line in consequence of the

enterprise against Powles Hook are to me as painful as they were unexpected. I shall make no remarks on those parts of the state of grievances which happened without my participation, as your Lordship has fully answerd them and in a manner which I hope will be satisfactory. The only point I shall take notice of is the giving the command to Major Lee—This could be exceptionable but on three principles, his being a horse officer, his being unconnected with the division from which the greatest part of the detachment was drawn, or the number of men employed being too large for his rank. The first seems to be that on which the principal stress is laid—An inquiry into the general practice of armies would convince the Gentlemen concerned, that horse and foot acting in conjunction, the officers indifferently command each other with no other title than superiority of grade or seniority of commission—The supposed ignorance of the service of infantry cannot be an objection to an officer of cavalry, nor that of the service of cavalry to an officer of infantry—because there is an analogy in the principles which govern the manœuvres of these different corps, and every officer is supposed to have sufficient knowlege of these principles to enable him to make general dispositions with either though not perhaps to enter minutely into the interior arrangement. This indeed is not at all necessary as each corps has officers of its own to manage this part of the business, and to execute the particular movements which are required of them by The Commanding Officer. If it be said that in this instance the cavalry and foot did not act together, this will be clearly a mistake: for though the greater part of the horse had no share in the attack they still had an essential share in the enterprise by being employed to give security to the attacking party & the dismounted dragoons absolutely composed a part of the attacking force. The nature of Major Lee’s corps, being of the legionary and partisan kind and consisting both of horse and infantry gave him an additional right to a command of this sort, and excludes the objection (if it otherwise had any weight), that supposes an officer of horse incapable of commanding infantry from an ignorance of the service.
        The Gentlemen observe that this practice of giving the command of the infantry to horse officers will tend to discredit the officers of infantry in the eyes of the soldiery—why should this be the case more than giving the command of cavalry to foot-officers? Both are practiced frequently and I believe no inconvenience of this kind has ever arisen on either side; nor do I believe it ever would arise, unless an appearance of discontent in the officers should awaken the suspicions (they intimate) in the minds of the men.
        The second principle can have no weight when we consider that

it is the governing maxim of detachments for particular enterprises out of the common course of service, that no officer has a claim to the command more than another, and that circumstances alone must determine to whom it shall fall; all which in this instance were in favour of Major Lee. The prevailing practice of armies forbids all pretensions founded upon the rules observed in ordinary cases. If it be thought that the circumstance of the greater part being taken from your division intitled an officer of that division to the command; it may as well be said that whenever detachments are made from different regiments, the regiment which furnishes most men should give the commanding officer; a doctrine which would be new in military history, and peculiar to our service.
        As to the number of men, any field officer in any service may with propriety have the command of 500; and on occasions so extraordinary as the present, of a great many more. If the example of the British army may be cited, most of the Gentlemen will recollect, in this war, several instances of the kind; and if they will take the pains to inquire into the usages of other foreign service they will find that nothing is more customary. It is true in the common details a Major’s command is estimated much lower; but this is only intended to regulate the routine of guards and other current service and is never supposed to fix a standard for special operations.
        The reasons your Lordship has assigned for giving the command to Major Lee as they were the true ones so they are in my opinion conclusive. This officer’s situation made it most convenient to employ him to make the necessary previous inquiries: It was the best calculated to answer the purpose without giving suspicion. He executed the trust with great address intelligence and industry—and made himself perfectly master of the post with all its approaches and appendages—After having taken so much pains personally to ascertain facts and having from a series of observations and inquiries arranged in his mind every circumstance on which the undertaking must turn, no officer could be more proper for conducting it; and as the command was not to exceed what an officer of his rank might decently be intrusted with, it would have been a piece of hardship if not injustice to him to have given the honor of the execution to another—I am told it has been asked whether if a Lieutenant had been employed in the line of his duty to reconnoitre a post, which was to be attempted with a Brigadier’s command—the Lieutenant was therefore to have the direction of the enterprise? This question does not suppose a parallel. There are no precedents for giving a Lieutenant so extensive a command; on the contrary it is repugnant to all practice; whereas nothing is more common than to give a Major the command of 500 men. If the question had been whether a Lieutenant, in such

circumstances could with propriety execute an enterprise which required the number of men usually constituting the command of a Captain, the answer would have been in the affirmative—because this number of men, consistent with decency and precedent, might be given to a Lieutenant, and policy and justice dictate that a man who has had the principal trouble should have the principal honor, and the one who has acquired most perfect knowlege of the business should be charged with its execution.
        I have been thus particular in the discussion of this point, because I am persuaded the exceptions which have been taken cannot have proceeded from any other motive than that which has been professed and it is my wish to rectify ideas which in my apprehension are mistaken. I think the Gentlemen who have complained on more cool reflection will be satisfied that they have not been injured in this respect, and that the giving the command to Major Lee was agreeable to the strictest military propriety. In this light it appeared to me at the time and still does appear, or I should not have adopted the measure. Nothing is farther from my inclination than to wound the feelings of any set of officers, by witholding from them the means of distinguishing themselves to which they have a just claim, from a predilection to any particular person or persons. I am conscious of no such motive; and I have the best opinion of the merit of the Gentlemen, who conceive themselves to have been neglected—on their part, I am persuaded I shall not be disappointed in believing that they will cautiously guard against any impressions, which may have the most distant tendency to disturb the harmony and order of the service; and that while they are careful to preserve a becoming sense of their rights, they will be equally careful to avoid that extreme of sensibility which may sometimes lead to a supposition of grievances that do not exist. I am with esteem & regard Yr Lordships Most Obedt ser.

          P.S. Your Lordship will perceive that this letter is intended to be communicated to th⟨e Gentlemen of your Division⟩.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28–29 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

          My Lord
          Hd Qrs [West Point] Aug. 28th[–29] 1779

        The arrival of Arburthnot which comes to me, through different channels, makes it prudent to draw our force more together till we can ascertain the amount of the reinforcement by which we may form a better judgment what it will be practicable for the enemy to undertake—Your Lordship will therefore be pleased to march towards Junes leaving a regiment at Suffrans to give countenance to the country and cover our convoys and Magazines. Major Lees corps will be ordered to resume its former position in the vicinity of that place and cooperate with the regiment you leave. In your march to Junes you need only consult the convenience of your men and move as leisurely as you please. Lt Col. Washington is on his march from Trenton with a part of Baylors Regiment. I wish him to be halted somewhere in your quarter where he may be in security and interfere as little as possible with the forage or the communication. As your Lordship is best acquainted with the Country I shall be obliged to you to determine ⟨the⟩ Spot and write a line by the dragoon to Col. Washington who is desired to comply with your directions. I am with great regard Your Lordships Most Obedt serv.

          G.W.

          29th I have the pleasure to inform your Lordship that I have just seen in a Boston paper of the 23d—brought in the Salem Packet thirty days from Bilboa—A Manifesto from His Catholic Majesty Delivered at the Court of London by the Marquis D’Almodovar amounting to a declaration of Hostilities and a Message from the British King to the House of commons announcing the declaration—The Spanish Embassador is retired from London & the English Embassador recalled

from Madrid. The French & Spanish fleet at sea amounting to 70 sail of the line.


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 28 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

          Sir,
          West-point Augt 28th 79.

        The period is now come (in the arrival of the enemys reinforcement) when the intelligence of C——r Junr may be interesting and important—To delay his communications till they are matters of public notoriety, is answering no valuable purpose but to be early—precise—and well informed in the several accts transmitted, is essential—To know as nearly as may be the amount of the enemy’s reinforcement with Arbuthnot—how many, & the names of the compleat Corps wch compose it—whether there is any bustle in preparing for a movement of Troops by Land or Water, or both—and the destination of it, as far as can be discovered from appearances, information, or surmise are much to be wished and if you can, with safety, request these matters of him I shall thank you. I am Sir, Yr Most Obedt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 28 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Taylor, John

          Sir
          Head Quarters West point 28th Augt 1779.

        The period is now come (in the arrival of the enemy’s reinforcement) when intelligence is interesting and important. The first point to be ascertained, as nearly as possible, is the amount of the reinforcement, and whether it consists of complete Corps or of Recruits. If of the former, what the particular Regiments are? The next matter, which I would wish you to endeavour to become acquainted with, is whether the enemy in consequence of the reinforcement seem preparing for a move, and if they are, whether the preparations indicate it to be by land or by Water, and to what point. These are the principal matters to which I would have you attend—your own Judgment will direct to any others which you may deem necessary. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier Generals William Woodford and Peter Muhlenberg, 28 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William,Muhlenberg, Peter

          Gentlemen
          Head Quarters [West Point] Aug. 28th 1779

        I have received your favour of the 26th with the papers accompanying it. I assure you the manner in which the Virginia division have taken up the affair gives me the most sensible concern. I had no idea that the command given to Major Lee could have been considered by

them as a violation of their rights; nor can I after the most deliberate reflection find any reason to alter the opinion I first entertained, which was that Major Lee on principles of justice prudence and the strictest military propriety was intitled to the command. I have discussed the point fully in a letter to Major General Lord Stirling which I have requested him to communicate to the Gentlemen interested—You will perceive that while these are my sentiments I can give no assurances which will operate against the principle of employing officers in Major Lee’s circumstances in a similar manner. So far as a Senior officer fell under his command, the affair was unfortunate, but this was evidently a mistake in the first instance and if the Gentlemen have any apprehension that this may be drawn into precedent (which I can hardly suppose) I do not scruple to give them the most positive assurances to the contrary; for I deem it an invariable principle that no inferior or junior officer can command a superior or senior.
        I flatter myself Gentlemen you will dispationately weigh the reasonings I have offered and convinced that they are well founded will use your influence to appease the discontents which have arisen and satisfy the officers in general that no injury has been either intended or done to their privileges. I am with the greatest esteem and regard Gentlemen Your most Obed. servant.


Title: General Orders, 29 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Moore’s-House [West Point]Sunday Augt 29th 1779.
            Parole Wilmington—  C. Signs Rynbeck. Trenton—

          The Commander in Chief has the pleasure to announce the following resolutions which the Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass for the benefit of the Army.

          The disposition manifested in these resolves is a fresh proof to the Army that their Country entertain a high sense of their Merits and Services and are inclined to confer an honorable and adequate compensation: The General flatters himself the several States will second the generous views of Congress and take every proper measure to gratify the reasonable expectations of such officers & soldiers as are determined to share the glory of serving their Country and themselves thro’ the War and finishing the task they have so nobly begun: The flourishing aspect of affairs in Europe and in the West Indies as well as in these States gives us every reason to believe that the happy period will speedily arrive.

          In Congress 16th of August 1779.
          Resolved—That the clothier General estimate the several articles of soldiers clothing at the prices they were respectively worth at the end of the year 1778—and forthwith transmit such estimates to the Pay-Masters of the several regiments, who shall be furnished out of the Military Chest with monies to pay the soldiers for all deficiencies of clothing at the estimated prices of every article as fixed by the Clothier General, who shall henceforward transmit like estimates before the close of every year during the War, so that the soldiers be paid by the regimental Pay-Master according to such estimates annually and previous to their discharge, when the same happens before the end of the year, for all artilces of clothing allowed them by the resolution of Congress of the 6th of September 1777, which they have not received and which are or shall be due to them after the year last mentioned.

          In Congress August 17th 1779.
          Whereas the Army of the United-States of America have by their Patriotism, Valor and Perseverence in the defence of the Rights and Liberties of their Country become intitled to the Gratitude as well as the Approbation of their Fellow-Citizens.
          Resolved—That it be and it is hereby recommended to the several States that have not already adopted measures for that purpose, to make such further provision for the officers and for the soldiers inlisted for the War to them respectively belonging who shall continue in service ’till the establishment of Peace as shall be an adequate compensation for the many dangers, losses and hardships they have suffered and been exposed to in the course of the present contest, either by granting to their officers half pay for life and proper rewards to their soldiers—or in such other manner as may appear most expedient to the legislatures of the several States.
          Resolved—That it be and hereby is recommended to the several States to make such provision for the Widows of such of their officers and such of their soldiers inlisted for the War as have died or may die

in the service, as shall secure to them the Sweets of that Liberty for the attainment of which their Husbands had nobly laid down their Lives.

          August 18th 1779.

          Resolved—That until the further order of Congress the officers of the Army be intitled to receive monthly for their subsistence money the sums following (viz.)

              Each Colonel and Brigade Chaplain
              500 dollrs

              Each Lieutenant Colonel
              400.

              Each Major & Regimental Surgeon
              300.

              Every Captain
              200.

              Every Lieutt Ensign & Surgeons Mate
              100.

          Resolved, That until the further order of Congress the sum of ten dollars be paid to every non commissioned officer and soldier monthly for their subsistence in lieu of those articles of food originally intended for them and not furnished.
          The General Court-Martial of which Colonel Russell is President is dissolved and another ordered to sit tomorrow morning ten ôclock at the usual place whereof Colonel Marshall is appointed President.


Title: To George Washington from General Frederick Haldimand, 29 August 1779
From: Haldimand, Frederick
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Quebec 29th Augt 1779.

        Amongst the various Evils that are the certain Attendants of a Civil War, I did not expect to find the unmeritted Misery of Individuals, one of the Objects to occupy the Virginian Assembly, because I thought the liberal Education many of its Inhabitants have received, joined to their private Virtues, however they might be changed by Party, would at least have prevented their Assembly from being deceived by false, improbable, and ill grounded Accusations, so as to deviate from the common Rules of War observed amongst Civilized

Nations; but by their Resolves dated the 16th of June respecting the Treatment of Lieut. Governor Hamilton and other Officers belonging to my Government, taken with him by Capitulation at Fort St Vincennes, I perceive I may have hitherto entertained a too favorable Opinion of them, and I should be justifyed by every military Law, if I were to proceed immediately to inflict the same cruel Confinement on all American Officers, without distinction, who now are in my Power. Nevertheless, I forbear to imitate the Example, without affording You the Opportunity of employing your Influence to stop Proceedings so disgraceful to Humanity. This can be done in the present Instance, either by exchanging Lieut. Governor Hamilton, his Officers and Men, for others of equal Rank, or by allowing them that Liberty which Custom, and their Rank in the King’s Service entitles them to when Prisoners of War, in their Situation.
        I cannot doubt that General Washington will heartily join his Endeavours with mine to prevent such distress from being the unavoidable Lot of all Prisoners of War, and I shall be happy if your Excellency’s Answer authorises me to continue the Exercise of that Humanity which I have hitherto invariably shewn to all Prisoners, notwithstanding the unreasonable delay in performing the sacred Promises made on releasing the Prisoners taken at the Cedars in 1776. At the same Time, I must inform You that, however disagreeable it may be to my Feelings as a Man, to retaliate in Cruelty, yet the duty I owe to the King’s Service, and Public Justice, will oblige me to follow the Example given by the Americans unless, in their Proceedings, I immediately perceive they are disposed to act upon those generous Principles which have hitherto guided my Conduct towards them. I am with all due Respect Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient and most Humble Servant

          Fred: Haldimand


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dear Sir,
          West-point Augt 29th 79.

        That the long expected Fleet is arrived admits of no doubt, though the strength of the re-inforcement is matter of uncertainty. If it is so powerful as to enable the Kings Troops to take the field with a view of meeting this army, Generl clinton will not, it is to be presumed, delay the commencement of his operations a moment; because a knowledge of the event must have produced preparatory arrangements for the consequent movements.
        Under this view & expectation, we also, should neglect nothing by which we can derive any advantage, and as nothing is more essential than a thorough knowledge of ground on which operations offensive or defensive are to be performed, I earnestly desire that you will recommend it to all the Officers under your command (now in the high lands) to make themselves masters not only of the great & leading roads from the enemy’s lines, but all bye paths, & even the woods; that defiles may be known & defended to good effect—ambuscades formed—and the Enemys flanks gained with more ease—& if possible unsuspected.
        I would have the Baggage of Nixon’s & the Connecticut Brigades held in such readiness as to disincumber yourself of it at the shortest warning—& every thing fit for action; as the enemys movements when they become serious, will, more than probably, be vigorous, & rapid.
        I have directed General Howe (if circumstances did not permit the immediate execution of the enterprize he had in contemplation) to incline a little this way—Lord Stirling has the same orders—that our force under the uncertainty of the enemy’s strength, and designs, may be a little more compacted. I am with great esteem & regard Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Ser.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 29 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

          Sir.
          Head Quarters West-point 29th August 1779

        I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the Manifesto of His Most Catholic Majesty delivered at the Court of London by his Ambassador the Marquis D’Almadovar and the message of the British King there upon to the House of Commons, with some other articles of intilligence copied from a (borrowed) Boston paper of the 23d instant. As this paper has come on with a good deal of dispatch, this may reach Congress sooner than any other notice of it, which has induced me to transmit the Copy by express. I sincerely congratulate Congress on this further confirmation of an event the most interesting and agreable. With the highest respect and Esteem. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedt humble Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 29 August 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Philadelphia 29th Augt 1779

        I have been honored with Your Excellency’s Favors of the 21, 23, 23rd Instant, and the several papers referred to in them.
        The enclosed copy of an Act of Congress of the 27th Inst., will communicate to your Excellency the sense of Congress relative to your Plan for conducting, & measures for executing the Western Expedition. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

          John Jay Presidt


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 30 August 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Philadelphia 30th Augt 1779

        I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency an Account of the Enemy’s force with Admiral Arbuthnot, from Arthur Lee Esqr. And am with the highest & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 30 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 30th Augt 1779

        By a letter from General Sullivan of the 20th I am informed that he expected to be joined by Genl Clinton at Tioga the day following—and to move forward the 23d. He expresses his apprehensions, that the stock of provisions, which he then had on hand, would not be more than sufficient, if enough, to carry him thro’ the Indian Country; and therefore wishes that a further supply may be deposited at Wyoming, which may be carried forward if necessary, or be ready for the subsistence of the Army upon its return to that place. On the 15th instant, I directed the Commy General to be drawing together a supply of provisions at some safe and convenient place in General Sullivan’s rear—as I did not then know what opposition he might meet with, in his passage up the River, I did not chuse to order it to be advanced to Wyoming—but he having made his way good as far as Tioga, (indeed I may say Chemung which he has destroyed) I

yesterday gave the Commissary General orders to establish a magazine at Wyoming, where Colo. Butler is left with a Garrison.
        The Commissary General expressed his wish⟨es⟩ that Your Excellency might be desired to give his deputy to the Westward your countenance and assistance in procuring and forwarding the supplies to the place of destination. I am so well persuaded that I have only to make the request—to have it granted—that I shall confide in your Excellency’s taking proper measures to effect the desired purposes. I am with the greatest Respect and Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most obt & hble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 30 August 1779
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

          Newtown [N.Y.] Augt 30th 1779

        I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that having formd the junction with General Clinton without loss, we marchd from Tioga the 26th in the afternoon, the Rains had swell’d the Cayuga so as to render our march to Chemung very difficult, as we had to ford the River twice in our Rout. We arriv’d there in the evening of the 28th and marchd for the place early in the morning of the 29th about eleven oClock a Messenger from Major Par, (who commanded the Rifle Corps an advance of the light Troops of the army under General Hand) inform’d me, the Enemy had (about a mile in front of the Town) a very extensive Breast work erect’d on a rising ground, which commanded the Road, in which, we were to pass with our Artillery and which would enable them to fire upon our Flank and front at the same time. This Breast Work they had indevourd to masque, in a

very artful manner; and had conceald themselves behind it, in large numbers, I had before been apprised of the Enemys having a very large Incampment at that place. I found that the Work was in a bend of the River, which by turning northward, form’d a Semicircle. There was a deep Brook in front of this Work over which, the Road pass’d and then turnd off to the right, parrellel to the course of the rising Ground upon which, their Works was constructed, which would enable them, to flank the line of march of one Column of our Troops had it advanc’d, withought discovering the Work, they had also posted on a Hill about one-hundred and fifty Rods in theire Rear and considerably on their left, a strong party, in order, as I suppose to fall on our right flank, when we were ingag’d with the works in front and to cover the retreat of the Troops which occupied the Works in case they should be caried, and to take advantage of any disorder which might appear among our Troops in the persuit. This Hill was very advantageously form’d for their purpose as it terminated in a Bluff point abt a Mile in the rear of their Works and about two hundred yards from the River, leaving a hollow way between the Hill and the River of about one hund[r]ed and fifty yards and ending on the North in a very narrow Defile. This hollow way was clear of Trees and Bushes and was occupied by them as a place of Incampment for part of their Army—General Hand formd the light Corps of the Army in the Wood within four hundred yards of their Works—The Riflemen in his front kept skirmishing with the Enemy who frequently sallied out and suddenly retired apparently with a view of drawing our Men into the Works which they suppos’d had not been discovered for the Growth upon the Hill being Pine interspersd with very low shrub Oaks and they having cut off oak shrubs and stuck them in the ground in front of their Works they had some reason to suppose that we should not be able to distinguish them from those growing on the Eminence—General Hand remaind at his post untill I arriv’d with the main Army. General Poor’s Brigade which formd the right Wing of the main Army display’d in the rear of Genl Hands. Genl Maxwells Brigade which formd the left wing came a breast with Genl Poor and remaind in Column ready to act as occasion might require It was observ’d that their was anothe[r] chain of Hills terminating in a Point rather in rear of our right and abough one mile distant from the right of our lines. It was conjectur’d that the Enemy had taken post upon one or both the Hills in order to fall on our right and rear when we attempted to attack their Works. General Poor was therefore detach’d to gain the Hill first describd and fall into the Enemys rear. Small reconoitring Parties were likewise detachd to make discoveries at the other Hill and to give notice of any appearance of

the Enemy there; and still to guard more affectually against any attempt from that quarter General Clinton[’s] Brigade which forms the second Line of the Army was orderd to turn off and follow in the rear of General Poor to Sustain him in case of necessity or to form a Line to oppose any force which might fall in his rear or attempt to gain the Flank or Rear of the Army—When a sufficien[t] Space of time was given to Genl Poor to gain the Hill in their rear our Artillery was to announce our Attack in front which was to be made by Genl Hands Corps supported by Genl Maxwell’s Brigade if necessary. Maxwell’s Brigade was therefore held in a closed Column in order to give the necessary support to the attacking Party or to form a Line to oppose any force which might attempt to attack us in our Front or rear—Colo. Dubois with the right Flanking division of the Army consisting of two hundred and fifty Men was advanc’d on the right of Genl Poor and Colo. Ogden with the left flanking division of the Army consisting of two hund[r]ed and fifty more was posted near the River with directions as soon as the attack began to advance along the side of the River and gain the Enemy’s right to prevent their escaping across the Cayuga Genl Poor mov’d on to gain the Hill and Genl Clinton followed as directed but they were for some time delay’d by a Morass Genl Poor had however ariv’d near the Foot of the Hill when the Cannonading began in front of their Works, but upon attempting to assend it found a large body of the Enemy posted there who began a fire upon him but he formd his Troops charg’d with Bayonets and sometimes fired upon them advancing. They retreated from tree to tree and Kept up an incessant fire untill he gaind the Summet of the Hill with his Troops. Genl Clinton detachd two Regt to re-[in]force Genl Poor and followed himself with the Residue of the Brigade as directed. The two Regiments arrived just before he gaind the summet of the Hill and prevented the Enemy from turning his right which they were then attempting. Our Cannonade in front and I doubt not the unexpected fire from Genl Poor on the Enemys left occasioned them instantly to abandon their Works in the utmost confusion, they fled in the greatest disorder leaving eleven of their Indian Warriors and one Female dead on the Ground with a great number of packs Blankets Arms Camp Equipage, and a variety of their Jewels some of which are of considerable value.
        We took two Prisoners one a Tory the other an inlisted Negro in one of the Tory Companies, They both agree that there were five Companies of Whites and their main strength [c]onsisting of the Indian Warriors of seven Nations, and that this was the place where they meant to make their principal opposition and that they had been waiting here 8 days Both the Butlers Brandt and Capt. McDona[l]d

was here each having a seperate command Brandt had some time since [been] slightly wounded in the Foot but is recover’d They further say they sent off their Wounded on horseback many of them no doubt were caried off in Canoes and many of their dead must have been caried off or conceal’d as We found many bloody Packs Coats Shirts and Blankets, and in short every appearance not only of Havock but of fright and confusion was left behind them. The ⟨main⟩ Army pursued them about a mile and the light Corps about three, but fear had given ⟨them⟩ too great speed to be overtaken—Our loss was three killd and thirty nine Wounded principally of Genl Poors Brigade among the latter were Major Titcomb Capt. Cloyse and Lieut. McAuley all badly, The latter is since dead. The other two it is hop’d will survive The residue are principally slightly Wounded. Genl Poor, his Officers and Men deserve the highest praise for their intripidity and Soldierly conduct, as do Colonel Proctor and the whole Artillery Corps—Major Par and the Rifle Corps also distinguishd themselves by their great vigilance and spirited Conduct. In short every Officer and Soldier conducted in a most Soldierly manner and those who were not immediately in the Engagement manifested their eagerness for the Combat in every action. Indeed the conduct of the whole Army was truly pleasing and gave the most striking evidence that no equal number of Troops can oppose their Progress I cannot help saying that the disposition of the Enemy’s Troops and the construction of their Works would have done honour to much greater officers than the unprincepled Retches, who commanded them. The numbers of the Enemy cannot be assertaind, but from the Extent of their Works and the Posts they occupied, they must have been numrous.
        This place in English called Newtown is a large scatter’d Settlement abounding with extensive Fields of the best Corn and Beans so extensive and numerous as to keep the whole Army this day industriously employd in distroying and the business yet unfinish’d. From the vast quantity of Corn planted at this Place and its Vicinities I conclude it to have been design’d as their principal Magazine. Exclusive of this Town which containd about twenty Houses, General’s Clinton and Poor on their Yesterday’s rout fell in with another of thirty Buildings about two miles to the east of this, which is also destroyed, The number of Indian Towns destroyed since the commencement of the Expedition including those burnt by Genl Clinton previous to the junction, is I think fourteen some of them [c]onsiderable. others inconsiderable. I have the honour to subscribe my self with particular Esteem Dr Genl very much your hble servant

          John Sullivan


Title: General Orders, 31 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moores-House [West Point]Tuesday August 31st 1779.
          Parole Ashfield—  C. Signs Boston. Charlestown.

        The General Court Martial of which Coll Stewart is President is dissolved.
        Lieutenant Cleveland is appointed Captain Lieutenant in the Corps of Sappers and Miners vice—Little resigned.
        The whole Army to pass a review of Inspection between the 1st and 5th of September next and reports thereof made agreeable to the form lately communicated.
        At a General Court Martial of the line whereof Colonel Stewart was President held at West Point the 25th instant, Colonel Armand was tried upon the following charges. [”]For 1st During Colonel Armand’s stay at Colonel Vandeburgh’s house (which was about two hours) he with sundry of his officers in a most atrocious and wanton manner, beat and abused a son of his, without cause of offence.
        Secondly—Putting him under a guard of two Centinels, giving orders that Vandeburgh, or any other person should not speak to him, keeping him confined during their stay, and frightening or compelling him to ask Pardon, before he was dismissed.
        Thirdly—Putting the whole of his family and some Gentlemen belonging to the Continental Army (during their stay) in bodily fear.

        Fourthly—Knocking off sundry respectable People’s hats from their heads for no other reason than because they dare to stand in his presence covered, tho’ some came in promiscuou[s]ly on hearing so much noise in the house.
        Fifthly—Knocking off Jeremiah Clark’s hat and kicking him out of his (Armand’s) room, an apartment where he was, for only requesting Colonel Armand to enlarge Coll Vandeburgh’s son.”
        The Court do acquit Colonel Armand of the 1st charge, also of the 3rd and 4th charges; but are of opinion that he is guilty of the first part of the 2nd charge, also of the 5th charge, being a breach of the 1st Article 9th Section of the Articles of War; They find him also guilty of the charge exhibited against him by Jonas Adams, being a breach of the aforesaid Article and do sentence him unanimously to be reprimanded in General Orders.
        The Confinement of a Citizen by military authority was irregular and blamable, and there appears to have been an improper degree of warmth in Colonel Armand’s conduct towards Clarke and Adams.
        At a Court of Inquiry the 25th instant whereof Captn Burnham was President into Captain Lieutenant Verner’s (of the North-Carolina troops) conduct for “Playing Cards in camp contrary to General, Brigade, and Regimental Orders, encouraging the soldiers in the same practice by certain expressions when he was President of a Brigade Court-Martial on the trial of prisoners for that crime, and not sending for evidence against the prisoners charged with playing Cards, and for allowing the Court to set them free for want of evidence before Lieutt Dickinson (who went for evidence and desired the court to wait) could return with the evidence.”
        The Court are unanimously of opinion that the charges are justly founded and that the matter ought to be taken cognizance of by a Court-Martial.
        The 1st charge is refered to the determination of a General Court Martial; as the two last affect Captn Lieutt Varner in a judicial capacity, the Commander in Chief thinks his trial upon them would be a precedent for a dangerous inquisition into the official conduct of members of Courts-Martial.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 31 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

          Sir
          Head Quarters West-Point 31st Augt 1779.

        Congress were pleased to come to a resolution of the 21st instant of which the inclosed is a Copy. You will perceive it is their sense that Major General Phillips should not be indulged with permission to send two officers into Canada as he has requested In obedience to this signify to him that I countermand the dir⟨ecti⟩ons contained in

my letter to you of the 27t⟨h⟩ of July You will give notice to General Phillips that I took that step uninformed that the application was before Congress, and I am sorry to find it does not corrispond with their wishes. I am with great esteem Your most Obedt Servt,

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 31 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

          Dear Sir,
          Head Quarters West Point Aug. 31st 1779

        I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter of yesterday from Major General Heath, which, as it relates to a matter of civil concern, I think it my duty ⟨to communicate⟩ to Your Excellency.
        In a letter of the 20th from General Sullivan he sends me the copy of one from General Clinton, by which and by what he mentions himself, the junction was to have been formed the next day. Lt Col. Pawling did not join at Anaquaga—nor had he been heard of. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect and esteem Your most Obedt servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 31 August 1779
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir,
          Pokeepsie [N.Y.] 31 Aug’t 1779.

        I am honored with your Excellency’s Letters of the 26th & 28th Inst. I mean to set for Kingston tomorrow where the Legislature is convened and I will take the earliest Opportunity of laying before them your Excellency’s Letter & Inclosures on the Subject of obtaining Supplies for the army and urge their immediate attention to this important Business.
        With respect to the Officers belonging to this State who are returned, as hav’g violated their Paroles I shall immediately summon them to attend the Commissary General of Prisoners & require them to follow his Directions.
        By a Letter I have this moment rec’d from Colo. Barber dated at Tioga the 30th Inst. I am surprized to find that Lt. Colo. Pawling with the Levies of this State had not Join’d Genl. Clinton at Anaquago, tho’ he had waited two Days for him at that Place. By a Letter Genl. Sullivan had rec’d from him he was at Owego 40 miles beyond it the Evening of the 19th. As Colo. Pawling commenced his march in Season to join Genl. Clinton on the 17th at farthest, which was the Time he computed he would be able to reach Anaquago, I cannot account for this Failure, otherways that [than] by attributing it to the Delays he must have met with in crossing the intermediate River which by the violent Rains that have lately fallen, I am induced to believe were almost rendered impassable except by Rafts. This while it has retarded Colo. Pawling in his March has greatly facilitated Genl. Clinton’s movements, & I suppose has enabled him to arrive at the place intended for the Junction sooner than he expected. The militia that

accompanied Colo. Pawling in order to bring back the Horses he had taken with him &c. are not yet returned, from whence it is to be concluded that they have proceeded to Tioga, for if they had went no farther than was first intended they must have been Home at least six Days ago.
        I inclose your Excellency the last Return made by Colo. Pawling & am &c.

          [G.C.]


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Dr Sr,
          Hd Qrs [West Point] Augt 31 1779

        I recd your favor respecting the state of the back road, & in order to effect that business with the least inconvenience to the troops, I have inclosed you a letter to Col. Hall of the Delaware battalion—It is left open for your perusal, & you will find that I have desired him to follow your directions, which you will be pleased to give him; and take such steps about the necessary tools as you think proper—On the 28th Inst. I wrote to Col. Hall to join his Brigade here—he was to take the route by Morris town pompton Ringwood, & the Clove—but I conceive, If you send off immediately yr letter will probably reach him before he leaves his camp at Middle Brook. I am Dr Sr &c.

          G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Dr Sr
          Hd Qrs [West Point] Augt 31st 1779

        Some days past it was requested in Genl Orders that you would have the Waggons & horses in the most perfect readiness to use at the shortest notice. I am now to request you will let me know the state they are in at present & that the utmost attention may be paid to them hereafter, keeping the horses constantly shod and every thing in perfect order to move, as it is impossible for us to know when they may be called for, & a disappointment in that instance may be attended with very disagreeable consequences—I do not mean by perfect order to move, that the horses are to be drawn from the places they are now at, for the benefit of forage. I am Dr Sr yrs &c.

          G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Colonel David Hall, 31 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hall, David

          Sir
          Hd Qrs [West Point] Aug. 31 1779

        This will be transmitted you by Genl Greene, who has my directions to give you his respecting the repair of the back road, from Sussex to New Windsor, As it is much out of repair, and the route by which we get our supplies I must request your particular attention to it, and that you will not suffer the work to be slighted, but have it done in the most effectual manner. When this business is accomplished you will join your Brigade as directed in my letter of the 28th. I am &c.

          G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 31 August 1779–1 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

          Sir
          West point August the 31st[–1 Sept.] 1779

        I have been duly honoured with Your Excellency’s Letters of the 20th and 24th with the papers to which they refer.
        The Acts of the 16th—17th & 18th have been communicated to the Army, in a manner calculated to inspire a proper sense of them.
        I hope they will have a good effect. As far as my information extends, they have given great satisfaction. It is only to be lamented, that the state of our money should make such large grants necessary and still more so—that they may contribute to encrease the evil which produced them. I am happy to hear, that there are farther Resolutions on the same subject under consideration, as it will be essential to place the whole Army on the footing of equality, in proportion to their respective situations and advantages.
        Without knowing that an application had been made to Congress on the subject of Officers going to Canada, I had given such directions to Colonel Bland, as in my judgement appeared proper. I am sorry to find they differed from the views of Congress: But in compliance with their sense, I now inclose a Letter to Colo. Bland countermanding my former Orders, which if Congress think proper, I request the favour of Your Excellency to transmit. I also send an Extract from my former Letter to Colo. Bland respecting this affair, by which Congress will perceive, that General Philips’s request was not consented to, in the form in which it was made for the Officers to go by land. I have the Honor to be with sentiments of the highest respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s most Obed. Sert

          Go: WashingtonSeptr 1:

          P.S. I transmit Your Excellency a York paper of the 28th—and also an Extract from a Letter received from Lt Col. Taylor at Elizabeth Town of the 30th. They contain more particular information with respect to Admiral Arbuthnot’s arrival & his Fleet, than any I have obtained before.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 31 August 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Philadelphia 31 Augt 1779

        The enclosed account of the Reinforcement with admiral arbuthnot is copied from one recd by Mr Jos. Wharton from his Friend in Paris. The Confidence Mr Wharton has in his Correspondent induces him to think this account may be relied upon. I am Dear Sir: with perfect Regard your most obt Servant

          John Jay

          P.S. Mr Wharton would not chuse that this Line of Intelligence should be generally known.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 31 August 1779
From: Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Council Chamber, August 31st 1779

        The inclosed Packet for Congress contains Dispatches from Pensecola to Ld George Germain and was found on Board a Prize taken by an Armed Vessel from the Port of Salem, which hath been bro’t into that Port. They are not of great Moment, but such as Congress perhaps may wish to see. The Council request your Care to forward them on to Congress We congratulate You on the late brilliant Successes of Detachments from the main Army. In the Name and Behalf of Council I am with Esteem Your most Obedient, humble Servant

          J. Powell. President.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 31 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 31st Augt 1779.

        I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s letter of the 27th instant. previous to the receipt of it I had granted a Repreive to Case, not from any thing that could possibly be urged in extenuation of his guilt, but out of compassion to his connections, who were represented to me as numerous and reputable. I am the more happy that the matter turned out as it has done, as your Excellency interested yourself in the affair.
        The inclosed I recd yesterday from Governor Livingston. I have the honor to be with the most perfect Respect & Esteem Your Excellecy’s Most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 31 August 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 31st Augt 1779.

        I have recd your favr of the 28th inclosing a list of those Serjeants approved by the Executive of Virginia—a further recommendation of Eleven more—and a letter from the Board of War of Virginia to

you—I shall transmit the first to the Board of War and obtain Commissions upon them.
        I am much averse to the promotion of non commissioned to regimental Officers but upon particular merit or extreme necessity, and nothing would make me consent to a further nomination, but a desire to give all the Colonels an equal chance of providing for a few of the most meritorious of their Serjeants. For this reason I would wish you to confine this second appointment to Harrison—Broadus—Spencer who signalized himself at Stoney point and two from Colo. Russel’s Regt—Colonels Wood and Neville seem to have had an opportunity of promoting some of theirs in the first nomination. If a list agreeable to the foregoing is made out and transmitted to the State and approved by them, I will procure the Commissions. Should any of those in the second nomination have been elder Serjeants than those in the first, it will be unlucky, but those who have been appointed and acting for some time as Officers will expect and must take Rank of those appointed hereafter.
        I have recd a letter of the 26 July from Colo. Heth in which he says “I beg for permission either to return to my Regt or go on and join Genl Lincoln. I have wrote a confidential letter to Genl Woodford who will give my Reasons for such an extraordinary application.” Colo. Heth, I suppose, imagined that you were with the Army immediately under my command. That not being the case, be pleased to communicate, what is necessary for my information, to me.
        I am pleased to find that the Board of War of Virginia have powers to make provision for the line of the State, and I sincerely wish that you may feel the good effects of the exertions which the Gentlemen of the Board seem determined to make. I wrote a few days ago to the Governor—pointed out to him the small dependance which was to be put upon the Continental Cloathiers only—and pressed him to make as much provision as possible by means of State Agents. perhaps the powers given to the Board may be adequate to the purpose. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.

          P.S. Be pleased to enquire of Genl Muhlenberg whether the State have approved of his nomination of Serjeants, and if they have to transmit the list, that Commissions may be obtained for them also.


Title: General Orders, 1 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]Wednesday Septr 1st 1779.
          Parole Colerain—  C. Signs Beverly—Acton.

        A Court of Inquiry consisting of the following officers, Brigadier General Huntington President—Colonels Bradley and C. Hall, Lieutenant Colonel Murray and Majr Furnald Members, to sit at the President’s quarters on friday next at 10 ôclock A.M. at the request of Colonel Udney Hay D.Q.M.G. in consequence of a letter from a Committee of Congress to the Quarter Master General to examine into the reasons and circumstances of the dismission of Mr John Banker from the offices of superintendent of Artificers and Deputy Barrack-Master of a certain District in the State of New-York; The parties are desired to attend at the above time and place.
        As a sufficient number of company books have not yet arrived: the officers already furnished with them are to postpone opening their accounts according to the forms prescribed, ’till further orders.
        At the General Court Martial 31st ultimo whereof Colonel Marshall

is President, Lieutenant Donovan of the 6th Maryland regiment was tried for “Warning & insisting upon Lieutenant Buff’s doing duty out of his tour.”
        The Court do unanimously adjudge that the said Lieutt Donovan is not guilty of the charge exhibited; but are of opinion that the charge was exhibited through a misunderstanding of the Parties.
        The Commander in Chief confirms the opinion of the Court. Lieutenant Donovan is released from his Arrest.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 1 September 1779
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

          D’r Sir,
          Kingston [N.Y.] 1st Sep’r 1779.

        Since I had the Honor of writing to your Excellency on the 31st ulto. Lieut. Colo. Pawling with his Detachm’t has returned, not hav’g been able to form a Junction with my Brother at the Time & Place appointed, owing to the Reasons suggested in my last Letter, and the State of his Provision and other Causes, which he will personally explain to your Excellency, rendered it imprudent to proced with his Party farther into the Country. I am extremely mortified at this Disappointm’t, as from the Precautions I had taken & the Orders given (which Colo. Pawling will shew you) I had Reason to hope that their Junction wo’d have been formed without Difficulty & with Precision as to Point of Time. However, I am fully persuaded Colo. Pawling has exerted himself to the utmost on this Occasion, & is by no means to blame, & I wo’d fain hope at the same Time, that considering the Force Genl. Sullivan has with him, the advanced Season of the year, and the arrival of a Reinforcem’t at New York, that Colo. Pawling’s Return will not in itself be a disagreable Circumstance, as if necessary he will be able (leav’g some Guards to quiet the minds of the Frontier inhabitants) to join your Excellency with about 200 men includ’g Capt. Hallett’s Command.
        Previous to the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 31[st] Complaints had been made of the Behavior of the Refugees at Tarry Town and I had given them Orders to return the Cattle they had taken to the owners and forbid similar Practices in future.
        Your Excellency’s Letter of the 22d May last respect’g the Cloathing Departm’t was laid before the Legislature at the opening of their present Session, and the Business recommended to their early Consideration. Your Letter of the 26[th] ulto. on the same Subject this moment rec’d shall be also laid before them. I am &c.

          [G.C.]


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 1 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Sir,
          Head Quarters [West Point] 1st Septr 1779

        I have received your letter of this date “requesting me to give you in writing, the instructions which you verbally received from me on the subject of Powles Hook, when you were last at Head Quarters—and particularly concerning the immediate evacuation of the post after the reduction and concerning the retreat.”
        When you were last at Head Quarters, the Enterprize against Powles Hook was in contemplation, but not finally determined; as there were some points of information still to be more fully obtained. I gave you then in general my ideas of the manner in which it should be conducted, whenever attempted, and desired you to use your best endeavours to procure information in such matters as appeared not to be sufficiently well understood; and mentioned the precautions that should be taken to cover the design, and secure the party which might be employed in the Enterprize in its approach. But with respect to the point to which your request more particularly extends—to wit “the evacuation of the post and concerning the retreat.” My principal fear, from the moment I conceived a design against the post, was on account of the difficulty of the retreat, founded on the relative situation of the post to that of the Enemy on York Island. This circumstance induced me to add, that in case the enterprise should be found eligible on farther inquiries—and determined on—that no time should be lost in case it succeeded, in attempting to bring off Cannon, Stores or any other article—as a few minutes delay might expose the party, at least to imminent risk. I further recollect that I likewise said that no time should be spent in such case in collecting Straglers of the Garrison, who might skulk & hide themselves—lest it should prove fatal; also, that if the post could not be carried in an instant by surprise—the attempt must be relinquished. My objects were,

to surprise it—to bring off the garrison immediately—and to effect a secure retreat. I am Sir Yr Most Obet, servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Moody, 1 September 1779
From: Moody, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

        Alexandria, Va., 1 Sept. 1779. Moody, desiring to “dispose of the Lands devised me by Colo. Thomas Colvill, and those which I purchased of his Executors,” requests that GW execute a deed for him for the lands purchased from his executors, of which GW is the only survivor. Moody owes the Colville estate for the purchase price of the lands and desires to settle with GW in loan office certificates, which he will deposit with John Parke Custis or any other gentleman of Fairfax County, Va., that GW might appoint. Moody informs GW that he has sold the land for £15,000 and is bound for double the sum to deliver the title to the lands by 1 Jan. 1780.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

          My Lord
          Head Quarters West Point 1st Sepr 1779

        I was last Night favd with yours of the 30th Ulto with Colo. Taylors intelligence, and Rivingtons paper inclosed. I am in hopes that we shall in a day or two receive more accurate accounts of the real strength of the Reinforcements—I shall desire Docr Cochran to give order respecting the sick of your division: and will have Lieut. Drummonds conduct enquired into; such proceedings must not be tolerated.
        Colo. Washington may as well remain where your Lordship posted him, for a few days—perhaps in that time, the Enemy may begin to shew their intentions, if they have any, of operating.
        I am afraid the Ordnance ship, said to be carried into Philada will turn out to be a Vessel laden with flour for New York; such an one is carried in.
        I inclose your Lordship Colo. Hamiltons translation of Count de la

Crois’s letter. I wish your Lordship may find better health from a few days retirement. As I am with great Regard yr.


Title: General Orders, 2 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]Thursday Septr 2nd 1779.
          Parole Deerfield—  C. Signs Essex. Franklin.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Lamb, 2 September 1779
From: Lamb, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Fishkills [N.Y.] 2nd Septemr 1779

        Inclosed you have the Certificates, respecting the Paymaster, Quarter Master, and Adjutant.
        your Excellency will please to excuse, my not transmitting them sooner, which delay, has been owing to the detached State of the Regiment.
        In my last, your Excellency will observe, that, Mr Ashton is mentioned appointed 1st Augst which, is a mistake, he having been appointed, the 1st July. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect your Excellency’s Most Obdt Hume Servt.


Title: General Orders, 3 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s-House [West Point]Friday Septr 3rd 1779.
          Parole Farnham—  C. Signs Enfield Danvers.

        The regimental Pay-Masters are requested to settle their Accounts immediately with the Auditors of the Main-Army; They will have a list of the dead, deserted, prisoners and absentees made out and the money due each for the different months, previous to their settlement.
        Colonel Swift is appointed Member of the Court of Inquiry whereof Genl Huntington is President, vice, Coll Bradley who is absent.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 3 September 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          War Office [Philadelphia] Septr 3d 1779

        We have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th Ulto. Our Information to you on the Subject of Col: Humpton’s Orders for Boots & Shoes was not intended to be the Occasion of giving you so much Trouble. We are however obliged by your State of the Matter as it will enable us to judge of the Propriety of any future Applications under similar Circumstances. If our Stock of Leather will afford it we shall be very happy in supplying Boots to the Officers; but at present we see little Prospect of either our Feelings or their Wants being gratified in this particular. We have made the Appointments of the several Commissaries of Hides where we thought there was Occasion for such Officers & they are supplied by the Clothier General with Monies so that we hope the Machine will soon be in Motion. We forget whether we informed you of the Persons appointed. This should have been done, if it is not, that your Excellency may know

where to call for Supplies—We have appointed the following Persons as Commissaries of Hides.

            for the Convention Barracks we have sent a Blank Appointt to the Governor of
            }
            Virginia

            William Henry Esqr. of Lancaster for
            }
            Maryland DelawarePennsilvania

            John Melhelm Esqr.

            N. Jersey

            Major Moses Hatfield

            N. York.

            Capt. George Starr of Middletown

            Connecticut

            Mr Robert Lamb of Boston

            Massachussetts

        We are happy that your Excellency approves of the System we drew up for this Department & hope with your Assistance it will be attended with Success.
        We feel most sensibly for the Situation of the Officers in the Article of Cloathing. It is not for Want of the little Weight we could add to your Excellency’s Representation that everything has not been done they could desire considering the exhausted State of the Country & the Derangement of our Finances. Congress expect the principal Supplies from the States however ill founded these Expectations may be. Whether these Supplies are considered in a primary or secondary View, we shall not abate in a single Instance our Endeavors with our Agents to purchase every thing they can get. But we cannot consent to be looked upon as the principal Providores for the Army & thereby make ourselves responsible for Deficiencies which it will not be in our Power to avoid. So little is supplied by Importation on public Account & Congress having authorized us to appoint Agents to purchase Necessaries for the Army we know that too much is expected from us by those who do not know & will not enquire into our Situation. Did every one judge with the same Observation & Candor with your Excellency we should be very easy on the Subject. But as the Case is otherwise & in the present System the States are looked to for the Supply of their respective Quotas, the several Governments should be considered as answerable for the Cloathing & if we can in any Degree make up for their Deficiencies it is all that should be expected from us. This is not a mere Point of Ceremony for while they consider the principal Supplies as expected from the Continental Officers & not from themselves the Governments will be less diligent in procuring the Articles wanted by their respective Troops. Experience has proved the Truth of this Observation. Your Thoughts on the scanty Supply of Shirts sent for the Officers are certainly just. We have it not in our Power by any Authority from Cong⟨ress⟩ to buy any cloathing for Officers—but

when accidentally any thing falls into our Possession fit for their Use we think a small Supply is better than none & from our Wishes to relieve them even in the smallest Degree we forward the Articles.
        It was by no Means intended by the Act of the 16th relative to the Payments to Soldiers for Deficiencies of Cloathing to prevent their receiving the specific Articles if it were possible to deliver them. Our Vi⟨ews⟩ in reporting it were exactly conformable to your Sentiments⟨.⟩ It is certainly more the Interest of the public to supply the specific Articles than their Value in Money. The former will enable the Soldier to do his Duty while the latter in too many Instances will prevent it, by administering to his Debaucheries & ruining his Morals & his Health. Nor can even the well disposed Soldier buy Cloathing when he wants it for his Money.
        The Case of Col: Harrison was after writing to your Excellency stated specially & we hear a Comittee is appointed to determine on our Representation as we did not choose to give an Opinion not being fully informed. The Papers you were pleased to transmit we will lay before that Comittee.
        The Footing you have put Capt. or Mr Randolph’s Case upon is certainly the most politic & proper & the Board will write conformably thereto to the Government of N. Jersey.
        A Copy of the Virginia Arrangement shall be speedily transmitted agreeably to your Excellency’s Request.
        Your Letter of the 27th we acknowledge the Honour of receiving. We most sincerely wish we could give you Pleasure on that Subject by informing you of an Alteration of Circumstances for the better. We have had no small Degree of Vexation & Uneasiness on this Head for a long time past & have not failed to make the most urgent Representations to Congress of our distress’d Situation. The Vessell sent to the West Indies was dispatched at our earnest Request & tho’ she has been out long may yet arrive safe. She was disappointed at Martinico & was obliged to run down to Statia where a Ship was expected from Holland with a large Quantity of this Article. This at present is at best precarious but it is our only Dependance. We have made pressing Requests for a Loan from the States of Massachussetts Bay & Connecticut; but they refuse sparing any (excepting about two Tons to be sent to General Gates by the latter State) alledging their own Wants. N. Jersey has none but what we supplied nor has Pennsilvania. We are in Treaty with Maryland for seven or eight Tons—We will write to Virginia, but we are in Debt to her & if she has not recieved a late Accession to her Stock we are not sanguine in our Hopes of obtaining any Quantity. We will continue to use every Endeavor in our Power to obtain an Addition to our Stock. Some small Supply will be recieved

from a few Manufactories we have employed to make what little Materials we had. Our Letter to Genl Knox of the 26th Ulto will inform your Excellency what Orders we have given & the enclosed Return will enable you to order what you think proper from any of the Places therein mentioned. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your very obedient Servants

          Richard Petersby order


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 3 September 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          War Office [Philadelphia] Septr 3d 1779

        We send you a Copy of Baron Steuben’s Regulations which he requested we would get neatly bound & transmitt your Excellency The Impossibility of having it done sooner must excuse the Delay.
        The enclosed Drafts of a Standard for the Army are sent for your Approbation, Rejection or Alteration. The Officers will be by & by pressing for Colours & if Materials can be procured they shall be made when you send us your Ideas of the Plan of the Standard. The one with the Union & Emblems in the Middle is preferred by us as

being variant from the Marine Flag. We have the Honour to be with the most perfect Respect & Regard Your obedient Servants

          Richard PetersBy order


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Dear Sir,
          West-point Sepr 3d 1779.

        I have received your letter of the 29th accompanied by those from the General Officers, and have carefully considered their respective contents—The subject is of such a nature, that I should have thought it advisable not to have brought it to a formal investigation; but since it has been done, I shall give you my opinion with candour and explicitness.
        When you accepted the Quarter Master Generals department and made a reservation of your rank—I considered it as intended to prevent the operation of a certain resolve of Congress, declaring that no Continental Officer should not hold more than one commission at a time, and to obviate any future doubt of your right to resume your proper station in the line on the resignation of this Office—It was not in my opinion understood, that you were to retain an actual permanent command, a proof of which is, that you immediately relinquished your division, and have continued out of command ever since, except upon two occasions of an extraordinary nature, & by special appointment. My idea was, that you were to stand precisely upon the same footing, in proportion to your rank, with Quarter Master Generals in other Services—who from the best information I have been able to obtain, do not usually exercise a regular lineal command: but are eligable by the officer at the head of the Army to occasional commands either on detachment or in the line, when in his opinion, it is for the good of the Service to employ them in this manner, and it does not interfere with the duties of the department, or with the particular and proper command of other officers—Upon

this principle you were appointed to the right wing in the affair of Monmouth, and were sent to take a command under General Sullivan—and both, as far as I have ever heard, were agreeable to the general sense of the Army—To attempt a more precise definition of the cases in which you may be invested with actual command might only lead to misapprehension, discontent on one side or another—embarrassing discussions, & perhaps confusion—The military reason which prevents a Quarter Master General from exercising command in ordinary cases—I take to be this—that whatever may be the fact, the presumption is, that both in action and out of action, he has, generally speaking sufficient employment in the duties of his Office—and circumstances alone can decide when these are compatible with actual command.
        The good opinion I have of your abilities & qualifications will make me take pleasure to give you opportunites of rendering service & acquiring military honor in the field as often as it can be done consistent with propriety—the good of the Service and the reasonable pretensions of other Officers—The experience you have already had may satisfy you of my disposition. You have participated in the only two transactions of importance which have happened since your appointment in which the whole, or a considerable portion of the army has been concerned. But I could not undertake to draw any line, which should determine the particular instances.
        You ask several questions respecting your conduct in your present department—Your manner of entering it—and, the services you have rendered.
        I remember that the proposal for your appointment originated with the Committee of arrangement, and was first suggested to me by them—That in the conversations I had with you upon the subject, you appeared reluctantly to undertake the office, and in one of them, offered to discharge the military duties of it, without compensation for the space of a year, and I verily believe that a regard to the Service, not pecuniary emolument, was the prevailing motive to your acceptance. In my opinion you have executed the trust with ability and fidelity. The services you have rendered to the army have been important—such as have gained my entire approbation, which I have not failed to express, on more than one occasion, to Congress in strong and explicit terms. The sense of the army ⟨on⟩ this head I believe concurs with mine—I think it not more than justice to you to say, that I am perswaded, you have uniformly exerted yourself to second my measures & our operations in general, in the most effectual manner which the public resources & the circumstances of the time would permit.

        But with the fullest allowance for your Services on the most liberal scale of compensation, I cannot but think the construction I have given to your pretensions to command is just and ample—Your own feelings must determine whether it is satisfactory—It corrisponds with my sentiments of military propriety, and is, I believe, analogous to the customary practice of Armies, which is the best standard in all cases of this kind, so far as it does not contravene any positive constitution—I think too, it is most agreeable to the sense of a majority of the General Officers whom you have consulted. If it differs from your own I shall regret what it is not in my power to avoid. I am with real esteem & regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Ser⟨v⟩t

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 3 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Dr Sir
          Head Quarters West-point 3 Sepr 1779

        In answer to your letter of this date which I have this minute received. As you request my concurrence to the step you propose, I do not find myself at liberty to give it, because it appears to me to be premature and unnecessary. From the time your report was

dispatched to Congress, there is no reason to suppose delay. I am firmly persuaded the event will shew you they cannot possibly intend you injustice. I should be sorry you would suffer your sensibility to betray you into an error—which on reflexion you would condemn. I am D. Sir &

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 3 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 3d Sepr 1779

        I was made very happy to find, by yours of the 20th ulto that your junction with General Clinton would take place on the next day, and that no opposition had been given to him on the passage down the River. Colonel Pawling, not having been able to reach Anaquaga at the appointed time, and upon his arrival there, finding that General Clinton had passed by, has returned to the Settlements with the Men under his command—who were about 200: But as your junction has been effected with scarce any loss, I hope this small diminution of force will not be felt in your operations.
        I yesterday recd a letter of the 31st July from Colo. Brodhead at Fort Pitt, from which the inclosed is an extract. By this you will perceive, that he intended to begin his march towards the Seneca Country on the 7th or 8th of last Month; and will also see his reasons for setting out so early.
        On the receipt of your letter of the 15th ulto, I immediately desired the Commissary General to form a Magazine for your future supply at some safe and convenient place in your Rear, and on receiving that of the 20th, I repeated the order, and directed him to make Wyoming the place of deposit. By the inclosed extracts from Colo. Wadsworth and Mr Blaine you will find that matters are in forwardness for that purpose.
        I have the pleasure to inform you that Spain has at length taken a

decisive part. In the inclosed paper, you will find her Manifesto delivered to the Court of Great Britain on the 16th June last, with the message of the King to Parliament thereupon.
        It is to be hoped that this formidable junction of the House of Bourbon will not fail of establishing the Independance of America in a short time. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 4 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, Henry

          Sir
          Head Quarters [West Point] 4th Septr 1779.

        I have the honor of taking the earliest opportunity to transmit your Excellency two letters from Major Genl Phillips and one from Major General Baron de Reidisel which came inclosed to me from Major

General Phillips. I have the honor to be with due respect Your Excellency’s most obt Sert

          Go: Washington

          P.S. I take the liberty to inclose a Letter for Cornet Fitzhugh, which if there is nothing improper in it, you will be pleased to have delivered.


Title: From George Washington to Mrs. Jeremiah Duggan, 4 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Duggan, Mrs. Jeremiah

          Madam.
          Head Quarters West-point 4th Sepr 1779.

        I sincerely wish it was in my power to give you that satisfaction which you have desired relative to Mr Duggan your husband. My inquiries have been able only to ascertain his going to St Eustatius, but under what circumstances I am altogether uninformed.
        In looking over the resolves of Congress I find several sums voted Mr Duggan under the description of supplies and services, all in the year 1776, amounting in the whole to 1584 Dollars—But I cannot say whether he is entitled to more, or if he has completed his demands on the States.
        Wishing you such accounts from him as may be perfectly satisfactory, I am Madam your most hble sert.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 September 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Mandavilles [Dutchess County, N.Y.]Sept. 4th 1779

        I forward three Deserters, one from the 23rd Regt One from the Hessian Riflemen, and the other from the Vulture Sloop of war. The former is one of the New recruits, and relates some particulars which if true makes the Enemy boasted reinforcment very Small, The Hessian is a very Intelligent man, Says he is an Apothecary, Docter Ledyard who is present wishes that he may be allowed to take him into the Apothecarys department in our Army where Docr Ledyard thinks he will be very Serviceable, to the publick and to which the Hessian is inclined.
        I also forward one McCarthy who is taken up on Suspicion, He is a deserter from Burgoynes Army, has been Some time about the Country, has Some Letters of recommendation. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt

          W. Heath

          P.S. If your Excellency Should approve of the Germans going to the Hospital I would request that he may be directed to Docr Ledyard at Fishkill.


Title: From George Washington to Major Noirmont de La Neuville, 4 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: La Neuville, René-Hippolyte Penot Lombart de Noirmont de

          Sir,
          Head Quarters [West Point] Sepr 4th 1779

        I have received your letter of this day with the two resolves of Congress. I believe your apprehension of the operation of the last is ill founded—’Twas intended to supply the defect of your brevet, which only gives you rank without pay and subsistence—and not to affect your rank or confine you to any particular capacity. Your brevet intitles you to be designated to command, if circumstances will permit and your rights in this respect still remain the same, with the addition of the usual appointments to your rank.
        The resolution of the first of April last was confined to a local and particular purpose, and ceased to have effect when you relinquished your design of going to the Southern army. The present resolution was necessary to intitle you to the same provision made by the former, and as I said before, does not affect your military rights. It will give me pleasure if this interpretation is satisfactory as I am with much esteem Sir Your most Obedt ser.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Ezekiel Belden, 5 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Belden, Ezekiel Porter

          Sir
          Head Quarters West-point 5th Septr 1779.

        I have advice of the ministers setting out from Boston for Philadelphia. You will therefore on receipt of this proceed without delay to Ridgefield—from thence to Fairfield—to New-Haven—and to Harford, halting at this last place for his coming should you not meet him at some of the intermediate stages. Immediately upon joining him you are to acquaint me by express, mentioning the stages and route which he proposes, that I may know how to regulate matters for his reception. Should any accident occur to detain him, I am also to be informed by express.
        It is probable that Major Genl Baron Steuben will accompany the minister—in this case—you will put yourself wholly under his orders, leaving the management of the above intirely to the Baron. I am &

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters [West Point] 5th Sepr 1779.

        I have your favor of this Morning, inclosing a letter from General Parsons on the subject of Cloathing. To enable me to give an answer, it will be necessary to see General Parsons, which I shall be glad to do in the morning or when it is convenient to him. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 September 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Mandavilles [Dutchess County, N.Y.]Sept. 5th 1779

        I now forward William Stead a Deserter from the 33rd British Regt who I mentioned yesterday to be detained by General Nixon as an Evidence against one Mathews, whom He Stead acused of Supplying the Enemy with Butter—muttons &c. Mathews has been taken up and I forward him herewith to be disposed of as your Excellency may Direct Stead asserts he has Cut up mutton for Mathews at the Point.
        I also forward one James Lilly of the Furnace Cortlands manor, enclosed is his own declaration before me which he has Signed. I also forward a Hessian Yauger. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most obedient Servt

          W. Heath

          P.S. John Ferris and Jno. Van Tassel Esqr. two Justices of the County of westchester attend Mathews, and Lilley.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 5 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 5th Septr 1779

        I have this morning been favd with your private and public letters of yesterday. The Reinforcement of the enemy—their vigilance at their advanced posts—and seeming desire to draw you down towards them, all conspire to forbid your making any attempt upon them, and to cause a more than common attention on your part.
        Finding by the date of yours of yesterday that you was still at lower salem, I am under some apprehensions that you have not recd mine of the 28th Augt in which you are directed to move further this way that you may be in readiness to form a junction should there be occasion. I inclose an extract of that letter, lest the original should have miscarried by which you will be guided.
        I by no means think it eligible for you to move down for the purpose of making a forage, more especially as, by the intelligence of ——, the Enemy will be prepared to receive you—I have no news from any quarter since my last. I am &c.

          P.S. As soon as you have moved your present post inform me of it—I have given the necessary orders to Capt. Belden to proceed and meet the Minister. He will be releived at New Windsor.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 5 September 1779
From: Taylor, John
To: Washington, George

          Septr 5th 79 5 O’clock A.M.

        The intelligence which I last transmitted to your Excy is in part confirmed. It is certain that the enemy have repaired their flat bottomd boats—but for the present have deferred the expedition which they had in view. The reinforcement arrived with Adml Arbuthnot will amount to more than three thousand men many of them sick, consisting of two Scotch Regiments and two small companies of German

Rifflemen, the remainder recruits to supply the vacancies of the different regiments still on Staten and Long Island. There are at present in the harbour of New-York two ships of 74—one of 70—two of 64, and one of 60 guns and two or three frigates. Accounts by a person who left N-York, (and one who appears to be a man of ingenuity) say that the above vessels are shortly to sail for the West Indies, with six or seven thousand land forces. Some of the circumstances in favor of this report are these; fourty sail of Transports chiefly ships have dropped down to Staten Island to take in water for four months, others going down. Light clothing making for many of the officers. ’Tis the common report among the officers, and asserted for a certainty by some of the principle refugees, that the West indies is the place of their destination. The transports have already taken on board a number of fascines which have been made this summer and more are making. The refugees and Citizens of N-York have been informed that they must do garrison duty the ensuing winter. The enemy have ordered out a number of the Long Island Militia who are employed in building a fort at Brooklyn ferry on that Island. They have added a number of guns to the battery at White Hall in the city. From Bergen, I am informed that several transports said to be empty have gone up the north river. It is supposed to remove their garrison on the river. If any embarkation shall take place I shall have an account of it, and of which I shall immediately inform your Excellency. Enclosed [is] a new emission of the bills of sixty Dollar lately done in New-York: The person from whom I received it informed me that a great quantity of this kind is put into the country by way of Kingsbridge and Bergen. I am &.


Title: General Orders, 6 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]Monday Septr 6th 1779.
          Parole Japan—  C. Signs Kingston. Lyme.

        Brigade returns, regimentally digested to be made by the 10th instant at the Orderly-Office of the blankets which have been received by the troops since the 1st day of October last: Of the number now in possession of the men, distinguishing the good from the bad and of the deficiencies to complete each man with one, in such manner that the good bad and wanting will amount exactly to the number of non-commissioned officers and privates.
        Mr Measum and Mr Kemper or their Assistants will also make an immediate return of the blankets issued to the different regiments during the period above mentioned.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

          Gentlemen.
          Hd Qrs Wt Pt 6th Septr 1779

        I am honored with your letter of the 28th of August with its inclosures. I am very happy the testimony given to Congress of the conduct of the board is satisfactory to them, as it will always give me pleasure to do justice to their exertions.
        I have attentively considered the regulations proposed for the department of prisoners—They appear to me to be judicious and proper, such as I have for a long time wished to see take place—My only fear is about the concurrence of the particular states; but the experiment can be tried—I return you the regulations with one or two remarks annexed. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect and esteem Gentlemen Your most Obedt ser.

          P.S. Inclosed you will find the Returns of the following Corps agreeable to Resolution of 15th March last. Colo. Harrison’s Regt of Artillery[;] Capt. Jno. Kingsbury’s Compy No. Carolina Artillery[;] Capt. Noah Nicols Compy Artillery Artificers.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 6 September 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          providence 6th September 1779.

        I have the Honour to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letters of the 17th and 24th of last Month. It is not in my power to give Your Excellency any Official Information respecting the penobscot Expedition, having never been Concern’d in, nor even consulted upon, that Unfortunate Undertaking—I hear from persons who were there, and have returned to this Town, one of whom was an Officer on board the Warren Frigate; that Our Soldiers, & Seamen are all come back, Except a Few of the Sailors, perhaps Fifty, most of whom, through the fear of sta[r]ving, Deserted to the Enemy. The Rest of these are supposed to have perished, or be still wandering in the Woods.
        The Vessels were all Destroyed, except four, Two of which were taken by the Enemy; the Other Two Escaped to Sea. The Warren Frigate was Burnt by The Commodore’s Order, with the Remainders of The Fleet.
        Such being the Final Event, I thought The Reinforcement Arrived at New York, and the Circumstances of Our Affairs this way rendered it proper, that I should Demand of The Council of the Massachusetts Bay a Sufficient Supply of Militia, to replace Col: Jackson’s Regiment, now at Falmouth, having Ordered the Colonel to March his Corps hither, immediately after his receiving the Letter I sent him the 4th Instant.
        On Account of the Alarm Occasion’d by the Arrival of Admiral Arbuthnot and the Intelligence I received from Govr Trumbull, who writes to me that he has communicated to your Excellency Doctor Lee’s Letter, this Measure will, I hope, meet with Your Approbation.

Besides, when we have only to defend the Frontier nearest to penobscut, Your Excellency knows good Militia, from the Back Counties are much fitter for that Service, than such a Regular, disciplined Regiment as Col: Jackson’s. It will be infinitely more Usefully employed, in opposing the Enemy’s Regular Troops, which will probably be soon ordered this Way, if the Enemy mean to act offensively this Campaign.
        I am highly Obliged, & very happy at the Good News Your Excellency has been pleased to send me, The success of Major Lee, & General Sullivan’s Penetrating into the Indian Settlements, reflects Great Honour upon the American Arms.
        Baron Steuben left me this morning, I believe he will do me the Justice to Assure Your Excellency that I have in every point fulfilled Your request by Him; and that no Attention has been wanting upon my part to Command respect to His Authority, and render his Stay in providence as agreeable as it was in my power to make it.
        One Frigate, Twelve Briggs, Sixteen Schooners, and Fourteen Sloops arrived at Newport on the 31st Ulto. I cannot Learn they have brought any Troops or indeed any thing but Fire Wood. The moment I receive Intelligence of any Extraordinary movement of the Enemy in this Quarter, I shall despatch an Express to your Excellency.
        I have the pleasure to inform Your Excellency, That the Sloop Argo, Commanded by Lieutt Col: Talbot, and fitted out by Order of Congress at this post, has sent a prize into New London, Loaded with 1000 Barrells of Flower, and another, with Ninety Odd Hoggsheads of West India Rum. The Former, being from England, had the inclosed English prints on board, which I send for Your perusal.
        As I was closing this Letter, I learnt that it was reported in Boston, that the Enemy had left Penobscot; and, by a Friend, I am informed they gave out on Board Sir George Collyer’s, tho with some Show of Secrecy, that Arbuthnot’s Re-inforcement was intended for the West Indies. Whether they intended this Intelligence be circulated, to prevent the States of New-England from rousing out of their fatal Lethargy, I cannot determine; but it seems the French Minister ought to be acquainted with it for it may be true. I shall continue to warn the Council of the Massachusetts-Bay of the imminent Danger they are exposed to, from their absolute Neglect of the Preparations for their own Defence.
        Your Excellency ought to know that the Express who delivered to me your Letter of the 28th Ulto did not arrive before 3 ‘OClock this Afternoon. I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedt humble Servt

          H.G.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Sir,
          Head Quarters West Point Septr 6th 1779

        Inclosed you will find a representation from Capt. Titus Watson of the Connecticut line in which he states his having been injured by the promotion of Capt. Cleft, a junior officer to a Majority, in violation of his rights as a senr officer, and urges the determination of a Board of Officers to this effect of which he produces certificates which are also inclosed—As Capt. Watson states, that the arrangement of the Connecticut line was made in his absence which might have prevented a proper knowledge of facts, and as the proceedings of the Board of Officers do not appear to have been reported to Head Quarters or the Board of War; it is necessary the case should have a rehearing, that if Capt. Watson has really been injured, he may have redress—You will therefore be pleased to appoint a second Board of Officers consisting of the field Officers of the Connecticut line except Major Cleft to ascertain the relative rank of Captains Cleft and Watson previous to the promotion of the former to a majority and to inquire into the p[r]inciples upon which that promotion was made—You will transmit the pr[o]ceedings of the Board to me. I am Sir Yr Most Obet, servant

          Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 7 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]Tuesday Septr 7th 1779.
          Parole Laneborough—  C. Signs Killingly. Johnston.

        The State Clothiers are to make returns immediately to the Orderly-Office of the articles of clothing on hand for the troops of their respective States.