Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 9 November 1776
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Elizabeth Town [N.J.] 9 Novr 1776

Your Favour of the 7th Instant I had the Honour of receiving last Evening being accidentally in Town, where upon Occasion of it & some other publick Business I staid the whole Night. After sending for General Williamson, and beginning to prepare a Copy of your Letter for General Mercer, the Latter happen’d to come in person, and was of great Use in the Business before us. We examin’d Six or Seven Women who came from New York, and tho’ they appear to be Whigs, & had part of their Effects & near Relations amongst us; have a Number of Stories to tell which tho’ probably told with no ill Intention, yet leave a natural Tendency to discourage the weaker part of our Inhabitants.
For my part I am utterly against this kind of Communication, between this State & New York, and cou’d earnestly wish, the Officers under your Command wou’d be as spairing as possible of their permissions. The Sex are Mistresses of infinite craft & Subtlety, and I never heard or read of a great Polititian who did not employ petticoats to accomplish his Designs—Certain it is that the greatest politician on Record, I mean the Devil, apply’d himself to a female Agent to involve mankind in Sin and ruin.
We had also a Hessian Desserter under Examination who is I believe the first of that People that has come over to Us from Staten Island—He was not capable of giving much Information, but in general says they are very sickly on the Island—wou’d desert in Numbers if not prevented by the Water—were forced into the Service—have receiv’d no pay.
Respecting the Subject matter of your Letter, I have in the strongest manner recommended that part of it relative to the removal of the Grain &c. to the Committee who are to meet upon it to day—If they do not exert themselves in the matter agreeable to the Wishes of the Military, I mean to the Necessity of the Case, the Military must act as prudent People in such cases ought to do. As the Governour of the State is a civil Magistrate it cannot be expected he will Act an Arbitrary that is an illegal Part. But I doubt not all our Magistrates will connive as much as possible at ev’ry thing done by the Military which bears the evident stamp of Necessity and cannot be impeached of Wantonness of the causeless exertion of power. I think it is so absolutely necessary to remove the Articles you mention, that I have already begun to set the Example.
As our Assembly meets next Wednesday I shall lay before them the Importance of taking some measures to place our Melitia on the best footing possible, and that a part of them may be in readiness to supply

the place of the Troops denominated the new levies. At any time of an apprehended Invasion I shall be ready to call out what Number of the Melitia you think proper to repel it, that being an Undoubted perogative of the Governour of this State, but whether they will obey the orders God only knows; and that they will be worth but little if they do, I experimentally know.
Our Council have passed an exceeding good Militia Bill the last Session, but it did not pass the lower House. Whether it was there Obstructed on account of it’s Goodness does not become me to say. Shou’d I be honour’d with any of your Letters after Monday next, you’ll please to direct to me at Burlington. With my sincere respects to Col. Read. I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most humble Servt

Wil. Livingston

P.S. In Consequence of my orders in virtue of your requisition to have all the Prisoners belonging to the British Fleet and Army in this State collected at Brunswick the inclosed in the first return I have receiv’d.


Title: Petition from Miles Oakley, 9 November 1776
From: Oakley, Miles
To: Washington, George

Novr 9th 1776

The petition of Miles Oakley Humbly Sheweth That by his Labour and Industry he had procured himself a small peice of Land at the white plains Contiguous to the Court House that on it within the Last four or five years he built him a Comfortable and Convenient House and Barn. That he Kept an Inn for the Entertainment of Travellers which Enabled him to maintain his family which Consists of a Wife and four Small Children, That on the Approach of the Enemy, he Removed his wife (who Lay in but six days before) with his Children to the north of the Lines formed by the troops under your Excellencys

Command—That on his Return to bring off Some of his furniture and most Valuable Effects he found his house Robbed and pillaged his Desk Split to peices and his money Books and papers taken and Carried Away by our own Troops—by which means he is left without a Second Bed and Scarce a Change of Cloaths for himself—his wife or Children. this your petitioner bore with Resignation—not Doubting but if he should again gett into his house he Should by his Industry in time Retrieve his Losses—But so it is may it please your Excellency that on Tuesday Night last your petitioners House and Barn was by some of the American Troops Burnt to the Ground and your petitioner and his family Left without any means whatever of Obtaining a Subsistance, That your petitioners Losses do not Amount together to Less than Seven hundred pounds Currency.
your petitioner begs Leave to Observe to your Excellency that he has Ever been a friend to his Country that he Served as a Lieutenant in the late Northern Expedition under the Command of Generals Schuyler and Montgomery. your petitioner Therefore begs your Excellency will be favourably pleased to take his meloncholy case into consideration and give him such Relief in the premisses as to you in your Great wisdom shall seem Just and Reasonable your petitioner farther begs if your Excellency should be of Opinion that the Granting your petitioner Relief is not properly within your Department that your Excellency will be pleased to Enquire into the truth of the facts herein sett forth and give your petitioner Such Certificates and Recommendations Either to the Honorable the Continentall or provincial Congress as you shall think your petitioners hard Case truly Deserves. and your petitioner Shall Ever pray.

Miles Oakley


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [White Plains] Novr 9th 1776

From the Accts given by the two Deserters last Evening I think not a Moments time should be lost in throwing your Men over upon the Jersey shore, & advancing them down the River towards Dobbss Ferry. this shd be done if they are obliged to go without their Baggage. The

Brigade which Marched under Lord Sterling & the Maryland Brigade may be got over first. In that case the Jersey Brigade may halt at Pecks kiln till the next Brigade comes, but be getting their Baggage over, and so on, till the whole which are intended to cross the River are over. Remember that there is an Important Pass on the West Side of the River to Secure. perhaps the Regiment from New Hampshire may be sufficient for this purpose, if so, it will break in upon no Brigade.
Communicate by Express (so soon as you get up to the Ferry) to Genl Green, that the Enemy by the Acct of the last Nights Deserters mean to bring Boats up the River for Transportation of them across—these People say the Boats were to come from New York, but possibly they may be brought through Harlem River. A strict watch should be kept, & if possible, opposition given—the Night is the Season for bringing them up.
Consult with Genl Green & Lord Sterling so soon as you cross the River on a proper Plan—& be sure in your March down to keep out Scouts for Intelligence—I shall follow you tomorrow. & am with sincere regard Dr Sir yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 10 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, White-Plains, Nov. 10th 1776.
North-Castle.Bedford.

Such Officers as have been commissioned by the different States for the New-Army, are immediately to set about recruiting from the Troops of such State only, upon the following terms. Twenty Dollars Bounty. A Suit of Cloaths. One hundred Acres of land. The same pay and Rations, as are now given—The service to continue during the present Contest with Great-Britain.
Such ample encouragement, it is not doubted, will induce every true

Lover of his Country, to engage in its defence; to preserve it from the Horrors of Slavery, and the desolation of a cruel and barbarous enemy—No Boys (under the idea of Waiters, or otherwise) or old Men, to be inlisted—if they are, they will be returned on the hands of the officer, without any allowance for any expence he may be at.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 10 November 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fort Lee [N.J.] Nov. 10 1776

Your Excellencys favor by Col. Harrison of the 8th came to hand last Evening—I am takeing every measure in my power to oppose the Enemies landing, if they attempt crossing the River into the Jerseys—I have about 500 men posted at the different passes in the Mountains—fortifying—About five hundred more are marching from Amboy directly for Dobbs ferry—General Mercer is with me now—I shall send him up to take the command there immediately—I have directed the General to have every thing removd out of the Enemies way—particularly Cattle, Carriages Hay & Grain—the flour at Dobbs ferry is all mov’d from that place, and I have directed Waggons to transport it to Clarkes & Orange Towns—I was at Dobbs ferry last Night. left it at Sundown ⟨saw no⟩ new movement of the Enimy[.] The Enemy landed from on board the Ships many Bails of Goods—Supposd to be cloathing—I am sure the Enemy cannot land at Dobbs ferry, it will be so hedged up by Night, the flats run off a great distance—they cant get near the Shore with their Ships—If the Enemy intends to Effect a landing at all, they’l attempt it at Naiacs or Haverstraw Bay—I wish these Intelligences may not be calculated to deceive us—Methinks if the Enemy intended crossing the River they would not given us several days to prepare to oppose them—as They might have taken their measures, lain conceald, until they had got every thing in readiness to cross the River, and then effected it at once—It might have been so much easier accomplished that way—than it can now; and so many more Advantages obtaind, in geting possession of the Grain, Hay, Cattle, Waggons and Horses—that I cannot help suspecting it to be only a feint—to lead our Attention astray—I wish it may not turn out so—However I shall exert my self as much to be in readiness as if they had Actually landed—and make the same dispositions to oppose them as if I was certain they intended to cross—I shall keep a good intelligent Officer at Bergen and another at Bulls ferry to watch the motions of the Ships—Your Excellencys letter to General Putnam this moment came to hand. I have orderd the Quarter Master General to send off all the superfluous Stores—and the Commisary—to hold themselves in readiness to provide for the troops at Dobbs ferry & Haverstraw Bay—I have wrote to Col. Hawkes Hay to have the road altered at

Kings ferry—I directed Col. Tupper to send up to that ferry all the spare Boats—I had given Orders for collecting and scuttleing all the Boats before Your Excellencys letter came to hand on the subject—Our numbers are small for the duty we have to go through—but I hope our exertions may be in some propo[r]tion to your Excellencies expectation.
Sixty or Seventy Sail of the Shiping from froggs Point and Morisenia have fallen down the East River to New York—In my next I will inclose your Excellency a Return of the Stores of all kinds at this Post and take your further directions as to the disposition of them. Beleive me dear General to be Your most obedient and very humble Servant

Nath. Green


Title: Instructions to Colonel Henry Knox, 10 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Sir
[White Plains, 10 November 1776]

as it is more than probable (unless Genl Howe should throw his whole force into the Jerseys & bend his Course towards Philadelphia) that there will Scarce be a junction of our Troops again this Season; it may be well for you to Consider of a proper partition of the Field Artillery, Artillerists and Stores for each Service, and delay no time in the arrangement and dispatch of those destined for the westeren Side of Hudsons River.
with respect to yourself, I shall Leave it to your own choice, to go over or Stay—if you do not go, Colo. Mason must. Such Stores as are necessary must be Sent—and I intreat that no time may be Lost in fixing musket Cartridges, for the use of the Army on the East Side, whilest a Sufficient Number are Sent for the purpose of Supplying that on the West.
For other directions and orders in the Line of your department, I shall embrace Some other opertunity in the meantime your own Judgment

will govern you—and I am perswaded Sufficiently Stimulate to the discharge of every Act, by which the public Service can be benefitted.
It is unnecessary to add that if the Army of the enemy Should wholly or pretty generally, throw themselves across the North River that General Lee is to follow. Given at Head Quarters near the White plains this 10th day of November 1776.

G. Washington


Title: Instructions to Brigadier General Thomas Mifflin, 10 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Sir
[White Plains, 10 November 1776]

As the period is fast approaching when part of this Army will stand released from their Engagements to serve the public, and little prospect remains of prevailing upon them to stay longer, it becomes highly necessary for you, in time, to set about a Collection (at least an Enquiry after) the Tents and other Stores which have been delivered from your Department, and see that they are carefully deposited in some safe Place.
The Tents (all such however as want it) are to be repaired, and put

into the best order against another Season, as all other Articles which may require the like, and will admit of it, also should.
Take, especially, care that all the intrenching Tools at the different Encampments—not in immediate Use—be all collected and removed to some place of Safety or where Majr Genl Lee shall direct. I do not conceive that there is Occasion to forward any with that part of the Army going to the Jerseys but of this you can be satisfyed from Enquiry.
The Uncertainty of the Enemy’s Designs, renders it almost impossible to point out places with any Degree of propriety for Magazines of Forage &ca dependant upon your department. But as peekskills or the Neighbourhood of it, is considered as an important Post you cannot do amiss in laying in plentifully at that place: And I should think another deposit at Croton (or Pine’s) Bridge could not be amiss, as it is represented to me as a post which ought to be held.
Time and Circumstances may render further Instructions necessary, till which your own Judgment and Genl Lee’s Orders must be your Government. Given at Head Quarters near white plains this 10th Novemr 1776.

Go: Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Lord Stirling, 10 November 1776
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Haverstraw [N.Y.] Novr 10th 1776.

I got to the landing place yesterday Afternoon with Haslets, Miles’s, & part of Wiedens with our Artillery, the remainder arrived in the Night and are now landing; the landing place is very inconvenient as at half-tide the Vessels are obliged to lay at the distance of 5 or 600 yards from the Shore which makes tedious work, with the few boats that are here; besides it is open to any Insult the Enemy is pleased to Commit. About half a Mile farther North, and on the North Side of Stoney point is a Good landing place in deep Water and Easily Secured by placing two pieces of Cannon on the End of the point, it will require about half a Mile of New Road and a Short Cause way and a Small Bridge. I hope to be Able to March this Morning, I have ordered a Scouting party to Advance ahead, and an hundred Men to possess a Gap in the Mountain Just above Keases landing which it Commands, thro’ this Gap the Road passes. The Next landing is at a place Called Naiak below the mountains of Verdrietiga Hook, but they will not I

think risque a landing there as the Road is Commanded by a long Chain of Mountains. The Great pass thro’ the Highlands lyes 14 Mile Back from the River, and will best be Supported with Troops from Tappan and on Consulting Genl Green a proper Body of Troops will be sent there, but at present the first Object is to prevent their landing, and therefore I shall hasten on to those places where it is most likely they will Attempt it. I find Genl Green has posted 500 Men with 4 peices of Cannon and One Howitz at Dobbs Ferry & that I belive will be Sufficient to defeat any designs they may have there. I am your Excellency’s Most Obt Humble Servant

Stirling,


Title: Instructions to Joseph Trumbull, 10 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Joseph

Sir,
[White Plains, 10 November 1776]

The late movements of, and accts from the Enemy, rendering it indispensably necessary that a body of Troops should be thrown into the Jerseys, it will be incumbent on you to know how, & in what manner they are to be Supplied.
This move of a considerable part of our Force will, of course, lessen the consumption of Provisions on this side, and enable you to Increase your Magazines with greater facility—where to point these out, with precission, at this Instant, I know not; except at, or near Pecks kiln; which, as a Post of Importance & contiguous to two Garrisons may well be adopted as one place for a deposit—and I think near Crotons (or Pines) Bridge may be considered as another as I am taught to believe that this is also an Important pass, & necessary to be held.
My present Ideas are that the other places for our Magazines should be more Easterly, at, or near the other Passes through the Highlands. However on this Subject you will consult Genl Lee who will remain with the Troops at or in the Neighbourhood of this Camp, for a while.
I should think it unadvisable to have more provisions or Stores in

this Camp than what may be necessary to supply the present wants of the Troops as from the Scarcity of Teams it has been found extreamely difficult to have even the Tents and the necessary Baggage of the Army removed upon any Emergency however Urgent.
In case the Enemy should make a pretty general remove to the Jerseys that part of the Army under General Lee will more than probably follow, notice of which I now give. Given at Head Quarters near the White plains this 10th day of Novr 1776.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11–12 November 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Fort Lee [N.J.] Nov. 11[-12]-1776

By Justice Mercereau of Statten Island I am informed that 10,000 Troops embarked on board of a number of Transports day before yesterday—Lord Dunmore was to command and that they were bound for South Caroline—A large number of Transports were getting ready to sail for England for Stores—Mercereau says that he saw a man from York yesterday that informed him he had been employ’d in constructing a number of Gondoloes to carry one Eighteen pounder—the Gundaloes are to be employd in fetching Hay from the Newark Meadows—The light Horse he says are perishing for want of Hay—Mercereau further informs me by the way of General Williamson that our Prisoners in the City are Perishing for want of sustinance—having only half allowance of bread and Water—They are reduced to the necessity to beg and instead of receiveing any Charity are called damn Rebbels and told their fare is good enough & that they had no business to burn the Grain on Long Island.
This moment came to hand a large Number of Letters from the Prisoners of Newyork—several to your Excellency—they came out by the way of Mount Washington. the Enemy remains quiet there this afternoon—I am dear General your most obedient and very humble Servt

Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 11 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Pecks Kills [N.Y.] Novr 11th 1776

I have only time to acknowledge the honor of your Letter of the 5th Instt and Its Several Inclosures, and to inform you, that agreable to the Resolves of Congress I shall use every measure in my power that the moving & present confused State of the Army will admit of, for to appoint Officers for recruiting. You will have been advised before this of the arrival of Commissioners from the Massachusets. Others have come from Connecticut, but from the present appearance of things, we seem but little, if any nearer levying an Army. I had anticipated the Resolve respecting the Militia, by writing to the Eastern States & to the Jersey by the advice of my Genl Officers, and from a consciousness of the necessity of getting in a Number of Men if possible, to keep up the appearance of an Army. How my applications will succeed, the event must determine. I have little or no reason to expect, that the Militia now here will remain a day longer than the Time they first engaged for. I have recommended their Stay & requested it in Genl Orders—Genl Lincoln & the Massachusets Commissrs, are using their Interest with those from that State, but as far as I can judge, we cannot rely on their Staying.
I left White Plains about 11 OClock Yesterday all peace then. The Enemy appeared to be preparing for their expedition to Jersey according to every Information. What their designs are, or Whether their present conduct is not a feint, I can not determine. the Maryland & Virginia Troops under Lord Stirling have crossed the River as have part of those from the Jersey, the remainder are now embarking. The Troops judged necessary to Secure the Several Posts through the Highlands have also got up. I am going to examine the Passes, and direct such Works as may appear necessary, after which and making the best disposition I can of things in this Quarter, I intend to proceed to Jersey which I expect to do to morrow.
The Assemblies of Massachusets & Connecticut to induce their Men more readily to engage in the Service, have voted an Advance pay of Twenty Shillings ⅌ Month in addition to that allowed by the Congress to Privates. It may perhaps be the means of their levying the Quotas exacted from them sooner than they could otherwise be raised, but I am of Opinion a more fatal & mistaken policy could not have entered their Councils, or One more detrimental to the Genl cause. The Influence of the Vote will become Continental and materially affect the other States in making up their Levies. If they could do It, I am certain when the Troops come to act together, that Jealousy, impatience & mutiny would necessarily arise. a different pay cannot exist in the same

Army. the reasons are obvious & experience has proved their force in the case of the Eastern & southern Troops last Spring. Sensible of this, and of the pernicious consequences that would inevitably result from the advance, I have prevented the Commissrs from proceeding or publishing their Terms till they could obtain the sense of Congress upon the Subject and remonstrated against It in a Letter to Govr Trumbull. I am not singular in Opinion, I have the concurrence of all the General Officers of it’s fatal Tendency.
I congratulate you & Congress upon the News from Tyconderoga & that Genl Carlton & his Army have been obliged to return to Canada without attempting any thing. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 11 November 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany Novr 11th 1776

On Tuesday the 4th Instant no Sign of the Enemy was seen forty Miles North of Crown point—General Gates has sent a Flag with Lieutenant Evans; by the Return of which he will know if the Enemy are really gone into Winter Quarters, if so we shall do the like—I am in Hopes that in three Weeks, at farthest, we shall have Barracks sufficient for what Troops may remain in the Service—I propose 2500 at Tyonderoga and Mount Independence; 100 at Skenesborough, 100 at Fort Ann, 400 at Fort George, 1000 at Saratoga, 500 in this place[,] 500 in Schenectady, about 100 at John’s-Town[,] 100 at Fort Dayton and 400 at Fort Schuyler—I hope this Disposition of the Troops will be agreeable to your Excellency.
Congress has referred to me for approbation or Disapprobation the proceedings of the Court Martial on Colonel Campbell—General Gates informs me that they are sent to your Excellency—will you be pleased to order them to be transmitted to me. I am Dr Sir very affectionately & with perfect Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Hitchcock, 12 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hitchcock, Daniel

Sir
Pecks Kills [N.Y.] Nov. 12th 1776

Congress being sensible of the Necessity that immediate Steps should be taken for recruiting the New Army, have authorized me to nominate Officers for those Regiments whose States have not sent Commissioners for that purpose. If none have arrived from your State, I request that you will immediately wait on Genl Lee & inform him of the Officers who were recommended by Genl Greene, yourself & Others. I have not the Lists by me. he will give orders to such as choose to remain in the Service to begin recruiting without loss of Time and upon the Terms & Conditions allowed by Congress—Such of the Officers as were recommended by Genl Greene & who continue in Service, will be commissioned according to the Ranks which were then assigned them. I trust that your best exertions will be employed on this occasion & those of the other Officers, to raise the Regiments—you must feel the necessity of the measure. I am Sir Yr H. St

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 12 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir
Pecks Kills [N.Y.] Novr 12th 1776

Inclosed you will receive a Copy of Sundry Resolutions of Congress, which came to hand since I left the Plains. They will discover to you their Opinion as to the necessity of taking the most early measures to levy the New Army. The Resolves cannot have any Operation but in the instance of the Rhode-Island Regiments, Commissioners having come from the States of Massachusets & Connecticut and being on the way from Maryland. they will be superseded too if any have arrived from Rhode Island. therefore the Resolutions are under that Condition.
As It is of the last importance that the recruiting service should be begun, I must request if the Commissrs are not arrived from Rhode Island that you will call upon Colo. Hitchcock who will inform you of the Officers recommended to that State by Genl Greene &c. and give orders to them to begin their Inlistments immediately on the Terms & Conditions allowed by Congress. Such of them as agree to stay and will

undertake the Business will be commissioned according to the rank assigned ’em in that recommenda[tion]. I have not got it by me, having sent it away with my Papers before I came from Harlem.
In respect to the Militias, you will try your influence to get them to remain. Perhaps the requisition from Congress for that purpose, may have some effect, though I have but little expectation that It will.
The Inclosed Letter for Colo. Darby you will please to send in by the first Flag.
I cannot conclude without reminding you of the Military & Other Stores about your Encampmt and at North Castle and to press the removal of them above Croton Bridge or such other places of Security as you may judge proper. Genl Howe having sent no part of this Force to Jersey yet, makes the measure more necessary as he may perhaps turn his views another way and attempt their destruction.
I have directed Colo. Putnam to examine the Passes in the Highlands Eastward of this place & to lay out such Works as may be necessary to secure ’em. When you remove your present Encampment you will assign such a Number of Men to the Sevl Posts as you shall deem sufficient for their defence.
I hope the Trial of Majr Austin for Burning the Houses will not be forgot. Public Justice requires that it should be brought on as soon as It can.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 12 November 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Camp at Philipsburg [N.Y.] Nov’r the 12th 9 oclock P.M.

This instant came express from Colonel Tupper (station’d opposite to Dob’s Ferry) one David Keech—the substance of his intelligence is

as follows—that The Enemy began their march at 9 this morning down the River with their baggage Artillery &ca—that the Man of War and two Store Ships had just set sail and were making down—I mean those which came up last—that Three Ships still lye off Terrytown and Singsing two at the former one at the latter—Keech says the whole Army have quitted Dobbs Ferry and imagines the Rear have by this time reach’d Kings Bridge[.] I am far from being satisfyd with the Conduct of our Scouts; I do not think They venture far enough for They in general bring back very lame imperfect accounts—but I have projected a plan for breaking in at least upon Rogers’s Party and believe I shall succeed—the sentence on Austin is that He shoud be reprimanded—but I have orderd a new Court Martial with a charge of wanton barbarous conduct unbecoming not only an Officer but a human Creature—General Lincoln and the Massachusets Committee are using their Efforts to detain the Militia—Whether They will succeed, Heaven only knows—Hitchcock and Varnum do not recollect the recommendation of General Green—but I have orderd’em to give me a list of those whom They think ought to be recommended—for it is now too late to refer to Green, as the Commissioners are expected every hour—I wish to God You were here as I am in, a manner, a Stranger to their respective Merits—when the list is made out I shall inform myself as well as I can, if their recommendation is impartial and proceed accordingly. I am, Dr General, Yours most sincerely

Charles Lee

am in hopes to remove part of the Stores today.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 14 November 1776
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] November 14th 1776.

The Congress having received Information that a considerable part of the Enemy’s Fleet had sailed from Sandy Hook to the Southward, & judging that immediate Steps were necessary to be taken for the preservation and Defence of this City, were pleased to vest us with all their powers to effect this important Business—As Genl Mifflin has a considerable Influence in this place, the Board judge it for the Interest of the Service that he be immediably order’d to this City, where his Exertions we doubt not will turn out to the Advantage of our Cause. Your Excellency will therefore be pleased to give him Directions upon the Subject as soon as possible; provided you shall be of Opinion that he cannot be more usefully employ’d in any other place, which we beg Leave to submit to you: If the Enemy should bend their Way to this

part of the Continent we doubt not that your Excellency will yield us every possible Assistance. With every Sentiment of Esteem we have the Honour to be your Excellen[c]y’s most obedt & very humble Svts

Benja. Harrison
James Wilson
E. Rutledge
Francis Lightfoot Lee


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Genl Green’s Quarters [Fort Lee, N.J.] Novr 14th 1776

I have the honor to inform you of my arrival here Yesterday and that the whole of the Troops belonging to the States which lay South of Hudsons River and which were in New York Government have passed over to this side, except the Regiment lately Colo. Smalwoods, which I expect is now on their march.
That they may be ready to check any incursions the Enemy may attempt in this Neighbourhood, I intend to quarter them at Brunswic, Amboy, Eliz. Town, New Ark and about this place, unless Congress should conceive it necessary for any of them to be stationed at or more contiguous to Philadelphia. in such case they will be pleased to signify their pleasure. There will be very few of them after the departure of those who were engaged for the Flying Camp and which is fast approaching. The disposition I have mentioned seems to me well calculated for the end proposed and also for their accomodation.
The movements and designs of the Enemy are not yet understood. Various are the opinions and reports on this Head. From every information, the whole have removed from Dobb’s Ferry towards Kings bridge and it seems to be generally beleived on all hands, that the investing of Fort Washington is one object they have in view. But that can employ but a small part of their force. whether they intend a Southern expedition, must be determined by Time. to me there appears

a probability of It, and which seems to be favoured by the advices we have, that many Transports are wooding and watering. General Green’s Letter would give you the substance of the intelligence brought by Mr Mersereau from Staten Island in this instance, which he received before It came to me.
Inclosed you have Copies of Two Letters from Genl Howe and of my Answer to the first of them. The Letter alluded to and returned in his last was One from myself to Mrs Washington of the 25 Ulto from whence I conclude that All the Letters which went by the Boston Express have come to his possession. You will also perceive, that Genl Howe has requested the return of Peter Jack, a servant to Major Stewart, to which I have consented as he was not in the military line and the requisition agreable to the custom of War. This Servant having been sent to Philadelphia with the Waldeckers and other Prisoners, I must request the favor of you to have him conveyed to Genl Greene by the earliest Opportunity in order that he may be returned to his master.
Before I conclude, I beg leave not only to suggest but to urge the necessity of increasing our Field Artillery very considerably. Experience has convinced me, as It has every Gentleman of discernment in this Army, that while we remain so much inferior to the Enemy in this Instance, we must carry on the War under infinite disadvantages, and without the smallest probability of success. It has been peculiarly owing to the situation of the Country where their Operations have been conducted, and to the rough and strong Grounds we possessed ourselves of and over which they had to pass, that they have not carried their Arms by means of their Artillery to a much greater extent. When these difficulties cease, by changing the Scene of Action to a level champaign Country, the worst of consequences are justly to be apprehended. I would therefore with the concurrence of all the Officers whom I have spoke to upon the Subject, submit to the consideration of Congress, whether immediate measures ought not to be taken for procuring a respectable Train. It is agreed on all hands, that each Batallion should be furnished at least with Two peices, and that a smaller number than 100—of 3 lb. 50 of 6 lb. & 50—of 12 lb. should not be provided in addition to those we now have—besides these, if some 18 & 24 pounders are ordered, the Train will be more serviceable & compleat. The whole should be of Brass for the most Obvious reasons. they will be much more portable—not half so liable to burst, and when they do, no damage is occasioned by it, and they may be cast over again. The Sizes before described should be particularly attended to, if they are not, there will be great reason to expect mistakes and confusion in the charges in Time of Action, As it has frequently happened in the best

regulated Armies. The disparity between those I have mentioned, and such as are of an Intermediate size, is difficult to discern. It is also agreed, that a Regiment of Artillerists with approved and experienced Officers should be obtained if possible, and some Engineers of known reputation and abilities. I am sorry to say, too ready an indulgence has been had to several appointments in the latter instance, and that men have been promoted, who seem to me, to know but little if any thing of the business. Perhaps this Train &c. may be looked upon by some, as large & expensive; true it will be so, but when it is considered that the Enemy, having effected but little in the course of the present Campaign, will use their utmost efforts to subjugate us in the next, every consideration of that sort should be disregarded, and every possible preparation made to frustrate their unjust and wicked attempts. How they are to be procured, is to be inquired into. That we cannot provide them among ourselves or more than a very small proportion, so trifling as not to deserve our notice, is evident; therefore I would advise, with all immaginable deference, without any abatement of our own internal exertions, application should be immediately made to such Powers as can & may be willing to supply them. They cannot be obtained too early, if soon enough, and I am told they may be easily had from France & Holland.
Mr Trumbull, the Comy Genl has frequently mentioned to me of late, the inadequacy of his pay to his trouble and the great risk he is subject to on account of the large Sums of Money which pass through his Hands. He has stated his case with a view of laying it before Congress and obtaining a more adequate compensation. My Sentiments upon the Subject are already known, but yet I shall take the liberty to add, that I think his complaint to be well founded and that his Pay considering the important duties and risks of his Office by no means sufficient, and that the footing he seems to think it should be upon himself, appears just and reasonable.
A Proposition having been made long since to Genl Howe and agreed to by him for an Exchange of Prisoners in consequence of the Resolutions of Congress to that effect, I shall be extremely happy if you will give directions to the Committees and those having the charge of Prisoners in the Several States, South of Jersey to transmit me proper Lists of the names of All the Commissioned Officers and of the Ranks & the Corps they belong to—also the Number of the non Commissioned and Privates & their respective Regiments. You will perceive by his Letter he supposes me to have affected some delay or to have been undmindfull of the proposition I had made.
I propose to stay in this neighbourhood a few days, in which time I

expect the designs of the Enemy will be more disclosed and their Incursions be made in this quarter or their Investiture of Fort Washington if they are intended. I have the Honor to be with great esteem Sir yr most Obet St

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 14 November 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Novr 14th 1776.

The enclosed Letter from Mr Searle, a Gentleman of Honour & a Friend to the Cause of America, I am commanded by Congress to forward to you with the utmost Expedition. The uncertain Destination of the Fleet therein mentioned, makes it absolutely necessary that you should be informed of the Intelligence as soon as possible, that you may make such Dispositions of the Troops under your Command as

you shall judge proper. I have the Honour to be, with every Sentiment of Esteem & Respect, Sir your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 14 November 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 14 Novr 1776

Yesterday Captns Skimmer & Tucker in the Continental armed Schooners Franklin & Hancock arrived here after a cruise of eight weeks; four days after they sailed they took a large West India Ship laden with Rum & sugar, but as she is not arrived I fear she is retaken. About a fortnight since they took two Brigs near Newfoundland which they brought in with them, one is laden with four hundred & thirty quintals of dry fish and four hundred & twenty tierces of Salmon; the other Brig is laden with dry goods bound to New York for the Enemy, and it is supposed to be worth twenty or thirty thousand pounds sterling. The Invoice I have inclosed. I am &c.

Artemas Ward.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 15 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Genl Greens Qrs [Fort Lee, N.J.] Nov. 15th 1776
Gentn

On Wednesday evening I received the favor of your Letter of the 8th Instt; in consequence of which, I stopped the Flagg that was going in with the Ladies you mention, pointing out to them the necessity of the measure and recommending them to write to their Husbands & connections to obtain Genl How’s assurances for the release of Mrs Lewis & Mrs Robinson & her Children with their baggage, as the condition on which they will be permitted to go in themselves. These terms I can only extend to Mrs Barrow & Mrs Kempe who had never obtained my leave, Mrs Watts had, and my promise that she should go

in. The whole however were prepared to go when the Letter reached New Ark. The mode I have adopted seems most likely and the only proper One to procure the enlargement of our Ladies which I wish for much. I am Gentn with great respt Yr Most Obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 15 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Gentn
Heckenseck [N.J.] Nov. 15th 1776

Having given my promise to Genl Howe on his application, that Peter Jack, a Servant of Major Stewart, who was sent to Philadelphia with the Waldeckers and, other Prisoners & who has nothing to do in the Military line, should be returned to his Master agreable to the usage of War in such cases, I must take the liberty to request the favor of you, to have him conveyed to Genl Greene by the earliest Opportunity, that he may be forwarded to his Master in compliance with my promise.
I also wish, that you would have all the British Prisoners collected that you conveniently can and sent to me, as soon as possible, with the Hessian Prisoners, that I may exchange them. The return of the latter I think will be attended with many salutary consequences, but should It be made without that of a large proportion of other Troops, It will carry the marks of design, and occasion precautions to be taken to prevent the ends we have in view. I have the Honor to be Gentn Yr Most Obed. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 November 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fort Lee [N.J.] 4 oClock [15 November 1776]

Inclosd you have a letter from Col. Magaw—the contents will require your Excellencys Attention[.] I have directed Col. Magaw to defend the place until he hears from me[.] I have order’d General Hands Brigade to hasten on—I shall go to the Island soon. I am dear Sir your Excell. Obedient Servant

N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

General Greens Quarters [Fort Lee, N.J.] 16th Novr 1776
Sir

Since I had the Honor of addressing you last, an important Event has taken place; of which I wish to give you the earliest Intelligence.
The preservation of the Passage of the North River was an Object of so much Consequence that I thought no pains or Expence too great for that purpose, and therefore after sending off all the valuable Stores except such as were necessary for its Defence, I determined agreeable to the Advice of most of the General Officers, to risque something to defend the Post on the East Side call’d Mount Washington.

When the Army moved up in Consequence of Genl Howe’s landing at Frog Point, Colo. Magaw was left on that Command with about 1200 Men, and Orders given to defend it to the last. Afterwards reflecting upon the smallness of the Garrison, and the Difficulty of their holding it if Genl Howe should fall down upon it with his whole Force, I wrote to Genl Greene who had the Command on the Jersey Shore, directing him to govern himself by Circumstances, and to retain or evacuate the post as he should think best, and revoking the absolute Order to Colo. Magaw to defend the post to the last Extremity.
Genl Greene struck with the Importance of the Post, and the Discouragement which our Evacuation of Posts must necessarily have given, reinforced Colo. Magaw with Detatchments from several Regiments of the Flying Camp, but cheifly of Pennsylvania, so as to make up the Number about 2000. In this Situation things were Yesterday, when Genl Howe demanded the Surrendry of the Garrison, to which Colo. Magaw returned a spirited Refusal. Immediately upon receiving an Account of this Transaction, I came from Hackinsack to this place, and had partly cross’d the North River when I met Genl Putnam and Genl Greene who were just returning from thence, and informed me that the Troops were in high Spirits and would make a good Defence, and it being late at Night I returned.
Early this Morning Colo. Magaw posted his Troops partly in the Lines thrown up by our Army on our first coming thither from New York, and partly on a commanding Hill laying North of Mount Washington (the Lines being all to the Southward). In this Position the Attack began about Ten O’Clock, which our Troops stood, and returned the Fire in such a Manner as gave me great Hopes the Enemy was intirely repulsed. But at this time a Body of Troops cross’d Harlem River in Boats and landed inside of the second Lines, our Troops being then engaged in the first.
Colo. Cadwalader who commanded in the Lines sent off a Detatchment to oppose them, but they being overpowered by Numbers gave way; upon which Colo. Cadwalader ordered his Troops to retreat in Order to gain the Fort. It was done with much Confusion, and the Enemy crossing over, came in upon them in such a Manner that a Number of them surrendered.
At this Time the Hessians advanced on the North Side of the Fort in very large Bodies, they were received by the Troops posted there with proper Spirit and kept back a considerable time. But at Length they were also obliged to submit to a superiority of Numbers and retire under the Cannon of the Fort.
The Enemy having advanced thus far halted, and immediately a Flag went in with a Repetition of the demand of the Fortress as I suppose.

At this Time I sent a Billet to Colo. Magaw, directing him to hold out, and I would endeavour this Evening to bring off the Garrison, if the Fortress could not be maintained, as I did not expect it could, the Enemy being possessed of the adjacent Ground. But before this reached him he had entered too far into a Treaty to retract. After which, Colo. Cadwalader told another Messenger who went over, that they had been able to obtain no other Terms than to surrender as prisoners of War. In this Situation Matters now stand. I have stopped Genl Beall’s and Genl Heards Brigades to preserve the Post and Stores here, which with the other Troops I hope we shall be able to effect.
I dont yet know the Numbers killed or wounded on either Side, but from the heaviness and Continuance of Fire in some places, I imagine there must have been considerable Execution.
The Loss of such a Number of Officers a⟨nd⟩ Men, many of whom have been trained with more than common Attention, will I fear be severely felt. But when that of the Arms and Accoutrements is added much more so, and must be a farther Incentive to procure as considerable a Supply as possible for the New Troops as soon as it can be done. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 16 November 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Novr 16th 1776.

Since my last Nothing material has occurred here, nor have I any Thing in Charge from Congress, except to request you will negotiate an Exchange of the Hessian Prisoners at Elizabeth Town under the Care of Mr Ludwick as soon as possible. They have been treated in such a Manner during their Stay in this City, that it is apprehended, their going back among their Countrymen, will be attended with some good Consequences.
Your Favour of the 11th Novr came duely to Hand, and was laid before Congress. I have the Honour to be, with the most perfect Esteem & Respect, Sir, your most obed. & very hble Ser.

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Major Generals Charles Lee and William Heath, 16–17 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles,Heath, William

Dear Sir
Genl Green’s Qrs [Fort Lee, N.J.]Novr 16[-c.17] 1776

You will perceive by the inclosed Resolves, that Congress have entered into some New regulations respecting the Inlistment of the New Army, and reprobating the measures adopted by the State of Massachusetts Bay for raising their Quota of Men.
As every possible exertion should be used for recruiting the Army as speedily as may be, I request that you immediately publish in Orders that an allowance of a Dollar and One third of a Dollar will be

paid to the Officers for every Soldier they shall enlist, whether in or out of Camp. Also that It will be optional in the Soldiers to enlist during the continuance of the War, or for three years unless sooner discharged by Congress. In the former case, they are to receive all such bounty and pay as have been heretofore mentioned in Orders. Those who engage for the latter time, (that of three Years) are not to receive the bounty in Land. That no mistakes may be made, you will direct the Recruiting Officers from your Division to provide two distinct Inlisting Rolls, One for those to sign who engage during the War, the Other for those who inlist for three Years if their service shall be so long requested.
I am sorry to inform you, that this day about 12 OClock, the Enemy made a Genl Attack upon our Lines about Fort Washington, which having carried, the Garrison retired within the Fort. Colo. Magaw finding there was no prospect of retreating across the River, surrendered the Post. We do not know the loss of killed and wounded on either side, but I immagine it must have been pretty considerable, as the Engagement at some parts of the Lines, was of long continuance and heavy; neither do I know the terms of Capitulation. The force of the Garrison before the attack was almost 2000 Men.
Before I left Peeks Kills I urged to Genl Heath the necessity of Securing the pass thro the highlands next to the River as well on that as this side, and to the Forts above; But as the preserving of those and Others which lay more Easterly & which are equally essential, is a matter of the last importance, I must beg you to turn your attention that way and to have such measures adopted for their defence as your Judgement shall suggest to be necessary. I do not mean to advise the abandoning your present Post, contrary to your own Opinion, but only to mention my Ideas of the importance of those passes and that you cannot give too much attention to their Security by having Works erected in the most advantageous places for that purpose.

P.S. The Inclosed Letter for Govr Trumbull you will please to transmit by the first oppy.


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 16 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Convention

⟨Gentn
⟨Genl Green’s Qrs [Fort Lee, N.J.]⟩Novr 16: 1776⟩

I do myself the ⟨honor to transmit⟩ to you, a Copy of Sundry Resolves ⟨of Congress which⟩ came to hand Yesterday Evening. By ⟨these you⟩ will perceive that they have entered in⟨to some⟩ New regulations respecting the Inlistm⟨ent of⟩ the New Army, and reprobating the m⟨easures,⟩ which I presume you have heard, have ⟨been⟩ adopted by the State of Massachusetts ⟨Bay, for⟩ raising the Quota to be furnished by t⟨hem⟩—My view in doing this, is to inform y⟨ou of⟩ their sense upon this Subject, and that ⟨they⟩ will admit of no departure from the ⟨Terms⟩ they themselves have heretofore published, ⟨except⟩ in the Instances mentioned in these Reso⟨lves.⟩ They are plain & explicit, and I will take th⟨e liberty⟩ to add, should form a part of the Instructi⟨ons⟩ to be given to the Officers who may be appoin⟨ted⟩ to recruit.
I would also beg leave to observe that the necessity of raising the New Army, becom⟨es⟩ more and more urgent and is such as calls for every possible exertion to effect it. The Cong⟨ress⟩ convinced of this, and seeing the delays of some of the States in carrying the Resolves recommend⟨ed⟩ to them into execution, have empowered and required me, to nominate Officers to the Regime⟨nts⟩ of such States as have not sent Commissioners ⟨to⟩ the Army for that purpose. As this is a mat⟨ter⟩ in which I would not wish to interfere at th⟨is⟩ time, farther than compelled by their direction and the situation of our Affairs, I shall be ha⟨ppy to know what progress you have made in this Instance, and whether the arrangement for your Regiments is compleated. If it is not finis⟩hed, le⟨t⟩ me en⟨treat you to do it, as speedi⟩ly

as possible. The necessity is obvio⟨us & must be fe⟩lt by every One. till the Officers are ⟨appointed,⟩ no measures can be pursued for enlising M⟨en⟩.
If the bounty allowed by Congress could be paid down, ⟨it is⟩ more than probable it might induce many ⟨to eng⟩age more readily. Under this Idea, I shall be ⟨ready⟩ to advance to such Officers as you appoint to ⟨the co⟩mmand of the Regiments upon your requisition, ⟨such⟩ Sums of Money as may be sufficient for that ⟨purp⟩ose, If provision has not or shall not be ⟨other⟩wise made by Congress for the same.
I am sorry to inform you, that this day ⟨abou⟩t 12 OClock, the Enemy made a General Attack ⟨upon⟩ our Lines about Fort Washington, which having ⟨carr⟩ied, the Garrison retired within the Fort. Colo. ⟨Ma⟩Gaw finding there was no prospect of a Retreating ⟨a⟩cross the North River, surrendered the Post. We do ⟨n⟩ot yet know our own loss or that of the Enemy in forcing the Lines, but I immagine it must have been pretty considerable on both sides, as the Fire in some parts was of long continuance and heavy; neither do I know the Terms of Capitulation. The Force of the Garrison before the Attack, was about 2000 Men. I have the Honor to be with great respect Gentn Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Palfrey, 17 November 1776
From: Palfrey, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] 17th November 1776

I would beg leave to acquaint you that agreeable to your Orders I have fix’d my Office at this place, and should be extremely glad to be inform’d whether I am to pay any Warrants but what I receive from your Excellency[.] General Lee has sent me several, which I have paid, but am afraid the business is not conducted with the regularity it us’d to be, under the inspection of your Secretary[.] Major Lee of Glover’s Regiment has drawn pay as Major of Brigade as well as Major of the Regiment[.] This I think cannot be right; but as a Warrant came from General Lee, I could not refuse the payment[.] I am told by General Heaths Aids de Camp that as he acts in a seperate department he also has a right to draw Warrants. As I would wish to conduct properly I beg your Excellency’s directions on the Subject.
When you write again to the Congress be pleas’d to inform them that I have now only the last remittance of 500,000 doll. on hand[.] The demand will soon be great, when the Troops are dismiss’d; and Colo. Trumbull informs me that between this & the last of Decr he shall want a Million of dollars.
I have no directions from your Excellency with respect to the payment of the Militia[.] you’ll be pleas’d to inform me whether I am to pay them or not. I am most respectfully Your Excellency’s obedt & hble Servt

Wm Palfrey P.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 17 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Genl Greene’s Quarters [Fort Lee, N.J.]Novr 17th 1776

With much concern I beg leave to inform you of an unfortunate event that has taken place. Yesterday about 12 oClock the Enemy made a Genl Attack upon our Lines on Harlem Heights, which having carried, the Garrison retired within the Fort—Colo. Magaw who commanded finding the works invested on every side by a large part of their Army, and that there was but little or no prospect of effecting a retreat across the North River surrendered the Post. We do not know the loss of killed and wounded on either side, but I imagine it is pretty considerable, as the engagement at some parts of the Lines was of long continuance and heavy; neither do I know the terms of capitulation—The force of the Garrison before the attack was about 2,000 Men. The importance of the North River, and the sanguine wishes of all to prevent the Enemy from possessing it have been the causes of this unhappy Catastrophe. I have the honor to be with great Respect Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. You will be pleased to transmit this intelligence to Govr Cooke with a requisition to him to send it to the Massachusetts State.
As an Exchange of prisoners must be naturally desired by both parties, I shall be glad to know if those in your State are ready, and of your sentiments by the earliest opportunity, as to the mode, whether it will be best by water or by land.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 18 November 1776
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

Sir
War-Office [Philadelphia] 18th Novr 1776

The Hancock and Adams, loaded from France with military Stores and other Articles for the Use of the Continent, was taken by a Rhode Island Privateer, and carried into the Port of Dartmouth in New England. The Muskets, Powder, Lead and Gun-flints are to be delivered, by Virtue of the enclosed Resolution of Congress, to the Order of this Board. We have wrote to the Committee of Bedford, in whose District Dartmouth Lies, to deliver to your Order such of the before

mentioned Articles as you shall direct. We have the Honour to be, with great Esteem, Sir Your very humble Servants

Benja. Harrison
James Wilson
Francis Lightfoot Lee


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 November 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fort Lee [N.J.] Nov. 18th 1776.

The much greater part of the Enimy march’t off from Fort Washington and above Kings Bridge this morning—their rout appeard to be towards New York—One of the Train of Artillery came across the River last Night on a Raft by his account the Enimy must have sufferd greatly on the Northside of Fort Washington—Col. Rollings Regiment

was Posted there, and behaved with great spirit—Col. Magaw could not get the Men to man the lines otherwise he would not have given up the Fort.
I am sending off the Stores as fast as I can get Waggons—I have sent three Expresses to Newark for Boats—but can get no return of what Boats we may expect from that place—The Stores here are large—and the transportation by land will be almost endless—The Powder & fixt Ammunition I have sent off first by land as it is an Article too valueable to trust upon the Water—Our Bergen Guard were alarmd last Night but believe with[ou]t much reason. I am dear Sir your obedient Servant

Nathanael Greene


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 November 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Peeks-kill [N.Y.] Nov: 18th 1776

On the 12th Inst. I called a Council to consider & determine upon the Posts most important & proper to be occupied by our Troops—There were present Brigadier Generals James & George Clinton, & Scott, (General Morris, Col. Dewer, & Col. Putnam, whom I invited to sit with us)—After Deliberation it was thought best to make the following Disposition of the Troops at this post for the present viz.—Two Regiments to take post on the West Side of Hudson’s River, at the Entrance of the Highlands, near Sidnum’s Bridge at Ramapaugh River—One Brigade on the Heights above Peeks Kill Landing, and the Remainder at the Gorge of the Mountains, beyond Robinson’s Bridge—I have sent Col. Huntington’s & Tyler’s Regiments to Sidnum’s Bridge, General George Clinton’s Brigade on the Heights above the Landing, and the remaining Three Regiments of General Parsons’s viz. Col. Prescott’s Ward’s & Wyllys’s and General Scott’s Brigade to the Gorge of the Mountains by Robinson’s Bridge—Barracks & Works are erecting at each of those Places.
Yesterday the President of the Convention of the State of New York

directed to me Col. De Roussi with his Canadian Detachment, who left Albany a few days since, in a number of Battaus—a Return of the Detachment is with the Returns sent to the Adjutant General—I have ordered the Detachment to Kings Ferry, to do Duty at that place (as they are well acquainted with Boats) until I know your Excellency’s pleasure as to their Destination.
Three Cols. Three Lt Cols. Three Majors and about Twenty Captains, appointed by the Committee of the State of Connecticut to serve in the new Army have declined the Service; the Vacancies are to be filled up on Wednesday next—General Parsons has importuned me for Leave to attend the Governor & Council, which I have granted, & hope for your Excellency’s Approbation.
I have just received by the Express from your Excellency, the disagreable News of the Loss of Fort Washington, the Rumor of which had just before spread here—I much regret the Loss of so many brave & good Officers, as there were in the Battalions at that Post.
I have been using my utmost Endeavours to get a Return of the Killed, taken & Missing, in the several Regiments of my Division, but cannot find it compleated, as Col. Lasher of General Scott’s Brigade is as yet unable to ascertain those of his Regiment—such as I have received I have sent; the others shall be transmitted to your Excellency as soon as I can obtain them.
I have taken the Liberty to enclose an Abstract for Three months pay, & ask the favor that your Excellency would be pleased to sign the Warrant.
The Colonels & Paymasters of the Regiments here are complaining of the Great Distance, which they are obliged to go, to obtain Warrants for the Payment of their Abstracts, I have promised them that I would lay the matter before your Excellency & Sollicit some easier Expedient, if consistent, with your Excellency’s Pleasure.
The Chain which has been extended across the River above this place has broke twice—I must confess that from my first hearing of the Intention, I expected no real Advantage from it—General Clinton with some Gentlemen from the Convention of the State of New York, are to explore & sound the River to morrow. I have the honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 19–21 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Heckensec [N.J.] Novr 19th[-21] 1776

I have not been yet able to obtain a particular account of the unhappy affair of the 16th, nor of the Terms on which the Garrison surrendered. The Intelligence that has come to hand, is not so full and accurate as I could wish. One of the Artillery, & whose information is most direct, who escaped on Sunday night, says, the Enemy’s loss was very considerable, especially in the attack made above the Fort by the Division of Hessians that marched from Kings bridge, and where Lieutt Colo. Rawlins of the late Colo. Stevensons Regiment was posted. They burnt yesterday One or two Houses on the Heights & contiguous to the Fort, and appeared by advices from Genl Greene, to be moving in the Evening, their Main body down towards the City. Whether they will close the Campaign without attempting something more, or make an incursion into Jersey, must be determined by the events themselves.
As Fort Lee was always considered as only necessary in conjunction with that on the East side of the River, to preserve the communication across, & to prevent the Enemy from a free Navigation, It has become of no importan⟨ce⟩ by the loss of the Other, or not so material as to

employ a force for its defence. being viewed in this light, and apprehending that the Stores there would be precariously situated, their removal has been determined on to Bound Brook, above Brunswic, Prince Town, Springfeild & Acquackinac Bridge as places that will not be subject to sudden danger in case the Enemy should pass the River, & which have been thought proper, as a repositories for some of our Stores of Provision & Forage. The Troops belonging to the Flying Camp, under Genls Herd & Beal with what remains of Genl Ewins Brigade, are now at Fort Lee, where they will continue till the Stores are got away. By the Time that is effected, their Term of Enlistment will be near expiring, and if the Enemy should make a push in this Quarter, the only Troops that there will be to oppose ’em, will be Hands, Hazlets, the Regiments from Virginia and that lately Smallwoods, the latter greatly reduced by the losses it sustained on Long Island &c. and sickness. nor are the rest by any means complete. In addition to these, I am told there are a few of the Militia of this State, which have been called in by Governr Livingston. I shall make such a disposition of the whole at Brunswick, and at the intermediate Posts as shall seem most likely to guard against the designs of the Enemy, and to prevent them making an Irruption or foraging with detached parties.
The Inclosed Letter from Cols. Miles and Atlee will shew Congress the distressed situation of our Prisoners in New York, and will become greater every day by the cold, inclement Season that is approaching. It will be happy if some expedient can be adopted, by which they may be furnished with necessary Blankets and Cloathing. Humanity and the good of the service require it. I think the mode suggested by these Gentlemen for establishing a credit, appears as likely to succeed, and as eligible, as any that occurs to me. It is probable, many Articles that may be wanted, can be obtained there and upon better Terms than elsewhere. In respect to Provision, their allowance perhaps is as good as the situation of Genl How’s Stores will admit of. It has been said of late, by deserters and others, that they were rather scant.
By a Letter from the Pay master Genl of the 17th he says there will be a necessity that large and early remittances should be made him. The demands, when the Troops now in service, are dismissed, will be extremely great. besides the bounty to recruits will require a large supply and he adds that the Commissary Genl has informed him, that between this and the last of Decr he shall have occasion for a Million of Dollars.
21st. The unhappy affair of the 16th has been succeeded by further misfortunes. Yesterday morning a large body of the Enemy landed between Dobb’s Ferry and Fort Lee. their object was evidently to inclose the whole of our Troops & Stores that lay between the North & Heckensec

Rivers, which form a very narrow neck of Land. for this purpose they formed and marched as soon as they had ascended the High Grounds towards the Fort. Upon the first information of their having landed & of their movements, our Men were ordered to meet them, but finding their numbers greatly superior & that they were extending themselves to seize on the Passes over the River, It was thought prudent to withdraw our Men, which was effected and their retreat secured. We lost the whole of the Cannon that was at the Fort, except Two twelve Pounders, and a great deal of baggage—between Two & three hundred Tents—about a Thousand Barrells of Flour & other Stores in the Qr Master’s department. this loss was inevitable. As many of the Stores had been removed, as circumstances & time would admit of. the Ammunition had been happily got away. Our present situation between Heckensec & Posaic Rivers being exactly similar to our late one, and our force here by no means adequate to an opposition that will promise the smallest probability of Success, we are taking measures to retire over the Waters of the latter, when the best disposition will be formed that circumstances will admit of.
By Colo. Cadwalader, who has been permitted by Genl Howe to return to his Friends, I am informed the Surrender of the Garrison on the 16th was on the common terms, as Prison⟨ers⟩ of War. The loss of the Hessians about Three hundred Privates & Twenty Seven Officers, killed & wounded, about Forty of the British Troops & Two or three Officers. The loss on our side but inconsiderable. I beg leave to refer you to him for a more particular account and also for his relation of the distresses of our Prisoners. Colo. Miles & Atlees Letter mentioned above upon this Subject, was through mistake sent from hence yesterday evening. the mode of releif proposed by them, was a credit or supply of Cash through the means of Mr Franks—This seems to be doubtfull, as he is said to be in confinement by Colo. Cadwalader, provided it would have been otherwise practicable. ⟨I ha⟩ve the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt St

Go: Washington

P.S: Your favor of the 16th was duly received. my Letter to the Board of War on the Subject of the return of the Waldeckers I presume you will have seen.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 19 November 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Camp [North Castle, N.Y.] Novr the 19th 1776

The recommendation of General Green which you transmited to me threw the Officers to whom I communicated it into so great a flame of discontent that I ventur’d notwithstanding your orders to hesitate—They accus’d him of partiallity to his connexions and Townsmen to the

prejudice of men of manifestly superior merit[.] indeed it appears from the concurrent testimony of unbias’d Persons that some of the subjects He recommended were wretched—in short I was so stunn’d with their clamers that I delay’d till the arrival of the Committee for which I ought to ask your pardon but at the same time think the delay has been salutary—my objections to moving from our present Post—are, as I observed before, that it wold give us the air of being frighten’d—it wou’d expose a fine fertile Country to their ravages—and I must add that We are as secure as We cou’d be in any position whatever[.] We are pretty well disencumber’d of our impedimenta which I propose depositing in or about Crumb Pond—which (tho I confess I have not reconnoitred the place) from its situation must be full as safe and is much more centrical than Peek’s Kill—if on further examination it has any material disadvantages We can easily move from thence—as to ourselves (light as We are) sevral retreats present themselves—In short if We keep a good look out We are in no danger but I must entreat Your Excellency to enjoin the Officers posted at Fort Lee to give us the quickest intelligence if they observe any embarkations of Troops in the North River—our Scouts are of late grown more vigilant and make Prisoners—the Militia (according to their laudable custom) woud not stay a moment beyond their usual time—Oh General why wou’d you be over-perswaded by Men of inferior judgment to your own? It was a cursed affair—yours most affectionately

Charles Lee

P.S. The returns of the Soldiers of the different Regiments now in the hands of the Enemy (according to the mode you require) are not yet made out, but will soon and shall be sent.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Rufus Putnam, 19 November 1776
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Washington, George

Sir
Peaks Kiln [N.Y.] November 19th 1776

Sence your Exelency left this place I have Ben to Antonies Nose & I Beleve there is no danger of the Enimys attempting to possess it Nor will it Be Nesessary we Should occupye it. I have also Ben a Toure up peaks kiln Hallow about Eleven mile N. Eastward then through the High lands Into the Fishkiln Country and down to the North River then Returned by the Poast Road which I found to be good But the pass I went up in for ten mile no Carrage Can posabely git through and a few men in a short time will make it Impassable for a Horse[.] about foure mile further East is another pass through the mountains but I am Informed by good authority it is much Worse then the last mentioned one—I am told there is another pass about 20 mile from the Peaks kiln Landing leading from bed ford through the High Lands which is Said to be a good Roade[.] I mean to See it as Soon as Posable[.] I am fully Convinced your Exelency will find it Necessary to keep a post at Crotons Bridge which if you design[,] Some Care Should be taken of Building Barrack and Stoar there—I mean to git a general knowledge of the country as far East as Horse neck and Northward through the High lands a draft of Which as Soon as posable I Shall forward Not Waiting for an actual Survey as that will take up much time. I am your Exelencys most obedient Humble Servent

Rufus Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Charles Lee, 20 November 1776 [letter not found]
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Charles Lee, 20 Nov. 1776. GW wrote Lee on 24 Nov.: “I have received your favor of the 20th.”


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 20 November 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Samuel

Letter not found: to Samuel Washington, c.20 Nov. 1776. In his letter to Samuel Washington of 18 Dec., GW wrote: “I think my last to you was from Hackinsack about the 20th of Novr.”


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 21 November 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Novr 21t 1776.

I have the Honour to transmit the enclosed Resolves, in Obedience to the Commands of Congress. They are so explicit, that I shall only request your Attention to them.
You will percieve from the Vote of Congress, the Sense of that Body with Regard to the Necessity of furnishing the Troops for the new

Army, as soon as possible; a Copy of which, I have forwarded to the respective States agreeably to the Orders of Congress. I have also written to the States southward of Pennsylvania, inclusively, urging them to lay up Magazines of military Stores and Salt Provision, for the Use of the Army & Militia, in Case it should be necessary to call them into the Field the approaching Winter. As our Enemies will doubtless open the Campaign early in the Spring, it is absolutely necessary we should prepare for them, and exert ourselves to fill up the Army agreeably to the new Establishment.
The Congress, to remove every Objection, and in Hopes of forwarding the recruiting Service, have resolved that the Troops may be engaged for three Years, without presenting enlisting Rolls, both for that Term, and during the Continuance of the War, as ordered by a former Resolution. I have the Honour to be, with every Sentiment of Esteem, & Regard, Sir, your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt

The Inclos’d Letter from Mrs Graydon for her Son, I should esteem a favr you would order to be Convey’d if any Oppor[tunit]y.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 21 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear General
Hackinsack [N.J.] November 21. 1776.

It must be painful to you as well as to us to have no News to send you but of a melancholy Nature. Yesterday Morning the Enemy landed a large Body of Troops below Dobb’s Ferry & advanced very rapidly to the Fort called by your Name. I immediately went over & as the Fort was not tenable on this side & we in a narrow Neck of Land the passes out of wch the Enemy were attempting to sieze directed the Troops consisting of Bealls, Heards[,] the Remainder of Ewing’s Brigades & some other Parts of broken Regiments to move over to the West Side of Hackinsack River. A Considerable Quantity of Stores & some Artillery have fallen into their Hands—We have no Account of their Movements this Morning. But as this Country is almost a dead Flat, we have not an intrenching Tool, & not above 3000 Men, & they much broken & dispirited not only with our ill Success but the Loss of their Tents & Baggage; I have resolved to avoid any Attack tho by so doing I must leave a very fine Country open to their Ravages, or a plentiful Store House, from which they will draw voluntary Supplies.
Your Favour of the 19th is just come to Hand—I approve of your

Step with Respect to the Rhode Island Officers, as I am unacquainted with their Merits, I was obliged to leave the Determination of this Matter much to Gen. Greene hoping I confess that he would make an Arrangement acceptable to his Countrymen—however I am well satisfied with what you have done & must leave it upon that Footing.
With Respect to your Situation I am very much at a Loss what now to determine, there is such a Change of Circumstances since the Date of your Letter as seems to call for a Change of Measures. Your Post undoubtedly will answer some important Purposes, but whether so many or so great as your Removal is well worthy of Consideration—You observe it prevents a fine fertile Country affording them Supplies—but now they have one much more so & more contiguous—They have already traversed a Part of that Country leaving little behind them: is it probable they will return—if not the Distance must be too great in Winter Time to render it effectually serviceable—Upon the whole therefore I am of Opinion & the Gentlemen about me concur in it that the publick Interest requires your coming over to this Side with the Continental Troops—leaving Fellows & Wadsworths Brigades to take Care of the Stores during their Short Stay at the Expiration of which I suppose they will set out home.
My Reasons for this Measure & which I think must have Weight with you are—that the Enemy are evidently changing the Seat of War to this Side of the North River—that this Country therefore will expect the Continental Army to give what Support they can & failing in this will cease to depend upon or support a Force from which no Protection is given to them. It is therefore of the utmost Importance that at least an Appearance of Force should be made to keep this Province in the Connection with the others—if that should not continue it is much to be feared that its Influence on Pennsylvania would be very considerable & more & more endanger our publick Interests—Unless therefore some new Event should occur, or some more cogent Reason present itself I would have you move over by the easiest & best Passage. I am sensible your Numbers will not be large & that perhaps it may not be agreeable to the Troops—as to the first, Report will exaggerate them & present an Appearance of an Army which will at least have an Effect to encourage the desponding here, & as to the other—you will doubtless represent to them that in Duty & Gratitude their Service is due wherever the Enemy make the greatest Impression, or seem to intend so to do.
The Stores at North Castle[,] Croton Bridge & Kings Ferry are to be removed to Pecks Kiln so as to be under Genl Heaths Eye—this we hope there will be Time & Means to do.
Col. Puttnam who has been surveying the Country thinks the Bridge

at Croton River a very important Place & that Troops would be necessary there—you will please to regard it accordingly by leaving or ordering one Regiment there. I am Sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt Servt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Aquaquenack Bridge [N.J.] 21st Novemr 1776

I have this Moment arrived at this place with Genl Beals and Genl Heards Brigades from Maryland and Jersey and part of Genl Ewing’s from Pennsylvania. Three other Regiments left to Guard the Passes upon Hackinsack River and to serve as covering Parties are expected up this Evening. After the unfortunate Loss of Fort Washington it was determined to evacuate Fort Lee in a great Measure, as it was in a Manner useless in obstructing the Passage of the North River without the Assistance of Fort Washington. The Ammunition and some other Stores were accordingly removed but before we could effect our purpose the Enemy landed Yesterday Morning in very considerable Numbers about 6 Miles above the Fort. Their Intent evidently was to form a line across from the place of their landing to Hackinsack Bridge and thereby hem in the whole Garrison between the North and Hackinsack Rivers. However we were lucky enough to gain the Bridge before them, by which Means we saved all our Men, but were obliged to leave some hundred Barrels of Flour, most of our Cannon and a considerable parcel of Tents & Baggage. Finding we were in the same danger of being pent up between Hackinsack & Pasaiac Rivers that we had between the North and Hackinsack, and also finding the Country from its Levelness and Openness unfit for making a Stand, it was determined to draw the whole of our Force over to this Side of the River, where we can watch the Operations of the Enemy without danger of their surrounding us or making a Lodgment in our Rear. But as our Numbers are still very inadequate to that of the Enemy I imagine I shall be obliged to fall down towards Brunswic and form a Junction with the Troops already in that Quarter under the Command of Ld Stirling. As the Term of the Inlistment of the Flying Camp belonging to Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland is near expiring, it will occasion so great a diminution of my Army, that I submit it to your Judgment,

whether it would not be proper for you to call together such a Number of Militia, as in Conjunction with the Troops I shall have left, will serve to cover the Country and stop the Progress of the Enemy if they should still attempt to penetrate. If the Weather continues favourable I am apprehensive they will attempt to make amends for the slowness of their Operations the beginning of the Campaign. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

⟨Sir.⟩
⟨He⟩ad Quarters Newark 23d Novr 1776.

⟨The⟩ Critical Situation of our Affairs ⟨and the move⟩ments of the Enemy make some ⟨further & im⟩mediate Exertions absolutely ⟨necessary—In⟩ order that you may have the ⟨fullest Repre⟩sentation and form a perfect ⟨Idea of what is⟩ now necessary, I have desired ⟨Colo. Reed to w⟩ait on You, and must refer ⟨You to him for⟩ Particulars. I am with great Respect & Regard Sir Your Most Obedt & Very Humbl. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the New York Committee of Safety, 23 November 1776
From: New York Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Committee of Safety for the State of New York Fishkill Novemr 23d 1776

The Committee of safety have the Honor of your Excellency’s Letter of the 16th Instant which was Immediately referred to the Committee for Arranging the Officers to serve in the four Battallions to be raised in this State.
The committee are Extremely happy to find that the measures

adopted by the state of Massachusets Bay for Augmenting the Pay of their Troops has been Reprobated by the General Congress, as such a Precedent must Either have Produced among the other Troops a Discontent, and Jealousy which might have been Attended with the most fatal Consequences, or have reduced, the Representatives of this state to impose further Burthens on their Constituents many of whom are already impoverished by the Havock and Desolat⟨i⟩on of the present Campaign. It is with equal pleasure that they have perused the Alteration in the mode of Enlistment which will in all probability tend to Expedite the Compleating of the levies.
We are informed by the committee of Arrangement that they have made these Resolutions of the General Congress a part of their Instructions to their recruiting officers.
The Committee coincide in Opinion with your Excellency that the Welfare of the United States is deeply interested in the expeditious raising of the New Army—and they lament the cruel Necessity which has prevented the Arrangement from being Compleated with the Dispatch they wished, Many Causes have conspired to Occasion this delay, which it may not be Unnecessary to Submit to your Excellencys consideration.
Immediately on the Receipt of the Resolution of the Congress of 8th Octr two Committees were appointed by the Convention of this State, the one to repair to the Northern and the other to the Southern Army, in order to Confer with the General officers Concerning the Characters of such of the Officers as were fit to be imployed on the New Establishment, soon after their departure from this place, an Account was received of the Destruction of our Fleet on Lake Champlain, in Consequence of which it became Necessary to appoint a Committee to cooperate with General Schuyler in calling forth the Militia, in forwarding Provisions to the Northern Army, and in curbing the Attempts of our internal Enemies on the Frontier, and to add to this Committee the Gentlemen who composed the Committee of Arrangement. On their Arrival at Albany a large field of Business was opened to their View, which Necessarily detained them for a much longer time than was Expected.
To this Cause and to the extreme Difficulty which the Committee of Arrangement found in Discharging their Trust in such a Manner as to give the least Disgust possible to such officers of merit who from the Reduction of the Quota of Troops to be raised by this State, must Necessarily be unprovided for, may be imputed the Delay of the Arrangement.
I have now the Honor of Transmitting to your Excellency a Copy of the Arrangement of the four Battallions to be raised by this State together

with a Copy of a Report of the Committee of Arrangement to the Committee of Safety which has been considered and approved of.
The Committee of Safety agreeing in Opinion with the Committee of Arrangement that another Battallion may be raised in this State with Advantage to the public Cause, and that the appointment of a Supplemental Officer called an Aid-Major to each Battallion at the Expence of this State, will tend to perfect the Troops in their Discipline, have directed me to wish your Excellencys Interposition with General Congress in getting these Measures approved of, should the Reasons Urged by the Committee of Arrangement appear Satisfactory.
With respect to the Arrangement We have only to Observe that we have been Assured by the Committee of Arrangement that they have taken infinite pains in forming it and that they Entertain no doubt, but that the Troops under the Command of the officers by them appointed will serve with Credit to themselves, with Honor to this State, and with Advantage to the great Cause in which the United States are at present Engaged.
Your Excellency is Deservedly Entitled to the thanks of this Committee for your Readiness to advance the Quota of Bounty Necessary for the Enlistment of our Battallions. But as a Sum of money has been Appropriated by the Convention for that purpose and is now Remitted to the proper officers we shall have no Occasion to Accept of the proposal.
The Delicacy which your Excellency has ever observed with Respect to the Civil Power of this State merits their Warmest Acknowledgments and will always induce them the more Chearfully and Strenuously to Cooperate with your Excellency in every measure that may be deemed Conducive to the public Weal.
The Committee are Sorry to hear of the Reduction of Mount Washington, and feel deeply for the loss of the Gallant Officers and Soldiers who persisted in its Defence or who are now Captives—They trust However that the minds of the Representatives of this State can bear with fortitude this heavy Blow, and even other Calamities of greater Weight, and that under the Influence of the Councils of the General Congress and the Auspices of your Command the Liberties of the United States will at length be Established on a Wise and Firm Basis.
Lieut. Collo. Welsh who commands a Detachment of the New Hampshire Militia which is Stationed at this place has informed the Committee that the Term of Inlistment of the men under his Command Expires on the first day of December and begs to know whether it is your Excellencys pleasure that they should then Return home or wait further orders.

The Committee for Detecting Conspiracies in this State have made such Progress in curbing and Removing the Disaffected that we shall not Require their longer Stay at this place, unless some Event at present unforseen should happen.
We beg leave to inform your Excellency that as the Convention of this State have no Occasion for the Services of the Connecticut Troop of Horse which your Excellency Stationed here under their Direction, and as they Necessarily Consume a great Deal of Forage which might otherwise be spared for the Use of the Army we Submit to your Excellencys Direction the propriety of Removing them. I have the Honor to be with great Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

By order of the Committee of Safety
Pierre Van Cortlandt Presdt


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 23 November 1776
From: Pennsylvania Council of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council of Safety Philadelphia 23rd Novr 1776.

The uncertain intelligence which we have received respecting the movements of General Howe’s Army, and the evacuation of Fort Lee, renders it absolutely necessary for us to apply to your Excellency for further, and more perfect information concerning these movements, and we earnestly request your Excellency will inform this Board if it is your judgment that he intends for this state, and such other matters, relating to this great object, as you may think proper to communicate—The vast importance of this enquiry will excuse the trouble we give your Excellency at this critical and interesting moment. We are

with the utmost respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble servants

By order of the Council
Tho. Wharton junr Presidt

P.S. The bearer hereof Mr John Dunlap is a Citizen of Character and in whom the utmost confidence can be placed, it is on that accot tht we have applyd to this Gentleman to undertake this business as your Excelly may communicate very freely, either by Letter or verbelly, any information you think may be useful for us to know.

T.W.


Title: Orders to Colonel David Forman, 24 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Forman, David

Sir
[Newark, 24 November 1776]

Having received Information that there is danger of an Insurrection of Tories in the County of Monmouth, and it being highly necessary that the most speedy check should be given to [a] Measure of so pernicious a Tendancy, you are hereby ordered to march with the Regiment under your Command into the said County of Monmouth, and on your Arrival there you are authorized to apprehend all such persons as from good Information appear to be concerned in any Plot or Design against the Liberty or Safety of the united States. And you are further authorized immediately to attack any Body of Men whom you may find actually assembled or in Arms for the purposes aforesaid, and if you should find their Numbers superior to your Force, you have full authority to call in and take the Command of such a Number of Militia of the State of New Jersey as you may judge sufficient. I would recommend to you to be cautious in proceeding against any but such as you have the fullest Grounds of Suspicion, and not suffer your Men to give the least Molestation to the property of any in the Course of your March—If you find any Stock of Cattle or Provision that you may judge in danger of falling into the Hands of the Enemy, you are first judge in danger of falling into the Hands of the Enemy, you are first to desire the Inhabitants to remove them, and upon their Refusal you are to have it done yourself, giving the Owners Certificates of the Quantity that they may if they please call upon the Qr Masr or Commy Genl for Pay. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters at Newark this 24 day of Novemr 1776.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 24 November 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir
New Ark Novr the 24th 1776

By the negligent and infamous conduct of the post rider, the Eastern Mail of Friday was brought to Heckensec and there stopped to fall into the hands of the Enemy. Supposing it may have contained some Letters from you of a public nature, I have thought it proper to give you the earliest notice, that you may guard against any advantages the Enemy may expect to derive from the Accident.
I perceive by your Letter to Colo. Reed, that you have entirely mistaken my views in ordering Troops from Genl Heath’s Division to this Quarter. The posts and passes in the Highlands, are of such infinite importance, that they should not be subjected to the least possible degree of risk. Colo. Reeds second Letter will have sufficiently explained my intention upon this Subject, and pointed out to you, that it was your division which I wanted & wish to march. As the Enemy have possessed themselves of the usual route by Dobb’s Ferry and Heckensec, it will be necessary for you to choose some back way in which you & your Troops may come secure. I doubt not they will try to intercept you, if this precaution is not used, and therefore have been induced to mention it. I would also mention the necessity of my hearing frequently from you in the course of your march, in order to a due regulation of matters, and that I may know how to conduct myself. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have received your favor of the 20th and feel with you for the distresses of the Army for want of necessary Cloathing & covering. I have pointed this out to Congress several times. How to remedy it, I know not. From the number of prizes taken at the Eastward, I should suppose the Troops from thence could have been much better provided with necessaries than from the more Southern States where they have not the same advantages of an open Navigation.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 24 November 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Camp, Nover 24th, 1776.

I have received your Orders and shall endeavour to put ’em in execution, but question much whether I shall be able to carry wth me any considerable number, not so much from a want of zeal in the men, as from their wretched condition with respect to shoes, stockings, blankets, &c which the present bad weather renders more intolerable I sent Heath orders to transport two thousand men across the River, apprize the General and wait for further orders, but that great man (as I might

have expected) intrench’d himself within the Letter of his Instructions and refused to part with a single file, tho’ I undertook to replace ’em with a part of my own. I shou’d march this day with Glovers Brigade, but have just received intelligence that Roger’s Corps, a part of the Light Horse, and another Brigade lye in so exposed a situation as to present us the fairest opportunity of carryg ’em off—if we succeed, it will have a great effect, and amply compensate for two days delay.
I am Dr General Yours most Sincerely

Charles Lee.


Title: From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Thomas Mifflin, 24 November 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Thomas Mifflin, 24 Nov. 1776. On 26 Nov. Mifflin wrote to GW: “At 10 O’Clock last Evening I receivd your Letter of the 24th Inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 November 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Peeks kill [N.Y.] Novr 26th 1776

I have to acknowledge the Honor of the receipt of yours of the 24th Instant[.] I do not recollect to have Sent any Letters by the Fridays Post who lost his Mail in an Infamous manner.
I have Also received from Colo. Harrison, the Resolves of the Honble Continental Congress of the 19th Instant, with a Signification of your Excellencys Pleasure that they should be Published in orders, which Shall be Done Tomorrow.
I have for Several Days been exerting my Utmost Endeavours to Secure the Stores on the west Side of the River, and have the pleasure to acquaint your Excellency that through the vigilance of Colo. Tupper and his Party, The Provisions, warlike and naval Stores, near the River at Tapan, Slots Landing &c. have been Safely brought off altho the Ships Fired a number of Cannon shot at the Boats.
Major Clark who was Posted at Tapan Informed me yesterday by Letter, that there was at that Place a Considerable Quantity of Flour, and that He was ordered to Joyn his Regiment, I Immediately Sent orders to Colo. Tylers Regiment to march Down to Tapan, to Empress all the Teams Between Colo. Huntingtons Post and that Place and to bring off the Flour, Part to the Entrance of the mountains, and Part near to Kings ferry.
In the afternoon I received a Letter from Colo. Hay, acquainting of me, that many of the Disaffected in that vicinity had gone to the Enemy, some of whom had hinted that they would Conduct the Enemy up and Cut off our Troops, Upon which having Consulted my Brigadiers, I ordered General Scotts Brigade over the River, to Cover the Provisions, to support Colo. Huntington in Case of need or Posses the mountain on the Back of Fort montgomery, I have also Stationed the Lady Washington Galley at the Ferry to Prevent Insults from the Enemys Boats or Tenders, General Mifflins Goods have been brought over to this Place.
A Survey of the River and Soundings has lately been taken and is now before the Convention of the State of New York—General Clinton is Confident that obstructions may be effectually made by the Sinking of Blocks, I have wrote the Convention that if they should think it

practicable and should make the Attempt I will assist them all in my Power, The Place proposed is Some miles above Fort Constitution.
Our numbers in a few Days will be much Diminished, General Scott has wrote to the Convention to Encourage his Brigade to Continue a Short time longer in the Service; and thinks he shall be able to persuade many of them to Tarry, But Sad Experiance has taught me to Expect but little from Soldiers after the Expiration of the Time of their Engagements—I think the recruiting of a new army will be Successfull if the men can by & by some how or another a few at a time be Indulged to goe Home which Seems to be a Darling object with them. I have the Honor to be with great respect your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath