Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 4–5 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp at Cambridge August 4th[-5] 1775

I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favour of the 24th July accompanied by 284 Commissions, which are yet much short of the necessary Number. I am much honoured by the Confidence reposed in me of appointing the several Officers recommended in mine of the 10th ult.; and shall endeavour to select such Persons, as are best qualified to fill those important Posts.
General Thomas has accepted his Commission, & I have heard nothing of his Retirement since, so that I suppose he is satisfied.
In the Renewal of these Commissions some Difficulties occur, in which I should be glad to know the Pleasure of the honbe Congress. The General Officers of the Massachusetts, have Regiments, those of Connecticut, have both Regiments, & Companies, & the other Field Officers have Companies each. From Rhode Island, the General Officer has no Regimt, but the Field Officers have Companies: But I do not find they have, or expect

Pay under more than one Commission. Should the Commissions now to be delivered pursue these different Establishments, there will be a Distinction between General & Field Officers of the same Rank—In Order to put New Hampshire, Massachusetts & Rhode Island upon a Line with Connecticut, it would be necessary to dismiss a Number of Officers in Possession of Commissions, without any Fault of theirs; on the other Hand, to bring the Connecticut Generals, & Field Officers to the same Scale with the others, will add to the Number of Officers, & may be deemed inconsistent with the Terms on which they entered into the Service, altho. you add nothing to the Expence, except in the Article of Provisions. Upon the whole, it is a Case, which I would wish the Honbe Congress to consider & determine.
Col: Gridley of this Province, who is at the Head of the Artillery has the Rank of Major Genl from the Provincial Congress. Will it be proper to renew his Commission here in the same Manner? It is proper here to remark, that in this Case he will take Rank of all the Brigadiers General, & even the Majors General, whose Commissions are subsequent in Date, & can answer no good Purpose, but may be productive of many bad Consequences.
These are Matters of some Importance, but I am embarrassed with a Difficulty of a superiour kind. The Estimate made in Congress, supposed all the Regiments to be formed upon one Establishment, but they are different in different Provinces; & even vary in the same Province, in some Particulars. In Massachusetts, some Regiments have Ten Companies, others Eleven; The Establishment of the former is 590 Men Officers included, of the latter 649. The Establishment of Rhode Island, & New Hampshire is 590 to a Regiment, Officers included. Connecticut has 1000 Men to a Regiment. Should the Massachusetts Regiments be completed; with the new Levies from Rhode Island & Connecticut and the Riffle Men, the Number will exceed 22,000. If they should not be completed, as each Regiment is fully officer’d, there will be a heavy Expence to the Publick without an adequate Service. The Reduction of some of them seems to be necessary & yet is a Matter of much Delicacy, as we are situated. I most earnestly request it may be taken into immediate Consideration, & the Time & Mode of doing it,

pointed out by the Honbe Congress. By an Estimate I have made, from the General Return, when the new Levies arrive, & the Regiments are completed there will be 24,450 Men on the Pay & Provision of the united Colonies. Some of the recruiting Officers who have been out on that Service, have returned with very little Success, so that we may safely conclude, the Number of 2064 now wanting to complete will rather increase than diminish[.] There are the Regiment of Artillery consisting of 493 Men, & one under Col: Sergeant who has not received any Commission; altho. he had Orders to raise a Regiment from the Provincial Congress here, which are not included in the above Estimate. This last Regiment consists of 234 Men by the last Return, but a Company has since joined—By adverting to the General Return, which I have the Honour of inclosing (No. 1.) it will be seen what Regiments are most deficient.
If the Congress does not chuse to point out the particular Regiments, but the Provinces in which the Reduction is to be made, the several Congresses & Assemblies may be the proper Channell to conduct this Business: which I should also conceive the most adviseable, from their better Acquaintance with the Merits, Terms, & Time of Service of the respective Officers—Reducing some Regiments, & with the Privates thereof, filling up others would certainly be the best Method of accomplishing this Work, if it were practicable; but the Experiment is dangerous, as the Massachusetts Men under the Priviledge of chusing their own Officers, do not conceive themselves bound if those Officers are disbanded.
As General Gage is making Preparations for Winter, by contracting for Quantities of Coal; it will suggest to us the Propriety of extending our Views to that Season. I have directed that such Huts as have been lately made of Boards, should be done in such a Manner, that if necessary they may serve for covering during the Winter. but I need not enlarge upon the Variety of Necessities such as Cloathing, Fuel &c.—both exceedingly scarce & difficult to be procured, which that Season must bring with it; if the Army, or any considerable Part of it is to remain embodied. From the Inactivity of the Enemy since the Arrival of their whole Reinforcement, their continual Addition to their Lines, & many other Circumstances, I am inclined to think that finding us so well prepared to receive them, the Plan

of Operations is varied; & they mean by regular Approaches to bombard us out of our present Line of Defence, or are waiting in Expectation that the Colonies must sink under the Weight of the Expence; or the Prospect of a Winters Campaign, so discourage the Troops as to break up our Army. If they have not some such Expectations, the Issue of which they are determined to wait; I cannot account for the Delay, when their Strength is lessened every Day by Sickness, Desertions, & little Skirmishes.
Of these last, we have had only two worthy of Notice: Having some Reason to suspect they were extending their Lines at Charles Town, I last Saturday Evening, ordered some of the Riffle Men down to make a Discovery, or bring off a Prisoner—They were accidentally discovered sooner than they expected; by the Guard coming to relieve, & obliged to fire upon them: We have Reason to believe they killed several. They brought in two Prisoners whose Acct confirmed by some other Circumstances removed my Suspicions in part: Since that Time we have on each Side drawn in our Centries, & there have been scattering Fires along the Line. This Evening we have heard of three Captains who have been taken off by the Riffle Men & one killed by a Cannon Shot from Roxbury besides severall Privates; but as the Intelligence is not direct, I only mention it as a Report which deserves Credit. The other happened at the Light House. A Number of Workmen having been sent down to repair it with a Guard of 22 Marines & a Subaltern, Major Tupper last Monday Morning about 2 oClock landed there with about 300 Men, attack’d them killed the Officer, & 4 Privates, but being detained by the Tide, in his Return he was attack’d by several Boats, but he happily got through with the Loss of one Man killed & another wounded. The Remainder of the ministerial Troops, 3 of which are badly wounded, he brought off Prisoners, with 10 Tories all of whom are on their Way to Springfield Gaol. The Riffle Men in these Skirmish lost one Man who we hear is a Prisoner in Boston Gaol—The Enemy in Return endeavoured to surprize our Guard at Roxbury, but they being apprized of it by a Deserter, had Time to prepare for it; but by some Negligence or Misconduct in the Officer of the Guard, they burnt the George Tavern on the Neck; & have every Day since been cannonading us from their Lines both at Roxbury & Charlestown, but with no other Effect than the Loss of two

Men—On our Part except straggling Fires from the small Arms about the Lines which we endeavour to restrain, we have made little or no Return. Our Situation in the Article of Powder is much more alarming than I had the most distant Idea of. Having desired a Return to be made out on my Arrival, of the Ammunition, I found 303½ Bbbl’s of Powder mentioned as in the Store: But on ordering a new Supply of Cartridges yesterday, I was informed to my very great Astonishment, that there was no more than 36 Bbbls of the Massachusetts Store, which with the Stock of Rhode Island, New Hampshire & Connecticut makes 9937 lb. not more than 9 Rounds a Man: As there had been no Consumption of Powder since, that could in any Degree account for such a Deficiency, I was very particular in my Inquiries, & found that the Committee of Supplies, not being sufficiently acquainted with the Nature of a Return, or misapprehending my Request, sent in an Account of all the Ammunition, which had been collected by the Province so that the Report included not only what was in Hand, but what had been spent. Upon discovering this Mistake, I immediately went up to confer with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, upon some Measures to obtain a Supply from the neighbouring Townships, in such a Manner, as might prevent our Poverty being known as it is a Secret of too great Consequence to be divulged in the general Court, some Individual of which might perhaps indiscreetly suffer it to escape him, so as to find its Way to the Enemy the Consequences of which, are terrible even in Idea—I shall also write to the Governours of Rhode Island, & Connecticut, & the Committee of Safety in New Hampshire on this Subject, urging in the most forcible Terms, the Necessity of an immediate Supply if in their Power. I need not enlarge on our melancholy Situation; it is sufficient that the Existence of the Army, & the Salvation of the Country, depends upon something being done for our Relief both speedy and effectual, & that our Situation be kept a profound Secret.
In the Inclosures (No. 2 & 3) I send the Allowance of Provisions &c., made by the Provinces of Connecticut & Massachusetts, the Mode & Quantity are different from what has fallen within my Experience, & I am confident must prove very wasteful, & expensive. If any Alteration can be safely made, (which I much doubt) there might be a great Saving to the publick.

A Gentleman of my Family, assisted by a Deserter who has some Skill in Fortification, has by my Direction sketch’d out two Draughts of our respective Lines, at Charles Town & Roxbury, which with the Explanations will convey some Idea of our Situation, and I hope prove acceptable to the Members of the honourable Congress. They are the Inclosures (No. 4 & 5).
Since I had the Honour of addressing you last, I have been applied to, by a Committee of the General Court for a Detachment of the Army, to protect the Inhabitants of the Eastern Parts of this Province, from some apprehended Depredations on their Coasts—I could have wish’d to have complied with their Request but after due Consideration, & consulting the General Officers, together with those Members of Congress, who are here, I thought it my Duty to excuse myself. The Application, & my Answer are the Inclosures No. 6 & 7 which I hope will be approved by the honourable Congress.
Since I began this Letter, the Original of which the Inclosure No. 8 is a Copy, fell into my Hands; as the Writer is a Person of some Note in Boston, & it contains some Advices of Importance not mentioned by others, I thought proper to forward it as I received it. By comparing the Handwriting with another Letter, it appears the Writer is one Belcher Noyes, a Person probably known to some of the Gentlemen Delegates from this Province; who can determine from his Principles & Character what Credit is due to him.
The Army is now formed into three grand Divisions, under the Command of the Generals Ward Lee & Puttnam. Each Division into two Brigades, consisting of about 6 Regiments each, commanded by Generals Thomas, & Spencer at Roxbury; Heath at Cambridge, Sullivan & Green at Winter Hill. By this you will please to observe, there is a Deficiency of one Brigadier General, occasioned by Mr Pomroys not acting under his Commission, which I beg may be filled up as soon as possible. I observe the Honbe Congress have also favoured me with the Appointment of three Brigade Majors; I presume they have, or intend to appoint the rest soon, as, they cannot be unacquainted that one is necessary to each Brigade, & in a new raised Army it will be an Office of great Duty & Service.
General Gage has at length liberated the People of Boston, who land in Numbers at Chelsea every Day, the Terms on which

the Passes are granted as to Money Effects & Provisions correspond with Mr Noyes’s Letter.
We have several Reports that General Gage is dismantling Castle William and bringing all the Cannon up to Town, but upon a very particular Inquiry, Accounts are so various that I cannot ascertain the Truth of it.
I am sorry to be under a Necessity of making such frequent Examples among the Officers where a Sense of Honour, & the Interest of their Country might be expected to make Punishment unnecessary. Since my last, Capt. Parker of Massachusetts for Frauds both in Pay, & Provisions, & Capt. Gardiner of Rhode Island for Cowardice in running away from his Guard on an Alarm, have been broke. As nothing can be more fatal to an Army, than Crimes of this kind; I am determined by every Motive of Reward & Punishment to prevent them in future.
On the first Instt a Chief of the Cagnewaga Tribe, who lives about 6 Miles from Montreal, came in here, accompanied by a Col: Bayley of Cohoss. His Accounts of the Temper & Disposition of the Indians, are very favourable. He says they have been strongly sollicited by Govr Carlton, to engage against us, but his Nation is totally averse: Threats, as well as Intreaties have been used without Effect. That the Canadians are well disposed to the English Colonies, and if any Expedition is meditated against Canada the Indians in that Quarter will give all their Assistance. I have endeavoured to cherish these favourable Dispositions, & have recommended to him to cultivate them on his Return. What I have said, I enforced with a Present which I understood would be agreeable to him, and as he is represented to be a Man of Weight, & Consequence in his own Tribe: I flatter myself his Visit will have a good Effect. His Accounts of Govr Carltons Force & Situation at St Johns correspond with what we have already had from that Quarter.
The Accession of Georgia, to the Measures of the Congress is a happy Event & must give a sincere Pleasure to every Friend of America.
August 5th.
We have Accounts this Morning of two Explosions at the Castle, so that its Destruction may now be supposed certain.
I have this Morning been alarmed with an Information that two Gentlemen from Philada [(]Mr Hitchbourn & Capt. White)

with Letters for General Lee & my⟨se⟩lf have been taken by Capt. Ayscough at Rhode Island, the Letters intercepted & sent forward to Boston with the Bearers as Prisoners. That the Captain exulted much in the Discoveries he had made & my Informer who was also in the Boat but released understood them to be the Letters of Consequence. I have therefore dispatch’d the Express immediately back, tho’ I had before resolved to detain him till Fessendens Return. I shall be anxious till I am relieved from the Suspence I am in as to the Contents of those Letters.
It is exceedingly unfortunate that Gentlemen should chuse to travel the only Road on which there is Danger. Let the Event of this be what it will I hope it will serve as a general Caution against trusting any Letters that Way in future.
Nothing of Consequence has occurr’d in the Camp these two Days. The Inhabitants of Boston continue coming out at Chelsea but under a new Restriction that no Men shall come out without special Licence which is refused to all Mechanicks since the Tory Labourers were taken at the Light House. I have the Honou⟨r to⟩ be Sir, Your most Obed. obliged & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to a Committee of the Massachusetts Council, 4 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Committee of the Massachusetts Council

Gentn
Camp at Cambridge Augt 4th 1775.

Inclosed you have an Extract of such parts of my Instruction’s as I conceive you want to be informed in—I did not know whether, as the proceedings of the Congress are not yet made publick, how far I was at liberty to communicate what I have—further I cannot go at present. I beg the favour of you to make a tender of my best respects to your honourable board & do me the justice to believe that I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt & Mo⟨st⟩H. Ser.

Go: Washington

P.S. There are now at this place two or three Surgeons from Philadelphia, very powerfully recommended to me by some of the Delegates of the Continental Congress to be provided for; if you should want such, & will signify the same I will inform them thereof—they are strangers to me, but have the appearance of Gentlemen & strongly recommended as men of knowledge in their profession. Yrs &ca

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Lewis Morris, 4 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Lewis

Dr Sir,
Camp at Cambridge Augt 4th 1775.

I have been favoured with your Letter of the 18th Ulto by Messrs Ogdan & Burr, & wish it was in my power to do that justice to the merits of those Gentlemen which you think them entitled to—whenever it is, I shall not be unmindful of your recommendations—The two or three appointments with which I

have been honour’d by the Congress were partly engaged before I receiv’d your Letter, & you will please to recollect, that the Ultimate appointment of all other Officers, is vested in the Governments in which the Regiments were originally raised; I can venture to pronounce therefore, that few Commissions in this army will be disposed of out of the four New England Governments; the good policy & justice of which, you may judge of as well as I can: As Volunteers from any other Colonies however deserving they may be of notice, or to be considered on acct of the Expenc⟨e⟩ which they are run to, will stand little chance whilst their is an application from any Person of the Government from whence the Regiment came. admitting this to be the case, & I believe hardly any one will doubt it, had not the Congress better reserve these appointments in their own hands? it will be putting the matter upon a much larger bottom, and giving merit a better chance; nor do I see any Inconvenience arising from it, as it is highly presumable that during the continuance of these disturbances the Congress will be chiefly sitting, or acting by a Committee, from whence Commissions might be as easily obtained as from a Provencial Assembly or Congress—I have taken the liberty of suggesting this matter, as I conceive the Service will be infinitely promoted thereby; as merit only, without a regard to Country, will entitle a Man to preferment when, & so often as vacancy’s may happen—Having wrote fully to the Congress respecting the State of publick affairs I shall refer you to that Letter & am with great regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Trent, 4 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trent, William

Dr Sir,
Camp at Cambridge Augt 4th 1775

Your Letter of the 22d Ulto came to my hands a few days ago—the hurry of business in which General Gates necessarily got Involved immediately upon his arrival at this Camp put your Memorandum out of his head; which was a matter of no consequence, as Colo. Mercer is already fully advertised of every circumstance relative to the Sale of his Estate.
As I have none of the Papers with me, I cannot from Memory, recollect the particulars, or give answers to the sevl queries you have propounded; but, as I have before observed, a circumstantial

acct was transmitted to the Colonel before I left Virginia in May. His Estate to the best of my recollection sold for upwards of £14,000 & was thought scarce sufficient to answer the Mortgages upon it in England & Virginia—it was sold at 12 Months Credit in November last, so that no Money will be due till next Novr; consequently none can be remitted sooner; & whether, in these times of publick distress & confusion, there can be any collection made I am unable to say. I am very glad to hear of the acquisition of Powder in So. Carolina—& am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 4 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Camp at Cambridge August 4th 1775

I am favoured [with] yours of the 31st July informing me that the new Levies were coming forward with all Expedition; As the Enemy has lain longer inactive than I expected I hope they will arrive in Time to give us their Assistance.
My Last Letter from the Honble Continental Congress recommends my procuring from the Colonies of Rode Island & Connecticut a Quantity of Tow Cloth for the Purpose of making Indian or Hunting Shirts for the Men, many of whom are very destitute [of] Cloathing, A Pattern is herewith sent you and I must request you to give the necessary Directions throughout your Government that all the Cloath of the above kind may be bought up for this Use & suitable Persons set to work to make it up, As soon as any Number is made worth the Conveyance you will please to direct them to be forwarded, It is designed as a Species of Uniform—both cheap & convenient.
We have had no Transactions of any Consequence in the Camp since my last, but what are in the public Papers, & are related with tolerable Accuracy.
I am now sir, in strict Confidence to Acquaint you that our Necessaties in the Articles of Powder, Lead & Flints are so great as to require an immediate Supply—I must earnestly intreat you will fall upon some Measures to forward to us every Ounce in the Province that can possibly be spared, It is not within the Propriety or Safety of such a Correspondence to say what I might upon the Subject. It is sufficient that the Cause loudly calls for the most strenuous Exertions of every Friend to his Country and does not admit of the least Delay. No Quantity however small is beneath Notice & should any arrive I beg it may be forwarded to us as fast as possible.
This Express having left his horse at Hartford is under a Necessity of going that way. I am Sir, with much Regard Your Most Obedt Humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Duché, 5 August 1775
From: Duché, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia, August 5th 1775

You will find by the inclosed, that I have taken the Liberty to inscribe to you a Sermon, which I lately preached to the First Battalion of our City commanded by Col. Dickinson; not doubting, but under the Sanction of your name, it will meet with the Public Candour.
If the Manner in which I have treated the Subject should have the least good Influence upon the Hearts & Actions of the Military Freemen of America, or should add one more virtuous Motive to those, by which, I trust, they are already actuated, it will be the best Return I can receive from my Fellow-Citizens, for this little Labour of Love.
I have long been an Admirer of your amiable Character, and was glad of this Opportunity of paying you my little Tribute of Respect.
My Prayers are continually for you, and the brave Troops under your Command. O my dear General! Would to God a speedy and happy Reconciliation could be accomplished without the Effusion of one more Drop of valuable Blood[.] I know well, that your Humanity, and Christian Meekness, would ever

prompt you to form the same benevolent Wish; and that the Love of Military Glory will in your Breast always give Way to the Love of Peace, when it can be virtuously and honourably obtained.
May Heaven crown all your truly Patriotic Undertakings with Success, cover your Head in the Day of Danger, and restore you unhurt to the Arms of your friends and your Country. I am, with the sincerest Esteem & Veneration Your Excellency’s most obedient Humble Servant

Jacob Duché


Title: To George Washington from James Warren, 5 August 1775
From: Warren, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Watertown [Mass.] Augt 5. 1775

I am Just Informed that Mr Benja. Hitchburne A Young Gentn from Philadelphia has been Intercepted by A Capt. of one of the Men of War at Newport. who took from him two Letters to your Excellency, & one to Me. what they Contained I cant say—they have sent him A Prisoner to Boston and the Bearer says he is now in Goal there. I could Wish any Method could be devised for his Liberation. he is A Native of Boston. & by profession A Lawyer. I am Sir with the Greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humbe Servt

Jas Warren


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 6 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 6 Aug. 1775. On the night of 6 Aug., Baldwin informed GW: “I wrote you a Scroll from Malding this afternoon.”


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 6 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Baldwin, Loammi

 Letter not found: to Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 6 Aug. 1775. On 6 Aug. Baldwin wrote to GW: “I have Just Receivd your Excellencies Letter of this Evening.”


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 6 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] Augt 6th 1775 Sunday Night 12 oClock
May it Please your Excellency

I wrote you a Scroll from Malding this afternoon[.] The hurry I was in to return back to Chelsea again, the Inconveniances for writing I hope will Excuse me.
I think it my duty to give your Excellency a more full & Particular account of this affair[.] Between 4 & 5 Clock I heard the report of Cannon from the floating Battery’s & Soon found they were upon the move[.] I emediatly ordered all the Companies to turn out & March down toward the ferry (Winisimit I mean) & I would ride forward and make what Discoveries I could, which I did, When I came to Greens Hill Point, I saw the Buildings at Penny ferry in flames, I was then within Larg Muskit Shot of Bunker Hill, & not but about 20 rods from Malding Point Sentry Box, the mouth of a Larg Crick between, & to go round was 4 Miles, I turnd Back and came to the Men (3 companes only the other was about 1½ miles off towards Chelsea Beach) ordred a detachment of an officer & 20 Men to Join the Main Guard then at the ferry Ways and go emediatly up to the top of Greens Hill & watch the Motions of the enimy and if they Should attempt to land to Salute them with Powder & Ball in the most Vigourous maner[.] the Main body was at a Certain Corner in the road near the Ferry with orders for part (in case of an ingagement) to go to there assistance while the remaining few was to Assend a Neighbouring Hill to the eastward & Guard their Retreat[.] These Orders being given with all possable dispatch, I proceeded to Malding as quick as possable found that Capt. Lindsey was gone home, & his Company dispersd, all but a few with the Lieut. was down at the House that was Burnt[.] I went to him and enquired into the matter who Informd me that the Capt. was gone Home & near one half the Company was fled & where they were gone he could not tell, I ordred him to Rally his Company & Guard his Post which he Seem’d willing & ready to preform as far as Lay in his Power.

The Floating Batterys & Boats were by this time got over to the Enimys Shore and a considerable number of Men Paraded on the Bank & Beach near the Boats[.] I was anxious to Return to Chelsea had an oppertunity to Write which I did by Mr Chamberlin who was able to give some more full account than what I wrote in so great a hurry, I then went back to Chelsea & ordered a Guard of about 20 Men Including Office[r]s to go up to Malding Point & plant a Sufficient number of Sentrys to Guard the Place also ordred all the Guards (at Chelsea) doubled. we have no less than 4 Guards here in diferent Places also ordred all the Officers & men to turn out tomorrow morning Just before Day[.] I hope to be one with them.
I came up from the ferry about 10 oClock this Evening was informd thire, that the Large flat Bottomd Boat & Bearge (that went full of Men with the floating Batterys to burn the House) was Returnd to Boston on the Ships Just in the Grey of the Evening.
I have Just Receivd your Excellencis Letter of this Evening which Mentions 50 Regulars Landing. I cannot tell the number nor Certainly how the Houses were fired as Som People Say they Saw them Landed others Say they did not Land, but they saw the Corcare Set them on fire, but its my oppinion at Present that they Landed & set them on fire[.] your Excellency desires me to Make a Strict Enquiry into the Conduct of that Company which I was determined to do tomorrow & Shall Report.
If your Excellency Should have occasion to proceed with any of that company would Humbly Beg you would not Stile them Such or Such a one in Colonel Gerrishes Regiment as I think they never Properly belongd to sd Regiment and was Returned only as doing duty in Said Regiment.
Hoping Soon to give Your Excellency a more full account I Remain your Excellencys most Humbe And Obediant Servnt

Loammi Baldwin Lut. Col.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Boucher, 6 August 1775
From: Boucher, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
The Lodge, Aug. 6th, 1775.

Dear Sir,—I thought it far from the least pleasing circumstance attending my removal hither that it placed me in your immediate neighbourhood. For having now been happy in your acquaintance several years, I could not help considering myself, nor indeed help hoping that I was considered by you, as an old friend; and of course I counted on our living together in the pleasing intercourse of giving and receiving the mutual good offices of neighbourhood and friendship.
That things have turned out much otherwise I need not inform you. Mortified and grieved as I confess myself to be at this disappointment, I am by no means prepared to say that you are wholly to be blamed for it; nor, as I would fain hope you in your turn will own, is it entirely owing to any fault of mine. I can easily suppose at least that we neither of us think ourselves to blame; and yet I cannot help thinking that had I been in your place I should, in this as well as in other things, have taken a different part from that which you have chosen. Permit me, sir, as one who was once your friend, and at any rate as one not likely to be soon troublesome to you again in the same way, once more as a friend freely to expostulate with you. If I am still in the wrong, I am about to suffer such punishment as might satisfy the malice of even the most vindictive enemy; and if you are wrong, as in some degree I think you are, it is my duty frankly to tell you so, and yours to listen to me with patience.
On the great points so long and so fruitlessly debated between us it is not my design now again to solicit your attention. We have now each of us taken and avowed our side, and with

such ardour as becomes men who feel themselves to be in earnest in their convictions. That we should both be in the right is impossible, but that we both think we are we must in common candour allow. And this extreme difference of opinion between ourselves, where we have no grounds for charging each other with being influenced by any sinister or unworthy motives, should teach us no less candour in judging of and dealing by others in a similar predicament. There cannot be anything named of which I am more strongly convinced than I am that all those who with you are promoting the present apparently popular measures are the true enemies of their country. This persuasion, however, will by no means justify me, should I be so weak and wicked as to molest them while they do not molest me. I do not say this because I happen to be in what is called the minority, and therefore without any power of acting otherwise; it is the decision of truth and justice, and cannot be violated without doing violence to every system of ethics yet received in any civilized country. The true plan in such cases is for each party to defend his own side as well as he can by fair argument, and also, if possible, to convince his adversary: but everything that savours of, or but approaches to, coercion or compulsion is persecution and tyranny.
It is on this ground that I complain of you and those with whom you side. How large a proportion of the people in general think with you or think with me it is in none of our powers to ascertain. I believe, because I think I can prove it, that your party, to serve an obvious party purpose, exceedingly magnify the numbers of those whom they suppose to take part with you, and you tax us with doing the same. But there is this great, manifest, and undisputed difference between us. No Tory has yet in a single instance misused or injured a Whig merely for being a Whig. And whatever may be the boasted superiority of your party, it will not be denied that in some instances at least this has been in our power. With respect to Whigs, however, the case has been directly the reverse; a Tory at all in the power of a Whig never escapes ill treatment merely because of his being a Tory. How contrary all this is to all that liberty which Whigs are for ever so forward to profess need not be insisted on; it is so contrary to all justice and honour, that were there no other reasons to determine me against it, as there are thousands, I would

not be a Whig, because their principles, at least as I see them exemplified in practice, lead so directly to all that is mean and unmanly.
It is a general fault in controversial writers to charge all the errors of a party on every individual of that party. I wish to avoid the disgrace of so indiscriminate a judgment; and therefore have a pleasure in acknowledging that I know many Whigs who are not tyrants. In this number it is but doing you common justice to place you. I wish I could go on, and with equal truth declare that, whilst you forbear yourself to persecute your fellow subjects on the score of their political creeds, you had been as careful to discourage such persecution in others. Scorning to flatter, as much as I scorn to tax you wrongfully, I am bold thus openly to tell you I think you have much to answer for in this way. It is not a little that you have to answer for with respect to myself.
You know, and have acknowledged, the sincerity and the purity of my principles; and have been so candid as to lament that you could not think on the great points that now agitate our common country as I do. Now, sir, it is impossible I should sometimes avow one kind of principles and sometimes another. I have at least the merit of consistency; and neither in any private or public conversation, in anything I have written, nor in anything I have delivered from the pulpit, have I ever asserted any other opinions or doctrines than you have repeatedly heard me assert both in my own house and yours. You cannot say that I deserved to be run down, vilified, and injured in the manner which you know has fallen to my lot, merely because I cannot bring myself to think on some political points just as you and your party would have me think. And yet you have borne to look on, at least as an unconcerned spectator, if not an abettor, whilst, like the poor frogs in the fable, I have in a manner been pelted to death. I do not ask if such conduct in you was friendly: was it either just, manly, or generous? It was not: no, it was acting with all the base malignity of a virulent Whig. As such, sir, I resent it: and oppressed and overborne as I may seem to be by popular obloquy, I will not be so wanting in justice to myself as not to tell you, as I now do with honest boldness, that I despise the man who, for any motives, could be induced to act so mean a part. You are no longer worthy of my friendship: a man of

honour can no longer without dishonour be connected with you. With your cause I renounce you; and now for the last time subscribe myself, sir,

Your humble servant, Jonathan Boucher.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Palmer, 6 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Palmer, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Joseph Palmer, 6 Aug. 1775. On 7 Aug. GW wrote to Palmer: “Your favour of yesterday came duely to my hands.”


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 8 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] Aug. 8 1775 5 oClock P.M.
May it Please your Excellency

This covers the Observation of yesterday & today—I would Inform your Excellency that—A considerable number of the Kings Troops removed from Bunker Hill & pitched their Tents Towards the point near where the Battle was Fought at Charlestown and Cannon Hauld downe & Placed there, I have Seen a Large number of Men & Horses transported from Boston to Charlestown yesterday and to Day, am fully of the mind that they are determined upon taking Possession of Greens Hill. and Think very Soon. I am unhappy being in Such a situation as that it would be out of my Power to prevent it nothwithstanding every thing Should be done, possable for us to do, famous Character follow Success, & Infamous one Retreats Let the case and Circumstances be allmost what they will[.] I would Humbl[y] Beg your Excellency to consider our Situation & Suffer me to propos⟨e⟩ a Sufficiant number of men here to mount a Picket Gua⟨rd⟩ Just behind the Top of the Hill to consist of 80 or 100 men ready at a moments warning to repell or Impede them in there Landing but with Pleasure I submit it to your much Better Judgment, the Result of which I shall rest Content with, And your Excelleny may rest assured that what ever is in my power I shall preform towards the Distruction of our Enemis. This From your Excellencis most Humbl & obedient Servnt

Loammi Baldwin Lieut. Colo.

P.S. I was on my way to Head Quarters this forenoon to report the Conduct of Capt. Lindseys Company & Met General Lee on

the road who Informed me that he had proceed[ed] to put the Capt. under arrest and also Confind two men that wore the most Culpable and that he did not Look upon it necessary for me to proceed as he Should go himself and acquaint your Exccelleny with his Proceedure.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 8 August 1775
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Providence August 8th 1775
Sir

Last Evening Col. Porter delivered me your Letter of the 4th instant, to which I have paid all the Attention the Importance of it demands.
This Colony the last Fall, not confiding entirely in the precarious Supply of Powder that might be expected from the Merchants, imported a considerable Quantity, though not so large as was ordered. The supplying the Inhabitants, who were in a Manner utterly destitute, the Army near Boston, and our armed Vessels have so exhausted this Stock that the Powder now left which is all in this Place is greatly insufficient to resist even a short Attack upon it. Our Situation is the same with Respect to Lead. So that at present none of either Article can be spared from the Colony.
By a Vessel which arrived here on the 30th Ulto from Cape Francois we are informed that the Captain of the Vessel sent from this Port to the Cape for a Quantity of warlike Stores, in which the Committee of Safety for the Colony of the Massachusetts had interested themselves, had executed his Commission and was to sail with a large Quantity in a Day or Two, so that she may be hourly expected. This Colony about Four Weeks ago dispatched a suitable Vessel with Money to purchase Fifteen Tons of Powder and other warlike Stores, which may also soon be expected. Of these Vessels we have the highest Reason to think the Enemy have gained Intelligence; the Ships of War upon this Station having for several Days past cruized continually

off Block-Island, and from thence to Montauk-Point, and up the Sound. This hath made us think it absolutely necessary to send the smallest of our armed Sloops to cruize without the Ships of War and endeavour at all Hazards to speak with the Vessels expected with Powder, and order them to another Port. She will sail this Day. The other armed Sloop, by her being within the River, prevents the Cutters and Barges from committing Depredations; so that she cannot be spared: Nor indeed is a Vessel of her Force required for the Enterprize you mention. We have in this Harbor a very fine sailing Pacquet that would answer the Purpose extremely well; which might be equipped with Swivels, manned with about Twenty Men and be ready to sail in less than Two Days. But as I do not think it prudent that her sole Dependence should be upon getting Powder at Bermuda it will be necessary to send a Sum of Money to purchase a Quantity at some other Port in Case of a Disappointment at Bermuda. In the present State of the Colony I do not think it probable that a sufficient Sum can be procured here for that Purpose before the Sitting of the General Assembly; and therefore advise that Application be made to the General Court of the Massachusetts-Bay to advance Part of the Sum necessary. I believe we may be able to supply One Half the Sum here. Col. Porter hath been at Bedford and along the Eastern Shore, but can hear nothing of Harris. He is now bound as far as New-London to endeavour to meet with him; but is greatly apprehensive that he is fallen into the Hands of the Enemy.
We have Information that several Ship of War and Transports were the Day before Yesterday at New-London; and that the Country round were all arming and mustering. We also hear that they have taken some Stock off the East-End of Long-Island.
Sensible of the great Scarcity of Lead in the Country I some Time ago wrote to the Congress of the Massachusetts-Bay, and to our Delegates at the Continental Congress recommending that a Part of the large Quantity of Lead at Ticonderoga should be immediately brought down; and still think the Measure necessary.
I shall immediately give Orders to the Committee of Safety to purchase for the Use of the Colony all the Two-Cloth that can be had.

If the Powder supposed to be at Bermuda be private Property it must be immediately paid for. If not I imagine it will be settled with our other Disputes. This is a Matter that ought to be known and provided for. Upon further Consideration I am very doubtful whether a Vessel can be immediately provided with Men here; and therefore am of Opinion that Twenty five or Thirty Sailors had better be draughted from the Army & held in Readiness to embark immediately upon the Arrival of Harris.
This Letter waits upon you by my Son, whom I beg Leave to recommend to your favourable Notice. I am with very great Esteem, Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant

Nicho. Cooke


Title: From George Washington to the New York Provincial Congress, 8 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: New York Provincial Congress

⟨Gentlemen
Camp at Cambridge Augt 8–1775⟩

It mus⟨t give great Concern to any⟩ considerate Mind that when ⟨this whole Continent at⟩ a vast Expence of Blood & Treasure ⟨is endeavouring to⟩ establish its Liberties on the most se⟨cure and Solid Founda⟩tions not only by a laudable Oppositi⟨on of Force to Force⟩ but denying itself the usual Advantages ⟨of Trade, there⟩ are Men among us so basely sordid as to ⟨Counteract⟩ all our Exertions for the Sake of a little Ga⟨in. You⟩ cannot but have heard that the Distresses ⟨of the Minis⟩terial Troops for fresh Provisions & many other ⟨Necessaries⟩ at Boston were very great: It is a Policy just⟨ifiable by⟩ all the Laws of War to endeavour to increase ⟨them,⟩ Desertions, Discouragement & a Dissatisfaction w⟨ith⟩ the Service, besides weakning their Strength are ⟨some⟩ of the natural Consequences of such a Situation⟨: And⟩ if continued might afford the fairest Hope of ⟨Success⟩ without farther Effusion of human Blood. ⟨A Vessell⟩ cleared lately out of New York for St Croix wit⟨h fresh⟩ Provisions & other Articles has just gone into ⟨Boston⟩ instead of pursuing her Voyage to the We⟨st Indies. I have⟩ endeavoured to discover the Name of ⟨the Captain or Owner but as yet without Success. The Owner (it is said) went to St Croix before the Vessel from which & her late Arrival I make no Doubt you⟩ will be able to disco⟨ver & expose the Villain⟩—And if you could fall upon som⟨e effectual Measure⟩s to prevent the like in future it would ⟨be doing⟩ a signal Service to our common Country.
I have been endeavouring by every Means in ⟨my⟩ Power to discover the future Intentions of our Enemy here. I find a general Idea prevailing thro. the Army & in the Town of Boston that the Troops are soon to ⟨leave the Town & go to Some other Part of the Continent. New York is the Place generally mention’d as their⟩ Destination. I should think a Rumour or Suggestion of this kind worthy of very little Notice if it was not confirmed by some corresponding Circumstances⟨.⟩ But a four

Weeks total Inactivity with all their Reinforcements arrived & recruited, the daily Diminution by Desertions, Sickness & small Skirmishes, induce an Opinion that any Effort they propose to make will be directed elsewhere. I thought it proper ⟨jus⟩t to hint to you what is probably intended ⟨you will then consider what Regard is to be paid to it and what Steps will be proper for you to take if any.⟩ I am with grea⟨t Respect & Regard⟩ Gent. Your mos⟨t Obed:⟩ & v⟨ery hume Servt

G. W.⟩


Title: To George Washington from James Otis, Sr., 8 August 1775
From: Otis, James Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Council Chamber Watertown [Mass.] 8th Augst 1775.

The letter of August 7th which your Excellency was pleased to direct to me, has been Communicated to the General Court. they Intirely concur in opinion with your Excelly, that the Soldiers and Non-Commissioned officers, absenting themselves from their duty, must be of the most ruinous Consequences to the public, and are determined to exert all their powers to Compel such as have no impediment by Sickness, or other good Reason, to return to their duty immediately: and to prevent all others from absenting themselves without leave in writing under the hand of their Commanding Officer.
With regard to the prisoner your Excelly sent hither, the Court desire your Excelly would be pleased to give orders to

have the Witnesses of his conduct sent here to morrow morning at 9 oClock to attend a Committee appointed to examine that matter—I am with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt humbe Servt

James Otis


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 8 August 1775
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 8th Augt 1775

I received your favour of the 4th instant,—Observe the contents—The new Levies will come into camp in a short Space—save that on the present Emergency, so large a fleet appearing on our Coasts—I have Ordered Colo. Webb to leave one Captain with his Company at New-Haven for the present—In Addition to one quarter part of the Trained Soldiers of five of our Regiments lying on the Sea Coasts and Sound, to be officered, equip’t and in readiness to march at Minutes Warning.
Yesterday letters were sent to our Commissaries to buy up all the Toe Cloath in this Government for the purpose you mention—The Pattern will be sent from one to another that sutable persons may be employed to make up the Same, to be forw⟨arde⟩d as is directed.
It gave me pain to read your next paragraph not having it in my power to afford further assistance although it is hoped for, & expected every Day.
But I have now the relief and pleasu[r]e to congratulate you, on the supplies coming to you and going to Ty— & Crown Point. I am, with great Esteem and Regard Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 9 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 9th 1775.
Parole Rochester.Countersign, Plymouth.

The Commanding Officer of each Regiment, or Corps, is to send a Return at Orderly time, to morrow to the Adjutant General, of the number of Tents or boards, which are wanted to cover the men, that they may be provided as soon as possible. They are also to give in the Names of such of their men, who neither have received Blankets, or who lost them in the engagement, on Bunkers-hill.
As there are several Vacancies in the different Regiments, if there are any particular Gentlemen, who signalized themselves

in the Action on Bunkers hill, by their spirited behaviour and good conduct, and of which, sufficient proof is adduced to the General; He will, in filling up the Commissions, use his endeavours to have them appointed (if not already Commission’d) to some Office, or promoted if they are; as it will give him infinite pleasure at all times to reward Merit, wherever it is to be found.
Col. Learnerds Regiment to join General Thomas’s Brigade, and Col. Huntington’s to join General Spencer’s brigade.
Capt. Ballard of Col. Fryes Regiment tried by the late General Court Martial for “profane swearing and for beating, and abusing his men”: The Court find the Prisoner guilty, in two Instances of profane swearing and of beating his men, and therefore sentence him to pay, a Fine of Four Shillings, for each Offence.
Capt. Jesse Saunders of Col. Sargeants Regiment, tried by the late General Court Martial for “frequently drawing more Provisions, than he had men in his Company to consume; for forcing the Sentry, and taking away a Gun, the property of William Turner; and threatening the Life of Serjeant Connor, Cocking and presenting his Gun at him, when in the execution of his duty”—The Court are unanimously of Opinion, that the prisoner is guilty of the whole of the Charge, exhibited against him, and unanimously adjudge that he be forthwith cashiered. The General approves the above sentence, and orders them to be put in immediate execution.
To morrow the Rules and Articles form’d by the Hon: the Continental Congress for the Government of the Troops of the Twelve United Colonies; will be delivered out, to be distributed through the several Corps of the Army—They are to be signed by the several Officers of each Regiment, beginning with the Colonels, and then by the Soldiers; in the blank Leaves left for that purpose; and after they are so subscribed, they are to be deposited with the Captain of each Company—If there are any Officers, or Soldiers, who refuse to sign them, their Names, the Company’s & Regiments to which they respectively belong, are to be reported to the Commander in Chief without delay.
Mr John Goddard is appointed by the Commander in Chief; Waggon Master General to the Army of the Twelve United Colonies, and is to be obeyed as such.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 9 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Camp at Cambridge August 9th 1775

From some late Intelligence out of Boston & sundry corroborating Circumstances, there is great Reason to suspect, that the Ministerial Troop intend either to make a Diversion to the Southward, or wholly to remove—If they should do either, it is most probable New York is the Place of their Destination; I therefore think it most Adviseable, that the Troop of your Colony who have not yet march’d, or may easely be recalled, should wait further Orders—You will therefore Sir be pleased

to give the necessary Directions for this Purpose As soon as possible.
No Occurrence in the Camp of any Consequence since I had the Pleasure of addressing you last. I am with due Regard Your most Obedt humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: General Orders, 10 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 10th 1775.
Parole Schuylkill.Countersign, Richmond.

It is a matter of exceeding great Concern to the General, to find, that at a time when the united efforts of America are exerting in defence of the common Rights and Liberties of mankind, that there should be in an Army constituted for so noble a purpose, such repeated Instances of Officers, who lost to every sense of honour and virtue, are seeking by dirty and base means, the promotion of their own dishonest Gain, to the eternal Disgrace of themselves, and Dishonour of their country—practices of this sort will never be overlooked, whenever an Accusation is lodged, but the Authors brought to the most exemplary punishment: It is therefore much to be wish’d, that the Example of Jesse Saunders, late Captain in Col. Sergeants regiment, will prove the last shameful Instance of such a groveling disposition, and that for the future, every Officer for his own Honour, and the sake of an injured Public, will make a point of detecting every iniquitous practice of this kind; using their utmost endeavours in their several Capacities, to lessen the Expence of the War, as much as possible, that the great Cause in which we are struggling may receive no Injury from the enormity of the expence.
The several Pay Masters are immediately to ascertain, what pay was due to the different Regiments and Corps, on the first

day of this Instant, that each Man may receive his respective due, as soon as the Money arrives to pay them. It is earnestly recommended that great Exactness be used in these settlements, First, that no man goes without his pay, and next, that not one farthing more be drawn than what is justly due; after this the pay may be drawn once a Month, or otherwise, as shall be found most convenient, in the mean while the Soldiers need be under no Apprehension of getting every Farthing that is justly their due: It is therefore expected that they do their duty with that cheerfulness and alacrity, becoming Men, who are contending for their Liberty, Property and every thing that is valuable to Freemen, and their posterity.


Title: To George Washington from the Officers of Colonel Samuel Gerrish’s Regiment, 10 August 1775
From: Officers of Colonel Samuel Gerrish’s Regiment
To: Washington, George

Camps at Chelsea, Malden, Medford, and Sewells Point [Mass.], the 10th Aug., 1775.

Your Excellencies’ humble petitioners, We, the Subscribers, Officers of the Regiment, Commanded by Colonell Samuell Gerrish, Esqr.: formerly in the Massachusetts Colony Service, now in the Continental, humbly beg Leave to inform your Excellency, that the most, and even more than 2 thirds of us, have been here in actual Service, since the Beginning of the Campaign, and been to a vast Deal of Expense, and not receiv’d one farthing of our pay; we therefore humbly petition your Excellency would make just provision, that we might at least receive some part of our pay, it being impossible for us,—some being at a great Distance from home,—to subsist without it; relying on your Excellency’s kind Compliance, we think it an honour to

subscribe ourselves, Your Excellency’s Most humble, and most obedient Servants,

Thomas Mighill, Capt.
T. Baker, Jr., Capt.
Thos. Pike, Lieut.
Tho. Cumming, Lieut.
Mark Cresey, Lieut.
Caleb Robinson, Lieut.
Mica (?) Hoit, Lieut.
Jonas Johnson, Lieut.
all at Sewel’s point.


Title: From George Washington to Peter Van Brugh Livingston, 10 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Peter Van Brugh

⟨Sir
Camp at Cambridge Augt 10: 1775⟩

Your Fa⟨vor of the 2d Inst. is⟩ duly received, but it is out of ⟨my Power to Comply⟩ with the Request it contains, of f⟨orwarding Com⟩missions. All those I have yet rece⟨ived from the⟩ Honble Continental Congress, are far short ⟨of the Number⟩ required in this Army: for which Rea⟨son when⟩ at New York, & by Letter from this, I direct⟨ed Genl⟩ Schuyler to apply to the

Congress at Phila. ⟨for⟩ those of his Department, as the shortest & ea⟨siest⟩ Mode—To which I must also now refer y⟨ou.⟩
We have had no Occurrence in the Camp for several Days worthy of Notice: But by some Advices from Boston, & several concurring Ci⟨rcum⟩stances; we have great Reason to suspect a P⟨art⟩ or the whole of the ministerial Troops are a⟨bout⟩ to remove: New York is the Place generally ⟨talkd⟩ of as their Destination: I give y⟨ou the In⟩telligence as it came to m⟨e, but do not vouch for it’s Authenticity. I a⟩m with the most re⟨spectful Regar⟩ds to yourself & the Body over wh⟨om you pres⟩ide Sir, Your most Obedt & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain Levi Spaulding’s Company, 10 August 1775
From: Captain Levi Spaulding’s Company
To: Washington, George

Winter Hill [Mass.] 10 August 1775.

The subscribers commend “the conduct and undaunted courage of William Lee” at the Battle of Bunker Hill. “He not only fought well himself but give good advice to the men, to place themselves in right order and to stand their ground well, the said William Lee belonging to Capt. Spauldin’s company in Colo. Reed’s Regiment, and is the first or orderly sergeant of Capt. Spaulding’s company and as their is a vacancie in the same company by a Lieut[’s]. Death, it is desired for the Ensign to take his place, and sergeant Lee to take the Ensign’s or second Lieut.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 10 August 1775
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Camp at Roxbury [Mass.] 10 August 1775

“Capt. Baldwin, the Bearer hereof, has been for three Months past engaged as an Engineer in the Service of the united Colonies. he was upon Bunker’s Hill, & behaved very well thro’ the Engagment. . . . He has no Birth in the Army, If any Vacancy presents, & he can be advanced I doubt not he will do Honor to his Office.”


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Ward, 10 August 1775
From: Ward, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

c.10 August 1775

“A Return of the Names of some of the Officers and Gentlemen in Genl Wards Regimt who Distinguish’d themselves by Valour and Courage in the Days of Engagement:” Capt. Seth Washburn, Capt. Samuel Wood, Lt. Loring Lincoln, and Lt. Joseph Livermore, all at Bunker Hill; “Mr Thomas Davison a Volunteer in the Service, and Lieutenant in the Malitia,” at Hog Island, Bunker Hill, and Light House Island. Ward requests that Davison “may have one of the Small Arms with the Accoutrements belonging to the same that was taken at the Light House Island.”


Title: General Orders, 11 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 11th 1775
Parole Tunbridge.Countersign Squantum.

Complaints having been made by the Inhabitants to the East of Watertown, that their Gardens are robb’d, their Fields laid waste, and Fences destroyed; Any Person who shall for the future be detected in such flagitious, wicked practices, will be punished without mercy.
The Commander in Chief has been pleased to appoint Stephen Moylan Esqr. to be Muster Master General to the Army of the United Colonies; he is in all things touching his duty, as Muster, Master General, to be consider’d and obeyed as such.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 11 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] 11th August 1775
May it please your Excellency.

Your Excellency will excuse my not sending the Observations Yesterday, as the Docter had one of the Express Horses to Cambridge for medicine for the Sick, which prevented it; for as there was nothing extraordinary in the Observations, I thought it of less consequence that they should not be sent to headquarters, than that we should be left without any Horse to go on Express in case any thing extraordinary should happen.
Inclos’d your Excellency will find the observations of the Day, as also of the 9th and 10th inst. I am, with the utmost Respect, Your Excellency Most Obedient Humble Servant
Loammi Baldwin Commandg Officer at Chelsea


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 11 August 1775
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence August 11th 1775.

Since my last to you Mr Ward One of the Delegates hath returned from the Congress. He informs me that some of the Bermudians had been at Philadelphia soliciting for Liberty to import Provisions for the Use of the Island. They gave Information of the Powder mentioned in your Letter to me, and were of Opinion it might be easily obtained. They were told by the Delegates that every Vessel they should send to the Northward with Powder should be permitted to carry Provisions to the Island. Whether their Situation will not probably prevent them from bringing the Powder I submit to your Excellency. Mr Porter, and Mr Harris are both here. To Mr Porter who can fully inform you in the Matter I refer you.
I have forwarded about 1300 lb. of Lead which is all that can be procured at present; that Article being extremely scarce among us. In my last to you I mentioned that I thought it might be brought from Ticonderoga with more Ease than it can be procured in any other Way; and am still of the same Opinion.
I have given Orders to the Committee of Safety to purchase all the Tow-Cloth that is to be bought in the Government; but am afraid the Quantity will be small; the Scarcity of course Linens in the Colony having occasioned a great Use of that Article in Families. I am with great Esteem, Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Nicho. Cooke


Title: To George Washington from a Committee of the Massachusetts Council, 11 August 1775
From: Committee of the Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

In Council [Watertown, Mass.] August 11th 1775.
May it please your Excellency,

We have taken into consideration the Honble Govr Cooke’s Lettr which your Excellency furnished us with; & by the Honble John Adam’s Esqr. from the American Congress, we are informed, that the Powder mention’d, has been Sent for, & is, probably, now on the Water; & Provisions are allow’d to be exported, in Pay for that article.
We have also considered your Excellency’s message by Colo. Read; and acquaint your Excellency, that provision is made for finishing the Payment of the advanced Wages promised to the Troops; they have the liberty to take up of the Commissary, half their Wages; much has been taken up, & they have not had encouragement for any other payment ’till the end of the Campaign, & we apprehend, that they do not expect it: If they Shou’d be paid up to the first of August, it wou’d require a Settlement with ’em individually, which cannot now be attended to, without injuring the public Service.
As to Vacancies of Commissions in the Army, we wou’d beg the favour of your Excellency to give us the earliest notice of Such as may happen in the Massachusetts Troops, & we will diligently attend to the matter, so that such Persons may be commissionated as will best promote the good of their particular Corps, & the general Service.
And as to the Prisoners, we wou’d recommend to your Excellency, that such of ’em as are of least importance, may be Secured in the Jails of Ipswich & Taunton; but there is a certain

Ichabod Jones, & some officers, which, we think, had better be Sent to Northampton Jail, or other inland place of Security: And we doubt not your Excellencys care to prevent such Prisoners being exchanged, as may be eminently serviceable to our Enemies.
And as to the Contracts made by the Comtee of Supplies, we see not how, in honour, they can be vacated, without the consent of both parties; but if in this, or any thing else, we can assist your Exellency, to promote the general Service, you may be assured that we shall chearfully meet your warmest wishes.

J. Palmer Chairman


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 11 August 1775
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 11th Augt 1775

Yesterday 12 O’clo. received your Letter ⅌ Majr Johnson.
Immediately gave the necessary Directions, Some Companies I ordered to New London; others to New-Haven—Colo. Webb with the Companies that way if not marched to take his Station at Greenwich—Same day at 11 O’clo. received a Letter from Brigr General Wooster, dated the 9th at the Oyster Ponds on

Long Island, he had with him 450 men besides Militia, designing to preserve the Stock at that Place—The Ships were then plundering Gardiner’s Island—The People on the Island had left it—He applied to me for 300 lb. Powder—before I had made my Answer and Order for the Powder—which I gave notwithstanding Our exhausted Condition—On receipt of your’s inserted an Extract from it for his Observation.
I am informed a Quantity of Powder for the Camp is to be at Hartford this Evening, and more to follow Soon—We have none lately arrived, which is daily expected—I request your Direction that of the Next quantity that comes to Hartford there may be lodged there so much as you shall judge Expedient—If what is expected do arrive in the mean Time Shall have no occasion to use your Allowance. I am, most respectfully Sir—Your most Obedient very humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 11 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, c.11 Aug. 1775. On 15 Oct. 1775 Lund Washington wrote to GW: “in the one [letter] of the 17th of Augst you speak of haveg wrote one abt the 11th.”


Title: General Orders, 12 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Augt—12th 1775
Parole Ulster.Countersign Torrington


Title: From George Washington to John Brown, 12 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Brown, John

Sir,
Camp at Cambridge Augt 12th 1775.

I am exceedingly obliged to you for the Notice of your Ships Sailing for London—I have availd myself of the oppertunity of writing a Letter to a Gentn in England which I beg leave to recommend to your care. Your Letter to Mr Loyd shall be sent into Boston by the first Flag that goes with Letters & this happens every day almost. I have nothing further to give you the trouble of at present than to assure you that I am Sir Yr Most Obedt & Ob⟨liged⟩ Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Desambrager, 12 August 1775
From: Desambrager, ——
To: Washington, George

Mon General
cap ce 12 aoust 1775

Monsieur Le Chevallier Derueville a Eu Lhonneur de vous Ecrire pour vous offrir Ses Services et ceux de trois de Ses camarades dont je Suis du nombre; Lenvie que nous avons de nous distinguer nous fait desirer de Servir Sous vos ordres; nous Servons dans un regiment ou nous Sommes aimés et Estimes de nos Superieurs[.] Sy vous acceptez nos Services nous ferons notre possible pour meriter la même consideration. nous ne parlons pas Lenglois, Lenvie que nous avons de nous rendre util nous fait Esperer que nous ne Serions pas Longtemp Sans nous faire Entendre.
Nous attendons vos ordres. je Suis avec respec Votre tres humble et obeissant Serviteur
Desambrager Lieutenant en Second au regiment du cap


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 12 August 1775
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 12th August 1775

Since my Letter of Yesterday, desiring an Allowance to retain at Hartford such quantity of Powder as you shall judge expedient out of the next that comes; I have received a Letter from the Honble Henry Middleton, and Edward Rutledge dated Hartford August 11th 1775 informing that a Company of Rifflemen with eight Waggon Loads of Powder have come into that Town and the Article of which they have the Charge would be absolutely necessary at New-York in case an Attack should be made upon that Colony; Suggesting the Propriety of sending off an Express to you informing of their Situation and to Obtain An Order to Stay the Refflemen and detain the Powder there, as most likely to be conducive to the public Safety. All Circumstances considered, I have directed two Waggons of Powder to be detained, ’till your Excellency’s Orders are received—The Rifflemen to proceed with the Other Six—You will soon have the pleasure to See those Two Gentlemen at Camp. I am, with great Truth and Regard Sir Your most Obedient very humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 13 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] Augt 13th 1775
May it please your Excellency

I herewith Send two men who deserted from The Lively Man of War this morning about 3 oClock and was taken up by our Guard at Chelsea Beach & conducted to me by a file of men.
We have had a Small brush with the Enemy to day which began about 12 oClock and ended about ¼ of One occassioned by 2 Bearges & 2 Sail Boats going unto the floating Batterys that Lay near neck of Land Charlestown and bareing rather to near Malding Point[.] Supose Capt. Lindseys Company Suspected they had Some Evel designe, or a mind to Reveng passed Injuries gave them a prety Smart fire which made them return

down the River and with there Swivel guns & Smal arms began a fire at our Chelsea Soldiers who returnd the fire Briskly haveing been alarmd by the first fireing at Malding[.] one of the Sail Boats Came round near to the old Wreck upon Winnessemet when we gave them the Best we had, and they Soon made of down among the Shiping & the fireing Ceased[.] we Sufferred no Damage by them[.] there was a great number of Balls Struck one of the Boats & belive wounded if not killed Some of the men, Some of our men declare they saw a number drop as if they were Shot dead whin a Volley was fired from our men its certain they nevr appeard much in Sight again.
nothing Extraordinary has appeard Since I Send the Observation as Usual. I am with much Esteem Your Excellenys most Obediant Humbe Servnt

Loammi Baldwin Lieut. [Colonel] 1775


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant General Thomas Gage, 13 August 1775
From: Gage, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 13th August 1775.

To the Glory of Civilized Nations, humanity and War have been compatible; and Compassion to the subdued, is become almost a general system.
Britons, ever preeminent in Mercy, have outgone common examples, and overlooked the Criminal in the Captive. Upon these principles your Prisoners, whose Lives by the Laws of the

Land are destined to the Cord, have hitherto been treated with care and kindness, and more comfortably lodged then the King’s Troops in the Hospitals, indiscriminately it is true, for I Acknowledge no Rank that is not derived from the King.
My intelligence from your Army would justify severe recrimination. I understand there are of the King’s faithfull Subjects, taken sometime since by the Rebels, labouring like Negro Slaves, to gain their daily Subsistence, or reduced to the Wretched Alternative, to perish by famine, or take Arms against their King and Country. Those who have made the Treatment of the Prisoners in my hands, or of your other Friends in Boston, a pretence for such Measures, found Barbarity upon falsehood.
I would willingly hope Sir, that the Sentiments of liberality, which I have always believed you to possess, will be exerted to correct these misdoings. Be temperate in political disquisition, give free Operation to truth, and punish those who decieve and misrepresent, and not only the effects, but the Causes of this unhappy Conflict will be removed.
Should those under whose usurped Authority you Act, controul such a disposition, and dare to call severity retaliation, to God who knows all hearts be the appeal for the dreadfull consequences. I trust that British Soldiers Asserting the rights of the State, the Laws of the Land, the being of the Constitution, will meet all Events with becoming fortitude. They will court Victory with the Spirit their cause inspires, and from the same Motive will find the patience of Martyrs under misfortune.
Till I read your insinuations in regard to Ministers, I concieved that I had acted under the King: Whose wishes, it is true, as well as those of his Ministers, and of every honest Man have been to see this unhappy Breach forever closed, but unfortunately for both Countrys, those who long since projected the present Crisis, and influence the Councils of America, have views very distant from Accomodation. I am, Sir, Your most Obedient humble Servant

Thos Gage


Title: General Orders, 14 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge August 14th 1775
Parole York.Countersign Yarmouth.

Major Thomas Mifflin, is appointed Quarter Master General, to the Army of the United Colonies: He is to be obeyed as such.
As the Troops are all to be mustered, as soon as possible, The Muster Master General, Stephen Moylan Esqr.; will deliver the Commanding Officer of each Regiment, thirty blank Muster Rolls upon Friday next, and directions for each Captain, how he is to fill up the blanks.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 14 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Camp at Cambridge August. 14th 1775.

Your Favors of the 8. & 11th Instant are duly received the former I laid before the General Court of this Province, but one of the Delegates having communicated to them, what Mr Ward did to you of the Proceedings of the continental Congress touching this Powder; nothing was done towards providing Specie, that the Vessel might proceed to other Places, in Case of Disappointment at the first. I am of Opinion, that the Collection of any considerable Sum here would be difficult in the Time proposed: And I think there is the less Necessity for it, as there are few Colonies who have not some Vessels out on this Errand, and will probably bring all that is at Markett. Having conversed with Collo. Porter and farther considered the Matter, I am of Opinion it ought to be prosecuted on the single Footing of procuring what is in the Magazine. The Voyage is short, our Necessity is great: The Expectation of being supplied by the Inhabitants of the Island under such Hazards as they must run, is slender: so that the only Chance of Success is by a Sudden Stroke. There is a great Difference between acquiescing in the Measure, and becoming Principals, the former we have great Reason to expect, the latter is doubtful. The Powder by all our Information is public Property, so that as you observe it may be settled with our other Accounts. The draughting Men from here would be very difficult, and endanger the Discovery of the Scheme. I am not clear that I have Power to send them off the Continent, and to engage them as Voluntiers, it would be necessary to make their Destination known. I should suppose the Captain who is to have the Direction of the Enterprize, would rather chuse to have Men whom he knew, and in whom he could confide in Preference to Strangers. From what Collo. Porter informs me, I do not see that Harris’s Presence is absolutely necessary, and as his Terms would add considerably to the Expence, after obtaining from him all the Intelligence he could give, his Attendance might be dispens’d with. The Vessel lately sent out to cruize for the Powder, seems to me the properest for this Voyage, and as the Ten Days will soon expire if no Objection occurs to you, she might be dispatched.
I have given Directions respecting the Lead at Ticonderoga,

which I am of Opinion with you is the Surest Mode of Supply in that Article.
I have sent by this Opportunity a hunting Shirt as a Pattern[.] I should be glad you would inform me what Number you think I may expect.
I had flattered myself with the Hope, that the Vigilance of the Inhabitants on the Islands & Coasts, would have disappointed the Enemy in their late Expedition after live Stock.
I hope nothing will be omitted by the several Committees, & other Officers to guard against any future Attempts, by removing all the Stock from those Places where their Shipping will protect them in Plundering. I do assure you Sir, it would be rendering a most essential Service to the Publick Interest. Their Distresses before were very great, and if renewed after the present Supply is exhausted must be productive of very great Advantages. I am Sir, with much Esteem Your most Obed. & very Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 14 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Camp at Cambridge August 14th 1775:

I received your Favor of the 31st July informing me of your preparations to cross the Lake, and inclosing the Affidavits of

John Shatforth, and Deguid—Several Indians of the Tribe of St Francis, came in here Yesterday, and confirmed the former Accounts of the good Disposition of the Indian Nations and Canadians to the Interests of America. A most happy Event, on which I sincerely congratulate you.
I am glad to relieve you from your Anxiety respecting Troops being sent from Boston to Quebec: those Reports I apprehend took their Rise from a Fleet being fitted out about 14 Days ago, to plunder the Islands in the Sound of their live Stock: An Expedition which they have executed with some Success and are just returning: but you may depend upon it, no Troops have been detached from Boston to Canada or elsewhere.
Among our Wants (of which I find you have your proportion) we feel that of Lead most sensibly, and as we have no Expectation of a Supply from the Southward, I have concluded to draw upon the Stock found at Ticonderoga when it fell into our Hands. I am informed it is very considerable, and that a part of it may be spared without exposing you to any Inconveniency.
In Consequence of this I have wrote to Governor Trumbull, to take the Direction of the Transportation of it, supposing the Conveyance thro’ Connecticut the most safe and expeditious, I expect he will write you on the Subject by this Opportunity.
I have Nothing new my dear Sir to acquaint you with—We are precisely in the same Situation as to the Enemy as when I wrote you last, nor can I gain any certain Intelligence of their future Intentions—The Troops from the Southward are come in very healthy and in good Order: To Morrow I expect a Supply of powder from philadelphia, which will be a most season-able Relief in our present Necessity.
God grant you Health and Success equal to your Merit and wishes. Favor me with Intelligence as often as you can and believe me with great Truth & Esteem Your most obedt & very humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Camp at Cambridge August 14th 1775

Your Favours of the 7th 8th & 12 Instant are all duly received. The Destination of the New Raised Levies has happily coincided with my Intentions respecting them—In the present Uncertainty I think it best they should continue where they are, and I hope the Officers will be assiduous in Discplining, & improving them in the use of Arms.
Upon the Subject of Powder, I am at a Loss what to say, our

Necesseties are so great, and it [is] of such infinite Importance, that this Army should have a full Supply, that nothing but the most pressing Exigince, would make it proper to detain any on its way. I have been informed that 15 Hhds ware lately landed at New York, & that further supplies were daily Expected both there, and at Connecticut. Should there be any Arrivals, I beg no Time may be lost in forwarding this from Hartford & what can be spared from the necessary Colony Stock. Indeed at present I should chuse you to forward one of these Waggons, and the other may remain where it is untill we see how the Issue of our Expectations on this Head—The Removal from Boston, I consider as very precarious, by no Means desiring to have so much Striss laid on it. We begin to feel a Scarcity of Lead, and as I do not learn, that we are to expect any from the Southward, I have concluded that a Part of the Stock found at Ticonderoga should be brought down to this Camp, for this Purpose have wrote to Genl Schuyler. I am not sufficiently Master of the Geography of the Country to know the easiest & Safest Conveyance: But from the Time in which Letters have come this way throug your Hands, I apprehend Connecticut must be the best & most expeditious. You will therefore, Sir be pleased to give us your Assistance, by taking this Matter into your hands to Direct, in which I have not the least Doubt, you will attend as well to the Expence, as other Circumstances conducive to the public Service. To this Effect, I have wrote General Schuyler, & referred him to you, for Information of the Manner of Conveyance, You will doubtless be cautious, how you suffer it to be water borne, where there is any Danger of the Enemy’s Shipping—Nothing new in the Camp for several Days past. Five Deserters have come in within these 48 hours but they bring no Intelligence of any Consequence—I am, with much Regard & Esteem Your most Obedt & very humble Servant

Go. Washington

P.S. Since writing the above, I have been Informed there is a Lead mine in your Colony, which may be work’d to Advantage—Cut off from all foreign Supplies, every internal Resource is worthy of attention & I make no Doubt if my Information is just, some proper steps may be taken to turn this to the public Advantage.

Go. Washington


Title: General Orders, 15 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 15th 1775
Parole Arlington.Countersign Bedford.

David Henly Esqr. is appointed Brigade Major to Genl Heath’s brigade.
John Trumbull Esqr. is appointed Brigade Major to Genl Spencers brigade.
Richard Carey Esqr. is appointed Brigade Major, to the Brigade commanded by the eldest Colonel.
Thomas Chase, Daniel Box, and Alexander Scammell Esqrs. are appointed to continue to do the duty of Brigade Majors, to the Brigades they respectively belong.
Edmund Randolph and George Baylor Esqrs. are appointed Aids-de-Camp, to the Commander in Chief: All and every of the above named Gentlemen, to be obeyed in their respective capacitys.
The Quarter Master General is without delay to examine the Encampments and Coverings of different Regiments and Corps, to see that those which are not designed to remain in Houses, are provided as soon as possible, with Tents or Boards,

sufficient for their Accomodation, at the same time, he is to take care to prevent any unnecessary waste of the latter; and to put a stop to the Officers, building such large houses, as some of them are doing; unless they are intended for the Accomodation of a Number sufficient to fill them, Or are to be built at their own expence; But no large house to be placed near any of the Redoubts, or Lines.
In addition to the Order of the 4th Instant; The Colonel or Commanding Officer of each Regiment and Corps, is to cause an exact Account to be taken (by his Captains) of the Number of Cartridges which each Man is possessed of; & at evening at Roll Callg have them examined, as directed in the said Order; when, if any are wanting, and cannot be accounted for, the delinquent, over and above the punishment due to his Offence, is to be charged with the deficiency and so much of his pay stopt accordingly.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 15 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] Augt 15th 1775
May it Please your Excellency

Inclosd are the Observations as usual.
I hope to be able tomorrow to forward to your Excellency a letter from the Mr J. C. the Grocer[.] I heard from him yesterday informing that he Expected to git further Information by tomorrow if it comes to hand Shall forward it with all Conveniant Speed. I am your Excellencys most Obediant Humbe Servt

Loammi Baldwin Leut. Col.


Title: To George Washington from Major Christopher French, 15 August 1775
From: French, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia 15th Augst 1775
Sir

Upon my arrival in this Province in Company with Ensn Rotton of His Majesty’s 47th Regiment, & Mr McDermot a Volunteer in order to join our Regiments we were (unknowing of Hostilities having been commenc’d) made Prisoners of War of which I make no doubt you have been inform’d.
As we are naturaly desirous to give our Friends the earliest notice of our Scituation we have, by permission of the Committee of safety wrote to them, which Letters I take the Liberty to enclose to you, with one for Genl Gage & another to Major Campbell who commands the 22d Regiment, to which I belong, open for your perusal, when I request they may be sent to General Gage in order to their being forwarded. I have the Honor to be Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant

Chris. French


Title: General Orders, 16 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters. Cambridge, August 16th 1775
Parole Cumberland,Counter Sign Dunstable.

Capt. Eleazer Lindsey of Col. Gerrishes Regt tried by a General Court Martial, for “absenting himself from his post, which was attacked and abandoned to the enemy.” The Court on consideration are of opinion that Capt. Lindsey be discharged [from] the service, as a person improper to sustain a Commission.
John Parke Esqr. is appointed an Assistant to the Quarter Master Genl; he is to be obeyed as such.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 16 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] Augst 16th 1775 Wednesday Evening
May it Please your Excellency

I have Receivd a Letter which I Supose came From Mr J. C. by the Hand of the Gentlemen Expected, who says he is going

to Head Quarters in the morning to see about the Sheep that were brought off from Puding Point which I have wrote to the adjutant General about.
I am informed by a person that had it from the Pilots Mouth this day that the Ships that come in yesterday Brought 2000 Sheep and about 140 Head of Horn Cattle Hogs & Poultry in plenty[.] how true it is I cannot Say[.] I saw a Large number of Sheep & a few Cattle grazing upon Charlestown Heights this afternoon.
I would Inform your Excellency that for three afternoons passd when the people were onloading the ferry Boat a Number of Men of war men come down upon Noddles Island over agains the Ferry ways & keep almost a Constant fire for 2 or 3 hours at a time[.] we have returnd the fire till I am Sattisfied that Small arms will Signify little or nothing altho. Several of ther Ball Struck within a yard or two of me[.] one of these balls Struck in a house I was at—with so much Force as to bury it Self in the Board.
Som of the Rifle men prehaps could Shoot with more exactness, as our Ball we could plainly See went far enough beyond them, there Language & Behaviour is Very Insulting[.] Should be glad to be revengd on them.
Inclosed is the observations, I did not Send this afternoon, Expecting to have an Oppertunity to Send by a Faithfull Hand Early in the Morning the Horses not being in good Order. This From Your Excellencys most Humbe & Obediant Servnt

Loammi Baldwin Lieut. Colo.


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Hamilton, 16 August 1775
From: Hamilton, Andrew
To: Washington, George

Sir
Watertown [Mass.] 16th August 1775.

Your Excellencys known Character for Candor, & humanity, has encouraged me to take the liberty of troubling you with this letter, & as I am certain you must be much engaged at present, will be as Concise as possible. I was made an Ensign in the 16th Regt in—59, a Lieut. in—65 & sold out in—71, since which time I have lived in Annapolis, N: Scotia, on a farm, which, with a small stock on it, has afforded me a Comfortable maintenance, but insufficient, let my inclination be ever so great, to spare either a bundle of a hay, or a peice of meat of it.
The last of June I had a letter from my Brother (who is a Lieutenant in 52d Regt) & another from my friends in Ireland, from whom I had not heard for three years before, & some affairs which I was obliged to settle with my brother, made me embrace the opportunity of sailing for Boston, in a sloop that was bound there with Hay. The hands of the sloop took possession of her, & Carried her into Kinnebeck river. The Committee at Georgetown examined me. The letters I had with me & the hands of the vessel cleared me of being Concerned either in the cargoe, or any other particular as an enemy to America. As

I had been in the army, they suspected me & sent me to the General Court. I have been examined three different times & the only thing the Court suspects me of, is, my intentions, should I get into Boston, of entering into the regular service. They therefore have determined to detain me & send me to some interior part of the Country. I must beg Your interposition in my favor. If I am not allowed to return to my farm, the servants I left on it, who are only hired for a few months, may destroy my interest there, & I shall then be worse than a beggar. The only chance I can have of returning this fa⟨vor⟩ is, by getting leave to go into Boston. If I can have that liberty, my Honor & oath (which is the only security I can offer at present) I will freely give that I had not any intention of applying for any Commission, nor will I accept of any under General Gage, but will sail in the first vessel that is bound to any part of N. Scotia. If I can not have this liberty, I will be much obliged to Your Excellency, if You will allow me to go with the gentlemen of the Navy, as I am acquainted with them, & their Society will make Captivity less irksome. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt Humble Servant

Andw Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to James Otis, Sr., 16 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Otis, James Sr.

Sir
Head-Quarters, Cambridge, August 16, 1775.

Sir: I am informed that Captain Oldien, or some other person, has stopped the baggage of the officers taken at Machias, as a compensation for some expense incurred, which the General Court did not think proper to allow him. A procedure of this kind would, in my opinion, much dishonour the American arms, and be attended with very disagreeable consequences. I trust therefore, Sir, that the General Court need only to be informed of the transaction to do what is proper; and, as the prisoners are entirely under their direction, will, before they remove them to the place of their destination, give such orders in the matter as to prevent any reasonable cause of complaint. I am, very respectfully, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

Go. Washington


Title: General Orders, 17 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge August 17th 1775
Parole Exeter.Countersign, Faulkland

Thomas Chase Esqr. is to continue to do duty as Major of Brigade, to Brigadier General Thomas’s Brigade.
Mr Ezekiel Cheever is appointed Commissary of Artillery stores—The Qr Mr General, Commissary General and Commissary of Artillery; are to make exact Returns of all the Stores, Provisions and Necessaries of every kind, within their several departments: and they are to lose no time, in collecting the several Articles, which may be in the hands of Committees, or other persons, into their immediate care; and they are to be answerable for the disposal of them.
The Commanding Officer of Artillery is to see that all the Ordnance Stores, are faithfully collected, and put under the Care of the Commissary of the Artillery; and the Commissary of Artillery, is to see that all the Powder, Lead and Flints, are placed in the Magazine appointed to receive them.
The Muster Master General, Stephen Moylan Esqr. to proceed as expeditiously as possible, in the mustering the Troops and when he has delivered his Blank Rolls to the several Regiments and Corps, he is to fix the days for mustering each Brigade, with the Adjutant General, who will give directions accordingly.
The Army being regularly brigaded, and a Major of Brigade appointed and fix’d to each Brigade: They are to keep an exact Roster of duty for the Officers, Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers of their respective Brigades. The Adjutant General will assi[s]t them with the best form of a Roster and earnestly recommends the Use thereof. All duties of Honor, begin with the eldest Officer of each Rank, and duties of fatigue with the youngest. Each Major of brigade, will forthwith fix upon a proper spot, as near as can be to the Center of the brigade, for a General parade of the brigade; where all parties with, or without Arms, are to be regularly paraded, and marched off, in presence of the Major of Brigade, and the General expects, that the Majors of Brigades, are not only alert, but exact in the performance of this duty.

The Court Martial ordered for the Trial of Col. Mansfield, to sit to morrow Morning at eight OClock at the College Chapel &c. for the Trial of Col. Gerrish: All Evidences & persons concern’d to attend the Court.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 17 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency
Chelsea [Mass.] Augst 17. 1775 5 oClock

The Men of wars men I mentioned in my letter of Last Night have come to Noddles Island again and are now throwing up a Small Brest work almost against the Ferry ways[.] Shoul be glad to anoy them if Possable But have not the Materials.
Inclosd are the Observations. I am your Excellencys most obediant Humbe Servnt

Loammi Baldwin Leut. Coln.

I must Inform your Excellency I am Very unwell Scercly able to Set up.


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, 17 August 1775
From: Pennsylvania Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia August 17th 1775

The Committee of Safety for this City & Province, being informed on saturday last, that a Ship from Cork had come up to Gloucester with some passengers, Officers of the Ministerial

Army, and a quantity of Cloathing for that Army at Boston, immediately sent down Capt. Bradford with thirty Men to take those officers prisoners, and at the same time an Armed Boat, to bring up the Cloathing, both which orders were accordingly executed. The Officers we have enlarged upon their written Parole, to render themselves at your Camp; and two Soldiers taken with them, being their Servants, on the Parole of Major French the Principal Officer, Copies of which Paroles are enclosed. The Major requested when he signed the Parole that we would for his Justification give him a Certificate of his making a Claim in behalf of himself & the others, and that his Claim was not admitted. We gratified him in this, and a Copy of our Certificate is Also enclosed. They were allowed to take with them their own Baggage, but the Baggage of some other Officers now in Boston, which he also requested, was refused, on account of the detention of the Effects of our Friends there by General Gage. So this Baggage with the Cloathing (an Invoice whereof is Also enclosed) which we understand is for two Regiments, is Stored, to remain for the Direction and disposition of the Congress. The Officers & Soldiers are to set out for your Camp on Tuesday the 22nd inst. accompanied by two respectable Gentlemen of this City Capt. Willing and Capt. Wharton, whom we beg leave to recommend to your notice, who will protect the Officers on the Road & forward their Journey.
No more Gun powder is yet arrived here. On the 10th Instant we sent 2200 Wt to General Schuyler, which was all we could possibly spare. with great Esteem and Respect, we have the Honour to be, Sir, your most Obedient humble Serts

By Order
B. Franklin, Presidt

P.S. with this you will also receive a packet directed to an Officer of The Ministerial Army, which we have not open’d, but submit it to your discretion.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 17 August 1775
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Camp at Cambridge 17 Augt 1775

I send you a prisoner who calls himself Terry Owen—he says he swam from Boston to Dorchester last night—His account of himself has been contradictory, and by Papers found with him which are sent by the Guards, it appears he has been engaged in the Service of the Enemy. From your Excellency’s Obedient and very humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 17 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 17 Aug. 1775. In a letter of 15 Oct. 1775 to GW, Lund Washington referred to GW’s letter of “Augst 17th.”


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 18 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Baldwin, Loammi

Letter not found: to Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 18 Aug. 1775. On 18 Aug. Baldwin wrote to GW: “I receeved your Excellencies message of this morning.”


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 18 August 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] Augt 18 1775
May it please your Excellency

I receeved your Excellenies message of this morning to wait on you at the Ferry, and should have complied therewith instantly, had not bodily Indisposition prevented—I have been followed very hard with a Dysentry yesterday & today—must beg leave to ask your permition to go to my Family a few days till I can in some measure recover my health—I have but very poor accomodations here, there being several people now sick in this House.
An Express is just arrived from Shirley Point with the enclosed information, & that the people residing there are under fearfull apprehentions of the Enemies landing there, as they are frequently firing on them from the Boats. Your Excellency will be pleased to give such order in this affair as you in your wisdom shall think proper.

Enclosed are the Observations of the Day—I have nothing else Material to Write, but beg leave to subscribe my self your Excellencies most Obedient & very Humbe Sert

Loammi Baldwin Lieut. Col.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts General Court, 18 August 1775
From: Massachusetts General Court
To: Washington, George

[Watertown, Mass., 18 August 1775]
May it please yr Excellency

This Court have attentively consider’d your Letter of the 12th Inst. & acquiesce in the Method propos’d of paying of the

Troops from the 1st Augst & would inform your Excellency that this Court have taken [Measures] that the Province may not be defrauded & Justice done to the Men & likewise fulfill their Engagemts made the Troops.
As to the Cloathing propos’d we apprehend there is an absolute Necessity of our providing Coats for the Men & this Govermt having engag’d the same to our Troops a Part of which are already provided by the several Towns in this Govermt in Consequence of.


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

Head Quarters Cambridge, August 19th 1775
Parole Jersey.Countersign Kendal.

Col. Samuel Gerrish of the Massachusetts Forces, tried by a General Court Martial of which Brigadier Genl Green was Presdt is unanimously found guilty of the Charge exhibited against him, That he behaved unworthy an Officer; that he is guilty of a Breach of the 49th Article of the Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Army. The Court therefore sentence and adjudge, the said Col. Gerrish, to be cashiered, and render’d incapable of any employment in the American Army—The General approves the sentence of the Court martial, and orders it to take place immediately.