Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 May 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 18th May 1777

I do myself the Honor to inclose your Excellency a Return of the Troops in the Town—We have not a Blanket to cover them with The Quakers refused to furnish any to the Committee appointed to collect from the Inhabitants. I have written to John Pemberton on the Subject, and am determined if they do not voluntarily afford us a thousand, to make Use of coercive Measures. This Jesuitical Set do us much Injury. The Board of War have reported to Congress, that I ought again to be invested with the Command in the Northern Department, and that General Gates should continue to serve under me, or join your Excellency. This occasioned a warm Debate which will be renewed to Morrow. I am Dr Sir with the greatest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 May 1777
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sr
Lebanon [Conn.] 18th May 1777

Last Evening I had the Honor to receive Yours of the 11th Instant; That the Enemy will Harrass our Coasts and Injure the Maritime Towns, by sudden Debarkations and Attacks is beyond a Doubt; at the same Time, I Join [with you] that their Capital Object, is either Philadelphia, or Hudson’s River. Am sorry to find the Forces with You are so deficient and inadequate to Check the progress of the Enemy.
The measures hitherto adopted in this State, have not bro’t in a number of Men as wished; the Assembly have gone into a Mode I expect will nearly fill our eight Battalions our proportion of the sixteen and of the Artillery or Matrosses; and what falls short will be filled with substitutes to serve ’till the first of January next. Inclosed is a Copy of the Act of Our Assembly for that purpose—It was Our expectation that the whole One hundred and four Battalions, Light Horse, and Artillery Men being compleated, that besides those needfull for the several main Bodies, or Corps at the posts You mention, there would be sufficient to be stationed at places more immediately threatned.
I conceived that the Honble Congress meant it, by the encouragement given us that two Battalions might be Stationed on Our sea Coasts; I requested Genl Parsons That the new Troops might be Innoculated in the Western part of this State, and while Convalescent might

be stationed in Stamford, Horseneck and at Danbury. When Our proportion (that is) the nine and half Battalions and Matrosses are filled, I can’t give up the Hopes that two Regiments may be stationed here, as there is great difficulty to raise two or three more by the State, which must be done or the advantages the Enemy will have over us will be intollerable, to suffer them to get footing at New London must be attended with very unhappy Consequences—It is necessary that all our people be Classed for the Army, for the Husbandry, Teamsters and Artificers—If the state must raise two or three more Regiments for Ourselves it will be very difficult if not Impossible to arm them; so many Arms were carried out of this State to the Camp near Boston, and the last Year to New York, which were retained or never returned, that we are extremely exhausted, Hoping there would be no occasion for this state to raise more than the proportions mentioned above—And although three thousand Stands of Arms had been brott in, Yet I thought we might expect some further supply for our Battalions, out of the Arms Imported to Portsmouth and in the Amphitrite, as likewise some of the Field peices and other Military Stores, Balls, Flints, Tin plates &c.—I sent off twelve Horses with Men, and ten or twelve Teams to fetch them hither to remain untill Your Orders could be known, and Informed Colo. Langdon, that whatever he sent me would be in the way wherever You should see fit to Order them; but neither he, or General Heath, dare comply with my request, and so my expectation failed, and I [am] obliged to direct the Horses to return, and Teams to go into Boston, to bring off some other Stores of Provisions from thence not equally serviceable for us. It may be Just enough upon me, for being too Officious; but I hope an Error on that Hand will be easily pardoned when reformed; I conclude General Heath hath wrote on this Head.
Whether it will not be reasonable to allow the state, the Use of some Field peices, Arms &c., and when our Troops are filled, two Battalions may not be stationed here I Leave to Your Consideration—I shall do every Thing in my Power to forward the Troops from hence to Your Aid, but of their Marches I conclude Generl Parsons gives frequent information.
The Harbour of New London is an Object worthy of Attention, and Our Frontiers towards New York have lain sadly exposed; and not only Danbury Stores destroyed, but Quantities of Cattle Sheep and small Stock taken from Horseneck and on its Borders in the state of New York, and driven off to the Enemy, and a considerable Number of Our Men fallen off and gone to them—By a Letter of the 16th Inst. I am Informed by Generl Silliman that One Capt. Chester came out of New York the Day before; says the Enemy have sent for Troops from

Rhode Island; That it was talked in the City of an Attack on Philadelphia, That their Bridge of Boats is finished, and that the Enemy intend soon to get possession of New London—By another, from Generl Spencer of same Day, he says a Deserter who came from Newport the 15th informs that the Troops arrived at Newport this Week in the Transports were only the Grenadiers and Infantry belonging to two Regiments; That on Wednesday Last it was given in public Orders; that to morrow morning two and a half Regiments of the Hessians and one British Regiment (the 63d) be in readiness to embark he supposes for New York, Caution is necessary on the shores of Connecticut. I am, with great Esteem & Regard Sir Your most Obedient, and very Humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 19 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown May 19th 1777.
Yorkshire.Zealand.

The Commander in Chief positively directs, that all officers stationed at Out-Posts, do not come to Morristown, but when their business absolutely requires it; and in that case, that they return to their posts, with all possible expedition.
Thomas Mullen Esqr:, is appointed Brigade Major to Brigadier Genl De-Borre; and is to be respected, and obeyed as such.
A number of horses having been drawn, from the Quarter Master General, for particular services, and not returned when the business

was performed: All officers of regiments, and others, in possession of horses, belonging to, or hired by the States; are immediately to return them to the Quarter Master General, his Deputy, or Assistants, in the district they may be at. The General Officers are to order returns to be made, of any public horses, employed in their families, that the state of the horses, belonging to the army, may be known.


Title: Instructions to Colonel Armand, 19 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: La Rouërie, Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de

Sir
[Morris Town, 19 May 1777]

Desirous of making our Service as agreeable to you as possible, and of furnishing you with every Opportunity in my power of acquiring Honour, I have consented to the request you made me of raising and commanding a Partisan Corps.
You probably will have it more in your power, to distinguish yourself at the head of a body of Men that understand the French Language, than of any others, Wherefore you are hereby authorized to raise for the American Service, on the usual terms, any number of Men not exceeding two hundred. I wish that preference may be given to French Men, but if you cant raise them easily, you may complete your Corps with others. Any French Officers now in Service that choose it, may serve with you, under their present Commissions; or if you like it better, you have my leave to nominate four French Gentlemen promising them Lieutenants Commissions. The necessary money you can draw by order of Congress or the Commanding Officer in Philadelphia. The terms prescribed by the printed Instructions herewith delivered for the recruiting Service you will attend to. Given at Head Quarters Morris Town the 19th May 1777.

G. Washington


Title: Instructions to Brigadier General Thomas Conway, 19 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Conway, Thomas

Sir
[Morristown, 19 May 1777]

The Congress having been pleased to appoint you to the rank of Brigadier General in the Armies of the United States of America, the following Regiments (from the State of Pennsylvania in a division to be Commanded by Major Genl Lord Stirling) are intended at present, to compose your Brigade, vizt third, Wood’s, 6th Magaw’s, 9th Morris’s and 12th Cooke’s.
These Regiments, being at present in an unassembled and detached Situation cannot be drawn into a collective body immediately without exposing some of the Posts, but as it is necessary you should be acquainted with the State and Condition of your Brigade, as soon as possible, it may not be amiss to visit such parts of it as are upon the Lines, thereby also acquiring some knowledge of the country. Given at Head Quarters at Morris Town this 19th day of May 1777.

G. Washington


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

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 19th May 1777

I have just recd yours of the 13th which is in a great measure answered by one which I wrote to you on the 15th But I cannot help taking notice of some expressions in your letter, which appear to me like an imputation of partiality in favr of this Army, to the disadvantage and inconvenience of the Northern. Can you suppose, if there had been an ample supply of Tents for the whole Army, that I would have hesitated one moment in complying with your demand. I told Major Troop exactly what I repeated in mine of the 15th “that, on account of our loss at Danbury, there would be a scarcity of Tents—that our Army would be a moving one, and that consequently nothing but Tents could serve our turn, and that therefore, as there was the greatest probability of your being stationary, you should endeavour to cover your Troops with Barracks and Huts.” Certainly this was not a refusal

of Tents, but a request that you should, under our contracted Situation, make every shift in your Power to do without them, or at least with as few as possible.
The Northern Army is, and ever has been, as much the object of my Care and Attention as the one immediately under my command, and I cannot recollect, that I ever omitted complying with the Requests, or supplying the Wants of the Commander in that department, when it lay in my power. As the Returns of military Stores of all kinds come before me, and as the direction & distribution of them is intrusted to me by Congress, I have endeavoured to apply them in such manner, as would render most effectual Service to the public Cause, without suffering partiality for either department to have the least influence upon me.
I will make particular enquiry of the Qr Master General of what his prospects and expectations are as to the Article of Tents, and if, as I said before, there appears a sufficiency for the whole Army, you shall most willingly have your share. But if there is not, surely that Army, whose Movement is uncertain, must give up its claim for the present, to that, which must inevitably take the Feild the Moment the Weather will admit, and must continue in it the whole Campaign. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 May 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston May 19, 1777.

Saturday last the General Court Martial appointed for the Tryal of Lieut. Colonel Farrington of Colo. Putnams Regiment (charged with behaving in a scandalous and infamous manner) gave in their Judgment that He was Guilty of the Charge alledged against him & have adjudged him to be discharged from the Army—Incapable to serve in the Continental Service and ordered him to be published in the News Papers. I have approved the Judgment which has this Day been put in Execution—Immediately upon his being discharged from his Arrest the Council ordered him under close confinement.
The Friends of Peter Pickman Frye (who is under Sentence to be Shott for Desertion) have earnestly requested a Suspension of Execution, untill they can prefer a petition to the Honble Congress and receive their Determination thereon. As this request was backed by some Gentlemen of distinction I conceived it to be my Duty to indulge them with Time to present their Petition and have suspended his Executiong

to the 12th of June next. His Friends beg a pardon, the public call for his Execution; The former say he is Insane, the latter that he is more Knave than Fool. For my own part I neither ask for a pardon, or Execution, but shall strictly execute the pleasure of Congress.
General Du Coudray arrived here the last Week from France via of the West Indies and to morrow sets out to join your Excellency. He appears to be a Gentleman of Character and Abilities. He has here near twenty other Officers who he has directed to come on after him with the Artillery. We are told that he is to command all the Artillery and Engineers in the service of the United States, and that in consequence of his having assisted in the purchasing of Military Stores &c. the last Autumn his Commission is to have an Early Date. But will this be rewarding the Labours of those who early stood forth in Defence of the Rights of their Injured Country, and are still invariably passevering at every Hazard, or is their to be more Confidence put in a Stranger than in those who are bound by every Tie—natural & political to serve their Country.
I am forwarding on the Stores from Cambridge to Springfield, 65 Chests of fire Arms (exclusive of the 25. mentioned in my former Letter) about 64,000. Flints, 70 Boxes of Musquet Ball and 6 Bales of Tents are now on the Road; and all the Teams possible to be procured are now engaging. Thirty odd peices of Cannon have arrived at Cambridge, and others are on the Road, General Knox has sent Capt. Lillie of the Artillery to conduct on thirtytwo peices of the Cannon and has desired that Horses may be purchased here for them I have directed the Assistant Q.M. General to do it as soon as possible, but Capt. Lillie informs me that it will be near three weeks before the Harness and other necessary preparations can be Compleated at Springfield—The Expences attending the removal of so many Stores creates a very great Expence and the Chest is almost Exhausted.
I must again request your Excellency’s Direction as to the provision Stores in this State which are very considerable: At sherburn there are upward of 20,000 Bushels of Salt in one Store, the Q⟨uan⟩tity of Beef, Pork Liquors Rice and Flour are great of the last Article 3 or 4000 Barrels is already arrived and Capt. Tracy Informs me that if the Vessels which he daily expects should safely arrive the Quantity of Flour will be at least 20,000 Bbls. These Stores must have Guards. shall I engage a Sufficient Number of Men from the Militia in each Town where the Magazines of provisions are forming to Guard them? I take the Liberty to Enclose Copy of a Testimony given by Lieut. Colo. Farrington. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 19 May 1777
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Bound brook [N.J.] May [19]th 1777

One of the Hessians left their camp at the landing this afternon, his account of their numbers & situation is very simelar to that we have often had from others. He informs there are no appearances of removing at present, they are waiting for a reinforcment which they daily expect—That the treatment they receive is so very different from what they expected, & so injurious, (were promised 16d. ⅌ day & receive 1s. only for seven) in case it is known at home it will be dificult to git recruits—That they lately left three of their strongest regiments at rhode Island—That their troops are very sickly at New York & fort Washington—That one of their regiments that came out with six hundred are now reduced to one hundred fit for duty—That they have lost one half their men since they came out—That they are in possession we sent in.
Notwithstanding the sold[i]ers have been lately paid, & the pains taken that justice should be done them, desertion continues the night before last two left their posts one of them of the 10th Pennsilvana regiment of Cap. Shags company who, I am informed by a Note from the field officers of the day, hath lost his whole company in that way excepting two—Last night we lost four who were patroling with a sergeant they attempted to induce him to go off with them on his refusal they knocked him down took his gun & left him—you will find on examining the present return with the former. the differences are not accounted for, nor is it possible by the last regimental returns to do it.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 19 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town May 19. 1777

Your favour by Monsieur Armandt was duly handed me.
I have been happy to show him every mark of attention in my power.

The considerations you mention gave him a just claim to it; and derived additional weight from your recommendation.
I am pleased to find Congress took such distinguishing notice of him as they did in their late appointment. He has requested to have the command of a partisan corps, composed of Frenchmen; to which proposal I readily assented. As I wish to avoid as much as possible making drafts from the Corps already formed, I have recommended to him to engage as many as he can meet with fit for his purpose; and have left it to him to nominate such French officers, as he thinks qualified for the partisan to serve under him: As I confide in his making a judicious choice, I doubt not they will be such as I can approve.
He appears to me to be a modest, genteel, sensible young Gentleman; and I flatter myself his conduct will be such as to give us no reason to repent any civilities that may be shown him. I am with great respect Dear Sir Your most Obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Adam Stephen, 19 May 1777 [letter not found]
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Adam Stephen, 19 May 1777. GW wrote Stephen on this date: “I have receiv’d your favor of this date” concerning a proposed attack on Bergen, New Jersey. GW’s aide-de-camp George Johnston wrote Stephen on this date: “His Excellency [GW] bids me acknowledge the rect of your favour of this date,” which concerned Stephen’s illness.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Adam Stephen, 19 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

Dear sir
Morris Town 19th May 1777.

I have receiv’d your favor of this date & still continue to think that an Attack upon the Tory Regimts in their present Situation would by no means answer your expectation.
I have order’d Genl Heard (who will soon be reinforced to a considerable Number) to advance towards Hackensack with all his Men, except those necessary for the Works at Pumpton & there act in what ever manner he finds most conducive to distress & Harass the Tory Regimts at Bergen. I am Dear sir Your very Hhble servt

Go: Washington

P.S. What causes my Objection to your making an attack is, that the Necessary preparation for Crossing the River could not possibly be made without a Discovery.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 19 May 1777
From: Webb, Samuel Blachley
To: Washington, George

Wethersfield in Connecticut 19th May 1777

My returns of the 16th Instant amount to 234 Including Dead & Deserted upwards of 50 have already marchd for Peeks Kill agreeable to orders received from Brigadier General Parsons, the others I shall forward on as they leave the Hospital, The Assembly of this State are now setting—and are adopting very spirited measures for immediately filling the Nine and a half Battallions, as your Excellency will see by the enclosed Act. I have the Honor to be with much Esteem Your Excellencies Most Obedt Servt

Samel B. Webb


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown May 20th 1777.
Alexandria.Bedford.

Valentine Peers Esqr. is appointed Brigade Major, to Brigadier Genl Weedon; and is to be respected, and obeyed as such.
Lewis Woodruff Esqr: is appointed a Deputy Muster Master.
Colonels, and Commanding Officers of Battalions, and Corps, must cause their regimental Paymasters, to make up their pay-abstracts to the 30th day of April, inclusive, and order them to attend, at the Pay Master General’s office for the money—They must be examined, and signed by their respective commanding officers, and Brigadiers, who will diligently compare them with the daily, and weekly, regimental Returns, and certify them—The Company-Abstracts must be delivered in, to the Pay Master General, with the regimental abstracts.

That the great and necessary purpose, of adjusting the rank, of all the officers, in the American Army, may be effected with expedition—His Excellency the Commander in Chief, is pleased to order, that the Field Officers of each Continental Battalion, do immediately examine, into the present rank, and hear the pretensions thereto, of all their Captains and Subalterns, settle them, where they can, to the satisfaction of all the Gentlemen concerned; & make a full, & fair report, of all their proceedings to the Brigadier commanding their brigade: And that the Brigadiers, with the assistance of the Field Officers, in their brigade, do, upon the receipt of such reports, proceed to adjust the rank of all the officers in their seperate brigades, and make a full, and fair report of their proceedings, to the Major Genl commanding their division: That should there be any instance of dissatisfaction in the officers, with the determination of their Field Officers, they be immediately enumerated, by such Field Officers, and parties complaining, with all their attendant circumstances, and reported to their respective Brigadiers; who shall call before them all the parties interested, inquire into their claims, and (if they cannot be settled to general satisfaction) make a special, and particular report, to their Major Generals—Upon receipt of which several reports, a board of officers will take a dispasionate, comparative view of the whole, and determine the rank in the army: Until which time, it is expected, the service will not be injured by disputes about rank, but that every officer will, by an emulous discharge of his duty, recommend himself to his Country, and to the promotion he thinks himself intitled to.


Title: To George Washington from Major John Grizzage Frazer, 20 May 1777
From: Frazer, John Grizzage
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, 20 May 1777. “I am offered the Deputy Adjutant Genls place in the Northern Army, provided Genl Gates had not already appointed some one, which he had power to do. I shall set out for Ticonderoga on Wednesday Morning with a Letter from the President of Congress to Genl Gates requesting him to appoint me in that department, if it is still vacant, but I have some reason to think that Lieut. Colo. Wilkinson went with Genl Gates expecting to fill that place, at all events I shall proceed their and if I am disapointed I must rest myself satisfied, and try some other kind of Life to get a maintainance if I can. . . . I want nothing more but my bare right, if I may dare to claim any, and that in the Virginia Line, to rise from the Date of my Commission which your Excellency give me the 1st of April 1776, which I now inclose you, for no other reason then it is of no use to me, and think ⟨I⟩ have ⟨no⟩ further business with it. I hope Your Excellency will excuse the freedom I have taken in troubleing you with my real situation at present, for perhaps it may be the last time I shall ever trouble you again.”


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 20 May 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada May 20th 1777.

This will be delivered to you by Mrs Graydon of this City, a very worthy Lady, whose Anxiety to see her Son Captain Graydon, now a Prisoner with the Enemy, is so great, that Congress have been induced to consent to her having an Interview with him. I am therefore to request your Attention to the enclosed Resolve on the Subject, and that you will give Directions for having it carried into Execution in such Manner as you may think will be most proper. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Esteem & Respect, Sir your most obed. hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 20 May 1777
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
[Bound Brook, N.J, 20 May 1777]

We have in the Guard House an infamous tory said to be one of Skinners men who on an attempt made by our people to secure him fired on them & wounded one—he also was wounded but is now almost well—By the enclosed warrant your excellny will learn more of the matter than I can explain—Wish to know whether he is to be tried by the civil authority of this State or by a Genl Court martial—By a letter from General Sulivan 11 oClock last night I was informed that a deserter had just left the enemies lines and gave notice that they intended to attack this post last night, & that two nights past they had formed a design of doing it but suspended the execution on two of their men deserting who they supposed would betray them. I have the honor to be with the sincerest regard & esteem your Excellencies most obedient humble servant.


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 20 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 20th May 1777

I am favoured with yours of the 12th instant. I am informed, that Colo. Moylan has provided Frocks for his men, with which they can cover their Red Coats occasionally; if so, it takes off the objection which I had to their Uniform. But this cannot be done by the Foot, as they cannot carry a coat and Frock, you must therefore contrive to have their Coats dyed, as quick as possible.
Colo: Mason’s Regiment must have the Brown and Buff Clothing. I imagine the Troops from North Carolina will want every kind of necessary, you will therefore be making preparation for them. I am informed there are about two thousand of them. I beg you will, every now and then, call upon the secret Committee and know what accounts they have from abroad: if they are not frequently put in mind of our wants, they will perhaps forget or ever look at them. I am Sir, Your most Obedt

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 20 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 20th, May 1777.

I have your favour of the 15th inclosing the order of your Governor, founded upon a Resolve of Congress for detaining two of the Continental Battalions in Connecticut. My Letter of the 17th, fully expresses my opinion upon the impolicy of this measure, of which I am more and more convinced. From some late accounts, I have good reason to believe that the Enemy do not expect an early reinforcement from

Europe, it is therefore their business to prevent a junction of our Army, by all the ways and means in their power. One way of doing this is, by threatning descents which they never mean to make, except there are Magazines to tempt them. If these are removed above one day’s march from the Coast, their late difficulty in returning from Danbury, will deter them venturing on another expedition of that kind. As I have not heard any thing of this order, directly from Congress, I must repeat my directions to you, to forward on every man, as fast as they are raised and equipped, I mean those who have had the small pox. I think you may safely proceed with the inoculation of those who have not, as the sultry weather will not have set in before the month of July. I shall be very happy to hear that your second attempt to fill your Regiments, has been attended with the wished for success. General Putnam, who will command at Peeks Kill, can inform you what number of Troops can be accommodated under inoculation at that post, I would have you send such a number forward for that purpose, for in the light manner in which they now have the disorder, they could render very essential Service in case the post should be attacked. I am &ca

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 20 May 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War Office [Philadelphia] May 20th 1777

I do myself the Honour of enclosing all the Resolves of Congress I know of relative to the recruiting Allowance. Much Complaint has been made as to its Sufficiency for the Support of both Officers & Soldiers. It was at the Time the Resolves were passed perhaps equal to the Expence incurred by recruiting Officers. At these Times when all the Necessaries of Life are so enormously advanced the Allowance it is imagined is below the Mark. Some Officers however have learned the Art of supplying the Deficiency, while others more attentive to their Reputations than their Interest are Losers by the Service. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect your very obedt Servt

Richard Peters Secy


Title: Instructions to Brigadier General Preudhomme de Borre, 20 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Preudhomme de Borre, Philippe-Hubert, chevalier de

Sir
[Morristown, 20 May 1777]

The Congress having been pleased to appoint you to the rank of Brigadier General in the Armies of the United States of America, the following Regiments, in a division to be commanded by Major General Sullivan, are to compose your Brigade; vizt: the German Battalion, so called, under the Command of Baron D’Arendt, and the 2nd price’s, 4th Hall’s, 6th Williams’s, from the State of Maryland.
The Regiments are at present in an unassembled and detached Situation, and cannot be immediately collected, without exposing some of the Posts. They will, however, be drawn together as soon as possible, but in the mean time, as it is necessary you should be acquainted with the State and condition of your Brigade; it will not be amiss to visit such parts of it as are upon the lines, thereby acquiring some knowledge of the Country.
You will forthwith repair to Princeton, and join Major General Sullivan. Given at Head Quarters Morris Town this 20th day of May 1777.

G. Washington


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown May 21st 1777.
Cambridge.Dorchester.

Michael Ryan Esqr: (late Brigade Major to the Garrison of Ticonderoga, and Fort Independence) is appointed to that duty in Brigadier Genl Wayne’s Brigade; and to be respected and obeyed as such.


Title: Enclosure, 20 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

20 May 1777

            Arrangement and Present Strength of the Army in New Jersey

            Majr Genls
            Brigadrs
            No. ofthe Regimts
            Names ofthe Colonels
            To whatState belongg
            Strength ofea: Regt
            Strength ofeach Brigade
            Strength ofeach Division

            Green
            Muhlenburg
            1
            Reed
            Virga
            120

            5

            Do
            127

            9
            Matthews
            Do
            391

            13
            Russell
            Do

            Hazen
            United
            393
            1031

            Weedon
            2
            Spotswood
            Virga
            182

            6

            Do
            223

            10
            Stephens
            Do
            295

            14
            Lewis
            Do

            1731

            Stephen
            Woodford
            3
            Marshall
            Do
            150

            7
            McClanahan
            Do
            472

            11
            Morgan
            Do
            377

            15
            Mason
            Do

            999

            Scott
            4
            Elliott
            Do
            314

            8
            Beauman
            Do
            157

            12
            Wood
            Do
            117

            16
            Grayson
            Do

            Patton
            United
            124
            712
            1711

            Sullivan
            Smallwood
            1
            Stone
            Maryd
            199

            3
            Gist
            Do
            114

            6
            Williams
            Do
            118

            Hall
            Delawe
            79
            510

            D’Borre
            2
            Price
            Maryd
            118

            4
            Hall
            Do
            220

            7
            Richardson
            Do
            95

            B. Arandt
            Germn
            365
            798
            1308

            Lincoln
            Wayne
            1
            Chambers
            Pensa
            335

            2
            Jas Irvine
            Do
            21

            7
            Irwin
            Do

            10

            Do
            231

            Heartly
            United
            155
            742

            D’Haas
            4
            Cadwalader
            Pensa
            150

            5
            Johnson
            Do
            241

            8
            Broadhead
            Do
            369

            11
            Humpton
            Do
            138
            898
            1640

            Ld
            Conway
            3
            Wood
            Do
            150

            Stirling

            6
            Magaw
            Do

            9
            Morris
            Do
            193

            12
            Cooke
            Do
            231

            Spencer
            Unitd
            186
            760

            Maxwell
            1
            Ogdon
            Jersey
            184

            2
            Shreve
            Do
            247

            3
            Dayton
            Do
            300

            4
            Martin
            Do
            307
            1038
            1798

            818⟨8⟩


Title: From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 21 May 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 21 May 1777. Lincoln wrote GW on 24 May: “I was honoured with your Excellences favor of the 21.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 21 May 1777
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Pecks Kill [N.Y.] 21st May 1777

I have the Honor to acknowlege, the Receipt of your favor of the 16th last night.
Before the sword was drawn for the Defence of the Rights and privileges of this distressed Country, I voluntarily sacrificed my Constitution, and no small part of my fortune to promote her Interest and secure her Liberties.
The Motives which determined me to those Acts of self Denial, will induce me to contribute every thing in my power to promote the Service, in the manner you are pleas’d to suggest.
It is with Reluctance I trouble a mind too much burthened with public Business, But the Health of the Troops is a matter of the utmost moment to us, and the Country. The Expence of raising them for the Field, is too great to be defeated in the End, without essaying every means in our power to prevent it; independant of Considerations of humanity.
The Troops at this post, have had no peas & very little Vegetables, since I came to it; altho I have used my utmost Endeavours to have them procured. The reason assigned for the want of the former, is the price being too high, 12/ this Currency ⅌ Bushel. It is extravagant,

and I should be the last man in the Country, who would wish to gratify the Avarice of the Proprietors, if Considerations of Policy as well as Humanity did not render it necessary for us, to have the Article. If we have not Vegetables, or pulse, our troops after all the Pains and Expence the Country are at, in raising them, will be greatly diminished, by sickness in the middle, or latter End of the Campaign, at Periods the most critical, which may be fatal to us: and what will our money avail us, if we are enslaved? I beg your Excellency’s Attention to this Matter.
Many of the Regiments from the different States last Campaign, maneuvered differently; I find the same practice still prevails. This may be attended with fatal Consequences to the Army, at least to a Brigade. Is it not therefore necessary that one System of Discipline and maneuvering be practised in the Continental Army; and that without any Delay?
The Recruits of this Country, being unaccustomed to the Noise of firing in Battalion; and those from Europe; Strangers to the use of fire Arms; it would save Ammunition and promote the Service, to practice both with Powder in Battalion; and the latter first with firing at a mark. If this should meet your Approbation, I should be glad to be favored with it.
Every thing is quiet on the River; about 300 of the Bay and Connecticut Troops, arrived yestarday—The greatest Number of the Former, have not had the small pox. I am with great Respect your Excellency’s humble Servant

Alexr McDougall


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown May 22nd 1777.
Epsom.France.

The following arrangement is to take place for the present, subject to such alterations as circumstances may hereafter require. Viz:
The 1st 5th 9th and 13th regiments from Virginia, with Hazen’s regiment; to compose the first Brigade from that State, under the command of Brigadier Genl Muhlenberg—The 2nd 6th 10th and 14th regiments, to compose the second, under the command of Brigadier Genl Weedon—These two brigades to form a division, to be commanded by Major Genl Greene.
The 3rd 7th 11th and 15th Virginia regiments, to compose the third brigade of that State, under the command of Brigadier Genl Woodford: And the 4th 8th and 12th together with Grayson’s and Patton’s, to compose the fourth, under the command of Brigadier Scott—These two brigades to form another division, to be commanded by Major Genl Stephen.
The 1st 3rd and 6th Maryland regiments, and that from the lower Counties, on Delaware, to compose the 1st Maryland brigade, under

the command of Brigadier Smallwood: and the 2nd 4th and 7th from the same State, and the German Battalion, to compose the second, under Brigadier De-Borre—These two brigades to form another division, under the command of Major Genl Sullivan.
The 1st 2nd 7th and 10th Pennsylvania regiments, and Hartley’s; to compose the first brigade, from that State, under the command of Brigadier Wayne—And the 4th 5th 8th and 11th—the second brigade, under the command of Brigadier De-Haas—These two brigades to form another division; to be commanded by Major General Lincoln.
The 3rd 6th 9th & 12th Pennsylvania regts and Spencers, to form the third brigade from that State; and the 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th Jersey regts to compose the Jersey brigade—These two brigades, to compose another division, under the command of Major Genl Lord Stirling.
General Knox is to make an arrangement of the Field-Artillery; alloting a proportionate number of pieces to each brigade. A sufficient quantity of spare ammunition, for both Artillery and Musquetry (to be conveyed in secure carriages) he is also to give the necessary orders for.


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 22 May 1777
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 22d May 1777

Not having received an Answer to my Letter of the 21st April, I am to request your final Decision upon the Demand I then made of the Prisoners in your Possession, both Officers and Soldiers, in Exchange for those I have returned, and for your Determination respecting the Prisoners now here, that I may my Arrangements accordingly.
It is with Concern I receive frequent Accounts of the ill Treatment still exercised upon Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, which I had Reason to flatter myself you would have prevented. He has, it is true, been taken out of a common Dungeon, where he had been confined with a Degree of Rigor, that the most attrocious Crimes would not have justified, but he is still kept in the Jailers House, exposed to daily Insult from the deluded Populace. This Usage being repugnant to every Sentiment of Humanity, and highly unworthy of the Character you profess, I am compelled to repeat my Complaint against it, and to claim immediate Redress to this much injured Gentleman. With due Respect, I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

W. Howe


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 22 May 1777
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philadelphia 22d May 1777

The subject of your letter of the 17th is a very important one, and whilst it deserves the greatest attention, is certainly involved in great difficulty. Of one truth however, I beg you Sir to be convinced—That no desire to get rid of importunity has occasioned these appointments, but motives military and political meerly. These Adventurers may be divided into three Classes, some who came early and without any recommendation but apparent zeal, with Commissions shewing that they had been in service—Others that brought with them recommendations from our good friend the Count D’Argout General of Martinique, and from Mr Bingham the Continental Agent in that Island—A third Class includes those who come from France, generally under agreement with our Commissioners, or one of them at least—The strongest obligations rest upon us (tho’ the inconvenience is great) to make good engagements with the latter, and if the second had been disregarded we might have offended a good & powerful Friend in Martinique who has done many good Offices there; or have brought our Agent into disrepute—Among the first Class, I realy beleive there are many worthless Men, and I heartily wish we were rid of them. All this is true, and yet I feel the great force of your reasoning, and the many difficulties in the way of providing for them properly, and that may be tolerably a⟨g⟩reeable to them. It is of some consequence that we all, in our several departments, endeavor to smooth this rug⟨ge⟩d business as much as possible: When Gen. Conw⟨ay⟩ was appointed, I did hope that as he knew most ⟨of⟩ them, and spoke both french & English well, tha⟨t⟩ he might relieve you from the greater part of this difficulty, for realy, the discontented importunity of the greater part of these Gentlen is too much [to] be borne und⟨e⟩r ⟨o⟩ur various & important attention⟨s.⟩ I will prevail with the Committee for foreign applications to furnish you with the most explicit views of Congress in ev⟨ery⟩ appointment, as well as with the recommendations under which each appointment was and is made. We have written both to France & to Martinique to stop the further flow of these Gentlemen here, and after the letters arrive

I suppose we shall have no more—Many of the last Comers, are, I believe, Men of real merit, and if they will learn to express themselves tolerably in English, may be of service to the Army. The desire to obtain Engineers, and Artillerists was the principal cause of our being so overburthened—The first that came had sagacity enough quickly to discern our wants, and professing competency in these branches, they were too quickly believed. And when our Commissioners abroad (in consequence of directions for this purpose) enquired for those Artists, Military Speculation was immediately up, and recommendations were obtained from persons of so much consideration in France, that the success of our applications then made it quite necessary not to neglect them—And at this moment I am apprehensive that the discontent of many may injure our cause abroad where we would wish it to stand well. As you express it Sir, the affair requires great delicacy in its management, as well in the account of our own Officers as on that of these Foreigners.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 22 May 1777
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Bound brook [N.J.] May 22nd 1777

I have received your Excellencies directions of the 20th forwarded by Colonel Harrison.
In order to prevent in some measure the too frequent desertions, and to promote the safety of this camp I have detached a few companies of good faithful men on whom we can depend as well for their atteachment to the cause as for their bravery and activity, to act as scouts ⅌ day and patrols by night, they being always in front will render desertion, at least, more difficult & hazardous.

The officers have been repeatedly called upon when any deficiencies happen in their regiments to account for them—If it is in my power to procure it the next return shall be more perfect than the last—the deficiency arising in the Wioming companies was accounted for in the return about two weeks past.
As your Excellency had often in the most pressing manner, urged a speedy settlement with the men, I was led, from a desire to promote it, in some, very, few instances, to admit officers where it was represented to me as absolutely necessary for them before they could compleat their accounts to be absent from camp a few days in which I should by no means have indulged them had I know[n] or even suspected that the measure would have been disapproved.
I have ordered the Maryland Troops to Join Genl Sulivan.
There are here part of three Connecticutt regiments under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Butler—General Putnam hath sent for two of them as there is little more than one company in the whole would it not be best for the Colo. to take his whole detachment to pecks kill & there join their several regiments.
The two independent companies have lately done duty with Colonel Butler they are very desirous of marching with him—he thinks it will quiet the men & correct that spirit of desertion which hath prevailed among them—They are all from Wioming I suppose the real cause why they wish to be removed, arises from an apprehension that they may be annexed in future to some regiment from the State of Pennsilvania which I find would be extremely disagreeable to them on account of the unhappy controversy subsisting between them & the people of that State with whom they have had several very considerable skirmishes concerning the title of their lands—I am informed they were encouraged, when they inlisted, to expect that they should remain in that new country to support it against the Indians and that if they could be indulged in this request they would remain quietly in camp & faithfully do their duty. I have the honour to be with the greatest regard & esteem your Excellnces most obedient humble servant.

P.S. I mentioned in my last the case of a tory perhaps one of skinners Men wished to know whither he was to be tryed by a General Court Martial or given up to the civil authority of this state but have not received an answer.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 22 May 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia May 22d 1777

Mrs Greaton, who has the Leave of Congress to go into New York, provided your Excellency approves, was to have been accompanied by a Colonel Muellevain—I am just now informed that she has taken James Fisher of this City with her, a notorious Tory, and capable of giving more Intelligence to the Enemy than any Man in it—I have informed Mr Hancock of this and he has advised me to communicate it to you, that if Fisher accompanies Mrs Greaton, he may be prevented from proceeding. I am very respectfully Dear Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient hble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 22 May 1777 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 22 May 1777. GW wrote Sullivan on 23 May: “Your favour of Yesterday I have received this morning.”


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 22 May 1777
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hartford May 22d 1777

As it may be of Consequence for you to be acquainted with every Movement of the Enemy, would inform your Excellency, that by a Letter this day receiv’d from Govr Bradford Dated the 20th instant, have Intelligence that, on the forenoon of that day, twenty seven Sail left New Port and appear’d to be bound up Sound—and that they learnt by some Deserters before that Time that two Hessian Regiments and a half and the sixty third brittish Regiment, were under Orders to embark last Saturday—This Fleet I understand was last Night seen to pass Seabrook, standing westward—towards New Yo⟨rk⟩—These frequent Appearances of their Ships & Fleet⟨s upon⟩ our Coasts and traversing our Shoars, Keep, our sea Coasts especially, under continual

Apprehensions and Alarms, and by calling our Husbandmen from the Field threaten us with Scarcety and Distress.
Have acknowledged the Receipt of your Favour of the 11th instant, by mine of the 18th to which refer, and must beg your Kind Attention, and answer to the matters therein contain’d—and will only add thereto, that upon laying our distress’d Situation before the Congress requesting the aid of some Continental Troops to be stationd here, they referr’d the Matter to the Board of War, who were of Opinion that the inclosed Resolve of the 10th of Decemr 1776 relative to the two Batallions, has not been superceeded and therefore no Occasion for a new One for that purpose—for which Reasons and those mention’d in my last, cant but still hope & flatter ourselves, your Excellency will spare us those two Batallions. I am with great Esteem and Regard, Sir, your most obedient humble Sarvant

Jonth; Trumbull


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown, May 23rd 1777.
Goshen.Hartford.

The Commander in Chief is pleased to approve, the following sentences of a General Court Martial, held at Ash-Swamp, on the 14th Inst: whereof Col. Mathews was President.
Ensign Gill of the 4th Virginia regiment, charged with “Being absent from his regiment without leave, and neglect of duty”—found guilty of the charge; but in consideration of his good character in the regiment, ordered to be reprimanded, at the head of the regiment he belongs to, by the Colonel, or officer commanding the regiment.

Capt: Russell of the 5th Virginia regt charged with “Neglect of duty”—Not guilty—ordered to be released from his arrest.
Lieut: Bradford of Col. Rawling’s regiment, charged with “Being absent from his regiment without leave, and Neglect of duty”—No evidence appearing, ordered to be tried by a future Court Martial.
Thomas Smith of Col. Irwin’s regt (Pennsylvania) charged with “Desertion, and attempting to go to the enemy”—found guilty, and sentenced to suffer death—The execution of the sentence, to be suspended ’till further orders.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 23 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

Dear Sir
Morristown May 23d 1777.

By this day’s post, I received your favor of the 13th Instant. I am sorry to find you have to combat so many difficulties in raising your Regiment; These However, I flatter myself, in a little time will all be surmounted by your persevering activity.
A Chaplain is part of the Establishment of a Corps of Cavalry, and I see no Objection to your having One, Unless you suppose yours will be too virtuous and Moral to require instruction. Let him be a Man of Character & good conversation, and who will influence the manners of the Corps both by precept & example. A paymaster is indispensably necessary, and as his duty will be to make up All Abstracts and receive & pay all Money due to the Corps, & also to keep & settle all transactions respecting It, he must be a person of good character and well versed in Accounts; His pay will be fifty Dollars ⅌ Month, and I hope you will make choice of One who will answer the description I have given. I am Dr Baylor your Affecte Hbl. servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 23 May 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

 Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 23 May 1777. Greene wrote GW on 24 May: “Your Excellencies favor of Yesterday this moment came to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dr Sir
Morristown May the 23d 1777.

I received yesterday your Two favors of the 11th & 14th Instant. I think with you, that it will not be entirely prudent, to deposit All our Stores at one place, not so much from an apprehension that the Enemy will penetrate the Country to destroy them, as that the whole may not be lost, in case of other unhappy events. I have spoke to Genl Knox, who will direct, what he judges proper to be kept at Brookfeild or other secure place. Worcester will be improper for any to be stored at, as it is on a very public Road, and moreover, is the place marked out by Congress, where prisoners are to be kept. Guards will be essential to the security of the Stores, and you must procure them of Militia, till the situation of the Continental Troops will afford Others. I would observe upon this occasion, that the service derived from them will depend much on the distance they live from the Stores. If they are contiguous to, or in the Neighbourhood of them, they will be of but little, if any, advantage, and will employ themselves more in their private and domestic concerns, than in their proper duties: Therefore, you should form them out of the more remote Militia, whose distance from their Homes will not give them an Opportunity of absenting them selves from public duty, whilst they are receiving a compensation for it: besides, if the Guards are not of the Neighbouring Militia, they will be an Additional strength to the Place. I would also observe, that where the security of public Stores requires them, the proportion of Officers to Men, should be conformable to the inclosed List, copied from a Resolve of Congress, which was made to prevent the abuses from over-officering the Militia, when ever they should be employed. You will also cause proper Rolls of their Names to be regularly returned you.
I can neither see the propriety or necessity of your request for Feild peices. I am persuaded, it is well known, at least to the Military among us, that the Artillery in the Army, at this time, is by no means equal to that we have to oppose, and how essential it is, that it should be so. Further will not Applications come from Other Quarters, of the same nature, were your’s granted? you know Connecticut has applied for a part, and why will not the Other States? I can’t discriminate, and therefore, cannot comply with your request, as that would justifie others, and eventually, scatter the Artillery from New Hampshire to Georgia

inclusively and deprive the Army of it. Nor do I apprehend you can have any great use for it, from a persuasion that you have at this time a very respectable feild Train ready to act upon any sudden emergency. I shall write Governor Trumbull upon the Subject of his request, and am sorry Applications should be made, which from their nature cannot be granted.
I am happy to hear, the Additional Regiments have received countenance from the State, and I trust by perseverance and pains the whole will be compleated. I hope for a continuance of your exertions. The situation of our Affairs, demands the aid of Every friend & Lover of his country.
The prisoners returned from New York, which you mention, I wish to have your attention. At present, I see no better mode to be pursued, than for their Officers to make up Abstracts, specifying their Names, and the pay that is due them, to which they must subjoin an Affidavit purporting that the pay stated in the Abstract is due the Men & was not in the whole or any part contained or drawn for in any Former Abstract. they should be allowed, till they returned to their Homes at the rate of Twenty miles for every day travelling thither after they landed. I know of no provision for men, who are detained by Sickness after their service expired—nor do I see any just cause for demanding it. Their travell Home & wages, at the usual rate of Twenty Miles to a day, are All they can possibly claim; But there should be care lest frauds should be committed in this instance. such, as have this demand, should be included in an Abstract by their Officers and an Affidavit annexed, that they had neither received their claims, nor were they comprehended or drawn for in the Regimental Abstract. The Men too should swear to their demands, in the instances I have mentioned ’em to be allowed; As Several who were left sick, have obtained Warrants for their Wages & Travel Home.
The conduct of those who desert & receive double Bounties, deserves severe punishment. the practice has prevailed to a great & scandalous degree, and the desertions after they have come into the Feild, have been truly vexatious. However, I have heard nothing of such malignity or of so fatal a tendency, as the conduct of Lieutt Colo. Farrington. You say, you hope the Army will get rid of him. Will not the World too? I hope the State has provided Laws against such Offenders, for I can not conceive, that any Crime should be punished with more severity or more certain death, than what this Man has been Guilty of. Money is the sinews of War. That in which we are engaged is a just One, and we have no means of carrying it on, but by the Continental or State Notes. Whoever attempts to destroy their credit, particularly that of those, emitted by the United States, is a flagitious Offender &

should forfeit his life, to satisfie the demands of public justice. In the case before us, the enormity of the crime, is aggravated in a peculiar manner by the post, Farrington held.
I am greatly surprized at the distressed state of the Massachusets Troops, which have come to pecks Kills, for want of Cloathing. This is a circumstance, that I had not the most distant apprehension of, till reported to me by Genl McDougal and by Other Officers who have seen them; nor could I have expected it, after hearing of such large imports of Goods. What has become of them, or how can it be supposed, that they can be furnished in those States, which from their situation by Nature, have not any or but very few advantages, & those interrupted, by the Enemy’s fleet? I had hoped, from your intimate knowledge of the circumstances of the Country in this respect, and necessity of the Troops coming provided with Cloaths, that those from your State, considering the superior Opportunities of procuring them, would have come furnished. I wish to be informed of the cause, and beg your attention, in this instance, as far as circumstances will admit, to those to come on. I am Dr Sir Your Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington

P.S. As Colonels Lee & Jackson are raising their Regiments you will retain Arms, Accoutrements and Cloathing sufficient for them, which you will order to be delivered as the Men are inlisted & mustered—If the state had made provision for Colo. Henley’s Regiment, before my Letter arrived directing his attendance here, you will do the same respecting his; having meant nothing more when I called him here, than to provide a post for him, as he was doubtfull whether The State would go into measures for raising those Regiments.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 23 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters Morris Town May 23d 1777

I, yesterday, had the pleasure of your’s of the 21st instant. I wish every Gentleman in the army could appeal to his own heart and find the same principles of conduct, which, I am persuaded activate you; we should experience more consistency, zeal and steadiness, than we do, in but too many instances. A disinterested attachment to the cause, we are ingaged in, can alone produce that line of behaviour, in every circumstance, equal to the importance of it.
The health of the army is certainly an object of the last moment, and it is equally certain, that it cannot be preserved without a due portion of vegetable diet. This must be procured whatever may be the expence; and I cannot excuse the Commissaries, for having neglected to pay proper attention to it. Ere this, however, I expected you had had a supply of some articles of this kind from Albany; as General Schuyler informed me, that a large quantity had been collected there, and directions were given to transport a part of them to you. As this has not been done, you will apply to the commanding officer at that place to supply you immediately with what you want, and he has, in this way. At all events, vegetables must be had, if they can be gotten; and the price must not be an insurmountable obstacle, though you are as fully sensible as I can be of the necessity of œconomy, and due care to prevent imposition on the side of the Commissaries.
I perfectly agree with you as to the impropriety of that diversity in the modes of training our regiments, which has prevailed hitherto. I have it in contemplation, very soon, to digest and establish a regular system of discipline, manœuvres, evolutions, regulations for guards &c., to be observed throughout the army: in the meantime, I should be glad you would introduce an uniformity among those under your command; and I would recommend it to you to be particularly attentive to having them instructed in the proper use of their feet, so as to enable them to perform the necessary movements in marching and forming, with order, agility and expedition. Good consequences well undoubtedly result from accustoming the men to the noise of firing, and to the habit of taking aim at an object. You may therefore bestow a little ammunition on this purpose, having regard to the quantity of this article among us.

Of late, several of our officers have broken their paroles and stolen away. This practice, ignominious to themselves, dishonorable to the service and injurious to the officers of sentiment and delicacy, who remain behind, to experience the rigors of resentment and distrust on their account, cannot be tolerated, whatever be the pretence. I have made a point of sending those back, that have come under my observation, and I must desire you will do the same towards those who fall under your’s—The reason commonly assigned for this breach of faith is the want of money and necessaries. I regret this plea is too well founded; but I hope it will not continue to be so, as effectual measures are taking to provide for the wants of our prisoners. I am, with esteem, Dear Sir Your most Obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 23 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Morris Town May 23d 1777.

I have been favored with your Letters of the 18th & 22d Instant with their Inclosures.
I am sorry to find there is such a Scarcity of Blankets, and doubt not, whatever Measures you pursue to procure a Supply, will be founded on the strictest propriety.
I thank you for your Information respecting Mr James Fisher, and shall avail myself of it in a suitable Manner. I am Dr Sir with great Esteem & Regard Your most obedt humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Sherburne, 23 May 1777
From: Sherburne, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sr
East Greenwich [R.I.] May 23d 1777

I Wrote your Excellency about six Weeks ago informing of the Proficency We had made in Recruiting the Battalion, to which have not as yet Recd an Answer.

Three of the Companies which are raising in Connecticut have Recd that state Bounty which has given us an Opportunity of doing as well there as any of the other Battalions, Most of the Recruits have passed thro the small pox and am this Day Informed that General Parsons has ordered them to New haven.
In Consequence of the Encouragement Given me by this state that they would extend the Bounty to a part of the Regt (together with the absolute Necessity there was of raising the Men) I was induced to appoint two setts of Officers more with Orders to Inlist as many Men as possible with the Continental Bounty, and a Promise of the state Bounty in some short time; which I have Not yet Recd, but expect it will be granted this Week as the Assembly is now sitting—The Inclosed Return (which is the best I Can make as the officers are very much Dispersed) will Inform your Excellency of the Number we have Recruitd.
I have not the least Doubt had the New England states in General Given the same Bounty to the sixteen Additional Battalions as to the Eighty Eight (or never gone beyond the Continental Bounty) my Regt would now been Compleat, We being Confined to Twenty Dollars, Only when others were giving from Two to three Hundred.
Beg your Excellency would direct me as soon as possible where I am to apply for Tents Cloathing, Arms &c.—as nothing of That sort Can be obtained without an Order, There is some Tents in this state which are very good that have not yet been Called for, The Arms should be very glad to have out of the Importation from France that Arrived at the Eastward, as they would be all of one size & Make.
I hope in my next to make your Excellency a proper Regimental Return, and Beg that this may surfice for the present.

            Return of the Number of Men Recruited

            1
            Compy Massachusetts
            31
            }
            Those Recruited without state Bounty

            1
            Do Rhode Island
            20

            3
            Do Connecticutt
            110

            Those With state and Continental Bounty

            161

N.B. several Officers out Recruiting not heard from.
I am With Respect Yr Excellencys most Hub. Set.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Adam Stephen, 23 May 1777 [letter not found]
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Adam Stephen, 23 May 1777. Stephen wrote GW on 24 May: “I wrote your Excellency last Night from Col. Shrives’s Quarters.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 23 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dear Sir
Morris Town 23rd May 1777.

Your favour of Yesterday I have received this morning. As Genl Greene is gone down, with an intention to collect his Division and I dont know what advances he may have made in it, I could not with propriety agree to the change you mention without his approbation; I have wrote to him signifying my assent and desiring him to give you his sentiments upon the occasion. If I have made a mistake in the allotment of Richardson’s Regiment, it will be supplied by another from Maryland, as the Number is right.
Upon examining the Works thrown up by the Enemy about your Post, if you find any alteration or Improvement necessary, it will not be amiss to employ some hands about it, not that I would mean it as a place of defence, except in case of a sudden attack, at which time the works might be of Service.
I would call your attention particularly, to the daily Manœuvring and Disciplining all the Troops off duty, and recommend that the Rolls may be regularly called at least twice a day; this, if properly attended to, will be productive of very good Consequences; as it will keep both men and Officers Active and intent on their duty, and prevent Idleness and Dissipation, which are too frequently and fatally attended by Desertion. I am &ca

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 23 May 1777
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Princeton [N.J.] May 23d 1777

There was one Richard Burrest Tryed by General Court Martial on the 22d Instant, & Convicted by his own Confession of Attempting to Desert to the Enemy. he was taken by one of our Scouting partys near the Enemies Lines & Sentenced by the Court to be Shot for Desertion. I Should have forwarded him with a Copy of his Sentence to Head Quarters but as Desertions are So frequent here I think an Example on the Spot is Necessary, Therefore beg your Excellency to forward a Warrant for his Execution if you approve the Sentence. we had five Deserted from our Scouting party yesterday.

The Enemy have been out frequently five miles on this Side Brunswick for Forage Boards & Plank for about a Fortnight past I have Laid a Trap for them with 500 men & hope Soon to hear they have Caught them Nothing can prevent it but their keeping within their Hive. I have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem your Excellencys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 23 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town May 23d 1777

I was yesterday honored with your letter of the 18th inst. As I could only repeat the observations contained in my letter of the 11th upon your request for two Regiments to remain in Connecticut, I must beg leave to refer your attention to them, and to a few more which I shall now subjoin—If the several Battalions designed to compose the Army, were compleat, I should then hope, a few Troops might be spared to guard those places most accessible to Parties of the Enemy and their Cruisers; but as their State is very different, it cannot be done, unless we endanger objects of the last importance to us. I shall not trouble you with a minute detail of the Forces assembled at this time from the different States. By the last return from Peekskill on the 10th not more than three hundred and thirty Connecticut Troops were there then. In addition to these, there is a Detachment here under Lieut. Colo. Butler consisting of about  Men. I will not comment upon this subject, because I know it will not give you less pain than it does myself; and my only design in mentioning it, is to shew, I have but too just grounds for my anxiety and desire that Troops should come on. I wish those assembled as yet, from some other States, did not bear a proportion too analogous to this. When those from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island do arrive, my present intention is, to post a respectable number about the White Plains, to act as an Army or Detachment of observation &c., and from which, Your State, as far as I am able to judge, will be more likely to be protected against any Capital attempts of the Enemy, than any other. It will be impossible to secure every place against their small moroding plundering parties, but nothing will be so probable to effect it, as our drawing our strength to a point, which will oblige them to do the same. If we divide, and act in Detachments, so will they.
I am extremely sorry you should have been at so much trouble and expence in sending to Colo. Langdon for part of the Military Stores in

his hands. His refusal, and that of General Heath, I am persuaded, you will consider right, and founded in necessity upon mature reflection—All the Stores are coming to Springfield where they will be deposited in the Public Magazine, except such as will be immediately wanted for the Army, and I feel myself extremely unhappy in not having it in my power to consent, that a part should be appropriated as you request. Our Stores will by no means authorise me to do otherwise than to keep them for the forming Army—Were they once let out, how could I collect them? or how could I be answerable for them to the States at large? They are not more than equal to our certain demands, and in respect to Artillery, the quantity imported and fit for the Field is far inferior to that we are to oppose and what we want. I have, with pain, been obliged to refuse other requisitions of the same nature, and am concerned I should have been laid under the necessity, when the expediency of preventing the Stores being scattered throughout the States required it.
I am much obliged by the Copy of the Act you were pleased to transmit me, and I only hope its effects may be equal to your wishes.
I have nothing of importance to communicate in the Military Line here. I am told, from the last advices from France, things seem to be in a favorable train, and that Spain appears to be equally disposed to render us every assistance.
Governor Tryon, it is reported, is dead of the wounds he received in the Danbury Expedition—How far it is true, I know not—It is also said, Seventeen Ships came in at Sandy Hook on the 22d and more were in the Offing. I have the Honor to be with great esteem & respt Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Warren, 23 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Warren, James

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters Morris Town May 23d 1777.

Your favour of the 4th instant was duly handed me. I am fully sensible of the zeal your state has demonstrated in the instances you recite, and in many more. With you, I consider them as great exertions; and as a decisive evidence of your inclination to do every thing in your

power, to advance the common cause. At the same time, whatever efforts have been or can be made are not more than adequate to the exigency of our situation. Though over-sanguine and uninformed people may think differently, this is a most interesting and critical period; and will not countenance the least want of activity or attention in any quarter. I have the highest confidence that your state will not let the great object we are contending for, be lost, or endangered more than is unavoidable, by any such deficiency on their part.
Your repealing the offensive part of the act you mention, is a proof of your justice and regard to the sense of your sister-states. It certainly bore the features of a monopoly, and was liable to the interpretation put upon it; and though I am ready to believe, it proceeded from impolitic, rather than selfish motives, I am happy the cause of complaint is removed and the matter placed upon a more liberal footing.
I observe, your state is not a little alarmed at the prospect of an immediate invasion. Notwithstanding the intelligence from Europe, in some measure, warrants the supposition of such an event, and makes it proper not intirely to disregard it; yet I am clearly of opinion it is not much to be apprehended—It is by no means an eligible way to the conquest of this country; your state from its union, numbers and situation being capable of a much better defence, than perhaps any other; and it is presumable that the enemy will make their attacks, where circumstances promise the greatest likelihood of success. But, be this as it may, I cannot help disapproving the project of raising Colonial regiments for your defence, at least ’till the continental troops are raised. It is easy to percieve as you have yourself hinted, that it will have a direct tendency to defeat your endeavours, for completing your quota of the united army; and it would be the most wretched policy to weaken the hands of the continent, under the mistaken idea of strengthening your own. It would also be well to consider how far it might be consistent with propriety, in the persuit of partial schemes, to put it out of your own power to fulfil what is required of you by the Continent.
If the several states, by levying troops on the particular establishment of each, leave but a small Continental army in the field, it will be impossible effectually to watch the motions of the enemy, and oppose them where they may in reality direct their operations—the consequences of which must inevitably be fatal. But if we have a sufficient Continental force on foot, we shall be able to watch them narrowly and counteract them wherever they may attempt to move. Every state will find its security, in such an army, whose sole business it will be to oppose the enemy, where it is most requisite. It cannot be imagined, that, if your state were seriously attacked, a proportionate part of the

Continental force would not be detached to succour and protect it. My duty, inclination and a regard to the safety of the whole would equally compel me to it. What valuable end can then be answered to you, from the step you propose to take, which can compensate for the irretrievable injury the common cause might sustain, from our not having a sufficient army in the field for the purposes of general opposition? The measure, injurious in every view, can only serve to burthen the state with an unnecessary expence, which will be intirely its own; as the troops intended to be raised will be for local and colonial ends, and in diminution of the common force.
I see no advantage you can derive from such an impolitic step, which would not be fully produced, by what I assured the assembly, on a former occasion, should be done; which is, that the supernumerary regiments adopted by you, should remain in your state, ’till the designs of the enemy became so evident, as to convince us their continuance would be no longer expedient, or useful. This assurance I repeat; and I beg you will communicate it in my name to them; earnestly recommending it to them to relinquish the scheme. Indeed, Sir, on a cool, dispassionate survey of all circumstances, it will be found replete with impolity and danger; and I am persuaded, that, either they have already on mature deliberation, laid it aside, or, on a reconsideration of the matter, will coincide with me in opinion, and correct the mistake. With great regard, and respect I am Sir Your most Obedient servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 24 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, May 24th 1777.
Inverness.Kendal.

Aquillah Giles Esqr: is appointed Aide-De Camp to Major Genl St Clair; and to be obeyed and respected as such.
All the troops in, and near Morristown, (except on duty) to attend divine service, to morrow morning.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 24 May 1777
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Albany 24th May 1777

Your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th Inst. from Morris Town is now before me. The Barracks at Ticonderoga, and Mount Independence, will not Contain more than One Thousand Officers and Men; the Hutts that were built last Campaign, might for ought I know, contain One Thousand more; but these being made of Earth, and flimsily put together, are mostly in Ruins. But Neither the Huts, or Barracks, are the proper Summer Stations for the Troops, as they are too remote, from the Redoubts, Lines, and Batteries; which must be defended by Troops properly encamped near them. There is not a Single Tent wanted for the Communication; General Schuyler has built Barracks Sufficient at all Those Posts, for the Troops passing, and Repassing, and Necessarily Stationed in them. I will not presume to draw upon Mr Hughes for any Tents, until Your Excellency acquaints me with the Number You think proper to Spare. Which Army will want Tents most, the Events of the Campaign will determine; but the Continent should be ransackd from Florida to Funda, rather than any Army should be unsupply’d.
Your Excellency says this Army will be Stationary; if by that, You mean they are to be fixed solely for the defence of a particular post, or posts, I should be Glad immediately to recieve Your Commands thereupon; having already received a Resolve of Congress upon that Subject. I wish to know if your Excellency’s Orders Correspond with their Resolve.
The Intelligence that was sent to Congress, of the Enemy’s being near Ticonderoga, went from Genl Wayne long before I reached Albany, therefore it could not be owing to any Neglect of mine, that Your Excellency was not sooner Acquainted with the Cause of that Alarm. General Wayne carried Your Excellency the Returns of this Army: Your Orders in that respect, I shall continue to Obey.
I am glad to find it is Your Excellency’s Opinion, that Genl Carleton,

and General Howe will Cooperate, it has invariably been mine; if they have Force enough to Attempt the Reduction of America, there is but One Route by which they can hope to Succeed; Your Excellency may therefore be Assured, I will constantly give You the Earliest information, of every extraordinary Occurrence this Way.
The Rains have been so Constant, and the Roads so bad, that with much difficulty, the Cannon have been removed from hence to Saratoga; but I hope by the latter End of this Week, they will get to the Lake. There is so great a Quantity of Ordnance Stores, and provisions yet to send from hence to Ticonderoga, that I am resolved not to leave Albany, before I see the Bulk of them before me. By the enclosed Letter from General paterson, I am Convinced if we are backward, that the Enemy are not very forward, And from this being my Sixth Campaign up these Rivers, I am also Convinced, the Enemy Cannot have their Main Force up the Lake, before the middle of July. I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 May 1777
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Bound Brook [N.J., 24 May 1777]

Your Excellencies favor of Yesterday this moment came to hand. I am perfectly satisfied with the exchange of Hazens Regiment for the Barron Arends—I am by no means attach’t to any particular Regiment—nearly an equal distribution of the forces will be entirely satisfactory to me. I only wish to stand upon an equal footing with other Officers—then if I dont execute my duty as well I am willing to be subject to censure.
General Sullivans reasons for the exchange are very substantial and perfectly satisfactory—I ever wish to make the good of the service my principal object—when I deviate from that line I wish to be corrected.
I arrivd at this place yesterday about Noon—and immediately issueed the necessary Orders for collecting the Troops together from the out Posts.
I fear without great exertion in the Commesaries department there will be a want of Provision—I shall endeavor to learn the design of the Enemies collection of Waggons.
We shall begin to lay off the encampment this morning—Coll Biddle arrivd too late last Night to do any thing more than to ride round the ground. I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellencies Obedient Servt

N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Morristown May 24th 1777.

I beg leave to inform Congress, that immediately after the receipt of their Resolve of the 26th of March, recommending the Office of Adjutant General to be filled by the Appointment of a person of Abilities, and unsuspected attachment to our Cause, I wrote to Colo. Timothy Pickering of Salem, offering him the post in the first instance, and transmitting at the same time a Letter for Colo. William Lee, whom Congress had been pleased to mention, to be delivered him in case my offer could not be accepted. This conduct, in preference of Colo. Pickering, I was induced to adopt, from the high character I had of him, both as a great military genius, cultivated by an industrious attention to the study of War, and as a Gentleman of liberal education—distinguished zeal & great method and activity in Business. This character of him, I had from Gentlemen of distinction & merit, and on whose Judgement, I could rely. When my Letter reached Colo. Pickering, at first view, he thought his situation in Respect to public Affairs, would not permit him to accept the post. That for Colo. Lee, he sent immediately to him, who in consequence of it repaired to Head Quarters. By Colo. Lee, I received a Letter from Colo. Pickering, stating more particularly the causes which prevented him accepting the Office, when it was offered, and assuring me, that he would in a little time accomodate his Affairs in such a manner, as to come into any Military post, in which he might be serviceable & thought equal to. Here I am to mark with peculiar satisfaction, in justice to Colo. Lee, who has deservedly acquired the reputation of a good Officer, that he expressed a distrust of his abilities to fill the Appointment intended for him, and on hearing that Colo. Pickering would accept it, he not only offered but wished to relinquish his claim to it, in favor of him, whom he declared, he considered from a very intimate & friendly acquaintance, as a first Military character and that he knew no Gentleman better or so well qualified for the post among us. Matters being thus circumstanced, and Colo. Lee pleased with the command he was in, I wrote Colo. Pickering on his return, who accepted the Office & is daily

expected. In this business, I beg Congress to be assured, though Colo. Lee was postponed in the first instance, their recommendation had it’s due weight, and that no motive other than a regard to the service, induced me to prefer Colo. Pickering. His acknowledged abilities and equal zeal, without derogating from the merits of Colo. Lee, who holds a high place in my esteem, gave him a preference, and I flatter myself the Cause will be promoted in his Appointment; especially as we shall have two Good Officers in Lieu of One, & who I am persuaded, will do honour to themselves in the lines in which they move.
Considering the passes through the Highlands of the utmost importance to secure, I sent General’s Greene & Knox about a Fortnight ago, to see what had been done for their defence, and to consult with the General Officers they should meet upon such further measures as might be deemed necessary for their greater safety. The inclosed Copy of their report, will fully convey their Sentiments upon the Subject & to which I beg leave to refer Congress. I have sent Genl Putnam to command in that Quarter, and have instructed him to use every possible means in his power for expediting and effecting the Works and Obstructions mentioned in the Report. Fearing that the Cables might not be procured in time, I have directed his particular & immediate attention to fixing the Boom; However, as the Cables would render that more secure & will be extremely serviceable in the Opinion of the Officers, if they are to be had in Philadelphia, I would advise Congress, to order them to be purchased & forwarded without loss of time. They cannot be got elsewhere. They must be proportioned to the width of the River which is about Five Hundred & forty yards, and as they will be of most use, if diagonally laid, the Gentlemen think they should not be less than Four hundred & fifty fathoms long, and of the largest size that can be had. Unless they are large & substantial, they will answer no purpose, & will not sustain their weight when stretched.
I should be glad to know, whether it be the intention of Congress, that One of the already appointed Genl Officers may be assigned to the Command of the light Horse, or whether they have in contemplation the appointing of One for this purpose—If the first, I shall immediately name one to that duty. If the second, they will be pleased to choose One, as it is time we should have our Arrangements compleat.
I have nothing of importance to communicate, unless it is, that Seventeen Ships are said to have arrived at New York on the 22d, and that others were in the Offing. A Report has also prevailed, and has come through two or three Channels, that Govr Tryon, that was, is dead of the wound he received in the Danbury expedition & one account is, that Lieutt Colo. Walcot fell in the engagement at Ridgefeild. I don’t know how far the facts are to be depended on; It seems certain that

Mr Tryon was wounded. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr most Obedt servt

Go: Washington

P.S. As I don’t know what particular purposes, Congress had in view, when they ordered Col. Harrison’s Regiment of Artillery to be raised, I don’t think myself at liberty to give any directions about It. But if they have no certain employment for it in view, I could wish them to order the whole or such part of It as they shall judge proper to join this Army, As we are in great want of more Artillerymen than we have—It will not be necessary that the Artillery should come. Yours &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 24 May 1777
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Bound brook [N.J.] May 24 77

A number of Colo. Brodheads men, 8th Pennsylvana regiment, were some time since tried for desertion—Your Excellency was induced from the disordered state of that regiment to suspend the execution of the several sentences untill a court of enquiry could ascerta[i]n the real cause of such disorder no court hath set & from the long confinment of the men they have lost their healths & are become very sickly—The Judge advocate Gen. knows fully the state of the men & can give your Excellency every information. I am.
I was honoured with your Excellences favor of the 21, the last evening the strictest attention shall be paid to several matters therein recommended.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 24 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sheldon, Elisha

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town May 24th 1777.

When you were at this place some time since, you assured me, that I might expect to see you and your Regiment at Camp about a fortnight thence. I must confess I did not entertain the least Suspicion, after this assurance, that so long a space would have elapsed, and that at the end of it the event would be as remote for any thing I should know, as ever. I find myself utterly at a loss to conceive the reasons of your delay, and silence as to what you are doing and when you will be really in a condition to take the field. It is high time it should be done, and I hope very soon to hear of your being at Peeks Kill, where it is my desire you should stop and advise me of your coming; and I shall give you directions, whether to proceed with the whole or any part of your Regiment, or to remain at that post. I should be glad you would, on the receipt of this, send me an accurate return of your Regiment and a list of the pay of the cavalry, according to the arrangement indorsed on your instructions. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Adam Stephen, 24 May 1777
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Chatham [N.J.] 24th May 1777

I wrote your Excellency last Night from Col. Shrives’s Quarters, where I was Concerting Measures for attacking the Enemys Camp near Amboy, before they had all left the Town; or could get the Camp fortify’d; when I was disconcerted, by receiving the inclosd from Genl Mullenberg & advice of the Same Sort from Genl Maxwell.

This Manœuvre is of very extensive Consequence—It gives the Enemy Command of the Country.
There is not a Sentry between the Pickets of this place and Amboy.
Traitors have no interruption in Corresponding with, or Supplying the Enemy with provisions.
They may make themselves masters of Westfield where we have Some Stores—of Springfield where we have an hospital of 25 Sick & wounded; & Barnets troop of horse without arms.
They will Certainly Overrun Newark & Elizabethton at the Latter I by the Address of Col. Spencer had Settled a Certain Correspondence wt. N. York & Staaten Island—An Authentic Correspondence is of immence advantage.
And the Enemy taking possession of these places again tho’ of no great importance—Will make a figure in their pompous Announciations at St James’s.
Unless the Enemy is immediatly Attackd to Advantage—I am apprehensive we shall lose Credit by this Movement.
I forgot to mention last Night that a French Ship is taken & Carryd into N. York the day before yesterday; with Seventy men on board—What they are, or what the transport had aboard we expect to hear in a few days.
The Boats intended for the Bridge, ly below the New Bridge at Brunswick, in the River.
Not the least appearance of a Movement—They are employd in levelling the Streets of Brunswick.
A new Redoubt, with Cannon, erected, about 1 mile N.W. of this Side the End of the New Bridge.
They are more Strict than formerly in admitting people.
The Common Soldiers are damning the French for Supplying Us, & there is a Report amongst them—That the Duke of Richmond & Ld Cambden are sent to the Tower. I have the honour to be sr your most Ob. hue Sr.

Adam Stephen


Title: From George Washington to Major General Adam Stephen, 24 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

Dear Sir
Morris Town May 24th 1777.

No pleasure could exceed what I should feel, if it was in my power to protect every Town, and every individual on this wide extended continent; this, however, is a pleasure that never can be realized, and as our dispersed Situation, is neither formidable for defence, or offence, it becomes me to place the Continental Troops in such a manner as to answer a more valuable purpose than to give the shadow (for it is no more) of security, to particular Neighbourhoods.
The Letter written to Genl Muhlenberg &ca was by my order, a compliance is expected; the Stores at Springfield and the Sick at Westfield must be removed, and likewise from the other Posts, upon that communication. Some Men will be sent to possess the Pass of the mountain, on some advantageous spot, between Springfield and Chatham.
Your apprehensions of the Enemy taking possession of New Ark and Elizabeth Town, with a view of holding them, does not strike me at all; if any such Ideas possessed them, the few Men we have there would rather be an inducement, they already have experienced the evil of multiplied Posts, as we shall do, if they should be seized with a spirit of Enterprise; such guards as we have from Bound brook to New Ark, inclusively, can give no effectual opposition to the Enemy, if they were disposed to move, and the Country is too much drained by both Armies, to afford much support; the other consideration of opening the intercourse, or rather making it more open with New York, has weight, but is over balanced by others of a more powerful nature. In a word, if a man cannot act in all respects as he could wish, he must do what appears best, under the circumstances he is in; this I aim at, however short I may fall of the end. Genl Heard will move down part of his Militia towards Aquackanonck &ca. I am Dear Sir &ca

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 24 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Webb, Samuel Blachley

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town May 24th 1777.

I have received your favour of the 19th instant, in which you inform me, that by the last returns your Regiment amounted to 234 including dead and deserted. This is rather an unsatisfactory account of the matter, and admits the supposition of a very large as well as a small part coming under this description. I should be glad you would be more explicit in your next and furnish me with as exact a return, as Circumstances will permit, of the true State of your Regiment.

I am happy, that the Assembly are exerting themselves to complete their Quota, and I hope you will employ all your industry to bring your corps, as fast as possible, into the field. I am with regard Yours &ca

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 25 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Sir,
Head Quarters Morris Town May 25. 1777

From the uncommon prevalency of desertion at this time in the army, I am induced to think, there must be great mismanagement and abuses among the officers, which must be corrected as the first and principal step towards preventing it. This general consideration makes it necessary that a careful inquiry should be made into the matter, and as the practice exists in a higher degree in the 8th Pensylvania regiment than in, perhaps, any other, which the men complain is occasioned by the fraud and ill-treatment their officers have been and are

guilty of, towards them, I must desire, you will order a Court of inquiry to be held, to examine into the causes of the extraordinary and alarming spirit of desertion, with which this regiment is infected. This may give us an opportunity of doing justice if the men’s complaints are well founded, and may be productive of the most salutary consequences, not only to that regiment, but to the whole army. You will be circumspect, in selecting officers of integrity and discernment to compose this court, otherwise the intention of it will probably be defeated. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington

N.B.—There are several prisoners now under confinement belonging to this regiment whose evidence must be taken. A full an[d] impartial hearing must be given both to the men and officers; and in such a way as will tend to remove all undue restraint and awe from the minds of the former and give free operation to truth.