Title: To George Washington from Lewis Morris, 18 July 1775 [letter not found]
From: Morris, Lewis
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lewis Morris, 18 July 1775. On 4 Aug. GW wrote to Morris: “I have been favoured with your Letter of the 18th Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 July 1775
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Tionderoga [N.Y.] July 18th 1775

I do myself the Honor to inform Your Excellency of my Arrival at this Place early this Morning; and, as a Person is just going to Hartford, I sit down to give you the little Information I have procured.
A Canadian, who twelve days ago left St Johns, advises me that General Carlton has about four hundred men at that place; that he has thrown up a strong intrenchment, covered with Chevaux de Frise; picketted the ditch, and secured it with an Abbatis; that he has an advanced post of fifty men, intrenched a league on this side; that there are many Indians in Canada, but believes neither they or the Canadians will join him: the latter he is sure will not unless compelled by force.
You will expect that I should say something about this place and the troops here. Not one earthly thing for offence or defence has been done; the Commanding officer had no orders: he only came to reinforce the garrison, and he expected the General: But this, my dear General, as well as what follows in this paragraph I pray may be entre nous for reasons I nee⟨d⟩ not suggest. About ten last night I arrived at the Landing pla⟨ce⟩ the north end of Lake George; a post occupied by a Captain and 100 men. A Centinel on being informed I was in the boat quitted his post to go and awake the guard, consisting of three men, in which he had no success. I walked up and came to another, a serjeant’s Guard. Here the centinel challenged, but suffered me to come up to him, the whole guard, like the first, in the soundest sleep. With a penknife only I could have cut off both guards, and then

have set fire to the blockhouse, destroyed the stores, and starved the people here. At this post I have pointedly recommended vigilance and Care; as all the stores from Fort George must necessarily be landed there—But I hope to get the better of this inattention. The officers and men are all good looking people, and decent in their deportment, and I really believe will make good soldiers as soon as I can get the better of this non-chalance of theirs. Bravery I believe they are far from wanting. As soon as I am a little settled, I shall do myself the Honor to send you a return of my strength both on land and water.
Inclose your Excellency a Copy of a letter from Col. Johnson, with Copy of an Examination of a person lately from Canada, contradictory of the accounts I gave you in my last from Saratoga. You will perceive that he is gone to Canada. I hope Carlton, if he should be able to procure a body of Indians, will not be in a hurry to pay us a visit. I wish to be a little more decently prepared to receive him—in doing which be assured I shall lose no time.
I have no way of sending you any letters, with a probable hope of their coming to hand, unless by express, or by the circuitous rout of Hartford; by which only I can expect to be favored with a line from you.
Generals Lee and Gates share with you in my warmest wishes. I shall devote the first hour I can call my own to do myself the honor to write them. I am Most sincerely, Your Excellency’s Obedient, and Humble Servant,

Ph: Schuyler

Permit me, Sir, thro. you to enquire the health of Colo. Read, Major Mifflin and Mr Griffin.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge July 18. 1775

Allow me to return you my Sincerest thanks for the kind Wishes & favourable Sentiments exprss’d in yours of the 13th Instant: its the Cause of our Common Country calls us both to an Active & dangerous Duty, I trust that Divine Providence which wisely orders the Affairs of Men will enable us to discharge it with Fidelity & Success—The uncorrupted Choice of a brave & free People has raised you to deserved Eminence; that the Blessing of Health & the still greater Blessing of long continuing to govern such a People may be yours is the Sincere Wish of Sir Your Most Obedient very humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge July 18. 1775.

It is with no small Concern that I find the Arrangement of General Officers made by the Honourable Continental Congress has produced Dissatisfaction. As the Army is upon a general Establishment, their Right to controul & supersede a Provincial one must be unquestionable: and in such a Cause I should hope every Post would be deemed honourable which gave a Man Opportunity to serve his Country.
A Representation from the Congress of this Province, with such Remarks as occurr’d to me on this Subject, is now before the Continental Congress. In the mean Time I beg Leave to assure you, that unbyass’d by any private Attachments, I shall studiously endeavour to reconcile their Pretensions to their Duty, & so dispose them as to prevent if possible any Inconvenience to the publick Service from this Competition. I have the Honour to be with much Respect & Esteem Sir, Your most Obedt & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


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

Head Quarters Cambridge, July 19th 1775.
Parole Derby.Counter Sign Marblehead.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 19 July 1775
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, 19 July 1775

Introduces the bearers, “Mr Ogden & Mr Burr of the Jerseys,” who “Visit the Camp not as Spectators, but with a View of Joining the Army & being Active during the Campaign. . . . Your Dispatches Reach’d me last Eveng. I shall forward

you the Papers immediately. The Results of Congress you shall know as early as possible.”


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 20 July 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 20 July 1775. In a letter of 15 Oct. 1775 to GW, Lund Washington referred to GW’s letter of “July . . . 20th.”


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 20 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Samuel

Dear Brother,
Camp at Cambridge about ⟨5⟩ Miles from Boston July 20. 1775.

Agreeable to your request I am now set down to write to you, although in the first place I have scarce time to indulge an Inclination of the kind, and in the next place do not know how or whether it may ever get to your hands.

I came to this place the 2d Instant & found a numerous army of Provencials under very little command, discipline, or order—I found our Enemy who had drove our People from Bunkers Hill strongly Intrenching, and from Accts had reason to expect before this, another attack from them; but, as we have been incessantly (Sundays not excepted) employed in throwing up Works of defence I rather begin to believe now, that they think it rather a dangerous experiment; and that we shall remain sometim⟨e⟩ watching the Motions of each other, at the distance of little more than a mile & in full vie⟨w⟩—from the best Accts we have been able t⟨o⟩ get, the number of the Enemy amounts to between 10 and 12,000 Men; part of which are in Boston, & part on Bunkers Hill just by—our numbers including Sick, absent &ca are between 16 & 18,000; but then, having great extent of Lines & many places to defend, & not knowing where the attack may be made (as they have the entire command of the Water & can draw their whole force to any one point in an hour or twos time without any person but the Commanding Officer who directs it having the least previous notice of it) our situatio⟨n⟩ is a little unfavourable. but not so bad but that I think we can give them a pretty warm reception if they think proper to make any advances towards us—their situation is such as to secure them from any attack of ours.
By what we can learn, they are sadly distressd for want of fresh Provisions—Beef (the Milch Cows in Boston) sells from One shilling to 18d. Sterg pr lb.—Mutton higher, & these only to be had for the Sick. the number of thos⟨e⟩ killed & wounded in the engagement on Bunker⟨s⟩ Hill could not fall short of 1100, ours did not exceed 450—a few more such Victories woul⟨d⟩ put an end to their army and the present contest.
The Village I am in, is situated in the midst of a very delightful Country, and is a very beautiful place itself, th⟨ou⟩gh small—a thousand pities that such a Country should become the theatre of War—A Month from this day will bring on some Capitol change I expect; for if the Enemy are not able to penetrate into the Country, they may as well, one would think, give up the point & return home; for if they stay at Boston & a⟨t⟩ Bu⟨n⟩kers Hill (which is another Peninsula lef⟨t⟩ unto it, & seperated by a small Ferry over to Charles Town which is part of the Nec⟨k⟩ I say if they stay at those places f⟨or⟩ ever, the end for

which they were se⟨nt⟩ cannot be accomplished; & to compel them to remain there, is the principal object we have in view indeed the onl⟨y.⟩
We have seen nothing of the Rifle men yet, nor have we heard any thing certain of them. I have only time to add my love to my Sister & the Family & to assure you that I am with unfeigned regard & truth Dr Sir Yr Affecte Brother and frien⟨d⟩

Go: Washington

P.S. In the late Ingagemt of the 17th Ulto the Enemy by the best Accts we can get had 1043 Men killed & W⟨o⟩und⟨e⟩d Wh⟨ere⟩of 92 Were Officers—our loss amounted to 13⟨9⟩ killed 278 Wounded & 36 Missing—pray rememb⟨er⟩ me kindly to Mr Warner Washington ⟨and Family⟩ when you see them.


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 21st 1775.
Parole, Maldin.Countersign Chelsea.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp at Cambridge July 21. 1775

Since I did myself the Honour of addressing you the 14th Instt, I have received Advice from Govr Trumbull, that the Assembly of Connecticut had voted, & that they are now raising

two Regiments of 700 Men each, in Consequence of an Application from the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay. The Rhode Island Assembly has also made an Augmentation for this Purpose: these Reinforcements, with the Riffle Men who are daily expected, & such Recruits as may come in, to fill up the Regiments here, will I apprehend compose an Army sufficiently strong, to oppose any Force which may be brought against us at present. I am very sensible, that the heavy Expence necessarily attendant upon this Campaign, will call for the utmost Frugality & Care, & would therefore if possible avoid inlisting one unnecessary Man—As this is the first certain Account of the Destination of these new raised Troops, I thought proper to communicate my Sentiments as early as possible; least the Congress should act upon my Letter of the 10th, and raise Troops in the Southern Colonies, which in my present Judgment may be dispens’d with.
For these 8 Days past, there have been no Movements in either Camp of any Consequence. On our Side, we have continued the Works without any Intermission, & they are now so far advanced, as to leave us little to apprehend on that Score. On the Side of the Enemy, they have also been very industrious in finishing their Lines both on Bunkers Hill, & Roxbury Neck. In this Interval also their Transports have arrived from New York, and they have been employed in landing & stationing their Men. I have been able to collect no certain Account of the Numbers arrived, but the inclosed Letter wrote (tho. not signed) by Mr Sheriff Lee, & delivered me by Captn Darby (who went Express with an Account of the Lexington Battle) will enable us to form a pretty accurate Judgment. The Increase of Tents & Men in the Town of Boston is very obvious, but all my Accounts from thence agree, that there is a great Mortality occasioned by the Want of Vegetables, & fresh Meat: & that their Loss in the late Battle at Charles Town (from the few Recoveries of their wounded) is greater than at first supposed. The Condition of the Inhabitants detained in Boston is very distressing, they are equally destitute of the Comfort of fresh Provisions, & many of them are so reduced in their Circumstances, as to be unable to supply themselves with salt: Such Fish as the Soldiery leave, is their principal Support. Added to all this, such Suspicion & Jealousy prevails, that they can

scarcely speak, or even look, without exposing themselves to some Species of military Execution.
I have not been able from any Intelligence I have received, to form any certain Judgment of the future Operations of the Enemy. Some Times I have suspected an Intention of detaching a Part of their Army to some Part of the Coast, as they have been building a Number of flat bottom’d Boats capable of holding 200 Men each. But from their Works, & the Language held at Boston, there is Reason to think, they expect the Attack from us, & are principally engaged in preparing themselves against it. I have ordered all the Whale Boats along the Coast to be collected, & some of them are employed every Night to watch the Motions of the Enemy by Water, so as to guard as much as possible against any Surprize.
Upon my Arrival & since, some Complaints have been preferr’d against Officers for Cowardice in the late Action on Bunkers Hill. Though there were several strong Circumstances & a very general Opinion against them, none have been condemn’d, except a Captn Callender of the Artillery, who was immediately cashier’d. I have been sorry to find it an uncontradicted Fact, that the principal Failure of Duty that Day was in the Officers, tho. many of them distinguish’d themselves by their gallant Behaviour. The Soldiers generally shew’d great Spirit and Resolution.
Next to the more immediate & pressing Duties of putting our Lines in as secure a State as possible, attending to the Movements of the Enemy, & gaining Intelligence, my great Concern is to establish Order, Regularity & Discipline: without which, our Numbers would embarass us, & in Case of Action general Confusion must infallibly ensue—In order to this, I propose to divide the Army into three Divisions at the Head of each will be a General Officer—these Divisions to be again subdivided into Brigades, under their respective Brigadiers: but the Difficulty arising from the Arrangement of the General Officers, & waiting the farther Proceedings of the Congress on this Subject, has much retarded my Progress in this most necessary Work. I should be very happy to receive their final Commands, as any Determination would enable me to proceed in my Plan.
General Spencer returned to the Camp two Days ago, & has consented to serve under Puttnam, rather than leave the Army

intirely. I have heard nothing from General Pomroy, should he wholly retire, I apprehend it will be necessary to supply his Place as soon as possible. General Folsom proposes also to retire. In Addition to the Officers mentioned in mine of the 10th Instt, I would humbly propose that some Provision should be made for a Judge Advocate, & Provost Marshal[.] the Necessity of the first Appointment was so great, that I was obliged to nominate a Mr Tudor who was well recommended to me, & now executes the Office, under an Expectation of receiving Captains Pay; an Allowance, in my Opinion, scarcely adequate to the Service in new raised Troops, where there are Court Martials every Day. However as that is the Proportion in the regular Army, and he is contented, there will be no Necessity of an Addition.
I must also renew my Request as to Money, & the Appointment of a Paymaster: I have forbore urging Matters of this Nature from my Knowledge of the many important Concerns which engage the Attention of the Congress; but as I find my Difficulties thicken every Day, I make no Doubt suitable Regard will be paid to a Necessity of this Kind. The Inconvenience of borrowing such Sums as are constantly requisite must be too plain for me to enlarge upon, & is a Situation, from which I should be very happy to be relieved.
Upon the Experience I have had, & the best Consideration of the Appointment of the several Offices of Commissary Genl, Muster master Genl, Quarter Master Genl, Paymaster Genl & Commissary of Artillery, I am clearly of Opinion that they not only conduce to Order, Dispatch & Discipline, but that it is a Measure of Oeconomy. The Delay, the Waste, & unpunishable Neglect of Duty arising from these Offices being in Commission, in several Hands, evidently shew that the publick Expence must be finally enhanced. I have experienced the Want of these Officers, in completing the Returns of Men, Ammunition, & Stores, the latter are yet imperfect, from the Number of Hands in which they are dispers’d. I have inclosed the last weekly Return which is more accurate than the former, & hope in a little Time we shall be perfectly regular in this, as well as several other necessary Branches of Duty.
I have made Inquiry into the Establishment of the Hospital, & find it in a very unsettled Condition. There is no principal

Director, or any Subordination among the Surgeons, of Consequence, Disputes & Contention have arisen, & must continue, untill it is reduced to some System. I could wish it was immediately taken into Consideration, as the Lives & Health of both Officers & Men, so much depend upon a due Regulation of this Department—I have been particularly attentive to the least Symptoms of the small Pox and hitherto we have been so fortunate, as to have every Person removed so soon, as not only to prevent any Communication, but any Alarm or Apprehension it might give in the Camp. We shall continue the utmost Vigilance against this most dangerous Enemy.
In an Army properly organized, there are sundry Officers of an Inferiour kind, such as Waggon Master, Master Carpenter &c. but I doubt whether my Powers are sufficiently extensive for such Appointments: If it is thought proper to repose such a Trust in me, I shall be governed in the Discharge of it, by a strict Regard to Oeconomy, & the publick Interest.
My Instructions from the Hone Congress direct that no Troops are to be disbanded without their express Direction, nor to be recruited to more than double the Number of the Enemy. Upon this Subject, I beg Leave to represent, that unless the Regiments in this Province, are more successful in recruiting than I have Reason to expect, a Reduction of some of them, will be highly necessary; as the Publick is put to the whole Expence of an Establishment of Officers, while the real Strength of the Regiment, which consists in the Rank & file, is defective. In Case of such a Reduction doubtless some of the Privates, & all the Officers would return Home; but many of the former, would go into the remaining Regiments, & having had some Experience would fill them up with useful Men. I so plainly perceive the Expence of this Campaign, will exceed any Calculation hitherto made, that I am particularly anxious to strike off every unnecessary Charge. You will therefore, Sir, be pleased to favour me with explicit Directions from the Congress on the Mode of this Reduction, if it shall appear necessary, that no Time may be lost when such Necessity appears.
Yesterday we had an Account that the Light House was on Fire—by whom, & under what Orders, I have not yet learned. But we have Reason to believe, it has been done by some of our Irregulars.

You will please to present me to the Congress with the utmost Duty, & Respect & believe me to be Sir, Your most Obed. & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Captn Darby’s Stay in England was so short, that he brings no other Information than what the inclosed Letter, & the News Papers which will accompany this, contain—General Gage’s Dispatches had not arrived & the Ministry affected to disbelieve the whole Account—treating it as a Fiction or at most an Affair of little Consequence. The Fall of Stocks was very inconsiderable.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Dear Sir
Cambridge July 21. 1775.

I am particularly to acknowledge that Part of your Favour of the 10th Instt wherein you do me the Honour of determining to join the Army under my Command. I need certainly make no Professions of the Pleasure I shall have in seeing you—At the same Time I have to regret that so little is in my Power to offer equal to Col. Hancock[’s] Merits & worthy his Acceptance.

I shall be happy in every Oppy to shew the Regard & Esteem with which I am Sir Your most Obed. & very Hbble Servt


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge Camp July 21t 1775 5 oClock. P.M.

Since closing the Letters which accompany this I have received an Account of the Destruction of the Light House, a Copy of which I have the Honour to inclose & of again assuring you that I am with great Respect, Sir Your most Obed. Hbble Serv.

Go: Washington

P.S. I have also received a more authentick Account of the Loss of the Enemy in the late Battle than any yet receivd. Doctr Winship who lodg’d in the same House with an Officer of the Marines assures me they had exactly 1043 killed & wounded, of whom 300 fell on the Field or died within a few Hours. Many of the wounded are since dead.

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 21–24 July 1775
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dr General.
Philadelphia July 21st[-24] 1775

I received your very acceptable favor of the 10th Instant by express, your Fatigue and various kinds of trouble I dare say are great, but they are not more than I expected, knowing the People you have to deal with by the sample we have here, the Congress have taken the two Regiments now raising in Conecticut into service, which with Rifle Men and Recruits to your Regiments will I hope make up the number voted by your Council of War, I wish with all my heart your Troops were better and your Stores more compleat, every thing that we can do here to put you in the best posture possible I think you may depend, will be done, I trust you will have a Supply soon of Ammunition, without an accident, you may depend on it—The want of Engineers I fear is not to be supplied in America, some Folks here seemed much displeased at your Report on that head, they affirm there are two very good ones with you, a Colo. Gridley I think is one, I took the liberty to say that they must be mistaken, they were certainly either not in Camp or could not have the Skill they were pleased to say they had, this in my soft way put a stop to any thing more on the Subject, indeed my Friend I do not know what to think of some of these Men, they seem to be exceeding hearty in the Cause, but still wish to keep every thing amongst themselves, Our President is quite of a different Cast, Noble disinterested and Generous to a very great Degree—The Congress have given you the appointment of three Brigade Majors, Mr Trumbull has the Office you proposed for him, the appointment of the Commissary of Artillery, Do of Musters and Quartermaster General are also left to your disposal, nothing is yet done as to the Hospital, but I will bring it on very soon—your Brothers in the Delegation have recommended it to our Convention to send some virginians to the Camp at the Expence of our Colony to learn the Military Art, and I hope you will see them soon—we have given the Commission of first Brigadier to Mr Thomas, as Putnams Commission was delivered, it would perhaps have offended the old Gentleman to have superceded him, the other I hope will still act, the Congress have from your account a high opinion of him, and I dare say will grant any thing in their Power that he

may hereafter require—your hint for a remove of the Congress to some place nearer to you will come on to Morrow, I think it will not answer your Expectations, if we should remove, you shall have the result in the close of this; The Military Chest I hope will be Supply’d soon, they begin to Strike the Bills this Day, so that I hope some may be forwarded to you next Week, what has occasioned the delay in this article I know not without an imitation of the Congress in its slowness is become fashionable—I have had no further account from our Country about the Governor except that he is still at York Town with three Men of War, He, Montague, and Foye, went the other Day by Water to his Farm, and were within three or four Minutes of being all taken by Captain Meridith with 70 Men from Hanover, who are with about 150 from other Counties guarding Williamsburg, from any attempts that he may make with his Boil’d crabs, Meridith says his Intentions were to carry his Lordship to Williamsburg to put him into the Pals. and promise him Protection to convince him and the World that no Injury was intended him, however as he miss’d his stroke I dare say he will be charged with intendg to Murder him—We think the Season too far Advanced to send you any more Men from the Southward, but it seems to be the General opinion to send some Thousands early in the Spring, should this be the case, if I have the Honor of being here you may depend on my care of Mr Johnston, we have an imperfect account of an attack on New York, by some of the over Lake Indians, I hope it is not true, Indeed (betwixt you and I) I give very little Credit to any thing from that Quarter, and wish I could say I had no reason to be Suspicious of those People—We yesterday received dispatches from Georgia, they have come into the Union and have appointed Delegates to the Congress, they have even done more, they with the South Carolinians Armed a Vessel and have taken a Ship with 140 Barrels of Kings Powder which they have divided betwixt them.
23d The Debate about our remove was taken up yesterday, and determined in the Negative, I proposed a Committee, but could not carry it, I think the last Method would have answered your purpose best, but the Gentlemen could not think of parting with the least Particle of their Power; Pendleton left us

Yesterday, all Maryland are gone off this day, and we intend to follow them next Sunday, if nothing material happens betwixt this and then, our going I expect will break up the Congress, indeed I think it high time there was an end of it, we have been too long together.
Edmund Randolph is here and has the greatest desire to be with you, he has beg’d of me to say something in his favor, and that if you can with propriety, you will keep one of the Places now in your Gift for him, he is not able to support himself or he would not ask this of you, you know him as well as I do, he is one of the Cleverest Young Men in America, and if Mr Read should leave you, his place of Secretary can’t be better Supply’d, he will set off for New York in a few days and I beg it as a favor of you to write a line to him, to be left at the Post Office there, till call’d for, this deserving Young Man was in high repute in Virginia, and he fears his Fathers Conduct may tend to lessen him in the Esteem of his Countrymen, he has taken this Method without the advice of his Friends to raise him into Favor, as he is determined on the Thing; I am sure our good old Speaker will be much Obliged for any favor you shew him, applications of this sort I fear will be too frequent, I shall avoid them as much as possible, but I could not refuse it on this Occasion, well knowing that a most valuable Young Man, and one that I love, without some Step of this sort may from the Misconduct of his Parent, be lost to his Country, which now Stands much in need of Men of his Abilities—We have a Report that Robert Mckenzie was killed at Bunkers Hill, is it true, I had a great Friendship for him formerly, but can’t help saying I shall be glad to hear the News confirmed.
24th Nothing New in Congress or from Virginia to Day, I should therefore have closed this without saying more had not an application been made to me to introduce to you Captain Thomas Price of a Company of Rifle Men from Maryland, he comes with a high Character from thence and is looked on as most firmly attached to the cause of America, he has a large Family which he has left merely to forward the Service, the Deputies from that Country are gone home, I have seen a Letter in his favor to Mr Flighman highly Commending him, and as he could not thro’ that Channel get a Recommendation I

have been prevailed on to Introduce him which Liberty I hope you will excuse. I am My Dr Sir your most affect. Servant,

(Sign’d) Benja. Harrison

P:S: We expect to leave this Place next Sunday, I shall yet beg the favor of a line now and then, and shall leave orders with Bradford to forward them, in return you shall be most Minutely informed of every thing going forward in Virginia.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 21 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Camp at Cambridge 21st July 1775

I am to Acknowlage your Favour of the 17th Inst. informing me of the Destination of the Troops raising in your Colony; As the season is now advanced & the Enemy considerably reinforced we have the utmost Reason to expect any Attack that may be made will not be much longer delayed—I should therefore think it hig[h]ly necessary the new raised Troops should join the Army with all possible Expedition.
Upon Inquiry with Respect to the Flower we find our Necessaties are not such as to require an immediate Transportation during the Harvist, but As soon as it can be done with Convenience you will please to give Directions for that Purpos⟨e.⟩

Colo. Trumbull will advise you to what Place it is to be Addressed & to whose Care.
Agreeable to your Intimation I have ordered the Express to wait on you & shall do so in future.
We have had no Occurrence in the Camp of any material Consequence; On both Sides we are strengthening our Lines in full View of each other. I am Sir with much Respect & Regard Your most Obedient & very Humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: General Orders, 22 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 22nd 1775
Parole Nantasket.Countersign Mississipi.

A Court of Enquiry to sit forthwith, President Doctor Foster, Doctor Warren, and Doctor Eustace, Members, to examine into a Complaint exhibited by Mr John Spalding, surgeon to General Putnams regiment against Mr Penuel Chiney—Surgeon’s Mate of the said regiment: All Evidences to attend the Court.
Capt. Israel Putnam and Lieut. Samuel Webb, being appointed Aids-de-Camp to Major General Putnam; they are to be obey’d as such.
Regularity and due Subordination, being so essentially necessary, to the good Order and Government of an Army, and without it, the whole must soon become a Scene of disorder and confusion. The General finds it indispensibly necessary, without waiting any longer for dispatches from the General Continental Congress, immediately to form the Army into three Grand Divisions, and of dividing each of those Grand Divisions into two Brigades: He therefore orders that the following Regiments vizt

            Genl Wards
            Col. Cottons

            Gen. Thomas’s
            Col. Danielsons

            Col. Fellows
            Col. Dad Brewer’s

compose one Brigade, and be under the Command of Brigadier Genral Thomas; that

            Genl Spencers.
            Col. Walkers

            Col. Parsons.
            Col. J: Reads.

            Col. Learneards.
            Independents.

compose another Brigade, to be commanded by Brigadier Genl Spencer: That these two Brigades compose the right wing or division of the army; and be under the command of Major General Ward, and remain at Roxbury, and its southern dependencies. That

            Col. Starks
            }
            NewHampshire.
            Col. Nixons.
            }
            Massachusetts.

            Col. Poors
            Col. Mansfield.

            Col. Reeds
            Col. Doolittles.

be formed into another Brigade under the Command of Brigadier General Sullivan, and posted on Winter-hill. That

            Col. Varnums
            }
            RhodeIsland.
            Col. Whitecombes
            }
            Massachusetts.

            Col. Hitchcocks
            Col. Gardners

            Col. Churchs
            Col. J. Brewers

            Col. Littles.

be formed into another Brigade, and commanded by Brigadier Genl Green, and posted upon Prospect Hill; and these two Brigades compose the left wing or second division of the army under the Command of Major Genl Lee.
[That General Heath’s, Colonel Patterson’s, Colonel Scammons’s, Colonel Gerrish’s, Colonel Phinney’s, Colonel Prescott’s, be formed into another brigade, and commanded by Brigadier-General Heath, and be posted between Cambridge River and Prospect Hill.] That

            Genl Putnams
            Col. Bridges

            Col. Glovers
            Col. Woodbridges

            Col. Fryes.
            Col. Serjeants.

be formed into another Brigade, under the Command of the Senior Officer therein, and until the pleasure of the Continental Congress be known: These two Brigades to be under the Command of Major General Putnam, also a Corps-de-reserve, for the defence of the several posts, north of Roxbury, not already named.

The Arrangement now ordered to take place, is to be made as speedily as possible, and the Majors General are to see it done accordingly, some inconveniencies may arise to certain Individuals by this change, but as the good of the service requires it to be made an alert and ready compliance is expected.
All applications from henceforward, by Officers or Soldiers for leave of absence, are to be made to the Major General commanding each division, who is to judge of the propriety of the application and grant Furloughs where they see cause, without applying to the Commander in Chief, provided it be not contrary to General orders.
General Heaths Regiment is to take post at No. 2 in lieu of General Wards, Col. Patterson’s remains at No. 3: Col. Scammons to occupy No. 1: and the Redoubt between that and No. 2: Col. Prescotts regiment to take post at the redoubt upon Sewells point, Col. Gerrishes Regiment to furnish the Companies for Chelsea, Malden, and medford.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Dodge, 22 July 1775
From: Dodge, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
Chelsea [Mass.] July the 22 1775

thes are the Remarcks tackin on Sd Day from four to 6 Saw noth[i]ng From 6 to 8 Saw tow Brigs Bound out and tow B[o]tes from the Casel to Boston—from 8 to 10 Saw 10 Botes Loded wit⟨h⟩ armed men from Boston to Chals.—from 10 to 12 Saw 18 Botes Pasing and Repasing Loded—one transport Bound out—from 12 to 2 Saw 19 Botes from Boston to Chals. full of men—12 from Chalston to Boston ful of men—from 2 to 4 Saw one Schoner Coming in apeard to have a Nomber of men—9 Botes from Chaleston to Boston—from Boston to Chals. 23 Botes Loded with men and Horses—from 4 to 6 Saw 8 Botes from Boston to Chals. Loded with men one tranesport went and Sterd East—Sir I ame your Houmble Servent at command

Richd Dodge Capt.


Title: To George Washington from William Trent, 22 July 1775 [letter not found]
From: Trent, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Trent, 22 July 1775. On 4 Aug. GW wrote to Trent: “Your Letter of the 22d Ulto came to my hands a few days ago.”


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 23rd 1775
Parole, Brunswick.Countersign, Princeton.

As the Continental Army have unfortunately no Uniforms, and consequently many inconveniencies must arise, from not being able always to distinguish the Commissioned Officers, from the non Commissioned, and the Non Commissioned from the private; it is desired that some Badges of Distinction may be immediately provided, for Instance, the Field Officers may have red or pink colour’d Cockades in their Hatts: the Captains yellow or buff; and the Subalterns green. They are to furnish themselves accordingly—The Serjeants may be distinguished by an Epaulette, or stripe of red Cloth, sewed upon the right shoulder; the Corporals by one of green.
The people employed to make spears, are desired by the General to make four dozen of them immediately, thirteen feet in lenght, and the wood part a good deal more substantial than those already made, particularly in the New Hampshire Lines, are ridiculously short and light, and can answer no sort of purpose, no more are therefore to be made on the same model.
The Commanding Officers of the different works and posts, are once more enjoined, to furnish themselves with a sufficient Number of Gabions and Fascines, which are to stop up the Entrances of their respective Redoubts and Lines; and to repair their works which may either be damaged by the weather, or the Fire of the enemy; it is observed that several of the Entrances of the Redoubts, are still left open without any sort of defence; The Commanding Officers of each Redoubt, are therefore ordered to cut a wide deep ditch, at the entrances, and throw a bridge of strong plank across; this to be done without delay.

John Davis of Capt. Fosters Company, in Col. Gridley’s regiment of Artillery, tried for “Desertion and suspicion of intending to go to the Enemy” is acquitted by the General Court Martial.
Ensign Trafton accused by Col. Scammons of “abusive Language, to the said Colonel Scammons while under Arrest,” tried by a General Court Martial of which Col. Nixon was president[.] The Court are unanimously of opinion, that the prisoner is Not guilty and do therefore acquit him with honour.
Lieut. Trafton to be forthwith released from his arrest.
Michael Bury, Capt. Parkers Company, and Col. Prescotts Regiment, tried by the same General Court Martial for “refusing his duty and enlisting in another Company:” The Court condemn the prisoner, and order him to receive thirty-nine Lashes. The General orders the sentence to be put in execution, at the Head of the regiment the delinquent belongs to.


Title: From George Washington to James Warren, 23 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Warren, James

Sir
Cambridge Camp July 23rd 1775

I have had an Application made to me this day by the Several Captains of Colo. Phinneys Regiment from Casco Bay. They represent that their Men Enlisted & have marched down upon a Promise that they should receive 40/ Advance & Billeting Money at 8d. ⅌ Day—that under this Expectation they left their Familys destitute & have detaind the Teamsters to carry back their Money—They have met with some Disappointments arising from the Situation of the Assembly which has raised an unhappy Spirit in the Regiment & requires immediate Attention—You will therefore please to lay the Matter before the General Court with my Request that proper Steps may be taken to Satisfy them; as I have engaged that upon their passing Muster, they shall receive the usual & legal Allowance. I have the Honor to be Sir Your very Humble Servt


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 25th 1775
Parole, Hallifax.Countersign York.

Continual Complaints being made that Soldiers of regiments and Companies, after inlisting in one Company and regiment, have gone and enlisted in another insomuch that it would engross the General’s whole time to hear the disputes upon this subject: For the future, any Officers who have any dispute in regard to the men reinlisted, are to apply to the Brigadier commanding their brigade, who will order a Court martial of the Brigade, to hear and determine the matter.
The General Court Martial, of which Col: Nixon was president, to be dissolved this evening, and another General Court Martial of the Line, to sit to morrow Morning at the usual time and place, to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them: All Evidences and persons concern’d, to attend the Court.


Title: To George Washington from John Dickinson, 25 July 1775
From: Dickinson, John
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, 25 July 1775

Recommends “Mr Moylan a friend of mine [who] informs me that he intends to enter into the American Army.”


Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 25 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, George William

Camp at Cambridge about 5 Miles from Boston. July 25th 1775.
Dear Sir,

On the other side you will receive a Copy of my last, dated at Philadelphia the 31st of May, and to which I refer.
I shall say very little in this Letter, for two Reasons; first, because I have received no Letter from you since the one dated in June 1774, and therefore (having wrote often) can have nothing to answer; but, principally, because I do not know whether it may ever get to your hands: If it should, the principal, indeed only, design is to cover the seconds of those Bills forwarded in my last.
You will, I presume, before this Letter gets to hand, hear of my appointment to the Command of the Continental Army. I arrived at this Camp the 2d Instant.

You must, no doubt, also have heard of the engagement on Bunker’s Hill the 17th Ultimo; but as, I am persuaded, you will have a very erroneous account transmitted, of the loss sustained on the side of the Provincials, I do assure you, upon my Word, that our loss, as appears by the Returns made me since I came here, amounts to no more than 139 killed 36 missing and 278 Wounded; nor had we, if I can credit the most solemn assurances of the Officers that were in the action, above 1500 Men engaged on that day. The loss on the side of the Ministerial Troops, as I am informed from good authority, consisted of 1,043 killed and wounded, whereof 92 were Officers.
Inclosed I send you a second Address from the Congress to the Inhabitants of Great Britain; as also a Declaration, setting forth the Causes and necessity of their taking up Arms. My Affectionate & respectful compliments to Mrs Fairfax concludes me, Dear Sir, Your mo. obt humble Servt

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Thomas, 25 July 1775
From: Thomas, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Roxbury Camp [Mass.] July 25. 1775

There was Information forwarded to Head Quarters yesterday P.M. of the Sailing of 13 Ships from Boston, I Sent one

Capt. Davis Down the Harbour to watch their Motion, and he reports on his return that they put to Sea & Stood their Course about E.S.E. which appears as if they were bound to the Southward: that Course would Lead them out by Cape Cod, & to the Chops of the South Chanel—I am Sir with great respect your most Obedit Hume servt

Jno. Thomas


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Donald Campbell, 26 July 1775
From: Campbell, Donald
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 26 July 1775:

After congratulating You on your safe Arrival at Camp & remaining undisturbed by the Ministerial Army I embrace this Opportunity to Acquaint you that I have the Honor of being Unanimously Appointed by the Honorable Continental Congress to be Deputy Quarter Master General with the Rank of a Colonel in the Army of the United Colonies, and have been directed to Attend General Schuyler to the Northward at present. Yet my most sincear Wish to be with the Main Body & Your Excellency, where more favourable Opportunitys of exerting past Experience in service & Testifying my Zeal for the Cause in a higher Degree from the Want of Officers there, as is Said, that I flatter myself with the Hope, if it remains in your Breast to Honor & Gratify Me. I am the more imboldened to be this brief by being told by Messrs Hancock & Adams & Secretary Thomson, After I had been appointed Deputy Quarter Master Genl (which at first I understood to be Quarter Master General, to General Schuyler) I requested Rank as Brigadier General by reason of the Persons Appointed Colonels here (under whome Many of the Gentlemen of the Congress Acknowledged I ought not to Serve & Lamented that my Disposition for Service had not been known to them Earlier). They then Annexed the Rank

of a Colonel in the Army, & that if your Excellencey or General Schuyler Approved of the Additional Rank They would have no Objection to it as Deputy from the Circumstance of remaining in the province with our Regiment.
And I was further informed that what was then Offered was inferior to what the Gentlemen of the Congress would gladly appoint me to had I sooner applyed to them (which arose from a Rispect for this Province & desire of Serving it & not from the want of an Early & Glowing Zeal to serve my Country) and that if the Gentleman proposed as Quarter Master General (to me unknown) Should not meet with your full Approbation as he is not yet Commissioned the road was paved for me to Succeed to that & the Additional rank. this & Leading me to the Ambition of my Soul to serve under your Eye & Command, & my small Share of Service Since 1756 may not be unacceptable from the present Cituation of the Forces: Therefore Dear Sir If you think the Service of the Country Cannot be injured by your Friendly Recommendation to permitt me the Honor of being in the Above Station near your Person in the Day of real Service You will Lay me under the most Lasting ties of Obligation Gratitude & Love & bind me in the Same to the Honorable Members of the Congress in Addition to their friendly Attention in their Late Appointment and Kind Disposition for my further Promotion from a Conviction of the Base Treatment Sustained by my Family by the breach of the Public Faith of this Province which Ruined them.
I shall on Friday next proceed to Albany where General Schuyler is & doubt not his Supporting my Sanguine Expectations from the Congress as well as General Lee to whome I also write.
I shall be happy if it may be Convenient to honor me with a Line & Believe me to be with much Sincearity & fervent Prayers for your happiness, & Long being in the highest Esteem of your Country with felicity Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Most Humble Servt

Donald Campbell


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 26 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Camp at Cambridge July. 26th 1775.

Yesterday I had an Account that three Men of War and Nine Transports had sailed out of Boston—and in the Evening I received a Note the Copy whereof is inclosed. The great Distress they are in at Boston for fresh Provisions makes it extremely probable they may make some Depredations along the Coasts: I have therefore thought it proper to give you the earliest Notice that the Owners of those Islands and the Inhabitants along the Coasts may take the necessary Precautions for the Security of their Property. At the same Time I must add that the Conduct of this Groves in getting into Boston again immediately renders his Intelligence very suspicious as to their Destination But their Sailing may be depended on—You will Please to make use of this Intelligence under all its Circumstances as you shall

judge most conductive to the publick Good—And believe me to be with great Truth & Regard Sir Your most Obedient very Humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 26 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, George William

Dear Sir,
Campridge July 26th 1775.

In my hurry, Yesterday, I forgot the principal thing I had in view, when I sat down to write to you, and that was, to inform you of the indispensable necessity you must now be under of appointing another Attorney. The nature of the business I am now engaged in (which alone is full sufficient to engross the time and attention of any one Man) and the distance I am removed from your business, as well as my own, puts it absolutely out of my power to be of any further service to you in Virginia: It is a duty incumbent on me, therefore, to inform you of this circumstance, that you may, without delay, appoint some other Attorney to manage your affairs; as it would be folly in the extreme, in me, to undertake to conduct your business at the distance of 600 Miles, when it is utterly out of my power (but by means of a third person) to Order and direct my own.
When I left home, I put Syme’s Protested Bill (with some business of my own) into the hands of Colonel Lewis, to negotiate; and since I came to this place, have been informed by him, that, unable to get the Money, he obtained a second draft from Colonel Nelson in discharge of the first, which, I dare say, will be paid. I have therefore wrote to Mr Lund Washington to get this Bill and remit it to you. I am, with sincere Regard, &c.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Virginia Delegates, 26 July 1775
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, 26 July 1775

  “We recommend our Countryman Mr Edmund Randolph to your patronage and favor. . . . You will readily discern Sir, how important a consideration it is, that our Country should be furnished with the security and strength derived from our young Gentry being possessed of military knowledge, so necessary in these times of turbulence and danger.”


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 27th 1775.
Parole, Bedford.Countersign, Guilford.

John Trumbull Esqr. being appointed Aid: D. Camp to his Excellency the Commander in Chief; He is to be obeyed as such.
A Court of enquiry to sit to morrow Morning at eight OClock, in the Tutor’s Chamber (Mr Hall) to examine into a Complaint exhibited upon Oath, in the public newspapers against Mr Benjamin Whiting, now a prisoner in the College; All Evidences and Persons concern’d to attend the Court.

For the future when any Deserters come to any of the out Guards, they are with the least delay to be sent by a Corporals Guard, to the next Guard in the Lines, who is immediately to escort them in the same manner to the Major General commanding that division of the Army, who as soon as he has examined them will fort[h]with send them under a proper Escort from his guard to the head quarters: Some Deserters being made drunk, who came last night from the Enemy, before they reached Head Quarters; It will be considered as a Breach of orders in any person, who gives Rum to Deserters, before they are examined by the General.
A Subaltern Officer’s guard to be mounted to morrow morning, at eight OClock, at a certain distance from the small pox Hospital; the Officer to come this evening, at six OClock, to the Adjutant General for orders.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 27 July 1775 [letter not found]
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from George Clinton, 27 July 1775. On 25 Aug. GW wrote to Clinton: “Mr White presented me with your favour of the 27th Ulto.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Sir
Camp at Cambridge July 27th 1775.

Yesterday a Deputation from the Provincial Congress of New Hampshire attended me with a Request that three Companies raised in that province, and now posted on Connecticut River at and between the two Cohhess commanded by Capts. Timothy Reedle, James Osgood & John Parker might be continued for the Security of the Frontiers of that Province on the Continental Establishment. As it did not appear to me that this Request could be complied with, and as I apprehend you have more immediate Occasion for them than I have, I thought it

proper to give you the earliest Notice where they are that if you think proper you may order them to join the Troops under your Command, in which Case you will please to write to Matthew Thor[n]ton Esqr. President of their Provincial Congress. Each Company consists of 65 Men including officers, and are reported to me as able bodied, stout, active Fellows, used to the Woods, capable of any Duty, and having an Acquaintance with Canada. But you will please to remember, that they must continue under their own officers, to whom they are attached, and subject only to superior Command—We have had no Transaction of any Consequence since I wrote you last—Our army is in good Health & Spirits well supplied with Provisions of all Kinds—The Situation of the Enemy is directly the reverse in every Respect and we have Reason to think Desertions will be very great. Four have come out within the last 24 Hours. I am with much Regard, Sir Your most obed. & very humble Servt

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 27 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

Dear Brother
Camp at Cambridge about 5 Miles from Boston; July 27th 1775.

On the 2d Instt I arrived at this place after passing through a great deal of delightful Country, covered with grass (although the Season has been dry) in a very different manner to what our Lands in Virginia are. I found a mixed multitude of People here, under very little discipline, order, or Government—I found the Enemy in Possession of a place called Bunkers Hill, on Charles Town Neck, strongly Intrenched & Fortifying themselves: I found part of our Army on two Hills (called Winter & prospect Hills) about a Mile & quarter from the Enemy on Bunkers Hill, in a very insecure state—I found another part of the Army at this Village and a third part at Roxbury, guarding the Entrance in and out of Boston—My whole time since I came here has been Imployed in throwing up Lines of Defence at these three several places; to secure in the first Instance, our own Troops from any attempts of the Enemy, and in the next, to cut of all Communication between their Troops and the Country; For to do this, & to prevent them from penetrating into the Country with Fire and Sword, & to harrass them if they do, is all that is expected of me; and if effected, must totally overthrow the designs of Administration, as the whole Force of Great Britain in the Town and Harbour of Boston, can answer no other end than to sink her under the disgrace and weight of the expence—Their Force, including Marines Tories, &ca, are

computed from the best Accts I can get, at abt 12,000 Men; ours including Sick, absent, &ca at about 16,000; but then we have a cemi Circle of Eight or nine Miles to guard; to every part of wch we are obliged to be equally attentive, whilst they, situated as it were in the Centre of that Cemicircle, can bend their whole Force (having the entire command of the Water) against any one part of it with equal facility; this renders our Situation not very agreeable, though necessary, however, by incessant labour (Sundays not excepted) we are in a much better posture of defence now than when I first came. The Inclosed, though rough, will give you some small Idea of the Situation of Boston, & Bay on this side; as also of the Post they have Taken in Charles Town Neck, Bunkers Hill, and our Posts.
By very authentick Intelligence lately received out of Boston (from a Person who saw the returns) the number of Regulars (including I presume the Marines) the Morning of the action on Bunkers Hill amounted to 7533 Men—their killed & wounded on that ⟨occasi⟩on amounted to 1043, whereof 92 were Officers. our loss was 138 killed—36 Missing & 276 Wounded. The Enemy are sickly, and scarce of Fresh provisions—Beef, ⟨which⟩ is chiefly got by Slaughtering their Milch Cows ⟨in⟩ Boston, sells from one Shilling to 18d. Sterg pr lb.; & that it may not get cheaper, or more plenty, I have drove all the Stock within a considerable distance of this place, back into the Country, out of the Way of the Men of War Boats; In short I have, & shall continue to do, every thing in my power to distress them. The Transports are all arrived & their whole Re-inforcement Landed, so that I can see no reason why they should not if they ever attempt it, come boldly out and put the matter to Issue at once—if they think themselves not strong enough to do this, they surely will carry their Arms (having Ships of War & Transports ready) to some other part of the Continent, or relinquish the dispute; the last of which the Ministry, unless compeld will never agree to do—Our works, & those of the Enemy, are so near & quite open between that we see every thing that each other is doing—I recollect nothing more worth mentioning—I shall therefore conclude with my best wishes, and love to my Sister and the Family & Compliments to any enquiring Friends Yr Most affecte Brother.

Go: Washington


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 28th 1775.
Parole Cumberland.Countersign Brookline.

The Surgeons of Learnerds, Health, Little, Phinney and Parsons Regiments, having neglected to deliver in the Returns of the sick of their respective Regiments, to the Adjutant General, these Returns to be delivered fort[h]with, and the Surgeons of those Corps, are to be more exact in their obedience to orders.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 28 July 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] July 28th 1775 half after 4 oClock
May it Please your Excellency

Agreable to your order I Send the following observation taken by the Century posted upon Powder Horn Hill, from about 7 oClock A.M. to 2 oClk P.M. one Ship gone out, three Ships & two Tenders Coming in, about 12 Boats passd from Boston to Charlestown Light Loaded, or almost Em[p]ty, three Boats passd from Charlestown to Boston Very heavy Loaded with Men.
I would beg leave to ask your Excellency whether it was the intent & meaning of your Orders to Send an Express to Head Quarters Every day when there is nothing more Occurs than has for two days passd. These from your Excellency’s most Obediant Servent

Loammi Baldwin Lieut. Coln.


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 29th 1775.
Parole, Dartmouth.Countersign, Corke.

A Serjeant and six Men to parade at the Head quarters at eleven OClock, to escort certain prisoners and Deserters to Worcester, this party to be victualled for this day and to morrow: The Serjeant will receive his orders from the Adjutant Genl.
Mr Benjamin Whiting tried by a Court of enquiry ordered in the General Orders of the 27th Instant, whereof Lieut. Col. James Brickatt was president; The Court having maturely considered the Evidence, for and against the Prisoner, as well as what the Prisoner had to offer in his defence, are of opinion that the prisoner is Not guilty of the Crime laid to his charge, and do therefore acquit the prisoner: The General therefore orders the prisoner to be released.
James M’Daniel, tried by a General Court martial, whereof

Col. Glover was President for “forgeing an Order of General Putnams to obtain a quart of Rum, and for abusive Language to Col. Gridley” [is found guilty] and ordered to receive twenty Lashes. The General confirms the sentence, and orders it to be executed after prayer time to morrow.
James Foster of Capt. Butlers Company in Col. Nixon’s regiment, tried by the same General Court Martial for “robbing Dr Foster, Surgeon of the General Hospital” found Guilty of the Charge, is sentenced to receive thirty-nine Lashes, and suffer one Month’s fatigue. The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be put in execution, at the Head of the Regiment, after prayer time to morrow morning.
William Winslow of Capt. Perkins’s Company of Artillery tried by the same Court Martial for “stealing a Cannon Cartridge of powder,” is acquitted.


Title: From George Washington to James Warren, 29 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Warren, James

Sir,
Cambridge July 29th 1775.

I have this Instt received a Letter from Chelsea, of which the Inclosed is an extract—as the Inhabitants are coming out in a different manner than proposed by your Assembly to the Select men of the Town of Boston, I have not delayed a moments time in giving you the earliest Information of it; and request that you may take the matter into consideration, & determine what is proper to be done on the occasion—If you think it prudent to receive them in this manner, query, whether it may not be proper to appoint some person to attend the movement. I am in haste, & with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 30 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 30th 1775.
Parole, Essex.Countersign Dublin.

William Tudor Esqr. being appointed Judge Advocate of the Continental Army, he is in all things relative to his Office, to be acknowledged and obey’d as such. The Drummers & Fifers of the Regiment in, and about Cambridge, are to be order’d constantly to attend the Drum and Fife Major, at the usual hours for instruction.


Title: From George Washington to James Warren, 30 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Warren, James

Sir
Camp at Cambridge July [30] 1775

I have Consider’d the Application made me yesterday, from the General Court, with all the Attention due to the Situation of the People in whose Behalf it is made, & the Respect due to such a Recommendation—Upon refering to my Instructions & Consulting with those Members of Congress who are present as well as the General Officers, they all agree that it would not be consistent with my duty to detach any Part of the Army now here on any Particular Provincial Service. It has been debated in Congress and Settled that the Militia or other Internal Strength of each Province is to be applied for Defence against those Small and Particular Depredations which were to be expected, & to which they were Supposed to be competent. This will appear the more Proper, when it is considerd that every Town & indeed every Part of our Sea Coast which is exposed to these Depredations would have an equal Claim upon this Army: It is the Misfortune of our Situation which exposes us to these Ravages, against which in my Judgment no such Temporary Relief would possibly secure us—The great Advantage the Enemy has of transporting Troops by being Masters of the Sea will enable them to harrass us by Diversions of this kind; & Should we be tempted to pursue them upon every Alarm, The Army must either be so weaken’d as to Expose it to Destruction or a great Part of the Coast be Still left unprotected: Nor indeed does it appear to me that such a Pursuit would be attended with the least Effect: The first Notice of Such an Incursion would be it’s actual Exicutio⟨n⟩ & long before any Troops could reach the Scene of Action—the Enemy would have an Oppy to accomplish their Purpose & retire—It would give me great Pleasure to have it in my Power to extend Protection & Safety to every Individual, but the Wisdom of the General Court will anticipate me in the Necessity of Conducting our Operations on a General and impartial Scale, so as to exclude any first Cause of Complaint & Jealousy.
I beg Sir you will do me the Honour to Communicate these Sentiments to the General Court & to apologize for my involuntary Delay. As we were alarm’d this Morning by the Enemy & my Time taken up with giving the Necessary Directions.

I shall be happy in every Oppy of Shewing my very great Respect & Regard for the General Court of Massachusetts Bay—And am Sir Your most Obedt & very hume Servt

G.W.


Title: General Orders, 31 July 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 31st 1775.
Parole, Falkland.Countersign Edenton.

The Continental Congress having been pleased to appoint Joseph Trumbull Esqr. to be Commissary General, to the army of the United Colonies: All Commissaries heretofore appointed by any of the distinct Colony Congresses, or by particular Authority of any particular district or colony, are forthwith to make an exact Return of the provisions, and all the different Species of provisions, they have in, or near the Camps, at Cambridge and Roxbury; thereupon Commissary Genl Trumbull being assured by the report of his Clerk, assistant, or from his own examination, that such Return is just and true, is to give his Receipt for the quantity deliver’d into his hands, which receipt will be a good Voucher, in the passing the accompt of the different Colony Commissaries, heretofore appointed, and will be allowed as such.
The Commissaries, at present appointed by the several Colonies; are forthwith to make up their Accounts unto the third of August inclusive; ready to be laid before the Commander in Chief, and by him transmitted to the Continental Congress; or to be adjusted and finally settled by him, as the Continental Congress shall think proper to direct.
A Return signed by the Commanding Officers of regiments and Corps, to be delivered to the Adjutant General to morrow morning, at general orderly time, of the Names, Ranks & Dates of the Officer’s Commissions, in their respective Regiments and Corps, mentioning also the Vacancies, and how occasioned.
A General Court Martial to sit immediately, to try Captain Christopher Gardner, of Col. Varnums Regiment for “Cowardice, abandoning his post and deserting his men.” All Evidences and persons concern’d to attend the court.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 31 July 1775
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence July 31st 1775

I am favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th instant; having just before the Receipt of it had Accounts by a private Hand of the Sailing of a Number of Men of War and Transports from Boston; which I conjectured were designed to supply the Enemy with fresh Provisions. I immediately sent the Intelligence to Block-Island together with a Quantity of Powder Ball and Flints to enable them to defend their Property, and gave them Assurances of further Assistance if necessary.
We have no Accounts of this Fleet from any Part of our Coast; so that I think it probable they were destined to the Eastward.
I desire your Excellency to oblige me with a Return of the Army; and when any Thing of Importance occurs I shall esteem

an early Communication of it a Favour. I am with great Truth and Regard, Sir Your Excellency’s Most humble and most obedient Servant

Nicho. Cooke


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Danielson, 31 July 1775
From: Danielson, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Roxbury Camp [Mass.] 31 July 1775

“General Thomas has made known to your Petitioner That he has your Excellencys Order, to turn out from Quarters Capt. Ball and Company belonging to your Petitioners Regiment . . . in Order to accommodate One Mr Waters with a convenient House of Entertainment. . . . That the said Ball should be ousted of his Tenement he agreed with The Landlord for, to gratify a Dram Seller, when Thire are a Redundancy in This Camp (and your Excellency will indulge Me to say, in general are The Pest of The Army) grieves your Petitioner to his Heart.” He requests that the order be repealed.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Danielson, 31 July 1775
From: Danielson, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Roxbury Camp [Mass.] 31 July 1775.

“Should have deliverd The Substance of The enclosed Petition to you viva Voce, had it not been The Alarm in Camp made it Necessary for Me to continue here. This I send by Major Leonard.”


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 31 July 1775
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, 31 July 1775.

Recommends “the Bearer Mr Frazer,” who “means to enter the American Camp, & there to gain that Experience, of which the general Cause may be avail’d. It is my earnest wish that many Virginians might see Service. It is not unlikely that in the Fluctuation of things our Country may have occasion for great military Exertions.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 31 July–2 August 1775
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Tionderoga [N.Y.] July 31st[–2 Aug.] 1775

Since my last I have been most Assiduously employed in preparing Materials for building boats to Convey me across the Lake—the progress has hitherto been Slow as with few hands I had All the Timber to Cut, Mills to repair, to Saw the plank, and my draught Cattle extreamly weak for want of feed the drought haveing Scorched up Every kind of Herbage. I have now one boat in Stocks which I hope will carry near three hundred men, another is putting up to day, provisions of the Bread kind are scarce with me and therefore I have not dared to order up a thousand men that are at Albany least we should starve here.
I have had no Intelligence from Canada since my last to you, Major Brown has been gone nine days and I Expect him back If all is well by Saturday next.
August 2d[.] I have not had a return from General Wooster Since my Arrival[.] I am therefore under the necessity of Makeing you a return of the troops here only.
Inclose your Excellency Copy of two Affidavids made by per[s]ons from Canada. I have transmitted other Copy’s to the Congress.
I am extreamly Anxious to hear from your part of the world, reports prevail that a body of troops have left Boston and are Gone to Canada. If so I fear we shall not be able to penetrate Into Canada or Even Attack St Johns with Success, tho. at all Events I am ordered to go there. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedient & Most Hume Servt

Ph: Schuyler

I wish I could make you a regular return Even of the troops at this place and Crown point, but I have not yet got these people to be regular in any thing and therefore beg you to dispence with the following State—Fit for duty—1 Colonel 3 Majors 9 Captain 1 Captain Lieutenant 21 subalterns 34 serjeants 18 Drums and fifes 933 Rank and file 1 Chaplain 2 Adjutants 1 Quarter Master 1 Surgeon & 2 Mat⟨es⟩—Sick—1 Lieutenant—4 serjeants 2 Drums 103 Rank and file.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 31 July 1775
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 31st July 1775

By the Resolve in Congress of the 19th instant, it is recommended to the New England Colonies to compleat the Deficiences in the Regiments belonging to them respectively.
I have not been informed of any Deficiency in the Number of Troops sent from Connecticut. It is recommended also to this Colony to compleat and send forward to the Camp before Boston as soon as possible the fourteen hundred men lately

voted by our Assembly. The 25 instant I sent Orders to the Colonels of the last raised Regiments, to march forthwith to the Camp before Boston, by subdivisions if all were not in readiness. Expect many of the Companies will begin their March this Day—And that the whole will move forward very soon.
The Honble President Hancock in his Favour of the 22nd instant informs, That you had recommended, and the Congress have appointed Mr Joseph Trumbull Commissary General of the American Army—I am also informed that you have taken Mr John Trumbull into your Service and Family—These instances of kindness shewn them justly claim my most grateful acknowledgements: A performance of their Duty answerable to your Expectation, will meet your approbation and continuance of Regard, and afford me peculiar satisfaction and Pleasure.
The Rose, Swan, and King Fisher ships of War, with a smal Tender the 25th instant came into the Harbour at New London, on the 27th some men landed near the Light House, broke off the Nutts and plugged up with old Files three or four Cannon—they sailed out again on Friday last. It is reported Mr Collector Stuart is packing up his effects, in Order to Leave that Port. I am, with great Truth and Regard Your Excellency’s most obedient and humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Anthony White, 31 July 1775 [letter not found]
From: White, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony White, 31 July 1775. On 25 Aug. GW wrote to White: “Your favours of the 31st Ulto and 1st Instt I have had the honour to receive.”


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts General Court, July–August 1775
From: Massachusetts General Court
To: Washington, George

[Watertown, Mass., July or August 1775]

This Court have had information from many respectable Persons, That intelligence is constantly conveyed to General Gage, Of all the operations pursued in this Colony for the restoration of our Liberty, by some bad men from the Province of New Hamshe, who are continually going to, and from, the Army under your Excellencys command, from thence it is carried on board the Scarboro Man of war now Laying in the Harbour of Piscataway and sent immediately to Boston by their Cutters—We beg leave to recommend this as a matter worthy, your Excellencys attention; and would suggest whether it might not be expedient to send some Forces into that Province to cut off all communication between the Inhabitants of sd Province, and the Ship of war now in said Harbour. If your Excellency does not approve of this method, We think at least their Provincial Congress may be informed of such transactions and that they be desired to use their utmost exertions for preventing such Villainous proceedings as the continuance thereof may be attended with important consequences.


Title: General Orders, 1 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 1st 1775.
Parole Gibralter.Countersign Fairfield.

The General thanks Major Tupper, and the Officers and Soldiers under his Command, for their gallant and soldierlike behaviour

in possessing themselves of the enemy’s post at the Light House, and for the Number of Prisoners they took there, and doubts not, but the Continental Army, will be as famous for their mercy as for their valour.
Two Subs. two serjeants, one Drum and thirty Rank and File, to parade at Head Quarters at Noon; to escort the prisoners to Worcester. The Commanding Officer will receive his orders from the Adjutant General.
For the satisfaction of all concerned; The General directs the following Resolution of the Legislature of this Colony to be inserted in General Orders. viz:
“In House of Representatives, Watertown 29th July 1775.
“Whereas sundry Complaints have been made, by some of the Soldiers raised by this Colony, that they have not received the allowance pay of Forty Shillings, agreeable to the Resolution of Provincial Congress, therefore Resolved, that a Committee be appointed forthwith, to apply to the Colonels of the several Regiments, raised by the Colony, and to the Muster Masters and Pay Masters in the Camp, at Cambridge and Roxbury; and obtain of them a compleat List of the Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers, in their respective regiments, distinguishing those that have been muster’d and paid; from those that have not, that such Methods may be pursued, as shall remove all just ground of Complaint—read and ordered, that Colonel Cushing and Mr Webster, with such as the Honorable Board shall join, be a Committee for the purpose above mentioned.
“Sent up for concurrence.
James Warren, speaker.
“In Council, read and concurred, and Col. Lincoln is join’d.
Albt P: Morton, secy.”
The Officers commanding Massachusetts Regiments, will pay all due Attention to the foregoing resolution.
One Man a Company, to be appointed a Camp Colour man, from every Company in every Regiment in the Army, whose particular duty it must be to attend the Quarter Master and Quarter Master serjeant, to sweep the Streets of their respective encampments, to fill up the old necessary Houses and dig new ones, to bury all Offal, Filth, and Nastiness, that may poison or infect the health of the Troops; and the Quarter Masters are to

be answerable, to their Commanding Officers for a strict observance of this order, and by persevering in the constant and unremitted Execution thereof, remove that odious reputation, which (with but too much reason) has stigmatized the Character of American Troops. The Colonels and Commanding Officers of Regiments, are to be answerable to the General, for all due obedience to this order.
The General finding it is not uncustomary, for Officers to take the Liberty, of absenting themselves from Camp without leave, and going home; for the future, any Officer found guilty of so glaring an Offence, against all Order and Discipline, and setting so bad an Example to the Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers, under their Command; such Officer or Officers so offending, may depend upon being punish’d with the utmost severity.
Least the late Successes against the Enemy, should occasion any relaxation in the Alertness of the Troops, the General recommends it in the strongest manner, to all the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental Army; to be the more vigilant in their duty, and watchful of the enemy; as they certainly will take every advantage of any supiness on our part.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 1 August 1775
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia 1st August 1775

After the fatigue of many days, and of this in particular, I should not sit down at eleven oClock at night to write to a Gentleman of whose goodness of heart I have less doubt than I have of yours. But well knowing that you will pardon what flows from good intentions, I venture to say that my hopes are, you will find from what the Congress has already done, and from what I hope they will do tomorrow, that it has been a capital object with us to make your arduous business as easy to you as the nature of things will admit. The business immediately before us being finished, the approaching sickly season here, and the great importance of our presence in the Virga Convention, have determined a recess of a Month, it standing now, that the Congress shall meet here again on the 5th of September. The capital object of powder we have attended to as far as we could by sending you the other day six Tons, and tomorrow we shall propose sending six or eight Tons more, which, with the supplies you may get from Connecticut, and such further ones from here, as future expected importations may furnish, will I hope enable you to do all that this powerful article can in good hands accomplish. We understand here that Batteries may be constructed at the entrance of the Bay of Boston so as to prevent the egress & regress of any Ships whatever. If this be fact, would it not Sir be a signal stroke to secure the Fleet & Army in and before Boston so as to compel a surrender at discretion. While I write this, I assure you my heart is elated with the contemplation of so great an event. A decisive thing, that would at once end the War, and vindicate the injured liberties of America. But your judgment and that of your brave Associates, will best determine the practicability of this business. I think we have taken the most effectual measures to secure the friendship of the Indians all along our extensive frontiers, and by what we learn of the Spirit of our Convention now sitting at Richmond, a Spirit prevails there very sufficient to secure us on that quarter—The particulars of their conduct I refer you to Mr Frazer for, who comes fresh from thence, & who goes to the Camp a Soldier of fortune—You know him better

than I do, and I am sure you will provide for him as he deserves.
We are here as much in the dark about news from England as you are, the London Ships having been detained long beyond the time they were expected. The indistinct accounts we have, tell us of great confusion all over England, and a prodigious fall of the Stocks. I heartily wish it may be true, but if it is not so now, I have no doubt of its shortly being the case.
I will not detain you longer from more important affairs, than to beg the favor of you, when your leisure permits, to oblige me with a line by Post, to let us know how you go on.
There is nothing I wish so much as your success, happiness, and safe return to your family and Country, because I am with perfect sincerity dear Sir Your Affectionate friend and countryman

Richard Henry Lee


Title: To George Washington from Anthony White, 1 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: White, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony White, 1 Aug. 1775. On 25 Aug. GW wrote to White: “Your favours of the 31st Ulto and 1st Instt I have had the honour to receive.”


Title: General Orders, 2 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 2nd 1775
Parole Hallifax.Countersign Geneva.

Capt. Oliver Parker of Col. Prescotts Regiment, tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Glover was President, for “defrauding his men of their advance pay, and by false Returns, imposing upon the Commissary, and drawing more Rations than he had men in his company, and for selling the provisions he by that means obtained” is by the Court found guilty of the whole charge against him and sentenced to be cashiered, mulcted of all his pay and rendered incapable of future service.
Capt. Christopher Gardner of Col. Varnums regiment, in the Rhode Island Brigade, tried by a General Court martial, whereof Col. Thomas Church was president, for “deserting his post,” is found guilty of the Crime, and unanimously sentenced to be cashiered, as incapable of serving his Country in any military capacity.
The General approves both the above sentences, and orders the Commanding Officers of the Regiments, to see the prisoners dismissed the army.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 2 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] Augt 2d 1775
May it Please your Excellency

Inclosd are the Observations taken by the Sentinal Posted upon Powder horn Hill and also two Letters in one cover Directed to Mr Nathl Noyes, Andover. which I thought Proper to Send for your Excellencies Perusal.
Nothing Extraordinary has hapned Scince yesterday⟨.⟩ Two Boats only have come over with Passengers from Boston this day. I am your Excellencys most Obediant Humbe Servnt

Loammi Baldwin Liut. Colo.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Committee of Supplies, 2 August 1775
From: Massachusetts Committee of Supplies
To: Washington, George

Chamber of Supplies Water Town [Mass.] August 2d 1775
May it please your Excellency

Colo. porter is just arrived from New york & has so far succeeded in his Business that abt 80,000 Flints & eight Tons of Lead are expected here Saturday next; It arrived at Hartford Sunday & Monday last.
Colo. Campbell the Deputy Quarter Master informed Colo. porter at New york that fifteen hogsheads of powder had arrived

there & that he should give your Excellency immediate Notice thereof.
I apprehend We can have half a Ton Lead cast into Ball a Day, being provided with Moulds sized from 16 to 32 Balls to the pound—perhaps twice that Quantity on Emergency.
Colo. Burbeck recd 16 half barells powder this Morning, before the Committee were Apprized of it by the Agent of Supplies; but We have given Orders for stopping all the Ammunition unless expressly ordered by your Excellency.
Colo. porter is desired to wait on you this afternoon & We remain with great Respect sir your most obt sert

Elbridge Gerry ⅌ Ord.

	P.S. The Subject of the Letter last Evening was of such a Nature that Mr Cheever was not made acquainted therwith, which We mention to your Excellency that your Mind may be easy with respect to the Secrecy of it.
P.S. ord⟨ers⟩ are to go to the Town immediately for powder.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 2 August 1775
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Winter Hill [Mass.] August 2d 1775
May it Please your Excellencey

I have Examined into the State of The Ammunition in my Department & find Remaining in the Magazine of the Powder Supplied from New Hampshire 19 Barrels of 100 wt Each, Scarcely any Balls & no flints Except what the Soldiers are possessd of: They are in General well Provided with amunition for one Ingagement we have 50 Rounds of Cartridges to Each Cannon That is mounted which is all the ammunition in the Brigade assigned To your Excellenceys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: General Orders, 3 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 3rd 1775.
Parole, Ireland.Countersign, Hartford.

When any plunder is taken from the Enemy (not excepted by the Continental Articles of war) such plunder must be all surrender’d to the Commanding Officer, and as soon as convenient after his arrival at Head Quarters, public Notice must be made, that an Auction will be held in the front of the Encampment for the sale thereof the next day at noon, and the money arising therefrom, is to be equally divided between the Officers and Men, that took it. This Order is not to be construed to extend, to permitting unlawfull and irregular plundering; as any Officer, or Soldier, who shall be found guilty thereof, will be punished with the greatest severity.
All the Armourers, belonging to any of the regiments in the three Brigades, posted in the Lines, or in Cambridge, and those employed in the Artillery; to be at Head Quarters by eight OClock, to morrow morning, and none will be entitled to any pay hereafter, who does not attend at that time.


Title: Council of War, 3 August 1775
From: Council of War
To:

[Cambridge, 3 August 1775]

At a Council held at Cambridge Head Quarters August 3d 1775
Present his Excelly General Washington.

            Major Gens. Ward—Lee & Puttnam

            Brigader Gens.

            Thomas
            Sullivan

            Heath
            Green

            Spencer
            Gates

The General communicated sundry Letters respecting the State of the Ammunition which appears to be far short of the Return made some Time ago, & having explained in what Manner the Mistake had happened desires the Opinion & Advice of the Generals present on this Subject. Upon the Returns now made—the whole Stock of the Army at Roxbury & Cambridge & the adjacent Posts consists of 90 Bbbls or thereabouts.
It was proposed to make an Attempt on the Magazine at Halifax where there is Reason to suppose there is a great Quantity of Powder—And upon the Question being severally put it was agreed to by a great Majority. & that the Detachment for this Enterprize consist of 300 Men. Also to endeavour to collect a Supply from the neighbouring Provinces of New Hampshire, Rhode Island & Connecticut.


Title: To George Washington from James Warren, 3 August 1775
From: Warren, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Watertown [Mass.] Augt 3. 1775

I Inclose Agreable to your Excellencys desire a List of Such Officers in the army as have received Commissions from the Congress of this Colony: and Also the Resolves of the Congress: which though Inaccurate may serve to Shew in what manner the Congress Intended to Rank the several Regiments raised in this Colony. I am with the Greatest Respect Your Excellencys most obedt humbe Servt

Jas Warren


Title: General Orders, 4 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 4th 1775
Parole, London.Countersign, Ireland.

It is with Indignation and Shame, the General observes, that notwithstanding the repeated Orders which have been given to prevent the firing of Guns, in and about Camp; that it is daily and hourly practised; that contrary to all Orders, straggling Soldiers do still pass the Guards, and fire at a Distance, where there is not the least probability of hurting the enemy, and where no other end is answer’d, but to waste Ammunition, expose themselves to the ridicule of the enemy, and keep their own Camps harrassed by frequent and continual alarms, to the hurt of every good Soldier, who is thereby disturbed of his natural rest, and will at lenght never be able to distinguish between a real, and a false alarm.

For these reasons, it is in the most peremptory manner forbid, any person or persons whatsoever, under any pretence, to pass the out Guards, unless authorized by the Commanding Officer of that part of the lines; signified in writing, which must be shewn to the Officer of the guard as they pass. Any person offending in this particular, will be considered in no other light, than as a common Enemy, and the Guards will have orders to fire upon them as such. The Commanding Officer of every regiment is to direct, that every man in his regiment, is made acquainted with Orders to the end, that no one may plead Ignorance, and that all may be apprized of the consequence of disobedience. The Colonels of regiments and commanding Officers of Corps, to order the Rolls of every Company to be called twice a day, and every Man’s Ammunition examined at evening Roll calling, and such as are found to be deficient to be confined.
The Guards are to apprehend all persons firing Guns near their posts, whether Townsmen or soldiers.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 4 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] Augst 4th 1775 5 oClock P.M.
May it please your Excellency

This covers the Observations as Usual.
Capt. Morton who came out of Boston yesterday in the afternoon informs that a little before he came away the Generals went over the ferry to Bunker Hill to consult (as it was said) upon the propriety of taking possession of a considerable eminence in this Town a little West of Winnisimmit Ferry commonly known by the name of Greens Hill; and I am informd by some persons who left Boston this morning that the Soldiers told them as they was coming away that they ware Fools to go to Chelsea for tomorrow they (the Regulars) ware a going to take

possession of that Place & burn & distroy all before them, and this it was said was to be done in consequence of the determination of the Council of War held yesterday on Bunker Hill.
This Intiligence is Just as I Received it & your Excellency will pay what attention to it you think Proper.
I feal my Self under Indispensible Obligations to transmit to your Excellency all the Intiligence I can get from our Enimy and you will be pleased to Excuse it if I Should Sometimes trouble you with imperfect accounts & matters of Little consequence as I cannot tell what may or what may not prove true.
I am this moment Informd that a Man of War & one Schooner (the schooner commanded by Cap. Dawson) is Just Come in with two Sloops & one Schooner which I supose they have Piratically Seized and made Prizes of.
hope I Shall be able to give a more full account of this affair tomorrow.
Nothing further Extraordinary I Subscribe myself your Excellencys most Obediand Servnt

Loammi Baldwin Lieut. Colo.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 4 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
[Cambridge] August 4. 1775

I was yesterday favoured with yours of the 31st July—we have yet no certain Account of the Fleet which sailed out of Boston the 25th but if our Conjectures & Information are just we may expect to hear of it every Hour.
I am now, Sir, in strict Confidence to acquaint you that our Necessities in the Articles of Powder & Lead are so great as to require an immediate Supply—I must earnestly intreat you will fall on some Measures to forward every Pound of each in the Colony which can possibly be spared—It is not within the Propriety & Safety of such a Correspondence to say what I might upon this Subject: It is sufficient that the Case loudly calls for the most strenuous Exertions of every Friend of his Country and does not admit the least Delay—No Quantity however small is beneath Notice, & should any arrive I beg it may be forwarded as soon as possible—But a Supply of this kind is so precarious not only from the Danger of the Enemy but the Oppy of purchasing that I have revolved in my Mind every other possible Chance & listned to every Proposition on this Subject which could give the smallest Hope—Among others I have had one made which has some Weight with me as well the General Officers to whom I have proposed it. One Harris is lately come from Bermuda, where there is a very considerable Magazine of Powder in a remote Part of the Island, & the Inhabitants well disposed not only to our Cause in General, but to assist in this Enterprize in particular: We understand there are two armed Vessels in your Province commanded by Men of known Activity & Spirit: One of which it is proposed to dispatch on this Errand with such other Assistance as may be requisite: Harris is to go along as the Conductor of the Enterprize & to avail ourselves of his Knowledge of the Island but without any Command: I am very sensible that at first View this Project may appear hazardous, & its Success must depend upon the Concurrence of many Circumstances but we are in a Situation which requires us to run all Risques—No Danger is to be considered when put in Competition with the Magnitude of the Cause & the absolute Necessity we are under of increasing our Stock—

Enterprizes which appear chimerical often prove successful for that very Circumstance[.] Common Sense & Prudence will suggest Vigilance & Care where the Danger is plain & obvious but where little Danger is apprehended the more the Enemy is found unprepard & consequently there is the fairer Prospect of Success. Mr Brown has been mentioned to me as a very proper Person to consult upon this Occasion, you will judge of the Propriety of communicating it to him in Part or the whole: And as soon as possible favour me with your Sentiments & the Steps you may have taken to forward it. If no immediate & safe Oppy offers you will please to do it by Express. Should it be inconvenient to part with one of the armed Vessels perhaps some other might be fitted out or you could devise some other Mode of executing this Plan, so that in Case of a Disappointmt the Vessel might proceed to some other Island to purchase.
My last Letter from the Hon. Continental Congress recommends my procuring from the Colonies of Connecticut & Rhode Island a Quantity of Tow Cloth for the Purpose of making Indian Shirts for the Men many of whom are very destitute of Cloathing. A Pattern will be sent you & I must request you to give the necessary Directions throughout your Government that all the Cloth of the above kind may be bought up for this Use & suitable Persons set to Work to make it up. As soon as any Number is made worth the Conveyance you will please to direct them to be forwarded. It is designed as a Species of Uniform both cheap & convenient.
We have had no Transactions of any Consequence in either Camp since my last, but what are in the publick Papers & are related with tolerable Accuracy. The Enemy still continue strengthning their Lines & we have Reason to believe intend to bombard our Lines with the Hope of forcing us out of them. Our Poverty in Ammunition prevents our making a suitable Return.
Since writing the above Col: Porter has undertaken to assist in the Matter or to provide some suitable Person to accompany Harris to you who will communicate all Circumstances to you.