Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 August 1777
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Manchester [Vt.] August 4th 1777.

I met General Schuyler the 30th ultimo; a mile or two above Fort miller, just after the General officers had in council resolved to remove the army to Saratoga, as a place more tenable and convenient for disciplining the troops; I hope he will have it in his power there to make a stand, and be able soon to attack the British troops, or at least some parties of them, with success, And give a check to the Savages, who are murdering and scalping the inhabitants without discrimination, by parties fighting them in their own way, As this would give new spirits to our troops and the country, and the latter confidence in the former.
I arrived at this place the second instant. I found here about five or six hundred Militia—A number have since come in, I expect in three or four days, probably, they will be increased to two thousand.
The minds of the people are greatly agitated in this part of the country, they are removing their families in great confusion and are leaving very plentiful crops on the ground, and are seeking an Asylum in the lower towns, our moving forward which I expect will be in two or three days will give them, I hope, new spirits and cause many of them, to return.

New Hamshire are sending about fifteen hundred of their militia; as I am informed, for two months.
One regiment from the Massachusetts of about Seven hundred is coming in, I cannot learn whether they have ordered more this way or not, the General court is not sitting, they are sent out by the council therefore the time of service is not limited. I hope as soon as they meet they will order a body of militia out to serve untill December, if there services should be so long needed, they will be urged to it—If the eastern states would send into this part of the country a considerable body of their militia they would not only cover those states, but being in the rear of Burgoyne, would oblige him, to leave so considerable a garrison at the several posts of which he hath possessed himself, and which at all hazards he must attempt to maintain, as greatly to reduce his main body, and might perhaps prevent his acting in force against General Schuyler. I have the happiness to acquaint your Excellency that I now enjoy my usual good state of health. I am with great regard and esteem your Excellency’s most obedient and humble servant

B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to the New York Council of Safety, 4 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: New York Council of Safety

Sir,
Philadelphia Head Quarters Aug. 4th 1777

I have been duly honored by your several favours of the 25th 27th and 30th of July.
The misfortune at Ticonderoga has given a very disagreeable turn to our affairs, and has thrown a gloom upon the happy prospect, which the campaign previous to that event afforded. But I am in great hopes the ill-consequences of it will not continue long to operate; and that the jealousies and alarms, which so sudden and unexpected an event has produced in the minds of the people both of your state and to the Eastward, will soon subside and give place to the more rational dictates of self-preservation, and a regard to the common good. In fact, the worst effect of that event is that it has served to produce those distrusts and apprehensions, for if the matter were cooly and dispassionately considered, there would be found nothing so formidable in Mr Burgoigne and the force under him, with all his successes, as to countenance the least degree of despendency; and experience would show

that even moderate exertions of the states more immediately interested would be sufficient to check his career, and perhaps convert the advantages he has gained into his ruin. But while people continue to view what has happened through the medium of suspicion and fear there is no saying to what length an enterprising man may push his good fortune. I have the fullest confidence that no endeavours of the council will be wanted to bring your state, with the distresses of which I am deeply affected to every effort it is capable of making in its present mutilated situation; and they may rely upon it no means in my power will be unemployed to co-operate with them, in the danger that presses upon the state, and through it, threatens the Continent. If I do not give as effectual aid as I could wish, to the Northern army, it is not for want of inclination, nor from being too little properly impressed with the importance of doing it—It is because the state of affairs in this quarter will not possibly admit of it. It would be the height of impolicy, to weaken ourselves too much here, in order to increase our Strength there; and it must certainly be considered more difficult as well as of greater moment, to controul the main Army of the enemy, than an inferior and, I may say, dependent one; for it is pretty obvious, that if General Howe can be completely kept at bay, and prevented effecting his principal purposes, the Successes of Mr Burgoigne, whatever they may be, must be partial and temporary.
Nothing that I can do shall be wanting, to rouse the Eastern States and excite them to those exertions, which the exigency of our Affairs so urgently demands. I lament, that they have not yet done more; that so few of their militia have come into the field, and that those few have behaved so inconsistent with the duty they owe their country, at this critical period. But I have, nevertheless, great reliance upon those states—I know they are capable of powerful efforts—and that their attachment to the cause, notwithstanding they may be a little tardy, will not allow them long to withold their aid, at a time when their own Safety, that of a Sister state, and in a great measure the Safety of the Continent calls for their greatest zeal and activity; I flatter myself the presence of Generals Lincoln and Arnold in the Northern department will have a happy effect upon them. Those Gentlemen possess much of their confidence, particularly the former than whom there is perhaps no man from the state of Massachusetts, who enjoys more universal esteem and popularity and in addition to that, they may both be considered as very valuable officers.
You intimate a wish that some assistance could be drawn from the Southern states at this time. But while things remain in their present posture and appearances, however illusory they may prove, afford the strongest reason to keep their force at home, to counteract the seeming

intentions of General Howe—I could neither ask nor expect them to detach any part of it to the succour of the Northern states, who are so well able to defend themselves against the force they now have to oppose.
I hope an exaggerated idea of the enemy’s force may have no injurious influence on our measures. There is no circumstance I am acquainted with that induces me to believe General Burgoigne can have more than five or Six thousand men; and if the force left in Canada is so considerable as the information you send me makes it, he cannot have even so many. The representations of prisoners and deserters in this respect are of little validity, their knowledge is always very limited, and their intentions particularly the former, is very often bad. Beyond what regards the state of their own companies no attention is due to what they say. The number of regiments your informant mentions agrees with other accounts—but in the number of men in each company he gives the establishment, not, I am pursuaded, the actual state. The British army in Canada last campaign, though they suffered little by action must have decreased materially by sickness and other casualties, and if the recruits both from England and Germany, bore any proportion to those which have reinforced General Howe, the state of their regiments must be greatly inferior to what your information supposes. Reasoning by analogy, as far as it will apply, I cannot imagine the British regiments can exceed 250 men each fit for the field, or that the foreign troops can amount to much more than 3000 men.
The appointment of General Clinton to the government of your state is an event that in itself gives me great pleasure, and very much abates the regret I should otherwise feel for the loss of his services in the Military line. That Gentleman’s character is such as will make him peculiarly useful at the head of your state in a situation so alarming and interesting as it at present experiences. For the future agreeably to your desire I shall direct my applications to him. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 4 August 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] August 4th 1777ten o Clock A.M.

I Recd yours of the 1st Inst. last evening & your favour of the 2nd this moment, In consequence of the Intellgience & Directions therein given Expresses were early this morning Sent to Govr Trumbull Genl Woolcut & Silliman urging in the Strongest manner the necessity of

Speedily reinforcing this Post by the Militia—like Expresses have been Sent to Govr Clinton & to the Cols: of the Militia of this State—The Two Brigades that last Crossed the River I expect will recross it this Day—I have ordered Some redoubts to be Thrown up in the most advantageous places—also Abbaties to be formed to obstruct their march—& am taking every precaution for the Security of this Important post & its dependencies—Govr Trumbull has wrote me that Col. Eno has a Regt at Fairfield raised till the 1st of Jany next for the Defence of that state—which he has ordered G. Silliman to send on—also has ordered the whole Militia of that State to be in readiness to March at a moments warning & directed G. Selliman to Send on any number you or I shall please to Call for. With much esteem & respect I am your Excellency’s Obedient humble Servant

Israel Putnam


Title: From George Washington to Edward Rutledge, 4 August 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Rutledge, Edward

Letter not found: to Edward Rutledge, c.4 Aug. 1777. When writing to Rutledge on 5 Oct. 1778, GW says: “In the Month of August last year from the House of Mr. H[enry] Hill near Germantown (where I was then encamped) I wrote you a Letter as long as my arm” (DLC:GW).


Title: General Orders, 5 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, at Col. Hill’s, Roxboro’ [Pa.] August 5th 1777.
Alexandria.Virginia.Carolina.

The General Court Martial ordered yesterday, is to sit to morrow morning, at nine o’clock, at Palmer’s tavern, at Schuylkill falls; and all members must attend without fail—A Serjeant from brigade to attend the court.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 5 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

Dear Baylor
Philadelphia 5th Augt 1777

I Received your favour of the 19th July & according to your request inclose a warrant on the Pay Master in Virginia for twenty thousand Dollars. I fully expected the sum you had drawn before would have compleated your Regiment.
I must urge you in the most pressing terms to use your utmost exertions and diligence in compleating your Regiment and proceeding with it without loss of time to Camp. I am Dr Sir Your Most humbe Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Laurens, 5 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, John

Sir,
City Tavern [Philadelphia] Augt 5th 1777.

Your favour of Yesterday came to my hands late in the Afternoon. For reasons unnecessary to mention, I mean to delay the actual Appointment of my fourth Aide de Camp a while longer; but if you will do me the honour to become a member of my Family, you will make me very happy, by your Company and assistance in that Line as an Extra Aid and I shall be glad to receive you in that capacity whenever it is convenient to you.
For the polite expressions contained in your Letter respecting myself, you will be pleased to accept the sincere thanks of Sir, Your most obt hble servt

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Francis Nash, 5 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Nash, Francis

Sir
Philadelphia 5 august 1777.

Immediately on the receipt of this you will Embark your Brigade with the Artillery belonging to it, and also Colo. Proctors Corps; you are to proceed to Trenton and there wait till you receive further orders. With respect to Waggons, if you have not a sufficient number for the use of the Brigade, you will make application to Colo. Miflin, who will furnish you; they are to be order’d to meet you at Trenton. I must recommend it to you to pay strict attention to the quantity of Baggage that will be carried both by the Officers and men too many of whom, I have found, have a superfluous stock; the ill consequences of over loading the Men, especially at this season, and other inconveniencies attending it, you must be sensible of and have only to request your notice of it, and that you will at all times when Marching, and in Camp, do every thing in your Power to prevent your Men from injuring the Inhabitants in the least. I am &c.

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 5 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Sir
Philada 5th August 1777

I have your favr of the 3d which I should have answered Yesterday, but I was down the River visiting the different posts. The constant demands for Arms and Accoutrements notwithstanding the great quantities lately delivered, is a thing so unaccountable, that I think no means should be left untried to investigate the true Reasons of such deficiencies in almost every Corps. The first Step towards this, is to direct the Commissary General of military Stores to make out a particular detail of the Arms and Accoutrements delivered to the continental Army within four or five months past, specifying the name of the Officer to whom delivered and to what Corps he belongs. We shall then be able to see with what propriety an Officer of any particular Regiment calls for a further supply, by comparing his demand with the number delivered out to him by the Commissary. I wish the Return just mentioned may be made out as quickly as possible.
One great Cause of the waste and abuse of the public Arms is the want of a sufficient Number of Armourers to attend the Army. If the smallest matter is amiss in the lock, the Gun is useless, and if an armourer is not at hand to repair it, it must be returned into the Store and a new one drawn, or it is thrown aside into a Baggage Waggon and perhaps lost, or broken by Carriage. The Want of Armourers also gives the Officers a fair opportunity of attributing many things, which are really owing to their inattention to their Men, to the impossibility of keeping the Arms in order without such persons. And it is no uncommon thing to find Arms returned as defective, upon close inspection to want only rubbing and cleaning.
It has heretofore been customary for the Commissary to deliver Arms &ca to the order of the Adjutant General. But in our present Situation, when our Wants appear to be many and our means small, I have ordered all the commanding Officers of Corps to make a Return of their deficiencies and if we can not supply them with the whole, we must apportion what we have among them.
It does not appear that any person has yet undertaken the Business of supplying the Army with Beer or Cyder, Vinegar and Vegetables; but as those things would exceedingly refresh the Troops that now lay at Germantown, I beg to know whether they could not be procured for them immediately by some person appointed by the Board at present. If only Beer or Cyder and Vinegar were procured, it would not

be so material, as to Vegetables, for they can purchase them in the Neighbourhood.
I am just favd with your Note of this date, by which I perceive that Mr Butler, chief Armourer, is put under my direction. You will oblige me by ordering him to attend upon me, that I may see whether he can undertake to supply Armourers to follow the Army. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Since writing the above I have seen Colo. Flower who tells me the Returns are made to Genl Knox. He also has promised to send Mr Butler to me.


Title: General Orders, 6 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters—Roxboro’—August 6th 1777.
Congress.Franklin. Deane.

A board of General Officers, consisting of all the Major and Brigadier Generals in camp, is to sit to morrow at ten o’clock in the forenoon, at General Stephens’s quarters, at Dr Smith’s house near Schuylkill falls—to make enquiry why the pay abstracts are not regularly made out, and lodged with the Pay Master General, according to orders—The pay Abstracts of every regiment and corps in the army, for the month of July, and any time preceding that month, for which they have not been made out, are to be completed and delivered to the pay Master General by Monday next. The officers commanding regiments & corps will be answerable for the execution of this order: And every officer, who does not deliver in his abstract, punctually by the time above assigned, may depend on being arrested, and tried for disobedience of orders; unless there are reasons, which may render it impracticable, to any to make out and deliver their abstracts by that time, and in that case, they are to appear to morrow, and lay those reasons before the above mentioned board of General Officers; if they do not, it will be taken for granted that no such reasons exist.
Joseph Ward Esqr., Commissary General of Musters, will attend the same board, to assign the reasons, why the regiments and corps of the army, have not been more generally mustered.
As the time is uncertain, when the army may march but may be very soon and sudden; all officers, and soldiers, are to keep near their quarters; and such officers as have had leave to go to Philadelphia, are to return, and none be permitted to go thither, but upon really necessary business, which being finished, they are immediately to join their respective corps.
Whenever the army moves, it will probably be necessary, that it march with the utmost celerity—the tents therefore, agreeably to former orders, are to be loaded in waggons by themselves, and in such manner, that they may, without difficulty, keep up with the troops: For the same reason, the officers will take with them, only a few articles of cloathing, such as shall be indispensibly necessary, leaving the bulk of their baggage to be brought on after them; and in order to facilitate the march, the Quarter Master General is to provide so many waggons

as shall be necessary to carry the men’s packs: But these packs are not to be stuffed with loads of useless trumpery, as from the sizes of many, there is great reason to suppose is now the case; and the officers are to see that they are not; for which purpose, the Commander in Chief most earnestly desires, and expects, that the officers particularly inspect the packs of their men, and select only such articles as are necessary and useful: All the rest (each man’s being rolled up by itself) is to be collected by the Quarter Masters of the regiments, and by them deposited in proper places, to be provided by the Quarter Master General.
Pursuant to a resolve of Congress of the 16th of July last, the officers commanding regiments and corps are directed, that in case they have any serjeants, Corporals, Drummers or private men, deemed incapable of doing field duty, such men should be examined by the Director General of the hospital, or some other Physician or surgeon; and if judged fit for garrison duty, they are not to be discharged, but transferred to the Invalid-Corps; and sent to Philadelphia as soon as possible. Men having only one leg, or one arm each, if otherwise capable of doing garrison duty, are to be deemed proper recruits for this corps.
A General Court Martial of the light dragoons is to sit to morrow morning at nine o’clock, at Lush’s tavern, in Germantown, for the trial of all prisoners belonging to any of the corps of light dragoons, which shall be brought before them. Col. Sheldon is appointed president of this court—Col. Moylan will direct the several quotas of officers for members which the different corps of horse are to furnish; And the Judge Advocate General will appoint a deputy to attend the court—The appointment of Col. Sheldon, to be president of this court, is to have no influence, in determining the question of rank between him and Col. Bland.


Title: I. Major General Du Coudray’s Opinion, 6 August 1777
From: Du Coudray, Philippe-Charles-Jean-Baptiste Tronson
To: Washington, George

philadelphia the 6 august 1777.

a Definitive project upon the Defence of philadelphia in the present state of affairs.
In the account which I have given the Honourable Congress, of the state in which fort miflin, Red bank, and billin’gsport were, the first of august, I think I have Demonstrated, that in the actual situation of things, Litle Dependance should be had on this fort, to Defend both the places, where the River is crossed by the chevaux de frize; and that the gallies, fire-ships, and floating batteries, were the only means in which any Confidence Could be placed.
At present, here is question to Determine the best scene of position, and the best use of the Defensive expediens, pursuent to the Litle Defense that the forts furnish them.
The two floating Batteries are at present, behind the Iland which is opposite to Billing’sport. I aprove of their position in this place, because these Iland being Very Low and narrow, these batteries will be able to produce above it, a formidable fire against the fregates, which may present themselves, to attack the Line of chevaux de frize, opposite to Billing’sport. these batteries Consisting, the one of neine, and the other, of ten pieces of 18, which appeared to me very good, and in a very good Condition, in every Respect, can Certainly Defend this passage Long enough, if, as the commodore asserts, three fregates, at most, can present themselves, at the same time. Being well managed, they may Defend themselves, even almost infaillibly, untill the enemy Repells them from this position; this the enemy can not Do, neither by sending frigates in the chanel where they are, this chanel Being not deep enough; nor Raising batteries upon the bank on the Right Side, which may be easily covered with water, as the Commodore asserts; But by making themselves masters of the eminence at billing’sport, from whence they may burn or Remove them. it is the necessity of hindering, or at least, of Retarding the position of the enemy upon this eminence,

to accomplish the forementioned Designe, which Renders absolutely necessary to Continue constructing this fort.
if I had been informed sooner of the strengt of the suport, which it is to Receive from the two floating batteries, to defend the chevaux de frize, and of the small number of fregates which can appear together in the chanel where the chevaux de frize are; I should have Contracted the extend of this fort, at least on the River side; But the Map which I Require for that purpose in my first visit, Could not then be found; and I ask’d for it several times since, to no purpose. I shal profit, at least, by these new informations, of which the Commodore alone Can warrant the Certainty, to Diminish the number of embrasures, and to Leave, at the forts of miflins and Red bank, a part of the Cannon, which biling’sport alone should have necessarily exhausted.
The gallies and fire ships are at present at the mouth of Derby Creek, below, and in the same chanel, with the floating batteries; a chanel in which the Commodore affirms, as I have already said, that the frigates can not ascend. I approve also of their position. as these gallies Carry, some of them, Cannon of 24; others, Cannon of 18; and as, by their Construction, they present very Litle appearance to the frigates, who offers them a Very Large one; and the greatest size of the cannon of the fregates being generaly only of 12, the gallies will be necessarily superior to them; since according to the Commodore, they can not be attack, but by two or three frigates at most, even in Coming out of this chanel to Conduct the fire ships.
But to protect their Retreat, and especialy to hinder the enemy from taken possession of the grownd which Commands this position and which, (as it is impossible to have it Covered with water, as well as the upper and Lower parts) suplys them, with the proper place to fix a battery, which may Repell the gallies and fire ships: it would be necessary to erect a battery there of 8 or 10 Large pieces, at least, defended by the gorge, so as to protect it, against the attack by Land, which the enemy if they have any fore sight, can not avoid making to free themselves from the inquietude, in which they must be Lest the gallies and fire ships may take unawares the fregates, which may be embarrast in the channel of navigation, and which, being stoped by the chevaux de frize, would scape with difficulty the effect of the fire ships.
Instead of a well supplied and protected battery, as I have mentiond, his Excellency has seen that this which exist at present in this place, has only one serviceable Cannon; that the parapet of this battery, and particularly the defence of its gorge, are in the worst situation; so that, if it be attacked by Landing boats, it must unavoidably be overcome: unless there be a Considerable body to Defend it.
The time is perhaps too urgent, and the means too weak to Repare, at present, the Capital fault that has been Committed in neglecting a

place so favourable, to the attack of the fire ships, upon the enemy, which Renders it almost as important as billing’sport. thus, as soon as the enemy shall take possession of the place occupied by these bad battery, which must be Keep only as a shew, the gallies and fire ships will be obliged to Retreat, at least, to the place of the same channel where the floating batteries are, and where, as the Commodore says the fregates can not follow them. they will not be useless there; they will help the batteries in supporting the chevaux de frize, at billing’sport; which will be accomplish then, with an assured superiority, untill the enemy establishes batteries upon this eminence.
for the want of a wellmade draught, which we allways have need off, and which I have not been able to suply, on account of the late arrival of the engeneers, who attend me; as well as the perpetual undetermination, in which, both they and I, have Lived and Continue to Live in every Respect; such are the sentimens, that the instructions Received from the commodore, permit me to propose relatively to the defence of the first Line of the chevaux de frize, with the gallies, fire ships, and floating batteries.
I Conclude then, that if the precautions be taken, to sink only 8 or 9 new chevaux de frize, between and behind the intervalls of the first Line; which as the Commodore asserts, are preposterously thirty feet from one an other, and Leaves Certainly an opening by which the small fregates may profit; this first Line will be easily defended, at least some days; even, in the bad state, in which the Land fortifications are; eitheir through the neglect of administration; or the Contracted understanding of the persons, who have been charged to fortify the batteries of billing’sport, and Derby’s Creek, which after the new Details I have just made are indispensably necessary in both places.
from the first Line I pass now to the second, Reliyng allways, instead of a sure draught, upon the informations formerly and Lately furnished by the Commodore.
This second Line is formed according to him, by three Rows of chevaux de frize; the first of which is 920 yards Before the point of fort Mifflin, and supported, on one side, by hog Iland, and in the other, by the bank which begins in that place, and take his Direction towards Red bank, where he joignes the Land, without allowing the passage to the fregates; tho’ it allowes them to advance, enough to cross the batteries of mifflin fort.
if this be the only passage; if only three fregates Can attack it in front, by Directing their Course towards Red bank, to Cross the batteries, as I have forementioned; the gallies and floating batteries, will be Certainly sufficient to protect them.
the most advantageous position, in which they can be placed for that purpose, will be to Continue, Keeping them in the channel where the

enemy can not come at them, on account of the shallow water, and make them flank the chevaux de frize.
thirteen gallies, which present the prow only, will have with their Large Cannon of 24 or 18, as I have forementioned, sure superiority over three, and even six fregates if their Cannon be well managed.
But hog’s Iland behind which the gallies should be placed to enjoy these Dezirable position, is unhappily wider, and more elevated than that which is opposite to billing’sport; behind which the batteries are at present, and where I said they should be left, and the gallies should be Carried, when the enemy, by making themselves master of Derby Creek, might have obliged the gallies to abandon these position.
if this elevation and breadth of hog’s Iland are too extensive to hinder the effect of the fire, they must be Carried between for mifflin and the buoys, so as to not hinder the playing of the battery of this fort, which, however ill situated and constructed, as his excellency has seen, may notwithstanding be of some utility, even at the great Distance where it is; specialy if there be time enough, to make the changes and suitables Reparations, in order to place there seven or eight Large pieces in Capacity of playing and being defended.
The fort where this battery Lies is very bad, being inclosed, only on two fronts, by one palissade with bad loopholes, and very illflancked; but as the enemy can land there, only with chaloupes, it may Resist Long time, even in this weak situation, with six or seven hundred men to gard it; specialy if the army was not far off; but this must not be Depended upon; as the enemy may make it march towards the north, and be more active in their mouvemens than they have been hitherto.
the fort of billing’sport, when it is finished, can alone assure by a defence of fifteen days the time necessary for the army to arrive to protect this second Line.
The possession which the enemy might take of Red bank, and which they will probably do, will not be of great advantage to them; Considering his great Distance to Repel the gallies and floating batteries, from this two forementioned positions; specialy if the first may be occupied. Besides as the fort Constructed upon this eminence, can be put in a state of Defence in short time, and with a few men, by Contracting it, as I have proposed to his Excellency, it will be an additional obstacle to stop the enemy.
it Results from the premises.
1st. That I persist in thinking, that the most suitable place to be Defended is billing’sport; on account of the narrowness of the River there; of the facility with which the floating batteries Can support the chevaux de frize, by Remaining behind the opposite Iland; of the necessity in which the enemy will be to take possession of the eminence of Derby’s creek to defend themselves against the fire ships, which they will allways

be afraid to see arrive behind the frigates, stoped before the chevaux de frize in the channel of navigation; and in short, of the necessity in which they will be of making themselves masters of the eminence at billing’sport, to Drive away the floating batteries from this position—where the gallies may come to Reinforce them; when by their taking possession of Derby’s creek they shall have obliged them to abandon this post.
2ond. that it is chiefly to put this post speedily in a state of defence, that we must employ the means, which we have, which are too few to be divided between fort mifflin and Red bank, without being exposed to the inconveniency of making a bad defence in both post; instead of making a good one, in a single place, as I have Declared in the first memorial I have given on this object.
3o. That matters being not in this situation, thro’ the fault of the administration alone, it is necessary to procure some Remedy for the present weakness of the first Line, by putting ourselves in a state of protecting the second, and of giving thereby time to the army to arrive.
I offer to Continue in this Respect My care and that of the commissioned and noncommissioned officers, who attend me; but if his excellency intends that these Cares should not be useless, and that an invincible disgust should not succeed the most ardent Zeal, it is absolutely necessary to Cause change in the Conduct, which has been observed hitherto, and to accellerate the slowness of the civil and military administration, to wich the Congress addresses us, to procure the means of execution.
It is necessary, to accomplish the forementioned objects, that the honourable Congress himself order without delay.
1st. thousand effective workmen every day, for billing’sport, who are to work on holy days, and sundays, under the proper direction of the engeneers whom I have there.
20nd. the necessary tools, as well for these workmen, as for My artillery workmen, whom I shall employ to construct the batteries, and to Repare the carriages intended either for this, or mifflin fort, in the actual circumstancies; those that I keep at billing’sport and here, for this purpose, having not yet been able, in spite of my Repeated sollicitations, to obtain, this month passt, neither all the tools they want, nor even clothes.
30. 200 others workmen every day at fort miflin and hundred at Red bank, under the same Conditions with the former.
provided this Request be granted, I engage to put these three places in a state of defence in the Course of this month:
Viz. to be defended, Billing’sport, with 400 men and 80 canoniers; fort mifflin, with 600 and 500 canoniers, Red bank with 200 men and 20 canoniers.

During the same time I shall employ the Rest of my engeneers to execute, suitably to the examination of the five places of incampment to be taken between markus’ hook and philadelphia, the project declared in the memorial adressed to the honourable Congress, and communicate, the day before yesterday, to his excellency, who honoured it with his approbation.
I ask for these engeneers no other assistance, besides the horses, and a Man to serve them and carry their instruments.
as to the batteries so necessary for the support of the gallies and fire ships, which are necessary to hold at Derby creek, for Reasons which have been given above, it is to be wished that means Could be furnished at the same time, with that of biling’sport; particularly from the information given by the Commodore, that there may be furnished from the province frigate fifteen nine pounders, and six of twelf from Captain Reeds schooner; which vessels are not in a state of defense, for want of men.
upon this subject I Make the Most pressing sollicitations, and more so, if Conjectures permitted his excellency to believe that the enemy will leave us time to finish billing’sport, I should beg to employ for the Construction of this battery the labourers, that I have demanded to put fort mifflin, and Red bank in a state to supply the present weakness of the first Line of chevaux de frize, by supporting the second.

DuCoudray


Title: III. Joseph Reed’s Opinion, 7 August 1777
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philad. Augt 7. 1777.

I shall make no Apology for troubling you with the following Hints because I well know that the Goodness & I may truly add the greatness of your Mind would induce you to listen with Patience & even Chearfulness to the Suggestions of the meanest Soldier if properly presented.
Whether Philadelphia is the present Object of Attack is yet a Question & every one reasons upon it as his Fears Hopes & Interest dictate. That the Acquisition would give Eclat to their Arms as subduing another of the capital Cities, the Seat of the Congress, & in no small Degree the principal Magazine of all Supplies—that it has been Held forth in Europe as the next Object of their Pursuit are as certain Truths as that one half of the Summer has been lost in a fruitless Attempt by Land. add to this that no military History can shew an Instance of a Feint or Diversion made with the Party’s whole Force & especially subject to the Chances of Wind & Weather & the Certainty of Sickness & Mortality arising from crouding Troops on board Vessels in a hot Season. When these Things are considered one would be led to decide without Hesitation that this is their Object—On the other Hand the obvious Advantages arising from a Junction with their Northern Army, the apparent if not real Separation of the Northern & Southern States by the Possession of Hudson’s River & the great Accession of Strength from the disaffected Counties of New York seem to be equivalent to their Prospects of Philadelphia—However as your Army is now here & the excessive Heat of the Weather requires their having as much Rest as possible—Prudence & Judgment seem to require that the same Disposition should be made at present & the System of Defence formed as if their Designs upon this City were out of all Doubt—The successful Defence of Philada will comprehend not only the Preservation of the

City, but a Disappointment of the Campaign & in this View our Exertions cannot be too great or our Preparations too early. And as much may depend upon the Arrangement I have ventured to submit to your Excelly a few Sentiments which I have formed upon a View of our several Defences, Conversation with others both of the Land & River Departments.
However the different Defences of the River as depending both on the Forts Gallies & floating Batteries may be blended as forming one grand Plan with the Defence made by the Army it may be necessary to distinguish them in Council least the Vanity of Objects should confuse & distract. Tho nothing seems to be more certain than that Failure in the Land Defence will be followed by that of the River & so vice versa—I will begin with that of the Army.
From the Conduct of the Enemy last Campaign & the certain Consequences that would follow if it should succeed I think it very probable that if the River Defence should be as formidable as I trust it will Mr Howe will depend more upon his Operations by Land than Water & if his Landing is safely effected will endeavour by a circuitous March to get into our Rear. It seems necessary therefore to take such a Position as to prevent this, & yet at the same Time so far advanced as to make his March as tedious as possible, & thereby ensure as many Opportunities to check his Advances as the Distance of Ground & Frequency of Advantageous Passes will admit—Some are of Opinion that at all Events Opposition should be made at their Landing & there is no Doubt but the Landing of Troops in the Face of an Enemy is one of the most dangerous Manoevres in War—but in our Case the Smoothness of the Water, the Flatness of the Ground & the heavy Fire which the Enemy can bring to cover this Operation seem almost to exclude any Prospect of Success. To throw up Lines for this Purpose seems also out of the Question from the Extent of Ground on which they may land to Advantage—I have never heard two Opinions with Respect to the Place of Landing every one without the least Hesitation has fixed it at Marcus Hook or its Vicinity, tho they will have fast Land between that & Wilmington in Spots. I can hardly suppose they will go lower as they will then have Christine River (near as wide as the Delaware at Trenton) to encounter & the high Grounds of Wilmington possessed by our Troops would give us a very advantageous Position. If the advancing our Troops below Marcus Hook or to it would throw the Landing below Wilmington it would be a very happy Circumstance, but the Risque of their passing them & landing seems too great & the Consequences of it would be fatal if the Enemy should by that Means get between Philadelphia & our Army: I have sometimes thought of a middle Course viz. To take a strong Position such as that between Ridly

& Crum Creeks to make a Shew of Troops as far down as that they could make an Appearance to the Enemy to deter their Landing but not farther than to be able to retire without Confusion to the East Side of Chester Creek & so up to the main Post if it should be necessary.
Some have thought of the Enemy’s Landing on the Jersey Shore & in the Survey now making for your Excelly agreeable to what I mentioned at Head Quarters that Shore will be included, but no Person acquainted with that Ground will countenance an Idea of their Landing there with a View of marching up. The Number of Creeks, Marshes & Causeways must deter them, besides that if all these Obstacles are surmounted the Delaware is still between them & their Object—The Landing between Chester & Philada or at Chester seems to be very improbable as to the first it is all Marsh or bank’d Meadow except in one or two Places from which they must come thro such Ground. It is extremely unhealthy & may be laid under Water for several Miles—At Chester there are but 3 or 4 Wharves & they are accessible for landing Troops only at High Water & near it so that a Landing there must be tedious and difficult. All these Circumstances seem to decide clearly that no Landing will be made nearer the City than Marcus Hook. If the Militia should be called out & have no Tents which seems but too likely they will probably be placed in Chester, in this Case it will I imagine be necessary that some Troops should be advanced beyond them as they will hardly have Confidence enough to oppose the first Advances of the Enemy—And a precipitate hasty Retreat or Flight would have a very bad Effect on the other Part of the Army.
The Position between Crum & Ridley Creek will be very advantageous on one Account—there will be but one Flank to guard, the River & Marsh effectually securing the other—and tho it will not be so convenient to Fort Island as the High Grounds near Darby yet if the Post is maintained at the Mouth of Darby Creek, the Communication with the whole of the River Defence will I believe be found full as easy from the one as the other. I would also beg Leave to suggest another Reason for preferring the Post between the two Creeks to Darby—that if any Accident should happen at the latter to make it necessary to retire over Schuylkill the Distance is so small that the Troops would probably croud upon one another in Confusion at the Passage of the River—whereas if they should be obliged to retire from the other the high Ground at Darby would be very advantageous to check the Advances of the Enemy while the Van of our Army were crossing & if necessary in this Case a Part must be sacrificed for the Safety of the whole—rather than the Enemy should avail himself of our Bridges—Here I would remark to your Excelly that I think if another Bridge of Boats could be thrown over Schuylkill at the lower Ferry it would

greatly facilitate the Communication of the Army with the City—& in Case of Retreat I fear our Bridge would be found very insufficient for the Troops, Artillery & Baggage.
I have heard some Persons mention that in Case our Army should be obliged to retire either on Account of a Superiority of Numbers or any Disaster, they might do it on the West Side of Schuylkill & so cross the River above the Falls—but the Country is exceedingly hilly the Banks of the River on both Sides very steep & if there should be any heavy Rains the Fords would not be passable—so that I am perswaded if our Army should be obliged to give Ground there is no Rout so easy & advantageous as that across the Schuylkill near the City provided the Means of crossing the River are seasonably attended to.
With Respect to the River Defence it may be properly divided into three parts.
First. The Fire Vessels. secondly, The Gallies & floating Batteries thirdly The Posts & Forts at Darby Creek Mouth, at Billings Port, at Fort Island & Redbank.
As to the first. The Effect is very great when sucessful, but it is very uncertain; in almost every Siege of maritime Places they have been attempted & generally failed. Such desperate Courage is required—so many Circumstances of Wind & Tide must concur as to make every thinking Person cautious how he depends too much upon them. But as great Preparation is made in this Way, & the Persons concerned are very sanguine perhaps it will be best to run a Risque of some of the Vessels to cover them while the Attempt is made—But to ensure as far as possible the Success I humbly apprehend it would be best for those who are to execute it to have the sole Management & Direction both as to Time & Place. It is so detached a Business from the other that I think it may safely be left to themselves—it is much to be feared that if they receive Orders from the Land Officers they will not act with the same Confidence; as in Case of Failure they will have Shelter from the Claims & Censure of the publick. There are some Vessels which move well that I understand can be spared for the Purpose of assisting in this Enterprize & that without weakning the capital Defence too much—the Effect will be so great if the Fire takes Place as would seem very well to warrant exposing these to some Danger in order to give the Operation a fair Tryal.
As to the Gallies & floating Batteries they are so unweildy & move so slow that Prudence will not warrant their being placed but in that Spot where the great Defence is to be made, viz. at the Cheveaux de frize—There are I believe some Difficulties with Respect to Rank & Command—it is much to be wish’d they were removed before the Enemy approaches.

The Utility of all the Shipping of every Species will depend so much upon their being protected from the Shore that I am perswaded this Circumstance will claim much of your Excellys Attention.
First. As to the Fort at the Mouth of Darby Creek. This Work it seems was constructed for the purpose of sheltering such Vessels as should have Occasion to retire thro the shallow Channel which runs on the West Side of the River between the main Land & an Island. It was done on the Importunity of the Captains of the Vessels & they seem to place great Confidence in it. In this View rather than from any Advantage they can perceive I find many Gentlemen acquiesce in retaining it—but all agree that it ought to be made more respectable than it is at present—I do not pretend to any Knowledge in the Science of Engineering so that I do not presume to trouble your Excelly with any Opinion as to the Mode of Construction or what Alterations should be made so as to give it Value.
Secondly. As to Billings Port. A Fatality has attended it from the Beginning so that perhaps it would have been better to have been left in a State of Nature than to have it in the Condition it is, or probably will be if the Enemy should advance. However it is a Post—Obstructions in the River have been sunk—To abandon it totally would be losing the Benefit of what has been done would discourage the Captains & Seamen who are to defend the River & have been taught to depend upon some Protection from it—The Enemy would probably take a Possession to swell the List of Conquests & might perhaps annoy tho I think not materially the Gallies & Vessels defending the upper Cheveaux de frize—Upon these Accounts I fear the abandoning it would have bad effects—But it would be equally against my Judgment to weaken the Army by putting a large Garrison of Continental Troops in it. For should the Enemy resolve not to pass it by, it seems too accessible in the Rear to promise much Success in Defence of it. I would therefore suggest the finishing it upon a smaller Scale than has been proposed to mount a few Guns put in such a Number of Artillery Men as would be wanted to work them. A small Detachment of Continental Troops—say 2 or 300 under a good Officer—add to these so many Jersey Militia as would completely man the Work—at the same Time they might be provided at the Water Side with the Means of Retreat when the Enemy’s Approach on the Land Side should indicate its being no longer tenable. This seems to be a Mean, between abandoning & risquing too much in its Defence. If the Enemy resolve to approach by Water this Port must be taken or it will embarass them—they must land a considerable Force under many unpleasant Circumstances—the Remainder in the mean Time laying on board the Fleet, or divided on different Sides of the River which must be dangerous. If on the other Hand the

great Push is made on the Land & the Water Operations are to be subservient to it—nothing is lost but the Service of those Artillery Men & that Detachment. The Militia are upon their own Ground & probably would not compose a Part of the Army in Pennsylvania if they were not at Billingsport. The Pennsylva Militia would serve with more Alacrity & Effect on this Side the River than the other, tho they are now really defending their own City.
As to Redbank. I have never heard any other Reason assigned for making it a Post than to keep it out of the Hands of the Enemy who might otherwise annoy the Garrison at Fort Island. But when it is considered that Redbank is 1900 Yards from Fort Island, that tho it is higher it is not a very commanding Situation—that it is yet unfinished—that if the Enemy are resolved to have it, it is accessible on the Land—that it will weaken our Force still farther to garrison it—that some other Post must be stripped to provide Guns for it—I say all these Things considered it should seem very questionable whether it is worth retaining in the Mode proposed by some Gentlemen.
As to Fort Island. I cannot but say I feel a particular Pleasure in learning that the Idea of abandoning it, breaking up the Platforms & removing the Guns is exploded. I do not know but some Improvements may be made there, some Gentlemen are very clear in the Necessity of them—From all the conversation I have had with the Officers on the River I am perswaded much will depend upon the Defence made at this Fort—It is secured fully in the Rear—it has Barracks for the Accomodation of the Troops—Magazines for the Safety of the Ammunition commands the Obstructions in the River & while defended it will have intercourse with the City for all kinds of Supplies—if it should be necessary the surrounding Land can all be laid under Water—In short I scarcely know a Circumstance attending it which an Officer would wish to have altered or added unless it be to raise it higher above the Water—I cannot but therefore repeat it to your Excelly that in my poor Opinion the Preservation of the City on that Side will entirely depend upon the good Management of this Post & a correspondent Behaviour in the Gallies—Nor does it appear to me that a very great Number of Men will be required for its Defence. It cannot be stormed but from Boats landing in Mud up the Waists of the Men—or from the Keys which are few & easily defended—I should think it might hold out till it was battered down by Shipping an Event not much to be feared. As this Post will not be exposed till Billings Port is relinquished the Garrison retiring from thence will make a handsome Reinforcement to that of Fort Island if they do not bring any Pannick with them.
Before I conclude I would observe to your Excelly that I believe some Hint from you to Congress or the Executive Council of the State will

be necessary in order to effect a timely Removal of the great Quantity of Stock from the River Side—& the necessary Preparations made to overflow the Land adjoining the Rivers Delaware & Schuylkill if necessary—Or it may happen here as elsewhere that these essential Steps may be deferr’d till it is too late.
Thus I have ventured to throw together a few indigested Thoughts—I shall be happy if they are of any Use to your Excelly—if they are not I am sure you will excuse it as they proceed from the same sincere Attachment to your Person & Fame which your Friendship & Favour must necessarily create in a Mind of any Sensibility. I am Dear Sir, most truly & Affectionately Yours

J. Reed


Title: IV. Brigadier General Anthony Wayne’s Opinion, 7 August 1777
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Phila. 7h August 1777

Genl Wayne’s Opinion of the Defences necessary for the River and Land in case the Enemy should Attempt the Reduction of Phila.
The Works, as Contracted by Agent De Coudre to be Compleated and Supplied with Six or Eight pieces of Artillery and men Sufficient to fight them with about 500 Troops—One Redoubt on the High Ground at Darby Creek Sufficient to Contain 200 men.
the fleet fire ships & Rafts to lay abreast and aCross the Westren Channel to act in Conjunction with the Batteries so long as it is practicable or prudent to Maintain them, boats to be kept in Readiness to Carry off the Troops in case of a Misfortune.
If its found Necessary to Avacuate these posts, the Fleet and fire to Retire Immediately to Fort Island—or act in the Rear of the Enemy Occationally.
It will be Absolutely Necessary to throw a Good Garrison into the Old Fort under the Command of proper Officers with a proportionable Number of men from the Corps of Artillery to the Guns therein Mounted—Red Bank being a post of Consequence, as it Over looks and Enfilades the Old fort and Vessels, it will be proper to Enclose the two Bastians, and place therein 4 or 500 men which the Assistance of the Militia of New Jersey in the Vicinity thereof (after Cutting away the Banks Dams and Bridges over the Creeks) will greatly Retard if not totally prevent the Enemy from penetrating that way.

Whilst this is doing the Banks dams, Bridges and Roads on the West side of the Delaware Ought to be broke up from Marcus Hook to Phila. for which purpose a Judicious and Determined Officer with a Sufficient Number of men and tools ought to be on the spot ready to execute this buisness at a Signal being given.
The Army should be Stationed near Marcus Hook in Order to Appose the Enemy, should they Attempt to move from under Cover of their Shiping, or in case they should proceed further up to land, to be ready to move with them, taking Advantage of such Strong Grounds and Marshes as present themselves in the Way.
As much will Depend on the mode and manner of the Enemies movements the Subject Admits of nothing further than General heads and as such they are presented by

Ant’y Wayne


Title: V. Brigadier General Henry Knox’s Opinion, 9 August 1777
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Camp sandy-run [Pa.] 9th Augt 1777.

It is the opinion of the subscriber that the Battery on Fort Island ought to have an additional work thrown up upon its left, and Garrison’d with 12 pieces heavy cannon, 150. Cannoniers, and half as many assistants, with 500. Infantry.
Red Bank to be contracted so as to have 5 or 6 Cannon on the land side, and as many heavy towards the river; to prevent any Ships coming up the Channel leading to it, in order to flank the Gallies which may be station’d for the defence of the Cheveaux de Frize near the Fort.
Billingsport to be finish’d as at present contracted or if possible more so; so as to hold 300 men exclusive of 150. Cannoniers, and 75. Assistants, to work 12 pieces heavy Cannon which ought to be in this work.
The Gallies to lye opposite to it at the break of the low Island, in order to assist the fire of Billingsport: these Gallies would be for this purpose preferable to the floating Batteries, as they can be most easily remov’d in case of an accident to Billingsport.
If much depends on the fire ships an inclos’d Battery ought to be constructed on some advantageous piece of ground near Derbys Creek; and something higher up the river than where the present defective Battery is; this in order to prevent any of the enemys ships mooring at the mouth of the Western Channel; so to hinder the fire ships sent round into the main ship Channel this western channel is thought to be most commodious for the free operations of the fire ships either

in the Channel leading to Billingsport or further down the river; the Gallies ought also to lye in the western Channel if their retreat is perfectly secure; as the Commodore says; as well in order to protect the fire ships, as as to annoy any of the enemys Frigates which may be oppos’d to Billingsport; but the two floating Batteries which from their unweildiness, cannot be easily mov’d together with the Frigates and Xebecques ought to lye behind the second row of Cheveaux de Frize, upon a line with Fort Island.
If there should be time enough a strong inclos’d work ought to be thrown up on fort Island capable of containing 4 or 500 men; an advantage may be taken of part of the stone work already erected, and which in its present state would be infinitely detremental to any body of men who may seek shelter from it. These sentiments are respectfully submitted by Sir Yr Most Obt Hble Servt

Henry KnoxBrigr Genl Artillery


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 6 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

Sir
Camp at Germantown [Pa.] 6th Augt 1777

You will perceive by the inclosed, which was wrote a few days ago, that you were ordered to halt, for the Reasons therein given. The letter, by Mistake of the Express, was carried up the Morris Town road, and as you were not to be heard of upon that Rout, it was brought back.
As we are under the same uncertainty as to the destination of the Fleet, that we were when the inclosed was wrote, you are to halt wherever this overtakes you, and let me know by Return of the Express where it is. You are, as before directed, to march to Peekskill upon receiving authentic intelligence that the Fleet have again arrived at the Hook or any where upon the Coast of New England. I am &ca.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 6 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp near German Town [Pa.] August 6th 1777

I beg leave to be informed, whether Congress have written, or mean to write themselves to Generals Schuyler & St Clair to repair to Head

Quarters, or whether they expect me to do it. My reason for this is, the Resolves for their recall, transmitted in your Favor of the 2d Instant do not mention how the same should be communicated. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Hble servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 6 August 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] Augt 6th 1777

The Board have employed the Bearer Mr James White to furnish a temporary Supply of Vinegar, Beer & Vegetables to the Army while they stay in their present Situation. As this Gentleman is not in the Commissary’s Department there will be some clashing unless your Excellency puts the Matter upon its proper Footing. Mr White will want Authority to get Waggons to hall the Articles he supplies & he thinks it would be best to have Fatigue Men to dig Potatoes &c. I dont know whether this Supply is a Gratuity to the Soldiers or whether it is to be considered as Part of the Ration. Your Excellency will no Doubt settle this. At all Events the Men should have the Articles they stand so much in Need of & let Forms be settled here after. I have the Honour to be Your very obed. Servt

Richard Peters Secy

If your Excellency should think of appointing or recommending a Field Armourer I am told that the one who acts in that Capacity to the North Carolina Brigade is a very proper one.


Title: From George Washington to George Walton, 6 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Walton, George

Sir
Camp near Germantown [Pa.] Aug. 6th 1777

I had the pleasure of your Letter respecting General McIntosh.
You may Inform Congress that One Brigade in this Army is without a General Officer, occasion’d by Dehaas’s not chusing to accept of that Commission & should they think proper to order Genl McIntosh for that purpose, it wou’d be very agreeable to me were it not for the length of time it will take to get him here this, I apprehend, they will have no great Objection to, unless they have some Gentleman in view to fill that Vacancy, or may be of opinion that the Campaign will be almost over before he can possibly arrive or be of any Service to us.
I expect’d an answer was given to you yesterday & did not know the Contrary untill I was leaving Town. I am &C.

G.W.


Title: General Orders, 7 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Roxboro’—August 7th 1777.

At a General Court Martial held the 18th and 19th days of July last, the following soldiers were tried for various crimes, and acquitted—viz.
Timothy Brannon and William Smith of the 6th Maryland regiment—William Foster and Adam Brooks of the 10th Virginia—Isaac Proctor of the 15th Virginia, Richard Roach of the 4th Pennsylvania and William Montgomery of Col. Spencer’s Regiment.
Joseph Halbert, Serjeant in the 5th Pennsylvania regiment was tried for “Desertion”—but it appeared to the Court, that he was intitled to the benefit of the pardon granted by the Commander in Chief previous to the execution of Thomas Smith, who was shot at Middlebrook.
At the same court the following Soldiers were tried for various crimes and found guilty—Vizt—James McClaster, James Scott, Daniel McKay, James Montgomery, John Montgomery of Col. Stewart’s regiment—Alexander McKinley of the 9th Pennsylv: regiment—John Morgan, Morris McKinsey, Daniel Smith and William Gammon, of Col. Spencer’s

regiment—David Potts of the 11th Pennsylvania regt John Potts & Jeremiah Goldsberry of the 11th Virginia—John Striser of Capt. Bayles company in one of the Maryland regiments—George Fant of the 8th Virginia and John Annes of the 2nd New Jersey regiment—But The Commander in Chief grieved at the number of offenders—ever desireous of shewing mercy, where it is not incompatable with the public good—and hoping that his clemency may hereafter have a happy tendency to reclaim the guilty; was pleas’d to grant a general pardon, and the offenders convicted as aforesaid, are hereby declared to be pardoned.
The following sentences of the same court martial are approved by the Commander in Chief—viz.—
Capt. Friesback of Col. Armand’s corps, charged 1st with “Absenting himself without leave—2nd when being ordered to join his company when under arms, answer’d, he had time enough, and declined doing it—3rd When being put under arrest, made use of bad language; and treated his Colonel in a manner unbecoming an officer—4th When the corps was ordered to march into Amboy, he uttered discontent loudly before the soldiers, and wanted to know why they were returning to Amboy”—Acquitted of the first, and found guilty of the second, third and fourth charges, and sentenced to be reprimanded in General orders, and to ask pardon of Col. Armand in the presence of the officers of his corps.
The Commander in Chief wishes all officers to be impressed with this truth, that nothing is more essential in military service than an exact subordination, and ready obedience to the commands of superior officers—That it [is] this which gives life and vigour to an army: That a contrary conduct must clog and impede every movement, and excite a spirit of discontent, disobedience and licentiousness among the troops—That in this view, the conduct of Capt. Friesback must be deemed highly criminal, and of a very dangerous tendency.
Capt. Clark, Lieut. Higgins and Lieut. Kinley of the 8th Virginia regiment and Capt. Langdon of the 12th Virginia regt charged severally with “Neglect of duty, in not having their men’s arms in good order, and with disobedience of the General orders, relating thereto”—Acquitted.
Capt. Berry, Lieut. Myers and Ensign Westfall, of the 8th Virginia regiment—Capt. Brent and Lieut. Smith of the 4th Virginia regt charged severally with “Neglect of duty, in not having their men’s arms in good order, and with disobedience of the General orders relating thereto”—found guilty—and sentenced to be (Lieuts. Myers & Smith severely) reprimanded in general orders.
The Commander in Chief cannot forbear to express his astonishment, at the carelessness of officers, in a point of such capital importance,

as this now mentioned; and that this carelessness too should take place, after repeated and most particular orders, recently given, to have the arms thoroughly cleaned and put in the best order—seeing their own personal safety—that of the army and of the country, depends on the efficacy of the men’s arms; ’tis truely surprising, that officers can rest easy for one hour, when there is the smallest probability that they are unfit for immediate action, whether orders for examining and cleaning them be given or not: For ’tis a duty so obvious, that the officers of regiments and companies should see to it themselves, at all times, and not oblige the Commander in Chief to attend to every circumstance that regards each particular corps.
The Brigade Commissaries are to attend this afternoon, at five o’clock, at the market house in German-town, to draw a gill of Vinegar a man for their respective brigades.
The commanding officers of regiments are to consult with the other field officers, and captains of companies belonging to their regiments, on what allowance of soap is absolutely necessary, with proper œconomy, to keep the soldiery clean; a report of their opinion, to be made immediately, to the board of General Officers, to sit to day agreeable to yesterday’s orders; who are to take the matter into consideration, and report their opinion of the same.
The waggons, with the heavy baggage of all the brigades, are immediately to proceed to Coryell’s-ferry, and cross; and wait on the other side for further orders.
Each brigade is to send a small guard, with their own waggons, under proper officers; the whole to be under the command of a field officer.
The waggons are to move in the following order—Those of Lord Stirling’s division first—General Lincoln’s next—Genl Stephen’s next—and Genl Greene’s last.
The boats are also to move on at the same time—The Forage Master General will take care that forage is provided for the teams, upon the march, and at the ferry.
The troops of the whole line are to be in readiness to be reviewed to morrow morning at five o’clock; when it is expected that every officer and soldier not on other duty, and able, will attend—The troops are to be drawn up on the respective brigade-parades—It is expected that all the waggoners, waggons and teams, which will remain in camp, will all be in their proper places; that an inspection may be had into the condition thereof—This the waggon master General will take care to see complied with.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Arendt, 7 August 1777
From: Arendt, Henry Leonard Philip
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia. 7 Augt 1777. At David Schaeffer Second Street.
Mon Seigneur

Relying upon your words bidding me to have an intire Confidence in you, I entreat Your Excellency to give this Letter a favorable Reception.
I have just discover’d since my absence that there is a great deal of Discontent in my Regiment, and altho’ I am perfectly convinced, that no one can complain either of my conduct towards him or on any other account, I believe however that the Discipline which I have thought necessary to establish in the Regiment added to my being a Stranger and having the command against their will, have inspired them with unfavorable Sentiments respecting me. I know very well that in doing my Duty I shall always be protected by Your Excellency, but at the same time I am sensible that it is a great Unhappiness to live with People by whom one is not loved—and that it might easily bring about disagreeable Consequences. I beseech Your Excellency therefore to employ me in whatever place you please, as there are always a great many in an Army, and not to remand me to the Regiment, I will always fulfill my Duty with the greatest Punctuality, and I hope to be soon in condition to return to it, I likewise entreat you to be so kind as not to disclose any thing which I have said respecting the Discontents in my Regiment.
Your Excellency will not attribute it to Vanity if I offer an Idea in this place, as I think it in my power to render greater Services. The Army hitherto has had no Inspector General of Infantry, it seems to me however that this Office would be very necessary to introduce under your Auspices, Principles of regular Discipline, uniform and essential Manœuvres, and for many other purposes.
Your Excellency is the best Judge of the Utility of this Post, which is already establish’d in the Cavalry, and to which the Infantry has a better Title. I flatter myself that I have acquired some Share of the Knowledge which relates to this Post, if your Excellency thinks me qualified for it, I entreat that I may have it through your generous Protection.
I wait for your Orders with the utmost Impatience and I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys most humble and most obedt Servant

Baron de Arendt Colonel of the German Regt


Title: To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 7 August 1777
From: Board of General Officers
To: Washington, George

Camp [Smith’s Folly, Pa.] Augt 7 1777

We the Subscriber beg leave to represent to your Excellency that all Regimental Officers conceive themselves greatly oppress’d by a Resolve of Congress which obliges them to draw their Provision with the men. The Resolve deprives them of the few conveniences which might be had without any disadvantage to the Publick from the Commissaries Store besides it oppresses the men, the officers picking out all the best bits for their own consumption.
We cannot conceive the little inconvenience the Commissary will be subject to in opening Mess accounts is a Sufficient reason for depriving the Officers the advantage and comforts that may be had from the Commissaries Store when at liberty to draw as their necessaties may require.
We beg your Excellency to recommend a repeal of that Resolve of Congress and direct the Regiments to form themselves into Messes—no one Regiment to consist of more than twelve & as many less as the Regiment can render convenient and that each Mess be at liberty to draw at all time such Articles from the Commissaries Store, as are provided for the Use of the Army and that every thing so drawn be charged to the head of the Mess. The Mess accounts to be settled once a month and the ballance to be paid either from the Commissary to the Mess or the Mess to the Commissary as appears due upon ballancing the Ration accounts.
We also beg leave to acquaint your Excellency that there is a general complaint for want of a settlement of the back Rations.

Nath. Greene M. G. President


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp near German Town [Pa.] August 7th 1777

Yesterday Evening, I received a Letter from Genl Schuyler of the 1st Inst., a Copy of which and of its Inclosures, I do myself the Honor of

transmitting you. By these you will perceive, that Our affairs, at the Northward, have experienced no change for the better; On the contrary, that they are in a more unpromising train. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 7 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Camp at Germantown [Pa.] 7th Augt 1777

I have your favr of the 4th instant. We are yet intirely in the dark as to the destination of the Enemy, the Fleet has neither been seen or heard of since they left the Capes of Delaware on this day week. If they had intended back to the Hook, we must have heard of their arrival there long before this time, as the Winds have been constantly fair. As the sickly season has commenced to the Southward, and there is no capital Object there, I cannot conceive that they are gone that way. I can therefore only conclude that they intend to go round Long Island into the Sound, or still farther Eastward. If they do either of these, it must be upon a plan of cooperating with Genl Burgoyne, who, as matters are going on, will find little difficulty of penetrating to Albany, for by the last Accounts, our Army had fallen down to Saratoga—Congress have thought proper to call down Genl Schuyler and Genl Sinclair to give an account of the Causes of our Misfortunes to the Northward and General Gates goes up to take the command. Genl Schuyler urges the necessity of further Reinforcements, alledging that he derives no Assistance from the Militia. Your post is the only one from whence a Reinforcement can immediately be sent, but as I would not wish to weaken you, as the Enemy seem to bend their course again towards you, without consulting you, I desire that you and the General Officers would consider the Matter fully, and if you think you can spare Cortlands and Livingstons Regiments that they may be put in readiness to move. I have ordered the heavy Baggage of the Army to be thrown over Delaware again and hold the Men in constant readiness to march, the moment we receive any accounts of the Enemy. I very much approve of your throwing Redoubts and Obstructions at the entrance of the passes near your posts, as they, with the natural Strength of the Ground, must render the approach of an Enemy extremely difficult without considerable loss. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 7 August 1777
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Hannover [N.J.] August 7th 1777

I Joined my Division Three Day Since, but am Exceeding weak & what is Still more afflicting I am Extremely apprehensive that I Shall never perfectly Recover Doctor Jones Says that my Excessive Fatigue has So much Injured The whole Nervous System that nothing but a Long Continuation of the Cold Bath Accompanied with a Strick Regimen can Restore me to a perfect State of Health—all Solid Food & all Drink Except water must be Abstained from. Spirits I must Never again use but with the greatest Caution (if at all) as he Conceives that the free use of them has in great measure assisted in bringing on my Complaint & if continued will always have the Same Effect. This being the fourth time I have Bled he apprehends That the Bleeding has almost become habitual & will (if not prevented in the Above mentioned manner) prove Fatal. I will however do all in my power to perform my Duty in the Division So Long as my new mode of Living will afford me Strength Sufficient for the purpose.
General De Borre has presented me with the Several orders Recd from Yr Excy by the Last of which I am to Tarry here till further orders—I am fully of opinion that the want of Shoes & want of money to pay the Troops will multiply Desertions among us Daily we are always So Distant from the Stores that we cannot without the greatest Difficulty get a Supply—& our men are mostly Barefoot though they have Done more marching than any other Division in the Army I wish Some method might be adopted to make their pay more regular & their Supply of Cloathing more Certain—I Inclose your Excellency Copy of a Sentence agt Major Mullens—The President of the Court Martial Desires me to Inform you that The Court did by no means think he

ought to be Cashired but They apprehended that the Articles of war had not Left it at their Election. Therefore they worded the Sentence in Such a manner as to Show that it was by the Articles of war & not by their opinion he must be Cashired. Your Excellency will do therein as you think best.
I have this morning four Deserters from New York they Left the Heighths of Harlam on Tuesday night from them I have the following particulars viz. That Govr Tryon with four Thousd Troops is at & about Kings bridge—he has the 23d & 35th Regiments. The Rest are Hessians & Tories belonging to Delancey &c. the 26th Regt to which they belong together with the 7th & one Hessian Regiment of 2 Batts. Lay at Harlam Heighths the British 300 Strong Each & the Hassians near 700—the 38th & 45th Regts are in York City—That General Skinner with the 52d Regiment & his own Corp is on Staten Island—That there are Some few British Troops on Long Island but they know not what Corp—That General Pigot had gone to take the Command at Rhode Island in the Room of Genl Prescot—That the Fleet which Sailed from York Consisted of about 200 Sail. That they Learnt by the officers Servants that they heard their Masters Say that the Fleet would only Shew itself off Delaware Long Enough to Draw our Troops there & then return & proceed up North River to Join General Burgoine who they Expected would by that time be in posession of Albany. They Say that the afternoon before they came off there were Salute Guns firing at the Hook almost the whole afternoon they know not the Reason but it was Conjectured the fleet was Returning (this is by no means probable)—They Say that there was a Current Report about Town & Even published in the papers that there was an Insurrection in the North of Ireland & that the British Troops were obliged to Retire from thence. That Capt. Manly was taken by the Rainbow Ship of war a 40 Gun Ship & brought into New York three Days before they came off—They add that there were only Seven Ships of War went with their Fleet—the Rest Lay at York. This Sir is all The Intelligence they bring.
Now Dear General I have a matter to Lay before your Excellency Respecting John Murphey & Daniel Brown who are under Sentence of Death which appears to me merits Consideration. When your Excelly was pleased to permit me to pardon one at the Gallows I made out one for John Murphey, a Servant of Major Stewart Who had Ever Sustained a Good Character & did not belong to the Army but had for a Long time been his body Servt the Major was much affected at his approaching fate & Declared he could always Trust him with untold Gold; as nothing was Said Respecting the other I thought it best to make out the pardon for him which I Delivered to the Major who was Field officer of the Day & had the Division drawn out to See the Execution. I

enjoined Secrecy upon him & ordered Brown to be first hanged & Murphey in ten Minutes afterwards & Secretly ordered the pardon to be Read Just before the Ten minutes was Expired. This I thought was Strictly Complying with your Excellenceys orders & using The power your Excellencey was pleased to Invest me with in the most Equitable manner but a few minutes before the time for Execution Colo. Gunbey came Riding from the place Designed for Execution & Informed me that Brown the other prisoner was Certainly Innocent that he had That Day Inquired fully his Character which he had neglected before that he found it not only without Blemish but Remarkable for Sobriety & faithfulness That his penitent behaviour at the Gallows His Speeches to the Soldiers his Solemn protestations of Innocence Convinced Every officer present that there was Some Mistake in the Sentence. Doctor Montgomery the Clergyman who frequently visited him Says that he is So Convinced of his Innocence as not to have a Doubt Remaining—he Says when his Conduct proved that he had not the Least prospect of Life he often Appealed to Heaven for his Innocence. This occasioned me to Reprieve them for a few Days. I Sent for the president of the Court Martial who Informed me that he was fully perswaded that the Court would not have adjudged Evidence against him Sufficient had they not been at that time So Irritated with the Licenciousness of the Division—the man himself has uniformly Declared that he heard the Man of the House Crying murder—That he ran up to the Door to assist, Saw two men Run off & the man of the House Siezed him Supposing him to be an Accomplice & I am most firmly of the opinion from the best Information I can Collect Stewarts Servant was at the Door Acknowledges he was Drunk but Took nothing—Now to withdraw the pardon from him & Extend it to the other would be Such an alteration as would affect Major Stewart much and Deprive him of a Servant who has Ever been faithful & Honest & To Execute the other I fear would be punishing an Innocent person. I Therefore Take the Freedom At the Special request of all the Field officers of the Division to Implore your Excys Clemencey toward the unhappy prisoners—all the officers agree that the Scene which took place at the time they were to have been Executed had a great Effect upon the Soldiery which their behaviour has Since Shown. Tho it has not wrought a Thorough reformation I may venture to Say they have mended much. Every method Shall be used to make this Act of Clemencey of Yr Excy to operate to Surpress & not Incourage Such practices; if Severity must be used much fitter objects may present themselves but none who are fitter objects of Mercey. Dear General I have the Honor to be with much Respect Your Excys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 7 August 1777
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 7th Augt 1777

Yesterday received a Letter of the 3d instant from General Putnam inclosing a Copy of yours to him of the 1st instant advising that the Enemy’s Fleet on the 31st ulto sailed out of the Capes of Deleware on an eastern Course—requesting all possible Assistance to prevent the Enemy’s possessing themselves of the Passes in the Highlands. Previous to this in Pursuance of a former Requisition from General Putnam Orders had been given to Brigr General Silliman to send on to Peekskill Colo. Enos’s Battalion which was raised for the Defence of this State and on the Requisition of General Putnam to send on such Part of the Militia of his Brigade as might be wanted and could be spared having Respect to the Defence of the Sea Coast. Simular Orders were like wise given to Brigadier General Oliver Woolcot. In Consequence of which a Part of Colo. Enos’s Battalion five Throops of Horse and two Regiments of Brigadier Silliman’s Brigade like wise three Regiments of Brigadier Oliver Woolcotts Brigade have been ordered to march and hope by this Time many of them are arrived. Orders were yesterday issued for a further Number of the Militia to compleat about three thousand in the whole to march immediately to Peekskill under the Command of Brigr General Ward. A large Quantity of Powder belonging to the States being deposited at Norwich contiguous to New London on the appearance of a Fleet of the Enemy’s Ships off the Harbour of New London it was judged prudent to provide against Accident to remove one hundred Barrels of the Powder to Lebanon one hundred to Coventry and one hundred to Windham and One hundred still remaining at Norwich. The sudden and unexpected Retreat from Tyonderoga and Mount Independance followed with the Loss of all the Ordinance Stores, And a Requisition made by General Putnam thro’ the Deputy Adjutant General Root of the 28th ulto to have the Militia furnished with Ammunition as that Article was wanting there, Has induced me to send forward to Farmington in this State one hundred Barrels of Powder belonging to the States which if wanted at Peekskill

may go forward by the Teams which go with it to Farmington. And this Express will return to Hartford seasonably that the Teams may go on from Farmington to the Place where you may direct the Same otherwise to be stored at Farmington which is a safe Place. I am, with great Esteem and Sincerity Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 8 August 1777
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

Hond Sir,
Williamsburg [Va.] August 8th 1777

I do with the most unfeigned Pleasure congratulate You on Your Success in the Jerseys, over our Enemy. We are now anxious to know where these disturbers of our Peace will next bend their Course; but rest satisfied, that, at Your Approach, the Plunderers will quite any Part of the Country they may have seized upon, with the sam⟨e⟩ Disgrace they left the Jerseys.
You will no doubt be surprized to hear of the Acquital of Davis and his Accomplices, It has indeed astonish’d every One here, except the Judges, & the Lawyers who defended the Criminals, I was present at the Trial, and was clearly satisfied from the Evidence that Davis was guilty, the Jury brought in the Verdict to that Purpose; But Mr attorney having omitted to mention who the Enemys of America were, altho he accused Davis of [a]ddhearring to the Enemys of America, the Lawyers took hold of the Quibble, and perswaded the Judges to overset the Verdict. It is now determined that releaseing Prisoners of War, from their Place of confinement, is not Treason against the State, this Judgement in my Opinion does not reflect much honour, on the Talents of our Judges, and indeed it is much to be lamented, that our Assembly might have made a much better appointment, and did not do It. Their Decision I am afraid will be productive of much Injury, for no Tory or Prisoner of War can be kept in this State, as those who set Them at Liberty, are subject to no Penalty, Davis was not admitted as an Evidence, on account of his having been a Convict, and not having served his seven Years, for the Lawyers made this Quibble, that no Man can be an Evidence, unless he served the whole Time of his Conviction, Your kindness to Davis in giving Him two Years of his Time, had well nigh cost Him his Life in this Instance, and prevented him from bearing Testimony against two as great Villains as Himself.

I have the Pleasure to acquaint You that the Test is generally taken through the Country, few or none hesitateing to take It. I wish our Assembly had laid a Tax at the same Time they made the Test. I am convinced there would have been as little objection to the One as the other, but unfortunately for Us our Rulers like other Men cannot divest Themselves, of their Attachment to their private Gain, many of them being guilty of the Crime, they ought to punish in others, their whole Aim being to get immense Fortunes, which some have succeeded in. When at Philadela I thought nothing could exceed the Price of Goods at that Place, but I am soary that I have found good reason to change my Opinion, our Country is crouded with Harpies from Maryland, & Pensylvania, who buy up every Article, and retail them out again at the most intolerable Price, distressing the Poor at a cruel degree. Our Assembly provided No thing against this Evil, which We must submit to without any Hopes of redress, until October, unless the People fall upon Means to redress Themselves, which I fear, they will, from the great Want of Salt which these Devils have engross’d.
I am Happy to inform You that Your People at Devenport’s are recovered from their Sickness, They have had a dreadful Fever among Them—which has at last subsided, You have a Prospect of a very Plentiful Crop this Year, which is the Same through the Country, I have heard some Old Gentlemen say, that do not remember such Prospects of a Crop, these twenty Years past. there has been more rain Since Havest, then I ever remember to have seen fall at this Season of the Year, We shall have plenty if not Peace this Year, but I hope to enjoy both before this Time twelvemonths.
I shall always acknowledge with Pleasure, the many Favours & Kindnesses I have received at your Hands, and shall always gladly do every thing to make You some return; I must now beg of You Sir to accept as an Instance of Gratitude in Me, a Horse Colt, which was got by Delany’s Horse, out of a very fine High bred Mare, given Me by Mr Calvert I wish the Colt was older, as he would be more acceptable, he was foalded only in June, He is a dark Bay, with a Blaze in his Face, and as I am inform’d is a very Fine made Colt, and large—I must beg of You not to be scrupolous about accepting the Colt, as by doing It, You will much oblidge Me.
Nelly joins Me in wishing You Health and Victory over the Enemy and am Hon’d Sir yr most Affecte

J. P. Custis


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 8 August 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia August 8th 1777

Your favour of yesterday’s Date, with its Inclosures from General Schuyler I duly Rec’d, & laid before Congress.
We have no kind of News, nor have I any thing in Charge from Congress to communicate, further than to Inclose you several Resolutions

of Congress, to which I Beg leave to Refer you, and am with the utmost Esteem, Sir Your very hume Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 8 August 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Peeks kill [N.Y.] august 8th 1777

In consequence of my Sending the intelligence & orders to the Eastern States, receved from you, the militia are coming in fast from this, & from Connecticut, Genl Clinton is good anough to resume his former Command at Fort montgomery.
Accounts from the northward are that Genl Burgoin is at Fort Edward, that he has left the Grants & is coming down with his whole force—and our Army is at Stillwater—I have receved no further intelligence of the Enemys fleet’s coming this way—The Season of the year renders it particularly enteresting to the publick as well as the Individuals for the Militia of the Country to be at home unless absolute necessity

requires them to be in the field—the Enemy have at kings bridge about four thousand Troops—on long Island about Six hundred lying at Huntington & Sataket.
I Should be exceeding happy in your advice & direction respecting my line of Conduct—whether to Send any reinforcements to the Northward—or to advance towards kings bridge & Send a party upon long Island leaving a Strong Guard at this post, or whether I Shall release any part of the militia—or remain at this post with my whole Strength Doctr Leonard is gone from this to Danbury & it is hopefull he may recover. With esteem & respect dear Genl I am your most Obedient humble Servant

Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 8 August 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Albany August 8h 1777.

Inclose your Excellency a Letter for Congress under flying Seal, which you will please to peruse & cause to be forwarded.
It is much to be lamented that Massachusetts and Connecticut appear so loth to afford us any assistance—Whether the Reasons given by Majors Stevens & Sedgwick are the true ones, I cannot determine; but I know that from their unjust and ill founded prejudices against me arose that universal Clamor which I sustained. I am Dr Sir with great Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant.

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, 8 August 1777
From: Wharton, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
In Council Philadelphia August 8. 1777

Complaints has been made to the Council by William McIlvaine Esqr. chief Burgess of the Burrough of Bristol against Major alias Capt. Sims of the thirteenth Virginia regiment as having greatly insulted & abused the sd Burgess, and in support of the Complaint has laid the inclosed deposition & Letter before Us.
As it is of the greatest importance that the civil Magistrate should be supported we request your Excellency will order Major (or Captain) Sims either to make Satisfaction to Mr McIlvaine or give bail for his appearance at the next Court of Quarter Sessions of the peace for the County of Bucks to answer the charge which may be then brought against him.


Title: General Orders, 9 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

G.O.
Head Quarters Roxboro’ Augt 9th 1777

The Army is to move on slowly to Corrells Ferry and Cross the River, the March to begin tomorrow morning if it should not rain as early as possible. All absent Officers not on actual duty to be order’d to join their respective Corps immediately. The Commg Officers of Regts are to give in the names of all such Absentees to his Brigr or Officers Commd his Brigade who is to lose no time in issuing these orders, for

this Purpose all possible pains is also to be taken to get the men of each Regt to it.
The Wagon M. G. and all those acting in that Deportment under him are to govern themselves agreable to the Rules and Regulations of the Army Conformable to all G.O. in the Division and Brigades to which they respectively belong and those attach’d to Brigades to be subject to the verbal orders of the Field Officers of the Brigade appointed to the charge and direction of the line of March for the day, for any Offence they are to be confin’d to their Quarters, and tried by such Court Martial as shall be appointed to hear and determine the same, if any Officer in the department misbehaves either on the March or in Camp, Complaint is to be made to the Field Officers Superintending the Line of March for the day, or to the Brigr or Majr Genl of the Brige or Division; either of whom may order the person to confine himself to his Quarters as above. This Provision being made to keep Waggon Masters to their duty every Officer is positively forbidden to put any of them under Guard or in the Provost, and the doing it will assuredly subject them to be tried by a Court Martial for breach of Orders.
The Names of the Deputy Waggon Masters Genl appointed to the division of the Waggons of the Divisions to be inserted in the division orders, and those of the Waggon Masters of Briges in Brige Orders, and those Officers to have recourse to the G.O. for the better Regulation of their Conduct.
For the future the Commissaries are to Issue 5 Ounces of Soap for each Man pr Week and if it should ever happen that they have not soap to Issue they are by no means to give money in liew of the Soap allowed and not drawn but to reimburse Commg Officers of Regts & Corps such sums as they shall have expended for that Article for the use of their Regt & Corps when not to be had at the Commissaries Stores, but in such Cases the Officers will Confine themselves to the above allowance, and no Soldier on any pretence shall be permitted to sell his Soap, but if detected in doing it shall be severely punished. This Ample allowance of Soap being made, The Commg Officers of Regts & Corps will be answerable hence forward the Men appear decent and Clean. No Officer having appear’d before the board of Genl Officers to shew Cause why the abstracts cannot be made out agreable to G.O. it is expected they will be compleated and delivered to the Paymaster Genl by the time Limited in the G.O. of the 6th Inst and henceforward the pay abstracts are to be regularly delivered to the Paymaster Genl on the first Monday of every Month, for the Month Preceeding.
The Honble the Contl Congress have been pleas’d to appoint Willm Buckannan Esqr Commissary of Genl Purchases and Chs Stewart Esqr Commissary of Genl Issues of Provisions for the Armies in the service

of the United States. Joseph Trumbull Esqr the late Commissary Genl having declined serving in this department any longer.
All the rations of the Army are to be made up to next Monday in order for a Settlement with the late Commissary Genl Trumbull, Mr. Bates will attend the Army constantly till the whole are paid off, he will take his Quarters as near as he can to head Quarters.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 9 August 1777
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] 9th August 1777

Immediately on the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter directing from 1000 to 1500 of the Militia of this and the State of Connecticut to reinforce this Garrison and the Army under General Putnam I issued Orders for drawing out 810 including Non Commissioned Officers from this State for the above Purposes. Since which I have been induced by the Situation of our Affairs to the Northward in Addition to the above Numbers to order out 500 of the Militia from the Northern Parts of Ulster and Dutchess Counties 1000 from the County of Albany and 500 from the County of Tryon to reinforce the Army under Command of General Schuyler and to continue in Service until the first Day of November next unless your Excellency shall think proper to dismiss them before—Those from the two former Counties I have Reason to believe are by this Time on their March but I have not yet been advised what Success they have experienced in getting the Proportion allotted for the other Counties I fear not so good as could be wished the People in that Quarter consider their Western Frontier equally liable to the Incursions of the Enemy and influenced by this Consideration are Unwilling to leave their Families exposed and join our Army—as the Enemy advance many of the best of the Inhabitants are employed in moving off their Familes and Effects—Indeed I have always observed that the Militia of any Part of the Country most in Danger are for the

above Reasons least forward in opposing an Enemy some too decline acting under those Circumstances from unworthy Principles.
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 1st Instant Dated at Chester I received in Kingston on Wednesday last and thereupon ordered 4 Regiments of Militia to this Post 3 to join Genl Putnam at Peek’s Kill and one to occupy the Post at the Mouth of the Clove the last of those ordered here arrived Yesterday and I learn from General Putnam that those designed for him are also arrived at Peeks Kill. All the Remainder of the Militia of the State are under Marching Orders. I never knew the Militia come out with greater Alacrity but as many of them yet have great Part of their Harvests in the Field I fear it will be difficult to detain them long unless the Enemy make some Movements that indicate a Design of coming this Way suddenly and so obvious as to be believed by the Militia. I can’t but express my Surprize that no Reinforcements (as I have heard) have yet arrived to our Northern Army from the Eastward. The Want of Confidence in the General Officers to the Northward is the specious Reason—to me it appears a very weak one—the mutilated and destressed Condition of this State renders our utmost Exertions to oppose the Common Enemy in Appearance but little better than one half of it being out of our Possession. Common Gratitude to a Sister State as well as Duty to the Continent at large conspire in calling on our Eastern Neighbours to step forth on this Occasion and more especially as they only are in a Situation Totally to destroy General Burgoyne’s Army by intercepting his Supplies and even cutting off his Retreat to the Lakes.
The Detachment of 810 for this Garrison and Peeks Kill are not yet compleated owing to the Body of the Militia being so suddenly called out, but will be effected immediately on their Return Home ’till which Time I will endeavor to detain and equal Number of them here.
I have not yet received the late Resolves of Congress for recruiting the Army alluded to in your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th Instant—as soon as they come to Hand I will do every Thing in my Power to render them effectual and forward the requested Information. I am with much Esteem Your Excellency’s most obed. servt

Geo: Clinton