Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 18 February 1777
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Philad. Feb. 18 1777

In Compliance with your Request respecting the Horses taken & sent down here, Col. Fitzgerald & myself thought it best that he should take up the two that were here that you might make the Choice yourself or keep both if they pleased you. Capt. Lewis had sent for the Grey for his Trumpeter but if you should not fancy him I think he is too good for that Service. General Johnson & Col. Bedford I am informed each of them rode one of these Horses to Head Quarters, I should suppose they are also at your Disposal.
As I am in a Manner unhorsed by losing my Horse in the Summer & my Mare in the Fall after you have selected I should be glad if there is any one left to take him paying the publick the Value.
We have concluded to forward your Mares to Virginia as they can travel slowly.
Agreeable to your Request when we parted I have convened with Col. Cox about taking a Post in the Army & yesterday he gave me Leave to acquaint you that he would enter into it in any Department vacant & agreeable—As the Qr Master General has & will have sufficient Employ with the Infantry I cannot but think the Service will be promoted by having that Office for the Cavalry distinct—this Office with the Rank of Colonel he would accept, if I should be in the Horse—but if that should not take Place he would not be understood to be confined to that. I hope he may be induced at all Events to go into the Service as he is a Man of Abilities Spirit, Fortune & Weight in both Provinces.
Since I have had a little Leisure I have been turning my Attention to some Things which may be beneficial to the Service that my Time may not be unusefully employed here. I have represented to the Assembly of New Jersey & to that of this Province the Necessity of providing some Mode to prevent the Desertion of the Soldiers—to pass Laws is not sufficient they must provide Persons to execute them. I hope we shall get some Persons either in the civil or military Line appointed to this Service. In the mean Time I would suggest to your Excelly the getting a Number of printed Blanks for Discharges—Furloughs & Passes which being lodged with the proper Officers would very much guard against Impositions of various kinds—General Gates approves of it, & I shall employ a Press if it is not disapproved by you.
The Arrangement & Appropriation of the Waggons for each Regiment would be very easy I should think if it was fixed in each State before the Regiment joined the Army. What I mean is that the allotted Number with suitable Drivers should come with each Regiment &

stay—Coming from the same State they would be attached to each other & even the different Modes of Cartage which prevail in different Parts would make them more acceptable & serviceable to the Troops which they attended than strange & new Customs.
Some Gentlemen in this City are very earnest the Congress should return others are as much against it, & it seems the Congress is divided. I wish they had not gone, but as they have I cannot but think they had better stay tho there may be some Inconveniencies from their Absence—a second Retreat would very much disgrace our national Character. I have mentioned this as a Line perhaps to some of your private Correspondents if you thought it worth while would have its due Weight. I am with great Respect & Affection Dr Sir Your most Obed. & obliged

J. Reed


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Caesar Rodney, 18 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Rodney, Caesar

Sir,
Head quarters. Morris Town 18th February 1777.

Lord Stirling did me the favr of sending to me your letter of the 8th Inst. to him, mentioning your Chearfullness to continue in Service (tho’ your Brigade had returned home) and waiting my determination on that head.
The readiness with which You took the Field at the period most critical to our Affairs—the Industry you used in bringing out the Militia of the Delaware State—and the Alertness observed by You in forwarding on the Troops from Trenton—reflect the highest Honour on your Character, and place your Attachment to the Cause in a most distinguished Point of View—They claim my sincerest Thanks, and I am happy in this Opportunity of giving them to You—Circumstanced as You are, I see no necessity in detaining You longer from yr family & Affairs, which no doubt demand yr presence & attention—You have therefore my leave to return. I am Yr most Obedient Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. From the Enemy’s Manoeuvres of late, especially their reinforcing Brunswic, I fear yr Militia will be wanted again—You will therefore be pleased to keep them in readiness, till I call for them.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Oliver Spencer, 18 February 1777
From: Spencer, Oliver
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Elizth Town Feb: 18th 1777

Notwithstanding Capt. Lyon has resigned as a Capt. in Coll Lee’s Regiment, I Do not think it was altogether, from his being Disapointed of some Expected Preferment in Some others, but, the Improbability of Col. Lee’s Regt being filled. Capt. Lyon has a fondness to the Service and I beleive would Accept of a Company in my Regt if your Excellency Approves of it, an answer will much Oblige your Excellencys Most Obedt Hble Servt

Oliver Spencer


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Trumbull, 18 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Joseph

Sir
Head Quarters Morris town 18th Feby 1777

Notwithstanding all my endeavours to keep the Commissary’s department in some kind of order, I find that there is the utmost necessity for your immediate presence and interposition to prevent every thing from running into a State of distraction.
There are a number of deputy Commissaries (appointed by I know not whom) bidding upon each other, till they have raised the price of provisions to a most extravagant Rate.
I dont know how true the charge may be, but Wharton is the subject of universal Complaint, they say he has a Commission upon the amount of his purchases, and cares not what price he gives.
I can therefore only say again that your presence alone can releive me from my present distress, and save the Continent Millions. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Carpenter Wharton or Jeremiah Wadsworth, 18 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Carpenter,Wadsworth, Jeremiah

Morristown, 18 February 1777. Encloses letters of recommendation for the commissary of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, Ephraim Blaine, who is “desirous of getting into the Commissary’s department: But as I do not choose to interfere in it, have sent him to you. If you want such a person, you will no doubt employ him.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 19 February 1777
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bell’s Farm [N.J.] 19th Feby 1777.

By a person this moment returned from Brunswick whom I sent in on purpose; I have rec’d the following Intelligence, which I believe may be depended upon viz.
Genl Howe & Lt Piercy arrived at Amboy on thursday last, with a reinforcement of five thousand Men, at which time one thousand men arrived at Brunswick—They are in great want of Forage at Brunswk & intend to come out very strong in a few days, or their horses must starve—A party of Hessians to the number of near 200 were very near deserting a few days ago, but were discovered, which intention has created much uneasiness, tis generally expected that a bold push will soon be made from both Amboy & Brunswick to surprise your Excellency at Morris Town—This is intended & they only wait Genl Howe’s orders to march, being already prepared.
I most heartily approve of Genl Maxwell’s plan, & beg your Excellency will be pleased to order it put into execution, ’tis just dark & am unwilling to detain the Express one moment. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most obedt

Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Col. John Fitzgerald, 19 February 1777 [letter not found]
From: Fitzgerald, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. John Fitzgerald, 19 Feb. 1777. Fitzgerald’s letter to GW of 19 Feb. begins: “Since Sealing my letter of this date.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Fitzgerald, 19 February 1777
From: Fitzgerald, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philada 19th Feby 1777

Since Sealing my letter of this date I met Maj. Morris, who told me he had now wrote a Letter to Sr Willm Howe, which in his Opinion could not be object’d to, & which he proposes sending by me.
I have taken a Copy of it, which I Inclose for your Excellys Consideration—He shew’d me a Pamphlet he wrote in England & says he only wishes to act consistent with the Declarations made therein, & I am of Opinion from the whole of his Conduct that he only wants a Pretence to be forced into our Service, by Sir Willm Howes not Answering his Letter or doing it in a manner not Satisfactory to him.
Two Ships coming up the River one from Nantz, the other from Martinico, their Owners or Cargoes I have not yet Learn’d—there is also a Prize Brig taken at Newfoundland by the Rattlesnake Privateer.
I shall write to morrow by the Person mention’d in my last & am Your Excellency’s mo. Obedt Hhble Servt

John Fitzgerald


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 19 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir,
Head quarters. Morris Town. 19 Feby 1777

Your favour of the 15th Inst. reached me this Morning. This going express, I have not time to determine on the Sentence of the Court Martial—You shall hear from me Tomorrow, on that Subject.
The Enemy being certainly reinforced at Brunswic, & the corresponding Intelligence from every Quarter, induce me to believe that They will no longer suffer themselves to be cooped up within such narrow, disagreeable Limits—’Tis given out by them That they mean to move this way—but this may be a Blind to make their March towards the Delaware the more secure—You will observe from the inclosed how desirous I am to have Colo. Dehaas or some Officer of Abilities stationed at New Town, who can superintend the Passage across that River at Coriell’s—Having not as yet heard who commands at New Town, I have inclosed the letter without Seal or Direction—which, after reading, You will be so good as to complete & forward—I did not choose to mention in that Letter, how indispensable the strictest Vigilance is over the Boats—Should Circumstances induce me to hang upon the Enemy’s Flanks, or annoy in the Rear, our secure Possession of all the Boats gives us such an advantage as probably will enable us to retard them ’till a sufficient Body of the Continental Troops can take the Field—A Movement of this sort will also call upon You at the shortest Notice to collect all the Boats from Trenton downwards—and above all things to secure the Stores in Philada—I have so often wrote to the Commte. of Congress in that City describing the Impropriety & Danger of keeping a large Stock there, & so little Attention has been paid to my Observations, that ’tis painfull to me to write again—Still they must not be neglected—Let me therefore desire You to mention the Matter to them in private Conversation—press an immediate Removal of them as the only absolute Mode of preserving them—but let it not be done in such a Way as to agitate the Citizens with the Prospect of Danger.
The Tenor of this will point out the Industry necessary to be used in equipping and forwarding the Troops that can come & are intended for this Place—I do not mean to call out the City Militia yet, only those who are coming from other parts & are not detained for Innoculation. I am Yr most Obdt Sert

Go: Washington

P.S. Intelligence from several quartrs this Moment recd makes a Movement of the Enemy very soon almost absolutely certain.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Lowrey, 19 February 1777
From: Lowrey, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Rariton [N.J.] Feby 19th 1777.

By Information from Brunswick last night I have to inform your Excellency, the Body of English Troops now lying at Brunswick & the Landing have had a late Reinforcemt, the whole consists of between seven & eight thousand Men, This day a number more of them is expected to the same places—Genl Howe & Ld Piercy are arrived at Amboy with a number of Troops, it is expected a movemt will be made in a few days either to Elizabeth Town, Morris Town, or Bound-brook.
Our Middlesex Militia commanded by Colo. Neilson, surprised the Enemy’s Guard at Lawrence’s Island, three miles below Brunswick, killed one Man took Majr Stocton who commanded, with about seventy others prisoners. The above were of Genl Skinner’s Regt. I am Your Excellency’s Most obedt Humle Servt

Thomas Lowrey

N.B. A number of heavy Cannon is come to Brunswk.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 19 February 1777
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Lyme [Conn.] 19th Feby 1777

The Friends of Capt. Wells of Glassenbury in the State of Connectt have applied to me to procure Him exchangd & releasd from his Imprisonment; As tis not a Matter I am impowerd to transact I have referd them to your Excellency Capt. Wells’s Case is perhaps as distressing as that of any Prisoner, A Numerous Young Family, his Wife an Invalid; his Parents very aged these are the Persons who Depended on Capt. Wells When at Home, his Presence is exceedingly wanted with his Family they propose that Capt. Luke of the 55th should be exchangd for Capt. Wells Capt. Luke is now a Prisoner confind in Glassenbury; if tis your Excellency’s Pleasure that Capt. Luke or any other Officer be exchangd for Capt. Wells I think it cannot be easier made than on the East End of Long Island, in this or any other Concerns I shall be happy in receiving & executing your Excellency’s Order.
The Inhuman Treatment our Prisoners receivd from the british Officer in New York has provd the Death of much the greater Part of those who came out of the City in this Part of the Country I believe about Three Quarter Parts are dead since they returnd Home, the remaining few burn with Rage against the Enemy & exceedingly desire to ingage again in the Service of their Country, but say they came out on their Parole & that some of their Officers are holden as Hostages for the Fulfilment of it; Whether any who are out are yet unexchangd I do not know, perhaps they are all at Liberty to reinlist This is undoubtedly known to your Excellency if they are at Liberty ’twill make A meterial Ods in recruiting. I am yr Excellency’s Obedt hl. Servt

Saml H: Parsons


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 19 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town Feby 19. 1777.

I have been favored with Your Letter of the 4th instant: Your Observations respecting Captn Gamble’s Application, I think are exceedingly just, & he should not by any Means be permitted to pass the Lakes at this Time. If he is allowed to go to Albany, It will be under Restrictions, & You will not indulge him in his Wishes, till You Esteem his return Cannot be attended with Inconveniencies & Injury.
With Respect to Ordinance & Ordinance Stores, I wish to Give You every possible Assistance; But at this Time I do not know that our Situation will justify the smallest Supply in the first Instance, having but very few Cannon for this Army & those only light Pieces. It is hoped & Expected that We have a Considerable Train now at Sea, & that Its Arrival may be looked for Every Day. Should It fortunately get in, I trust we shall have sufficient for Every Department. I would here mention that General Knox has the Regulation of the Artillery & the Establishment of Elabaratories, & recommend Your Wants of Ordinance & Ordinance Stores to be particularized always & transmitted to him.
An Arrangment of the Army remains to be made; I don’t Yet know the several Officers, much more the Rank they should hold.
By Colo. Wayne’s Letter, I perceive the Garrison at Tyconderoga, on the Return of the Troops he Mentions, would be Weak, but I persuade Myself that he has received Reinforcements before this, having ordered all the Massachusetts & New Hampshire Regiments first Voted, to that Quarter & heard that some have Marched.
I am sorry to find, that the small pox is breaking out in the Natural Way among the Troops with Colo. Wayne. It is the Case here Notwithstanding every Precaution to prevent It. Under such Circumstances & knowing the Fatal Consequences that must result if it should become

General, I have directed Innoculation here, & think It highly adviseable, that It should be immediately begun in the Northern Army, & the Troops inoculated as fast as they arrive. It certainly may be done there with more Convenience & security than here, and if in Succession as Companies Or Regiments come in, No Considerable Number will Ever be unfit for Duty at once. As little should be said on the Subject, as the Nature of It will admit of, that the Enemy may remain uninformed as long as possible.
I have spoke to Lt Colo. Brown about the Enquiry he prays. General Arnold being at Rhode Island & not a single Witness here, It cannot be made. he has received an Answer upon the Subject.
By a Return transmitted in Your Letter of the 30th of January, I observe You have 1875 Arms in the Commissary’s Store at Albany unfit for Service. As we shall have Occasion for all, & I fear more than can be Collected, I wish that You would have them repaired with all possible Expedition. If It cannot be done at Albany It will be proper to send such of them as can be made Useful to Philadelphia without Loss of Time, directing them to be conveyed by a secure Rout.
Since my Letter of the 9th Nothing of Importance has happened Which leaves Me only to add, that I am with Great Regard—Dr Sir—Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington.

P.S. Part of the Enemys Force that was at Rhode Island, has returned & is at Amboy.


Title: General Orders, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, Feby 20th 1777.
Pluck-’em-in.Portsmouth.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris town 20th Feby 1777

I was yesterday favd with yours of the 7th instant. It has some how or other generally happened that we have been obliged to send in our prisoners at the most inconvenient times, but when they are brought down for the purpose of Exchange, it seems hard to send them back, especially as they did not fix upon the time themselves. I am so well

convinced that the Officers are enabled to do us harm, by staying in the Country and making themselves acquainted with our Situation, that I have ordered Govr Trumbull to send in Eleven that were taken at princetown, If they can be conveyed to any of your posts, and sent in by a Way, in which they will see little of your disposition; it will be better than sending them by land to Kingsbridge. Whenever any Officers go in from your quarter only send me the Return and I will take Care to ask for such in Exchange as have a right to preference from length of Captivity.
If the Accounts we have lately recd of the Reinforcement of the Enemy at Brunswic be true, few can be left at Rhode Island, it is said Lord Peircy has arrived at Amboy within a few days.
The Eastern States have in so many Instances departed from the line of Conduct agreed to in Congress for the inlistment of the new Army that I do not wonder at their stripping the Ships to fill their Regiments, but they will find that as soon as the seamen have spent the Bounty they will run back and get on board the ships again.
If the Enemy will give us time to collect an Army levyed for the War, I hope we shall set ⟨all⟩ our former Errors to rights. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from the Continental Congress Executive Committee, 20 February 1777
From: Continental Congress Executive Committee
To: Washington, George

Sr,
Philadelphia, 20th February 1777.

The enclosed papers were sent to our Office this morning by the Council of Safety for our direction upon the subject matter of their contents: but we have deemed it the more elegible to transmit them to your Excellency and at the same time We beg leave to recal your attention to our letter to you respecting these prisoners wrote some time since. General Gates, who is now present, and to whom we have mentioned them, says that he is of opinion that it is best to delay taking any Steps to release or exchange them for a short time, in which we incline to concur. We are, Sir, with esteem and respect, your Most Obedient Servants,

Robt Morris
Geo. Clymer
Geo. Walton


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Crawford, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Crawford, William

Dr Sir
Morristown in New Jersey Feby 20th 1777

Your Letter of the 12th by Mr Ashby came duly to hand. As I am unacquainted with the terms upon which your Regt was raised, it is impossible for me to say any thing on that head. Nor, as you mention your design of attending Congress will it be necessary for me to give any order about the Marching of your Regt as I presume you will be instructed by them.
If the Matter rests with me, I shall be obliged to call them immediately to the Army, because here we have a certainty of their being wanted—greatly wanted. The Call for them on the Ohio is only to be feared. If Congress should order the Regt this Way, or they come in consequence of what I have here said, not a Moment’s time, should be lost in doing of it, as our call for men is urgent.
Peculiarly circumstanced as you are, I shall not object to your taking some reasonable time to settle matters relative to your deceased Brother’s Estate, if your Regt comes this way, altho’ I can assure you that it goes much against my Inclination to part with a good Officer. Your other Field Officers must attend the Regt.
I regret exceedingly the loss of your two Brothers, & thank you for your kind offer of serving me in any business I may have west of the Alleganies, but my time is so constantly taken up & ingrossed by public Matters, that I scarce bestow a thought on my private Affairs beyond my Famy at Mount Vernon. I am very sincerely D. Sir Your obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 20 February 1777
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bells Farm [N.J.] 20th Feby 1777

Immediately upon the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter, I sent an Express to Genl Putnam, & shall agreable to your request, give the earliest Intelligence of the Situation & movements of the Enemy, to Genl Green—I shall send into Brunswick on Saturday next, & hope to receive some interesting Intelligence; by the return of the Person sent.
I have added a second Picket, they both stand 1¼ miles below Van-Ests bridge, & form one continued line of Centries, from the river, to the middle-bush road—I shall take every precaution in my Power, to prevent a surprize—I am informed by a Person who lives near Trenton, that there are many Waggons & Horses belongg to the Continent,

in the hands of private Persons, both in this State, & that of Pennsylvania, would your Excellency chuse I should give an Order, to have them collected; & deliver’d at any certain place.
Your Excellency’s great hurry of Business prevented your giving me an answer, about the Horse I mentioned as I am in great want, shall take the Liberty of havg him valued by two field Officers, & pay the valuation to my Qr Master, for the use of the Continent, unless your Excellency orders the contrary—As Genl Maxwell lay’s more convenient than myself to Essex, shall write him to pursue the Plan mentiond to your Excellency, which I entirely approve off—The mode I pursued in respect to Colo. Thomson’s Battn of Sussex Militia, whch I communicated to your Excellency, will encrease his Battn I believe to 200, men. I have the honor to be, Y⟨our⟩ Excellency’s most Ob. Servt

Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 February 1777
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baskenridge [N.J.] Feb. 20 1777

Your favor of the 18th came to hand last Evening—I shall pay due attention to its contents—but I fear my situation is too remote to carry on a communication of intelligence to advantage—Ever since I have been here I have been revolving the matter over and over in my mind respecting the subject of intelligence Nothing more elligible has occurd than the plan your Excellency suggests—but I hope the old channel of intelligence is not yet shut up. Day before yesterday I was at Bounbrook & Qu[i]bble town—there I met with Mr Lowrey the Commisary who inform’d me, the same Person that was employd by Col. Read & Col. Cox was expected out that day with intelligence—the purport of which he promisd to forward to you immediately.
I transmited a Return by Major Clarke yesterday to Head Quarters with the strength of the Brigades, and the places they are posted at—Lord Sterling has but few Troops in his Brigade except Mac Coy’s Regt and they are all at Quibble Town.
Lord Sterling, General Johnson and myself will endeavor to fix upon the best places to collect the troops at—little more can be done than agree upon proper alarm posts and make the Troops and ourselves acquainted with the ground. In order to make the Troops acquainted with the ground, I propose to send down Scouting parties dayly—not so much for the annoyance of the Enemy, as to get them acquainted with the Ground, and to keep them employed.
Should the Enemy advance my plan would be to attack them with light Troops on the Rear and upon the flanks Avoiding a General Engagement unless we can attack them on some advantageous ground, where they cant bring but part of their Troops to act.
I am unacquainted with General Putnams strength but if he has any considerable force, Brunswick should be his object by all means.
But I must confess I think General Putnam is in much more danger than we. I cannot help still apprehending Philadelphia to be their object, the consequence to them and injury to us is infinitely greater than beating up our Quarters here and fighting us on such disadvantageous Ground.
If the Enemy have no expectation of crossing the Delaware I should think they would move toward Trentown to draw our forces on the flat Country; there they may give us a cappital blow, here they cannot. In the flat Country their artillery is off great importance; here it is not, there Regular Troops can act to advantage—here they cannot; at least they have not that superiority here as they would have there. Our troops are almost all irregular and they know it. If they consult their

own interest they will avoid fighting us upon our Ground that we are acquainted with and they ignorant off. Upon the whole, I think General How will find it difficult to move any way; but if he moves at all I am confident it will be towards Philadelphia. But Notwithstanding I will make the best preparation our situation will admit. Lord Sterling is going below tomorrow to endeavor to fix upon some plan to get intelligence. I will meet General Sullivan at the same time and form a plan for the purpose of supporting each other.
We sent down forty Waggons after forage Yesterday. Their success I have not heard but they are mostly returnd. This moment the Quartermaster came in and reports they all got full loads and have returned safe—they were within a mile of the Enemies Quarters.
The Small Pox prevails amongst the Troops here. I am with great respect your Excellencies most Obedient & very humble Servt

N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Morristown February 20th 1777.

The principal design of this, is to inform you, that we have strong reasons to beleive, that the Enemy are on the point of making some push. What their Object is, whether to beat up our Quarters and to extend their own—to make a large forage and collection of provender, of which they are in great want—or to turn their views towards the Delaware, is a matter of incertainty; But it seems probable, that One of these things they have in contemplation. Such of their Troops as have returned from Rd. Island, have landed at Amboy, and with them Several peices of Heavy Artillery. General Howe is come over too, & it is said Lord Peircy. Their number at Brunswic, & the landing place, before the arrival of this last reinforcement, was estimated from Seven to Eight Thousand. I have ordered the utmost vigilance and attention to be observed at our Several posts, to guard against Surprizes, and every preparation to be made, that the weak and feeble state of our little Army will admit of. At this time we are only about Four Thousand

strong—a force you will suppose unequal to a successfull opposition, if they were not Militia, and far too small for the exigencies of our Affairs. It is impossible to obtain exact returns, though they are daily called for, owing to the frequent & almost constant departure of some of the Corps.
Colo. Neilson of Brunswic with a detachment of Militia on the morning of the 18th, surprized Major Stockdon whom he took with 59 privates of Genl Skinners Corps, killing four and bringing away the arms of the whole with some Blankets. This about balances the loss of a Militia Guard, which a party of British Troops took last week in Monmouth near the Hook.
I wish to be informed, how the Regiments that are raising are to be Armed & of the provision that has been made for the same. I have reason to fear, indeed I am convinced, that there is a great deficiency in many, if not in the whole of the States in this Article. Every Letter that I receive from them, mentions their want & calls for supplies. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Sevt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Quarters Morris town 20th Feby 1777

Monsieur Fanueil, who sometime ago laid a plan before you for raising and officering a Corps of Frenchmen, waited upon me yesterday. His success, as I expected, has been small in inlisting or rather engaging Canadians, I cannot find that he has met with more than thirty or forty who would be willing to serve with him.
He is now upon another Scheme, that of raising, arming and cloathing a number of Men in the French Islands. To grant a Commission of that kind is without the extent of my powers, and I have therefore desired him to go forward and lay his proposals before Congress. If they appear feasible, they may be adopted, but I would beg leave to observe, that one precaution will be necessary, that is, that the Commissions of Monsr Fanueil and his Officers should depend upon the performance of their Agreement for raising any certain number of Men.

I have often mentioned to you the distress I am every now and then laid under by the Application of French Officers for Commissions in our Service, this evil, if I may call it so, is a growing one, for from what I learn, they are coming in swarms from old France and the Islands. There will therefore be a necessity of providing for them or discountenancing them, to do the first is difficult, and the last disagreeable and perhaps impolitic, if they are Men of Merit. And it is impossible to distinguish those from mere Adventurers, of whom, I am convinced, there are the greatest Number. They seldom bring more than a Commission and passport, which we know may belong to a bad as well as a good Officer.
Their ignorance of our language, and their inability to recruit Men, are unsurmountable Obstacles to their being ingrafted into our continental Battalions, for our Officers, who have raised their Men, and have served thro’ the War, upon pay, that has hitherto not borne their Expences, would be disgusted if Foreigners were put over their heads, and I assure you few or none of these Gentlemen look lower than Feild Officers Commissions. To give them all Brevets, by which they have Rank and draw pay without doing any Service, is saddling the Continent with a vast Expence, and to form them into Corps, would be only establishing Corps of Officers, for as I said before, they cannot possibly raise any Men.
Some general Mode of disposing of them must be adopted, for it is ungenerous to keep them in suspence and at great Charge to themselves. But I am at a loss how to point out this Mode.
Suppose they were told, in general, that no Man could obtain a Commission, except he could raise a Number of Men in proportion to his Rank; This would effectually stop the Mouths of common Applyers, and would leave us at liberty to make provision for Gentlemen of undoubted military Character and Merit, who would be very usefull to us as soon as they acquired our Language.
If you approve of this, or can think of any better Method, be pleased to inform me, as soon as you possibly can, for if I had a decisive answer to give them, it would not only save me much trouble, but much time, which I am now obliged to bestow in hearing their different pretensions to merit, and their expectations thereupon.
I inclose you the papers which Monsr Fanueil originally laid before the Council of Massachusetts, they may be of use, if you enter into a Negotiation with him. I have the honor to be Sir most respectfully Yours

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,
Morristown Feby 20th 1777.

Your Card of the 8th Ulto I have had the honour to receive, & thank you most sincerely for your kind congratulations on our late Successes, & the polite manner in which you are pleased to apply them to me. Would to God Sir, they may be of continuance. Appearances do not justifie the hope—But—prudence forbids my adding more, in a Letter.
The filial duty which withdrew you from the Comee for the nomination of Officers for your State, at the same time that it is worthy of much praise, is perhaps to be lamented, as I understand the arrangement of some of the Corps are not yet fix’d; Colo. H. Livingston’s in particular; & the two Gentlemen who are Candidates for the Office of Lieutt Colonel in his Regiment both disagreeable to him. He strongly recommends a Lieutt Colo. Renier for this vacancy, and wishes me to interpose in his behalf, as a Gentn of established Character & a sufferer in the cause. This, in the present case, I would beg leave to signify as my wish (only) as this Gentn’s Military Character stands unimpeached, and advantages result from having Officers of the first Character in a Corps, agreeable to each other. with sincere esteem and regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Henry Beekman

Sir
Morristown February 20th 1777.

I yesterday evening received the favor of your Letter of the 15th Instt. As the Congress vested the Conventions of the several States with powers to appoint Officers for their Quota of Batallions first voted, I have made it a point not to interfere though fully authorized, except in an Instance or two where the choice has been evidently improper and injudicious. This line of conduct I wish to pursue, and therefore

would not do more in the case referred to me, than to recommend Colo. Renier to the notice of the Conventn and for the vacancy you want him to fill—I have done this as you will perceive by the inclosed Letter, which after reading, you will be pleased to seal and transmit to them in such way as you judge proper. The character given Colo. Renier, is much to his honour, and the sacrifices I am told he has made on account of his Attachment to our Cause, claim our notice and some compensation. In respect to the Other Officers which you mention to be wanted, you must prevail on the Convention to appoint them, & if they will not, I shall confirm your own choice.
The situation of things in the Military line having undergone some alteration since I saw you, I would advise the Expedition you had in view to be laid aside. I do not think it improbable that your services may be wanted elsewhere and upon some more interesting occasion. I am Sir with much esteem Yr Most Hble Servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 20 February 1777
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Haddonfield [N.J.] 20 Feby 1777

I received a Letter from Collo. Shreve yesterday from Burlington applying for a Barrack Master & Commissary, for wood & for straw; & informing me that the Barracks want repair; from what I collect that the Collo. intends to make Burlington the Seat of his Residence longer than I think his Duty to the Service, requires—He has not furnished me with a Return; but I am informd that he has with him 400 Men—It is a considerable time since, that, in pursuance of a Resolve of Congress, I directed him to send his Men to join the Army under your Excellency’s Command, as they were raised. For what particular Reason he purposes to make so long a hault at Burlington I know not. Nor

would I be understood to fault his Conduct, he not being under my Direction. But my regard for the Service, & my certain knowledge that unless he has a better reason for it than I can guess, it is contrary to the said Resolution of Congress induces me to consider it as my Duty to trouble your Excellency with this Information, I am with great Respect Your most humble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morristown 20th Feby 1777

I am glad to find by yours of the 16th that your Health is sufficiently re-established to enable you to do your duty.
Considering the great dependance which we shall be under the necessity of putting upon Militia for a while longer, we certainly ought not to remove a General Officer from a post, to which, he can, by his influence, draw them when they are wanted. Upon this principle, you were right in waiting an answer, before you forwarded General James Clintons letter to him. I desire it may now be stopped, and that he may continue in the command of the Forts, the Garrisons of which he will endeavour to keep up by all the ways and means in his power, till our regular Troops take possession.
I should [be] very well pleased if Colo. Gilman’s Regiment could be prevailed upon to stay till the middle of March, by any other means than the advance of Money. As I fear that the moment they have got it, they will make use of it to carry them home. If any advance is necessary, I will settle that matter with Major Genl Lincoln when they are discharged.
previous to the receipt of your letter, I had information that Supplies of provisions were going to the Enemy from paramus & Hackinsack, and I wrote to Genl George Clinton, to send a party of Men from his Corps to cover that part of the Country and stop any further practices of that kind.
I do not apprehend you will be in any danger of an Attack in your quarter for some time yet, as the Enemy from their late Motions are drawing this way. Whenever our Regiments of Artillery are raised, you

may depend that the Forts up the River will have their proportion. In the mean time a part of the Men who compose the Garrison might be set apart and exercised in loading and firing the Cannon. This is a shift we are obliged to make, for we have very few regular Artillery men.
I shall write to Connecticut to send in all the Officers who were taken at princetown; which will answer the end of their petition in a manner most agreeable to themselves.
I will order the Judge Advocate to draw up a Commission empowering you to hold General Courts Martial at your post.
Having occasion to write to Colo. Livingston; I shall desire him to drop his Expedition for the present, as he may probably be of more use and advantage nearer home.
I am obliged to you for the information you give me respecting the Behaviour of part of Webbs Regiment; if they have not recd their pay it shall be stopped, but if they have, it will not be the first or greatest imposition that has been put upon the public. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: New York Convention

Gentn
Head Qrs ⟨Morristown February 20. 1777.⟩

I have been hon⟨oured with⟩ your Letter of the 13th Instt. You may ⟨rest assured⟩ that the situation of our Officers in the ⟨Enemy’s⟩ hands claims much of my attention, a⟨nd that it⟩ is my wish to give them the earliest ⟨relief.⟩ Every exchange that has been direct⟨ed by me,⟩ was meant to be made on the princip⟨les which you⟩ politely mention. It did happen how⟨ever,⟩ owing perhaps as much to the miscarr⟨iage of⟩ the Lists transmitted, or their not getting ⟨to hand⟩ before the Exchanges were made, as to any ⟨design⟩ in Mr Loring, that some Officers were ⟨released,⟩ whose confinement was not so early, as ⟨that⟩ of Others. This proceeding I remonstr⟨ated⟩ against, and most probably the like will ⟨not be done⟩ again. The case of the Gent⟨n you⟩ particularly notice shall not escape ⟨me and⟩ they shall obtain, as far as it may be in ⟨my power⟩ an equal exchange with the rest, rega⟨rding⟩ the circumstances of their rank and the ⟨time⟩ of their Captivity. There yet remain ⟨some⟩ Officers taken in Canada to be disch⟨arged from⟩ their paroles.
Since my last ⟨Nothing of⟩ importance has occurred in the ⟨Military line. However I think it extremely probable nay almost certain that the Enemy are on the point of making a push. the particular object they have in view I cannot determine. Such of their Troops as have returned from Rhode Island have landed at Amboy with some Heavy Artillery & our information is, that Genl Howe & Lord Peircy are with ’em. I have the honor to be Yours &C.

Go. Washington

P.S. On the morning of the 18th Colo. Neilson of Brunswick with a detachment of Militia surprized a party of General Skinners Regt under Maj. Stogdon whom he took & 59 privates Killing 4 & bringing off 63 stand of arms & some blankets, this balances them (the British Troops) taking a Militia Guard of ours (about the same in number) near the Hook last week.⟩


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

D. sir
Head Quartrs Morris Town 20th Feby 1777.

I had the pleasure of receivg your favr of the 18th yesterday eveng communicating the successful attempt made by Colo. Neilson on the Enemy at Lawrence’s Island that Morng. The Colo. & his party conducted the plan with such secrecy & resolution, that they claim my sincerest thanks for this Instance of good behaviour, & I wish that you would acquaint them with my hearty Approbation of their Conduct.
I have returned to you the papers found upon Thos Lewis Woodward, with my request that you would have a Court of Inquiry into the Charge, & if he comes within the Designation of a Spy, let him be treated as such. I wish however that circumstances may be duely attended to, & not too much Rigor used on those occasions, unless upon persons evidently of that Stamp—’tis bad Policy.
I intended from the beginning that such persons as choose to withdraw within the Enemy’s Lines should have leave to carry with them, their wearing Apparrel & Household furniture. Such parts of their property as can be useful to the Enemy we must secure.
You will be pleased to direct proper care to be taken of the Muskets taken by Colo. Neilson. Let what is customary in such cases be done.
Last Night I rec’d Intelligence from two Quarters mentioning the Reinforcemt lately arrived at Brunswk with Genl Howe at their head. Accounts correspond of the report being among them that an Attempt is intended upon this place. I am rather inclined to beleive that it is nothing more than a blind to cover their designs upon Philada & would have you keep the very best look out—Should they move towards you dispatch an Express immediately to Genl Gates in Philada with the Intelligence & cooperate with him in securing the boats on the Delaware. I have sent an Express to him this Morng to collect all those above Trenton at Coryells ferry & to secure all below. Above all things it will be necessary for you, not to permit the Enemy to get between you & the Mountains—You will remember to give me the earlyest Intelligence of the Enemy’s approach.
’Tis unnecessary to repeat my desire that no more Stores of any sort be kept in Princeton than are indispensably necessary from day to day. I am D. sir Your most obedt H. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Capt. Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 February 1777 [letter not found]
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Capt. Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 Feb. 1777. GW wrote to Tallmadge on 1 Mar. “in answer to yours of the 20th last Month.”


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 20th Feby 1777

A letter from you to General Heath inclosing a Petition from the Officers taken at Princetown, for liberty to send one of the party into New York for their Baggage, was transmitted to me, by Genl McDougall, Genl Heath having gone to Massachusetts.
I am so sensible that these People, by remaining any length of time in the Country, not only acquire a knowledge of our affairs, but spread a very pernicious influence among the people, that I think it will be best to send them immediately in, and obtain an equal number of our Officers in Exchange. I therefore desire that they may be sent towards Providence, with orders to halt within eight or ten miles, till General Spencer or General Arnold is informed of their being there, that they may direct in what manner they may be sent in, so as not to see any thing of the disposition of our Troops. Be pleased to make the eldest Officer sign a return, specifying their names and ranks and transmit it to me.
In a letter of the 7th Feby you desire to know what will be the best manner of disposing of the Privates. I think they had better be cantoned in the Country as near together as convenient, and if any of them are Tradesmen and are willing to work at their occupations, they may be usefully employed. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. If you can think of any more convenient way of sending in the Prisoners than to Providence I leave it to you.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir,
Head quarters Morris Town 20th February 1777.

I acknowledge the receipt of yr two favours of the 23d Decr & 17th January. The former introducing Mr Faneuil, a French Gentleman,

who did me the honour of delivering it himself—The latter Monsr de Bourneuf, who also delivered it in person.
The French Gentl. come to me in such Shoals, many of them with nothing more than introductory Letters, that I am under the most disagreeable Dilemma what to do with them—I have repeatedly, but without Effect as yet, wrote to Congress to relieve me from this Situation by some Resolve of theirs—Policy might dictate the Propriety of paying some attention to them; but ’tis entirely out of my Power to comply with their requests—I therefore most earnestly beg the favour of You to ease me of this Load by making some Provision for the meritorious among them in your State—or endeavour to convince them, that ’till Congress shall adopt some general Mode of providing for them, they will incur Expence by waiting upon me, without any Prospect of having their Wishes gratified—I have again laid a Plan before Congress, which Monsr Faneuil will deliver & expect some answer soon. I am Yr most Obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Carpenter Wharton, 20 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Carpenter

Sir
Head Quarters Morris town 20th Feby 1777

I am glad to find by yours of the 17th that you are moving your Magazines from Philada farther into the Country, I would have you do the same with the provisions that are at Newtown. I dont think you ought to keep any thing more at the Magazine thirteen Miles from Philada than will be necessary for the Troops that will be occasionally in the City for a time to come. I have particular Reasons for desiring that the provisions may be removed quickly from Newtown, from whence the Quarter Masters and every other kind of Store is to be removed also.
I do not know to whom to attribute the many Complaints that are made of irregularity and confusion in the Commissarys department, but I have sent for Colo. Trumbull to come immediately hither and

settle the Matter one way or other. I will just observe that Irwin complains as much of you as you do of him. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 21 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, Feby 21st 1777.
Rochester.Romney.

John Porterfield, Serjt in Capt: Bayard’s Company, in the 3rd Pennsylvania Battalion, tried by a General Court Martial, whereof Lt Col. Hendricks was President, is found guilty of Desertion, and sentenced to be Shot to death.
The General approves the Judgment of the Court, but respites the execution of the sentence for one week.
Serjt William Roberts, of Capt. Dirks Company, in the 9th Pennsylvania Battalion, tried by the same Court Martial, is found guilty of Desertion, and sentenced to be reduced to the ranks and whipped 100 lashes.
John Ford. William Callahan. William Wood. John Lemon. Robert Cunningham. and Charles McClain. All of Capt. Bayard’s Company, in the 3rd Pennsa Battalion. James Jarvis and Peter Digman. of Capt: Dirk’s Company, in the 9th Pennsa Battalion. John Welch. Peterster Ogan. John Conway. and Daniel McCressin. of Capt. Bowen’s Company, in the 9th Pennsa Battalion. All tried by the same General Court Martial, are each of them found guilty of Desertion, and sentenced each to be whipped 50 lashes.
The General approves the Sentences on each of the above prisoners, and orders it to be executed immediately, and the men then to join the detachment under Lt Thomas of the 11th Pennsylvania Battalion.
The Adjutants of the different regiments are to wait on Isaac B. Dunn Esqr: for Brigade Orders; he will be found at Genl St Clair’s quarters.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, 21 February 1777
From: Brooks, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Boston Feby 21t 1777.

Major Willm Hull, the Gentleman your Excellency was pleased to appoint to Colo. Michael Jackson’s Regt, finds some inconvenience in not haveing his Commission As your Excellency gave him his appointment (in the Room of Major Swasey) the Commissioners of this State, do not think, they have a Right to commissionate him. Coll Jackson still continues very lame & unfit for Duty; and I have no body to assist me in forming the Regt. Therefore, if your Excellency would be pleas’d to grant the Major his Commission, it would not only be an easement to me, but, also conduce to the Regiment’s being compleated much sooner. Submiting the Matter to your Excellency I am your Excellency’s Most Obedt & very Humble Servt

Jno. Brooks


Title: From George Washington to James Mercer, 21 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, James

Dear Sir,
Morristown—New Jerseys Feby 21st 1777.

Your Letter of the 11th Ulto with the Bond Inclosed, came to my hands a few days ago by Mr Jno. Walker—I thank you for your kind congratulations on the late success of our Arms, but must beg leave to assure you, that my time is not, as you seem to apprehend a whit less engaged by it. Nevertheless, as I feel an Inclination to satisfy you both with respect to your enquiries, and in other matters I shall (as far as

my Memory, which indeed is of the very worst kind, will serve me, having kept no Copies of Letters to Mr Lund Washington, and those to Colo. Tayloe not by me) beg leave to inform you.
That soon after my appointment to the Command I now have the honour to hold, I inform’d Colo. Tayloe, that it was no longer in my power to act, or give any further assistance in the management of your Brothers business, and desired he would take the whole charge of it upon himself. Upon Mr L. Washington’s informing me, after this, that some of the purchasers had been applying for Deeds, and making a tender of money in some cases, and requesting to know what he was to do, I desired him to give up all the Bonds, and other Papers to Colo. Tayloe or his written order, and take a receipt for them in form.
In consequence of this, if my memory fails me not, either he, or Colonel Tayloe signified that you were to have the Bonds to collect—the impropriety of which was so self evident—in my judgment at least—that I could not help remonstrating against it—Not, believe me Sir, from any distrust I had of your Integrety or Inclination to serve your Brother, but for the sake of consistency & order. For could there be, let me ask, any thing more strikingly wrong, in appearance, than that after the Estate had been taken out of your hands by a power of Attorney wch originated in a suspicion that you had not, or would not comply with your Brothers expectations and Ingagements—When a Bill in chancery was actually depending to determine the priority of claims on that Estate—When by a decretal order of the Court the Estate was to be sold, and the Money arising to await an after judgment—When in a word the whole scope of the Powers under which Colo. Tayloe & myself acted was to take the Estate out of your hands, and rescue the Mortgagees from Claims which you were contending to support—Would it not I say, under these Circumstances, have appeared strangely Inconsistent in us to have returnd that very Estate into your hands again, after we had converted it into Money? And here, for the sake of appearing uniform in my conduct, permit me to add, that if my words at the Sale, or in a Letter afterwards, conveyed an Idea of this kind I was not happy enough to be understood, or misunderstood myself—I had nothing more in view than to be aided and assisted by yr advice and writings, as I knew that in the management of such business where Conveyances were to be made—Money of different denominations & from different States to be received—Suits more than probable to commence—Bills to purchase &ca &ca—I should stand in great need of aid from a Gentleman of your Profession and knew of none so proper as yourself to be entrusted with the managemt of them.
This Sir was the ground upon which I acted, and urged Colo. Tayloe to appoint Colo. Francis Peyton (of whose deligence & capacity we all

entertaind a good opinion) to collect the purchase money—I then most ardently wished and hoped, as I had more business than I could possibly turn my thoughts to, and believ’d Colo. Tayloe had leizure enough upon his hands, that I never more should be called upon on this acct; but to my great surprize I found that the Bonds &ca were still in my possession—that Colo. Peyton either had not been appointed, or did not Incline to act—that the purchasers, or some of them, were still calling at my Ho.—that Mr Lund Washington conceivd he could collect the money without much Injury to my business wherefore, upon the whole, I wrote to Colo. Tayloe (not as attorney) that if Colo. Peyton did not Incline to undertake the Collection and he thought proper to Imploy Mr L. Washington in this business I should not, on Acct of his being in my Service, object to it; and would become responsable for his conduct—what has been done since I know not—Had I continued at home my collection wd not have cost your Brother one farthing, and this I can add, that if Colo. Tayloe has authorized Mr Washington to make this Collection it puts not one penny in my Pocket—but the time spent in doing it a loss to me.
Thus much I have said to satisfie you, as far as I can from Memory, of the part I have acted, and would wish to act—Why then you should apply the delay of collection, and loss of Interest to my Acct, & add, that I surely must think “that 26 Months is long enough to have some person appointed to whom the Debtors may know to pay” I cannot conceive—that I have thought so—that I do think so still, is evident; or why, as before, did I urge this matter; and Eighteen Months ago desire the whole business to be managed without me—It surely was as reasonable, and evidently more convenient, for Colo. Tayloe to proceed in this business than for me, who have left all my own concerns—all Mr & Miss Custis’s—all Colo. Fairfax’s—and Mrs Savages’s in a very unsettled and disagreeable State, without being able to give any attention to them.
As to the affair of Mr Manning, your Letter is the first intimation I have had of it; and that Mr Washington did not receive the £1500 which you say was offered to him, I have not the least doubt of—His being Imployed to look after my private Estate did not authorize him to go into a collection of Debts the circumstances of which he knew nothing of—especially as another of the Attorneys was then in the Country, on whom he knew I had called, to take charge of the business.
That I directed him not to deliver the Bonds to any but Colo. Tayloe or his written order (after a proper receipt should be past) is true—and that my Sentiments with respect to the Bonds going in to your hands were also known to him (and for the precise reasons I have mentioned

in this Letter) is also true—but what has since happened with respect to his conduct I am totally a stranger to. Hard, very hard I must think it, if it shall be found that a Gentn has lent his name, and not his aid, to a measure which requires the one, and may do with out the other.
Colo. Tayloe knew that it was inconvenient to me, at first, to engage in this business—that I hesitated sometime before I would consent (on Account of the multiplicity of other matters I had upon my hands)—and he must be sensible that in the Situation I now am, and have been for sometime, that it is impossible for me to afford any aid—I therefore did, and still do, most ardently desire that he will take the whole upon himself—In this case, by meeting together you can adjust some plan that may be agreeable to all Parties—exceptionable to none.
This wish of mine arises from a thorough conviction that I shall not have it in my power to render any personal Services; and a certainty, that the little leizure I have will afford no other, especially as I have a very imperfect recollection of the requisites of the power of Attorney which (uncontrouled by the decree of the Court) ought as it is the authority we act under, to be the Rule of my conduct—the more so, as my knowledge of your own, and the claims of your Fathers Estate upon that of your Brothers is yet more imperfect; consequently any opinions of mine, if I had time to communicate them, must be founded altogether in conjecture and uncertainty. but in order to do equal justice to all Parties, as remittances cannot be made at this time, I would beg leave to propose that some such method as the following should be adopted—viz.
To deposit in your hands out of the first Money which shall be collected, the Sum of £3000 including your own Bond (or more if it be necessary)—this Sum to be considered in the light of a common loan to you, upon the Security which you have already offered; to be discharged however by your own claims, and such payments as upon a legal Settlement by proper authority, shall be found justly due from your Brother; Subject nevertheless in case of a deficiency to answer the claims of the Mortgagees, & Trust Deed, to the decission of the Court of Chancery on this point—the rest of the Money, as it cannot be remitted in the present posture of Affairs to be deposited as fast as it can be collected, in the Continental Loan Office provided this, under every Circumstance, shall be deemed more advisable than letting it to Individuals upon good Personal, or Landed Security—One or the other however to be done, which will, in my opinion (and it is an opinion only I give, as I wish to have no further concern in the business) be doing equal Justice to all Parties; whilst the Estate has every possible chance given it, to improve from the Interest of the Money.

I have wrote you a long, very long Letter Sir, as inconvenient perhaps for you to read, as me to write but as there seems to have been some misapprehension in the conducting of this business, and it is no longer in my power to Act under the Power derived from your Brother and his Mortgagees, I thot it but right to be at some little pains to illucidate matters, that no misconstruction may be put upon my inattention to the business hereafter—For this reason also, I have to beg that with sincere good wishes, and respectful Complimts to Colo. Tayloe you will Communicate the Sentiments of this Letter to him.
I return your Bond to you, & am perswaded that Mr Lund Washington (through whose hands this Letter passes unsealed) will not wish, by any views he might have had to the Collection, to stand in the way of, or impede any measures which Colo. Tayloe may think proper to adopt in concert with you. My Compliments attend Mrs Mercer & with sincere regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the New Hampshire Committee of Safety, 21–22 February 1777
From: New Hampshire Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

State of New Hampshire In Committee of Safety Feby 21st[-22] 1777
Sir

The Committee had the Honour to receive yours of the 23d Ulto. And are very Sensible of the great Dificulty’s you have been reduced to for want of a Regular Army. And at the Same time are Agreably surprized with the Glorious Stand you have made with so few men, and many of those wholly undisiplined.
The Officers appointed for the new Army, have but lately come home, and without money to pay the Bounty, which retarded the Enlistments till late. It is probable near one half of the Three Batallions,

are Engaged, and will be filled up by such Towns hiring their proportion unless they are soon made up by voluntary Enlistment—We Labour under great Inconvenience for want of Cloathing and Arms. No Woollen Goods, and Scarce any Fire Arms has been Imported into this State since the War. The men can probably be fixed off with old Cloathing sufficient for a Short time, but will soon need more. Shoes Stockings, and Shirts can be supplied them from hence and provision is making for that purpose—Fire Arms cannot be procured with us, That can be depended on, and we fear not a Sufficient number of the meaner sort. By order of General Ward, Two of our Batallions are directed to march for Ticonderoga, by Companies as soon as raised. one or Two Companies are to march next week, & the Others as soon as possable. About 200 men have Already march from this State for Ticonderoga half of Which must have arrived there before this time.
Capn Whitcombs Rangers, about 100 men Enlisted in this State we hear are under Marching order for that place.
Feby 22d. This Moment received your Two Letters of the 7th & 8th Inst. And shall Endeavour, punctually to follow the Directions, as far as possible. but must repeat that proper fire Arms cannot be procured.

By order of the Commt.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 21 February 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Baltimore] Feby 21st 1777

I am directed by the Board of War to inform you that it is the Opinion of Congress that the Men of the Corps of Virginia Light Horse under the Command of Major Bland receive the usual Bounty on their reinlisting for three Years or during the War into the Continental Service.
General Ward having declined the Command of the Eastern Department I have it in Direction to enclose a Copy of his Letter that your Excellency may supply his Place with a proper Successor. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect your most obedt & most humble Servt

Richard Peters Secy

Enclosed are Copies of a Letter & Return sent by Mr Meeson from Albany.
Congress having resolved to retaliate the Treatment of Genl Lee on the Hessian Field Officers & Col: Campbell the Board would be obliged by your Excellency’s Information where the former were sent. Lieut Col: Scheffer Majors Hanstein & Matthias are at Dumfries & Lt Col: Bretthauer at Baltimore but the Destination of the rest was not made known at least is not at present recollected.


Title: From George Washington to Brig. Gen. John Morin Scott, 21 February 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, John Morin

Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. John Morin Scott, 21 Feb. 1777. Scott’s letter to GW of 14 Feb. is docketed in part “Ansd 21st.”


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 21 February 1777
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Lebanon [Conn.] February 21st 1777

I am honoured with yours of the first Instant and altho it would have made me very happy to have been able to procure a release of all our Officers in Captivity, I freely acknowlege and acquiesce in the Justice and Impartiality of the Measures You have taken respecting them.
We have now granted to our Proportion of the sixteen Battallions the additional Bounty of Thirty three Dollars and one third, estimating that Proportion at one Thousand Men; in making this Estimate we are governed by the Proportion the Quota assigned by Congress to this State bears to the whole number to be raised, Vizt as eight is to eighty eight, this I trust will put the Officers you have appointed in this State upon an equal Footing with those of the eight Regiments allotted to us before, and remove every Impediment in the way of raising their Men.
I am not insensible that the Step taken by the New England States of granting an Additional Bounty to their Quotas of the continental Army is objected to as tending to produce discontent and Disorder in

the Army, you will therefore permit me to state the Reasons which have prevailed to induce the giving it, and the Manner in which this State hath been drawn in to accede to it.
The Length and Severity of our Winters in this Climate is such that a Soldier can neither cloath nor support himself or a Family so cheap at any Time as he can in a Southern Climate. many, indeed most of our Soldiers have small Families at Home, dependant in a good Measure upon the Savings they can make out of their Wages for Subsistance, which must always be the Case while most of our Youth marry at the Age of Twenty one Years or Thereabouts—the almost total Interruption of Commerce and the Scarcity of Materials for manufactures, have, and must still greatly increase the prices of Cloathing and other Articles, whilst the demand for all kind of provisions for the Army have likewise rendered every necessary Article of Subsistence much dearer than at the Commencement of Hostilities, at that Time the Wages given to a common labourer was about Forty Shillings per Month, now ten dollars is rather less than a Medium, and all Articles of produce are risen in Proportion, add that the Seaman is offered Twenty Dollars per Month, and Tradesmen & Artificers in Proportion, neither is this chargeable to any ill principle but the necessary Consequence of drawing off so many of our Men into the Service. when these Facts are considered it was thought to be very Apparent that a New England Soldier cannot, and in Justice ought not to serve upon the same pay and Allowances that were given in 1775, or that one from the Southern States, when his Expence for Cloathing and Subsistence for himself and Family are so much less, now can. our people in general are so fully persuaded of this Difference it is alledged, that it would be fruitless as well as unjust to attempt to engage them upon it, and vain to expect success in the Attempt.
These Considerations induced the Massachusetts Assembly in October to offer an additional monthly pay, the Assembly of this State, who had before rejected the Measure when proposed by some of their own Members, followed their Lead, and offered the same additional pay; but when they were advised of the disapprobation of Congress and had your Excellencys Objections laid before them, they chearfully retracted, and determined to trust to the Bounties and pay of Congress with some Encouragement in furnishing them with necessaries at prime Cost, to induce them to inlist; in the mean Time all the other New England States offered large additional Bounties, Massachusetts and New Hampshire Sixty six Dollars and two thirds Rhode Island Twenty Dollars, it was soon Evident that these Bounties would entice a great part of our Men into the Service of the States contiguous to us on the East and North, which, besides the Obstruction which would

thence arise to the filling up our own Battallions, would be highly prejudicial to the Agriculture of this State, and in Effect to the General Service, as the Army must still depend for a very considerable part of its Subsistence on this State.
In this Situation the Matter rested untill the Enemy took Possession of Newport, it then became necessary to provide for the immediate defence of the New England States, and Commissioners met at Providence to concert proper Measures for that Purpose, they immediately agreed to raise an Army of six thousand Men for a Temporary Defence untill the Continental Army might be raised.
Sensible that an attempt to raise a seperate Army for their own Defence must effectually obstruct the raising a Continental Army, and otherwise be liable to great Objections, they considered raising the Continental Battallions speedily as the only sure means of Defence against the Enemy, should they fall upon any of these States, and proceeded to deliberate upon proper Measures for this purpose.
The rapid Increase of the prices of the Necessaries and Conveniencies of Life operated strongly to discourage Soldiers from inlisting, these they attempted to limit by recommending Prices to be affixed by Law beyond which they might not rise. by recommending that a Stop be put to emitting further Bills of Credit, and Measures to be taken to reduce the Quantity now circulating.
The number of Men employed on board privateers, and Merchant Vessells formed another Obstacle to raising an Army. they recommended an Embargo upon all privateers and merchant Vessells, except those sent after Necessaries by permit, untill the Army was raised.
The Bounties offered by the other States was alledged as an Impediment to raising the Quota for the Army in this State and Rhode-Island; the Commissioners from this State strongly urged that the additional Bounty should be withdrawn, and Encouragement by supplying Necessaries at a certain price be substituted in their place; in this they were overuled, and then sensible of the Mischief that must arise from the great Bounties given by the other States, they Consented, in Case Massachusetts and New Hampshire would reduce their Bounties to thirty three Dollars and one third, to recommend to this State to give the same bounty to our Soldiers, which was agreed to, and recommended accordingly.
Our Assembly, with reluctance for the sake of Uniformity, and to avoid what they considered as a greater Evil, acceded to the recommendation, and offered the proposed Bounty.
I must leave the other New England States to give their Reasons for the Measures they have adopted, and only add that it is my wish and desire that all Jealousies and Occasions of disunion and Animosity of

the several States may be avoided and laid aside—tis not wonderful that diversity of Sentiments happen at a Time that Government is so far convulsed and unhinged—it is necessary as far as possible to become all things to all men—and not suffer our Enemies to avail themselves of any Discord or Disunion amongst these States. I am, Sir with great Truth & regard your obedient humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General David Wooster, 21 February 1777
From: Wooster, David
To: Washington, George

New Rochele [N.Y.] Feby 21st 1777
May It please Your Excellency

I take this oppertunity to acquaint Your Excellency, that since General Heaths departure to Boston, I have taken Post at this place, with seven hundred men exclusive of Officers, being part of three Regiments from Connecticut, and Colol Humphreys Regt from the State of New York; which consists only of eighty five men Rank & file. Two Men of War lay continualy off this place; And at Fort-Independance, & Kings-bridge, according to the best intelligence, I can collect, from deserters & other ways; there are about twelve hundred men or more, in that Quarter who are endeavouring to forrage this way, but We have hitherto disappointed them, and drove them back with empty Carriages. This County is very much infested with our Tory Enemies, who Use their utmost diligence, both by Night & day to convey provisions &c. to the Enemy. I am taking every precaution in my power to prevent and detect them in their Infamous Practices.
The Troops here under my Command are inlisted only to the 15th of March next; during which time I shall do every thing in my power to defend this part of the Country; tho under the greatest disadvantages possible; As General Heath after our inglorious expedition towards Kings bridge, ordered all the Field Pieces to Peeks-kill so that I have only small arms to oppose whatever the Enemy may bring against me.
I shall be very happy to attend to whatever Instructions your Excellency shall think proper to give me and In the mean time am, with the greatest esteem, & respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedt & very humble Servt

Dav’d Wooster


Title: General Orders, 22 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, Feby 22nd 1777.
Suffolk.Sussex.

The Soldiers of this Army are to be informed that all the Ferries over Delaware, and the North River, have strict Orders to put none of them that have not a regular Discharge, or Pass across, but to apprehend, and send back to the Corps they belong to as Deserters, all such as shall attempt it, contrary to this order.
Col. Greagen’s Regt of Militia from Northampton County (Pennsylvania) to join Genl St Clairs Brigade.
All Returns for Cloathing to be given in to the Comanding Officers of regiments, who will sign them before they are brought to the Adjutant General.


Title: To George Washington from Landon Carter, 22 February 1777
From: Carter, Landon
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
February 22d 1777.

If any thing could alleviate my feelings for you in your Pro virili retreat indeed! A Small remnant of an army, who respected their general & their country, more than they did a visit to their wives and families, under all the ravagements & ravishments of an enimy, if not properly withstood: I say if any thing could alleviate such feelings, it was my active anxiousness, to encourage the numerous youth about, to fly away if possible to the assistance of so great a friend to the freedom of his Country, and fellow species, and under God; the saviour of them for certainly You was only under his Protection, when Pursued by so Numerous a herd of Spoilers & oppressors, ready to enslave america. But tho I laid my self open with a profuse treat of Victuals & drink, really tempting to the eye as well palate, and in a language that I may say would have excited ardour, from the tears of a presumed sensibility, of being only a small time under a more comfortable situation, Still the enimy could get to Virginia. Yet my dear George how great was my disappointment in seeing people that could only eat and drink quite regardless of that probably shortlived freedom wch they were then enjoying. Too few indeed repaired to the drumhead; all under a pretence, that I was glad when I receivd Colonel Baylors letter communicating your respectful remembrance of my application for my Grandson & Namesake long ago; when I thot myself happy in being able to put their excuses to a trial of its reality; for I was repeatedly asked, Why my Grandson did not set them so laudable an example? not considering how much the tenderness (not to say folly of a mother) for the child of her vows, must have weighd against his most early engagement in the Service of his Country: I say I thot myself on the receipt of Colo. Baylors letter, in wch his friend & general, making an offer of an early Lieutenancy among the new raisd horse, had given both the young Gentleman and indeed (for a while) his immediate parents, every expectation that could possibly be wishd for. But how affecting is my present disappointment, when this morning I hear that the too inconsiderate concern, and indeed weakness of a mother had

imploy’d the whole Silence of the night, in a most inconsolable gush of tears, that may probably prevent her sons leaving her, least she should too improperly resign her own existance rather than Part with him? So that, altho I had prepared a letter for him, to wait on Colo. Baylor with all the earnestness of disposition and duty, this very day upon only the receipt of his of yesterday, I am Obliged to new mould my Style, tho’ not my inclination to both Baylor and your self good Sir. Here let me place your sensibility and friendship, in the only scale that I will lay my own excuse before you in. Women dear Sir will be women in spite of every prudent consideration, and tho’ we cant excuse them, Yet we must pardon where only compassion can plead. Indeed we as men cannot know their feelings; Perhaps that Joy at the birth of a manchild, wch makes them forget the pains of bearing it, may also make them forget their Country and everything that ought to be dear to them, besides the Object of their folly & tenderness So that I pray thee have me excused My never to be forgotten General, as Your faithful and respectful Servant & friend

Landon Carter.

I am affraid several Post Offices abound with Continental Villains; for I have written two letters to you from the fulness of my wishes; and one I sent to Colo. F. Lightfoot Lee in hopes they might be more honest to the Northward. I mean not to detain you out the line of heavens chosen servants one moment to send me an informing how do you; but Permit me to Say I wish I could have heard that my letters had got to you, not that I dread any affects from the Villain who may have intercepted them. Reports Prevail about too inconsistent for credit. The Army at Brunswick entrenchd on the hill, from your intercepting their provisions and baggage were obliged to attempt with fixd bayonets to make their way thro’ our well attended circumvention; but were prevented all to about 500 men, who endeavourd to board their Ships; but there they were disappointed by the N. England mens burning their Ships to the tune of 60 or 70. And that Genl Heath had routed N. York, & Long Island. So that you see Dr General let our Manœuvres be ever so successful, our expectations can outgo you.


Title: To George Washington from the Continental Congress Executive Committee, 22 February 1777
From: Continental Congress Executive Committee
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada Feby 22d 1777

We have dispatched an express to Congress this Morning with your letter of the 20th which will be with them in time to prevent their adjournment next Tuesday from Baltimore, We have had a Conference with the Council of Safety and after Communicating to them the intelligence Contained in your Excellencys letters to Genl Gates and that to Congress We requested them to give immediate orders for putting all their Force by Water into the best posture they possibly can, we also advised their Collecting such of the Militia as have not been in actual service into such readiness, as to be subject to immediate orders, this can be done without giving any alarm, or at best any general alarm, Genl Gates will station proper Officers at New Town and give orders respecting the Boats on the Jersey side of Delaware, the present Cold Weather has made so much Ice in the Rivers & Creeks that they cannot be brought over, therefore if any sudden movements of the Enemy make it necessary, they must all be destroyed. We read with much concern one paragraph in your Excellencys letter to Genl Gates relative to the removal of the public Stores, in which you are pleased to cast a blame, that we do not deserve.
every requisition & recommendation of Yours has been strictly and instantly attended to by this Committee, we have complyed with your wishes in every instance & done all that our situation wou’d enable to promote the public Service in every line that came under our Notice, ’tis true that our judgement was against removing the public Stores from this City since your Success at Trenton & Prince Town for various reasons that are not necessary to enumerate at this time, but not depending on our own judgement or inclination, We stated to Congress your recommendation’s on that Subject & our opinion with some reasons in support of it & they were pleased to order them to remain untill other events shou’d happen that might make a removal necessary & Now Sir that You again recommend this business, We will give immediate orders to every department to hold the Stores in readiness to be carried away at an hours Warning, thus much we thought necessary to Say in our own defence, assuring your Excellency at the same time that no board ever did or will pay more attention to your recommendations than this Committee. With the most Ardent wishes for Your Success & glory We remain your Excellencys most devoted & Obedt hble servants

Robt Morris
Geo. Clymer
Geo. Walton.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Hartley, 22 February 1777
From: Hartley, Thomas
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Lancaster [Pa.]February the 22d 1777

I received your Favour of the 3d inst. recommending Lieutenant Harrison—and tho’ an Appointment had in some Measure taken Place, yet hope to be able to take in Mr Harrison—I have wrote to him to meet me at Baltimore next Week—when I shall fix the Matter.
I intended to have gone towards Virginia last Week—but the Recruiting Service hereabout, and the Providing Arms prevented it.
The greater Part of my Arms, I shall get here—Cloathing I hope Mr Mease will have ready—one Mr Merchanton of Philada offered to furnish me with blue and White Cloth for a Regiment—I have wrote of this to Mr Mease and sent a Field Officer on that Business.
I have two officers recruiting for the Company intended for Lieut. Harrison—I have not yet receved Returns from the Officers recruiting at a Distance, those whom I have visited are picking up a Number of Men but the Difficulties mentioned in my last retard that Service considerably.
I hope to have my first Company at Philada in less than a Month—and so a Company or two Weekly afterwards, till the whole arrive.
I shall be there before them—to provide as directed by your Excellency.
Several Matters such as Marking Buttons Caps &c. render it necessary if it is agreeable to you, to have my Regiment, distinguished by some Number in the Guards.
From what I can learn—none of the Gentlemen appointed to the Command of the sixteen Regiments held a superior Rank in the Army to myself—I shewed Coll Tilghman my Commission Should your Excellency confer on me the first of the 16 Regiments I shall study to act in such a Manner as in some Degree to merit the Confidence of your Excellency—I have not the least doubt but your Determination in this Matter will be just—and shall chearfully acquiesce under such Rank as you may grant me.
Your commands on any Occasion directed to the Care of Robert

Morris Esqr. Philada shall always be obeyed and attended to by your Excellencys Most obedt humble Servt

Thos Hartley


Title: From George Washington to Mathew Irwin, 22 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Irwin, Mathew

Sir,
Head Quarters Morris Town 22d Feb. 1777.

The cry of, want of Provisions comes to me from all Quarters—Genl Maxwell writes word that his Men are starving—Genl Johnston, of Maryland, yesterday informed me that his people coud draw none—this difficulty I understands prevails also at Chatham! What Sir is the meaning of this? & why were you so desirous of excluding others from this business when you are unable to accomplish it yourself? Consider, I beseech you, the consequences of this neglect, and exert yourself to remove the evil & Complaints which cannot be less fatal to the Army, than disagreeable to Sir Yr Very H: Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Generals Benjamin Lincoln and John Sullivan and Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 22 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin,Sullivan, John,Dickinson, Philemon

Sir
Head quarters—Morris Town.22d [February] 1777

An Inconvenience of considerable Magnitude arising from the Practice of carrying Household furniture &C. in Waggons & Carts to the Enemy has determined me to direct that in future nothing shall be transported that way—I do not mean to prevent such of the Inhabitants as choose to withdraw within the Enemy’s lines from taking with them all their Apparel & Household furniture as usual if they can do it in any other manner than this, neither would I object to this mode, were I confident that the Enemy would return the Waggons &

Horses—but this may be doubted—You will therefore observe that the strictest Attention is paid to this Order. I am yr most Obedient Servant

Go: W——n

P.S. “Genl Dickinson only.” Colo. Duykins must have made up his Mind on my Proclamation before he left Brunswic—His Inclinatn to return justifys so well grounded a Suspicion of his Character as to induce me to forbid it.

P.S. “Genl Sullivan only.” I would not have too much rigour used in executing the Proclamatn—’Tis bad Policy.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 22 February 1777
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Haddonfield [N.J.] 22d Febry 1777

In pursuance of the inclosed Resolution I am to desire the Favour of your Excellency to explain the Nature of the Oath to be Administred by virtue of your Proclamation, as soon as your Leisure will permit.
I have had frequent Complaints of the Troops stationed at the two Ferries at Trenton, & at another above it, respecting their Conduct towards Passengers; As that they oblige them under various Pretences to wait until they have extorted very unreasonable Sums for their Passage; & that they suffer no Boats on the Jersey side. How far the latter may be in Consequence of Orders, which tho’ proper when given, may not at present be necessary, & yet thro’ the Multiplicity of Business have been forgot to be countermanded; or whether there be still a Necessity for continuing them; or whether it be altogether without or-ders, I do not pretend to determine. And all I mean by this Information is, that the Matter may be enquired into; and if any Irregularities are really committed, I am confident they will meet with your Excellency’s Disapprobation & Censure.
I was just now honour’d with your Favour of the 18th Instant inclosing Copy of Mr Roses’ Affidavit of the Enemy’s Cruelty towards Adjudant Kelly, & General Stephen’s Letter to Sir William Erskine & for which I am greatly obliged to your Excellency. If nothing else will restrain their Barbarities, it may not perhaps be improper to let loose upon them a few of General Stephen’s tawny Yagers, the only Americans that can match them in their bloody Work. I have the honour to be your Excellency’s Most humble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Genl
Morristown. 22nd Febry 1777

Upon taking a retrospective View of the Enemy’s Conduct, & comparing one piece of Information with another, I am led to think that Philadelphia must be their Object, & that whenever they move, it will

be toward the Delaware with their main body—This belief, the necessity of a proper Attention to the River, & the Advantages which may result from havg some Person on the other side with a few Troops for others to assemble to, induces me to desire, that you will so soon as the Enemy begin their March, & their Intention of going towards the Delaware is manifested, recross the River with what Troops you have at Princeton—Secure all the Boats on the other side, watch & oppose their passage with what force You have & can collect, till such time as I can join you & give any Aid in your Power to facilitate our passage over, by havg Boats at proper places above, under good & strong Guards—If my former Orders to the Officer on the other side of the River have been complied with, the Boats ought now to be at Coryells ferry—But as this is a Matter of Uncertainty, it will be prudent in You to send a carefull Officer to see where, & in what Conditn they are, that You may meet with no disappointmt in crossing—One thing which leads to a belief that the Enemy’s Views are turned to the Delaware, is, That they have in N. York been buildg Floats for a Bridge, as is supposed, over the Delaware—Your spies therefore should be attentive to see whether any such are brot to Amboy—You should keep a good look out from So. Amboy, as it is not unlikely but that the Reinforcemt last from N. York may land there, & march from thence across—I do not think any Person who shall prefer going to the Enemy to a Compliance of the Terms of my Proclamatn ought to have Waggons or Horses to assist ’em in, as the Enemy may & doubtless will if they are upon a Move, seize those things, at a very important Crisis; for their own Use—Nor do I think it good Policy to insist rigidly upon those, whose general Conduct has been friendly to Us, to take the Oaths—to release them from it by any Public Act, wd not be right—but I wd wish it to slip over as a Matter unnoticed. I am very sincerely Yr most obt Ser.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris town 22d Fey 1777

Govr Livingston in his Letter to me of the 15th Inst: did me the honor of inclosing Copies of your Letter to him & his Answer, on the subject of imposing fines on the reluctant Militia of this State—His reasoning on this subject, perfectly coincides with my Opinion; they are so full & plain as to render any Obervations of mine unnecessary.

I desire therefore that this practice may have an immediate End put to it, & that no Steps of this Nature may in future be taken without the Countenance of the Civil Power of this State, whose Legislature now siting has a Remedy in Contemplation I am Dear Sir with great Sincerity Your mot obedt Servt

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 22 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Morris town 22d Feby 1777

I have recd a Letter from Monsr Rouville, in behalf of himself and other French Officers taken at St Johns, desiring that they may be sent to New York for Exchange.
As the Rank of these Gentlemen is acknowledged by Genl Howe, they will procure the release of as many of our Officers of equal Rank, as are in the hands of the Enemy.
I therefore desire, you will be pleased to order them all to be sent from Reading, or wherever they may be, to Easton; and give the Officer, who conducts them, directions to inform me of their arrival at Easton, that I may take proper Steps to have them sent in, without viewing our disposition or any of our posts. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 23 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, Feby 23rd 1777.
WilliamsburgWilmington


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Gentn
Head Qrs Morristown Feby 23 1777

I have been honoured with your Letter of the 6th Instt, and beg leave to assure you, that I shall not only be always ready to rectify any Error which I may commit through hurry or Otherwise, but be happy to have them pointed out. I have not the proceedings of Congress at this time, which would apply to the subject matter of your Letter, and therefore, cannot pronounce upon it with certainty and precision. However if my memory serves and I am not much deceived, the distinction in bounty which you mention, does not now exist. By the first Resolves of Congress for levying the New Army, It was to be raised during the War under a landed bounty. Sometime after, this was altered, and the alternative of enlisting for the War or three years allowed—those who engaged for the latter, were not to have that Bounty. Thus the matter stood till , when it experienced another change, and the inlistments were to be for three Years under all former bounties.
I am persuaded by recurring to the several proceedings, it will be found, that the matter stands as recited above. In this interpretation I am not singular, there are Other Gentlemen & some that never saw my recruiting instructions, who have formed the same. However, as it is of consequence to have the point ascertained, you will be pleased to review the several resolves respecting it. I have the Honor to be with great respect Gentn Yr Most Obedt St

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 23 February 1777
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philadelphia 23d February 1777:

I had the Honour to receive your Letters of the 19th & 20th on Fryday Night, The principal parts thereof have been fully answer’d by the Honble The Committee of Congss, their Letter will also be deliverd to Your Excellency by Colonel Fitzgerald; Colonel De Haas left this City the day after I sett out for Morris Town, & is not yet returnd, I understand his Son was extreamly Ill, which occasion’d his going to Lebanon. I am somewhat apprehensive he rather disinclines to serve another Campaign, my reasons for thinking so, will be communicated to Your Excellency by Colonel Fitzgerald; This Tardiness, & diffidence in Certain Individuals of This State, is most pernicious to the publick Service. their has been such Disputes about Rank, & so much has Convention being delay’d in the Appointment of Officers to the Regiments, which is not even yet quite adjusted, that the recruiting Service is exceeding backward; I do not believe any One of the Four Regiments raising in This City has more than Two Hundred Men as Your Excellency will see by the Inclosed Returns. I am continually urging The Officers to exert themselves in the Recruiting Service and do not spare to represent to the Convention of The State, the necessity of their Vigourous interposition to promote that Service—I am inform’d the Desertions from the New Recruits ammount upon an Average to more than Thirty men a Company, this is most Abominable, & I fear, that Scandalous pecculation which has almost pervaded Our whole System, has to the disgrace of Human Nature, in too many Instances been practiced upon this Occasion—but Suspicion alone is insufficient for Conviction, Your Excellency may rest assured I only want proof to bring The Delinquent to Justice—Four Companies of Colonel Rumseys Regiment of Militia from Ceecil County in the State of Maryland March’d this morn. They have nothing from hence but some Blanketts, Arms they must get in Camp—The Colonel tells me the rest of the Regiment will be here to day, if possible he shall March with them tomorrow for Morris Town. In Obedience to Your Excellencys Commands I have this morning Dispatch’d Colonel James Irvine, late Lieut. Colo. to De Haas Regiment, a Capable and Vigilant Officer, to take the Command at New Town; I have given him instructions exactly corresponding with Your Excellencys directions to me, & have every

reason to believe they will [be] executed to your Wish—The Convention of the State, at the request of The Committee of Congress, have sent proper persons up the East side of the River to Co’opperate with Colonel Irvine upon the west—Colonel Fitzgerald will acquaint Your Excellency with the Situation, and Circumstances, of the Two Virginia Battallions upon their March from Baltimore; where if convenient, I could wish they had been inocculated, as the farther that is done to the Southward the sooner the patient recovers of the Weakness Occasion’d thereby. Inocculation goes on here, and Doctor Shippen assures me with such Success, that the Troops will be all be soon fit for Duty that have undergone that Opperation—The Four Regiments of this State who are daily arriving by Divisions from Tyonderoga, are about One half reinlisted. but upon a promise made them by Genl Schuyler, that every Man should have a Furlough for One Month to go to Visit his Family, upon his return to philadelphia; this engagement is now complying with, as I believe it would be utterly impossible to Hold the Men upon any other Terms—I have given Orders for continuing the Recruiting these Corps, and where money is wanted, have procured an Order from the Committee of Congress for a proper Supply.
Your Excellency may rest assured of my Observing all Your Orders & Directions, & of my leaving nothing undone, or unattempted, that is the least conducive to the public Service. With great Respect I am Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates