Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 22 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

Dear Brother,
    Heights of Harlem Sepr 22–76

My extreame hurry for some time past has rendered it utterly impossible for me to pay that attention to the Letters of my Friends which Inclination, and natural Affection always Inclines me to. I have no doubt therefore of meeting with their excuse, tho’ with respect to yourself, I have had no Letter from you since the date of my last saving the one of Septr the 1st.
With respect to the Attack and Retreat from Long Island the public Papers would furnish you with Accts nearly true. I shall

only add, that in the former we lost abt 800 Men, more than three fourths of which were taken Prisoners—This misfortune happened in a great measure by two Detachments of our People who were Posted in two Roads leading thrô a Wood in order to intercept the Enemy in their March, suffering a Surprize, and making a precepitate Retreat, which enabled the Enemy to lead a great part of their force against the Troops Commanded by Lord Sterling which formed a third detachment; who behaved with great bravery and resolution.
As to the Retreat from the Island, under the Circumstances we then were, it became absolutely necessary, and was effected without loss of Men, and with but very little baggage. A few heavy Cannon were left, not being movable, on Acct of the Grounds being soft and Miry thro’ the heavy & incessant Rains which had fallen. The Enemys loss in killed we could never ascertain, but have many reasons to believe that it was pretty considerable and exceeded ours a good deal—Our Retreat from thence as I said before was absolutely necessary, the Enemy having landed the main body of their Army to Attack us in Front while their Ships of War were to cut off all communication with the City, from whence resources of Men, Provisions &ca were to be drawn.
Having made this Retreat, not long after we discovered by the movements of the Enemy and the information we received from Deserters and others, that they declin’d attacking our Lines in the City, and were forming a plan to get in our Rear with their Land Army, by crossing the Sound above us, and thereby cut of all Intercourse with the Country and every necessary supply. The Ships of War were to cooperate, possess the North River and prevent Succours from the Jerseys &ca. this Plan appearing probable and but too practicable in its execution, it became necessary to guard agt the fatal consequences that must follow if their scheme was affected; for which purpose I caused a removal of a part of our Stores, Troops, &ca from the City, and a Council of General Officers determined on thursday the 12th that it must be entirely abandoned; as we had, with an Army Weaker than theirs, a line of Sixteen or 18 Miles to defend, to keep open our Communication with the Country, besides the defence of the City—We held up however every show and appearance of

defence till our Sick and all our Stores could be brought away—the evacuation being resolved on every exertion in our power was made to baffle their designs, and effect our own. the sick were numerous (amounting to more than the fourth of our whole Army) and an object of great Importance, happily we got them away; but before we could bring off all our Stores, on Sunday Morning Six or Seven Ships of War which had gone up the East River some few days before began a most severe and heavy Canonade to scour the Ground and effect a Landing of their Troops—Three Ships of War also ran up the North River that Morning above the City, to prevent our Boats and Small Craft carrying away our Baggage &ca.
I had gone the Evening before to the Main body of our Army which was Posted about these Heights & the Plains of Harlem, where it seemed probable from the movements, and disposition of the Enemy they meant to Land & make an Attack the next Morning. However the Event did not happen. Immediately on hearing the Cannonade I rode with all possible expedition towards the place of Landing, and where Breast Works had been thrown up to secure our Men, & found the Troops that had been posted there to my great surprize & Mortification, and those ordered to their Support (consisting of Eight Regiments) notwithstanding the exertions of their Generals to form them, running away in the most Shameful and disgraceful manner—I used every possible effort to rally them but to no purpose, & on the appearance of a small part of the Enemy (not more than 60 or 70) they ran off without firing a Single Gun—Many of our heavy Cannon wd inevitably have fallen into the Enemy’s hands as they landed so soon, but this scandalous conduct occasioned a loss of many Tents, Baggage & Camp Equipage, which would have been easily secured had they made the least opposition.
The Retreat was made with the loss of a few men only—We Incamp’d, and still are on, the Heights of Harlem which are well calculated for Defence against their approaches. On Monday Morning they advanced in sight in several large bodys but attempted nothing of a general Nature tho’ there were smart Skirmishes between their advancd parties and some Detachments from our lines which I sent out—In these our Troops behaved well, putting the Enemy to flight in open Ground, and forcing

them from Posts they had seized two or three times—A Sergeant who deserted from them says they had as he was told 89 Wounded and Missing besides Slain, but other Accts make the wounded much greater.
Our loss in killed and Wounded was about 60—but the greatest loss we sustaind was in the death of Lt Colo. Knolton, a brave and Gallant Officer—Majr Leitch of Weedons Regiment had three Balls through his Side, & behaved exceedingly well—he is in a fair way of recovery—Nothing material has happend since this—the Enemy it is said are bringing up their heavy Cannon, so that We are to expect another Attack soon—both by Land & Water, as we are upon the Hudson (or North River) at the place where we have attempted to stop the Navigation by sinking obstructions in the River & erecting Batteries.
The Dependance which the Congress has placed upon the Militia, has already greatly injured—& I fear will totally ruin, our Cause—Being subject to no controul themselves they introduce disorder among the Troops you have attempted to discipline while the change in their living brings on sickness—this makes them Impatient to get home, which spreads universally & introduces abominable Desertions—In short, it is not in the power of Words to describe the task I have to Act. £50,000 Should not induce me again to undergo what I have done—Our Numbers by Sickness, desertion, &ca is greatly reduced—I have been trying these 4 or 5 days to get a return but have not yet succeeded—I am sure however we have not more than 12 or 14,000 Men fit for duty, whilst the Enemy (who it is said are very healthy) cannot have less than near 25,000. My Sincere love to my Sister and the Family & Complimts to any enquiring Friends concludes me Dr Sir Yr most Affecte Brother

Go: Washington


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

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, sept: 23rd 1776
Stamford.Norwalk.

Ebenezer Liffingwell being convicted of offering Violence to his superior Officer—of Cowardice and Misbehaviour before the Enemy, was ordered to suffer Death this day—The General from his former good Character and upon the intercession of the Adjutant General, against whom he presented his firelock, is pleased to pardon him, but declares that the next offender shall suffer Death without mercy.
Serjt Major Hutton is appointed Adjutant to Col. Mead’s Regiment—Col. Silliman’s Brigade.
Mr Charles Knowles is appointed Paymaster to Col. Knox’s Regiment of Artillery.
Col. Douglass’s Brigade Major being ordered in Arrest for “Neglect of duty, in not giving the Parole & Countersign to the Guards,” Col. Douglass is to appoint another to do the duty.
Colonels and commanding Officers of Regiments have neglected to make Reports of the examination of their regiments after Plunder, they are now reminded of it, and will be mentioned in Orders, if they neglect it.
A Report is to be made at Head-Quarters, as soon as possible, of the several officers under Arrest, that they may be tried—Colonels and commanding Officers of regiments to attend to it.


Title: To George Washington from William Bradford, Sr., 23 September 1776
From: Bradford, William, Sr. (1729-1808)
To: Washington, George

State of Rhode Island &c. Bristol September 23d 1776
Sir,

Having seen in the publick Papers that your Excellency and the British Admiral have agreed upon an Exchange of Prisoners in the naval Department I beg Leave to apply to you in Behalf of a Mate of a Vessel, and Four Seamen, all belonging to Warwick in this State, some of whom are connected with very reputable Families. They were all taken in the Merchant’s Service, and are Prisoners on board One of the Ships of War now in the Sound. We have a Mate of a Merchant’s Ship, and Four Seamen, who were taken in a Transport with Part of One of the Highland Regiments, to give for them. I request your Excellency’s Directions, as soon as may be, whether we shall send the Prisoners directly to you, or how I shall proceed to procure the Exchange, which will very much oblige many worthy People here. I am with great Esteem and Respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most humble Servant

William Bradford Deputy Governor


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 September 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp Fort Constitution [N.J.] Sept. 23 1776

The Enemy are landed at Powleys Hook, they came up this afternoon and began a Cannonade on the Battery; and after Cannonadeing for half an hour or a little more they landed a party from the Ships. General Mercer had orderd off, from the Hook all the Troops except a small Guard who had Orders to Evacuate the place from the first approach of the Enimy. General Mercer mentions no Troops but those Landed from the Ships, but Colo. Bull and many others that were along the River upon the Heights saw twenty Boats go over from York to Powleys Hook. This movement must have happen’d since General

Mercer wrote. I purpose to Visit Burgen to Night, as General Mercer thinks of going to his Post at Amboy tomorrow. I purpose to detain him one day longer. I am with due respect Your Excellencys Obedient Servant

N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Howe, 23 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Head Quarters Heights of Harlem Sept. 23rd 1776

I yesterday evening received the favor of your letter of the 21st by your Aid de Camp, Capt. Montresor, in consequence of which I this morning dispatch’d an express to Elizabeth town, with orders that Majr Genl Prescott, should be permitted to return in the boat that carried Genl Sullivan over to that place.

I most readily concur in the proposition, you are pleased to make for the exchange of Brigr Genl Lord Stirling, for Governor Muntford Brown, & have sent for him accordingly; I should hope that Lord Stirling will be immedy set at liberty, on my promise, that Governor Brown shall be sent to you as soon as he arrives; I had no doubt but Mr McDonalds title would have been acknowledged, having understood that he received his commission from the hands of Governor Martin; nor can I consent to rank him as a Major, till I have proper authority from Congress, to whom I shall state the matter, upon your representation.
Agreable to your request, I shall transmit to Lieut: Col. Campbell, a copy of the list of officers of the 42nd & 71st regiments, taken by us last spring, that it may be rectified in the instances, in which it may be wrong, & will then place opposite to their names, the officers I would wish in return for them: The exchange of privates, I shall take the earliest oppertunity in my power to carry into execution but they being greatly dispersed through the New England governments, in order to their better accomodation, will prevent it for some time.
Having the fullest confidence in your assurance, that Mr Lovell will be released, when he arrives, from Halifax, I have wrote for Governor Skeene to come to Head Quarters that he may proceed immedy to you.
As to the exchange of prisoners settled between Capt. Foster, and Genl Arnold, I beg leave to inform you, that it was a transaction, in which I had not the smallest concern, nor have I authority to give directions, in any degree respecting the matter.
The information you have recd concerning the ill treatment of your officers, I would fain hope, is not generally well founded; the letters from them, which have passed through my hands, hold forth a different language; in particular instances, ’tis true, there are some who have been restricted to a closer confinement and severer treatment than they otherwise would have been, for breaking or refusing to give their paroles; Such (I am confident) will not be countenanced by your Excellency, & I am perswaded by a closer investigation of the enquiry, you will discover, that there have been no other persons whatever who have experienced the smallest harshness from us; I shall however obtain all the information on the subject in my power, that

every ground of complaint (if any exists) may be entirely remov’d, it being my most earnest wish, that during this unhappy contest, there be every exercise of humanity, which the nature of the case will possibly admit of.
Your Aid de Camp, delivered me the ball you mention, which was the first of the kind I ever saw or heard of; you may depend the contrivance is highly abhorred by me, and every measure shall be taken to prevent so wicked & infamous a practice being adopted in this army. I have the honor to be with due reguard Yr Most Obed. Servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 23 September 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany Septr 23d 1776

General Gates has requested me to send up twenty Casks of Shingle Nails he says “the Carpenters are unable to proceed with the public works for the want of them”—I have wrote to Congress on the 8th Instant begging that a Quantity might be sent up, but if your Excellency can spare any, I wish to have them sent with all possible Dispatch, as we cannot procure any here and those from philadelphia may probably not arrive in Time, if at all.

The Committee of the Town of Schenectady have requested me that Barracks should be built there for the Accommodation of any Troops that may be quartered there or pass thro’ it—I do not conceive myself authorized to take such a Step without your Excellency’s Consent or that of Congress. I am with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 23 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Heights of Harlem Sepr 23d 1776

General Howe, in a letter received from him Yesterday evening by a Flag, having offered to exchange Brigadier General Lord Stirling for Governor Montfort Brown, and also requested that Govr Skeene may be granted his liberty without delay, assuring me that Mr Lovell shall be immediately enlarged upon his arrival from Halifax, and whose exchange for Govr Skeene has been agreed on, I must take the liberty of requesting your notice to those two gentlemen, and that you will provide them with a proper escort to repair to Head Quarters as soon as they can, with their baggage, that the proposed exchange for Lord Stirling may be effected, and General Howe’s request complied with respecting Governor Skeene’s being returned—The Gentlemen are to consider themselves under parole till such time as they are sent from Head Quarters to General Howe.
I must beg your excuse for not having wrote you of late upon the situation of our affairs and such events as have cast up in the Military Line. I shall only add that the important concerns which have constantly commanded my closest attention have been the cause, and I am fully persuaded, will furnish me with a sufficient apology.
Of the evacuation of New York on Sunday Sennight and the

retreat to this place you will have heard before now, and of the manner in which it was conducted. I am certain a minute relation of them would only encrease the uneasiness which would naturally arise upon hearing of the events; and therefore, and as I have not time, I shall not enter upon it. The Enemy by their movements having unfolded their plan of operations and discovered, that they declined making a direct attack upon the Town, and that their designs were to land in our rear and cut off all intercourse with the Country, at the same time to prevent any communication with the Jersey and States South of the North River by means of their Ships of War, it became necessary to adopt such measures as seemed best calculated to baffle their schemes and promote the Common Interest. To these ends a Council of Officers determined the evacuation of the city absolutely Necessary; and I have only to wish that it had been made in a way more honorable and with less loss of Baggage, which might have been the case, had the Troops that remained there for the defence of the Lines not be taken themselves to a most precipitate and disagreeable flight contrary to the motions of their General Officers and every effort in my power to prevent and form them, having gone from hence as soon as the Ships began their Cannonade and whither I had come the night before to the main Body of our Army in expectation of an attack that night or the next morning, as the parade by the Enemy and the unusual stir among them strongly indicated one—The next morning several large Columns of them appeared on the Plains at the distance of about two miles and a half below us, and some smart skirmishes ensued between their advanced Parties composed of the second Battalion of Infantry, a Regiment of Royal Highlanders and three Companies of the Hessian Chausars or Riflemen, and the Detachments which I sent out to oppose them—Upon this occasion our men behaved with great spirit and intrepidity, putting the Enemy to flight and forcing them from their Posts two or three times. Our people buried sixteen or eighteen of their dead, as they say; and a Serjeant who has since deserted reports they had eighty nine missing and wounded. Our loss in number was very inconsiderable, but must be considered as great, in the fall of Lieut. Colo. Knowlton of your State who commanded a party of Rangers composed of Volunteers from the several New-England Regiments, and who

was a brave and good Officer—Every honor was paid to his merit in his interment that the situation of things would admit of. The Enemy have formed a large Encampment in the Plains (or rather heights) below us, extending across, as it were, from the East to the North River, but have attempted nothing, as yet, of a general nature. We are making every disposition, in our power, for defence, and I should hope from the ground we are on, if they make an attack and our men behave with tolerable resolution and firmness, that they will meet with a repulse, or at least, any advantage they gain will be attended with sorrow and loss. Major Leitch who led on a Detachment of the Virginia Regiment in the affair of monday received three balls through one side. He still retains his spirits and seems as if he would recover.
On Friday night about eleven or twelve oClock a fire broke out in the City of New York, which burning rapidly till after Sunrise next morning, destroyed a great number of Houses—By what means it happened we do not know; but the Gentleman who brought the letter out last night from General Howe, and who was one of his Aid De Camps informed Colo. Reed that several of our Countrymen had been punished with various deaths on account of it. Some by hanging, others by burning & c. alledging that they were apprehended when committing the fact. I have the honor to be with great Esteem Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. I would choose that Govrs Brown and Skeene should be stopped when they come within ten or twelve miles, and detained till one of the Escort can inform me of their coming & receive my directions respecting them.


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

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Septr 24th 1776.
Bristol.Salem.

The Qr Mr Genl, and the Chief Engineer, are to mark the grounds, to morrow, on which the Barracks, and Huts, are to be built this side Kingsbridge—They are to call upon the General, previous to their setting out upon this business, for directions.
When the ground is marked out, the Quarter Master General is to cause the materials for building to be laid thereon as quick as possible.
The General is informed that in consequence of his recommendation of the 20th Instant many Regiments have turned out very cheerfully to work, when others have sent few or no men on fatigue. the first he thanks for their Conduct, whilst the others are to be informed that their conduct will be marked—The General would have them recollect that it is for their own safety and self defence, these Works are constructing, and the sooner they are finished the sooner they will be able to erect warm and comfortable Barracks, or Huts for themselves to lodge in.
The Militia which came to the assistance of this Army, under the Command of Genl Walcott are to hold themselves in readiness to return home; before they go, they are to return into the public stores, every thing they drew from thence, such as Ammunition, Camp Kettles &c.
Joseph Jackson appointed Paymaster to Col. Hutchinson’s regiment.
Major Henly Aid-de-Camp to Genl Heath, whose Activity and Attention to duty, Courage and every other Quality, which can distinguish a brave and gallant Soldier, must endear him to every Lover of his Country, having fallen in a late Skirmish on Montresor’s Island while bravely leading a party on—his Remains will be interr’d this afternoon, at five, OClock, from the quarters of Major David Henly, acting Adjt Genl below the hill where the Redoubt is thrown up on the road.
The General thanks the Colonels, and commanding Officers of Regiments, for their care in examining the Tents, and Knapsacks of the Soldiers, after plunder—he directs that what has been found be sent to the House on the Road below Head Quarters, and that regimental Courts Martial immediately sit, to try

every one who cannot prove that he came honestly by what is found in his possession—The Offenders to be punished, as soon as the sentence is approved by the Colonel, or commanding Officer—As a little wholesome severity now may put a stop to such ruinous practices in future, the General hopes a very strict Inquiry will be made, and no Favor shewn—The General does not admit of any pretence for plundering, whether it is Tory property taken beyond the lines, or not, it is equally a breach of Orders, and to be punished in the officer who gives Orders, or the Soldier who goes without.
Such Colonels, or commanding Officers of Regiments, as have not reported will be mentioned by Name in to morrow’s Orders, if Reports are not made before.
A working Party of 1000 Men, properly officered, to parade to morrow, opposite Head Quarters, at Seven O’Clock—The Parade will be attended by some General Officers, who will put in Arrest, any officer found deliquent in bringing his men in time.
A Field Officer, of the Regiment posted at Mount Washington, is to visit the Guards there carefully; the distance from the Lines not admitting the General Officer of the day to go up.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Folsom, 24 September 1776
From: Folsom, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Exeter [N.H.] 24 Sept. 1776. Informs that in accordance with a request received on 14 Sept. from the Continental Congress, “this State hath raised one thousand Men who are just beginning their March for New York—They are form’d into two Regiments of five hundred Men each under Coll Thomas Tash, and Coll Nahum Baldwin, who are ordered to march their Regiments forward with all possible speed, & put themselves under Your Direction at New York and continue so until the first of December next.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Harlem Heights Septr 24th 1776

The post being about to depart I have only time to add, That no event of importance has taken place on this side Hudson’s River since my last of the 22d Instt.
The Inclosed Letter received last night from Genl Greene, who now commands in the Jerseys, will give Congress all the information I have respecting the evacuation of powles Hook and the landing of the Enemy to possess It.
I this minute obtained a Copy of the Genl Return of our

Force, the first I have been able to procure for some time past, which I do myself the honor of transmitting for the satisfaction of Congress. I am Sir with the greatest respect Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. The Thirteen Militia Regiments from Connecticut being reduced to a little more than Seven Hundred Men Rank & file, fit for duty, I have thought proper to discharge the whole, to save the States the immense charge that would arise for Officer’s pay—There are too, many Militia that have just come in & on their way from that State, none of which are provided with a Tent or a Single Camp Utensil. This distresses me b[e]yond measure.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 24 September 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Septr 24th 1776.

You will perceive by the enclosed Resolves of Congress, which I have the Honour to forward, that they have come to a Determination to augment our Army, & to engage the Troops to serve during the Continuance of the War. As an Inducement to enlist

on these Terms, the Congress have agreed to give, besides a Bounty of twenty Dollars, a Hundred Acres of Land to each Soldier; and in Case he should lose his Life in Battle, they have resolved that his Children or other Representatives shall succeed to such Grant.
It is unnecessary to repeat to you the numberless ill Consequences resulting from the limited Inlistment of Troops. The untimely Death of General Montgomery alone, independent of other Arguments, is a stricking Proof of the Danger and Impropriety of sending Troops into the Field, under any Restriction as to the Time of their Service. The noblest Enterprize may be left unfinished by Soldiers in such a Predicament, or abandoned the very Moment Success must have crowned the Attempt. Your own Experience has long since convinced you, that without a well disciplined Army we cannot rationally expect Success against veteran Troops; and that it is totally impossible we should ever have a well disciplined Army, unless our Troops are engaged to serve during the War. The Congress therefore, impressed with these, & other Reasons, and fully convinced, that our Militia is inadequate to the Duty expected of them have adopted the enclosed Resolves, which I am persuaded will afford you Pleasure, as the only Means left to defend our Country in its present critical Situation. I have wrote to all the States, and forwarded a Copy of the printed Resolves herewith transmitted, and urged them in the most pressing Language to comply in the fullest Manner with the Requisition of Congress.
As the Troops now in Service belonging to the several States will be considered as Part of their Quota in the American Army, it will be necessary to ascertain what Number of the Troops, as well as what Officers will engage to serve during the War. For this Purpose I have wrote to the States, and forwarded blank Commissions for all such Officers, and others whom they shall appoint agreeably to the enclosed Resolves.
 The Articles of War as first adopted by Congress being exploded, I send you sundry Copies of those, which they have instituted in their Room.
I enclose you also sundry other Resolves, to which I beg Leave to request your Attention.
As the Committee of Congress will confer with you on the State of the Army, to them I beg Leave to refer you, and am with

every Sentiment of Esteem & Respect Sir, your most obedient and very hble Sevt

John Hancock Presidt


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

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Sept: 25th 1776.
Cumberland.Pitt.

Col. Sergeant is to send to the Provost Guard the Soldiers, who were with Ensign McCrumber, and charged with plundering at Harlem.
The Brigadiers who are in want of tents for their Brigades, are to meet at the Quarter Master General’s this Afternoon, four O’Clock, and divide such as are on hand among them.
Such Regiments of Militia, as have returned, to the Quarter Master General, the Articles belonging to the public they have received; and to their respective Brigadiers, the Ammunition they have drawn, of which they are first to produce Certificates, are discharged, and may return home, as soon as they think proper.
The General hopes the commanding Officers, and all others, of those Regiments, will take care that no other Men mix with them when going off—and that particular Care to be taken, that no Horses be carried away by the men, but what are certainly and properly employed in that service.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Colo. Morris’s on the Heights of HarlemSeptr 2[5]th 1776.

From the hours allotted to Sleep, I will borrow a few moments to convey my thoughts on sundry important matters to Congress.

I shall offer them with that sincerety which ought to characterize a Man of candour; and with the freedom which may be used in giving useful information, without incurring the imputation of presumption.
We are now as it were, upon the eve of another dissolution of our Army—the remembrance of the difficulties wch happened upon that occasion last year—the consequences which might have followed the change, if proper advantages had been taken by the Enemy—added to a knowledge of the present temper and Situation of the Troops, reflect but a very gloomy prospect upon the appearance of things now and satisfie me, beyond the possibility of doubt, that unless some speedy, and effectual measures are adopted by Congress; our cause will be lost.
It is in vain to expect that any (or more than a trifling) part of this Army will again engage in the Service on the encouragement offered by Congress—When Men find that their Townsmen & Companions are receiving 20, 30, and more Dollars for a few Months Service (which is truely the case) it cannot be expected; without using compulsion; & to force them into the Service would answer no valuable purpose. When Men are irritated, & the Passions inflamed, they fly hastily, and chearfully to Arms, but after the first emotions are over to expect, among such People as compose the bulk of an Army, that they are influenced by any other principles than those of Interest, is to look for what never did, & I fear never will happen; the Congress will deceive themselves therefore if they expect it.
A Soldier reasoned with upon the goodness of the cause he is engaged in and the inestimable rights he is contending for, hears you with patience, & acknowledges the truth of your observations; but adds, that it is of no more Importance to him than others—The Officer makes you the same reply, with this further remark, that his pay will not support him, and he cannot ruin himself and Family to serve his Country, when every member of the community is equally Interested and benefitted by his Labours—The few therefore, who act upon Principles of disinterestedness, are, comparitively speaking—no more than a drop in the Ocean. It becomes evidently clear then, that as this contest is not likely to be the Work of a day—as the War must be carried on systematically—and to do it, you must have good Officers, there are, in my judgment, no other possible means to obtain

them but by establishing your Army upon a permanent footing; and giving your Officers good pay. this will induce Gentlemen, and Men of Character to engage; and till the bulk of your Officers are composed of Such persons as are actuated by Principles of honour, and a spirit of enterprize, you have little to expect from them. They ought to have such allowances as will enable them to live like, and support the Characters of Gentlemen; and not be driven by a scanty pittance to the low, & dirty arts which many of them practice to filch the Public of more than the difference of pay would amount to upon an ample allowe—besides, something is due to the Man who puts his life in his hand—hazards his health—& forsakes the Sweets of domestic enjoyments—Why a Captn in the Continental Service should receive no more than 5/. Curry per day for performing the same duties that an Officer of the same Rank in the British Service receives 10/. Sterlg for, I never could conceive; especially when the latter is provided with every necessary he requires upon the best terms, and the former can scarce procure them at any Rate. There is nothing that gives a Man consequence, & renders him fit for Command, like a support that renders him Independant of every body but the State he Serves.
With respect to the Men, nothing but a good bounty can obtain them upon a permanent establishment; and for no shorter time than the continuance of the War, ought they to be engaged; as Facts incontestibly prove, that the difficulty, and Cost of Inlistments, increase with time. When the Army was first raised at Cambridge, I am perswaded the Men might have been got without a bounty for the War—after this, they began to see that the contest was not likely to end so speedily as was immagined, & to feel their consequence, by remarking, that to get the Militia In, in the course of last year, many Towns were induced to give them a bounty—Foreseeing the Evils resulting from this and the destructive consequences which unavoidably would follow short Inlistments, I took the liberty in a long Letter written by myself (date not now recollected, as my Letter Book is not here) to recommend the Inlistments for and during the War, Assigning such Reasons for it, as experience has since convinced me were well founded—At that time Twenty Dollars would, I am perswaded, have engaged the Men for this term. But it will not do to look back, and if the present opportunity is slip’d, I am perswaded

that twelve months more will Increase our difficulties four fold—I shall therefore take the freedom of givg it as my opinion, that a good Bounty be immediately offered, aided by the proffer of at least 100 or 150 Acres of Land and a Suit of Cloaths & Blankt to each Non Comd Officer & Soldier, as I have good Authority for saying, that however high the Mens pay may appear, it is barely sufficient in the present scarcity & dearness of all kinds of goods, to keep them in Cloaths, much less afford support to their Families—If this encouragement then is given to the Men, and such Pay allowed the Officers as will induce Gentlemen of Character & liberal Sentiments to engage, and proper care & precaution used in the nomination (having more regard to the Characters of Persons, than the number of Men they can Inlist) we should in a little time have an Army able to cope with any that can be opposed to it; as there are excellent Materials to form one out of: but while the only merit an Officer possesses is his ability to raise Men—while those Men consider, and treat him as an equal; & (in the Character of an Officer) regard him no more than a broomstick, being mixed together as one common herd, no order, nor no discipline can prevail—nor will the Officer ever meet with that respect which is essensially necessary to due subordination.
To place any dependance upon Militia, is, assuredly, resting upon a broken staff. Men just dragged from the tender Scenes of domestick life—unaccustomed to the din of Arms—totally unacquainted with every kind of Military skill, which being followed by a want of Confidence in themselves when opposed to Troops regularly traind—disciplined, and appointed—superior in knowledge, & superior in Arms, makes them timid, and ready to fly from their own Shadows. Besides, the sudden change in their manner of living (particularly in the lodging) brings on sickness in many; impatience in all; & such an unconquerable desire of returning to their respective homes that it not only produces shameful, & scandalous Desertions among themselves, but infuses the like spirit in others—Again, Men accustomed to unbounded freedom, and no controul, cannot brooke the Restraint which is indispensably necessary to the good Order and Government of an Army; without which Licentiousness, & every kind of disorder triumphantly reign. To bring men to a proper degree of Subordination is not the work of a day—a Month—

or even a year—and unhappily for us, and the cause we are Ingaged in, the little discipline I have been labouring to establish in the Army under my immediate Command, is in a manner done away by having such a mixture of Troops as have been called together within these few Months.
Relaxed, and as unfit as our Rules & Regulations of War are for the Government of an Army, the Militia (those properly so called, for of these we have two sorts, the Six Months Men and those sent in as a temporary aid) do not think themselves subject to ’em, and therefore take liberties which the Soldier is punished for—this creates jealousy—jealousy begets dissatisfactions—and these by degrees ripen into Mutiny; keeping the whole Army in a confused, and disordered State; rendering the time of those who wish to see regularity & good Order prevail more unhappy than Words can describe—Besides this, such repeated changes take place, that all arrangement is set at nought, & the constant fluctuation of things deranges every plan, as fast as adopted.
These Sir, Congress may be assured, are but a small part of the Inconveniences which might be enumerated, & attributed to Militia—but there is one that merits particular attention, & that is the expence. Certain I am that it would be cheaper to keep 50 or 100,000 Men in constant pay than to depend upon half the number, and supply the other half occasionally by Militia—The time the latter is in pay before and after they are in Camp, Assembling & Marching—the waste of Ammunition—the consumption of Stores, which in spite of every Resolution, & requisition of Congress they must be furnished with, or sent home—added to other incidental expences consequent upon their coming, and conduct in Camp, surpasses all Idea; and destroys every kind of regularity & œconomy which you could establish amg fixed and Settled Troops; and will in my opinion prove (if the scheme is adhered to) the Ruin of our Cause.
The Jealousies of a standing Army, and the Evils to be apprehended from one, are remote; and in my judgment, situated & circumstanced as we are, not at all to be dreaded; but the consequence of wanting one, according to my Ideas; formed from the present view of things, is certain, and inevitable Ruin; for if I was called upon to declare upon Oath, whether the Militia have been most Serviceable or hurtful upon the whole I should subscribe to the latter. I do not mean by this however to arraign the

Conduct of Congress, in so doing I should equally condemn my own measures (if I did not my judgment) but experience, which is the best criterion to work by, so fully, clearly, and decisively reprobates the practice of trusting to Militia, that no Man who regards order, regularity, & Œconomy; or who has any regard for his own honour, character, or peace of Mind, will risk them upon this Issue.
No less Attention should be paid to the choice of Surgeons than other Officers of the Army. they should undergo a regular examination; and if not appointed by the Director Genl & Surgeons of the Hospital, they ought to be subordinate to, and governed by his directions—the Regimental Surgeons I am speaking of—many of whom are very great Rascals, countenancing the Men in sham Complaints to exempt them from duty, and often receiving Bribes to Certifie Indispositions with a view to procure discharges or Furloughs; but independant of these practices, while they are considered as unconnected with the Genl Hospital there will be nothing but continual Complaints of each other—The director of the Hospital charging them with enormity in their drafts for the Sick; & they him, for denying such things as are necessary—In short there is a constant bickering among them, which tends greatly to the Injury of the Sick; and will always subsist till the Regimental Surgeons are made to look up to the Director Genl of the Hospital as a Superior—whether this is the case in regular Armies, or not, I cannot undertake to say; but certain I am there is a necessity for it in this, or the Sick will suffer. the Regimental Surgeons are aiming, I am perswaded, to break up the Genl Hospital, & have, in numberless Instances, drawn for Medicines—Stores—&ca in the most profuse and extravagent manner, for private purposes.
Another matter highly worthy of attention, is, that other Rules and Regulation’s may be adopted for the Government of the Army than those now in existence, otherwise the Army, but for the name, might as well be disbanded—For the most atrocious offences (one or two Instances only excepted) a Man receives no more than 39 Lashes, and these perhaps (thro the collusion of the Officer who is to see it inflicted) are given in such a manner as to become rather a matter of sport than punishment; but when inflicted as they ought, many hardend fellows who have been the Subjects, have declared that for a bottle of Rum they

would undergo a Second operation—it is evident therefore that this punishment is inadequate to many Crimes it is assigned to—as a proof of it, thirty and 40 Soldiers will desert at a time; and of late, a practice prevails (as you will see by my Letter of the 22d) of the most alarming nature; and which will, if it cannot be checked, prove fatal both to the Country and Army—I mean the infamous practice of Plundering, for under the Idea of Tory property—or property which may fall into the hands of the Enemy, no Man is secure in his effects, & scarcely in his Person; for in order to get at them, we have several Instances of People being frieghtned out of their Houses under pretence of those Houses being ordered to be burnt, & this is done with a view of siezing the Goods; nay, in order that the Villainy may be more effectually concealed, some Houses have actually been burnt to cover the theft.
I have with some others used my utmost endeavours to stop this horrid practice, but under the present lust after plunder, and want of Laws to punish Offenders, I might almost as well attempt to remove Mount Atlas—I have ordered instant corporal Punishment upon every Man who passes our Lines, or is seen with Plunder that the Offender might be punished for disobedience of Orders; and Inclose you the proceedings of a Court Martial held upon an Officer, who with a Party of Men had robbd a House a little beyond our Lines of a number of valuable Goods; among which (to shew that nothing escapes) were four large Peer looking Glasses—Womens Cloaths, and other Articles which one would think, could be of no Earthly use to him—He was met by a Major of Brigade who ordered him to return the Goods as taken contrary to Genl Orders, which he not only peremptorily refused to do, but drew up his Party and swore he would defend them at the hazard of his Life; on which I orderd him to be Arrested, and tryed for Plundering, Disobedience of Orders, and Mutiny; for the Result, I refer to the Proceedings of the Court; whose judgment appeared so exceedingly extraordinary, that I ordered a Reconsideration of the matter, upon which, and with the assistance of a fresh evidence, they made Shift to Cashier him.
I adduce this Instance to give some Idea to Congress of the Currt Sentimts & general run of the Officers which compose the present Army; & to shew how exceedingly necessary it is to be

careful in the choice of the New sett even if it should take double the time to compleat the Levies—An Army formed of good Officers moves like Clock work; but there is no Situation upon Earth less enviable, nor more distressing, than that Person’s who is at the head of Troops, who are regardless of Order and discipline; and who are unprovided with almost every necessary—In a word, the difficulties which have forever surrounded me since I have been in the Service, and kept my Mind constantly upon the stretch—The Wounds which my Feelings as an Officer have received by a thousand things which have happened, contrary to my expectation and Wishes—the effect of my own conduct, and present appearance of things, so little pleasing to myself, as to render it a matter of no Surprize (to me) if I should stand capitally censured by Congress—added to a consciousness of my inability to govern an Army composed of such discordant parts, and under such a variety of intricate and perplexing circumstances, induces not only a belief, but a thorough conviction in my Mind, that it will be impossible unless there is a thorough change in our Military System for me to conduct matters in such a manner as to give Satisfaction to the Publick, which is all the recompense I aim at, or ever wished for.
Before I conclude I must appologize for the liberties taken in this Letter and for the blots and scratchings therein—not having time to give it more correctly. With truth I can add, that with every Sentiment of respect & esteem I am Yrs & the Congresses Most Obedt & Most H. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Harlem Heights Septr 25th 1776.

Having wrote you fully on sundry important Subjects this morning, as you will perceive by the Letter which accompanies this, I mean principally now to inclose a Copy of a Letter, received from Genl Howe on Sunday evening with the Lists of the prisoners in his Hands—of those in our possession belonging to the Army immediately under his Command, & of my Answer, which were omitted to be put in the Other.
His Letter will discover to Congress his refusal to exchange Lord Stirling for Mr McDonald, considering the latter, only as a Major. they will be pleased to determine how he is to be ranked in future.
The number of prisoners according to these Returns, is greater than what we expected; However I am inclined to believe, that among those in the List from Long Island, are several Militia of Genl Woodhulls party, who were never arranged in this Army. As to those taken on the 15th they greatly exceed the

Number that I supposed fell into their Hands in the retreat from the City. At the time that I transmitted an Account of that affair, I had not obtained Returns & took the matter upon the Officers Reports. they are difficult to get with certainty at any time. In the skirmish of Monday Sennight, they could not have taken but very few.
Before I conclude, I shall take occasion to mention, that those returns made with such precision, and the difficulty that will attend the proposed exchange on account of the dispersed and scattered state of the prisoners in our Hands, will clearly evince the necessity of appointing Commissarys and proper persons to superintend & conduct in such instances. This I took the liberty of urging more than once, as well on account of the propriety of the measure, and the saving that would have resulted from It, as that the prisoners might be treated with humanity and have their wants particularly attended to.
I would also observe, as I esteem It my duty—that this Army is in want of almost every necessary—Tents—Camp Kettles—Blankets & Cloaths of all kinds; But what is to be done with respect to the Two last Articles I know not, as the term of Inlistment will be nearly expired by the time they can be provided. This may be exhibited as a further proof of the disadvantages attending the levying of an Army upon such a footing, as never to know how to keep them without injuring the public or incommoding the Men. I have directed the Colonel or Commanding Officer of each Corps to use his endeavours to procure such Cloathing as are absolutely necessary, but at the same time I confess, that I do not know how they are to be got. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 25 September 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany September 25th 1776

I am honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 20th Instant—Your Situation at New York has been truly alarming and it is probable that had you not so judiciously retreated, & with such good Order and Dispatch you would have been involved in almost inextricable Difficulties—I hope the Enemy have got all they will get this Campaign, and that we shall be better able to cope with them in another.
I thank your Excellency for the Copy of the Resolves of Congress, inclosed in yours—They had not been transmitted me from philadelphia—Indeed, I have not been honored with a Line from Congress, for a very long Time past: a Neglect, which I do not think I have deserved, and which I therefore feel the more sensibly. I shall hope that one of their Resolutions of the 14th Instant was not meant to insult me: It was certainly improper to resolve that the Military Stores should be immediately sent to General Gates for the Use of the Northern Department, as Congress had not then received my Resignation.
I have taken Measures to have all the Boards in the Country brought to this place and to the Banks of Hudson’s River below it, and shall have them forwarded to you as fast as they arrive and give me Leave to assure you that altho’ I shall soon be out of the Army I shall with as great Chearfulness obey any Commands that you may honor me with when I am a private Citizen, as I have always done, those which I received from you as my superior officer. I am Dr Sir with every Sentiment of Esteem & Affection Your Excellency’s most obedient hble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 25 September 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lund Washington, 25 Sept. 1776. On 6 Oct. GW wrote to his cousin Lund: “Your Letter of the 25th Ulto has reached my hands.”


Title: General Orders, 26 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Sept: 26th 1776
Halifax.Georgia.

The Court Martial of which Col. Magaw is President, having found that Lieut: Stewart, struck Serjeant Philips, but that he was provoked so to do by the latter, and acquitted him of “threatning the life of Col. Silliman.”
The General approves the sentence, and orders Lieut: Stewart to be discharged from his arrest.
The same Court Martial having tried and convicted Lieut: Danl Pelton, of Col. Ritzema’s Regiment, of leaving Camp, two days, and being absent without leave, the Court orders him to be mulcted of one Months pay—The General approves the Sentence, and directs that care be taken accordingly in the next Pay-Abstract.
Serjt Philips of Capt: Hubbels Company, and Col. Silliman’s Regiment, tried by the same Court Martial for “Cowardice & leaving his party on the 17th Instant,” was acquitted; The General approves the sentence and orders him discharged.
The Regiments of Militia which composed the Brigades commanded by Cols. Douglass & Silliman, being dismissed; those regiments are to join their former brigades.
Courts-Martial for the trial of Desertion, and other Crimes, not capital, are immediately to be formed in the several Brigades, and the sentences, when approved by the Brigadier, immediately executed.
Col. Magaw being necessarily detained from the Court Martial, Col. Ewing is to preside during his absence.
The General expects, and insists, that all the plunder, and other things, found in consequence of the examination lately made, be sent immediately to the White-House, on the Road near Head Quarters, delivered to the Captain of the Guard to be deposited there, ’till farther Orders—Colonels, & commanding Officers of regiments are to see that it is done immediately.
The officer commanding the Rangers may give passes to any of his own parties, but to none others.
Upon any Alarm, or Approach of the Enemy towards our lines, Genl Mifflin, with his Brigade, is to possess our left-flank, from the hollow-way, by Col. Sergeant’s late Encampment, to

the point of Rocks, on the left-front of our lines; and ’till the Regiment commanded by Col. Wedon is brigaded, is to be joined by the same—Genl McDougall’s Brigade is to repair to the plains back of Genl Mifflin, and be ready to support him or the picquet in the front as occasion may require—Genl Bell’s Brigade is to repair to the lines which cross the road by Col. Moylan’s lodging, and to extend their right-flank to the middle Redoubt by Mr Kortright’s house, occupying the same—Genl Wadsworth and Fellows are to take the remaining part of these lines, with the Redoubt therein on the North River—These three Brigades to defend these lines, or wait there for Orders—Genl Heard’s is to parade, and be ready to march wherever ordered—Genl Putnam is to command in front of the lines by Mr Kortright’s—Genl Spencer in the rear of them.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir,
Colo. Morris’s at Harlem Septr 26th 1776.

I should be glad if you would order Genl Saltenstall to draw as much Powder as will compleat his Militia to about fifteen or 18. Rounds a Man; as also Lead if they have it not, and Cartridge Paper that they may make their own Cartridges. At the sametime let him know, & desire him to Impress it strongly upon the Minds of his Men, that they must Acct for every Load which is not used in Action.
Be so good as to request in my name, General Clinton’s attendance at Head Quarters with you at Nine Oclock this forenoon on the business I mentioned to you yesterday. I Am Sir Yr Most Obedt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 26 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, Hugh

Dear Sir
Colo. Morris’s at Harlem 26 sept. 1776

If the Troops at this Post can be prevailed upon to defend it as they should do, it must cost General Howe a great many men to carry it if he succeeds at all—If this should happen to be his Opinion there is scarce a Doubt but that he will turn his thoughts another way, as inactivity is not to be expected from

him—Whither his operations may be directed is uncertain—perhaps an irruption into the Jerseys—possibly he may bend his course towards Philadela (for I conceive that 2000 men with the Assistance of their shipping will effectually preserve New York against our whole Strength)—Or which in my judgment is exceedingly probable, knowing that the Troops are drawn off from the Southern Colonies, he may detach a part of the Army to the Southward for a Winters Campaign, as was recommended to him last Fall by Lord Dunmore.
In either of these Cases it behoves us to keep the best look out, & to obtain the earliest intelligence possible of the Enemy’s motions and as it is now the current Opinion that the shipping are greatly thinned I earnestly recommend to you the necessity of having sensible & judicious Persons in different places to observe the movements of the Shipping, among others at the Neversinks, for if they should send out a fleet without our giving notice of it to Congress we shall be thought exceedingly remiss—In short I intreat you to exert your best endeavours to obtain every useful Intelligence you possibly can of the Enemy’s motions by Sea and Land—in doing this Money may be required, and do not spare it.
Communicate every thing of Importance to me with dispatch and be assured that I am Dr sir Your most Obedt Servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Rufus Putnam, 26 September 1776
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Washington, George

Sir
Sept. 26th 1776

I Hope the Importence of the Subject will be a Sufficient appollogie for the Freedom I take in adressing your Exelency at this time. I have long Wondered that no Corps of Engeneers was yet Established. the Number of Works to be Executed; the Nesesity of Dispatch in them; the Imposability for a Common hand to be made at once to Comprehend what they ought to

do. with out a Core of Engeneers is Established the Works Never will be properly Executed nor don in a Reasonable time. and I Cannot give my Ideas of Such a Core and there duty Better then In the Words of Mr Maigrets Speaking of there Subordinary Disepline. he Sais “the first part of this Disepline Consists of the divition of one Corps Into Several. and the Subdivition of the Latter into Still less.[”] again “in the Construction of places that Corps of Workmen are Devided into Several others Who are Called Bands. the officers of Each of those Companys Should be Engeneers. and tis a Leading Circumstance to the Success of any action that the Soldiers and there officers Should be acquainted with Each other Before hand. and tis from the Engeneers that the former are to Recive ordors for the Works of attack; defence; and Construction of places. tis Evedent that the latter ought to be Charged With the Conduct and Command of them. Engineers are the Natural officers of Workmen. ancient and Constent Useage has Confirmed the practice.[”] again “if teachers Ware appointed to Each of these principle Corps Such a Number of Hopefull youth might be formed as would be a grate Benifit to the Service. these Work men are properly Speeking Soldiers or Rather Both one and tother. there Business Being Either Fighting or Working as ocation Requiers. the first Excersize to be taught them is the use of there arms; the Next is to keep them to there Business. the third kind of Exercise is the Instructing them in the Several forms Dementions and Properties of Works.[”] again “all Workmen Imployed in Buildings of any kind may Serve Very well for Works of Fortification.[”] again “by this means you may have good Miners and Sappers in abundence who in time of Seages may Ease the Engineers and Even Supply the Want of them up on ocation.[”] two years Experance has fully Convinced me Sir that till the Engineers are Rendered Intependent of any other Department for there Artificers till they have Miners and Sappers or persons Seperate from the Common Feteague men to take Care of Sinking the Ditch properly laying the turf well And to Build the parrapet with its propper Talus. I Say till this is don No Engineer will be able to Execute his Works Well nor do them in a Reasonable time[.] the Service has already Suffered much and will Continu So to do till Some Such Corps as What I have mentioned is Established and

to Convince your Exeleny that I have no Intristed motives but the Common good in this adress; I Beg leave to Quit the Department Sence the army are or may be So well Suplyed with Reguler Bread Engineers. I am Sir your Exelencys Most obedient devoted Humbl. Servnt

Rufus Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 26 September 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Albany [26] September 1776. “Since my last of Yesterday, I have received sundry papers from General Gates, Copies of all which I do myself the Honor to inclose—I have mentioned to Congress that I had sent them to your Excellency.”


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 26 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Harlem Heights Septemr 26th 1776

Your favor of the 20th instant is Duly received. The several Regiments of Militia from Connecticut lately commanded by General Wolcott being reduced to almost nothing, one having returned under twenty and another short of Thirty effective men—they were yesterday discharged. I am full in opinion with you that some severe examples ought to be made of the late deserters. For a return of their names I must refer you to the several Commanding Officers of the different Regiments. I hope those under Brigadier Saltonstall may have a better spirit.
A proposal for an immediate exchange of Prisoners has been made by General Howe agreeable to the resolves of Congress. I am to request a return as soon as possible of all those in Connecticut, mentioning the names and ranks of all Commissioned Officers, and distinguishing particularly between those of the Army and Navy, as well Privates as Officers.
It appears to me their being marched to some convenient Port, and coming by water, will be most convenient, at least it must save expence, and will prevent their having a view of the different Towns and their Situations on the Sea Coast. Your sentiments on the subject, together with the return of Prisoners as early as possible will much oblige me. I am with Esteem Sir Your most obedient and very humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Washington, 26 September 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Samuel Washington, 26 Sept. 1776. On 18 Oct. GW wrote to his brother Samuel: “Your Letter of the 26th Ulto . . . was delivered to me.”


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

Head Quarters, Harlem-Heights, Sept: 27th 1776.
Hampton.Walton.

Lieut: Drake of Col. Philips’s Regt, tried by a Court Martial, whereof Col. Ewing was President for “Leaving the regiment without permission of his commanding Officer, and being absent twenty days”—was acquitted.
The General approves the Sentence and orders him to be discharged.
The Returns are expected to morrow at Orderly time, which the Brigade Majors & Adjutants would do well to attend to.
The General is not more surprised than vexed, to find, that in spite of all his care to prevent unnecessary firing, and waste of Ammunition, that every afternoon produces fresh instances of the shameful discharge of Muskets, when there has been no rain to wet, or otherwise injure the loads—He now positively orders that there shall be no firing, without leave from the Brigadier of the Brigade, the men belong to; who are to inqure minutely into the necessity of the case, and whether the Pieces cannot be drawn without—The General also directs, that none but the Out-Sentries, shall ever have their Musquets loaded; and if those would be watchful, and vigilant on their posts, they need not load till occasion should require it.


Title: To George Washington from a Secret Committee of the New York Convention, 27 September 1776
From: Secret Committee of the New York Convention
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Poughkeepsie, Sepr 27. 1776.

The Committee which the Convention of this State appointed for devising ways and means to obstruct the Navigation on Hudsons river, have lately received directions from the Convention to purchase vessels to be sunk near fort Washington. To effect this, we immediately proceeded up to this place, with Capt. Grennal, whose assistance, by reason of his naval experience, the Convention conceived might be useful to the Committee.
The Committee upon their arrival here, sent down an old Sloop which we had purchased some time before, and directed that another Sloop lying in the highlands should also be sent down: both are intended to be sunk; and we make no doubt but, by this time, they are at the Bridge, as also the fire ship charged by Capt. Hazelwood, he having charged but one here, for want of Materials.
The Committee have also impressed and now send down two large ships and two Brigs—And in order to ascertain their respective values, have appointed persons of unexceptionable characters and great experience to appraize the same on oath, for the purpose that the Owners there of may receive from the Public a Recompence—The said appraisement stands as follows.

            The Brig of Lowthrop & others

            £
            400
            00
            0

            The Brig of Malcom & others

            760
            00
            0

            The new Ship of John Franklin

            3429
            00
            0

            The new Ship of Samuel Franklin

            2800
            00
            0

            7389
            00
            0

            The fire sloop was purchased for

            £
            200
            00
            0

            The sloop sent from Poughkeepsie

            125
            00
            0

            The sloop in the Highlands

            130
            00
            0

            455
            00
            0

            total amot
            £
            7844
            00
            0

We found in the Brig owned by Mr Lowthrop, a quantity of Boards, and knowing that they were much wanted at the Bridge, we concluded to send them down, and have requested

Capt. North to deliver them to such officer as may be appointed to receive and purchase the same, and at the price usually paid, with power to receive the money.
The two ships have never been out at Sea, and by the Report of Masters of vessels and ship Carpenters they are exceedingly well built, and of the very best materials—It would therefore become a matter of Concern to sink those vessels, if the interest of the public should not render the measure absolutely necessary and unavoidable.
In order to afford Capt. Cook all proper assistance in procuring plank, we directed Capt. Casewell of the Sloop of War Cambden, equipped by this State to carry down all the spare plank in the ship Yards here. We have also purchased upwards of 6,000 feet and sent them down by Capt. Donaldson; and as those sloops proceeded down with a fair wind on Tuesday last, we make no doubt but they are safely arrived. We have the honour to be with great respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and very humle servants

By order of the Committee
Robert Yates Chairman


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 September 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] Septemr 27th 1776

I am now to acknowlege the receipt of your favour of the 23d Instant.
I have given Orders that Governor Skeene be set at Liberty, and that he and Governor Browne sett out on Tuesday next for Head Quarters under an Escort of Ten Men commanded by Capt. John Skinner, who has Orders to detain them ten or

twelve Miles on this Side Head Quarters, and send one of the Escorts to receive your Directions concerning them.
I have likewise given Notice to them, agreable to your request, and appointed as early a Day for them to begin their Journey as the Necessary Preparation for it will admit of. I am, Sir, with the greatest Respect and Esteem your obedient humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Quarters, Heights of Harlem Septr 28th 1776

Being about to cross the North River this morning in order to view the post opposite and the Grounds between that and powles Hook, I shall not add much more than that I have been honored with your favor of the 24th and Its several inclosures, and that since my Letter of Yesterday no Important event has taken place.
As Colo. Hugh Stephenson of the Rifle Regiment ordered lately to be raised, is dead, according to the information I have received, I would beg leave to recommend to the particular notice of Congress, Captn Daniel Morgan just returned among the prisoners from Canada as a fit and proper person to succeed to the vacancy occasioned by his death. The present feild Officers of the Regiment cannot claim any right in preference to him, because he ranked above them and as a Captain when he first entered the service. His conduct as an Officer on the expedition with Genl Arnold last fall; his intrepid behavior in the Assault upon Quebec when the brave Montgomery fell—the inflexible attachment he professed to our cause during his imprisonment and which he perserveres in; added to these his residence in the place Colo. Stevenson came from & his interest and influence in the same circle and with such Men as are to compose such a Regiment, all in my opinion, entitle him to the favor of Congress and lead me to beleive that in his promotion, the States will gain a good and valuable officer for the sort of Troops he is particularly recommended to command.
Should Congress be pleased to appoint Captn Morgan in the instance I have mentioned, I would still beg leave to suggest the propriety and necessity of keeping the matter close and not suffering It to transpire untill he is exonerated from the parole he is under. His acceptance of a Commission under his present circumstances might be construed a violation of his Engagement, and if not, the difficulty attending his exchange might be encreased; the Enemy perhaps would consider him as a Feild Officer, of which we have but very few in our hands and none that I recollect of that rank. I have the Honor to be with great esteem Sir Your Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 September 1776
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Fairfeild Sept. 28th 1776

The Militia from the State of Massachusetts Bay were directed by the General Court to receive their Amunition at this place and the Court Ordered out a quantity of Powder for that purpose which has not yet arrived—The Troops are Collecting here and finding it dificult to git supplies and detaining them till the Powder shall come in will greatly incommode those who are following and being informed that there was a large Continental magazine of Powder at Stamford I ordered the Companies now here to march to that Town immediately hopeing that the men can be supplied there[.] if so I can replace the powder by Ordering forward some Sent from the state of Mass. Bay[.] I supposed the orders for marching the men were necessary even if they could not be supplied at Stamford as it would be dispersing them in such Division as would facilitate their being Billetted by the inhabitants: As I have missed your Excellency[’s] Orders sent forward I hope to receive them on the Road by the bearer hereof Major Turner who will wait your direction. I am with perfect regard & Esteem, Sir, your most devoted Hum. Servant.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 28 September 1776
From: Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

sir
Watertown Council Chamber Septr 28, 1776

Your Excellency in your Letter of the 19th Instant to the General Assembly of this State, having Mentioned that the Army under your Command were much in want of Camp Utensells, and that you knew not how to procure a Sufficiency, The Council have directed the Commissary General of this State to forward to your Excellency, Two Loads of Iron Potts, which he had in his Store for the Use of the Continental Army which we hope will be agreeable to your Excellency: In case you should have occasion for any more, if you will please to signify it, we will endeavor to procure, and forward them.
We should have sent Tin Kittles, but Tin was not to be obtained. I am with great respect, In the name & behalf of the Council Your Most Humble servant

Walter Spooner


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 28 September 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 28th Septr 1776

The 25th instant the enclosed Petition was delivered me by two of the Subscribers Messrs Kissam and Nicoll, the principal matter they plead, is contained in the Second Paragraph. It was observed to them the Events therein intended is not over, although Long-Island is evacuated by our Troops, yet the reason of their being sent here continues—That their desire to return is an Evidence of their inimical character, for they are sensible if they return, they must take an Oath of Allegiance to King George the third, and submit to such Orders as General Howe pleases to give. Moreover, They having been in this State, puts it in their power to give important intelligence to the Enemy. They answered That nothing had ever appeared, Wherefore they should be sent from their Families—That Adjutant General

Read, gave them encouragement that they should return as soon as that Affair was determined. If never before, doth not their Motion to return to the Island shew them to be really inimical? I told them, I was not privy to Adjutant General Read’s discourse; but if they were desirous of it, I would transmit their Petition to your Excellency for your Consideration and Advice—Which is my only Apolo[g]y for this Trouble.
Pray God to give you Wisdom, to guide your Counsels, and to crown your Arduous Labours with Success. I am, with great Esteem and Respect Sir, Your most Obedient humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 29 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Sept: 29th 1776.
Fairfield.Leyden.

Ensigns Fosdick and Chipman, of Col. Webb’s Regiment but lately in a Detachment of Rangers under Capt. Holmes, having been tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col: Weedon was President for “Abusive language to their officers—Mutiny and Disobedience of orders”—They are convicted of giving abusive language to their Officers, and ordered to be reprimanded for their Conduct, before the officers of Col. Webb’s Regiment.
The General approves the sentence and orders them to join their regiment, that it may be carried into execution.

As there is the greatest appearance of bad Weather, the General directs and begs, that the Officers would have a special Care of the Arms and Ammunition, wherever their is a convenient Cover for either—Bell-Tents, or painted Tents to have the Arms & Ammunition put into them.
He also directs that the several Brigades as soon as the Weather admits, be marched down to their Alarm Posts, as fixed in the Orders of the 26th that the troops may know how to repair to them and defend them to the best advantage—And that this be repeated, until both Officers and Men, are well acquainted with the ground and the posts.
From some discoveries made yesterday, there is reason to think, the Enemy meditate a speedy and general Attack; it is therefore of great consequence, that we should be well prepar’d in all respects to meet it.
A Court Martial consisting of the following Members, are to meet to morrow at ten O’Clock, at the White House near Head Quarters, for the Trial of Capt: Weisner & Capt. Scott for “Cowardice and Misbehaviour in the Attack made upon Montresor’s Island on the morning of the 23rd Instant”—Brigadier Genl Bell President[.] Col. Magaw. Col. Holman. Col. Newcomb. Lt Col. Cadwallader. Lt Col. Brodhead. Lt Col. Russell. Major Putnam. Major Hopewell. Major Mott. Capt. Beatty. Capt. Winship. Capt: Gillet. Members. All Evidences are directed to be punctual in their attendance.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 29 September 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Boston, 29 September 1776. “Having been informed that the Army was in great want of cooking utensils, and there being fifty five Copper Camp kettles and twenty nine Iron Pots and Kettles in the Store here, I have this day sent them forward with directions to the Waggoner to make the utmost expedition in going to the Army and to deliver them to Your Order as soon as he arrives.”


Title: General Orders, 30 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Sept. 30th 1776
Norfolk.York.

The movements of the Enemy indicating a speedy Attack, the officers of the several Regiments, of all Ranks, are to be very attentive to the state of the Arms and Ammunition of their respective regiments, and to be particularly alert in Case of Alarm.
The Order of yesterday, with respect to the Troops marching to their Alarm Posts, and making themselves acquainted with the Guard, is to be carried into execution immediately.
Ammunition Boxes in each regiment, not having Ammunition in them, are to be collected that they may be filled—Commanding Officers of Regiments will send them to their respective Brigadier’s Quarters immediately.
All the Troops are every Morning to be under Arms a little before break of day—and continue ’till sun-rise, when they may be dismissed—As the preservation of our Country may depend very much on a strict obedience to this Order, it is hoped that commanding Officers of Brigades & Regiments will pay a special attention to it.
A working party of 1200 Men, exclusive of those at Mount Washington, to parade at the usual place, at seven OClock in the morning, properly officered, for the Engineer’s department—Fellows’s and Wadsworth’s Brigades to take their tools at Quarter Master Stone’s quarters, nigh to Genl Spencer’s quarters. Major Clift and Capt: Parsons will attend them. Col. Weedon’s Regt will take their Orders from Lt Col. Marshall. The Overseers of the works will attend at the Engineer’s Office, every morning, to receive their Orders and parties. The number of fatigue men not to be lessened till further orders. The Engineer must have a list of the several Brigades and the number of men they furnish for the works, or he never can proportion the men to the works in a proper manner.


Title: Orders to Brigadier General George Clinton, 30 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Sir
[Headquarters, Harlem Heights, 30 September 1776]

Take with you Lieut. Colo.  and proceed immediately to Fairfield and there in Consultation with General Lincoln of the Massachusets Bay, Mr Hobart of this State and Lieut. Colo. Livingston if you can meet with him, concert an Expedition to Long Island for the purpose of aiding the Inhabitants removing or destroying the Stock, Grain, &ca which must otherwise fall into the Hands of the Enemy.
This Expedition is to be performed under the Command of such Officers as Genl Lincoln and yourself may fix upon and by the Troops from Massachusets Bay, aided by the three Continental Companies commanded by Colo. Livingston.
If there is a possibility of your seeing Govr Trumbull without too great a delay of time, I shall much approve of your consulting him upon this Occasion previous to your concerting any plan; but if this cannot be done conveniently, you will forward my Letter with your Reasons for not doing so, and a Request of such Assistance from the State of Connecticut as you shall find necessary to apply for.

Dispatch is essentially necessary to the Success of such an Enterprise and Secrecy in obtaining Craft for the Transportation of the Troops across the Sound will contribute not a little towards it—Circumstances and Information must direct you to the Number of Men necessary for such an Expedition as this, and therefore I shall not biass your Judgments by any Order or Opinion of mine upon the Occasion but leave the Matter wholely to yourselves, with earnest and best Wishes for Success. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters on Harlem Heights Colo. Morris’s this 30th day of Sepr 1776.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Heights of Harlem Septr 30th 1776

Since I had the honor of addressing you last nothing of importance has transpired, tho from some movements yesterday on the part of the Enemy it would seem as if something was Intended.
The inclosed memorial from Lieut. Colo. Sheppard of the 4th Regiment, I beg leave to submit to the consideration of Congress, and shall only add that I could wish they would promote him to the Command of the Regiment and send him a Commission, being a good and valuable Officer and especially as the

vacancy is of a pretty long standing and I have [not] had nor has he, any Intelligence from Colo. Learned himself who had the command and who obtained a discharge on account of his indisposition, of his designs to return. I have also inclosed a Letter from Captn Ballard which Congress will please to determine on, the Subject being new and not within my authority. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt St

Go: Washington

P.S. A Commission was sent for Colo. Learned, which is now in my Hands, having received no application or heard from him since It came.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 September 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kingsbridge Sept. 30th 1776

By a Letter Just received from Colo. Harrison, I am Informed that it is your Excellency’s Pleasure, That Such of the militia belonging to General Saltonstalls Brigade as have not been ordered to move Forward, should now march and take Post opposite to Head Quarters on the Morrisania Side of Harlem River & c. I beg leave Just to represent to your Excellency, That this Brigade Consists of nine Regiments One of which is on the Jersey side, Two orderd to Newyork Island, Four to Joyn Colo. Chester, and the Other Two Posted from East Chester to the Saw Pitts, Where as I am Informed by Colonel Trumbull, That He is Collecting Large Quantitys of Stores, in Places Easy of access to the Enemy, and Surrounded by those Unfriendly to our Cause, I think the greater Part if not the whole of the Two Regiments are wanted there, However I Submitt it to your Excellency’s better Judgment If it should be thought best to Continue those Regiments at their Present Posts, and that Two, of the Four ordered to Joyn Colo. Chester should Take Post on Harlem River, as Soon as your Excellency’s Pleasure is Known it shall be Done. I have the Honor to be &c

W. Heath

If I should hear nothing further I shall order the whole to march forward.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 30 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Head Qrs Harlem Heights Septr 30th 1776.

Your Favors of the 20th & 25th with their several Inclosures I received this Morning. The Letters for Congress with the Rest of the Papers I shall transmit them by the Earliest Opportunity.
I cannot conceive That their Resolution of the 14th was Calculated or designed in the smallest Degree to give You Offence.

The Application for Stores had been made, as a Requisition from General Gates, which I presume occasioned the Resolve Ordering ’em to be sent to him. As to the Words, “for the Use of the Northern Army,” Nothing is to be inferred from them, Whenever stores are sent to any Department, It is always said, for the Use of the Army there.
I am greatly Obliged by the Measures You have taken to provide us with Boards, as they are so material and so difficult to procure. Your Assurances to execute any Commands I may have Occasion to impose on You when out of the Military Line call for a Return of my warmest Acknowledgements; These I tender You, & of these I beg Your Acceptance.
Since my Letter of the 27th Nothing of Importance has occurred; Things remain Nearly in the Situation they then were. There were some small Movements Yesterday on the Part of the Enemy, But as Yet, they have Attempted Nothing, Nor have I been able to find out their Design. A little Time I suppose must shew what Plans they Mean to pursue for the Remainder of the Campaign. I am, My Dr Sir, With sentiments of the Greatest Esteem, Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 30 September 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany September 30th 1776

I have the Honor to acknowledge your Excellency’s Favor of the 27th Instant, with the paper inclosed, which I shall immediately transmit to General Gates.
The Resolution of Congress of the 14th Instant received since I wrote your Excellency on the Subject of Barracks, has empowered the Commander in this Department, to build Barracks where he may think Proper; but no Nails can as yet be procured.
Major William Edmenston of the British 48th Regiment, who

is now a prisoner sent down by the Committee of Tryon County, has requested my Leave to wait on you, in Order to get exchanged, which I have refused until I should receive Orders thereon.
We have Intelligence from Oswego, since the 20th Instant—No Enemy then there. I am Dr Sir with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 30 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Heights of Harlem [30] Sepr 1776

Having received authentic advice from Long Island, that the Enemy are recruiting a great number of men with much success, and collecting large quantities of Stock, throughout the Island, for their support, I have directed Brigadier General Clinton forth with to repair to Fairfield to meet Genl Lincoln on his march hither with a part of the Troops lately voted by the Massachusetts State to reinforce this Army, in order to concert with him an expedition to the Island; to check and suppress, if possible, a practice so injurious and detrimental to our cause—Those Gentlemen will wait on you for your advice in the matter, if time and the situation of things will admit of it, and with a view of obtaining such aid as you and they may judge necessary

to facilitate the enterprize—However, if it should not be in their power personally to attend you, I must take the liberty of requesting your good offices upon the occasion, and that you will afford them every assistance that you conveniently can and which they require, either in men, Vessels, &c. for carrying their scheme into execution. It is absolutely necessary that the measures of the Enemy should be effectually counteracted in this instance, or in a little time they will levy no inconsiderable Army of our own people—The influence of their money, and their artifices have already passed the Sound and several have been detected of late who had enlisted to serve under their Banner and the particular command of Majr Rogers.
Being in haste I have not time to add more, than that I have the fullest confidence that your favor will not be wanting in this instance and that I have the honor to be with Regard and Esteem

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 30 September 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Dear Lund,
Col. Morris’s, on the Heights of Harlem, 30 September, 1776.

 Your letter of the 18th, which is the only one received and unanswered, now lies before me. The amazement which you seem to be in at the unaccountable measures which have been adopted by —— would be a good deal increased if I had time to unfold the whole system of their management since this time

twelve months. I do not know how to account for the unfortunate steps which have been taken but from that fatal idea of conciliation which prevailed so long—fatal, I call it, because from my soul I wish it may prove so, though my fears lead me to think there is too much danger of it. This time last year I pointed out the evil consequences of short enlistments, the expenses of militia, and the little dependence that was placed in them. I assured [Congress] that the longer they delayed raising a standing army, the more difficult and chargeable would they find it to get one, and that, at the same time that the militia would answer no valuable purpose, the frequent calling them in would be attended with an expense, that they could have no conception of. Whether, as I have said before, the unfortunate hope of reconciliation was the cause, or the fear of a standing army prevailed, I will not undertake to say; but the policy was to engage men for twelve months only. The consequence of which, you have had great bodies of militia in pay that never were in camp; you have had immense quantities of provisions drawn by men that never rendered you one hour’s service (at least usefully), and this in the most profuse and wasteful way. Your stores have been expended, and every kind of military [discipline?] destroyed by them; your numbers fluctuating, uncertain, and forever far short of report—at no one time, I believe, equal to twenty thousand men fit for duty. At present our numbers fit for duty (by this day’s report) amount to 14,759, besides 3,427 on command, and the enemy within stone’s throw of us. It is true a body of militia are again ordered out, but they come without any conveniences and soon return. I discharged a regiment the other day that had in it fourteen rank and file fit for duty only, and several that had less than fifty. In short, such is my situation that if I were to wish the bitterest curse to an enemy on this side of the grave, I should put him in my stead with my feelings; and yet I do not know what plan of conduct to pursue. I see the impossibility of serving with reputation, or doing any essential service to the cause by continuing in command, and yet I am told that if I quit the command inevitable ruin will follow from the distraction that will ensue. In confidence I tell you that I never was in such an unhappy, divided state since I was born. To lose all comfort and happiness on the one hand, whilst I am fully persuaded that under such a system of management as has been

adopted, I cannot have the least chance for reputation, nor those allowances made which the nature of the case requires; and to be told, on the other, that if I leave the service all will be lost, is, at the same time that I am bereft of every peaceful moment, distressing to a degree. But I will be done with the subject, with the precaution to you that it is not a fit one to be publicly known or discussed. If I fall, it may not be amiss that these circumstances be known, and declaration made in credit to the justice of my character. And if the men will stand by me (which by the by I despair of), I am resolved not to be forced from this ground while I have life; and a few days will determine the point, if the enemy should not change their plan of operations; for they certainly will not—I am sure they ought not—to waste the season that is now fast advancing, and must be precious to them. I thought to have given you a more explicit account of my situation, expectation, and feelings, but I have not time. I am wearied to death all day with a variety of perplexing circumstances—disturbed at the conduct of the militia, whose behavior and want of discipline has done great injury to the other troops, who never had officers, except in a few instances, worth the bread they eat. My time, in short, is so much engrossed that I have not leisure for corresponding, unless it is on mere matters of public business.
I therefore in answer to your last Letter of the 18th shall say
With respect to the chimney, I would not have you for the sake of a little work spoil the look of the fireplaces, tho’ that in the parlor must, I should think, stand as it does; not so much on account of the wainscotting, which I think must be altered (on account of the door leading into the new building,) as on account of the chimney piece and the manner of its fronting into the room. The chimney in the room above ought, if it could be so contrived, to be an angle chimney as the others are: but I would not have this attempted at the expence of pulling down the partition.—The chimney in the new room should be exactly in the middle of it—the doors and every thing else to be exactly answerable and uniform—in short I would have the whole executed in a masterly manner.
You ought surely to have a window in the gable end of the new cellar (either under the Venitian window, or one on each side of it).

Let Mr. Herbert know that I shall be very happy in getting his brother exchanged as soon as possible, but as the enemy have more of our officers than we of theirs, and some of ours have been long confined (and claim ye right of being first exchanged,) I do not know how far it may be in my power at this time, to comply with his desires.
Remember me to all our neighbors and friends, particularly to Colo. Mason, to whom I would write if I had time to do it fully and satisfactorily. Without this, I think the correspondence on my part would be unavailing—I am with truth and sincerity, Dr Lund yr affect’e friend.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 1 October 1776
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

May it Please Your Ex[c]ellency
Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] Octr 1st 1776

Inclos’d you have a Copy of a Letter and a Deposition sent to Me By the Chairman of the Committee of New-Windsor[.] the Prisoners Mention’d in the Deposition are both Confined in the Guard-House at fort Constitution And their Butter put in

the Commissary’s Store & I have ordered an Exact account of the Quantity of Butter taken to be sent to me, But I have not yet receiv’d it. I Understand there is between 50 And 60 Firkins And Pails[.] it Appears that the said Connor has a Quantity of Flower in Collo. Ellison’s store, at New Windsor. But I have not heard how much. their Conduct has been very Suspicious ever since they Came in the Country tho’ the Evidence given against Connor is only what Montgomery inform’d the said Lightbody, if I were Convinc’d or had reason to beleive that the Butter &c. Was intended for Our Army at Kingsbridge I would be very unwilling to stop it. tho’ in my opinion it was intended for our Enemy’s I intend to keep them and the Butter untill I receive your Excellencys Directions about the Matter. Coll Snider who was appointed Coll of the New Recruits to assist in fortifying and Defending these Posts is lately Arriv’d here with part of three Company’s which Consists of about an Hundred Men including officers[.] there is part of Two Companys of the same Regiment at Fort-Constitution but I have no return of their Number as yet—We have not a Sufficient number of entrenching Tools for to Carry on our Work[.] I have apply’d to Congress for them but I am not yet Supply’d. I am your Excellencys Most Obt Humble Servt

James Clinton Brigdr Gen.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 1 October 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany October 1st 1776.

Two Sachems of the Cayugas, who have been with me on some Buisiness, expressed an Inclination to visit Your Excellency, which I greedily embraced, As their Report, when they return,

will I hope, eradicate the various Accounts, which prevail amongst the savages to our Disadvantage, they go down under the Care of Mr Deane the Interpreter to this Department. I wish, if convenient, that they might be shewn as much of our Force as possible, & to have some Presents made them, they do not wish to remain above a Day or two, with You. I am Dr Sir Most respectfully Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., 1 October 1776
From: Shaw, Nathaniel Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
New London October 1st 1776

The 29th Ulto I shipt by Capt. Webster Seventy Two Tents which was Sent me by Daniel Tillinghast Esqr. of Providence and hope they will git Safe to hand—I now by Capt. Thos King Send you Nine Marque and Ninety Seven Common Tents which I hope will also Come Safe—In Case any of the Brittish Ships Should come down this way, I think we Should have the Earliest Notice of it, as we are Daly Shiping Goods up the Sound for the Army. I am Sir Your very huml. Servt

Nathl Shaw Junr


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 1–3 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters on Harlem Heights Octor 1st[-3] 1776

I have the honor of your favor of the 27th ulto and note the contents. The Row Galleys belonging to your State together with those the property of the United States and all other vessels, on the approach of the Men of War, ran up the North River under cover of the Battery on Mount Washington, from whence tis now impossable to remove them. As they are now posted they are serviceable to us, by preventing a communication with the Ships, and keeping out Row Guards by night, to give us timely notice of the approach, or any movements of the Enemy. To take from them their Crew would be rendering them entirely useless, and to rob them of their weapons would dispirit the men. However, if it should be thought advisable, after weighing the above circumstances, to have the Crew ordered to Connecticut or any of the Arms or other weapons on board to be sent there, your orders shall be attended to. The situation of the Enemy’s Ships is very different at this time from what it was before the evacuation of New York. We then had the command of a narrow pass communicating from the Sound to the East River, commonly called Hell-Gate, which is now in their possession—Two of their Ships came through yesterday, one I think a Transport, the other a Frigate mounting 24 Guns.
October 3d 1776. Since the above I am honored with yours of the 28th inclosing the Petition from the Gentlemen sent from this State on Parole to Connecticut. They were looked upon as favorers to Governor Tryon and the British Troops, and were removed to prevent giving any intelligence or otherways aiding the Enemies of our Country—It was intended that when the Theatre of action was removed they might return; but that, at present, is not the case, nor do I think it prudent they should

be permitted to return during our present situation, as undoubtedly they may have it in their power to give information concerning your State &c., which might be prejudicial to the general good. They particularly mention in their Petition “That they were removed from Long Island into Connecticut untill such time as the situation and state of affairs there should admit of their return to their respective Families again”—You will be pleased to inform them I agree with you in sentiment, that that period is not yet arrived—There is no material difference in our situation since I last wrote you. The Enemy have nearly compleated their works from the North to the East River—As the Season is far advanced we cannot reasonably expect a state of inactivity: but should they attempt to dislodge us from our present Quarters I am in hopes to defeat their designs and give a favorable account to the Public of the conduct of the Troops under my Command. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most humble Servant

Go: Washington