Title: Enclosure: Major General William Phillips to Thomas Jefferson, 5 July 1779
From: Phillips, William
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Sir
            Colonel Carters House [Albemarle County, Va.]July 5th 1779.

          I have received from Colonel Bland a Copy of the Letter you were pleased to write him in answer to my request for Lieutenant Governour Hamilton a british prisoner of war being allowed to make me

a visit at this place. I have also read in a public print the resolution of a Council held at Williamsburg on the 16th of June 1779 with your orders in Consequence; this publick paper seems of such great consequence that I will take leave to adjoin it to this Letter as it is upon the subject matter of part of those resolutions that I have thought proper to address you.
          I shall not take upon me to animadvert upon the variety of accusations advanced against Lieutenant Governour Hamilton, whether they may be founded upon positive facts, be matter of hearsay, or taken from the reports of interested men. I have read Lt Governour Hamiltons proclamation or address to the inhabitants of the Ilinois as published in a Virginia Gazette of June 26th 1779. which I apprehend to be alluded to in the Council before mentioned, and I profess to not see any denunciation of vengeance against the Americans, no call for blood, nor any threats of general massacres of men, women & children.
          I might enlarge a great deal were I to enter upon the subject of a particular State taking up a determination of retaliation for supposed injuries which, if true, must necessarily belong to the Continent of America at large, and possibly the American Congress might be the proper Body to give force to any opinions upon so interesting and so great a matter.
          But Sir having premised that I esteemed these subjects as of so high nature as to render me an improper person to enter into a discussion of them I shall cease writing upon any other matter than what merely relates to Lieutenant Governour Hamilton’s being put into the dungeon of a Jail, and loaded with irons, by your orders as Governour of Virginia.
          Lieutenant Governour Hamilton surrendered himself and the post he had defended upon an express capitulation with Colo. Clark the American Commanding Officer of the troops which attacked mr Hamilton’s post; this capitulation, by which Lieutenant Govr Hamilton and the troops under his command became prisoners of war, took place after a discussion of articles and some meetings between the Lieutenant Governour and Colo. Clark, and passed through all the usual forms, practised in war among civilized nations, and I need not to you sir who are a man of knowledge and discernment, remark upon the sacredness of capitulations, or point out the horrors of a war carried on upon other principles—It rests therefore that Lt Governour Hamilton, in seeming violation of a capitulation entered into by him with Colonel Clark, is loaded with irons and confined in the dungeon of a common jail by your orders as Governour of Virginia.
          Sir I will suppose what I should be miserable to think true for

believe me my sentiments of Justice, humanity and honour are in direct opposition to those charges of blood and cruelty exhibited against Lieutenant Governour Hamilton, I will suppose sir that Gentleman to have acted under every description given of him in the adjoined paper it might assuredly have been a reason for Colo. Clark’s refusing any terms, and upon taking the fort of St Vincents to have put the Lieut. Governour and every other person to the sword, but, sir, it pleased Colo. Clarke to receive and grant terms of Capitulation, upon the faith and honour of which Lieutenant Governour Hamilton surrendered the post St Vincennes to the American Arms; and it matters not how barbarous the disposition of the Lieutenant Governour might have been previous to the surrender, the capitulation was assuredly sacred, and should remain so, unless Lieut. Governour Hamilton has infringed upon it posterior to its being made, and signed by both parties.
          Had Lt Governour Hamilton been taken by surprize, or surrenderd at discretion, he would have been certainly left to the mercy of his enemies and it would have depended upon them to have acted by him with humanity or the contrary as they thought proper, and whatever term might have been given to their conduct towards him no supposition of breach of treaty would have arisen.
          Under this description of the matter, Sir, which upon mature consideration, I will believe to be perfectly true, I will venture, who am no prisoner, but a resident in this country, under the solemn faith of a publick treaty and the sacred pledge of a private parole, I will venture sir to entreat of you to reconsider the circumstances of Lt Governour Hamilton’s situation, and to take into your consideration, whether under the positive articles of a capitulation as I have before observed, that Gentleman ought not to be at Liberty in the same manner with every other prisoner of war.
          My motives for thus earnestly addressing you, spring from feelings of the purest humanity and strictest probity, and wishing with an honest sincerity of heart that the unhappy war, which is so likely to continue between Great Britain and America, might be carried on with mercy, not cruelty, with every attention to public and private faith and with liberality and honour.
          From my residence in Virginia I have conceived the most favourable sentiments of the Gentlemen of the Country, and from my personal Knowledge of you, Sir, I am led to imagine it must have been very dissonant to the feelings of your mind to have inflicted so severe a weight of misery and stigma of dishonour upon the unfortunate Gentleman in question, but sir I am sure when you reflect upon the possible

consequences of this act it will give an alarm to those lively sentiments and those liberal principles which I really believe you possess.
          I will therefore, Sir, request to put a claim for this british Officer Lieutenant Governour Hamilton being set at liberty & considered as a prisoner of war, who has become such under every positive and sacred article of a capitulation made with the American Officer Colo. Clark.
          I desire to assure you sir that I do not wish or intend to enter into any literary altercation upon this subject, the civil matter relating to it I leave to those higher in authority and more at liberty to discuss it, but as a british General Officer it is natural for me to endeavour at relieving the distress of a british Officer, who in his present situation at this inclement season of the year, and under every aggravating circumstance of ill health, chains, and confinement in the dungeon of a common jail must inevitably perish and die unless immediately released.
          I have not mentioned any thing relating to the two other persons, who are confined with Mister Hamilton as their situation will naturally depend on that of the Lieutenant Governour.
          I am to return you my sincere thanks for your obliging declarations in favour of the troops of Convention; I dare say they will continue their good Conduct and make no doubt of their receiving every humane treatment from you sir, and the executive power of Virginia. Your polite attention to me claims my acknowledgments, and I shall be sorry that my going to the warm springs may prevent my making them personally to you at Monti Cello. I am Sir with much personal respect Your most obedient and most humble servant

            W. Phillips


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 July 1779
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          West point 17th July 1779. 7 P.M.

        Your Excellencys Favor of this Day is this Moment received. Colonel Hamiltons of equal date, reached Me at 3 P.M. Only Eight of the Boats written for, can be procured and are now ready. It is imposible at this post, to furnish the Horse Harness desired; for few of the Artillery brought here are accompanied with Horse Harness. I have however directed the Quarter-Master to write immediately to New-Windsor for them. If they can be had, they will be sent with all posible dispatch. The Pettiaugers are ordered; but Watermen are so scarse for the demand, and many of them marched with pattersons Brigade, I fear the number neccessary cannot be got to Man the Galley. Every effort however will be made. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Humble Servant

          Alexr McDougall

          P.S. If my Conjectures are just, as to the use to be made of the Galley, I fear it is out of our power to Send her properly provided, to take in the Heavy Cannon.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Oliver Wolcott, Sr., 17 July 1779
From: Wolcott, Oliver Sr.
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Head Quarters Horse Neck [Conn.] July 17th 1779

        I was honored with the orders of Governor Trumbull particularly to attend to the defence of the Sea Coasts in the western parts of this State; In consequence of which I had with about Seven Hundred of the Militia, arrived at Norwalk about Twenty four hours before the destruction of that Town, upon the moving of the Enemys Fleet westward I have come on to this place, with about the same number of Militia from the interior parts of the Country as were at Norwalk; the whole of them indeed are not yet arrived, but will be very soon in; These men are to serve but for one Month only.
        The Desolation threatened by the Enemy to every part of the Sea Coasts of this State, has rendered it necessary that the Troops of it should be distributed for a general defence, consequently a great number of them could not be sent here, and which it was supposed would not be necessary as it was apprehended your Excellency would Afford some protection to this part of the State—I am happy to find my expectations realised, by the directions given to Colonels Meigs & Starr to post themselves in this Quarter—It was imagined by the Movement of the Troops of the Connecticut Line under Genl Heath that they were intended to protect these parts, but as Genl Heath has taken his station at Ridgefield no immediate aid is I suppose to be expected from him, And this morning Genl Parsons communicated to me an Order wherein he was directed to send Starrs Regiment and the detach[ment] under Major Leavenworth to him—This State will acquiese in any degree of suffering which it shall be necessary for them to indure, rather than endanger the Public safety, consequently will not wish that your Excelly should send away any of your Forces which you shall judge necessary for the defence of Hudsons River; to effect this the desolations made in this State are perhaps principally designed, but whether a System of Burning or a Policy which no civilized Nation ever before adopted be intended, am at a loss to determine; We view with great reluctance the destruction of our Towns & wish to prevent their Ruin, and cannot therefore but hope it will consist with your Excellency’s views to suffer at least the Two mentioned Regiments to remain in this part of the State under the command of Genl Parsons, who together with the Militia may perhaps defend this Town and Stamford from destruction, which without the aid of those

Regts will not I fear be done—I shall be happy to be acquainted by your Excelly what support you will be able to give these Towns in order that I may know how to conduct myself so as to discharge the duty which I owe to the State.
        The unhappy situation of our Affairs I have no occasion to represent & am happy in having a confidence that your Excely will be disposed to Afford the State all the protection which it can reasonably expect, Genl Glovers Brigade which it was expected would be in the eastern parts of this State, is I understand ordered to join Genl Heath—So that only a single Regiment is now destined for our Protection.
        By a Mr Fitch who went to Maroneck & parts adjacent to make discoveries and returned last Night we learn that the Enemy struck their Tents yesterday & in a few Hours pitched them again in the same place—That Adl Collier in the morning lay near Hart Island, Afterwards bore westward & a Prisoner which Mr Fitch took says that he understood the Troops on board the Fleet landed opposite White Stone Yesterday afternoon—Mr Fitch further says that his Friends informed him strict orders were given by the Enemy not to let any Persons whatever pass without the Lines, that the Enemy’s Force amounted to 4 or 5000 Men, that it was apprehended by the People they intended soon to move to Hudsons River. I am with great Esteem your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servt

          Oliver Wolcott Majr Genl

          P.S. since writing the Above Genl Parsons has recd Orders from Genl Heath to march both of the beforementioned Regiments to PeeksKill. I understand it ⟨is⟩ by your Excellency’s order, but I tho’t it might ⟨no⟩t be improper to send this forward for your Excellys information & beg leave to recommend this part of the State to your Protection.


Title: General Orders, 18 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Stony-Point [N.Y.] Sunday July 18th 1779.
          Parole[  ]C. Signs[  ]

        At a General Court Martial held at Stony-Point in the Light-Infantry the 17th instant by order of Brigadier General Wayne whereof Colonel Meigs was President, William Fitzgerald of the 9th Pennsylvania regiment, Isaac Wilson of Colonel Bradford’s regiment—John Williams of the 4th Maryland regiment—Joseph Case of the 1st Connecticutt regiment and John Blackman of Colo. Bradley’s regiment were

tried for, “Deserting to the enemy” found guilty and sentenced (two thirds of the court agreeing thereto) to suffer death.
        His Excellency the Commander in Chief confirms the sentences and orders the abovementioned Criminals to be hung this afternoon at 5 ôclock in the Flag-Bastion.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Blackden, 18 July 1779
From: Blackden, Samuel
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Salisbury [Conn.] July 18th 1779.

        I had the honor of rec[e]iving your Excellency’s letter of 23d June yesterday, in which you are pleased to direct that I send you explicit & specific charges against Colonel Sheldon to be the foundation of an enquiry into his conduct.
        When I wrote your Excellency the 4th of June desiring leave to retire from the regiment, I did not mean to accuse Colonel Sheldon of any thing but want of propriety, of conduct, in respect to a certain letter received from his Officers, in the disgrace of which I considered myself as involved, should I serve under him after its becoming public—I suggested that he did not take such notice of it, as the support of his military character required, but as to general suggestions, I have exceeded my intentions if I made any.
        That the representation contained in my letter is well founded, will partly appear from the enclosed copy of the letter, which is the subject of my discontent, & the subsequent settlement at Durham may be learned from any of the gentlemen who signed it, marked thus + Those not marked being absent.
        I have no further charges to make against Colonel Sheldon, & beg leave to declare that I have not taken this step from any quarrel or ill-will towards him, with whom I have always lived upon friendly terms,

but solely to justify myself to your Excellency in desiring to leave the Regime[nt].
        There are near eighty dragoons dismounted who are quartered at Litchfield, Capt. Bull, & Capt. Shether are both in such poor state of health that they could not bear the fatigue of a Campaign, yet think they may be of service in some of the Towns along the Sound, until horses are procured to mount them—I take the liberty just to mention it—& have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient, & most humble servt

          Saml Blackden


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 18 July 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Providence [R.I.] July 18th 1779.

        I have within this Half Hour received the inclosed papers, and Letters, from Colonel Cheever, Colonel Mason, and the Officer Guarding the Arsenal at Springfield. Since my being Commanded to This Department, I have not given any Orders with Regard to the post at Springfield, lest my directions should Clash with those given by Your Excellency, or General Knox; I well know Ordnance Affairs are best managed by those who are properly instructed in its Various Branches. I therefore think it my Duty, to refer the regulation of all Matters at Springfield to Your Excellency. I have wrote to Colonel Cheever by the Express to this Effect; at the same time acquainting Him, that the refractory Artificers, must be obliged to receive the Ration of Provisions allotted to them until Your Excellency’s Commands shall be received at The Arsenal.
        I wish I could acquaint Your Excellency That proper Regularity in the Care, and Distribution of The Ordnance Stores in this Department had been Observed. I am sorry to say the Contrary is too Apparent, I wish Colonel Lamb might receive Your immediate directions to proceed hither, and make a thorough inspection into the past, & present Management Thereof. At the same time, it might not be improper to Order all the Salt petre, & Sulpher at the different Stores, to be sent to the Powder Mills at Andover, and Salisbury; to be worked up without Delay, as I understand from the Board of War, powder is rather Scarcer than could be wished at this Critical period. I have in Vain applied to portsmouth, and Boston for Powder; not any belonging to the Continent at either of those places. I have not a single Barrel of Musket powder in Store here; and not more than Thirty Barrels of Cannon. I lately wrote to Springfield for Fifty Barrels of the former, agreeable to Your Excellency’s Directions; but I did not send before I was disappointed in every other Application.
        I request Your Excellency will Confirm that Order. I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Hume Servt

          Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from James Geary, 18 July 1779
From: Geary, James
To: Washington, George

          sir,
          Commissary Cloathing’s Office New Burgh [N.Y.]July 18th 1779

        A day or two ago I recd an order from Col: Scammell Adj: Genl informing that your Excellency desired an immediate return of all the Cloathing then in this Store, which business we immediately began upon, and have continued ever since opening and counting the different packages—I could have sent your Excellency immediatly after the reception of the aforesd order a Return of all the Cloathing lately recd from Mr Measam, but as the order seemd to mention for the whole that was in Store, I thought it most proper to open & Count the contents of all the different packages then on hands—The work is heavy, but am in hopes of being able to furnish your Excellency with an exact and minute Return in a day or two. The Store which we at present have is exceeding inconvenient on many accounts: If a large quantity of Cloathing arrives in wet or bad condition (as some latterly have been) we have to open, examine, and then repack the Same in other packages; whereas had we a convenient Store we might agreeable to the precepts laid down to us by Mr Measam, open all Cloathing as soon as it came to hand, and after airing or drying it sufficiently (if it arrived wet) lay it by loose ready for issuing in the Store, with articles of the same quality and price, which would save much trouble and confusion; for at a time when Officers come to draw any large quantities for their troops, it detains them a long time by opening and Sometimes rumaging through the whole Store to find the Hogshead or package wanted and we are Often at this Place without a Single fatigue man.
        We have lately received three Hogsheads Cloathing, Contents unknown to me: Mr Measam desires very Strenously that I would inform your Excellency of the present inconvenient situation of our Store, particularly in respect of these three Hogsheads; requesting that your Excellency would be pleased to order that we should remove these Hogsheads to Some House, or more convenient place, so as their contents might thereby be regulated & properly examined, as they are said to contain several small Articles for Officers, which we ought to

examine with the greatest exaction else the matter might be attended with much difficulty and loss to the Public.
        There is a Store erecting at this place said to be for the reception and Storing the Public Cloathing, but I believe by its being so Slowly carried on that it will be some time before it is completed.
        There were sundry Officers made application here lately for part of the Aforesaid Officers Cloathing, but as I received no orders from Your Excellency respecting the Method I should take to issue it, I was under the necessity of refusing them, unless they brought a particular order for that purpose from your Excellency.
        I wrote some time last week requesting Colo: Harrison, that he would please to inform your Excellency of the arrival of the aforsaid three Hhds Officers Cloathing, after mentioning the chief of their Contents as $ Invoice, And at the same time requesting that he would please to Send your Excellency’s pleasure respectg the issuing the Same, but have not been able to hear any further of them Since. I would be glad your Excellency would please to order an Answer to be Sent on the Aforsd Matters, and am with all due respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

          for Geo: Measam C.G.C.James Geary


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 18 July 1779
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Fish Kill [N.Y.] 18th July 1779 4 P.M.

        About two hours ago I was informed by the Qr Master at West Point that Your Excellency had ordered to be sent to Kings ferry without delay Harness sufficient for eighty Horses to go singly, he made application to me, and in about an hour I shall send away to the Fort a sufficiency to compleat about fifty, I do not believe that the Remainder can be gott nearer than the Park, and therefore take as early an opportunity as in my power to acquaint you thereof. I am with the utmost respect, Your Excellencies, Most obedient & very humble Sevt

          Udny Hay


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dear Sir,
          Stoney Point [N.Y.] July 18th 1779

        I have received your favour of yesterday—From the information I have had, it is probable you will have joined General Howe before this reaches you—I have given him instructions which he was directed to communicate to you—But for fear of a miscarriage I shall repeat them. It was directed that one of the four brigades, which compose your two commands, should be stationed in the Gorge of the mountains and that the other three should proceed to possess the Highlands opposite to West Point on the East side, and this without delay. I am Sir Your most Obed. servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 July 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Bald Hill [N.Y.] July 18. 1779

        Yesterday at half past 9 oClo: A.M. I recieved your orders to march for Pecks kill, at twelve the Division began their march, Marched 15 Miles & Halted. at three this Morning pursued the march reach’d Pecks kill at half past 3 P.M. On my arrival I found Genl Howe had sent off his Cannon & his Division was fileing off towards the Highlands the Enemy appear’d to be advancing in force near the new Bridge I threw my Division in the rear, sent Pattersons to the gorge & Nixon’s Parsons’s & Huntingtons to these heights, not being able to get further with the baggage. Early in the morning I shall send

on the Baggage into the highlands & follow with the Troops giving the Enemy an offer of attacking us in rear if they Should choose it. Sir H. Clinton is once more disappointed after marching all day on my flank. fortunately I have form’d a junction. Since I arrived here, have been honor’d with yours of yesterday, enclosing one to General Glover. immediately on the receipt of your Letter Sent off an express to hurry his Brigade on with all possible expidition by the shortest & best route; and directed the Express to take fresh Horses. I shall Critically observe the Motions of the Enemy in the Morning. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Your excellencys Most obedt Serv.

          W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 18 July 1779
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          West-point 18th July 1779. 9 A.M.

        There is no Horse Harness at New-Windsor or Newburgh; what were at Fish-Kill I fear is sent off with the Quarter-Masters Stores. They are however sent for, but I am informed those for Waggons, will not suit to draw Artillery. If the Enemy reinforce Verplanks point, General Howes Cannon will be in great danger of being lost, as they are placed near the Old-Ferry; and the Enemy in that Case can take post between the Cannon and pecks Kill. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Humble Servant

          Alexr McDougall

          P.S. Express’s from Generals Heath & Howe are waiting.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Nixon, 18 July 1779
From: Nixon, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Springfield [Mass.] July 18th 1779

        Your Excys letter of the 14th Instant came to hand, & observe the contents. I have sent a Detachtment of Recruits Consisting of 236 men Under the command of Capt. Marshall Yesterday in the Afternoon destind for the Camp, part of Which was Armed. others withou⟨t.⟩ I have Delivered Your Excys letter to the Commissy of Military stores. who promises to deliver Arms but has no Cartouch Boxes on hand. I am With the Greatest Respect Your Excys Most obedt & Most Humble Servt

          Thomas Nixon Colo.6 Massats Regt


Title: To George Washington from Simon Phillips, 18 July 1779
From: Phillips, Simon
To: Washington, George

          May it please your Excellency
          [Smiths Clove, N.Y.,18 July 1779]

        I am Just now honourd with your Excellencys Letter of the 16th Inst. the Rider it Seems as unhappily missd his road, or by Some other accident Did not arrive until this moment—on the Rect of it I immediately applied to Mr kiers the Q. Mr at this post, for waggons to forward the flour according to your Excellencys orders but am Sorry to inform your Excellency that I have not above four Bbs. Saltd at this post nor has there been any live Cattle Sent or Stoppd here Since I acted at this place, I have however Dispatched an express to pumpton Desiring the Commissary & Q. Mr there in the most pressing terms to Exert every nerve in forwarding the Stores that are there

(particularly the Salt provisions) desiring them at the Same time to Stimulate the Commissary and Quarter Master at Morristown to be active on this urgent occation the Quarter master at this place has Dispatchd a masenger to the Magistrate to order the Country teams for there is no Continental teams in this place to Come immediately to take the flour which is here on without Delay as soon as they arrive I Shall Load and Send them on to Stony point with the utmost Dispatch & Shall Direct those which I expect from pumpton & Morristown to push on without halting your excellency may assure yourself there Shall be nothing wanting on my part but Shall do every thing within the Compass of my power to forward on the Stores according to your excellencies orders. I have the Honour of being with the utmost respect your Excellencies Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant

          By order of Simon PhillipsE.W. Kiers A.Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 July 1779
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia July 18 1779.

        Last evening an express arrived here from Charlestown, which place he left the 23d of June. He brought a letter of that date to the honble Mr Laurens, who gave the following extract, viz.

        “General Lincoln having received such intelligence of the intentions, strength & position of the enemy as rendered it advisable to attack them at Stono Ferry, did so on the 20th inst., about 7 o’clock in the morning, with great vigour. They were advantageously posted, and covered by three strong redoubts and a well constructed Abbatis, supported by several pieces of artillery. The piquets having been driven in, the attack began on the right, which was instantly continued thro’ the line. A large body of highlanders sallied out on our left, but were soon driven with considerable slaughter into their redoubts. The action continued without intermission 56 minutes, when, as the General could not draw the enemy out of their lines (which were so strongly constructed that our light field pieces could make no impression on them) as the force of the enemy was much greater than had been represented, and as they had, during the engagement, obtained a large reinforcement from John’s Island, our troops were with drawn from the lines, and all our artillery and wounded brought off. Our loss is not considerable. Many of the wounded are already o⟨n⟩ duty, and most of the rest (their wounds being slight) it is judged will soon recover. The enemy’s loss is supposed to be much greater, as a number of their dead were reckoned on the ground, and it was observed that their field pieces were several times without a man to work them. Upon the whole, tho’ we had not the wished for success, our people are convinced that they would have beaten the enemy if they had quitted their lines; and it is probable from the enemy’s sticking close to them, that they were of the same opinion. Our men are in high spirits, & wish for a fair trial, by equal numbers, in the open field.”
        We received intelligence of this action on Friday the 16th by three masters of vessels belonging to Massachusetts Bay, who also left Charlestown on the 23d of June, in a small boat with which they coasted along till they came to Baltimore. The information they say they recd at Charlestown was, that Prevost having marched out of his lines, Genl Lincoln marched out to meet him—that the action continued only 17 minutes, when the enemy gave way, & were pursued to their lines—that the highlanders & grenadiers rallying endeavoured to turn Genl Lincoln’s right, but were repulsed and driven back to their works—and that Lincoln would probably have carried them, had not the enemy been reinforced from John’s Island.
        They farther informed, that on Tuesday the 22⟨nd⟩ three gallies were ordered from Charlestown to Wappoo Cut, which leads to Stono Ferry: that at 2 o’clock on Wednesday morning the town was alarmed by a heavy fire of cannon, which continued till four: that soon after sun-rise they left Charlestown in their boat, and on the 25th arrived

at George Town, where the Capt. of the fort coming off, asked what news, particularly whether any gallies went from Charlestown on Tuesday; and being answered that there had, he then told them an express had arrived there, who said the three gallies had proceeded thro’ Wappoos Cut to the bridge thrown by Prevost over Stono ferry, which they destroyed, and then took the Comet and another galley which came up to defend it. The express who arrived last evening said two of the enemy’s gallies were taken.
        These Masters also informed, that a heavy cannonade began again on the 23d at about half after six in the morning, & continued in their hearing till Noon, when they were 18 miles from Sullivan’s island. They concluded this was a second attack on Prevost, both in front and rear: for on the 20th (the day of the action before described) in the morning, they saw Genl Moultrie embark at Charlestown with a body of men, said to be 1700, and that they were going to James Island & from thence on to John’s Island: that Pulaskie accompanied him with his dragoons. Upon being asked why Pulaskie with his horse were not with Genl Lincoln, they answered—that the enemy’s horse were on John’s island. That Genl Lincoln had ordered some heavy artillery from Charlestown, which they saw in the gondolas. Our forces not being very respectable as to numbers, when Major Rice left Charlestown, I was led to ask where the men came from that enabled Generals Lincoln & Moultrie to take the steps they had described: they answered, that great numbers of militia had come in, in consequence of Governour Rutledges proclamations requiring it.
        We have been so egregiously imposed on before by the narratives of sailors, I would not have troubled your Excellency with this detail of information given from their memory had not these been masters of vessels, & very intelligent: one of them too (Capt. Carpenter) was my townsman, with whom I was very particular in my inquiries. He told me he sailed from Charlestown on the 29th of April in a ship of Mr Livingston’s (Continental Agent) with a load of rice for Boston, on Continental account: that he was taken the day after, & carried to Savanna, where he remained till June 16th, on board his own ship; when being told he was to go on board the prison ship, he with Captain Sargent his passenger (another of the 3 masters of vessels) made their escape at night in the ships boat, & arrived at Charlestown the 18th of June; where he saw General Lincoln & Govr Rutledge, who examined him respecting the enemy’s situation & strength in Georgia. He says he was informed at Savanna that Prevost left but 150 men there—that 90 of these had been detached to Ebenezer: that before he escaped, it was reported an army was coming from Carolina to repossess themselves of Georgia: that on his arrival at Charlestown

Mr Timothy the printer told him a body of Georgians & Carolinians had the latter end of May marched for Georgia, & had arrived at Purisberg. That on the morning of the 23d, just as they were getting into their boat to depart, some gentlemen on the wharf said some prisoners had been brought into Charlestown lines the evening before from Ebenezer. Mr Peters says Major Rice made mention of this expedition: I do not recollect it. Their report of taking the gallies was doubted, because a gentleman who left Charlestown the 5th of April said we had no gallies. Capt. Carpenter satisfied me on this head. He said when he sailed, the last of April, a new galley was almost ready to launch & two vessels had been cut down for gallies, one of which was completed. That 3 or 4 more are now cutting down for gallies: that our other naval force there consists of three 20 gun ships—7 brigs & 2 sloops. I am your Excellencys most obedt servant

          Tim: Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Commander Andrew Sutherland, 18 July 1779
From: Sutherland, Andrew
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Vulture Haverstraw bay [N.Y.] July the 18th 1779

        I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date; & tho’ not regularly authoriz’d, conceive, myself warranted, as well from principles of humanity, as a thorough knowledge of His Excellency the Commander in Chief’s disposition, to accept your terms.
        I shall therefore send Boats; & in order to put the Men to as little pain as possible, shall order a Transport up to receive them; to which I flatter myself you will have no objection. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient H:ble Servt

          A. Sutherland


Title: General Orders, 19 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Monday July 19th 1779.
          Parole[  ]C. Signs[  ]

        The following disposition of the Army is to take place for the present.
        The Right-Wing to be composed of—The Virginia Maryland & Pennsylvania divisions under the command of Major General Putnam.
        The Left-Wing to be composed of the two Connecticutt brigades, and of Nixons and Glovers forming two divisions under the command of Major General Heath.
        Moylan’s and Sheldon’s regiments of Cavalry & Colonel Armand’s Independent corps to be attached to this wing ’till further orders.
        Major General Howe will take the immediate command of Nixon’s and Glover’s, the Cavalry & the Independent Corps.
        The Garrison of West-Point comprehending the Island will for the present consist of, Paterson’s, Late Larned’s and the Carolina brigade under Majr General McDougall, Commandant of the Garrison.
        The Carolina brigade to be stationed on the Island.
        Major General McDougall will immediately make a distribution of the troops under his command to the defence of the several works that every officer & man may be acquainted with his post in time of action and know where to repair, without confusion or delay, in case of a sudden alarm.
        The Artillery is also to be distributed and every minute arrangement made at once, that every thing may be in the most perfect readiness at the shortest notice—A full supply of water to be immediately provided.
        The Light Infantry to take post at any convenient place near Fort-Montgomery—That part of it which has not been already organized to return to the respective brigades to be immediately modeled agreeable to the new formation.
        The Guard-Boats are to be under the direction of the officer commanding the Light-Infantry from which corps they are to be maned.
        All the advanced Pickets and Patroles on the West side of the river to be furnished by the Virginia division and the corps of Light-Infantry—The commanding officers to agree upon such as are to be respectively furnished and the places and roads they are to occupy.
        The rest of the troops to be employed in carrying on the works with all possible Vigor and dispatch.
        The Engineers will report to the Adjutant General the number of men requisite for this purpose that he may have them furnished and regulate the details accordingly.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Richard Butler, 19 July 1779
From: Butler, Richard
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] 9 OClock july 19th 1779

        Genl Wayne being Indisposd, desires that I inform your Excellency that I Remaind to See the whole of the Troops off the ground & just as the last Party movd A Canonade from the Enemys Ships began to Cover their landing, at 5 OClock—they took Imediate Possesion of the Point & Dismantled works, Confining themselves within the morass that incircles the Point, on which they placd guards & Confind themselves within their Sentries, I observd Some officers buisy pointing from pl⟨ace⟩ to Place as if they were Directing the Repair of the w⟨orks.⟩ I Counted fifty Eight Sail of Shipping Difft kinds ⟨mutilated⟩, About 20 of which were Square Rigd & Abot 10 of these I took to be frigates & Sloops of war from 18 to 30 Guns—I think they had landed About 600 men & were Still very buisy—landing, four large Transports wer very full of men that I think none had been Sent from, as the boats were Still Plying from other Vessels; they have many Gallies & Armd boats, The General thot it Absolutely Necessary your Excellency Should have this Intelligince Imediatly & have given it of Circumstantially as in my Power. I Am with Respect your Excellencys most obedt Hbl. st

          Richd Butler Col.light Infty

          its my Opinion they will Soon move for west Point from the Number of Small Sail boats they have as the[y] had no need for these to land at S[t]ony Point and they are Empty.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

          Dr sir
          West point July 19th 1779

        I this morning received your favor of the 18th when returning from Stony point. Being very much fatigued and not having obtained a detail account of the Action yet, I cannot comply with your Excellency’s request. However for your private information—I believe the Garrison at Stony point amounted to about 500 rank & file—of which between Twenty & thirty might have been killed—about Forty wounded & the rest taken. Fifteen pieces of Ordnance altogether and a suitable supply of Ammunition. provisions none. A small reinforcement of the Enemy arrived yesterday at Verplanks—and from intelligence their main body was moving up by Land & Water—that the advance of the Troops moving by Land was at the New bridge on Croton. part of those on board Ship were arrived just opposite Colo. Hay’s or a little below and many other Vessels were heaving in sight last night. This movement obliged Major Genl Howe to retire from before the Enemy’s lines on Verplanks point. We dismantled the Works at Stoney point yesterday and last night and have destroyed them as far as circumstan⟨ces⟩ would permit. We could not hold them. I am Dr sir in haste with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt sert

          Go: Washington

          P.S. The state of the Enemy’s force on Verplanks before this reinforcemt was about the same of that on Stoney point.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel George Gibson, 19 July 1779
From: Gibson, George
To: Washington, George

          May it please yr Excelly.
          Smiths Tavern 11 miles from stoney Point [N.Y.]9 O’Clock. A.M.Monday 19th July 79.

        In answer to the verbal message I had the Honor to receive from Yr Excy by the Bearer. I have the pleasure to acquaint Yr Excy that I have contrary to my expectations got so farr wth the three pieces of Cannon. one of the Carriages (Limbers) having been stove to pieces immediately after we left the Point. I have fix’d on the fore part of a Waggon in lieu of limbers. I parted wth Genls Woodford & Muhlenberg in sight of the White house where they filed off to the left—I know nothing of them since I met a Brigade of Waggons loaded wth provisions three miles from No. River which I have Brot wth me. I shall scuffle hard but I will be at Junes’s tavern To morrow wth my whole Convoy. I have the Honor to be Your Excys Obedt Servt

          Geo: Gibson


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Mandevilles [Dutchess County, N.Y.]July 19, 1779 4 oClock P.M.

        The enclosed is just Come to hand from Capt. Hopkins an Intelligent and good officer.
        Should not the guard Boats be Very Vigilant?
        The Brass 12 pounders are brought to Nelson’s point. Shall they be kept here to be used as occasion may require, or be sent elsewhere? I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Excellencys Obedient Servant

          W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dr Sir
          West point July 19: 1779

        I have received Your favor of the 18th and two of to day. The disposition you mention to have made of the Troops will stand till further Orders. You will write to General Glover and direct him to halt with his Brigade at Ridgefield, where he will remain till he is further

instructed. I am much fatigued—and as I shall see you in the course of a day or two—I shall not add any thing more upon the present occasion. I am Dr sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt sert

          Go: Washington

          P.S. Your third favor of this date has just come to hand. You will send the Two Twelve pounders to New Windsor. The Officer who came with them from the park will return with them—and also their Ammunition Waggons &c. The Intrenching Tools sent to Genl Howe should be kept collected and no loss of them suffered.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 19 July 1779
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir,
          Mandeville’s, opposite West PointJuly 19th 1779

        Deprived as I was by the Enemies’ Advance of reducing their Post at Verplanck, which, but for that Event, I persuade myself I should have effected, I had nothing left but to retreat, which I performed and was so happy as to be joined by General Heath at Peeks-Kill. My Situation was critical, and it was well for me that I had found means to Obtain a tolerably exact Information of the Enemies’ Motions.
        Tho’ disappointed of the ultimate End of my Aim, if my Conduct meets the Approbation of my General, I shall be happy.
        I beg leave to suggest the exceeding Week State of my Division, and venture to express a Wish that an Addition could be made to it; General Heath mentions Glover’s Brigade as unattached. I have the

honour to be with all Respect Your Excellency’s Obedt & very humble Servt

          Robert Howe


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 19 July 1779
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Raritan [N.J.] 19 July 1779.

        I am extremely obliged to your Excellency for your very agreeable Favour of the 16th containing the joyful Intelligence of General Wayne’s having got possession of the Fort at Stoney Point and making the British Garrison Prisoners. This will make ample Amends in a national view for their ravages on the Coast of Connecticut, tho’ it will not repair the damages of the individual Sufferers. What adds to my Joy on this occasion is, that the Blow was struck by General Wayne. Full Satisfaction for their Here we are!
        By some Accounts from New York I have reason to think that this State will soon feel the Effects of their conflagrating Genius. As far as it can be covered by the grand Army consistent with the general Exigency of Affairs, I persuade myself that your Excellency will not be unmindful of us. I have the honour to be with great Affection and Esteem Dear Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient Servant

          Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

          Dr Sir
          West Point July 19th 1779

        Inclosed I send you a copy of a General order for the disposition of the army—The particular one of the Right Wing is to be as follows Woodfords Brigade to take post at or near Junes—Mughlenberghs at the forrest of Deane The other two divisions to preserve their present encampments—You will send orders for this purpose to the two

Virginia Brigades without delay that they may be at their intended posts as quick as possible. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          Dear Sir
          Head Qrs July the 19: 1779

        I request that you will transmit me as soon as possible—Returns of our killed and wounded in the attack on the night of the 15—also of the Enemys loss in killed—wounded & prisoners. Congress will be impatient to receive the particulars. I am Dr Sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt sert

          Go: Washington

          P.S. It will be necessary for you to transmit a formal report of your proceedings from the time of your march till the reduction of the Garrison—with the Returns.


Title: General Orders, 20 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters New-Windsor Tuesday July 20th 1779.
          Parole Smyrna—C. Signs Susa. Surat.

        If the troops wanting Arms have not been supplied they are to be furnished out of those brought from Stony-Point and not a moment’s time is to be lost in doing of it.
        If the state of the Magazines will afford it the brigade Commissaries are always to keep by them (ready to issue at a moment’s warning) two days salt provisions & a larger quantity of bread or flour.
        The troops are always to have two days cooked provision in hand that they may be ready to move at a moments warning. This want will

not be admitted as an excuse and the officers commanding Corps are to consider themselves as responsible to the Commander in Chief for strict obedience to this order.
        General Du-Portail will be pleased to appoint Engineers to superintend and direct the new works on the heights east and west of the river and have them forwarded with all possible dispatch agreeable to former orders.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 20 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

          D. Sir
          Head Qrs West point July the 20. 1779

        I have received your favour of the 13th Instant. The situation of affairs would not permit a Court Martial to sit since you were at Middle Brook. You may be assured it is not my wish to delay your trial a single moment; At the same time you must be sensible, that I cannot fix with precision on any day, during the more active part of the Campaign for it to come on. The movements of the Enemy will govern Ours— and if a day were proposed—a disappointment might take place as it did before. If however there should be a time when appearances promise that the Enemy will remain inactive—I will appoint a day— of which you shall be notified. At present there is no such prospect. I am happy to hear that your wounds are so far recovered—and I hope they will continue to mend till you are perfectly well.
        You will have heard of the success of our Arms on the night of the 15th against the Garrison at Stoney point; and as it is probable that you will see the particulars soon after this comes to hand, and I am extremely busy, I shall not trouble you with a detail of the Affair. The event is very interesting—and the conduct of the Officers and Men engaged in the Enterprize—does them the highest honor. I am Dr Sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt sert

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 20 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

          Sir
          Head qrs New Windsor July the 20: 1779

        I have duly received Your favors of the 10th Ult. & 10 Inst. I am obliged to you for the Intelligence from Canada and should be happy if circumstances would authorize an implicit credit to be given to the whole of it. The persons who gave it to Major Whitcomb and Captain paulant, I fear, have taken it up in several parts upon slender grounds.
        The pressing situation of Affairs will not permit me to go into a minute consideration of your Letters; but I am to desire in the most explicit terms that you will not put the public to any expence in those points. I have no objection to your building Block Houses and Stores— if it can be entirely done by your own people; Your command was to answer a particular Object—intimately connected with or at least intended to promote and facilitate the execution of a plan which I had in view. There cannot be a full communication of the real objects of every command to the Officer detached—and he should always in such cases make his instructions as nearly as possible—the rule of his Action. In the present instance—I wish You may not greatly have exceeded my intentions in many things & incurred an Expence that will greatly disatisfy the public.
        Your Return shall be transmitted to the Board of War. I have granted Warrants to Captain White for the pay of Your Regiment for A. & M. and he has received the Money.
        Capn White will inform you of our success against Stony point. I am sir Yr Most Obedt sert.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 July 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Mandevilles [Dutchess County, N.Y.]July 20. 1779 6 oClo. P.M.

        The enclosed intelligence was Sent me a few minutes Since by General Nixon.
        The Dragoon who brought it, informs me that he went on the ground where the Enemy encamped, that from the appearance of Bush hutts &. the Enemys force was considerable. Where their next manœuvre will be time must discover. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt

          W. Heath

          ⟨I ha⟩ve directed the ⟨adva⟩nce partys to keep a ⟨good⟩ look out, & observe if ⟨possi⟩ble what passes at ⟨Ver⟩planks point.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 20 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

          Sir,
          Head Quarters New Windsor 20th July 1779

        I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 13th, with the copies of the letters to which it refers. The British Cabinet may have planned the expedition which Messrs Lee & Johnson mention, but I cannot think that it will ever be executed. Perhaps the orders upon the occasion, were not so pointed as not to be dispensed with; and that the late expedition up the Sound was adopted as more eligible. If the plan however is pursued—Congress may rely—that I shall use my best endeavours to defeat it—or to avail myself of any opportunities it may give of distressing the enemy. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Yr Excellencys Most Obet, servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 20 July 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Philadelphia 20th July 1779

        I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 30th Ulto by Coll Morgan, and of the 13th & 16th Inst: with the several papers to which they refer.
        General Waynes Coup de main occasions as much Joy, as the barbarous conflagrations of the Enemy excite Indignation—The former I hope will lead to further successes, the latter to retaliation and Resentments favorable to our Independence.
        A Supply of money for the Use of the Army has been ordered.
        Herewith enclosed is a copy of a Letter from Doctor Morgan, & of three other Papers which accompanied it, Congress, by their Act of Yesterday refer them to Your Excellency. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

          John Jay Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

          Sir
          Head Quarters New Windsor July 20th 1779

        Our advices agree that the enemy have their whole force up the river, & by a letter dated last evening from Col. Butler I am informed they had made a debarkation at stoney point. Sir Harry may wish to retaliate for the loss of that post. I am therefore extremely anxious that we should be prepared to receive them, and of course that the arrangements pointed out in Yesterdays orders should be immediately carried into execution. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obet, Servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. Colo. Butlar an intelligent Officer who brought up the rear of the Troops from Stoney point yesterday, and was there at the time the enemy took possession is clear in opinion (from the number & kind of empty boats which he saw with the fleet) that they will soon operate against West point.


Title: To George Washington from John Morgan, 20 July 1779
From: Morgan, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia July 20 1779.

        When I first charged Doctr Shippen with Malpractices and Misconduct in Office, and pledged myself to Congress to appear as his Prosecutor in a Court having Jurisdiction, it was upon an Idea, that his trial would speedily take place, & that he would not have the Advantage of a long Interval in which he might tamper with and awe Witnesses; But the Operations of the Campaign, as your Excellency informs me, unavoidably place his trial at a distant day.
        A perfect knowledge of, by having long been a Witness to the Baseness of Dr Shippen; and a solicitude to remove every impediment to a fair Trial and to public Justice, induced me to submit to your Excellency the Expediency of Dr Shippens being suspended from Office until his Trial should be had. A Detection of some of those practices by which he would elude public Justice, and which I had before suspected, has since induced me, from a further acquaintance with the particulars, to apply to Congress, requiring a Suspension of him from the Ability of awing, and seducing Witnesses to be brought against him. By Order of Congress, my Application, also the inclosed detection of some seducing practices, and a Letter of Dr Rush, pledging himself upon Oath to give Evidence against Dr Shippen upon the most atrocious points of Criminality, have been all transmitted to your Excellency, as the Person originally impowered to see that Justice be done. And in addition to the Contents of those Papers, I beg leave to trouble your Excellency with a few Reflections.
        I have so long, so fully, and so fatally experienced the Power, the Arts, and the Influence of Dr Shippen, that I cannot but be anxiously watchful, when naked and defenceless, I find myself as a Prosecutor opposed to such a Man, holding in his hands the means, at once to awe and to seduce Witnesses: and that some of those under his influence as an Officer, are actually proceeding to awe and to seduce. In such a case, Can I, Sir, with propriety be thought violent or unreasonable, when I press for Doctr Shippens Suspension! I press only for a Measure tending to remove Corruption from the Avenues to public Justice; to remove a powerful Bar to a fair Trial—to deprive even the Prosecutor himself of all means of Excuse should he fail in what he has undertaken.
        In prosecuting Dr Shippen I see so many difficulties arising from undue Influence, that if he is not suspended, and if I fail in making good any of my Charges, I shall in conscience believe, that my failure is to be imputed only to his holding in his hands the Charms, and the Terrors of Office. No Man in Doctr Shippens Post can be charged

with darker Offences than he is, and those Charges are brought by Men of his own Profession, Men who themselves have been his Superiors in public Station. So criminated, surely No Man in the united states can be too great to be suspended. But if there should be such a Man, he may reasonably be thought to be too great to be convicted, and too dangerous to be prosecuted.
        It gives me the most exquisite pain, thus to press the Subject which your Excellency, on whose Justice & Impartiality there is the most perfect Confidence. But, Sir, I do this only because it is my Duty to take every Step in my power to endeavour to clear away from the Avenues to a fair Trial those Obstructions which I see. In doing this, I do all that I can do. If Dr Shippen be suspended and convicted, public Injuries will be corrected. If he be continued in Office, and escape Conviction, I shall nevertheless have discharged the Duties of a good Citizen. I remain Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & most humble Servant

          John Morgan


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 20 July 1779
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          20th July 1779

        Inclosd is a Report of the Number of Houses Stores &c. burnt at Norwalk the 11th Inst. the Enemy were so necessarily attentive to their own Safety whilst they remaind in Town and retird with so much

Precipitation when they began their Retreat, as left them no Time to perpetrate those Acts of Cruelty & Brutal Savageness they were guilty of in other Places.
        they had however Opportunity to convince Us they retaind the same Temper of Mind and wanted only Leisure to carry their infernal Malice to as great Lengths of Inhumanity as at New Haven and Fairfield.
        In Norwalk a Soldier was Shot through the Breast, and after he fell the Enemy dischargd several Peices into his Head & blowd his Skull of[f]—another was found dead with his Hands bound together & peircd with Bayonets not Shot having ever enterd any Part of his Body. a third was made Prisoner and orderd to deliver up his Arms which he complied with, and was then wounded with Bayonets in several Parts of Body and about a Dozen of the Enemy presented their Peices to fire upon him when their Prisoner on which he broke from them & receivd their fire, One Ball pasd thrô his Arms but he escapd & is now in Danbury Hospital—I have taken Measures to assertain the Loss of Property & Acts of Barbarity committed at New Haven & Fairfield, which I soon expect & beleive the black Catalogue would disgrace the History of the most Savage Nation. I am with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt

          Saml H. Parsons


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

          Dr Sir,
          Head Quarters New Windsor July 20th 1779

        As we do not know what may be the next object of the enemy, and it is our Duty to be well prepared at the most important point, I am to request you will immediately consult the principal officers with you

in conjunction with the commanding Officer of the light infantry, and form a disposition for opposing the enemy in concert, as well in the first instance at landing, as during their progress towards the works—The party which the Virginia division is to act, is also to be taken into consideration. With respect to this if the enemy should make a debarkation with their whole force at Fort Montgomery and the landing on this side—Mughlenbergs brigade may be ordered to join you in the first instanc and Woodfords to move towards the forest to act on the left flank and rear of the enemy; but if a column should move from King’s ferry towards the forest, Mughlenbergh will then be on the spot to oppose them and Woodfords will cooperate as circumstances may dictate—These are only intended as general hints—The movements of the enemy and the exigencies of the moment must decide your operations—But every probable case should be supposed before hand and a line of conduct preconcerted for each.
        Let your officers be particularly industrious to inform themselves of the ground on which they are to act—its different approaches and communications with the fort and every defile and spot most advantageous for opposing the enemy’s advance.

          P.S. I have written a line to General St Clair directing him to make himself well acquainted with the Hill that overlooks Fort Putnam in front, at the extremity of which it is proposed to erect some works—and to consider this point as his alarm post from thence to reinforce the troops in front as may be necessary. I am Sir Your most Obed. ser.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 20 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters New Windsor 20th July 1779

        You will be pleased to examine critically the long hill in front of Fort Putnam, at the extremities of which The Engineer is commencing some works. Colo. Gouvion or Mr Rochefontaine will be able more particularly to designate the Hill I mean. The possession of this Hill appears to me essential to the preservation of the whole post and our main effort ought to be directed to keeping the enemy off of it. You will make it the Alarm post for your division in the first instance, from which if requisite you can reinforce the Troops in front. You will consider this Hill in all its relations and make yourself completely master of its defence, it will be useful that this knowledge should extend to your principal Officers; and that your Officers in General should be acquainted with the ground on which they are to act—I shall be glad also you will have an eye to the works to be erected to hasten their completion as fast as possible. I am Dr Sir Your most Obed. hum. servant.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 20 July 1779
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Petersburg [Va.] July 20th 1779

        I this moment Recd Your Excellencys favour of the 28th June by post. I cannot but be unhappy that Your letter reached me hear, when I am Shure You had reason to expect that I was at least on my march

to Join the Southern Armey. I am more un[h]appy that I can’t with any Degree of Certainty Say when I shall be able to move a Nother detacht Intierly owing to the want of Clothing which I have no certainty of ever geting. the Govr and Counsil instructed me to offer money in lue of Clothing by which Means we Compleeted about two Hundred men these togather with the Old soldiers enabled me to make a Detachment of 400 Rank & file which Marched the 27th of June under the Comd of Colo. parker Colo. Blands Regt of Lt Dragoons Marched about the Same time the Very great Desertion among the New Leavies made it Necessary for me to detain one troop of Colo. Baylors Regt (which was the whole of that Regt that has Yet Reached this Place) for the purpose of persuing Deserters, who are very Numerous. I beg Your Excellency would impower me to Execute Some proper Objects, or I am fearfull we Shall Loose the greater part of them. I could also wish to be Authorised to receive Resignations as there are two or three officers eternally pressing me for leave to resign I am Shure the Service will not be injured by it & therfore have taken the Commission of a Lt Carney. a Rascul who Ought not to Have Born the rank of a Corporal, but not being able to Support a Charge Suffecent to Brake him he offerd his Resignation I thaught it a favourable oppertunity to get Him aut of the Service I took the liberty of Receiving it & Shall be happy if it meets Your Excys approbation.
        as for what Respects Colo. Temples letter I have found two much trooth in it. I have in consequince of it been obligd to Issue my warrant for the payment of Several Sums of money this was a Step that I was by no means Outhoris’d to take Had not Necessaty and the Credit of the armey Compeld the Measure in doing of which I hope I was not wrong. the People in this State have by some Means or other Been so used By our Auditors & others that they will not take Certificates, not even in the time of the Invasion Marching the Militia for their own security. I would before this have Sent a return of the old Soldiers to Genl Woodford, but as they still continue to come in I have thaught it Best to git the whole in that they Might be included in the Same return—I shall immediately Acquaint the Govr of Your instructions Respecting the appointment of the officers. but I assure You Sir I have But little hopes of giting proper Gentlemen to except of Ensensces in the Continental armey. especially at this time when the State is appointing officers for the State troops upon a Much Better footing, I wish to Send a return of Our Strength but the post cannot wait & murst therfore defer it until next weak, however I can Say that our total Strength at this place Exclusive of Colo. parkers Detachment is a little upwards of 700. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

          Chs Scott


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 20 July 1779
From: Taylor, John
To: Washington, George

          May it please your Excellency:
          Elizth Town [N.J.]July 20th 1779.

        I have made it my particular business since I have been stationed at this place, to make use of every mean⟨s⟩ in my power to procure intelligence of the movements and designs of the Enemy; but nothing worthy of your Excellency’s attention offering, I have omitted writing untill the present.
        I have it from good authority that the Troops who were with Governor Tryon to the Eastward, have returned to N. York, and moved up the North River, and also, that General Clinton is collecting his force; and the report of N. York is, that Sir Harry much chagrined at our late success hath publickly declared that he will with vigour attempt the Fort at West Point.
        By a person who hath been in N. York I have information that a reinforcement of 6000 men is hourly expected to arrive from England. The account is this. The person employed for the purpose of

procuring Intelligence lately saw a letter in the hands of a Gentleman in N. York which was wrote by his Correspondent in England, which says that 6000 Troops are embarked for America, and the person who brought said letter, arrived last week in N. York, and declared in the hearing of the man employed as above, that the Fleet with the Troops on board were dropping down the channel when he sailed. and that he believed they would soon arrive.
        If your Excellency shall at any time think fit to give me any instructions either to obtain intelligence, or any other thing in which I can be serviceable your Excellency’s orders shall be punctually attended to. I remain your Excellency’s most obedient and humble Servant

          John Taylor Lt ColonelN. Jersey State Regiment.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          Dr sir
          July the 20: 1779

        I observe in your Letter of the 16th of July by Mr Archer that you make particular mention of his intrepidity and firmness in the Assault on Stony point. Is it your wish that he should be the Bearer of my dispatches to Congress? His circumstances are peculiar—he has no appointment in the Army. It will be impossible to provide for him in any particular line; but perhaps he might obtain a Brevet Commission without giving any uneasiness. I shall be glad to know your sentiments upon the occasion and of the operation such an appointment and the sending him with the dispatches might have.
        You do not mention the names of the Two Officers who led the advanced parties to the Two Columns. You will be pleased to do it with all the circumstances of conduct—and loss which they sustained. I must request you will transmit me the report which I asked in my

Letter of Yesterday and the matters now requested as soon as possible. I am Dr sir with great regard Yr Most Obed.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne or Officer Commanding the Light Corps, 20 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony,Officer Commanding the Light Corps

          Sir
          New Windsor July 20th 1779

        Col. Butlers favor of last evening I have received—The opinion he has of the enemys designs renders it unnecessary for me to caution you on the score of keeping out the necessary Guards & patroles; The look out boats I have desired Genl McDougal to order down to be under yr command that you may officer & man them, with such persons as you can fully confide in—this will enable you to obtain the earliest notice of the enemys movements, & should any take place, or any thing important occur—you will take care to have it communicated, as well to the different commanding Officers in the vicinity of West point, as to Genl McDouga⟨l.⟩ I propose either this evening or tomorrow to pitch my Tent some where near West point. I am &c.

          G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 July 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Fort Montgomery [N.Y.]20th July 1779 6. OClock. P.M.

        Your’s of this date I recd this Moment—Mr Archer’s Conduct as well as Major Fishbourns was highly Meritorious, the Circumstances

you mention of Mr Archers having no Rank in our Line Induces me to wish him to be the Messenger—otherwise from equal Merit Major Fishbourn wou’d expect it—I could spare them both a little time as I shall be Obliged to retire for a few days.
        The Officers who led the Advanced parties were Lieut. Gibbons of the 6th & Knox of the 9th Pennsa Regts—I wish your Excellency not to publish that Letter but the one herewith sent which is more full & Contains t[he] same particulars.
        I every Moment expect a Return of the Prisoners from Major Lee—to whom I have sent express—will you be so Obliging as to transmit me the Return of the Officers taken at Stoney Point—which is rather Incorrect.
        the Return of Ordinance & Ordinance Stores you have already the Return of Arms & tents I shall bring up tomorrow when I shall furnish you with the Whole Interim I am Your Excellys Most Obt & very hum. St

          Anty Wayne

          I this Moment learn that the Enemy Re embarked from Stoney point last evening at Gun fire. & that the Shiping remain in the same position they were yesterday.


Title: General Orders, 21 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s-House [West Point] Wednesday July 21st 79.
          Parole Saragossa—C. Signs Quebec Portland.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 21 July 1779
From: Glover, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Norwalk [Conn.] 21st July 1779

        I was honor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of the 17th last Evening 9 OClock. The Troops having march’d from New Haven in two days, are much Fatigued; shall halt them at this place to day.
        I shall march 2 OClock to morrow morning for Ridgefield, where I shall wait your Excellency’s Orders. Give me Leave to Congratulate you Sir on the success of the American Arms against Stony point, & thank your Excellency for the Intelligence; which is the first & only Conformation I have had of that Glorious Event; Notwithstanding I have recd three Letters from General Heath; (in neither of which does he say one Word about it) since it took place. I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s, most Obed. hume sert

          John Glover


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 July 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Mandevilles [Dutchess County, N.Y.]July 21. 1779 ½ past 9 oClock P.M.

        Major General Howe is this moment return’d from the Village and informs me that just before he came away the officer of the Guard acquainted him that five Topsail Vessells had come up to Pecks kill & that he (the General) Saw one himself. the others were behind a Hill. General Nixon had gone out to reconnoitre them. A report has not yet transpired. I have order’d the Troops to lay on their Arms, have augmented the guards, and Sent a detachment on to Sugar loaf Hill. I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Excellencys Most obedt Sert

          W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 July 1779
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

          sir
          Haverstraw [N.Y.] July 21st 79

        Having received no late instructions from your Excelly, I have employed myself as usual.
        On the 19th a body of the British landed in the evening on

Stony-point, they reimbarked early in the night taking with them the brass twenty four left by us.
        Yesterday another body landed on Verplanks: during the day baggage was put on shore in great quantitys.
        The Major part of the army from intelligence receivd from below, lay encamped near Tallers point, which is just below the mouth of Croton river. The Cavalry are part of this army.
        It is probable this day will determine whether Stony point is to be repossessed. Whatever may happen shall be communicated without loss of time.
        A marauding party landed two days since at the Slote, they collected a few cattle, but before they got on board was attacked by the guard, lost most of their plunder two men killed & seven prisoners. I have the honor to be sir most respectfully your Excys most ob. sevt

          Henry Lee Junr


Title: To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 July 1779
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

          sir
          July 21st 79

        The enemy again landed this morning on Stoney-point.
        I conjecture this debarkation to be serious: as their baggage tents &c. are also on shore.
        General Stirling’s brigade compose the present garrison; the General commands.
        The few wounded men left behind the other day, I have taken the liberty to send on board ship. They are received on the same terms & are to be conside[red] in the same point of view when exchanged, as those deliverd on the 17th inst.
        They were troublesome to us, remote from the hospitals of the

army, & being few in number I did not conceive it worth while to trouble your Excell’y on the occasion.
        The enemy’s fleet upwards of forty sail still continue off Stoney-point. I have the honor to be sir with perfect respect Your Excellencys most ob. h: servt

          Henry Lee Junr


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 21 July 1779
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Ridge Field [Conn.] July 21st 1779

        I am again detached from the Left wing of the Army, having Left 40 horse at Peeks Kill and its neighborhood under the Command of Capt. Hopkins, in order to watch the enemies motions, and procure inteligence from that Quarter, as I am without Infantry, I cannot venture Lower down, with the horse, indeed the marching and Countermarching we have had Since I Left Norwalk, has Left but few fit for Duty, after they have a little rest I propose Sending out Small parties to gain inteligence, which is all that can be expected from our numbers, compared with the enemys Cavalry—I sent a flag in last Saturday, by an inteligent officer, who I had not Seen until this morning, he assures me that the main body of the Enemies Infantry had not marched on Sunday as he coud plainly discover that they Lay at the west Side of the bridge leading in to East Chester, about fifteen hundred with five hundred horse, were marched to Newbridge over Croton these Troops came to raise the Siege of Verplanks point and considering the besiegers Situation, it was fortunate they did not push their march, there is no acct from Armands Corps, General Heath promisd to send me 150 Infantry, if it coud be made up 200, it woud be little enough for the Duty they will have to go thro’ if your Excellency thinks it proper, to order them on I Shall be enabled to move on to Bedford as Soon as they may arrive. I have the honor to be Dear sir Your most ob. H. St

          Stephen Moylan


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 21 July 1779
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Camp Butter Milk Falls [Orange County, N.Y.]July 21 1779

        I was duly favour’d with Your Excellency’s Commands of the 19th and 20th Inst.; the former came to hand in the night, and as soon as it was day I dispatched a Dragoon with orders for Generals Woodford and Muhlenberg to take post with their Brigades, according to the directions contained in it; but the Horseman return’d last evening, without being able to find either of them, I have this morning sent off another Express towards June’s Tavern, & hope he will be more fortunate.
        The Contents of yours of Yesterday I shall pay as early attention to, as possible, for this purpose, I have given notice to the General Officers to meet at my Quarters tomorrow morning, to consult upon the necessary disposition to be made, and the line of conduct to be pursued, in case the Enemy should make an attempt on our Posts: The result of this, I shall have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency, and in the mean time, I am with the greatest esteem & respect Your Most Obedient & very Hble Servant

          Israel Putnam


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 21 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

          Dr Sir
          New Windsor July the 21: 1779

        From the intelligence I have just received, it would seem that the Enemy mean to evacuate their posts at Stoney and Verplanks points. If you have not removed the baggage of the two Brigades from Sufferans—You will let it remain till further Orders. The body of the Enemy that was coming up—has fallen down again. I am Dr sir Yr Most Obed. servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 21 July 1779
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear Genl
          Junes [N.Y.] 21st July 1779

        Yours ⅌ express was this moment deliver’d me—the Baggage & Artilery of the Virginia division return’d here last evening, by who’s orders I am not inform’d, as I did not think myself warrented to order their removal till I had directions. the three peices of heavy Artilery brought from the point is allso here, waiting Lord Stirlings return to know how they are to be disposed of.
        I find by Colo. Meads Letter it was expected that Genl Muhlenbergs Brigade was at the Forrest of Dean—Genl Putnams orders, but Just now arrived, has explain’d that matter—& the Brigade is now in motion for that post.
        My Strongest Battalion (Nevil) is at west point, I will be obliged to your Excellency to order that I may be informed wheather they must be relieved from Muhlenbergs Tomorrow in Course, or if they will return without—I am, with great Respect, Your Excellencies Most Obedt humble Servt

          Wm Woodford


Title: General Orders, 22 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moores-House [West Point] Thursday July 22d 1779.
          Parole Philip’sburgh—C. Signs Perth Namur.

        The following is the formation of Nixon’s, Paterson’s, Larned’s & the North-Carolina Brigades which is to take place immediately for the present Campaign.

            R. & F.

            Greaton’s Regt
             ⎧⎨⎩⎫⎬⎭forms one battalion and furnishes for the Light Infantry–-
            24.

            Nixon’s—    forms one battalion and furnishes—
            30.

            Putnam’s—    forms one battalion and furnishes—
            38.

            ⎫⎬⎭Nixon’s brigade to give for the Light Infantry

                  C.
                  S.
                  S.
                  D. & F.

                  2.
                  5.
                  7.
                  4.

            92.

            Bailey’s Regt forms one battalion and furnishes—
            32.

            Jackson’s—forms one battalion and furnishes—
            12.

            Wesson’s—forms one battalion and furnishes—
            28.

            ⎫⎬⎭Larned’s brigade to give for the Light-Infantry—

                  C.
                  S.
                  S.
                  D. & F.

                  2.
                  3.
                  5.
                  4.

            72.

            Late Brewer’s and Bradford’s regiments form one battalion and furnish—
            43.

            Marshall’s and Tupper’s form one battalion and furnish—
            51.

            ⎫⎬⎭  Paterson’s brigade to give for the Light Infantry—

                  C.
                  S.
                  S.
                  D.

                  2.
                  5.
                  7.
                  4.

            94.

            Clark’s Regt forms one battalion & furnishes–
            37.

            Pattens—forms one battalion & furnishes–
            33.

            ⎫⎬⎭The North-Carolina brigade to give for the Light-Infantry

                  C.
                  S.
                  S.
                  D.

                  2.
                  3.
                  5.
                  4.

            70.

        The following Gentlemen are to do the duties of Ensigns till the pleasure of their State is known and in the regiments set against their names.

            1st Virg. Regt
            {
            Jacob Brown (to rank from the 15th of Septr last.)

            Philip Courtney
            }
            To rank from the 4th of July instant.

            2nd V. Regt
            {
            John Coleman

            Peyton Powell

            George Blackmore

            3rd Virg. Regt
            {
            Philip Clayton

            James De Laplairne

            4th V. Regt
            {
            [——] Scott.

            Javan Miller.

            Robert Kays.

            7th V. Regt
            {
            Robert Renkins

            Samuel Phillips

            Spencer Morgan

            John Lee—

            8th V. Regt
            {
            Joseph Van Mater

            Edward Williams

            10th V. Regt
            {
            Simpson Foster

            Elisha King—

            The Regt command[e]d
            {
            David Luckit
            }
            ’Till the pleasure of

            by Colonel Gist—

            John Nelson
            Congress is known and to rank from the same date.

        The Quarter Master General will have a reasonable estimate made of the value of the Stores taken at Stony-Point and received by him for the use of the Army and will pay the amount thereof to General Wayne or some person of his appointment for the benefit of the troops employed in the assault of that Post.
        General Knox will cause the same to be done with respect to the Ordnance, Arms, and Military Stores that a Warrant may be drawn on the Pay-Master for the amount which is to be applied in like manner agreeable to the Assurances given by the Commander in Chief before the attack.
        Every soldier who has been guilty of plundering at Stony-Point and applying to his own use any part of what was intended for the common benefit of the Assailants is to be excluded from a share of the above estimate and moreover on conviction of the crime to receive such corporal punishment as a Court-Martial shall think proper to sentence. And whereas some officers have purchased articles from the soldiers under a mistaken Idea that they had a right to sell, without considering the pernicious consequences to which such a

practice leads and that it tends to encourage a spirit of plundering in the most critical moments by which the best concerted plans are often defeated, the General desires that all such Purchases may be given up (the money being refunded to them) & that practices of this kind be discountenanced in future by officers of every denomination.
        There being a few Articles of clothing for officers in the hands of the clothier at New-Burgh incompetent to a general distribution to the Army at large, the General is under the necessity of confining them to those officers only who have not had the benefit of State Provisions & therefore directs the Clothier to issue them to such of the officers of Cavalry, Artillery, of the sixteen additional regiments and of the military staff as do not belong to the line of particular States and are in the predicament on which this discrimination is founded.
        For his government the officers are to bring certificates; those of the Cavalry from the officers commanding their respective regiments; Those of the Artillery from Brigadier General Knox; Those of the sixteen regiments from the officers commanding the brigades to which they belong & those of the Military Staff from the General Officers or Principals to whom they are attached, unless they are the principals themselves in which case their own orders will suffice.
        The Clothier has directions respecting the proportion and terms by which his issues are to be regulated.
        One Artificer from each battalion on the new formation to be sent to the Orderly-Office as soon as possible: A Serjeant from each brigade or division to conduct them.
        The following number of men from the several brigades properly officered are to be daily employed on the works according to the distribution hereafter mentioned ’till further orders.

            R. & F.

            North-Carolina brigade—
             74.
            }
            at Constitution Island.

            2nd Pennsylvania brigade
            127.

            Smallwoods
            153 —
            {
            At the Redoubt near

            the Maryland-line.

            2nd Maryland
            127 —

            At Fort-Putnam.

            Irvine’s Brigade
            169 —

            At the Point.

            Paterson’s Brigade
             60.
            }
            At ditto.

            Late Larned’s
             40 —

        Fatigue hours from gun-firing, ’till nine in the morning and from three in the afternoon ’till retreat.


Title: To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 22 July 1779
From: Board of General Officers
To: Washington, George

          [22 July 1779]

        At a Board of General Officers, assembled at Genl Putnams Quarters July 22nd 1779 agreeable to the direction of His Excellency the Commander in Chief, communicated in his Letter of the 20th Inst.

            Present.

            Major Generals
            {
            Putnam

            De Kalb

            Brigadiers
            {
            Smallwood

            Muhlenberg

            Gist.

        Major General Putnam laid before the Board the Letter of the Commander in Chief, requesting him “to consult with the principal Officers, and form a disposition for opposing the Enemy in concert, as well in the first instance at landing, as during their progress towards the works, in case they should make an attempt upon them”—Whereupon
        The Board after duly considering the matter move it as their

opinion, that the Troops remain in their present positions; and that it will be expedient for General Muhlenberg to post a Picquet consisting of a Captain and twenty men at Clements’s, a Sub. and twenty on the road leading from the Furnace, to the right of Clements’s down to Haverstraw; and a Sub and twenty on the Coal road—That one whole Battallion from the same Brigade should be posted at Rose’s farm; wh. are to keep a Picquet on the road leading to Doodles Town and Clements’s—And if the Enemy advance in force on either of those roads, Genl Muhlenberg should dispute the passage as long as he may think prudent, and then take possession of the two Roads leading from the Forest, to West point, giving them every possible annoyance till he can be sustaind The Battallion at Rose’s farm if they are obliged to retreat, will take the path leading thro’ the Valley from Rose’s farm to West Point, disputing the passage all the way.
        The Board are farther of opinion, that there ought to be posted from the Light Infantry a Picquet consisting of 1 C.—2 S.—2 S.— 2 C.—30. P. at Doodles Town A Picquet of the same number at Fort Montgomery, to detach 1 S.—1 C.—10 P. to the Stone House, on the road leading to Rose’s farm, and another Picquet of 1 S.—1 S.— 1 C.—20 P. at Stony Beach.
        If the Enemy should attack Genl Muhlenberg by the way of the Forest of Deane, and attempt to force a passage from thence to West Point with their main Body, General Woodfords Brigade will hang upon the left Flank and rear; to be supported by the Maryland and Pennsylvania Troops as circumstances may require—The Light Infantry remaining near their present position to maintain the passage of the road along the river, should a Column of the Enemy attempt to force their way in that quarter; but if not, the Light Infantry will then attack their right flank and rear in conjunction with the other Troops.
        But in case the main body should Land, in two Columns at Doodles Town and Stony Beach, and endeavour to force their way along the river, with a view to gain the heights, in the rear of, and adjacent to the Fort at West Point, their passage must be disputed, by the Light Infantry and Maryland Division in Front, supported by the Brigades of Woodford & Muhlenberg which will attack on the left Flank and rear of the Enemy in their approach.
        In order to obviate the Enemys intentions and the better to secure the objects in view, by the different Corps co-operating, and keeping up a constant communication with each other; the Board submit the expediency of drawing out Runners or active light-armd men from each Corps, to carry intelligence as occation may require; to facilitate which, the Board are also of opinion that they ought to be exempted

from all other duty, and to be sent out immediately, to be made acquainted with the differrent routs and ways on which they will necessarily be employed.

          Israel Putnam M.G.


Title: From George Washington to James Geary, 22 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Geary, James

          Sir,
          [22 July 1779]

        A general order will issue this day directing all the officers of the cavalry such part of the Artillery as have not received the benefit of state provision, the officers of the 16 additional Regiments and of the military staff which do not belong to the line of particular states, to apply to you for their respective proportions of the cloathing in your hands which you are to issue on the following principles.
        You are to estimate the number of Officers to be supplied at 200.
        You are to proportion the articles in your hands to this number. Of such articles as will not give each a part, the officers are to have some of one kind which they most stand in need of, and to be refused others, so that what is supplied to every one may amount to nearly the same value—In order to this, you will divide the Stg amount of your whole invoice by 200 and let every officer have a proportion of cloathing equal to the two hundredth part of the whole—But no officer must be allowed more than—three shirts 2 pr of stockings and 1 pr of shoes, or boots, with a proportion of the other articles—The boots must be appropriated to such officers as serve on horse back, and no officer that receives boots is to be intitled to shoes.
        The articles delivered are to be paid for on delivery at 300—⅌ cent on the Sterling cost that is four pounds currency (Dollars at 7/6) for one pound Sterling.
        The Military Staff comprehends All General officers and their Aide De Camps
        All the officers of the Inspectorship.
        The Adjutant General & his Assist⟨ants.⟩
        The Engineers
        The Brigade Qr Masters

        Regimental Qr Mrs
        Pay Masters
        Adjutants—Many of these officers belong to the line of particular states, and receive in common the benefit of State provisio⟨ns;⟩ therefore are not to be included in the present—Such of them only as do not belong to the line of particular states are to be supplied. I am Sir Yr most Obedt ser.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 22 July 1779
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

          My dear Sir
          Jamaica Plain [Mass.] July 22. 1779

        I have been earnestly wishing for an opportunity to congratulate you upon some successful manoeuvre under your own immediate direction; & I now embrace it with the utmost satisfaction. The capture of the fort is of the greatest consequence, all things considered, & must therefore afford your Excellency peculiar pleasure. I have been fearful lest our men, being called out to storm lines or forts, would shrink back in the moment of trial, from the appearance of eminent danger & the want of practice. But the success they have met with in this first essay, & the uncommon smallness of the numbers killed & wounded, will give them resolution in future attacks of that kind, & make them still more formidable. This affair will greatly heighten the reputation of our arms in all Europe, & prove a fine subject for our real friends in Great Britain to enlarge upon. It will make a noble contrast to the piratical plundering barbarous & cowardly expeditions wherein the enemy have been engaged of late, & will probably continue. I have a special satisfaction in thinking how great a mortification Clinton & all his coadjutors must feel. It will leave an indelible stain upon their military character to have lost Stony-point Fort garrisoned by five hundred men, well provided; instead of having gained West Point. I hope shortly to hear that your Excellency hath obliged them to quit or surrender the opposite Fort, & have recovered the Ferry for the safe passage of troops & passengers cross the North river. You have my daily prayers, such as they are; had I

moved in another department should have urged your receiving the recruits sooner: but they whose business it was, instead of taking time by the forelock, put it off to the present general Court which, thro’ the depreciation of the currency, has obliged the publick to give a greater premium to the nine months men. Many of them have recd I apprehend full fifteen hundred dollars. The measures that are now pursuing by merchants &c. will I trust help us as to our money. I can’t but flatter myself with the expectation, that if G. Britain loses the present campaign & can get no capital naval advantages, she will seriously think of accommodating in the winter season; but by the predatory war now carrying on by them I suppose that the present ministry means not to make up; they however will scarce be to able stand it tho’ supported by royalty, wh[i]ch instead of hearing that Charles Town is taken, Carolina subdued & of the prospect of farther reductions, they shall be informed that Georgia has been recovered from them, their southern army ruined & their main one been hinderd doing any thing more than, thro’ the assistance of their fleet, carrying on a little pitiful war. It is very long since I had the pleasure of hearing from you; conscious that my last was wrote in the spirit of love & friendship, I am willing to impute your silence to the multiplicity & importance of the business wherein you are engaged, & to believe that upon this hint you will convince me that what was well meant, & concealed from nearest & dearest friends, was well taken. I continue Your Excellency’s very humble servant & affectionate friend

          William Gordon

          Mrs Gordon joins in sincere respects to your Lady.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 July 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General.
          Mandeville’s [Dutchess County, N.Y.]July 22d 1779

        I herewith send to be disposed of as your Excellency may direct, three Prisoners of War and two Deserters from the Brittish Army.
        It appears, notwithstanding the reports of Last Evening, that no ships, or Vessells except a Galley, were above Verplanks point the last night. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant

          W. Heath