Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 18 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

    Dr sir
    Head Qrs [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] Nov. 18. 1778

When I wrote you Yesterday—I informed you that Genl Poor, with his Brigade, was to proceed to Enfield for the purpose of conducting the Convention Troops from thence to the North river, but I find by a Letter received since from Colo. Bland—that their Van had reached Enfield on the 13th & will be at Sharon to night. As this is the case—and proper arrangements of Militia escorts have been made—I countermand my Instructions to Genl Poor, by this conveyance & have written to him to proceed with his Brigade by the shortest route to Fish Kill. You will be pleased to have the inclosed delivered to him immediately after it comes to your hands. I am Dr sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt sert

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 18 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.]18th Nove<mber> 177<8>

  I have your favs. of the 10th 13th and 15th instants<.> I am obliged to you for the Newport paper which gives a more circumstantial account of the embarkation of the Enemy than any I had procured. The prospect of an evacuation of New York is not so great as it was some little time ago. A fleet consisting of the greatest number of their remaining Vessels is now collecting at the Hook, their departure must reduce the matter to a certainty, at least for the present, because if they do not all go off in that fleet, part must remain of necessity. Be pleased to communicate every intelligence of the Enemy’s motions upon Rhode Island.
  Colo. Wadsworth Commy General of purchases has shewn me an order from you to Clarke and Nightengale, which they have delegated to a Mr Mumford, to purchase Flour in this state for the use of the Army at Rhode Island. The Commy General has represented this to me, as having a tendency, to raise the price unnecessarily, by increasing the number of purchasers, and to defeat the salutary effects of a law lately passed in this state for the better supply of the Army, by which, no Flour can be transported to any of the other states except by the Commy Genl or special licence of the Governor. Count D’Estaing by making a private Contract with a Mr Price for 2000 Barrels of Flour not only raised the price exceedingly, but under the allowance given to Mr price to export his 2000 Barrels the Governor suspects many more were run upon private account—The Commy Genl pledges himself to supply you amply with both Bread and Meat this Winter. He begs you to recollect, that if you have heretofore been scantily supplied with the former, it has been owing to the great and sudden demand of the troops assembled without the least previous notice for the Rhode Island Expedition, and the consumption of the French Fleet. Under all these difficulties he contrived to keep up a supply, and as he is now releived from the greatest part of his burthen to the Eastward by the removal of the Convention troops and the sailing of the fleet from Boston, he has not the least doubt of keeping your magazines full—I have therefore desired Mr Mumford to withhold his purchase & beg that you will never take a step of the kind again without first representing the matter to me—by means of contending purchase<rs> Flour in this State rose from three pounds to Seven pounds ten shillings and Eight pounds prCt & the business not half as well done as if the whole purchases had passed through one hand.

  A 64 and a 40 Gun ship came into the Hook the 12th and 13th dismasted. I imagine they are part of Byrons scatterd fleet. I am with great Regard Yrs.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 18 November 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

    My Dear General
    Providence [R.I.] Novemr 18th 1778

I am Just Returnd from the western Shore. I find Byron has Eleven Ships of the Line Strung along in the Channel a 74 has Lately come in Dis Masted There are a number of other Ships nearer in toward the Town which I Suppose to be Frigates & transports. Every Account Seems to Speak an Evacuation Though not So Sudden as I once thought—the Dismasting his 74 will I think Detain them Some time I have nothing further worth your Excellys attention. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect & Esteem Dear General your Excellenceys Most obedt & very Humble Servt

    Jno. Sullivan

P.S: Since writing the above, have recievd information that the French Fleet has capturd a 64 Gun Ship and sent her into Portsmouth—From the Channel of Conveyance I believe the Report.


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 18 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

    Sir
    Fredericksburg [N.Y.] Novr 18th 1778

I wish you would request the person whom you formerly recommended to me—& who Genl Scott tells me, is to correspond with you, to ascertain the following facts with as much precision, and expedition, as possible.

  What Corps (without having regard to numbers) are left upon York Island, and the Posts at and about Kings Bridge.
What Corps are upon long Island.
Whether any new works are erecting near the City of new York, or the old ones repairing.
Whether any works are erecting, or the old ones repairing on Long Island, opposite to the City of New York.
Whether the Troops upon Long Island are stationed, & what appears to be their object—& who commands them.
What General Officers remain on York Island, Long Island—& at the Posts at & about Kings Bridge.
Whether Coffins & Andersons Store (chiefly intended for the use of the Army) is still at New York & open.
Whither, as it is suspected that there is some movement in agitation at Rhode Island, the Troops at that place may not be brought to New York.
The reason why I wish to have the Corps (which are left) ascertained, is that I can form a pretty accurate opinion of the numbers from hence, and this is a piece of knowledge that a man of common abilities may come at with precision by taking a little pains. With esteem & regard I am Sir Yr Very hum. Servt

  G. W——n


Title: General Orders, 19 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Fredericks burgh [N.Y.] Thursday Novr 19th 78
    Parole Karlstein—C. Signs Kiop Kan—


Title: To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 19 November 1778
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    November 19th 1778

I received Your Excellency’s letter of the 14th Instant, acquainting me that You had transmitted to Congress my proposition relative to an exchange of the Troops of Convention.
In consequence of Your letter to Mr Clarke I have sent Major Bruen, Deputy Quarter Mr General of the Army to King’s Ferry with the Money & Necessaries, mentioned by Mr Clarke for the use of the Troops under the Command of Major General Phillips; and if they should have occasion for more, I make no doubt You will be so obliging to permit Major Bruen to send me information thereof, in order that they may be forwarded by the same route. I have the honor to be with all due respect Your Excellency’s Most humble Servt

  H. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Colonel David Henley, 19 November 1778
From: Henley, David
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Bedford [N.Y.] 19th Novr 1778

I have just receivd Capt. Levingsworth Letter from Horse Neck of the 18.
  His particular information is—he met a person from New York, agreeable to an appointment—who told him Admiral Byron, that sometime since saild with the second Division had returnd to the

    Hook—Admiral Byron met a french Fleet, the heaviness of a gail of wind, parted the two Fleets without Exchanging a Shott.
The Norfolk a Seventy four Gun Ship, with a Frigate came up to The City Fryday or saturday, both dismasted—This Informant saw the Ships—They have but few troops in the City, but a large number on the west end of long Island, both of British and New Levies, they have some troops at Jamaica he dont ascertain the Numbers—Lord Carthcart is in Jerseys, with a British Legion, to as many as seven Hundred.
They take down Stores and out Houses—for the purpose of building Barracks, and it appears from every account of this Informant, they will Garrison New York.
A Merchant of Note belonging to Boston, requested the Commissioners to let him know if they intended to evacuate the City, as he was about packing up his Goods, they Answerd him it would be Garrisond; till there was an Act of Parliament, passd for leaving it, that no such Act had passd as yet.
I have thought proper to forward to your Excellency this Intelligence of Capt. Levingsworth, who I shall order to join his Regiment in a few Days, for particular Reasons which General Scott gave me, and which he told me you were Acquainted with.
I likewise forward a Packett from Genl Parsons to your Excellency and am with all due Respect Your Excellencys most Obdt and Hum. Servt

  David Henley


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 19 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

    Dear sir.
    Fredericksburg [N.Y.] 19 Nov. 1778

I have been favoured with your Letter of the 16th Inst.
  I confess I expected that the Connecticut Troops were to receive their cloathing from Major Bigelow—and was surprised to find—that there was even a wish or an idea to the contrary. I have ever held and, I hope, I ever shall, all the troops of the Army in the same point of light—and as far as it has been in my power they have had equal justice in every instance. In the case under consideration, the Cloathing in the hands of Major Bigelow was allotted to the Connecticut troops—not by any compulsion or wish of mine—but on the most pressing and importunate solicitation of General parsons—and Other Officers. They feared, that it would be made subject to a common distribution—and such was the anxiety to obtain it for the Connecticut troops, that arguments were used to shew, that they, from many considerations, had an exclusive claim to it—or at least one superior

    to any Others. These are facts well known to Genl parsons and to other officers—and, at the same time that they must remove every idea of a discrimination on my part injurious to them which I am happy to believe never had place in your mind, they must preclude every possible ground of complaint, or right to claim a change—even if the Cloathing drawn by the other troops should be much better. However, notwithstanding all this, as it is my wish to prevent the least possible pretext for uneasiness and to place all the Troops on the same footing, as far as it can be done, I shall be willing to give Orders for compleat suits of French Cloathing for all the inlisted men in the Two Connecticut Brigades, under the usual restrictions—provided there shall remain sufficient, after the other Troops are served, who as matters stand I am obliged to consider as entitled to a preference, on your assurances, that all the Cloathing they have alredy received on Continental account from Major Bigelow or that is now in the Taylors hands, as a supply for the Winter & the ensuing campaign shall be returned to the public Cloathier. This exception I am obliged to make—and these assurances I must require and obtain—in justice to the States & to the rest of the Army—You I am certain will think ’em right—and will punctually comply with what ever you undertake. We have been fortunate in our supplies of Cloathing, compared to what we have hitherto been—but yet œconomy and an ingenuous conduct are essential to make it serve and to promote equality. I am Dr sir with great regard and esteem Yr Most Obedt servt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 19 November 1778
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Fish Kill [N.Y.] 19th novr 1778

This will be delivered by my Brother, who will communicate & explain to your Excellency a mode of Correspondence, which may be of use, provided proper agents can be obtained. I have experienced its Efficacy by a three Years Trial. We shall remain absolutely silent on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem & Respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant

  John Jay


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

    Sir,
    [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] Nov. 19. 1778

Col. Armand will have the honor of delivering you this—He waits upon Congress on the affairs of his corps; particularly with respect to commissions for his officers and a settlement of accounts; and has signified to me his intention to return to France, so soon as these matters can be adjusted. In a letter of the 31st of August, I stated the manner in which his appointments have been made, and transmitted an arrangement of his officers as they now stand; by which Congress will have perceived, that he did not conform to their resolve for constituting the corps, which put it out of my power to issue commissions as that resolve directed. The reasons for his deviation he will particularly explain himself.
He considers his honor as interested in having his engagements with his officers fulfilled and if he can succeed in this, proposes to return immediately to France—Several of these Gentlemen also, he informs me will accompany him. Under these circumstances; as the appointments have been made and the Gentlemen have served a considerable time under those appointments—I take the liberty to recommend it to Congress, to grant commissions agreeable thereto.
Since the corps has joined the army it has been serving on the lines with the other light troops. General Scott makes a handsome report of the Colonels zeal activity and bravery—I have given him a certifi cate of his services. With very great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 19 November 1778
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Fort Clinton [N.Y.] November 19th 1778

Since my letter with the last weekly Return Nothing Material hath happen’d in the limits of my Command—Our Barracks go on but Slowly for want of Timber, I have not as yet been able to get the Carolina Regimt in Quarters—Colonil Hay was here to day and assures me that he will furnish boards if possible next Week, Suffcient for their barracks & our Stores—I hear that a British Ship of War is Wreck’d on Cape Cod—perhaps your Excellency may think proper to procure Twenty of her lower deck Guns, for this Garrison. I have the Honor to be with much Respect Your Excellencys most obedt and very Hble Servant

  W. Malcom


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 19 November 1778
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

    <Dea>r Genl
    Hartford [Conn.] West DivisionNovr 19th 1778

Your Letter of the 17th inst. has just come to hand—I fear I shall not be able to march untill the day after tomorrow, as some of the Waggons are out of Repair, and the Ar[t]ificers of this Division were all left at the Bridge over the Housatonoc—However if possible shall march tomorrow—Genl Poor, acording to Orders, marches immediately, to take Charge of the Convention Troops—Their third Division was Yesterday at Simsbury—The other Divisions passed two or three days before. I am Dear Genl with Respect Your Most Obedt Humble Servt

  Israel Putnam


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 19 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

    My Lord
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 19th Novemr 1778

I am favd with yours of the 15th. The accounts of the embarkation of the enemy vary so much in respect to Corps and numbers, that I am every day more and more at a loss: However I hope if your Spies will attend particularly to the observations recommended in my last, we shall be able to ascertain the Corps that remain at New York and its dependencies.
I am informed that the persons who are indulged with a liberty of carrying on a small trade to and from New York, for the purposes of gaining intelligence, abuse the licence to a very great degree; insomuch that many of the well affected Inhabitants complain. I am convinced this is neither done by your Lordships connivance or permission, and that you will take proper measures to curb this extravagant passion for gain in the persons who of necessity are employed in this Business.
Be pleased to give orders to the commanding officer of Moylans Regiment, if the Coll is not himself in the neighbourhood, to collect all the Men and Horses and hold the Regimt ready to move into Quarters. I will consult the Commissary of Forage upon the proper place of Cantonment and inform you in my next where they are to be stationed for the Winter. I am my Lord with great Regard Your most obt Servt

    Go: Washington

Be pleased to forward the inclosed to Govr Livingston.
Since writing the above Colo. Biddle has fixed upon the town of Lancaster for the Winter Quarters of Moylans Regt be therefore pleased to direct them to march without loss of time to that place.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 19 November 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dr Sir
    Elizabeth Town [N.J.] Novr 19th 1778

Besides the 74. & 64. & three Lesser Ships I mentioned to be arrived at New york I have Information of a Very large Ship being at Anchor off Deal a few Miles below Black point on the Monmouth Coast by the description I think she must be Admiral Byrons flag Ship, her Bowsprit Mizen Mast and Main top Mast gone.
  I have this Moment received the two papers herewith enclosed & am your Excellencys Most Obt Humble Servt

  Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 19 November 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

    Dear General,
    Head Quarters Providence [R.I.]Novr 19th [17]78

Inclosd I have the honor to transmit your Excellency a List of Officers in Colo. Henlys Regiment with their respective Ranks as specifyd by the dates of their Appointment.
Since my last I have not collected any thing interesting in this department but shall do myself the Honor of giving your Excellency the earliest information of every Circumstance that may tend to illustrate the Enemys Intentions. I have the Honor to subscribe myself with the most exalted sentiments of Regard, Yr Excellencys, most obedt & very humble Servt

  Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 19 November 1778
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

    Bedford [N.Y.] Novr 19th 1778

Your Excellency’s favr of yesterday has this moment arrived—The Queries therein contained shall be immediately transmited for solution.
I have been hourly waiting, for more than two days, for a letter from Culper, & I am confident the failure must be attributed to those employed in crossing the Sound for such Dispatches, as his punctuality heretofore in fulfiling all appointments with his Post, leaves no room to doubt in the present Case. I am further induced to impute it to this Cause, inasmuch as I was lately informed that the Men, who had been employed with Lt Brewster on this business, had not yet returned to thier former Duty—I could wish that no Difficulties of this nature might prevent his letters coming in season, as it may be of the utmost importance that his Letters should be immediately forwarded to Head Qrs.
To the End that your instructions may be duly transmited, & to make some little Enquiries into the Causes of the aforementioned Delay, I determine to ride immediately to Fairfield, where Brewster has made his Port for some time.
  When Genl Scott was about leaving this Post, he proposed a plan for the Regular Conveyance of C——’s letters to your Excellency, which he intended to lay before your Excellency on his arrival at Head Qrs. I hope before the Genl removes from Fredericksburgh, his pleasure may be known, that C——r may not be at a loss how to convey his Letters, with Certainty & Expedition—His extreme cautiousness & even timidity, in his present undertaking, would not admit of having his business made known to any Persons, who are not at present his Confidants—so that, as Genl Scott observed before he left us, if it was comunicated to any other Persons he would most probably leave his present employmt immediately—I mention this, not fearing that his letters or business will be made publick at Camp, but least some Persons in this Qr should be made acquainted with his present situation, which, as I before observed, would <ma>ke him extremely unhappy, & as he assu<red us> when he embarked in the business, he should leave the Island immediately. I am with all due Respect Your most obedt & very hble Servt

  Benja. Tallmadge


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 19 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

    Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 19th Novemr 1778

I am to desire that you will immediately give order for establishing as large a Magazine of Flour and Salt Meat at Albany as you possibly can without injury to the Army in its Winter Cantonments. I desire that you will also immediately give directions for the establishment of as large a Magazine of Flour as you possibly can between No. 4 and the Coos upon Connecticut River. The thousand Barrels of Salt Meat which you say, in yours of the 17th, is already in that Country and on the way thither will be sufficient in that Quarter as should an expedition be carried on from thence our dependance for Meat must be cheifly upon live Cattle to save carriage. I wish every exertion may be made to establish the Magazines at Albany.
Be pleased to make a report from time to time of your progress, that I may put a stop should the quantity exceed what I think will be the demand: But of which I imagine there is not much danger from your late representations. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

    Go: Washington

Let this be done with as little stir as possible.


Title: General Orders, 20 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Fredericks-burgh [N.Y.] Friday Novr 20th 1778
    Parole Verona—C. Signs Val Vienna—


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 20 November 1778
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

    Dear General
    Philadelphia Novr 20th 1778

Yesterday I had the honor receiving Your Excellencys favor of the 13th Inst., by General Du Portail, every Aid in my power will be given him in the execution of his intended Plan, and as your Excellency has done me the honor to recommend him to my attention, It will give me a very sensible pleasure to shew him every posible Civility.
  I have for a long time flatter’d myself that the Enemy would evacuate New York, and that we should have the pleasure seeing your Excellency in Philada; that agreable Prospect seems to have Vanish’d,

    as We have reason to believe from the latest, Intellegince from New York, that the Enemy will Not leave it soon; and I am inform’d by Docr Craigg that your Excellency has sent for Mrs Washington to Camp.
The only News here worth Notice is, that the French have taken the Island of St Vincent in the West Indies. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect and esteem Your Excellencys Affectionate and most Obedient Hble Servt

  B. Arnold


Title: To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, 20 November 1778
From: Bassett, Burwell
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Wmsburg [Va.] 20 Novr 1778

Your favour of the 30 is just come to hand & I have taken a few minute from the Business of the Senate to inform you that Mr Custis has refused to take the Corn & in consequence of that I sold it to Finnie for the use of the Army. He is to take it away as soon as Davenport can deliver it, the Wheat was sold by Hill before I got your Letter the Fodder &ca Mr Custis will take & I shall comply with your request as to the other thing I shall dispose of your Tobo with my own tho I shall not be in a hurry about it as I think Tobo will take arise, I forgot to mention the price of the Corn which is five pounds pr Barrel the Money shall be sent to Mr Washington by the first safe oppertunity, The Assemble has been sitting ever since the first of October but have done very little Business as yet I shall write you fully by Colo. Wood. I am Dr Sr Yr Mo. Affnate Freind & very Hble Servt

  Burl Bassett


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 20 November 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

    Sr
    Canaan [Conn.] Novr 20th 1778

  I am now on my way to Sharon where I expect to arrive this Eveng & where the first division of the British are to halt to day; The Qur Mastr Informs me that no troops are yet arrived or assembled to receive them from the Militia of this State who will not march one

    Inch further, owing to thier being engaged by the state & promised not to proceed further; I much fear that my Letter written to Yr Excy from Enfd on my arrival there informg you of the time the troops wd arrive on the Confines of this state has Mi[s]carried or not come to hand; As much confusion must Ensue from the divisions mixing or much delay from a Genl Halt am in hopes that Yr Excy will order on a proper Escort as soon as possible The Escort to Each division through this state has been abt 120 men which appear sufft for the purpose I am with respect Yr Excy most obet & very Humb. Svt

    Theok Bland

P.S. No material accident has yet Happend.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 20 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

    Dear sir.
    Head Quarters [Fredericksburg, N.Y.]20th Nor 1778.

  Upon receipt of this letter you will be pleased to proceed immediately to Albany, or the place to which General Hand may have gone; previously, however, directing the two Regiments of your brigade to

    follow you, in case they have not already set out, and to wait your orders at Albany.
General Hand receives my directions to take the command at the minisink, in which I have, (for the present) included Colonel Cortlandts Regiment, now at Rochester. You will deliver him the inclosed letter, left open for your information, in which I have desired a free communication of sentiment, and co-operation of force—You will therefore consult with General Hand, on the plans he may have in contemplation, whether offensive against the Indians, or for giving greater security to the frontiers.
It is my wish that you should make the best possible disposition, and such arrangements as appear most consistent with your combined strength. I am Dr sir your most hble servt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 20 November 1778
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from James Clinton, 20 Nov. 1778. On 31 Dec., GW informed Clinton that his letter of 20 Nov. “never came to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 November 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Camp Fredricksburg [N.Y.] Nov. 20 1778

Inclosd is Col. Biddles Letter to me upon the subject of Forage. I shall only add that a great number of our Horses for Ten days past have been falling away to such a degree for want of a sufficient supply that those which were in good order then are now almost unfit for duty.

  I am perswaded it will be impossible to subsist the Cattle belonging to the Army here unless there is a Press Warrant granted to aid the Forage Master. I shall take great care that no improper use is made of the Warrant. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency obedient humble Sert

  Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 20 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hand, Edward

    Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 20th Novr 1778

Since mine of the 16th your missing letter of the 10th and another of the 11th has come to hand. A supply of Cloathing for the 4th Penna Regt and the Rifle Corps has been ordered up by Capt. Cobourn of Colo. Aldens Regiment and I hope it may be arrived with them by this time.
  The exigency of Affairs to the Northward having required an additional number of troops to be sent thither, I have ordered up the New York Brigade as being most convenient and suitable upon many accounts. Genl James Clinton their own Brigadier going with them will of course supersede you, and as the whole force in that quarter will not admit of being divided into commands proper for two General Officers, I have thought it would be more agreeable to you to remove down to the Minisink settlement and take the command of a body of troops which we are under the necessity of assembling there to protect that Frontier against the incursions of the Indians. The Corps at the Minisink will consist of Count Pulaski’s Legion, Colo. Armands

    Corps and Colo. Spencers Regt making about 500 Horse and Foot. Colonel Cortlands Regiment is at Rochester in the neighbourhood of Minisink. This Regt tho’ part of Genl Clintons Brigade will remain under your command for the present.
The troops upon the Susquehanna (tho’ pretty remote) consisting of Colo. Hartleys Regt and two independent Companies will also be under your general direction, should there be any means of cooperation—I have just heard that the Indians have again appeared at Wyoming and threaten that quarter seriously.
If you have, in consequence of my last, formed any plans of Offence, you will be pleased to communicate them to Genl Clinton and repair as speedily as possible to Minisink and acquaint me upon your arrival there. As Governor Clinton goes himself to the Frontier he will be the best judge of the propriety of taking the Ranging Companies into pay again. I send you a Copy of Colo. Hartley’s letter by which you will perceive the situation of matters upon Susquehanna. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 20 November 1778
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Albany [N.Y.] 20th Novr 1778

I yesterday recd the inclosed Packet from Major Whitcomb for the President of Congress & take this opertunity of forwarding it by way of Head Quarters, as I think your Excy should see it.

  I dont know what Establishment Major Whitcombs Corps is on or on what footing they were raised. had I been Earlier informd of their want of Stores would have falen on means of Supplying them—Inclosed your Excy has a Copy of Major Whetcombs narative of the progress of the Enemy to the Northward, and Returns of the Strength of his Garrison.
I take the liberty to hint to your Excy that if Congress mean to Send a force into the Indian Country in the Spring Provision should be made for it this Winter whilst the Snow is on the Ground, either at Fort Schuyler, or Otswego Lake, at the Former if the Rout be by the Onida lake, & at the latter if by the Susquehanna. I am Sir with much respect your Excy most Obedt and most Hble Servt

    Edwd Hand

P.S. when I recd Major Whetcombs Packet the D.M.M.G. for the department was at my Quarters, and on his way to Fort Stark I directed him to go to Rutland to Muster the Garrison there. he told me it was not in his department, & could not afford the Expence of Traveling there, he however has engaged to go there on my promising to defray the Additional Expence. I expect some Instructions from yr Excy in the Matter.

  Edwd Hand


Title: From George Washington to Colonel David Henley, 20 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Henley, David

    sir.
    [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] 20 Nvr 1778.

I received your two favors both of yesterdays date.
I inclose you a form something of the nature of that mentioned in my last. You will observe the important columns, or those most in our power to fill up—are the Regiments and corps—the works—thier strength—where situated and by whom commanded—These ideas may be obtained, with a good deal of precision from deserters and spies—But as most of the other objects are removed from common observation, they may only serve to perplex our observers—and may therefore be omitted unless where you find them very intelligent and attentive.
You may inform Colonel Sherman that he may join his Regiment the moment the troops go into winter quarters, which will be in a very short time. This answer will also apply to those officers of the light corps who have requested furloughs as they will return to their respective Regiments and of course are comprehended in the general order on this subject.
The inclosure to Sir Henry Clinton you will be pleased to send in by flag.

    G.W.

P.S. above all things try to ascertain the corps and Genl Officers which remain since the two embarkations.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 20 November 1778
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir,
    Danbury [Conn.] 20th Nov. 1778

Your several Favours & Commands of the 18th 19th & 20th reached me this Evening—Orders are gone to Genl Nixons Brigade to proceed to the Continental Village—I shall observe your Directions as to Deserters from the Convention Troops.
After my Letter on the Subject of Cloathing had gone from me, I was not without a painful Apprehension that my Manner of expressing myself on the matter might be conceived to imply a Supposition that there had been, or might be some Partiality in the Distribution of Cloathing, than which Nothing could be farther from having Place in my Mind, & of which I am happy to find myself acquitted by your Excellency—nor did the Troops suggest any such Thing—it was my Fear only, that they might by & by, when they should see others completely cloathed & themselves destitute, think there had been Want of Attention to them—I was ignorant of any Thing particular in the Application made by General Parsons or others for the Cloths in Major Bigelows Hands, imagining they were assigned to us because most convenient at the Time, and as they were not in Season and understanding there was a Sufficiency of the french Cloathing—I thought best to apply—I never wished for any Thing for the Troops I am particularly connected with, injurious to others—if Uniforms of the french Cloathing remain for them, I dare engage that my Brigade shall punctually comply with the Terms upon which they recieve them—I am, dear Sir, with unfeigned Respect and Esteem, Your Excellency’s most obedient servant

  Jed. Huntington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 20 November 1778
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    Danbury [Conn.] 20th Nov. 8 o’Clock A.m. 1778

  I have just recd Your Excellencys Order of Yesterday, from the last situation of the Division it was most convenient for Nixon’s Brigade, who lay in Woodbury, to march by the new Bridge through Newtown, where they halted last Night—I halted the Connecticut Brigades about three Miles North of this Town & came in myself to find a

    suitable Place for the Whole—the best position, on account of Wood & Forage, seems to be about four miles east of the Town on the Road to Newtown, I shall therefore order on Nixon’s to that place & continue the other two where they lye untill further Orders. I am, with the greatest Respect—Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant

    Jed. Huntington

If I should be ordered from this Place—Please to remember that one of the Regiments of my Brigade is stationed here, shall they join the Brigade—most Obedt J.H.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 20 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

    Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksburg [N.Y.] 20th Novr 1778

  Mr Wheelock will have the honor of presenting this letter to your Excellency. He waits on Congress upon the affairs of a regiment, under the command of Colonel Bedel, which it seems was raised in the Coos Country—or at least has been kept up since March last, upon the recommendation of the Marquis Fayette, when at Albany. This Corps according to the inclosed state by Mr Wheelock, who is the Lieut. Colo. to which I beg leave to refer Congress—and according to other information I have received, was at first assembled under the direction of Major Genl Gates about this time twelve months for the purpose of a sudden enterprize against St Johns & the Enemy’s armed Vessels lying there—and was engaged till the last of March. I cannot undertake to say in what manner or how usefully this regiment has been employed or to what extent in point of Men, but Mr Wheelock says, it has been of great service. And the object of his present journey is to obtain the direction of Congress for their being paid—when proper rolls are produced—and their determination whether it is to be disbanded now—or continued till April next, the period for which the Men are said to have engaged, though the Marquis’s recommendation extended only to the end of the present Campaign. The Regt may or may not be necessary in future—Much will depend on the system of conduct the Enemy pursue the next Campaign and on our own operations. I would observe under its present engagement, its

    services were to be local—or at least confined to a certain Quarter. If it should be deemed expedient to reinlist it, if practicable it should be done on the general scale of acting whereever it may be requisite—though perhaps it may not be possible to accomplish it; and in such case it will also be material for the Public to have a more perfect knowledge of its arrangements than what I apprehend it has hitherto had. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellencys most Obet Servant

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 20 November 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

    Dear sir—
    Philadelphia 20th Novem. 1778

I feel myself doubly honoured by your favor of the 14th Inst. from the confidence of General Washington in the free communication of his sentiments & in the coincidence of his Ideas with my own, upon a question, on the wise decision of which the Inheritance, possibly the establishment, of the freedom & Independence of these States, seems to depend. The respect Sir, which I owe you, demands an immediate reply, & yet the variety of avocations in which I am engaged, do not afford me moments for arranging or expressing my thoughts suitably to the importance of the subject; I am nevertheless encouraged to proceed without hesitation from a conviction, that, were I to deliver my opinions at full length I should be obliged to borrow Your Excellency’s words, which I have the honor of assuring you Sir, are in more than one Instance repetitions of my own, & that in every other, one excepted, our sentiments on this momentous discussion exactly accord.
I beleive & upon good grounds, the scheme for an expedition into Canada in concert with the Arms of France originated in the breast of Marquis delafayette, encouraged probably by conferences with Count d’Estaing & I also beleive it to be the offspring of the purest motives so far as respects that origin, but this is not sufficient to engage my concurrence in a measure big with eventual mischiefs.
  As deeply as my very limited time & faculties had suffered me to penetrate, I had often contemplated our delicate connexion with France, & although it is painful to talk of ones own foresight, had

    viewed & foretold fifteen Months ago the humiliating state to which our embrio Independence would be reduced by courting from that Nation the loan of more Money than should be actually necessary for the support of the Army & of our unfortunate Navy.
I was one of the six unsuccessful opponents to the resolution for borrowing Money from France for paying the Interest of our loan Office Certificates—we have in this single article plunged the Union into a vast amount of debt, & from neglecting to exert our very small abilities or even to shew a leading disposition to cancel any part of the former demand against us, our Bills for that Interest are now floating in imminent danger of dishonor & disgrace—fully persuaded of the true value of National honor I anxiously wished to support our own by a propriety & consistency of conduct & I dreaded the consequences of subjecting our happiness to the disposal of a powerful Creditor, who might upon very specious grounds, interpret National honor to our destruction—I warned my freinds against the danger of Mortgaging these States to foreign powers. Every Million of Livres you borrow implies a pledge of your Lands, & it is optional in your Creditor to be repaid at the Bank of England with an exorbitant Præmium, or to collect the Money due to him in any of your Ports & according to his own mode whenever National Interest shall require the support of pretended National honor—hence Your Excellency will perceive what were my feelings, when the propositions for subduing Canada by the aid of a french Fleet & Army were first broached to me—I demurred exceedingly to the Marquis’s scheme & expressed some doubts of the concurrence of Congress, this was going as far as I dared consistently with my Office or considering him as a Gentleman of equal honor & tenacity—I trusted the issue of his application to the sagacity of Congress, the business was referred to a Committee who conferred with the Marquis, their Report was framed agreeable to his wishes, but the House very prudently determined to consult the Commander in Chief previously to a final determination, and although Your Excellency’s observations are Committed, I am much mistaken if every Member in Congress is not decided in his opinion in favor of them—If the prosecution of so extensive a project is from the present state of our Army & funds impracticable on our part, it becomes altogether unnecessary to discuss the point in a political view, & I trust the Marquis will be satisfied with such reasonings in apology for our desisting from the pursuit of his favorite enterprize as our circumstances dictate.
  The immense debts which we are involved in abroad & at home demand the most serious attention & calls for an exertion of the collected wisdom of all these States in order to secure what we have saved

    from the ravages of the Enemy, I am very short sighted, if there be at this time any encouragement for attempting distant conquests.
I have been uniformly averse from every proposition which tended to dissipate our strength & to accumulate our debt—events have confirmed my opinions, & at this Instant taking in view all circumstances I have doubts of the policy & more of the success of the pending expedition against East Florida.
Congress will probably recommend to the States to raise a Tax of near 20 Million the ensuing Year, this I hope will have a good effect, by returning many of us to first principles from which we have been too long wandering this almost intolerable burthen will rouse & animate our fellow Citizens, they will probably send Men of abilities to investigate Causes, to enquire into expenditures & to call delinquents for unaccounted Millions to severe reckonings, they will do what they have hitherto shamefully neglected, pass necessary Laws for this purpose. this heavy Tax & the prospect of increasing impositions will shew our constituents the necessity for consolidating our strength, as well as the impropriety & danger of new expensive Military enterprizes—Virtue & patriotism were the Motto of our Banners when we entered this Contest, where is virtue, where is patriotism now? when almost every Man has turned his thoughts & attention to gain & pleasures, practicing every artifice of Change Alley or Jonathan’s—when Men of abilities disgracefully neglect the important duties for which they were sent to Congress, tempted by the pitiful ffees of practicing Attornies—when Members of that Body artfully start apoint, succeed, & then avail themselves of the secrets of the House, commence monopolizers & accumulate the public debt for their private emoluments; I beleive many such tricks have been acted, the particular instance which I allude to cost these States a large Sum of Money without putting the Criminal to the expence of a blush. When Men in almost every important public department are actually concerned in Commerce incompatible with the strict duties of their respective Offices, when the most egregious delinquents meet with support in Congress & escape examination—I am tired & fear tiring you Sir with this horrible half finished picture, I will therefore leave it but not before I add that the United States of America are in most deplorable circumstances, that the acquisition of a foreign Minister has fixed the Eyes of Europe upon them, that their weaknesses & their wickednesses are no longer hidden, that the States respectively are much to blame, & that without speedy reformation their shame & ruin collectively will follow.
  The disaster of Admiral Byron’s ffleet & the successful departure of Count d’Estaing’s are events much in our favor, that is to say, if we

    are pleased to make a wise improvement of them but from experience fearing the contrary I am almost tempted to wish they had not happened these fortunate circumstance will lull us to sleep again, & while our Ally is gaining honor aggrandizement & the highest national advantages we shall be sinking into a State little better than tributary & dependent—be this as it may, the World will ever honor by acknowledging the virtues of the Man who from my inmost Soul I beleive keeps us at this Moment from crumbling. I have the honor to be With the most sincere Respect & Esteem Dear Sir Your much obliged & obedient humble servant

  Henry Laurens


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 20–21 November 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    20th[–21] November [1778]

I beg leave to refer to what I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency under the 18th Instant by Humphrey.
I was Yesterday honor’d with Your Excellency’s Letters of the 11th and 12th which were immediately presented to Congress, the former is committed to the Board of War, the other to the Committee on the Marquis de la Fayette’s Letters.
Inclosed with this will be found an Act of Congress of the 17th Instant for a general Thanksgiving to be observed throughout the United States on Wednesday the 30th of December next. An Act of the 19th for exchanging Officers of the Convention Troops for American Officers in the actual possession, or within the power of the Enemy; and also three Copies of the Treaties of Amity and Commerce, and of Alliance eventual and defensive between His Most Christian Majesty and the United States of America. The transmission of this Paper to Your Excellency in particular, is a circumstance which I have long wished for. I have the honor to be &c.

P.S. I detained this Bearer all yesterday, hoping Congress would have enabled me to have made necessary returns to Your Excellency’s unanswer’d Letters—’tis now early the 21st.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 20 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Malcom, William

    Sir,
    Hd Qrs Fred[ericksburg, N.Y.] Nov. 20 1778

I have received your favours of the 12th and 16th. You express a desire in the former to make a visit to Head Quarters to represent the state of the Garrison—Unless the necessity be very urgent I wish you to defer it awhile, as the arrival of the Convention troops at the North River will make your presence at the Fort very necessary.
While they are near and passing the River, you will see the propriety of using the greatest vigilance and of having your guard boats constantly on the look out both across and down the river and well manned—as well to prevent desertion, as to be advertised in time of any attempt from below to effect a rescue, which though perhaps not a very probable is a possible event.
I thank you for the intelligence communicated in your last and wish you to continue your measures for obtaining advice of what is going on with the enemy. I am, with regard Sir Your most Obedt Serv.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 20 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Muhlenberg, Peter

    Sir,
    Camp Fredericksburg [N.Y.] November 20th 1778

You will have every thing in readiness and as soon as you hear that two divisions of the Convention troops have crossed at Fishkill you will begin your march by the above Route. You will either send your sick to Fishkill or lodge them at Robertsons House as the Surgeons shall advise.
On your arrival at Middle brook you will be shewn the Ground alloted for your Troops to hut on. I am Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 20th Novemr 1778

You are upon the Receipt hereof to proceed to Danbury with General Poors Brigade and send on General Pattersons and Learneds by the most direct Route to Fishkills. Should Genl Poors, agreeable to my orders of yesterday, have marched on towards Fishkill, you will be pleased to countermand them and turn them back to Danbury. The two Connecticut Brigades are also ordered to Danbury, at which place you are to wait further orders. Desire Genl Patterson to proceed with the two Massachusetts Brigades as expeditiously as possible to Fishkills. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

    Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

    Dr sir.
    Fredksburg [N.Y.] Nov. 20th 1778

On the 17th I wrote you that Genl Poor, with his Brigade was to proceed to Enfield to conduct the Convention troops to Fish Kill landing.
  On the 18, having received a Letter from Colo. Bland, advising that the Van of the Convention Troops had reached Enfield on the 13 and that proper Escorts of Militia were provided; and supposing that the whole would have passed that place before my Letter of the

    17 could come to hand, I countermanded my order to Genl Poor as to his taking charge of the Convention troops—and directed him to proceed by the shortest route to Fish Kill.
Supposing the Convention Troops were under the care of the Militia as last abovementioned—and having altered the destination of Genl Poor’s Brigade to Danbury instead of Fish Kills—I wrote you to day to proceed with it to Danbury. Since this I received your Letter of the 19th, informing me that you had just received mine of the 17th—that Genl Poor would immediately march to take charge of the Convention Troops—& that their 3d Division was the day before at Simsbury.
Now this is to acquaint you that if General poor is with the Convention Troops, in consequence of my first Letter of the 17th—he is to proceed with them to Fish Kill landing—notwithstanding my intermediate Orders to the contrary, altho he is ultimately to go to Danbury, otherwise—the Convention Troops will probably be without a guard, as the Militia it is likely upon his taking the care of them is returned to their Homes.
But if he is not with the Convention Troops—and they are still under the escort of the Militia—they will bring them on and you will proceed with his Brigade to Danbury agreable to the Order of this morning. Genl Patterson with the 2 Massachuset’s Brigades, will advance to Fish Kill as expeditiously as he can. You will communicate these Orders to Genl Poor, as I dont write to him. I am Dr Sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt ser.

    G.W.

P.S. If Genl McDougal is at Hartford—do inform him I wish to see him immediately.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 20–21 November 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    8 oClo. P.m. Elizabeth Town [N.J.]Novr 20th[–21] 1778.

Your Excellency’s letter of the 16th I received the Night before last, and immediately sent orders for Colonel Spencers Regiment to March to Coles fort and there Join General Count Pulaski. at the same time I sent orders to Colonel Morgan to send a Regiment to replace Colonel Spencers at Hackinsack as it is Absolutely Necesary to keep a good look out towards Bergen Neck & the Banks of the North River.
From my Memory and the best Accots I have been Able lately to get, I have formed, an Accot in Columns of the Troops gone in the different fleets and those remaining at New York and its dependencies; which is inclosed, I have two other persons now examining the Troops which remain, If their accounts differ from this I will mention it to your Excellency.
  I shall here transcribe some of the Intelligence I have lately received. “New York Novr 16th On fryday Came into this harbour the Bedford a Seventy four Gun Ship and a frigate dismasted belonging to Admiral Byron’s Squadron, they say the fleet is much damaged in the late Storm and are put into Rhode Island to refit; two Battalions of Hessians Crossed at Hell Gate this day to Long Island with their Baggage. They are takeing all the Cannon from different parts of the Town, Fort & Batteries and putting them on board the Ships.” Another of this days date says, “I went to Kinsgbridge and all the Lines down and Conclude the troops on N. York Island to Amount to about 2500, besides the Artillery in the Redoubts, and light Horse, in all about 3000. General Vaughan’s Quarters to be at Hornhook General Cornwallis is in Town, Sir Wm Erskine on Long Island, part of the 33d at Bedford (Long Island) light Infantry at Jamaica, Grenadiers at the plains As to the Army on Staten Island and on board the fleet,

    all the Alteration is that they have taken in more Water, and Some large Cannon from the Whitehal and the Convoy is Augmented with the Experiment & Phinix and three Gallies or Gunboats. Genl Greys Baggage was Yesterday sent on Board the Brunne frigate but wether he goes with this fleet or to England is Uncertain, the fleet will Sail again either this day or to Morrow. their destination uncertain, Genl Lessley has taken his Winter Quarters at Mr Cursons Cole’s ferry. I was on Board two of Byrons fleet dismasted one a Sixty four and the other a Seventy four which cannot be got fit for Service these two Months, the only large Ships in the harbour is the Trident, and the 74 damaged sometime ago by Count de Estang.”
I have it Also from Several hands that two Ships of the fleet were lost in the Storm on Sandy hook one of them a Store Ship and the other a Transport but I hear no more of the three decker which it was said was at Anchor off Deal. They have within this two days enquired wether we have not heard of a fifty Gun Ship being a Shore to the Southward. I Guess we have not yet heard of their whole Loss. I cant learn that the fleet Sailed this day, the weather was not very favourable. A deserter from the 64th Regt this morning Mentiond the Circumstance of their takeing off all the heavy Cannon, and that the heavy Baggage of that Regiment was onboard Ship. I am your Excellencys Most Humble Servant

    Stirling,

21st Ten o Clock A.m. By a person Just from N.Y. I am informed that 71st Regt were yesterday disembarking on Staten Island. that the Commissioners are to Sail tomorrow. he Confirms their Shipping all the heavey Cannon. that by a Cartel Ship from Boston they have accounts of Seven Store Ships out of Nine which were going from New york to Quebec, are taken by two 6 four 20 Gun Ships; but this if true your Excellency Must have thro’ another Channel.


Title: General Orders, 21 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Fredericks-burgh [N.Y.] Saturday Novr 21st 78.
    Parole Labrador—C. Signs Lynn Leghorn.

After Orders Novr 21st
Five hundred men from the Pennsylvania line properly officered to march tomorrow morning to Sharon to escort the Convention troops to Hudson’s River.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 21 November 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

    Sr
    Sharon [Conn.] Novr 21st 1778

I only this afternoon was honord with your Excelly’s letter of the 17th Instt relating to Brigadr Genl Poore, immediately on the Rect of which I dispatched an express to him with a Copy of my Instructions; Since which Col: Meade has arrived, and Inform’d me of the arrangement Yr Excy has made in consequence of my letter to you yesterdays date from Canaan. I can assure yr excelly I am extreamely happy in the Prospect, of having the Continental troops instead of Militia. Col: Meade will inform Yr Excy of the Steps I have taken, & those I intend to persue, unless I shd receive fresh instructions to the Contrary. As it is not now intended that Brigadr Poore shd take the Command as by yr letter of the 17th I shall proceed in those arrangements I had begun. If we march from hence tomorrow and the Halt has been made in the rear according to the orders I was obliged to send on to day that the Mulish obstinacy of the Militia with whom no arguments could prevail, the front division will be tomorrow at Mabbets, the 2d at Sharon, the 3d at & about Canaan, the fourth at Norfolk, the 5th at New Hartford, & the Sixth at Simsbury. but I fear one or two of the rear divisions will be inevitably mixd. Col: Meade has my opinion relative to the falling in of the Continental Escort rather by divisions, than the whole at once, Unless they could bring forage & provisions with them. He will also inform yr excy of the Success of our application this Eveng to the Militia, as I have not yet recd their answer on which the march tomorrow must wholly depend I am with the greatest respect Sr Yr very obedt Humb: Svt

    Theok Bland

P.S. the 1st division (on a supposition the march takes place tomorrow) will be on the 23d at Sevago, on the 24th at Fishkills, the other divisions will follow in Succession in the Same order as mentiond in the body of the Letter. Shd any application be made to me in future to go into N: York, by the offrs of the troops of the Conventn or to deviate from the Line of march I shall refuse it without yr Excy’s further orders from wht Col: Meade has mentd to me. Inclosed is an extract, from one of Genl Phillip’s Letters to Majr Carter of Artillery, which I thot proper to report to Yr Excy for reasons Col: Meade will explain.

  T.B.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 21 November 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

    Sr
    [Sharon, Conn., 21 November 1778]

I am Sorry to Inform Yr Excelly that a Total stop is put to the March of the Convention troops owing to some misconception which has arose between Yr Excelly and the State of Connecticut; Yr Excelly’s Orders are that the Connecticutt Escort shall go as far as the North River, the Orders of this state that they shall proceed to sharon or the Line between Connecticut & N. York & there be deliverd over to the N. York Militia or such Escort as Govr Clinton Shall appoint to receive them. Thus am I extreemely embarrasd I am fearfull that some of the divisions may be obliged to halt where Provision is not made to receive them, and that by the divisions interfereing with each other (which it is not now possible to avoid, through this unforeseen event, of not having a timely relief) accommadations cannot be had for the whole. I shd therefore be extreemely happy if Yr Excy wd order such releif as the necessity of the case requires as speedily as possible. I have sent the necessy orders to the rear to halt the whole untill the Releif can come; but not till after having tried every effort and every persuasion to induce the militia of this state to march forward accordg to Yr Excys orders, which they obstinately refused to Comply with. I am Sr Yr very obedt Sert

    Theok Bland

Capt. Parsons & the other officers of the Militia have used every argument to prevail on the Militia to March to the N. River but in vain.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

    Sir,
    Head Quarters Fredericksburgh [N.Y.] Nov. 21st 1778

This will be delivered you by young Mr Penet, brother to the Gentleman, who was in a partnership with Mr Plierne. That Gentleman has importuned me to recommend his brother to Congress for an appointment by brevet to the rank of Captain, which he observes will have no effect in this country, as his brother will immediately return to France, which he makes an essential condition of the appointment. I pointed out fully all the difficulties and objections in the way and endeavoured to discourage the application; but the footing upon which he placed it, and the consideration that the house to which he belonged engaged very early in a commercial intercourse with this country, in the present contest induced me finally so far to comply, as to promise that I would communicate his request to Congress; which I now take the liberty to do. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect and esteem Sir Your most Obedt Serv.

  G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 21 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

              Letter not found: to Henry Lee, Jr., 21 Nov. 1778. Lee wrote to GW on 23 Nov.: “I have the honor of your Excellency’s letr of the 21st instt.” See also GW to George Augustine Washington, this date.


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 21 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

    Sir,
    Head Quarters Fredg [N.Y.] 21st Novr 1778.

Your Letter came to my hands last Night. I have wrote to Majr Lee on the subject—when his answer arrives you will hear further from me on the subject of it. I am.


Title: General Orders, 22 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Frederick’s-burgh [N.Y.] Sunday Novr 22nd 78
    Parole Waldeck—C. Signs Walpole Wales.

  Lieutenant James Lord of the 1st Connecticutt Battalion is appointed Pay-Master for the same from September 9th 1778.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 22 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters [Fredericksburg, N.Y.]22d Novemr 1778. 8 OClock A.m.

Yours of last evening reached me at day break this morning. The Continental troops will march from hence in an hour and will have orders to proceed untill they meet the troops of the Convention. I have directed two hundred Men to advance quickly before the rest. You will therefore put the first division in motion as soon as possible after this reaches you. They may march the distance between sharon and the place where they will meet the advanced party of the Continental troops even without an Escort. tho’ I hope some of the Militia will, from Colo. Meades letter be prevailed upon to come as far as Mabbits.
Altho’ none of the Officers are to be permitted upon any terms to go into New York yet if they incline to write you may inform them that their letters shall be forwarded. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 22 November 1778
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Fish Kill [N.Y.] 22nd Novr 1778

  Enclosed I have the honour of transmitting to your Excellency a letter recd from Mr Whiting the Manager of Salisbury Furnace, in answer to one of mine which I have taken the liberty to enclose likewise as it will serve to explain his—S<hou>ld your excellency judge it necessary to have this Furnace putt in Blast as soon as possible, any orders I may have the Honour of receiving on that head shall be punctually complied with as far as in my power.
Miss Tyneck who lives with me is anxious to go to N: York, and requests I would ask your Excellency for a pass, as a vessel is expected to sail from this in a day or two with some disaffected Persons, which opportunity she would be glad to embrace.

  I have searchd about the Country for a few Bushels of Nutts but have not been able to observe any, my endeavers on that head shall however be still continued—I have the Honour to be with the utmost respect Your Excellencies Most obedt & very humble Sevt

  Udny Hay


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 22 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

    Dear sir
    [Fredericksburg, N.Y., 22 November 1778]

In consequence of a Letter this minute received from Colo. Bland who is conducting the march of the Convention troops and whose Van would be at Sharon last night, I am under the necessity of detaching a part of the pensylvania Brigades to escort them from thence to the North River. This detachment with the several guards furnished by ’em, leaves this pass almost destitute of Men. I therefore request that you will order One of the Connecticut Brigades to move as soon as possible to this Camp, that it may be secure against every possible accident. As the Brigade will only remain here while the Convention troops are moving to & passing the North River and will then return, you will order no more baggage to be brought with it than can be possibly helped. I am Dr sir &c.

    G. Washington

P.S. I don’t imagine Genl McDougal has returned yet; but if he has you will be pleased to inform him, that I wish to see him, as soon as he can arrive here.
The Brigade coming to Camp can occupy it’s old ground or any that may be better.
The Connecticut Militia are not to guard the Convention troops farther than the boundary of the state, which makes the escort I have mentioned, necessary from thence.


Title: To George Washington from Casimir Pulaski, 22 November 1778
From: Pulaski, Casimir
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from Casimir Pulaski, 22 November. On 26 Nov., GW wrote to Pulaski acknowledging receipt of “yours of the 22d.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 23 November 1778
From: Bayley, Jacob
To: Washington, George

    Sr
    Newb[u]ry [Vt.] November 23rd 1778

  Two Day Since Capt. Goslin Lt Goslin Capt. Travisie and Enoch Hall arrived here from Canada which Place they left the 4th Instant, Capt. and Lt Goslin from Laubener Eighteen Leagues from Quebeck, Capt Travisie and Enoch Hall from St Francois, thier accounts of the Scituation of affairs In Canada I inclose wrote by Capt. Goslin In French as I Apprehend the Truth would appear by their Verbal and writen account—they all agree that the Numbers in Canada of Brittish force of all Sorts dos not ammount to more than 3700 men that not more than 700 had arrived in Canada the last Season nor Could any arrive after they left that Country as it froze Hard at that time, that the Canadians were generally In favour of our Cause that the Priests were Silent, one assisted them much, Chief of the Force in Canada is in the District of Monreal, and were fortifying at Sorel where Head Quarters were and many Barracks, that the Canadians are not Disarmed In general but are not Elowed to purchace any Amenition nor keep any without Special licence, they are Impatiently waiting for our Coming, they Say that four Hundred men will Cut of the Communication between Quebeck and Sorel if they fall in at St Nicolas which is Eighteen miles below St Francois where the Communication is open from this Place, wheat Plenty at 5/ pr Bushel, Pork & beaf not So plenty but, they think Enough may be had for the army Mr Hall Is one of our Inhebitants and Gives the Same accounts as the French, assures me that the French are very friendly that he was in Company with french officers that was in the works at Sorel they tel

    him thier is but twenty Cannon a Small Fort and are making an Intrenchment from Sorel to the River St Laurance but no fortification on the two Sides next the River’s.
  the Indians begin to Come, in and mean never to go to Canada untill the Brittish are drove out, Capt. Travisie has been of great Servise to us this is the fourth time he has been in Canada Sin<ce> he was drove out of that Country by the Brittish, also Joseph Lewes has assisted us very much I wish they might be Recommended to the Commander of the Expedition, I am with the Greatest Regard your Excelencys most obedient Humble Servant

  Jacob Bayley


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 23 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

    Sir,
    Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 23d Novemr 1778

  As you have not yet had a route given you beyond the North River—I am to desire that you continue the march of the Convention troops by way of New Windsor to Sussex Court-House—to

    Hackets Town—to Sherrards ferry by Pitts-Town—to White Horse on the lancaster road—to Lancaster and thence by the usual route through York in Pennsylvania Frederickstown in Maryland and Leesburg in Virginia—In the further progress of the march, I shall not give you any particular directions; you will regulate it according to your own judgment, the information you receive and the arrangements of the Commissary with respect to provisions.
On the other side the North River, you will apply to Baron De Kalb, who has been directed to furnish proper escorts from his division to guard the troops as far as the Delaware. I have written to the Board of War to obtain the necessary orders for the Pensylvania militia to conduct you through that State—and to Governor Johnson to make the proper arrangements through the State of Maryland. To prevent a possibility of unnecessary delay—You will send on from county to County to the commanding officer of the militia in each to give notice of your approach to their respective limits and the precise time you expect to arrive—and you will give this warning a sufficient time beforehand, to allow ample leisure for calling out the militia. In Pensylvania you will pass through the Counties of Bucks, Philadelphia—Lancaster and York.
The distance of the Seat of Government in Virginia, from those parts through which you will pass, prevents my calling in the usual way for the escorts of Militia through that state; I have written a circular letter to the Commanding Officers in the several Counties, which you will transmit as you advance in the time and manner you judge most convenient.
I send you herewith a warrant for Two thousand dollars, towards bearing the expences of your command, which you will hereafter bring into a general account.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Lambert Cadwalader, 23 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Cadwalader, Lambert

    D. Sir
    Head Qrs [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] 23 Nor 1778

I am to acknowlege your letter of the 7th Ulto which I have this day transmitted the committee of arrangement for their particular consideration.

  You may be assured I shall be very happy if any mode can be settled by you and the Committee, which may give mutual satisfaction, or continue you in the service. I am D. Sir &c.


Title: From George Washington to the Commanding Officers of Militia in the Counties of Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpeper, and Orange, Virginia, 23 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Commanding Officers of Militia in the Counties of Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpeper, and Orange, Virginia

    Sir,
    Head Quarters Fredericksburgh [N.Y.]Novemr 23. 78

Congress having directed the removal of the Convention troops to Charlotte Ville in the State of Virginia; it will be necessary that proper guards should be furnished from the Militia of the several Counties through which they pass to escort them through their respective limits. I am therefore to request, that you will, on the requisition of Col. Bland, who is charged with conducting the march of these troops—furnish such a number of militia as guards to them, from the county in which you command, and at such time and place as the Col. shall think necessary. I am Sir Your most Obedt serv.

  G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 23 November 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

    Sir—
    Boston 23d November 1778.

I had the Honour to receive Your Excellencys letter of the 14th Instant with The Resolve of Congress Inclosed; and am happy to have forwarded such Exact, & perfect good intelligence from Canada, as that, which I sent by Mr Dodge, & the Indian Sachem from Quebec; & that, by The Officers who came from Sorel, by Co’os; also General Bayleys, & Col: Bedels letters convey’d by Them.
I have concerted a plan with Monsieur Holker for Obtaining the best intelligence possible from Nova-Scotia, by that, & Other means, I doubt not I shall receive a True State of the Fortifications & Strength of The Enemys Army & posts in that peninsula; when it reaches my Hands I will immediately Transmit it to Your Excellency.
  From the Accounts received by Mr Dodge, & Others abovemention’d, so Exactly Corresponding, I have not the least doubt that the Enemys European Force in Canada, consists of between five, and Six Thousand Combatants; & that the Main Body, & General Haldimands

    Head Quarters are for this Winter, at Sorel. Your Excellency will draw the Conclusion. I am Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant

  Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23–24 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

    sir.
    Head Quarters Fredericksburg [N.Y.]Nov. 23[–24] 1778

Your Excellency’s Letter of the 18th with the inclosure referred to, came to hand yesterday. I had before received the intelligence contained in Mr Dean’s Letter—and in consequence, made part of the detachments, which have been mentioned in my late Letters. It is highly probable—that the late incursions and outrages were committed by the parties comprehended in Mr Deane’s intelligence—and I should hope—that the force already gone from the Army together with the season, will prevent them at least from making further great depredations.
Since I had the honor of addressing Your Excellency on the 21st, I received a Letter from Genl Hand of the 18th an extract from which, you will find inclosed—with copies of a Letter from Major Whiting and from a Mr Clyde. These will inform Congress, that though the ravages at the Cherry Valley settlement were great in the late attack by the Savages, yet our loss was much less than we had reason to apprehend it from our former advices. The account of the Enemy’s having stormed the Fort and cut off Alden’s Regiment, happily, turns out premature.
  The Inclosure No. 2, which is a Copy of a Letter from Lord Stirling of the 17th will advise Congress, that the Fleet of transports which

    had lain at the Hook for some days before, came up the preceding night to the watering place; and also that some of the Ships of War had returned to York dismasted. Your Excellency will also see by the Inclosure No. 3. which contains an Extract from a Letter from Genl Sullivan of the 18th Instant, the latest advices, I have respecting Admiral Biron’s fleet. From the loss of the Sommerset and these Several accounts they suffered severely in their cruize.

  Novr 24th
I just received from Genl Hand the inclosed petition from Major Whetcomb address’d to Congress and his Letter to General Hand of the same date. My information respecting the corps under Major Whetcomb’s command has hitherto been very imperfect, and even now I do not know the terms on which it was engaged. Nor had I till these Letters came to hand, any reason to think, that the troops above had not all been equally paid, having sent up a supply of money for the purpose soon after I came to this Camp—and authorised the pay-Master Genl, a few days ago to forward a further quantity. I shall immediately write to Genl Clinton, now on his way to Albany, to send a proper Officer to muster the Corps—and also three Companies which he calls provincials under his direction—said to be engaged to the 1st of next month—after which, both will be paid on his presenting proper Rolls. With respect to Cloathing—the only application I recollect to have had from Major Whetcomb, was answered with such supplies—both in quantity and quality—as our stores at the time would admit of. It may perhaps be practicable hereafter to put his Corps on a better footing in this instance. The alarm which Major Whetcomb speaks of, in the beginning of his Letter to Genl Hand was occasioned, Congress will perceive by a copy of another Letter from him to Genl Hand, by a descent made by a body of the Enemy in the Country about the south end of Lake Champlain—and who according to his report have done considerable damage.
    I directed General Duportail sometime ago to take an accurate view of the works carrying on in the Highlands, for the defence of the North River—and to make an estimate of the Cannon necessary for the purpose. This he did—and as he is now at philadelphia I have written to him by this conveyance and requested him to present the Estimate to Congress. I am sorry the number wanted is so great—and the more so, as I find upon enquiry—that the Salisbury furnace in Connecticut, which used to cast many, is much out of repair and could not possibly be put in order and in a proper state of supplies before May. The providing of Cannon is a matter of infinite importance and I am persuaded Congress will take every means in their power to accomplish it. Besides the pressing and extensive demand for the Works on

      the North river we cannot extend our views too soon to the obtaining further large supplies. We must in the course of things have occasion for a great deal of Artillery—and in any enterprize we may undertake against Canada—whether on a large or a small scale—Several pieces of various Calibers will be absolutely essential. Besides arming the Ships & Vessels we shall be obliged to build, to gain the navigation of the Lakes—our land operations will require a great number.
A Detachment of Continental troops will conduct those of the Convention, from the North river to the Delaware. The German Batallion is to compose part of the escort—and after the Convention troops cross to Pensylvania—I have directed it, in consequence of the intelligence transmitted of late by Congress respecting the Frontiers, to proceed to Easton with all it’s baggage—where it is to wait till Genl Hand arrives at the Minisincks—and whence it will be ready to act as circumstances may require. At the same time if these frequent detachments from the Army could be avoided, it were much to be wished. The troops will be by this means in a very dispersed state, and besides loosing perhaps some advantages which might prevent themselves if they were more collected—their discipline will be greatly injured—and it will be extremely difficult from a variety of causes to draw them together again—and if it should be practicable, it is highly probable we shall find their number much impaired by desertion and otherwise. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt sevt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 November 1778
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

    Dear General
    Horseneck [Conn.] 23d Novr 1778

  the Weather has been so boisterous as has prevented passing the Sound some Days: The inclosd Examination of a Prisoner from

    Newyork I have sent. A Woman from thence the Day before Yesterday says a considerable Body of Troops are relanded in the City, that She Saw them land last Fryday & Says She was informd the Fleet was returnd whither the Storm had Shatterd so that they were obliged to put back or were orderd back she dont know but was told the latter—from every Account it appears evident the Fleet have Sufferd much in a Storm, Two Line of Battle Ships are dismasted & others much injurd, and I think comparing all the Inteligence I have had some Part of the Troops are returnd to the City; perhaps it may be no more than those belonging to the Transports which went ashore near the Hook (if that Fact is true) or the Fleet on the Arrival of Admiral Byron’s Squadron after the Storm may have been remanded. I expect some more Certainty to Night however that may be I shall Join my Brigade toMorrow. I am with the greatest Esteem yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt

    Saml H. Parsons

P.S. The inclosd to Genl Miflin appears to contain One Hundred & fifty Dollars all Counterfeit was receivd by a Flag Two Days since.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 23 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

    Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 23rd Novr 1778

I have your favr of the 12th inclosing a Copy of the Invoice of the different Articles ordered from Europe for the Supply of the Year 1779. The estimate of Cloathing appears to be liberal. I am not so well acquainted with the demands of the Artillery and Quarter Master Departments, but I will consult the Gentlemen at the Head of them, and if any thing is deficient, I will acquaint the Board—that they may endeavour to make it up by an after order.
The Cargo of the Frigate providence cannot be better disposed of than at Springfeild, from whence the Articles may be brought to the Army as they are wanted.
Major Nicholas arrived yesterday from the Eastwd. from him I learn that 20,011 suits of Uniform had been brought on to Springfeild which are all of those imported from France, exclusive of those lately arrived in the Frigate providence. By this account there is a deficiency of upwards of 3000 suits—There being now a sufficiency of the French Cloaths for the whole Army, the Board may, if they think proper, stop Otis and Andrews from making up any more Cloth, and direct them to bestow their whole attention to making up and forwarding shirts, which are much wanted.
In mine of the 18th I desired the Board might make a requisition for the Militia of the Counties of Northampton, Berks, Lancaster and York for the Escort of the Convention troops through Pennsylvania; their Route being since changed for the convenience of Forage and provision they will now pass the Delaware at Sherrards Ferry and therefore the Board will be pleased to require the Militia of Bucks and Philada in lieu of those of Northampton and Berks, as they will pass below those Counties.
I have never seen or had any report from the new Commy of Hydes. Upon the Rect of your letter I sent for him, but found that he had gone to Jersey. His deputy in Camp knew nothing of any steps that had been taken by him or any arrangements made by him since he came into Office. Upon his return I will make enquiry of him what he has done and desire him to report to the Board. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 23 November 1778
From: Pulaski, Casimir
To: Washington, George

    Dear General
    MinneSink [N.Y.] Novr the 23d 1778

agreeable to your orders to me While at Sussex Court house, I marched the Legion to this Place; & find the Indian Enemy have Retierd Near one hundred miles from this—from which it appears, that there will Be Nothing for us to Do—on Examining the Country I find it will Be impossible to Support the Cavalry with Forage many Days; the Persons appointed for that Purpose having Deliverd me the Enclosed address which will account for the matter—my Reasons for Not marching to Coles Fort the Place pointed out by you; are that there is Neither Inhabitants Nor Forage for our Subsistance. & the gentlemen to whom you referd me for assistance in this County Live thirty miles Below their Post & have Not Procurd one Lock of Hay or Bushel of grain—the People from the Back Country having Fled to this Settlment among their freinds. our Stay Here will greatly Disstress the whole—I therefor should Be glad your Excellency would Remove my Corps to Some other Post—in the mean Time Should be glad of your Excellencys Leave of Absence to Philadelphia to Settle some Accompts of the Legion. I Should Likewise Be glad of an answer to the Letter I wrote you Some Time ago. I am Dear General your Most Obedient Sert

  C. Pulaski


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 23 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

    Sir.
    Head Quarters Fredericksburg [N.Y.] 23d Novr 1778.

I have the honor of transmitting the Committee of arrangement the inclosed from Colonel Cadwallader. It is in answer to my letter at the white-plains, which accompanied one of the committee’s on the same subject.
I could wish the committee to consider, if there is any method, yet remaining, by which his scruples might be removed, and the affair settled in a conclusive and satisfactory manner. I am sir Your most hble servt

  Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 24 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Frederick’s-burgh [N.Y.] Tuesday Novr 24th 1778
    Parole Nassau—C. Signs Natick Needham.

The Pennsylvania line and Park of Artillery are to march tomorrow morning nine ôClock; The Stores and Baggage of the Flying-Hospital and General Staff to move with them.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 24 November 1778
From: Bayley, Jacob
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Newbury [Vt.] 24th Novr 1778

I had forgot before Sealing to mention any thing respecting Colo: Bedels Regt—according to Your Excellencies Permission—I sent a Party of that Regt to Clear the Road, and have since Improved a Part as a Guard for the Stores, but for want of Blanketts Cloathing &c. cannot Continue on Duty unless provided for, if they are to be Employed in the Expedition or any other Way this Winter Blanketts &c. will be needed, and may be had Easy and Quick at Boston, and as they are ready raised on Continental Pay they will be near as Cheap as to raise so many for four or five Months and they will be wanted to keep the Road open as the Snow Falls. I am your Excellencies most Obt Hble Servt

    Jacob Bayley

P.S. I had not Money enough to give the Express for to bear his Expences back.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 24 November 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

    Sr
    Sharon [Conn.] Novr 24th 1778

I am happy to Inform your Excy that the Continental Escort Arrived and proceeded on yesterday with the 1st division to Sways, the second, arrived at this Place, but too late, to preceed the others yesterday at Mabbets; Some Hints that have been drop’d, and some open declarations of the Soldiers of the Conventn troops that they expected to be rescued, & intended to make some effort themselves; has occasion’d me through a precaution which prudence naturally dictates, to strengthen the Guard of the British; altho I by that means weaken that of the Germans, whose peaceable demeanor hitherto and whose open Sentiments in our favor, renders it hardly necessary, to have any considerable guard for them. the 1st Division is gone on under the commd of Col. Hay, Majr Moore will be sent to the rear of the Germans the 2d Division Brit[is]h is now on its march to Mabbets where it will arrive this Eveng, and to day the whole line of March will be once more regularly in Motion.
I dispatch the present Messenger, cheifly with a View to obtain a new route from Fishkills, not having yet receivd it. and also to request that Yr Excy will be pleased to send me some money to bear my Expences and that of my Party & Baggage through the March having nearly expended all my own money. I am with the greatest Respect Yr Excys Most obedt & very Humb. Sert

  Theok Bland


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 24 November 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

    Sr
    Mabbetts Dovr Prect [N.Y.] Novr 24th 1778

  This will serve to acknowledge the Rect of Yr Excellys Containg the Circular Letters, and two thousd Dolls. In the disbursments of which shall obey yr Excys Commands I shall implicitly follow yr Excys Instructions relative to the Route, and the Notice to be given to Baron

    Du Calb and the Militia officers, I arrived at this place a few minutes before the Express. the front Division Marchd from this Place yesterday to Sways & I expect will arrive at Fishkill this eveng & will Cross the River tomorrow. every thing now is in a good train and we shall I hope go on without any considerable accident. I am with Respect Yr Excys Most obedt & very Humb: Svt

  Theok Bland


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 24 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

    Sir,
    Head Quarters [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] Novemr 24th 1778

The estimate you delivered me some time since of the Cannon wanted for the works of West Point, having been, by some accident mislaid, I am to request you will deliver a copy of it to the President of Congress—which you will be pleased to do as speedily as possible. I am With great consideration and esteem—Sir Your most Obed. servant.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 24 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

    Sir,
    Head Quarters Fredericksburg [N.Y.] Novr 24th 1778

  I received yours of the [thirteenth] inst. by Mr Dodge and of the 16th by Capt. Bailey. Dodge is by far the best acquainted with the communication between the St Lawrence and Detroit of any person I have met with and should the situation of our affairs admit of an expedition by way of Lake Erie, he will be truely valuable not only from his acquaintance with the country but from his knowledge of the Languages of the Western Indians. Several circumstances conspire to render an expedition into Canada this Winter impracticable. Had the Enemy so far have reduced their numbers at New York & Rhode Island as to have admitted of a detachment sufficient for such an enterprize, want of provisions only, in proper time, would have been an insuperable bar. When Genl Bailey came to make a collection of the Bread and meat upon the upper part of Connecticut River he found the quantity to fall vastly short of the estimate delivered in at the white Plains. Instead of two Thousand Barrels of Salt meat and from ten to twenty thousand Bushels of Wheat, he cannot furnish more than 1000 Barrels of the former part of which was drove up from

    below, and a very trifling quantity of flour. Our magazines were so exceedingly exhausted by the Rhode Island expedition—the French fleet and the Convention Troops, that the commissary General would not engage for the supply of a Body of Men adequate to the purpose before the next Spring: However that we may be prepared to take advantage of any favorable opening which the circumstances of the Enemy may oblige them to give us next Year, I have desired Genl Bailey to go on laying up as much meat and flour as he can in that Quarter. Should the Enemy continue their operations upon the Coast the next campaign and oblige us still to turn our attention that way, those magazines above may be brought down at small expence.
The Posts in the Highlands are very illy furnished with heavy cannon and I find we can put no dependence upon the only quarter from whence we had any expectation. That was from Salisbury Furnace. The manager of which informs Colo. Hay that the Furnace is out of repair, and that there is neither ore nor coal, nor any one thing in preparation for a blast this Winter. If the Guns of the sommerset are saved, her lower Deckers will answer the purpose. I could therefore wish you would endeavour to procure about Twenty of the heaviest, and if they can be obtained that they may be sent forward as soon as the hardness of the roads will admit, or when they are covered with Snow, which will be the easiest mode of carriage.
All appearances of an evacuation of New York this Winter, seem to have vanished; they are from every account busy in preparing Quarters—The Troops of the second embarkation are stopped.
I have paid Capt. Bailey and his two Officers for the time they were detained in Canada, and Colo. Wheelock is gone down to Congress to get Colo. Bedel’s Regiment put upon some kind of establishment, which it has never yet been. When that is done there will be no more difficulty in procuring their pay—Cloathing &c. in the manner the others do.
  Be pleased to direct for me hereafter at middle Brook in Jersey. I am Sir Your Most Obet Servant

    Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 November 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Head quarters [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] Novem. 24 1778

  There is great complaints from Fish Kill and other Posts among the Waggoners and Artificers on account of the Commisarys, being directed to issue a Gill of Rice in lieu of half a pound of flour and being

    cut off of their usual allowance of Rum—Col. Hay writes me the Waggoners are actually leaveing the service on account of the Rice and the Country People refuse to work without the allowance of a gill of Rum—There must be some alteration in these matters or it will work a great injury to the public service.
If your Excellency will give me authority, I will put the matter upon as oeconomical a plan as the nature of the service can admit. I am your Excellencys very humle Sert

  N. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Johann Kalb, 24 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Kalb, Johann

    Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 24 Novr 1778.

In my last I directed that the escort for the Convention Troops should be composed of complete Regiments instead of detachments. I now desire that the German Battalion may be one of those Regiments and that they may take their Baggage with them, because I am not yet certain but they may be ordered upon a detached duty. They are to send their Baggage to Easton, and after they have escorted the Convention Troops to Sherrards Ferry upon Delaware they are to repair to Easton and there wait further orders. Be pleased to acquaint the Officers that it is probable they may not return to the division shortly that they may take their necessaries with them. Their Baggage had better be sent off before them that it may not impede the march. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Smith Livingston, 24 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William Smith

    Sir,
    Hd Quarters [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] 24th Novr [17]78.

I have received your favour of the 10th Ultimo; which hurry of business has prevented my attending to it sooner.
Though it is ever painful to me to see a deserving officer quit the service; yet as you have taken your resolution founded I doubt not upon powerful reasons, especially in the present state and prospects of the additional batalions, I cannot oppose your inclination.

  You know that it is usual previous to this to settle all public accounts—I do not know whether you have any depending or not, but if you have—you will of course take the necessary and customary steps; and I shall be ready to accept your resignation. I am with great regard Sir Your most Obedt serv.

  G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

    Sir
    [Fredericksburg, N.Y., 24 November 1778]

You will forthwith proceed to the Highlands and take the command there—All the Posts in the North River from Poughkeepsie, inclusively, downwards, will be comprehended within the limits of your command. The Troops under you will consist of three Massachusetts Brigades, Nixons, Pattersons, & Learneds & the Garrison at West Point.
I need not observe to you that West Point is to be considered as the first and principal object of your attention—I am persuaded you will neglect nothing conducive to its security, and will have the works directed for its defence prosecuted with all the vigour and expedition in your power. You are fully sensible of their importance and how much their completion will ease and disembarrass our future general operations.
One of the three Brigades may be posted at West Point, another at Fishkill for the safety of the stores and the convenience of Barracks—and the other at Peekskill and the Continental Village, but I leave it to your own judgment to adopt or alter this disposition as circumstances shall appear to you to require. I would recommend it to you to have your own Quarters at Peekskill, or in the neighbourhood, for the purpose of obtaining early intelligence of what passes with the Enemy, the better to take your measures in consequence.
You will have an inclosed redoubt made on each side the river at Kings Ferry, with a guard House in each sufficient to accommodate forty men with their Officers, which you will relieve occasionally—once a week may be best.
  You will at your own discretion advance parties towards the White plains &ca for the protection of the Inhabitants. You will discourage a frequency of flags either to or from the Enemy; and only permit them when really necessary; paying however proper regard to the applications of the state when flags are required for particular purposes. You will not suffer any Inhabitants to go within the Enemy’s Lines, except

    for the sake of procuring intelligence; but with the permission of the civil power agreeable to a late resolve of Congress.
It is my wish you should use every possible precaution for having constant and exact information of the situation and movements of the Enemy; of which you will be pleased to advise me punctually.
If appearances should indicate a serious movement of the Enemy against your post, you will immediately apply to General Putnam for such aid as shall appear to you necessary, who will either succour you with the whole or a part of his force as may be found requisite.
You will improve every opportunity the weather affords to exercise the Troops, agreeable to the rules and regulations established for that purpose; and will pay the strictest attention to order regularity and discipline in every respect. Given at Head Quarters November 24th 1778.

  Go: Washington