Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 23–25 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dr Sir
Morris Town April 23d[-25] 1777.

I this morning received your favor of the 15th Instant. One of the Detachments you mention, I presume was that under Lieutt Colo. Butler, who arrived here the latter end of last Week. The Other has probably stopped at Pecks Kills agreable to directions lately transmitted General McDougal, till further Orders. This I was induced to direct, ’till the designs of the Enemy became unfolded and so apparent, that they cannot be misunderstood. You will not remit your exertions in forwarding the Men, as fast, as circumstances will admit. No time is to be lost; the exigency of our Affairs having been never more pressing, nor requiring more strenuous efforts than at present. The lanquor & Supineness that have taken place, but too generally, of late, are truly mortifying, and are difficult to be accounted for. All agree our claims are righteous and must be supported; Yet all, or at least, too great a part among us, withold the means, as if providence, who has already done much for us, would continue his gracious interposition & work Miracles for our deliverance without troubling ourselves about the matter. Previous to the receipt of yr Letter Governor Trumbull had informed me, of the expedient he and his Council had been obliged to recur to, for making up their Quota. I lame⟨nt⟩ the occasion, making such a Step necessary, but I trust, it will furnish the Men intended to be raised by it, and that ’ere the time expires for which they are to be drafted by the assiduity of the Officers Most of them may be engaged

for the War. At any rate, Our situation made something of the sort proper and perhaps policy would not suffer more to be attempted.
In respect to cloathing the drafts, much may be said for & agt it—the Consideration of it brings on many difficulties. To cloathe Men who will be at liberty to leave the service the next day, provided others are sent by their Towns, or procured by themselves to take their place, wd be attended with much public Injustice—Farther, their time of service after they are drafted, supposing they are not relieved, differs intirely from that intended by Congress, & which might have lead to an allowance of Cloathes—However as the Troops who engage during the War or for 3 yrs are to receive a suit of Cloathes annually from the Continent, or 20 Dollrs in lieu of them, if the other Objection did not exist, I shd incline to think, that those Men shd have the same, or at least a compensation in some degree proportioned to their service; but even this I deliver as matter of Opinion—As the other Object[i]o[n] remains & seems to me of considerable weight, I do not know what can be done. If cloathes are not given, it might induce them to inlist, to obtain them—If they are, it might in some measure prevent it, or their exertions & the interest of their friends to get others to fill their places & for the War: But upon every principle, If they shd be allowed, provision shd be made to insure their certain return & delivery before they shd be permitted to depart—this is to be understood to respect such as are redeemed by others. In a Word, it is a matter I do not conceive myself authorized to determine or to give any direction about—Nor do I know how Congress wd or cd consider it, as their takg it up & passg a Reso[lu]t[io]n in favr of the measure, wd imply their approbat[i]o[n] of a Mode of service inconsistent with their present plan of War.
As to Armg the drafts, If they have not good Ones of their own, and the State cannot furnish them, they must be supplied with those belonging to the public. But I must observe, that you cannot be too carefull in takeing proper & the most exact Accounts of all you deliver & to what Officers; And to prevent, in future, the scandalous abuses arising from embezzlement & Other dirty Causes, All Arms under the latter denomination with their Accoutrements, are to be stamped, with the Words, United States on the Barrel and such places as will receive the Impression. This is by a Resolve of Congress, & being founded in the most evident necessity, must be minutely attended to. Though we have been fortunate in our late importations, yet we should not be lavish in the unnecessary use of them—All of the old, that are good & serviceable, should be first put into the hands of the Men. the deficiency to be made up with New Ones, & what remain of either should be deposited in some secure place.

The case of the prisoners from N. York and of the Representatives of those who died during their Captivity⟨,⟩ deserves attention. It will be difficult, if not impracticable, to adopt a line of conduct in this instance, by which equal justice will be done to them & to the public; I wish sincerely they could be paid. At present, no mode appears to me better, than for the States to take up the matter and to appoint One or two suitable Members of their Legislatures or Council to receive & pay their claims, who should make it an invariable Rule where the Claimants are alive, to admit none but such as have an Affidavit annexed to them, setting forth when & where they were captured—when released, to what Company & Regiment they belonged, and that he had received no pay or satisfaction from the United States for the Time they were in Captivity. In like manner, where claims are made by the Representatives of the Soldiers who dyed in Captivity, they should make Oath when & where their predecessors were taken—of the Companies & Regiments in which they were—of the time they died according to the best information they had obtained & that they had received no satisfaction for the Pay becoming due to their predecessors between the day they were captured & that of their death. Such precautions, will probably prevent Injustices to the public, and may have a tendency, to oblige Officers to refund, who had drawn such pay. In this business claims for Rations will be inadmissible.
The proposed Exchange of the Tories, if agreed to by the Enemy & effected, would involve some consequences of an important nature, and such, as I think at this time, should be avoided.
By the Returns it appears, that but little progress has been made in Voluntary inlistments since the last you transmitted. the conduct of Cols. C. Webb & Chandler is reprehensible. that of the former is extremely so. Under pretence of having inlisted a great proportion of his Regiment, about two thirds, he long since Obtained an Order for their Arms and this by a representation through his Son, which he must have known to have been unjust and void of candour.
You will by the Resolve of Congress transmitted in my last perceive, that your powers are competent to the punishment of offenders in the Military line who have been or shall be convicted in the State in which you command, and therefore, it will be unnecessary for you to send any more Sentences for my confirmation or orders for their execution.
April 25th. I just now received your favour of the 22nd by Doctor Leonard. The case of Robert Thompson I leave entirely with you. he seems to have been an active instrument in the Hands of the Enemy, and I doubt not, has injured us much; However if more advantage can be derived, to the public by pardonning than punishing him and as we should not introduce Capital executions too frequently and there

have been several of late, you will consider the matter, and ultimately determine respecting him, as to you shall seem right in Justice & policy.
The Troops to serve ’till the first of January should be innoculated, I think, as early as possible; Whilst they have the disorder, they can guard the Stores; afterwards it will be necessary most probably to have Others. As to clothing them, you have my sentiments in a preceding part of my Letter. I have this minute received some information, which seems to corroborate what the Tories have said of the Enemy’s designs against the Magazines at Danbury. I therefore desire you will order all the Men drafted in your State for this year, to be collected and innoculated there, that the circumstances and situation of the place will possibly admit, that they may protect the Stores. you will apply to Doctr Foster and other physicians in Continental pay to promote the business and their recovery by every means in their power & not to withhold necessary medicine for the purpose.
I have sent by favor of Colo. Willm Lee, Two Thousand Dollars, agreable to your request; You will keep proper Accounts of the expenditure in order to settle with the paymaster General at a future day. I am Dr Sr with great esteem &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Adam Stephen, 23 April 1777
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Sir
Chatham [N.J.] 23d April 1777

    By —— from B——k I have advice that Eight hundred men came in the Ships from England—There is a Report that Rhode Island is to be Evacuated, but no account of the Arrival of the troops—The 15th & 27th did duty at York & my friend was uncertain as to the Names of the 36th & 4th mentioned from Newark Yesterday.
Ten Boats for the Bridges are arrivd at Brunswick, 16⅓ foot in length four feet Wide & 2½ deep; Waggons are fitting up for their Carriage.
Genl Skinners force consist of about 1,000, to be joind by Some regular troops, & to proceed from Bergen through Sussex & the back parts of the Jerseys, when the troops March for Philadelphia.
The Enemy to have their provisions carryd into the Delawar by Water.
The Sick Sent from the Jerseys to N. York.
Brunswick not to be Evacuated.
Thomas Long, not an American, nick named Bunk Eye, from his prominent Eyes, height 5½ feet—age upwards of forty—Wears Whitish Cloaths—rather fair Complexion—He was Schoolmaster Near Raway, distressed the Inhabitants On the passage of the B. troops through the Jerseys—He is gone for Philadelphia as a Spy—two days ago—He Associates with Quakers—It would be of importance to Seize him, as the Enemy is much in want of Intelligence from that City—He has been there three times.
Other Matters in their former State.
I have got a York paper of the 17th, nothing Matterial but the great Success of the B. Brook Expedition.
I will forward it, after learning a prayer that is in it—& am with great Respect, sr Your most Obt hue Ser.

Adam Stephen

The Enemy Attempted Retaliation the Night before last; but were beat back, pursued, & kept up all night—By a person from B. town—They had one Man killd & 2 Wounded—We Sufferd none—Majr Crawford of Col. Cooks behavd well.
They Report in Brunswick, that they have killd 100 of us & taken

200 more, & that the highlanders have got Ample Satisfaction for the loss of their picket.
The Enemy Cannot be Ready to March this Week—They intend an Excursion for horses—All Should be ordered back from the Lines.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Adam Stephen, 23 April 1777
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Chatham [N.J.] 23d April 1777

The next important Intelligence I reced from N. York—was of a Certain Conquest of America before October.
Betts of 100 Gu[i]neas to 1, that Gl Howe would be in philadelphia the 1st of May.
The Scarcity of timber & plank at York has prevented the finishing of the Bridge of Boats.
Naval Stores So Scarce that they Cannot fit out their transports for their Return home.
Tar 5 Gu[i]neas ⅌ Barrel—Flour very plenty, & twelve months Salt provisions for 20,000 Men Sailors Scarce & Sickly aboard ther Ships.
On the 16th Between 40 & 50 Sail of Vessels Saild, as was reported aboard the Ships, & in the City, for Hallifax under Convoy of the Tartar—Uncertain whether there were troops aboard or not—It is Said they went for Coal & forrage.
Twelve large Ships arrivd at York from England on the 21st, Uncertain What they had on board—The Number of Tory Regiments at Bergen Confirmd.
The Preston Commodore Hotham has taken a privateer Brig of 16 Guns fitted out at Charleston S. Carolina.

It is Said that Delancy Brigade has Orders to Embark for S. Carolina.
They Intend to Waggon their boats from Brunswick Three goes into Each other & all into a Waggon—Their Horse, Grenadiers & light Infantry on the flanks of the Convoy—May Heaven Blast their purposes! We cannot Boast of the Arm of flesh, So many Arms are Weakly from Inoculation & otherwise.
They Say the Continental Army Consists of 5,000 men, & that no more Can be raisd for Continental Money. I have the honour to be sr your most Obt

Adam Stephen

P.S. This will be deliverd to Your Excellency by Capt. Mathews of the 4th the fittest Officer I am acquainted with for a Major of a Regimt or Brigade.


Title: General Orders, 24 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 24th 1777.
Andover.Burlington.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 24–26 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir,
Morris Town April 24[-26]th 1777

I have been favor’d with two or three Letters from you lately—the last which came to hand was with out date, but containd an extract of

Doctr Lee’s Letter to the Secret Comee—and the French Generals Ideas of the Measures necessary for us to pursue in prosacuting the War with G. Britn—for both of which I sincerely thank you, as the communication of such matters cannot fail of having a proper tendency.
That Great Britain will exert every Nerve to carry her tyranical designs into execution, I have not the smallest doubt of. Her very existance as a Nation depends now upon her success, For should America rise triumphant in her struggle for Independancy, she must fall. It is not to be wondered at therefore, after she had departed from that line of justice which ought to characterize a virtuous People, that she should descend to such low Arts, & dirty tricks, as will for ever remain a reproach to them. None of which have they practiced with more Success, and I fear with more dangerous consequences to our Cause, than their endeavours to depreciate the Continental Bills of Credit. Nothing therefore has a greater claim to the close attention of Congress, than the Counteraction of this part of their diabolical Scheme—every thing depends upon it.
The complexion of Affairs in Europe seems to indicate an approaching Storm, but where—when—or on whom it may break, is not quite so clear; and ought not, in my judgment, to occasion the smallest relaxation in our preparations; for I profess myself to be of that class who never built sanguinely upon the Assistance of France, further than her Winking at our Supplies from thence for the benefits derived from our Trade, and how far the meaness & offers of Great Britain may contravene this, time only can discover & is somewhat to be feared.
The Plan drawn by the French General is of such a Nature, that it is impracticable to carry it into execution this Campaign—It may however be kept in view, and the whole, or such parts of it adopted, as our Circumstances upon a full consideration of the matter may hereafter admit of. The great delay in appointing the General Officers—the resignation of some of them—the Non-acceptance of others—and I might add, the unfitness of a—few—Added to the amazing delay in Assembling the Troops, and the abuses which I am Satisfied have been committed by the Recruiting Officers (both of which [are] consequences of the want of Officers in that line, to superintend those Duties in the respective States) has distressed me, & the Service exceedingly; and will amply prove, what I foretold to Congress, that the Pay of these Officers (for I could acct for the delay of appointing them [on] no other principle) would be an ill timed saving. Convinced I am, that thousands of pounds would have been saved to the Public if the measure had been adopted upon, & at my first recommendation of it—but the

extra expence is the smallest part of the Evil—the backwardness we are in, in Assembling the Troops, is truely alarming—this however is not a singular Instance, of our suffering by delay, in the adoption of measures, which were early recommended.
You are not aware of the evil consequences that would follow a general exemption of all persons concerned in Iron Works from Military duty, they are very numerous, and in this part of the Country form a great Majority of the People. Besides, why should the Iron Master carry on his Trade without restriction when the Farmer equally useful for the Support of the War, the Shoemaker and other Manufacturers absolutely necessary to the equipment of an Army, may have their Servants & Apprentices taken from them at pleasure? One thing I have ever done; and it has, I believe, answered the end proposed by you. Whenever an Iron Work has been Imployed for the Public I have desired the owner to give me a return of the number of Men, and the names of those necessarily Imployed therein, and have exempted them from the duties of Militia men in this State—this I have found necessary to do on two Accts—first to secure such Articles of Manufacture as the Army wanted; and next, to prevent numbers under this pretext from witholding their Services in the Military line—there being in this County (Morris) alone, between Eighty & a hundd Iron Works, large & small.
Doctr Lee’s opinion on the Propriety of attacking the Enemy upon their first arrival (under a supposition of their being raw & undisciplined) is certainly well founded if our own Circumstances will admit of it; but the Doctr little apprehended I believe that we ourselves should have an Army at this late hour to raise of Men equally raw & Officers, probably much more so.
26th April. Since writing the above your favour of the 21st is come to hand. In consequence, I send the Inclosed; tho’ I believe Baylor, & perhaps his Corps of Officers, would as soon have had any other Countryman among them as a S—n not that I think this ought to be objected to him if he is deserving in other respects. Please to make a tender of my Complimts to your Bror & other Delegates from Virga & be assured that I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. As Genl Arnold writes me that he is determined not to continue in Service (under the Slight put upon him) I could wish another Brigadr was appointed for the State of Connecticut (their being only one, Parsons) & would recomd Colo. Huntington who is the oldest Colonel—A Gentleman and a good officer belonging to that State. As a piece of

Justice due to, and to prevent the loss of, so good an Officer, I could wish to see Arnold promoted to the Rank of Majr Genl, & put in his proper place—It is by Men of his activity and spirit the Cause is to be supported, and not by H—h Sp—r &ca—Out of all the Brigrs appointed for Pensylvania I have not one to do duty—D. Haas I cannot get up, or even an answer from him—Wayne is at Tyconderoga, but I have sent for him—the French Genl At Boston must take the 3d Brige of that State.


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Loring, 24 April 1777
From: Loring, Joshua
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York Head Quarters April 24. 1777

I am directed by his Excellency Sir William Howe to inform you, that your Prisoners here are in the greatest Distress for want of Cloathing The sick in the Hospitals are particularly in Want of this Article, so essential to their Health; To guard against the Sufferings which the Prisoners lately, in our hands underwent for want of Cloathing, & of the other Necessarys which they had a Right to expect from their Friends, and to prevent the unjust Interpretations which have been thrown out with Regard to their Sufferings, His Excellency has thought proper to have this early Intimation convey’d to You, that you may take such Steps as You shall judge necessary for their immediate Supply.
I am likewise to inform You that the General has no Objections to your employing Mr Pintard or any other Person in furnishing your Prisoners with Provisions or any other Necessary Articles you may be

desirous of sending in to them. I am Sir with due respect Your Most Obedient & Most Humble Servant

Josa Loring Commissy for Prisrs


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 April 1777
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] 24th April 1777.

Your favor of the 23d was this moment Han⟨ded⟩ to me. The intelligence it contained, is very probable; for I have received advice, from New York, that Some of the dissaffected who went from this Quarter, have been Soliciting the Army to come up, to this Neighbourhood, to secure wagons and Teams. Yesterday I was well advised that twenty two Saile of different Sizes were anchored near Fort Washington; these I suppose contain the Troops you mention, but if the most of them contain Troops they must far exceed 700. If but this number come up, I trust they will not carry off many wagons or Teams; Especially if I get any reinforcement of Artillery.
I have been watchful of the Enemies motion since the River opened; and particularly So, Since they Vissited this Post; I have two whale Boats down the river, as far the Galley will permit them, Generally as Low as Tarry Town; so that if they do their duty I cannot be Surprized. At Night two strong Pickets mount. And I order the Commissary to keep but one days provision here. The Bagage and Stores in the rear, all under the Command of a Twelve Pounder; and work shops and Stables for the Public Horses in the Gorge of the Mountains. Two days ago the most of Dubois, Livingstons, and Cortlandts men who have not had the small pox I ordered to Fish Kill to be innoculated. I wish to be advised whether Camp Ketles, are to be sent with the detachments, when you may order them to Jersey, as we are not well Stocked with them. If they can be Supplied at Head Quarters; it will Save cartage and the Ketles from much damage. The most of the disorders in the Army last Campaign, were owing to the officers Sculking from their Corps, in Houses, distant from them. And in excuse alledged the want of Marques or Covering. I wish it may be in our power to remove this objection in which there is great Force, altho many of them did it of choice and would have done it had they been well covered; But tis imposible for Field Officers Adjutants and Quarter masters to do their duty with reputation; unless they can be covered with their Corps. And

we never shall have an orderly Army till this can be done. I therefore wish for our own honor, and that of the Army, if its Posible to procure three marques, for each regiment, one for the Major, another for the adjutant and the like for the Quarter master. These are always necessary to be continually with their Corps the others might be spaced some distance. I have done every thing you recommended to me in your favors of the 17th and 18th. Time will not permit me to make a Fair Copy of this which I hope will plead the want of that Formality. Inclosed are returns of the Strength of the detachments, and the three York regiments. I have detained the detachment of Col. Gansevorts at Fort Constitution, till the event of the movement of the Enemy on the River is know[n]. I am Sir, with great truth and regard Your Excellency’s very Humble Servt

Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 24 April 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia April 24h 1777 ten O’Clock A.M.

At nine this Morning I was honored with your Favor of Yesterday’s Date.
On the 22d Instant, Congress resolved that all the Troops in this State should immediately be moved to New Jersey, I accordingly ordered that they should march next Morning by the Way of Trentown to prince-Town, and from thence to Morris Town, by such a Rout as General Putnam or the commanding officer at prince-Town should direct—I hope they marched Yesterday and shall by this Conveyance send Copy of your Orders to General putnam, that the Troops may be disposed of agreeable thereto.
I have had Colonel Wood with me, but the Account he gives of the State of his Regiment is so confused that I can make Nothing of it—I have therefore ordered him to make a Return with explanatory Notes, but I fear I shall not get it in Time to inclose in this Letter.
Congress have appointed a Committee of Ways and Means for reinforcing you, who will also point out some Mode by which the Militia of this State may be drawn out.
Inclose your Excellency a Return made by Lieutenant Gurney, whom I sent to Maryland to hasten on the Troops—Most of the Effectives mentioned in it are already passed this and are included in Colonel Spotswood’s Return.
I shall not fail to send on the Troops as fast as they arrive and can

get their Cloathing the Want of which some Times detains them. I am Dr Sir with every Sentiment of Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 24 April 1777
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Annapolis April 24th 1777

On my arrival here at Christmas I found the Regular & flying Camp Officers in general much disgusted by the Appointments of the Commissioners, in which indeed there were irregula[ri]ties and Improprieties which no established Mode cou’d justify, many being below, others promoted above their Rank, & many more not appointed at all; which induced me, as the Appointments were incompleat, to make out & hand in to the Council of Safety a Roster General of the Rank of Officers in each Corps (a Copy of which is inclosed) urging the Necessity of the Appointments and Arrangement being immediately compleated, to facilitate & forward the recruiting Service to the utmost Extent—but in this as well as other Instances, where Power is delegated to Numbers, and in every Instance their Approbation must be obtained, Measures are generally under Consideration, whilst they should be in Execution—The Council judging their Powers incompetent to make the Appointments, called the Assembly to meet for this Purpose, where this Important Business has hung ever since ’till very lately, when they handed in a list of the Appointments with the Arrangement to Governor Johnson, fraught with the same Impropriety as was in the first Instance complained of, which occasioned many to resign, who have been since prevailed on to reasume their Commissions, upon the Rank being referred to your Excellency—thus has the

recruiting Service been retarded, the Officers being in suspence & not knowing in what Regiments or Rank they stood, have not acted with that Alacrity and Vigor which the Service required & wch they otherways might have done nor were the People here inclinable to enroll ’till those Points coud be ascertained.
Colonel Gist and myself by Order of Congress were sent on a very disagreeable Expedition to the eastern Shore, to quel an Insurrection of the Tories in Somerset and Worcester Counties, which tho attended with no difficulty or risque, detained us little less than two Months, in pursuance of inforcing & executing a Proclamation issued by the general Assembly of this State, granting an Indulgence of 40 Days for the Insurgents and others disaffected to avail themselves of the Benefit thereof, which perhaps might have answered better purposes had the Limitation only extended to Ten Days.
Every Letter of yours has given the strongest Impressions of the Expidiency of speedy and vigorous Exertions, nor has the favorable Opportunity (had you’ve been reinforced far below what might have been expected) of striking a deep Stroke escaped unnoticed—yet I sincerely Lament these Considerations have not had their proper Weight—such have been the tardy & fluctuating Measures adopted by our Legislature respecting Military Operations, that I can truly say, ’tho I have been here four Months (and in that Time only five Days at Home) I have not had it in Power to render any Material Service to the Continent, owing to these Embarrassments & the want of Cloathing, not more than 1000 Men of the Quota of this State have been marched agreeable to your Requisitions, & there remains about 500 under Inoculation who are in a favorable way & will be detached as soon as their Situation will admit, with what Recruits can be raised, & I flatter myself our Affairs will shortly wear a more favorable Aspect, from the train they will be put in under Governor Johnsons Administration. The Assembly have passed an Act to promote the recruiting Service, & to collect Blankets (for the Soldiery) from the Inhabitants of this State, which I hope will contribute to forward our Quota—I have inclosed for your perusal, the Arrangement & Rank rendered by the Assembly—also an Additional Roster of those who have been Advanced to Vacancies by the Governor & Council, with the Arrangement as it at present stands, & Colonel Richardsons Letter & Return; the Commissions are not yet made out otherways shou’d have inclosed a List with the Dates &ca.
I shou’d be glad to be favored with your Excellencys further Commands respecting my repairing immediately to Camp, or remaining here to forward & proceed with the Next Division. I have the Honor to be with sincere Regard Yr Excellencys most Obedt Hble Sert

W. Smallwood


Title: General Orders, 25 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown April 25th 1777.
CorkeDublin.

Colonels or commanding Officers of Corps must cause their regimental Pay-Masters to make up their Abstracts to the 1st of this month, and order them to attend at the Pay-Master General’s, for the money—Proper attention to the General Orders of this nature, issued on the 21st of last month, would not only have removed the Complaints of the Soldiers, for want of their pay, too frequently made to the Commander in Chief, but would have saved them much trouble in settling their accounts for money drawn upon account—The most punctual obedience must be paid to this order. No excuse for delay can, or will be, admitted.
They are also directed to make a return of their Surgeons and Mates, and to desire the Surgeons to make returns of the medicines, and instruments in their possession to the Director General at Head Quarters, on Monday next.

The Adjutant General will transmit Copies of these orders immediately, to all the Gentlemen concerned.
The officer of the day in visiting the Guards is to be particularly attentive to see that the Guard Houses are clean and in good order, particularly the Provost-Guard, which is to be clean’d every day; the rooms where the prisoners are confined, as well as the Guard-room—The officer relieving a Guard is to see that the old-Guard have clean’d & swept the house before he relieves them.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 25 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

Dear Sir,
Morris Town Apl 25th 1777

Your favor of the 14th is this day come to hand, & for the Instructions you require respecting your Cloathing, I refer you to mine of 28th Ulto the receipt of which you now acknowledge.
The Mode of exchange you speak of (large Men for small of other Regiments) I have no sort of Objection to, provided, the Men receiv’d & given in exchange are made fully acquainted with the Particulars before-hand, & voluntarily accord to it.
The Captaincy become vacant in your Regiment is to be fill’d by a Mr John Swan of Fredk County Maryland, a Gentleman strongly recommend’d to me by some Members of Congress, & whom (from other accounts) you will find fully Qualified to give great satisfaction in the Execution of his duty—He is at present under Confinement in Philada occasion’d by a Wound received in an Action near this place some time ago, I have wrote him to Join you with all convenient expedition & receive your Instructions how he is to proceed.
I repeat my request that you will send on your Regiment, Troop by Troop, as fast as you can equip them. I am Dear Sir Yr mo. Obed. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 25 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 25th April 1777

Yours of yesterday came to hand late last Night. As I have heard nothing further of the Troops that embarked on the 20th I can only recommend it to you to keep a vigilant look out for them.
The detatchments that are to come on need not bring Camp Kettles with them, if they are wanted with you, as we have a sufficiency here.
I am so well convinced of the Justice of your Remark upon the necessity of Officers being constantly in the Feild with the Men that I shall order a sufficient Number of Horsemens Tents or small Marque’s for the Officers, they will then have no excuse for Absence, except want of health.
By the Returns which you inclose, I find four Captains and the Adjutant of Colonel Livingstons Regt absent upon Furlough, and fourteen privates of Colo. Cortlands. I am surprized that any Officer of a Regt should grant a furlough at this time, or that any Officer should ask it, and I therefore desire that both Officers and Men of all the Corps, on Furlough, may be called in, and no more granted, but upon most extraordinary Cases.
I beg that every Officer who can be spared for the recruiting Service, may be detatched for that purpose, and I shall be glad to know, whether the new Regulation of your State to encourage inlistments has had any effect.
In your Returns you say nothing of the Connecticut Militia; be pleased in your next to make a Return of them, and also of any Militia of your State that may be in Service.
I expect Capt. Sewarts Company of Colonel Cranes Regiment of Artillery will be at peekskill by this time, I desire they may come immediately forward, for I have not an Artillery Man here, but those belonging to the State of pennsylvania, who are much wanted upon the Delaware at this present time. Their State have called for them and I promised to releive them as soon as I possibly could. Genl Knox informs me that a Company of Colo. Lambs will be with you soon, if not already, and another Company of Colo. Cranes. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. let the Returns of Militia be separate from those of the Continental.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 25 April 1777
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] 25th of April 177⟨7⟩

I am this moment favored with yours of Today; by the express riders. It has been my express orders, that no officer shall have furlough on any pretext whatsoever. The extreme hurry, which I am Continually kept in, by the arival of Small detachments and other business, prevented my examing those returns, with that attention I should otherwise have done. The adjut. of Colonel Cortlandt’s has had my leave to go down to New york, with a Flag which carried Prisoners exchanged; forwarded to me by General Schyler, to Solicit for the release of his wife; which I thought reasonable and good Policy. This must be the Furlough intended by the return. The conventions expedient raises men; and Col. Dubois makes Some progress out of the Militia now at Fort Montgomery. The Company of Artillery Shall be Quickened in their march. they are not Yet arrived. Returns shall be Sent you agreeable to orders; by a Safer conveyance than this may probably be. I have received a reinforcement Since my last of 140 of Col. Pattersons late regiment. At Sun Set, my whale boats returned, and brought me advice, of Eighteen Sail having come up as far as Dob’s Ferry; most of them Ships. The wind failed about that Time; and they anchored near it, the Tide is now in their Favor. Latter (and I think more authentic) intelligence, is that there are nine large Ships; Two of them of greater Size, than has appeared in the river. The Bagage and Stores of my litle army are in the Mountains. The Body of the Troops pretty compact. Two Strong Pickets out, well Posted; the whale Boats advanced on the river, and Signal Guns ordered; to Ala[r]m the Country, and every expedient taken to Guard against Surprise. Your excelency may rest assured, I shall do every thing in my power to protect the Country; and to maintain the reputation of the American Arms. I am again under the Necessity of beging your Candor; on this Hasty Scrawl as time

will not permit me to Copy it. I am Sir, with great respect Your Excellency’s very Humble Servt

Alexr McDougall

All the Boats but Two are moved from Kings Ferry under the Command of Fort Montgomery.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 25 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 25th April 1777

I am favoured with yours of the 9th & 14th instants. Upon the Receipt of the first I had no hopes of seeing you in the department which I wished, but by the latter I am pleased to find, that upon a full reconsideration of the matter, you had determined to accept of the office of Adjutant General, provided it had not been disposed of.
I am obliged to you for the free manner in which you unbosom yourself

to me, and must own, that the inducements, both of a civil and domestic nature, which influenced you upon the first View were weighty and hard to be overcome.
Colo. Lee came immediately here upon the Receipt of the letter which you forwarded to him, but expressed great diffidence of his Ability to execute the proposed Office, and candidly recommended you in preference to himself.
As I can therefore yet confer the Office upon you, without giving the least offence to Colo. Lee, I now confirm my first Offer, and shall expect to see you wherever the Head Quarters of the Army may be, as soon as the Situation of your private Affairs will admit, which I hope will not be long, as I can assure you your presence will be much wanted, indeed it is so much so at this time, that this important Office is in a manner unexecuted.
The Reason of your hearing nothing of this matter when you were here, was, that at that time it was expected and intended that Genl Gates was to re, assume the Office of Adjt General, but his presence having been afterwards deemed, by the Congress, necessary to conduct the Army at Ticonderoga, I was obliged to look round for some other, and you were recommended as the properest person for the purpose. I am Sir Yr obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Owen Biddle, 26 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Owen

Sir
H⟨e⟩ad Quarters Morris Town 2⟨6⟩ Apr⟨il⟩ 1777

I have your favor of the 19th and congratulate you upon the late discoveries you have made of some of the plans of our internal Enemies, and I hope the Clue you have got, will lead to something more important.

I never before heard of Mr Hughes, but upon enquiry, I am informed that he has ever been closely connected with Galloway, that alone is enough to excite suspicion at this time. I shall enquire further into his political Conduct for some time past, and if I find the least Grounds for a beleif that Fox’s testimony is true⟨,⟩ I shall have him apprehended.
I place no great dependance upon any thing that Shepherd has wrote to Fox, because it cannot be supposed that a Man, in his station, could possibly know any thing of the true intentions or Motions of the Enemy.
As I have no proof of Hartshorne and Bowne’s ever having been concerned in the practices I mentioned in my last, I cannot apprehend them. I gave you the hint, that if the thing should have been so, and they should return to Philada again upon the same errand, you might keep a watchful Eye upon them.
I have given orders to all the Officers at the out posts to suffer no more Women to pass in or out upon any pretence whatever.
I shall be obliged to you for communicating any material Intelligence that may come to your Knowledge, and you may be assured, that whenever I make discoveries of any suspicious persons harbouring in or about your City, you shall have the earliest Information. I am Sir with great Respect Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have dispatched an Officer this Morning to apprehend Hughes, and to carry him down to you. If Matters should not be fully proved agt him, I think it would be still proper to lay him under injunctions not to return home just at this time, for he is certainly a dangerous person and actively mischeivous just now.

Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 26 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear Sir,
Headquarters Morris Town.26º April 1777 2 oClock. P.M.

I wrote you on the 23d Inst. communicating Intelligence lately received respecting the Enemy’s designs up the North River—A letter from Genl McDougall this moment received, places their Intentions beyond the power of misconception—Several Transports have anchored at Dob’s ferry—& mean, in my Opinion, to divert our Attention, if possible, from their Movements towards the Delaware—At any rate they may attempt to make some Incursion into the Country back of this place, & if they can, seize the passes thro’ the Mountains, thereby aiming to cut off the Communication between the Army here, and the North River—To frustrate such a design effectually, I must repeat my desire, That you would post as good a body of Troops in the Mountains, West of the River, as you can collect, & spare from the Garrison—This will serve not only to retain our possession of the Passes, but will awe the disaffected & protect our Friends. I am Dear Sir, Yr most obdt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. If your brother’s attention is particularly confined to the Posts on the River—Would it not be attended with greater good if he would take Charge of the Troops designed for the purpose within mentioned, while you are confined to the Forts? If you think with me, please to write to him on this head.


Title: From George Washington to James Craik, 26 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, James

Dear Doctor,
Morristown April 26th 1777.

I am going to address you on a subject which may lay some claim to your attention, as I do to your candor in the determination of the proposition. In the Hospital department for the middle District (which District includes the States between the North or Hudson’s River, and Patowmack) there are at present two places vacant, either of which I can obtain for you: The one is Senior Physician, and Surgeon of the Hospital, with the pay of four Dollars and six Rations ⅌ Day, and Forage for one Horse: The other is Assistant Director General, with the pay of three Dollars and six Rations ⅌ Day; and two Horses, and travelling expenses found, according to Doctor Shippen’s (W.) Director General’s

account, who also adds that he thinks this latter the most honourable and desirable of the two. Had I expected that Congress would have proceeded to the Appointments in this department, at the time they did, I have no doubt, but that it might have been in my power to have got you any other place (except that of Directer General) but that is now over; and the matter in which I claim your candor, is, that you will not let my introducing the present proposition to you, have any undue influence.
You know the extent, and profit of your present practice; you know what prospects are before you. You know how far you may be benefitted, or injured, by such an appointment; and you must know, whether it is advisable, or practicable, for you to quit your Family, and practice, at this time. All these matters I am ignorant of; and request, as a friend, that my proposing this matter to you may have no influence upon your acceptance of it. I have no other end in view than to serve you; consequently, if you are not benefitted by the appointment, my end is not answered. I have only to add, therefore, a request, that you will let me know the result of your determination by the Return of the Post, or as soon as possible, as the places will be kept vacant ’till I hear from you. My best respects to Mrs Craik and your Family; and believe me to be, with the sincerest Regard and Esteem, Dear Doctor, Your Affectionate & obt servant,

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Glover, 26 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Glover, John

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town April 26. 1777

After the conversations, I had with you, before you left the army, last Winter, I was not a little surprised at the contents of yours of the first instant. As I had not the least doubt, but you would accept of the commission of Brigadier, if conferred upon you by Congress, I put your name down in the list of those, whom I thought proper for the command, and whom I wished to see preferred.
Diffidence in an officer is a good mark, because he will always endeavour to bring himself up to what he conceives to be the full line of his duty; but I think, I may tell you, without flattery, that I know of no man better qualified than you to conduct a Brigade, You have activity and industry, and as you very well know the duty of a colonel, you know how to exact that duty from others.
I have with great concern observed the almost universal listlesness, that prevails throughout the continent; and I believe, that nothing has contributed to it more, than the resignation of officers, who stepped early forward and led the people into the great cause, in which we are too deeply embarked to look back, or to hope for any other terms, than those we can gain by the sword. Can any resistance be expected from the people when deserted by their leaders? Our enemies count upon the resignation of every officer of rank at this time, as a distrust of, and desertion from the cause, and rejoice accordingly. When you consider these matters I hope you will think no more of private inconveniences, but that you will, with all expedition, come forward, and take that command which has been assigned you. As I fully depend upon seeing you, I shall not mention any thing, that has passed between us, upon this subject, to the Congress. I am Sir Your most humble servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 26 April 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada April 26th 1777.

Since I had the Honour of addressing you yesterday, the Congress have come to the enclosed Resolves, to which I beg Leave to refer your Attention.
General Schuyler, in Pursuance of the Orders of Congress, has dispatched Officers to forward the Troops to Head Quarters; and I am to request you will send some General Officer into the Eastern States, to hasten on the Troops already raised, to their respective Places of Destination.
If the enclosed Resolves for calling out a Part of the Jersey & Delaware Militia, together with the former Resolves for calling out the Militia of this City, can be happily carried into Execution, I make no Doubt your Army will be sufficiently reinforced to answer our most sanguine Wishes, and to baffle every Attempt of the Enemy. I have the Honour to be with every Sentiment of Esteem, Sir, your most obed. and very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 26th April 1777

I am favd with yours of the 16th and am glad to find that you are forwarding on the Troops with expedition. pray be careful to send new Cloaths after those who have marched without them, as the Quantity

drawn from the Eastward by the Cloathier General for the southern Troops is not more than sufficient for them.
I would not have those detatchments who have already marched by the common Rout countermanded, to go by the Green Woods. It was only meant to affect those who had not already began their march.
The Troops in Continental Service at Providence are to be paid with you, and if any of the Continental Battalions receive part of their pay before they come this way, they must bring Certificates setting forth how much they have recd from the paymaster in your department, agreeable to the form of the Regulations lately sent to you.
You will find by my late letters that the pay of Aids de Camp and Brigades Major is raised.
I have wrote to Genl Glover this day and hope he will continue in his Command.
Mr Pitts Horse was delivered to me two days ago in good order. I am obliged to him for parting with him and to the Gentlemen who interested themselves in getting him for me. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 April 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston April 26th 1777

This will be handed to you by Colonel Conway lately arrived from France & engaged by Mr Dean to enter the Service of the United States of America—He is accompanied by Two other Gentlemen viz. Capt. Balme and Monsr Danmours—The Three appear to be Officers of Abilities—They inform me that Mr Dean promised them that their Expences should be born to Philadelphia &c.—I must confess I scarcely know what to do with them, & wish Direction, I have advanced to Col. Conway, as advance pay 150 Dollars to enable him to proceed to Philadelphia—And to Capt. Lewis Fleury 50 Dollars—The latter is engaged as a Capt. Engineer.
The Old General De Borre grows uneasy that he does not hear from Congress or Your Excellency, and even talks of Returning—I think something should be determined respecting them or the Cause may be injured.

I have ordered the 25 Cases of Arms lately arrived here to be sent on to Springfield as the Honble Mr Langdon thought himself not at Liberty to deliver those at Portsmouth but to the Order of the Board of War—as I mention’d in a former Letter.
I think it is highly necessary, that not only part of the Cannon, but the Muskets, Flints, powder, Tents, & lead ball, the latter of which are of the proper Size for the new Arms, should be immediately forwarded to Springfield, in Order to their being conveyed to the Army—I intend to morrow morning again to send to Mr Langdon to desire, if he still thinks that he cannot deliver the Stores to the Commissary, but by Order of the Board of War that he would himself send them on & deposit them in some place more safe; and also more Convenient to the Army.
Genl Wayne has wrote down for sundry Stores to be sent on to Ticonderoga—Such as nails, Cordage, Painters Colours &c., which we shall procure and forward.
The State of Connecticut have determined to fill up their Regts by Draughts—The same mode is under Consideration here—And a Vote passed the Council this day in favor of it—whether it will be concurred by the House I cannot tell.
A number of Artificers skilled in making and repairing Gun Carriages &c., are come over with the Cannon, and I think would be very serviceable in the Labratory at Springfield.
The Assembly have promoted Lt Col. Vose of late Patterson’s Regt to the Command of it—Majr Vose of the same Regt to be Lt Col.—and Capt. Cogswell of Wesson’s to the Majority—In my next I will forward to your Excellency, the best return of the state of the Regts that I can obtain. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 26 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Head quarters. Morris Town. 26º April 1777. 2 oCk P.M.

I received your favour of yesterday this Moment. In my Opinion it is by no means improbable that the Enemy may aim at another descent upon the Country adjoining the North River; or if they are disappointed in their first design by your late additional strength, they may continue in the River in order to divert our Attention from their real attempt upon Philadelphia: during which Continuance the least inattention to the passes thro’ the Mountains may prove fatal, as the Enemy will certainly take advantage of it.

On this head I feel but little uneasiness, assured that your utmost Attention will be unweariedly applied to so important a Duty. I am Dear Sir Yr most Obdt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Capt. William Scott, 26 April 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, William

Letter not found: to Capt. William Scott, 26 April 1777. Tench Tilghman docketed Scott’s letter to GW of 17 April in part: “ansd 26th with orders to return the recruiting Money to Genl Heath or the Paymaster Genl if he cannot raise a Company.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Adam Stephen, 26 April 1777
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Westfield [N.J.] 26th April 1777

I went along the Outposts towards Woodbridge, where the Enemy made their Appearance, & Advancd as far as Col. Hendericks Picket yesterday; Upon the Appearance of Some of our Troops they returnd peaceably.
Capt. Flahen of Col. Ogdens Regimt, was orderd on a patrol the night before last—He pickt up Some pensylvanians, & Voluntiers, it is Supposd to the Number 25, for I can get No Certain Acct from Col. Dehart or Othrwise—Made an imprudent Attempt it is Supposd, wt. more Courage than Conduct; & is lost, with all his party, killd or taken, or how he Managd utterly unknown—I have orderd that no project Shall be Undertaken without the Approbation of the Officer Comma[n]ding the Corps; & that the partisan shall not keep roads leading to the Enemys post—Nor patrols go Constantly the Same Way—There is a daily desertion on our Lines, by which means the Enemy have perfect Notice of our Manner; & our Officers do not attend to the Alteration Necessary, upon the Enemys Recevg fresh Intelligence[.] I imagine the troops, lying Aboard the Transports in N. River are to Cooperate wt. the Torey Regiments, & pursue the plan I formerly mentiond.
Last night I sent orders to Col. Mathews in Newerk to Watch & Send a Circumspect Officer wt. a Party towards Hackensack—to Strive to get Boats enough at Newerk to Carry over 600 men; which would put it in our power to spoil their project of making a diversion wt. the tory Regt.
I intend to return to Chatham, by Spank & Quibel town & am with Respect, Sr your most Obt hue Sr.

Adam Stephen


Title: From George Washington to Major General Adam Stephen, 26 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

Dear Sir,
Head quarters. Morris Town. 26° April 1777.

I received your favour of this date from Westfield. It ever was against my inclination for an Officer to attempt any thing against the Enemy without the Knowledge & Consent of the Officer immediately commanding him; I wish therefore that you will endeavour to prevent the practice by which Capt. Flahen is missing, nor ever permit another to attempt a similar Affair without bringing him to severe Account—Here I must take the liberty to inquire whether the Orders I some time past sent you, directing an immediate Inquiry to be made into the Cause of some of our parties retreating on the approach of the Enemy—have been complied with—Both you & Genl Maxwell thought that there was misbehaviour somewhere; which persuaded me that the Inquiry would meet with no delay—Disappointed in this, I must insist that it be made without loss of Time, & sent up—that punishment, if deserved, may be inflicted—I am very sorry that my Orders have been too frequently unattended to—& most sincerely wish that in future no Cause for a similar Complaint may exist.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Oliver Towles, 26 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Towles, Oliver

Sir
Morris Town 26th Apl 1777

Your Letter of 15th Ulto came to my hands a few days since & after fully considering your Situation & Circumstances am of Opinion that

you cannot consistent with the honor of an Officer quit the Service of your Country at this interesting Period—I am at the same time desirous to give you every indulgence in my power that you may settle your private affairs which from what [is] mention’d in your Letter must be in a State of great Disorder. I shall rely on your Discretion & Sense of Honor to make the most prudent use of this Liberty, to Join your Regiment as soon as you possibly can, & that during the approaching Campaign you will not be under the Necessity of returning to Virginia—Whilst you stay in that State I shall expect your Assistance in recruiting & forwarding the Troops as also in taking up any Deserters you may hear off.

G.W.


Title: General Orders, 27 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 27th 1777.
Westfield.Chatham.


Title: To George Washington from Capt. Caleb Gibbs, 27 April 1777 [letter not found]
From: Gibbs, Caleb
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Capt. Caleb Gibbs, 27 April 1777. GW wrote Gibbs on 3 May: “Your Letter of the 27th Ulto is now before me.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Hartley, 27 April 1777
From: Hartley, Thomas
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
York Town Pensa. April the 27th 1777

I almost blush to write you a Letter of this Date from hence—I was in Hopes that ere this I should have had the greater Part of a Regiment with your Excellency at Camp—but am disappointment.
Since my Appointment, I have done all in my Power to Officer, recruit and provide for my Battalion as soon as possible—I have had difficulties in each Branch, but the prospect now becomes clearer.
Parts of four Companies of my Battn amounting to between 150 & 200 Men marched last Week towards Philada—they (except a few who perhaps will be stopped there to be innoculated) have probably left the City to join you—if they are not ordered to some other Station—they were nearly equipped.
I was unluckily about ten Days since taken with a Belious Fever I expected to have worked it of by Exercise, went as far as Lancaster

with the Men, but was advi⟨s⟩ed to return, I have daily a very high Fever, with some Intermissions one of which I make use of to write this Letter.
My Recruiting Officers I keep strictly to their Business—I have a Field Officer at Philada who recives and forwards on the Men, and I have sent on one Captain Nicholl who will be able to take Care of the Soldiers at Camp, till Lieut. Colonel Conner or myself can relieve Major Bush at Philada who is to go on and take the Command of the first Detachment According to the best Information I have recived, as I have no regular Returns, the following is about the State of my Regiment as to Recruits. vizt

            Ranks & File

            Captain Eichelbergers Companies
            about

            80

            Captain Nicholls
            Do

            66

            Captain Hopes
            Do

            40

            Captain Stodderts
            Do

            56

            Captain Kelleys
            Do

            40

            Captain Wilson
            Do

            30

            Captain Bush
            Do

            40

            Captain McAllister
            Do

            40

            392
            Total

Out of the Number I have mentioned there are several Deserters but I am in hopes these are replaced by other Men.
The Congress by some Resolutions of the 14th inst. have recommended certain Modes to the States for filling their Quotas of Troops—as the sixteen Additional Battalions do not seem properly to belong to any State, I presume they must mannage as well as they can. I had early Intelligence of the Resolves & have availed myself of them as well as possible considering that I am confined to my Bed or Chamber—I trust that very soon I shall have 500 Men—My Disorder seems to appear favourable—As soon as I am able I shall not stay a Moment here.
I have had occasionally some Resignations & have for the conveniency of the Service made some alterations in the original Appointments which I shall mention to you when I have the Honour of waiting on you—from what I can learn I shall have a good Corps of Officers. Many of them are Persons of liberal Educations and all are firmly attached to the Interest of their Country. They seem very desirous to recruit the Battn when that is done with a little Experience We may be of some Service to our Country, which is the wish of your Excellencys most Obedt humble Servt

Tho. Hartley

P.S. I am forwarding the rest of the Men as fast as I can. your &a

T. Hartley

I have wrote to the Leut. Coll to apply to you for a Warrant for five or more thousand Dollars for the Recruiting Service—We want it badly—I presume your Excellency will grant it—he will further it on to me. yours &a

T. Hartley


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln and Brigadier Generals William Maxwell and John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, 27 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin,Maxwell, William,Muhlenberg, John Peter Gabriel

Sir.
Head Quarters Morris Town 27th April 1777

I am well convincd that the amazing desertions which have of late prevail’d among our Troops, proceeds intirely from their not being regularly paid; For it is not to be supposed, that the bare encouragement of recieving a few Dollars from the Enemy for their Arms could operate so forcibly upon them. I have in vain endeavour’d to make the officers bring in their Pay Rolls and draw their money, they plead in excuse that they are so exceedingly detach’d they cannot possibly make up regular Rolls, and there may be something in this, But there is a cause which I fear will be found upon examination too true, and that is, that the Officers have drawn large sums, under pretence of paying their men, but have been obliged from extravagance and for other purposes, to appropriate this money to their own use—There is a necessity at this time for the mens being paid up as nearly as possible. I therefore desire that you will have the different Corps—under your command—paraded, inquire of them what pay is due to them, order

the Paymaster or Commanding officer to draw as much as will be necessary and when it is drawn, see that the Soldiers have their proportion. It would be well to let the Soldiers know that this irregularity of Pay has been owing to the hurry in which they have been detach’d into the Field but that their wants shall be fully supply’d—I also desire that you will inform the officers, that as soon as the regts are drawn together, I shall cause an exact scrutiny to be made into their accounts, and enquire how these complaints of the Soldiers arise for want of pay, when large sums have been advanced for that purpose. I am Sir your most hum. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 27 April 1777
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Bound brook [N.J.] April 27th 1777.

Colonel Spotswood marchd in this morning with a detachment from the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, & 12th Virgn. regiments, 533 privates, fourth Maryland Regt, 99, the 2d 3d 4, 9, 10, 11 & part of Colo. Pattens regiment from Pennselvania, 357, privates, The detachment from the 3d, 4th 5 6 & 9th Virgna amo: to 67 privates are to march and join their respective regiments toward Chatham. We had here yesterday a deserter from Brunswick he brings us, no intelligence materially different from what we daily receive saving that the number at Brunswick & the Landg amt to 10,000 & that the enemy will not march in less then 9 days & he finally said he had been informed that their march would be delaied for a month.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 27 April 1777
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] 27th April 1777.

Since my last the Enemys Ships remain anchored from Dob’s Ferry to Philip’s, the wind haveing been against them; and very precarious Since they came there. Their Number, by the best intelligence, received this morning is Twelve Large, Square riged Vessels, and a Number of Tenders; the wind is Still against them. The inclosed Letters will communicate to you disstressing and Shameful intelligence. It has been confirmed from another Quarter; but none later from Danburry than Col. Huntingsons. I have not been able to learn that one Musket has been discharged against the Enemy, or any other opposition given than the taking up of one Bridge. I have Sent off three good riders for intelligence; and Shall advise you of the result. If the Enemy should be Embolden by their Success, at Danburry to proceed [to] Frederics burgh and from thence to Fish Kills, my Posit⟨ion⟩ is very dangerours. I shall be obliged to change it: and make the best use I can of my force. The Shipping being So near me; and the wa⟨nt⟩ of meat for many of the Troops for two days, prevent my moving on Conjecture. The Former is the fault of those, who furnish provission and who have been wrote to, many days to supply this post. Some However is expected Hourly. As I have had no advice of Ships passing to the Eastward from Newyork, and the winds haveg been for Some time in that Quarter, I suspect the Troops of the Enemy, who landed at Campo to be from Rhode Island. The most irreparable loss we Shall Suffer from them, is 1690 Tents removed to Danburry from Fish Kill. Since I wrote the preceeding, I am informed the Ships which carried the Troops to Campo, came from New-York. Time will only permit me to add that I am your Excellency’s very Hble Servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: From George Washington to John Mercereau, 27 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mercereau, John

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 27th April 1777

In order to know whether the floating Bridges that we have so often heard of, are really meant to be thrown over the Delaware, it is necessary to know the Width of that River at the narrowest places, that are approachable and then by comparing the width of the River, with that we understand is the length of the Bridge, we can form a pretty good Opinion. I therefore desire that you would begin at Coryels or a little

above and proceed down to the Falls, taking an Account of the different Fords and crossing places and the Width and Depth of the River at them—I beg you will have this done as soon as possible and whatever expence attends it, shall be paid by the quarter Master. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Mallam Neil, 27 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Neil, Elizabeth Mallam

Madam,
Morris Town April 27th 1777.

I hoped to have given you a more favourable Acct of my application to Congress, in your behalf, than the Inclosed resolution will convey. but that Honble body have, I presume, thought it rather too early to adopt a measure of this kind yet—what they may do hereafter, I cannot undertake to say. In the meantime, as I sincerely feel for your distress, I beg your acceptance of the Inclosd as a small testimony of my Inclination to serve you upon any future occasion. I am Madam, Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have receivd, & am much obliged to you for the Piece of Buff Cloth.

G: W——n

Fifty Dollars sent.


Title: General Orders, 28 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown April 28th 1777.
Georgia.Hartford.

Every Corps must immediately put their Arms in the best firing Order, and be completely furnished with Ammunition; the commanding

Officers will see this done, as they will answer for the least neglect of this important duty—The Qr Mr Genl to furnish them with Tents, and proper conveniencies for carrying them, that they may be ready to move with the troops, at the shortest notice.
The General laments the necessity he is laid under of repeating his Orders, by which Officers were forbid to ride about the Country, thus absenting themselves from their duty—If any sudden call for offensive or defensive measures should be made, during their absence, they will assuredly be brought to severe account.
The Major Generals will publish these Orders at their respective posts, for which purpose the Adjutant General will furnish them with copies.
The following Sentences of the General Court Martial, held at Boundbrook, whereof Major Robinson was President, are approved by the Commander in Chief.
Serjt William McDonald of the 5th Pennsylva Battalion reduced.
Samuel Philips, Private of the 8th Penn: Battalion reprimanded on the public parade.
Henry Randal, Private of the 8th Penn: Battalion acquitted and discharged from confinement.
Lieut: Simvall of the 8th Penn: Battalion for “Refusing to do duty”—Cashiered.
Ensign McKee of the 8th Penn: Batt: acquitted and discharged from confinement.
Samuel Haws, Private 5th Penn: Battalion to do duty as a Camp Colour-man ’till excused by his Colonel.
Michael McDonald Private 5th Penn: Battalion For “Leaving his post,” to receive 50 lashes.
Serjt Elisha Reynolds of the 5th Penn: Battalion for “Inlisting into two different regiments”—reduced to the ranks.
Serjt William Preston of the Wyoming Rangers, for “Having made known the Watch-Word to a person not entitled to receive it,” to be reprimanded in the presence of all the troops at Boundbrook.
Thomas Pickett, Private of Capt: Ransom’s Company, Wyoming Rangers, for “Desertion”—to receive 50 lashes.
Stephen Harding, Private of Capt: Durkee’s Company, Wyoming Rangers, for “Desertion”—to receive 50 lashes.
William Davidson, Private of Capt: Durkee’s Company, Wyoming Rangers, for “Desertion”—to receive 50 lashes.
Nathaniel Williams, Private of Capt: Durkee’s Company, Wyoming Rangers, for “Desertion”—to receive 50 lashes.
Nathaniel Faye, Private of Capt: Durkee’s Company, Wyoming Rangers, for Desertion—to receive 50 lashes.

Richard Halstead, Private of Capt. Durkee’s Company, Wyoming Rangers—for “Desertion”—to receive 15 lashes.
James Bagley, Private of Capt: Durkee’s Company, Wyoming Rangers, for “Desertion”—to receive 50 lashes.
Hulver Harding, Private of Capt: Durkee’s Company, Wyoming Rangers, for “Desertion”—to receive 50 lashes.
John McIntire, Private in the 5th Penn: Battalion for “Threatning to desert to the Enemy”—to receive 100 lashes.
The Commander in Chief (taking into consideration the late distracted State of the 8th Pennsyl: Battalion, an inquiry into the cause of which he has directed to be made without loss of time) is pleased to suspend the execution of the Sentences of Alexander McKay—David Livinston, John Dilworth, John Edgar, Jacob Knight, John McClaugherry, William Roach, Daniel Clark, John Kirckendal, & Jacob Wilker—Privates of that Battalion, ’till the proceedings of the Court are reported to him.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir.
Morristown April 28th 1777.

I last night received the favor of your Letter of the 26th with the Resolves to which it alludes.
The views of Congress in sending General Officers to the Eastward, to hasten on the Troops, have been long anticipated. Genl Poor is in New Hampshire for the purpose; General Heath in Massachusets Bay, with Brigadrs Nixon, Glover and Patterson; General Varnum in Rhode Island, and Genl Parsons in Connecticut—Genls Spencer & Arnold too, have been desired to attend to the business. to these Gentlemen I have wrote repeatedly, in the most pressing terms upon the Subject, and I have no reason to doubt, but every exertion on their part, has been employed to promote the end. The delay of those, who have inlisted, has arisen from the late period when they engaged, and from their being innoculated since, which could not be dispensed with, without subjecting them to the calamities & ravage of the Small pox in the natural way.
At three OClock this morning, I received a Letter from Genl McDougal inclosing three from Colo. Huntingdon, Copies of the whole of which, I have transmitted. By these you will perceive, the impression which a part of General How’s Army has made into Connecticut, and the prospect they had of destroying such of our Stores as were deposited in Danbury, which unfortunately, were but too large & considerable, if the Event has taken place. A circumstance, perhaps more to be regretted, is, that the Enemy marched through a strong & rough Country and were near that place, without the smallest Opposition. I have no other information upon the Subject, than what these papers contain, but we have little ground to expect, that they have not accomplished their purpose. Further intelligence will be probably received to day or to morrow, when I shall be happy to hear, that they

have paid for their Enterprize; of this I confess however, I am not very sanguine in my expectations. This post had been considered as a proper depository for Stores by Gentlemen acquainted with it, and its security not thought questionable, whilst Troops were passing through it. I had also directed, that as many of the drafts in Connecticut, as the place was capable of accommodating, should be collected there and innoculated to answer the purpose of a guard, hoping by the time of their recovery, that the situation of the Army would be such, as to admit a strong one to be stationed there and continued; but unhappily for us, such languor and supineness prevails every where, that we seem unable to effect any point we wish, though never so important and interesting. So early as the 6th of March, I wrote Govr Trumbull, earnestly requesting Two Thousand Militia to be sent to Genl McDougal to be employed at pecks Kills and on the communication in West Chester County for Six Weeks: With this requisition he most readily complied, so far as his orders were necessary, and, I am certain, his influence would extend. This I have repeated, and this Supply he has exerted himself to furnish—Yet so ineffectual have his endeavours been, that not more than Eight Hundred had come out by Genl McDougals return on the 17th Instt—nor did he expect more from the accounts he had. In a word, Sir, no expedient or pains have been unattempted by me, to bring on Troops & to keep our Affairs on a favourable footing.
I would again mention, the case of our prisoners with the Enemy, and pray that the Secret Committee would send to Mr Boudinot supplies of Money for them, as early, as possible. they are in great distress, and many Officers have lately escaped contrary to the tenor of their parole, some of whom now here, urging that necessity compelled them to the measure. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 April 1777
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Bound brook [N.J.] April 28th 1777

The Maryland, and the ninth Pennsylvania regiment were, by a mistake, returned yesterday as being in camp here, they were left behind.
Colonel Brodhead informs me that there are many vacancies in his regiment—he hath handed to me the inclosed list, wishes the Gentlemen therein named might be appointed to fill them.
I cannot git a return from the independent companies in any measure satisfactory. one of the captains who went in pursuit of deserters, carried off with him his papers as early as I can come at the truth I will mention it in the next return. I wish they were ordered to join some Regt.
Major North, of the 10th Pennsylvania regiment informs me that a sergeant & ten of his men are at samptown, he wishes that they may be ordered to join him as he is now paying and cloathing His men.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 28 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dr Sir
Morristown April 28th 1777

At three OClock this morning, I received your favor of the 27th. The intelligence it contains, is interesting and truly distressing. By this time, I fear, the Enemy have effected their purpose and destroyed all the Stores at Danbury; I wish those at Fredericksburg may not have shared the same fate. After accomplishing this enterprize, it is probable they will return to their Ships with expedition; If they have not done it, it is most devoutly to be wished, that their retreat could be cut off. You I am certain, will act for the best and as circumstances shall point out; However, I am induced to beleive, that the Ships sent up the North River have but few Troops on board, and the design of their being there, was to amuse and call your attention with the Troops to

Pecks Kills and the other posts, ’till the detachment from the Sound executed their plan, or they would have disembarked at the same time, and made some other different attempt. Under this persuasion, I could wish you, unless some facts within your own knowledge or such as appear to be tolerably well founded from the information you have received, contradict the measure, to try to cut off their retreat, by detaching All the Force you can spare & which shall not be absolutely necessary to guard the passes in the mountains and to maintain the Forts. I can not, nor do I mean, to prescribe any line of duty—I have only mentioned my ideas of the North River Shipping & the views with which they were sent, and my wishes to make the detachment from the Sound pay for the Enterprize—if circumstances will allow it. I am Dr Sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Captain Robert McKenzie, 28 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McKenzie, Robert

Sir,
Morris Town Aprl 28th 1777.

Your favour of the 20th Ulto did not reach my hands till the 19th Instt; since which I have made an unavailing enquiry of several Gentn from the Eastward after the Capturd ship Lord Stanley—This enquiry I will continue—but if in the meanwhile, you could furnish me with any clue that might facilitate the end you have in view, and I wish to be the Instrument of accomplishing, I should be glad to be favour’d with it. I am Sir, Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Emmanuel de Pliarne, 28 April 1777
From: Pliarne, Emmanuel de
To: Washington, George

Sir
Near hallifax North Carolina April 28th 1777.

Since I am upon my way to south Carolina, I received Letters From France wich Give the Fairest prospect For the American Cause. My Friends write to me they will Furnish clothing and ammunition to the Largest quantity and will be Glad in any time to shew their attachement to this Country.
M. Penet Desires me, sir, to present to you his respectful Compliments. Doctor Franklin told him the honourable Congress had asked from you the Favour to be your aide-Camp in France and you had send the Commission. M. Penet has not received it and begs of your Kindness to send the Commission by triplicata.
I have, sir, an other Favour to ask From you in the same Line. it is For a young son of one of our Friends and Partner, M. Gruel at Nantes. a Commission of a Lieuftenant in one of your Regiments or of Virginia or Pensilvania shou’d be Extremely agreeable to them. the Name of the Boy is Jan-Jacques Gruel, Son of Jacques Gruel of Nantes in the Kingdom of France.
it is, sir, to have a Rank in your army, without Mentioning in the Commission Nor bearing appointements nor any thing of that Kind.
I Dare Flater Myself you will be Good Enough to oblige me in this and to be Convinced I am with Respect sir your Most faithful and obedt servt

Pliarne

P.S. I pray your Excellency to present My Respects to your Lady. if you will send to M. Robert Moriss at Philadelphia and to Colonel William Aylet at Williamsburg some Copyes of the Commissions, they will send them to france.
I passed throught Frederiqksburg and Williamsburg where I have been Received with the Greatest Civilities by your Friends and Relations.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Gurdon Saltonstall, 28 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Saltonstall, Gurdon

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town April 28. 1777.

An abstract of pay for you from the 7th Septemr to the 27th November is this moment presented to me; in which you demand pay as Brigadier from the 10th of Septr: This I confess to be altogether unexpected, as, if I remember right you were but a very few days with the army; and when, your imperfect state of health required you to leave it, I had no other idea than that you meant at that time to decline the service, and would not continue to claim the emoluments attending the post of Brigadier, for which the public was to derive no equivalent. I am persuaded on recollection you will concur with me in opinion,

that there is a manifest impropriety in the Public’s being three or four hundred dollars out of pocket, without receiving any adequate benefit or compensation; and will readily approve my not complying with your order in favour of Col: Latimer. If you will send me an abstract charging your pay as Col: & as Brigadier while you were really in service, together with Major Saltenstals pay who continued with the army, I will give a warrant to receive the money. I am Sir Your most Obdt servt.


Title: General Orders, 29 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown April 29th 1777
Joppa.Kingston.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Grayson, 29 April 1777
From: Grayson, William
To: Washington, George

Dumfries [Va.] 29 April 1777. “I have nothing new to inform you of relative to this regiment, since my last, except the resignation of some of the officers, from their inability to raise men. The inclos’d is from Mr Montgomerie of this town, which I take the liberty to transmit to you.”


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 29–30 April 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada April 29[-30]th 1777.

You will perceive from the enclosed Resolves which I do myself the Honour of transmitting, that Congress have had under Consideration the State of Ticonderoga and have come onto sundry Re⟨solv⟩es on the Subject. I beg Leave to refer your Attention to them, and am particularly to urge that you immediately write to the Eastern States and request them in the Name of Congress to pursue every Means for compleating and forwarding the Troops ordered for that Post. From the approach of the Enemy in that Quarter, it is highly probable, that Delay in the Matter, will be attended with the Loss of that important Pass.
I have wrote to Genl Gates, and to the Convention of New York relative to the enclosed Resolves. I have the Honour to be, with Sentiments of the greatest Respect, Sir your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt

April 30th. Since writing the foregoing, Congress have come to sundry other Resolves, which I enclose and to which I must refer your Attention. Your Favour of the 28th Inst. I was duely honoured with, and immediately laid it before Congress.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 29 April 1777
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir,
Philadelphia 29th April 1777

Being often obliged to write in great haste, is the reason that I sometimes omit to date my letters. But I am now to acknowledge the favor of yours of the 24th, and I readily acquiesce with your reasons concerning the Iron works—I was indeed not apprized of so great a number of these being in Jersey. I shall certainly exert myself to have your views for Gen. Arnold and Colo. Huntington carried into execution. This day the Committee of Secret Correspondence received a letter from Doctor Lee of later date as you will see than the former of which I sent you an extract. From the letter now received is taken what I have now the honor to inclose you. I realy believe it contains the true design of the enemy, and it may serve to explain the late Apparatus of Boats with Gen. Howe, and the continuance of the Troops at Rhode Island. It may be some advantage to us to be apprized of their intentions. Doctor Lee is of opinion that the state of Europe was so critical, that it seemed impossible a war could hold off three months. However this may be, you are certainly right Sir, that our utmost vigor and vigilance should be exerted. I am, with most unfeigned esteem, dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant

Richard Henry Lee

P.S. I think this plan of dividing their force, highly advantageous for us. Be pleased to accept my thanks for Mr Swans appointment.

R. H. Lee


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 29 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 29th April 1777

I do myself the honor of transmitting the inclosed Resolve of Congress passed the 25th inst.
I shall be obliged if you will, agreeable to the requisition therein made, order out One Thousand of the Militia of your State to continue in Service Four Weeks from the time they join the Army. I mention four Weeks because I think by your late Militia Law, you cannot insist upon their Service for a longer term at one time—But if it can be prolonged, I could wish it might be for six or eight Weeks. The place at which I at present intend to post them, is from pompton extending towards Hackensack, they will then protect the well affected, awe the disaffected, and serve to check the Tory Regiments under Brown, Van Buskirk &ca who are kept at Bergen and intice many persons to join them from the adjacent Country and from Sussex.
General Heard is at present at Pompton he has about three hundred Men under his Command, whose Tour of duty I fancy has almost expired, therefore those Regiments or Companies that can be soonest put in Motion should be ordered to march with all Expedition to Pompton and put themselves under Genl Heards Command, or whatever Brigadier of the State may be then in Service.
That there may be no disproportion between the Number of Officers and Men I enclose you the Regulation of Congress of the 21st March for that purpose, Copy of which you will please to transmit to the Colonels or commanding Officers of Battalions, letting them know at the same time that if there should be more Officers in the feild than specifyed in the inclosed, no pay will be allowed to them.
As you think Colo. Duykink a prisoner in the Military Line, I must keep him confined, for he is too dangerous to be set at liberty at this time. I have the honor to be &c.

P.S. There will probably be occasion to keep up some Militia in Monmouth County and I should therefore be glad to be understood that the Body of 1000 is to be seperate and distinct from them.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 29 April 1777
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] 29th April 1 P.M. 1777

The wind blowing Fresh Northerly on Monday, and likely to continue for Two or three days, whenever I received a litle provission for the men I marched at 10 at Night, with about 1200 and one Field piece towards Bedford, in hopes to fall in with the Enemy there from the intelligence contained in No. 8 of the inclosure. At Ten the next Morning I arrived at the South End of the Town, at the Road leading from Ridgfield; which is Ten Miles from Bedford. I had but Just arrived there when two expresses came in and informed me, that the Enemy had left ridgefield that morning at day brake and Marched towards Norwalk, which is but 17 Miles from the Former; and that they had met with no opposition all the morning, This intelligence deprived me of all hopes of Coming up with them, in that distance as they had rested at ridgfield the night before, and we had marched 21 Miles thro very ruff ground without Sleep or refreshment. Altho I hoped the Public and my Superiours would Justify my risquing this Post when there was some prospect of advancing the Service, Yet I considered it madness to risque it, in a Fruitless pursuit of the Enemy; and therefore returned here this moment; after a very fatigueing march which the Troops endured with great Patience. Your favor of the 26th found me at Bedford and that of the 28th two miles South of Croton Bridge. The inclosures will give all the intelligence I am poss[ess]ed of. I am Your Excellency’s Humble Servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 29 April 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] April 29th 1777

I do myself the Honour of acknowledging the Receipt of yours of the 17th instant to the Board enclosing a List of Officers appointed in the new Levies by your Excellency. I send you a Number of Returns of Stores in the Commissary Generals Departments of Provisions & Military Stores. Neither of these are accurate. I am certain the Military Stores are not exactly ascertained & I most ardently hope the Returns of Provisions are far under the Mark; but as this latter Department has not (except in Instances of Irregularities which have often been truly lamentable) fallen so immediately under the Notice of the Board, I cannot pronounce with any Certainty about it.
I was desired by the Board sometime ago & fear I neglected to inform you that Congress had made Provision in their medical Arrangement for regimental Surgeon’s Mates as your Excellency has no Doubt since percieved in the printed Copies of the resolves of Congress relative to the Hospitals &c. The enclosed Letter is from our Town Major Nicola who would be obliged by your sending it by the first Flag. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect your very obed. Servt

Richard Peters Secy


Title: General Orders, 30 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 30th 1777.
LincolnManchester


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 April 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston April 30th 1777

I have just received the honor of your’s of the 18th Instant—In my last I observed that I had sent an Express to the Hon. Mr Langdon—he returned me an Answer last night, that he would upon the Commissary’s Coming down again deliver him the Stores, & afford him all the Assistence in his power to remove them—I have ordered him down immediately.
The Lead Ball, Flints, Powder & Tents, I have ordered to be sent on first to Springfield, and the Cannon to Cambridge, expecting to receive your Excellency’s special Orders respecting them, before I shall be able to remove them all to that place—There are also great Quantities of Rum, Molasses, Flour, Rice & Salt in this place, belonging to the United States, which the Commissary is sending back to different places, between this & Springfield; so that the public Expence will be very considerable here—Must therefore depend on Your Assistance for procuring a further Supply of Monies, and thank your Excellency for the promised Aid, shall desire Mr Hancock to write immediately to Congress on the same Subject.
A very disagreable report prevails here this day viz. that the Enemy have landed a Body of Troops at Fairfield, marched to Danbury, & burnt all our Stores at that place—which I hope in God is not true—I think our Stores are collected in too large Quantities—The more considerable the Magazines, the more they attract the Attention of the Enemy, who will not fail to venture great Hazards to destroy them, well knowing that the best appointed Army will be reduced to Extremity thereby—Should not the magazines be scattered in the Rear of the Army, & at considerable distance one from the other—I must confess I am in pain on Account of the large Quantities of Stores, & provisions which are deposited at Ticonderoga, which alone are an Object that will not fail to engage the Attention of the Enemy; & are in my Opinion If I may be allowed to express it, too many to be trusted at an Out post situated as that of Ticonderoga is.
I have enclosed your Excellency a Sketch of a Return of the Regiments here—It is by no means accurate, but the best that I can obtain—The number march’d is more than is born on the Returns in that Column—the Total considerably greater—but it is almost impossible

to get the Returns—the Committee refuse to commission some Officers—I suppose such Officers withhold the Returns of their Men—A considerable number of Officers have also received Inlisting Orders from the Assembly & are not as yet arranged in any Regiment—from such, Returns are not obtained by me.
I shall invariably continue to push on the Troops.
I have been oblig’d to order a Guard of 20 men to remain at Springfield, to guard the Magazine &c.—they mount Six men daily—the 20 gives them three Relieves—Some Gentlemen of the place have offered to raise a Guard for the purpose aforesaid, if the Continent will pay them, provided they remain in the Town—Should be glad of your Excellency’s Opinion & direction—should it be adopted, 20 men now detained may join the Army.
Our Frigates have not yet put to Sea—A number of private Ships are fitting to sail with them which is to be very soon—with a determination to clear the Bay.
General Sullivan has just arrived here on his way to the Army. I have the Honor to be your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 30 April 1777
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Borden Town [N.J.] 30th April 1777

I learn that Mr Fell one of the Members of the Council of this State was lately taken out of his own Bed in Bergen County by the Tories,

and carried a Prisoner to New york—Considering his public Utility as a very valuable Member of our Legislature and incorruptible Attachment to the Cause of american Liberty, in a County abounding with its Adversaries; the delicacy of his Constitution & advanced years, I cannot refrain from being exceedingly sollicitous for his Enlargement as soon as he can be exchang’d consistent with your Excellencys plan for the Exchange of Prisoners.
To the above Considerations for Mr Fell’s being redeemed from his Captivity as soon as possible, You will indulge me in superadding, that one of our Council never qualified, nor, I suppose, ever means to attend; & being chosen for a County, (Middlesex) the Inhabitants of which, from its present State, are incapable of supplying the vacancy, the Board is by that means reduced to twelve. Another is disabled from giving his Attendance by reason of his bodily Indisposition: A third lately gone to Susquahannah, I suspect from want of a competent share of Resolution to discharge the Duties of his office—This with Mr Fells being in the hands of the Enemy, reduces the Council to nine; & not less than seven making a Quorum, a variety of Accidents may prevent the Attendance of three out of nine; & then all Legislation is obstructed.
Considering the great Deficiency of our Battalions in point of Number, the Governor & Council of Safety have recommended it to the Speaker to call the General Assembly (which stood adjourned to the 21st of May) to meet the 7th of that Month, at Haddonfield; where, I shall take a pleasure in learning from your Excellency, every Instance in which it is in my Power to promote the Service. I am with great Respect your most humble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Joshua Loring, 30 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Loring, Joshua

Sir
Morristown 30th April 1777.

I beg leave to refer you to a Letter from Elias Boudinot, Esqre, which accompanies this, for an Answer to your Two favors of the 24th Ulto & 8th Instant. That Gentn is appointed to the Office of Commissary of Prisoners in the Army of the American States, and I am to request that whatever business you may have to negotiate in that line, may be transacted with him in future. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

G: W—h—n


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 30 April 1777
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] 30th April 1777

I wrote you yesterday by the express rider, and Sent you inclosures of all the intelligence I was poss[ess]ed of relative to the Enemies expedition to Danburry. The inclosd was one of those dispatches which induced me to move to Bedford but was mislaid when I wrote you last. Captain Suel’s detachment of Artillery is Just at Hand; but to my great mortification find the most of them have not had the small Pox: And by a late favor of yours I am interdicted Sending any to Head Quarters, who have not had that disorder. I have therefore ordered Captain Suel to repair immediatly to the Forts, and exchange as many of the Train there, who have not had the small Pox, for like Number of his; till they are innoculated. In the mean time it will take, three or four days, before his can be fit to take the disorder, which will give an opportunity to receive your further direction on this Subject. I congratulate you on the important advice brought by the Bearrer. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency very Hble Servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 30 April 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia April 30t. 1777

Inclose your Excellency sundry Resolutions of Congress, which are to be executed if approved of, by you, and also the Quarter Master General and Commissary General’s Orders to their Deputies for that purpose, to be expedited or detained as your Excellency shall judge best.
The Reasons which induced the House to adopt the first Resolutions were founded on an apprehension that if the Enemy should penetrate the Country by Hudson’s River, and your Excellency should be under the Necessity to march into Ulster, that you would be greatly distressed for provisions, that part of the Country affording little or none of the Meat Kind, altho’ there is great plenty of Flour; not less than 20,000 Barrels as the president of the Convention informs me in a Letter of the 18t. Instant: that it did not appear to the House that the Removal of the salted Meat from Derby and the three other places mentioned in the Resolve would put you to any Inconveniency. If you should be under the Necessity of marching into that part of New York on the East Side of Hudsons River, Connecticut or the Massachusetts Bay a Supply of the Meat Kind can be furnished from or in the two last mentioned States, and Flour in or from the former—That the Wheat mentioned in the fourth Resolve should remain where it is, to be thence sent into the more interior part of the Massachusetts Bay, should the Enemy attempt a Debarkation in any of the Eastern States, and thereby render it necessary to keep up an army in that Quarter—The sixth Resolution was founded on a Conviction that there is a Sufficiency of Flour in the District mentioned for the Support of the Northern army. These being the general principles on which the Resolutions I have quoted were founded, the others, in a Manner follow of Course.
Inclose your Excellency Copy of a Return of the Wheat and Flour now in the County of Albany exclusive of what is purchased for the Use of the army, which is very considerable.
I propose, in a Day or two, to resign my Commission; as soon as I have done it I shall transmit to your Excellency my Reasons for such a Step.
Inclose your Excellency Colonel Wood’s Return—I have attempted, ever since my last, to procure a Return of the Troops in this City, but

hitherto in vain—I am however promised it to Day, and shall transmit your Excellency a Copy by the first Conveyance—I believe they amount to about eleven hundred many of which wait for Cloathing and accoutrements & others move to Bristol to Day. I am dear Sir most respectfully Your Excellency’s obedient humble Servant:

Ph: Schuyler