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

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 2d April 1777

Since I had the honor of writing to you last, I have recd the inclosed from Genl Mcdougal which contains a full account of the late affair at peekskill. Every prudential step appears to have been taken by the General, and as good a disposition made as his small Number of men would admit of.
I have heard nothing further respecting the embarkation of Troops which I mentioned in my last, I am in hopes the Connecticut Militia will arrive at peekskill before another expedition is made up the North River, I have wrote to hasten them as much as possible, lest such another design should be really in agitation.
In my opinion Delaware Bay is their object, and Chesapeak only thrown out, by way of blind; their late attempt to procure Delaware Pilots seems to confirm it.
I observe by your late promotions that a Foreign Gentleman is appointed to the command of the German Battalion, I could wish that he was ordered to join immediately, as that Regt much wants an Officer of experience at the Head of it. I have the honor to be Sir Yr very humble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have ordered the Deputy Qr Mr General to establish proper Relays of Expresses between this and Philada that intelligence may be occasionally conveyed in the most expeditious Manner. If there should be any appearance of a Fleet in Delaware Bay, it will be known in a

very few Hours in Philada by hoisting the Signals, and I beg I may have the earliest Notice of it. The Qr Master will inform you, who his Rider, in Philada, is, that you may know where to apply.

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 2 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Henry Beekman

Dear Sir
Head qu. Morris Town 2d Apl 1777.

I have yr favrs of the 29th Ulto & without date, the last inclosing a Return of yr Regiment—I wish it had borne a more agreeable aspect; but I trust no pains will be spard & no means left untried to complete it.

Genl McDougal transmitted me a full Account of the late Affair at Peekskill. I wish the state of our Treasury admitted of my sendg you the Sum of Money you wrote for; But We have been so exhausted of late by the extravagant drafts for Pay of the Militia, that I can only spare you Five thousand Dollars for the present, which I send by Capt. Laurence—I wish you could fall upon some Means of finding out where your Subalterns are; perhaps putting an Advertisement in your paper, ordering them all to signify the places where they are recruiting, and what Number of Recruits they have, would answer the purpose. I am Sir Yr most Obt Servt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 2 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 2d April 1777.

Yours of the 29th Ulto was delivered to me Yesterday by Mr Laurence. The loss we have sustained in Commissary’s and Quarter Masters Stores is to be regretted, as they are most useful to the Army and not to be replaced at this time, the Commissary’s particularly. I had repeatedly guarded him against suffering any large quantities laying near the Water in such places as were accessible to the Enemys Shipping. I was satisfyed from the first, that you had done every thing that prudence could suggest, and that as much opposition, as your Numbers would admit of, had been made. Want of Men, at critical conjunctures, has lost us Advantages, that I fear we shall never regain.
As I have heard of no move in the shipping, I hope, if another Visit is intended, it will be deferred, till the arrival of the Eastern Militia at peekskill. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Paper from Lieutenant Colonel William Walcott, 2 April 1777
From: Walcott, William
To: Washington, George

[Hillsborough Township, N.J., 2 April 1777]

Whereas General Washington did in his Letter to General Howe, bearing Date the Thirtieth Day of July 1776, declare that he was authorized

to propose, and he did in the said Letter accordingly propose a general Exchange of all Prisoners of War in the Manner & upon the Terms following; viz: “Officers for Officers of Equal Rank; Soldier for Soldier; and Citizen for Citizen.” To which Proposal His Excellency General Sir William Howe did in his Answer of the First of August following accede & agree. And Whereas in Pursuance of this Agreement, General Sir William Howe, relying upon the Honour & good Faith of General Washington for the due & punctual Performance thereof, on his Part; hath at several Times, sent & delivered over to General Washington, as will fully appear from the Lists with Them transmitted, a Number of Officers on Their Parole; and upwards of Two Thousand Two hundred Privates of the Enemy, his Prisoners; and who, as well Officers as Privates, are still to be considered as such untill They shall be regularly exchanged, Officers for Officers of equal Rank, and the Privates by a like Number of those now in the Possession of General Washington; Some of Whom, having been taken before or about the Time of concluding the Agreement, have in direct Violation Thereof, been detained as Prisoners for full eight Months; And Others taken in the latter End of December & in the Beginning of January last, have been in the like Condition of Prisoners for Three Months; None, or very few of whom have hitherto been sent in, in Return or Exchange for the Number of Prisoners sent by General Howe to General Washington: I Lieut: Colonel William Walcott, vested with full Powers for this among other Purposes, do therefore, in the most positive and peremptory Manner require & demand of General Washington the full and due Performance of the Agreement above recited and consequently, the speedy & immediate Release of all Prisoners of War, whether British, Hessians, Waldeckers, Provincials or Canadians, as well Officers as Soldiers, now in his Possession; or, so far as they shall or may go towards the Exchange of those sent & delivered over to General Washington. And whereas there are still in the Possession of General Sir William Howe a very considerable Number of Officers, and a Number of Privates of the Enemy, Prisoners, unexchanged; I do further require & demand of General Washington, That so soon as he shall have completed the Exchange of those already delivered over to him, agreeable to my Requisition & Demand for that Purpose, he shall proceed to the Exchange of these last mentioned Officers and Privates, in Conformity with the true Tenour & Purport of the Agreement of the 30th July & 1st August 1776; to the Execution of which the groundless and unprecedented Objections offered on the Part of General Washington by Lieut. Col. Harrison, can not with any Degree of Reason, or consistently with Common Sense, be allowed or admitted as Obstacles: The One, That, “the Whole of the Prisoners contained

in the Commissary’s Lists, and delivered over to General Washington, should not be accounted for, Because, many of them died on their Return to the Place of their Destination, and many immediately after their Arrival.” Posterior therefore, confessedly, from the Objection itself as stated, to their being delivered over to General Washington. All of Whom therefore, must be; And All of Whom, this Objection notwithstanding, I do again require & demand to be exchanged according to the express Terms of the Agreement, “Soldier for Soldier,” for every Man delivered over to the Person who received Them for and on the Behalf of General Washington: The Other, “the Case of Lieutenant Colonel Lee, called Major General Lee”; Whose Release General Washington might with greater Propriety demand, whenever, within the Terms of the said Agreement, “Officers for Officers of Equal Rank”; he shall have in his Possession, an Officer of Rank equal to the reputed Rank of the Gentleman in Question; but, untill That happens, the Demand & Objection upon this Subject are, at least, premature. I do moreover, expect & demand That, an immediate and categorical Answer shall be given to these just and reasonable Requisitions and Demands. Given at the House of the Reverend Mr Beech, in the Township of Hillsborough, the Second Day of April, One Thousand, Seven Hundred, Seventy and Seven.

Wm Walcott, Lt Colonel


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Jedediah Huntington, 3 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 3d April 1777

I have your favr of the 25th last Month inclosing a Return of the State of your Regiment. I am not only sorry to find your number so

low as 250 men, but I do not apprehend from the tenor of your Letter that there is a probability of your being soon compleat. I however desire you to march all the men that are fit for duty immediately to peekskill, there to wait my further orders, and to leave proper officers, under the strictest injunctions to fill up their companies, and bring the Recruits forward as quick as possible. The demand made by the Men of your Regiment to be repaid for the Baggage which they lost when they were made prisoners is new and extraordinary. The Arms, if they were private property, have ever been paid for under such Circumstances. But for any thing else, I have it not in my power to make any allowance. I think it sufficient that the men drew pay till they were released. I am &c.

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Colonel James Livingston, 3 April 1777
From: Livingston, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany 3d April 1777

Inclosed you have a Copy of a Resolve respecting my raising a Regiment in the United States, by which your Excellency will perceive the Commander in Chief in this Department, was to recommend proper Officers under me to Congress—The List of Officers was accordingly made out and sent to Congress by General Schuyler the 18t. of Decr last, & in Consequence of which, I got Orders to recruit, and recd six thousand Dollars in the Course of the Winter, which is all I have been able to get from General Schuyler—My Officers have recruited two hundred and Ten Men agreeable to the Return I now send your Excellency—I cant conceive the Generals Reason for not advancing me more Money to recruit, It’s true my Officers are some thing Deficient, owing to the great Expence attending recruiting, which must undoubtedly be stopp’d from their Pay—I have applied to the General for Commissions for my Officers, and have been put off from time to time—Since the Generals leaving this place, the Commanding Officer Colo: Van Schaick has ordered my Regiment to march to the Westward, by order of the General[.] I have therefore to request your Excellency, will send me blanck Commissions for my Officers, As also an Order for what Money I may want to raise the Regiment; If these things can’t be complied with, I must quit the Service—If I am to remain, shou’d be glad to serve under your Excellency—My Commission from Congress is dated 20t. Novr 1775, Agreeable to that I received

from General Montgomery in Canada, and expect to take Rank accordingly If I remain in the Service; I shall wait your Excellencys Answer & am With the greatest Respect Your Excellency Most Obdt Servt

Jas Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 3 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dr Sir,
Morris Town April 3d 1777.

My Letters of the 20th & 29th Ulto will convey evident proofs to you, of my extreme sollicitude respecting the Assembling of our Troops—& yet, as I have but too much reason to believe that dissipation in some, and the comfortable enjoyment of domestick pleasures in others, have had an unhappy Influence upon the Conduct of the Recruiting Officers, I must again repeat the urgent necessity there is for the Officers of every denomination exerting themselves to the utmost in bringing forward the New Levies.
Genl Howe is vigorous in his preparations, the Troops at Rhode Island, from the best Intelligence I have been able to get, were about to Imbark; a number (to the amount it is said of 3000) have actually Imbark’d from New York & Amboy; and are now at the Watering place near the Narrows. In short, the Campaign is opening, and we have no Men for the field—If this is owing to the causes above mentioned, the Officers imployed in the recruiting Service must expect to be answerable for the Consequences. if they have done their duty, & it proceeds from unwillingness in the Men to Inlist, the Government must have recourse to coercive measures; for if the quotas required of each State cannot be had by voluntary Inlistment, in time, and the Powers of Government are not adequate to drafting, there is an end of the Contest, and opposition becomes vain—I therefore wish you to see Govr Trumbull, & converse with him on the Importance of this Subject, for delay in obtaining the Men, falls very little short of not getting them at all. If the Enemy, for want of Men to oppose them, can March through the Country in triumph, or if the opposition is so feeble as to become ineffectual, and our Army thereby destroyed by peace-meals, the bad effect of either is much easier to be conceiv’d, than describd and should be avoided if possible.
The Eight regiments of your State I would have divided into two Brigades as follows.

            First—

            Second.

            1. Colos. Cha.
            Webb.

            2. Colos.
            Huntington

            3.
           Willys

            4.
            Bradley

            5.
            Douglas

            6.
            Chandler

            7.
            Durkee.

            8.
            Swift.

The first Brigade to be under your immediate command—the Second to be under the care of the eldest Colo. (superintended by you) ’till Genl Spencer arrives, or a Brigadier is appointed to it. All the Officers and Men of these Brigades to March immediately to Peekskill, except such as have not had the Small Pox, & are now under Inoculation—and except such officers as are necessary for the care of the Sick, and for Recruiting; which ought to be attended to, and prosecuted, with all possible vigour. take care to give me previous notice of the arrival of these Troops at the Kills, that (if the exigencies of Affairs requires it) they may be immediately orderd on to head Quarters without loss of time. I am with regard Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 4–8 April 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada April 4[-8]th 1777.

The enclosed Resolves of Congress, which I have the Honour of transmitting, will naturally claim your Attention from their great Importance.
The Regulations relative to the Payment of the Troops and the Department of the Paymaster General, will I hope be the Means of introducing Order and Regularity into that Part of the Army; where, it must be confessed, they were extremely wanted.
General Gates having laid before Congress the Proceedings and Sentence of a Court Martial on a certain James Molesworth who was accused and found guilty of being a Spy, they immediately approved the same. He has since suffered the Punishment due to his Crime. From his repeated Confession, it appears, that Mr Galloway was extremely active in engaging him to undertake this infamous Business, and was the Person employed to make the Bargain with him. He says indeed, Lord Howe was present: but from the Description he gave of his Person, it is supposed he must be mistaken.

The Congress have directed Genl Gates to take Genl Fermoy with him to Ticonderoga, and such other french Officers as he may think proper. Genl St Clair being ordered to Ticonderoga, but previously to repair to this City to wait the further Order of Congress, you will please to direct him to repair here accordingly as soon as possible. I have the Honour to be with the most perfect Esteem & Respect Sir Your most obed. & very hble Serv.

John Hancock Presidt

P.S. April 7th. Since writing the foregoing, Congress has passed sundry other Resolves, which I enclose, and to which I beg Leave to refer your Attention.
The Hospital Departmt will be perfected this Day, & shall be Transmitted to you immediately after.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 4 April 1777
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bordentown [N.J.] 4th April 1777

I have to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favor of the 1st Instant by General Forman.
I apprehend your Excellency mistakes the Clause in our Militia Act respecting the Appeal in Case of a Fine. You seem to represent it as if the Delinquent was excused from paying the Fine till the Determination of the Appeal against him—But that is not the Case—The Act is however extremely deficient; and it has cost me many an anxious hour to think how long it was procrastinated, & how ineffectual I had reason to apprehend it would finally prove. My only Consolation is, that my Messages upon their minutes will shew my Sense of the matter; & that I was not remiss in the strongest Recommendations to construct it in such manner as would have effectually answered the Purposes intended.
As Collo. Forman was prevailed upon to accept at least for some time the Brigadiership, it was easier to comply with your Excellency’s Request to invest him with the Power of calling out the Militia of Monmouth Middlesex & Burlington without giving Umbrage to the Collonels of those respective Rigiments. I have accordingly directed him to detach half of those of Monmouth & Burlington to join his Brigade; & doubt not he will be of singular Service in accelerating the Muster. I had ordered out the half of Burlington above a fortnight ago, but they are exceedingly dilatory in their Motions. Considering the Situation of Middlesex as partly possessed by the Enemy, & with what Reluctance the Inhabitants will leave their Families & Estates; & that they will

probably be of as much Service at home as they can be elsewhere, I have not mentioned that County in my orders to General Forman, but given him verbal discretionary Directions concerning it.
It is above three weeks ago, I directed General Heard to collect ⅓, or if he thought proper, half, of the Militia of Sommerset Hunterdon and Sussex; and General Winds ⅓ of Bergen, Essex & Morris.
I have also ordered a proper Detachment Of the Gloucester Militia to assist the State of Pennsylvania in the Works at Billingsport on the Jersey shore.
From Cape May, considering the Remoteness of its Situation, its peculiar Exposedness to the Incursions of the Enemy should they make an attempt by the Capes; & of how few Inhabitants that County consists, I think we can expect no Assistance.
Salem & Cumberland have turned out with great Spirit; & their last Detachments being but newly returned, & from their vicinity to Philadelphia easily to be collected, should that place be attacked, I have not ordered any from those Counties; but upon your Excellency’s signifying Your Opinion of its being necessary, I shall most chearfully do it.
The Council of Safety have no Authority to give Orders respecting the Effects of Persons absconding, tho I think it would be highly proper for our Legislature to invest them or some other Body with sufficient Power for that Purpose. They must therefore either abstain from giving any Directions in the matter, or expose themselves to Censure for acting without Law or Authority to support them.
To the like Dilemma are they reduced in the next Particular recommended by your Excellency respecting the Grain & other Provisions on the Coast, a matter undoubtedly of the last Importance. But I apprehend the General is authorized to that Purpose by Congress, & is much the best Judge when the public Safety renders it expedient to exert his Authority—God Almighty bless & preserve you, is the sincere Wish of Your most obedient humble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Colonel David Mason, 4 April 1777
From: Mason, David
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Williamsburg [Va.] 4th April. 1777

Your Orders of the 12th of March last came to hand this Day The contents of which I Duly Notice and shall to the Utmost of my Power comply with; The State of my Regiment I cannot give your Excellency an exact account of at this time, but will inform you of the Number of

Men that marched from this Station to day and Tomorrow, which will be about two Hundred and eighty, and I hope to have at Fredericksburg at least one hundred and fifty having ordered a Company from the South side of James River to rendezvouse their as well as the Troops of the Northern Neck thats allotted to my Regiment: Having no Majr with me, as Majr Richardson who was allotted to me is gone on to Head Quarters, I was at a loss how to conduct myself on the Occasion & applied to Brigadier General Lewis as well as to the Govenour and Council, The Govenour & Council came to a Resolution on the Occasion which I take the liberty of Inclosing to your Excellency. Subsequent to the Resolution finding that Genl Lewis disapproved of Lt Colo. Innis’s going with me, and wishing to do my Duty if Possible by Strictly complying with your Commands, I have determined that my Lieutent Colo. shall stay behind, Colo. Innis knowing how exceedingly he will be Embarrised in the recruiting business as being an intire Stranger to the Southern People & having a very great desire to March with the Troops, considering himself better acquainted in the Military department than myself is exceedingly Uneasy; In that case Your Excellency will be pleased to Act as you think best for the service, being determined to do my Duty in every respect thats in my Power—I have only to add that in a few Days I hope to be able to give you a more proper Account of the State of my Regiment, and have to Assure Your Excellency that I am with the greatest regard your Excellency’s Most obedient Hbble Servant

David Mason


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Price, 4 April 1777
From: Price, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Annapolis April 4th 1777

I received your Orders dated Morris Town March 12th this day and have Accordingly inclosed you a return of the State of my regiment and am very Sorry it is not in my Power to send you a much better one you will I make no doubt be much Surpriz’d when I tell you I have not more than four Commissioned Officers belonging to my regiment which are myself and three Lieutenants the others Commissioned by the Commissioners (and we have no others Commissioned as yet) have all resigned not less than Six this Day one of them my Lieut: Colo: and the other five Captains which is Owing to a dispute about rank between our regular and flying Camp Officers which was not Settled untill within this two days—I have repeatedly Ordered the Officers of the regiment to march their recruits to this place but have not had that Punctuality paid to them that Ought to have been Owing to the rank of the Officers not being Settled and they Undetermined whither they would Serve or not untill they knew what rank they would hold I have  fit for Duty at this Place Shall March them as soon as I can get Officers which I hope will be in a Very few days ’tho at the Same time Shall be Oblidged to leave I am afraid the Accounts of Many of those Officers who have resigned & who have received large Sums of Money to goe on with the recruiting Service unless I should receive your further Orders for the Lieut: Colo: who I believe will be Appointed this day to March with the first Division and myself to Stay behind and forward the recruiting Service we find a great deal of Difficulty in getting Men however Shall at all Events Proceed to Philada until I shall receive your Orders to the Contrary. I am Your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

Tho. Price


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 5 April 1777
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency.
Philada April 5th 1777

I have received Intelligence this Evening from a person of undoubted Veracity (who has followed me for that purpose) that a Woman who has a Son in Goal in this State (Pennsylvania) has been sent in to the Enemy, with Letters of Advice from a Club in the County of Bucks, so secreted about her person, that it would be almost impossible she should be discovered. That she had, or was to get a pass from Genl Putnam, under the Idea of her being a poor Woman and under a necessity of going into the City, on account of her Son or Husband, and was to return in a few days with an Account of the intended Movements of the Enemy’s Army, and with directions what the Club was to do in Consequence. She sat off from New Town last Wednesday, so that it is too late, to stop her going in, but may be stopped in her return if due Care is taken at the out posts—It will be necessary to examine her with the utmost attention, as I am assured great Art has been used to secret her dispatches.
I would have wrote to Genl putnam, but no oppertunity offers, that is so likely to forward the Intelligence as by the Bearer. I expect to be at princetown myself on Thursday next, when I will also, do all in my power to assist in her detection if she does not come out before. I have the Honor to be, tho’ in the greatest Hurry Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

Elias Boudinot


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton or the Commanding Officer at Fort Montgomery, 5 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James,Commanding Officer at Fort Montgomery

Sir,
Head quarters. Morris Town. 5th April 1777.

In order to shorten the March of the Massachusett’s Regiments intended for this quarter, They are directed to take their Route thro’ the Greenwoods to Kinderhook, Claverack or Red hook, from whence they are to fall down to Fort Montgomery by water. If none of the Enemy’s Vessells should be in Haverstraw bay, they may proceed down the River by Water, and disembark at Peek’s kill or in Jersey, as there may be Occasion. When the Sloops with the Troops arrive at Fort Montgomery, You are immediately to dispatch two boats to Haverstraw, to see if any of the Enemy’s shiping are in the Bay; If there are not, one of the Boats to return and report to You; the other to remain in the Bay near Verplank’s point: The Vessels then to go down with the tide of Ebb, and land the Troops where directed. Signals to be fixed upon, and given by the boat that remains below, in case any of the Enemy’s Vessells should be seen coming up, whilst ours are going down.
If you should have Occasion to be absent from the Garrison, for ever so short a time, be sure to leave a Copy of these Orders, with the next in Command. I am Yr most Obt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 5 April 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 5 April 1777. Gates wrote GW on 19 April: “I had the Honour to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th Instant from Morris Town.”


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

Sir,
Head quarters. Morris Town. 5th April 1777.

The inclosed from Monsr le Chevr de Dreudhomme de Borre, with the papers annexed to it, were received this day by the Eastern Mail—It appears that by an agreement with Mr Dean he is to have the Rank and Pay of a Brigadier General in our service—I imagine by this, that he is a Man of real Merit—If you think proper to confirm Mr Dean’s appointment, be pleased to inform me of it, and return the Letter, that I may give a suitable Answer—If, as I imagine, he does not understand English, it will be some time before he can be of any Use at the head of a Brigade. I have the honour to be, with the greatest Respect Sir, Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 5th April 1777

I am favd with yours of the 25th March. I have had no request as yet from the Council of your State, for part of the new arrived Arms, to put into the hands of such of your Troops as were ready and only waited for them, but I desire that as many as are necessary, may be immediately drawn, and the Troops forwarded. So that there can be no further plea for delay upon that head. One thing I must insist upon, that you do not abate your diligence in collecting the public

Arms, and having them repaired and deposited in proper places, for altho’ our late Supply is large indeed, and may serve our present wants, yet you must remember the number of Men we have to arm altogether, and the vast waste and destruction that the course of one of our Campaigns occasions.
I am amazed to hear you mention the want of cloathing, as one of the delays to the marching of your Troops. This is an excuse that I cannot admit of, because, from the accounts which I have seen from the Agents for purchasing and providing Cloathing in Massachusets, there were as many ready two Months ago, as would serve your quota of Men. I am convinced that Officers, unwilling to leave their quarters, will make every excuse to prolong the times of staying with their families and Freinds, and I have for that reason fixed General Officers at all the places where the Troops are drawn together, to see that they remain no longer there, than is absolutely necessary to equip the Men. I therefore desire that you will inquire very minutely into these Matters, and whenever you find that the Arms and accoutrements are ready, insist upon the Officers marching with the Men to the places of destination, without admitting of any excuse whatever.
Genl Schuyler who is now here, has given me the following Rout for the Troops that are to march from Massachusets to this quarter, which he informs me will be saving one hundred Miles by land, and which I desire may be put in practice by those who are not already on their way.
“Such of the Regiments from the Massachusets Bay as may be ordered to the Jerseys and whose rendezvous is not in the South Eastern part of that State, to march thro’ the Green Woods to Kinderhook, Claverack or Red Hook on Hudsons River: The Officers commanding each of these Regiments to send before him to the commanding Officer at Albany, a Return of their Numbers, requesting that Vessels may be sent to either of the above places as they shall direct, to carry them down to Fort Montgomery.”
Orders will be sent to the commanding Officer at Albany to comply with the above requisition, and to put on board the Vessels, eight days provision for the numbers returned to him.
Brigr Genl James Clinton, or the Officer commanding at Fort Montgomery, will keep spy Boats down the River, to keep a look out, and see that none of the Enemy’s armed Vessels are in Haverstraw Bay, if that should be clear, the Troops may proceed down the River and disembark at peekskill or in Jersey as there may be occasion. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 5 April 1777
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

My Dr Sir
N. York April the 5th [1777]

It is a most unfortunate circumstance for myself and I think not less for the Publick that the Congress have not thought proper to comply with my request—it cou’d not possibly have been attended with any ill consequences, and might with good ones at least it was an indulgence which I thought my situation entitled me to—but I am unfortunate in all things and this stroke is the severest I have yet experienc’d—God send You a different Fate. Adieu, My Dr General—Yours most truly and affectionately

Charles Lee

P.S. The inclosd for Philadelphia—I beg You will forward—and that if My Servant comes up You will dispatch him immediately.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick or the Commanding Officer at Albany, 5 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Van Schaick, Goose,Commanding Officer at Albany

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 5th April 1777

In order to shorten the March of such of the Troops from the State of Massachusetts, as are to Join the Army immediately under my Command, I have by the Advice of General Schuyler, directed them to March thro the Greenwoods, to Kinderhook, Claverack, or Red Hook from whence they are to fall down to Fort Montgomery by Water—The Officers commanding the Detachments, are to give you Notice, to which of the above places they are to repair, & what number of men they have with them—Immediately upon receipt of these Accounts, you are to send down a proper Number of Sloops to take in the Men, & order the Commissary to put on Board eight days provisions for them.
General Schuyler Informs me that there are a great number of Peas at Albany, & in the Neighbourhood more than are wanted for the Northern Army; I therefore desire that the Commissary may be order’d to collect them, & put what can be spared on board the Sloops that carry down the Troops & have them deliver’d to the Commissary at Fort Montgomery.
If you are removed from the Command at Albany you are To deliver these Orders to your Successor. I am Sir Your mo: Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 5 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Samuel

Dear Brother,
Morris Town April 5th 1777

Thornton returns to you well recover’d of the Small Pox, as I hope to hear that my Sister, and the rest of your family are. I heartily

congratulate you on the favourable manner in which you had it yourself.
To save Thornton, or you, the expence of buying a Horse to ride home on, I have lent him a Mare of Mine which I beg of you to have sent by any safe conveyance which may offer to Lund Washington at Mount Vernon. If she should be in want of a Horse before any oppertunity offers of sending her down please to put her to some good (but not expensive one) altho she is not very valuable herself. When you send her down let Lund Washington know whether you have put her to Horse or not, & what Horse.
To my very great surprize General Howe has made no Capitol movement yet—a few days ago a detachment of his Army (consisting of about 600 Men) run up the North River in Transports and destroyed some Rum, and other Stores of that kind belonging to us at a place called Peekskill where the Post happened to be Weak—but, upon the Assembling of some of our Men they Imbarkd in great haste and went back again to New York. They are also Imbarking Men (to the amount it is said of 3000) for some expedition, but the destination is unknown—my conjecture is Philadelphia; as we know they have been endeavouring to get Pilots well acquainted with the Navigation of the Delaware. An agent of theirs detected in this business got exalted upon a Gallows at Philadelphia the other day.
Our Troops come in ex[c]eedingly slow—whether owing to an unwillingness in the Men to Inlist, or to the Idleness and dissipation of the Officers, and their reluctance to leave their friends & acquaintance, I shall not undertake to say; but it looks to me as if we should never get an army assembled. Mr Thruston to whom I have given the raising of one of the Sixteen Regiments, will give Thornton a Commission in it.
My best wishes attends my Sister & the little ones whom I hope I may congratulate on their perfect recovery—in this Mrs Washington who is with me, sincerely joins. I am with every Sentiment of regard & love, Dr Sir Yr Most Affecte Brother

Go: Washington

P.S. Mr Johnston has lent Thornton a Saddle & Bridle, & I suppose has told him what is to be done with it.
Since writing the above I have determ⟨ine⟩d ⟨to⟩ send by Thornton 2000 Dollars to Lieut⟨t Colo.⟩ McDonald, who I intend (if he will accept of it) for Colo. Thrustons Lieutt Colo. Let Thornton if you cannot Conveniently see McDonald yourself carry the Money to him immediately (a reciept to be taken for it). Thornton will receive his Recruiting

orders from McDonald who will appoint a place for him to send his Recruits to in order to be forwarded on to the Army, or disciplined.

Go: W.


Title: General Orders, 6 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 6th 1777.
Cranbury.Woodbridge.


Title: Proclamation of Pardon to Deserters, 6 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

By His Excellency George Washington Esquire General and Commander in Cheif of the Forces of the United States of America.
[Morristown, 6 April 1777]

Proclamation
Whereas, many Soldiers, lately inlisted in the continental Army, not content with the generous Bounties and Encouragements granted to them by Congress, but Influenced by a base regard to their int[e]rest, have reenlisted with—received Bounties from, other Officers and then deserted; And Whereas, it is presumed that many, fully sensible of the enormity of their crimes, would return to their duty were they not deterred by an apprehension of suffering the severe punishment lately inflicted on those found guilty of desertion.
I have thought proper to issue this my proclamation Offering free pardon to all those above described, as well as to those who have deserted from other motives, who shall voluntarily surrender themselves to any Officer in the Continental Army, or Join their respective Corps before the Fifteenth day of May next. And I do strictly enjoin all officers in the Army under my command, and in treat the good people of these States to use their utmost endeavors to apprehend and secure such deserters as shall not avail themselves of this indulgence offered by this proclamation. Given under my hand at Head Quarters at Morris Town this Sixth day of April 1777.

Go: W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Robert Magaw, 6 April 1777
From: Magaw, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Flat Bush Long Island [N.Y.] 6th Apl 1777.

By Major Williams I beg leave to represent to your Excellency the distressed Situation of many of the Officers now Prisoners of War on this Island[.] the distance from their Freinds, the loss of their Baggage at the time they were taken, & the length of their Captivity has rendered a number of them destitute of Common necessaries—their Circumstances must soon be extreamly disagreeable & even wretched unless relieved by remittances of their Pay or Otherwise.
I refer you to Major Williams for more perticular information & am your Excellencys most Obdt Hble Servant

Robt Magaw


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 6 April 1777
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Sir
N[ew] Haven [Conn.] 6th Apl 1777

I have recd your Letters of the 6th 12th 20th & 29th of March. The first Detachment of the Troops from this State will march from Danbury on Tuesday Morning, under the Command of Lt Colo. Butler of Wyllys’s Regt, Nothing has been or shall be wanting on my Part to forward to Camp every Person who is able to March, from my Soul I ardently wish & desire your Excellency may receive every necessary Aid from this & every other State, I think your Excellency’s Censure on the Conduct of some recruiting Officers but too well founded—I have spent my whole Time in riding from place to Place in the State to animate the Officers to their Duty & indeavor to put every Thing in forwardness to march.
The Gent. who commands this Detachment is a worthy brave Officer & I hope will meet your Approbation. A more Particular Answer to your Letters I will Send by next post. I am yr Excellency’s Obedt hbl. Servt

Saml H. Parsons


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown April 7th 1777.
Elizabeth-Town.Westfield.

John Burke of Capt. Christy’s Company of the 3rd Pennsyl: Battalion, tried by a General Court Martial of which Major Harmar was

President, is found guilty of being drunk on his post, and is sentenced to receive one hundred lashes for said offence.
The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be executed forthwith.
Lieut: Carnes of Capt: Wade’s Company, in Col. Martin’s Regt tried by the same Court Martial on the charge of “Behaving unbecoming the Character of an Officer and a Gentlemen, in converting to his own use the property—viz: A Horse and half Johannes, belonging to one Baxter”; And also of “Disobedience of Orders”—The Court find the said Lieut: Carnes Guilty of the Charge against him, and sentence him to be cashiered—And the Court order, to restore the Horse & Money to said Baxter; and to make good Baxter’s Expences to the Amount of £5.—Proc: Money; and that so much money be stopped out of said Carnes’s Pay, as to answer and make good the Judgment of the Court.
The General approves the sentence of the Court, and orders it to take place immediately.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier Generals Nathaniel Heard and William Winds, 7 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heard, Nathaniel,Winds, William

Sir
Morris Town April 7th 1777

Inclosed I transmit you a copy of a late resolve of Congress, by which you will perceive that in bringing the militia into the field, strict regard is to be had to the number of men, and only a due proportion of officers, both with respect to rank and number, is to be called out to command them. More than these will not be paid, as it would impose an unreasonable burthen on the public. There have been horrid abuses in this way; it has been heretofore customary to see almost as many officers as men in the pay abstracts, that have been brought before me. And what is, if possible, a still greater enormity I have reason to believe it is too often a practice for officers who command parties to assume the rank of their superior officers who happen to be absent, and to draw pay equivalent to it, under the absurd idea of their acting in their stead & capaci⟨ty.⟩ I desire your careful attention to the remedying these things in future, as the tenor of the before mentioned resolve will be rigidly adhered to; and supernumerary officers may expect to receive no pay for their unnecessary services; and those who are guilty of such an assumption of rank will make themselves liable to punishment.
I find that the Brigadiers of this State have each a particular power only to call out the militia of a particular district. On this account, unless the Governor should have regulated the matter himself, it will

be necessary that the Brigadiers should agree among themselves, on one of their number to take the actual command of the troops in the field: more than one will not be wanted for the purpose.
I shall deem it indispensibly incumbent on the acting Brigadier to inforce upon all the officers under him the necessary practice of making exact returns to him of their several parties; and to impress it upon them, in explicit terms, that no abstract they shall present will be paid, unless they are first certified under his hand; in doing which, his duty and reputation demand he should accurately compare the abstracts with the returns that have been previously made. Any neglect, or want of care in this particular, will manifest an unpardonable disregard to the public good. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Patton, 7 April 1777
From: Patton, John
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency,
Philada 7th April 1777

Inclosed is as particular a State of my Regiment as I can at present obtain. I have Several parties now on their March for this place from the Country, and am provideing Cloths, Arms &c. for them, in about ten days I Shall have one full Compy ready to March. The Recruiting Service goes on very slowly. My Officers are gone to all parts of the Country where I thought there might be a probabillity of Success. They all complain of the Expence attending that Service, & think the allowance of ten shillings for each man they enlist, and ten shillings ⅌ Week for their Subsistance, too little to defray the Charges that they are Obliged to be at, every thing being so extravagantly dear in all parts of the Country.
The Board of War for this State, have passed a Resolve the 27th March allowing the Recruiting Officers of the twelve Regiments to be raised here, four Dollars for every able bodied man they enlist after that Date, who shall pass muster, in Addition to any former allowance made by Congress or this State, I wou’d beg to know if the Officers of my Regiment are to be allowed in like manner for men that they may enlist. I have the Honor to be—your Excellencys—Most Hble Servt

Jno. Patton Colonel


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed or Colonel John Cox, 7 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph,Cox, John

Dr Sir,
Head Qrs Morris Town April 7th 1777

I am informed, there is a certain Mr Smith, who has been lately taken up by General Lincoln as a spy & sent to Philadelphia under that character. I believe for several reasons that he is the man who was imployed by you to act for Us, in that capacity, and that the apprehending him is a mistake, which may be attended with ill-consequences. Lest he should be precipitately tried and punished, I must beg you will interpose in the affair without delay, and if you find him to be the person I suspect he is, take measures to have him released. I should be glad indeed, that some management might be used in the matter, in order to turn the circumstance of his being apprehended to a good account. It would be well to make him a handsome present in money to secure his fidelity to us; and contrive his releasement, in such a manner, as to give it the appearance of an accidental escape from confinement. After concerting a plan with him, by which he will be enabled to be serviceable to us, in communicating intelligence from time to time, let him make the best of his way to the enemy, under the idea above intimated, that is as a fugitive from the persecution and danger, he incurred among us, for his known friendship to the enemy. Great care must be taken so to conduct the scheme, as to make the escape appear natural and real: there must be neither too much facility, nor too much refinement, for doing too little, or overacting the part would alike beget a suspicion of the true state of the case. I am Dr sir Your most hum. servant.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Sackett, 7 April 1777
From: Sackett, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

may it Please your Excellancy
Apl 7th 1777

Emediately upon my appointment I Repaired to the State of New york where I entred on the Bussines⟨s⟩ assigned me but as it was of a Secret nature and knowing that either the Bussiness or any Circumstances attending it that would have a Tendency to Give a Clue to the

Enemy would Render the whole abortive made the Execution of it exceeding Difficult and found my self und⟨er⟩ a Necessity of Placeing Confidance in Some Perticular Gentle⟨men⟩ tho’ never opened the Bussiness to any Excep Wm Duer Esq⟨r.⟩ without first administring an Oath of Secrcy to them—af⟨ter⟩ Spending one fortnit in the Bussiness I almost Disp⟨aired⟩ of Success but fortunatly a Gentleman that I had Engaged to Secure me a proper person for to go into the City of new Yor⟨k⟩ Sent me one who he Recomends to be well Educated and a good Sirveyar and Every way calculated for the Bussiness. on the night of the 7th march I got him thro’ our Loins at the English neighbourhood. on his way to the City his Bussiness was to Get what Inteligance he could[,] hire a Room in the City and Get a Licence to carry on a Secret trade for Poltry to ena⟨ble⟩ him to convey me Inteligance once or Twice a week he has not yet Return’d neither have I heard from him Since, I w⟨ould⟩ Inclose your Excellancy the Copy of the Oath he Took before he we⟨nt⟩ off but think it Imprudent therefore must Beg to be Execu⟨sed⟩ untill a Personal Interview—emediately on my Return I for⟨tunate⟩ly Procured Two other Gentlemen of well known attachment to our Cause who are honest Sencible and Intrieuging, and have undertaken to go in to the Enemy and Seat them selves Down in their Camps. I proposed one for Brunswick ⟨and⟩ the other for Amboy One did sit out on the Bussines⟨s⟩ and to Enable him to go in under proper Circumstances to get the Best Inteligance has for Some Time Past associated with the first Rate Torys in these Parts and Carried matters So far as to Get a written Invitation from Wm Bayard now in the City his Son is a Coll in the British Service and will go in Recomended to Coll Buskirk And major Tenpenney in their Service this Gentleman has not had the Small Pox a circumstance he Did not mention to me untill every needful Preporation was made for his entring upon the Bussiness: I emediately ordered him to Return home and Be Enoculated. he Set off Last Friday and Intended to take the Infection yesterday and will Return as Soon as he is able to go in. to Establish his Character with the enemy and Remove every Suspicion I have given him Liberty to Inlist 8 or 10 men to Take in with him as an Evidance of his Sincerity; the other Gentleman was Enoculated and Returned to me from the Small Pox Day Before yesterd[ay] and is now among the Principle Torys near the Enemies Lines in order to get Letters of Recomendation to Some Principle Gentlemen in the enemies Service. I Expect him Back tomorrow with Proper Credentials to Enable him to enter their Camps with Creadit—I have also Imploy’d a Hessian who has Lived in the Country for near 40 years. he is Either to go in him self or Get one of that Nation that may be Relied on to go in he is to meet me here next Thirsday and Gives it as his opinion

that he can use Such arguments with them as will Prevale with Great numbers to Desert he will make use of the Deserters as pipes to convey Inteligance. I could wish that your Excellancy would Point out the most Proper place for the Last mention[ed] man.
week before Last I sent in a woman the wife of a man gone over to the enemy. our People has Taken her Grain for our use She made a very heavy Complaint. I advised her to Go to New york and Complain to Lord How. She was pleased with the advice and Set off to his Lordship to Let him know how She was oppressed and to Request the Time that She might Expect Relief. She Left the City Last Friday weeke and Says that She Dispairs of any Relief Soon that there is a Large number of flat-Bottomed Boats in the harbour of New york which are Intended for an Expidition against Philadelphia and that the British army is going to Subdue that City and that the Poor Tory Sufferers here will not Be Relieved untill that Expidition is over She Says that Provisions of every kind in new york is Very Dear that when a Cow Calves, they Let the Calf Suck untill it is fit to Kill and then Kill Both Cow and Calf togather and Eat them that the Beaf of Such Cows Sells from 18d. to 2/ ⅌ Pound that flower is 28/ ⅌ hundred wt and every thing in proportion and She fears Very much that the Kings army will not be able to Subdue the Rebbles in Less than Two or 3 years—I also Inclose your Excellancy a Copy of the Examinations Taken from Two Deserters yesterday I have no further Inteligance to Transmit; your Excellancy will be pleased to answer this By the Return of this Express and give me Such Instructions as may be necessary: after makeing Such use of this Letter as your Excellancy may think Proper you will be pleased to Distroy it as the Least matter Relative to my Bussiness Transpiring may have the most pernicious consiquences. I am may it Please your Excellancy your Excellancys most obediant humble Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Major John Thornton, 7 April 1777
From: Thornton, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Fredericksburg [Va.] April 7: 77

I received your favour of 20th March and am truly sensable of the Honour intended Me & shall with pleasure serve to the best of My knowledge in any Post you[r] Excellency pleaseth to appoint Me The publick good & not promotion has & I hope ever will regulate My conduct if the Officers are appointed in proper places which I doubt not the Men may still [be] raisd the Orders or instructions its your Excellencies pleasure to communicate I hope may be as full as possable & then shall Most chearfully & implicitly be Obey’d. I am your Most Obdt Servt

Jo. Thornton


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 7 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir,
Head quarters Morris Town. 7th April 1777.

The pay Abstract of the 10th Regiment of Connecticut Militia from October to January last, was this day presented to me for payment. The very unreasonable disproportion of Officers induced me to decline giving Orders for the payment. I must beg the favour of You to have some Mode adopted by which the Public Treasury may be eased of such extraordinary Demands—Impositions of this nature are provided for in future by Congress; but how We are to remedy those that have happen’d I am at a Loss to determine—I can only say that nothing shall pass thro’ my hands that may be construed into the slightest approbation of such Impositions—I have inclosed the Abstract for your Consideration—& have the honour to be Yr most Obdt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Should Colo. Sheldon want a farther supply of Money to finish the equipping his Regiment, I must request you would advance it.


Title: Circular to the Commanding Officers of Several Virginia Regiments, 7 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Commanding Officers of Several Virginia Regiments

Sir
[Morristown, 7 April 1777]

I am informed, and indeed I have observed, that the men of your Regiment are so exceedingly bare of necessaries that it not only contributes to their unhealthiness, but renders them absolutely unfit to take the feild. Inattention to the Wants of Soldiers marks the bad officer—it does more, it reasonably removes that Confidence on which the officer’s Honour & Reputation must depend—As there is Cloathing now here, I desire you may immediately cause inquiry to be made into what is wanting, and make returns, that if the things wanted are not here, they may be ordered on. If advantage is not taken to supply the Men now we have a little leisure time, they will be miserable and naked during the active part of the Campaign.


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

Head quarters. Morris Town. 7t. April 1777

Mr Verstilee delivered me your favour of the 1st Inst.—The account it contains of the Strength of your Batn falls very short of the Condition I had reason to believe it was in, from what Colo. Wm Livingston told me immediately on his return from you—I cannot give the Order you have applied for; but have sent you one for 300 stand on the Commissary of Military stores at Springfield, The inclosed contains an Order to send 3,000 immediately to that place. Be pleased to give it an expeditious Conveyance. I must insist that you will not in a single Instance abate your attention to the purchase of arms—The late arrivals will not supply the Continental Army—They must therefore be proportionately delivered out; and he who depends entirely on being supplied from these funds & omits purchasing all the arms within his reach, will be greatly disappointed—The sooner you furnish General Parsons with the Return he called upon you for, the better—The Campaign is on the very Eve of Opening. A decisive blow at the beginning will leave the fortunate party very little to do for some time afterwards—Now if the officers, in direct Disobedience of my repeated orders, waite at their respective homes in good quarters till they are pleased to think they can conveniently leave them, I must take the Field with little more than my family & loose this important Opportunity—My Orders therefore to send on the Troops as they recover from the Small pox, even by Twenties, must be strictly complied with—None must be delayed for Discipline—I am told that you have ordered Colo. Livingston to you, to superintend the recruiting during your absence from Connecticut & that the Majr is to come on with yr Recruits—Will it not tend greatly to the completion of yr Batn to detain the Majr in that Country & let Colo. Livingston command the Recruits in the field? I think it will. Sincerely wishing you here very soon at the head of your Batn I am D. Sir Yr &c.


Title: General Orders, 8 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 8th 1777.
France.Franklin.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Armstrong, 8 April 1777
From: Armstrong, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philadelphia 8th April 1777

The bearer Mr Saml Kersley is One under the Nomination of a Captain in the minute I left yr Excely an assiduous & every way well disposed Young man—who after laying out what money he had of his Own in recruiting & coming to this City to be replenished (for which I thought my Certificate expressly grounded on your Authority wou’d have been Sufficient) Congress will not grant nor admit a Shilling until your Warrt to the pay master General is produced—they say they don’t doubt the Certificate, but can’t deviate from a certain resolve, so that altho’ the Substance be here & moral certainty of the fact, the want of form must Stop the Service & Subject the Young Man to a journey of near two hundred miles extraordinary—but I wish not to complain—His going up will I hope prevent the same disappointment happening to the Other three Gentn who no doubt may soon be expected here on the Same errand, as of the remaining three also, I hope Your Warrt will make particular mention. Here give me leave to correct a mistake which might otherwise happen—Mr David Aspey (the first in yr list) has wrote me he cannot accept, but I guarded this at the first, by sending a Seperate proposal to Mr John Wilkins, who does accept and has raised about twenty Men, so that Aspey must be erazed & Wilkins inserted—Whether you will think proper at this time to give Mr Kersley his Commission & Send with him those of the Others I must submit.
Notwithstanding the prevailing Sentiment here—the N. River & a junction &c. I cannot fully divest myself of a different Object, and the advantages they may propose by being first Over & gaining the Dellaware. I am with perfect respect yr Excellencys Affectionate humbl. Servt

John Armstrong

Shou’d Mr Kersley to Save the journey rather think of letting this go by the first Express as Congress have proposed—The Warrant as early as possible inclosed to the President will be equal.

J:A:


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Loring, 8 April 1777
From: Loring, Joshua
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 8th April 1777

Since I wrote You last his Excellency Sir William Howe has had a further Examination respecting the Rank of the Canadian Gentlemen, and it is determin’d that the four persons You mention are the only Gentlemen that [are] entitled to any Rank viz. Captain Duchesnay, Lieut. Hertel, Lieutenant Schmit, Lieutenant La Magdaleine, and even those at that time were serving as Volunteers, This Alteration has made it necessary to send You another Return, which you’l please to accept and to destroy that sent you in my last—You will see that I had paid a due Attention to your Nomination of some Gentlemen to be first exchang’d and I shall in future comply with your Desire in exchanging those first who have been longest in Captivity, with due Respect I am Your most obedient & most humble Servt

Josa Loring Commissary for Prisrs

P.S. You’l be kind enough to order the Parole of Lt Col. Greene to be return’d.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 8 April 1777
From: Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

Sr
State of Massachusetts Bay Council Chamber Boston April 8th 1777

Your Excellency on the 22nd of December last wrote a Letter recommending that Measures should be taken to Effect an Exchange of Prisoners, as soon as possible and as far as Circumstances will admit of advising that all the Prisoners in this State should be sent to the Commanding Officer of the British Troops on the Island of Rhode Island, This Business has been hitherto delayed as the Commanding Officer of the American Troops in the State of Rhode Island had in Contemplation the making of an Attack upon the British Troops on the Island of Rhode Island & thought this Design might be entirely defeated, if an Exchange of Prisoners was to take place immediately as the Enemy would thereby be greatly Strengthened, moreover it was considered that as our Prisoners at New York had been released, since the writing of your Letter, the principal reason for making the exchange immediately, now Ceases.
As the Expedition to the Island of Rhode Island is for the present laid aside, The Council have ordered the Commissary of Prisoners to collect all the Officers belonging to the British Army that are prisoners of War and to send them to Bristol in the State of Rhode Island in order for Exchange, they have not directed the Commissary to collect and send the Non Commissioned Officers and privates that are prisoners, as from the best Intelligence we can obtain the Enemy’s Force in Rhode Island amounts to Four Thousand Men And we have not at present in that State above one Thousand American Forces to oppose them, and the danger of impeding the filling up the Continental Regiments has hitherto retarded the raising a sufficient Number of Troops for the defence of that State, tho’ we are now taking Measures to send a Number of Men for that purpose, to continue in the Service until they can be relieved by a Number of the Continental Regiments, a number of which will doubtless be stationed here for the defence of

these Eastern States, Under these Circumstances the Board thought it would not be adviseable to send the Non Commissioned Officers & privates at present, And have determined to make an Exchange only of the Commissioned Officers, We submit this Matter to the Consideration of Your Excellency & should be glad of your Sentiments upon the Subject for our further direction. In the Name and behalf of the Council—I am, With great Respect Sir Your most Obedt hble Ser[v]ant

James Bowdoin Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 8 April 1777
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New London [Conn.] 8th [April] 1777

Since mine of the 21st of March I have receivd your Excellency’s Letters of the 6th 12th 20th & 29th of March that of the 6th came to Hand not till the 28th; by the Length of Time between the Date & my receiving it; The Seal not being such as I had ever before seen from Head Quarters; The Direction on the Cover very different from the handwriting of the Letter writer, and the omission of the Usual Note on Public Service, which I have not found to be omitted in any other Instance, with several other Circumstances gave me a Suspicion the Letter had been opend and detaind & a new Cover put to it.
Immediately on receiving your Letter of the 12th of March (which was not until the 23d) I dispatchd the inclosd Letters to the several Colonels, the Returns I have recd are inclosd & annexd; Colos. Charles Webb, Chandler & Swift have made no Returns: Colo. Swift has wrote me he has not been able to collect exact Returns from his Officers who are dispersd at great Distances from One another but has sent his estimated Numbers by his best Information, I have sent for exact Returns which I beleive I shall soon receive; I have never heard from the other Two Colonels though I have repeatedly sent to them.
I have paid the Utmost Attention to forwarding the Troops who have inlisted & to promote the Inlistment of others; but such is the amazing

Lethargy of the Country that, little Short of the Sound of the last Trumpet, will rouse them to realize their Danger & awake to their Duty.
I have wrote to Col. Charles Webb about the Arms he had your Excellency’s Order to receive but have no Answer.
There is too much Reason to beleive that Idleness in some & Dissipation in other recruiting Officers prevails too much for the Public Weal, but I hope this does not prevail very generally, I shall attend closely to the Conduct of the Officers in that Business.
By the 8th Article of the 14th Section of the martial Laws, no Sentence of a general Court Martial can be executed until the Pleasure of the Commander in Chief or of the Congress is known; As I am not authorisd by your Excellency to approve or disapprove those Sentences I am obliged to trouble your [excellency] With the inclosd Judgment—I have orderd the Prisoner forward with the Detachment which marches to Morrow.
I hope to send on about 600 Men next Week & as many more about the 20th—I am certain no Man could have taken more Pains to have forwarded the Troops than I have, I wish, with my Soul, it had been Attended with a Success reasonably expected by your Excellency; I shall continue to exert myself to furnish the Men at this Time so much needed—if a few Companies of Volunteers for 6 or 8 Weeks would be of any Service, I think it probable some such might be ingaged who would not inlist into the Army; perhaps a very considerable Number might be had if a decisive Action was expected.
In the Present Emergency would it be expedient to inlist any in the Army to serve to the first of Jany only? I think a considerable Number may be had soon if inlisted only for that Term of Time, but for this there is at present no Order.
The Young Gentleman who brought me the Answers to the inclosd Questions came from New York the Week before last. I am yr Excellency’s Obedt hl. Servt

Saml H. Parsons

P.S. I have receivd a Return of the Number inlisted in Col. Angell’s Regt raisd in Rhode Island which is added to the Account of our own Recruits.


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Sackett, 8 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sackett, Nathaniel

Sir,
Morris Town April 8th 1777.

As your Letter of yesterdays date is rather a narative of what you have done, than any thing else, scarce any answer is necessary, except to that part respecting the H[essia]n: who I think had better go to B[runswic]k as his Influence with his C[ountryme]n, if he has any at all, can be more usefully exerted there than elsewhere—If any should be sent out with Intelligence of Importance, or of a private nature they should be Instructed to request a private conference with one of my Family, as the examination of D[eserte]rs is generally before many.
The good effect of Intelligence may be lost if it is not speedily transmitted—this should be strongly Impressed upon the Persons Imployed as it also should be to avoid false Intelligence and building too much upon Reports alone—A comparison of Circumstances should be had, and much pains take⟨n to a⟩void erroneous Accts.
It runs in my head that I was to corrispond with you by a fictitious name—if so I have forgot the name & must be reminded of it again. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Alexander Spotswood, 8 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Spotswood, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Morris Town April 8th 1777.

I am sorry to find by your Letter of yesterdays date that your Regiment is so much reduced—Let me beseech you to use every possible means to collect your Men together, & not suffer some to be in one place, some in another &ca—and let me also entreat you, to charge

your Recruiting Officers in explicit, and positive terms to be exceedingly attentive to that duty, as idleness and dissipation will not meet with the smallest countenance. Your other Officers are to attend the Regiment closely and not suffer’d, under various excuses, to be idling their time away in Philadelphia or elsewhere. Another thing I shall earnestly recommend to you; and that is to see that your Officers are correct in their returns & made to account satisfactorily for every Man that is not present. I shall be rigid in this respect with the new Army, and would have you announce it in time to your Officers.
Till you hear further from me, you will please to receive your Orders from General Putnam—Embrace every oppertunity to be drilling your Men. attend more to the Manouvres, than the Manual Exercise—To march well—wheel in order—and go through the Platoon Exercise, are essential. the other parts of the Manual Exercise thô well enough to be known (if time would admit of it) is more useful on a parade than in actual Service. I am very sincerely Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 9th 1777.
Dean.Adams.

Major Dunn being obliged to attend Major General St Clair to Philadelphia, to which place he is called by Congress—Lt Col. Conner will be obliging enough to discharge the duty of Adjutant General pro tempore. The Commander in Chief begs that Genl St Clair will accept his most sincere thanks, for superintending the duties of that office, of Adjutant General; and that Major Dunn will also accept his thanks for the faithful discharge of them, for some time past.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 9th April 1777

I am honoured with yours of the 4th inclosing sundry Resolves of Congress from the 29th March to the 5th instant.
I am extremely glad to see the Resolve for the immediate removal of Military Stores from Baltimore and Annapolis, for altho’ I do not imagine that the Enemy intend an expedition of any great Consequence in Chesapeak Bay, yet while the Stores lay at the above places, they were always subject to be destroyed by a sudden Attack of a Ship of War with a few land Forces.
The Regulations for the paymaster Generals department are very salutary, and if carried strictly into execution will make a vast saving to the public, it may be easily done when the Army is put upon a regular footing; but while we are obliged to make use of Militia, we must submit to all the irregularities that naturally attend them, and must not therefore expect to have the Rule as scrupulously complied with by them as could be wished.
By comparing the Returns of the Commissary General and Muster Master General, I hope we shall be able to detect any impositions in respect to numbers, which I am certain has been scandalously practiced for a long time past, and which it has not been in my power to remedy. The Muster Master Genl complained that the duty required of him was more than he could perform, but by the late Resolves, there is an ample allowance for deputies, and therefore no further excuse can be made upon that head.
I most ardently wish to see the Hospital established. I am afraid too much time has been lost in the consideration of the plan. But the Gentlemen, who shall be appointed to the superintendance, must endeavour to make up for lost time by their diligence.
By the latest accounts from Brunswic, it looks as if the Enemy were projecting an embarkation, they have been stripping the Buildings of Boards and cutting small Timber and transporting them from Brunswic to Amboy. It is imagined this is to build Births in their Transports. I shall keep a constant look out upon the Motions of their Vessels and shall endeavour to obtain every intelligence by sending people into their quarters. I think Delaware Bay must be their Destination if they move by Water. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Sir Yr very hble Servt

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 9 April 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada April 9th 1777.

Yesterday Evening the Congress compleated the Business of the Medical Department, and on so large and liberal an Establishment that we may rationally expect the most beneficial Effects will flow from it. Every Encouragement is given to Gentlemen of Skill and Reputation in that Art to enter into our Army, and a Variety of Regulations adopted to carry the Plan more effectually into Execution. As I have the Honour of enclosing the Resolves on this Subject, I beg Leave to refer your Attention to them.
It is with particular Pleasure I transmit the Resolution of Congress directing Monuments to be erected to the Memory of Major General Warren, and Brigadier General Mercer. Every Mark of Distinction shewn to those illustrious Men who offer up their Lives for the Liberty and Happiness of Mankind, reflects the highest Honour upon those who pay the Tribute, and by holding up to others the Prospects of Fame and Immortality, will animate them to tread in the same Path. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect & Esteem, Sir, your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Prest


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 April 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston April 9th 1777

Yesterday I received pr Col. Johonnot the honor of your’s of the 29th ultimo—and observe your Excellency’s pressing & positive Orders for hastening the Troops—This I have been doing with unremitted Assiduity—and the moment a Detachment is equipped I order them to march—There are now on the march to Peeks-kill, a Detachment of Col. Greaton’s Regt upwards of One Hundred fine Fellows well armed &c.—they marched the last Friday: a Detachment from Col. Nixon’s who marched about the same time; A Detachment from Col. Shepard’s march’d on monday, a Detachment from late Patterson’s this morning—And a Detachment from Col. Wigglesworth’s & Col. Putnam’s will march in a Day or two—A Detachment from Col. Bailey’s (200) & about the same number from Col. Wesson’s will march to morrow or next day for Ticonderoga, & a Detachment from Col. Jackson’s about the same time—Marshall’s Brewer’s, Bradford’s & Francis’s, Regts have been marching for some time to Ticonderoga and since my last I have sent on the Field Officers of those Regts—I intend to send on all the men that I can possibly arm & equip, by the next Thursday or Friday,

whether they have had the Small pox or not; after that I shall continue the same mode of Conduct, with those destined to Ticonderoga—and to Peeks-kill such only as have had it, & Inoculate those who have not, sending them after as soon as they are able to endure the Fatigues of the March.
General Nixon is now under Inoculation—The State Troops at present furnish me with Guards for the Stores, so that I shall not detain a man, saving for the Guards at the Hospitals.
As to the numbers of men enlisted it is at present impossible to ascertain them, as the Recruiting Officers are scattered in every part of the State—the last Return from the Muster Masters was 3824, but such Returns as I have received are much larger—I have not the whole—I believe 6000 men at least are enlisted—The Recruiting Service is now pretty successful—But Cols. Henley Jackson & Lee labor under Discouragements, the State at present declining to do any thing for those Regts lest it should retard the filling of the 15 (as they say) Col. Crane’s has obtained every encouragement & fills fast.
A day or two ago the Powder made in & belonging to this State, was upon proof found to be bad—the Continental Frigates which were to have been supply’d with it, are like to be detained at a time when they ought to be at Sea—The Honble Mr Cushing applied to the Council to Sollicit of Mr Langdon a sufficient Quantity for them & desired me to join with them—I therefore recommended it, if consistent with Mr Langdon’s Instructions, and hope it will meet your Excellency’s Approbation, I would also earnestly Sollicit that a Quantity of that powder may be deposited in this State, as there can be no dependence on that made here, & all belonging to the Continent at this place having been sent on to Springfield, by Order of Genl Knox, in order to it’s being fixed in the Labratory.
Col. Putnam has just informed me, that he saw in a Connecticut paper, not long since, that the Grant of Lands from the Continent to the Soldiery, was to extend to those who enlist for three years, as well as others—should that be the Case I should be glad to be ascertained of it.
I think it my duty to observe to your Excellency that the pay of the Regimental Surgeons is so low, that few, if any Gentlemen of proper Abilities will engage in the Service.
Your Excellency will doubtless have heard ere this reaches you that the Brign. Cabot has been drove on Shore by the Milford Frigate, & lost.
I shall obey your Excellency’s Orders, with respect to paying the Artificers at Springfield, & the 10,000 dollars to Mr Jarvis—but the Chest will want a Supply—The Commissary received from General Ward out

of the last Monies sent here about 70,000 Dollars—I have been obliged to supply him with 20,000 more. The Bounty money, Subsistence, & marching of the Troops, cause large & daily demands from the different departments.
I am this moment informed by Mr Secy Avery, that a Brig is arrived at Nantucket from Nantz (with Fishing Geer)—The Capt. reports that the Brig that carried home Doctr Franklin in cruizing off Nantz had taken 5 Prizes, one of which was the Lisbon Packet.
I shall endeavour to give your Excellency, every Intelligence in my power, that may occur worthy of notice. I have the Honor to be very respectfully your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to General William Howe, 9 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Morristown April 9th 1777.

I take the liberty of transmitting you a Copy of a paper addressed to me by Lieut. Colo. Walcot of your Army, which came inclosed in a Letter from Lieut. Genl Lord Cornwallis. It is with peculiar regret, I am constrained to observe, that this illiberal performance of Colo. Walcot, is obviously calculated, to answer a less generous purpose than that of merely effecting an exchange—contains a gross misrepresentation of facts, and is a palpable deviation from that delicate line, which I expected would mark his conduct, as a man of candor & ingenuity.
That Gentleman has censured two Articles insisted on by me through Lieut. Colo. Harrison at their meeting on the 10th Ulto “as groundless, unprecedented and inconsistent with any degree of reason or common sense,” tho founded, as I conceive, in the clearest principles of Equity and justice. Nor contenting himself with this, which would have given me no concern; he has assumed the privilege of mutilating and mistating those Articles in such a manner, as to change their meaning, and to adapt them to the unfair conclusions he wished to establish.
Having premised these things, and being charged in direct and positive terms by Colo. Walcot, who acted under your authority, with a violation of the Agreement made between us for the Exchange of prisoners, and called upon for a performance of the same, I think it necessary, to explain the motives of my conduct, and the grounds on which those Articles or Objections stand.
In respect to the first, I freely repeat, that I do not hold myself bound, either by the spirit of Agreement, or by the principles of justice, to account for those Prisoners, who from the rigor & severity of their treatment, were in so emaciated and languishing a State at the time they came out as to render their death almost certain and inevitable; and which in many instances happened while they were returning to their Homes and in many Others immediately after their arrival. You must be sensible, that our Engagement, as well as all others of the kind, tho in Letter, it expresses only an equality of rank and number, as the Rule of Exchange, yet it necessarily implies a regard to the general principles of mutual compensation and advantage. This is inherent in its nature—is the voice of reason, and no stipulation, as to the condition in which prisoners should be returned, was requisite. Humanity dictated that their treatment should be such, as their health and comfort demanded, and where her laws have been duly respected, their condition has been generally good. Nor is this the language of Humanity alone—justice declares the same. The Object of every Cartel

or similar agreement, is the benefit of the prisoners themselves and that of the contending powers—on this footing it equally exacts that they should be well treated, as that they should be exchanged: The reverse is therefore, an evident infraction, and ought to subject the party, on whom it is chargeable, to all the damage and ill consequences resulting from it. Nor can it be expected, that those unfitted for future service by acts of severity in direct violation of a Compact are proper subjects for an Exchange. In such case, to return Others not in the same predicament, would be to give without receiving an Equivalent; and would afford the greatest encouragement to cruelty and inhumanity. The argument drawn from the mere circumstance of the prisoners having been received, is of no validity. Though from their wretched situation they could not at that time be deemed proper for an Exchange, Our Humanity required, that they should be permitted to return among us. It may perhaps be fairly doubted, whether an apprehension of their death or that of a great part of them, did not contribute somewhat to their being sent out when they were. Such an event whilst they remained with you, would have been truly interesting, because it would have destroyed every shadow of claim for a return of the prisoners in our Hands; and therefore, policy concurring with Humanity dictated, that the measure should be adopted. Happy had it been, if the Expedient had been thought of, before these ill fated men were reduced to such extremity. It is confessed however on all sides, that after their delivery they still continued your prisoners & would be so, till regularly exchanged. I acknowledge that I should be, and I have been always willing, notwithstanding this concession, to account for every man who was in a proper condition and fit to be exchanged at the time they came out so far as the proportion of prisoners with us would extend. With what propriety or upon what foundation of justice can more be demanded? This has been proposed, or what is the same, was most clearly implied in the first Article or Objection made by Lieut. Colo. Harrison, and illiberally rejected since, as inconsistent with any degree of reason or common sense. Painful as it is, I am compelled to consider it, as a fact not to be questioned, that the usage of our prisoners whilst in your possession, the privates at least, was such, as could not be justified. This was proclaimed by the concurrent testimony of all who came out—their appearance sanctified the assertion—and melancholy experience in the speedy death of a large part of them, stamped it with infallible certainty.
In respect to the Second Article insisted on, Your discriminating Major Genl Lee from other Captive Officers belonging to the American Army, demanded my particular attention. I was authorized to conclude from your laying him under peculiar restraints, and from your

Letter of the 23d of January last, that you considered him in a singular point of view, and meant to exclude him from the common right of exchange, stipulated for all Officers in general terms. This distinction the more injurious and unwarrantable, as you never excepted him, though you knew him to be an Officer in our Army, at the time and long before the Agreement was entered into, made it my duty, to assert his right in an explicit manner, and to endeavour to put the matter upon so unequivocal a footing as to insure his enlargement, when ever an Officer of equal rank belonging to your Army should be in our power. This was attempted by the Article and nothing more—nor is any other inference to be drawn from it. It is true a proposition was made since his captivity, to give a certain number of Officers of inferior rank in exchange for him, but it was not claimed, as a matter of right. What name then, does that proceeding merit, by which it is suggested, that the immediate release of Genl Lee had been demanded, without having an Officer of equal rank to give for him? The suggestion cannot be supported by the most tortured exposition nor will it have credit, where candor is deemed a virtue, and words preserve their form & meaning.
As to the charge of delay in not returning the prisoners in our hands, the dispersed situation of those taken at a more early period of the War, through the different States, arising from the circumstances of their captivity and a regard to their better accomodation, made their detention for a considerable time unavoidable. When the Agreement subsisting between us took place, the speediest directions were given to have them collected, that an Exchange might be effected. This was done in part, and at a juncture when motives of policy opposed the measure, but were made to yield to the rigid maxims of good faith. We were pursuing the exchange and continued our exertions to accomplish it; till the miserable appearance, indicating an approaching catastrophe, of those sent out by you, made it improper. foreseeing that a difficulty might arise, and that It might be expected, I should account for the whole of them, which I by no means thought equitable, it became necessary that the matter should be adjusted and the due proportion settled for which I ought to be responsible, before any thing further could be done on my part. upon this ground stands also the detention of those, who have been since captured.
Added to these considerations, the discrimination set up in the instance of Genl Lee is to be regarded, as utterly irreconcileable to the tenor of our Agreement, and an insurmountable obstacle to a compliance with your demands.
Thus Sir, have I explained the motives of my conduct, and, I trust, vindicated myself in the eye of Impartiality, from the improper and

groundless charge which you & the Gentleman acting by your authority have been pleased to alledge against me. If in doing this, I have departed in the smallest degree from that delicacy, which I always wished should form a part of my character, you will remember, I have been forced into recrimination & that it has become an act of necessary justice.
I shall now declare it to be my ardent wish, that a General exchange may take place on generous & liberal principles as far as it can be effected and that the Agreement subsisting between us for that purpose should be inviolably observed; and I call upon you, by every Obligation of good faith, to remove all impediments on your part to the accomplishment of it. If however you do not, I console myself with a hope that those unfortunate Men, whose lot it is to be your prisoners, will bear their sufferings with becoming fortitude and magnanimity. I am Sir with due respect Yr Most Obedt Sert

G:W.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 9 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Sir,
Head quarters Morris Town. 9th April 1777.

Having heard that your State have appointed Lieutt Colo. Geo. Stricker to the Command of a Battalion, I hold myself bound to inform you That the Character he holds here as an Officer will not justify such an appointment—Yesterday he obtained my leave to resign, complaining that his private Affairs indispensably require his presence at home for several Months—Had there been any other Field Officer with the Batn, I should have permitted him to leave it immediately; he waits only for the Colonel’s arrival.
I beg you will consider this Information as proceeding from my great regard for the good of the service, & from nothing else. I have the honour to be with great Regard & Esteem Yr most Obd. Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 9 April 1777
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Salem [Mass.] April 9. 1777.

I esteem it a singular honour done me by your Excellency in offering me the post of Adjutant General, and it pains me sensibly that I am obliged to decline it. ’Tis an honour to which I did not aspire, because I did not account myself equal to the important business of the office. Your Excellency does not mistake my attachment to the interests of the United States; ’tis sincere & unalterable. But my military character (which you are pleased to mention as a motive to the appointment) is in my own estimation of no great account. I have, it is true, studied the rudiments of the military art; but have very small, or rather no pretensions to capacity & skill in the important scenes of war; and much fear I should disappoint your Excellency’s expectations concerning me. I have domestic reasons & private concerns which powerfully urge my staying at home: but these I should not mention did they exist alone. But, besides the command of a regiment of militia on the seacoast; I hold divers civil offices which are sufficient to engage my constant attention—those of Judge of one of the maritime courts—Judge of the Inferiour Court of Common Pleas, Acting Justice of the Peace—& Register of Deeds for the county of Essex. The exercise of

these offices I could without any very great inconvenience quit for a season; and therefore at the time of making the late levy of militia, as there appeared some backwardness in the people, I encouraged their engaging, & stepped forth & offered my own personal service. Nevertheless, I would forever abandon all these employments, if I thought myself capable of doing more service to my country by acting in the office to which your Excellency has been pleased to invite me. But as I do not thus think of myself, & conceive it not difficult to find a person, not otherwise employed, & to say the least, as able to discharge the duties of the office as I, I must beg leave to decline it. I am, with the greatest veneration your Excellency’s most obedient servant

Timothy Pickering junr


Title: Orders to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 9 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

Sir,
[Morristown, 9 April 1777]

I—You will repair immediately to Philadelphia, and use your utmost endeavours to hasten the Troops on to this place—nothing but vigorous exertions—strict attention—and even rigour towards the Officers, will enable you to accomplish this purpose in proper Season, for I have too good reasons to believe, that the whole time of many of them, is spent in dissipation and extravigance—examples must be made of such.
2d—Call for exact returns of every Corps in the City, and after forwarding on all those that are fit for Duty to Head Quarters, (or otherwise as you may be advised) suffer no more recruiting Officers to be in the City than you conceive may be profitably employed in that Service; without this, as the Officers have other Inducements than that of getting Men to continue there too many will remain in that place Interfering with, and Inlisting each others Recruits.
3d—Let the Detachments of every corps come on with proper Officers—A Field Officer should be sent forward to receive them at Camp. the Lt Colonels woud do best for this duty—to be followed by other Field Officers proportioned to the Increase of the Numbers sent here & the Strength of the Regiments respectively.

4th—As you know the Importance of bringing the Troops into the Field properly equipped, & well appointed, I shall depend much upon your exertions in these respects; and moreover that you will not suffer the frivolous excuses, and idle objections of the Officers (calculated merely for delay) to retard their March.
5th—Every Party that Marches, to have Orders given to the Officer Commanding it, in writing—with a charge to present it to the Commanding Officer of the Post he is ordered to, that it may be known whether he brings all the Men committed to his care or not—If the Party should be composed of different Corps, the number, and Rank in each, should be certified.
6th—Every possible means in your Power should be used, to draw the Recruits out of the Country in the States of Pensylvania, & lower Counties; and to hasten on those which are upon their March from Virginia, & Maryland.
7th—It is my Intention to Brigade the Troops of Pensylvania, Maryland, and Virginia agreeably to the list herewith given you; so far therefore as circumstances will enable you to facilitate the measure, I shall depend upon your doing of it.
Order in positive, and express terms, that the Rolls of every Corps be called over at least twice a day in the presence of a Commissioned Officer—and let it also be the duty of a Commissioned Officer of every Corps, in Rotation, to visit their Sick in Quarters and the Hospital—In the first place to see that they are properly taken care of—in the next, that they join their respective Regiments so soon as they Are fit for duty.
Let me have an exact return of all the Continental Troops in Philadelphia, & Vicinity, so soon as you get to Town & let A return be regularly transmitted to me every Tuesday, by the Post, whilst you continue in the City of the Troops there, & Corps they belong to. Given at Morris Town this 9th day of April 1777.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 9 April 1777 [letter not found]
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Major General Stirling, 9 April 1777. In a letter to Stirling of 10 April, Tench Tilghman acknowledges on behalf of GW “the Rect of your agreeable favr of last Night” (NN: U.S. Army, 1775–89).


Title: To George Washington from a Committee of the Continental Congress, 10 April 1777
From: Committee of the Continental Congress
To:

Sir,
Philadephia April 10. 1777

In obedience to an order of Congress we do ourselves the honor to inform your Excellency of the reasons and principles that have governed Congress in their resolution for forming a Camp on the west side of Delaware. The repeated information that hath been received of the enemies movements, and it being the opinion of your Excellency, as well as of many other General Officers, that this City was the Object of such movements, rendered it proper that means should be fallen upon, to prevent the success of such a design, as well to guard against the bad impression that it would certainly have on the affairs of America in general, as to give security to the valuable Stores here collected, and which cannot speedily be removed.
It has been considered, that if the real design of the enemy should be against this City, the Troops are here well fixed, and will be an encouraging place of resort to the Militia of this State in their present unfixt condition, being between their old plan of association, and their new, but yet unexecuted, law. On the other hand, should the design of

the enemy be upon Hudsons river, or more eastward, the Troops here may with ease reach that river, before those now at Head Quarters can have all crossed it. But other considerations remain, and they are, should the enemy continue in Jersey with a view to attack your Army, or should your Excellency mean to make a decisive impression on them when your numbers are sufficient, in either supposition, the Troops ought not to be here. And therefore, in the whole of this business, Congress mean not, in any manner, to interfere with the designs, or to counteract the Judgement of your Excellency, but wish you freely to call up to Head Quarters, all, or any part of the Troops encampt here as you shall please. It is not supposed that this will occasion any delay, and will certainly prevent the injuries that would be derived to the Troops, as well in health as discipline, from their entering and remaining any time in this City. We are, with sentiments of much esteem, Your Excellencies most obedient humble servants

Richard Henry Lee
John Adams
Geo. Clymer
Abra. Clark


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Richard Gridley, 10 April 1777
From: Gridley, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston April 10, 1777.

I acknowledge your favour of the 9th of January last. By desire of Mr Guild I have inclos’d his account of Ordnance Stores Cast at Stoughtonham Furnace, & deliver’d at Boston, for the Service of the Continent; he desires Your Excellency will please to Order him payment; and as the Furnace is now in Blast, if your Exy wants any more Stores to be made, he will make them faithfully & as cheap as any Furnace in this State will make them. I am with Duty & Great Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt humbl. Servt

Richd Gridley