Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 24 November 1778
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    Pumton [N.J.] 24th November 1778

I send you a return of the men inlisted In Genl Woodfords Bregade since the recruiting orders came out—I expect Genl Woodford forgot to leave orders with me to make Returns of this kind, or I should have paid particuler attention to it—youl see the number very small the men are exceedingly backward—for my part I have used every Method in my power, and I thought I had a peculier turn that way—I made use of active sergents but to no purpose—Numbers would engage if thay could get furloughs to go home, and Never the less the high bounty offered, few I fear will inlist without that indulgence, a numbers of them are waiting an answare to this—I Recd your Excellencys instructions respecting the cloathg brought on by colo. Febiger, have accordingly Devided the shirts Blankett and linnen among the three Bregades that is, proportion’d them—the jacketts and breaches, I purpose sending to philadelphia, as the rest of the Virga stores are at that place.
Colo. Davis wrote to me to send some of them on to west point for the draughts who he said was almost Naked, but that I could Not Comply with without particuler order.
We are exceedingly distress’d in this place for provender, altho the place abounds with it—the people are in genl are disefected, and are well acquented with an act of this state—that nothing is to be taken from them without thair consent.

  sixty four waggons with milletery stores pass’d through this place yesterday thay could not get any thing for thair horses, thay apply’d to me but I could get Nothing for them. I have the Honor to be your obedient and Very Hble servt

  Danl Morgan


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 24 November 1778
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Cambridge [Mass.] November 24th 1778

I am to return you my thanks for appointing Colonel Bland to conduct the Troops of Convention to Virginia—The acknowledged good Character and humane Qualities of that Officer cannot fail of proving of the utmost advantage to the Troops, and I have given every possible Instruction and order that may lead to good Conduct from them and to aid the good purposes of Your Excellencys directions to Colonel Bland.
I have made much enquiry concerning the Country into which we are going, and I hear that, although numerous and opulent in Inhabitants and rich in Culture, there are not Towns or Villages containing Houses for the Troops to quarter in—I take for granted, therefore, that Barracks are ordered to be built, and as Wood and other Materials are on the Spot, I am taught to believe there will not be any delay or difficulty in Constructing Barracks—I cannot, however, avoid being Solicitous and anxious about the Welfare of the Troops, and should greatly wish to know if they are to be preserved in two Bodies, British and German, or are to be dispersed in Virginia—The ordering Clothing and Supplies of Necessarys with Stores of Wine and other Articles of life required by the Troops will depend so entirely on the knowledge of our Situation that I most earnestly request you will have the goodness to communicate, as far as Your Excellency may judge proper, what is to be the Situation of the Troops of Convention in Virginia.
  I have been detained here on Account of Money for our Troops but shall now proceed on my Rout, and as I hear there is a better road

    than that taken by the Troops I should wish to be allowed to use it under any Parole Your Excellency shall direct me to Sign.
  I shall send on an Officer to Your Head Quarters, Sir, at the time I set out on my Journey and by him I will request to have an Answer to this letter. I have the honour to be, Sir, With great personal <Respect> Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant

  W. Phillips


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 24 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

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

Your favour of the 15th by Count Kolkowski, I received a few days since—If I have a right idea of your situation at Rosecrantz it will fulfil the object intended. Coles Fort appeared a good position for covering a considerable part of the frontier; but any place in the vicinity of it, will answer the purpose as well; and as the circumstances you mention, make that particular spot inconvenient on the score of subsistence, You will either remain where you are or choose for yourself such other position in the neighbourhood as appears to you best adapted to the accommodation of your corps.
The motives which incline you to leave this country, at the present juncture, are laudable—When you have arranged the affairs of your corps, you have my consent to go to Philadelphia as you propose. I assure you Sir, I have a high sense of your merit and services and the principles that influenced the part you have taken in the affairs of this country. The disinterested and unremitted zeal you have manifested in the service gives you a title to the esteem of the citizens of America, and have assured you mine.
I gave Count Kolkowski a letter to Congress in which I communicated your request.
I have ordered Col. Spencer with his regiment—Col. Armand with his corps and Capt. Schot with a party under his command to join you as speedily as possible; The more effectually to enable you, or the officer commanding to repel any attempts of the enemy in the quarter where you are.
As you have signified to me your intention to return to Europe immediately, I have ordered Brigadier General Hand to repair to Minisinck and take the command. I am with great consideration Sir Your most Obedt ser.

  G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 24 November 1778
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Danbury [Conn.] 24th Novr 1778. 8 OClock P:M:

On the 22nd Inst. I Receiv’d your Excellencys two Letters of the 20th. They found me at Farmington, to which place I had March’d from Hartford with Pattersons and Learneds Brigades. On making enquiry I found that Genl Poor, with his Brigade, had not reach’d the front of the Convention Troops, but had only fallen in with the fifth and last Division, which on the night of the 22nd Inst. Lodged at new Hartford. As it would be greatly out of Genl Poors way to march round by Fish Kill, and as the Convention Troops proceeded without any difficulty; I advised with Gnl Patterson and concluded to send Col: Badlams Regt from Learneds Brigade to Relieve Genl Poor, whom I orderd to take the most conveniant Rout to this place. Col: Badlam will conduct the Convention Troops to fish Kill, and Gnl Poor will March from New Hartford, thro’ Litchfield to this place.
I arrived here this Evening at which place I wait your Excellency’s orders.
I should be glad to be inform’d whither it is expected by your Excellency, that those Officers and Soldiers, who go home on furlough, should draw their Rations while in the Country, as when in Camp, which they did the last year and which occation’d much difficulty. I am with great Respect Dear sir, Your Most Obedt Servt

  Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler and Brigadier General Edward Hand, 24 November 1778
From: Schuyler, Philip,Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Saratoga [N.Y.] Novr 24th 1778

  It appears to us that Effectually to Check the Incursions of the Enemy on our Frontiers, would require a force much superior to that which your Excellency has pointed at in your Letters to us, and a Season less Severe than the present, but we conceive It would render the Savages less Inclined to continue their Hostilities against us, If they should find us Able to penetrate to some of their Settlements In the Course of the Winter, & as the Dispotition which your Excelly has already made of the Troops mentioned In your Letters favours an Attack on Chamong we Conceive that about 1000 men exclusive of Officers, Drivers &ca drawn from the different Posts may be sufficient to reduce that place & the Settlements between it and Onehoghkevage assoon as the Rivers and Swamps shall be rendered passable by the Frost which will probably be about the beginning

    of January. Preparations will therefore be made If your Excellency approves, to March about that time; It is proposed that the Troops from this Quarter and those from Minisinks and Rochester should form a Junction at Tuundilla and proceed from thence to Chemong.
If this Expedition takes place the Troops now on their March should be kept at Albany & Schanectaday untill the whole are ready to move.
Should your Excellency disapprove an Attempt on Chamong at the time we propose, we are utterly at a loss how to dispose of the Troops so as to put it in their power to support each other, & at the same time cover the Inhabitants of this very extensive Frontier. We are Sir with Great Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servants

    Ph: Schuyler

  Edwd Hand


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 24 November 1778
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Saratoga [N.Y.] November 24th 1778

  On the 21st I had the honor to receive your Excellencys favor of the 16th Instant. General Hand will transmit the result of our deliberations on the Subject recommended to our attention I have not as yet been able to see the persons mentioned In my last to have returned from Canada They have promised to be with me towards the latter end of the Week. I have six Indians now with me who left Canada about the 30th ult: they Inform me that the Enemy have a Small post Occupied by fifty men at point-au-fer, that the troops at Isle-au-noix amount to about four hundred, that <half> that number Garrison St Johns, that there are very few at Montreal, that they are Constructing a fort Near the mouth of Sorrel on the Spot where General Sullivan proposed to make a stand in 1776, that The whole num<ber> of troops In Canada from the best Information they could procure do not exceed four thousand Including Tories And the Garrisons of Oswegatchie and Niagera, that the Enemy are apprehensive of a visit from us In the Course of the winter And that All the Cannon they could Spare from St Johns & Isle au noix have been Carried down the Sorrel for the fort erecting there or to be sent to Quebec.
  In the letter which I had the honor to Adress you before I left Camp I think I Suggested that It would be proper to make a lodgement on

    the west side of Lake Champlain near Isle-au-noix, at which place I conceived we might prevent the enemys naval force from Ascending the lake and from whence we might Enter the Inhabitated part of Canada leaving Isle-au-noix and St Johns on the right If their reduction should be found Impracticable In winter, the Indians now with me from Canada as well as some who left It In Summer declare that a Cart road is already made from St Johns to river La Cole which is on this side of Isle au noix, and that the road Also goes down To the latter place, that the lake is not Above four hundred yards wide at the place where I thought post might be taken That the opposite shore is sunken ground generally covered with water. I have the honor to be with the greatest Esteem and respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

  Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 24 November 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Elizabeth Town [N.J.] Novr 24: 1778

I received your Excellency’s letter of the 19th. with my letter of the 21st, I sent your Excellency the best account I then had of the troops in the different Embarkations & those remaining at New York and its dependencies, I was in hopes of receiveg before this time a very Accurate account of every Corps remaining, but I find I can not have it till tomorrow or Next day, and tho’ I have little to inform your Excellency of I would not delay Writeing longer.
  I have ever Since I have been in this State had particular Attention to the Law for preventing trade with the Enemy, and have Carried it into Execution in every Instance I have known of its being invaded; as to any Spies of mine having abused the priveledge of Carrying on a Small trade to Cover the purposes of their going in and out, I have reason, after the Strictest enquiry, to belive that it is a Mistake; however many people do Suppose, or Affect to Suppose the Contrary; and some popularity hunters have been Clamorous about it; among the rest Doctr Burnet lately told General Maxwell that there was a

    wonderfull great trade Carried on over Bergen Neck to Newark, and this so Confidently that I began to belive that some foul play was going by forged passes, for I knew I had not granted but one, and that at the Special Instance of Mr Elisha Boudinot, to a Man he said was recommended Also by the Doctor. I therefore Called upon the Dr to furnish me with an Account in Writeing of every Circumstance he knew or Could Collect relative to the Matter, this he has done in a long letter giveing me an Account of many Instances which happened last Summer & the Summer before last, not mentioning an Instance haveing happened Since I came into the State excepting one, which was while I was up at Equakan<ock> and this at the permission of his good freind Mr Elisha Boudinot, (by what Authority I know not) for some wedding Cloaths for his Bride; which however were Seized and Sold According to Law, and the poor Bride put under the Mortifi cation of being Married in her Old Cloaths. This the Doctor affects to belive is Suffic<ient> Evidence of a very great Trade being Carried on at present. But in order to render every thing of the kind impossible, I have put an end to every Intercourse thro’ New Ark and every other post but one, where it is under the Inspection of two Gentlemen whose honor I can depend on.
  I have ordered Colonel Moylens Regiment of horse to be Collected and held in readin<ess> to Move to Winter Quarters, I have delayed ordering them to March untill some other horse relives them or that the last embarkation of the Enemy’s Troops go to Sea, for as Matters are at present it is neither Safe nor Consistent with the Several Duties your Excellency expects of me to be without horse.
The Transports with the troops in the third Column of the paper I sent your Excellency remain Still at the Watering place the troops all on Board. It is said they are waiting the return of an Express from Rhode Island. there are preparations at New York for further embarkations and from Circumstances I think it now looks more like a total evacuation than ever. the Advertizement by Govr Brown in the third Column of the third page of Rivington’s paper of 21st enclosed effectually stops the Mouth of all Clamorous tories, an Assylum is Offered and its their own fault if they dont Accept of it. I am your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant

  Stirling,


Title: General Orders, 25 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Fredericksburgh [N.Y.] Wednesday Novr 25th 78.
    Parole OldhamC. Signs Oakly—Orkney.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 25 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bayley, Jacob

    Sir
    [Fredericksburg, N.Y., 25 November 1778]

Your favor of the 5th Inst. was presented me by your son.
  The continuance of the enemy in this quarter—the hazard we should run by detaching from the army—the condition of our supplies <in> your quarter which fall infinitely short of what I was led to expect with some other weighty considerations, make it necessary to suspend the expedition to Canada for this winter. But as I do not give up the idea of an enterprise at a more convenient season & under more favorable circumstances you will still exert yourself in obtaining an exact state of the enemies affairs and strength particularising their Regiments & corps, with the general temper of the Canadians.
The further procuring of Snow shoes with such articles as are only wanted in a winter expedition may be totally discontinued—But you may still assist in promoting, and encreasing the magazines of flour in the places formerly marked out, to be ready when it shall be judged proper to reassume the expedition.
It would there is no doubt, be a desirable thing to have a quantity of provision laid up in Canada, in the manner you propose—but Should we encourage the frenchman wch you mention, in this way it might serve only to point to our objects, and give the enemy an early alarm—This makes me rather hesitate on the propriety of employing him, even supposing his fidelity certain—He may however be used to answer other intentions (such as giving information)—at least till we are more determined on the expedition.
  I am really unwilling to incur and accumulate the debt of the Continent by doing any thing at present towards cloathing the Indians you speak of—The[y] must not however by a total neglect be

    suffered to get too much out of humor—you may furnish them with provisions—and must endeavour to preserve a good understanding, by civil treatment & without running into unnecessary expence.
It is not in my power at present to make you a remittance of the silver Dollars in your account; but I have drawn on the military chest for, 5,000 Dollars which is put into the hands of your Son.
You will be pleased to persevere in clearing the road so long as the weather will admit of such duty.
As to appointing an issuing Commissary in your quarter, it is a matter which rests with the Commissary general. But at present there is no such officer necessary, when he is wanted I would suppose there will be no objection to the gentleman you mention. I am Sir &

  G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Bedel, 25 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bedel, Timothy

    Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 25 Novr 1778

I have recd yours of the 5th inst. by Capt. Bailey to whom I paid the money due to himself and his two Officers for the time they were detained in Canada.
Colo. Wheelock is gone to Congress to represent the State of your Regiment and to endeavour to get it put upon some proper establishment. If that should be done there will be no further difficulties in procuring pay and Cloathing with regularity.
As an expedition into Canada is a thing of much uncertainty, at least as to time, I would not have you engage any of the Indians at present. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 25 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzhugh, William

    Dear Sir,
    Fredericksburg in the State of New YorkNovr 25th 1778.

Your favor of the 24th Ulto by Captn Lewis came safe to hand, but was a good while on its passage, as he came no further than Bristol, where he met the shattered remains of Baylors Regiment—to which he belongs.

  In addition to the common loss on this occasion, I felt particularly for you and Mrs Fitzhugh, on Acct of the captivity of your Son—but, it is the common misfortune of War; and he has youth—health—& spirits to support him in confinement—and I may add a good deal of company, for associates. I have no doubt of her acquiescence.
A proposition has been made by Sir Henry Clinton for a general Exchange of Prisoners—it is now under consideration of Congress—if acceded to, your Son will soon be released—at any event, if you put your Letter of credit into a proper channel of conveyance, to take the benefit of a flag to the Enemys Lines there is no doubt of its getting to hand in time, as present appearances rather favor the possession, than evacuation of New York.
The Enemy have detached a very respectable body of Troops from New York for (I have no doubt)—the West Indies—these Sailed the third Instt—another body of abt 2500 had Imbarked—but for some cause or other are detained & part relanded.
Byrons Fleet got a good deal shattered in the storms which happened the last of Octr & 11th Instt—The Somerset totally lost; & sevl other Ships of the Line dismasted that we know of; others may have perished. The French Fleet left Boston the 4th Instt, and if no accident happened to any of their ships the 11th; may, I think, have struck some great blow in the West Indies (whither I conclude it is gone) by this time; under the circumstances the British Squadron is now in—in port at Rhode Island & New York.
I have only to add my best respects to Mrs Fitzhugh—& to assure you that I am with great truth & sincerety—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 25 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

              Letter not found: to Nathanael Greene, 25 Nov. 1778. Greene’s letter to GW of 24 Nov. is docketed “ansd 25th.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 25 November 1778
From: Kalb, Johann
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Camp at Newburgh [N.Y.] Novr 25th 1778.

Agreeable to your Excellency’s orders, Col. Weltners whole regt & Baggage will march with one of the Divisions of the Convention Troops, now wait farther orders at Easton.
The first Division of the Prisoners is To cross the River this morning. Gl Smallwood with the first Brigade is actually moving to chester, & I shall march this instant with the Second Brigade (both very Small) to the Clove, to keep the Passages, at my arrival there I will write to Col. malcom to Aquaint him with our Position. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

  The Baron de Kalb


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 25 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, Daniel

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 25th Novemr 1778

You are to remain at Pompton untill the Rear Division of the Convention Troops has passed Chester on their Route to Sussex Court House. You are then to march to Middle Brook and receive directions from the Quarter Master General for the position of the Brigade under your command in the line of encampment. The Regiment sent to Hackinsack is to remain there till ordered off or releived. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

    Go: Washington

P.S. I have recd yours of the 24th: When the Virginia Brigades are all assembled at Middle Brook I will consider of the expediency of granting Furloughs to those who will reinlist.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 25 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 25 Novemr 1778

I am favd with yours of the 15th. According to my present Ideas and expectations my Quarters for the Winter will be at or near Middle Brook, at which place the Pennsylvania, Maryld and Virginia troops will be hutted. Should Mrs St Clairs ill state of health require your attention, after your Affair before Congress is determined, I shall have no objection to your remaining with her, while the situation of the Army, in respect to General Officers, will possibly admit of it.
The enemy, from appearances, seem to have given over all thoughts of evacuating New York this Winter. Reports say that a second embarkation, which had fallen down to the Hook, is returned. This is variously accounted for; but I do not think it at all improbable that the late disaster which has befallen Byrons fleet may have disconcerted their operations. We have heard of the loss and damage of five of his Capital ships. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Yrs.


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 25 November 1778
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

    Sir.
    Camp Fredg [N.Y.] Novr 25th 1778

  General Sullivan’s letter to your Excellency, I believe to contain much misrepresentation respecting the department, over which,

    I have the misfortune to preside. I therefore wish your Excellency would direct such an enquiry to be made into the matter, as will put it in a true light, the blame be rightly placed, and the parties concerned be dealt with according to their demerits.
In the interim to obviate the difficulty arising from stopping the flour said to be bought by Messieurs Clark & Nightingale, I propose they should make a return to Peter Colt Esq. D.C.G.P. at Hartford in the state of Connecticut of the several parcels; the persons purchased of; and the price given, and that he be directed to pay them for the same.
I will not trouble your Excellency with tedious remarks on Genl Sullivan’s letter; but beg your attention to Mr Flint’s Answer to his letter, which, the General says, “gave him no hope of relief ”—and to Colo. Champions letter herewith handed you. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most obedt & hbl. Srvt

  Jere. Wadsworth Com. Gen.


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 25 November 1778
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from Lund Washington, 25 Nov. 1778. On 17 Dec., GW wrote Lund Washington that he had received “your Letters of the 25th of last month and 2d of this.”


Title: Circular to Colonels of the Continental Light Horse, 26 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Colonels of the Continental Light Horse

    Sir.
    [Fredericksburg, N.Y., 26 Nov. 1778]

You will forthwith proceed to Durham, between Newhaven & hartford in the State of Connecticut, with your Regiment of Cavalry, where you are to fix your quarters for the winter.
In quartering the Regiment at Durham you will preserve as much compactness as the nature of the place will admit, that by having them all under your own eye, you may be able to keep up good discipline, and prevent dissipation and irregularity.
It is not designed that the Regiment should do ordinary duty, or be called out upon every common occasion—But in case of invasion, or the advance of the enemy, you are to obey the orders of General Putnam, and assist in giving them every opposition.
The horse are not to be made use of as hacks. The men should be strictly forbid riding them as such, and when discovered in the practice punished severely. Nor are they to be ordered by the officers on messages, or in the execution of any private purpose.
You will direct the utmost attention to the horse, that they may come into the field in the best possible condition for service.
Such of The arms and accoutrements of the Dragoons as are out of order are to be repaired—and every thing completed by next campaing.
You will regulate the furlowing of the officers of the Regiment by the rule established in the general order of the 2d Inst.

  No officer is to make use of the public horses and those who now use them are to discontinue the practice, unless there is a resolve of Congress in being, or till one can be obtained for this purpose.
The field officer is to be allowed forage for four horses only including his servants—A captain forage for 3 horses including his servants and a subaltern forage for two horses including his servants. Given &c. 26th Nvr 1778.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 26 November 1778
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir,
    Pokeepsie [N.Y.] 26th Novr 1778

It gives me Pain to trouble your Excellency with the inclosed Complaint against some Gentlemen in the Military Line and agreable to the Law of this State for regulating Impresses of Forage &ca to request that the Offender be delivered over to the Civil Magistrate. I am Dear Sir with the greatest <mutilated> & Regard Your most Obedt servt

  Geo: Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 26 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hand, Edward

    Sir,
    Head Quarters Fredericksburgh [N.Y.] Novem. 26th 1778

  When I first ordered troops to the Minisinks, Coles fort on the Delaware was recommended to me, as a proper place for them to be posted at, covering at the same time a part of the Frontier of New York, New Jersey and Pensylvania, agreeable to which, my directions to Count Pulaski were given. But the Count, on his arrival in that quarter, has represented to me, the impossibility of taking post at Coles Fort, that place and its environs having been desolated by the enemy, and being quite destitute of forage. I have since directed him to make such a disposition of his corps, as appeared to him best calculated for its

    accommodation, so as to be as near as possible to the place originally intended—When you arrive at Minisink you will dispose of these and all the other troops, under your command, on the same principles; attending as much to their convenience and easy subsistence, and to the convenience of the inhabitants as you can, consistent with the main object of your command. You will then inform me where the troops are posted. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 26 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

    Sir,
    Head Quarters [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] Novr 26th 1778

Mr John Dodge will have the honor of delivering this Letter to your Excellency—His history is—that he is a native of Connecticut—and about eight years ago, as he informs me settled in the Country between Detroit and Pitsburg as an Indian trader—That he carried on commerce till January 1776, when, for his attachment to our cause and the measures he had taken to promote it, he became obnoxious to the Enemy—was seized by order of the Governor of Detroit—was thrown into prison and there continued till the beginning of May last, when he was sent to Quebec. That on the 9th of October he escaped from thence and got into our settlements through the aid of a french Cognawaga, who came with him here on friday last.
I find Mr Dodge an intelligent young man—intimately acquainted with all the tract of Country between Pitsburg and Detroit and with that lying on Lake Erie, also with most of the savage Tribes in those parts, & with their languages. He is likewise well acquainted with the communication from Fort Stanwix to Oswego and Niagara.
I believe Mr Dodge’s history to be true—and, from a variety of circumstances, I am persuaded of his firm attachment to us; and I would take the liberty to suggest to Congress—that I think he may be of very important service to us in any enterprize we may undertake in the western Quarter—or against the force on Lake Erie or Lake Ontario. This consideration, with that of his losses and sufferings, which I am inclined to believe have been considerable, seems to make him worthy of notice and attention. His information is good and clear in several points which I know myself, and in many others, from the manner in which he delivered it, far superior and much more satisfactory than what I have been able to derive from any other person.

  As I have observed before, Mr Dodge appears to me a valuable intelligencer—and if Congress are pleased to honor him with an opportunity—he will give them an account of the state of the Posts at Detroit & Niagara when he left them, and of that at Mishilimackinac; of the Enemy’s naval force on Lakes Erie and ontario; and of such other matters in Canada, as he was able to inform himself of—either by his own observation—or the relation of others.
General Gates supplied Mr Dodge with some money to defray his expences from Boston to this place—and I have advanced him to day one hundred & fifty dollars more to carry him to Philadelphia. I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem Your Excellencys Mo. Obet Servt

    Go: Washington

P.s. Mr Dodge means to call on Colo. Butler of the light Troops, with whom he says he is well acquainted. He also says he is extremely well acquainted with Colo. Wood of Virginia; but he is not in Camp; and he adds that he was at Pitsburg in 1775 when Doctor Walker—Mr Wilson & Lewis Morris Esqr. were there as Commissioners—and engaged at that time, to use his influence to keep the Savages quiet—&c.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 26 November 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    [Philadelphia] 26th November [1778]

Since my last of the 20th Instant, I have had the honor of presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s several Dispatches under the 13th, 16th, 16th, and 18th.
Inclosed with this, Your Excellency will receive four Acts of Congress as undermentioned.
1. An Act of the 23d empowering the Commander in Chief to take such Measures respecting the Officers of the Convention mentioned in Major General Heath’s Letter of the 2nd Instant as he shall judge proper.
2. An Act of the 24th authorizing the Commander in Chief to appoint a Brigadier General out of the Infantry, to Command the Cavalry.
  3. An Act of the same date for arranging the Army, to which is subjoined a Resolution for granting a Commission in lieu of a Brevet

    to Lieutenant Colonel Stephens of the Artillery, as I presume Colonel Stephens is in Camp, I take the liberty of transmitting the Commission herewith, and of requesting Your Excellency to obtain the Exchange. I likewise transmit a Commission appointing Major Washington Lieutenant Colonel of Baylors Dragoons upon a presumption of this Gentleman’s being returned to Camp, as I have not had the honor of seeing him, and the Commission has been filled some days past. Part of the Arrangement as it passed in Congress is a Resolve for continuing Colonel Hazens’ Regiment, this I perceive the Secretary has sent me in a detached Piece, but as I do not know where to address Colonel Hazen I shall convey it through your Excellency’s means in order to give information and gain time. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 26 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

    Sir,
    Head Quarters [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] Novemr 26th 1778

In the inclosed letter, you will find an answer—to yours by Col. Kolkowski; since writing which I am favoured with yours of the 22d—I shall only add to what I have already said on the subject, that you will keep your cavalry as near as you can to the place first pointed out, consistent with a proper supply of forage and subsistence without too much distressing the already distressed inhabitants—If this cannot be done where you now are, you will remove them to some other place. If your cavalry must be sent to any considerable distance your infantry can still remain, in the vicinity of Coles Fort—General Hand will soon be at the Minisinks, whose knowlege of the Country will be useful in making a proper disposition of the troops—The inclosed letter to him is to be delivered on his arrival. I am with great consideration Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y] 26th Novemr 1778

I have to acknowledge your favs. of the 18th 19th and 20th Instants. I inclose you the Commissions for Colo. Henleys Regt which be pleased to deliver to Capt. Trescot the commanding Officer. I laid yours of the 20th before the Commissary General who in Vindication of his department wrote me a letter of the 25th and sent me a Copy of Mr Flints letter to you of the 30th October and Copy of Mr Champions letter of the 19th Novemr all of which I inclose to you. You will observe that Mr Wadsworth, to put things in their regular Channel, offers to take whatever Flour Messs Clarke and Nightingale may have purchased, off their hands. If this is satisfactory, he would wave the matter of the enquiry mentioned in the former part of his letter, which would involve all parties concerned in a tedious and disagreeable dispute.
I have at this instant your favr of the 23d with its inclosures, so far as respects the Commissary is answered by the above. I hope your surmises of the evacuation of Rhode Island may prove true.
Be pleased to address your next to me at Middle Brook New Jersey for which place I am setting out and near which I expect to make my quarters this Winter. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Lemuel Trescott, 26 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Trescott, Lemuel

    Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 26 Novemr 1778

  I am favd with yours of the 17th instant enclosing a Return of the Officers of Colo. Henley’s Regt agreeable to which I have made out their Commissions and forward them to Genl Sullivan to be delivered to you. Your Commission is filled up as Captain. I do not know the date of the Gentlemans Resignation who was appointed to the Majority of the Regt but if you will obtain it, I shall, agreeable to my

    promise of promoting you upon a vacancy, send you a Major’s Commission. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 26 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

    Dear Brother,
    Fredericksburg in New Yk Novr 26th 1778.

Your Letter of the 2d of last Month—though long on its passage—came safe to hand. There is a mistery in the proceedings of Congress respecting General Lee’s tryal which I am not able to acct for—The Sentence of the Court Martial has been hung up in that body since about the 20th of August, when it should have been approved, or disapproved, without more loss of time than was necessary to have formed a right judgment of the proceedings—This delay is a manifest injustice either to the Generl himself, or the public; for if he is guilty of the charges, punishment ought to follow—if he is innocent, ’tis cruel to keep him under the harrow—But, there is something in every thing tho it is not for common comprehensions, to take in all: The judgment of the Court ought not to have been known, nor the proceedings (according to Military usage and propriety) promulgated, till the sentence should be approved, or disapproved; and yet, the evidence on one side, with the defence, are industriously circulated; and even published in the Enemy’s Papers. the design of this, & the tendency it must have to influence a decision, in the uninformed Mind, is tolerably apparent. I do not mean to insinuate (because I do not believe) that these are the views of Congress—I am sure they are not—but there are Moles among Men as well as beasts, & there ways are as impervious to the view. The Sentence (harsh or favourable) is what you have heard. I may now mention it to you, as it is known to every body; & as I have observed before, publish’d with part of the Proceedings in a New York Gazette.
  I had expectations, but not very sanguine ones, that the Enemy were about to evacuate New York & bid adieu to the United States—Appearances have changed, and they now seem busied in preparing for the Winter. What there real designs are, I know not—like others, in distress, they are indecisive & foolish; waiting, I am perswaded, for the meeting of Parliament, that the Ministry may shelter themselves under their Wings, and the report of the Commissioners; who, if I mistake not, will contribute to the delusion by their representation of our distresses, arising from the depreciation of our Paper currency, & want of public virtue; which, in fact, is not a little alarming; & to

    which, if it were possible, it is high time remedies were applied; for unless something can be done, & speedily, to give credit to the former, & that will act as a stimulus to the latter, I think it does not require the gift of prophecy to foretell the consequences—There is such a thirst for gain, and such infamous advantages taken to forestall, & engross those articles which the army cannot do without, thereby enhancing the cost of them to the public fifty or a hundred prCt, that it is enough to make one curse their own Species, for possessing so little virtue & patriotism.
The Enemy have made a considerable detachment (about five or 6000 Men) for, as it is supposed, the West Indies. they were about making another, of betwn two & 3000, which had actually imbarked & fallen down to Sandy hook, but were remanded—& as it is said, relanded—the cause of this, is not easily come at, unless we ascribe it to the disaster which has lately happened, by Storms, to the British Ships under Admirl Byron; one of which, a 64. Gun Ship, stranded on Cape Cod. & three or four others of equal, or superior Size, dismasted, & other ways injured, that we know of, certainly; besides losses which we may be ignorant of, as the French Fleet put to Sea on the 4th Instt and may have caught some of them in the midst of their distress; and taken them to the West Indies whither it is supposed they are gone, & where the presumption is, a capitol stroke may be struck by them; especially if Byron is in such a condition as to disqualify him from following & certain it is, he has not done it yet—& as certain, that they early knew of his Sailing, & supposed destination.
We had advanced thus far on the Rout to Boston, in case the Enemy, induced by a desire of destroying the French Fleet, had been disposed to operate that way; but being convinced that they have given up all thoughts of offensive measures (this Campaign, unless something is attempted in the predatory style) and knowing that they are too strongly posted in New York by means of the natural strength of the place, & their Shipping; I am beginning to throw the Troops into Cantonments for their Winter Quarters—giving up all Idea, this fourth Winter—of seeing my home and Friends as I shall have full employment during the Winter to prepare for the Campaign that follows it—My Quarters for the most Part, will be in the Jerseys near Brunswick, but may be varied as circumstances shall require.
I was sorry to learn the indisposition of your family from your Letter of the 2d Ulto but hope all is now well & that I may congratulate you ere this on the New comer. My love to all the family—I am most sincerely and Affectionately Yr

  Go: Washington

  P.S. The Inclosed will answer Rusts purposes at the same time that public justice is attended to.


Title: From George Washington to John Beatty, 27 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Beatty, John

    Sir
    Head Quarters [Fredericksburg, N.Y.] Novr 27th 1778

  You will be pleased to give your attendance at Amboy on the 7th of December ensuing, where Commissioners on our part, are to meet Commissioners on the part of Sir Henry Clinton, for the settlement

    of an exchange of prisoners. You will receive your instructions from Colonels Harrison and Hamilton the Gentlemen I have appointed on our part. I make no doubt but you will be prepared with such papers as may be necessary in the course of this commission. I am Sir Your most Obet Servant.


Title: From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 27 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, Henry

    Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksburg [N.Y.] 27th Novemr 1778

I do myself the honor of transmitting to your Excellency the inclosed Copy of an Act of Congress of the 19th instant, in answer to the proposition made in your letter of the 10th. In order to negociate an Exchange on the principles therein mentioned, Lieutenant Colonels Harrison and Hamilton, of the Army under my command, will meet Colonels O’Hara and Hyde at Amboy, on Monday the 7th of December at 11 O’Clock with proper powers.
I would propose, as the means of expediting Business, that our respective Commissaries of prisoners should attend at the same time and place, to carry into execution what shall be determined by the Commissioners. I have the honor to be with due Respect Sir Your most obt Servt

    Go: Washington

P.S. If your Excellency should chuse to return an answer, your letter will have the most ready conveyance by way of Elizabeth Town.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 27 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 27th Novemr 1778

  In a letter from General Hand of the 20th instant, he transmitted a memorial from Major Whitcomb (who commands a Corps of

    Rangers) to Congress, in which he complains of want of regular pay for his own Corps and three companies of provincials under his command, who were raised to serve till December. The principal bar to obtaining his pay seems to have been the want of being properly mustered. Genl Hand in his letter says he has directed a Deputy Muster Master to go up to these Corps. If therefore their pay Rolls are produced to the pay Mas. at Albany made out agreeable to the musters be pleased to direct him to discharge them, and to continue so to do in future upon application made in proper form.
I shall set out for Middle Brook in Jersey tomorrow, at which place I shall expect to hear from you when any thing material occurs. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

    Go: Washington

P.S. If Genl Hand should not have left Albany be pleased to inform him that the German Battalion is ordered to Easton to be ready to march to the Frontier if circumstances should require it.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel David Henley, 27 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Henley, David

    Sir,
    Head Quarters Fredericksburg [N.Y.]November 27th 1778

  The army is ordered to winter Cantonments at the following places.

              Viz.
              Parsons
              }

              Huntingtons
              to Danbury

              Poors

              Pattersons

              Fort Arnold at West Point

              Nixons

              Continental Village near Peekskill

              Learneds

              Fish Kill

              Clarks (No. Carolina)

              Smiths Clove & West side of Kings Ferry

              Woodfords
              }
              Middle Brook in Jersey.

              Muhlenbergs

              Scotts

              Smallwood

              Hall 2d Maryland

              Waynes

              Irwin 2d Pennsylvania

              Dubois
              }
              Regts at Albany

              Vanschaicks

              Livingstons

              Courtlandt

              at Rochester, between the Minisink & Æsopus

On Tuesday next unless you recive orders to the contrary you will direct the officers to march the men which compose your Light Corps to the different Regiments to which they belong by the nearest routes to the above Stations.
Inclosed you will find your Commission dated agreeable to the determination of the Committee of arrangement—those for the Officers of your Regiment were forwarded to them a few days past.
I shall set out tomorrow morning for Middle Brook in Jersey by the way of Fishkill—Kings ferry and Elizabeth Town. I am Sir Your most Obet Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 27 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

    Sir,
    Head Quarters Fredericksburg [N.Y.] Novr 27th 1778

I was yesterday honored with your favor of the 20th with its several inclosures—Congress will be pleased to accept my acknowledgements for the communication of the treaties between his Most Christian Majesty and the United States—The resolve respecting the exchange of Prisoners has been transmitted to Sir Harry Clinton, and I have appointed commissioners if he thinks proper to meet his at amboy the 7th of next Month.
  I have the pleasure to inform Congress that the whole army, one Brigade and the light Corps excepted is now in motion to the places of the respective cantonments for Winter Quarters. I have thought it prudent to delay this event, a while, to give time for the Convention Troops to make some progress in crossing the North river—to prevent a possibility of accident. The third division passes this day and if no unexpected interruption happens the whole will be over the 30th

    instant. When their passage is completed, the remaining Troops kept in the field will immediately retire to quarters.
The disposition for Winter quarters is as follows—Nine Brigades will be stationed on the West side of Hudsons River, exclusive of the Garrison at West point, one of which, the North Carolina Brigade, will be near Smiths Clove for the security of that pass, and as a reinforcement to West Point, in case of necessity—another, the Jersey Brigade will be at Elizabeth Town to cover the lower part of Jersey, and the other seven, consisting of the Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pensylvania Troops will be at middle Brook. six Brigades will be left on the East side of the River, and at West Point, three of which, of the Massachusetts Troops, will be stationed for the immediate defence of the Highlands—one at West Point in addition to the Garrison already there, and the other two at Fishkill and the Continental Village—the remaining three Brigades, composed of the New Hampshire and connecticut Troops & Hazens Regiment, will be Posted in the vicinity of Danbury, for the protection of the Country lying along the Sound—to cover our Magazines lying on Connecticut river and to aid the Highlands, on any serious movement of the Enemy that way. The Park of Artillery will be at Pluckemin—The cavalry will be disposed of thus, Blands regiment at Winchester in Virginia—Baylors at Frederick or Hagars Town in Maryland—Moylans at Lancaster in Pennsylvania and Sheldons at Derham in Connecticut. Lees Corps will be with that part of the Army which is in the Jerseys, acting on the advanced Posts.
This comprehends the general distribution of the Army, except Clintons Brigade of New York Troops Pulaski’s Corps, and some detached regiments, and Corps, stationed at Albany and at different parts of the frontier, of which Congress have been already particularly advised. Genl Putnam will command at Danbury, Genl McDougal at the Highlands, and my own quarters will be in the Jerseys, in the neighbourhood of Middle Brook.
  This disposition appeared to me best calculated to conciliate, as far as possible, these several objects—the protection of the country, the security of the important posts in the Highlands—the safety, discipline, and easy subsistence of the army. To have kept the Troops in a collected state would have increased infinitely the expence and difficulty of subsisting them, both with respect to forage and provisions—To have divided them into smaller cantonments—would have made it far less practicable to maintain order and discipline among them—and would have put them less in a condition to controul and prevent offensive operations on the side of the Enemy—or to assemble to take advantage of any favourable opening, which their future situation

    may offer, should they be obliged to weaken themselves by further detachments, so far as to invite an enterprize against them.
By the estimate of the Quarter Master and commissary General it appeared indispensible to have the principal part of the Army on the other side of the North River. It was thought, impracticable to furnish the necessary supplies of flour for the whole on this side the river, from the immense difficulty and expence of transportation in the Winter season, and from the exhausted state of the country, with respect to forage. As this subject has been already fully before Congress—I shall not trouble them with a repetition of the detail.
In order as much as possible to reduce the demand of forage and facilitate the supplies, I have given directions when the several divisions arrive at their cantonments, to send away to convenient places at a distance from them, all the horses not absolutely requisite to carry on the ordinary business of the army.
It is unnesessary to add, that the Troops must again have recourse to the expedient of hutting, as they did last year, but as they are now well clad, and we have had more leisure to make some little preparations, for Winter quarters—I hope they will be in a more comfortable situation than they were in the preceding Winter. With the highest respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most Obet servant

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 27 November 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    [Philadelphia] 27th November [1778]

When I was writing to Your Excellency yesterday Morning I had some doubts whether General Heath’s Letter of the 2nd November referred to in the first article had been an original to Congress or a Copy derived through Your Excellency’s hands, this was at too early an hour for obtaining information from the Secretary’s Office where the Paper was lodged and the tenor of the Resolve contributed to deceive me, when I attended Congress I found it to be as I had suspected, therefore to prevent unnecessary delay I now transmit Copy of that Letter together with Copies of two from Major de Passern which General Heath refers to. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from William Malcom, 27 November 1778
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from William Malcom, 27 Nov. 1778. On 30 Nov., GW wrote Malcom: “Your favour of the 27th with the inclosed return is received.”


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 27 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

    Dear Sir,
    Fredericksburg [N.Y.] Novr 27th 1778

I thank you for your favor of the 11th which I received by the last Post. You know when a House is on the move and packing up, all the family are commonly busy—and all is hurry—so it is when an Army is changing it’s ground for new Quarters. This circumstance must plead my excuse for not going fully into your Letter. You are certainly right in your position that we must act according to our powers—however they may place us, in a situation different from what we wish. In pursuance of this—I have made a disposition of our army for the Winter more adapted to our circumstances in point of supplies, than if the Troops had remained in a collected State; and tho it is not so sparse and divided as the plan of Cantonment mentioned in your Letter, yet it has regard to the objects you had in view—and I am well pleased, that in the general it coincides with your Sentiments. A more extended Cantonment to the Southward would have facilitated the means of support—but, many inconveniences attend too great a dispersion of Troops. I refer you to my Letter of to day to Congress for their general & particular disposition—I must be done after expressing my obligations for your care of myself—and after assuring you that I am with great regard & esteem Dr Sir Yr Much Oblig’d Hble Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 27 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

    [Fredericksburg, N.Y., 27 Nov. 1778]

I have received your favor of the 20th Inst.
  Colonel Clarks procuring of Cloathing for the N. Carolina troops he commands, on Continental account was a measure taken long

    before it was known, that we should have it in our power to supply the whole army with that imported from france.
The whole army has been directed by a general order of the 8th Inst., that all coats Jackets and breeches which have been received, either thro’ the hands of the clothier as agents or thro’ the states on Continental acct, and which may have been delivered in the course of the fall, or that may remain undelivered, must be returned to the Clothier or agents of the departments in case new ones are drawn.
Whatever therefore Colonel Clark has procured will be necessarily stored with the Clothier General as he is completely provided in french clothing.
The old cloathing of the army is not of great consideration however the most pointed attention of the officers is recommended to prevent its missapplication to have their several articles of dress frequently examined and to make the old as useful as possible in saving of the new. I am sir your &c.


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Powell, 27 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Powell, Jeremiah

    Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 27th Novemr 1778

I was honored with your letter of the 21st instant to day.
It would have given me great pleasure had the evacuation of New York and the condition of our Affairs coincided with the wishes of the Council to have a detachment of the Army at Boston: But the enemy still remain in New York and their late conduct seems to evidence a determination to continue in that place, at least during the Winter.
Before receiving your favr the Cantonments of the Troops had been determined on and the Army in actual motion towards its different posts on both sides the Hudson.
  The Council will readily perceive that the present State of things in this quarter would not authorise a separation very far Eastward of any considerable part of the Army. It would be a matter of the utmost difficulty and embarrassment if not totally impracticable to supply any body of men with provision at this Season at Boston, besides the immense accumulation of public debt which must arise from a land transportation was the measure in other respects advisable or

    consistent with our views and circumstances. I have the honor to be with great Respect Sir Your most obt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 27 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

    [Headquarters, Fredericksburg, N.Y., 27 Nov. 1778]

You are appointed to the command of the Brigades of Poor, Parsons and Huntingdon which are to be quartered this Winter at Danbury.
You will keep a succession of small Parties down towards the enemy’s lines mostly towards the Sound as Genl Mcdougall will guard the North River to watch their motions—prevent small parties from penetrating too great a distance into the Country—and to gain any intelligence which may be collected: But the Officers are to be charged in the most express manner not to meddle with or bring off any Cattle, or Horses, unless they should be found driving into the Enemys lines; or in eminent danger of being taken by them; in either of which cases they may be brought off but are not to be considered as the private property of the Party; but delivered to the Commissary and Quarter Master for the use of the Public who are to pay the owners when brought off to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy nor are they to take any other kind of property from any persons under pretence of its belonging to Tories.
You are not on any account to suffer persons Inhabitants of the United States to go within the enemy’s lines without they produce a written licence from the Governor or Civil Authority of the State to which they belong agreeably to a mode pointed out by Congress.
As many inconveniencies arise from Flags of Truce being sent from a variety of Quarters, you are desired, if applications are made to you on that subject, to refer them to  me unless such application is made by the Governor, or the Executive power of the State in which you are—in that case the request is to be complied with in the first Instance.
  No small parties are by any means to be permitted to go upon Long Island. The most shameful abuses have been committed and injurious consequences arisen from such parties, who make no discrimination between the inhabitants many of whom, altho’ obliged to remain there, are well affected to our Cause—Should there be any necessity of sending particular Officers over for intelligence you must make choice of such as you can be responsable for, that the end may

    be answered. Nevertheless should the enemy, by advancing a party upon the Island to any considerable distance from the main Body, put themselves in such a situation as to afford a prospect of making a stroke at them with success, I would not mean by the foregoing to prevent such an enterprize from taking place. Even in that case, the Officer commanding should be charged to attend to his military object solely, and not, by suffering his Men to run up and down after plunder, lose any advantage which he might have gained.
If the Enemy make a demonstration of acting upon the North River and you shd receive information thereof from General Mcdougall; A Brigade of the troops at Danbury are to proceed immediately towards the posts in the Highlands & another held in readiness to follow, or act otherwise as circumstances may require[.] They may probably at the same time make a move as if towards Danbury: but it will in my opinion be only to create a diversion in favor of their real design upon the Highlands, the loss of which would be of the utmost consequence to the United States while Danbury is no more an object than Bedford or any other little Village.
As the good order and discipline of the Troops during the Winter will depend upon a proper number of Officers being constantly in Quarters with the Men, you will, in granting Furloughs endeavour to observe the following Regulations as near as possible.
No Regiment to be without two Feild Officers at one time but in extraordinary Cases.
No Company to be without two Commissioned Officers at a time but in like Cases.
No Regiment to have more than twenty Men upon Furlough at a time—that number to be proportioned among the Companies.
When the Weather will permit, you are to see that the Brigade Inspectors attend to the Maneuvre and discipline of their respective Brigades upon the plan introduced the last Campaign.
You are to take every measure to prevent and severely punish marauding or any insult to the persons or destruction of the property of the inhabitants by the Soldiery. Particular attention is to be paid to keeping a stock of Fire Wood which will take off every pretence for consuming Fences or out Houses. As soon as the Brigades have fixed upon their Ground for hutting and have drawn the timber necessary for building the Quarter Master is to be directed to send away as many draught and other Horses as can possibly be spared. They are to be sent to such places as are out of the communication between the North River and Boston, that they may not consume the forage necessary for the teams transporting provision and Stores.

  Monthly Returns are to be made regularly to the Adjutant Genl. Given &c. 27 Novemr 1778.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 27 November 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Elizabeth Town [N.J.] Novr 27th 1778

I seize this Oppertunity to enclose your Excellency the last New york paper, Not the least Movement of the Enemy Ships Since my last, Nor have I been Able to learn any thing out of New york these two or three days. I had a boat yesterday at the Warf but they would [not] Suffer any person to land who was to return, the Only Observation they made was that they observed heavy Cannon going Board Ship, this Must be Cannon of their park for all the Iron Cannon of the Town has been on board Some days about an hundred Sail of Ships appear to be ready for Sea. I am your Excellency’s Most Humble Servt

  Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 27 November 1778
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from Anthony Wayne, 27 Nov. 1778. On 28 Nov., GW wrote Wayne: “I recd yours of Yesterday late last Evening.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 28 November 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    [Philadelphia] 28th November [1778]

After writing to Your Excellency Yesterday Morning, I had the honor of presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s Letters of the 20th and 21st. The latter was sent to the Board of War where the Papers respecting the Inspectorship are said to be lying, the former produced an Act for disbanding Bedels’ Regiment, which with an Act of the same date the 27th for allowing additional Pay to the Officers of Warners, and other Officers in like circumstances, will be transmitted within the present Cover, and also Copy of a Letter from Colonel Hartley to Congress dated Sunbury the 20th November 1778. I have the honor to be &ca.


Title: To George Washington from George Mercer, 28 November 1778
From: Mercer, George
To: Washington, George

    Paris November 28th 1778

I have writ to you thrice my dear General since my Sojourning in this Kingdom; and although I know that the Person who charged himself with one of my Letters arrived safe in America, yet I have heard of so many being thrown into the Sea, that it is not impossible that mine to you may have shared the same Fate: I therefore write again, and renew to you my dear Sir my Assurances of Friendship Esteem and Gratitude.
  I mentioned to you my Wish to return to America this Autumn but I find it opposed at present as well from the unsettled State of Affairs in Europe, as from my Health. I have been confined at least nine Parts out of ten, of my Time since May last, to my Chamber, and very often to my Bed. I was at first siezed with a Rheumatism which after six Weeks Torture fixed on a Scratch, had it not been for the Scar I should perhaps not have remembered or called it a Wound, which I got at Fort Necessity 3d July 1754 on the Arm; but it occasioned a violent Swelling in that Arm, and at Length, after suffering nine Weeks Confinement, an Abscess not less than a Child’s Head formed on the Wound, which was laid open in five different Places and afforded me Relief from my Pain; but it has never since been healed; for more than ten Days together, before another Abscess has succeeded, and my Arm has been laid open six different Times. It is impossible for

    me dear Sir to describe to you the excruciating Pains I have suffered, besides having totally lost the Use of my Arm, it is the right, (for several Weeks.) I never stirred but once out of the House for eighteen Weeks.
  I shall not presume my dear General to trouble you with any of the Politics of the great World, on this Side the Atlantic; nor would I say any Thing of myself unless to you, had I not known that a Gentleman is returned to America, who, during his Stay in England, took the Liberty to talk of me in a very disgraceful and scandalous Manner: He told a Gentleman of my Acquaintance, that “I was fixed in France as a Spy on the Americans.” Were the Gentleman now here, I should only tell him of this false and malicious Report; but as he is not, I must wait with Patience till We meet. I shall then desire him to do me Justice, and in the mean Time, with the most solemn Assurances that the Tale is absolutely false and scandalous, I can only refer to my general Conduct and Behaviour. Lord Stormont did indeed inform me that the American Commissioners had placed Spies on me, to which I told his Lordship, notwithstanding he assured me he had it from undoubted Authority, that I could not credit it, that I had made a Visit to Dr F. & was well received, that I surely was an Individual of too small Consequence to be suspected although I was at the same Time of too great Consequence to be employed in any dishonourable Action, and that if the Ambassadors would remove their Spies, if it were possible they could be so ignorant of my Conduct as ever to have placed any, I would make a written daily Return supported by an Affidavit of all my Sayings and Doings. My Duty as an Officer in the Pay of Great Britain, who would not give me Leave to retire from her Service, forbid me from taking any Part against her Interest; but that my own Interest and Connections also most strongly forbid me from serving or acting against the Americans; and that Ad—-n, having granted me a Neutrality, after I had refused to raise a Regiment in America of which they offered me the Command, I should never avoid the Company of a Country man, and that I would not abandon an honest and worthy Object for any Monarch on Earth. I have ever acted on these Principles and agreeably to my Declarations and Promises, and I defy Man to prove that by any Word or Action I have forfeited the Character I professed. I have taken great Pains for more than a Year, the Moment I heard it, to discover the Author of so base a Scandal, & so infamous a Lye, as “my being fixed in France as a Spy on the Americans,” but after all my Enquiries, and writing to every one I supposed to have a Chance to discover it, I have never been able to fix it on any one except the Gentleman now hinted at, and of him I have only been informed with in a Fortnight. I must however do him the Justice to

    believe he was not the Author, because I was frequently in his Company here, and he charged himself very cheerfully with, and promised to take the utmost Care of my Letters, to you and some other Friends in America viz. Col. Tayloe, Geo. Mason, and my Brother James Mercer, which he could not have done as a Gentleman, had he even believed the Report he himself had assisted in spreading.
The Changes in America will now prevent me ever becoming an Inhabitant of that Continent; as I can not expect, or hope even, to be rewarded, like the Labourer in the Vineyard who came in at the ninth Hour, equally with those who had toiled all the Day. Those Gentlemen who have shared in the dangerous and laborious Task of freeing their Country from Slavery well deserve all the Rewards. I see with real Concern however that bad Councils have prevailed even in America, who has made so noble a Struggle for Liberty, and who has so loudly and justly complained of European Venality and Corruption—yet she has suffered an improper and very ill judged Influence to prevail, for neither Chance or Accident could ever have named Will. Lee a Commissioner to the first Court in Europe or indeed to any Court in the World. America herself can not believe—tell it not in the Streets of Philadelphia nor let it be known in Virginia Will. Lee an Ambassador to Vienna—and Ar. Lee an Ambassador to France—but to do Justice to A.L. he has every Kind of Sense and Knowledge, except common Sense and a Knowledge of the World, and he is a Man of Learning—but what Apology can be made for the Appointment of W.L.? I shall mention no more Names, but indeed my dear General the Officers of America, who have shewed themselves here, hurt the American Cause; I hear it every Day from the French: They act and live in so mean penurious and private a Manner, even below the Character of Gentlemen, that they are laughed at by the French, and despised by every Man of America who has any Business to transact with Them, or who enter their Lodgings. Dr F— has great Attention and Respect shewn to him as a Philosopher, and I believe no Man in Europe knows the Business he is engaged in better—Pity it is he was not younger, and of a Disposition more adapted to the French Levity. Nine tenths of the Requisites to a public Character, at this Court especially, is Parade & Shew: And the Entry of an American Ambassador with his Lady Ambassadress, in a common French Diligence, the most horrible dirty wheel Carriage that ever was invented, but in which you travel at about 1 Penny Sterg ⅌ Mile, was as much talked of as the Entry of the Earl of Stair when he was Ambassador, who had every Horse of his Retinue shod with Silver.
  After the many Proofs of your Friendship, I shall make no Apology, my dear General, for asking you to give me your Advice or Commands

    about my Return to America. There are so many Lies told me here, that I can not, if I credit one of Them, return with Pleasure to myself; as I certainly will not go there if I am to meet only Enemies. My Conduct does not deserve one, but that is no Comfort if I have Them. Are my Effects confiscated? If they are it is unnecessary to undertake the Voyage; especially as I can not as a Man of Honour or Honesty attempt it, till I have obtained Leave to resign my Commission under the English Government, which will be a comfortable Provision for me for Life if I remain on this Side the Atlantic.
I beg my dear Friend you will let me know you still think of me, as soon as is convenient to you. If you indulge me so far pray put your Letter under Cover to Mr Panchaud—Banker in Paris; and if it is sent with the Dispatches of Congress, it will be thrown into the Sea in Case of the Vessel being taken for it never would be sent to me, if it was carried to England, therefore it will be unnecessary to save it.
If you receive me still in the Number of your Friends, I know your good Lady will not be displeased that I assure her of my best Compliments and Wishes. Till you forbid me, dear General, I shall embrace every Opportunity to convince you I am with great Esteem and Gratitude My dear Sir Your much obliged & faithful Friend Most obedient Servant

    Geo: Mercer.

    I hope my dear General that my good Friend Mr Montague will not lose the Money due to him on my Account. The Resolutions of Congress relat<ing> to English Debts I hope can not extend to him. He is one of the best Men in the World, and the Congress would have exempted him had they known his Merit. I doubt he has lost Money by Gravatt’s Death—who I hear died worth Nothing and even much less than Nothing—which is very probable by the Method he chose to die in. His House had a Well Stair Case he mounted to the Garret, tied a cord to the hand Rail which was Iron, and then jumped over the Bannister. His poor Wife who is a very good Woman has sent to me to—beg, and assures me it will be a real Charity. Gravatt I hear dabbled in the Stocks, and expected a War would be immediately declared in England upon the News of a Treaty being concluded with America.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 28 November 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Elizabeth Town [N.J.] Novr 28th 1778 9 oClo. P.m.

I wrote your Excellency yesterday Evening that the fleet which had been so long between the Hook & the Watering place were at lenght gone to Sea. Capt. Burrow’s from the Highlands of Navesinks since informs me that at Sun set Yesterday they were twenty Miles from Sandy hook Standing South a little Easterly which was the only Course they Could Steer as the Wind hung, unless they were going to the Eastward. he says they Consist of 33 Ships, (Including one of Sixty one of forty Guns and two frigates) One Snow, Nine Brig’s and ten Schooners & Sloops. they are gone Clear of the land, for this day at Noon not one of them Could be seen; at Eleven this Morning, two Ships passed the light house and went to Sea, these I take to be the Roebuck and a frigate as I have Intelligence from New York that the Commissioners & many Officers embarked on board of two Such Ships and droped down part of the Way Yesterday. This last fleet I do not belive are designed for any Offensive Operation on our Settlements, their Convoy is not equal to it, and not Suited for Charles Town Bar where it has been talked off was their destination. I am your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

  Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste de Ternant, 28 November 1778
From: Ternant, Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

    Mon cher General
    Camp, sur les bords de la riviere Ogoheeche28 Novembre 1778

  Malgré tous mes efforts et ma diligence Je n’ai pu me rendre à Charles-town que le 18 de ce mois—J’avois à peine commencé à me familiariser avec les importants du pays, et à songer Serieusement aux travaux de ma mission, lorsqu’on recut la nouvelle de l’Invasion de la Georgie par une partie des troupes de la floride sous les ordres des

    Col:s Presvot & Fuser—Nous partimes la même nuit avec le General Howe pour nous rendre à grandes journées à l’endroit où le danger paroissoit le plus imminent, et nous arrivames hier matin au camp americain formé et retranché à la tete d’un défilé, où on se proposoit d’arreter les mouvements de l’ennemi—Nous apprimes le même jour que les Anglois se retiroient, et cette nouvelle se confirmant ce matin, je profite d’un moment de loisir, pour vous donner une Idée de notre sitation et de la politique civile et militaire des Georgiens &c. C’est toujours celle des Americains, mon cher General, et vous connoissez déja leur maniere de guerroyer dans le nord; mais dans ces contrées meridionales, on l’emporte de beaucoup en négligences, lenteur, confusion &c. si vous ouvrez votre Atlas vous y verrez que la riviere savannha forme la frontiere de cet etat du Coté de la Caroline, que sur cette riviere se trouvent la capitale et à 150 milles plus loin dans les terres, le fort Augusta; que la riviere ste Marie forme la ligne de démarcation sur la frontiere ennemie  et qu’entre ces deux frontieres coulent une demie douzaine de rivieres assez considerables pour y arreter l’ennemi en y formant les postes necessaires—depuis le commencement de la guerre de l’Independance, les floridiens n’ont cessé de faire des Incursions dans cet etat et de retrecir annuellement ses limites. Ils S’etoient enfin emparés de tout ce qui est au sud ouest de la riviere Altamaha, y avoient établi des postes, et menacoient de là, le reste de la Georgie d’une invasion certaine; lorsque, l’été dernier, le General howe avec les troupes continentales, et le Gouverneur de cet Etat avec ses milices, sans aucune preparation, se portoient sur l’ennemi, lui en imposerent, je ne sais comment, et le forcerent ou pour mieux dire le déciderent à se replier de poste en poste jusqu’à la frontiere primitive—l’inclémence et l’insalubrité de ces climats dans les chaleurs caniculaires, les disputes aussi véhémentes que minutieuses sur le Commandemt suprême entre le Jurisconsulte houston, Gouverneur de la Georgie, et le General howe, la négligence la lenteur et l’esprit d’indecision qui caracterise les americains furent plus fatales à ces deux armées inimico-alliées que <ne> l’ont eté le feu ou le fer de l’ennemi—après s’etre avancé jusqu’à la riviere Ste Marie, avoir éprouvé tous les miseres, et les horreurs domestiques de la guerre, et avoir perdu la moitie de leur monde sans tirer, un coup de canon, ils furent obligés de se retirer et d’abandonner de rechef à l’ennemi tout ce qu’il possedait déja de l’autre coté de la riviere Altamaha—après, cette expedition sans fruit <et> sans objet certain; tout sembloit indiquer la necessité d’etablir des lignes et des postes sur cette riviere, d’en occuper l’embouchure avec les Galeres de l’etat, et enfin de concentrer à cette barriere naturelle tous les objets de defense possible, pour se mettre à l’abri des nouvelles entreprises de

    l’ennemi; on y etoit d’autant plus interessé, que les provinces les plus fertiles de cet etat se trouvoient entre l’Altamaha et la riviere Ogoheechee et qu’il importait infiniment de les couvrir—mais les puissants du pays, portant perruques et uniformes <o>n deciderent autrement: sous pretexte de se defendre contre les sauvages, on dégarnit la frontiere de l’Altamaha, et on laissa le pays absolument ouvert aux depredations du moindre avanturier; et pour ne laisser aux floridiens aucun objet de crainte on cantonna le peu de troupes reglés qui restoient à l’etat, dans la ville de savannha, et à Augusta, les Galeres vinrent egalement se pourrir dans la riviere savannha, et tout resta dans l’engourdissement, relativement à la securité de l’etat. l’ennemi profita de ce moment favorable, et le 18 de ce mois dans la seule saison favorable aux operations de la guerre, apres une recolte des plus abondantes, renouvella son attaque avec trois cent chevaux de milices et 600 hommes de troupes reglées; rien ne s’opposant à la rapidité de ses mouvements, Il s’empara la ville de sunbury, bloqua le fort, se repandit dans la campagne, brulant les maisons les greniers, rassembla de nombreux troupeaux qu’il envoya vers la floride, et enfin s’avanca, en 5 jours jusqu’à la riviere Ogoheechee qui n’est qu’à 15 milles de sa Capitale; après des succès aussi grands, on est assez embarassé d’imaginer quel peut etre le sujet de leur retraite, et encore plus quel pouroit etre l’objet de leur Expedition; s’ils n’avoient en vue que de fourager, ils s’en sont on ne peut pas mieux acquitté; quoiqu’il en soit, nous n’avons à leur opposer actuellement dans ce camp que 150 hommes tout au plus, sans l’espoir de recevoir le moindre renfort avant sept à huit jours—Nos renforts viennent d’Augusta et de la Caroline qui n’a pas elle même plus de 12 a 1400 hommes pour la defense de ses cotes; de sorte que toutes nos ressources épuisées nous ne pouvons rassembler dans notre camp que 5 à 600 hommes—or jugez mon cher General, de l’Importance de mon Inspection, et de la securité precaire de l’etat de la Georgie au cas que l’ennemi songe serieusement à s’en emparer—Je suis obligé mon cher General, bien à mon regret, d’interrompre cette conversation <muette> avec vous, pour aller en reconnoissance par les ordres d<u> General—il paroit avoir beaucoup de confiance en moi; et je m’efforcerai plus que jamais d’etre utile—Aussitot que les <illegible> troupes se trouveront un peu rassemblées je leur donnerai une organization militaire d’aprés vos principes, et aurai l’honneur de vous en rendre compte—Je vous ai ecrit pendant ma maladie en Virginie, et ai remis la lettre à un offi cier qui se proposoit de partir pou<r> le camp sous peu de jours—Jai songé bien souvent à vous durant mon voyage, et J’ai eprouvé puissamment la douleur d’en etre si eloigné; mais je <m>e console pa<r> l’espoir de vous revoir l’été prochain et de recevoir d’ici à ce tems quelques

    lettres de vous—puissiez vous, mon cher General ne point m’oublier, et puissé-je de mon coté, trouver quelques occasions de vous prouver le respectueux attachement et l’amitié que je ressens pour vous—Il me tarde bien d’apprendre ce que vous faite à la Grande armée, et où en sont les affaires de l’Inspection—Je m’occupe dans mes moments de loisir à mettre la derniere main a mon Journal de la campagne dérniere, depuis le mois de Mars jusqu’au 1er d’octôbre, et à en faire un nouveau pour ma campagne future du sud—Adieu, Mon cher General, ayez soin de votre santé, faites moi part de vos chagrins et de vos plaisirs; je serai toujours disposé à partager les uns et à me livrer sans reserve, à la jouissance des autres, mes occupations, ma mauvaise santé, et les troubles du tems m’agitent tellement, que je n’ai encore pu trouver le moment de d’écrire personne qu’à vous; excusez moi je vous prie auprès de mon ami M. Laurens, dites lui, bien des choses agreables pour moi, et assure<z> le que je ne manquerai pas de lui ecrire par la premiere occasion—faites aussi je vous en supplie, mes compliments, non pas de ceremonies, mais d’attachement réel à Mr des Epiniers, du Ruceau, de l’enfant et Walker—pardon mon General, si j’exige tant de choses de vous, Je connois votre bon coeur, et combien vous aimez à encourager la pratique des vertus sociales. J’ai lhonneur d’etre avec respect Mon cher General Votre tres humble serviteur

  Ternant


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Fredericksbg [N.Y.] 28th Novemr 1778

I recd yours of Yesterday late last Evening. Genl Muhlenberg had directions not to move from his Ground untill the 2d division of the Convention Troops had passed the North River. This I imagine was effected on the 26th and that the Virginia Troops would march Yesterday Morning: If so, they will have passed you before this reaches you. If they should not, be pleased to send to Genl Muhlenberg and know the reason of his delay. If you find him in such a situation that you can reach the Ferry before him, you may move down—pass over and continue your march to Middle Brook—You did well to see to the order of the Boats. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major John Bigelow, 29 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bigelow, John

    Sir
    Fishkill [N.Y.] 29th Novemr 1778

I have yours of the 18th inclosing a Return of Continental Cloathing in your Hands. I desire that the whole may be sent as expeditiously as possible to this place and delivered to Mr Measam or to his Deputy in his Absence. When you make the Return lately called for by the Board of War of the quantity of Goods purchased by you and how disposed of; you are to specify particularly what was delivered to Officers—at what price and by whose Orders.
You are not to suffer the Strouds to be cut up into Blankets as they will probably be wanted for other purposes. I am Sir Your most obt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 29 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

    Dear sir
    [Fishkill, N.Y.] Nov. 29th 1778

  I have written to Lord Stirling to day to order a Subaltern with 16 Dragoons of Moylan’s Regiment to proceed to Sherard’s ferry and put himself under your command. When you arrive at Fredericktown in Maryland—if you should suppose you will still have occasion for Horse—You will relieve the party from Moylan’s, by taking an equal or inferior number from Baylor’s, if the state of the Horses will admit, in which case the former are to rejoin their Regiment at Lancaster; but if the state of Baylor’s will not admit of the detachment—You must retain the party from Moylan’s as long as you judge it

    necessary—after which you will order the Officer to return with it, by the best & shortest route to join his Corps. I am Dr sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt servt

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

    Dr sir.
    Fish Kill [N.Y.] Novr 29th 1778

I was favoured to day with your Letter of the 26 Instant. It gave me extreme concern to hear of the complaint, which you transmitted. There is nothing I wish for more, than a happy understanding between the Inhabitants and every part of the Army—and this I have constantly endeavoured to promote. I have written to Major Strang & Mr Hyatt, inclosing a Letter to Major Lee with a copy of the complaint against him, and have informed him that Lt Carnes is to be subject to the process in the hands of the sheriff or Other proper Officer, who is to be permitted to arrest him without interruption. I have also advised them, that they may not defer the arrest, if they think proper to make it that his Corps is under marching Orders for Jersey. I hope the conduct I have pursued will be agreable to Your Excellency. I have the Honor to be with great regard & esteem Dr sir Yr Most Obedt Sevt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Christian Febiger, 29 November 1778
From: Febiger, Christian
To: Washington, George

    May it please your Excellency
    Hackinsack [N.J.]29[th] of Novembr 1778

In Obedience to Orders from Major Generall Lord Stirling to communicate to your Excellency as well as to him, what Intelligence I could receive and the Discoveries I could make of the Enemy’s Situation in New York.

  I beg Leave to inform your Excellency that from severall persons I learn, that the Enemy have stopd for the present any further preparations for an Embarkation, this is further confirmed by their laying in large Stores of Wood, from severall paragraphs in their papers, a late Proclamation of the Commissioners in Consequence of a petition from the Merchants and Traders, allowing them a Prolongation of severall Priviledges therein mention’d till the 1st of June next, But a stronger proof is want of Transports, of which I am well convincd, they have but a small Number left. From a man who was two Days on Powles Hook, and whose Account, I find by my own Observations to be true I learn, that the 64[th] Regt of about 280 men and one Troop of the Queens light Dragoons are station’d there, on the hook are three Redoubts, one on the East End of the Hook appears circular & large, has two Buildings in it where the horse Keeps, Between the Center and the Western Redoubt lays the 64[th] encampd in Tents.
The Hook is abatied all round, and at the Distance of about 70 Yards apart are Redans, on the Edge of the Marsh is an advanced Foss filld with Water by the Tide, over which is a Drawbridge, from thence they advance a Sergt & twelve to a small Redan who advances and retires with the Morning and Evening Gun. A Sloop of 20 Guns lays between Hoback & York and a small Distance below Powles Hook lays the Admirals Ship, The Monmouth a 74, who was dismasted is refitting in the Docks, where also the Lord Townsend of 28[th] Guns double fortified Twelves, who has taken in the heavy Artillery and Waggons, that stood in the Commons near the new Goal, is refitting. On the 26[th] I sent Captn Parker an Intelligent & good Officer of my Regt & a party with good Guides to make what Discoveries he could of the Enemy’s Situation, inclos’d I send his Report to me, and their Situation is at present as it was except the Encampment mention’d is West of Fort Washington and now lessen’d to about 60 Tents and the Encampment near Bunker hill consists of Six Double Rows of 10 Tents each Side.
  The Transports that saild were only 34 and from a Deserter, who left them in York, they had on Board 1800 Scotch Troop & one or two Regts of Hessians, But the Accounts of their Destination differs much: The Roebuck has saild and it is said had on Board the Comissioners, they are gone either in her or some other, it’s currently reported in new York, that Lord Cornwallis, Sir Wm Erskine and Genl Grey are going home soon. On the 27[th] I reconnoitred the Lines myself from above Fort Washington to Bergen point, and find them still working on their hutts, and from severall corroborating Accounts I learn that the Remainder of their Troops are Billetting in New York. By Orders from Generall Green receiv’d on Friday

    Morning 4 o’Clock, I detachd parties of horse and Foot, in Quest of the Villains that took Colo. Ward & Mr Bradford Captn Taliafero I order’d nearest on the Lines, his Report I likewise enclose, all the by Ways & Roads through Paskiak, Skralenburgh by Fort Lee and back to the Liberty Pole were scourd by Lt Smith with 8 light Dragoons Lt Cowherd with 10 Infantry mounted by different Routs well Guided, But unfortunately the Intelligence came too late, they were seen on horseback and trackd to the Fork of the Hoback and Bergen Roads, and I believe, that Colol Ward & Mr Bradford were carried to Hoback and crossd as they had taken the Bridge leading on to Hoback point or Island up after them.
the horses and plunder they carried over to Powles Hook. My Regiment is hardly sufficient to Keep necessary Guards for our own Security, which renders it very severe Duty to Keep a Guard at the Liberty Pole and parties out to intercept the Villains that are dayly carrying Supplies to the Enemy. Your Excellency may at the same Time depend on the Exertion of every Effort in my power both for the Security of the Post and preventing Supplies going in. I have the Honor to be May it please Your Excellency with all due Respect Your most obedient Most humble Servant

  Christian Febiger Colo. 2nd Va Regt


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 29 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

    sir
    Fish Kill [N.Y.] Novr 29: 1778

  I just now received a Letter from His Excellency—the Governor of this State, transmitting a general complaint from Major Strang & Mr Hyat against your Corps, and a particular one against Lt Carnes for an irregular seizure of forrage—and against yourself for refusing to suffer the sheriff to arrest him for it—and demanding him to be

    delivered to the Civil Magistrate as you will perceive by the Inclosed. This complaint I confess gives me extreme pain, as there is nothing I wish so much as a perfect good understanding and Harmony between the Inhabitants and every part of the Army. Mr Carnes must be amenable to the civil authority—and the Sheriff or other Officer must be permitted to execute the process against him without interruption, that the matter may undergo a legal inquiry and decision. I am Dr sir.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 29 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

    My Lord
    Fishkills [N.Y.] 29th Novemr 1778

Colo. Bland is in want of a party of Light Horse to assist him in the Escort of the Convention Troops, be pleased therefore to order a Subaltern and 16 from Moylans Regt to proceed immediately to Sherrards ferry upon Delaware. Should Colo. Bland have passed the Officer is to follow upon the Route of the troops untill he overtakes him. Should he on the contrary not have arrived there, he is to proceed towards the Rear of the troops till he meets him. He will then take his orders from him. Let the party take their necessaries with them as they will rejoin their Regiment in their Winter Quarters. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 29 November 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Elizabeth Town [N.J.] Novr 29th 1778

Since Writeing the letter which accompany’s this, I have had an Oppertunity of gaining some Articles of Intelligence. vizt that more transport Ships are prepareing and fitting for Sea. that a good deal of Hessian Baggage was Embarked. a frigate of 36 Guns Came in Yesterday, every Mast gone by the board. they are forming a line Across New York Island from Bloomendale to Turtle Bay to be Guarded by five Hessian and three Brittish Regiments. Wm Byard and Andrew Allen embarked and Sailed on friday last for England. John Terril Esqr. Appointed Govr of St Augustine, and gone with the last fleet, this last Circumstance is one that would lead us to Conjecture the Course of their destination. I have only to Add that with the Greatest Regard & Esteem I am your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

  Stirling,


Title: From George Washington to Major Joseph Strang and Nathaniel Hyatt, Jr., 29 November 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Strang, Joseph,Hyatt, Nathaniel Jr.

    Gentlemen
    Fish Kill [N.Y.] Nov. 29: 1778

Through the channel of his Excellency Governor I just now received your Complaint against Major Lee’s corps. It gives me extreme pain that there should be the smallest misunderstanding between the Inhabitants and any part of the Army. Nothing is more contrary to my wishes, and I should be happy in the strictest harmony, as being essential to our well doing & success. I have informed Major Lee by the Letter inclosed that Lt Carnes must be amenable to the Civil authority—and that he is not to prevent the Sheriff from executing the process he may have against him. This line you will put into the hands of the Sheriff if you think proper. Major Lee’s Corps is under marching orders for the Jersey—and has been for three or four days. I am Gentlemen Yr Most Obedt servt

  G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 29 November 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

    My Dear General
    Providence [R.I.] Novemr 29th 1778

The Inclosed Letter of General Stark with the Certificate of Mr Southwick (Issuing Commissary in this Department) will Shew your Excellencey how Little faith is to be placed in the promises of Commissaries; They Lead us along by promises from Day to Day till our Stores are Compleatly Exhausted & then Leave us to provide for ourselves or Starve.
  If their Impudence as well as Indolence did not Baffle all Description They would (to Save their own Credit) have paid Some attention to this post After they had made Such Extravagant promises to your Excellencey & to myself and after they had Endeavored to perswade your Excellencey that my Employing persons to Supply the post was unnecessary. but the facts being Established your Excellencey can make your own Comments. The Flour is out at Every post and

    Considerable Arrears due to the men I can hear of none Coming nor is there the Least prospect of Supply I will if possible Endeavor to Borrow Enough to keep the Troops alive till I Can hear from your Excellencey though I much Doubt whether it will be in my power—your Excey will please to give me Such Directions as you may think proper which Shall be Strictly Complied with by Dear General your Excellenceys most obedt and very Humble Servant

  Jno. Sullivan M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 29 November 1778
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Bedford [N.Y.] Novr 29th 1778

I have just recd a letter from C—— which I have the honour to enclose & forward pr Dragoon. I can further assure your Excellency that a Copy of your late instructions has been duly recd by him, an answer to which may be expected by the 6th ensuing.
  My Anxiety for C——’s feelings in his present situation indu[c]es me once more to remind your Excellency of the necessity of having your further directions how to carry on the Correspondence in future. If I am not much mistaken your Excellency was pleased to promise some

    instructions before we should leave this post. I am doubly uneasy on this head, least the matter may have escaped your attention, inasmuch as we hourly expect a movemt Colo. Sheldon having recd orders for this purpose. When the Corps moves I shall move on with the Regt tho’ I hope & anxiously expect the return of the Bearer, before we reach Fairfd, that I may arrange matters at that place agreeable to your Excellency’s mind.
It may not be amiss to observe, in addition to C——’s Letter, that the Gentleman mentioned by him to have lately arrived from England, is one Doctr Nicoll, a Gentleman of my Acquaintance, on the Veracity of whose Report, I have been persuaded I might safely depend.
Your Excellency will perceive, by the enclosed that C—— has drawn for 26 or 27 Guineas. In addition to this he has forwarded an Order for the payment of sd Money to his Friend. If your Excellency should see fit to transmit any money, it may be safely intrusted to the Bearer, on whose Integrity I could depend, in matters of much greater importance. With the most profound respect, I am, your most obedt hble Servt

  Benja. Tallmadge