Title: General Orders, 2 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 2nd 1777.
Killkenny.Lancaster. Millstone.

The Muster Master General is, without loss of time, to cause musters to be made of the whole Army—He will give notice to the different corps when to hold themselves respectively in readiness for the purpose.
The Brigadiers, and Field Officers, of the day are constantly to attend the grand parade—to see that the guards are properly assembled—give the necessary directions respecting them, and have them marched to their several posts in order—The Adjutants to collect the proportion assigned each regiment on their regimental parades—inspect carefully the state of their arms, accoutrements, ammunition and dress—and march them off, in order, to the brigade parades—The Brigade Majors to receive them there from the Adjutants, examining in like manner the state of their arms &c.—and to march them off to the grand parade, there delivering them to the Brigade Major of the day.
Decency, and a regard to health, especially in this hot season, indispensibly

require, that vaults should be immediately dug, in the rear of each encampment, as repositories of every kind of filth—They should be covered with green boughs, and fresh earth thrown upon them every morning or two—This business to be done by Camp-Colour-Men, under the direction of the regimental Quarter-Masters, who are to see that they execute it properly—sweep the streets of the encampment, and keep it, in all respects clean, and free from every thing noxious, or offensive—The Quarter Master General will furnish tools—he is also to visit the camp, and report how far this order is complied with.
Each regiment, or corps to appoint, by rotation, a regimental officer of the day, whose province it shall be to visit the sick, and see that they are provided, and taken care of; making daily reports to the commanding officer of their number, and condition—to inspect the food of the men, both as to the quaility and the manner of dressing it, obliging the men to accustom themselves more to boiled meats and soups, and less to broiled and roasted, which as a constant diet, is destructive to their health. The officer is also to attend closely to the cleanliness of the camp, for which he will be answerable, and is bound to see, that there be no neglect in the Quarter Masters, or Camp-colour-men.
Returns of all the sick of each corps, both in, and out of Camp, to be made to morrow morning to the surgeon General—their number, condition, and the places where they are, to be specified.
The commanding officers of corps not yet provided with Paymasters, to recommend, without delay, proper persons for that station to the General—They must be men of probity, good accomptants, methodical, and must write a good hand.
Henry Livingston Esqr: is appointed Lieutenant in His Excellency’s guard.
Until the arrival of Brigadier De Haas, the eldest officer in his brigade is to take the command; and John Harpur Esqr: is appointed to the duty of Brigade Major in that brigade, ’till further orders.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bicker, 2 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Bicker, Henry

Sir
Camp at Middle Brook June 2d 1777

I have receiv’d Information that the Regiment under your command have refused to do duty, or come to Camp for that purpose giving as their reason that they were set at Liberty on Parole & are therefore afraid of falling a second time into the Enemy’s hands—This I would willingly disbelieve—as I cannot be of opinion that any Officer would suffer Men to Act or speak in that manner—as they must be Sensible that Men were not Enlisted merely to make use of the Public Money & provision & when call’d to real service, pretend to give any excuse for not complying with Orders, I should suppose there cannot be a great many of them under these Circumstances, & if there are they must have known the Conditions at the time of Enlistment. I therefore desire that you may Join the Army under my Command with all convenient expedition, bringing with you all the Men of your Regimt which you can Collect, & leaving behind you a proper Officer to bring on the rest.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant General Cornwallis, 2 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Cornwallis, Charles, second earl of

My Lord,
Camp at Middle Brook June 2d 1777

It is with infinite regret, I am again compelled, to remonstrate against that spirit of wanton cruelty, that has in several instances influenced the conduct of your soldiery. A recent exercise of it towards an unhapp⟨y⟩ officer of ours—Lieutenant Martin—convinces me, that my former representations on that subject, have been unavailing. That Gentleman, by the fortune of war, on saturday last, was thrown into the hands of a party of your horse, and unnecessarily murdered with the most aggravated circumstances of barbarity. I wish not to wound your lordship’s feelings by commenting on this event, but I think it my duty to send his mangled body, to your lines, as an undeniable testimony of the fact, should it be doubted, and as the best appeal to your humanity for the justice of our complaint. I have the honor to be, with due respect, Your Lordship’s Most obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 2d 1777

The Inclosed Copies of Genls Gates & Poor’s Letters, which just now came to hand, contain the latest advices from the Northern Army. These, I thought it proper to transmit, as I am not authorized to conclude, that Genl Gates had written to Congress upon the Subject of their Contents. I wish our Accounts from that Quarter may be happy, if Mr Carlton makes an Attack. The shameful deficiency in all our Armies, affords but too just grounds for disagreable apprehensions. If the Quota’s assigned the different States, are not immediately filled, we shall have every thing to fear. We shall never be able to resist their force, if the Militia are to be relied on, Nor do I know, whether their aid, feeble & ineffectual as it is, is much to be expected. Can no Expedient be devised to compleat the Regiments and to rouse our unthinking Countrymen from their lethargy? If there can, the situation of our affairs, calls loudly for it. I have the Honor to be with great esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Mr Boudinot, Commissary General for prisoners, will deliver this—he goes to Philadelphia on business respecting his Department and has several matters to settle & adjust with Congress, which are essential & necessary to a regular discharge of his duty—To him, I beg leave, to refer you, upon the Subject and wish him to have your attention.


Title: From George Washington to George Walton, 2 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Walton, George

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 2d June 1777

I have the pleasure of yours of the 27th May by Colo. White. I think the answer which you gave him respecting his request for liberty to recruit a Regiment for Georgia, in the other States, at this time, was extremely proper, for experience shews us that the Quotas already allotted to them are full as much and I fear more than they will be able to furnish. At any Rate a recommendation of this kind would go very improperly from me, as it would be assuming a kind of right to levy men upon the States, which right is and ought to be solely vested in the Members of the different States in Congress. To them therefore I think he ought to apply for a recommendation for such liberty if it [is] thought expedient. I am Sir Yrs &c.

G. W——n


Title: General Orders, 3 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 3rd 1777.
Norfolk.New-London. Nantz.

As in the detached state of the Artillery, the men often suffer for want of Surgeons, it being impossible for their own regimental Surgeons to take due care of them, dispersed as they are, over the whole line—Each Brigadier is to see that the regimental surgeons of his brigade pay every necessary attention to the detachment of artillery annexed thereto.
Regimental Surgeons are not to send any of their sick to Hospital without first obtaining a certificate from the Surgeon General, or one of his deputies for the purpose.
The Brigadiers to have the springs, adjacent to their several encampments, well cleared and enlarged; placing Sentries over them, to see that the water is not injured by dirty utensils. A board sunk in them, will be the best mean to keep them from being muddy, and an arbour over them will serve to preserve them cool. They are also to have all dead cattle, horses, or other carrion removed to a distance from the camp, and buried deep under ground. They will see that the orders to promote cleanliness are punctually observed, and indeed all others; for whether particularly called upon, or not, The Comander in Chief looks to them, with an attentive eye, for the execution of all his orders, which they must be sensible their duty, and honor demand.
No prisoners, whose crimes may properly come before a regimental Court Martial to be sent to, or received at, the Provost guard; but to be committed to regimental Quarter guards, and regimentally tried.
It having been represented to the General, that commanding officers of corps, undertake to seize and confine Commissaries, at their pleasure in common Guard-houses—He thinks it necessary to declare, that a practice so irregular and injurious cannot be tolerated: At the

same time, he means not to countenance any neglect of duty in the Commissaries; but will be ready to attend, to whatever complaints may be justly made against them; to rectify the abuses they commit, and punish their delinquency.
No horses to be let loose into the wheat, or other fields about camp; unless first pointed out, and devoted to the purpose, by the Quarter Master General.
Brigadiers to see the order, for the arrangement of officer’s ranks, immediately complied with, by appointing a day, for the field officers of each regiment to take it up. The General is surprised, and sorry to find, that a matter about which so much anxiety and embarrassment have been expressed, when put upon a proper footing to be adjusted, meets with so much neglect and delay.
The Generals, Field Officers, and Brigade Majors of the day, will be expected to favor His Excellency with their company at dinner, as a standing rule, without particular invitation.
The following sentences of a Court Martial, held the 2nd Inst: are approved by the Commander in Chief; and their immediate execution directed.
Abraham Wood of the 9th Pennsyl: regiment, tried for “Desertion,” and sentenced to receive 25 lashes.
Jacob Rose—12th Pennsylv: regt tried for “Desertion,” and sentenced to receive 25 lashes.
John Welsh—7th Maryland regt charged with “Desertion”—The Court are of opinion, he is intitled to the benefit of General Washington’s proclamation, offering pardon to deserters; and that he should be delivered to Major Bush to do duty in his regiment, until he can be sent to the regiment he belongs to.
Henry Ryan of the 8th Pennsylv: regt charged with “Encouraging Desertion”—and sentenced to receive 50 lashes.
Patrick Henry of the 11th Pennsylv: regt charged with “Having inlisted into two regiments, without being discharged”—sentenced to be reprimanded by the commanding officer of the regiment he belongs to, and the money he received as bounty from Capt. Taylor of the 5th Pennsylva: regiment to be stop’d out of his pay.
Lieut: Thomas Cook of the 8th Pennsylv: regt charged with “Having made known the Parole & Countersign, to a person not entitled to receive them”—found guilty of the charge exhibited against him, but in consideration of his good character, sentenced only to be reprimanded by the Colonel, in the presence of the officers of the regiment he belongs to.
Lieut: Jolly of the 11th Pennsylv: regt charged with “Cowardice and neglect of duty”—not guilty, and ordered to be released from his arrest forthwith.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 3d 1777.

I would take the liberty of addressing a few Lines to Congress, on a matter, which appears to me of importance, and which is considered in the same light by many of our Officers and Others not in the Military line.
The subject, I allude to, is the condition of many persons now with the Enemy, who deluded by their arts and a misguided attachment to their measures, fled from the protection of the States to find security with them; and who in many instances are in Arms against us.
It has been suggested through various Channels, & the Suggestion seems to be credited, especially as some have already escaped, that

many of these unhappy people, convinced of their error and the wicked part they have taken, would embrace the earliest Opportunity of leaving the Enemy & returning among us, were they sure of being received into our friendship again, and of enjoying their property and the rights of Citizens.
This Subject, in the consideration of it, strikes me as important—interesting & delicate, involving many consequences worthy of mature deliberation and attention: As such, and deeming myself incompetent to it, I think it my duty to submit it to Congress for their discussion, to take such measures therein, as they shall esteem necessary and right.
If these people, particularly those in Arms, are ingenuous in what has been hinted, and it is their wish or that of any considerable part of them to return, I should suppose, that it would be expedient and founded in sound policy, to give every suitable assurance to induce them to come. Such an Event would be attended with Salutary effects—would weaken the Enemy—distress them greatly and would probably have a most happy influence in preventing Others from joining their Arms. On the other hand, the indulgence may be liable to great abuse, supposing it not to be duly regarded—or if the effects produced by it should be partial, they will not be adequate to the ends in view; Yet, as the Enemy on their part, are using every device they are capable of, to seduce both Soldiers and Citizens from our service into theirs, & have succeeded but too well, It is generally thought, in the Military line, that something should be attempted to counteract them. Whether Congress will be of the same sentiment, & if they should, what & how extensive the mode & indulgence ought to be, is entirely with them.
There is One difficulty, that occurs to me, supposing the measure to be adopted. What line of discrimination can be drawn upon such an occasion, though circumstances should differ & seem to require it? While the poor—deluded—ignorant, duped by artifices & a thousand causes to lead them wrong, have a claim to their Country’s pardon & indulgence—There are many of well informed understanding, who from their early avowed, hostile dispositions, & inveterate disregard of her rights, and those who have taken a double & treble part, cannot have the same pretensions, whose only view in returning, may be to serve their own sordid purposes, and the better to promote those plans, they have steadily pursued.
One thing more I would observe, which is, that if Congress judge an adoption of measures eligible on the subject of my Letter, the sooner it is come into, the better for the most obvious reasons, & the Time allowed for those to return, who wish the indulgence, should be fixed at a short period; not longer in my opinion than till the  day of

 next; Otherwise, they may avail themselves of the circumstance & wait events to decide their choice. If any good consequences are produced, the means can be renewed and further extended.
Congress will be pleased to excuse me, for thus freely communicating my Sentiments, especially when I assure them, that they are dictated, by what I esteem my duty. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your & their Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. The more I consider the subject of my Letter, the more important & interesting it appears. I am inclined to think, if the measure proposed should be deemed expedient, that it will be better, that the indulgencies & assurances for their return, should be communicated through the medium of some Second—secret Hand, qualified to offer them & negotiate the business, rather than by an Act of public Authority. Opportunities, I should suppose, may be found, by which they may Obtain due information, in that way, & which will not hold out to the Enemy the same cause of Suspicion & of vigilance to prevent their escaping. Whatever mode shall be considered most adviseable, should be immediately adopted. What time should be allowed in the first instance, I am at a loss to determine. If the continuance is too short, there may be danger of their not being apprized so as to get off—If tis too long, they’l defer matters to the last & act then as circumstances of Interest dictate. to err in the formr will be least injurious.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 June 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston June 3. 1777

General Glover and Colo. Pickering being waiting to proceed on their Journey to the Army, I have only time to acknowledge the honor of yours of the 23d Ulto, and beg leave to inform your Excellency, that notwithstanding the Distresses of the Soldiery sent from this State to Peekskill for want of Cloathing, and an Officer from each Regiment Stationed there having come here to procure it. It cannot be obtained without Orders from your Excellency, or the Clothier General, The Cloathing is sent on from Time to Time. when the Officers apply for it, especially those destined to Peekskill they are told that they will find it there but have been disapointed, The Agents now Inform those Officers who have come after it, that a large Quantity is on the Road going either to Peekskill or Fish Kill. I do therefore most earnestly entreat that your Excellency would give express Orders that it be stoped there, and that those Troops who are suffering may be supplied, as they cannot obtain it here All the Cloathing which was collected here by a Committee of the State was long since delivered into the Hands of the Agents, the Officers who came down are returning to Peeks Kill relying upon the Assurances of the Agents that they should have a Supply from that Cloathing now on the Road.
Twentyeight peices of Cannon have already been sent on, the others are following, a large Quantity of powder goes on to Morrow or next day, the Barrels being badly hooped has made it necessary that nearly the whole should be Coopered before it can be sent further. I have the Honor to be With great respect—Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Brig. Gen. George Clinton, 4 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. George Clinton, 4 June 1777. GW wrote George Clinton on 8 June: “Your favor of 4th Inst. I receiv’d this Morning.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 4 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 4: 1777.

With much surprize, I have been informed, that Objections have been made to receiveing Monsr Colerus into a Majority in the Regiment under your command, and that he was treated with indifference & disrespect on his arrival at princetown with my Letter.
This Gentleman was appointed to the rank of Major, & commissioned in the Army of the States last fall by the Congress, and I have strong hopes, that he will render essential services & such, as will do him honor; But, be this as it may, as he holds a Commission under the same authority, that Others do in the Army, & was appointed by me to fill one of the vacant majority’s in your Regiment, no Officer of inferior or the same rank, whose Appointment was subsequent to his, has a right to complain, nor will such conduct be countenanced or the like in future pass without being properly noticed.
You were not at princetown when Monsr Colerus came to take this post, and therefore are not acquainted with the circumstances that then happened; but I shall expect to hear no further Objections upon the Subject, and that he will immediately take a Majority in the Regiment & rank according to the date of his Commission & such Rules as are adopted for adjusting matters of the like nature in the Army. I am Sir Your Most Obedt St.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 4 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 4th June 1777.

This will be deliver’d you by Major Lutterlow. He informs me that He has serv’d in the German armies, in the Quarter Master Genls department; and as he must have acquired a large stock of usefull practical knowledge in that line, I wish you to introduce him in a way that will be agreeable to himself and conducive to the service. Tho’ from being unacquainted with the Country, he will not be much in a capacity to discharge that part which relates to purchasing and providing; yet he may be exceedingly usefull as an assistant, in regulating and arranging the department, with this view, I should be glad to see him employ’d, and I am of opinion you will be able to do it, greatly to the advantage of the service. I am sir Your most Obet servant

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 4 June 1777
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia June 4. 1777

I was honoured with yours of the 29th May ⅌ Express & take the first Oppy to express my sincere & grateful Acknowledgments of the Favour intended me by appointing me to the Command of the Horse.
The Difficulties which have arisen in Congress, the Time, Manner & Circumstances under which the Appointment as General Officer has been made so as to enable me to profit by your Favour, added to the great Inconvenience my Family & private Affairs must now sustain by my unexpected Absence: the Expence of Equipment & Difficulty of it

in any short Time have been such Discouragements to my accepting the Commission that I am advising with my Friends what is the proper Line of Duty & Honour. I should have declined it without any Hesitation if I had not been restrained by those Principles of Respect & Attachment to you from which whatever my Enemies have insinuated upon my Honour I have never deviated. I can readily acknowledge that a Zeal for the Service & Anxiety to correct the horrid Abuses which prevailed in our Army & a Hope of introducing Honesty & Courage at least among our Troops betrayed me into a Warmth of Expression which considering with whom I had to do was imprudent tho not unjust. I blame myself for opposing a Torrent which was so irresistable & prevailing & regret that I did not avail myself of your Example of Patience & Silence under Evils which I fear are too deeply rooted to admit of a total Cure. The Abuse & Calumny which with equal Cowardice & Baseness some Persons have bestowed would have given me little Pain, if I did not apprehend that it had lessened me in your Friendship & Esteem—in this Part I confess I have received the severest Wound, for I am sure you are too just & discerning to suffer the unguarded Expressions of another Person to obliterate the Proofs I had given of a sincere, disinterested Attachment to your Person & Fame since you first favoured me with your Regard.
I am sensible, my dear Sir, how difficult it is to regain lost Friendship but the Consciousness of never having justly forfeited yours & the Hope that it may be in my Power fully to convince you of it, is some Consolation for an Event which I never think of but with the greatest Concern.
In the mean Time, my dear General, let me intreat you to judge of me by Realities not by Appearances & believe that I never entertained or express’d a Sentiment incompatible with that Regard I professed for your Person & Character & which whether I shall be so happy as to possess your future good Opinion or not I shall carry to my Grave with me.
A late Perusal of the Letters you honoured me with at Cambridge & New York last Year, afforded me a melancholy Pleasure, I cannot help acknowledging myself deeply affected on a Comparison with those which I have since received.
I should not my dear Sir have trespass’d on your Time & Patience at this Juncture so long, but that a former Letter upon this Subject I fear has miscarried: And whatever may be my future Destination & Course of Life, I could not support the Reflection of being thought ungrateful & insincere to a Friendship which was equally my Pride & my Pleasure.
I have sent this by Jos: Arrowsmith whose Discharge I have obtained—

he still professes an unalterable Attachment to our Cause & Interest. But how far it may be proper to depend upon him without some previous Tryal I cannot say. Mr Schenck at Millstone & General Lincoln may probably give you some Information from which you can judge of the Propriety of employing him. I have hinted it to him & he very readily came into it. I at the same Time suggested that if he could perform any essential Service, it might possibly lead to some Compensation for the Loss & Expence occasioned by his Imprisonment.
May God Almighty crown your Virtue my dr & much respected General with deserved Success & make your Life as happy & honourable to yourself as it has been useful to your Country. Believe me with the most infeigned Regard & Respect—Dear Sir Your most Obliged & Affectionate Hbble Sert

Jos: Reed


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 4 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 4 June 1777. Alexander Hamilton wrote Sullivan on this date: “His Excellency [GW] has received your favour of this day.”


Title: General Orders, 5 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 5th 1777.
Rochester.Reading. Ringwood.

The following officers for daily duty—a Major General—Brigadier—two Field Officers—and a Brigade Major.
The Major General of the day is, in some sort to represent the Commander in Chief—He is to give directions for all guards, parties and detachments—to receive reports of the proceedings, and of every occurrence of any importance, both in and out of camp. All deserters and prisoners, other than for common military offences, to be brought

to him for examination, and disposed of by him—All detachments, or reinforcements arriving, to be reported to him immediately, on their arrival, and to take his orders—He is to superintend the regulation of the camp, and the execution of all General orders; for which purpose he should visit the whole line, if not absolutely prevented by other duties; and he is to report, to the Commander in chief, what, from his observations, he may think necessary to be done, for the better regulation of the camp and army. He is to oversee the order of march, and the dispositions for battle, according to directions from the Commander in Chief—In cases of sudden alarms, he is instantly to repair to the place where the danger appears to be; and if it is likely to be serious, he must, with all speed, send to inform the Commander in Chief; and ’till he hears from him, he must employ those means which seem to him necessary, comformable to the exigency of the occasion. He is to make a general report next morning, to the Commander in chief, of every thing that passes worth notice on his day. Occurrences of emergency, and that require immediate attention, to be reported the moment they are known by the Major General.
The Brigadier of the day is to be considered as the commanding officer of all the guards—He is to receive his orders in the morning from the Major General. He is to attend the Grand parade, to see every thing conducted with propriety—to assign the posts and give all necessary directions—to visit them after they arrive, & see that they have taken post right; have followed the rules prescribed them; taken proper precautions to secure themselves and avoid surprize; and to give his orders accordingly—On an alarm he is to perform all the essential duties of commanding officer of the guards—He is to make a general report of every thing relating to them, to the Major General.
The Field Officers to attend the Grand parade, and assist the Brigadier; and follow such directions, as he shall think proper to give, respecting the guards—They are to visit them at night, by way of grand rounds, escorted by a small party of horse—to see if they are alert and upon the watch, and if the sentries are well stationed and instructed, and do their duty—They are to receive an evening report from the officers, of the state of their guards, and of what unusual occurrences may have happened, and to give directions accordingly. Every thing extraordinary to be reported to the Brigadier, as soon as their tour is over, or sooner, if necessary—They are to receive morning reports from the several guards, when relieved, and digest them in a general one for the Brigadier—On an alarm they are to take their orders from the Brigadier.
The Brigade Major of the day is also to attend the parade—to receive the detachments that to compose the guard, and are to compare

them with the detail—to inspect their arms, accoutrements, ammunition and dress—to count off the guards and assign the officers their posts by lot—to march them from the Grand parade, and do every other requisite duty, agreeable to the orders of the Brigadier. He is to give each commanding officer of a guard the parole and countersigns before he march off; and is to attend the Brigadier frequently through the day, to receive his further occasional orders—In case of an alarm, he is to accompany the Brigadier.
For the future an Aide-de-Camp from each division, to attend at Head Quarters for General orders. The Brigade Majors to receive them at the quarters of their Major Generals; which will be more convenient to them as they are obliged to attend for division orders.
The Brigade Majors to attend the Adjutant General, once a week, or oftener, if required, to settle the detail.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 5th 1777.

Inclosed, you will receive a Copy of a Letter from Genl Howe of this date. You will perceive, how extremely pressing he is for an Answer to the demands in his Letters of the 21st of April and 22d Ulto. As I referred the consideration of them to Congress in mine of the 28th of May, requesting their Opinion, I entreat, that they will not defer giving it, that I may return an Answer. I shall impatiently wait their sentiments and flatter myself, I shall have them by the most speedy & early conveyance. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 5 June 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada June 5th 1777.

The enclosed Resolves are all I have in Charge from Congress to forward at this Time.

General Mifflin having applied to Congress in Consequence of your Letter to him, he has their Permission to repair immediately to Head Quarters agreeably to his own Desire. I have made him acquainted with this Determination of Congress.
In Order that you may be enabled to meet Genl Howe upon his own Ground who has long since offered Rewards to induce the Soldiers of the American Army to desert, the Congress have authorized you to fix on such Rewards or Sum of Money as you may judge proper to encourage Deserters from the Enemy, both Horse and Foot. You will therefore be pleased to carry this Resolve into Execution in such Way as you may think most expedient, and best suited to answer the End. I have the Honour to be, with the utmost Esteem and Respect Sir your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 5 June 1777
From: Heard, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Pompton [N.J.] June 5. 1777

About ten days past—there was about two Tierces Tea found by some of my Troops at Paramus—it was hid in the Woods—and by the best account belongs to a great Villian Fled to New York—The party who found it Seems to think they are intitled to the benifit of it, but have forbid their makeing use of any of it—Judging it rather to belong to the States—and had orderd it Sent to Head Quarters for the use of the Army—but as many of both Officers & Men Judg’d it belongd to the Captors—countermanded my Orders—& to give them more Satisfaction—thought proper to inform your Excellency and wait your directions—thereoff.
About the Same [time] there was a Scouting party Sent off from the Detachment at paramus—who fortunately took two Teams—going

into the Enemy, with Flour—Meat &c.—Now the dispute is, wheather those that took it, Shall have the Entire benefit of it; or wheather those that was orderd to continue at Paramus—to mount the necessary Guards there while the Scouting party was gone are not entitled to their equal proportion—I am Sorry to trouble your Excellency with these Little afairs—but really am at a loss to Settle the afair to Satisfaction—when one word from your Excellency will finally do it. I am sr Your Excelly Most Obedt Hume Sert

Nathaniel Heard


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 5 June 1777
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Camp, Middle Brook, 5 June 1777.

A Resolution of Congress of the 31 ultimo has been shewn to me by some French Officers attached to the Corps of Artillery under my command, ordaining that all Officers of Artillery engaged by Mr Deane in France shall take rank in the American Artillery according to the dates of their brevet commissions in the French service.
I believe the Congress did not sufficiently consider the consequences of such a Resolution, or that they had not full information, to form it, consistent with that justice which is due to their own Officers.
The French Minister of Marine, or Minister of the Colonial Department, gave these Officers brevet commissions, to be in force in their Colonies only, or rather on this Continent, of superior rank to those which they then held in France, in order to give than an ideal rank here. They have had the rank given to them implied in their brevet

commissions; and some higher than they expected. But this Resolution of Congress gives them another superiority, which, perhaps, was not intended. Nearly all the Captains now in the Continental Artillery served for the two last Campaigns as Captain-Lieutenants, and such only of that class as distinguished themselves by their abilities and special services. They are arranged in the different Battalions of Artillery according to their seniority, but do not take rand as full Captains untill the commencement of the present year; whereas the French Officers brevet commissions are dated in Novr & Decr 1776.
The Resolution of Congress pervades all the different ranks in the Artillery of Captains, Captain Lieutenants, and Lieutenants, and supercedes all the Officers in these different stations.
I confess that it surprizes me much, and that I am totally unacquainted with the principles upon which it is founded. No military ones, most certainly, can be assigned. These French Gentlemen, in general, have never been in so much actual service as the American Officers, who are not accused of any demerits; but, on the contrary, their reputation, as a Corps, is equal to any in the service. Why then should they All be superceded and disgraced? They have exerted themselves to recruit their Companies on the new establishment, and marched them to camp.
I conceive the most fatal consequences will arise to the Artillery, except this Resolution be repealed; at least so far as respects the seniority of rank. All that can with propriety be done, is to give them Commissions dated at the time that Congress accepted their services, anything more will occasion the resignation of every Officer of spirit in the Corps, who, though they are actuated by every tie of attachment and interest in the service of their Country, yet will infinitely prefer serving as Volunteers, than under people, who can have no other tie than the Pay they receive, and who cannot give a single order that can be understood.
In justice to the merit of the Officers under my command, and to promote the good of the service, I make this Representation to your Excellency, begging that you would be pleased to transmit it to the honorable Congress for their information. If they repeal the Resolution I shall be happy. If they do not I shall be clear of any bad consequences which may follow. I am, with the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient servt

Henry Knox Brigr Genl Artillery


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 5 June 1777
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Dear General
New Haven [Conn.] 5th of June 1777

I have not been much Us’d to ask Favors of your Excellency nor do I wish in any Instance to be gratified where the Public Service will be injurd by it. As I have had much Trouble in raising & forming the Regiments in this State, I should esteem it a particular Favor if I could be indulged in having the first Regiment, Col. Wyllys’s, Col. Bradly’s & Col. Saml Webb’s arrangd in the Brigade I am to command; I am warranted to Say ’twill be as agreable to Col. Webb as to be arrangd with General Varnum where he understands he is a present placd. if tis inconvenient to alter that Arrangement, I should be pleasd to have either Douglass’s or Durkee’s Regiment instead of Col. Saml Webb’s.
I shall go out to Camp the Day after to Morrow, about Eight Hundred Men have marchd for Peeks kill the last Week & this Day, I hope As many more will be ready by the End of this Week but find it exceedingly difficult to Accoutre them in Season & their Cloathing is not furnishd in proper Time. I am yr Excellency’s Obedt he Servt

Saml H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 5 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 5 June 1777. GW wrote Sullivan on 7 June: “I have yours of the 5th.”


Title: To George Washington from d’Annemours, 6–7 June 1777
From: Annemours, Charles-François-Adrien Le Paulmier, chevalier d’
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia June 6[-7]th 1777

I have the honour to Communicate to your Exelency a letter Which I intend to Send to the Persons I mention’d to you at moris town, when I had the honour to wait upon you there. I have not translated it in English Because I am conscious Colonel hamilton will do it (even verbally) Better than I Could have done in writing. I have Spared none of the Reasons that are able to Determine them to Come to that final Resolution, Which Both interest and Circumstances invite them to Come to. I Dare flatter my self that this, and those that will follow, will have some influence in a Cou[n]try where America and its inhabitants are But little Known; and it Gives me no Small Satisfaction to think that I may Possibly be of some utility in Accelerating the Glorious Revolution in Which your Exelency Acts so Bright a Part, and in the Success of which my particular inclination So much Concerns me.
I had flatter’d my self with the honour of following your Exelency in this Campaign. but having found Difficulties to do it with a Military title that might Suit the Circumstance I am in, and finding Equally some in doing it without any title at all, to my Great Regret I shall be Deprived of it, and the satisfaction it had been to me, to Draw the Sword in favour of the American Cause under your Exelency’s orders.
the last news from Europe Seems to Announce that England and france Are very near to throw off the veil of Dissimulation Behind which both have Acted to this time. however I am too much Acquainted with the Political Genius of Both Courts to Expect any considerable hostility will pass Between them till next Spring at which Epocha, I intimately Believe it will be impossible for any of them not to come to an open war; therefore I think your Exelency will have nothing to Depend upon this year But your military talents, the Zeal of your army and the Justice of your Cause. in this I am Disapointed, as I Expected the Rupture would have taken Room Sooner. and many observations and Reflexions having shewn me some inconveniencies I

fear Both your Exelency and the senate will meet with, I am Sorry for a Delay that By no means appears to me Seasonable. I Sincerely wish for the sake of America that the senate had multiply’d and Strenthen’d its Political Springs Abroad. this I think might have been and Still might be the surest means to Accelerate the Great Work of the Revolution. But of this I Can no more trust to Paper; and will not Besides, take in Political Speculations time which you Certainly Employ in calculating victories and the Defeat of america’s Ennemies upon its Continent. I am with the highest Respect Sir your Exelency’s most humble and obedient servant

Le Chevr D’anmours

P.S. After your Exelency’s inspection of the inclos’d I shall be oblig’d to it to send it Back to me Directed under the Cover of the Honorable Rd henry Lee at Mr shippens 4th Street Whom I shall inform on that Account.
June 7th. After my letter wrote I Enquired about sir Hry Lee, to Get informations from him on the surest means to Convey this to your Exelency, But was told he some Days Ago Sat out for virginia. At the same time I was inform’d of the Arrival of Several french officers amongst which a Brigadier General of Artillery in this Service. though, through the Difficultyes I observ’d Many foreign officers met with in Getting Employment I was Discourag’d from making any Application, however, Such is my Zeal for the Cause, and my Attachement to your Exelency, that if the Quantity of french officers now in your Army, or Any other Consideration, made it Necessary to you to have Another Aide de Camp—that Could Speak, Read and write Both Languages, I very Sincerely offer you my Services, and Whatever Small talents I may be Possesser of. and this without any other title, if this was the least Difficulty to grant one to me, or with any your Exelency Would Please. I Repeat it sir, I have no other motives But my Zeal and my veneration for you. if your Exelency did me the honour to Employ me, I will be Directed By that of your answer, and shall Certainly Repair at head Quarters as soon as the Little Preparations I would make for the Campaign will admit of, which very few Days would Be sufficient to Compleat.
I must add that, as to the letter I have inclos’d, the familliar Style it is wrote in, may Seem Surprising to you on some Account; But this is a Convention for some Reasons you may Guess. as to the freedom of some observations it Contains, I must observe that it was wrote as if for no Body’s inspection, and with that freedom and frankness which, let the Subject Be what it will, must Please a man of Général Washington’s Mind.

Mr De la Balme waits for his Commission to Repair incessantly at the Army.
Mr Lee Beeing Absent I shall be obliged to your Exelency to Direct any answer you would honour me with, at, and under the Cover of Dr Benj. Rush at Mrs yard’s 2d s[t]reet.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 6 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June [6]th 1777.

I this morning had the Honor of your Letter of the 5th with its inclosures.
The Resolution of the 30th of May, respecting the French Gentlemen, who came passengers in the Amphitrite, reached Camp before your Letter and has excited much uneasiness in the Artillery Corps. The inclosed Copy of a Letter from Genl Knox will convey their anxiety upon the Subject, & which I think it necessary to transmit, as well from duty as on account of his request.
The difficulties upon this occasion arise from the peculiar circumstances of most of the Officers composing the Artillery Regiments at this time. I do not know for my own part, what Operation Congress precisely meant the Resolution should have, but if the Commissions which these Gentlemen are to receive, should give them rank from the date of those they had from the King of France, or from their compact

with Mr Dean, there are but few Officers now in the Artillery, who will not be superseded in their command, unless some method is adopted to prevent it. This I am persuaded Congress had not in contemplation, because it is opposed to policy, & to justice, & I am led to beleive, the Resolution was come into for want of due information how matters were circumstanced in this instance.
The Officers now in the Artillery, I am obliged to consider of great merit. Experience has proved them to be most warmly attached to the rights of their Country, and their conduct in the line of their profession, has been such, as does the highest honor to themselves & the Gentleman who immediately commands them. Without derogating the least from the character of the French Officers, who are to be commissioned, and whom I wish to receive every countenance they merit, there is strong reason to doubt, laying aside every consideration of policy, whether they have seen as much real service as our own in the course of Two Campaigns. It would be hard—not to say unjust, that the latter should loose their command, when they have a claim to every mark of favor, & after they have taken great pains to form their Companies. The service requires that they should not, and I am convinced the Event would be attended with the most fatal consequences. But what is to be done? This is a case of difficulty, view it as you will. I am not for rejecting the French Gentlemen—far Otherwise—I am for employing them—public faith and the encouragements given to bring them over demand that it should be done. After much thought & consideration upon the Subject, Two modes occur to me, as only possible by which it can be effected, and by which the inconveniences I have mentioned can be remedied. One is, that a New Corps of Artillery should be formed and these Gentlemen attached to it. This we have reason to fear cannot be done, from the difficulties we have experienced in raising Men & from their having no Interest or connexions with the people. Their situation in such case, if they are Men of Sentiment and active dispositions would be irksome & distressing. The Other is, that our present Officers, now under consideration should have their Commissions antedated to give them precedency of rank; And this may be done with the greater propriety, as most of them were intended to hold the posts they now sustain before the French Gentlemen had any claim upon us. It is true, they were not commissioned, Because the Old Corps existed under the first arrangement: Further it is said, and there is no doubt of the fact, that these Gentlemen were promoted by Brevet, just before their departure from France merely to give them rank here, antecedent to which our Officers were superior to them in this point; And those Brevets only confer local rank—confined to the French American Colonies. This latter mode appears the

most eligible; If it is adopted, they will be distributed through the Corps as Assistant Officers; their want of a knowledge in our language incapacitates them for command in the first instance, and not only so, but to place them at the Head of Companies over Officers that have been at great trouble—pains and expence in raising the Men, would be both unmilitary and unjust. I shall now quit the Subject, wishing that whatever will best conciliate matters, and advance the public good may be done—suggesting at the same time with all deference, as it is much easier to prevent Evils, than to remedy them after they have happened, it will be well in all cases of Foreign & indeed Other Applications, that the consequences which granting them will involve, should be maturely weighed & taken in every point of view. In the present case of difficulty, things I am persuaded, might have been adjusted with the greatest facility, had the Committee of Foreign Applications, been fully possessed of All the circumstances respecting the Artillery Regiments.
By a Letter from Genl Gates of the 2d Instant transmitting a Copy of One from Genl Poor, the Enemy, who were at Split Rock according to their last advices which I forwarded, have returned down the Lake. Captn Whetcomb had been sent out to reconoitre and reported on his return, that only One Boat remained.
From Sundry Accounts from New York there is reason to beleive the Enemy are on the point of making some expedition. Their preparation of Ships for Troops—Light Horse &c. indicates that they intend to go by Water. What their Object is, yet remains a Secret. The inclosed Copy of an Examination, is very particular & as recent as any that I have received. The person who gave the information belongs to Cape May County & appeared to be a sensible—intelligent Lad. A Deserter of the 71st this moment came in. You also have his Examination inclosed. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 6 June 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada June 6th 1777.

I do myself the Honour to transmit sundry Resolves, wherein you will perceive the Congress have expressed the most entire Satisfaction of your Conduct relative to the Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners, and their Approbation of your Principles and Reasoning on that Occasion; insomuch that it is their Desire you will steadily adhere to them for the future.
You will please to order a List of all the regimental Chaplains to be made out, and transmit it to Congress as soon as possible.
Your Favours of the 1st 3d and 5th Inst. were duely received & immediately laid before Congress. I have the Honour to be with the most perfect Esteem and Respect, Sir your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 6 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heard, Nathaniel

Sir
Camp at Middle Brook 6th June 1777

I this morning received your favor of yesterday Inclosed I send you General Orders which as far as they apply are to be strictly attended to—As to the Tea you mention it is to be sent to the Quarter Master General for the use of the Army—it will be well enough to have the two Teams with their contents sold & the Amot divided amongst the Captors in which number the whole detachment is to be considerd though not immediately with the party—The spirit & intention of the Orders are that whenever a party behaves with Bravery & run the risque in taking any thing belonging to the Enemy—the Booty so taken shall be divided amongst them. Yrs &[ca]

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to James Lovell, 6 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lovell, James

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 6th June 1777

I have your favr of the 30th May inclosing [a] List of the French Officers who came over in the Amphitrite, with the Ranks which they are to bear.
I have stated to Congress some difficulties that will arise upon granting them Rank from the Dates of their french Commissions. They will by these means supersede all our own Officers of equal Rank whose Commissions, upon the new establishmt of the Army are to bear date the 1st Jany 1777.
As I am convinced that Congress never meant to do this, I have taken the liberty to point out to them an expedient which I hope will satisfy all parties, and which I wish they may adopt. I am Sir with Respect Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from James Mease, 6 June 1777
From: Mease, James
To: Washington, George

sir
Philadelphia June 6 1777

I had the honor of writing your Excellency the 18 past since which am without any of your Excellencys favours As I find a number of the Eastern troops are at Peeks Kill without clothing owning to some mistake or other I have dispatch’d Mr Young to meet the clothing coming this way with directions to Issue what is wanting as far as it will go There are no coats in this parcel of clothing except 325 blue & red which I have long since directed to be delivered to Col: Daytons Regmt of Jersey, & as these would go but little way Amongst the troops at Peeks Kill I submit it t⟨o⟩ your Excellency whether it will not best on the who⟨le⟩ to confirm that approiation. There are shirts & shoes enough to equip all the troops that may want—also a number of good

Waistcoats overhalls & Hunting shirts wh. it will be necessary to clothe them with for the present Coats will be got in a little time if it should be thought necessary. I beleive one reason of these troops not being clothed was their taking a different rout from what was at first intended & thereby missing the Clothing wh. had been lodg’d at Bennington in Massachussetts by order of the board of war for that state. The clothing I understand has been forwarded to Albany upon an apprehension that the troops were destined to Ticonderoga In my last I inform’d your Excellency that I had order’d a number of Blankets wh. were arrived at Bedford to be forwarded to Head Quarters but I am sorry to acquaint your Excellency, The states of Rhode Island hath & Connecticut have Seized them for their own troops (I mean the troops raising there) to gather with 20 bales of cloth notwithstanding the most possitive directions were sent by the secret committee to deliver those goods to my order only This proceeding appears to me the more extrordinary in the state of Rhode Island because Messrs Livingston & Turnbull inform⟨ed⟩ me last March that 1000 Blankets & 1000 suits had been lodg’d with Col. Tillinghast & some other Agents for that state but I fear they have been given to the Militia wh. is the reason of their being in want now As the interference of particular states in this irregular manner tends to throw every thing into confusion I have presented a memorial to Congress & doubt not they will take some steps to prevent the like in future Mr Young will send a supply of Shirts & some oth⟨er s⟩mall Articles to Head Quarters wh. I belive had best not be at any time too large as it will occaision the greater incumbrance in case of any motion of the Army.
Gen. sullivan wrote me to establish a store for supply of his division at the Delaware some where about Trenton aledging his post was sepparate & detach’d from the rest of the Army. but as there [are] supplies of necessaries frequently at Head Quarters & an Issuing store here I cannot think it necessary in the present situation of things to comply with that request & beg to know your Excellency’s mind on the point. Notwithstanding the constant stream of troops wh. have been passing this place for sometime past not a Compy have been detain’d 24 hours for Clothing Except Capt. Lees of the Artillery whose uniform being black I was oblig’d to get light colored clothes dyed wh. detained them about a week & although they were supplied with every issential else the rascals refused to march without their uniforms. I beg leave to refer your Excellency to Mr Young the bearer for any particular information you may want respecting the department he will also be glad to receive any directions relative the disposition of the Clothing coming forward. There are a parcel of fine linens &ca wh. I had directed to be purchased for the use of the officers & wh. I think will be issued with

more propriety under my own inspection. I have therefore directed them to be forwarded to this place, but If your Excellency is of a Contrary opinion I Am perfectly satisfied There is also a ps. Sup[er]fine blue wh. is intended for the use of the Gentlemen of your family & I shortly expect plenty of fine buff that is if they will suffer it to Come from the Eastward. I Am with all possible respect your Excellencys most obedt Hble servt

James Mease


Title: From George Washington to Major Apollos Morris, 6 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Apollos

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 6th June 1777

I am favd with yours of the 26th and 29th of May, from both of which it is evident to me that you have at length determined upon the part which you are to taken in this great dispute.
I will not argue with you upon the propriety of your conduct, but I cannot help saying, that I think it very odd, that after being denied an answer to your political Queries, which appears from Mr Allens letter to you of the 2d April, you should, upon the bare assertion or rather opinion of that Gentleman, expressed in his letter of the 8th of May, conclude that matters between this Country and Great Britain might have been adjusted, had any terms short of Independance been insisted upon.

I must tell you in plain terms, that at this time a neutral Character is looked upon as a suspicious one; and I would therefore advise you to leave a Country with the majority of whom you cannot agree in Sentiment, and who are determined to assert their liberties by the ways & means which necessity and not the love of War has obliged them to adopt. I thank you for your expressions of personal regard, and am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 6 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 6 June 1777

I am favd with yours of the 30th May. Mr Boudinot Commy of prisoners is gone down to Congress to lay before them a State of that department and from him you will learn that Sir Wm Howe would not permit Mr pintard to act as Agent for prisoners by Virtue of any Commission from me, but assented to his being allowed to distribute any money or necessaries that might be sent in. Mr Boudinot can likewise give you full information of any other Matters, respecting the State of our prisoners in the hands of the Enemy.
If there was any use in Colo. Formans having Artillery I could not spare them at this time. But I do not conceive they would be of the least service in his Situation. If the place is such that he cannot safely plant a Guard there for fear of the Enemy, he would by the same rule lose his Artillery, as he has not men to support them. If any works are necessary at the passes he mentions, I should think small Redoubts sufficient to oppose musquetry.
I shall let Capt. Doyle know of the charge exhibited against him and if it appears that he has appropriated the public Money to his private Use he certainly ought to be dismissed the Service. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from John Rutledge, 6 June 1777
From: Rutledge, John
To: Washington, George

Charleston [S.C.] 6 June 1777. “This will be delivered to you by Mr Laurens, (Son of the Vice-President of this State,) who wishes to render his best Services to America, in a military Capacity, & with that View, has lately returned, from a foreign, to his native Country—He is desirous of acting in a more extensive Sphere than that may probably soon afford, of being where Experience will improve a Theoretical Knowledge, & of copying the best Examples.”


Title: General Orders, 7 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 7th 1777.
Tacenton.Truro. Tunbridge.

As the army is now on a permanent and honorable footing, and as the General has the credit of it very much at heart—He expects that every officer, on whom the importance of the contest, and a regard to his own honor, or duty are sufficiently impressed will lend their aid to support the character of it—To this end, nothing can be more effectual, than a close attention to discipline and subordination; and particularly in an exact obedience to all General orders; which is the life of an army. Officers should consider that a repetition of orders, is the highest reflection upon those who are the cause of it—An orderly book is a record in the hands of thousands, of the transactions of an army; and consequently of the disgrace of those, whose insensibility to the obligations they are under, and whose want of a manly emulation of temper, OBLIGE the Commander in Chief to publish their misconduct, by repeating his calls upon them to discharge their duty.
The General appeals to the understanding of every officer; and earnestly recommends a serious consideration of these matters—Their engagements with the public; their own honor—and the salvation of their country demand it. The General wishes it on these accounts, and for his own ease and satisfaction; for as nothing is more easy than to conduct an army, where a chearful and ready obedience is paid to every order; so nothing is more difficult and embarrasing, where a careless, licentious and disorderly spirit prevails. Thus much is said to lead Gentlemen into a proper train of thinking on the subject, and to engage their judgment and feelings on the side of their duty; but it is at the same time necessary to subjoin, that a punishment and disgrace

will attend those, who will not be influenced by more honorable means.
Captains should make a point of seeing that every order affecting their companies is complied with—Colonels should do the same in their regiments—Brigadiers in their brigades, and Major General’s in their divisions. No officer should implicitly trust to another, but each perform his own part, and see that those under him do theirs. This being the case, every thing would go on smoothly and well; but while the contrary is practiced, and every officer is glad to throw the irksome drudgery of obedience, upon his inferior, nothing but disorder and ruin can ensue.
No officer to be absent from camp, without a furlough from his Brigadier, nor in that case, for more than ten days, at a time—The Adjutant General will furnish each Brigadier applying, with printed furloughs for the purpose, which alone are to be made use of.
Deserters to be immediately sent to the Major General of the day—The person conducting them, not to permit them to stop any where, to answer any questions, that shall be made them.
The Commander in Chief approves the following sentences of a Court Martial, held the 4th Instant; and orders their immediate execution.
Lieut: Shannon of the 1st Virginia regiment tried for “Putting the Pay-Master of said regiment in the guard-house” sentenced to ask pardon in the presence of the officers of his regiment.
Andrew Spalding of Col. Patton’s regt for “Disobedience of orders, and threatening to shoot an officer”—sentenced to receive 100 lashes.
Peter O’Neal, Corporal in the 7th Pennsylvania, for “Having threatened to desert”—to receive 50 lashes.
Richard Hurly of the 7th Pennsylva: for “Intending to desert”—acquitted.
John Taylor of the same regt for “Intending and threatening to desert”—to receive 25 lashes.
Alexander McDonald, with “Intending and threatening to desert” to receive 15 lashes.
Serjt Mackey of the 11th Pennsylv: for “Leaving his guard without permission”—to be reduced to the ranks.
Thomas Fishwater of the 9th Virginia for “Desertion, and attempting to go to the enemy”—to receive 100 lashes.
Also a Court Martial held the 5th Instant.
Luke Debow of the 3rd Jersey, for “Desertion”—to receive 100 lashes.
David Forbes of Col. Patton’s regt for “Desertion”—acquitted.

Jabez Lambert of the 5th Pennsylv: for “Desertion,” to receive 50 lashes.
Edward Evendon of the 2nd Jersey for “Desertion” to receive 25 lashes.
Michael Reyley of the 9th Pennsylv: for “Threatening the life of Adjutant Thompson”—to receive 50 lashes.
Joseph Swan of the 9th Pennsylva: for “Being drunk on his post”—to receive 15 lashes.
Joseph Cochran of the 9th Pennsylv: with “Being drunk on guard”—to receive 15 lashes.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 7 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 7th June 1777

I imagine that since Genl Schuylers departure from Philada you command there. I therefore inclose you the Evidence of a person very lately from N. York, from which as well as from other information it appears that a Fleet is upon the point of sailing from New York—If Philada should be the place of destination they will make their appearance

in Delaware Bay soon after they leave the Hook. I therefore desire that you will as soon as you are certain that the Fleet is in the Bay, give me the earliest Notice by the Expresses that are posted on the Road between this and Philada. Before you send notice to me, be sure that you are not deceived by the signal Guns, which I am told have been fired several times without any Grounds for so doing. A move of this Army upon a false alarm might prove fatal.
Could not you and Genl Sullivan contrive to give each other notice by Signals. We can do it by making lights upon the heights near princetown and at this place, but I am afraid it will be difficult between princetown and philada because the Ground is low. I am &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 June 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston June 7th 1777.

I have just received the enclosed Line from Cohoss, from the Revd Doctr Langdon of Cambridge. It was wrote to the Doctr by Colo. Hurd of the Militia who lives at Haverhill, in the State of New Hampshire, about 150–Miles from St Johns. The Doctr informs me that he is a Man of Veracity and thinks the Account may be depended on; if so little is to be feared from that Quarter.
One of our State, Armed, Vessels has lately taken a Transport with Eighty four Hessians on board, bound for Quebec, and have sent her into a port at the Eastward, from whence we expect her the first fair Wind. About 1500. Hessians are coming out in the whole, part destined to Quebec & part to New York. I doubt not, but many more will fall into our Hands. A valuable prize is sent into Salem laden with dry Goods, among which are large number of Blankets, an Article much wanted.
I am sending on the Cannon, Stores &c. to Springfield as fast as Teams can be provided. inclosed is a Return of what has already gone on. At the Time I requested of Your Excellency that Six peices of Cannon might be left here, I mentioned the same to the Board of War & Ordnance, to whom I then sent Returns of the Stores. They wrote me that Six peices might be detained, and that I must acquaint your Excellency therewith. But your Excellency having been pleased to signify your pleasure in your last on that Head, with such weighty reasons against it that I shall send them all on, the moment the Teams are ready. The Assistant Q.M.G. has purchased 50. or 60. Horses to take the Cannon directly on to the Field, by which a Considerable Expence will be saved in the transporting of them. But the Expence of purchasing the Horses is considerable, and our Chest is now intirely exhausted, and without a speedy supply the Service will suffer greatly. I have been obliged to pay a number of the Regiments a part of their pay, as they were in great want. Our Troops continue to march off pretty briskly, both to Ticonderoga and Peckskill. Upon Try⟨al⟩ we find the late Rout to Peckskill by the way of Kenderhook or Claverac⟨k⟩ much further, and more inconvenient than the former one, by Litchfield. Shall I order the Troops in future that way or continue the late rout?
I have applied to the Assembly for the necessary Guards for the Stores and in order to render them still more Secure, I have requested of them, in case of an Alarm, Insurrection or Invasion, to Assign a certain Number of the Militia, which I have mentioned, to each, as their alarm Post instead of repairing to any other Quarter, by which

means, any preconcerted plan may be defeated, this is now before the Assembly, & I am informed will be adopted: They also discover a disposition first to compleat the Continental Regiments agreeable to your recommendation.
The Cartridge Boxes which have been commonly made for the Army are made of the most miserable Materials, and in case of Storms commonly serve only to waste the ammunition which is carried in them. Colo. Lee who undoubtedly may be called a Martinet in Military matters is desirous that the Boxes for the Three Regiments which are to be posted Here, may be made of better Leather. He has brought me a sample; the first Expence will be considerably more than that of the present modle, but in a long run they will be much the cheapest as they will, with proper care last the War, whilst the other will scarcely last one Campaign, I would beg your Excellencys Opinion.
Capt. Sullivan who was detained in Canada for some time as a Hostage has applied to me for some pay. He tells me that your Excellency informed his Brother (General Sullivan) upon an application to you that the Officers on parole were not to be continued in pay but that the Hostages were; That they must not engage in any Business, but be ready to return on the Shortest notice, I beg to be informed in this matter, as to Capt. Sullivan. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servant

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 7 June 1777
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

My Dr Sir
Centurion June the 7th 1777

Multiplicity of busyness the miscarriage of letters or some accident has prevented you from doing what really is in my opinion an act of justice—I mean clearing up to the world the charge brought against Lord Drummond for a breach of Parole; after having read all the Papers relative to this subject, his letters to you, yours to him, Capt. Vanderputs and the Parole—I declare solemnly that it does not appear to me that there is any one thing in his Lordship’s conduct which merited even the shadow of censure—the intention of the Parole in restraining him from going on board any of the Kings Ships was certainly to prevent intelligence being given of the state of the Continent—as this was manifestly the intention I cou’d almost say that if even He had gone on board the Asia voluntar[il]y altho’ the terms of the Parole wou’d not have been, literally adhered to, the spirit wou’d

not have been violated, as it cannot possibly be suppos’d that He cou’d give any intelligence which wou’d have been new to Capt. Vanderput, to and from whose Ship People were passing and repassing every day—but Capt. Vanderput’s evidence puts it beyond all doubt that his Lordship did not go voluntarily but was compell’d on board.
A public charge from Persons We esteem sinks deep in the mind of a Man of sentiment and feeling. I really believe Lord Drummond to be such, and have reason to think that He has an esteem for you, at least from all I can learn He has ever spoke of you in the handsomest terms. now as it appears to me that there can be no doubt from the concurrence of evry testimony of his having adhered as scrupulously as possible to the spirit of the Parole, as the affair is of so delicate of nature, as I am acquainted with your way of thinking, I repeat that I must ascribe it rather to a miscarriage of his letters than to any other cause that You have not done him that justice which had you receiv’d ’em, I am perswaded You must have thought his due—I can perceive He is very much hurt at the charge, and his sensibility I confess encreases the good opinion I before had of him[.] not only therefore Justice to him, but let me add, My Dr General, a regard for you oblige me to wish that this affair may be clear’d up in some manner satisfactory to the Party I think injur’d: it is a duty which I know if omitted, cannot fail of giving much uneasiness hereafter to a Man of your rectitude and humanity—I must observe in addition that I cannot imagine his Lordships return after an absence of three months cou’d administer any reasons for suspicion—for He must either have remain’d in the West Indies or have returnd to some Port in N. America as He was prevented by the spirit of the Parole from going to England. indeed the terms of the Parole imply’d an obligation to return to N. York—his long absence likewise from the Continent render’d it impossible for him to furnish any intelligence of the situation of affairs—shou’d it be ask’d, why a Man in my present situation shou’d interest myself so warmly in this busyness with which I myself had no concern? I must answer that not only my love of justice, my duty as a Gentleman, and my regard for you enjoin the task, but that I really feel myself personally oblig’d to Lord Drummond, for since my confinement He has shewn a most generous humane and disinterested attention to me—in the course of conversation this busyness was accidentally brought on the carpet—as I was a stranger to the circumstances I was curious to be made acquainted with em—He submitted the papers to my perusal—I really thought him injur’d, assur’d him that it must have proceeded from mistake or the miscarriage of his letters and offer’d myself as a Volunteer Instrument to obtain some reparation—let me hear

from you, My Dr General, as soon as possible, and on this subject—God preserve and bless you and send you evry possible felicity is the prayer of one who is most truly and affectionately yours

Charles Lee

As I wou’d not unnecessarily swell the packet—I have been contented with sending the letters to and from Capt. Vanderput—which I think sufficient—This I do on the supposition that those sent, have miscarried.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 7 June 1777
From: Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

Sr
Council Chamber Boston June 7th 1777

Sometime since the Council received Your Excellencys favor under the 29th September 1776 Recommending to them to Collect all the Prisoners within this State in Order to be exchanged, a Commissary was immediately appointed, who was furnished with the Necessary Instructions for that purpose, agreeable to the plan laid down by your Excellency—and many of the Prisoners were accordingly Collected—but before the Exchange could be effected, the Board were informed by Your Excellency that the exchange of prisoners at that Time was attended with some Embarassment, and accordingly the Exchange of prisoners of War has been laid aside until this time—The many inconveniences which attends the keeping a number of Prisoners in the several Goals within this State at this Season of the Year, together with the inconvenience which attends the suffering a number of British Officers being at large under Parole, within the several Towns in this State—induces the Council to request You now to inform them whether the Obstacles which some time since prevented the Exchange of Prisoners are removed—The Board will waite Your Answer, hoping soon to be Informed that the way is now open for an Exchange and that Your Excellency will approve of the Council’s proceeding on the Business agreeable to the plan formerly proposed, or if any other way should be more agreeable to You, that you will Communicate it to the Council. In the Name and by Order of the Council I am with great Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient hble Servant

Jer: Powell Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 7 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 7 June 1777. GW wrote Sullivan on 7 June: “Yours of this date just come to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 7 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 7th June 1777

I have yours of the 5th: I agree with you that Colo. Blands Men being natives are more to be depended upon than Colo. Moylans, but the Virginia Regiment of Horse has been so detatched the whole Winter, that I could not deny Colo. Bland his request to draw them together that they may be properly equipped, which they have never yet been. In point of opportunities of deserting there is full as much if not more here than from princetown, for the Moment you leave the

Mountain, the Country is intirely open to all the Enemy’s posts from Brunswic to Amboy. By paying off the Troops and keeping them well supplied with provisions &ca desertions have become much less frequent. A Story has got into our Camp which has a happy effect. It is that the East India Compy purchase all deserters of the Crown and send them out. It is beleived by the Soldiers here and I wish you could circulate it in your Quarter. This should be done seemingly with indifference. drop it at table before the Servants[.] Desertion from the Enemy has prevailed much of late, for some days past, we have had four or five ⅌ day. By Letters from Genl Gates I learn that the Alarm of the Enemy’s approach to Ticonderoga was groundless. A Deserter from the 37th this morning says that yesterday orders were given for his Regt and ten more to hold themselves in readiness to embark from Amboy. And that the Inhabitants of Amboy, Brunswic &ca capable of bearing Arms were ordered to garrison New York. How true these things are a little time will shew. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. An intelligent person who left New York the 5th says many Vessels were fitted up for Horses and that some were embarked. That the Transports were prepared for Troops and that some that were to go on Board had come over from Staten Island. If so the Fleet is near sailing. therefore desire Genl Forman to keep a look out and when they leave the Hook see which way they stand.
Yours of this date just come to hand. As Mrs Funk is at princetown it is a pity to prevent her going further, if therefore she appears an honest well meaning Woman you may let her go on. Another Deserter confirms the Acct of the order to embark—If you write to Genl Arnold be kind enough to desire him not to permit any more Ladies to go towards New York just now.

G: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 7 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Webb, Samuel Blachley

Dr Sir,
Camp at Middle brook June 7th 1777.

By Mr Turnbull who is just past this for Philadelphia I am informd that you have lately drawn 500 Hunting Shirts—500 Waistcoats—& 500 Overalls, in addn to the Cloathing you obtaind sometime ago—By a late return from Genl Putnam who Comds at Peeks kill, dated the 31st Ulto it appears that of your Regiment, he has only 21. Men at that Post—And, by a Return from Genl Parsons of the 13th of the same M[onth] it further appears that the whole strength of Your Regiment was only 205. Rank & file; What is the meaning of all this? & in what point of view am I to consider such proceedings? Can you conceive it necessary that your Regiment is to have one Suit for parade and another to March to New haven[?] present appearances render it doubtful whether they will ever get further or intend to leave the State of Connecticut—and more than all this can you think it justifiable to keep 200 and odd spare Suits by them when a numbr of poor fellows who have been doing hard duty in the Field have scarcely Cloathing to cover their nakedness and many of them renderd unfit for duty for want thereof whilst the Clothier Genl knows not where to provide them.
I am sorry you oblige me to tell you in plain terms that this conduct is highly offensive to me & you are hereby enjoined to proceed with every Man of your Regiment fit for duty immediately to Peeks kill leaving

the necessary Officers, with proper Instructions to Recruit to your Establishmt.
You are to carry all the Cloathing to Peeks kill that the Troops there may be benefitted by the superfluity of your Regimt.
I well remember that you, to obviate my objections to Cloathing your Men in red, propos’d Hunting Shirts as a Covering; but I then observd that this could not be expected at the Public expence, nor had I any conception that you could have entertaind the most distant thought of drawing these things from the Public Stores, when you must have known how difficult a matter it is to provide for the large demands of the Army.
It is with pain, I have been induced to express myself in a language so pointed; but your own reflection will convince you that I have but too much reason. I am with regard, Dr sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 8 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook June 8th 1777

Your favor of 4th Inst. I receiv’d this Morning—As the Movement of the Enemy & their Designs are as yet uncertain, I have to request that you will keep as large a Body of the Militia as you can collect, & have them in as good order as Circumstances will permit, in case Genl Howe should Incline up North River[.] I have no doubt but you have form’d such a Plan with General Heard as will best tend to the Security and Protection of the people. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 8th 1777.

I was this morning honoured with your favor of the 6th Instant with its Inclosures.
I am extremely happy in the Approbation, Congress have been pleased to express of my conduct, respecting the proposed Cartel for the Exchange of prisoners, and shall govern myself by the principles which influenced me on that occasion & such Other as shall appear right & just, should there be any further negociation on the Subject.
I shall order a return to be made of the Chaplains in service, which shall be transmitted, as soon as it is obtained. At present as the Regiments are greatly dispersed, part in one place & part in Another, and accurate States of them have not been made, it will not be in my power to forward it immediately. I shall here take Occasion to mention, that I communicated the Resolution appointing a Brigade Chaplain in the place of all Others, to the several Brigadiers: They are all of opinion, that it will be impossible for ’em to discharge the duty—that many inconveniences & much dissatisfaction will be the result, and that no Establishment appears so good in this instance as the Old One. Among many other weighty objections to the measure, It has been suggested, that it has a tendency to introduce religious disputes into the Army,

which above all things should be avoided, and in many instances would compell men to a mode of Worship, which they do not profess. The Old Establishment gives every Regiment an Opportunity of having a Chaplain of their own religious Sentiments—is founded on a plan of a more generous toleration—and the choice of Chaplains to officiate, has been generally in the Regiments. Supposing One Chaplain could do the duties of a Brigade (Which supposition However is inadmissible, when we view things in practice), that being composed of Four or five—perhaps in some instances Six Regiments, there might be so many different modes of Worship. I have mentioned the Opinion of the Officers and these hints to Congress upon this subject, from a principle of duty, and because, I am well assured, it is most foreign to their wishes or intention to excite by any act, the smallest uneasiness & jealousy among the Troops.
These remains no room to beleive Otherwise, than that the Enemy are on the point of moving. This is confirmed by Intelligence from all Quarters and thro so many different Channels, that we must consider it certain. Whether they will move by Land or Water or by both, cannot be ascertained, nor is their destination precisely known: but every circumstance points out philadelphia as their Object. Being of this Opinion, I have directed the Return of Genl Mifflin. Before he left philadelphia, I wrote countermanding the Order for his coming here, but he did not receive my Letter. I would also mention to Congress, that I think the Military Stores lately arrived & at or coming to philadelphia should be removed to a place of perfect security. Tho I would not excite—needless—uneasy Apprehensions, prudence requires, that these, so essential, should not be exposed to risk. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 8th June 1777

I am this day favor’d with yours of the 27th & 29th of May. I am surprised at the accounts you give me of the want of Cloathing for the Troops of Massachusetts. I took it for granted that they had been sent forward when it was intended that all your Troops shou’d go the Northward, & that they wou’d meet them at Peekskill. My reason for

this was, that the Cloathier General repeatedly assured me & continues to assure me that a Sufficiency of Cloathing was left to the Eastward, for the Troops of those States. I have however wrote to him this day in a positive manner to send some person forward to issue the Cloathing which I have directed to be Stopped at Peekskill, and then proceed to Boston and inquire how it comes to pass that the Troops have been so illy supplied. This however has not been the case with all the regts for I am inform’d that Greatons have not only drawn a full supply of cloth cloaths but have likewise drawn the same number of hunting shirts, under Waistcoats & overalls. Others may have done the same, and if so, it is no wonder that part go naked when some are double clad. Another practice and a very unjustifiable one has prevail’d in some Corps, they have drawn from the Cloathier Genl Five or six hundred Suits, under pretence of having as many Men when in fact they have not half the Number, This is very unfair and indeed dishonest, because evry Officer must certainly know the Scarcity of Cloathing and the shifts we are oblig’d to make, and shou’d for that reason take his proportion and no more, for if he does he keeps a useless hoard while others are starving for want.
I am fearfull that if there has been any mismanagement in the allotment of Cloathing that it may be imputed to partiality in me for the Southern Troops. If there is the least suspicion of that kind, my letters and orders to the Clothier Genl will plainly evince the contrary, for I have ever strictly enjoin’d him to leave a full proportion to the Eastward, and till the late complaints I thought it had been done.
If there are no store houses at the places which are thought convenient and safe, they must certainly be built, at as cheap a rate as possible.
The Officers of Colo. Lee’s and Jacksons regts are entitled to Pay from the time of their appointments, and may therefore draw for it.
The Quarter Master Genl has sent 1000 Tents to the Northern army which is more than their proportion & I will inform Genl Knox of the want of Tin, a proper Quantity of which shall be order’d up.
It is impossible for me to say what new regulation in the Pay of Officers you have been made acquainted with, and what not. I should have suppos’d Mr Hancock had been inform’d on that head, but taking it for granted that he is not, I have desir’d Mr Palfrey to furnish him with a Pay list of the army as it stands at present & at what time the advance of Pay was made.
The low Returns from Peekskill are shamefull considering the Number of Men that have been long actually raised to the Eastward. I know of no excuse for Connecticut, as several of her regts had not last Week

March’d up Twenty Men, tho’ consisting of between Two & Three hundred. The Enemy taking advantage of our weakness up the North river seem to be drawing their whole Force to Jersey, while New york is left with a small Garrison. Had the Troops come on as they ought to have done they wou’d not have dared to do this. I have so often repeated my distresses to you that you must be well acquainted with them, and you therefore must excuse me when I call upon you in the most pressing manner to send evry Man forward that is cloathed or that can procure tolerable Cloathing till better can be got. I will leave nothing undone to obtain it upon some terms or other. I am Dear sir Your most Obet hum. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 8th June 1777

The accounts you give me of the distress of the Massachusets Troops for cloathing surprize me a good deal, as I was always taught to beleive that they had an abundance in that State. I have wrote to the Cloathier Genl to know the Reason of it. In the mean time, that the men may not suffer, I desire you will stop a parcel of Hunting Shirts, Over alls, Waistcoats, shoes and shirts that are coming on and supply those that are in most want of them, appointing a careful person to take an account of the Quantity and to whom delivered. I have directed the Cloathier General to send up a deputy to take the account from you, and to endeavour to procure what further is necessary—All our accounts for several days past agree that the Enemy are preparing to make a considerable embarkation of Horse and Foot, and by the Quantity of Water, Hay and provision of other kind it should seem that they are going out to sea. But tho’ this is the appearance, I beg you to keep a good look out lest they make a sudden turn towards you. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 8 June 1777
From: Webb, Samuel Blachley
To: Washington, George

Wethersfield (in Connecticut) June 8. 1777

At the time I last wrote to your Excellency it was impossible for me to assertain the exact number of the Dead and Deserted of my Regiment, since which I have been thro’ the different parts of the State promoteing (as far as was in my power) the recruiting service, and am happy in informing your Excellency that the Officers of my Regiment in general have exerted themselves to their utmost, my returns of yesterday are 282—Deserted XI—Dead 14—March’d for Peeks-Kill 110, another detachment of about 40 will march from this in two days, the others I shall press forward as fast as possible, my Leiut. Colo. with two Captains and a proportion of Subalterns are with the Men at Peeks Kill, Major I should immediately order on, but that I think for a little time he can be of much more service to me in the Country, than he can be (with so small a proportion of Men) in the Camp, I am in hopes soon to have a considerable addition to my Regiment—many of my Officers are anxious to be ordered to Camp, but I cannot see the propriety of haveing a large proportion of Officers there without Men; I shall follow my present plan (unless otherwise directed by your Excellency) which is to send one Captain, two Leiutenants, and one Ensign to every 64 Men—Non commissioned Officers included—those Men that have march’d are well Cloath’d and accoutered, Frocks to cover their uniform will soon be on from Boston had I not met with many disappointments from the Agents, they would have been here before the troops march’d, Colo. Sheldon has ⟨eq⟩uiped between 70 & 100 Men—he desires me to inform you they ⟨wi⟩ll set off for Peeks Kill the 10th Instant, All the Regiments of foot raising in this State (save mine) have taken a Number of ⟨Neg⟩ros into the Service, I hope my conduct in refussing them (tho’ many have ⟨applie⟩d) will be approved off. With much Esteem I am your Excellencys most Obet Servt

Saml B. Webb


Title: General Orders, 9 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 9th 1777.
Newcastle.Newark Newport.

The Commander in Chief is pleased to approve the following sentences of a General Court Martial, held the 6th Instant and orders them to be put in execution forthwith—The delinquents to be immediately taken out of the Guard-house, and punished at the brigade parades, to which they respectively belong.
William Nicholson, Abraham Hill, Thomas Banks & Anthony Payne—all of the 15th Virginia Regt charged with “Desertion”—Nicholson & Hill to receive 25 lashes each; Banks & Anthony 20 each.
John King of the 1st New-Jersey regt charged with “Desertion” to receive 50 lashes.
John Lowry of the 9th Virginia—charged with “damning the General and his orders”—to receive 39 lashes.
James Dougherty of the 3rd New-Jersey—charged with “Desertion”—to receive 100 lashes.
Daniel Hailey of the 3rd Virginia regt charged with “Deserting from his regiment and inlisting in the 10th Pennsylvania regiment”—to receive 25 lashes.
Samuel Mason of the 3rd Virginia regt charged with “Deserting from his regiment and inlisting in the 10th Pennsylvania regiment”—to receive 20 lashes.
John Bybecker of the German battalion, charged with “Desertion and inlisting into another regiment”—the sentence postponed for further evidence.
The duty of the Major General of the day, to begin at the mounting of the guard one day and to end at the same time the next.
The commanding officer of each corps to keep an ammunition account with their men, and make them pay, for all that is wantonly wasted.
Captains of companies to keep a list of their men’s cloaths, and have them critically examined every Saturday—A soldier shall not presume to sell any part of his cloaths on any pretence whatever.
The prisoners under sentence of death, to prepare for execution, to morrow at 12 o’clock—The whole Army, except General Lincoln’s division, to be assembled for this purpose, near the Artillery park—The criminals to be attended with such Chaplains, as they choose.

As there is a plenty of common and French sorrel; lamb’s quarters, and water cresses, growing about camp; and as these vegetables are very conducive to health, and tend to prevent the scurvy and all putrid disorders—The General recommends to the soldiers the constant use of them, as they make an agreeable sallad, and have the most salutary effect. The regimental officer of the day to send to gather them every morning, and have them distributed among the men.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 9 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Livingston, 9 June 1777. GW wrote John Sullivan on 12 June that “Govr Livingston, in a letter of the 9th instant, informs me that he had ordered the Militia of Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland to assemble at Mount Holly and that Colo. Bowes Reed was to assemble his Regt at Borden Town.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 9th June 1777

Inclos’d is a Letter for Colo. Sheldon which I desire you’ll forward immediately to him by express, as it contains orders for him to send on his Horse If any of them have arriv’d at Peeks kill, be pleas’d to send them on to this place as quick as possible One Troop will be left at Peeks kill, but that must be one of the last, for the Horse that are here you know have been upon hard duty all the Winter and are almost worn out. I expect the Enemy will move suddenly and without Horse we shall be much at a loss. I am Dear Sir Your most Obet Servt

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 9 June 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Peekskill [N.Y.] 9th June 1777

You are not unacquainted that an unhappy Dispute has long subsisted between Genl McDougall and Col. H. B. Livingston, I found it necessary, upon my Arrival at this Post, to appoint a G.C.M. for the Tryal of Col. Livingston, then under Arrest—Genl Geo. Clinton presided, the Members were all Field Officers—A Respectable Court, and whose Sentence should have been determinate—Copies of their Proceedings are with the J. Advoc[at]e Gen.—Col. Livingston restless with their Decision sent Gen. McDougall a written Challenge, and soon after desired me in Writing to arrest the General—but this I declined till I should be better convinced of the Propriety of this Step, for this Purpose I waited on Gen. McDougall, and found he was about to order Col. Livingston a second Time in Confinement. I thought the Matter might be otherwise settled, took Pains to compromize their Differences as amicably as possible, and flattered myself I had been so happy as to effect it.
About the 1st Inst. I sent Col. Livingston with his own Regimt and a Detachment from Col. Cortlands (the whole 200) to White Plains with discretional Orders to harrass the Enemy and cut off their Supplies—A Day or two after I had direct Intelligence of a Body of the Enemy at Morrissania, very negligent and very secure—I immediately formed a Plan to surprize them, but thought Col. Livingston’s Party insufficient for that Enterprize. I therefore ordered Col. Cortlandt with 200 Men to join Col. Livingston and to proceed to Morrissania for the above Purpose—The Knowledge which Col. Cortlandt and many of his Officers have of that Country pointed them out as the most proper for this Expedition—least any Jealousy should arise respecting the Command, I wrote to Col. Livingston and enclose you a Copy of the Letter—upon the Receipt of it he came immediately to this Post—I was displeased with his Conduct and let him know that I thought him guilty of a Breach of Orders and Neglect of Duty—before he left me he desired Leave to go to Fishkill for his Commission—I

enclose you a Copy of a Letter I received from him Yesterday, with his Commission enclosed.
I have not particularly examined the Pretensions to Rank, of these Gentlemen, but believe there is real Ground for Dispute—Cortland in 1775 was Lt Col. of a Regt in which Livingston was at that Time Capt., they have since both commanded Regimts—if I am rightly informed, the Congress have given the superiour Rank to the latter and the Convention of this State arranged the former first.
The Party I had ordered to the English Neighbourhood and which Gen. Varnum commanded, have returned with seven of the four and six Pounders, we left last Fall, he also brought off a large Number of Cattle, but returned them to the Owners on Condition they would drive them to the interiour Parts of the Country—the Cannon have each a Trunnion knocked off, the only Damage done them.
Two fifteen Inch Cables will be thrown diagonally across the River in Front of the Chain this Day—these may serve till the Booms are ready, and they can then be put in Place of the Cables without Loss of Time or Expence.
I am just informed, the Stocking is ready for the Cannon from Bergen. I am Sir with the greatest Respect your Affecte hume Servt

Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 9 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 9 June 1777. Richard Kidder Meade wrote Sullivan on 10 June: “The Genl [GW] was favor’d with your letter of yesterday” (DLC:GW).