Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 15 March 1776
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Philad: March 15. 1776

This Morning your Express arrived with an Account of the interesting Events which have taken Place since this Month began.

I beg leave to congratulate you on Appearances so favourable to the Interests of our Country & your own Character. Not that in my Opinion it was the least clouded by your Inactivity as the Causes were well known, but it is certain that Enterprize & Success give a Brilliance & Lustre which cannot be unacceptable to a good Mind. We shall be very anxious for farther Accounts as these have left you at a critical Period of Suspence when we are led to expect some very important Change may soon happen.
I shall be careful of your confidential Account of your Council of War—I wish the Event may prove me mistaken but I am strongly possessed with an Idea that some Members of your Council never will concur in any Measure which leads to Danger, & I think you will make less & less Use of them in that Way every Day you are with them. Thomas I presume you know is made a Major Genl & ordered to Canada where old Wooster was throwing every Thing into Confusion & a superior Officer was necessary to keep the Peace. I don’t much like their thus taking away the Men in whom you may most trust but your Camp is considered as a School, & I fear the Service will require all their separated Attention & Ability. I wrote you before that Genl Lee was ordered to Virginia, Armstrong to South Carolina Thompson to New York. We have every Thing to fear from the Southward a cursed Spirit of Disaffection has appeared in the back Parts of North & South Carolina which if not subdued before the Forces arrive from England will prove a most formidabl⟨e⟩ piece of Business especially when connected with the Hosts of Negroes in the lower Part of the Country—Instead of painting their Strength & Power of Resistance in ostentatious Terms as is the Fashion of some Folks, the Gentlemen of that Country acknowledge their Weak⟨ness⟩ & dread the Consequences. I am really concerned for old Armstrong I think the Climate will destroy him.
You have had much Reason to think the Congress neg⟨lec⟩t your Camp in the Article of Ammunition, but I hope by the Time this reaches you—Ten Tons of our last Importation will be in your Camp—the Vessel brought but 300 Stand of Arms, but they are the best yet imported.
If Howe should leave Boston we expect he will make for New York, & at all Events we look upon that as one of the Scenes of

the Summer Business: in the former Case I find it supposed you will move Southward—By General Lee’s Account no Dependence is to be put on their Professions & the late Delegation from Congress came back with a very slender opinion of their Conduct which is timid and trimming to the greatest Degree. I am glad you have informed me how the Matter stood with the Connecticut Men; I had no Doubt but the step you took was founded upon Necessity which would justify the directing Troops to be r⟨a⟩isd, but I found it gave an Alarm to some Folks, & I believe I hinted it in a former Letter but your State must & I doubt not has given perfect Satisfaction. I have thought it a Duty I owe you to mention any Thing of this kind occurring as your Distance might otherwise prevent a suitable Explanation.
Most of your Camp Equipage will be completed this Week or the Beginning of next—I shall obey your Commands with Respect to the Waggon & Horses—there will be no Difficulty about the Money should the Treasurer here have any Scruples—as I shall advance it & we can settle that when we meet. I had ordered the Tables & several other Things which appeared to me be necessary tho not in your Order—I hope when you see them they will prove agreeable I have consulted Oeconomy as much as I thought consistent with your Rank & Station. Most of our Workmen are such Strangers to these Things that they are very slow & tedious two of the Tents are finished & the other just completed. I am never happier than when I am on your Business so that you may depend upon it that I shall spare no Pains to have them done in the best Manner, & forwarded with the greatest Expedition. The Destruction of the Mortars is very extraordinary, there certainly must be some Want of Skill in the Management of them.
I suppose old Putt was to command the Detachment intended for Boston on the 5th Inst.—as I do not know any Officer but himself who could have been depended on for so hazardous a Service—Should Howe decamp, I cannot say I should much regret that Day’s passing over so quietly, as if the Troops had behaved well there would have been a great Loss & if ill it would have ruined your whole Plan.
We have some Accounts from Virginia that Col. Henry has resigned in Disgust at not being made a General Officer—but it

rather ⟨gives⟩ Satisfaction than otherwise as his Abilities seem bett⟨er⟩ calculated for the Senate than the Field. We have no very late Accts from thence. A Man of War & some Tenders lately were up to Baltimore & gave them an Alarm which drove all their Women Children & valuable Effects out of Town but we have heard nothing since—Poor Fry—Heaven & Earth was moved to get him in—he was every Thing that was great & wonderful, now I suppose we shall hear no more of him.
Not a Syllable yet from our Fleet it is 4 Weeks tomorrow since they left our Capes—Should they fall in with the 12 Men of War conveying the Transports to Virginia it is all over with them—& we think there is very great Danger of it. My next must certainly give some Intelligence.
Now for our own News. The Packet arrived last Week at New York & in her came Passenger Mr Robert Temple (Owner of the late beautiful Farm) below our Lines he came to Town last Night; the Report is that in Papers under his Buttons he has brought a Letter from Arthur Lee advising that the Commissioners were coming out instructed to settle the Dispute to get from us as much as they can, but if Peace cannot be had on their Terms to make it on ours. I mention it to you as a Report for to me it seems so inconsistent with all that we have seen & heard that I do not believe a Word of it. I shall get more certain Intelligence soon of his Business & it shall make a Part of my next Letter. We every Moment expect to hear of these Gentrys Arrival—they are if possible to treat with the Assemblies but if that cannot be obtained then with Congress. A little Time will shew what we are to expect from this new Project. For my Part I can see nothing to be hoped from it but it ⟨has⟩ laid ⟨fast⟩ hold of som⟨e here⟩ & made its Impress⟨ion⟩ on the Congr⟨ess.⟩ It is said the Virginians are so alarmed with the Idea of Independence that they have sent Mr Braxton on Purpose to turn the Vote of that Colony, if any Question on that Subject should come before Congress. To tell you the Truth my dear Sir, I am infinitely more afraid of these Commissioners than their Generals & Armies—If their Propositions are plausible & Behaviour artful I am apprehensive they will divide us—there is so much Suspicion in Congress & so much Party on this Subject, that very little more Fuel is required to kindle the Flame. It is high Time for the Colonies to begin a gradual Change of Delegates

—private Pique Prejudice & Suspicion will make its Way into the Breasts of even good Men sitting long in such a Council as ours, & whenever that is the Case their Deliberations will be disturbed & the publick Interest of course suffer.
We have made a very great Change in the Councils of this Province & I hope a favourable one for the Common Cause having introduced 17 new Members at once into the House of Assembly, the Increase of Representation is in those Parts of the Province where the Spirit of Liberty most prevails & of Consequence our Measures will partake of it.
We have had a Vessel Load of Linnens on Acct of Congress arrived within these few Days past but I do not hear a Word of Tents—what our Army is expected to do without them I cannot conceive.
Ld Stirling has stopp’d some of our Troops bound to Canada as it is not possible to keep the Connecticut People beyond their own Time—Genl Lee with great difficulty induced some of them to prolong their Stay 2 Weeks which I believe was more than could be done with you.
Mr Deane of Connecticut is gone to Europe his Errand may be guessed tho little is said about it. The french Vessels begin to find their Way to our Ports two or three having come in this Spring, but their Cargoes are chiefly West India Goods—a litt⟨le⟩ very little Powder merely as a Cover.
Since writing the above I have conversed with some Gentlemen who have seen Mr Temple—I find he only bring two Letters wrote by Dr Lee to himself & that his Information of the Powers of the Commissioners is not built on any certain Authority but rather his own Conjectures. He says the Ministry are resolved on Peace if to be had—they are willing to treat with Congress but the King would not hear of it. The Difficulty of recruiting is very great in England Scotland & Ireland—scarce a Man more to be had on any Terms. I send you a Morning Paper containing the current News. My respectful Complimts with Mrs R⟨eed’s⟩ to Mrs Washington—& am Dr Sir Most sin[c]erely & Affect. Yours


Title: To George Washington from Lord Stirling, 15–17 March 1776
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

My Dear General.
New York March 15[-17]th 1776

On wednesday last I received Mr Moylans letter of the 9th and Immediatly sent forward to Philadelphia the Express who brought it. I communicated the Intelligence to the provincial Convention then Sitting; we have ever since been taking every measure in our power to Secure this place and Long Island in Such a manner as will prevent the enemy from making any Lodgement in either of them. The Convention has very Chearfully & Spiritedly come into every measure I proposed to them as you will See by the Inclosed paper which will best inform you of the Steps we have taken. 370 half barrels of powder arrived here yesterday from Philadelphia for your Camp, but the Casks are in Such a Shattered Condition that one half of it would be lost before it could proceed one hundred miles further, I have therefore Ordered the whole of it to be Started into good Strong light Casks, which will be done by monday next, by which time I hope to have directions from Congress either to Send it forward or detain it at this place, you will by same Inclosed paper see the State of that article in this place.
March 17: I have this evening received dispatches from the Congress by which I find they have Resolved that Eight Thousand men be Ordered for the Defence of this Colony, But as I know the Incomplete State of most of the Regiments ordered for this Service are now in, I am Sure that not one half of them will be here and fit for ⟨S⟩ervice these four or five weeks, I have therefore been obliged to call in some Millitia ⟨(p⟩erhaps two thousand may come) to act in the mean time as fatigue in Carrying ⟨on⟩ the works; I mention this Circumstance that In case the Ministerial Troops do ⟨a⟩ctually leave Boston, it may not be Supposed that the Troops voted are or can be ⟨h⟩ere in any probable time to Oppose them, We have in the whole here at present ⟨b⟩ut about Two thousand men exclusive of the Millitia of the City which may amount to About as many more, the latter have very Chearfully turned out on Fatigue for the last Three days, and we are all hands employed in Fortifying Such posts as were thought most proper by General Lee and myself

after several times viewing the whole ground, on Long Island as well as on this. I am Your most Obedient humble Servant

Stirling,


Title: Instructions to Jeduthan Baldwin, 16 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Baldwin, Jeduthan

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge 16 March 1776

You are hereby Order’d to proceed immediately to the City of Newyork where being arrived, you are to receive and follow such Orders & directions as shall be given you by the Officer Commanding the Continental Forces there. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from John Morgan, 16 March 1776
From: Morgan, John
To: Washington, George

Cambridge 16 March 1776. Certifies that Joseph Joslyn is qualified to be surgeon of Col. James Mitchell Varnum’s regiment.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 17–19 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Cambridge March 17.[- 19] 1776

I have the pleasure to Inform you that this morning the Ministerial Troops evacuated the Town of Boston without destroying It, and that we are now in the full possession, upon which events I beg leave to Congratulate you, and sincerely wish If the Ministry persevere in the same unconstitutional and despotic measures which too long have marked their conduct, that our opposition and resistance in every quarter may be crowned with the success they have been here.
where their destination is or what plans they have in view, is altogether unknown, most probably the next attempt will be against New York or some more Southern Colony; However I shou’d think, tho I do not beleive they have any design against Rhode Island, that It will be advisable to keep a strict look out, & Submit It to you, whether It may not be proper, against the

time you apprehend they might arrive, to call in a number of the Militia and have ’em posted in proper places—I do not mean to direct the measure, but only to mention It for your consideration, to me It appears worthy of attention. I am Sir with great esteem Yr Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. March 19. The fleet are yet in King & Nantasket Roads.

G.W.

P.S. At the request of Colo. Babcock, I wou’d Inform you that It is not usual to fire upon an Enemy while a Flag is passing between the armies, But as to the propriety of the Flag alluded to & respecting Col. Babcocks case, I know nothing of It, I think every kind of Intercourse with the Ships shou’d be stopped, we cannot be benefitted by It—they may and certainly will very greatly.

G.W.


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 18th 1776
Parole The Congress.Countersign Liberty.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 18 March 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence March 18th 1776

I am favoured with yours of the 8th & 14th instant to which I have paid the greatest Attention. The several Regiments of Militia are ordered to hold themselves in Readiness to march in Case the Enemy should land in this Colony, and the General Assembly is called to meet this Day. As a Part of the Army in Boston, supposing them to be destined to the Southward, might with but little Loss of Time land upon and destroy Rhode Island, and cut off the Troops there, without some effectual Measures are taken to oppose them, I thought these Steps which were all it was in my Power to take, necessary. I also beg Leave to suggest to your Excellency the Propriety of ordering a Part of the Forces designed for New York to march through this Colony. The Rout will not be much further, and they will be at Hand to repel any Attack of the Enemy.
I shall give your Excellency the earliest Intelligence of every Motion of the Enemy that shall come to my Knowledge. I am with great Truth and Esteem, Sir Your most obedient hble Servt

Nichs Cooke


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 March 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] March 18th 1776

I Recd your Favr of the 14th Instant in which you Informe me the Enemy have embarked their Troops on Bord a Number of Transports and are now making a shameful Retreat from Boston That their Destination is Conjectured to be either for Halifax or New York. the latter Place most Probable I should on my Part rather Conjecture that their Women & Children with the Tory Families if any on Bord are for Halifax and the Troops for N. York &C. if they mean to Evacuate that Town; but may it not be Probable notwithstanding all appearances that the Enemy expecting an Attack on Boston are only Clearing off all Incumberances and Sending off their (at Present) Useless Baggage in Order to be better Able to withstand your Attack and to give you a more warm Reception and if possible a fatal Repulse, a Hint of this I dare say you will not take amiss tho’ I entertain not the least Doubt of yur greatest Attention and utmost Precaution to guard against the most subtile Wiles and Artful Intrigues of an artful Enemy as well as their open Force and Violence. But appearances I fully agree most probably point at New York and as a Request from you on all these publick Occasions come with the greatest Force notwithstanding we have Great Draughts of Men from this Colony to various Quarters and have now at New York in Consequence of your late Requisition by Genl Lee two Regiments amounting to fifteen Hundred

Men, which Just as I Recd yours had Dispatched Orders to them to Continue in Service till further Directions and in Consequence of your last Request and in Consideration of the Importance of se⟨curing⟩ N. York and the Advantage of a Prior Possession have given Orders to the Field Officers of Several Regiments in this Colony nearest New York & where they may arrive at the Place with the greatest Expedition immediately by Detachments to Draught out & forward by Land or Water to N. York, Twenty Companies Consisting of ninety each Including Officers, to Admit of no Delay and there to put themselves under the Commanding Officer at that Place and Remain till releived by such Part of your Army as you may think proper to send there, at the same Time as a very Busy Season for Farmers is soon approaching am obliged to let them know that it is most probable they will soon be released and discharged unless such as may choose to inlist themselves for further Service On Occasions like the present the Field Officers of the Militia are sent to Command their Regiments According to a former Law of this Colony in Case of Alarm & I have Ordered their Proper Field Officers to take Command Accordingly As we are Obliged now to Drain off our Militia so as to leave our Sea-Coasts Bare of Men and as an Attack may very suddenly be made upon some Parts thereof even in the present Movements from Boston I Cannot but Request that in the March of your Troops to N. York they be Directed to take their Rout on or near the Sea-Coast which will be nearer than through Hartford and a much Dryer Road at this Season as thereby they will be a Guard and ready to oppose the Enemy if any such Attempts should be made at the Same Time making their Approach to New York as Expeditiously as any other Way unless Delayed by Opposing the Enemy which am in Hopes there may be no Occasion for. I have ordered Capt. Niles to keep a Good Look out for the Enemy as far as Block-Island and Montag Point and if any Int⟨elligence from him⟩ of Consequence shall Immediately Acquaint you therewith and am Sir with great Esteem and Regard your most Obedient Humble Servt

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General David Wooster, 18 March 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Wooster, David

Letter not found: to Brigadier General David Wooster, 18 Mar. 1776. Wooster’s letter to GW of 25 Feb. is endorsed in part: “Answerd the 18th March 1776.”


Title: General Orders, 19 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 19th 1776.
Parole Philadelphia.Countersign Sydney.

Brigade Major Henly, being ordered to attend Genl Heath, Brigade Major Cary is to take the duty of both those Brigades until further orders, and is therefore upon no account to be absent from Cambridge.
All Officers, Soldiers and others, are positively forbid going into the Town of Boston without a pass, or being sent expressly upon duty; As soon as the Select Men report the Town to be cleansed from Infection, liberty will be given to those who have business there, to go in. The Inhabitants belonging to the Town may be permitted to return to their habitations, proper persons being appointed at the Neck and at Charles-Town-ferry, to grant them passes.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge 19 March 1776

It is with the greatest pleasure I inform you that on Sunday last, the 17th Instant, about 9 O’Clock in the forenoon, The Ministerial Army evacuated the Town of Boston, and that the Forces of the United Colonies are now in actual possession thereof. I beg leave to congratulate you Sir, & the honorable

Congress—on this happy Event, and particularly as it was effected without endangering the lives & property of the remaining unhappy Inhabitants.
I have great reason to imagine their flight was precipitated by the appearance of a Work which I had Order’d to be thrown up last Saturday Night, on an Eminence at Dorchester which lay nearest to Boston Neck, call’d Newks Hill. The Town, although it has suffer’d greatly is not in so bad a state as I expected to find it, and I have a particular pleasure in being able to inform you Sir, that your house has receiv’d no damage worth mentioning. Your furniture is in tolerable Order and the family pictures are all left entire and untouch’d. Capt. Cazneau takes Charge of the whole until he shall receive further Orders from you.
As soon as the Ministerial Troops had quitted the Town, I order’d a thousand Men (who had had the Small Pox) under Command of General Putnam to take possession of the Heighths, which I shall endeavour to fortify in such a manner as to prevent their return should they attempt it, but as they are still in the Harbour I thought it not prudent to march off with the Main Body of the Army until I should be fully satisfied they had quitted the Coast—I have therefore only detach’d five Regiments, beside the Rifle Battalion, to New York, and shall keep the remainder here till all Suspicion of their return ceases.
The Situation in which I found their Works evidently discovered that their retreat was made with the greatest precipitation—They have left their Barracks & other Works of Wood at Bunkers Hill &c. all standing, & have destroy’d but a small part of their Lines. They have also left a number of fine pieces of Cannon, which they first spik’d up, also a very large Iron Mortar, and (as I am inform’d) they have thrown another over the end of your Wharf—I have employ’d proper Persons to drill the Cannon & doubt not shall save the most of them. I am not yet able to procure an exact list of all the Stores they have left, as soon as it can be done I shall take care to transmit it to you. From an Estimate of what the Quarter Master Gen’ral has already discover’d the Amount will be 25 or 30,000£.
Part of the Powder mention’d in yours of the 6th Instt, has already arriv’d—The remainder I have order’d to be stop’d on the Road as we shall have no occasion for it here. The Letter to

General Thomas I immediately sent to him, he desir’d leave for three or four days to settle some of his private Affairs after which he will set out for his Command in Canada—I am happy that my Conduct in intercepting Lord Drummond’s Letter is approv’d of by Congress. I have the honor to be, with sincere respect Sir Your most obedt Servt.


Title: Instructions and Orders for Brigadier General William Heath, 19 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

[Cambridge, 19 March 1776]

As you are Forthwith to take upon You the Command of the Brigade, now upon their March to Norwich in Connecticutt, consisting of the 5th, 16th, 19th, 24th & 25th Regiments, you will without Delay proceed to Norwich where you will confer with the persons appointed to provide Vessells for the Transportation of The Troops to New York; Dispatch, & Secrecy are necessary in Embarquing, & Sailing with This Brigade from thence to the Place of Their Destination, in doing which, you must be intirely Governed by the information you will receive

at Norwich, & such intelligence of the motions of The Enemys Ships of War, & Armed Vessells, as you will be able to procure at Norwich, and from the Mouth of that River. as you have your Own Coast Aboard, there will be no risque in Transporting the Troops by Water, unless the Enemies Ships are in possession of the Mouth of the River, previous to your Arrival there; in that Case, you will disembarque the Troops, & March the Brigade by Land to New York.
Perceiving that Several of the Baggage Carts carried from hence Tables, and other Articles of Househould Furniture, You are Stricktly enjoin’d to ease the Carriages of all such Trumpery, & positively not to suffer the March of the Brigade to be retarded by any unecessary Luggage being put in the Baggage Carts.
By the Order of March, deliverd to The Commanding Officers of the several Divisions of the Brigade, now upon their March to Norwich, it is Forcibly recommended to them to exert their Utmost Dilligence and Authority, to prevent all Pillaging, & Marauding, and every Species of Abuse, or Ill treatment of the Inhabitants of the Country: this Order you will continue to enforce, & Command to be Stricktly Observed.
Upon your Arrival with The Brigade at New York, you will wait upon the Commanding General there, and receive, and Obey such Orders, & Instructions, as he shall think necessary to Give, but you are not upon any Account to go before your Brigade into that City, nor be at any Time Absent from them more than Ten Miles, taking particular care to acquaint the Colonels, Commanding The Divisions, where you lay of Nights that they may know where to send upon any emergency For your Orders & Directions. if when you Arrive at New York there is no General of Superior Rank, nor no Senior Officer to yourself, You will Take the Command of The Army there, & with all possible dilligence proceed in Executing Major General Lee’s plan for Fortifying that Post & the Intrench’d Camp proposed: Given at Head Quarters in Cambridge this 19th day of March 1776.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 19 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

My dear Sir,
Cambridge 19th March 1776.

We have, at length, got the Ministerial Troops in this Quarter on Ship board. Our possessing Dorchester Heights, as mentioned in my last, put them (after they had given over the design of attacking us) into a most violent hurry to Imbark, which was still further precipitated on Sunday Morning by our breaking Ground on Nukes hill (the point nearest the Town) the night before. The whole Fleet is now in Nantasket & Kings Roads waiting for, I know not what, unless to give us a parting blow; for which I shall endeavour to be prepared.
The hurry in which they have Imbark’d is inconceivable, they have not, from a rough estimate, left less than 30,000£s worth of his Majestys Property behind them, in Provision’s and Stores, Vessels, Rugs Blankets &ca—near 30 pieces of fine heavy Cannon are left (Spiked, which we are now drilling) a Mortar or two—Shott Shells &ca in abundance—All their Artillery Carts,

Powder Waggens, &ca which they have been 12 Months about are left with such abuse as their hurry would permit them to bestow; whilst others, after a little cutting & hacking were thrown into the harbour & now visiting every shore—In short you can Scarce form an Idea of the matter. Valuable Vessels are left with only a Mast or Bowsprit cut down—some of them loaded—their Works all standing—upon examination of which, especially that at Bunkers Hill, we find amazingly strong. 20,000 Men could not have carried it against one thousd had that work been well defended. The Town of Boston was almost impregnable every avenue fortified.
I have already Marchd the Riflemen men, and five Regiments for New York—I cannot spare more whilst the Fleet hover in our harbour—so soon as they are fairly gone, more will follow with all expedition, as I shall do myself, as I suppose New York to be the object in view. I write you in much haste & therefore can only add that I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington

I impatiently wish to see you.


Title: To George Washington from the Rhode Island General Assembly, 19 March 1776
From: Rhode Island General Assembly
To: Washington, George

Colony of Rhode Island &c.East Greenwich March 19th 1776
Sir

The General Assembly of the Colony of Rhode Island &c. acknowledge with Gratitude the timely Notice you have been pleased to give them of the late Movement of the Ministerial Troops. The necessary Orders have in Consequence thereof been given to the Militia of this Colony to hold themselves in Readiness should any Attack or Lodgment be made here by said Troops. But we must inform your Excellency that the Great Number of Troops sent out of this Colony have considerably thinned our Numbers; that the Troops raised and stationed within this Colony have necessitated the Colony to take

the Arms out of the Hands of a great Part of the Militia which hath made us greatly deficient in Arms. The singular Situation of this Colony will we hope excite your Excellency’s immediate Attention; Rhode Island and the many other Islands in our Bays and Rivers with the extensive Sea-Coast renders it very difficult to defend ourselves against the present ministerial Forces. What our Situation must be if a large armed Force should make a Landing upon Rhode Island or any other Part of the Colony your Excellency may as easily suggest as we can describe. It will we are sure be your Excellency’s great Concern to defend every Part of the Continent as far as possible. Should your Excellency see fit to order any Part of the Forces from the Vicinity of Boston to any of the Southern Colonies we would wish your Excellency to order their March through this Colony by the Sea Shore that we might have the Chance of their being present should the Colony be immediately invaded, and whether it may not be nec[e]ssary that a considerable Force should be immediately stationed here till the Intention of the Enemy can be known, We also submit to your Excellency: We are extremely solicitous of all the Assistance your Excellency can afford us consistent with the general Good; and doubt not but the utmost Attention will be paid by your Excellency to our peculiarly distressed and dangerous Situation. At the Request and in Behalf of the General Assembly I subscribe myself Your Excellency’s Most obedt and Most hble Servt

Nichs Cooke


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 19 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Cambridge 19th March 1776.

The 17th Inst. Mr Bennet handed me your Favor of the 9th it mortifies me beyond Expression to find the Troops going to Canada so badly provided with arms—I have so often mentioned the Situation we are in from the same Cause, that I shall not trouble you more thereon—Indeed your Letters and mine seem Echo’s to each other enumerating our mutual Difficulties—Should Success crown our Labors the Reflection will not be disagreeable—A short Detail of what has happened here, since I last wrote you, will I dare say afford you pleasure.
The Night of the 4th Instant we possessed ourselves of Dorchester Heights; which alarmed the Enemy so much that they made their Dispositions to engage us, which was what I most earnestly wish’d for, but a violent Storm coming on the Evening of the 5th gave us Time to strenthen our Works & cool’d the Enemy’s Ardor: from that Moment they made all possible Diligence in preparing to move off—our advancing still closer to them on the 16th by taking post on an Eminence called Nookhill, which commands their Works on the Neck of Land, which seperates the Town from Roxboro’ also commands the South part of Boston, has obliged the Enemy to take to their Ships, which rather in a precipitate Manner they effected on the 17th in the Morning leaving behind them about 30 p[iece]s of excellent Cannon & two Mortars spiked, a Number of Ball, some Shells, the chief part of their Light Horse, Forage, 20,000 Bushels of Wheat, 2500 Chaldrons of Coals, a large Quantity of Salt, Rugs and Blankets with many other articles too tedious to mention.
The Ships now lie below the Castle extending themselves to Nantasket Road, about nine Miles, I do not expect that they will pay us another visit, tho’ as a Number of Transports have appeared this Morning to have joined them, they may be tempted which will prevent my sending off any more Troops until they quit the Harbour.
It is uncertain where they may go from hence—Long Island or New York is in my Opinion the place of their Destination—I have sent off a Rifle Regiment & five Batallions to New York, and when I can be certain of their having fairly left these parts,

I shall remove the rest of the Army there, where I shall have great pleasure to meet you in tolerable Health.
The Return of the Troops with General Arnold is received, also the Depositions respecting Colonel Allen’s Usage, which has been very cruel.
I am in Hopes we shall be able to collect some hard Money from the Inhabitants of Boston, if we do you shall soon be informed thereof.
Application has been made to the Commissary Mr Chamier relative to the Subsistance of the prisoners in our possession which I believe is settled with David Franks of Philadelphia. I remain with very great Esteem Dear Sir Your most affec: h: St

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 19 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord
Cambridge March 19. 1776

I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 11th Instant & to give you my congratulations upon your late appointment by the Honourable Congress.
If the intelligence is true and to be depended on, which was brought by the Gentn to New York, I think with you, that we shall have an Opportunity of securing & putting the Continent in a tolerable posture of defence, and that the operations of the Summers Campaign will be not so terrible, as we were taught to expect, from the accounts and denunications which the Ministry have held forth to the publick.
I have the pleasure to inform you, that on the morning of the 17 Instant General Howe with his Army abandon’d the Town of Boston without destroying It, an event of much importance

and which must be heard with great satisfaction, and that we are now in full possession—Their embarkation & retreat were hurried and precipitate and they have left behind ’em stores of one thing and another to a pretty considerable amount, among which are several peices of Heavy Cannon & one or two Mortars which are spiked—The Town is in a much better situation and less Injured, than I expected from the reports I had received, tho to be sure It is much damaged, and many Houses despoiled of their valuable furniture.
The Fleet is still in King and Nantasket Roads and where they Intend to make a descent next, is altogether unknown, but supposing New York to be an Object of much importance & to be in their view, I must recommend your most strenuous and active exertions in preparing to prevent any designs or Attempts they may have against It—I have detached the Riflemen & Five Batallions from hence to your Assistance, which will be followed by others as circumstances will allow—These with what forces you have & can Assemble If there shou’d be an occasion, I trust will be sufficient to hinder the Enemy from possessing the City or making a Lodgement ’till the main body of this Army can arrive. I am My Lord with great esteem Your Most Obedt & Humble servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 20 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 20th 1776
Parole Dorchester.Countersign Salem.

Whitcombs, Phinneys, and Huchinsons Regiments are to march into Boston this day, and remain there until further orders, they are to guard the Town, and the public stores there,

and do all such fatigue, and other duties, as the General commanding there, thinks proper to order—Every possible precaution will be taken to destroy the Infection of the small-pox. The Troops now in Boston are to march out, and join their respective Regiments, upon being relieved by the Regiments that are to march in. The Posts on Bunkers-hill, Breed’s-hill, and Charles-Town Ferry, are to be garrison’d by Col. Waldron’s Regt, who is to take especial care that the Abbaties, picketting &c. are preserved entire—The Qr M. Genl is to see that Fire wood, or Coals, is immediately laid in for the supply of those posts. The Commissary Genl has Orders, immediately to lay in a proper supply of provisions, for the Garrisons of Boston, Bunkers-hill & Dorchester Heights.


Title: General Orders, 21 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 21st 1776
Parole New-York.Countersign Hallifax

Learnards and Cary’s Regiments, are to march this Afternoon and relieve the Troops upon Dorchester Heights, where those Regiments are to remain in Garrison, until further orders—The Dep. Qr Mr Genl will provide Carriages from Roxbury, and provisions are order’d by the Commissary General to be stored upon the heights.
The Details for the Roxbury, and Cambridge Departments, will be deliver’d to the Majors of brigade, with this days orders.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 21 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Cambridge March 21. 1776

Your favours of the 18 & 19 Instant I received and am extremely sorry to hear that your Militia are so deficient in Arms—I fear the misfortune is too common, nor do I know how It will be remedied—In this Army, Although I have pursued every mode I cou’d devise for procuring them, there is still a great deficiency & a considerable number of men without any in their hands. The peculiar situation of Rhode Island & Its extensive Sea coast had not escaped my mind, I well know the Enemy have It in their power to do It considerable damage unless there is a Sufficient force to repel their attempts—But I do not apprehend that they have It in view—It is the opinion of the General Officers here, that their destination is against New York, the importance of which, as It secures the free communication between the Northern & Southern Colonies and will prevent them from possessing Hudsons river and from having an easy pass into Canada, makes It absolutely necessary for the whole of this Army, which is but inconsiderable, except that part of It, which will be left here to secure the Stores, Barracks & other public property to be marched from hence for Its defence with all possible expedition—It is an Object that commands our first attention, and If lost will be of the most fatal consequence to us in the present unhappy & Interesting struggle—But lest any Hostile attempts shou’d be intended against you, I shall Order the Officers commanding Brigades, If they have Intelligence of an Invasion upon their march, forthwith to return to your succour, and will also direct the Officer who will remain here with the Troops under his command to do the same when ever necessity shall require It.
Agreable to the request made by you & your Honourable General Assembly, I will with cheerfulness and pleasure direct some of the last divisions to goe the Route you wish, If they can be accomodated with sufficient covering & provision, and shall ever be ready & happy to render the Colony of Rhode Island or any other place, any services in my power, that may be compatible with the General good. I am Sir with Sentiments of the highest regard Your & their most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


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

Sir
Philadelphia 21st March 1776 Thursday Eveng

I am this Moment honour’d with your favr of 13th by Express which I shall lay before Congress in the Morning; I expect immediately to be order’d to Dispatch the first Fessenden to you, when I shall have the honour to write you very particularly.
This is only to Inform you that I have Sent Two hundred & Fifty Thousand Dollars for the use of the Army under your Command, to the Care of Thomas Hanson, John Donaldson & Moses Franks Esqrs. Gentlemen of Character, who I am Confident will meet your Notice. I am with the fullest Sentiments of Esteem, Sir Your very hume sevt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 21 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts General Court

Gentn
Cambridge March 21st 1776

E’re now, I was in hopes of congratulating you on the departure of the Ministerial Troops, not only from your Capitol, but Country. That they still remain in the Harbour after being five days Imbark’d, affords matter for speculation; and collected as their Force now is, of Apprehension—This Circumstance—the security of Boston by a Work on Fort hill, and demolition of the Lines on the Neck—and preservation of the Stores belonging to the King (for Continental use) by a proper search after them, rendered it indispensably necessary for me to throw some Troops into that Town immediately (it coming within the proper line of my duty) but notwithstanding all the precaution which I have endeavourd to use to restrain and limit the Intercourse between the Town, and Army & Country for a few days, I greatly fear that the Small Pox will be communicated to both.
So soon as the Fleet sets Sail my attention must be turn’d to another Quarter, and most of the Continental Regiments, now here, March’d off; it may be necessary therefore for you Gentlemen to consider the state of your Harbour, and think of such Works as shall be found necessary for the Defence of it, and the Town, in case another Armd Force (which I by no means expect) should be sent hither—I shall leave three or four Regiments (as Circumstances may require) for security of the Stores, and throwing up such Works as shall be deem’d necessary for the purposes abovementioned; and shall direct the Officer Commanding them to receive such Instructions in respect to the latter, as you may think proper to give.
It has been suggested to me, that in the Town of Boston &ca, there is a good deal of property belonging to Refugees, and such other Inimical Persons as from the first of the present dispute have manifested the most unfriendly disposition to the American Cause; and that part of this property is in such kind of Effects as can be easily Transported—concealed—or changed—I submit to you therefore, Gentlemen, the expediency of

having an enquiry made into this matter before it be too late for redress; leaving the decission there upon (after the quantum or value is ascertaind, & held in a state of durance) to the consideration of a future day—I have ordered that no violence be offered by the Soldiery either to the Persons, or property of these People, wishing that the matter may be taken into consideration by your Honble Body, & in such a way, as you shall judge most advisable.
The Inclosed came to me a few days ago, and I beg leave to recommd the purport of it to the Consideration of the Court—I shall take the liberty to add, as my opinion, that the Congress expects nothing else than that the Field Officers of the Massachusets Regiments should receive the same pay as those of the other Colonies have done, and that they expected at the time the pay was fixed, that £15 to a Colonel—£12 to a Lieut. Colonel—and £10 to a Major was the actual Establishment of this Government. I could wish therefore they were allowed it, to remove the jealousies and uneasinesses which have arisen. I am with great respect and esteem Gentn Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 21 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge March 21st 1776

I received your favor of the 18th instant, and concur with you in opinion, that their Women and Children with the Tory Families will most probably go to Halifax. This is what I meant and alluded to, having never suspected that they, especially the latter, would go to New York.
I am extremely obliged by your friendly hints and shall ever

receive them with pleasure, but I do not think that they were apprehensive of an attack from our side, but rather preparing to make one; however let their designs have been what they may, I have the satisfaction to inform you, that, on sunday morning last, they totally evacuated the Town; and we are now in full possession: upon which event I beg leave to congratulate you, and the more so, as the Town is in a much better situation than was expected. Added to this, they have left, by means of their precipitate retreat, Stores of one kind and another to a pretty considerable amount, a particular detail of which, or estimation of their value, I have not yet got—Notwithstanding they have abandoned the Town, and there have been favorable winds for their departure, they are still lying with their Fleet in Nantasket Road, but for what purpose, is a matter of much conjecture. Some supposing their vessels to have been loaded with such hurry and confusion as to be unfit for Sea, and to require sundry things and arrangements to be settled previous to their going out. But for my own part, I cannot but suspect they are waiting for some opportunity to give us a stroke, at a moment when they conceive us to be off our guard, in order to retrieve the honor they have lost by their shameful and scandalous retreat, diminishing much from that Lustre and renown which British Armies were wont to boast and justly claimed as their right—Suspecting them of such motives, I shall not detach any more of the Army than what is gone already, untill they have taken their departure and quitted the Coast.
I heartily thank you for your kind and ready attention to my last requisition, and am glad that the Companies you have ordered, are of the Militia, the trouble and inconvenience occasioned by them, being far less than what generally attend Volunteers—Nothing but necessity and the importance of New York to us in the present Contest could have induced the application, and therefore as soon as they can be spared, by the arrival of our Army, they will be at liberty to return home again to their common and necessary employments, except such as may choose to inlist and continue in Service.
In compliance with your request, I shall direct the Troops, or some part of them that go from hince after the Ministerial Fleet are gone, to pursue their Route on or near the Sea Coast, if they can be accommodated with cov[erin]g and Provision, that

they may be ready to oppose the Enemy in case they make any attempts upon your Colony about the time of their going: tho’ that is what I do not apprehend; I rather suppose when they once set out, that they will repair to New York or wherever bound with all possible dispatch to secure the place they are destined for by surprise, lest preparations should be made to receive and prevent them. I am Sir your most humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: General Orders, 22 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 22nd 1776.
Parole Grafton.Countersign,

The Colonel of Artillery, Quarter Master General, Commissary General and Commissary of Ordnance stores, to make out exact Returns of all military Stores, Provisions &c. &c. now in Boston, Cambridge, Roxbury, Dorchester Heights, and Forts &c. adjacent—This must be done in the correctest manner, and when finish’d and sign’d, delivered by the proper Officer of each department, to the Commander in Chief.
The Provost Marshal is forthwith to remove with his prisoners, to Boston—The prisoners of war, and John Stevens, are by his Excellency’s order, to be put into Boston goal.
The Majors of Brigade, to order the Adjutants to be punctual in delivering their weekly returns at orderly time to morrow.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Adams, 22 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, Samuel

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 22d Mar: 1776.

Amidst a multiplicity of Business smaller matters are apt to be overlook’d—this I conceive to be the case with respect to the proposition of a Colo. Baillie, for opening a Road from Connecticut River to Montreal, and which I laid before Congress for their direction some Months ago—The matter again occurs upon a Second application, from Mr Weatherspoon (the bearer, at, as I understand, the Instigation of Colo. Baillie) whom I have desired to obtain such useful Information as he can get, and wait upon Congress with it.
If a safe, and easy Communication can be open’d with Canada through the Channel above spoken of, many advantages undoubtedly will result from it. but as I am unacquainted with the Country through which this Road is to pass—as I know nothing of the Gentleman advising it—and can form no other opinion of the matter than from the Maps, the only design of my giving you the trouble of this Letter is just to recall the Attention of Congress to the subject matter of it so far as to say yea, or nay.
For the Occurrances of this Camp &ca I shall beg leave to refer you to my Letters to Congress—& to assure you that I am with very great respect and Esteem Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 22–23 March 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Norwich [Conn.]March 22nd[-23] 1776

I this Evening Reached Norwich, having left Colo. Pattersons Division about Twenty miles Back on the Road. The men march with Surprising Agility Scarcely Complaining of being fatigued But the Road being Extreemly mirry and in Some

places Almost Impassable Greatly Impedes the waggons which is an Obstruction to the whole; 23rd this morning Rode to the Landing, find the Shiping in a good way and will Soon be fitted for the Sea—A Bout noon Starks Patersons and Greatons Regiments arrived in Town as Did Capt. Dana’s Company of the artillery Train and in the afternoon Colo. Webbs, Colo. Bonds is not yet got in. I have the Pleasure to acquaint your Exy that good order has been preserved upon the march. I am preparing with the greatest Dispatch to forward the Troops to new york and not a moment shall be lost, Never were men in finer Spirits But many of these Especially in Colo. Starks Regt Complain on Account of not having Recd their pay—and not having money even to Buy a pint of Cyder on the Road. I must beg your Excellency would Relieve them at new york as soon as Possable. I have ordered five or Six Days Provisions to be Cooked to morrow for the Passage as it Cannot be Done on Board, I ⟨illegible⟩


Title: From George Washington to John Morgan, 22 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, John

[Cambridge] Friday-Morning. 22d Mar. 1776.

The General presents his best respects to Doctr Morgan—Upon enquiry of Colonel Mifflin, concerning the Horse (the Doctr very kindly made a tender of to him) he is given to understand, that this Horse did not belong to the King, or any of his Officers; but was the property of a Doctr Loyd, an avow’d Enemy to the American Cause—As the Genel does not know under what predicament the property of these kind of People may fall; In short, if there was no kind of doubt in the case, as the Horse is of too much value for the General to think of robbing the Doctr of, he begs leave to return him; accompanied with sincere thanks for the politeness with which he was presented; and this request, that the Doctr will not think the General meant to slight his favours.
He is sorry to hear of Mrs Morgans Indisposition—hopes she is better to day.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 22 March 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

May it please yr Excellencey
Winter Hill March 22d 1776

being Desired by Capt. Miller Late of Colo. Doolittles Regt to Certify in his favour to Your Excellency I can only Say that he Acted as Capt. in That Regiment till the 26 of Novr then by vote of the Regt (as I was Informed) he Acted as major—I Never knew or heard he had a Commission for that purpose till he Informed me of it yesterday I well remember he gave in his name among the Captains To tarry the present Campaign with a note Annexed that he would Tarry (if promoted) which necessarily Lead me to think he never had a majors Commission. I never heard of Captain Millers Neglecting his Duty in any Respect—nor have I Ever heard as I Recollect any thing to his advantage or Disadvantage in the Brigade—This is may it please your Excellencey all that can with truth be Certified by yr Excys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 22 March 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Cam[p] at Roxbury 22 March 1776

I am now to inform your Excellency that I am in such an ill State of Health that I do not think myself capable of doing the duty which to be done by me through the ensuing Campaign in the Station I am now in; and to eat the Continental Bread & not do the duty is what I am much averse to; therefore I must beg leave to resign my Command & to withdraw from the Army after the expiration of this month. I am Your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 23 March 1776
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Philad. March 23d 1776

The great Changes which have taken Place with you will I doubt scarcely leave you Time to read a Letter, but as it coveys a piece of good News, I will venture to interrupt you for a few Moments. I dare say you have heard how troublesome & dangerous the back Inhabitants of North Carolina were growing—Genl Gage sent some Scotch Officers there last Summer who pretending a Disgust to the ministerial Service went among their Countrymen there & fomented a Spirit of Dissaffection & when they thought Matters sufficiently ripened they headed a large Body of Men & were marching down to meet the Governour—However they were met by Col. Caswell & totally defeated: above 30 left dead on the Spot a great Number of Prison⟨ers⟩ taken & their Commander a Mr McDonald. The whole Party is said to be so crushed & disappointed that nothing more is to be apprehended from them.
We have no News from Virginia since I wrote you last. No Account yet of our Fleet & as no Member of Congress expresses any Concern on the Subject we begin to suspect they

are gone upon some distant Enterprize Some conjecture to lay in the Way of the East India Ships a few of whom would soon reimburse us the Expence of the War—However it is all Supposition.
It has happened as I expected that many who were impatient to have Howe driven from Boston are now alarmed with the Appre⟨hension of the⟩ Seat of War being removed to the Middle Colonies—General Lee is gone off to Virginia & we hope will be there in time to meet the Troops expected from England—The Congress have at length granted Letters of Marque, but there is such a Difficulty in procuring Ammunition that I imagine little Use will be made of them at least for some Time—The Prussian General is made a Brigadier & ordered to Canada. By some late Accounts from England we are led to expect that the Scheme of sending Commissioners will be wholly laid aside—If it should I think we shall have no Reason to regret it, as it does not seem calculated to produce any real Benefit.
Adieu my dear Sir, that Health & Honour may ever attend you is the Sincere Wish of my dear Genl Your most Obed. & Affec. Hbble Serv.

Jos. Reed


Title: To George Washington from Baron de Woedtke, 23 March 1776
From: Woedtke, Frederick William, baron de
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada March 23d 1776

The many marks of esteem and distinction with which your Excellency honoured me when I was at Cambridge, and the kind recommendation you favoured me with requires the most respectfull and lively gratitude.
I now have the honour to inform your Excellency that the Honourable the Congress have appointed me to the rank of a brigadier General, and that my destination is for Canada, where I shall repair immediately, and I pray your Excellency, to continue me the honour of your Protection. I am very Respectfully sir Your most humble & obedient servant

Baron de Woedtke


Title: General Orders, 24 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 24th 1776
Parole Philadelphia.Countersign Lynch.

The Enemy still continuing in the harbour, without any apparent cause for it, after Winds and Weather have favoured their sailing; leaves abundant reason to suspect, that they may have some design of aiming a blow at us before they depart—The General therefore in the strongest terms imaginable, recommends to the commanding Officer of every Corps, to prevent his men that are off duty, from straggling, but to have them ready to turn out at a moments warning, with their Arms, & Ammunition in good order—For this purpose a strict attention

is to be paid to Roll-calling, and all delinquents severly punished.
The General Officers in their several departments, are to take care that proper Alarm posts are assign’d every Corps, that no confusion, or disorder may ensue, in case we should be called out: In a particular manner General’s Putnam and Sullivan, are to attend to those of the Centre, and Left Division: As the Enemy’s evacuation of Boston, will render a new dispostion proper, they are to meet and consult on this point without delay. Genl Green will dispose of the Regiments in Boston, to the best advantage.
The floating Batteries to be man’d (if they have Guns on board) and sent down to Charles-town point, for the purpose of defence in case of need.
The Guard Boats are to patrole constantly, and be very attentive to every movement of the enemy, and good look outs kept at, and from, the posts from Chelsea, round Squantum, and the earliest information given of a hostile appearance. All the flat-bottom, and whale boats, not in imediate, and necessary use, are to be brought from Boston, and Charlestown, where they are beating against the wharves, and secured in Cambridge river: Mr Sylvanus Drew is appointed to take charge of the boats, and to make a return thereof to the Commander in Chief. Such hands as he shall find necessary to get these Boats together, Genl Putnam will order him.
The public Horses, and some other Articles, will be sold on the Common in Cambridge, to morrow at eleven o’Clock.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge March 24. 1776

When I had the honor to address you the 19th Instt upon the evacuation of the Town of Boston by the Ministerial army, I fully expected as their retreat and embarkation were hurried and precipitate, that before now they wou’d have departed the harbour, and been far in their passage to the place of destination: But to my surprize and disappointment the Fleet is still in Nantasket road. The purpose inducing their stay, is altogether unknown, nor can I suggest any satisfactory reason for It; On Wednesday night last before the whole of the Fleet fell down to Nantasket, they demolished the Castle & Houses belonging to It by burning them down, and the several Fortifications—they left a great number of the Cannon, but have rendered all of them, except a very few, entirely useless by breaking off the Trunnions, and those they spiked up, but may be made serviceable again; some are allready done.
There are several Vessels in the Docks which were taken by the Enemy, some with, and others without Cargoes, which different persons claim as their property and right—are they to be restored to the former owners on making proof of their title, or to belong to the Continent as Captures made from the Enemy? I wish Congress wou’d direct a mode of proceeding against them and establish a Rule for decision, they appear to me to be highly necessary. In like manner some of the Cannon which are in Boston are said to have come from the Castle—Supposing them with those remaining at the Castle to have been purchased by & provided originally at the expence of this Province, are they now to be considered as belonging to It, or to the publick? I beg leave to refer the matter to the opinion of Congress and pray their direction how I am to conduct respecting ’em.
It having been suggested to me that there was considerable property &c. belonging to persons who had from the first of the present unhappy contest manifested an unfriendly & invetarate disposition, in the Town of Boston, I thought it prudent to write to the Honourable General Court upon the subject, that It might be inquired after & secured, a Copy of the Letter I herewith send you, and submit It to Congress thro you, whether they

will not determine how It is to be disposed of, & as to the appropriation of the money arising from the sale of the same.
As soon as the Town was abandon’d by the Enemy, I judged It advisable to secure the several heights lest they shou’d attempt to return, and for this purpose have caused a large & strong work to be thrown up on Fort Hill, a post of great importance as It commands the whole Harbour and when fortified, If properly supported, will greatly annoy any Fleet the Enemy may send against the Town, & render the landing of their Troops exceedingly difficult, If not Impracticable—This work is almost done & in a little time will be compleat—And that the communication between the Town & Country may be free & open, I have ordered all the Lines upon the Neck to be immediately destroyed, and the other works on the sides of the Town facing the Country, that the Inhabitants from the latter may not be Impeded, and afforded an easy entrance in case the Enemy shou’d gain possession at any future time—These matters I conceived to be within the Line of my duty, of which I advised the Genl Court, and recommended to their attention such other measures as they might think necessary for securing the Town against the Hostile designs of the Enemy.
I have just got an Inventory of Stores and property belonging to the Crown, which the Enemy left in Boston at the Castle & Bunker Hill, which I have the honor to transmit you, and shall give strict orders that a carefull attention be had to any more that may be found—I shall take such precautions respecting ’em, that they may be secure, and turn to the public advantage as much as possible or circumstances will admit of.
A Mr Bulfinch from Boston, who acted as Clerk to Mr , having put into my Hands a List of Rations drawn the Saturday before the Troops evacuated the Town, I have inclosed It for your inspection—he says neither the Staff Officers or Women are Included in the List; From which It appears that their number was greater than we had an Idea of.
Major General Ward & Brigadier General Frye are desirous of leaving the service and for that purpose have requested me to lay the matter before Congress, that they may be allowed to resign their Commissions—The papers containing their applications you will herewith receive—they will give you full and a

more particular Information upon the Subject, and therefore shall take the liberty of referring you to them.
I wou’d mention to Congress, that the Commissary of Artillery Stores has Informed me, that whatever powder has been sent to this Camp, has always come without any Bill ascertaining the number of Casks or Quantity—This It is probable has proceeded from forgetfulness or inattention in the persons appointed to send It, or to the negligence of those who brought It, tho they have declared otherwise and that they never had any; As It may prevent in some measure embezzlements, (tho I do not suspect any to have been made) and the Commissary will know what & how much to receive, and be enabled to discover mistakes If any shou’d happen, I shall be glad If you will direct a Bill of Parcells to be always sent in future.
There have been so many accounts from England all agreeing that Commissioners are coming to America to propose terms for an accomodation as they say, that I am Inclined to think the time of their arrival not very far off—If they come to Boston, which probably will be the case, If they come to America at all—I shall be under much embarrasment respecting the manner of receiving them & the mode of treatment that ought to be used—I therefore pray that Congress will give me direction & point out the line of conduct to be pursued—Whether they are to be considered as Ambassadors & to have a pass or permit for repairing thro the Country to Philadelphia or to any other place, or whether they are to be restrained in any & what manner. I shall anxiously wait their orders & whatever they are, comply with them litterally. I have the Honor to be with great esteem Sir Your Most Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: Enclosure: Inventory of British Stores Left in Boston, 20 March 1776
From: Unknown
To:

Boston March 20. 1776

Inventory of Stores belonging to the King & left in Boston, taken the 18 & 19 March 1776 by Order of Thomas Mifflin Esqr. Quarter Master Genl of the Continental Army.
A Brigantine about 120 Tons burthen loaded with Oyl & pearl; A Schooner abt 80 Tons, scutled with 200 Hogsheads of Salt on board; 150 Do in a Store; 100 Bundles of Iron Hoops.
Long Wharf: 157 Pack Saddles; 123 Water Casks; A Brigantine Scuttled about 140 Tons; A Sloop Do—70 Do; A Schooner Do—40 Do; 1000 Chaldron of Sea Coal; 52 Iron Grates; Genl Gages Chariot, taken out of the Dock, broke; a Quantity of Cordage & Old Cable—Do; 5 Anchors.
Greens Wharff: About 200 Blanketts; 4⅔ Jarrs (large) of Sweet Oyl.

Hatchs Wharff: 3 Cannon double charged & Spiked.
Hancocks Wharff: a new Ship about 300 Tons Scuttled; a Schooner—70 Do—Do; About 1000 Bushels Salt; 3000 Blankets; 30 Water Casks.
Tudors Wharff: A Ship about—350 Tons Do Do.
Dummets: 5000 Bushels Wheat in Store; A Sloop about—60 Do Do; A fishing Boat.
Webbs Wharf: A Sloop about 60 Tons, Scuttled.
Fullers Do: About 500 Bushels of Salt.
Fitch’s Do: A Schooner—70 Tons Scu[tt]ld.
B[arrack] M[aster] Genls Office: About 1000 Bushels Sea Coal & one Clock—Also Lumber; About 150 Hogsheads Lime; 4 BB [barrels] flour; 100 Empty Iron Bound Casks, carried to Fort Hill by Genl Putnams order; 10. 24 [lb.] Cannon Cartridges.
Tilestons Wharf: 300 Hogsheads Salt; 3 Brigantines. 1: 150 Tons, 1: 120 Do, & 1: 130 Tons; The Brigg Washington commd by Captn Martindale with all her Guns in the Dock; 1 & ½ Hogsheads Sugar; A Quantity of picketts, fascines & Gabions in Store; about 5000 feet of Boards.
Griffins Do: A Number of Iron Grates.
Hubbards Do: about 1500 Ruggs & Blanketts; 50 Water Casks Iron bound carried to Fort Hill by Genl Putnams Order; 1 Cask Deck Nails; about 200 Cord Wood; about 200 Chaldron Sea Coal.
South Batt[er]y or Laboratory: 52 p[iece]s Cannon Trunnions broke off & Spiked; 600 feet Boards; about 30 Iron bound Casks, carried to Fort Hill by Order of Genl Putnam; A Number of Ball & Empty Shells; A Brigantine 120 Tons. A Schooner 60 Do.
Wheel Wrights Wharff: 14 Anchors; 3½ Hogsheads Brimstone; 300 Hogsheads Salt; A Quantity of Log wood; 3 Hogsheads Sea Coal; 1: 13 Inch Mortar with an Iron Bed; A Number of Shells, Careasses & Cannon Shot in the Dock.
Halls Wharff & in his possession: 600 Bushells of Corn & Oats; 100 Sacks Bran; 8 Hogsheads Molasses; 100 Empty Iron bound Casks; 2 Schooners about 60 Tons each; 1 Sloop abt—40 Do; 10 Horses, Teams & Harness.
Hutchinsons Wharff: A new Ship about 350 Tons Scuttled; 2 Briggs 120 Do each Do; 2 Sloops Do—60 each—Do.

Winisemet: A new Ship buildg thrown off the Stocks—200 Ton Donation; about 100 Bushells Salt Store pulled down.
Pecks Wharff: about 100 Hogsheads Essence of Spruce; 10 Hogds Beef; 6 Do molasses not quite full; 5 Barrals—Do; A Sloop about 50 Tons, ⅔ full of molasses.
At Mr Lovells: Genl Gages Coach, A Phaeton & Harness Compleat; 20 Iron potts & Kettles.
Joys Yard: A parcel of Lumber, Tools & Joists.
Hills Bake House: 20 Barrells flour.
North & South mills: 10,000 Bushells of Wheat & Flour not bolted; 1500 Do. Bran.
Kings Brewery: 13 Empty Iron bound Butts; 14 Hogsheads Spruce Beer; 2 Iron Teirced Trucks.
Town Granary: 1000 Bushells Beans; 100 Do—Horse Beans.
Vincents Stable: 10 Ton Hay.
Lous Lumber Yard: 50,000 Shingles; 35,000 feet Boards; 1000 Clap Boards; 20 Hand Barrows.
Henderson Inches Store near Beacon Hill: About 6 Ton Hay.
Stable at the Roap Walks: About 10 Ton Hay; 110 Horses by return this day.

Jno. G. Frazer, D. Q. M. Gl


Title: Orders and Instructions for Colonel Thomas Mifflin, 24 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

[Cambridge, 24 March 1776]

As the Motions of The Enemy, & the Opperations of the Ensuing Campaign, renders it indispensibly necessary that a very

large Body of Troops should be immediately assembled at, or near New York; You will immediately proceed to Norwich in Connecticut where you will, in Concert with the Brigadiers General Heath, & Sullivan, regulate the Embarkation of The Brigades under their Command: & settle all such Matters with the Commissary General of Provisions, and Contractors for the Transports, as may be further necessary for expediting the March of the rest of Army: with The Stores, Artillery, Camp Equipage, &c. &c.; This being done you will proceed without Delay to New York where your first Care will be to provide Barracks for the Troops; Firing, Forrage, Quarters for the General Officers. Fix upon a proper House, or Houses for a General Hospital, Stabbling for the Continental draught Horses, &c., Intrenching Tools, must also be immediately provided, with a Sufficient Quantity of Joist, & Plank, for Platforms; & Timber for Gun Carriages. in short every necessary Article for the publick Service and which your Experience the last Campaign convinces you will be wanted for that now approaching—The Variety of The Business of your Department renders it next to Impossible to point out particularly every Duty of your Office. therefore a Latitude is given you in these Orders & Instructions; which together with the directions & Advice of The Commanding General at New York, must be the Rule for the Future Regulation of your Conduct, & I shall at present only recommend that the same Integrity, Zeal, dilligence & Activity, which has hitherto animated your past Services may govern that which is to come. Given at Head Quarters in Cambridge this 24th day of March 1776.


Title: From George Washington to Josiah Quincy, 24 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Quincy, Josiah

Sir,
Cambridge 24th March 1776

I am favourd with your letter of the 21st Instt—it came to hand this afternoon, and I thank you for the many polite and flattering expressions which it contains—to obtain the applause of deserving men, is a heart felt satisfaction—to merit them, is my highest wish—If my conduct therefore as an Instrument in the late signal interposition of Providence hath merited the approbation

of the great Country I shall esteem it one of the most fortunate & happy events of my life. I acknowledge myself yr debtor, for the share you have bestowd on me of it.
The continuance of the Fleet in Nantasket Road affords matter for Speculation—it surpasses my comprehension—and awakens all my Suspicions—I have taken every step in my power to guard against Surprizes, but the temper of your People, seems to me to be, to apprehend no danger till it stares them in the Face—I do not think there is cause to apprehend such Marauding parties as you dread—if any stroke is aimd, it will be a capitol one, for which reason I wish to be much upon my guard; & therefore have appointed Guard Boats, lookouts, &ca—there is one evil I dread, & that is their Spies, I could wish therefore that the most attentive watch was kept to prevent any Intercourse between the Ships & Main—for this purpose, and to prevent suspected persons (for I have no doubt but that trusty Soldiers, Sergeants, and even Commissioned Officers in disguise will be sent out) from travelling about, I wish a dozn or more of Honest, sensible, and deligent Men were Imployed to haunt the Communication between Roxbury and the different landing Places nearest the Shipping, in order to question, cross question &ca all such Persons as are unknown, & cannot give an acct of themselves in a strait, & satisfactory line—If you could hire Men for this purpose whilst the Shipping continue where they now are, I would pay the Wages you shall agre⟨e⟩ upon; and thank you for the trouble, as I think it a matter of some Importance to prevent them from obtaining Intelligence of our Situation—the earliest Information should also be communicated of any movements which may be discoverd, and whether any of the Shipping are getting out, as it were by stealth.
I am exceedingly sorry to hear of your Indisposition, & heartily wish you a perfect restoration of health—I should be very happy to take you by the hand before I bid adieu to the Colony, but as my motions are regulated by those of the Enemy, I cannot say how—when—⟨o⟩r where it can happen. In sincerity and truth I remain Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Obligd Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 24 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord
Cambridge 24th March 1776

Since my Last to you of the 19th instant, I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 15th it gives me vast Satisfaction to find you are makeing Such preparations as will prevent the enemy from makeing any Lodgment there the reinforcement gon to you from this Camp will put you on So respectable a footing; that I have no doubt, but you will be able to Strengthen your works, in Such a manner that even if Genl Howe Should arrive before this army, you will be able to prevent his taking post.
the fleet are now Lying in Nantasket Road the wind has been, these two days fair, for them to Sail, but they Seem fixd, I realy know not what they aim at, I have made Such preparation for them—that I think it will be very difficult for them to regain the post at Boston, if they are So inclind—while they remain in Sight I must Stay here to watch their motions, with the army under my Command—when they move from hence, if nothing unforseen happens—I shall make the best of my way to Newyork where I shall have great pleasure to takeing your Lordship by the hand, you omitted Sending the paper you refer to in your last, it will be a Satisfaction to me to receive it in your next. I am &a.
if this Shoud reach ere the departure of the powder from your place, you will ⟨d⟩o well to keep it with yo⟨u⟩.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 24 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir,
Cambridge Mar. 24th 1776.

I shall be obliged to you to send the Inclosed Letter to Colo. Quincy, either to Night, or early in the morning. As these favourable Winds do not waft the fleet from Nantasket, my Suspicion’s are more and more roused. I wish therefore the Fire Rafts talkd of by Colo. Tupper, could be attempted in a Windy, or dark Night, I think this would discover their designs if no other good effect resulted from it. I am Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 25 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 25th 1776
Parole Charlestown.Countersign Rutledge.

The Waggon Masters and Company of Carpenters in Boston, to receive and obey all such Orders and Directions, as Brigadier General Green shall think proper to give—The Hospital and Regimental surgeons to examine carefully the state of their sick, and whenever they discover the smallest symptom of the small-pox, they are without delay to send the patient to the small-pox Hospital in Cambridge.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 25 March 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia March 25th 1776.

I had the Honour of receiving, yesterday, yours of the 13th containing the agreeable Inform⟨atio⟩n of the ministerial Troops having abandoned Boston. The partial Victory we have obtained over them in that Quarter, I hope will turn out a happy Presage of a more general one. Whatever Place may be the Object of their Destination, it must certainly give a sincere Pleasure to every Friend of this Country, to see the most diligent Preparations every where making to receive them. What may be their Views, it is indeed impossible to tell with any Degree of Exactness. We have all the Reason however, from the Rage of Disappointment & Revenge, to expect the worst. Nor have I any Doubt, that as far as their Power extends, they will inflict every Species of Calamity upon us. The same Providence, that has baffled their Attempt against the Province of Massachusetts Bay, will, I trust, defeat the deep laid Scheme, they are now meditating against some other Part of our Country.

The Intelligence that our Army had got Possession of Boston, you will readily suppose, gave me heart-felt Pleasure. I beg, Sir, you will be pleased to accept my warmest Thanks for the Attention you have shewed to my Property in that Town. I have only to request, that Capt. Cozeneau will ⟨con⟩tin⟨u⟩e to look after it, and take Care that it be no Ways destroyed, or damaged.
This Success of our Arms naturally calls upon me to congratulate you, Sir, to whose Wisdom and Conduct, it has been owing. Permit me to add, that if a constant Discharge of the most important Duties, and the Fame attending thereon, can afford genuine Satisfaction, the Pleasures you feel, must be the most rational and exalted.
I have it in Charge from Congress to direct, that you send an Account of the Troops in your Camp, who are deficient in Arms, to the several Assemblies or Conventions of the Colonies to which those Men belong, and request them to send a sufficient Number of Arms for the Men coming from the respective Colonies; and that if Arms cannot be procured, that such as have not Arms, be dismissed the Service.
The Congress being of Opinion, that the Reduction of Quebec, and the general Security of the Province of Canada, are Objects of great Concern, I am commanded to direct, that you detach four Battalions into Canada from the Army under your Command, as soon as you shall be of Opinion, that the Safety of New York, and the Eastern Service, will permit.
Your several Letters, are, at this Time, under the Consideration of a Committee. As soon as any Determination is made thereon, I will immediately forward it to you. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Esteem Sir, your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from John Morgan, 25 March 1776
From: Morgan, John
To: Washington, George

Cambridge, 25 March 1776. Recommends confirmation of David Townsend as surgeon of Col. Asa Whitcomb’s regiment.


Title: To George Washington from Josiah Quincy, 25–26 March 1776
From: Quincy, Josiah
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency,
Braintree [Mass.]March 25[-26]th 1776.

Your obliging Letter of Yesterday was handed to Me this Morning by General Wards Son: The Fleet still continues in Nantasket Road; and I can’t discern any Diminution of their Numbers: five or six Transports, and a Man of War arrived last Fryday afternoon; as the Man of War saluted the Admiral I suppose they came from England.
The Signal at the Light House was thrown out again on Saturday; but, the Wind has hitherto prevented the Arrival of any more Vessels. The Admiral has a Signal now flying at his main top mast Head: I wish it was in my Power to construe it.
Agreable to your Excellency’s Desire, as fast as I can find trust Worthy Persons, I shall give them Directions to make dilligent Search, after such Characters as you have described, and upon good Ground of Suspicion to apprehend and carry them to Head Quarters, or bring them to me for further Examination, as may be most convenient.
11 OClock. This Moment an Explanation of the above Signal occurrs: Part of the Fleet are come to Sail: I shall proceed, journalwise, to inform your Excellency of their Movements, ’till the Bearer, who is gone to see Colo. Tupper, returns.
1 OClock They are still coming to sail: near or quite fifty Sail are got out to Sea; about half of them Brigs, Schooners, and Sloops; one or two Frigates, and the remainder Transport Ships; their Course shaped for Cape Cod: May not this Division

be bound for Martha’s Vineyard, and the Islands in that Sound to procure fresh Provision for the Fleet, which is to rendevous at Hallifax, and from thence to proceed to Quebec?
3 OClock My Servant, who was directed to take an Account of the Number that have sailed, informs me, there are in all fifty two: One transport Brig: is just arrived: I expected Mr Ward would return with Col. Tupper, and have dined with me; from them I hoped to have gained further Intelligence, but am disappointed: I hear the Colo. is preparing a formidable fire Raft, which I wish may effectually operate, but, fear a single one will avail little.
Your Excellency’s tender Concern for the Restoration of my Health (which, Thanks to the Father of Mercies! is much mended) lays me under a fresh obligation to subscribe my Self, with cordial Gratitude and Esteem, Your Excellency’s obliged, and faithfull humble Servant

Josiah Quincy

P:S: 5 OClock The Adml has just now hoisted another Signal a Pendant under his Flagg two more Ships are under Sail going out of the Harbor: 7 O’Clock, Mr Ward & Colo. Tupper are just arrived: They are of Opinion, that the Ships which sailed to Day, have carried off the Tories, and are bound with them to Lewisburgh.
Tuesday Morng Mr Ward’s tarrying in Town, gives me a further Opportunity to inform your Excellency that the Fleet, consisting of about 100 Sail, chiefly large Ships, remain as they were last Night.
10 OClock The same Signal is now flying at the Admiral’s Main top mast Head as was hoisted yesterday morning: Scarce hoisted before it was lower’d again, & in abt ½ an hour a blew flag is flying at mizen Top mast Head and a Pendant at his mizen Peek.
11 O’Clock The above Signals are changed, for a red Ensign hoisted just under his Mizen Yard: A signal is just now hoisted upon the Top of the Light House, for Vessels in the Offing; and immediately followed, by a blew broad Pendant from the middle of the Tower: In less than 10 Minutes the Signal first mentioned vizt a Pendant is flying from his main top mast Head.
12 O’Clock A red Ensign is now flying at his mizen top mast

Head; a blew Ensign at his starboard mizen Shrouds, and a pendant thrown out between, by hand, & immediately taken in again.
2 OClock The 60 gun Ship in King Road is come to Sail & going down to Nantasket: The Admiral’s red Ensign is struck; the blew one remains: a large transport Ship and a Brig are just arrived within the Light.
If the foregoing Intelligence and the mode of it shou’d prove so agreable to y⟨our⟩ Excellency as to desire the Continuance of it whilst the Fleet remains h⟨ere⟩ please to let me know your Pleasure any Time before tomorrow Night, ’till which Time I shall continue to note down every remarkable Occurrence. Ut Suprâ

J.Q.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 25 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

My dear Sir,
Cambridge 25th Mar. 1776

Since my last, things remain nearly in Statu-quo—the Enemy have the best nack at puzling People I ever met with in my life. They have blown up—burst—and demolished the Castle, totally; and are now all in Nantasket Road—have been there ever since Wednesday; what doing the Lord knows—various are the conjectures; the Bostonians think there stay there absolutely necessary to fit them for Sea, as the Vessels neither in themselves, nor loading, was in any degree fit for a voyage; being loaded in great haste, and much disorder—this opinion is corroborated by a deserter from one of the Transports, who says they have yards, Booms, Bowsprits &ca yet to fix—Others

again think, that they have a mind to pass over the equinoctial Gale before they put out, not being in the best condition to stand one—Others, that they are waiting a re-inforcemt (which I believe they have receiv’d, as I have had an Acct of the Sailing of 15 Vessels from the West Indias, and that that number have been seen coming into the Road[)]. But my opinion of the matter is, that they want to retrieve their disgrace before they go off and I think a favourable oppertunity presents itself to them—they have now got their whole Force into one collected body, & no Posts to guard. we have detachd Six Regiments to New York—have many points to look to—and on Monday next, Ten Regimts of Militia which were brought in to serve till the first of April stand disengaged—From former experience, we have found it equally practicable to stop a torrent, as these people when their time is up; if this should be th⟨e⟩ case now, what more favourable opening can the Enemy wish for to make a rush upon our Lines—nay, upon the back of our Lines at Roxbury, as they can Land two Miles from them and pass behind. I am under more apprehension from them now than ever, and am taking every precaution I can to guard against the evil; but we have a kind of People to deal with who will not fear danger till the Bayonet is at their Breast, and then are susceptible enough of it.
I am Fortifying Fort Hill in Boston—demolishing the Lines on the Neck there (as it is a defence against the Country only) and make such other dispositions as appears necessary for A general defence—I can spare no more Men till I see the Enemys backs fairly turnd, and then shall hasten towards New York.
You mention Mr Webb in one of your Letters as Assistant—he will be agreeable enough to me if you think him qualified for the business—what kind of a hand he writes I know not—I believe but a crampt one; latterly none at all, as he has either the Gout or Rhumatism in both—He is a Man fond of Company—of gaiety—and of a tender Constitution; whether therefore, such a person would answer yr purpose so well as a plodding, methodical Person, whose sole business shd be to arrange his Papers &ca in such order as to produce any one, at any Instant it is called for, & capable at the sametime of composing a Letter, is what you have to consider. I can only add that I have no one

in view myself, & wish you success in your choice being with great Truth and sincerety Dr Sir Yr Affecte Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have taken occ[asio]n to hint to a certain Gentn in this Camp, without Introducg names, my app[rehensio]ns of his being concernd in Trade. He protests most solemnly that he is not, directly nor indirectly; & derives no other profit than the Congress allows him for defraying the expenses, to wit 5 p. Ct on the Goods purchasd.


Title: General Orders, 26 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 26th 1776
Parole Martinico.Countersign Barbadoes.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 26 March 1776 [letter not found]
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Richard Henry Lee, 26 Mar. 1776. On 4 April GW wrote to Richard Henry Lee: “Your favour of the 26th Ulto came to my hands last Night.”


Title: To George Washington from Winthrop Sargent, 26 March 1776
From: Sargent, Winthrop
To: Washington, George

Sir
Glocester [Mass.] March 26 1776

Wen I rote you Last I was in hops of Saving the bigest part of Capt. Watt:s Cargow but the Storm Cumming on directey after the Ship was on fier that the Cask Stove against the rocks as sune as thay Struck the Shoar thare was not one Cask Saved after I rote your Exellencey, below You have An account of what is saved Sum of the Cask which I thought was Portor is

Vineger & Grout Should be glad to Know weather I must Libel what is Saved.
Last night at Sundown the Fleat about Seventy Sail past Our Cape Stearing about E B S Distant about 6 Leags. I Remain Yor Exce. Very Hu. Ser.

Winthrop Sargent Agent

                  19
                  buts of porter
                  2
                  Cabels 3 Ackers

                  6
                  Hogsed of Do
                  1
                  Horsor [hawser]

                  17
                  Quart. Cask of Do
                  2
                  Oyrn [iron] Halks [hulks]

                  42

                  3
                  Coppor

                  9
                  Hogsed Vineger
                  Sails & Running Rigen

                  2
                  buts of grout
                  2
                  boats

                  Sundry blocks

                  3
                  Hogs


Title: General Orders, 27 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 27th 1776
Parole Hispaniola.Countersign York.

The Colonels, or commanding Officers of the regiments of Militia, are desired to make up their pay Abstracts, to the first of April; they will be allowed pay until they get home, estimating every twenty Miles they have to travel, at one days pay—They will be allowed also one penny a mile, in lieu of Rations, for their expences in returning—The pay of the Militia is to commence from the day the men marched from their respective Towns, in the same manner as the last were paid—If more than this is expected, a seperate account must be exhibited, by each regiment; as the General does not think himself authorised to pay them otherwise, in behalf of the Continent, than as above, and agreeable to former practice; nor did he conceive that pay could possibly be demanded by militia, whilst they remain’d at home about their private concerns, until a Company could be compleated—The penny ⅌ Mile, is to be allowed for their coming to camp, if it has not been already paid. As there can be no correcting of Militia Accounts, without great difficulty

after they are once pass’d and paid. The General desires that the Colonels, or commanding Officers of those regiments, will be particularly careful in seeing they are exactly stated—To this end the Captain, or commanding Officer of each Company, is to exhibit to the Colonel, or Officer commanding the regiment he belongs to, his pay-roll agreeable to the foregoing directions, upon Oath; which Rolls are to accompany the pay Abstracts as Vouchers to it.
Upon an Alarm, Reeds, Nixons, and Poors regiments, are to repair to Bunkers-hill: Varnums and Hitchcocks, to man the Fort upon Prospect-hill: Littles to repair to Cobble-hill: Arnolds and Robinsons Regiments to Letchmores point, and Smiths regiment is to parade at the white House Guard, and there wait for orders.
Phinney’s and Arnolds, are positively order’d to send immediately to the Continental Store for new Cloathing.


Title: Circular to Nicholas Cooke, Lord Stirling, Brigadier General William Thompson, and Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas,Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander),Thompson, William,Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge 27th March 1776

I take this earliest opportunity to acquaint you that the Men of War and Transports with the Ministerial Troops sailed this afternoon from Nantasket Harbour. There is only a Man of War and two or three other armed Vessels now remaining there.
In consequence of this movement I have ordered a Brigade to march to morrow morning for New York, and shall follow with the remainder of the Army as soon as I can receive certain information of the Fleet being clear of the Coast, and that we are in no further danger of their returning to attack us at a disadvantage. I shall leave a few Regiments at Boston to protect the Continental Stores, and to assist in fortifying the Town and Harbour agreeable to the directions that may be given by the

General Assembly of this Colony. I have the honor to be most respectfully Sir Your obedient humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Landon Carter, 27 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Carter, Landon

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 27th March 1776.

I have been honourd with your favour of the 20th Ulto and although I might Intrench myself behind the parade of great business with as much propriety as most Men yet I shall neither avail myself of it nor be Debarrd the pleasure of making this address in testimony of your kind remembrance & the favourable Sentiments you are pleas’d to express of me.
To give you a detail of my distresses on Acct of Powder, Arms, and other Articles of almost equal Importance in the Military arrangement would afford little amusemt to you—less profit to me—I shall therefore pass these over & inform you that having received a small supply of Powder—very inadequate to our wants—I resolved to take possession of Dorchester point laying East of Boston—looking directly into—& commanding, absolutely the Enemy’s Lines on the Neck (Boston)—To effect this, which I knew would force the Enemy to an Ingagement or to an Evacuation of the Town it was necessary in

the first Instance to possess two heights (those mentioned in General Burgoynes Letter to Lord Stanley in his Acct of the Battle of Bunkers Hill) which had the Intire command of this point—The ground being Froze upwards of two Feet deep & as impenetrable as a Rock nothing could be attempted with Earth we were obliged therefore to provide an amazing number of Chandaliers, Fascines &ca for the Work and on the Night of the 4th Instt after a sever and heavy Canonade & Bombardment of the Town for three Nights preceeding in order to divert the Enemy’s attention from our real object we removed the whole under cover of Darkness and took full possession of those heights without the loss of a single Man.
Upon their discovery of it next Morning great preparations were made for attacking us with their whole force but not being ready before the Afternoon and the Weather getting very tempestuous much Blood was Saved, and a very important blow (to one Side or the other) prevented—That this remarkable Interposition of Providence was designed to answer some wise purpose I have no doubt of but as the proposed end of the Manouvre was to draw the Enemy to an Ingagement under disadvantageous circumstances—as a premeditated Plan was laid for this purpose—and seemd to be succeeding to my utmost wish—and as no Men could be better disposed to make the Appeal than ours seemd Upon that occasion I can scarce forbear lamenting the disappointment as we were prepared for them at all points and had a chosen Corps of 4000 Men with Boats ready to push into Boston upon a signal given if the Enemy should have sent out large detachments—However they thinking (as we have since been informed) that we had got too formidably Posted before the Storm abated (for we Workd through the whole of it) to be much hurt by them, and apprehending great annoyance from us resolved upon a precipitate retreat & accordingly Imbarkd in as much hurry, and as much confusion as ever Troops did on the 17th Instt not having got their Transports half fitted & leaving Kings property in Boston to the amount as is supposed of thirty of £40,000 in Provisions, Stores, &ca among which many Pieces of Cannon some Mortars & a number of Shot Shells &ca are left—Their Baggage Waggons Artillery Carts &ca which they had been

Eighteen Months & more preparing were destroyd—thrown into the Docks—and founded drifted on every Shore—In short Dunbars destruction of Stores after Genl Braddocks defeat affords but an imperfect Idea of what was seen here.
The Enemy now lay in Nantasket Road (about 9 Miles below Boston) where & in Kings Road they have been ever since their Imbarkation—How to acct for their stay there I know not—The Inhabitants of Boston thinks it is to arrange the Lading of the Vessels which was thrown in in such disorder as to render it unsafe to trust themselves upon the wide Ocean till the Loads cd be properly adjusted—others think they mean to pass over the Equinoctial Gale before they put to Sea—but it is doubt upon my Mind whether they may not be waiting an oppertunity (now they have got their whole force Collected—no Post to guard—and as I understand a Reinforcement from the West Indies arrived[)] to retrieve the honour of their Arms which seems in the general opinion of People here to have undergone some disgrace.
The Works on Bunkers hill &ca are left standing & very formidable they are—Boston has shared a much better Fate than could possibly have been expected considering the time it was close shut up—the damage being nothing equal to report—We are now in full possession of the Town and are fortifying the harbour to prevent a return if they should Incline to it.
As New York is the most importt object they can have in view on Acct of its commanding Hudsons River leading towards Canada & seperating the Northern & Southern Colonies it appeard necessary for me to take measures for its Security and therefore I detachd Six Regiments instantly to that place & as soon as I see the Coast clear Shall follow immediately with the rest of the Army leaving a few Regiments for the Security of this Government & for executing such Works as are laid out for the defence of Boston & the Harbour.
Your Acquaintance Genl Lee being appointed the Commd of the Forces in the Southern Department, affords you an oppertunity of making your wishes known upon the spot; but I am inclind to think he is already provided with Aid de Camps, indeed I know he is, unless some accident has happend to one of them since he left New York—I must now my good Sir beg the favour of you to present my Compliments to Mr Carter your

Son—your Nieghbours of Mt Airy, & any other enquiring friends & believe me to be Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Since I began this Letter the Fleet have Saild from Nantasket Road—Six more Regiments I shall March of for New York to morrow—Inclosed is a list of the Enemys Strength by a Victualling return the Saturday before they left Boston.

G.Wn