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

Head Quarters, New York, May 10th 1776.
Parole Nassau.Countersign Williams

The Colonel of Artillery, constantly to employ the whole of the officers, and men off guard, in placing the Guns upon their proper platforms, providing a sufficient quantity of filled Cartridges, and fix’d Ammunition for each Gun; seeing the Shot, Rammers, Spunges and Ladles with all the necessary Atraile, brought to the Batteries where they are to be used, and continually keeping as many men, as can work, filling cannon, and musket cartridges, and doing all the various duty required in the Laboratory. The heaviest Mortars to be placed in the Batteries to the sea-line, and a proper quantity of Fuses to be drove, and Shells fill’d, for each mortar—The light Mortars to be placed in the Forts, near the encampments.
Joseph Child of the New-York Train of Artillery tried at a late General Court Martial whereof Col. Huntington was President for “defrauding Christopher Stetson of a dollar, also for drinking

Damnation to all Whigs, and Sons of Liberty, and for profane cursing and swearing”—The Court finding the prisoner guilty of profane cursing and swearing and speaking contemptuously of the american Army, do sentence him to be drum’d out of the army.
Zodiac Piper of Capt. Ledyard’s Company and Thos Watkins of Capt. Lyon’s Company, both in Col: McDougal’s regiment, tried by the same General Court Martial, for “being concern’d in a riot on Saturday night”—The Court find the Prisoner, Piper, guilty of being from his quarters at an unseasonable hour, and being concern’d, in raising a disturbance in the streets, and do sentence him to be confined six days, upon bread and water, for said offence: The Court are of opinion, that the Prisoner, Watkins, is guilty of being out of his quarters at unseasonable hours, and of profane cursing and swearing, and do sentence him to be confin’d six days, upon bread and water—and be fined one sixth of a dollar for profane swearing, as by the 3rd Article is prescribed.
The General approves of the foregoing Sentences, and orders them to take place to morrow morning at Guard mounting.


Title: From George Washington to Preeson Bowdoin, 10 May 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Bowdoin, Preeson

Letter not found: to Preeson Bowdoin, 10 May 1776. Bowdoin’s letter to GW of 6 May is endorsed in Stephen Moylan’s writing: “Phila. May 6th 1776. ansd Do 10th.”


Title: To George Washington from Ensign Duncan Campbell, 10 May 1776
From: Campbell, Duncan
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fredericksburgh Dutches County [N.Y.]10th May 1776

From the treatment I have met with since I left General Schuyler, I am under the Necessity of aplying to Your Excellency

for redress: being fully convinced from Your General Character, that you will do me all manner of Justice. I beg leave to lay before Your Excellency a true state of some Arms I had in my Custody belonging to the Officers of the 26th Regiment taken Prisoners in Canada. The Number of Fire Arms are only thirteen, mostly fowlling pieces; with eight Small & half Basket swords: one hanger and two odd pistol’s, being the property of those Gentlemen and myself. And as I am Quarter Master to the Regiment, I was order’d to take care of said arms and put them all in one Chist as they were to be sent after (or taken care for) the Gentlemen they belonged to. As General Montgomery was pleas’d to indulge me with leave to remain in Canada till spring I acquainted Colonel Fleming Depy Adjutant General for the Continental Forces, of my having the affore said Arms; and told him that I wou’d be glad he would spake to General Wooster that I might know what was to be done with them; As I was Orderd to be in readiness to Come down the Country; But receiving no further directions concerning them, I brought them with me as far as the Fish Kills, where I stored them with most of my Own Baggage, having General Schuylers leave to go to Fredericksburgh, to settle some property I had at that place. The Committee of Roumbouts Precinct; broke open the Chist where the arms were in, and seized ⟨mutilated⟩ all my Bag⟨mutilated before⟩ they gave me the least notice of their proceedings. About ten days after, I was order’d to wait on said Committee, and at the same time threaten’d that my Chists shou’d be broke open if I shou’d not be at the place appointed at such an hour: as they supposed that I had more Arms and Ammunition amongest my Baggage. I asured them that I had no such thing and that the Arms they had already seen, were all that I had, which cou’d never be intended for Tories as they imagine’d; as the Different Gentlemens names they belonged to were fixed to each of them. After opening and searching all my Chists and Boxes, except two that the keys had been lost, they broke the locks open & tore the Boxes, not withstanding I told them on my honor, that there was nothing in them but Bedsteads & some Cloathes belonging to my Children.
As Your Excellency very well knows that those Arms are private property, I hope you will be pleased to Order that they may be either Deliverd me ⟨or⟩ secured in the hands of some

Gentleman that will take care & be answerable for them. I am Your Excellency Most Obedient and Most Humble servant

Dun: Campbell
Ensn & Qr M⟨r⟩ to the 26th Regt & Prisoner of war at Fredericksburgh


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 10 May 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia May 10th 1776.

I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your several Favours of the 5th and 7th Inst., which I had the Honour of laying before Congress.
By the enclosed Resolves you will perceive the Sense of Congress upon some Parts of your Letters. The others are under the Consideration of different Committees. As soon as I am authorized, I will do myself the Pleasure of immediately transmitting the Result.
Congress have been pleased to appoint Col. Tuthill Major of the first New York Battalion in the Room of Major Benedict who has resigned. I have sent him his Commission.
The Account of the Powder sent to the Eastward, shall be forwarded, agreeably to Mr Palfrey’s Application, as soon as the Secret Committee can furnish me with it.

I have thought proper to detain the Express that I may be able to inform you, whether any Arms can be procured from the Committee of Safety in this Place. The Committee, to whom that Business was referred, I expect will make their Report this Morning.
The Particulars of the Engagement in the River below this City, tho at present it is over, are so variously reported, that it is impossible to give any consistent Representation of it. It is certain however that the King’s Ships have quitted their Stations, and have fallen down the River as low as Reedy Island. When the Gondolas began the Attack, they were almost as high up as Chester.
The 400,000 Dollars for the Use of the Army under your Command, shall be forwarded on Monday. I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedt and very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from John Langdon, 10 May 1776
From: Langdon, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Portsmouth New Hampshire 10th May 1776

This will be handed you, by George Marchant who says he’s one of the Riflemen that went from Cambridge, under General Arnold to Attack Quebeck, was taken prisoner, crossing the river at that place, sent to England in Irons, has just return’d, by way of Hallifax, from whence he made his Escape with some others in a small Boat, he arrived at Old York, yesterday, when he inform’d the Committee of that place, of his having Letters from England, which he had Concealed in the Waistband of his Britches, they tho’t fit to open the letters; and sent them on to the Committee of this place, who have directed me to dispatch the Man, with the Letters to Congress, after having called on you, in the way there, I’ve therefore Furnished him with Necessaries,

and given strict directions to proceed with all possible dispatch to Head quarters at New York, as Express to your Excellency, with the inclos’d Letters, and as they contain matters of Importance, no doubt you’ll think proper, to forward them to Congress.
This Man informs us, that the Troops at Hallifax, are in a most deplorable Condition, for want of Provision, this is Confirm’d by several others, who have Escaped from thence, and arrived at this place within this few Days. I am with the greatest Respect Your most Obedt Servant

Jno. Langdon


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 10 May 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

My Dr General
Williamsburg May the 10th 1776

The most compendious method to give you an idea of the state of your Province is to inclose to you the result of a Council of Officers every article of which is approv’d by your Convention—We have just receivd an express from N. Carolina informing us of the arrival of eight large Transports in Cape Fear River on the whole containing as it is suppos’d, about two thousand Men—I had before, on a suspicion of their arrival detach’d a Battalion of Rifle Men, and shall set out myself the day after tomorrow—the Convention has order’d twelve hundred Militia or Minute Men to that Province—My command (as you may easily conceive) is extremely perplexing from the consideration of the vast extent of vulnerable parts of this Country intersected by such a variety of navigable waters, and the expedition with which the Enemy (furnish’d with canvass Wings) can fly from one spot to another—had We arms for the Minute Men and half a dozen good field Engineers—We might laugh at their efforts—but in this article (like the rest of the Continent) We are miserably deficient—Engineers We have but two—and They threaten to resign as it is impossible that They shou’d subsist on a more wretched pittance than Common Carpenters or Brickl[ay]ers can earn—I have written to the Congress intreating ’em to augment the pay—a word from you, woud, I make no doubt, effect it—I wish, My Dr General, You woud send me Capt. Smith on condition the Congress make it worth his while, otherwise I have not the conscience to propose

it—I am well pleas’d with your Officers in general, and the Men are good, some Irish Rascals excepted—I have form’d two Companies of Grenadiers to each Regt arm’d with spears of thirteen feet long—their Rifles (for they are all Rifle Men) slung over their Shoulders—their appearance is formidable and the Men are conciliated to the weapon—I am likewise furnishing myself with four ounc’d Rifled Amusets which will carry an infernal distance—the two ounc’d hit a half sheet of Paper at five hundred yards distance—so much for military—a noble spirit possesses the Convention—They are almost unanimous for independence but differ in their sentiments about the mode—two days will decide it—I have the pleasure to inform you that I am extremely well in the opinion of the senatorial part as well as of the People at large—God send me the grace to preserve it—but their Neighbours of Maryland (I mean their council of safety) make a most damnable clamour (as I am inform’d) on the subject of a letter I wrote to the Chairman of the Committee of Baltimore to seize the person and papers of Mr Eden upon the discovery which was communicated to me of his treacherous correspondence with the Secretary of State—it was a measure not only justifiable in the eyes of Gods and Men, but absolutely necessary—the Committee of safety here are indeed as deep in the scrape as myself—the Congress must, and will, I dare say support and vindicate the measure Capt. Greer and his party are upon their March as you order’d, I was a damn’d Blockhead for bringing ’em so far—as their accounts will be intricate—but I hope not so intricate as not to be unriddled—I send you an account of the Money I advanc’d to the different Officers—to Capts. Smith Lunt and Greer—I have taken the liberty to appoint a Serjt Denmark, of the Rifle Battalion to do duty as Ensign—He is a Man of worth and I beg you will confirm his commission—another Serjt of the same Battalion I have promoted to the rank of second Lt in the Artillery of this Province—He is a German—his name Holmer and very deserving—if little Eustace cannot be provided for with you—I cou’d wish if there is a cheap method of doing it, You wou’d send him to me—as I have it in my power to place him and quite doat upon him—my love to Mrs Washington Gates and her bad half—to

Moyland—but Palfrey is a Scoundrel for not writing adieu, My Dr General. Yours most entirely

C. Lee


Title: From George Washington to George Mason, 10 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Mason, George

Dear Sir,
New York May 10th 1776.

The uncertainty of my return, and the justice of surrendering to Mr Custis, the Bonds which I have taken for the Monies raised from his Estate and lent out upon Interest. As also his Moiety of his deceased Sister’s Fortune (consisting of altogether of Bonds &c.) obliges me to have recourse to a friend to see this matter done, and a proper memorandum of the transaction made. I could think of no person in whose friendship, care and abilities I could so much confide, to do Mr Custis and me this favour as yourself; and, therefore, take the liberty of soliciting your Aid.
In Order that you may be enabled to do this with ease and propriety, I have wrote to the Clerk of the Secretary’s Office, for attested Copies of my last settled accounts with the General Court in behalf of Mr Custis & the Estate of his deceased Sister;

with which and the Bonds, I have desired him and Mr Washington to wait upon you for the purpose above mentioned.
The amount of the Balance due, upon my last settled accounts, to Mr Custis, I would also have assigned him out of my moiety of his Sister’s Bonds; and, if there is no weight in what I have said, in my Letter to Mr Lund Washington, concerning the rise of exchange, and which, to avoid repetition, as I am a good deal hurried, I have desired him to shew you, I desire it may meet with no Notice; as I want nothing but what is consistent with the strictest justice, honour, and even generosity; although I have never charged him or his Sister, from the day of my connexion with them to this Hour, one Farthing, for all the trouble I have had in managing their Estates, nor for any expense they have been to me, notwithstanding some hundreds of pounds would not reimburse the monies I have actually paid in attending the public Meetings in Williamsburg to collect their debts, and transact these several matters appertaining to the respective Estates.
A variety of occurrences, and my anxiety and hurry to put this place, as speedily as possible, into a posture of defence, will not, at this time, admit me to add more than that I am, with unfeigned Regard, Dear Sir, Your mo. obt & Affectionate humble servant,

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 10 May 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany Friday May 10th 1776.

I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Favor of the 3d instant, by Mr Bennet; which was delivered on Wednesday Evening, General Sullivan arrived here at six that Afternoon, half an Hour before that I returned from Fort George, having embarked General Thompson with the last of his Brigade, on the Morning of the preceeding Day.
Immediately on the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 29th, I ordered up an Additional Number of Carpenters, some of which have already left this Place, and others are going off

this Day, so that I hope on Sunday and on Every succeeding Day to build Eight Boats, But as I had Not one left when General Thompson was Moved and could build no more than six a Day, I shall on Saturday Night have only thirty Compleated, So that I fear It will be the 21st instant before the last of General Sullivan’s Brigade will embark, When I expect to have finished 110 Batteaus Carrying thirty Men Each, Besides the Baggage, Ammunition & Intrenching Tools and about ten Barrels of Pork, If I can get that Quantity at Fort George by that Time, which I doubt Much, as the Troops have such an Amazing Quantity of Baggage, that they Employ Every Carriage I can procure at this Season, when Forrage is scarce, & when the Licentioun⟨ess⟩ some of the Troops that are gone on, has been such, That few of the Inhabitants have Escaped A⟨buse⟩ Either in their Persons or Property, & fewer still of the Waggoners & Batteaumen employed in the service Many of which have left Us & the whole threaten to do It, unless the future Conduct of the Troops is more becoming; I have done all in my Power to prevent this disgraceful Conduct of the Army, But Court Martials are vain where Officers connive at the Depredations of the Men, I have Ordered Capt. Romans to be sent from Canada for Trial here, as a string of Complaints are Lodged against him, And since My Return from Fort George have issued the most pointed Orders.
I hope this Day to send off the sixty Barrels of Powder Your Excellency ordered here, the Intrenching Tools have already left this, and about six hundred Barrels of Pork, & the first Regiment of General Sullivan’s Brigade is Marched this Morning.
It will be impossible to send more than half of the 300,000 Dollars into Canada, as we are greatly in debt here, & our Creditors Exceedingly Clamorous, that Sum will be fully sufficient in Canada, untill the Canadians agree to take our Paper Currency, Which I am very fearful they will Not and if so, Even the Flour & Peas for the Army must be sent from hence, If It is possible to Convey It there.
I met Colo: Wynkoop on his Way to Tyonderoga, & soon after Lieut: Colo: Cortlandt with Orders for him to repair to the Highlands, But as from the Arrangement he shewed Me, I concluded that It would be Countermanded, I suffered Colo: Wynkoop to proceed, & in the Evening I was happy to see the

Counter Orders. It is absolutely Necessary that I should leave two of his Companies in Tryon County, and the remaining Six, one of which O’Hara’s is at New York, will very little exceed 300 Men, One hundred & fifty of which are constantly required upon a Road, where an hundred Carriages, to set out Every Day are to pass, seventy More in Addition to One hundred Batteaumen, are at least wanted to Convey the Provisions, on Part of Hudson’s River, so that I shall only have, about one hundred left to transport the Provisions & stores across Lake George, which is not quite a sufficient Number, and none for Lake Champlain, the Garrisons of Crown Point, Tyonderoga, the Landing Place and Fort George, and for opening Wood Creek & Cutting a Road by that Rout, a Work which ought to be executed as soon as possible, But Wishing that as many Troops as possible should go into Canada, I will detain the smallest Number possible of Van Schaick’s Regiment.
The Tents are not Yet arrived, the Distribution shall be made agreeable to Your Excellency’s Orders—The Chain is to go on to day, which I shall forward to General Arnold with Directions to fix It, I suppose It was intended for the Rapids of Richlieu.
Capt: Wynkoop and his Company of Sailors are at Tyonderoga.
Surrounded with Indians and under the Necessity of giving a Variety of Directions, as I must return Early to Morrow Morning to Fort George, I must beg General Gates’s to dispense with My Answering his Letters until my Arrival there, I am extreamly unhappy that I am not in a situation of Complying with Your Excellency’s Orders to make a Return of the State of the Army &ca. I have repeatedly applied to General Wooster for It, & for the several Other Returns which I ought to have had. The Only one I ever received was the imperfect one I lately sent You from Fort George, this Omission has been the Source of much Embarrassment to me, I hope soon to comply with Your Orders on this Head, as General Thomas promissed to be as regular as possible in these Matters.
Mr Price arrived at Fort George the Day befor⟨e⟩ I left It, with a Resolution of Congress, the subject Matter of which is Contained in the Enclosed Orders I have given to Mr Price; Your Excellency will Easily perceive that they are very crude, the Necessity of Sending him immediately into Canada & the

Other pressing Concerns which then occupied Me, did not permit me Time to reflect with that Attention so important a Buisiness required.
Inclose Your Excellency a Return of the Arms in Mr Rensselaer’s Store, a Considerable Number of General Sullivan’s Brigade are still to be furnished, Most of Wynkoop’s Regiment and the seven hundred unfit for Service, are Arms that have been exchanged and very few are Capable of being made Useful.
I shall do Myself the Honor to write You from Fort George, where I shall be better able to determine with Certainty when the last Troops will leave It. I am Dear Sir With the most respectful Sentiments Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Most Humble servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 10 May 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany Friday May 10th 1776

The Canada Post is just arrived and has brought me the Enclosed, I was requested by the Commissioners to seal & forward that to Congress There can be no Impropriety in Your Excellency’s perusing It, I have therefore left It open to be sealed before It leaves You.
The little Quantity of Provisions at Quebec is truly Allarming, they will receive all that was at the Posts above, by General Thompson’s Brigade, but besides What I have Mentioned to be now on the Way from hence to Fort George, No more can be sent until the Troops are passed.
I believe the Gentlemen are Mistaken, & that More Troops are in Canada than they mention, for supposing Bedels, Porters, Burrel’s[,] Warners, Maxwell’s, Du Haas’s & Sinclairs to Consist of five hundred, the Number will be three thousand five hundred, Exclusive of the Troops that remained in Canada last Winter, few of Which are Yet returned, unless they are gone by the Rout of Onion River into New England.
Will Your Excellency be so good as to transmit Congress a Copy of my Orders to Mr Price.
Yesterday I reviewed General Sullivan’s Brigade the Indians to the Number of about two hundred and sixty Attended and were greatly pleased with the Order & Regularity of the Troops, and surprized at the Numbers, which the Tories had industr[i]ously propagated, Consisted of three Companies only, but that We have them Continually walking the Streets in Order to induce the Belief of a greater Number than there really was; A few Indians will leave this with the Interpreter in a Day or two, on a Visit to Your Excellency, they may possibly wish to go to Boston or Philadelphia, And I have assured them, that If they do, proper Care will be taken to supply them with whatever is

Necessary. I am with the most perfect Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Stringer, 10 May 1776
From: Stringer, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany 10th May 1776.

Upon a receipt of orders yesterday to prepare for Canada with the Hospital under my Direction, I laid before General Schuyler a State of my Establishment, consisting (by resolve of Congress last Septr) of only four Mates besides myself, which he once before laid before that Honble Board without the desired Effect; whereupon he has now requested me to apply to you for a Reinforcement, or augmentation, giving you an Estimate of the addition which I think will be necessary; a List of which I have inclosed, beging your Excellency will be pleased to

order up the desired number of Seniors & Mates, or authorize me to provide them, with power to employ such Clerks, Stewards Labourers, &c., as shall from time to time be needful—I must also intreat your Excellency to order me such Medicines &c. as are contained in the List inclosed to Mr Morgan, as I have by no means a supply fit for the business I am going on; more especially, as I find the Majority of Regiment[a]l Surgeons gone up have neither Medicines or Instruments, & the Army likely to be overspread with the Small Pox, & no possibility of geting supplied in Canada with such Articles as I may hereafter want.
The inclosed List was intended as a Memorandum for General Schuyler, & as his Express is just going off, must beg your Excellencys Pardon for sending you so imperfect a piece of Paper. The one Senior mentioned & the Clerk, General Schuyler has taken upon him last Campaign to approve of & Confirm. With great respect Sir I am Yr Excellencys Most Obedt and very Hume Servt

Saml Stringer


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 10 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Dear Lund,
New York May 10th 1776.

As I am not able to form any Idea of the time of my return, and as it is very reasonable and just that Mr Custis should be possessed of his Estate, although it is not in my power (circumstanced as I am at present) to Liquidate the Accounts and make a final settlement with him, I have wrote to the Clerk of the Secretary’s Office for Authentic Copies of the last Accounts which I exhibited against him and the Estate of his deceased Sister. With these (for I have directed them to be sent to you) and the bundle of Bonds which you will find among my Papers, I would have Mr Custis and you repair to Colonel Mason, and get him, as a common friend to us both, as a Gentleman well acquainted with business and very capable of drawing up a proper Memorandum of the transaction, to deliver him his own Bonds, which, if my memory fails me not, and no changes have happened, are in one parcel and indorsed; and at the same time deliver him as many Bonds out of the other parcel, endorsed Miss Custis’s Bonds, as will pay him his Moiety of her Fortune, and the Balance which will appear due to him from me, at my last settlement with General Court. How the acct will then stand between us, I cannot, with precision, say, but believe the Balance will be rather in my favour than his.
In my last settlement of the Estate of Miss Custis (which you will have sent to you, I expect, by Mr Everard) every Bond, Mortgage, &c. were fully accounted for and will be the best Ground to found the dividend (between Mr Custis and myself)

upon, lest any of the Bonds or Mortgages should be misplaced, or in the Office.
Mr Mercer’s Bonds I have promised to take into my part; and as there are Wheat and other Accounts opened between that Estate and me, I should be glad to have them allotted accordingly. In like manner, I promised to take Mr Robert Adams’s debt upon myself and believe the last Mortgage from him was taken in my own name. As to the others, I do not care how they are divided, nor was I anxious about these, further than that it served to comply with their desires, founded (I believe) on an Opinion, that I should not press them for the money.
The Bank stock must, I presume, be equally divided between us. Long before I left Virginia, I directed it to be sold, writing to Messieurs Cary and Co., who had always received the dividends, to negotiate the matter: In consequence they sent me a power of Attorney, and a great deal of formal stuff for Mrs Washington and myself to execute before the Governor. This we did, literally as required, and transmitted; since which the Directors of the Bank have prescribed another Mode, and I have had forwarded to me another set of Papers to be executed also before the Governor, which has never been in my power to do, as they arrived but a little while before I set out for the Congress last Spring. Thus the matter stands, as far as I know, with respect to the money in the Funds.
There is another matter, which I think justice to myself requires a mention of, and that is with respect to the Sterling Balance which it will appear I was owing Mr Custis upon last settlement. It was then, and ever since has been, my intention to assign him, as many Bonds, carrying Interest, as would discharge this Ballance, but my attendance upon Congress in the Fall 1774, and Spring 1775, put it out of my power to attend the General Courts at this Sessions; consequently no Order could be taken, or account rendered, of this matter; and now, by the rise of exchange, if I was to turn Current Money Bonds into Sterling, I should be a considerable sufferer, when I had not, nor could have, any interest in delaying of it; and that it was so delayed, was owing to the Reasons abovementioned, it being a practice to let out his Money upon Interest, as soon as it came to my Hands.

The many matters, which hang heavy upon my hands at present, do not allow me time to add, but oblige me to request, as I have not wrote fully to Colonel Mason on this subject, that you will shew him, and, if necessary, let him have this Letter. I am very sincerely, Your Affectionate, humble servant,

G. Washington


Title: General Orders, 11 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, May 11th 1776.
Parole, The Congress.Countersign Hampden.

All Officers, non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers, belonging to the regiments at present encamped, are on no pretence (sickness excepted) to lay out of their respective encampments.
Col. Wyllys’s regiment, to march to morrow morning, at eight o’clock, and encamp on the ground, marked out for them in their brigade.
The Regiment and Company of Artillery, to be quarter’d in the Barracks of the upper and lower Batteries, and in the Barracks near the Laboratory—As soon as the Guns are placed in the Batteries to which they are appointed, the Colonel of Artillery, will detach the proper number of officers and men, to manage them—These are to encamp with the Brigades they are posted with.
The Colonel of Artillery, to order all the cannon and musquet Cartridges, to be filled in a room appointed for that purpose, in the upper battery, near the bowling Green Cannon and Musquet Powder, sufficient for the above purpose to be lodged in the Magazine prepar’d to receive it, in the upper battery.
All the Boat Builders, Carpenters and Painters, in the several Regiments and Corps, to be sent to Major General Putnam’s quarters, to morrow morning at Six o’Clock, to receive his orders.
His Excellency has been pleased to appoint, Hugh Hughes Esqr. Assistant, Quarter Master General—he is to be obeyed as such.
Serjt John Smith, of Capt. Adams’s Company, in Col. Irvine’s

Regt tried at a late General Court Martial, whereof Col. Huntington was president, for “forging an Order on the Commissary General, in the Name of Col. Irvine, with an Intent of defrauding the Continent, in drawing Twenty two shillings and six pence, for rations which were not due”—The Court finding the prisoner guilty of the charge, do sentence him to be reduced to the ranks, and to be mulcted two months pay.
The General approves the above sentence, and orders Col. Irvine to see it put in execution.


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

Dear General
Albany May 11. 1776. 2 OClock P.M.

I found It impossible to leave Town to Day as I had intended, It is lucky That I did not, for I just now received an Express from Fort George advising me that amongst the Nails I had ordered from Canada there were very few of those wanted for the Bottoms of the Boats; This Account has plunged me into almost Inextricable Difficulty, as I can procure only four hundred Weight in this Town, I have set Every Blacksmith at Work to make what they can, I shall still fall greatly short, and beg the Favor of You to order up fifteen Cask of 24d. Nails as Many of 10d. and a like Quantity of 8d.; A New York Carpenter must be employed in Chusing them, as they go by different Names in different Colonies, I could wish that they were sent up in a Pettiauger fitted with as Many Oars as possible, and under the Care of an Officer and a Party of Good Oarsmen.
The Troops are so slow in getting from here, Altho’ General Sullivan does all in his Power to move them, That I shall be under the Necessity of sending on Provisions from Fort George, before they arrive there, which will necessarily detain some of them until a Number of Boats are built, equal to those which Carry the Provisions.
By a Letter from Colo: Hazen I find they are extreamly short of Pork in Canada and the Amazing Quantity of Baggage the Troops carry with them will put It out of my Power to forward any more from hence until they are past.
Read’s which moved Yesterday took Eight Batteaus, Starks,

which has been Embarking their Baggage all Day with the Activity of Snails, will carry Something more, Nor can I prevail on them to leave any Part of It behind.
I shall leave this in the Morning and hope to reach Lake George to Morrow Night, where I am much wanted and from where I shall again do Myself the Honor to write You.
Be assured My Dear General, That I shall do Every Thing in my Power to forward the Troops and supply the Army, And I hope Notwithstanding Difficulties, that all will go well. I am most sincerely Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 12 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, May 12th 1776
Parole Madrid.Countersign, Paris.

The Carpenters, Boat Builders, and Painters, who were selected for the public service this morning, by Major Genl Putnam, are to parade to morrow morning at Sunrise, in the Street opposite to Genl Putnam’s, where they will receive his orders.
Corpl John Crossly of Capt. Ledyards Company, in Col. McDougall’s regiment, tried at a late General Court Martial, whereof Col. Huntington was president, for “Desertion”—The Court find the prisoner guilty of the charge, and do sentence him to be reduced to a private, and mulcted one month’s pay—The General approves the above sentence, and orders it to take place immediately.


Title: To George Washington from Ensign Peter Clayes, 12 May 1776
From: Clayes, Peter
To: Washington, George

[New York] May 12, 1776. “Being the officer of the guard at the old City-Hall over the prisoners confined by order of the Provincial Congress, I was very disagreeably surprised by a very tumultuous noise, occasioned by the mob bringing a certain Charles Oliver Bruff, on suspicion of being a Tory, who is now in my custody.” Asks for GW’s orders regarding Bruff.


Title: To George Washington from Commodore Esek Hopkins, 12 May 1776
From: Hopkins, Esek
To: Washington, George

Honor’d Sir
Providence May 12th 1776

By Captn Jones in the Providence I have sent you as many of your Officers and Soldiers as I could Collect but some of them that I took onboard are Sick and some have left the Fleet, for what Reason I can’t tell.
Shall Collect as many of those that are left behind as soon as possible and send them by the first Opportunity and Advertize the Remainder as Deserters tho’ the Officers tell me they believe some are set out by Land to join their Regiments. I am with great Regard Your humble Servt

Esek Hopkins


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 12 May 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Boston, 12 May 1776. “The Bearer has this moment arrived with some accounts from England, I have directed the Asst Q. M. Genl to furnish him with a Horse and money to carry him to New York, which Horse he is to deliver to the Q. M. Genl at New York.”


Title: From George Washington to captured British naval officers, 13 May 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Captured British Naval Officers

Letter not found: to captured British naval officers, 13 May 1776. The letter that four captured British naval officers at Providence wrote to GW on 5 May is endorsed in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing: “Ansd 13.”


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 13 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
New York May 13. 1776

I received your favor of the 6 Instt for which and Its several Inclosures I return you my thanks.
Agreable to my promise, on the 30 Ulto I wrote Congress upon the state of your Colony, and Sollicited their attention to It and that they woud adopt proper measures for Its defence and relief—A Copy of my Letter you have inclosed for your perusal and further Satisfaction.

It gives me much pleasure to hear that the Town of Newport have come to the laudable & necessary resolution you mention, and I heartily wish that nothing but Unanimity & a good Agreement hereafter may prevail with you; If united your exertions will probably be crowned with the desired effect, and If they shou’d not be so fully answered, as sanguine dispositions may hope for, there will be this consolation that nothing on your parts have been omitted to advance and promote not only the Interest of the Colony but that of all the United ones. I am Sir with great respect & esteem Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 13 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Gordon, William

Dear Sir
New York May 13th 1776.

I thank you for the Intelligence contain’d in your Letter of the 5th which is now before me. No matter from what cause your promptness to Work proceeded, whether from the Salem Acct of an Invasion, or the general Plan of Security; which common prudence rendered obviously necessary for the preservation of every Capital place—If the Work is done, I will not quarrel about the motives, for you may be assured it was no small degree of vexation to me, to hear (as I did from various hands) of the slothful manner in which they were executing. I could not help writing to Genl Ward on this Subject, & roundly to the Engineer, under whose conduct the Fortifications were going on. But how does your hands feel? or did you clap others upon the back, and add, work on brave boys?
It is but too common for Men under accusation to endeavour to exculpate themselves by charging others—I would therefore ask, if Genl W—is judgd an improper person to Command five Regiments in a peaceable Camp, or Garrison, (for in truth I did not, nor do not, expect any further attempt will be made upon Boston) why was he appointed to the first Military Command in the Massachusets Government? by whom was he appointed in the first Instance? & by whom supported in the

 next? Could I think the Second Officer in Command; an Officer of their own Creating, an improper person to Intrust the immediate defence of the Government to, admitting that active Scenes were like to follow—If on the other hand they were not, and my opinion had Coincided with theirs respecting Genl W—— was it not prudent in me to bring active Officers into active Service? consider the matter in either point of view then and I think reason will acquit me. but free People will judge freely, and I do not condemn them for it—it is the only way to bring matters to a fair discussion.
We have not been Idle since I came here, nor were they before—Many capital Works of defence are Erected, & others Erecting—Ten or twelve days more will, I think, put us in a respectable posture for defending this City & the passage of the North River. Our force thô, I should add, is considerably reduced by the two Brigades which have been sent to Canada; consisting of ten of our strongest Regiments, undr the Command of Genls Sullivan and Thompson.
The fortunate discovery, of the Intentions of Ministry, in Lord George Germains Letter to Govr Eden is to be Rank’d among many other signal Interpositions of Providence, and must serve to inspire every reflecting Mind with Confidence. No Man has a more perfect Reliance on the alwise, and powerful dispensations of the Supreme Being than I have nor thinks his aid more necessary. the favourable Sentiments you say the Gentlemen of Providence are pleased to entertain of me are exceedingly flattering, & when by an attentive observance, and discharge of my duty I can acquire the good wishes & prayers of our American Friends I shall think myself double happy—happy in their good opinion—happy in a conscious Integrity. the Family join me in respec⟨t⟩ful Compliments to Mrs Gordon, & I am with great regard and esteem Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 13 May 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia May 13th 1776.

I have delivered in Charge to Captn Lenox and Co. four Hundred Thousand Dollars, contained in six Boxes, for the Use of the Troops in New York, and Massachusetts Bay. The particular Disposition of it with Regard to the latter of these Colonies, I cannot at present ascertain. I will therefore lay the Matter before Congress this Day, and inform you by tomorrow’s Post of the Result.
The Secret Committee have been so extremely engaged by a Multiplicity of Business, that they have not yet furnished me with the State of the Powder sent to the Eastward. In a few Days, I expect a Report will be made upon the whole of your Letters under the Consideration of Congress.
The Success of the application to the Committee of Safety of this Colony for Arms, is still unknown, as no Report has been made.
As soon as I have it in my Power, I shall, with the greatest Pleasure, transmit you the Resolutions of Congress upon this and all other Occasions. I have the Honour to be Sir your most obedt & very hble Servt

John Hancock President

The Powder goes forward this morning.


Title: To George Washington from the King’s District Committee of Correspondence, 13 May 1776
From: King’s District Committee of Correspondence
To: Washington, George

Honble Sir
Kings District [Albany County, N.Y.]13 May 1776 In Committee

By the Inclosed you will discover the Glimmering of such a Plot as has seldom appeared in the world, since the fall of Adam by the Grand deceiver & Supplanter of Truth.
The Surprizing progress & lengthy strides that the Spirit makes according to the discoveries we have been able to make which is very lately, we take the Earliest Opportunity to Advertise you of and pray that you wou’d immediately consider Its importance, and as you find so Act, the Bearer we recommend to your Examination in the premisses, but must beseech that the utmost Secrecy and dispatch be used to carry something into Execution for the fullest discovery & overthrow of this most dark and dreadfull Overthrow of this once happy Land. To some members of this Committee these things are made known but they Injoined the Oath of Secreting Names which must suffice in that Office—But the Information pray examine and make what you can of It & add what you can to It, for Beleive It the plan is as deep as Hell, many Other Circumstances and things perfectly Agree with these Informations & we depend on It, that the Tories have a set time, when we cant find, to rise against the Country—Tis very near this Information we depend on to be true.
Sr you will excuse our troubling you on this subject when the all of this Country is so near Ruin. we are Sir your very H. Servt

Mat. AdgateChairman of the Committee of Kings district


Title: From George Washington to Isaac Sears, 13 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Sears, Isaac

Sir
New York 13th May 1776

I receivd your favor of the 2d Inst. & am fully of opinion with you that the Resolves of Congress shoud be Strictly adhered to as the regulation of the price of Tea or any other article is quite foreign to my department I shall Leave such Matters to the Provincial Congress before whom I will this day Lay your Letter, & I doubt not they will take such Steps as will put a stop to the evil you are apprehensive of. I am


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper, 13 May 1776 [letter not found]
From: Tupper, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper, 13 May 1776. On 14 May Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Tupper: “His Excellency received yours of the 13th Instt.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 13 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir
New York 13th May 1776

your favor of the 4h Inst. with return of the division of the Army under your Command is Come to hand.
the acct you give of your progress in fortifying the town & Harbor of Boston is very agreeable, when the works are Completed I think you will have but little to apprehend from the enemy shoud they incline to pay you another visit.
Inclosd is a petition from Col. Varnum which I beg you will attend to, if the facts are as Set forth therein he must be redressd for if Such practices as he complains of are given the Least Countenance to—it will have the worst of Consequences by encouraging Soldiers to shift from one Regt to another & throw the whole army into Confusion—I have had no advice from Congress relative to your resignation, I shall write them this day to know whom they may think proper to apoint to the

Command in your Stead, when I receive their answer you shall be informd thereof.
inclosd is Copy of a Resolve of Congress respecting the Cannon in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay. Yrs &a


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 13 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Woodhull, Nathaniel

New-York, May 13, 1776.

Sir: As applications are frequently made by officers of Militia, that came for the defence of this city, for their pay, I enclose you a resolve of Congress on that subject, which passed the 26th of April. You have also, herewith, a letter I received from Mr. Sears, of New-Haven, the subject of which is of consequence, but very foreign to my department. I doubt not but your honourable Convention will take the matter under consideration, and put a stop to the evil Mr. Sears is apprehensive of.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.


Title: General Orders, 14 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, May 14th 1776
Parole St Eustatia.Countersign, Amboy.

Christian Mazure of Capt. Wylley’s Company, in Col. McDougalls regiment, tried at a late General Court Martial, whereof Col. Huntington was president, for “Desertion,”: The Court find the prisoner guilty of the charge and do sentence him to receive Twenty Lashes on his bare back.
John McFarling of Capt. Sharpe’s Company, in Col. Daytons

regiment, tried by the above General Court Martial for “Desertion,” is acquitted by the court.
John Cooper of Capt. Varicks Company, in Col. McDougalls regiment, tried by the above Court Martial, for “Mutiny”—The Court finding the prisoner guilty of the Charge, do sentence him to receive Fifteen Lashes on the bare back, for said offence.
James McDonald of Capt. Horton’s Company, in Col. Ritzema’s regiment, tried by the above General Court Martial for threatning the life of Lieut. Young, and others, of the said company, is found guilty by the Court and sentenced to be confined, eight days on bread and water, for said offence.
The General approves the foregoing sentences, and orders them to be put in execution, to morrow morning at Guard mounting.
One Colonel, and one Quarter Master, from each brigade, to attend a Committee from the Congress of this City, to morrow morning at seven o’clock, to take cognizance of the damage done to certain houses, where the Troops have been quartered—The Chairman of the Committee, will meet the Colonels at the Exchange, at the time appointed.
The General Court Martial, whereof Col. Huntington was president is dissolved.
A General Court Martial of the Line, consisting of one Colonel; one Lieut. Colonel, one Major, and ten Captains, to sit to morrow morning at Ten o’Clock, to try all such prisoners as shall be brought before them. All Evidences, and persons concern’d, to attend the court.


Title: To George Washington from the Fairfield Committee of Inspection, 14 May 1776
From: Fairfield Committee of Inspection
To: Washington, George

SIR:
Fairfield [Conn.], May 14, 1776.

A letter has lately been received from Captain Harding, commander of the brig Defence, one of our Colony armed vessels, that he hath taken a small sloop in the Sound with ten Tories on board, who, on examination, confessed they were bound to Long-Island, in order to join the Ministerial troops. They are in custody, and expected in town soon. At the time they were taken some of the party gave the Captain information that there was a large number at Reading, a town adjoining this, who were in the combination. Upon the receipt of Captain Harding’s letter, a party was despatched immediately to Reading, who have brought in ten of the persons named as being in the plot, and more are expected from other places. The circumstances attending this affair are not yet fully known, as those who have already been brought in have not had an examination; but we think we know enough to convince us that a horrid

plot is laid by the Tories to destroy the people of the country, to co-operate with our enemies in every measure to reduce us, and that Long-Island is appointed for headquarters. We have thought it our duty to give this information, and beg leave to propose to your Excellency whether a body of the Army under your command, sent on to the Island, to spread over the whole, and break up the gang, would not be of publick service. Should your Excellency think proper to adopt this, or a like measure, our people would readily join to assist; and, upon notice of the time when, and the place where, they should land on the Island, to prevent their escape eastward, would land one hundred or more men, and also place guards on our shore at different places. We are alarmed, and engaged to do everything necessary, but submit the whole to your wise conduct; and are, with great truth and regard, your Excellency’s most humble servants.
Signed by the desire and in behalf of a number of the Committee of Inspection and other gentlemen, per

JONATHAN STURGES.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 14 May 1776
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Constitution [N.Y.] 14th May 1776

I arrived here the 9th: Instant but did not take the Command till today, as Colo: Nicol did not think himself releived before.
These Garrisons, are at present in a most deplorable Situation, as Your Excellency may Observe by the inclosed Returns. We are also much in want of an Infirmary as the sick, and well, are Obliged to Huddle together in the same Rooms the Commissioners desired me to mention this Matter to Your Excellency as worthy of attention.
The Fortifications intended here with a few improvements will render them almost impregnable, and impassable if a Boom was thrown Across the River Oposite them; which I think very Practicable as the River at this Place is no more than 500 Yards—its Depth 18 Fathom, the Tide not so rapid as at New york and a very Bold Shore 2 Whale Boats with Oars at Each Post are much wanted to render the Communication more easy, I fancy they might now be Bought Cheap at New york as they cant be employed in the Fisherie. Also a Boat to Transport Stores from one Post to another. Colonel Nichol tells me he represented to Your Excellency the Necessity of an Allowance of Rum for the Men upon Fatigue at this Post: and that Your Reply was that they Should be allowed a Gill per Man. An Order from Your Excellency to the Commissary General would procure us a Supply of that Necessary Article on Working Parties its Efficacy is well Known. the whole Garrison are upon duty every Day at this Post and Continue on Fatigue 9 Hours a Day This Garrison has been supplied with Fresh Provisions only once within the Month I fear an Omission in the

Comissary If Continued much longer will infallibly introduce the Scurvy here. I fear I tire You But thought it my duty to give Your Excellency an exact Account of the State of these Garrisons that if any thing unfortunate should happen my reputation should ⟨no⟩t lay Open to Censure. Some Tents will be Necessary here about 20, I sent this by Lieutenant Smith who will receive any Order⟨s⟩ Your Excellency Shall think proper to favour me with. When I begin to think of our wants they Occur so fast that I fear I Shall never have done the Committee have supplied us with no Money Yet. I remain with all respect Your Excellencies Most Obedient Humble Servant

Henry B: LivingstonLt: Coll—Commanding at these Garrisons


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 14 May 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Albany may 14th 1776

I This moment received from Genl Schuyler the Inclosed malencholy Account from Canada in Consequence of which I am ordered to tarry with my Brigade till the provisions are Sent over—So that my Departure from this place which was to take place tomorrow will not happen all the Brigade except Daytons & Waines are gone on Dayton was to have marchd tomorrow morng & Waine with his part of a Regt on the Next Day—I am anxious to go forward but cannot go beyond my orders nor Dare I attempt to Return to york I must Content myself to remain in the Center of Security till our provisions are passd over the Lake when perhaps it will be too Late to assist our Distressd friends in Canada—I shall do Every thing in my power to assist in forwarding the provisions & Shall follow them as Soon as possible I Inclose your Exy a Copy of Genl Schuylers Letter to me which must be my Directions till I have Some Directions from Your Excellency in the interim I am with much Esteem Your Excellencys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Thompson, 14 May 1776
From: Thompson, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General.
Chamblee [Canada] 14 May. 1776.

I arriv’d at this place yesterday evening and shall immediately sett out down the Sorel. Col. Patterson’s Regiment is ordered to Montreal, Col. Greaton’s and part of Col. Bond’s are gone down the Sorel River, and Col. Poor’s is behind at Tyconderoga, for want of Provisions to bring them on. Col. Baldwin with the Carpenters and Smiths I expect hourly.
The News of this Country you will have at large from Dr Franklin whom I met above St John’s yesterday.
I can’t help being a little surprized at the confused manner in which our Army retreated from before Quebec, & still more to hear that it is intended to abandon the Country as far as the mouth of the Sorel. The last part of my Intillegence I can’t think is true, and still expect to find General Thomas with part of the Army at Richlieu—That grand pass and all the Country above It we surely can keep possession of. I shall warmly recommend the fortyfying Point de Chambaux and hope it will be gone into, and I think there is nothing to prevent our doing it.
The confused state of this Country is past description, but matters will be soon settled, and I’m sure that if we are supplied with Powder Provisions and Intrenching tools all will be well.
I expect to be at the mouth of the Sorel River this evening, and shall write your Excellency from General Thomas’s Camp. I am Yr Excellency’s Most obt Hble Servt

Wm Thompson


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Anthony Wayne, 14 May 1776
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany 14th May 1776

In Obedience to your Excellencies Commands I have waited on the Genl and find Sufficient of Arms for the Remainder of my Battalion—for which I Obtained an Order, and expect they will be put into proper repair, by the time Liet. Col. Johnston Arrives with the troops—except Bayonet Scabbards which cannot be procured for want of Leather.
I also have the pleasure to Inform your Excellency that some Hundred stand more may be had here which with a Little Improvement will be fit for Service.
The day after tomorrow I march with the Detachment of my Battalion now on the spot, The Other part of the Brigade are either gone or go tomorrow with Genl Sullivan.
I shall always be glad to Receive and Ready to Obey, any Orders your Excellency may please to favour me with; and to serve you with the best Service of Sir Your most Obt & very Hume Sert

Anty Wayne

We have Disagreeable Intelligence from Canada—the particulars of which I doubt not but you are acquainted with before now—we keep it as Secret as possible here.


Title: General Orders, 15 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, May 15th 1776.
Parole Barre.Countersign Dublin.

The Continental Congress having ordered, Friday the 17th Instant to be observed as a day of “fasting, humiliation and prayer, humbly to supplicate the mercy of Almighty God, that it would please him to pardon all our manifold sins and transgressions, and to prosper the Arms of the United Colonies, and finally, establish the peace and freedom of America, upon a solid and lasting foundation”—The General commands all officers, and soldiers, to pay strict obedience to the Orders of the Continental Congress, and by their unfeigned, and pious observance of their religious duties, incline the Lord, and Giver of Victory, to prosper our arms.
The regiment of Artillery to be mustered, Sunday morning, at eight o’clock, upon the Common, where the Commissary General of Musters will attend.
The Company of Artillery commanded by Capt. Hamilton,

to be mustered at Ten o’Clock, next Sunday morning, upon the Common, near the Laboratory.
Lieut. Howe and Ensign Kennedy of Col. Wards regiment, with the same non-commissioned officers, and soldiers, who were employed by the orders of the 8th Instant in cutting picketts, are to parade at Genl Putnams quarters, to morrow morning at sun-rise, with four days provisions ready dressed, to go upon the same duty as before.
The Officers of all guards, are to make their reports to the Colonel of the picquet, by nine o’clock in the morning—The Colonel of the picquet to make a report of all those reports, collected in one, to the Brigadier of the day at 10 o’clock precisely.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Adams, 15 May 1776
From: Adams, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada May 15 1776

It was not till the Begining of this Month that I had the Honor of receiving your Favor of the 22d of March, respecting a Proposition of Coll Baillie for opening a Road from Connecticutt River to Montreal. The President, soon after, laid before Congress your Letter of the 5th, a Paragraph of which referrs to the same Subject. The Resolution of Congress thereon has, I presume, before this Time been transmitted to you by him; by

which it appears that they have fully concurrd with you in opinion of the Utility of the Measure Proposd.
I beg Leave by this opportunity to acquaint your Excellency, that the Letters I have receivd from some Gentlemen of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay express great Concern at the present defenceless State of the Town of Boston, while they are not without Apprehension of another Visit from the Enemy. They thought themselves extremely happy in your Presence there, and regretted very much the Necessity of your Departure, to which Nothing reconciles them, but their earnest Desire that the general Service may be promoted. Congress have resolvd that the five Battalions in that Colony be filled up, and new ones raisd for the Defence of the Eastern District. As two General Officers will be sent thither, it would, I am perswaded, give great Satisfaction to the People, if Generals Gates and Mifflin might be fixed upon. This however, I chearfully submit to your Excellencys Judgment and Determination; being well assurd, that the Safety of that distressed City will have as full a Share of your Attention as shall be consistent with the good of the whole. I have the Honor to be with very great Esteem and Affection Your Excellencys most humbe servt

Samuel Adams


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York May 15. 1776

I received Your Favors of the 3d & 4th Instant and was happy to hear of the safe Arrival of the Commissioners from Congress at St Johns, and that so many Batteaus with Troops had pass’d there, the 29th Ulto, ’Ere this I hope the Army before Quebec is considerably Augmented, I am too well convinced there was Great Occasion for It. As to Money, the state of our Chest wou’d not have justify’d a Loan, or Supply, If Congress had not furnished You with what You received by Colo. Reed, having seldom more than will satisfye pressing Claims against Myself. As to the Pork I refer You to my Letter of the 3d Instant & can only add that the Commissary has assured me he will do all in his Power to forward a Supply. In Respect to the Trial of Captn Romans, or any Other that It may be expedient to bring to Justice, I think It highly necessary & tho It may not be altogether so formal & Regular, Yet I shall most readily Dispense with Ceremonies

where It will promote the Public Good. I have made Enquiry into our Stores of Lead & find that I have It in my Power to spare You about five Tons, which shall be sent with the Nails as soon as they can be Collected, The Quarter Master having Persons out in different Places trying to procure ’em. I suppose what can be got will be forwarded to Morrow or next Day, with the utmost Expedition, as You seem to be much in Want from Your Letter of the 11th Inst.
Your Favors of the 10th came to hand last Night with their several Inclosures, for which I return You my Thanks & agreeable to Your Request, by this Morning’s Post I transmitted a Copy of Your Orders to Mr Price, to Congress with the several Letters for them. The Letter from the Commissioners which You were kind enough to leave Open for my Perusal, describes Matters & the Situation of our Affairs in Canada in such a striking Light, that Nothing Else than the most wise & Vigorous Exertions of Congress & the Army there, can promise Success to our Schemes & plans in that Quarter; what might have been Effected last Year without much Difficulty, has become an Arduous & Important Work, However I hope All Things will Yet go well.
I am exceedingly Glad that so large a Number of Indians was present at the Review of General Sullivan’s Brigade; they, probably from the Appearance of so Many Men armed, & somewhat instructed in Discipline, may have received some favorable Impressions of our Strength, sufficient to Counter operate all the Ingenuous & Insiduous Arts of Toryism. When those arrive which You mention I shall take proper Notice of them & have Necessary Provision made for their Entertainment. I am Dr Sir, With Great Regard, Your Most Humble servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Stringer, 15 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Stringer, Samuel

Sir
New York May 15. 1776

I received your Letter of the 10 Inst. last night by Mr Bennett, & this morng Transmitted a Copy of It & of the Estimate to Congress for their order & direction so far as relates to the Seniors, mates &c.—As to the Medicines when Doctr Morgan arrives I shall direct him to send you immediately such a Supply as can be spared. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: General Orders, 16 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, May 16th 1776.
Parole Annapolis.Countersign Calvert.

Robert Hanson Harrison Esqr. is appointed secretary to the Commander in Chief, in the room of Joseph Reed Esqr., whose private concerns will not permit him to continue in that office.
Any orders delivered by Caleb Gibbs, and George Lewis Esquires (Officers of the General’s guard) are to be attended to, in the same manner, as if sent by an Aid-de-Camp.
The Congress having given directions for the discharge of the Militia, and Minute Men in this district; the Battalion of the Militia of this City, are dismissed accordingly; and have the Generals thanks, for their masterly manner of executing the work on Bayard’s hill.
Some Errors having happened in drawing the pay of the Quarter Masters of several regiments; the mistakes are to be rectified, and they allowed their dues.
As the Troops are to be exempt from all duties of fatigue to morrow, the regiments are to parade on their regimental parades, and to be marched from thence a little before Ten, to hear divine service from their respective chaplains.
For the future, there is to be no expence of ammun[i]tion at the Interment of any officer, or soldier, of the Continental Army, unless expressly ordered by the Commander in Chief.
Uriah Chamberlain of Capt. Hamilton’s Company of Artillery,

tried at a late General Court Martial, whereof Colonel Huntington was president for “Desertion”—The Court find the prisoner guilty of the charge, and do sentence him to receive Thirty nine Lashes, on the bare back, for said offence.
The General approves the above sentence, and orders it to be put in execution, on Saturday morning next, at guard mounting.


Title: To George Washington from the Continental Congress Secret Committee, 16 May 1776
From: Continental Congress Secret Committee
To: Washington, George

sir
Philada May 16th 1776

The enclosed letters will discover to your Excellency that the Congress have ordered Two hundred & forty four Muskets to be forwarded from Rhode Island to New York for the Continental Service and as it is probable you may think proper to give some directions about the mode of getting them safe down we trouble you with these open letters that you may have an opportunity of forwarding them & of adding thereto what you may think Necessary. We have the honor to be Your Excellencys Obedt hble servts

By order of the Secret Committee
Robt Morris, Chair Man


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

Sir,
Philadelphia May 16th 1776.

I do myself the Honour to enclose you several Resolutions passed by the Congress, to which I beg Leave to refer you.
The Congress being of Opinion, that it is necessary, as well for your Health, as the public Service, that you should embrace the earliest opportunity of coming to Philadelphia, have directed me to write to you, and request, that you will repair to Philada as soon as you can conveniently, in order to consult with Congress, upon such Measures as may be necessary for the carrying on the ensuing Campaign. I hope the Situation of the great Affairs with which you are entrusted, will admit your making this Excursion, which I apprehend may be serviceable to your Health. In which Case, I request the Favour that you will please to honour me with your and your Lady’s Company at my House, where I have a Bed at your Service during your Continuance here, and where every Endeavour of mine and Mrs Hancock, shall be exerted to make your Abode agreeable. I reside in an airy, open Part of the City in Arch Street and fourth Street. If this should be agreeable to you, it will afford me much Pleasure.
I am to inform you, that the Congress have this Day appointed Horatio Gates Esqr. a Major General, and Thomas Mifflin Esqr. a Brigadier General in the Continental Army. A Commission for the former Gentleman, I transmit by this Opportunity. I have delivered one to Mr Mifflin here.
I could wish, if consistant with the Service it might be agreeable to you to direct these two Gentlemen to repair to Boston. But I would not urge a Matter, which entirely rests with you. I know however your Disposition will prompt you to make as agreeable an Arrangement as possible. I have the Honour to be with respectful Sentiments & Esteem, Sir your most obedt hble Sevt

John Hancock Presidt

Since writing the foregoing I have been Told that your Lady, not having had the Small Pox, has intentions of taking it by Inoculation in this City, I Beg that that Circumstance may be no prevention to your making free use of my house, it is large & very Commodious, and every Accommodation about it is at your Service; and you may Depend Mrs Hancock will give the greatest Attention to your Lady should she incline to Take the Disorder. I shall be peculiarly happy if my Scituation may be found agreeable to you.


Title: To George Washington from James Lyon, 16 May 1776
From: Lyon, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston May 16. 1776

Notwithstanding the favorable reception of a former letter, & the obliging answer it procured, which I gratefully acknowledge, I feel unwilling a second time, to trouble your Excellency, or interrupt the interesting business, which continually engages your attention, tho’ only for a moment. But my zeal for the safety & honor of my Country, & an opinion, that every individual of this New & Rising State ought to exert himself to the utmost, during our present struggle, must be my sole apology, for seeming once more to step aside from the peaceful & salutary paths, in which my profession naturally leads me.
To be as little tedious as possible. I shall venture to give your Excellency my sentiments of the necessity & importance of an immediate expedition against Nova Scotia, in as few words as I can.
If our late intelligence from Great Britain can be relied on, I apprehend none of our troops in Canada can be spared,

whether Quebeck is, or is not, in our hands. Nova Scotia has heared of our intension to reduce that Province, as soon as we can call Quebeck our own, & that the troops now in Canada are to be sent against them. Consequently they are now in profound peace. no ships of war are now in the Bay of Fundy, except the Martin stationed at Anapolis; nor have the Kings troops taken much pains to fortify Halifax, as yet. But as soon as they hear of the reduction of Quebeck, they will immediately make themselves as strong as possible. Nova Scotia will not readily be given up, & if Anapolis & St Johns River are strongly fortified, the eastern part of this Colony, as far as Penobscot will be ruined, it is almost ruined already; & should Mechias break up, which lies about ten leagues from the boundary line of Nova Scotia, an infant, & once flourishing country, of upwards of 100 Miles in extent, will probably be deserted & become again a wilderness, or a prey to enemies Now the whole Province may possibly be taken by surprize, if proper secrecy can be observed. Nine tenths of the Inhabitants, who amount to 12, or 14000 Souls, wish for nothing more, & would join us instantly. A few pieces of cannon, which might be easily conveyed across the Country either by land or water, properly planted on a hill nearly opposite the town of Halifax, would soon demolish the town, & navy yard, & destroy or drive the shipping away. Some variation from the plan already laid before your Excellency would doubtless be necessary—Five thousand men would not be too many to insure success.
If this is the proper time to strike a decisive blow in that quarter, the importance of an immediate expedition is self-evident, & victory will add to the other Colonies a teritory of great extent & immense value.
I have meddled thus far—I have, I trust, done my duty—I now, with the greatest deference & pleasure, submit the matter to your Excellency & the Honbe Congress, to whom I glory in being subject. I am, very respectfully, Your Excellencys most humble & obedient Servt

Jas Lyon

P.S. Would not a rising Sun with this inscription, Jussu Dei Surgo appear well on the Standard of some Colony?


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 16 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts General Court

Gentn
New York May 16. 1776.

The Honourable Continental Congress having come to sundry resolutions respecting the Cannon & Stores in & about Boston, and the mode to be observed for paying the Militias lately called in for the defence of the Lines before Boston, I do myself the honor to Transmit you Copies thereof, lest they may not have come to hand. I wou’d Observe that I think It will be of advantage to you to make your Arrangements out of the Cannon originally belonging to the Colony and those presented It by Congress, and not to count on those brought from Ticonderoga & which are left, tho Congress are willing to lend them—For It is more than probable that they may be wanted elsewhere and If they shou’d, It will derange your order and lay you under the necessity of providing Others and Carriages at a time that may be inconvenient and when they may be most usefull. I am Gentn with great respect and esteem Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 16 May 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Fort George [N.Y.] May 16th 177610 O’Clock A.M.

This Moment Capt. Goforth arrived with sundry Letters and papers to me, Copies of all which I do myself the Honor to enclose to your Excellency.

The Distress our army is in from their Variety of Wants is truly affecting and gives me the most poignant anxiety—Some of the inclosed papers observe that General Thompson’s Brigade carried only ten Days provision with them, but this is happily a Mistake, for they carried from three to five Barrels of pork in each Batteau with all the Flour that there was at the post, insomuch that Colonel Wynkoop had to send an Express Boat here for pork and Flour for his Garrison—On the 13th I sent off 120 Barrels of pork, with Orders to have it forwarded without Delay; Colonel Wynkoop writes me that 115 Barrels of it left Tyconderoga on the 14th and it will probably reach St John’s to Day.
Immediately on receiving the Intelligence of our Distress in Canada I flew to the Communication below; sent on part of Reed’s Regiment; the Front of which I met (on the 5th Day after their leaving Albany) 23 Miles below this: those I sent on, being picked Men arrived here the same Evening being the 14th and Yesterday they crossed this Lake with 109 Barrels of pork; 12 Barrels more are gone off this Morning and 170 Barrels with half the Remainder of Reid’s Regiment will move to Morrow, and the next Day I hope to send an equal Quantity, and after that about 50 Barrels a Day along with the Troops ordered to move on Saturday next from the several places where they were halted.
When I met Colonel Reid’s Regiment, I had their heavy Baggage taken out of the Batteaus, and loaded them with pork, acquainting the Officers and Men with the Distress our people laboured under in Canada for want of provisions, but as I could not stay to see the Boats off, being obliged to push farther down the river, to the other places of Embarkation, no sooner was my Back turned when the Officers threw the provisions out of the Batteaus, and reloaded their Baggage: by which Means I have forty eight Barrels of pork less than I had ordered—At this Outrage and infamous Conduct I must however wink, least the Service should be still more retarded.
I hope a considerable Quantity of Pork is coming: if there is, 150 Barrels will be sent off daily from here after the 21st Instant.
I shall be quite out of Nails on Tuesday—I hope a Supply is on the way up.

Intrenching Tools of every Kind will be wanted, more powder, Lead and Cannon Ball, and Guns for the Vessels on Lake Champlain, Rigging, Sail Cloth and Sail Makers to be sent up.
I have received further proofs of the Hostile Intentions of Sir John Johnson and have sent Orders to have him apprehended and all the Highlanders to be removed, but as this is a Matter that might give Umbrage to the Indians, I have referred the Expediency of it to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs and the Committee of Albany, who if they approve will deliver the Orders, otherwise not.
I am obliged to be so continually on Horseback to see that every Thing is kept in Train, that I have little Time to write; I shall however not let a single Opportunity slip to advise your Excellency of every Information I receive, by which Means Congress will be informed of all.
The Misfortunes we experience would in all probability have been prevented had the Connecticut Troops not quitted Canada so early as they did last Year, or had it been possible for Congress to have complied with my repeated Solicitations to send in Troops.
Altho’ I believe we shall lose Canada, which will be attended with many disagreeable Consequences, yet I am not under the least apprehensions that they will be able to penetrate into this province. I am with every wish for your Excellency’s Health & Happiness—Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: Message from the Six Nations, 16 May 1776
From: Six Nations
To:

[c.16 May 1776]

Brothers I hope you are all well & that we are met together to smoke our Pipes like Friends.
Brothers we would go to Philadelphia to the Congress we have no Shoes to walk upon we hope the Genl will find a Sloop to carry Us over the Water to Amboy, & in Waggons to Philadelphia—& find Us a Dram in the Morng & in the Eveng & Provisions. We would be very glad if the General would do so much for Us.
Brother We were at the great Meeting at Albany with General Schyler who told Us we might go to Boston, N. York or Philadelphia & see the Country We have heard that the British Troops are drove from Boston, this we know by two of the Mahawks who were at Boston, & now we Chuse to go to Philadelphia—if the General will find us a Sloop we will go on monday.
Brothers Don’t let us suffer as we did on the Way from Albany w[h]ere we Could not get any Liquors & had Nothing but

salt Meat, we are quite tir’d of salt Meat. If we could have fresh meat on the Way to Philadelphia we should be very glad. We like a little Liquor in the Morng & in the Evening.
Brothers One Thing I would beg of You the young Warriors like to be dress’d, I should be very glad if you would let Us have a little Paint—Brother this is all we have to say at this Time.
Brother General Scyler gave us leave to see the Country, if the General will let Us see the Works this Afternoon we should be very glad.

Tooghsquawlee—Onondaga
Sawcoocahnree—do
Cawroheeawgee—Tuscarora
Daniel Cawnahrawginuyatee—Oneida
Jacob Reeds—ditto
Sahnowanee—Mohawk
Phillip Unity ⟨illegible⟩


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper, 16 May 1776
From: Tupper, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Sloop Hester off Amboy [N.J.]May the 16th A.D. 1776 Thursday 10 oclock A.M.

Ever since the Evening date of my last report I have been Imployed in Detecting some persons who have lately been on board the men of War, in a small sloop which I have taken into Custody & Shall wait Your Excellencys orders for a further Disposition of her, I have also taken & Sent by Lt Humphris who brings this one Mrs Darbage who went on board: she has absolutely refused to give any Account or Answering any Qu[e]stions both to the Committee of the Town as well as to my Self & says She will do the same to Your Excellency, but it is my opinion a little smell of the Black hole will set her Tongue at liberty, it is the opinion of our friends in this Town that she is able to bring out a Number of Rascalls & Villins in Sundry Towns Nigh here—There is something unaccountable to me as well as of the Committe here respecting the Conduct of the Comtee of Brunswick where one John Hartwick resides who conveyd the woman on board and carried fresh meat Hams &c. I sent a party to apprehend him but he could not be found untill the officers pledged their Honours that no vilonce should be offered. the Comtee met examined him & Resolved that as he had got on Shore that it was more proper he should be tried by their own Provential Congress than by Military Law, took Bonds for his appearence & set him at liberty—as a good Corrospondance

with the Committee is so Nessisary, (which I have Indeavered & obtain here and elsewhare) that I judged (howeer I may be mistaken) that it would not be prudence for me to Arrest him untill I had aquai[n]ted your Excellency with the Circumstances, your further orders will be obeyd to a tittle, it is thought that he is detaind least by Examination he should bring out some pretended friends in disguise—he owns he Saw Person—Langdon & his Brother who live on long Island Nigh Hogg Island on board the one of the Ships as he sd Hartwick was on board both. I have sent a Number of Lymes which I found in the Care of one Thomas Stevens a late Colector who is very Insolent but I can git no Evedince against him unless the Ladys Tongue should be set at liberty and I could find no owner for them Thought no person could be more Desarving of them than Your Excellency, I have kept a few to Drink Your Excellencys Health—I am Instanlty removing my Station to Princess Bay shall send the whail Boats to Cruse in the Narrows, the Torrys here begin to hang their heads like Bull rushes, and the Friends to Amaraca have taken great Courage and Act more Vigorus since my Arival. hope soon by Gods Blessing to be able to bring them to Terms as well as many other of Your Excellencys Enemies—I have got a good rattan and unless I am forbid by your Excellency if they Insult me as a Contenantel officer as some of them have done Rather than trouble Your Excellency with Such Villins I will pay them off at the small end of my ratt⟨an⟩—as I conceive that as Soon as I can complea⟨t⟩ the Numbers of whail Boats &c. as was proposed it will be Nessesary to Send part of the Armiment to cruze on long Island shore, and as I conceive that the vessel which we sent up the sound after them only waits for a wind to return that when the wind is fair Should be glad of your Excellencys Aprobation to post my Vessels in the best manner I can and return to New York to Man & direct the Sd Boats &c.—I cant descover any alteration of the Scituation of the Ships at the Hook. I am Your Excellencys most oblidged & obident Humble Servt

Benj. Tupper Lt Colo.of the 21st Regt

 Thursday 10 oclock A.M.
P.S. as Capn Grige Crigur of the Schooner Putnam is gone to york to procure some Nessesaries was with the Committee at

Brunswick your Excellency can Inquire of him further of the Matter.


Title: General Orders, 17 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, May 17th 1776.
Parole Newcastle.Countersign Wilmington.

Capt. Wolverton’s Company of New-Jersey, is to join Genl Greene’s brigade—the Captain to take his orders from the General, respecting his post.
An exact return of the pikes to be made without delay; and of the state of the arms in each regiment and corps, specifying the number of each kind, wanting to compleat.
The damage done to Mr  house yesterday by the bursting of one of the cannon, to be repaired by the Carpenters in the Continental pay.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Brown and John Brown, 17 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Brown, Nicholas,Brown, John

Gentlemen
Newyork 17th May 1776

Inclos’d you have a Letter from Robert Morris Esqe Chairman of the secret Committee of Congress containing an Order for fourteen Musketts. The great necessity we are under for Arms, and your known attachment to the Cause will I doubt not stimulate you to forward them with all possible Expedition. I am Gentlemen Your most obedient humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Clark & Nightingale, 17 May 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Clark & Nightingale

	Letter not found: to Clark & Nightingale, 17 May 1776. On 27 May Clark & Nightingale wrote to GW: “Your Favour of the 17th Instant . . . We have Rec’d.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York May 17 1776

I this moment received by Express from Genl Schuyler an account of the melancholy prospect and reverse of our affairs in Canada: and presuming that the Letters which accompany this, will give Congress full information upon that Subject, I shall only add, that Genl Schuyler in pursuance of Orders from the Honble Commission[e]rs has directed Brigr Genl Sullivan to Halt his Brigade, as a further reinforcement on account of the Scarcity of provisions wou’d not releive, but contribute greatly to distress our Troops already in Canada. Before he received these Orders, all the Brigade except Dayton & Wain’s

Regiments, had left Albany, but I suppose he will be able to stop their march.
By my Letter of the 15th, Congress will perceive the Quantity of pork already gone from hence, and the Commissary has assured me, that he will forward a further supply as soon as It can be possibly collected—I had also directed Five Tons of Lead to be sent Genel Schuyler for the Canada expedition before I received this unfortunate account, which was as much as could be spared for the present, our Stock being inconsiderable in proportion to the demand we may reasonably expect for It, and shall do every thing in my power to releive our Affairs from their present distressed & melancholy situation in that Quarter which occur to me and appear necessary.
I am also to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 10 & 13 Instant with their several Inclosures—the money accompanying the Latter came to the paymaster’s Hands safe. I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of the greatest regard Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Valentine Rathbun, 17 May 1776
From: Rathbun, Valentine
To: Washington, George

Richmond [Mass.] 17 May 1776. Asks GW “to consider that it is of the last, utmost importance to the cause, that the Militia be furnished with ammunition without loss of time.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 17 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dr Sir
New York May 17. 1776

Your favor of the 14 Instant I received this morning and am exceedingly sorry for the sad reverse of fortune in our Affairs in Canada—they are rather alarming, But I still hope our vigorous

exertions will be attended with success, Notwithstanding the present unpromising appearances, & that we shall yet acquire & maintain possession of that Country, so important to us in the present contest.
I have Transmitted the Intelligence to Congress with your Orders from Genl Schuyler, whose direction you must follow, till I send you their determination or my commands to the Contrary. I am Dr Sir &c.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Philip Van Rensselaer, 17 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Van Rensselaer, Philip

Sir
New York May 17. 1776

I received your favor of the 6 Inst. & am of Opinion as you have not a sufficient number of Armourers at Albany to repair the whole of the Arms in your possession that whatever more you have than can be repaired in a Conven[ien]t time, had better be sent immediately to the Armourers here—This will save much time which wou’d be lost were the Armourers to goe from hence & return again. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 17 May 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 17 May 1776

I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that the Armed Schooner Franklin, Captain Mugford this day took and bro’t into this Harbour a large Ship from Cork, Several other armed Schooners were in company. A Bill of Lading I have inclosed, by which you will see that she is a very valuable Prize; she carried four three pounders, and is about three hundred tons burthen. She came out the fourth of April with nine Sail of transports under convoy of a Frigate; I cannot learn any important intelligence by her; the Master says there are but about one

hundred Soldiers on board these transports, and that they are laden with provisions and warlike stores for the Kings troops. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: General Orders, 18 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, May 18th 1776.
Parole Brest.Countersign Lee.

Lieut. Grover, of the 2nd regiment (commanded by Col. James Reed) having been tried by a General Court Martial, for “insulting Capt. Wilkinson, disobeying his orders, and abusive language,” was found guilty of the charge, and yet mulct’d of half a month’s pay only—a punishment so exceedingly disproportioned to the offence, that the General resolved to lay the whole proceeding before the Congress, and know whether they inclined to continue an officer in their service, who had misbehaved in so capital a point; but Lieut. Grover appearing to be thoroughly convinced of the error of his conduct, and having promised strict obedience to the orders of his Captain, and other superior Officers; for the time to come, the General (before any determination of Congress could be had upon the matter) ordered him to be released, and to join his regiment; but has it now in command from Congress, to signify to the Army, that no promotion upon vacancies, shall take place merely by succession, without their authority, inasmuch as they have reserved, and will exercise the power; of giving Commissions to persons of merit, regardless of any claim by succession

—Of this all Officers are desired to take notice, as it may serve on the one hand to prevent the dissatisfaction which have but too frequently arisen, from an idea, that all promotions should be confined to regiments, and go in regular succession; and because, on the other hand, it opens a large field for the rewarding of merit, which ought, and is hoped will be, a powerful excitement to the brave & active, to signalize themselves in the noble cause they are engaged in.
This determination of Congress, the Adjutant General is to communicate to the officers commanding in different departments, that it may be published to the different Regiments, and Corps, under their respective commands.
The General has the pleasure to inform the recruiting officers of the regiments that came from the eastward (no allowance having been heretofore made them) that upon a representation of their case, Congress have been pleased to allow a Dollar and one third of a Dollar, for each good, and able bodied man, that shall be recruited, for the purpose of completing the several regiments, as a compensation for their trouble, and expence; and that the same allowance, will be made those officers, who have heretofore inlisted men, upon the new-establishment, excluding all Boys, and such men as were inlisted in Camp, out of the old regiments. The several Officers, which have been employed in this service, are to settle this matter, under these exceptions, with their several Colonels, or commanding officers; and to give in rolls of the men’s names, by them respectively inlisted. The utmost care, and exactness, is recommended to the Officers claiming this allowance, as proof will be required, agreeable to the above direction.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York May 18. 1776

I do myself the honor to transmit to you the Inclosed Letters and papers I received this morning in the State they now are, which contain sundry matters of Intelligence of the most Interesting nature.
As the Consideration of them may lead to important consequences and the adoption of several measures in the military line, I have thought It advisable for Genl Gates to attend Congress; he will follow to morrow and satisfie & explain to them some points they may wish to be informed of in the course of their deliberations, not having an Opportunity at this time to Submit my thoughts to them, upon these Interesting Accounts. I have the Honor to be with the greatest esteem Sir Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 18 May 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

My dear Sir
New York May 18th 1776

In great haste I write you a few lines to cover the Inclosed—they came in the manner you see them, and as explaind in Captn Langdens Letter to me—I hesitated sometime in determining whether I could, with propriety, select them from the rest considering in what manner they came to my hands, but as there are somethings in each which may serve to irritate I concluded it best to send not only the one directed to you but the other also (to Doctr Franklin) under cover to you as you may communicate, and secrete such parts as you like, I have no time to add—the necessity of vigorous exertions are too obvious to need any Stimulus from me. adieu my Dr Sir. I am most Affectionately Yr Obt

Go: Washington

P.S. Upon second thoughts, knowing that Doctr Franklin is in Canada, I send you a Copy only of the Letter to him (which I take to be from Doctr Lee) and the Original to the Doctro.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 18 May 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency
Albany May 18th 1776

I Cannot but Esteem it my Duty to Inform your Excellency of the Horrid abuse to the publick, by Keeping up the Two Regiments of Vanscoit & Winckoop. Those Regiments are said to be in this Quarter, but upon the strictest Enquiry, can be found no where. Colo. Vanscoit is here himself but has never furnished a man for guard or any Other Duty Since my Arrival. I have been applied to by Lt Colo. Courtland of Winckoop’s Regiment,

for pay for Two Companies. I enquired where they were he Said in Tryon County to Keep the Torys in Awe. he at the Same time told me, that they had not now, nor have they ever had any arms or Ammunition. I Suppose they have been Employed on their Farms all the Year, and I believe that is the Case with the Principle part of the Two Regiments. I Called on Colo. Courtland for a Return, which being Incompleat I return’d it to him again. I found in Some Companies not aman present fit for Duty or Sick present, in Some there was Eleven in others Less. I desired him to make out the Number on Command & Where, which he is now about a Copy of which Return I Shall forward to Your Excellency. I Should take the Same Steps with Colo. Vanscoit, but am order’d to March as we have Convey’d forward a Sufficiency of Provisions for the Relief of our Army in Canada, my Brigade is now on their March for the Lake. Stark & Reed I Suppose will pass Lake George Tomorrow, Winds the Day after, Irvin & Wayne on Tuesday or Wednesday—Colo. Dayton with three hundred of his Men Set off Yesterday for Tryon County & will not Return under Six days. I Shall Leave orders for him to follow on as Soon as possible with that Detachment & the rest of his Regiment, which I have orderd to Remain here till his Return, to Assist in forwarding the provisions &c. Every kind of abuse is practis’d here, that men long Versed in Villany could Devise.
I found at Still water a Number of Barrells of Pork that the Waggoners had Taped & Drawn off the pickle to Lighten their Teams. This pork must Enevetably be Ruin’d before it can reach Canada, as Genl Schuyler was Absent I Order’d the Commissary not to Receive any Such from the Waggoners & the Commissary at half moon not to receive out of the Boats any or Deliver out such to the Waggoners. I order’d the Waggoners not to Receive any such as it would Eventually be thrown on their hands I then Directed the Commissary here not to Send any Barrels forwards that had lost the Pickle which would be only taking up Batteaus & Waggons to Cary Provisions which when brought to Canada Could not be Eat⟨en. By⟩ this Step I hope to prevent any further fraud in the Waggoners who (it ⟨is said)⟩ Learnt this piece of Skill in the Last War, for which Some of them were we⟨ll flogged,⟩ and I hope Some of them may Share the Same fate—again.

The Application I made to the Committee here for Teams to pass on Loaded to Lake George is of great Advantage, for it makes an Addition of near Two Hundred Barrels a day more than we could have forwarded by Water Carriage, which will Afford an ample Supply to our Army, unless the Stores here Should be Exhausted which will Soon be the Case, if we are not Supplyed from below. I hope that Matter will be thought of & Remedied in Season. Dear General I am (in Extreme Haste) with much Respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

John Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Tucker, 18 May 1776
From: Tucker, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Trenton [N.J.] 18th may 1776

I am to acknowledge Your favor of the 24th ultimo then ask pardon for not answering Sooner, at Same Time Take the Liberty to Inform you that our Committee of Safety only Came into the following Regulation on the 15th Instant that one fourth of the militia of the Several Counties be Detacht by Lott to Stand as minute men for Two months to be well armed an[d] accoutered to march at a minutes warning on any alarm to the Several Places of Rendevoze, County of Bergin to Powles Hook Counties of Essex Morris and Sussex at Elizabeth Town & Newark Middlesex and Sommerset at woodbridge, Hunterdon at New Brunswick, and the Counties of Monmouth & Burlington at Perth Amboye at which Several Places they are to Expect General orders for which purpose I have given Brigadear General Dickinson the Resolution at Large that he may give orders to the Colonels in the Several Counties, and as the Militia of this Colony are firmly attacht to the great Cause of american

freedom I have the firmest Reliance on the most Cherefull Complyance and have the Honour to be your Excellency Most obedient Humbe Servt

Saml Tucker


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper, 18 May 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Tupper, Benjamin

Letter not found: to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper, 18 May 1776. Tupper’s letter to GW of 16 May is endorsed in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing: “Ansd 18.”