Title: To George Washington from Eleazar Wheelock, 15 October 1775
From: Wheelock, Eleazar
To: Washington, George

Sir May it please your Excellency.
Dartmouth College [N.H.] October 15. 1775

Presuming the nature and importance of the Subject will apologize for this Interruption. I make bold to propose to you wether the sending an experienced and well accomplish’d Missionary into Canada (and if may be in character of Chaplain to your Forces there) may not answer very valuable and good purposes at this juncture Viz. to facilitate and effect the Union of that Colony with the other Colonies, and in case this design of your Forces there should be successful, make it yet more extensive by the Union of the Indian Tribes therein confirm their Friendship to these Colonies as well as increase it to this Seminary, and lay them under stronger bonds by giving them fresh assurance of the well being of their Children with me, and bringing a number more from these and (if it may be) from remoter Tribes to this School &c. &c. The Revd Mr Ripley who is now a Tutor of this College, and has been employed in several Missions, is well acquainted with, and is high in the Affection and esteem of several of those Tribes and is the most suitable Man I know, while Mr Dean is otherwise imployed among the six Nations, to be sent on such an Errand, is willing to undertake it provided he may only be supported therein.
And the present course of Providence appears so incouraging and the prospects of his usefulness therein so inviting that I am near determined to send him as Missionary at my own risque as soon as may be. I am sorry I could not have opportunity for Your Excellency’s advice and direction in the Affair before the Season advanced so far as to make his delay dangerous however if you shall approve of it and think it worthy your incouragement, I shall likely have Opportunity to transmit to him by the Post whatever Recommendation of the Design or Instruction you shall please to give him in the prosecution thereof.
My Heart and Prayers are with you and for you. And I am Honored Sir with much Duty & Esteem Your most Obedient & very humble Servant

Eleazar Wheelock

P.S. I enclose my last Narratives and shall endeavour to give you account of Occurrences Since my last as soon as I am favord with an Opportunity and Leisure for it.


Title: General Orders, 16 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Octr 16th 1775.
Parole Quebec.Countersign Richmond


Title: Instructions to Captains Nicholson Broughton and John Selman, 16 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Broughton, Nicholson,Selman, John

Sir
[Cambridge October 16. 1775]

The Hon. Cont. Congress having received Intelligence that two North Country Brigantines of no Force sailed from England some Time ago for Quebec laden with 6000 Stand of Arms a large Quantity of Powder & other Stores—You are hereby directed to make all possible Dispatch for the River St Laurence & there to take such a Station as will best enable you to intercept the above Vessels.
2. You are also to seize & take any other Transports laden with men Ammunition Cloathing or other Stores for the Use of the ministerial Army or Navy in America & secure them in such Places as may be most safe & Convenient.
3. The other Armed Schooner named the Lynch & commanded by Capt. Selliman is to be under your general Command but you are to advise & concert with him the proper Stations & the proper Time to continue this Service.
4. You are to endeavour if possible to discover whether the above Vessels have passed by—if they have you are not to return but keep the Station as long as the Season will admit—As there

is a great Probability that Quebeck will fall into our Hands in a very short Time it may be expected that not only the above Ordnance Vessels: but others from Quebec & Montreal may come down & fall into our Hands.
5. As there may be Men of War at Newfoundland you are so to conduct as to prevent being discovered by them or any Intelligence given of your Station.
6. Whatever Vessels you may meet bound in or out of the River St Laurence which you have Reason to believe are in the Service of the Ministerial Army or conveying any Stores to them of Provision or of any other Nature, You are to endeavour to seize, tho’ they should not be Transports regularly engaged by Government.
7. For your Encouragement & that of the Officers & Men under Your Command, you will receive one third Part of the Value of any Prizes you may take as well military Stores as the Hulls of such Vessels (nothing being excepted but the wearing Apparel & private Stock of the Captains other Officers & Passengers of such Prize[)].
8. Should you meet with any Vessel the Property of the Inhabitants of Canada not employed in any Respect in the Service of the Ministerial Army—You are to treat such Vessel with all Kindness & by no Means suffer them to be injured or molested.
The same to Capt. Sellman except the 3d Article which is You are to consider Capt. Brughton as your Commodore & to keep Company with him till you arrive at the proper Station—You are to consult together upon the proper Places to cruize Your Signals &c. & to agree upon.


Title: To George Washington from William Ramsay, 16 October 1775 [letter not found]
From: Ramsay, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Ramsay, 16 Oct. 1775. Between 10 and 16 Nov. GW wrote to Ramsay: “I have been favour’d with your Letter of the 16th Ulto.”


Title: General Orders, 17 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Octr 17th 1775.
Parole Sawbridge.Countersign. Townsend.

The Quarter Master General will deliver to the Major of each Brigade, or his Order, Twenty great Coats for the use of the Centinels of each brigade: As the Brigade Major is to give his receipt for the same, he is to be answerable that they are regularly deliver’d from guard to guard.
Lieut: Thomas Randell of the Regt of Artillery, tried at a late General Court Martial for “stabbing a matross in the said regiment”—The Court are of opinion, that the prisoner is guilty of a breach of the 49th Art: of the Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts army: But in consideration of the very insulting behaviour of the Complainant, adjudge Lieut. Randall only, to receive a severe reprimand from the Colonel of the regiment, at the head of the company, to which the prisoner belongs.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Goodwin, 17 October 1775
From: Goodwin, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Pownalborough [District of Maine] Octor 17th 1775

According to your Excellencys Verbal orders by Collo. Bennedeck Arnold I supplyd him with A Plan of the Sea Coast from Cape Elizabeth to Penobscut and the River Kennebeck to the Several heads thereof, and the Several Carrying Placeses to Ammeguntick Pond, and Shaddair River which Ammeguntick Emptys into Said Shaddair River which Shaddair, Emptys into the River St Lawrance about four miles above Quebeck and the Passes and Carrying Placeses to Quebeck, and also made Several Small Plans for Each Department for their Guid, and also Gave him a Copy of A Journal which Repersented all the Quick watter & Carrying Placeses to & from Quebeck both ways Viztt East & West, the West is the way to Goe, & the East to Come Sir if there was a Road Cut, it would be much Easer Carrying an army & provision and would Shorten the way much, and then you might have a Post to Pass once a week or 10 days.
I think it Would be for the General Intrest for you to have a Copy of Said Plan &c. and then you would be a Judge of what would be best to be don. it hath been a Great Cost & Labour to me to obtain those Plans &c. & make them. Sir if you think it worth your Notice & will Give orders therefor, I will Copy one for you & wate on you with it & Give you the best Intelagance I Can, as I think I Know as much of this Countary as anyone as I have been a Traveling, Surveying & Settling this Part Ever Since the year 1750 I would Willingly Goe to lay out a Road & See it Cleared &c. & do Every thing Neccassory, if agreable and orders therefor, & you &c. Should think it Worth while, but submitting all to your better Judgement, I am Sir with all Due Respects your most Obedeant Devoted and very humbl. Servtt

Samuel Goodwin

N.B. Mr Ruben Coalborn informed me you wanted a Plan I begain it about 3 weeks before Collo. Arnold Arived or I Could not have Gott it Redy for him.
Please to Excuse the Smallness of the paper for there is a famin of it here.


Title: General Orders, 18 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Octr 18th 1775.
Parole Wilkes.Countersign Cambden

The General Court Martial ordered to sit this day, at Roxbury, is postponed until Friday morning next, at Nine ’OClock Brigadier Genl Thomas being obliged to attend this forenoon at Head quarters.


Title: Council of War, 18 October 1775
From: Council of War
To:

[Cambridge, 18 October 1775]

At a Council of War held at Head Quarters October 18th 1775.

            Present
            His Excelly General Washington

            Majors Genl Ward Lee Puttnam

            Brigads. Genl Thomas, Heath, Sullivan, Green, Gates

The General acquainted the Members of the Council that he had called them together in Consequence of an Intimation from the Congress, that an Attack upon Boston if practicable was much desired. That he therefore desired their Opinion on this Subject.

General Gates—That under the present Circumstances it is improper to attempt it.
General Green—That it is not practicable under all Circumstances—but if 10,000 Men could be landed at Boston, think it is.
General Sullivan—That at this Time it is improper—the Winter gives a more favourable oppy.
General Heath—Impracticable at present.
Genl Thomas—Of the same opinion.
Genl Puttnam—Disapproves of it at present.
General Lee. Is not sufficiently acquainted with the Men to judge—therefore thinks it too great a Risque.
General Ward—Against it.
General Washington—


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

The committee of conference that Congress appointed on 30 Sept. arrived at Cambridge on 15 Oct. and conducted its business between 18 and 24 October. For five days, 18–22 Oct., the committee conferred with GW and representatives of the New England governments, principally on the raising of a new army for the coming year and the revising of the articles of war but also on the current enlistment of the Connecticut troops, powers of impressment, and four questions that GW had posed in his recent letters to Hancock but for which he had received no answer. During the last two days of the conference, 23–24 Oct., the committee met with GW only and discussed a number of other questions from his letters to Hancock. To expedite matters GW prepared in advance a list of queries based on the letters. The committee considered all of these questions except the third one concerning Maj. Christopher French, and Joseph Reed recorded the answers both in the margins of GW’s list of queries and in the minutes of the conference. The committee sent a copy of the minutes for the entire conference to Hancock on 24 October. Congress read the minutes on 1 Nov. and between 4 Nov. and 22 Dec. acted on them item by item.


Title: II. Minutes of the Conference, 18–24 October 1775
From: Reed, Joseph
To:

[Cambridge, 18–24 October 1775]

Minutes of a Conference of the Delegates of the Honorable Continental Congress, the Deputy Governours of Connecticut & Rhode Island, the Committee of Council of Massachusetts Bay with General Washington begun at Head Quarters Cambridge October 18th 1775 & continued to the 22d of the same Month.

      Present
      His Excelly General Washington

      The Hon.
      Depy Govr Griswold
      }
      Connecticut

      Nathaniel Wales Esqr.

      The Honorable Depy Govr Cooke

      Rhode Island

      The Hon.
      Thomas Lynch
      }
      Delegates fromCongress

      Dr Benj. Franklin

      Col. Benj. Harrison

      The Hon.
      James Bowdowin

      Committee of

      The Hon.
      Col. Otis
      }
      Council ofMassachusetts Bay

      William Sever

      Walter Spooner

The Credentials of the several Members of this Conference for Connecticut & Massachusetts Bay were then read. The Presidt of the Provincial Convention of New Hampshire not yet attending General Sullivan was desired to attend this Conference & took his Place accordingly.
The Members of the Conference then proceeded on the Instructions from the Congress which were read through & then separately—And it was considered.
First. To cause proper Methods to be taken for continuing the Connecticut Troops now near Boston in the Continental Service upon the same Terms as they are at present untill the last Day of next December.
Resolved that it is the Opinion of the Members of this Conference

that the General immediately direct the Feild Officers of the Connecticut Troops, that they consult with their Inferiour Officers & Men, & endeavour to learn what Number of them will continue in the Service to the last Day of December next upon the present Terms & that as soon as possible.
The third Instruction was then read by Paragraphs containing the following Articles, to wit—First what Number of Men the new Army before Boston should consist of?
The Committee having been informed that this Question had been lately agitated in the Council of General Officers desired the Result might be communicated, by which it appears that it was their unanimous Opinion that the new Army intended to lay before Boston should not consist of less than 20,372 Men. In which Opinion on a Consideration of all Circumstances this Committee unanimously concurs.
2d What should be the Pay of the Officers & Privates that of some of the former in the present Army being it is apprehended too low & that of the latter too high?
That of the Privates unanimously agreed cannot be reduced & agreed by a Majority that raising the Pay of the Officers would be inconvenient & improper—It was also unanimously agreed that under the present Circumstances the Proposition of lowering the Pay of the Troops would be attended with dangerous Consequences.
October 19th 1775. The Members of the Committee to confer with General Washington met.
Present as yesterday.
Mathew Thornton Esqr. President of the Convention of New Hampshire attending took his Seat this Day.
1st It was proposed for Consideration what Number each Company & how many Companies each Regiment should contain?
Agreed Unanimously that each Regiment consist of 728 Men (including Officers) that it be divided into Eight Companies, each Company to consist of One Captain, 2 Lieutenants, One Ensign, 4 Sergeants, 4 Corporals, 2 Drums or Fifes, 76 Privates.
2. Of what kind & Quality of Provisions a Ration should consist?

Resolved That it be as follows.

One Pound of Beef or ¾ lb. Pork or one Pound of Salt Fish.
One Pound of Bread or Flour ⅌ Diem.
Three Pints of Pease or Beans ⅌ Week or Vegetables equivalent at 6/ ⅌ Bushel for Pease & Beans.
One Pint of Milk ⅌ Man ⅌ Day or at the Rate of 1d ⅌ Pint.
One half Pint of Rice or one Pint of Indian Meal ⅌ Man ⅌ Week.
One Quart of Spruce Beer or Cyder ⅌ Man ⅌ Day or 9 Gallons of Molasses ⅌ Compy of 100 Men ⅌ Week.
Three Pounds of Candles to 100 Men ⅌ Week for Guards &c.
Twenty four lb. of soft Soap or 8 lb. hard Soap for 100 Men ⅌ Week.

3. What is the best Method of providing Arms for the Troops to be engaged in the new Army?
Agreed that it be recommended to the several Assemblies or Conventions of the respective Colonies to set & keep their several Gunsmiths at Work to manufacture good Firelocks with Bayonets—each Firelock to be made with a good Bridle Lock—¾ of an Inch in the Bore & of good Substance at the Breech—the Barrel to be 3 feet 8 Inches in Length & a Bayonet of 18 Inches in the Blade—with a Steel Ramrod—the upper Loop to be Trumpet mouth’d. The Price to be fixed by the Assembly or Convention or Committee of Safety of each Colony. And to import all that can be procured.
Also that the good Arms of all such Soldiers as leave the Service be retained on a Valuation made of them.
Friday October 20th 1775. The Commee met present as before.
It was now proposed to the Consideration of the Members what will be the best Method of providing Cloathing for the Troops which are to compose the new Army.
Agreed that the Cloathing be provided by the Continent & paid for by Stoppages out of the Soldiers Wages at 10/ ⅌ Month, that as much as possible of the Cloth for this Purpose be dyed brown & the Distinctions of Regiments made in the Facings.
Also that a Man who brings a good new Blanket into the

Camp should be allowed two Dollars therefor & take it away with him at the End of the Campaign.
2d What is the best Method of getting Provisions for the Army?
Agreed that the best Method of procuring Salt Provisions will be to drive the Cattle & Hogs at proper Seasons to the Camp there to be cured & that the New England Colonies can fully supply the Army with these Articles.
That in the Article of Flour & Bread the Commissary proceed in the Way he has done for some Time past, that appearing to be both safe & frugal.
3d By whom the Officers should be chosen & recommended & how the best Officers & Men in the present Army may be engaged for the next making a complete Arrangement of the whole.
Agreed That such Officers as have served in the present Army to Approbation & are willing to stay be preferred; if there are more of these than are necessary for the new Army the General to distinguish such as he deems best qualified.
Agreed upon a Representation from the General that the Committee recommend to the Continental Congress that proper Authority may be given him to empress Carriages Vessels, Horses & other Things necessary for the Transportation or March of the Army, or any Part of it, or on any other Emergency—& that this Power may be deputed in Writing under the Hand of the General to the Quarter Master Genl or to any Inferiour Officers, who are to be accountable for any Abuse thereof.
October 21. 1775. The Members of the Conference met, present as before, except General Sullivan.
It appearing on a full Discussion & Consideration of all Circumstances that any Attempt to reduce the present Pay would probably prevent the Soldiers re-inlisting & that the Advancemt of the Season does not admit of any Delay in forming a new Army—Agreed that it be proposed to the Officers now serving in the present Army that they signify in Writing as soon as possible which of them will continue to serve & defend their Country & which of them will retire. And that such Officers as propose to continue in the Service & are approved by the General

proceed to inlist their Men into the Continental Service upon the same Pay & Allowance of Provisions as is now given—The Service to continue to the last Day of December 1776—subject to be discharged at any Time by the Continental Congress as has been heretofore practised in the like Cases.
Agreed that if upon Tryal it should appear that the Number of 20,372 Men before resolved on cannot be raised out of the present Army: that then the Officers appointed for the new Army, recruit their several Regiments & Companies to their full Complement. And in Case the Necessity of the Service should require it, the General be impowered to call in the Minute Men or Militia from this or the neighbouring Colonies according to the Nature & Exigence of the Service.
The Rules & Regulations of the Continental Army were then taken under Consideration & the following Alterations proposed.
1. All Persons convicted of holding an unwarrantable Correspondence with or giving Intelligence to the Enemy shall suffer Death or such other Punishment as a Genl Court Martial shall think proper.
October 22. 1775. The Members of the Conference met.
Present as yesterday.
The Rules & Articles of the Continental Army were again considered—Agreed.
That it be recommended to the several Legislatures of the Colonies or Conventions to enact some Law or pass an Ordinance inflicting the following Punishment on Persons harbouring Deserters knowing them to be such. viz. A Fine upon all such Offenders not less than 30 or more than 50 Dollars—And in Case of Inability to pay the Fine to be punished with Whipping not exceeding 39 Lashes for each Offence.
That any Person who shall apprehend a Deserter & bring him to the Regiment to which he belongs upon a Certificate thereof by the Colonel or commanding Officer of such Regiment be intitled to receive 5 Dollars from the Continental Paymaster General—which is to be deducted out of the Pay of such Soldier.
2d That all commissioned Officers found guilty by a General Court Martial of any Fraud or Embezzlement shall forfeit all his

Pay be ipso facto cashiered & deemed unfit for farther Service as an Officer.
3. That all non commissioned Officers or Soldiers convicted before a Regimental Court Martial of stealing embezzling or destroying Ammunition, Provisions, Tools or any Thing belonging to the publick Stores (if a non commissioned Officer[)] to be reduced to the Ranks & punished with whipping not less than 15 nor more than 39 Lashes, at the Discretion of the Court Martial, if a private Soldier with the same corporal Punishment.
That it be recommended to the several Legislatures of the Colonies to impower the Commander in Chief or the Officer commanding a Detachment or out Post to administer an Oath & swear any Person or Persons to the Truth of any Information or Intelligence or any other Matter relative to the publick Service.
That in the Punishment of cashiering an Officer for Cowardice or Fraud it be added that the Crime, Name, Place of Abode & Punishment of the Delinquent be published in the News Papers in & about the Camp & of the Colony from which the Offender came & where he usually resides after which it shall be deemed scandalous for any Officer to associate with him.
That the 3d Article of the Rules &c. be amended by making the Punishment refer to the 2d instead of the 1st Article.
That the 5th Article be amended by making the Offence punishable with Death or otherwise at the Discretion of a General Court Martial.
That the 8th Article be amended to make Deserters to the Enemy who may afterwards fall into our Hands punishable with Death or otherwise at the Discretion of General Courts Martial.
That Articles 20th & 21st be amended by punishing the Offences therein specified in the following Manner viz. An Officer offending be cashier’d & drumm’d out of the Army with Infamy—a private Soldier to be whipp’d not less than 20 Lashes nor more than 39 according to the Nature of their Offence.
That the 17th Article be amended by expressing the Punishment following viz. The Officer be mulcted in one Months pay for 1st Offence—Cashiering for the second. A Soldier to be confined for 7 Days on Bread & Water for the 1st Offence—for

the second the same Punishment with a Forfeiture of one Weeks Pay.
That the 25th Article be amended by leaving out the Word immediately & after the Word Death substituting the Words by any Person on the Spot.
That the 29th Article be amended by making the Embezzlement of the Stores therein mentioned punished as the like Offence upon the Stores &c. mentioned in the 15th Article of the Rules & Regulations of the Army.
That the 30th Article be amended by making the Offences punishable as the Breach of the 20th & 21st Articles together with the Forfeiture of all Share of Plunder taken from the Enemy.
That the 55th Article be amended by expressing the Punishment viz. cashiering & mulcting of his Pay.
That the 57th Article be amended so as to include all Surgeons & their Mates & make the Offence of giving a false Certificate of Health punishable as a false Certificate with respect to Absence.
It appearing that both General & Special Orders are not duly obeyed agreed that it be recommended to the Honorable Congress to form a new Article by which Officers & Soldiers wilfully or negligently disobeying such Orders be punished at the Discretion of a Regimental Court Martial where the Offence is against a Regimental Order—by a General Court Martial where the Offence is against Orders given by the Commander in Chief or of any Detachment or Post & such General Court Martial can be had.
The Committee then proceeded to the Consideration of such Matters as have been mentioned in the Generals Letters to the Congress upon which no Order had been made.
First. What Steps are necessary to be pursued with Regard to Dr Church? If guilty, the Articles for the Government of the Army point out a very inadequate Punishment, & to set him at Liberty must be exceedingly dangerous?
Upon a Discussion of all Circumstances it was agreed to refer Doctor Church for Tryal & Punishment to the General Court of Massachusetts Bay: But that no Procedure be had hereupon untill the Pleasure of the Congress be known on the late Application made by the General.

2. What Distinctions are necessary to be made between Vessels & Cargoes taken by the armed Vessels in the Pay of the Continent & those taken by Individuals. Should not the fitting out of Privateers by Individuals be done under some Authority & Accidental Captures subject to some Regulations to prevent Piracies & other capital Abuses, which may arise?
Agreed that the General Court ought properly to take Cognizance of all armed Vessels fitted out by Individuals in this Province & that Commissions should be granted in such Cases; at least that Captures be made under some Authority. That Captures made by armed Vessels in the Pay of the Continent be disposed of by the General for the publick Use untill the Continental Congress give farther Direction.
The Delegates then proposed to the Consideration of the Members what Number of effective Men it may be expected that the Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut & Rhode Island could & would furnish by the 10th March next & on what Terms.
The Massachusetts Gentlemen were of Opinion that 20,000 effective Men might be raised in this Province to serve the next Campaign if absolutely necessary on the Terms of the present Army viz. A Coat, 40/ ⅌ Month, one Months Wages being advanced—& a greater Number to come on a special Emergency.
The Connecticut Gentlemen were of Opinion that 8000 Men may be raised in their Province to serve the next Campaign on the Terms of the present Army viz. 40/ ⅌ Month & 40/ Bounty.
The President of New Hampshire Convention gave his Opinion that his Colony could furnish 3000 Men for the next Campaign at the Rate of 40/ ⅌ Month without a Bounty unless a Bounty was given by the adjoining Colonies, in which Case they would expect it.
The Governour of Rhode Island gave his Opinion that Province could not go farther than they had done this Campaign viz. to raise 1500 Men on the same Terms.
Upon considering the additional Instruction it was unanimously agreed that the Number of Forces necessary for the Northern Department depended so much on Events & particularly the Success of the present Expeditions against Canada that no probable Calculation can be made at this Time—therefore deferred.

It was then deliberated what should be done with Tory Property how is it to be applied or treated? Some of the Tories have Estates near the Camp at Cambridge, which have Wood upon them & other Articles wanted for the Army ought they to be meddled with?
Agreed that the Determination of this Matter be referred to the Congress.
The General then proposed the following Question? Should there not be a reasonable Price fixed upon Wood, Hay & other Articles wanted for the Army to prevent Imposition & Extortion.
Agreed that if it be indispensably necessary, such Articles should be valued & taken at such Valuation for the Use of the Army and that a Regulation corresponding herewith be recommended to the General Court of Massachusetts Bay.
The Conference then broke up with the several Governours of Connecticut & Rhode Island the President of the Convention of New Hampshire & the Committee of Council for Massachusetts Bay.
October 23d 1775. The Delegates now proceeded to confer with General Washington as well on sundry Matters mentioned in his Letters to the Congress upon which no Order has been made as also upon other Matters occurring in the Course of this Business,—and
First. In the new Establishment of the Army should the General Officers be allowed Regiments & the Field Officers Companies.
Agreed in the Negative unanimously.
Secondly. The Affairs of the Hospital require a Director General if Doctor Church is adjudg’d unworthy of continuing in that Office—Lt Col. Hand late a Surgeon in the Army & Dr Foster are the only two who have made Application for the Office to the General.
Agreed that it be referred wholly to the Congress.
3. In what Light are Vessels which are made Captures of with their Cargoes to be considered? that is what Part is to be assigned the Captors in the Pay of the Continent & whose Vessels are fitted out at the publick Expence & how is the Residue of the Vessel & Cargo to be disposed of.
The Instructions given by the General to the armed Vessels

now out being considered were approved (except that one third of the whole Capture be allowed the Officers & Men without any Reserve[)].
4. What is to be done with Prisoners taken in Transports by Vessels either in the Continental Pay or others? are they to be detained as Prisoners or released? if the former what Distinctions are to be made between those taken by the Continental Vessel[s] & others—In Respect to the Generals Cognizance of them is meant?
Agreed that all Persons taken in Arms on Board any Prize be deemed Prisoners at the Disposal of the General as well such Prizes as are taken by Vessels fitted out in the Pay of the Continent as others That all Vessels employed merely as Transports & unarmed with their Crews be set at Liberty upon giving Security to return to Europe but that this Indulgence be not extended longer than to the 1st April next.
5. In what Manner are Prisoners to be treated? What Allowance made them & how are they to be cloathed?
Agreed that they be treated as Prisoners of War but with Humanity—And the Allowance of Provisions to be the Rations of the Army. That the Officers being in Pay should supply themselves with Cloaths, their Bills to be taken therefor & the Soldiers furnished as they now are.
6. Suppose Troops should be landed at New York is it expected that any Part of the Army before Boston be detached whilst the ministerial Troops remain there.
Agreed. That the Number of Men in the new Army being calculated to oppose the Army at Boston—It is not expected that the General should detach any Part of it to New York or elsewhere unless it appears to him necessary so to do for the common Safety.
7. Ought not Negroes to be excluded from the new Inlistment especially such as are Slaves—all were thought improper by the Council of Officers?
Agreed. that they be rejected altogether.
[8.] How often should the Troops be paid? The General Officers were divided on this Point some were for a Payment ⅌ Month & others every three Months?
Agreed. That they be paid monthly.

9. Are the Rations which have been allowed the Officers, & have been issued an Account thereof given to the Congress & now laid before the Committee agreeable?
Agreed That the present Allowance be continued as being usual & necessary.
10. Is it adviseable to propose an Exchange of Prisoners—Should any of the Officers & Soldiers in the Army or Navy now in our Power be given up for any except the Officers & Soldiers of the American Army.
Agreed that the Exchange will be proper, Citizens for Citizens, but not Officers & Soldiers of the regular Army for Citizens.
11. A Proposition has been made in Behalf of Ensign Moland to go & reside among his Friends in Pennsylvania giving his Parol—Would this be disagreeable?
Agreed that under all Circumstances it is best he should remain where he is.
12. Artificers of different Sorts have been employed on the best Terms they could be got, but may nevertheless appear high—none having less than 1/ extraordinary for every Day they work—Some £4.10 ⅌ Month & with great Difficulty got on those Terms, is this agreeable.
Agreed that it is & that the General go on upon the present Agreement as being the best that can probably be made.
13. The Riffle Companies have exceeded their Establishment in Point of Numbers, but have nevertheless been paid as they had no more Officers than were allowed by Congress. Is this right?
Agreed—That the General pick out from each Company such as are not Marksmen & dismiss them in such a Manner as may be safest with an Allowance of Pay to go Home, and, in the mean Time that all receive their Pay.
14. Very unhappy Disputes prevail in the Regiment of Artillery—Col. Gridly is become very obnoxious to that Corps and the General is informed that he will prove the Destruction of the Regiment if continued therein. What is to be done in this Case?
Agreed that as all Officers must be approved by the General if it shall appear in forming the new Army that the Difference is irreconciliable Col: Gridly be dismiss’d in some honourable

Way, & that the half Pay which he renounced by entering into the American Army ought to be compensated to him.
15. Artillery of different Kinds will be wanted how is it to be got & where?
Agreed. That what can be spared from New York & Crown Point be procured.
16. Engineers also much wanted where can they be got?
Agreed to recommend to the Congress Henry Knox Esqr. & Lieutt Col. Puttnam who have Skill in this Branch as Assistt Engineers with suitable Pay & Rank as Lieutt Colonels, the present Pay of Assistant Engineers being deemed too small.
17. Several Indian Chiefs of the St Francis, Penobscot Stockbridge & St John’s Tribes have been to offer their Services & told they would be called for if wanted & dismiss’d with Presents Ought they to be called if a Necessity for them should appear & is the giving them Presents proper?
Agreed That these Indians or others may be called on in Case of real Necessity & that the giving them presents is both suitable & proper.
18. Would it not be adviseable to have Expresses posted along the Roads at different Distances Persons of Character for the Purpose of conveying early & frequent Intelligence?
Agreed that such a Regulation is highly necessary but that the Mode of carrying it into Execution be left to the Congress.
19. Lead & Flints are much wanted where & in what Quantities can they be procured?
Agreed that as much Lead as can be spared from the Northern Department & is wanted here should be sent down from Ticonderoga & all other Supplies of these Articles attended to.
20. Several issuing Commissaries & Clerks are necessarily employed under the Commissy General For whom no Provision is made—Several Assistt Quarter Masters are also employed in order to discharge that Duty—A Clerk is & allways has been found necessary to assist in the Office of the Adjutt General—What Pay should be allowed them?
The Commissary being sick & unable to explain the Duty of these Commissaries, Clerks &c. Agreed that he draw up a Memorial to the Congress stating the Ranks, Duties &c. of the several Officers under him; that the Quarter Master Genl do the same to enable the Congress to fix the Proportion of Pay to be

allowed them. That these Memorials be first shewn to the General & by him transmitted to the Congress.
21. Six Vessels (armed) are now fitted out & fitting upon the best Terms to intercept the Enemys Supplies, will this be agreeable to the Congress?
Agreed that this Committee approve the Scheme & recommend it to the Congress.
October 24. 1775. The Committee proceeded in their Conference on the Generals Queries.
1. When the Army receives such Supplies of Powder as to be enabled to spare some to the Country—how and upon what Terms is it to be done?
Agreed that it be sold them at a reasonable Price.
2d Tents—if the Army should have Occasion to take the Field next Spring will be indispensably necessary for both Officers & Men, how are they to be provided & are the Officers to be allowed any?
Agreed that it be recommended to the Congress to pay an early Attention to this Article & if the Pay of the Officers is not considerably increased that Tents be allowed them.
The General informed the Committee that he had given particular Orders that all the Tents now in Use should be carefully pack’d up in proper Places during the Winter.
The Council of War lately held having in Consequence of an Intimation from the Congress deliberated on the Expediency of an Attack upon Boston & determined that at present it was not practicable, The General wishes to know how far it may be deemed proper & adviseable to avail himself of the Season to destroy the Troops who propose to winter in Boston by a Bombardment, when the Harbour is block’d up, or in other Words whether the Loss of the Town & the Property therein are to be so considered as that an Attack upon the Troops there should be avoided when it evidently appears the Town must of Consequence be destroyed.
The Committee are of Opinion this is a Matter of too much Consequence to be determined by them therefore refer it to the Hon. Congress.
The General then requested that the Committee would represent to the Congress the Necessity of having Money constantly

& regularly sent & that some Regulations upon this Head should be made as soon as possible.
Also that the Congress would be pleased to establish or recommend it to the Legislature of this Colony to establish some Court for the Tryal & Condemnation of Vessels taken from the Enemy, so that they may be distinguished from those of a different Character and all Abuses prevented as much as possible.
A true Copy of the Minutes of the Conference held by the Delegates from the Continental Congress with General Washington.

Jos: Reed Secretary


Title: General Orders, 19 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Octr 19th 1775
Parole Saville.Countersign Lee.


Title: To George Washington from the Portsmouth Committee of Safety, 19 October 1775
From: Portsmouth Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Portsmo. [N.H.] 19th October 1775
May it please your Excellency

We beg leave to acquaint you that an Express is just arrived here from Falmouth Casco bay informing us that on Monday last came in there the Canso armed Ship Capt. Mouat together with a Schooner mounting 14 Guns a large Transport & two Sloops all full of Men, that they lay at the mouth of the Harbour till Tuesday following making Signals for some Person to come off to them which being taken no notice of by the Town, they weighed their Anchors & came up and lay between the Ferryways & Papudeck from whence they sent on Shore a Message acquainting the Inhabitants that they had orders to fire upon the Town In consequence of this Message a Committee went on board Capt. Mouat to whom he shewed his orders from the Admiral which were that in case the Inhabitants did not forthwith deliver up their Arms and give Hostages for their future good behavior he was to destroy that Town & afterward proceed & destroy this Capt. Mouat however acquainted the Comee that in case they would deliver up part of their Arms that night he

would give them till next Morning to consider of his requisition they accordingly sent on board 8 Musquets that Evening, At half after eight Yesterday this Express came away & heard a heavy firing all day afterward which began precisely at nine o Clock.
We intreat your Excellency’s Patience, while we assure you, that the People of this Province, and of this Town in particular, have exerted every Nerve to put this Port in a proper state of defense, but that all our precautions are to no effect, for want of a sufficient quantity of Powder, our whole Stock of which at present is only Seventeen Barrells. We have therefore dispatched Mr Duing, who has orders To wait on Your Excellency before he sleeps, to request the favor of your Excellency, to spare us as much Powder, as you may think proper. I am very respectfully By order of the Comee of Safety Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

H. Wentworth, Chairman


Title: General Orders, 20 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, October 20th 1775
Parole Monckton.Countersign Adams.


Title: To George Washington from Reuben Fogg, 20 October 1775
From: Fogg, Reuben
To: Washington, George

Sr
Scarborough [District of Maine] October 20th 1775

I would Inform your Excelency that on tuesday the 17th Instant about five oClock after noon their was drawd up before the Town of Falmouth two Ships one Sloop & an Armed Scooner of War and the 18th about Nine oClock in the Morning fird on the Town and in a Short time the town was Set on fire by the Ships and by twelve or one oClock near three Quarters of the town was in flames Some of the Men from the Ships Landed and the Militia being Raisd for the defence of the Town drove them back to the Ships & one Baptist John Armstrong Fled to Lieut. Josiah Libby who Commanded a party of Men & Serendered himself to them and Says he Chooses to fight for Amarica I now Send him to head Quarters to be Examined by your Excelency & Say what Service he Shall be put too I Send him by Mr Charles Morris & Jonathan Libby two of the Men he fled too. From your Most Obedient Humble Servt

Reubin Fogg

P:S: I hope yr Excelency will be more fully Informd of the Unhappy Affair than I am Capeably off at present.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Richard Gridley, 20 October 1775
From: Gridley, Richard
To: Washington, George

Cambridge October 20. 1775

The foregoing Inventory of Ordnance & Stores are what I judge to be absolutely Necessary for this Army: Many Small

things are omitted being Mentiond, as the Company of Artificers can make them, and many things can be supply’d by the Neighbourhood if wanted: It is impossible to give an Exact List of what may be wanted on all occasions: I have endeavour’d as much as the time woud permit, to Collect the Essential Matters for the Army; which are humbly Submitted by Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humbe Servt

Richd Gridley Chief Engineer


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 20 October 1775
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada 20. Octr 1775

Captn John Macpherson having informed the Congress, that he had invented a method, by which with their leave, he would take or destroy every ministerial armed vessel in North America, they appointed Govr Hopkins Mr Randolph & Mr J. Rutledge to confer with him on the subject, for he would not consent to communicate the secret to any but a committee & you. These Gentlemen reported, that the scheme in theory appeared practicable, and that though its success could not be relied on without experiment, they thought it well worth attempting on the fleet in & about Boston harbour, their destruction being an object of the utmost consequence. The Congress have therefore directed Capt. Macpherson to repair immediately to Cambridge. They recommend this Matter to your particular attention & request, that if you view it in the light, which the Committee did you will give him all the support & assistance in your power & furnish him with every thing which he may require for this service. I am Sir Your most Obedt servt

John Hancock, Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Experience Storrs, 20 October 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Storrs, Experience

 Letter not found: to Lieutenant Colonel Experience Storrs, 20 Oct. 1775. In a letter of 23 Oct. to GW, Storrs writes: “In Compliance with your Exelencies Request of the 20th of this Instant I have Conferred with the Several Officers of this Regiment, Laid your Exelencies Letter before them for there Consideration.”


Title: To George Washington from the Field Officers of Brigadier General John Sullivan’s Brigade, 20 October 1775
From: Field Officers of Brigadier General John Sullivan’s Brigade
To: Washington, George

Camp on Winter Hill Octo. 20th 1775
May it Please your Excellency

The Repeated Complaints of our Officers & Men with Respect to our back allowance of Pease, or the Value thereof in Money, not being delivered to them, & the exorbitant Prices at which the Sauce in the Comissary’s Store is set—Induces us to pray that your Excellency would order a Court of Enquiry to examine into the Conduct of the Commissary Genl.
1st For not delivering out our back allowance of Pease or the Value thereof in Money.
2nd For taking in Onions at 2/8, & delivering them out at 4/.
3ly For taking in Potatoes at 1/4, & delivering them out at 2/.
Had not the abovementioned Conduct appeared to us, so glaringly Fraudulent, We should not have presumed, to present this Petition—But relying upon that noble Disinterestedness, & Œconemy for which your Excellency is so Justly celebrated—We hope the Prayer of our Petition, will be Granted to Your Petitioners.

            Jno. Stark Colo.
            Isaac Wyman Lt Colo.

            Epm Doolittle Colo.
            Israel Hutchinson Lt Colo.

            Jno. Nixon Colo.
            Ezra Putnam Majr

            Thos Nixon Lt Colo.
            Enoch Poor Colo.

            James Reed Colo.
            Jno. McDuffee Lt Colo.

            Jno. Buttrick Majr
            Street Hall Lt Colo.

            Nathen Hale Majr
            Jona. Latimer Junr Majr


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tupper, 20 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Tupper, Benjamin

[Cambridge, 20 October 1775]

Whereas Information has been given to me that two Vessels the one belonging to  Holmes & the other to  Coffin, both Persons of known Enmity to the United Colonies are now laying at Martha’s Vineyard, intending to proceed to Boston with their Cargoes for the Benefit & Refreshment of the ministerial Troops there—These are therefore to require you to seize the said Vessels, with their Cargoes, & Secure them in the Safest & nearest Port to this Camp, for the Use of the United Colonies, and all Persons, Friends [of] their Country & the Cause of America, are desired to aid & assist you in the Said Enterprize—for which they shall be reasonably rewarded out of the Said Vessels—Given under my Hand at Head Quarters Cambridge Octor the Twentieth Annoq Domini 1775

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Nehemiah White, 20 October 1775
From: White, Nehemiah
To: Washington, George

[Roxbury, c.20 October 1775]. Petitions for discharge from the army because of “the bad State of health which for a long time he has Laboured under.”


Title: General Orders, 21 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Octr 21st 1775
Parole Franklin.Countersign Lynch.

The Officers of Col. Gridley’s regiment, and Major Crane’s Corps of Artillery, who are inclined to engage in the service of the United Colonies, for one Year from the day of the expiration of their present term of service, are to deliver in their Names and the Rank they now possess to the Adjutant General to morrow Morning at ten OClock; such as disincline to remain any longer in the service, to give in their names also, and the reasons for their declining the service.


Title: To George Washington from the Falmouth Committee of Safety, 21 October 1775 [letter not found]
From: Falmouth Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from the Falmouth Committee of Safety, 21 Oct. 1775. In a letter of 24 Oct. to the committee, GW mentions “your Favour of the 21st Instant.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 21 October 1775
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Cambridge Saterday afternoon Oct. 21st 1775

I am this moment Informed by the Revd Mr Foster, Chaplin to Colo. Scammons Regt That One Mr Page an Episcopalian

Minister, is takeing plans of all our works—That he was yesterday viewing the works at Roxbury in order to Correct his plans, That he Acquainted the Revd Mr Belknap who is now in Cambridge, that he was going for England, and by those plans would Strive to Convinc my Lord Dartmouth, that we were too Strong to be Taken, whether this was before known to your Excellency or not I cannot tell, but I thought it my Duty to acquaint your Excellency with it and am with the greatest Respect your Excellencys most Obedient and very Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 22–23 October 1775
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia 22[-23]d October 1775

I thank you for your obliging favor of the 13th and I assure you that no Man living approves the vigorous measures you mention more than myself. Great bodies, you know, move slow; and it is as sure, that the most palpable and glorious events may be delayed, and the best causes finally lost by slow, timid, and indicisive counsels. We must be content however to take human nature as we find it, and endeavor to draw good out of evil. You will, no doubt, have heared of the disgraceful conduct of our Norfolk, in suffering Lord Dunmore, with a few men to take away their printing press! It happened when the good men of that place were all away, and none but Tories & Negroes remained behind. Virginia is much incensed, and 500 men are ordered immediately down to Norfolk. I expect, by every Post, to hear of the demolition of that infamous nest of Tories.
By a Vessel in 20 days from Quebec, which I believe brings us later intelligence than you had from thence when the last Express left Camp, we learn that the D[eputy] Governor had 12 Companies of Canadians in training, and that they were generally on their guard. But the same acco⟨t⟩ says, the Government was so suspicious of the attachment of its Troops, that they were trusted with no more than 4 rounds of Cartridge. This still gives us some hopes of success on that quarter. Before this

reaches, you will have heared of Collo. Allens unlucky, and unwise attempt upon Mt Real, nor have we, from the last accounts much prospect of success from St Johns. The Ministerial dependance on Canada is so great, that no object can be of greater importance to North America than to defeat them there. It appears to me, that we must have that Country with us this winter cost what it will. Colo. Stephen writes me from Fort Pitt, that the Indians on that quarter come slowly in to the Commissioners, and that they evidently appear to be waiting the event of things in Canada, when they will surely, according to custom, join the strongest side. We have so many resources for powder, that I think we cannot fail of getting well supplied with that most necessary article.
Remember me, if you please, to Gen. Gates, and to all my acquaintances with you. I am, with great esteem and sincerity, dear Sir Your affectionate and obedient servant

Richard Henry Lee

P.S. Monday morning—’Tis with infinite concern I inform you that our good old Speaker Peyton Randolph Esqr. went yesterday to dine with Mr Harry Hill, was taken during the course of dinner with the dead palsey, and at 9 oClock at night died without a groan—Thus has American liberty lost a powerful Advocate, and human nature a sincere friend.

R. H. L.


Title: General Orders, 23 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Octobr 23rd 1775.
Parole Hancock.Countersign Cushing.

Col: David Brewer of the 9th Regt of Foot, tried at a General Court Martial, whereof Brigdr Genl Thomas was president, for “procuring a Lieutenant’s Commission for his son, an unexperienced boy of 16, or 17 Years of Age, and returning him as in the public service from the 24th of April, and drawing his pay for the month of August; during all which time the said boy, was at home, in his fathers service, contrary to the repeated remonstrances of the Officers of the regiment; And also, For making a Return to the Committee of Supplies, for a larger Number of blankets, than were requisite for said regiment; And also, For taking the Men from the public service, in the army, and employing them in his own private business, in Labour on his farm”—The Court Martial on mature consideration are of opinion that the two last Articles of the accusation are supported fully against the prisoner and therefore unanimously adjudge that Col: David Brewer be dismissed the service.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel James Brickett, 23 October 1775
From: Brickett, James
To: Washington, George

23 October 1775. Certifies that Peter Webster is discharged from Col. James Frye’s regiment because he “appears Incapable of doing the Duty of a Soldier.”


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Greenleaf, 23 October 1775
From: Greenleaf, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sr
Watertown [Mass.] Octr 23rd 1775

The inclosed plan was presented to me by a country gentleman to make such use of as I should think best. I know no better use I can make of it than to present it to yr excellency being assured that if it affords any good hints they will be improved by you for the public good. I am Sr your humb. servt

Joseph Greenleaf


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 23 October 1775 [letter not found]
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 23 Oct. 1775. In a letter of 10 Nov. to McDougall, GW refers to “your Letter of the 23d Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 October 1775
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Roxbury Camp Octr 23d 1775

Pursuant to Your Excellency’s Direction I have directed the Commanding Officers of the Companies under my Command to Ascertain the Number of Officers & Soldiers in their respective Companies who are willing to extend the Term of their Inlistment to the first Day of Jany next: by their Returns I find there are Two Hundred & Twenty Noncommissiond Officers & Soldiers who are willing to Serve till that Time on Condition they can have a reasonable Time granted them to go Home & prepare their Winter Clothing without which it will be very

difficult to detain many beyond their present Engagement: I imagine the greater Part of the Regiment will Stay till that Time, if at the Expiration of their present Inlistments their should be an Apparent Necessity for detaining them: Twenty five of the Commissiond Officers Are willing to remain in Service till that Time. from your most Obedt humble Servt

Saml H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from John Thomas, 23 October 1775 [letter not found]
From: Thomas, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Thomas, 23 Oct. 1775. On this date Thomas wrote to GW: “Since I wrote this Morning, one Lt Blake . . . has Applyed.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Thomas, 23 October 1775
From: Thomas, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Roxbury Camp Octr 23d 1775

You will Excuse me when I Trouble your Excellency so Often with the Application of Officers for Discharges Since I wrote this Morning, one Lt Blake of Colo. Fellow’s Regt has Applyed, & it is recommended that he have his request Granted, as he is a Person that will be no Loss to the Army—I am, Sir, Your very Humb. servt

Jno. Thomas


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 23 October 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 23 Oct. 1775. On 5 Nov. Lund Washington wrote to GW: “I have just reciev’d two letters from you Octbr 15th & 23d.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Charles Webb, 23 October 1775
From: Webb, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Camp on Winter Hill Octor 23d 1775

According to your Excellency’s Desire, I have made Enquiry among my Officers, and find them in general willing to comply with your Excelency’s Request.
The Officers of the several Companies have not had Time, as yet, to find out the Disposition of their Soldiers, I shall use my utmost Influence to have your Excellency’s Request comply’d with, and as soon as I can possibly ascertain the precise Number, will give your Excelencys Information. I am Your Excellencys most humble Servt

Charles Webb


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge, 23 October 1775
From: Woodbridge, Benjamin Ruggles
To: Washington, George

Camp near Prospect Hill, 23 October 1775. Requests discharge of Sgt. Ebenezer Keller, who is “in a low State.”


Title: To George Washington from the Arundel Committee of Correspondence, 24 October 1775
From: Arundel Committee of Correspondence
To:

Arundel [District of Maine] 24 October 1775. “In Pursuance of a Resolve of the General Assembly of this Colony,” the committee of correspondence returns “the Names of the following Persons as having been unnecessarily absent from their respective Companies.” Alexander Inglish and John Miller of “Captain Dormain’s Company” in Col. Scammans’s regiment and Benjamin Goodwin, Jr., Trustram Hooper, Israel Wakefield, and Silas Abbot of Capt. James Hubbard’s company in Col. Doolittle’s regiment.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke and Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas,Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Camp at Cambridge Octr 24th 1775.

The inclosed Information, being of the highest Importance, I thought it proper to transmit it to you with all Dispatch. I am Sir yr mo. Ob. Servt


Title: From George Washington to the Falmouth Committee of Safety, 24 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Falmouth Committee of Safety

Gentlemen
Camp at Cambridge Octo. 24th 1775

The Desolation, and Misery, which ministerial Vengeance

had planned, and, in Contempt of every Principle of Humanity, has been so lately brought on the Town of Falmouth, I know not, how Sufficiently to detest. Nor can my Compassion for the general Suffering, be Conceived beyond the true Measure of my Feelings. But my Readiness to relieve you, by complying with your Request, signified in your Favour of the 21st Instant, is Circumscribed by my Inability. The immediate necessities of the Army under my Command, require all the Powder & Ball, that can be collected with the utmost Industry, & Trouble. The Authority of my Station does not extend so far, as to impower me, to send a Detachment of Men down to your Assistance—Thus Circumstanced, I can only add my Wishes and Exhortations, that you may repel every future Attempt, to perpretrate the like Savage Cruelties.
I have given Liberty, to Several Officers in Colo. Phinney’s Regt to visit their Connections, which may now Stand in need of their Presence & Assistance, by reason of this new exertion of Despotic Barbarity. I am Gent. Your most Obed. & very hume Sert

G. W.


Title: Agreement with John Fisk, 24 October 1775
From: Washington, George,Fisk, John
To:

[24 October 1775]

Articles of agreement between George Washington Esqr. Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, for himself and his successors in the said command, and John Fisk. Witness,
That the said George Washington doth hereby bind himself, to receive of the said John Fisk, any Quantity of Powder not exceeding twenty Tons; for each Pound of which he engages to pay the said Fisk, four Shillings lawful Money provided that the said Powder shall be delivered by the said Fisk at Newbury Port, or some other Port convenient to the Camp at Cambridge, in

good order & of a good Quality, on or before the first day of April 1776: That the said John Fisk doth on his part bind himself, to use his utmost endeavours to procure the said Twenty Tons, or, if not the whole Compliment, such Part thereof as he may be able to obtain: that he will deliver the same when procured at Newbury Port, or some other Port convenient to the Camp at Cambridge, in good order and of a good Quality, at or before the Time above mentioned. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our Hands this 24th day of October 1775.

G. Washington
John Fisk


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp at Cambridge October 24th 1775.

My Conjecture of the Destination of the late Squadron from Boston in my last has been unhappily verified by an Outrage exceeding in Barbarity & Cruelty every hostile Act practised among civilized Nations. I have inclosed the Account given me by Mr Jones a Gentleman of the Town of Falmouth of the Destruction of that increasing & flourishing Village. He is a very great Sufferer & informs me that the Time allowed for the Removal of Effects was so small that valuable Property of all kinds & to a great Amount has been destroyed. The Orders shewn by the Captain for this horrid Procedure by which it appears the same Desolation is meditatd upon all the Towns on the Coast made it my Duty to communicate it as quickly & extensively as possible. As Portsmouth was the next Place to which he proposed to go, General Sulivan was permitted to go up & give them his Assistance & Advice to ward off the Blow. I flatter myself the like Event will not happen there as they have a Fortification of some Strength & a Vessel has arrived at a Place called Sheepscot with 1500 lb. of Powder.
The Gentlemen of the Congress have nearly finished their Business, but as they write by this Opportunity I must beg Leave to refer you to their Letter for what concerns their Commission.
We have had no Occurrence of any Consequence in the Camp since I had the Honour of addressing you last. But expect every Hour to hear that Newport has shared the Fate of

unhappy Falmouth. I have the Honour to be with the most sincere Respect Sir Your most Obed: & Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Enclosure: Deposition of Pearson Jones, 24 October 1775
From: Jones, Pearson
To:

Cambridge Octor 24. 1775

Falmouth Monday October 16: 1775. The Canceaux Ship of Sixteen Guns Commanded by Capt. Mowatt, a large Ship, Schooner & a Sloop Armed, Anchord below the Town. The 17th at 3 P.M. they weighd and came up and Anchored within gunshott and Immediately Capt. Mowatt sent a Letter on Shore to the Town, giving them two hours to Move their families out, as he had orders to fire the Town. The Town immediately Chose a Committee of three Gentlemen and sent them on board to Know the Reason of that Town’s being set on fire, he returned for Answer that his Orders were to set fire on all the Sea Port Towns between Boston and Halifax & that he expected New York was then Burnt to Ashes; he farther said that when he received Orders from the Admiral he desired that he might Shew Some Favour to the Town of Falmouth, which the Admiral Granted. (I suppose, as Capt. Mowatt was under particular Obligations to Some Gentlemen at Falmouth for Civilities shewn him when in Captivity amongst them) and which favor was, to Spare the Town till 9 oClock Wednesday Morning in Case we

would Send him off Eight Small Arms, which the Town immediately did—Wednesday Morning, being the 18th, the Committee went on board Capt. Mowatt Again in Order to save the Town, he Said he would Save the Town, till he heard from the Admiral, in Case we would Send off four Carriage Guns, deliver up all our Small Arms, Ammunition &c.—and Send Four Gentlemen of the Town as Hostages, which the Town would not do—about half past Nine in the Morning he began to fire from the four Armed Vessels, and in five Minutes Set fire to Several Houses—He continued firing ’till After dark the Same Day, which Destroyed the largest part of the Town—he farther informed the Committee that he Should proceed to Portsmouth and Destroy that Place also.
The foregoing is as near the Facts, as I am able to Remember, As Witness my Hand.

Signed. Pearson Jones


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 24 October 1775
From: Massachusetts Council
To:

[Watertown, Mass.] 24 October 1775. Recommends officers in Col. Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge’s regiment for commissions.


Title: To George Washington from the Inhabitants of North Yarmouth and New Gloucester, 24 October 1775
From: Inhabitants of North Yarmouth and New Gloucester
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
North Yarmouth [District of Maine] Octor 24 1775

We the Inhabitants of North Yarmouth and New Glocester in the County of Cumberland beg Leave to acquaint your Excellency that we in these & the neighbouring Towns are greatly alarmed and distressed by the Desolation of great Part of the Town of Falmouth which was on Wednesday last cannonaded and set on Fire by some of his Majestys Ships of War, the Particulars of which we suppose your Excellency has received some other Way. We have been informed their Design was next to assault and destroy North Yarmouth: But that which gives us the most painful Apprehensions is a Jealousy that their Design is to take Possession of Falmouth Neck and fortify an Eminence there from which we judge it woud be most difficult if not impracticable to dislodge them. In this Case they woud enjoy a most commodious Harbour for their Ships and be able to annoy and distress the defenceless Country around them at Pleasure. We woud further inform your Excellency that we are weak & unprovided with Artillery & military Stores in this Part of the Country and should they erect a Fortress and garrison it with Troops as we have supposed we judge that unless we are assisted by some Part of the Army under your Command or other Ways we must be obliged to fly with our Families or submit to their superior Power. And as to the Importance of this Part of the Colony to the other we refer your Excellency to those who are acquainted therewith and can fully inform You. Certain it is that from this Part of the Country may be carried Plenty of Fuel Timber &c. and large Stocks of all Kinds of Cattle which would be most serviceable to our Enemies if they shoud once obtain Possession of this Part of the Colony & thus they might be greatly assisted in carrying on Hostilities against other Places. In these distressing Circumstances we woud commend Ourselves to your Excellency’s Attention and Compassion referring the Matter to your Wisdom whether you will not judge it expedient to take Possession of the said Eminence in Falmouth and fortify and garrison it with some of the Forces under your Command

which woud at the same Time prevent such another terrible Ruin as has befallen great Part of that Town and guard the other Parts of this Part of the Colony from Ravages and Devastations. But if your Excellency shoud not judge this to be expedient, yet we woud pray your Excellency to afford us such Assistance of Men and military Stores as your Excellency shall judge proper, that we may not be exposed every Hour to be plundered burnt and destroyed, or be forcd naked and helpless to leave our Settlements and Habitations and fly for Shelter to some other Parts of the Country. Thus have we ventur’d to lay before your Excellency our distressed Scituation and the Anxiety of Mind we are in not doubting but your Excellency will judge our Case worthy of your Attention, and that your Benevolence to the distressed tho they may be entirely unknown to you will influence you to do your Endeavour to afford us that Assistance which You shall think we stand in Need of. For further Information we beg Leave to refer your Excellency to Dr Edward Russell the Bearer hereof a Gentleman who resides in North Yarmouth and is capable of giving your Excellency any further Intelligence you may need. We beg Leave to subscribe Ourselves Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants

Jer: Powell ⅌ Order of the Committee of Safety for North Yarmouth
Isaac Persons pr order of the Committee of Safty for New Glocester


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 24 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Woodhull, Nathaniel

Sir
Camp at Cambridge October 24th 1775

Your Favour of the 12th Instant I duly received, and thank you for inclosing Captain Thompsons Information. The Contents of the Deposition, now transmitted to you, are of such a

Nature, that I thought, no Time should be lost in giving you the earliest Notice of them. I am Sir yr mo. obt Servt

Go. W.


Title: General Orders, 25 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters [Cambridge] Octr 25th 1775.
Parole, Rutledge.Countersign, Gadsden

Otway Byrd Esqr. is appointed to act as Aid-de-Camp to Major Genl Lee, during the Absence of Samuel Griffen Esqr. and is to be obeyed as such.
For the future Peas and Beans are to be valued by the Commissary General at Six shillings, lawfull money a bushel.


Title: From George Washington to Major Christopher French, 25 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: French, Christopher

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge, October 25th 1775

I now set down to give a final Answer to your Application respecting your Swords—Dr Franklin confirms what I before mentioned that the Priviledge claimed was no Part of the Stipulation made at Philadelphia, but passed without Discussion.
Having made Inquiry I find the Rule with Regard to the Indulgence in Question is, that Prisoners do not wear their Swords. I therefore cannot approve of it, more especially as it gives such general Dissatisfaction to the good People of the Country.
To your other Request of removing to some Place where you can have the Benefit of attending publick Worship in the Church of England I have not the least Objection provided the Place is approved by Govr Trumbull, to whom in this Case you will be pleased to apply.
Your Letters &c. have been all Sent in to Boston and such as have been Sent out forwarded. The Select Men at the Instance of Colo. Robinson have applied to have Mr McDermot sent in, to which I have agreed upon Condition that a Gentleman of Boston most injuriously confined in Gaol be permitted to come out. To which Proposal I have yet received no Answer.
I wish you all the Happiness Consistent with your Situation & while the Inhabitants of America treat you with Humanity & Kindness, I trust you will make a Suitable Return. It is not grateful to me to hear the respectable Citizens of any Town treated with Incivility or Contempt. I am, Sir, Your most Obed. Hble Servt

Go. W.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 26 October 1775
From: Massachusetts Council
To:

[Watertown, Mass.] 26 October 1775. Recommends officers in Col. Ebenezer Bridge’s regiment for commissions.


Title: To George Washington from David Parker, 26 October 1775
From: Parker, David
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Dedham [Mass.] Octr 26 1775

Many & various are the Difficulties Which I have to encounter by the Confinement to wch I am subjected; the Justice of your Proceedings against me Strike me with the most Avid Conviction when I reflect upon the Iniquity of my own unjustifiable Conduct. I am may it please your Excellency necessitated, by a consciousness of my former & erroneous Practices to acquit every Measure adopted against me of Cruelty or Inhumanity.

The Assistance those who were inimical to the Prosperity of America, derived from my Operations, very justly rendered me obnoxious to the Displeasure of the Inhabitants of these Colonies, my Perseverance therein notwithstanding the Desire of the Committee of Boston that I should desist, confirmed the Opinion of the Publick that I was determined to cooperate in the subversion of our invaded Priviledges, but Sir that was foreign to my Intention Whatever may be the general Sentiment upon that Affair. Had I indulged a momentary Consideration; had I entertained the most distant Conception, that this injured Country Would have been embroiled in the Horrors of a Civil War, or any ways apprehensive the present Convulsions would be consequent upon the then unhappy Struggle, I should immediately have relinquished the Business notwithstanding my Engagements.
It never occured to my Mind the Sword would be drawn in this Contest, when that unhappy Period arrived, my Anxiety to accomplish my undertakings & quit the Town may be infered from the naked Circumstances in which I came into the Country; I acknowledge Sir I was justly esteemed an Enemy to America: I very humbly implore the Forgiveness of every Man in the Country; I pledge my Honour & every thing I esteem valuable for my future satisfactory Proceedings & Conduct; I will submit to any Test your Excellency may propose to evince the Sincerity of my Declarations & Penitence. I would silently venerate the Justice whose Decision circumscribes my Liberty within the Boundaries of a few Miles, but Sir the Expences of a Maintenance during the Course of 3 Months have nearly exhausted the pecuniary Provision I procured in Boston for the Support of myself & Family. You must be sensible may it please your Excellency of the obduracy of my Situation in respect to obtaining Employ while I labour under the Displeasure of the Province. The just Indignation of the People against me, who has so greatly provoked them I am totally unable to extinguish while a Circumscription is appointed to my Excursions, & notwithstanding any Evidences I can possibly grant the Commonality, they yet esteem me as inimical to their Welfare else, why say they should he be confined? This may it please your Excellency sufficiently prevents their granting me any Assistance or Employ, & this Sir very probably will be the Sentiment, & these the

Consequences while I continue under Arrest; upon the Removal of Wch Sir I may by some means regain that Favour I have so justly forfeited; for Wch I must earnestly Solicit; have I Sir committed an offence for wch no atonement can be offered & accepted? The omnipotent Father of Mercies is not inexorable to the most atrocious Sinners upon their Repentance I sincerely ask forgiveness for my past Conduct & entreat my Freedom. I am may it please your Excellency your Excellency’s most dutiful Petitioner & very humble Servt

David Parker


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 26 October 1775
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Tyonderoga [N.Y.] Octo: 26th 1775

At two this Afternoon, an Express from General Montgomery arrived at this Place, Copy of his Letter, with Copies of the Papers it inclosed, I do Myself the Honor to transmit Your Excellency by Express; The Irresistable Force of Necessity having drove us to Arms, Success cannot be attended without Pleasure And therefore I congratulate Your Excellency, on the good Account these Papers contain. The Reduction of Chamblee, will in all Probability be followed by that of St Johns, especially as General Montgomery has now a Supply of Powder, of which he stood in such Need, that a very few Days more would have expended his All.
I wrote Your Excellency that I should not send on General Wooster, but as his Regiment refused to go without him, I was obliged to suffer him to go, but least any Detriment should accrue to the Service, I thought it proper to write him a Letter, of which inclose a Copy, as also Copy of his Answer.
I am in Hopes that the next Accounts I receive will announce

the Arrival of Colo. Arnold (whose Success seems now certain) & the Reduction of St Johns.
I have requested General Montgomery to Send me an Express, as soon as he receives any certain Intelligence from Colo: Arnold, as I can easily conceive that Your Excellency’s Anxiety must be extream, I shall forward what Intelligence I receive by Express.
The Great Dread I was in, least we should suffer for Provisions, induced me to have all broug⟨ht⟩ up that could be got, And it was very lucky, ⟨as⟩ the late heavy Rains have carryed away almo⟨st⟩ all the Bridges, between Fort George & Albany and rendered the Roads impassible, In which State they will continue at least a Week hence. I am Dr Sir, with the best Wishes for your Health, your Happiness & Prosperity Your Excellency Most Obedient Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Phillis Wheatley, 26 October 1775
From: Wheatley, Phillis
To: Washington, George

SIR,
[Providence, 26 October 1775]

I Have taken the freedom to address your Excellency in the enclosed poem, and entreat your acceptance, though I am not insensible of its inaccuracies. Your being appointed by the Grand Continental Congress to be Generalissimo of the armies of North America, together with the fame of your virtues, excite sensations not easy to suppress. Your generosity, therefore, I presume, will pardon the attempt. Wishing your Excellency all possible success in the great cause you are so generously engaged in. I am,

  Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant,
  Phillis Wheatley.
Providence, Oct. 26, 1775.


Title: Enclosure: Poem by Phillis Wheatley, 26 October 1775
From: Wheatley, Phillis
To:

CElestial choir! enthron’d in realms of light,
Columbia’s scenes of glorious toils I write.
While freedom’s cause her anxious breast alarms,
She flashes dreadful in refulgent arms.
See mother earth her offspring’s fate bemoan,
And nations gaze at scenes before unknown!
See the bright beams of heaven’s revolving light
Involved in sorrows and the veil of night!

The goddess comes, she moves divinely fair,
Olive and laurel binds her golden hair:
Wherever shines this native of the skies,
Unnumber’d charms and recent graces rise.
Muse! bow propitious while my pen relates
How pour her armies through a thousand gates:
As when Eolus heaven’s fair face deforms,
Enwrapp’d in tempest and a night of storms;
Astonish’d ocean feels the wild uproar,
The refluent surges beat the sounding shore;
Or thick as leaves in Autumn’s golden reign,
Such, and so many, moves the warrior’s train.
In bright array they seek the work of war,
Where high unfurl’d the ensign waves in air.
Shall I to Washington their praise recite?
Enough thou know’st them in the fields of fight.
Thee, first in place and honours,—we demand
The grace and glory of thy martial band.
Fam’d for thy valour, for thy virtues more,
Hear every tongue thy guardian aid implore!
One century scarce perform’d its destined round,
When Gallic powers Columbia’s fury found;
And so may you, whoever dares disgrace
The land of freedom’s heaven-defended race!
Fix’d are the eyes of nations on the scales,
For in their hopes Columbia’s arm prevails.
Anon Britannia droops the pensive head,
While round increase the rising hills of dead.
Ah! cruel blindness to Columbia’s state!
Lament thy thirst of boundless power too late.
Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side,
Thy ev’ry action let the goddess guide.
A crown, a mansion, and a throne that shine,
With gold unfading, Washington! be thine.


Title: General Orders, 27 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Octr 27th 1775
Parole Ward.Countersign Green.

In making out the Pay Abstracts for the Month of September; the Colonels and commanding Officers of Corps, are not to include any Officer, or Soldier, on the Detachment with Col. Arnold; as he drew full pay for that Month, for every Man under his command.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Benedict Arnold, 27–28 October 1775
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Chaudier Pond, 27[-28]th Octor 1775

My last of the 13th Instant from the Portage to the Dead River, adviseing your Excellency of our proceeding I make no Doubt you have received. I then expected to have reached this place by the 24th Instant, but the excessive heavy Rains & bad Weather have much retarded our March. I have this minute arrived here with seventy Men, and met a person, on his return, whom I sent down some Time since to the French Inhabitants—he informs me they appear very friendly, and by the best Information he could get will very gladly receive us: He says they informed him General Schuyler had had a Battle with the regular troops at or near St Johns, in which the Latter lost,

in killed & wounded, near 500 Men, (This Account appears very imperfect) and that there were few or none of the King’s troops at Quebec, and no advice of our coming. Three Days since I left the principal part of the Detachment about eight Leagues below the great Carrying Place, and as our Provissions were short by reason of loosing a Number of loaded Batteaus at the Falls & rapid Waters, I ordered all the Sick & feeble to return, & wrote Colonels Enos & Green, to bring on in their Divisions, no more men than they could furnish with fifteen Days Provissions, and send back the Remainder to the Commissary, as the Roads prove much worse than I expected, and the Season may possibly be severe in a few Days. I am determined to set out immediately with four Batteaus & about fifteen Men, for Sartigan, which I expect to reach in three or four Days, in order to procure a Supply of Provissions, and forward back to the Detachment the whole of which I dont expect will reach there in less than eight or ten Days. If I find the Enemy are not apprised of our coming, and there is any Prospect of surprising the City, I shall attempt it as soon as I have a proper Number of Men up. If I should be disappointed in my prospect that Way, I shall wait the Arrival of the whole, and endeavour to cut off their Communication with Govr Carleton, who I am told is at Montreal.
Our March has been attended with an amazing Deal of Fatigue, which the Officers & Men have borne with Chearfulness. I have been much deceived in every Account of our Rout, which is longer, and has been attended with a Thousand Difficulties I never apprehended, but if crowned with Success, and conducive to the Public Good, I shall think it but trifling. As soon as I can get Time, shall send your Excellency a Continuation of my Journal. I am with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys most obedient humble Servant

Benedt Arnold

Over the great carrying place & just ready to imbark 28. Octr 1775—Vizt Capt. D. Morgan, Smith, Hendrick, Dearborn, Hanchet, Goodrich, Ward, Thayer & Topham in haste—but five days provision left halt a[t] Chaudiere.


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 27 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts General Court

Head-Quarters [Cambridge], October 27, 1775.

Gentlemen: The continued accumulation of price, and the scarcity which prevails throughout the camp, for the several articles of wood, hay, &c., oblige me to address your honourable Houses again upon this subject.
The distress of the Army for these necessaries, I fear, will be followed, with the most dreadful effects to the general cause in which we are engaged, unless some speedy and effectual remedy is provided. I have the utmost reason to think the scarcity is artificial; and, that the General Court may have full satisfaction on this subject, three gentlemen, who have been employed in endeavouring to procure these articles, now wait on your honourable Houses, to give you such information as their inquiries and opportunities enable them to do. The importance and necessity of making such provision as to enable the troops to keep their posts must be too obvious to make any argument necessary; and, as this Province has ever been among the foremost in its spirited exertions, I flatter myself that such measures will be adopted as will remove the apprehensions and anxieties under which we now labour.
Messrs. Drew, Carthier, and Dunion, officers taken from

some ship of war, and now closely confined in Taunton jail, have made me such an affecting representation of their distress, that I cannot refuse them any recommendation to the favour of the General Court for an enlargement on their parole of honour, when removed to some inland Town.
I expect in a short time some regulation from the Continental Congress respecting the prisoners, which I shall do myself the honour of communicating as soon as received. I am, etc.


Title: General Orders, 28 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Octr 28th 1775.
Parole PutnamCountersign Heath

The General Court Martial whereof Col. Bridge was President is dissolved.
It is recommended to the Non-Commissiond Officers and Soldiers, whose pay will be drawn in Consequence of last Thursday’s orders (especially to those, whose Attachment to the glorious Cause in which they are engaged, and which will induce them to continue in the service another Year) to lay out their money in Shirts, Shoes, Stockings and a good pair of leather Breeches; and not in Coats, and Waistcoats, as it is intended that the new Army shall be cloathed in uniform: To effect which; The Congress will lay in Goods upon the best terms they can be bought, anywhere for ready Money, and will sell them to the Soldiers without any profit, by which means, a Uniform Coat, and Waistcoat will come cheaper to them, than any other Cloathing of the like kind can be bought—A number of Taylors will be immediately sett to work, to make Regimentals for those brave Men, who are willing at all hazards, to defend their invaluable rights and privileges.
The undernam’d Men in Col. Whitcomb’s regiment, to be sent directly, to the Qr Mr General: vizt David Clark, Samuel Barrett, John Farmer, James Farmer, Daniel Fleman, Amos Brown Joshua Holt, Philip Overlook, and Joseph Champman, to burn Charcoal for the use of the Army—Five wood-cutters

from each brigade, to be added to those already order’d to cut fire-wood, under the direction of the Quarter Master General.
A General Court Martial to sit Monday Morning at Nine ’OClock in Cambridge, to try such Prisoners as shall be brought before them—Evidences and Persons concern’d to attend the Court.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 28 October 1775
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Providence October 28th 1775

When we removed Part of the Live Stock from Block Island in July last a Number of Cattle were left, so poor (owing to the severe Drought) that they were totally unfit for the Knife. The plentiful Rains that have since fallen have increased the Feed so much that there are now upwards of 300 fit for Market. The Island is situated so far from the Continent that any Attempt to remove them will be extremely hazardous: And I can think of no other Method to prevent their being taken by the Enemy than killing and salting them. As we have no Demand for salted Provisions in this Colony, I must desire your Excellency to take Order that the Beef, when barrelled, may be received into the Magazines, in Camp, at a reasonable Price; in which Case they will be killed and cured forthwith. You are sensible Sir of the unhappy Situation of this Colony with Respect to the Enemy, it being scarcely any Thing more than a Line of Sea Coast; and I have no Doubt will give us every Assistance in your Power. I am with great Truth and Respect, Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

Nichs Cooke

P.S. I have this Morning dispatched Mr Bowen with Orders to Col. Hopkins for Ten Cannon Four Pounders for the armed Vessel now equipping at Plymouth.


Title: From George Washington to Anthony White, 28 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: White, Anthony

Sir
Camp at Cambridge 28th Oct. 1775.

Sir,—I could not let Mr. White depart this Camp without paying you the tribute of a Letter. When I wrote to you last, I thought it not at all unlikely, that he might have been one of my Family before this, as I was not sanguine in my expectation of the Gentleman’s (to whom I had written before I had spoke to yr. son on this Subject) coming this way. By the last Post I received a Letter from him (that is Mr. Harrison) informing me of his having received my Invitation, tho’ long after date, and that he should immediately set out for this Camp; whereupon I advis’d Mr. White as I learnt by a Letter from a Member of Congress that two Battalions were to be raised in the Jerseys to repair there without loss of time being firmly perswaded that his merit would entitle him to an honourable appointment in one or the other of those Corps.
For the occurrences of this Camp I must refer you to Mr.

White, who can relate matters more circumstantially than my time, or the limits of a Letter, will enable me to do. with great esteem I remain, Sir, Yr. most obed’t H’ble Serv’t,

Go. Washington.


Title: General Orders, 29 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, October 29th 1775
Parole Thomas.Countersign Spencer


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 29 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Camp at Cambridge Octo. 29. 1775

Your Favour of the 25 Inst. came safely to hand. Capt. Whipple’s Voyage has been unfortunate, but it is not in our power to Command Success, tho’ it is always our duty to deserve it. I hope he will be mo⟨re⟩ Successful in his intended Voyage. If it ⟨is⟩ proposed in Consequence of the Direction of the Congress I think it proper you shoud apprize him that two Schooners have Sailed from hence to the Mouth of St Lawrance River upon the same Service Commanded by Capt. Broughton & Capt. Sillman. The Signal which they have agreed on to distinquish each other & to be known to their Friends is the Ensign up to the Main Topping Lift—I agree with you that the Attachment of our Bermudian Brethren ought to recommend them to the favourable Regards of their Friends of America & I doubt not it

will. I shall certainly take a proper Oppy to make their Case known to the Hon[orabl]e Continental Congress.
I shall be happy in every Oppy to shew the Esteem & Regard with which I am Your Honour’s most Obed. & very Hble Servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Ensign Eliphelet Hastings, 29 October 1775
From: Hastings, Eliphelet
To: Washington, George

Cambridge 29 October 1775. “The Circumstances of your petetioners family is Such Occasiond by Sickness And Several Deaths therein very Lately—that he is Obliged to Ask your Excellencys Leave to Resign his Commission in the Service of the Continental Army tho with great reluctance.”


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 29 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 29th October 1775.

As you will be fully informed of every matter and thing relative to the army, by your own Committee I should not have given you the trouble of a Letter at this time were it not on Colo. Reeds acct—He is, as I presume you may have heard, concernd in many of the principal Causes now depending in the Courts of Pensylvania and should those Causes be press’d for tryal by his brethren of the profession it will not only do him a manifest injury in his practice and future prospects but afford room for complaint of his having neglected his business as a Lawyer this he thinks may be avoided if some of you Gentn of the Congress in the course of Conversation with the Chief Justice & others would represent the disadvantages wch must result to him in case his causes should be hurried to tryal.
That Colo. Reed is clever in his business, and useful to me, is too apparent to mention; I should do equal injustice therefore to his abilities & merit, were I not to add that his Services here

are too important to be lost, and, that I could wish to have him considerd in this point of view by your Honble Body when occasion shall favour.
I shall take it kind of you, to give me from time to time such authentick Intelligence of the Manouvres of Ministry as you think may be relied on we get none but News-Paper Accts here & those very imperfect. I am with sincere esteem & regard Dr Sr Yr Affecte friend & Countryman

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 29 October 1775
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellencey
Portsmouth [N.H.] October the 29th 1775

I arrived here in about twenty four hours after I Left you have Collected Powder So as to make up near thirty Barrels & have Since been preparing to Set an Example to the other Seaports by Setting the Fleet at Defiance upon my arrival I was Surprized to find that the Boom So much Talked of was not prepared That the Bridge Intended for Crossing from the main to the Island whereon Stands the Principal Fort (Called Fort Washington) had nothing more done than one Pier Sunk That there was not a foot of the Parapet over which a man might fire or Even See his Enemy that the Embrazures at the Foot were Horizontal as well as the Tops of the Parapets & in Short not a moments Defence Could be made or anoyance given to the Enemy Either with Cannon or Small Arms—I Immediately Collected a Number of Gondalows moored them head & Stern Laid pieces from one to the other & Plank across & Soon Compleated the Bridge I then Turned my attention to the Boom & in two Days got it across but found it could not Stand the Rapidity of the Tide it Soon Broke & we have again Fixed it So that I hope it may hold. but Lest it Should Deceive us I have taken a number of Ships & moored them above with a

great Quantity of Cumbustable Matter in them & Shall Tommorrow have them Chained together & in Case The Boom Should give way Set those vessels in Flames. I have also a great Number of fire-Rafts ready to Let Loose upon them I have altered the works & I trust made them fit for Defence & I Doubt not will in two or three Days more be Compleatly prepared I am Extremely thankful to your Excellencey for the Riffle men Sent to our assistance it has Indeed filled our people with Gratitude and That my Coming Down was Equally agreeable your Excellencey will See by the Inclosed Letter from their Committee of Safety—I have Seen Some men that were on board the Fleet after the Destruction of Falmouth Capt. Mowat Shew his orders which were to Burn all the Seaports East of Boston: when he Departed from Falmouth he told them that he must go to Boston & Take a Recruit of Shells Carcases &ca & then Would visit Portsmouth I Expect him Dailey but in Case he does not arrive in a few Days Shall Despair of his Coming I must beg yr Excellencey to give me Intelligence of any movement of their Ships with any orders you may think proper with Respect to my Conduct while here I Shall give the Earliest Intelligence of any thing material & remain with great Esteem your Excellenceys most obedient Servant

Jno. Sullivan

P.S. I Inclose a Letter Sent from the Eastward which was Inclosed in one to me Signed by one Major Goodwin of Pownalborough—That Infernal Crew of Toroys who have Laughed at the Congress Despised the friends to Liberty Endeavoured to Prevent fortifying this harbour & Strove to hurt the Credit of the Continental money & are yet Endeavouring t[o] walk the Streets here with Impunity & will with a Sneer Tell The people in the Streets that all our Liberty Poles will Soon be Converted into Gallows—I must Intreat yr Excellencey to give Some Direction what to do with those persons as I am fully Convinced that if an Engagement was to happen they would with their own hands Set fire to the Town Expecting a reward from the ministry for Such hellish Service. Some who have for a Long time Employed themselves in Ridiculing and Discouraging those who were Endeavouring to Save the Town have now Turned upon me & are flying from one Street to another proclaimg

that you gave me no Authority or Licence to take Ships to Secure the Entrance of the harbour or did any thing more than Send me here to See the Town Reduced to ashes if our Enemies thought proper Sir I Shall wait your Directions Respecting those villians & See that they are Strictly Complied with by yr Excellencys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 29 October 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Camp at Cambridge October 29th 1775

Since I had the pleasure of addressing you last no material occurrence has happened in our Camp.
Depy Governor Griswold was very desirous to take the minutes of the Conference with the Delegates of the Continental Congress, with him, but they were so lengthy the time did not admit of it—As soon as they can be copied fair they shall be transmitted.
I was somewhat surprised to find, that in one of the Regiments lately from Connecticut Dr Cheney had been commissioned

as a Surgeon—As I am persuaded he must have obtained this Appointment by some misrepresentation I think it proper to apprize you of his conduct and behaviour last Summer—Being suspected of fradulent Draughts upon the Commissary’s Store and other malpractices, it was proposed to bring him to a tryal, which he evaded by requesting a desmission, which was granted him. After which, I am very credibly informed, he returned to his Colony where he has propagated the most infamous reports of some of the General Officers—Reports tending to impress the minds of the Soldiery and Country with prejudices which would dissolve that confidence which ought to subsist between Troops and their Officers. Since he has returned to Camp he has renewed his draughts upon the Stores but being immediately detected I have ordered him under an arrest, and hope sufficient evidence may be had to convict him, so as to rid the Army of him entirely. But I beg leave to intimate to you the propriety of observing some caution in giving Commissions to persons who have been discharged before you are apprized of the reasons of their leaving the Army.
I am glad to hear the Commissary General is in a fair way of recovery. I hope it will not be long before we have the pleasure of seeing him in the Camp. I am Sir with much Regard and Esteem Your most obedient humble Servant

Go. Washington

P.S. Have you heard any thing of the Lead proposed to be sent from Albany in Augt. Allow me to call your attention to this important article.