Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 11–14 June 1776
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

May it Please Your Excellency
Fort Constitution [N.Y.]June 11th[–14] 1776

I Received an answer to the Letter I wrote Your Excellency on the fourteenth of May Last, yesterday, Dated the Nineteenth of May by a Sloop from Albany. Since my Last returns we have Received Ninety five Arms from Dutchess County, and the Manor of Livingston, most of them out of repair: Permit me once more to represent to your Excellency the Necessity of Workmen to repair the Arms in these garrisons, and to furnish them with New, There are now at this Garrison four Soldiers that understand the Business; they will Engage to work at their trade, one of them at four Pound ten—two others at four Pound, and one other at three Pound Per Month their wages as Soldiers Included, the man who I would Propose for Head Workman, and who is well known to understand the Business in all it’s Branches, must have twelve Shillings a Day, and says that the Business Can’t be Carried on to any Advantage without three or four Hands to Assist in making Stocks[,] Locks, and Bayonets, &c: Should your Excellency think Proper to Employ those People, it will be Necessary to give the Commissioners orders to Build a Shop for them to work in as the Carpenters are Under their Direction.
The Deputy Comisary has Furnished us with rum in Consequence of which we have Fewer on the Sick List, and the works go on with greater Spirit, tho. the Duty is very hard, we have not the Least Time for Disciplining our men as they work Nine Hours a Day, This Duty I am Oblidg’d to Exact of them, or we Should not get the intended works Finished in a Great while, with the Few Hands we Have.
Mr Harrison writes that Your Excellency is at a Loss To Know what the Supplies of money I mention’d to you were and that the Committee had not furnished us with: The Committee at New York undertook to Pay the Billiting Rolls, and Arrears,

Due to these New Rais’d Regiments to a Certain Date from which time we were to be paid by the pay Master General.
When in New York; your Excellency may remember, I applied to you for money for three Captains from Long Island your reply (if I recollect right) was that we Could not be Paid till the Committee Had Furnish’d us to the time they had Fix’d on, as they were in Advance to Some of our Captains. Before I Came from New York the Committee had Determined to have Nothing to do with the Accounts of Particular Captains but Propos’d to advance Certain Stipulated Sums to the Commanding Officers of Regiments, Resolving that they should pay to each Captain what was Necessary, and Making the Commanding Officer Accountable for the whole of what was advanced. This Money I was in Expectation the Committee would have furnished me with for the Purpose above Mentiond, an Account of the Monies Due I Now Transmit to your Excellency in order to found a Warrent upon if you should be so inclin’d.
I Cant Learn that any Provision is made for a Barrack Master or a Conductor of Stores, tho’ they are Persons we Can Scarcely do without, there Are People here Capable of Both, if your Excellency should think Proper to appoint them.
Since my return to your Excellency of the State of these Garrisons, I have Ordered ten Pieces of Cannon to be removed from hence to Fort Montgomery, with as many Stores as Could be spar’d for them, this I Thought Necessary, as they had only six Pieces Mounted there.
I have also made up into Cannon Cartridges the Small Stock of amunition we have, reserving a Proportionable part for Musketry, and by reason of the great Distance of the Magazine from our two Southernmost Batteries, I have Been Oblidged to Order Moveable Boxes to be made, each to Contain one Bouch Barrel with Cartridges, and Constructed so as to Secure them from the Weather; These if approv’d of by your Excellency I intend shall be Plac’d (according to the Proportion of Guns Allowing one to Every two Guns) upon each Battery in order that we may be in readiness upon any Emergency that May happen, I Thought this Cheaper than Building a Magazine, which I Did not Care to Venture upon without Particular instructions.
A Few Days ago I had the Pleasure to See Mr Chase, and Mr Carroll (two of the Commissioners sent from Congress to Canada)

on their return, and in the Course of a Conversation with them, I mention’d to them the Judgment of a General Court Martial held at this Fort, on the Seventeenth of May Last, relative to some Prisoners found Guilty of Mutiny by Said Court, which appeared so Singular to them, that they insisted on my Sending your Excellency the Proceedings, which I Now Transmit, they Should have been sent Before, Had I Thought they meritted your Excellencies attention, I am in hopes that a Little Experience will teach our Officers the Necessity of a Stricter Discipline, we are young yet; and with deference to your Excellencies Superior Judgment, I Can’t help thinking it would be of Great Service to us to be at New York, or where there is a Larger Detail, and more Corps of Troops, than our own, we move in a Narrow Circle, rather too Confin’d to Afford much Improvement.
I Was under the Necessity of Permitting the Bearer Captain Child to go to New York, as his men are almost Destitute of Cloathing.
The 14th of June. May it Please your Excellency Since I wrote the Above Capt. Bedloe one of the Commissioners for Laying out the Fortifications at this Place Arriv’d from New York, and Communicated the Instructions he receiv’d from your Excellency, relative to the Completion of these Works; from which Design we were Clearly of Opinion, that the work of most Consequence is Excluded, as it Commands at Point Blank All the fortifications Erected on this Island, this Spot Lies Directly Opposite to us on a Point Call’d West Point, and Contains About forty Acres of Level, it wou’d be easy of Access to our Enemies, Shou’d they Either Pass, or Take Fort Montgomery, Collo. Putnam when here, thought it Ought by no means to be Neglected: Comparing this Circumstance and the Situation together, we Imagin’d that Lord Stirling and Collo: Putnam immerc’d in a World of Business of Equal importance, had Omitted to Mention this Eligible Situation, Either for a grand Battery which might be so Constructed, as to Command a Long reach Both up and Down the river, which we Conceive wou’d be of infinite Prejudice to us. If I Cou’d Obtain your Excellencies Approbation, a work Should be immediately thrown up at this Place to be Defended by Fifty men with Small arms. Capt.

Bedloe tells me one thousand men are to be Call’d to these forts if they are from the Minute Service, we Shall Want an immediate Supply of Tents for them; as the Barrack’s and those intended, will by no means Contain them, Tents for at Least Eight Hundred Men will be Wanted. I Ought to make an Apology for taking up so much of your Excellencies Time But the Evident necessity for it will I Hope Plead my Excuse more Powerfully. I Remain your Excellencies Most Obedient Humble Servt

Henry B: Livingston Comdg Offcr


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 11–12 June 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany June 11.[–12] 1776.

I had the Honor to address Your Excellency Yesterday by Post, Since which Mr Deane the Indian Interpreter is arrived from Oneida, and Contradicts the Account contained in the Paper inclosed in mine of Yesterday. But says that an Account arrived at Oneida, & the Oneidas beleived it to be true, “That Butler had Called a Meeting of the six Nations at Oswega.” The Oneidas apprehend that he will attempt to procure the six Nations to join the more Western Indians and assist them in falling on the German Flatts. I have recommended the greatest Vigilance to the Committee of that County and to keep Parties continually scouring the Woods as far as and Even beyond Fort Stanwix to prevent a Surprize.
I have already sent a Message inviting the six Nations to a Conference at the German Flatts on the first of next Month, The Oneidas desired Mr Deane to request me to send for the Indians that left this on a Visit to the Sea Coast, as these are chiefly our best Friends, I wish to have them here the soonest possible, And that Every Mark of Attention should be given them by the People with whom they come up.
We are in great Want of Powder and Lead, and equally so for Intrenching Tools of Every Kind, a few Pieces of Cannon with the Appurtenances, and a Competent Number of Artillerymen, having None on this Side of Canada.
I am preparing Every Thing I can with the utmost Secrecy for taking Post at Fort Stanwix which I propose to do immediately after the Conference with the Indians And should the Mohawks, Onondagas & Cayuagas declare against Us, I will if possible cut off the two latter as soon as they are got home by a Detachment from Fort Stanwix, the farthest live about Ninety Miles from that Place, and at the same Time seize on the

Mohawks, the Senecas are out of our Reach. Be pleased to order up some Flints.
Some Time in April a Mr Blake of Montreal presented me two Bills, drawn on me in his Favor by General Wooster, One of which amounting to £417.18.9 Lawful was to be paid in Specie which as I could not Comply with I offered to discharge in Continental Bills, he refuses to accept them and Complains of a Breach of Public Faith, I confess that I had authorized General Wooster to draw on me in that Manner, and had Reason to beleive from the Advices I received from Congress that I should have been enabled to discharge such Drafts, but such has been the Scarcity of Specie, and such the Call for It in Canada, That what little has been sent me from below I have immediately forwarded, and upwards of two thousand pounds which I borrowed in February last on my private Security to be repaid in three Weeks, is still due as I have never Yet been enabled to discharge It; Blake makes such a Stir about this Affair, that I could wish he was paid, If so much Specie can be got at New York.
General Sullivan has sent for the Exchanged Prisoners that had returned to Tyonderoga & Fort George & I have ordered them back, but Many of Colo: Bedel’s Regiment are already deserted.
[12 May] Yesterday General Wooster delivered me a Return of which the inclosed is a Copy, I mention this least It should be said That I had received regular Returns. I have not Yet had one from Canada, Either of the Army or from any Commissary whatsoever, Not Even a single Line from Mr Price, Altho’ I so Earnestly pressed him—In my Instructions of the 7th May, to let me know the State of Provisions in Canada, In Short If I had not apprehended that Difficulties would have arizin in procuring Flour & prepared accordingly, the Army must have starved, they are out of Danger now, unless No Pork should soon arrive.
If the Militia ordered into Canada from the New England Colonies should not have had the small Pox they will rather weaken than strengthen our Army. Would It Not be adviseable to order them to send None but such as have already had that Distemper.

I have about One hundred and twenty Batteaus at Fort George, which will I beleive be fully sufficient to Convey All the Militia that will go. I am Dr Sir with the Greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Nicolson, 12 June 1776
From: Nicolson, John
To: Washington, George

12 June 1776. Requests that GW order an inquiry to be made into his conduct during the recent retreat from Quebec. “Your memorialist is conscious that in the whole of his conduct on that Occasion he faithfully complied with the orders of his Superior officer which was given in Consequence of a council of war, and that in Every case he has endavoured to discharge his duty as a good officer as far as in him lay—Yet a report has lately been raised and industriously propagated by some ill minded persons (for Reasons best known to themselves) as well as through the army as Country That your memorialist has upon the above Occasion not only been Guilty of disobedience of orders but of Cowardice; whereby your memorialists Reputation (which is Dearer to him then life) is greatly injured and his usefulness as an officer much impaired.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 12 June 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany June 12th 1776 4 oClock P:M:

The Letter which I had the Honor to write You Yesterday I delivered to General Wooster who sailed this Day.
I have within this half Hour received a Letter from General Arnold of Which the inclosed is a Copy I fear the next will announce the Evacuation of Canada by our Troops, probably with Loss, as I fear that not a sufficient Attention has been paid to a Recommendation of Mine, to bring all the Batteaus that could possibly be spared from Sorel to st Johns.
I shall immediately dispatch an Express to Fort George to send Batteaus to st Johns but after all the Number will be very small for Want of Men to navigate them, I suppose one hundred and twenty at least are at Lake George.
I am not under the least Apprehension That the Enemy will be able to cross Lake Champlain, provided that our Army is able to retreat into that Lake, that Ammunition is speedily sent up, And a farther Supply of Pork forwarded Without Delay, to this Place.
Your Excellency will perceive that General Arnold informs me That the Enemy have the Frames &ca for Gundolas on Board, We should therefore build a Number of these Vessels with all possible Dispatch, One is now on the Stocks but We

want People that understand the Construction of them, I have some Time ago begged Congress to send one Express, let me intreat that some more capable Persons may be sent up & twenty Shipwrights with them.
As I fear the Saw mills will Not be able to saw a sufficient Number of Plank, I wish to have a Dozen of Whip Saws & Files sent up with all possible Dispatch.
I shall order all the Batteaus that do not go to St Johns out of Lake George to Tyonderoga that they may be ready at that Place to be sent to Skenesborough to convey the Militia should they be sent up. I am with Every Respectful Sentiment Your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 12 June 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany June 12th 1776

I had Just closed my Letter No. 1 when I received the Inclosed from General Sullivan which was Left open for my perusal I am extreamly Happy that it contains such Favorable Accounts and do myself the pleasure to Congratulate your Excellency—I am still in Hopes if reinforcements are soon sent we shall hold Canada, Especially as the Canadians are so friendly—I am however humbly of Opinion That we still ought to Build the Gundalos, and make every preparation to prevent the Enemys Crossing the Lake and penetrating into the Colonies which I think will Certainly be our own Faults if they do. God Bless you my Dr Genl and Belive me Most Fervently Your Obedient Humb: Servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 13 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, June 13th 1776.
Parole Epsom.Countersign Falmouth.

The party at Kingsbridge to be reinforced with one Serjeant, one Corporal and twenty men; and a guard from the above party is to be mounted over the Cannon beyond Kingsbridge, who are to be exceedingly carefull that no damage is done them.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 13 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Head Quarters New-York June 13th 1776

I have the Honour of transmitting to Congress a Letter, which came by Express, last Night, from General Schuyler, inclosing the Copy of a Letter to him from Col. Kirkland—I have likewise inclosed the Copy of one directed to General Putnam, or the Commanding Officer at New-York.
The Representations contained in these Letters have induced me, without waiting the Determination of Congress, to direct General Schuyler, immediately to commence a Treaty with the six Nations, and to engage them in our Interest, upon the best Terms, he and his Colleagues in Commission can procure; and I trust, the Urgency of the Occasion will justify my Proceeding to the Congress—the Necessity for Decision and Dispatch in all our Measures, in my Opinion, becomes every Day more and more apparent.
The Express, Mr Bennet, was overtaken at Albany by General Schuyler, who had received Intelligence at Fort George, that a considerable Body of Mohawk Indians were coming down the Mohawk River, under the Conduct of Sir John Johnson—The General’s extreme Hurry would not allow him to write; but it seems his Intention is to collect at Albany a sufficient

Force to oppose Sir John—I have given him my Opinion, that Colonel Daytons Regiment should be employed in that Service, and to secure the Post, where Fort Stanwix formerly stood.
In Consequence of an Information, that several Merchants were exporting salted Pork and Beef from this Place, I requested the Commissary to make Application to the Provincial Congress, for a Restraint to be laid on the Exportation of those Articles; as I apprehended not only, that the Enemy might receive Supplies by the Capture of our Vessels, but that our People might shortly experience a Scarcity—the Provincial Congress have accordingly made a Resolution (a Copy of which is inclosed) to stop the Exportation for fourteen Days—they expect, Congress will, in the mean Time, frame some general Regulations on this Head—they are unwil⟨ling,⟩ they say, to subject their Constituents to partial Restraints.
I once mentioned to Congress, that I thought a War-Office extremely necessary, and they seemed inclined to institute one for our Army; but the Affair seems to have been since dropt—give me Leave agai⟨n⟩ to insist on the Utility and Importance of such an Establishment—the more I reflect upon the Subject, the more I am convinced of its’ Necessity, and that Affairs can never be properly conducted without it.
Tis with Pleasure I receive the Resolve inclosed in your Favour of the 11th Inst.—one considerable Grou⟨nd⟩ of Dissatisfaction in the Army is thereby removed.
I have employed Persons in building the Gondolas and Rafts, which the Congress thought necessary for the Defence of this Place; and in Conjunction with the Provincial Congress have determined to sink Cheveux de Frizes, one of which is already begun. I am, with the utmost Respect and Esteem, Sir your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 13 June 1776
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia 13th June 1776

I am informed that a certain Mr Eustace, now in New York, but some time ago with Lord Dunmore, is acquainted with a practise that prevailed of taking letters out of the Post Office in Virginia and carrying them to Dunmore for his perusal and than returning them to the Office again. As it is of the greatest consequence that this nefarious practise be stopt immediately, I shall be exceedingly obliged to you Sir for getting Mr Eustace to give in writing all that he knows about this business, and inclose the same to me at Williamsburg. I wish to know particularly, what Post Offices the letters were taken from, by whom, and who carried them to Lord Dunmore. This day I sett off for Virginia, where, if I can be of any service to you, it will oblige to command me. It is more than probable that Congress will order our friend Gates to Canada—His great abilities and virtue will be absolutely necessary to restore things there, and his recommendations will always be readily complied with. You will find that great powers are given to the Commander in that distant department. The system for Canada, adopted since the arrival of the Commissioners here, will, I hope, be of essential service

to our affairs. All good Men pray most heartily for your health, happiness, and success, and none more than dear Sir Your affectionate friend and obedient servant

Richard Henry Lee


Title: To George Washington from Officers of the 4th New York Regiment, 13 June 1776
From: Officers of the 4th New York Regiment
To: Washington, George

New York, 13 June 1776. Although their regiment was disbanded following service in Canada, their commissions are still in force, and they still wish to serve. “We have Apply’d to the Congress of this Province and they refer us to your Excellency for Orders in what manner to proceed.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 13 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dr Sir
New York June 13. 1776

Having received Intelligence of the unfortunate death of Genl Thomas, occasioned by the smallpox he had taken, the command of the Army in Canada devolves on you—I am therefore to request your most strenuous exertions to retreive our circumstances in that Quarter from the melancholy situation they are now in and for performing the arduous Task, of bringing order out of confusion. I confess there is more room for enterprize & activity than I could wish, But then you will remember, that you & your Colleagues will be intitled to the gratefull thanks of your Country in proportion to the services you render.
Being extremely hurried in sending dispatches to Congress & Genl Schuyler I have not time to write you so fully as I could wish & therefore shall only add my request, that you from time to time, make me regular returns of the Strength of the army—Military Stores & every material occurrence & wishing you & your Brothers under the direction of a Gracious Providence to lead your Army to conquest and victory. I am Dr Sir yrs &c.


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

⟨Sir⟩
Head Quarters New York June 13th [1776]

I am infor⟨med that a Num⟩ber of Persons on Long Islan⟨d (by Charac⟩ter not the most friendly to the ⟨Cause of⟩ the United Colonies) have in thei⟨r Hands⟩ considerable quantities of Pork ⟨and other⟩ Provisions which they refuse to ⟨part⟩ with for Continental Bills—they ⟨may have⟩ other reasons for their conduct sti⟨ll more⟩ detrimental; & therefore I must be⟨g the⟩ Interposition of your Congress in ⟨this⟩ matter; so as to prevent the Evils whi⟨ch are⟩ much to be apprehended. The Com⟨missa⟩ry General will purchase all their Pro⟨visions⟩ at good Prices, and give them Continen⟨tal⟩ Bills in pay—Gold & Silver he has n⟨one⟩—the Provisions are wanted for the ⟨Ar⟩my; and those who are well wishers to th⟨e⟩ Cause, & live in exposed Situation’s

will undoubtedly, be glad to dispose of them⟨.⟩ The disadvantages wch may result to the Publ⟨ic⟩ by leaving them in the hands of Men ⟨of a⟩ different complexion, are too o⟨bvious to⟩ need animadversion.
I have had your report ⟨respec⟩ting the obstructi⟨on of the Navigation of the Hudson’s River under Consideration and am pursuing Measures to carry it into Execution with all possible Dispatch. With great Respect⟩ Yr Most obedt Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington


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

Sir
New York June 14th 1776

I herewith transmit you Copies of a Letter from Genl Schuyler and Its several Inclosures which I received since I had the honor of addressing you yesterday. From these you will learn, that Genl Thomas died the 2d Instant, and the apprehensions

of our Frontier friends in this Colony that our Savage foes are meditating an attack against them.
I must beg leave to refer you to a paragraph in the Copy of General Schuyler’s Letter to General Putnam or the Commanding Officer here Inclosed in mine of the 13th, where he requests a supply of Clothing to be sent for the Army in Canada. As there is but little or no probability of getting It here, I shall be glad to know whether there will be any chance of procuring It in Philadelphia, and If It shou’d be sent through the hands of the Qr Master here, to what account It is to be charged.
I was last Evening favoured with yours of the 11th Inst. and hope the Two Battallions which Congress have ordered from Philadelphia to the defence of this place, will come provided with Arms; If they do not, they will be of no service, as there are more Troops here already than are armed.
From Genl Schuylers Letter he has in view the taking post where Fort Stanwix formerly stood. I wrote him I thought It prudent previous to that, to secure a post lower down about the Falls below the German Flatts, Lest the Savages should possess themselves of the Country and prevent supplies of men & provisions that may be necessary to send there in future. he says he is in want of Cannon and Ammunition, but has expressed himself so ambiguously that I am at a loss to know whether he meant what he has said, as an application or not, this being the only Intelligenc⟨e⟩ on the subject & the first mention of his want. I have desired him to explain the matter, and in his future requisitions for necessaries to be more certain & explicit as to quantity and quality. In the mean time I shall send him some Intrenching Tools and Inquire whether there are any Cannon that can be spared from hence. I have the honor to be with Sentiments of great esteem Sir Your Most Obed. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 14–16 June 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia June 14th[–16] 1776.

I am extremely happy to have it in my Power to assure you that the several Matters referred to Congress in your Letters, will receive a speedy Determination. With great Pleasure I shall transmit you the Result, as soon as I am ordered.
I enclose to you, at this Time, sundry important Resolves, to which I beg Leave to refer your Attention.
You will there perceive that Congress have ordered 9000 Dollars to be advanced to Col. Hand, which you will please to direct to be paid him out of the military Chest at New York. This Money is to be stopped out of the Pay of the Regiment.
The establishing a War Office is a new and great Event in the History of America, and will doubtless be attended with essential Advantages when properly conducted & inspected. I hope the Committee will be ready, in a few Days to enter upon the Execution of their Duty. You will see the Outlines of this Office in the enclosed Resolves. Some further Regulations, it is more than probable, will be necessary in the Course of Time. The Congress have only laid a Foundation at present—It still remains, in a great Measure, to erect a System of Rules and Laws, that will enable us to carry on our military operations with more Knowledge, Certainty, and Dispatch.
I have paid Capt. Grier 600 Dollars agreeably to the Order of Congress, which you will please to direct the Paymaster to deduct on Settlement.
The shameful Inactivity of our Fleet for some Time past; the frequent Neglect or Disobedience of Orders in Commodore Hopkins, the numberless Complaints exhibited to the Marine Committee agt him, and also against Captains Saltonstal and Whipple, have induced the Congress, in Consequence of a Representation from the Marine Committee, to order them to repair immediately to this City to answer for their Conduct. I have accordingly wrote them to set out on the Receipt of my Letters, and to repair here by Land as fast as possible. I hope soon to have our Ships on a more respectable Footing. No Efforts of mine shall be wanting to accomplish so desireable an Event.
I have sent the Resolves to the Convention of New York,

which relate to them. The Prohibition on salted Beef and Pork, I have given Orders to be printed in all the Papers to the Eastward.
The Resolves respecting the Indians, I must ask the Favour of you to forward to Genl Schuyler, with such Directions as you shall judge necessary.
I am to inform you that the Congress have appointed Ebenezer Hancock Esqr. Deputy Paymaster General for the Eastern Department. A Carriage with one Hundred and fifty Thousand Dollars for the Pay of the Troops in that Department, will set out tomorrow.
June 16th. A Waggon with about twenty two Thousand Dollars in Silver, and a Quantity of Continental Money, will set out tomorrow Morning for Canada. I have given Directions to call on you at New York, and must request you will order a Guard to proceed with it as fast as possible, the Rest of the Way. I have the Honour to be Sir your most obed. & very hble Sert

John Hancock Presidt

I Request the favr you will please to give the necessary orders to the Commanding Officer in the Eastern Departmt & to my Brother respecting the Payment of the Troops.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 14 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York June 14. 1776.

I was favored with Yours of the 10th instant with Its several Inclosures. The stroke meditating by the Indians against our Frontier Inhabitants, is what I have long thought would happen, as they were not Engaged in our Interest; But I am in full Hopes You will be able to repel their hostile Designs & Convince them of their Imprudence in Joining our Enemies without the least Cause of Quarrell. As to Intrenching Tools I have directed the Qur Master to send up some as early as possible, But in Respect to what You say about Cannon & Ammunition I am at a Loss whether It is intended as an Application or Not. I do not know that any [of the former] have been requested but for the Armed Vessels in the Lakes, or any of the latter but what has been sent for the Canada Expedition. I wish You to explain the Matter & that Your Requisitions for Necessaries may be always certain & explicit both as to Quantity & Quality.
As to the Militia to reinforce the Army in Canada & for keeping open the Communication with that Province or a Part of them, will probably be on their march before long, I think It will be adviseable for You to write the Different Governments furnishing them, of the Routs they should take & of the Places proper for their Rendezvous.
I wrote You Yesterday & on the 9th Instant to which I refer You for full answers to All Yours between the 21st Ulto & Your last. I am Dr Sir, With Esteem, Your most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 15 June 1776
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency.
Fort Constitution [N.Y.]15th June 1776

The enclosed is the Proceedings of the Court, Mentioned in a Letter given Captn Childs for your Excellency. I have since I wrote ⟨it⟩ learnt that the pay Rolls which I have had inclosed are ⟨not made⟩ out as they ought to be. I will draw them ⟨a⟩new and bring them with Me on Monday as I just received Your orders by Coll Clinton & Majr Schuyler the Coll has just left us and desires I will stay till he returns from New Winsor which will be on Monday next. I remain Your Excellencies Most Obt Humble Sert

Henry B: Livingston ⟨Lt Col.⟩


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 15 June 1776
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York June 15th 1776

All the necessaries for Soldiers Cloathing, are so very high and the Pay of the middle department so much below the Eastern Establishment, that my Soldiers are kept bare of necessary Cloathing and other Articles; a Common Soldiers Shirt Costing from 17/ to 20/ Currency, which is half a Months pay. The most of the Levies made in great Cities are generally induced to enter the Service from the sole Consideration of Pay; they are therefore uneasy when it is not punctually paid, and often insolent, which provokes to Correction, and this to Desertion, at this Crisis very injurious to the Service and public Safety. There is now one Month and a half pay due to my Regiment. For these Reasons I pray the General would Order the Regiment to be paid to the first Current, which would advance the Service and give Ease and Peace to the Officers. I would on this and other Occasions have made a personal application to the General; but judged this mode would be more agreeable to you, as it Causes no interruption of business of more Moment; and you could Choose your time to determine on the Subject. These Reasons I hope will apologize for this, and the other Letters I have taken the Liberty to write you on public Business. I have applied to the Convention to know whether I am to continue to recruit any Company of my Regiment which may become incomplete by death or desertion. But they would not decide upon it, and desired me to take the Generals direction; which I beg to befavoured with. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys very humble servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 June 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Albany June 15th 1776

By Capt. Goforth who arrived this Morning I am honored with Your Excellency’s Favor of the 9th instt & by Mr Watts with that of the 10th.
The Resolutions of Congress for a farther Supply of Money to be sent here I received on the last Ult. & dispatched It by Express to Canada together with the Other Resolutions that were transmitted me by the same Conveyance.
I am happy That Your Excellency approves of My Conduct in leaving Colo: Dayton in Tryon County, It is more than probable from the Intelligence I have sent Your Excellency in my several Letters since my Return to this Place, that he will of Necessity remain in that Quarter for some Time at least If not during the whole Campaign.
When I begged Your Excellency for a Reinforcement to keep up the Communication &ca I think I observed That if any came up & they were more than sufficient I would forward on Van Schaicks; The Exchanged Prisoners arriving I immediately sent Major Curtis & four Companies of V. Schaicks to Canada & have since Ordered the Prisoners back agreeable to a Request of General Sullivan signified to me by Major Sherburne and am now forwarding the Provisions & Garrisoning Fort George & Tyonderoga with Part of the Remainder of Van Schaicks & four Companies of Wynkoops, two being in Tryon County & two upon Duty & in Batteaus here.
Part of what General Sullivan has informed Your Excellency respecting Van Schaicks, Wynkoops, the Waggoners, Batteaumen & Waggon master is very true & I doubt not but the whole of his Information would have been so, had he been truly informed, which I presume Nay I am sure he was not, to Evince which I enter into a Detail because my Feelings induce me to do

Justice to Every Man, whatever his Station in Life may be And when I Censure or applaud It is always from the Heart.
The Raising of Colo: Van Schaick’s Regiment was in the first Instance left to the New York Provincial Congress, They requested me to take It in Hand & sent up the Money Congress had advanced to them for that Purpose; Least the Service should suffer by the Delay which would Necessarily be occasioned by my Refusal, I applied to the Committee of this County & intreated them ⟨to Re⟩commend such Persons out of the several Districts as were most likely to raise the Men speedily, This was done & I think the Warrants for inlisting were Granted on the 15th Febry And altho’ I incorporated Curtis’s, McCrackens & Mills’s Companies, to whom I had given Inlisting orders in November last for the Winter Service, Yet the Regiment is far from being Compleat; As Your Excellency has seen by Colo: Van Schaick’s Return, since which several are deserted.
When General Sullivan was at Albany, Van Schaick’s Regiment had left It & was disposed of At the Various Posts from Half Moon to Crown Point included, hence they could not furnish “A Man for Guard or any Other Duty.” But I suppose General Sullivan was informed That Van Schaick’s Regiment were there, because he was, and he is still & likely to remain, as I must have some Body here in my Absence whom I can depend on, & It is only a Piece of Justice due to him, when I assure Your Excellency That I believe the Army affords few better Colonels.
The Raising of Wynkoops Regiment I had Nothing to do with, It was an Affair deferred by Congress to the Convention at New York, & so little was I informed of what they were doing, That Your Excellency may recollect That You & I both Conceived the few that were here, belonged to Clinton’s Regiment; as fast as they Came up I employed them, & furnished such with Arms as I could find Arms for, Altho’ that too was the Buisiness of the Convention, I Cannot here for want of my Papers, determine the exact Time when the two Companies in Tryon County were furnished with Arms, However I am certain they were furnished as soon as they could be; It is true That all the Companies are very deficient in Numbers but none so low as Eleven Men; when General Sullivan was at Albany. Part of OHara’s Company (which is however the Compleatest in

the Regiment) was there and amounted to the exact Number of Eleven, these were supposed to be a Company, The Remainder being by Your Excellency’s, General Putnams or the Orders of the Convention, Either at New York, or the Highlands, & they have so lately Joined as only to have Crossed Lake George on the 4th or 5th Instant.
What General Sullivan says of tapping the Pork Barrels by the Waggoners is undoubtedly Fact with Respect to some of them, but much of the Pork comes up in so bad a Condition, That It is Obliged to be pickled here & hence the Blame ought Not by any Means to be General & lay on the Waggoners that have Carried up Pork without Pickle.
As to the Batteaumen, I believe I know when Men Work to Advantage as well as any Man (Excepting Your Excellency) in the Service, And I do upon My Honor declare That a better Sett of Batteaumen I ne[v]er knew than what were at Albany when General Sullivan was there (Except some of the Troops who were Employed as such) & I have employed Thousands of them & Can consequently speak from Experience; But the Fault did not lay with the Batteaumen, It lay with the Troops that were Marching up. The first Regimt was ordered off at Six OClock in the Morning, Their Baggage did not come down till twelve, At two the Officers Complained that they could not find the Batteaumen, they were answered, “Here some of Us are, We have been here all Day, the Rest are gone up to their Dinner.” I was present, reprimanded The Officers & Afterwards Meeting General Sullivan I expressed my Dissatisfaction at the Tardiness of the Troops, he immediately ran to push them off, & I suppose the Officers to excuse themselves, faulted the Batteaumen, as they did when I was there: But to cut the Matter short, the Batteaumen were Obliged to make a Trip to Half Moon Every Day & they did It, When the Troops would permit them, which was not often the Case, Altho’ they sometimes forced them back Without suffering them to Eat a Mouthful, Until the Batte⟨au⟩men (tired of the Ill Usage) All threatned to do what some actually did, Leave the Service & forfeit their Wages rather than to be Ill treated as they were, And Nothing prevented It, but My Coming in the Very Moment when they were swinging their Packs & by Promises to prevent such Ill usage for the future, I prevailed on them to stay.

Nor were the Waggoners that Carryed Baggage tre⟨ated⟩ one Wit better, As soon as I can get to Fort George I will send Your Excellency Copies of my Orders on the Occasion, which I think were pointed clear & Reasoning & which however did not prevent a Repetition of Abuses, For Colo: Irvine & Others, in direct Defiance of those Orders, which he saw at Albany & which were shewn him on the Road by one of the Assistant Qur Masters, took away the stationed Waggoners from the Portages, without Provender for their Horses, Provisions for themselves or a Blanket to cover them, nor could those escape who had Discharges to return home to recruit their Horses, worn out in the service, For this Conduct which deranged my Affairs & threatned a total Stop to Transportation, I put Colo: Irvine & Anot⟨her⟩ Officer under Arrest, until the Matters was setled with the Waggoners.
As to the Waggon master he is an Industrious Active and I believe an honest Man, But It is not in his Power, nor any Mans whatsoever to procure Waggons at all Times & at that Time It was peculiarly difficult both on Account of the Scarcity of Forrage the Badness of the Roads and the extravagant Abuses the Waggoners had met with from some of the Troops that preceded General Sullivan’s Brigade.
But My Dear Sir, Nothing is more Common than for some Officers when they have neglected their Duty, to impute It to Others, & I suppose when General Sullivan reprimanded the Officers & spurred them on, which he Certainly did, they flew to that unjustifiable & Ungenerous Subterfuge.
I am well aware My Dear General of the Truth of Your Observation, That Men uninfluenced by the Principles of Honor & Justice will abuse their Trust; From a full Conviction of this Truth, which It is Necessary for Every Man in Buisiness to know, I have made It the Invariable Rule of My Conduct to Watch Every Man⟨’s⟩ Conduct with Attention & by Making the Most of Every moment I find Time to do It too.
I have already Observed to Your Excellency in Mine of the 10th—That I had taken Measures for forwarding Flour, a Sufficient Quantity for the present is I hope arrived.
As to fortifying Tyonderoga & Fort George & Opening the Road by Wood Creek, It is utterly impossible with the Men I have now left, they are so fuly Employed in the Batteaus &ca

That I do not believe there is Now a Relief at Fort George for a Subalterns Guard.
I have Not a Prospect of procuring an Engineer in this Country, I have a Relation of a Mathematical Turn & Very Ingenuous, But he wants Activity, besides him, I know Not Another in this Quarter.
Your Excellency may depend upon It, that no Prisoners shall be sent by Me by the Way of New York, Permit me to remind You That Dundee was Ordered from Ulster County before I received Your Excellency’s Letter of the 21st Ult. & that I took Notice of It in mine in Answer. I shall write to Every Committee agreeable to Your Orders.
I am really at a Loss to what Place to send the Prisoners that are in Ulster County, Connecticut will be much burthened, sixty at least are going there in a few Days that were lately sent here from Tryon County & apprehended in this, & I expect a considerable Number from Canada.
I have already given Your Excellency an Account of the Number of Batteaus & of their Disposition.
Your Excellency has great Reason to be surprized That You have had no particular Account of Bedels Affair, And You complain with the highest Justice of not receiving Returns, which are certainly Essentially Necessary; As to the first, I have not had a Line upon the Subject from any Person Whatsoever, In Canada Nor have I seen any Account of It, Other than that in the Letter from the Commissioners, which was left open for my Perusal & which I left open for Your Excellency, If You should have returned to New York by the Time It reached that Place; And Your Excellency may be assured That as I have Never Yet neglected to give You Copies of any Letters of the least Consequence that were sent to me, That I shall not now begin to be Guilty of Such an improper Conduct. And I give You my Honor that I have had Intelligence from Canada Conveyed to me by the New York Papers, which I think ought to have come immediately to me; As to returns I have already informed Your Excellency in mine of the 11th & 12th instant that I never have had any Except the One from General Wooster which I then sent You, But I dare say, I shall soon have the Pleasure of transmitting You one, As General Sullivan promissed me before he left Fort George, That he would do all in his

Power to have them regularly transmitted, And as he now Commands, I think we can depend upon having them.
I have long since Given Orders for a sufficient Supply of Provisions, I have mentioned the Number of Barrels of Pork & Flour that was necessary, None or a very Trifle of Pork is to be procured here, I shall again immediately draw an Estimate of what is Wanting & transmit It to Mr Trumbull.
I am fully Convinced That Your Excellency intended Me all possible Justice, on the Subject of the Complaint preferred against Me, And since You think It so Absolutely Unnecessary for any Enquiry to be made I shall rest satisfyed, Contenting Myself with Giving Your Excellency’s Opinion of the Matter, whenever It may be Necessary.
By the Inclosed Your Excellency will see what Progress has been made on the Resolution of Congress of the 3d Instant, Whether Your Excellency & Congress will approve of our mode of raising these Indians, I know not Or whether I shall be Justifyed in Issuing Warrants for the Money, But all present agreed That We should not be able to get Any to the Eastward on better Terms, what our Success will be to the Westward I cannot Guess, I fear not much, as Even the Oneydas who are our best Friends do not Chuse to leave their own Country.
It is the General Opinion of the People in Tryon County and here that whilst Lady Johnson is kept a Kind of Hostage, Sir John (who can by Means of the Mohawks receive Intelligence from her as often as she may please to send It) will Not Carry Matters to Excess, and I have been Intreated to keep her here, But as It was a Matter of Delicacy, when Mr Watts delivered Me Your Excellencys Letter, I proposed that Security should be given that Lady Johnson should be forthcoming when called upon, and Besides the above Reasons I was the more induced to this request as I was informed from Good Authority that she exults in the Prospect she has of soon hearing that Sir John will ravage the Country on the Mohawk River, Mr Watts declined giving any Security and soon after wrote me a Note, Copy of which inclose, with Copy of my Answer, And afterwards a second which I also answered, as You will see by the inclosed.
I find that since It has been hinted that she is a Good security to prevent the Effects of her Husbands Virulence, That she is

very anxious to go down & which induces Me to wish to keep her here.
The Villain that murdered Colo: Parsons Brother is here. The Colo: desired Me to send him to New York I wait Your Excellency’s Directions. I am Dear Sir with Every Friendly Wish & Every Respectfull Sentiment Your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Joshua Wentworth, 15 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Wentworth, Joshua

Sir
New York June 15. 1776

I received yours of the 1st Instant and am to Inform you, your Letters of the 15 and 22 of April advising of the Capture of the Brig Elizabeth by Commodore Manly, were put into the hands of Mr Moylan to answer, but by some means or other were not, nor can they be found—It will be therefore necessary to acquaint me again with the Contents If you esteem my answer to them material.
I have agreable to your request transmitted you Copies of such Resolves of Congress respecting your department as are in my hands—they will point out the line of Conduct to be Observed in General cases which I apprehend must be pursued—But If there is any thing particular in the Capture you mention, which is not provided for, It will be proper that It should be forwarded me in order to my referring It to Congress for their Opinion—It is likely the Memorial you mention, If presented, has already occasioned ’em to determine upon the matter—If they have not, and I find It necessary, I shall transmit them such a Representation of the Circumstances of this Capture as you may send me, not Intending myself to point out any rule of decision not Authorized by Congress. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Woodhull, 15 June 1776
From: Woodhull, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
In provincial Congress; New York June 15th 1776

The Congress acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 13th Instant respecting the retention of Salted provisions by some persons on Long Island.
I am directed by the Congress to inform you that by a Resolution of yesterday, a Copy whereof was furnished to the Commissary General, they depend that he will obtain the provisions desired—And that the Congress has in Contemplation some more general & effectual measures for securing the live stock in certain parts of the Colony for the Benefit of the Army.
Inclosed is a Copy of some Information obtained from Mr Abraham Livingston of a Stock of Cattle in an Exposed Situation in New Jersey, of which a Copy will be forwarded to the president of New Jersey Congress or Committee of Safety. I have the Honor to be most respectfully Sir your very humble servt

By Order
Nathel Woodhull Presdt


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

Head Quarters, New York, June 16th 1776.
Parole Hanover.Countersign Ireland.

The Continental Congress have been pleased to come to the following resolution.
“In Congress, June 10th 1776. Resolved. That the pay of the Continental Troops, in the middle department be henceforth the same, as that of the Troops in the Eastern department.”
The General therefore directs, that when the Pay Abstracts for any of the Corps of the middle Department are made out, that the Colonels, or commanding Officers thereof, will take care that the pay of the men, from the 10th of June, be the same as those of the Eastern regiments.
The Brigadiers are to make themselves well acquainted with the nature, and situation of the Grounds, on the North and East Rivers, for some considerable distance about the City, with the best approaches to them, that they may know how to occupy these grounds, to the best advantage if occasion should require, and they are to cause the same to be done by their respective officers in turn.
Great and crying Complaints being made against the Armourers, not only for their Idleness, but the deceitful manner in which their work is executed—The General does in explicit terms assure them, that if any further Complaint of either should be exhibited, he will punish them in a most examplary manner; of this the Superintendent of that branch of business is desired, to make them fully acquainted.
Lieut: Walker of Col. Nixon’s Regiment, tried at the General Court-Martial, whereof Col. Parsons is president, on a charge exhibited against him by Capt: Butler of said Regiment for “maliciously and falsly accusing him of high Crimes and misdemeanours, and in consequence of which, procuring him, the said Capt: Butler, to be arrested and tried at a late General Court Martial, by which he was honorably acquitted.”
The Court after mature consideration are of opinion, that Lieut: Walker had sufficient grounds for exhibiting a Complaint,

against Capt: Butler, and that he is not guilty of maliciously, and falsly accusing Capt: Butler, and therefore do acquit the prisoner of the charge against him.
The General approves of the above sentence past against Lieut: Walker, and orders him released from his arrest.
Bowers Laybourn, and Thomas Perry, both of Capt. Van Wyck’s Company, and Col. McDougall’s Regiment, tried at the above Court Martial for “Desertion,” are found guilty and sentenced severally to be whipped Thirty-nine Lashes each on his bare back, for their respective offences.
Henry Davis of Capt: Johnson’s Company, Col. McDougall’s Regiment tried at the above Court Martial for “Desertion” is found guilty of the same and sentenced to be whipped Thirty-Lashes on his bare back for said offence.
The General approves of the above sentences, and orders the corporal punishment to be executed at the usual time and place.
Lieut: Elijah Oakly of Capt: Stenrods Company, in Col: McDougall’s Regiment, tried at the General Court Martial, whereof Col. Nixon was President, for “assaulting and beating, without provocation, one Miss Patterson, and Inhabitant of the City of New York” The Court are of opinion that Lieut: Oakley is guilty of the charge brot against him, and that he has behaved unworthy the character of a Gentleman and Officer; and the Court adjudge that he, Lieut: Oakley, be cashiered for said offence, and further orders, that Twenty Dollars be stopped out of the prisoner Lieut: Oakley’s pay (if so much be due to him) and be paid by way of damage to Miss Patterson.
The General approves of the sentence of the Court & orders that the Late Lieut. Oakley do immediately depart the camp.
Lieut: Chapman of Capt: Hale’s Company, and Col. Webb’s Regiment, tried at the General Court Martial whereof Col. Parsons is President, for “Disobedience of orders, and refusing to do his duty”—The Court are of opinion that the charge is fully supported against the prisoner Lieut: Chapman, and adjudge that he be dismissed the Continental Army for said offence.
The General approves of the sentence of the Court Martial, against Lieut: Chapman, and orders that he be dismissed the service, and depart the camp.


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

Sir
New York June 16. 1776

I do myself the honor to transmit Congress a Copy of a Letter covering Copies of other papers, which I received yesterday

Evening from Genl Sullivan. The Intelligence communicated by him, is pleasing and Interesting, and such as must afford the greatest satisfaction, If the conduct the Canadians have discovered since his arrival among them, is Ingenuous & sincere. His Account is contrasted by General Arnolds Letter to Genl Schuyler, of which a Copy is also transmitted.
General Sullivan mentions his having given Commissions to some of the Canadians as a measure founded in necessity, and requests my approbation of It; but not considering myself empowered to say any thing upon the Subject, It may not be improper for Congress to give him their Opinion in this Instance.
I have also Inclosed Copies of Genl Schuylers Letters received at the same time. they contain accounts respecting the Indians variant from what were reported by Mr Kirkland, but amounting to the same thing, the probability of the Savages attacking our Frontiers.
By last nights post I had information of a Capture made by our Armed Vessels, of One of the Transports with a Company of Highlanders on board, bound to Boston—The Inclosed Extract from Genl Wards Letter to me will give you the Intelligence more particularly—there are Accounts in the City mentioning other valuable prizes, but as Genl Ward has said nothing of them, I fear they want authenticity.
I beg leave to mention that a further sum of money will be wanted for our military Chest by the Time It can be sent—the Inclosed Note from the Paymaster-General shews the necessity for It—& I may add, besides his Estimate of Drafts to be made, there are the Claims of the Eastern Troops at Boston for three or four months pay not Included, and now due.
Col. McGaw is arrived with part of his Battalion and by Wednesday Evening the whole, both of his & Col. Shee’s will be here as I am told.
As It is, and may be of great Importance to have a communication with the Jerseys & Long Island, I have had several Flat bottom boats built for the purpose, and have thoughts of getting more for Pasaic & Hackinsac Rivers, where they may be equally necessary for transporting our Army or part of It occasionally, or Succours coming to or going from It. I have the honor to

be with Sentiments of the greatest respect Sir Yr Most Obed. Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Mary Watts Johnson, 16 June 1776
From: Johnson, Mary Watts
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany June 16th 1776

I take the Liberty of Complaining to you as it is from you I expect redress. I was Compell’d to leave home much against my inclination & am detained here by General Schuyler, who I am Convinced acts more out of ill nature to Sr John than from any reason that either he, or I have given him, as I am not allowed to return home & my situation here made as disagreeable as it Can be by repeated messages & Threats from General Schuyler, too indelicate & Cruel to be expected from a gentleman I shou’d wish to be with my friends at New York, & wou’d prefer my

Captivity under your Excellencys protection to being in the power of General Schuyler who rules with more severity than Cou’d be wished by your Excellencys Humble Servant

M. Johnson


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Palfrey, 16 June 1776
From: Palfrey, William
To: Washington, George

Sunday Morning 16 June 1776

Mr Palfrey presents his most respectful Compliments to his Excellency General Washington with the inclosed Return of the State of his Office—The Commissary General has inform’d Mr Palfrey he shall have a further demand in the course of ten days for 100,000 dollars, which, with the payment of the Connecticutt Militia, and the remainder of the Abstracts for April, will nearly, if not quite exhaust the Chest—Mr P. therefore requests his Excellency to back the application he intends to make to Congress for a further supply.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 16 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York June 16th 1776

I received Your several Favors of the 11th continued to the 12th & 12 & 12 with a Copy of General Arnolds Letter, The

Return delivered You by General Wooster You forgot to inclose.
The Account of Mr Deane is variant from Col. Kirkland’s, but Yet they both seem to agree in the most material Point, Vizt That some Parts of our Frontiers are to feel the Effects of the Savage Resentment which the Friends of Government have been industrously trying to call forth against Us. You have done well in Your Message to the six Nations; the sooner a Conference can be held the better, & I think the most Vigorous Exertions necessary to secure a Post as You mention where Fort Stanwix formerly stood, & below that, as intimated in my last—If You can Effect these, I am hopefull all their Attempts in that Quarter will be unavailing.
I have ordered a Ton of Powder, half a Ton of Lead, five Thousand Flints, some Cannon, Intrenching Tools & a Dozen Whip Saws & files to be immediately sent You, which You will receive in two or three Days, with a List of them & Every other Article sent from hence at this Time.
I have inclosed You Copy of an Invoice of Goods now in the Hands of Mr Robert Henry in Albany, which he offered the Quarter Master Genl this Week on moderate Terms, as the Quarter Master informs Me—It certainly will be proper that You purchase them or such of them, as will suit the Army in Canada, & It will be less troublesome & expensive than sending Articles from hence, supposing they can be procured. I wish You to get Every Thing You want & that Can be had Either in Albany or Its Vicinity rather than to send here for them, I am really so immersed in Buisiness & have such a Variety of Things to attend to, That I scarcely know which way to turn Myself, Perhaps if You make a strict Inquiry, You may Obtain not only more Goods, but Other Necessaries.
The Indians are here, just returned from Philadelphia—I will communicate to them Your Wishes for their Return & Give Direction that Every Mark of Respect be shewn them by those who go with them.
I have requested the Paymaster, to procure, if possible, as Much hard Money as will discharge Mr Blake’s Claim. How he will succeed I cannot tell; If he can get It, It shall be forwarded as soon as a proper Conveyance can be had. In Regard to a Person to superintend the Building of Gondolas & other Carpenters

to carry on the Work I refer You to my Letter of the 9th & shall only add, that they cannot be now had, Every one Qualified for the Buisiness being Employed here.
The Intelligence contained in General Sullivan’s Letter is extremely pleasing & I sincerely wish his most sanguine Hopes may be more than answered. If the Affection of the Canadians can be Engaged & he seems to have no Doubt of It, It will be of much Importance & probably the Means of our retreiving our Misfortunes in that Quarter.
I find from General Arnold’s Letter to General Sullivan, Col. Bedel, Majr Butterfield & Captn Young are gone to the Sorel for Trial. If their Conduct was as bad & Infamous as represented, It will surely meet with an Exemplary Punishment. Men who will not discharge the Duty they owe their Country from Principle, must be influenced to It by Other Motives, or at least prevented from betraying our most Valuable Rights by a Cowardly & disgraceful Behaviour.
Inclosed You have an Extract of a Letter I received by last Nights Post from General Ward, from which we may reasonably Conjecture that the rest of the Transports which sailed with the One taken, will not be long before they arrive—It seems Evident they expected to find General Howe at Boston & I am hopefull some Others under this Idea will fall into our Hands. There are also Accounts in Town of two or three Valuable Prizes more being taken to the Eastward, one with several light Cannon, Another a West India Man homeward bound with a Quantity of Dollars & sugars—But I fear, tho’ the Accounts seem particular, that they want Confirmation, as General Ward mentions Nothing of them. I am, Dr Sir, Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. The Whip Saws I fear Cannot be got, the Quarter Master says he has tryed without Success.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 16 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dear Sir
New York June 16. 1776

I was favoured with yours of the 5th & 6th Instt by Express yesterday evening from Genl Schuyler, and am exceedingly happy on account of the agreable and Interesting Intelligence It contains. Before It came to hand, I almost dreaded to hear from Canada, as my advices seemed to promise nothing favourable, but rather our farther misfortunes—But I am now hopefull that our Affairs from the confused, distracted and allmost forlorn state in which you found them, will emerge, and assume an aspect of order & success. I am convinced that many of our misfortunes are to be attributed to a want of discipline and a proper regard to the conduct of the Soldiery—hence It was, and our feeble efforts to protect the Canadians, that they had almost Joined and taken part against us—As you are fully apprized of this, and conceive them well disposed towards us, with confidence I trust, that you will take every step to conciliate and secure their friendship—If this can be effected, and of which you seem to have no doubt, I see no Objection to our Indulging a hope, that this Country of such Importance in the present controversy, may yet be added to, and compleat our Union. I confess this Interesting work is now more difficult, than what It would have been heretofore, had matters been properly conducted, ⟨bu⟩t yet I flatter myself, may be accomplished by a wise, prudent and animated behavior in the Officers and men engaged in It, especially If assisted by the friendly disposition of the Inhabitants. I think every mark of friendship and favor should be shewn them to encourage their zeal and attachment to our cause, and from which, If they once heartily embark we shall derive innumerable benefits.
Your conduct in pushing & securing posts low down the Country is certainly judicious & of the utmost advantage—For the farther down we can take posts and maintain them, the greater will our possession of the Country be, Observing at the same time, that a safe retreat should ⟨be⟩ left in case you should be ever obliged to abandon ⟨t⟩hem by a Superior force. I am hopefull and shall anxiously wait to hear of Genl Thompson’s making a successfull attack upon the party Intrenching at the three Rivers—their defeat will be of the most essential service—

It will chagrine them and disconcert their Schemes on the one hand, and animate our men & give life to our Canadian Friends on the other, and efface from their minds the unfavourable impressions our late conduct has made—It will be of material consequence in your advances down the Country, to secure the Several Important posts as you goe, at which you may in case you should be Obliged to decline the main Object you have in view make a vigorous & successfull stand in your retreat—I concur with you in opinion in thinking It not of material moment to keep a very large number of men at Lachine or the upper Posts—there should be no more than will be necessary to repel such attacks and attempts as may be made by the Savages and the regular Troops above you, allowing for such a number of disaffected Canadians as may Join them—but then there should be a sufficient number for that purpose, as our further misfortunes there might be of the most pernicious consequen⟨ce⟩—If they can be maintained the disaffected above will dwindle away, and the Insurrection promise nothing disastrous. It is impossible for me at this distance and not acquainted with the situation of affairs as well as you are, who are on the Spot, to give any particular directions for your conduct and operations, I therefore have only to request that you with your Officers will in every instance pursue such measures as the exigency of our affairs may seem to require, and as to you shall appear most likely to advance and promote the Interest and happiness of your Country—The return which you mention to have inclosed was not in your Letter, you probably thro hurry forgot to put it in, or Genl Schuyler may have omitted It when in his hands—I wrote you on the 13 Inst. on this Subject, and must again enjoin a particular attention to this part of your duty, It being of the utmost importance to be frequently certified of our whole strength and Stores. In compliance with your request I shall transmit a Copy of your Letter to Congress by tomorrows post, It will give them sensible pleasure and such as they had no good reason to expect, at least so soon.
I have Inclosed you an Extract of a Letter from Genl Ward—from the capture mentioned in It, there is reason to expect the Other Transports that sailed with her, are not far off the Coasts.
In regard to your giving Commissions, It is a measure that I can neither approve or disapprove, having no authority to act in

this Instance myself—The propriety of It, must depend upon the powers and practise of your predecessors in command—If they had none, It will be judged of most probably by the good or bad consequences It may produce—Congress from your Letter will see you have exercised such a power, and when they write you, will either confirm or refuse It in all probability.
Lest you should conceive that I do not think Lachine or the Cedars posts of Importance & whose defence are not very material I must here add, that I esteem them of much consequence but only mean that more men need not be employed than what will be equal to any probable attack that may be made agt them.
I would observe before I have done, that It is my most earnest request that Harmony, a good understanding & a free communication of Sentiments may prevail and be preserved between the Genl & Feild Officers, particularly the former—Nothing can produce greater benefits than this, nor tend more to promote your military operations—Whereas History and Observation do sufficiently evince (they abound with numberless examples) the fatal consequences which have ever resulted from distrust, Jealousy & disagremt among Officers of these Ranks. Wishing therefore your Counsels & Efforts to be founded in a happy union & to meet the smiles of a kind Providence I am &c.

G. Wn

P.S. Knowing your great zeal for the cause of your Country & desire to render her every possible service, I must caution you not to put too much to the hazard in your exertions to establish her rights—and to receive with a proper degree of caution the professions the Canadians may make—they have the Character of an Ingenous, artfull people, and very capable of Finesse & cunning—therefore my advice is that you put not too much in their power, but seem to trust them rather than do It too far; I would also have you to keep all your posts as you goe well secured, to guard agt any treacherous Conduct.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 16 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir
New York June 16. 1776

I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 27 Ulto & of the 3 & 6 Instant and in Answer to the 1st think you was right in your direction to Mr Bartlett about the Brigantine Hannah as Mr Morris had wrote for one—The two schooners, considering their force & number of men certainly behaved extremely well in repelling the Attack made by such a number of boats, and It is only to be lamented, that the affair was attended with the death of Captn Mugford—he seemed to deserve a better fate.
The determination of the Court of Inquiry upon Colo. Varnum’s complaint transm[itte]d in that of the 3d, is very different from what he expected or I immagined it would be from his state of the case—Whether It is right or wrong, It is not in my power to determine, as the Evidence which was before them is not Inserted in the proceedings, which ought to have been, as I at this distance can have no other means to warrant me, either in confirming or rejecting the Sentence—I cannot but add that It seems extraordinary to me and exceedingly strange, that Captn Lane should have been at so much trouble and expence to get the men without having a right to ’em—For which reason, to discountenance a practice extremely pernicious in Its nature, of one Officer trying to take away & seduce the men of another and on account of the Imperfection in the proceedings in not stating the matter fully & the whole evidence; The Complaint should be

reheard and every thing appertaining to It, the manner of Inlistment &c. particularly specified for me to found my Judgemt on.
The Arms &c. which you sent to Norwich, as mentioned in the Invoice contained in that of the 6th are not arrived—The number of Carbines is only half of what Genl Putnam wrote for as I have been Informed, and It is less by three hundred than I directed to be sent in my Letter from Philadelphia of the 28 Ulto. This I suppose had not come to hand when you wrote, as you have not acknowledged the receipt of It.
I have Inclosed two Letters for Majr Small & Chs Proctor Esqr. supposed to be at Hallifax which being wrote with a design to procure the inlargement of Capn Proctor a prisoner on board the Mercury man of War or Induce them to Intercede for a more humane Treatment to be shewn him, I request you to forward by the first Opportunity by way of Nova Scotia.
I am this moment favoured with yours of the 9 Inst. advising me of the Capture made by our Armed Vessells of one of the Transports with a Company of Highlanders on board—and I flatter myself If our Vessells keep a good look out, as the whole Fleet are bound to Boston which sailed with her, that more of them will fall into our hands—This is a further proof that Governmt expected Genl Howe was still in Boston.
I am extremely sorry that your health is more & more impaired and having heard by a Letter from Col. Hancock that Mr Whitcombe, Col. Whitcomb’s Brother, is appointed a Brigr Genl, I shall order him to relieve you as soon as I am informed that he accepts his Commission and If he does you may immediately call [him] to your assistance before I am certified of his acceptance, this will ease you of some trouble ’till I can regulate a few matters of Importance here which I hope to do in a little time.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 16–17 June 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 16[–17] June 1776.

Last evening I received Major Harrison’s Letter of the tenth Instant, and agreeable [to] your desire have directed Lieut. Machin to be ready as soon as possible to set out for New York.
The thirteenth Instant at evening I order’d five hundred men with proper officers, a detachment of the Train with a thirteen inch Mortar, two eighteen pounders, and some small Cannon, under the command of Col. Whetcomb, to take post on Long Island to annoy the Enemy’s Ships, the necessary works were thrown up in the Night and the next morning our Cannon and Mortar began to play upon the Pirates which soon drove them all out of the Harbour. The fleet consisted of thirteen in number, the Renown of fifty Guns, several smaller Ships of war, and some transports with Highlanders on board, as near as we could judge there were about eight hundred troops on board the transports. They blew up the Light House as they went off, and then put to sea with their fleet. I think it probable they will leave some Frigates to cruize in the Bay.
A number of the Colony troops and militia were to have thrown up a Battery the same night on Petticks Island, and Nantasket head, but by some unforeseen obstructions they did not get their Cannon ready in time, however they gave the Enemy a number of shot as the Ships passed through the Channel. Our shot cut away some of their yards and rigging, and several went into the Ships sides; but the Shells from the Mortar terrified them most; they returned a few shot from the Commodore’s Ship without any effect, and got under sail with all expedition.
I have proposed to the General Court to anchor a decoy Ship where the man of War lay, with a broad pendant, in order to draw in the Transports which may be coming this way.
No Paymaster nor money for the troops stationed here has yet arrived, which delay has occasioned great difficulty as there is now more than three months pay due to the Men; I have endeavoured to borrow the money of the General Court, but have not succeeded, the Treasury being nearly exhausted by

large demands. I am Your Excellencys Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward

P.S. Several Invalids belonging to the marching Regiments have applyed to me to be turned over to other Regiments, as they were not able to march, but I did not think myself authoris’d to comply with their request. I have discharged three or four who were likely to be of no service but a burthen to the Continent.
P.S. June 17. I have just received information that the Continental Privateers have taken and brought into Nantasket in this Harbour a Ship and a Brig from Glasgow with two hundred and ten Highland troops on board, with their baggage; the Ship mounted six carriage guns, and fought the Privateers some time before she struck, we had four men wounded, the Enemy had three privates killed and a Major, and eight or ten men wounded. The prisoners are coming up to Town among whom is a Colonel. Any further particulars that may be of importance I shall forward as soon as I can learn them.


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

Sir,
New York June 17th 1776.

The Inclosed came to my hands as a private Letter from Genel Sullivan—As a private Letter I lay it before Congress. The tendency (for it requires no explanation) will Acct for the contrast between it and the Letter of Genl Arnold.
That the former is aiming at the Command in Canada, is

obvious—whether he merits it or not is a matter to be considered; and that it may be considered with propriety I think it my duty to observe—as of my own knowledge—that he is active, spirited, and zealously attach’d to the Cause; that he does not want Abilities, many Members of Congress, as well as myself, can testify—But he has his wants; and he has his foibles—The latter are manifested in a little tincture of vanity, and in an over desire of being popular, which now and then leads him into some embarrassments. His wants are common to us all; the want of experience to move upon a large Scale; for the limitted, and contracted knowledge which any of us have in Military Matters stands in very little stead; & is greatly overbalanced by sound judgment, and some knowledge of Men and Books; especially when accompanied by an enterprizing genius, which I must do genl Sullivan the justice to say, I think he possesses; but as the Security of Canada is of the last Importance to the well being of these Colonies I should like to know the Sentiments of Congress respecting the Nomination of any Officer to that Command. The Character I have drawn of Genl Sullivan is just, according to my Ideas of him—Congress will be pleased therefore to determine upon the propriety of continuing him in Canada, or sending another, as they shall see fit. whether Genl Sullivan knew of the promotion of Genl Gates (at the time of his writing) & that he had quitted the department he left him in, when he Marchd his Brigade from hence to Canada I cannot undertake to say. nor can I determine whether his wish to be recalled would be chang’d by it if he did. I shall add no more than my respectful Complimts to Congress & that I have the honour to be with every Sentiment of regard & esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


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

Sir
New York June the 17th 1776

I beg leave to inform Congress that General Wooster has repaired to Head Quarters in obedience to their Resolve transmitted him, and shall be extremely glad If they will give me such further direction about him, as they may conceive necessary—he is desirous of seeing his family in Connecticut as I am informed having been a good while from It—I shall wait their Instructions as to his future employment. I am Sir with sentiments of much esteem Yr Most Obt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 17 June 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany June 17th 1776.

Bennet arrived at 8 last Night and delivered Me Your Excellency’s Favor of the 13th Ult.
I was apprehensive that few intrenching Tools could be spared from New York and therefore I employed all the Blacksmiths here in making what they could & have wrote to the Committee of Tryon County on the 15th instant to collect all they could as soon as possible at the German Flatts, by these Means I hope to procure a considerable Number.
Your Excellency’s Letter to General Sullivan I have sent under Cover of one of mine in which I have transcribed that Part of Yours to Me which relates to Bedel’s & Butterfields Conduct and the Appointments of Courts Martial, & have Observed that as General Montgomery imagined That he could Not Without my Consent order Punishment to be inflicted when Offenders were capitally Convicted, that I had agreeable to his Request, authorized him to do It, Conceiving that I should be justified in delegating that Power, as the Delay which would be occasioned by Waiting for my Consent might prove prejudicial to the Service, And that I requested he would also proceed to order Execution in such Cases, unless he thought proper to pardon. It would be well however as I conceive to obviate any Difficulties that might arise that he should have Your Excellency’s Orders on the subject.
I am happy That I have anticipated Your Excellency’s Advice to Convene the Indians, of which I informed Your Excellency in mine of the 11th instant & in that of the 15th which You will receive by this Conveyance enclosing the Resolutions of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs of the 13th instant. Mr Douw & Mr Edwards have requested Me to prepare a Speech, Part of which I have drafted and as soon as Compleated which I hope will be in a Day or two, I shall do Myself the Honor to forward It to You; I am quite in Sentiment with Your Excellency that It will be proper to omit saying Any Thing about the Time of taking Post at Fort Stanwix, But we are under a Necessity of informing the Indians that We intend doing It.
No Post that we can possess between the German Flatts & Fort

Stanwix can prevent the Enemy from intercepting any Convoys going to the latter, Unless they are sufficiently strong to make Effectual Resistance but to Guard against this Evil I purpose to send immediately a sufficient Supply of Provisions for some Months & have already procured fourty Seven Batteaus for that Purpose.
The German Flatts is so respectable a Settlement and the Country about the Caxnajoharie falls below It, Now so well inhabited, That I do not apprehend any Attempts will be made to intercept our Provisions &c. at that Place, It will be proper however to have a small Picket Fort on the Western Part of the German Flatts, as a Place of Rendezvous for the Militia in Case Any Attempt should be made on the Fort intended to be built near to where Fort Stanwix formerly stood. The Oneida’s who live only twenty four Miles from that Place and I believe are very sincerely attached to Us, Will I doubt not give Us the most Early Intelligence of the Motions of the Enemy in that Quarter, and a Body of Militia may be sent up whenever there may be Occasion.
The Spot w[h]ere Tyonderoga Now stands was I conceive very Judiciously Occupied by the French, because It Commanded both the Passes by Water into these Colonies, and afforded an Easy Access to any Reinforcements they might Chuse to send up, as well as a safe Retreat whenever they might be under the Necessity of Making One. But altho’ It equally Commands, now in our Possession, the Waters which lead to this Part of the Country, Yet it is so situated, That if invested by an Army the Intercourse with the Fort by Lake George is immediately cut off, Nor can any Attempt be Made to raise a Siege unless such a Number of Boats were always kept at the South End of Lake George as would be sufficient to convey a superior Force at one Embarkation across Lake George, And Even then many difficult Passes must be Carried before an Enemy need retire. If a Fortress was Erected on the East side of Lake Champlain nearly opposite to Tyonderoga It would equally Command both Communication with this Advantage, That the Militia of the Northern Colonies are more at Hand for immediate Succour [as they] may all march by Land to the Fort and attempt to raise a Seige, Whilst their Provisions may be conveyed by Wood Creek, The

Waters of which are Navigable to within thirteen Miles of Fort Edward, But as I have already Observed in mine of the 15th we have No Men and I may add no Implements, Even to put Tyonderoga in a State of Defence.
Inclose Your Excellency Copy of a Letter from Colo: Wynkoop and another from my Assistant Secretary at Fort George, the Return of the Garrison mentioned in the latter did not come to Hand, I suppose It was forgot to be inclosed.
The Scandalous Desertion which prevails in our Army causes very disagreeable Reflections especially as thro’ the mistaken Lenity of the Officers that inadequate Punishment which our Military Code permits to be inflicted, Seldom is.
Congress imagined that two Regiments could be raised for this Campaigns Service out of the Corps that served last Winter in Canada, I very Early gave them My Opinion that It was impracticable I wish I had been mistaken, In Obedience to their Commands I suggested a Plan for the Appointment of the Officers. It was disapproved of in Canada, I then left It to be setled by General Wooster and the Officers there. Lieut: Colo: Elmore (who had been a Major last Year and was promoted to a Lieutenant Colonelcy in a Regiment Commanded by General Wooster and raised for the Winter Service, of the Raising of which Corps I never had any Information Officially given Me) was appointed (by General Wooster) Colonel to one of the two intended Regiments, Nicolson was the Other and both are come away from Canada, and If Common Fame says true, (for I have No Other Information) Not an Officer or Man of Either is left in Canada, Nor do I know that they have any Men, Excepting about Nineteen or twenty lately gone to Tyonderoga of a Captain Cochrans Company, which is the Mighty Work of several recruiting Officers of Elmore’s Regiment who have had large Sums advanced them so early as the Month of February for the recruiting Service.
Some more of the Officers have applyed to me for Money to recruit, but as I neither knew them, Nor by whose Leave they came from Canada, I did not chuse to risk any more. I shall however write to Colo: Elmore and Colo. Nicolson to repair to this Place and take their Orders, Not that I expect any considerable Good will result from It, Perhaps It would be better to

break both Regiments and reappoint such of the Officers as are proper to be Employed & Cause them to inlist Men during the War.
I am happy That Your Excellency had not ordered Pay to any Officers from Canada. The Paymaster General here has Orders to settle with them, and Notwithstanding all the Care that both he and I have been able to take, some have drawn double Pay, & Others are gone off Without accounting for Monies they had received from General Montgomery, Other Officers, Committees &ca. one in Particular a Captain Stewart of Easton’s Regiment, who I cannot get into my Possession has defrauded the Public, as I am informed, of near two hundred Pounds, Altho’ he swore to his Pay Roll.
I have been under the Necessity to prevent Clamour of Granting Warrants to Persons who had never been returned to me as Officers, serving in Canada, but who I was convinced had served as Such, It was very Irregular in Me but occasioned by the Negligence of never deigning to send me a Return from or letg me know what was doing in Canada.
Much Money to the Public much trouble would be saved and a great Deal of Fraud would be prevented, If Regimental Paymasters were appointed Especially where Troops are so continually on the Move, as they are to the Northward.
I had Got thus far When I was honored with Your Excellency’s of the 14th instant. It is certain That what I intended for a Requisition of Cannon I find on Reperusal was not sufficiently Explicit, I hope however that I have not often Given cause for the Observation And I hope some Allowance will be made |on Account of the infinite Variety of Buisiness I am drove to Attend to.
I think Eight Pieces of Cannon & Carriages will do, four Nine Pounders and as many of six, With One hundred Rounds to Each with the Necessary Implements which I cannot more particularly specify as I have not One Artillery Man here, a Dozen Artillery Men will also be wanted, these Men & Articles Your Excellency will please to order up.
I am this Moment informed that about two Tuns of Powder is at Mr Livingstons Mill, which I will instantly send for. I beleive It will therefore be Needless to send any for the Western Service, but a Considerable Quantity is wanted in Canada, But as I

have No Return from thence, I cannot possibly specify the Quantity.
I must also beg Your Excellency to order up two Tons of Lead Either in Ball or Staves as most Convenient.
I shall immediately write to the different Governments who are to send Militia, agreeable to Your Excellency’s Orders & send the Rout I would wish them to take.
My Disorder has again attacked Me severely & I begin to fear that It will again Confine Me to My Room, I have been in Bed Most Part of the Afternoon, which has Occasioned my detaining Bennet. I am with the most Sincere Reagard Dr Sir Your Excellency’s Obedient Humle Servant

Ph: Schuyler

Bennet has now recd ten Dollars on Accot.
Inclose an Extract of a Letter just recd from Fort George with a Return of Provisions forwarded from thence.


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

Head Quarters, New York, June 18th 1776.
Parole Hancock.Countersign Johnson.

Joseph Reed Esqr: is appointed Adjutant General of all the Continental Forces with the Rank of Colonel, and is to be regarded and obeyed accordingly.
Capts: Post and Pollard are to make Returns every evening to Col. Putnam of the service of the men under their command, shewing where, and how they are employed—And on Saturday

to make a Weekly Return of their Companies to the Adjutant General.
The Colonels of every Regiment are to see that their Drums are put in good Order, at the public Expence, after which they are to be kept so at the charge of the Drummers, who have extra-pay on that account, from which deductions will be made if necessary: But in case of unavoidable accidents, the charge of repair will be borne as heretofore.
Peter Meredith and Peter Bickerstaff of Capt. Ledyards Company in Col. McDougall’s Regiment, having been tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Parsons was President for “Desertion”; are found guilty and sentenced to receive Thirty Lashes each, which sentence the General confirms and orders to be executed at the usual time and place.
In addition to the orders of the 14th Instant, made to prevent the embezzlement of the public tools, the Quarter-Master General shall cause all the Tools, of every kind, belonging to the United Colonies, or at any time purchased for them, to be marked, with the following brand or stamp. Cxiii
The Engineers to provide Stores for securing the Tools, under their Care, and such Sentries placed over them, as they shall find necessary: All officers commanding a party, or detachment from any Regiment on the works, to be accountable for the Tools he receives from the overseers, as he will be obliged to pay for all lost while under his care, and the Soldiers who shall lose, or purposely destroy, any of the Tools delivered him to work with, shall not only have the price thereof stoped out of his next pay, but be punished according to the nature of his offence; and in order that the public works may not be retarded by the several overseers, attending to deliver the Tools, to every regiment, before they set any of them to work, (which may be the case in some instances) therefore the Chief-Engineer, has leave, when he finds the case requisite, to take suitable persons from any of the Battalions, to attend the Stores and deliver and receive the Tools; and when any Tools are out of repair, or become useless, they may be changed at the Quarter-Master-General’s store, for others which are good, and in case other Tools are not wanted, or not to be had in the store, The Quarter Master General shall receive the defective tools, and discharge the Engineer, of so many tools as they do receive.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 19–20 June 1776
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
[Jamaica Plain, Mass., 19–20 June 1776]

I am desirous of writing, tho’ without a flow of spirits. The reason of the last is not any disagreeable news to be transmitted from this neighbourhood; but an apprehension that the crisis is hastening which will deprive me of some valuable friends, nobly falling in the cause of the Continent, & what is more of Liberty. Heaven grant that their number may be small; & that they may be such as may be missed the least! The joys of a victory will be greatly lessened, from the painful reflection that it must be

gained by the precious blood of many a worthy freeman: but it is the will of God that all earthly pleasures should be dashed.
The letter from the Congress to our General Court would lead one to imagine, that the enemy will have attacked before this can reach your Excellency. But I am otherwise minded, that Genl How has not yet recd the expected reinforcement, & that the wind, by hanging so in the west, will prevent so speedy an arrival as might be conjectured, should he conclude upon sailing with the force he has, leaving the reinforcement to follow as it may arrive. A considerable part of it I trust will be intercepted. Besides the ship & brig containing two hundred & ten highlanders taken on the Lords Day, of which I gave Mr Hazard an account by the monday’s post, & which I desired him to transmit immediately to your Excellency, another large ship with more than a hundred, besides Col., Major, & other Officers, baggage & six months provision, was taken yesterday. Tis said more are in the Bay & that we have from this last capture learnt that an armed vessel with a considerable quantity of cash on board, 100,000£ sterling, was in company a day or two ago. By weakening the enemy in this way without any considerable loss on our side, your Excellency may be prevented suffering, tho’ the recruits from the Bay should not arrive so soon as desired. We shall find great difficulty in raising them. Don’t know, but I must help forward, as in fortifying, by offering to make one of the corps. Nothing however short of the most urgent necessity will induce me to take this step. Should ever a commission from heaven in the necessity of the times oblige me to serve under your Excellency & to use carnal weapons, shall pray you to assign me either a post without danger, or one where I must fight or perish, for I cannot vouch that my courage is any better than that of the coward’s, who will fight desperately to escape death & get out of danger. I had the pleasure of spending the last thursday evening at Col. Quincy’s, whether I had repaired to be at hand to view the intended operations of the succeeding day; & had the happiness of seeing our enemies drove out of the harbour at last, & the snare laid for all the subsequent captures. When I recollected that without any forecast of ours the event took place on the 14th of June, I could not but think that there was a retaliating Providence, which must (as your Excellency

expresses it) serve to inspire every reflecting mind with confidence. This brings me to the acknowledgment of your letter, & the honour done me in sending it. I wish the Massachusetts had been more happy in their choice of generals & were more wise than to support those in whom they have been disappointed. We had, in my poor judgment, a thorough good one, but we have learnt that the small pox has deprived us of him. Upon a hint that Genl H—th would be likely to succeed at Boston, I was for the Towns writing to your Excellency that the appointment might not take place, unless what had been reported concerning his having declined the post of honour could be cleared up. This however was declined, but most expressed their wishes that he would not be sent. I was almost called to an account by some military gentlemen for speaking freely of him. But stood up for my liberty, declared that in such perilous times I would speak freely, that I did not think he had the requisite courage, had been told by Gen. Gates & Col. Mifflin that he had declined the post of honour, without being laid under the restraint of not mentioning their names (always kept your Excellency out of the question) that if I was called to it I would declare the same to his face & give those reasons for my opinion concerning him that he would not like to hear: by the by, have more that I thought it necessary to mention to You. Since this talk have heard no more, tho’ before I was next to threatnd. Thus You see that “free people will judge freely, & You do not condemn them for it—it is the only way to bring matters to a fair discussion.” When I met with this sublime turn of sentiment it reminded me of what Plutarch records of Timoleon, when Demænetus in a full audience of the Syracusians laid several things to his charge, that he made no other reply to him, but only said, “he was much indebted to the gods, for granting the request he had so often made them, namely, that he might live to see the Syracusians enjoy that liberty of speech which they now seem’d to be masters of.”
May You ever enjoy that divine aid which you are sensible is so very necessary; & may you be helped to exercise that full reliance on the alwise & powerful dispensations of the supreme Being that may keep your mind in perfect peace & serenity amidst all the changes & wars that are around you! I hope your

Excellency will ever deserve the good opinion & affection of the Colonists; but should You, after having been the instrument in the hand of God of saving the Continent meet with ingratitude & contempt, remember, that the Saviour of the world met with the like, & that no one is to expect the crown without having been first acquainted with the cross.
You will conclude that either I did not hurt my hands much or that they are recovered, by my troubling you with so long a letter. Believe me, I wrought till I made my hands bleed, & that I fatigued myself beyond common; but the greatest service I did was by spiriting up others, which was tantamount to clapping them on the back, & adding work on brave boys. I found a little time out of the six weeks for giving the publick the thoughts of a Watchman which will accompany this mss.
The Major killed on the Lords day was buried yesterday in military pomp attended by the whole brigade & the highland officers as mourners. Have been told that he was a member of parliament, the same as Col. or Lieut. Col. Campbell who was taken, & followed as chief mourner. Frazer it is said is not coming over.
Have been looking into the late Mr Quincy’s mo. journal the past morning, & therein found the following memor: viz.
1774 Decr 14. Spent the evening with Mr Sayer in Co. with Dr F. & others. In the course of conversation Dr F. said, that more than 16 years ago, long before any dispute with America, the present Ld Cambden, then Mr Pratt sd to him, “for all what you Americans say of your loyalty & all that, I know you will one day throw off your dependance upon this country, & notwithstanding your boasted affection to this country, you will set up for independence.” Dr F. sd, that he assured him “no such idea was entertain’d in the mind of the Americans, & no such idea will ever enter their heads unless you grossly abuse them.” “Very true, replied Mr Pratt, that is one of the main causes that I see will happen, & will produce the event.” I shall now break off for the present, being obliged to go to Boston, by tomorrow June the 20th may have something more of importance to add than that Mrs Gordon joins in best respects to self, Lady Washington, family & friends, & that I remain your most humble servant

William Gordon

Thursday morning. Upon inquiry when at Boston yesterday, learnt from the printers that the New England Chronicle was sent You regularly, & that therefore it was needless for me to add the thoughts of a Watchman.
The Major deceased was not a member of Parliament, but the Lieut. Col. Campbell represents the royal boroughs in the shire of Sterling. Was among the prisoners, they are in general young, healthy & well built, a fine corps, but newly raised. They tell that the old highland regiment is coming over.
The information respecting the 100,000£ is so well founded, that the General Court appointed a Committee to repair immediately to Boston, & to take the most proper methods for catching the vessel. Was providence to favour us so far, the ready money might enable us to redeem our affairs in Canada. A letter from Col. Greaton to his wife informs us that most of his men are ill with the small pox & that they had been living upon flour & water for twenty days—hard fare, but might be best for the infected. Two more vessels were coming towards the harbour, near the light house as was, when I left town, hope therefore to have more good news to add, ere I close my letter & put it in the post.
Am fearful lest some of the transports should escape for want of more foresight & alertness.
Boston. The ships seen yesterday are thought to be Kings frigates. Whenever your Excellency has time, a few lines will be deem’d an honour done to Yours

W.G.