Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 16 February 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence february the 16 1776

I Received the Night before last an order from Governr Trumbull to Send immedietly to you all the powder in my possesion that belonged to their colony which he Supposed was about 6000 wt when it was brought here the whole was weighed to Settle with the carter it weighed Cask and all 4217 lb. So that it falls much Short of the Governers Expectation it So unfortinately happened that all the coverd waggons in this Quarter Set out the day before for the camp I Sent a man of Early yesterday morning to procure Some coverd waggons if possable to take it immedietly but he Returnd in the Evening without being able to procure any I have now Ventered to Send it in open carts Rather than to wate the Return of the Waggons Strictly injoyning the carter to take all possable caire to cover it in the best manner he can and if there Should happen to be any foul weather to Get Somthing to cover it from the wet we have nothing Remarkable hear at present I make no dout you had the account of the arival of 60 tons more of Saltpeter 30 tons powder & 1300 Stand of arms at Philadelpha before we had it hear. I am Sir With Great truth and Regard yr Excelencyes most obediant Humble Servant

Nichs Cooke


Title: General Orders, 17 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby [17]th 1776
Parole Cholmondly.Countersign King

The Congress have been pleased to appoint Joseph Fry Esqr. a Brigadier General in the Continental Army; he is to be obeyed as such and his Excellency the General orders that he shall take the command of the vacant Brigade commonly called the Cambridge Brigade.
All the Regiments are immediately to be compleated, to Twenty-four rounds of Ammunition a man, the Colonel, or commanding Officer of each, is to pass his receipt to the Commissary for the Cartridges, or Powder & Lead necessary, to do this; and to take receipts from their several Captains, for the

total quantity in each Company—The Captains are to do the like from each of their Men, who are to account satisfactorily, for every load they have passed their receipt for, or pay Fourpence for each difficient. The Colonels, or Commanding Officer of Regiments, are to take especial Care that this Order is strictly complied with, that those Fines are charged without fail to the delinquent Soldiers, and credit given for them in making out the pay-Abstracts[.] This Order is to be read to, and impress’d upon the minds of every man by their Officers.
The General is surprised to find the Militia applying for Cartouch Boxes and other Accoutrements, when he had not a doubt, but they would have come compleatly equipt—As the case however is otherwise, he directs that they should be served with Powder-horns and Shot pouches, in lieu of Cartouch Boxes, and that every thing which is delivered to them be charged to the Regiment that received it, that it may be redeliverd, or paid for at the expiration of the term for which they stand engaged, and to this the Qr Mr Genl and Commissary of Stores, are to give particular Attention, without further direction upon this head.
The intrenching Tools of every kind, are to be carefully look’d up, and put in good order: The Qr Mr Genl is to give proper directions upon this head, no time is to be lost in the doing of it.
To prevent any mistakes, or impositions, in the purchasing of Arms; the Colonels are immediately to have the several Arms belonging to their respective Regiments, branded with the number of the regiment, or stamp’d and mark’d in such a manner, as they may be known.
Col. Knox is to report the exact Number of Cannon Cartridges which are filled and ready for use, specifying the Sorts & sizes.


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 18th 1776.
Parole Shelbourn.Countersign, Stamford


Title: Plan for Attacking Boston, 18–25 February 1776
From: Putnam, Israel,Sullivan, John,Greene, Nathanael,Gates, Horatio
To:

[18–25 February 1776]

In Obedience to Your Excellency’s Orders, we have considered the Matters referred to Us, & beg leave to recommend the following Signals to be given from Roxbury, in Case of any Movement of The Enemy to Distress our People at Dorchester Hill:
Signal in Case the Enemy begin to Embarque, a Flagg on Roxbury meeting House; If they Actually Land at Dorchester Two Flaggs, One, over the Other; In case the Number of the Enemy Exceed Two Thousand Men; A Flagg at the East, & another at the West End, of that Meeting House; in Case a reinforcement in Addittion to the Two Thousand are seen Embarq’ing a Flagg on the East, a Flagg on the West, & a Flagg on the Middle of that Me⟨et⟩ing House.
In case the Enemy begin to Retreat; Three Flaggs on⟨e⟩ above the Other:
In case the Enemy Carry the Works The Flaggs are to b⟨e⟩ Struck:
We further beg leave to recommend to Yr Excellency That should it appear from the Signals at Roxbury or in any other way, that an Attack may be made upon Boston, with good probability of Success; We Recommend, that four Thousand Men Embark at the Mouth of Cambridge River. Two Thousand of Them to be Furnish’d from Cambridge, & Two Thousand from Prospect, & Winter Hill. One Thousand from each of those Hills; The Two Thousand from Cambridge to be Commanded By Brigadier Genl Sullivan & The Other Two Thousand By Brigr Genl Greene, The whole to be Commanded By Major General Putnam.
Signal for the Embarkation, A Pendant Hoisted on Prospect Hill.
The First Division under Brigadier G. Sullivan to Land at the Powder House.
The Second Division under Brigadier G: Greene to Land at Bartons Point, or rather to the South of it:
Those who Land at the Powder House to Gain Possession of Beacon Hill, & Mount Whoredom.
Those who Land at Barton’s Point, to Gain Possession of

Copps Hill, & after securing that Post, proceed to Join The other Division, and Force the Enemys Works and Gates at the Neck, by which Means the Troops from R⟨o⟩xbury may be let in to Assist in the Reduction of The Town.
The Two Divisions to Consist of Eight Regiments of Five Hundred Men each, The Men to be Chosen, th⟨e⟩ir Arms well examin’d, & the Officers to be the best, the most resolute & experienced:
The Three Floating Batteries here, to go in Front of The Other Boats, & keep up a Heavy Fire on that part of The Town, where the Landings are to be made.

Israel Putnam
Jno. Sullivan
Nathanael Greene
Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 18–21 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge 18th[-21] Feby 1776

The late freezing Weather having formed some pretty strong Ice from Dorchester point to Boston Neck and from Roxbury to the Common, therby affording a more expanded and consequently a less dangerous Approach to the Town, I could not help thinking, notwithstanding the Militia were not all come In, and we had little or no Powder to begin our Operation by a regular Cannonade & Bombardment, that a bold & resolute Assault upon the Troops in Boston with such Men as we had (for it could not take Many Men to guard our own Lines at a time when the Enemy were attackd in all Quarters) might be crown’d with success; and therefore, seeing no certain prospect of a Supply of Powder on the one hand and a certain dissolution of the Ice on the other, I called the General Officers together for their opinion (agreeably to the Resolve of Congress of the 22d of December).
The Result will appear in the Inclosed Council of War, and being almost unanimous, I must suppose to be right; although, from a thorough conviction of the necessity of attempting something against the Ministerial Troops before a Re-inforcement should arrive, and while we were favour’d with the Ice, I was not only ready, but willing and desirous of making the Assault; under a firm hope, if the Men would have stood by me, of a favourable Issue; notwithstanding the Enemy’s advantage of Ground—Artillery—&ca.
Perhaps the Irksomeness of my Situation, may have given different Ideas to me, than those which Influenced the Gentlemen I consulted, and might have inclin’d me to put more to the hazard than was consistent with prudence—If it had, I am not sensible of it, as I endeavourd to give it all the consideration that a matter of such Importance required—True it is, & I cannot help acknowledging, that I have many disagreeable Sensation’s

on acct of my Situation; for to have the Eyes of the whole Continent fixed with anxious expectation of hearing of some great event, & to be restrain’d in every Military Operation for want of the necessary means of carrying it on, is not very pleasing; especially, as the means used to conceal my Weakness from the Enemy conceals it also from our friends, and adds to their Wonder.
I do not utter this by way of Complaint—I am sensible that all that the Congress could do, they have done, and I should feel, most powerfully, the weight of conscious Ingratitude were I not to acknowledge this; but as we have Accounts of the arrival of Powder in Captn Mason I would beg to have it sent on in the most expeditious manner, otherwise we not only loose all chance of the Benefits resulting from the Season, but of the Militia which are brought in at a most Inormous expence, upon a presumption that we should long e’re this have been amply Supplied with Powder under the contracts enter’d into with the Committee of Congress.
The Militia, contrary to an express requisition, are come, and coming in without Ammunition—to supply them alone, with 24 rounds, which is less by ⅗ths than the Regulars are served with, will take between fifty and 60 Barrels of Powder and to compleat the other Troops to the like quantity will take near as much more, and leave In store not more than about 60 Barls besides a few rounds of Cannon Cartridges ready filled for use—This Sir Congress may be assured is a true state of Powder and will I hope bear some testimony of my Incapacity for Action in such away as may do any essential Service.
Feby 21st. When I began this Letter I proposed to have sent it by Express, but recollecting that all my late Letters have been as expressive of my want of Powder and Arms as I could paint them, and that Mr Hooper was to set of in a day or two, I thought it unnecessary to run the Continent to the expence of an Express merely to repeat what I had so often done before when I am certain that Congress knowing our necessities will delay no time, that can possibly be avoided, in supplying them.
My duty is offered to Congress and with great respect and esteem I have the honour to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Serv⟨t⟩

Go: Washington

P.S. Hearing of the arrival of a small parcel of Powder in Connecticut I have been able to obtain 3000 Weight of it which is in addition to the 60 Barls before mentd.

Go: W.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 18 February 1776 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 18 Feb. 1776. In a letter of 26 Feb.—9 Mar. to Reed, GW wrote: “Your favour of the 18th Ulto came to my hands by Post, last Night.”


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Henry Edwin Stanhope, 18 February 1776
From: Stanhope, Henry Edwin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Northampton [Mass.] Febry 18th 1776

May I venture once more to trespass upon your Excellencys Patience, what I should not do, but from the most urgent Motives, (to procure myself some Money a Commodity, which I never before knew the want off,) & which cannot possibly be done but by my going to Providence, where I have a Friend, who for my Note of Hand will supply me.

I hope your Excellency will condescend to grant this Request, no doubt your Excellency is sensible, it must be very disagreable to be a Prisoner, but to want the only Means, of rendering our Situation a little comfortable, must afford a very gloomy Prospect.
I flatter myself your Excellency will consider my Rank in Life, & not refuse, what cannot be of any Detriment to the Col⟨onies.⟩ I need therefore only add (should your Excellency do me the Honour to comply) how punctuall I shall be, to any Time that may be allotted me, to transact my Business; as well as sensible of your Excellency’s kind Indulgence. I have the Honour to subscribe myself Yr Excellency’s most obedient, humble Servant,

H. E. Stanhope


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 19th 1776
Parole Ponsonby.Countersign Abington

A General Court Martial to sit to morrow morning at eleven, at Pomeroys Tavern, in Cambridge to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them, all Evidences and Persons concern’d to attend the court.


Title: To George Washington from P. Moreau, 19 February 1776
From: Moreau, P.
To: Washington, George

My General
Providence 19th Feby 1776

I take the Liberty ⟨to⟩ write to you, to acquaint you that I am Chargd with a Letter for you from Mr de santerre Captain of Grenadiers, now at Cape Francois in the Island of San Domingo, by which you will See his intention Concerning these Colonies—I have Sent this Letter to Governor Cook, who promisd to Send it to you immediatly, I am much affraid that he has not explaind his Sense in these Letters, I have determind to remark in mine, that he has made no mention of the quantity of powder which he makes account to Send, but here is What he told me on this Subject.
if in Case you accept of his offer of Service to Come here & that you will have the Complaisance to write to him, before receipt of your Letter, he intended writing to France, to have 20,000 ⟨wt⟩ of Powder, eight days before my departure, he had Sent for 10,000 lb., which will probably arrive within a month or Six weeks from this time.
You Cannot Sir be acquainted, with this Gentleman, who must be very useful in this Country from his knowledge in War. he has Served, with great Credit 24 years in france, he has acquird the Cross of St Luis—he does not wish to Come to this Country to make a fortune, for he enjoys an ample one in france of 150,000 Livers close to the water, his intention is to gain honour, this Sir is his Aim, which will probably fix him for

the rest of his days in the Rank of one of your Citizens, if his Life is not Sacraficed in your Service. I have the honor to be &a

P: Moreau


Title: To George Washington from Josiah Quincy, 19 February 1776
From: Quincy, Josiah
To: Washington, George

Braintree [Mass.]February 19th 1776
May it please your Excellency,

Since the sudden and unexpected burning of the Houses upon Dorchester Neck, I have been repeatedly and earnestly solicited, by my distressed Friends and Neighbours, to make an humble Representation to your Excellency, that, our Habitations are equally exposed to be destroyed by our Enemies, whenever their Malice shall stimulate them to make us feel the Effects, of

the unrelenting Vengeance of the “royal Brute of England.” Could your Excellency have spared Time, to make us happy in a Visit, and taken a View of this Part of our Harbour, you would have been immediately sensible, of the Ease with which an Excursion may be made from the Castle, either upon Squantum Neck, or the Main; where, before a sufficient Force could be collected to repel them, our Enemies might rob us of our Provision, burn our Houses, murder or captivate the Inhabitants, who could not escape, and retreat again to the Castle in less than an Hour, as it is not distant more than a League. Your Excellency would also have seen, two line of Battle Ships, one Frigate, and about 15 large Transports, which have been, above six Weeks past, in Nantasket Road; besides, ten or a Dozen arm’d Cruisers, wch are constantly going out in Pursuit of our Privateers, or coming in, with their Captures, or expected Transports under their Convoy.
If our Army should take Post upon Dorchester Neck, have we not Reason to apprehend, the Shores will be attacked, from a Spirit of Revenge? Certainly, su⟨ch⟩ a Fleet can easily spare, and have Boats enough to transport four or five hun⟨dred⟩ Men, who may, and when the irresistable Impulses of Hunger, or Thirst f⟨or⟩ Blood, inspires them with sufficient Courage, I fear will, land and ravag⟨e⟩ along Shore for Miles; any Force we have, at present, to oppose them no⟨t⟩ withstanding. Our Circumstances are peculiarly unhappy! and in a very striking Manner resemble, the deplorable Condition of those miserabl⟨e⟩ Wretches, who, in the last War inhabited our frontier Settlements; w⟨here⟩ they were every moment exposed, to the Incursions of a savage and barbaro⟨us⟩ Enemy; with this Difference in their Favour, that, from early Life they were familiar with Want, and inured to Hardships: Whereas, ⟨if⟩ we should be reduced, to the dreadfull Necessity of abandoning ou⟨r⟩ Habitations, our Lands must lye uncultivated, our Stocks of Cattl⟨e⟩ and Sheep must perish, for Want of Food and Care; and, what will be an Aggravation of our Misery, we must fly for an Assy⟨lum⟩ to our fellow Citizens, whose Houses are already crouded with Inhabitants, who have fled to them for Refuge, and having charitably supported their suffering Brethren, are themselves become poor. Suffer not, therefore, such a Misfortune to befall us, if it is in your Excellency’s Power to prevent it!

I am not only earnestly intreated, but, the Prayers a⟨nd⟩ Tears of my most tender Connections constrain me, to implo⟨re⟩ your Excellency’s immediate Protection! Where shall ⟨we⟩ indeed, where can we go, for Relief, but to you Sir! The whole Force of the Continent is under your Command, and at your Disposal: Let us not, therefore, plead in vain for that Help, which is no where else to be found! We beseech you to grant us Protection, before it is too late, which we fear it will be, if not speedily granted! We are informed, that some of the new raised Troops are destitute of Barracks.
There are Barracks at Squantum, sufficient for four or five hundred Men: Such a Guard, we hope would securely defend us, especially, if a Number of Boats were allowed them, to parade in the Bay, when the Weather will permit; as such a Manœuvre would, probably, intimidate the Enemy from landing, least their Retreat should be cut off: Besides, the same Boats would be ready, upon any sudden Emergency, to transport them elsewhere.
As your Excellency can have no Reason to doubt, the Truth of the foregoing Representation, of our di⟨stre⟩ssed Circumstances, we rest assured, the Benevolence of your Disposition, will cause them to be duely attended to.
That your Excellency’s Success, may be equal to the Importance of the Trust reposed in you, and your future Fame, in the Annals of America, equal to both, is the ardent, and unalterable Wish of, your Excellency’s faithfull Servt

Josiah Quincy


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dr Sir,
Cambridge Feby 19th 1776

I am a little surprizd, and concern’d to hear of your moving to Colo. Royals House—I thought you knew, that I had made a point of bringing Genel Lee from thence on Acct of the distance from his Line of Command—at least that he should not Sleep there—The same reasons holding good with respect to

yourself, I should be glad if you could get some place nearer, as I think it too hazardous to trust the left Wing of our Army without a General Officer upon the spot in cases of immergency. I do not wish you to return to your old House—any other tolerably convenient will satisfy me, and I am sure be pleasing to yourself, as I know you would not easily forgive yourself if any thing wrong shd happen for want of your presence on any sudden call. I am with great esteem—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 19 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge 19th Feby 1776

I am grieved to find, that instead of six or eight thousand weight of Powder which I fondly expected to receive from Providence (agreeable to your letter) that I am likely to get only 4217 lbs. including the 3,000 wt belonging to this Province, if to be had—My Situation, in respect to this article, is really distressing; and while common prudence obliges me to keep my want of it concealed, to avoid a discovery therof to the Enemy, I feel the bad effect of that concealment from our Friends; for not believing our distress equal to what it really is, they withhold such small supplies as are in their power to give—I am so restrained in all my military movements for want of these necessary supplies, that it is impossible to undertake any thing effectual; and while I am fretting at my own disagreeable situation, the world, I suppose, is not behind hand in censuring my inactivity—A golden opportunity has been lost, perhaps not to be repaired again this year—The late freezing weather had formed some pretty strong ice from Dorchester to Boston Neck, and from Roxbury to the Common, which would have afforded a less dangerous approach to the Town than through the Lines, or by the Water—The advantages of this, added to a thorough conviction of the importance of destroying the Ministerial Troops in Boston before they can be reinforced, and to a belief, that a bold and resolute assault, aided in some small

degree by Artillery and Mortars, might be crowned with success—I proposed the attempt a day or two ago to the General Officers, but they thought, and perhaps rightly, that such an enterprise, in our present weak state of men (for the Militia are not yet all arrived) and deficiency of powder, would be attended with too much hazard, and therefore, that we had better wait the arrival of the last, and then to begin a Bombardment in earnest—This matter is mentioned to you in confidence. your zeal, activity and attachment to the cause renders it unnecessary to conceal it from you, or our real Stock of Powder, which, after furnishing the Militia (unfortunately coming in without, and will require upwards of Fifty Barrels) and compleating our other Troops to 24 Rounds a Man, which is less by one half than the Regulars have, and having a few Rounds of Cannon Cartridges filled for immediate use, will leave not more than 100 Barrels in those, for the greatest emergency, inclusive of the 4217 lbs. from Providence if we get it.
This my dear Sir is melancholy! but it is a truth, and at the same time that it may serve to convey som idea of my disagreeable feelings under a knowledge of it, will evince the necessity of vigorous exertions to throw, without delay, every ounce that can be procured, into this Camp; otherwise the great expence of sending in the Militia will be entirely sunk, without any possible good resulting from it, but much evil, as they will contribute not a little to the consumption of our ammunition &c.
For want perhaps of better information, I cannot help giving it as my opinion, that, at a time when our military operations are entirely at a stand, for want of powder principally, and arms, it is inconsistent with good policy to hoard up Town Stocks of either—Better it is to fight an Enemy at a distanc[e] than at one’s door—Prudence indeed points out the expediency of providing for private as well as public exigences, but if both are not to be done, I should think there can be no hesitation in the choice; as the Army now raised, and supported at a considerable expence, can be of little use, if it is not sufficient to prevent an Enemy from disturbing the quiet of any of the interior Towns of these Governments. I am with great Respect and Esteem Sir your most obedient humble Servant

Go. Washington


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 20th 1776
Parole Manchester.Countersign Boyle.

As it is necessary that every Regiment should be furnished with Colours, and that those Colours should, if it can be done, bear some kind of similitude to the Uniform of the regiment to which they belong; the Colonels with their respective Brigadiers and the Qr Mr Genl may fix upon such as are proper, and can be procured—There must be to each Regiment, the Standard (or Regimental Colours) and Colours for each Grand Division, the whole to be small and light—The Number of the Regiment is to be mark’d on the Colours, and such a Motto, as the Colonel may choose, in fixing upon which, the General advises a Consultation amongst them.
The Colonels are to delay no time, in getting this matter fix’d, that the Qr Mr Genl may provide the Colours as soon as possible; they are also to consider what Camp-Equipage may be further necessary, that no time may be lost in providing it, as the season is fast approaching for taking the field.
The Genl cannot again help urging it in the strongest terms to the Colonels the necessity of the strictest attention to the discipline of their Men—learning them to march and perform all the different Evolutions and Manœuvres; which is of more essential service, than dwelling too long upon the Manual Exercise—He also recommends to the Colonels a proper attention to the Cloathing of their Officers & Men, that they may appear in a soldierlike manner.
The General desires that the Brigadiers, who have not complied with the Orders of the 6th Instant concerning the Ammunition; and that of the 7th respecting the Arrangement of

Chaplains; may be informed, that he expects an immediate report from them.


Title: To George Washington from Landon Carter, 20 February 1776
From: Carter, Landon
To: Washington, George

[Sabine Hall] 20 February 1776. Wrote “attacking Paine for publishing ‘Common Sense,’ and urging against independence.”


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Johnson, 20 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Joseph

Sir,
[Cambridge, 20 February 1776]

I am very much pleased to find by the Strong recommendations you produce, that we have amongst our Brothers of the Six Nations a person who can explain to them, the Sense of their Brothers, on the dispute between us and the Ministers of Great Britain; you have seen a part of our Strength, and can inform our Brothers, that we can withstand all the force, which those who want to rob us of our Lands and our Houses, can send against us.
You can tell our friends, that they may always look upon me, whom the Whole United Colonies have chosen to be their Chief Warrior, as their brother, whilst they Continue in Friendship with us, they may depend upon mine and the protection of those under my Command.
Tell them that we don’t want them to take up the hatchett for us, except they chuse it, we only desire that they will not fight against us, we want that the Chain of friendship should always remain bright between our friends of the Six Nations and us—Their attention to you, will be a proof to us that they wish the same, we recommend you to them, and hope by your Spreading the truths of the Holy Gospel amongst them, it will Contribute to keep the Chain so bright, that, the malicious insinuations, or practices of our Enemies will never be able to break this Union, so much for the benefit of our Brothers of the Six Nations and of us—And to prove to them that this is my desire, and of the Warriors under me, I hereto Subscribe my name at Cambridge this 20th day of February 1776.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the New York Provincial Congress, 20 February 1776
From: New York Provincial Congress
To: Washington, George

Sir.
In Provincial Congress New York feby 20th 1776

The Congress have just now received Your letter of the 10th instant directed to the Chairman of our Committee of Safety they are extreamly sorry they have it not in their power to supply

You with the Article You mention; as the Army raised here last Summer have entirely drained them of the Arms belonging to the Colony which have never been returned, and the more as they are by Order of Congress now levying five new Regiments; (one for the defence of Canada and four for defending this Colony and preventing depredations on Long Island) whom they suppose will be chiefly destitute, and obliged to be supplyed by them; and with respect to the Arms taken from the Tories in this Colony they inform You are neither in their possession or at their disposal hence You will perceive that they cannot give You any relief, which they would most chearfully do was it in their Power. We are Sir Your most Obedient & humble servts

By Order
Nathll Woodhull Presidt


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 22nd 1776
Parole Scarborough.Countersign Exeter

John English of Capt. Watermans Company, in Col. Arnolds Regiment, tried at a late Genl Court Martial for “absenting himself from his Regiment, and inlisting in Col. Varnums Regiment”—The Court were unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of the crimes whereof he was accused, and adjudge him to receive Ten Lashes on the bare back, and order the advanced pay due to him in Col. Arnolds regiment, to be paid the Officer, who gave him the advance pay, in Col. Varnums Regiment.
The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be put in execution at Guard-mounting, to morrow.
The Brigadiers Genl, with their Majors of Brigade, the Colonel of Artillery—The Qr Master General, with the Barrack

Master, of the four Brigades in the Cambridge Department, to be at Head Quarters to morrow morning, at Ten O’Clock.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 22 February 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Camp at CambridgeFebry 22nd 1776
May it please your Excellency

I some Time Since Reported, that Colonels Prescott & Phinny, had Chosen the Revd Mr Foster for the Chaplin of those Regiments This Choice is but Temporary as it is at Present Uncertain whether Mr Foster Can be absent from his Own Parrish for more than a month or Two, I now beg leave further to report that Colonels Greaton & Baldwin have made Choice of the Revd Mr Barnum for the Chaplin of their Regiments—Having Five Regiments in the Brigade under my Command, Colol Sargent finds it difficult to Joyn another Regiment, at presen⟨t⟩ And as there are Nine Regiments in the Camp at Roxbury, One of them must of necessity Joyn with Some Regiment in this Camp and as the Situation of Colo. Prescotts Regt Seems to Point out that as the most Proper one it has been Propos’d that Such a Junction take place, and that Colo. Sargent & Colo. Phinn⟨y⟩ should Joyn, This However Seems at present a little embarrassed on Account of the uncertainty of Mr Fosters Continueing the whole Campaign. All which is Humbly Submitted By your Excellency’s most Humble Servt

W. Heath Brigr Genl


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 22 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dr Sir
Cambridge Feby 22. 1776

I fully expected by the Two last Posts to have received your favours, with an account of the measures you have been & are pursuing for the defence of New York, & of such Occurrences as you might have thought worthy of Notice; As I did not, nor got several other Letters which I expected, I cannot but suppose, they have been Intercepted at some of the Offices, or by some Accident prevented coming to my hands—I need not mention my Impatience to hear from you, and beg that you will write me by every Opportunity. I am D. S. &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Joseph Spencer, 22 February 1776
From: Spencer, Joseph
To: Washington, George

22 February 1776. “Certifies that the Revd Nathl Eells at present the Chaplain of the 10th & 19th Regts engaged for four Months from the first of Jany last.”


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 22 February 1776
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Febry 22d 1776

I have so little to write about this week that was it not that I have determine’d to write every week, & to inclose the Letter to Mrs Washington, it would be as well not to write—All is at peace with us yet, we are told of one or more ships of War haveg come to Norfolk—whether they may think of molestg us in this part of the Colony or not time will determine—Colo. Hugh Mercers Regiment is to be Quarterd at Alexandria, and expected there in a few days—I have sold three Hhd of Rum @ 5/ pr Gallon and engaged three more which are to be taken away this week—it takes from 10 to 12 Gallons to Fill up the Hhds, I did

not believe it woud loose so much without leakg and there has been no waste in that way—had I not been apprehensive that it was necessary to move it from here, out farther from the River which might have been attended with accidents, loss or Stolen, I Woud not have sold it so low as 5/ for such Rum must soon be in great demand. John Broad is Dead, several of the Negroes have Great Colds and fevers—otherwise all things well, I think if you cou’d be of opinion that your Buildings woud not be destroyed this Summer it woud be Best to have the Other Adition to the End of your House Raised, the Chimney pulld down and put up again that being the most troublesom part of the Worck—but this cannot be done with out a Master Worckman unless you chose once more to try Lanphier—Remember me to Mrs Washington Custis & Lady and am Dr Sir your very Humble Servt

Lund Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Watson, 22 February 1776
From: Watson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Plymouth [Mass.] 22 Feby 1776.

I am desired by Mess[r]s Hall & Grindele the former Masters of the two ships bro’t into this port by Comodore Manly, to introduce them to your Excely by a Letter, & to acquaint your Excellency that they have a desire to go to Virginia, where they have friends & where one of them has a Brother.
The crews of the two ships are now on board them & insist on continueing on board, as they have no home, no money, & no business offer, that suits them. they abso⟨lutel⟩y refuse entering into our service. your Excellency will please to direct what shall be done with them.
I wod take this oppertunity to acquaint your Excy that on board the ships are sundry articles which may be very serviceable in fitting out the men of war now building, memo of which I have inclosed.
The Harrison Capt. Dyer returned last night from her second

unsuccessful cruize. our enemies are very vigilant, and in good weather, are seen every day from this shore. I am your Excellencys most Obedt much obliged Humb. Servt

Willm Watson


Title: General Orders, 23 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 23rd 1776
Parole Canterbury.Countersign, St Asaph

Lieut. Thos Cummings tried at a Genl Court Martial for “behaving in a scandalous and infamous manner, unbecoming the Character of an Officer and Gentleman”—is sentenced to be cashiered—The General approves the sentence and orders it to take place immediately.
The General also confirms the sentence upon James McCormick of Capt. Farrington’s Company, in Col. sergeants Regiment, and commands the execution of it, at the discretion of his Colonel.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 23 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Cambridge 23d February 1776

this will be handed to you by the Barron of Woedtke, who was by distress of weather drove on shore at Cape Cod, he was bound from St Domingo to Philadelphia, to offer his Service & deliver Some Letters he has for different Members of Congress—as he is a gentleman & a Stranger I reccomend him to your hospitality & politeness—your attention must be very acceptable & advantagious to him, giveing him the Shortest & best rout, & takeing Care that he will not be imposed upon, will Confer an obligation on him & be vastly pleasing to Sir Your Most Obt H. St

Go: Washington


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 24th 1776
Parole Hopkins.Countersign Alfred.

The General having the Credit of this Army, much at heart, and anxious that it should not only behave well, but look well; recommends it to, and does expect that, every Officer from the highest to the lowest, doth exert himself to accomplish those ends; to attain which, the Brigadiers are desired to be attentive to every matter, and thing, relative to their Brigades, & when Orders are not, or cannot be complied with, immediately to report the reason thereof.
From henceforward it is expected, that the Weekly Returns of every Regiment will, before they are brought in to the Commander

in Chief, be examined and certified by the Brigadier, to whose brigade—they respectively belong, who is also to direct his Major of Brigade, to keep a Book, and have them regularly enter’d, always comparing the Return to be made, with the one preceding, and enquiring minutely into the Cause of every Change, or Alteration from the last. The Colonel, or Commanding Officer of every Regiment is to observe the same Conduct with respect to the Returns of his Companies, and keep a Book for the regular entry thereofe—These precautions are taken to prevent the many Blunders and Mistakes, which have heretofore happen’d in making out the Pay Abstracts, all of which, for the future, are to be inspected by the Brigadiers, compared with their books, and certified by them; before a Warrant will be granted—A very strict attention will be expected to this Order, for if these books are called for, and do not correspond with this order, the Officer neglecting will meet with no favour.
The Commanding Officer of each Regiment, may apply for a Warrant for Five-hundred Dollars, to put into the hands of such Officers, as they send into the Country, On the recruiting Service, to buy Arms; these Officers are in an especial manner charged to purchase no Arms, but such as are good, and fit for immediate Use—Kings Musquets, or Guns as near that quality as can be had, should be got, and with Bayonets, if possible—As there is a Committee in each of the Counties, of the Massachusetts-Bay, appointed by the General Court, to purchase Arms for this Army, the Officers are to take care, not to raise the price, by bidding against each other.
Mark Noble of Capt. Noble’s Company in Col. Patterson’s Regiment tried by a late General Court Martial, whereof Col. Phinney was President for “Desertion”—is found guilty & sentenced to receive Fifteen Lashes upon his bare back and mulcted one Month’s pay, to defray the expence of apprehending and bringing the Prisoner to Camp—The General approves the Sentence, and commands the execution of it, at such time and place, as the Colonel of the Regiment shall direct.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Joseph Frye, 24 February 1776
From: Frye, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Camp in Cambridge, 24 February 1776. Certifies that David Avery has been chosen chaplain of Paterson’s and Hutchinson’s regiments. The other regiments in Frye’s brigade “are . . . already provided with Chaplins, and returns thereof made to your Excely.”


Title: To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 24 February 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, John Augustine
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 24 Feb. 1776. On 31 Mar. GW wrote to John Augustine Washington: “Your Letter of the 24th Ulto was duely forwarded to this Camp by Colo. Lee.”


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 25th 1776
Parole Virginia.Countersign Norfolk

It being a matter of too much importance, to intrust the Wounds and Lives of Officers, and Soldiers, to unskilful Surgeons; The General requests the Director General, and the Surgeons of the Hospital, taking also to their assistance, such Regimental Surgeons, as upon examination they approve of; will sit and examine, the Surgeons, & Mates, of the whole Army, and give Certificates to those who are found qualified to discharge the Duties of their Office, in Order that they may receive Commissions—Gentlemen of candour, and knowledge, in their profession, will see the utility of this measure, and approve of it; none but those who are conscious of their inability will decline the examination.
The Surgeon of every Regiment, is immediately to report, to the Director General of the Hospital, in what manner he, and his mate, are at present furnished with Instruments, Medicines, Bandages &c. that the true State and Condition, may be known. The first Court of examination, will sit on Tuesday next, at the convalescent Hospital, in Cambridge, at eleven in the forenoon,

 at which all the Surgeons and their Mates, of Genl Sullivans Brigade are to attend.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General David Wooster, 25 February 1776
From: Wooster, David
To: Washington, George

Sir
Montreal Feby 25th 1776

Your favour of the 27th Ulto I have receiv’d and nothing but want of time, when proper opportunities presented has prevented my answering it sooner.
I am fully sensible of the importance of reducing Quebec & keeping possession of this province for the accomplishing of which, you may depend upon my utmost exertions—I am also with you fully of opinion that the ministry will send a powerful Armament here in the Spring for which reason I think it of almost infinite importance, that we have a large Army here, properly provided, early, to oppose them upon their first arrival, indeed, it appears to me, that our every thing in this province depends upon it—If we have the greatest force we have the Canadians our friends, on the other hand should our Enemies arrive with a superior force to ours I fear the consequences

may be fatal, I can not learn from Genl Schuyler that we are like to have any Cannon, Mortars, Shott, or Shells from across the Lake—and as we hav⟨e⟩ not here, proper Cannon &c. for cannonading of Quebec, I rather imagine we shall be obliged to try once more by assault, which notwithstanding the late unhappy repulse, I think must be succesful when attempted by three or four thousand good men, however every other method will be first tryed—Troops are now daily coming in & I hope in a few days to be able to leave this place & Join Genl Arnold who has to his great honor kept up the Blockade with such a handful of men, that the story when told hereafter will be scarcely credited—He is now so reinforced as to be out of danger from a Sortie—Be pleased to accept of my best wishes for your success & happiness & believe me with the greatest respect Your most obedient & very humble Servt

Davd Wooster


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Jacob Bayley, 26 February 1776
From: Bayley, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
Newbury [Vt.] 26th February 1776

The Views I had in sending Men from hence to Canada was as follows.
That I had a Rumour of General Montgomerys Defeat at Quebec, but no Certainty, I wanted to know, that we might do every thing in our Power to strengthen and Encourage them.
That they in Canada might know that help even from Cambridge might be soon and Certain with them—And that Your Excellency might have some Certainty that the Plan I proposed to Colo: Little some time since to make a Road to Canada by way of Misisque was not founded on imagination or out of selfish Views, which may be suggested as I live near the Line the Road must go.
I have also sent inclosed the Journal of the Men who went over as also a Copy of my Letter to Genl Wooster, with his Answer to satisfy your Excellency of the View I had, and can further assure Your Excellency that a Post may go from hence to Montreal without any difficulty or Obstruction the Point from hence is nearly N. West—I must beg Your Excellencys Pardon for troubling you with this Letter and beg leave to Subscribe myself Your Excellency’s most Obt hble Servt

Jacob Bayley


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 26 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge Feby 26. 1776

I had the honour of addressing you on the 18 and 21st Instt by Mr Hooper, since which nothing material has Occurred.
We are making every necessary preparation for taking possession of Dorchester Heights as soon as possible, with a view of drawing the Enemy out—How far our expectations may be answered, Time can only determine; But I should think, If any thing will Induce them to hazard an engagement, It will be our attempting to fortifye these heights, as on that event’s taking place, we shall be able to command a great part of the Town, and almost the whole harbour, and to make them rather disagreable than otherwise, provided we can get a sufficient supply of what we greatly want.
Within these three or four days I have received Sundry accounts

from Boston of such movements there, such as taking the Mortars from Bunker Hill, the putting them with several peices of Heavy Ordnance on board of Ship, with a quantity of Bedding; the Ships all taking in Water, the baking a large quantity of Biscuit &c., as to Indicate an embarkation of the Troops from thence—A Mr Ides who came out Yesterday says that the Inhabitants of the Town generally beleive, that they are about to remove either to New York or Virginia, and that every Vessell in the Harbour on Tuesday last was taken up for Governments service, and Two months pay advanced them—Whether they really Intend to embark, or whether the whole is a feint, is impossible for me to tell; However I have thought it expedient to send an express to General Lee to Inform him of it, in order that he may not be taken by Surprize (If their destination shou’d be against New York) and continued him on to you—If they do embark, I think the possessing themselves of that place and of the North River is the Object they have in view, thereby securing the communication with Canada, and rendering the Intercourse between the Northern & Southern United Colonies exceedingly precarious and difficult. To prevent them from effecting their plan is a matter of the highest Importance, and will require a large & respectable army and the most vigilant & judicious exertions.
Since I wrote by Mr Hooper some small parcells of powder have arrived from Connecticut, which will give us a little assistance.
On Thursday night, a party of our men at Roxbury, made the Enemies Out Sentries, consisting of a Corporal and two privates, prisoners without firing a Gun or giving the least alarm.
I shall be as attentive to the Enemies motions as I can, and Obtain all the Intelligence in my power, and If I find ’em embark, shall in the most expeditious manner detach a part of the light Troops to New York and repair thither myself If circumstances shall require It—I shall be better able to judge what to do when the matter happens, at present I can only say, that I will do every thing that shall appear proper and necessary.
Your Letter of the 12 Instt by Colonel Bull came to hand yesterday evening, and shall agreable to your recommendation pay proper notice to him—the supply of Cash came very seasonably,

as our Treasury was just exhausted, and nothing can be done here without It. I have the Honor to be with great regard Your Most Hble Servt

P.S. This was Intended to have been sent by Express, but meeting with a private Opportunity the Express was countermanded.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 26 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Cambridge 26th Feby 1776

I received your esteemed favor of the 14th Instant, which gave me great pleasure being impatient to hear from you—I rejoice to find that you are getting better, & Coud not avoid Laughing

at Capt. Parkers reasons for not putting his repeated threats into execution.
I take notice of your intended dispositions for defence, which I request you will loose no time in putting into execution—as from many Corroborating accounts I have receivd the enemy Seem to prepare for their departure from Boston, they have removed the two Mortars from Bunkers hill & Carried them with a great part of their heavy brass Cannon on board their ships; they have taken all the topsail vessels in the Harbour, into the Service. they are ready waterd & their Sails bent, all this Show, may be but a feint, but if real, & they Should Come your way, I wish you may be prepared to receive them—if I find that they are in earnest and do go Off, I will immediatly Send you a reinforcemt from this Camp, & if necessary March the Main body to your assistance as Circumstances may require—I Shall Keep a good watch on their motions & give you the Speediest information possible—Leechores point is now very Strong I am Sending Some heavy Cannon thither, the platform for a Mortar is prepareing to be placed in the works there, another at Lambsdam, & we are makeing the necessary dispositions to posses our Selves of Dorchester hill, which must bring them out if any thing will—if they do not interupt us in that wor⟨k⟩ I shall be Confirmed in my Opinion, that they mean to Leave the town, a little time must now determin whether they are resolved to mentain their present ground, or Look out for another post—I will now return to your Letter.
the account you give of our New york Bretheren is very Satisfactory—I shoud be glad to Know, how many men you are likely to have, that you Can depend upon remaining with you. I very much fear, that the Sailing of Clinton, will Ke⟨ep⟩ back those you expected from Pensylvania—Let me hear from you upon this & every thing else that Concerns you, as Soo⟨n⟩ & as often as you possibly Can—I shall pay due attention to your reccommendations of Captain Smyth & Capt. Badla⟨m⟩ with respect to the Canada expedition, I assure you that it was not my intention to propose your going there I only meant what I thought woud happen, that the Congre⟨ss⟩ woud make you that proposal. I am now of opinion, tha⟨t⟩ you will have work enough upon your hands where you are and I make no doubt but your

presence will be as necessary there, as it would be in Canada—I am glad that Colonel Ritzema is gon to Congress, & hope they will expedite an Army thither, not only to preserve what we have allready got, but allso to possess ourselves of Quebec before it Can be reinforced from Europe or elswhere—it is an object of Such vast importance, that it will be madness, not to Strain every Sinew for effecting that purpose, I am in Some pain for our Little fleet, as I am informed, that the Asia & Phœnix are Saild in quest of them. you doubtless had good reasons for the appointment you mention to have made, as it is temporary, it Can have no bad effect. I am with great regard &c.


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts Council, 26 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts Council

Gentn
Cambridge 26th Feb: 1776

As I am making all possible preparation to take possession of the heights of Dorchester (which I expect I shall be able to accomplish by the last of this Week) it is expected that this, if any thing can, will bring the Enemy out of Boston to oppose, as at Charles-town, our erecting any Works there. To weaken our Lines on the North side of Cambridge River too much, with a view to strengthen those of Dorchester, before any move is made that way by the Enemy, migh⟨t⟩ expose an opening they would gladly avail themselves of—and to delay it till an attack is begun would be too late, as the contest will soon be decided for or against Us, after this happens.
Under this State of the Matter, and to avoid risking a Defeat when Victory, under Providence, may be reduced to a certainty, I submit it to the Wisdom of your Board if it will not be best to direct the Militia of some of the Towns most contiguous to Dorchester and Roxbury to repair to the Lines at those two

places with there Arms, Ammunition, and Accoutrements Instantly upon a Signal given.
If you approve of this you will please to fix with General Thomas (who waits upon you on purpose) upon the Signals to be given, and Issue your notice thereof accordingly. I have the honour to be with great respect & esteem Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 26 February–9 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 26th Feby[-9 March] 1776

A Line or two from you by Colo. Bull, which came to hand last Evening, is the only Letter I have receivd from you since the 21st of Jany—this added to my getting none from any other Corrispondant to the Southward, leads me to apprehend

some miscarriage. I am to observe thô that the Saturday’s Post is not yet arrived—by that I may, possibly, get Letters.
We have, under as many difficulties perhaps (on Acct of hard frozen ground) as ever working Parties Ingaged, compleated our Work on Litchmores point—we have got some heavy pieces of Ordnance placed there—two Platforms fixed for Mortars, and every thing, but the thing, ready for any offensive operation—Strong Guards are now Mounted there, and at Cobble Hill.
About ten days ago the severe freezing Weather formed some pretty strong Ice from Dorchester to Boston Neck, and from Roxbury to the Common—this I thought (knowing the Ice could not last) a favourable oppertunity to make an Assault upon the Troops in Town—I proposed it in Council; but behold! though we had been waiting all the year for this favourable Event, the enterprize was thought too dangerous! perhaps it was—perhaps the irksomeness of my Situation led me to undertake more than could be warranted by prudence—I did not think so, and am sure, yet, that the Enterprize, if it had been undertaken with resolution must have succeeded; without it, any would fail; but it is now at an end, and I am preparing to take Post on Dorchester to try if the Enemy will be so kind as to come out to us. Ten Regiments of Militia you must know had come in to strengthen my hands for Offensive Measures—but what I have hear said respective the determinations in Council & possessing of Dorchester Point is spoken under the rose.
March 3d 1776. The foregoing was intended for another Conveyance, but being hurried with some other matters, & not able to compleat it, it was delayed; since which your favours of the 28th Jany and first & 8th of Feby are come to hand. for the agreeable Accts containd in one of them, of your progress in the Manufacture of Powder, & prospect of getting Arms, I am obliged to you; as there is some consolation in knowing that these useful Articles will supply the Wants of some part of the Continental Troops, although I feel too sensibly, the Mortification of havg them with-held from me—Congress not even thinking it necessary to take the least notice of my application for these things.
I hope in a few Nights to be in readiness to take Post on Dorchester as we are using every means in our power to provide

materials for this purpose, the Ground being so hard froze yet, that we cannot Intrench, & therefore are obliged to depend entirely upon Chandaliers, Fascines, & screwd Hay for our Redoubts. It is expected that this Work will bring on an Action between the King’s Troops and ours.
General Lees expedition to New York was founded upon indubitable evidence of Genl Clintons being on the point of Sailing—no place so likely for his destination as New York, nor no place where a more Capitol blow could be given to the Interests of America than there; common prudence therefore dictated the necessity of preventing an Evil which might have prov’d irremediable had it happend; but I confess to you honestly, I had no Idea of running the Continent to the expence which was Incurr’d—or that such a body of Troops would go from Connecticut as did, or be rais’d upon the terms they were. You must know my good Sir, that a Captn Sears was here with some other Gentlemen of Connecticut when the Intelligence of Clinton’s Imbarkation (at least the Imbarkation of the Troops) came to hand—the situation of these Lines would not afford a detachment—New York could not be depended upon—and of the Troops in Jersey we had no certain Information either of their Numbers or destination; What then was to be done? Why, Sears and these other Gentlemen assured me that if the necessity of the case was signified by me & that General Lee should be sent One thousand Voluntiers (requiring no pay but) supplied with provisions only, would March immediately to New York & defend the place till Congress could determine what should be done, & that a Line from me to Govr Trumbull to obtain his Sanction would facilitate the measure—this I accordingly wrote in precise terms intending that these Volunteers, and such of the Jersey Regiments as could be speedily assembled, should be thrown into the City for its defence and for disarming the Tories upon Long Island who I understood had become extreamely insolent and daring, when behold! instead of Volunteers consisting of Gentlemen without pay, the Govr directed Men to be voluntarily enlisted for this Service upon Continental pay and allowance. this you will observe was contrary to my expectation and Plan—yet as I thought it a matter of the last Importance to secure the Com[municatio]n of the North River, I did not think it expedient to countermand the raising of the Con[tinenta]l

Regiments on Acct of the pay. if I have done wrong, those Members of Congress who think the matter ought to have been left to them must consider my proceedings as an error of judgment, and that a measure is not always to be judged of by the Even⟨t⟩—It is moreover worthy of consideration that in cases of extreme necessity (as the present) nothing but decission can Insure success and certain I am that Clinton had something more in view by peeping into New York than to gratifie his curiosity or make a friendly visit to his friend Mr Tryon—however, I am not fond of stretching my powers; and if the Congress will say thus far—& no farther you shall go, I will promise not to offend whilst I continue in their Service.
I observe what you say in respect to my Waggon &ca. I wanted nothing more than a light travelling Waggon (such as those of Jersey) with a secure cover, which might be under Lock and Key—the hinges being on one side the lock on the other—I have no copy of the Memorandum of the Articles I desired you to provide for me, but think 1½ dozn of Camp Stools—a folding Table, rather two—Plates & Dishes, were among them; what I meant therefore was, that the Bed of this Waggon shoud be constructed in such a manner as to stow these things to the best advantage—If you cannot get them with you I shall despair of providing them here as Workmen are scarce and most exorbitantly high in their charges. What I should aim at, is, when the Waggon & things are ready (which ought to be very soon, as I do not know how soon we may beat a March) to buy a pair of clever Horses, same colo⟨r,⟩ hire a careful driver and let the whole come of at once; and then they are read⟨y⟩ for immediate Service, I have no doubt but that the Treasury, by application to Mr Hancock, will direct payment thereof without any kind of difficulty as Congress must be sensible that I cannot take the field without Equipage & after I have once got into a Tent I shall not soon quit it.
March 7th. The Rumpus, which every body expected to see between the Ministerialists in Boston and our Troops has detain’d the bearer till this time. On Monday Night, I took possession of the Heights of Dorchester with two thousand Men under the Command of General Thomas—previous to this, and in order to divert the Enemy’s attention from the real object

& to harrass we began on Saturday Night a Canonade and Bombardment which with Intervals was continued through the Night. the same on Sunday—and on Monday a Continued Roar from Seven Oclock till day light was kept up between the Enemy and us. In this time we had an Officer and one private killed & 4 or 5 Wounded—and through the Ignorance I suppose of Our Artillery men burst 5 Mortars (two 13 Inch & 3 ten Inch) the Congress one of them. What damage the Enemy has sustained is not known as there has not been a creature out of Boston since. The Canonade &ca except in the destruction of the Mortars answerd our expectation fully; for though we had upwards of 300 teams in motion at the same Instant carrying on our Fascines & other Materials to the Neck & the Moon Shining in its full lustre we were not discoverd till day light on Tuesday Morning.
So soon as we were discoverd every thing seem’d to be preparing for an Attack, but the tide failing before they were ready about One thousand only were able to Imbark in Six transports in the Afternoon and these falling down towards the Castle were drove on Shore by a violent storm which arose in the Afternoon of that day & continued threw the Night. Since that they have been seen returning to Boston—and whether from an apprehension that our Works are now too formidable to make any Impression on, or from what other causes I know not, but their hostile appearances have subsided & they are removing their Ammuniti⟨on⟩ out of their Magazine whether with a view to move Bag & Baggage or not I cannot undertake to say—but if we had Powder (and our Mortars replaced, which I am about to do by new cast ones as soon as possible) I would, so soon as we were sufficiently strengthened on the Heights, to take possession of the point just opposite to Boston Neck give them a dose they would not well like.
We had prepared Boats, a Detachment of 4000 men &ca &ca for pushing in to the West part of Boston if they had made any formidable attack upon Dorchester. I will not lament or repine at any Act of Providence because I am in a great measure a convert to Mr Popes opinion that whatever is, is right, but I think every thing had the appearance of a successful Issue if we had come to an Ingagement on that day. It was the 5th of March

which I recalled to their remembrance as a day never to be forgotten—an Ingagement was fully expected—& I never saw spirits higher, or more ardour prevailing.
Your favour of the 18th Ulto came to my hands by Post, last Night, and gives me much pleasure, as I am led to hope I shall see you of my Family again. the terms upon which you come will be perfectly agreeable to me. and I should think you neither candid or friendly, if your communications on this subject had not been free, unreserved—and divested of that false kind of Modesty which too often prevent[s] the illucidation of points important to be known.
Mr Baylor seeming to have an Inclination to go into the Artillery & Colo. Knox desirous of it, I have appointed Mr Moylan and Mr Palfrey my Aid de Camps so that I shall, if you come, have a good many Writers about me. I think my Countrymen made a Capitol mistake when they took Henry out of the Senate to place him in the Field; and pity it is he does not see this, and remove every difficulty by a voluntary resignation. I am of opinion that Colo. Armstrong (if he retains his health—spirits—& vigour) wd be as fit a person as any they could send to Virginia, as he is Senior Officer to any now there, and I should think could give no offence; but to place Colo. Thompson there in the first Command, would throw every thing into the utmost confusion—for it was by mere chance he became a Colonel upon this Expedition, & by greater chance he became first Colo. in this Army; to take him then from another Colony, place him over the heads of several Gentlemen under, or with whom, he has served in a low, & subordinate Character, would never answer any other purpose but that of introducing endless confusion. Such a thing surely cannot be in contemplation—& knowing the Mischiefs it Would produce surely Colonel Thompson would have more Sense, and a greater regard for the cause he is engaged in, than to accept of it, unless some uncommon abilities or exertions had given him a superior claim. He must know, that nothing more than being a Captn of Horse in the year 1759 (I think it was) did very extraordinarily give him the Start he now has, when the Rank was settled here—at the same time he must know another fact, that several Officers now in the Virginia Service were much his superiors in point of Rank,

& will not I am sure serve under him. He stands first Colonel here and may, I presume, put in a very good, & proper claim to the first Brigade that falls vacant. but I hope more regard will be paid to the Service than to send him to Virginia—The bringing of Colo. Armstrong into this Army as Major General, however great his merit, would introduce much confusion—Thomas if no more would surely quit & I beleive him to be a good man. If Thomas supplies the place of Lee there will be a vacancy for either Armstrong or Thompson for I have heard of no other valiant Son of New England waiting promotion since the advancement of Fry who has not, and I doubt will not, do much Service to the cause—at present he keeps his Room, & talks learnedly of Emeticks Catharticks &ca. For my own part I see nothing but a declining life that matters him.
I am sorry to hear of your Ill fated Fleet. We had it, I suppose because we wished it, that Hopkins had taken Clinton & his Transports—How glorious would this have been! We have the Proverb of our side however—that a bad beginning will end Well. this applies to Land & Sea Service. The Acct given of the business of the Commissioners from England seems to be of a piece with Lord Norths Conciliatory Motion last year—built upon the same foundation, and if true, that they are to be divided among the Colonies to offer terms of Pardon, is as insulting as that motion; and only designed after stopping all Intercourse with us to set us to view in great Britain as a people that will not hearken to any propositions of Peace. was there ever any thing more absurd, than to repeal the very Acts that have Introduced all this confusion and bloodshed & at the sametime enact a Law to restrain all Intercourse with the Colonies for opposing them. The drift and design is obvious, but is it possible that any Sensible nation upon Earth can be Imposed upon by such a cob-web Scheme, or gauze covering? But enough, or else upon a subject so copious I should enter upon my fifth Sheet of Paper. I have, if length of Letter will do it, already made you ample amends for the Silence which my hurry in preparing for what I hoped would be a decissive stroke obliged me to keep. My best respects to Mrs Reed, in which Mrs Washington joins concludes me Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt and Affecte Servt

Go: Washington

March 9th. Colo. Bull still waiting to see a little further into the Event of things; gives me an oppertunity of adding, that from a Gentleman out of Boston, confirmd by a Paper from the Select Men there we have undoubted Information of Genl Howes preparing with ⟨g⟩reat precipitancy to Imbark his Troops—for what place we know not—Hallifax it is said. The Select men being under dreadful apprehensions for the Town applied to Genl Robinson, to apply to Genl Howe; who through Genl Robinson has inform’d them that it is not his Intentions to destroy the Town unless his Majesty’s Troops should be Molested during their Imbarkation or at their Departure. this Paper seems so much under Covert—unauthenticated—and address’d to [no] body—that I sent word to them (that is the Selectmen) that I could take [no] notice of it—but shall go on with my preparations as intended. The Gentlemen abovementioned out of Boston says they seem to be in gr⟨e⟩at consternation there. that one of our shot from Lambs Dam disabled Six men in their Beds, & that the Admiral upon discovering of our Works next Morning informd the Genl that unless we were dispossessed of them he could not keep the Kings ships in the Harbour; & that 3000 men, Commanded by Lord Percy were actually Imbarkd for that purpose—the Issue of it you have been informed of before. Yrs &ca

G. W——n


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 27th 1776
Parole Hancock.Countersign Adams.

As the Season is now fast approaching, when every man must expect to be drawn into the Field of action, it is highly necessary that he should prepare his mind, as well as every thing necessary for it. It is a noble Cause we are engaged in, it is the Cause of virtue and mankind, every temporal advantage and comfort to us, and our posterity, depends upon the Vigour of our exertions; in short, Freedom, or Slavery must be the result of our conduct, there can therefore be no greater Inducement to men to behave well: But it may not be amiss for the Troops to know, that if any Man in action shall presume to skulk, hide himself, or retreat from the enemy, without the orders of his commanding Officer; he will be instantly shot down, as an example of cowardice; Cowards having too frequently disconcerted the best form’d Troops, by their dastardly behaviour.

Next to the favour of divine providence, nothing is more essentially necessary to give this Army the victory of all its enemies, than Exactness of discipline, Alertness when on duty, and Cleanliness in their arms and persons; unless the Arms are kept clean, and in good firing Order, it is impossible to vanquish the enemy; and Cleanliness of the person gives health, and soldierlike appearance. That no confusion may ensue when the troops are called to action; the General has order’d all the posts, and guards of the lines, and redoubts, to be so fix’d and regulated, as every Officer, and Soldier, may know his place, and his duty; and to confirm the order and discipline, the General orders, that the Officers and men, who are to mount guard, do parade every morning at eight O’Clock, upon their regimental parades, where they are to be reviewed by the Adjutant, in the presence of a Field Officer, who is to see that their arms, ammun[i]tion and accoutrements are compleat, and the men dress’d in a soldier-like manner—The Adjutant is then to march them to the parade of the brigade, and deliver them over to the Major of brigade, who is very minutely to inspect the whole, and then march them to the Grand-Parade, where the Brigadier, with the Field Officers of the day, will attend, to see all the Guards paraded and march to their several destinations. With the Brigadier, will constantly mount, his Major of brigade, who is always to make up the Guards upon the grand parade, and report all extraordinaries to his Brigadier General. The Brigadier of the day, will give his orders to the Field Officers of the day, at what time he would have them to go the visiting, and grand rounds; and half an hour before day, order all the guards to be under arms, and properly posted—visit the out-posts—see that the guards are properly placed, and that every thing is in good order, for defence, in case of an attack. All Officers commanding Guards, are to report to the Brigadier of the day, who is to report to the Commander in Chief. The Guards, to be made up on the grand-parade are, Letchmore point, Cobblehill, plough’d-Hill, White-house, Main Guard on Prospect-hill, the South, North and middle Redoubts, Letchmore’s point bridge, and the Main Guard for Cambridge, and Winter-hill—All other Guards are to be sent from the Brigade-parades, (the Quarter Guards of the Regiments excepted) who are paraded on their regimental parades.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 27 February 1776
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Camp Before Quebec Febry 27th 1776

I wrote you the 14th Ulto of Our Situation and prospects, since which nothing of Consequence has Occured, here, The Enemy to the number of abt five hundred have twice Sallied out at Pallace Gate, with Design of seizeing our Field peices, (near the Nunnery) but On Our Troops, Advanceing to Attack them, they made a precipitate retreat, under Cover of their guns—Desertions from the Garrison are frequent by which we learn they are much distres’d for Fuell & must soon Burn their Houses, & Ships—Two Officers taken At St Johns were lately sent with a flagg to the Walls, with a View of geting their familys at liberty, but Were refused admittance, which I am told by several Deserters incensed the Inhabitants very much, and Caused a great uneasiness in the Garrison, who I beleive begin to grow heartily tired of Salt Provissions and Confinement. We have received a reinforcemt, of Four hundred Men, many are daily comeing in I hope in the Course of this month we shall have four Or Five thousand Men—I am fearfull we shall Not be supplied with Shott, Shells Mortars &c. I am therefore prepareing Ladders, for an Assault If necessary—the extensiveness of the works I think will render their Defence impracticable.
I have this minute the Pleasure of your favour of the 27th Ulto, I am greatly Obliged to you for your good wishes, and the Concern, you express for me. Sensable of the Vast Importance of this Country, you may be assured my utmost exertions will not be wanting to effect your wishes, in adding It, to the United Colonies, I am fully of your Opinion, that the Ballance will turn in whose favour it belongs The repeated Successes of Our Raw, undisiplined Troops Over the Flower of the British Army, the many, unexpected and remarkable Occurrences in Our favour Are plain proofs of the Overruleing hand of Providence And Justly Demands Our warmest gratitude to Heaven which I make no Doubt will Crown Our Virtuous efforts with success. No Doubt Administration will exert themselves in sending a

large Force this way in the Spring, but if we are fortunate enough to Reduce the City before they arive, I make no Doubt of keeping it, as we shall have the Intrest of the Country in general to which the raiseing Two Regiments of Canadians (which Congress have Ordered) will Not a little Conduce.
I am sorry to inform you Notwithstanding every precaution that could be used the Small Pox has, Crept in among the Troops, we have near One hundred Men in the Hospital, in General it is favourable, very few have died, I have Moved the Inhabitants of the Vicinity of Quebec Into the Country, and hope to prevent it’s spreading Any further.
The Severity of the Climate the Troops, very Illy Clad, & worse paid, the Trouble of Reconceleing matters among the Inhabitants, and Lately, an uneasiness among some of the New York, & other officers, who think themselves neglected In the new Arangement, while, those who deserted the Cause and went home last fall have ben promoted In short the Choice of Difuculties I have had to Encounter has, rendered it so very perplexing that I have often ben at a loss how to Conduct Matters.
As General Schuylers Ill state of health will not permit his Comeing this Way, I was in hopes Genl Lee, or some Experienced Officer, would have ben sent to take the Command here, the Service requires a Person of greater Abilities, and experience, than I can pretend too Genl Wooster writes me his Intention of Comeing Down here, I am afraid he will Not be able to Leave Montreal.
I have the pleasure to inform you my wound is Intirely healed, and I am able to hobble about my Room, tho my leg is a little Contracted & weak. I hope soon to be fit for Action We are waiting, impatiently, expecting to hear of Some Capital Blow, being struck with you.
I beg my Comps. to the Gentn of your Family, and am with great respect & Esteem Dr General Your Obedt and Very Humble Svt

B. Arnold


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Cambridge Feby 27th 1776.

Last Night I received your Favor of the 14th Instant by Mr Bennet, inclosing a general Return of the Artillery & Military Stores in our possession in Canada.
It gives me great pleasure to hear that you are improving in your Health, before long I sincerely hope you will be so recovered as to be able to go to the Army in Canada, where I am convinced you are much wanted, and wou’d be of the highest Service at this important Crisis; I doubt not of there being a good Deal of Confusion and Disorder in that Quarter: which I flatter myself wou’d in a great Measure subside and be composed by your presence. It is natural enough that Mr Walker’s Resentment should be up for the Wrongs he has suffered; It is incident to Humanity, but yet the passions of Individuals ought never to prevail so far as to injure the State.
I am sorry to find that the Quantity of Artillery and Military Stores is so small and inconsiderable as appears by the Return, I had hoped that you were better provided with the former, and also with much more Ammunition than what you have, particularly powder and that the Distresses no where else were equal to mine for Want of this capital Necessary—Wou’d Fortune but give you possession of Quebec, then wou’d our Wants be mostly supplied—May she smile propitious and your virtuous Struggles be crowned with Success—The Reduction of this Fortress would be attended with Consequences of the most happy and salutary Nature to our great Cause, and as General Arnold with a Handful of Men has been able to maintain the Blockade, I look forward with a pleasing Confidence to the Day when you being properly reinforced will oblige it to surrender.
We have just compleated a large and strong Work on Letchmore’s point, opposite to New Boston, and are about to take post on the Heights of Dorchester, with a View of drawing the Enemy out—These Heights will command a large part of the Town and almost the whole Harbour and give us an Opportunity of distressing the Enemy whenever we may be properly provided with Necessaries for carrying on a Cannonade and Bombardment—If any Thing will induce General Howe to risk an Engagement it will be this: I am determined to do every

Thing in my power to bring on one, and that as soon as possible. How far my views may be answered Time must determine.
When I sent Colonel Knox in pursuit of Artillery I did not design that you should have been disfurnished—I only meant that he should have brought from Canada such Ordnance as you could conveniently spare; but from your Letter and the Return, I am led to think that you are in Want—I have been informed that General Lee hath lately secured a large Number of heavy Cannon & Shot that were at New York from whence I imagine you may get a Supply of what you want—If you cannot and there is any Thing that you want—which you cannot be supplied with elsewhere, if you will acquaint me, I will most readily give you every Assistance in my power & deem myself happy if I can contribute to relieve your Necessities in any Manner. I am Dr Sir with great Regard Your aff: humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 27 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir,
Cambridge 27th Feb: 1776.

We were falsely Alarmed a while ago with an Acct of the Regulars coming over from the Castle to Dorchester—Mr Baylor whom I immediately sent of is just returnd with a contradiction of it. But as a rascally Riffle man went in last Night & will no doubt give all the Intelligence he can, wd it not be prudent to keep Six or Eight trusty men by way of Lookouts or Patrols to Night on the point next the Castle as well as on Nuke Hill. At the same time ordering particular Regimts to be ready to March at a Moments warning to the Heights of Dorchester; For should the Enemy get Possession of those Hills before us they would render it a difficult task to dispossess them—better it is therefore to prevent than remedy an evil. I am Yr Most Obedt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 28 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 28th 1776
Parole Harrison.Counter-sign Lynch.

The commanding General at Roxbury, will as soon as possible, establish a detail of duty at that post, as similar to that in Yesterdays Orders, as the circumstances of his command will admit; which, when fix’d, is to be transmitted to the Commander in Chief, for his inspection and approbation.
The Brigadiers General to take especial care, that all the regiments belonging to their respective brigades know their Alarm posts, that they may instantly repair to them in case of alarm.
As the guards are most of them, increased, the Sentries are to be increased in proportion.
A Communication must be made, and kept up, between post and post; that the rounds and patroles may pass conveniently in the night.
As the roads are so extremely dirty, and the ground so unsettled, his Excellency orders the Guards, until further orders,

to be paraded in the same manner, and upon the same parade, as they were this morning.


Title: From George Washington to Phillis Wheatley, 28 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Wheatley, Phillis

Mrs Phillis,
Cambridge February 28th 1776.

Your favour of the 26th of October did not reach my hands ’till the middle of December. Time enough, you will say, to have given an answer ere this. Granted. But a variety of important occurrences, continually interposing to distract the mind and withdraw the attention, I hope will apologize for the delay, and plead my excuse for the seeming, but not real, neglect.
I thank you most sincerely for your polite notice of me, in the elegant Lines you enclosed; and however undeserving I may be of such encomium and panegyrick, the style and manner exhibit a striking proof of your great poetical Talents. In honour of which, and as a tribute justly due to you, I would have published the Poem, had I not been apprehensive, that, while I only meant to give the World this new instance of your genius, I might have incurred the imputation of Vanity. This, and nothing else, determined me not to give it place in the public Prints.
If you should ever come to Cambridge, or near Head Quarters, I shall be happy to see a person so favourd by the Muses, and to whom nature has been so liberal and beneficent in her dispensations. I am, with great Respect, Your obedt humble servant,

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 29 February 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Cambridge Feby 29. 1776

In Pursuance of General Orders, I Visited the Guards on Yesterday, beginning at Cambridge Main Guard, from thence to the Store Magazine Main Guard at Winter Hill, Plowd Hill, White House, Main Guard on prospect Hill, Cobble Hill, Leichmears point, & Bridge, & North Redoubt found the Guards in good Order Save at Leichmears point Bridge, where the proper Guard had not been mounted, and One Subaltern one Serjeant One Corporal & 50 privates had been sent from the Guard on the point, I gave the Guards Directions for the Night; Orderd the Grand Rounds, at Twelve, Visiting Rounds, at half past three, and patroles between each Relief, Field Officers of the Day report, that they found in the Night, Guards Vigilant, & Sentinels Alert—Nothing Extraordinary has Happened.

W. Heath Brigadier Genl of the Day


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Poucher, 29 February 1776
From: Poucher, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sr
Ipswich [Mass.] February 29th 1776

I Take the Freedom To inform Your Excellency at this Time by writeing, (being Sensible of your Candour by information) that for Some months past, I have had the Care of providing for a Number of prisioners of war Committed To this Goal by proper authority for which Service I Charged the Colonies Six Shillings pr week For Each of Them in Two former accompts heretofore Presented To the Honourable Generll Court of this Colony for allowance who has Been pleased To allow me but five Shillings pr week for that Service which Sum is Less Than I Can by any means afforde it for—I am very Farr from inhansing the prizes of any Thing to that Degree as to Be oppressive To my Dr Curtrymen in This Day of Destress. I only Desire to have my outsets made Good and Some proper allowance for the Expence of my Time in the affair which I apprehend the Six Shillings will Scarcely Doo—wherefore I would intreat the favour of your Excellencys Laying the inclosed before the Honorble House To Whome it is Directed and use your influence in Geeting The Same allowed if your Excellency Shall apprehend the Same to be Consistent with Reason & not injurious To the publick Cause for which we are So justly Contending—with all possible Regards I Subscrib mySelf your Excellencys most obedient and very Humble Servant

Joseph Poucher


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 29 February 1776
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Febry 29th 1776

Your Letters of the 5th and 8th Inst. are come to hand—I shoud be much better Satisfy’d if you woud give Possitive direction in many things, rather than leave me in a State of uncertainty

which of the methods you point out woud be most agreeable to you, as I woud wish to do that which I thought woud best please—with regard to Building a House or Houses, upon diffecult for the reception of your Household Furniture—I am at present much embarast—it plainly appears to me that you rather lean towards that plan of Buildg such as wou’d suit for a millers House and Granary—in case they shoud here after be a mill erected there. now Sir to do this there are several things to be consider’d—first a mill wright who is to point out the proper place for fixg the mill House, other wise the Houses may be so place’d as not to answer the End proposed—secondly that such Houses will require well season’d plank—and not a little of it, and that the worck might not be to do twice over, they shoud be underpin’d with Brick or Stone, with a Chimney of the same for the one design’d for the dwelg house, lime perhaps not readily got. the length of time it woud require to Build such Houses, and after all there is the greatest probability to believe, that notwithstandg the greatest precaution yet these Houses may be so place’d as not to answer the purpose proposed, for a person of the greatest foresight cannot tell what will suit him some years hence, to say nothing of there being placed so near the road, which to me is a very great objection, beside, perhaps you may never Want such Houses, for I have heard you say unless you coud rent the Mill you shoud not think of Bui[l]dg one, and from the present appearance of things there is very little propbability of doing a thing of that sort—On the Other Hand to Build Houses that will answer the other purpose proposed, the expence will not be great for the one designed for the Man to live in, who is to take Charge of the Goods, may be Built of Logs &C.—and the one for the Goods m[a]y be made a Strong House without runing to all that expence necassary for a granary, Sufficient for a Mill—at any rate I cannot get these Houses Built time enough to put your goods in, for you are to consider this is the first of march—I must first move your effects to some other place and after to Difficult. I told you in a former letter I purposed to move them to Mrs Barnes, and morrises Barn. as yet I have moved nothing, altho I have many things pack’d ready for moveg. the sendg of the Goods to Chichesters House in Fauquer will not answer. his own Furniture is still in it, for the House he lives in, in this County is very small not sufficient to

hold any thing scarcly—shoud he take it into his head to return to Fauquier (which is not unlikely) there woud be some other place to look out to put them in, I got a letter from him a few Days past offerg the Use of a Barn which he has where he now lives—I shall call upon him in my way up to Difficult. I shoud be glad to store your wine with him or Mr Fairfax—for I do not like to be moveg that several times.
With regard to Shiping Your Corn or Flour to New England—If I coud have got a Vessle, I shoud have Ship’d it, before this either there, or to some other place for I see no prospect of sellg it here—I was upon a Bargain with a new england man to furnish him with 4000 Bushels of Corn at 8/ pr Barrel—but while he was deliberateg whether it was not rather too high a price to give, a Maryland gentleman or two offerd to supply him for 8/ maryland Currency.
Mr Hooe Advises me to send it, to one of the French Islands in the West Indias, he thinks the Risque in going there not so great as in going to the above, the prices equal if not much better—however there is one argument in favour of new england, which is that after you had run the risque of the Cargo outwards, there woud be no danger of the remittance as it might be paid to you, whereas the remittance from the West Indias woud run as great a Risque in comeing safe to hand as the Cargo did in going there. there is no Vessle to be had for either port.
I shall plant the Locust Trees as you direct the distance between the Kitchen and Store is not sufficient for 4 trees two well grown Locusts will be fully enough—in mentiong putg a tree betwe⟨en⟩ the Store and smoke House, and that and the Hen House, and so on, you are not so particular as I coud wish for I am at a loss whether to put them between the Houses, in the Center of the Gable Ends, or to range them with the sides—I shall do the latter, on the side next the garden, if it is wrong they may be moved hereafter.
Cleveland has not come near me since he sett of for the Courts of Battetourt and Fincastle—if Stevens comes to me I shall get him to go to these Courts—I have sent for him—Cleveland I am told has turn’d Politition and is setg all Loudon to gether by the Ears, the Consequence of which will be I hope the loss of his life for I woud wish every Damn’d Vilian who

meddles in matters he knows nothing off, may get Hang’d—He says the Tennants shoud pay no Rents—the pay of officers and Soldiers shoud be the same, or what woud be still better they shoud not be paid at all, there is no inducement for a poor Man to Fight, for he has nothing to defend, let us go and Fight the Battle at once, and not be Shilly Shally, in this way, until all the Poor, people are ruined—and such like Stuff that vexes me even to relate—I suppose the first Battle we have in this part of the Country will be in Loudon, against General Cleveland for he has the Honour of being at the head of the Party—The Regiment that I mentiond to you which was to be Stationd at Alexandria the Comittee of Safety in their great wisdom, has thought fit to order to Dumfries, it being lookd up as a much properer place, and I suppose much more exposed to danger it is true they are Buying up Provisions bringing down Cannon, from Winchester and other places, Buildg Vessles &C.—all which are in, and about Alexandria, but these are trifles and not worth defendg, which I suppose was the Reason why the Regiment did not come here—Mr Charles Washington is to Furnish that Regiment with Liquors—He has applyd to me for your Markee and says were you here you woud chearfully lend it to him—I once wrote to you to let me sell it, George Mason jnr Wanted to purchase it, but you never answerd that part of my letter—it appears to me to be but very Crazy—and several small Holes in it, Milldue’d &C.—I am very Sorry Mr Washington has apply’d for it, I do not like to lend it.
After Putg a Frame in the well we did contrive to get it Brick’d up so that we shall not have another to Dig, the wall is Brought up very Straight and plumb.
The Prospect for wheat at present is but poor we have had a Cold, Wet, & Frozen Winter without any Snow—I have sold 6 Hhds of your Rum which is all you have to sell—it took one Hhd to full up those 6 and rather more. one was Broach’d when it first Come and part of it Use’d, 60 Gallons or there abouts I let the Oversears have out of it, and 18 Gallons I put in a Hhd which I have kept for you—three Mr Custis had and one you remember was drawn of by some rogue or other, which makes up the 13 Hhds you had by the Former I sold it at 5/ pr Gallon ready money but it has so happend that £10 of [it] is still unpaid—but I expect to get it. The family in general are pretty

Well—our Spin[nin]g goes on as well as can be expected—our Spinners being auckward and young—we guess that we have thread spun sufficient to make 3 or 4 Hundred yds of Linnen—Milly over in the Neck is sick the Dr thinks her Liver is effected and she a little Dropsical—Wally is almost a Cripple with a pain in his Back—it is suppose his Kidneys are disorderd. I am exceedingly Sorry to hear of your troubles and Vexation, I hope they are near an End—let not your affairs in this part of the world add to them I will do the Best I can—as yet things go on as formerly and I hope will continue to do so—My Best respects to Mrs Washington Mr & Mrs Custis—and my other acquaintances with you and believe my Dr Sir your affectionate Humble servt

Lund Washington


Title: General Orders, 1 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 1st 1776
Parole Arnold.Countersign Chace.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 1 March 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

[1 March 1776]. “As General Officer of the Day Yesterday, I Visited the Guards in all Advanced Posts Between Cambridge and Mystick Rivers, and the Main Guards at Cambridge, Prospect & Winter Hill. I found the Guards Vigilant & the Sentries Alert.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 1 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir
Camp at Cambridge 1st Mar. [1776]

A Gentleman or two from Maryland, having some business of Importance to negotiate at the Lines, have applied for, & been refused leave to attend personally; but I have indulged them in letting Colo. Mifflin go; a meeting with whom being desird by Major Small, on some business he thinks, relative to the Prisoners at Philadelphia.

Let none but the Officer of the Guard, or one of your Aids go down with Colo. Mifflin. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

Gridley & Baldwin Notice of this that I may not be detaind when I come down.


Title: General Orders, 2 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 2nd 1776
Parole Neilson.Countersign Adams.

Upon any Alarm Col. Patterson’s regiment, is immediately to repair to Letchmore’s point, leaving one Capt. two Subs., two Serjeants and fifty Rank & File, in the work leading to the bridge.
Col. Bond’s Regiment is instantly to march to Cobble-hill; and Col. Sergeants Regiment to the north, middle, and south

redoubts—This is to be considered as a standing order, until countermanded.
Genl Heath’s, Sullivan’s, Green’s, and Fry’s brigades are in rotation, to march a Regiment, an hour before day, every morning, into the works on Letchmores point and Cobble hill—Five Companies of which to go to the former, and three to the latter, they are to remain in the works until sun-rise.
The Field Officers for the Guards at Letchmores point, Cobble & plough’d Hill, are to consist of Lt Colonels & Majors, as those for the day are Colonels.
The commanding Officers of Regiments, who have neglected to see their men supplied with Fascines, are immediately to order every Non-commission’d Officer and Soldier, to provide one good Fascine, which is to be put under a Sentry of the Quarter Guard of the regiment.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 2 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir,
Cambridge 2d March—76. Saturday Evening

After weighing all Circumstances of Tide &ca—& considering the hazard of having the Posts on Dorchester Neck taken by the Enemy, & the evil consequences which would result from it, the Gentlemen here, are of Opinion that we should go on there Munday Night. I give you this Early notice of it, that you may delay no time in preparing for it, as every thing here will be got in readiness to co-operate—In haste I am Sr Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

Remember ⟨the⟩ Barrels.


Title: General Orders, 3 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 3rd 1776
ParoleCountersign

No Officer, or Soldier, under any pretence, is to be absent from his post, without leave in writing from his Brigadier General, who is not to grant liberty of running backwards & forwards, from hence to Roxbury, but in very especial cases.
As it is not unlikely but a contest may soon be brought on, between the ministerial Troops, and this Army; The General flatters himself, that every Officer, and Soldier, will endeavour to give, such distinguish’d proofs of his conduct, and good behaviour, as becomes men, fighting for every thing that is dear, and valuable to Freemen; remembering at the same time what disgraceful punishment will attend a contrary behaviour—Every man’s conduct will be mark’d and rewarded, or punished accordingly, and Cowardice in a most exemplary manner—The Colonels, or commanding Officers of regiments are to see that their several Regiments are properly told off, and the supernumerary Officers so posted as to keep the men to their

duty; particular care is to be taken to prevent their firing at too great a distance, as one Fire well aim’d does more execution than a dozen at long-shot.
All wood cutting parties &c., are to join their respective regiments until further orders—The Qr Mr General may draw the Carbines out of the Commissary’s Stores, and put them into the hands of the Carpenters, or such others, as he shall think will use them to the best advantage, taking care to return them when called for—All Arms in store, fit for use, may be deliver’d out to the Adjutant General’s order.
The Brigadiers are to see, that the Arms in their several Brigades, are disposed of to the best advantage, placing them in the hands only of such men, as are fitest for duty, and that the Spears are used, as occasion shall require, to supply the defect of arms.
As it has been suggested to the General that many of the towns-people &c. influenced by a zeal for the cause of their country, are inclined to throw aid, in case the Army should be called to action—The General desires that they will, (to prevent any kind of confusion, or disorder) join different Companies, in the several regiments, as they shall choose; or form themselves into a distinct Corps, under Officers of their own choosing, and put themselves under the immediate command of some Brigadier, that they may not be considered, or act, as an independent company.
Two Companies of Col. Thompsons Riffle Regiment, are to march to morrow-evening, to Roxbury with their Blankets, Arms & three days provisions ready dressed; The Officer commanding the party will receive his orders from the Adjutant General.
Colonel Huchinson’s and Col. French’s regiments, are to march to Roxbury by sun-rise, on Tuesday morning, with their Blankets, Arms, and three days provisions ready dress’d.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Babcock, 3 March 1776 [letter not found]
From: Babcock, Henry
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Colonel Henry Babcock, 3 Mar. 1776. Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Babcock on 4 Mar.: “I am commanded by his Excellency to Acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the third Instant, and to Inform you that Col. Putnam is sick, and that Operations of such Importance are now carrying on here, that It is not in his power to spare you an Engineer or any men from these Incampments” (DLC:GW).