Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 8 November 1777
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Sr
[8 November 1777]

From the Commencement of the Present war I have devoted my time, regardless of domestic concerns to the Service of my Country. and scarcely since the month of June 1775 have I paid any attention to my own private affairs. Since my appointment to a Commission in the Horse, Which was in June 1776 I can with confidence say I have not been absent from my duty in that department one week, but when sickness has renderd me incapable. I find from late experience, that the post I now occupy renders me little else but an Idle spectator of events, And as my first motive for entering into the Army, was nothing but the purest intention to serve my Country in its distress, which I trust I have done hitherto with the integrity & Honor which becomes an officer in

whom it has reposed a confidence, So the Same motive Subsisting I think it my duty to assure you that I am of opinion it wd be much more in my power to yeild my Country assistance, by returning in to a Civil station than by a Continuance in my Present military one, exclusive of the Inducements which my private affairs at present hold out to me for Quitting the Service. To you Sr do I cheerfully Submit a retrospect of my past conduct; and a candid Judgment of my present reasons for Quitting the Service. Shd you think them consistent with strict propriety & honor I shall flatter myself with your not di[s]approving my intention, to resign my Commission about the 1st of December; when there is some reason to expect this campaign will be honorably terminated. Shd you disapprove of the steps I propose to take I flatter myself your Excellency will have no material objection to my obtaining a furlough for such time as you may think proper, that I may return to my native Country where the Urgency of my affairs, together with those of several of my wards whose estates are under my direction require my presence. I am Sr with the greatest respect Yr most obedt Sert

Theok Bland


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 8 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

Dear sir
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] Novr 8th 1777

I have receiv’d your favor mentioning the many & strong reasons you have for quitting the Service, or at least obtaining leave of absence for the settlement of your affairs which you say & I make no doubt are in a Situation that demand your presence.
As the Contest, in which we all saw the necessity of stepping forth, still remains undetermin’d, & the event of War doubtfull & uncertain, I conceive, that the same motives which first call’d us out, now plead in the most pressing terms for our perseverance to that happy Period, in which our united Efforts shall effect that great design, for the accomplishment of which we were first induced to sacrifice the Happiness of Domestic life.
I believe the private Concerns of every Officer in the Army will suffer in a greater or lesser degree by his Absence, which must have been expected as a matter of course, at their first Acceptance of their Commissions.

As to the Strictness of Honor & integrity with which you have conducted yourself (having never heard the least Suggestion to the Contrary) I think it unnecessary to say any thing on that Head.
I have always endeavor’d to give every Indulgence to Officers which I thought consistent with my duty & the good of the Service—In this Instance I think matters had best be deferr’d to the close of the Campaign, when your request can in either way be answer’d with greater propriety & precision. I am Dear sir your Obed. Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 8 November 1777
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

sir,
Gen. Potter’s Quarters Nov. 8. 11 oclock A.M. 1777.

Capt. Little late of Philada has just returned from the neighborhood of New Castle—he fell in with Lieut. Linsey of Blands dragoons, who had just taken two Captain’s belonging to the Enemy’s fleet: one of them was under orders to sail for England in a packet, and came ashore to take leave of the inhabitants who are continually supplying them with every necessary. Lindsy says if he had had only a few foot with him he would have taken a number who got off—I am now going to reconnoitre & meet some spies—I hope to give you soon some material intelligence. General Potter desires me to acquaint you he has rec’d information that the enemy say their Bridge will be complete by tuesday next.
A Gentleman out of Philada declares that the enemy have not above two days provisions on hand, at one time, it being impossible to get more up at once as they are now situated. Yr obedt servt

John Clark Jr

’Tis said a Boat with Hessians was lately sunk by a shot from Fort Mifflin and the men drowned.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 8 November 1777
From: Craig, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Frankford [Pa.] 8th Novr 1777

By every Accot from the City the enemy intend to Attackt the Fort tomorrow. the Hessians are to stand Guard. the Highlanders Granadiers and Light Infantry to make the Attackt one of their Floating Batteries that was Lanced Yesterday is Sunk to the bottom My Guard was rainforced Last Night I hope I Shall have it my power to provent the Enemys Comming into the Country as much as the have done. I am with Great Truth Yr Excellencys Most Obt Servt

C. Craig


Title: From George Washington to Capt. Charles Craig, 8 November 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Craig, Charles

Letter not found: to Capt. Charles Craig, 8 Nov. 1777. Craig’s letter to GW of 8 Nov. is docketed in part “Ansd 8.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 8 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] 8th November 1777.

I have received your Letter of the 6th Inst. and thank you for the intelligence contained in it—you will farther oblige me by communicating immediately whatever new matter of public consequence may occur.
The importance of the Post at Red-bank makes it necessary for us to employ all possible resources in rendering it so respectable by the Strength of the Garrison, and the number of Troops stationed within distance to cooperate with it, as not to fear even a more formal Attack than was exhibited in the first successless effort of the Hessians—All the men in your State that can be spared should therefore be collected and march’d to join Genl Varnum.
Your present of Salt-water delicacies will be the more acceptable to us in Camp as they are so great a Rarity—and as I anticipate the pleasure they will give I return you my thanks for them before their arrival.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 8 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Head Quarters Whitemarsh [Pa.] 8th Novemr 1777.

I do myself the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter from Major Genl Dickinson of the 6th instant, by which it appears that a reinforcement has sailed from New York either for Genl Howe or some other expedition. I have not yet heard whether any of the Troops on their march from the northward have yet crossed the North River, but I hope they will be with me near as soon as Genl Howe’s reinforcement can arrive at Philada.
There was a heavy firing of Cannon all the day of the 5th down the river, and in the evening some musketry was heard, from whence we concluded that an attack had been made upon Fort Mifflin. But it turned out to be an attack made by Genl Varnum, with a 12 and an 18 pounder fixed near Red Bank, upon the Enemy’s Ships. He thinks he damaged the Somerset of 64 Guns considerably, as she got on ground and was for some time exposed to his fire. The ships were obliged to quit their Stations and fall lower down.
From a variety of accounts and circumstances, I am induced to beleive that the Enemy are meditating a grand blow against Fort Mifflin.

I have put the place in as good a state of defence as my present numbers will admit, and have directed Genl Varnum to afford every further assistance in his power. I therefore hope they will meet a warm reception whenever they make the attempt.
The military Chest is again empty and the Army is unpaid for the months of Septemr and October, besides the drafts that are requisite for the Commissary and Quarter Master Generals department. You will therefore be pleased to direct a supply of Cash to be sent on as expeditiously as possible.
I fear, from a letter which I have lately recd from Genl Heath, that no proper measures are taken to put up a Supply of Salt provisions, for next Campaign; to the Eastward. I have inclosed a Copy of Genl Heaths letter to Mr Buchanan the Commy Genl of Purchases, and have desired him to have the matter looked into in time, but it is of so much importance to the very existence of the Army, that I think it deserves the attention of Congress. I have the honor to be Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 8 November 1777
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
No. 8th 77.

Mr Lindsay is just returned from New castle & has brought with him two prisoners; the one Capt. Nicholas of the Eagle packet, the other, Capt. Fenwick of a sloop in the service of Government. These two gentlemen being fatigued with their ride, will not arrive at Headquarters, ’till tomorrow.
The transports have received orders to furnish themselves with six weeks provision, & make ready for sailing with all dispatch. A french ship laden with arms & ammunition lately taken by some of the enemy’s cruisers, was the other day brought into New-castle-harbour. There prevails a report in the fleet, that a channel has been discovered which avoids the chiveaux-de-frise, & that, the Somerset man of war is ordered up to try her success on the fort, by that route.
One of the enemy’s batteries on the Schuylkill has been launched two days past, & another is near finished. The mode now pursued by

the enemy in transporting supplies, to the city, is as follows. They land their provision, above Jone’s wharf, near a branch of Eagle-creek, they are carried from hence by water to Guiers dam, where they again put them in boats & readily convey them down another creek to the Schuylkill. There is no way of interrupting them in this business but by taking possession of Carpenters island.
Mr Lindsay acquaints me, that the enemy obtain large supplies of fresh provision &c. from the inhabitants in the lower Counties; his report of this & several other matters engages me to wish for an excursion for a few days in that country.
There is not the smallest interc⟨ourse⟩ now subsisting between the Coun⟨try⟩ & Navy from Wilmington to the Schuylkill. Your Excellency will please favor me by return of the dragoon with your instructions respecting this route. Enclosed is a Letr found; supposed to be wrote by Gen. Grant. I am with the most perfect respect your Excellencys most Obt H. Servt

Heny Lee jr


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 8 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir.
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] 8th November 1777.

The great importance of the Post at Red-bank has led me to be importunate in applications for its reinforcement—The State over which Your Excellency presides is more particularly call’d upon by reason of its Situation, and because it never furnished the two thousand men which were order’d as its quota to the Continental Army—I do therefore most earnestly entreat you that no exertions be wanting on your part to have as respectable a Force embodied for the purpose abovementioned as the Circumstances of the State will allow.

Haddonfield may be appointed as the place of rendezvous for the several Parts of this Force and when the whole are assembled there, they will receive the orders of Brigadier General Varnum. I am Your Excellencys most obedt humble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Tho Haddonfield is mentioned as a convenient place for assembling this Reinforcement—yet it is not to be consider’d as stationary—but subject to removal as Circumstances may require.
When this was ready to be closed Your Excellencys Letter of the 5th Inst. came to hand—I hope the measures which you have proposed for furnishing the Troops with Cloathing and Blankets will be adopted and prove successful—as it is a matter of such infinite importance.
I think there cannot be the least objection to your Excelly’s plan for disposing of the State prisoners, as it is dictated by humanity and is perfectly consistent with good Policy.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Jr., 8 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Nelson, Thomas Jr.

Camp at White Marsh [Pa.] 12 Miles from Phil. 8th Novr 77.
My dear Sir,

Your favour of the 26th Ulto came to my hands yesterday, & merits my warmest acknowledgements: The Idea’s you entertaind of our force was, unhappily, but too well founded; and I now wish I had given more into your generous proposal; but the distance, and uncertainty of keeping Militia in Service any length of time were obstacles which seemed too great to be counter balanced by the advantage of their coming but the glorious turn which our affairs to the Northward have since taken makes a new plan, & winter Campaign (if we can get our poor ragged & half naked Soldiers cloathed) indispensably necessary; as I think General Howe may be forced out of Phila., or greatly distressed in his Quarters there, if we could draw a large body of Troops round the City.
The mode by which Men have lately been recruited is hurtful in the extreme, and unless a more effectual, & less pernicious one can be adopted I do not know where the mischief is to end. As the Assembly of Virginia is now setting, I hope some vigorous exertions will be used to compleat the Regiments of that State—and shall I add, my wishes that it would also contribute its aid towards Cloa[t]hing of them; being

well perswaded that unless the several States give their assistance, we shall be in a very unhappy situation shortly. If our Regiments were once compleated, & tolerably well arm’d & cloathed, the calls upon Militia afterwards would be rare, and till these measures are accomplished, our expences will be enormous.
It is in vain to look back to our disappointment on the 4th Ulto at Germantown—we must endeavour to deserve better of Provedence & I am perswaded she will smile upon us—The rebuff which the Enemy met with at red bank (in which Count Donop & about 4 or 500 Hessians were killed & Wounded) & the Augusta of 64 & Merlin of 18 Guns were destroyed, has, I dare say, been fully related to you, & renders any acct of it from me, unnecessary—The Enemy are using every effort for the reduction of those Forts & we under our present circumstances doing all we can to save them. the Event is left to Heaven. With compliments to your Lady—Mr Secretary &ca I am with the sincerest regard & Affection Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Charles Pope, 8 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Pope, Charles

Sir
[Whitemarsh, Pa., 8 November 1777]

The approaching season and the distresses of the Army in the Articles of Blankets & Cloathing, make it necessary that every practicable measure should be pursued to procure Supplies.
You are therefore to proceed immediately to the President of the Delaware State with the Letters you have in charge and to receive from him for the use of the Troops which have come from thence, Whatever Supplies the state may be in a situation to furnish in these instances

and which they may think proper to deliver. You know the condition of the Troops & must explain it.
Besides the Necessaries you may receive from the state, you are to use your best endeavours to procure further Supplies by purchasing from the Inhabitants and from Individuals. For this purpose you will receive of the Pay Master Genl  Dollars. I have written to the president upon this measure & persuade myself, that he will give you every countenance and aid to promote it⟨.⟩ The Wants of the Troops are general; But in the Arti⟨cles⟩ of Blankets—Shoes & Stockings, they are peculiarly grea⟨t.⟩ As large a Supply of these, as it is possible, must be had⟨. Upon⟩ a due representation, I trust, the Inhabitants in gene⟨ral,⟩ from motives of generosity and a regard to the service, w⟨ill⟩ make every contribution their circumstances will ad⟨mit of⟩ & upon terms just & reasonable.
You are to keep a particular account of ⟨all⟩ the Cloathing you obtain, as well from the state as by ⟨collec⟩tion from the Inhabitants & Individuals—of the price⟨s paid⟩ for them in the latter instance & of every Expen⟨ce⟩ incurred in bringing them to Camp. These you w⟨ill⟩ report on your return with the whole of your proce⟨edings.⟩ Given at Head Qrs this 8 da⟨y of Novemr 1777.⟩


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 8 November 1777
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
[8 November 1777]

I Receved your excelancys favour of yesterday leat Last evining ocasioned by my being leat on the enemys lins, there is nothing pertecquler that I see in my power to do heare, could I Beleve that my Troops were fit to storm Brestworks I wold have actacted the Island before this time But Common prudance considring who I command has for bid it—altho I flater myself I have not the worst of men I have Sent all my Baggage Six mills Back of where I am encamped and there unloaded all my waggans and ordered carridges to be maid for the waggans to move the stones from the Brandewine Mills and Sent off one Hundred

men for that purpose at present the men under my command are mutch scatered on difrent Commands as the lines I have Ocqupeyd are from Vanderings on the Schulkill to Grubs on the Dalawer I Keep a Picquit at Booms Dam of one Captn 2 Subs. 3 Sajants 50 men one at the Brest Works of 12 men one at Grays ferrey of 30 men one at the middle ferrey of 100 men one at the uper ferrey 25 men up by Vanderings a Reconoitring party under Major Miller all these parties has a shutable numeb. of officers I have all ways a number of other partys on difrent Command I mount a gaurd in and about Camp of 100 men and Officers to command them as Soon as it is in my power to callect in these men I will order as maney as is over six Hundred privats to Join the Camp at Head Quarters agreeable to your orders there is one Battn times out yesterday and two more tomorrow and when there times is out they will go the Militia under Col. Crawford Came to me at Night and went off in the morning I Requested that the might assist in Moving the mill stons, Col. Crawford thougt the wold not and we did not ask them, as for Breaking the Banks there is Enuf of that sort of works dun alredey the have found out an easer way of Bringing there provision the unload at Joneses warff about 100 yarrds from Eagle Creek and careys it up the Creek to Giers warff, thence to Mingas Creek and in to the Schullkill at Everleys the floting Batty the Bult at Everleys Sunk in the lancing the enemy has Carried down a Great number of fagats to the point whither for the purpose of Defence or for to Make Bridges I cant say, when I send the Troops away I must draw back, and work on a smaller Scale. I am with Great Esteem your Excelanceys Most Obedant Humble Servant

Ja’s Potter

P.S. James Gray son of Mr Gorge Gray came out of Town yesterday who says it is Reported in town that a Bot load of Hessens was latly sunk amounting too 60 men oCasioned by a Cannon Ball Going throo the Boat, there was a number more drounded on Provance Island in the flud.


Title: From George Washington to George Read, 8 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Read, George

Sir
Head Qrs [Whitemarsh, Pa.] November 8th 1777

The approaching season and the scanty Supplies of Cloathing in public store, have induced me, to send Lt Colo. pope to procure, if possible, a suitable Quantity for the Troops of your State. The distress of the Army in this instance, is great, and will daily increase if some releif is not obtained. I do not know, whether your State may have turned its attention to this Object, or what provision it may have made. If it has & there are Supplies on hand, it will be a happy circumstance—but if not, I must entreat the earliest interposition of your aid that a sufficient collection may be made.
Besides the necessaries, which I hope will be derived from the State, I have instructed Colo. pope to obtain All he possibly can by purchase from the Inhabitants and Individuals, in which, I trust, he will have your countenance and every assistance. I need not detail our Wants—they are general, and extend to every species of Cloathing and to Blankets—but to the latter, and to shoes and Stockings, in a peculiar manner. I assure you, Sir, these requisitions of mine are not the result of Choice but of the most urgent Necessity, which will apologize for the trouble they may occasion you. Colo. Pope is acquainted with the condition of the Troops, and will explain it. As the circumstances of your State, in point of Manufactures, are equal to any & far superior to those of most of the Thirteen, I flatter myself, that the supplies from thence will be ample for their soldiery, and that they will in some measure exceed for the benefit of the Army in General. Those who are able and attached to the cause ought to contribute from motives of generosity & a regard to the service; And such as are disaffected should be compelled. The latter is authorised by Congress and in a few instances the power has been exercised. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 8 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

Sir
Head Quarters Whitemarsh [Pa.] 8th Novemr 1777

Yours of the 6th relieved me from much anxiety, as it was confidently reported that the firing upon the 5th was upon Fort Mifflin. I am pleased to hear of the Success of your Cannonade against the Enemy’s shipping, and I am very certain if we had more heavy Cannon mounted upon travelling carriages to move up and down the Beach occasionally, that we should annoy and distress them exceedingly. To possess Billingsport as well as Red Bank is certainly a most desirable object, but circumstanced as we are at present, in respect to numbers, it is impossible. In a letter from Genl Dickinson of the 6th he informs me that he had ordered two detatchments of Militia to march from Elizabeth Town to Red Bank, one consisting of 160 Men, he does not mention the number of the other.
I have just seen a very intelligent person from Philada. He has been conversant with many people who stand high in the confidence of the British Officers of the first Rank. He finds from all their discourse, that a formidable attack is to be made upon Fort Mifflin very soon, if that fails, they will be obliged to change their quarters as they find they cannot subsist in the City without they have a free communication with their shipping.
I therefore repeat what I wrote yesterday, that you should immediately reinforce Fort Mifflin as strongly as possible, and give the Commodore notice of the intended attack.
The inclosed for Commodore Hazelwood, Colo. Green and Lt Colo. Smith are from Congress, and as they bear honorable testimony of their behaviour hitherto, I beg they may be put immediately into their hands. It perhaps may prove a further incentive to their gallant exertions.
I approve of the Measures you have taken to procure cloathing for the troops and am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 8 November 1777
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Woodberry [N.J.] 8th Novr, ½ past 5 P.M. 1777.

I have to acknowledge the Rect of your Orders of 7th Instant. The Intelligence you are pleased to communicate, I received last Evening, by two Persons who came out of Philadelphia Yesterday, & by a Spy, whom I had in Billingsport Yesterday, two Hours. My Accts give these additional Circumstances, That the Garrison at Billingsport consist of two Hundred of the seventy first Battalion, & two Hundred Marines. That they were, this Day, to be reinforced by two Hessian Regiments; That there were four Row Gallies & two floating Batteries in Schylkil; That an Attack was to be made upon Fort Mifflin by the Way of Schylkill; That they were to attack Red bank at the same Time, landing just below Timber Creek (a fine beach, and no obstruction between that and Fort Mercer); that the Troops from Billingsport were to move across Manto Creek, at a Signal given from Philadelphia, & act in Conjunction with Those from Philadelphia, against Fort Mercer; That they were to attack this Day Morning at four, if possible, If not, the first Time they should be Ready. Last Evening, at Ten, Sky Rockets were seen on Province Island, w’ch determined me the Action was about to commence, I took every Precaution in my Power; Just before Sunsett this Evening, There appeared to be a large Number of Men, Horses, & I tho’t Fascines, passing Schylkill to Province Island. The Ships below fired Guns, w’ch were supposed to be Signals. The Accts respecting the Enemy’s Intended Movements were given in the same Manner, by two Prisoners, of the second Battalion of the seventy first Regiment, whom my Scouts captivated Yesterday, near Billingsport. I shall send a Detachment this Night into Fort Mifflin, tho upon my Honor, I think that Garrison sufficiently manned. I have the Pleasure to Inform you, that we had Guard Boats last Night between Hog and Province Islands, the Rout of the Enemy’s Boats, w’ch met with, fired upon, & caused them to retreat. The Commodore will fix a Chain this Night, that is already prepared with dry logs to buoy it up, & Anchors to fasten it down, between those Islands; Fourteen Gun Boats will lay in the Passage; The Commodore, with all his Gallies will lay close to the North End of Mud Island; The Floating Batteries, & Xebecks to guard the Chievaux de Frize, & oppose The Shipping, should they attempt to advance; And the Continental Vessells under Capt. Robinson’s Command, will lay at the Mouth of Schylkill, and at the Mouth of Timber Creek. I have placed the Continental and Militia Guards, upon Timber & Manto Creeks. In a Word, I am perfectly satisfied with the different Arrangements, & the universal Spirit, w’ch apparently pervades the whole; & unless I am too ignorant of military Dispositions, the Great Governor

of the Universe, will give to your Arms Success in this Quarter, should the Mercinaries attack, as we sincerely expect and wish they will; And, to your Ex⟨cel⟩lency, additional Laurels! Pardon me ⟨I⟩ write upon the Run, and am thinking of ma⟨ny⟩ thinks at once—The Musketry you mention, was the Ecco of Cannon in the Groves. I am your Excellency’s most devotedly

J. M. Varnum


Title: From George Washington to the Continental Navy Board, 9 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Continental Navy Board

Gentlemen
Head Quarters Whitemarsh [Pa.] 9th Novemr 1777

I yesterday recd a letter from Congress informing me that they had received a Report from your Board with your opinion upon the most probable means of securing the Frigates. Whereupon they came to the following Resolution on the 4th inst: “Ordered that a Copy of the said report be sent to Genl Washington for his approbation and if he approve the same that a detatchment of troops be sent to assist in the Construction and management of the Batteries aforesaid.”
Upon the Rect of this I took the opinion of the General Officers who unanimously agreed that, as we had not any men to spare to construct and defend the works recommended by you, there were no other possible means of effectually securing the Frigates but by scutling them. You will therefore be pleased to have it done in such manner as will render the weighing of them most easy in future and in such depth of Water as will secure them from being damaged by the floating Ice in the Winter. All the other Vessels capable of being converted into

armed ships should be scutled also. This should be done as speedily as possible and as secretly, for should the Enemy get notice of your intentions I should not at all wonder at their sending up a force purposily to destroy them or bring them down. You will dispose of the Men that were on Board of them as directed in my former. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 9 November 1777
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Fort Pitt [Pa.] 9th Novr 1777

I was duly Honoured by the rect of your Excys Favour of the 13th Ultimo. immediately on the Receipt of It I dispatched an Express to Captn Saml Miller of the 8th Pennsylvania Regimt who Occupied a Small post on the Frontier of Westmoreland County, ordering him here, as Soon As he Arives he with Lieutenant Hughs & Such of the Regimt as are here Shall proceed to join their Regimt some of the 13th Virginia Regt who deserted from the Army Under your Excys Immediate Command, I have Ordered to join their Corps at the same time—the Militia who had the Care of Moses Carson Mentioned in my last suffered him to escape, a Certain Donald McDonald who was a Serjt in the 8th Pennsylvania Regt so far imposed on the Council of Safety of the State of Pennsylvania as to Obtain Some assistance and a pass to go towards Lake Erie, not knowing him to be a Deserter, in june he Applied to me for Permission to go to the above mentioned place with a party of Chipwa Indians then here pretending Friendship, which I was disposed to grant—had he not been then Apprehend & Confined As a Deserter by Lt Richardson, from what passed Shortly After I had reason to Suspect his design was to escape to the Enemy at Detroit, to give them Information that might be Very Detrimental to the Interest of the United States in this Quarter, I therefore Continued him in Confinement, & Send him down by this Detachment.
When I last did myself the Honour to write to your Excy I fully Expected to be able to penetrate the Indian Country. But Alas! I was disappointed the Whole force I was Able to Collect, including Draughts from, Hampshire, Berckley, Dunmore, Loudon, Frederick & Augusta Did not exceed 800 men—I am therefore obliged to Content myself

with Stationing Small Detachments on the Frontiers to prevent as Much as possible the Inroads of the Savages & rely on the Successes of Our Arms to the Northward, & Your Excellys Operations for the Rest.
I tomorrow Intend to proceed down the Ohio to Forts Henry & Randolph, to Establish some Order at these posts, & to have the provisions ordered to the Latter taken the proper Care of. may Every happiness Attend you Excy as a Man and Success as a Soldier is the most Earnest Wish of your Excys most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Edwd Hand


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 9 November 1777
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 9th Novemr 1777.

Lieutenant Vallancey, who was the Bearer of General Burgoyne’s Dispatches to me, is charged with mine in Return, and will apply to you to obtain a Passport for his safe Conduct to General Burgoyne in the Massachusetts Bay, which I request may be by the most convenient Route. I am with due Respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant.

W. Howe


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 9 November 1777
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Princeton [N.J.] 9th Novr 1777

I this Moment received your Excellency’s Letter of yesterdays date. I am so thoroughly convinced of the Importance of the Post at Red-bank that I want no Arguments to induce me to exert my best Endeavours to

raise our Militia for its defence—your Excellency is pleased to observe that “this State is more particularly called upon by reason of its Situation; and because it never furnished the two thousand Men which were ordered as its Quota to the continental Army.” Of the first reason I can easily apprehend the force; but the second does not equally strike me, because, altho’ it affects me sensibly that this State is very deficient in its Quota to the continental Army; yet as I presume that Circumstance may be equally predicated of the other States, I cannot see why it should be particularly urged against this, as an Argument for any extraordinary Exertions beyond the rest.
your Excellency may however depend upon it, that we want no other Arguments than that of our Zeal for the Cause; & no other Excuse for not fully answering your Expectations (should that prove to be the Case) than our Inability.
I inclose your Excellency copy of a Letter which I yesterday received from Major General Dickinson by which you will find, he is exerting himself to procure as great a Reinforcement as possible to the Eastward. To the Southern I hear they are within these few days turning out beyo⟨n⟩d E⟨xpectation.⟩ To excite them to take the Field with greater Spirit, & in larger Numbers, I have directed General Dickinson to take the Command of our Militia in that Quarter if he thinks he can be spared from his present Post without endangering the Service.
General Forman has to my great concern, & contrary to my warmest Sollicitations, resigned his Commission, upon some Misunderstanding with the Assembly. I have the honour to be your Excellency’s most obedient Humble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 9 November 1777
From: Smith, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Mifflin [Pa.] 9th Novemr 1777.

About the 20th Instant if we are not attacked sooner I am of Opinion we shall have put this Fort in a good posture of defence, at which time the Officers of the Virginia Regiments and my party hope your Excellency will relieve them and their men. Your Excellency will see the propriety of this request when I assure you that out of 200 Men compleatly Officer’d which my party consisted of, there are not now in Garrison more than 4 Officers and 65 privates. the 6th Virginia Regt brought 120 rank and file, and this morning returnd only 46 fit for duty the first nearly in proportion, and the party from Genl Varnum have already sent off 4 Officers and 16 privates besides convalescents, for some time past there has not been one night without One two or three Alarms, One half of the Garrison are constantly on fatigue and guard. these reasons I hope will induce your Excellency to send the Relief they request. As the Business and Duty Incumbent on the Commanding Officer of this Garrison has been of a very difficult nature, and attended with much fatigue I shall be oblig’d if your Excellency will also relieve me. I shall expect to stay several days after the Relief Arrives to shew the Officers the Advantages and weak parts of this place. This Garrison will require 500 Rank and file during the winter besides 80 Artillery Men, they will perhaps not be so sickly as we have been as the fatigue will be chiefly finished, and the Sickly season over. A Large Stock of Salted Provision ought immediately to be laid in, for in the Winter they will not always be able to cross for Provisions &C. a want of Rum has occasion’d our late very extraordinary sickness, A

quantity sufficient for a Gill each man ⅌ Day ought to be provided for Winter. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys most Obedt Hum. Servant

Sam Smith


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 9 November 1777
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Woodberry [N.J.] 9th Novr ½ past 6, Ev. 1777.

Previous to the Rect of your Commands of Yesterday, I had sent an additional Reinforcement of a Capt. two Subs., three Serjeants and fifty Rank & File into Fort Mifflin. I have been at Fort Mifflin to day; The Enemy are prepared to open a Battery of five Guns, I take them to be Eighteens or Twenty fours, this Night, or tomorrow Morning, In Conjunction with their two Howitzers, besides two small Batteries, w’ch they have heretofore fired from. They have been very busy this Day in crossing the Mouth of the Schylkill with Waggons, Fascines &c. Two double Deckers more have passed thro’ the lower Frize. There are Eight in the whole upon this upper Station, but all of them are below my two Gun Battery. Thirsday last one Floating Battery was launched in Schylkil, it sunk with its Guns, w’ch were bro’t from the Eagle; Two more upon the Stocks, one to have been launch’d this day. They are very busy in building two Bridges across Schykill, All their Force seems to be in that Quarter, w’ch is destined to the Attack of Fort Mifflin—Their Boats are moved from Delaware; This is Intelligence gained from a Ferryman opposite Cooper’s Ferry who came from Philadelphia this Day. Our Guard Boats keep the Enemy from transporting Provisions &c. the usual Way, but they pass unmolested over Tinnicum Island, by the Way of Derby Creek, A Rout, that lays out of our Power. They Enemy will make Fort Mifflin very warm; I shall relieve them from Time to Time to my utmost. I think they will Open their Batteries with great Activity: Soon after w’ch, it is probable they will bring down their Water Craft from Schylkil, which will make a Line of Fire intersecting that from their Principal Battery on Province Island, at an Angle of about thirty Degrees. The Commodore seems determined to meet them with Spirit, adhearing to the same Dispositions, w’ch I had the Honor of mentioning in my Letter of Yesterday. The two Mischiefs the Enemy will Effect by their cannonade, will be making of Breeches in the mud Walls, and knocking down the Pallisades. To remedy w’ch, as much as possible, I am sending numbers of Pallisades into the Fort, & great

Quantities of Fascines. I hope to God, our mutual Efforts here may be pleasing to your Excellency; I am certain they arise from good Intentions. I ardently wish to see Genl Foreman! I cannot yet hear from him. Genl Necomb has, he tells me, about five hundred Militia here—They are principally without Ammunition—They are good Men, & have many good Officers with them. It is a Pity they cannot be properly furnished. The Old Gentleman, like Imlack of old, is anxious to do all the good he can; But, unfortunately, the Motions of the Stars are not committed to Superintendence. I am like a body without a Soul, for the Want of light Horse. I have not been able to procure any.
I am out of Patience with the Commissaries—No Provision, of any Consequence in the Garrisons—I have strip’d this Post to day, & sent to Fort Mifflin—I will continue sending in Supplies as fast as I can. If these Gentlemen do not act with a little more Sincerity, I will lessen their Number.
The Baron is really unfit to be in this Neighbourhood. He will not be fit for Duty for a long Time, if ever. I hope he may obtain Permission to retire. His Letter is inclos’d.
Be pleas’d to accept of my sincerest Thanks for your Excellency’s repeated Informations, and the paternal Care you exercise towards this little part of your Family. I am, in due Submission, your Excellency’s very humble and obedient Servant

J. M. Varnum

N.B. In Justice to Colo. Frink I must mention, he delivered your letter of Yesterday, at Nine, last Evening.

P.S. ¼ past Seven—Wm Ward is bro’t in by my Scouts, a Prisoner from the Camilla, who was this afternoon taken. “has come ashore with the Captain, to dine at Billingsport; He says the Ships are in Readiness to move up upon a Signal, w’ch is to be given from Province Island, w’ch will be an English Jack hoisted. They are to attack Red Bank, saying that if they should take fort Mifflin, red Bank would cover the Garrison. Says The Shipping have Orders to move, some to New York, some to one Place, & some to another, in a Fortnight, Should they not take the Forts. Says the Ships have not more than a Third of their Complement, & are very sickly”—Whether their preperations against Mifflin are real or a Feint, I cannot say; but believe the former; however, shall attend to both Circumstances.

J.M.V.


Title: General Orders, 10 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, White Marsh [Pa.] Novr 10th 1777.
Parole Newcastle.C. signs Kent. Sussex.


Title: To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 10 November 1777
From: Board of General Officers
To: Washington, George

[Whitemarsh, Pa., 10 November 1777]

The Board of General Officers assembled at General Greene’s Quarters by order of the Commander in Chief Beg leave to represent to His Excellency: That the Rations allow’d to the Army in future ought to be as follows Vizt.

                  2/
                  One pound & one quarter of a pound of Beef—or One Pound Pork or 1¼ lb. Salt Fish—

                   /5d.
                  1¼ lb. Flour or Soft bread or 1 lb. hard bread—

                   /7d.
                  Half a Gill Rum or Whiskey pr Day in Lieu of beer

                   /4d.
                  Half pint Rice, or a pint of Indian meel pr Week

                  3/4
                  Three pounds Candles to 100 Men pr Week

                  Soap agreeable to the late Regulation of Congress

They also beg leave to represent, That, upon Inquiry from the Commissary, they find that a Ration according to the above establishment will amount at the lowest rate to three Shillings & Four pence, exclusive of the Soap and Candles, which ought to be paid by the Commissary for each Ration retained since the first of May last; The Exorbitant price at which the necessaries of Life are purchased by the Army, will render the above Establishment absolutely necessary, otherwise the Officers which Congress designed should draw four Rations, will not with the Ration-money heretofore allow’d them, be able to purchase one, and the Soldiers will suffer in proportion. This have already had a pernicious effect, and caused a number of valuable Officers who have found themselves unable longer to subsist in the Army, to resign their Commissions; many others are complaining of the hardship occasioned by the former Regulations, and unless a remedy is applied will follow the example of others, by quitting the Service. The price of the Rations was formerly fixed by calculating what the several Articles which compose a Ration could be purchased for: This in equity should ever be the standard for fixing the price of Rations, & the Commissary should be directed to pay every Officer and Soldier who have Rations due to them, so much money as those Rations would have cost the Continent if they had been purchased and delivered out. They also beg leave to recommend that the Commissaries be ordered to keep their accounts ready posted up, that the Officers who are ordered upon Detachment, or to a Seperate department: may not be delayed in drawing the money due for their Rations.

The purchasing Commissary should once in every three Months, return into Head Quarters the Medium price at which he has purchased provisions for the Three Months preceeding; such Return with an estimate of the price of Rations which should be published in the Army, that no dispute may arise, respecting the price of Rations. That in all Settlements with the Commissaries for back-Rations, The Article drawn in part, by the Officer or Soldier, shall be reduced to Rations and deducted out of the whole he was Intituled To Receive and the remainder paid for, at the price established at the time they became due; except those which have become due since the first of May last.
It is Recommended that the Provision Returns particularize the number of Officers, as well as Soldiers for whom Provisions are to be drawn, and what number of Rations to each Officer, that these Returns may be compared with the weekly Return.

                  P. Muhlenberg B.G.
                  Wm Maxwell B.G.
                  Jno. Sullivan M.G.

                  G. Weedon B. Genl
                  W. Smallwood B.G.
                  Nath. Greene M.G.

                  Wm Woodford Brigdr
                  Gen. H. Knox
                  Stirling, M.G.

                  Jed. Huntington
                   B.G. Artillery
                  Ar. St Clair M.G.

                   B. General
                  Anty Wayne B.G.

                  T. Conway B.G.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 10 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Camp at White Marsh [Pa.] Nov. 10th 1777

I have been duly honored with your Favors of the 4th and 5th Inst., with their several Inclosures. Among those of the former, I found the Resolution you are pleased to allude to, respecting your Appointment as president. permit me, Sir, to congratulate you upon this Event, and

to assure you, I have the most entire confidence, that I shall experience in you, during your presidency, the same politeness, and attention to the interest of the States, that marked the conduct of your Worthy predecessor.
With respect to the views of the Navy Board for securing the Frigates—The situation of the Army would not admit of a compliance with them, supposing they would answer the end. I have therefore written to the Board, in the most pressing terms to have the Frigates scutled in such way, that they may be raised when it shall be necessary, and that in the mean time, they may not be liable to injury from floating ice. I see no measure so likely to secure em to us and against the Enemy’s attempts. I have been extremely fearful, they would have possessed and employed them with the Delaware & their Batteries on the rear of the Gallies and the Fort, while the Ships below attacked in Front. I need not point out the probable consequences of such an Event—they are too obvious.
The Resolves, which you request to be communicated to the Army, shall be published in General orders—The Letters for Commodore Hazelwood &c. have been put in a proper channel of Conveyance.
As to the disposition of part of the Northern Army—My Letter of the 1st contd to 3d contains my Ideas upon the Subject, and those of my General Officers. I shall be sorry, if the measures I have taken on this head, should interfere with, or materially vary from any plans Congress might have had in view. Their proceedings of the 5th, I presume, were founded on a supposition, that the Enemy were still up the North River and garrisoning the Forts they had taken. This not being the case, and All accounts agreeing, that Reinforcements to Genl Howe are coming from York, I hope the aids, I have required, will be considered expedient and proper. Independant of the latter consideration, I think our exertions and force should be directed to effect Genl How’s destruction, if it is possible.
Among the various difficulties attending the Army, the adjustment of rank is not the least. This, owing to the several modes—the several principles that have prevailed in granting Commissions, is involved in great perplexity. The Officers of the pensylvania Troops are in much confusion about it. In many instances, those who were junior in rank, from local & other circumstances have obtained Commissions older in date than those, which were granted afterwards to Officers their Superiors before. This, with many Other Irregularities, has been, and is the cause of great uneasiness; And though precedency of rank so claimed, should not be supported in justice or upon any principle, We find all having the least pretext for the Title, strenuous to support it, & willing to hold a superiority. I was therefore induced, to order a Board of Officers

to take the matter under consideration. The result respecting the Field Officers of this State, I now inclose, and wish Congress to adopt the Regulation which the Board have made, and to transmit me, by the earliest Opportunity, Commissions dated according to their arrangement; At the same time, it may be proper that there should be a Resolve, vacating the Commissions they now have, and directing them to be delivered to me. Their attention to this business, I trust will be immediate. The disputes and jealousies with the Officers require it.
I have inclosed the Memorial of Colo. portail and the other Engineers for their promotion, referred to me by the Board of War for my sentiments. As to the Terms, these Gentlemen mention to have been proposed and agreed to, when they first arrived, I know nothing of them further than the Memorial states. In respect to their abilities and knowledge in their profession, I must observe, they have had no great Opportunity of proving them since they were in our service. However, I have reason to believe, that they have been regularly bred in this important branch of War, and that their talents, which have been hitherto, as it were dormant, want only a proper occasion to call them forth, in which case I have no doubt they would do themselves honour & the states essential service. It is of great importance too to consider the practicability of replacing these Gentlemen with persons equally qualified—if they should quit the service, and how indispensible Men of skill in this branch of Military science are to every Army. While I am on this Subject, I would take the liberty to mention, that I have been well informed, that the Engineer in the Northern Army (Cosieski, I think his name is) is a Gentleman of science & merit. From the character I have had of him, he is deserving of notice too.
I would beg leave to mention, that we are in great distress for want of Money. This will be more urgent every day, and it is probable, there will be a good deal of pay due the Troops coming to reinforce us. Genl Putnam writes pressingly for a supply, and says he is in a most disagreable situation for want of it. I must request the attention of Congress to this Subject.
Your favor of the 7th came to hand this Morning. I shall pay proper attention to the Inclosures. The Rank of the Officers of Cavalry, I will attempt to have settled as soon as circumstances will admit.
I have nothing very interesting to communicate. The Enemy have lost One of their New floating Batteries. It sunk in a little time after it was launched. There has been a Canonade to day—it still continues. I do not know the occasion, but imagine, it is between the Ships and Gallies. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 10 November 1777
From: Smith, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Mifflin [Pa.] 10th Novemr 1777

This morning the enemy open’d their Battery in the Rear of our Nort. West Block House, about 500 Yards distance from it of 6 pieces of Cannon 18 to 32 pounders, and one eight inch howitz, one other eight inch howitz opposite the right of our Battery. they were so fortunate to strike one of our 18 pounders in the two Gun Battery on the Muzzle, by which, she is rendered useless; their Shott from that Battery rakes the Pallisades fronting the Meadow, and Cuts down 4 or 5 at a

time, they have laid open a great part of that side, and chiefly destroyed that range of Barrocks, they also keep up an incessant fire from the Hospital, they have dismounted 3 of our Blockhouse Guns, and much injured the Block houses and the other Range of Barrocks. We cover our Men under the Wall, and have the good fortune as yet to escape unhurt; in 5 or 6 Days (unless the Seize can be rais’d) the fort will be laid open, and every thing destroyed, if they continue to Cannonade and Bombard us as they have done, of which I haven’t the smallest doubt. Our men already half Jaded to Death with constant fatigue, will be unfit for service. Genl Vernum has promis’d to prepare for us new pallisades, if so, we will replace at night what is destroy’d in the day, and endeavour to keep the Fort as long as it is in our power. As the principal object I presume of your Excellency is to hinder the enemy from raising the Chevaux de frize this winter, I am of Opinion it could be done nearly as well from the other Shore as from this fort, was our Cannon there. Genl Vernum has informed you of the two Gun Battery he erected, with which the enemy might be hindered from raising the obstructions with the Assistance of the fleet and 2 Guns that may be placed on Bush Island. My Opinion & the Opinion of the Officers in this Garrison is that unless the Seige can be rais’d the enemy must in a short time reduce this place, We are determined to defend it to the last extremity, but we are of Opinion that it wou’d be for the common good to destroy the whole of the works and take the Guns to the Jersey Shore, where they’ll serve to guard the River, and in case we could get possession of Billingsport to mount on it, had we that post it would secure the River effectually. The Gallies will be much annoyed from the enemies Batteries, and when the Shiping comes up, we shall have the whole of their fire, A Saylor taken this morning says they are prepar’d to come up and act in consort with their Batteries. Our present Situation strikes us in the light I have described, shou’d circumstances alter our Sentiments I shall give you the earliest notice. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servant

Sam Smith

P.S. The enemies Boats still pass up and down the river I presume with provision.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 10 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] 10th Novemr 1777

I am pleased to find by yours of the 8th that proper dispositions were formed for the Reception of the Enemy at Forts Mercer and Mifflin and that the Garrisons were so full of confidence. We already hear a firing which we suppose a prelude to something more serious. I sincerely wish you sucess; but let the event be fortunate or otherwise pray let me have the speediest intelligence. I am Dr Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

Your detachments are on their march from Fishkill to join you.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 10 November 1777
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Woodberry [N.J.] 7 oClock Ev. 10th Novr 1777

The Enemy this Morning opened against us with five Batteries. At two this afternoon, no Man was killed or wounded. The Cannonade and Bombardment have continued feebly since that Hour. I suppose the Rain has prevented their being more brisk—They have thrown some Shot among our Shipping: Theirs remain below us. They have made but little Impression upon the Works or Pallisades. I have just desired Colo. Smith to put his Men into their Barracks, thinking that it is better to have a few killed or wounded, than to have the whole suffer, expos’d to the Inclemency of the Weather, upon mear Mud.
I have Reason to expect the Attack will be more severe tomorrow, as Cannon have been observed to pass over Schylkill this Day. Happy might it be for Troops to attack Province Island upon the rear of the Batteries. Should Heaven continue the Rain, so as to overflow the Meadows, we shall attack it upon this Side.
It would be serviceable either to furnish the Militia here, with Ammunition, or discharge them. The Important Moments are swiftly rolling on, in w’ch they can assist us. It is with your Excellency only to supply them.
Fort Mifflin will soon be in want of Cartridges for their Cannon. The Supplies are very inadequate to the present Seige. I am, gratefully, your Excellency’s most obdt Servt

J. M. Varnum


Title: General Orders, 11 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, White Marsh [Pa.] Novr 11th 1777.
Parole Hudson.C. Signs Delaware. Schuylkill.

The Honorable Continental Congress have passed the following resolves, which have been transmitted hither to be made public in the army. vizt.

In Congress, November 4th 1777.

Resolved—That His Excellency Governor Caswell of North Carolina be requested to erect a monument of the value of five hundred dollars, at the expence of these United States, in honor of the memory of Brigadier General Francis Nash, who fell in the battle of Germantown, on the 4th day of october 1777, bravely contending for the Independence of his country.
Resolved—That the thanks of Congress, in their own name, and in behalf of the inhabitants of the Thirteen United States, be presented to Major General Gates, commander in Chief, in the northern department, and to Major Generals Lincoln & Arnold, and the rest of the officers, and troops under his command, for their brave, and successful efforts, in support of the Independence of their country; whereby an army of the enemy of ten thousand men, has been totally defeated; one large detachment of it strongly posted and entrenched having been conquered at Bennington, another repulsed with loss and disgrace from Fort Schuyler, and the main army of six thousand men, under Lieut. General Burgoyne, after being beaten in different actions, and driven from a formidable post, and strong entrenchments, reduced to the necessity of surrendering themselves, upon terms honorable and advantageous to these States, on the 17th day of October last, to major General Gates; And that a medal of gold be struck, under the direction of the Board of war, in commemoration of this great event, and in the name of these United States presented by the president to Major General Gates.
Resolved—That Congress have an high sense of the merit of Colo. Greene, and the officers and men under his command, in the late gallant defence of the Fort at Red bank, on Delaware river; and that an elegant sword be provided by the Board of war, and presented to Col. Greene.
Resolved—That Congress have an high sense of the merit of Lieut. Col. Smith, and the officers and men under his command, in their late gallant defence of fort Mifflin, on the river Delaware; and that an elegant sword be provided by the Board of war, and presented to Lt Col. Smith.
Resolved—That Congress have an high sense of the merit of Commodore Hazlewood, the Commander of the naval force in the river Delaware; in the service of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and of the officers and men under his command, in their late gallant defence of their country, against the British Fleet, whereby two of their Men of war were destroyed, and four others compelled to retire; and that an elegant sword be provided by the Marine Committee, and presented to Commodore Hazlewood.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Arendt, 11 November 1777
From: Arendt, Henry Leonard Philip
To: Washington, George

[11 November 1777]

Substance of Baron Arendt’s Letter—General Varnum informed me this morning, that Colo. Smith had sent him word by an Officer, that he thought it impossible for the Fort to hold out longer than ’till night—and asked my opinion upon the subject—it was that the Fort should be maintained to the last extremity, but that the Cannon of the Battery should be brought off with all the superfluous Provision and Military Stores—that the Cannon brought off might be placed to advantage elsewhere—and that provision and Amunition for two days only should be left in the fort.
I went to Fort Mercer, with a design to cross to the Island and resume my Command, but my Strength was unequal to my Good Will.


Title: From George Washington to Ephraim Blaine, 11 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Blaine, Ephraim

Sir
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] 11th November 1777.

This is to signify to you my express order that no time be lost in writing to the Commissarial Department in New England and procuring from thence the Wine and Spirits wanted for the use of this Army—I have Received a letter from Genl Putnam in which he mentions that he is doing all in his power to send forward provisions according to my Direction. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Cunyngham Clymer, 11 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Clymer, Daniel Cunyngham

Sir.
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] 11th November 1777.

I have received your Letter of the 4th containing an apology for sending an agreeable piece of Intelligence which you have since discover’d to be false—mistakes of this kind are not uncommon and most frequently happen to those whose zeal and sanguineness allow no room for scepticism when any thing favorable to their Country is plausibly related—I beg you to be persuaded that my good opinion of you is not at all impaired by this circumstance and that I am as before Your most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir.
Camp near White Marsh [Pa.] Novr 11th 1777

The condition of the Army for want of Cloaths and Blankets, and the little prospect we have of obtaining relief according to the information I have received from the Board of War, occasion me to trouble you at this time. The mode of seizing and forcing supplies from the Inhabitants, I fear, would prove very inadequate to the demands, while it would certainly imbitter the minds of the People, and excite perhaps a hurtful jealousy against the Army. I have had officers out for the purpose of purchasing and making voluntary collections of necessaries, and in a few instances more coercive measures have been exercised—But all these have proved of little avail—Our distresses still continue, and are becoming greater. I would therefore humbly submit it to the consideration of Congress, whether it may not be expedient for them to address the several Legislative & executive Powers of the states, on this subject, as early as possible, and in the most urgent Terms. It appears to me, If they were to appoint, under the authority of Congress, proper active Agents, that many necessaries might be procured in addition to those employed on Public accot. Besides this, I think, the exigency of our affairs requires that they should resolve on an immediate assessment to be made on the Inhabitants. If these modes were adopted, considerable aids might be derived, and in a way much less exceptionable than that of seizing by the Army. The Assemblies in many States, I believe are now sitting, and I have no doubt upon a requisition by Congress, but they will give attention to the measure.

Inclosed you will recieve a Copy of a Letter from Genl Putnam which came to hand to day. you will find his and Governor Clintons opinion respecting the Fortifications necessary to be made for the security of the North River. As soon as I heard that Warners Militia were coming down to reinforce me, I immediately wrote to countermand them, and directed that they should be retained to carry on the necessary works during the time they are to serve. My Letter on this subject was on the 9th Instant. As to the other Troops, the propriety of bringing them here, I believe is not to be questioned. We are told through various Channels, that Sr Henry Clinton is coming round with all the force that can be possibly spared from New York, and it is said that those on Staten Island are withdrawn. It is added also that the Inhabitants of the former are greatly alarmed and disgusted, and that Genl Tryon is calling in the Militia of Long Island for the defence of the City. Genl Putnams Letter will also evince the necessity there is for a large and immediate supply of money being sent to the Paymaster Genl.
I have also the Honor to transmit you a Copy of a report by a Board of Genl Officers on the subject of Rations which I submit to the consideration of Congress—The establishment and Regulations, which they propose, appear to me to be just and necessary, supposing the Commissary’s estimate to be right, which I presume is the case from the exorbitant price which has been & is now paid for every species Provision. The necessity of an alteration in the former value has been long urged by many Officers—and for want of it several, I believe, have left the service. I have the Honor to be Sir With Great respect Your most Obet Servt

Go: Washington

P.s. By advices just received 38 Transports have arriv’d in Delaware with Troops they were as high up as Reedy Island Yesterday—I suppose they are from New York. The memorial of Colo. Portail & the other Engineers omitted to be inclosed in my Letter of Yesterday is now transmitted.
Notwithstanding the measures I have ventured to recommend on the subject of Cloathing, I shall pursue every means in my power that will contribute to procure a supply.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 11 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Sir
Camp at White Marsh [Pa.] Nov. 11th 1777

I have before me your favors of the 6th & 7th Inst. The inconveniences arising from the allowance of Substitutes are severely felt & I fear will encrease. I will attempt some mode to detect Deserters now in service under that denomination. The public Arms furnished the Virginia Militia were directed to be put into the Hands of a number belonging to this State who joined Genl Potter at the time of their dismission—and whatever exceeded their supply, the Officers were enjoined to have deposited at Lancaster in their return home. This I hope has been done.
I am extremely sorry to find we have no prospect of obtaining supplies of Cloathing, except by forcing them from the Inhabitants. Such a procedure, I fear, would not relieve our wants, and at the same time would greatly distress the people & embitter their minds. I have had several Officers employed in this State in collecting, but the quantities gained are trifling: There are some out now upon the Business. It appears to me, since our public Imports are so small and precarious, owing to the numerous Fleet, I presume, which lines our Coast, that no measure will be more likely to give us Aid, than the establishing of proper Agents in each State to buy every Species of cloathing they possibly can for the Army. The supplies derived from hence, may be of infinite service, and in addition to these immediately imported by Congress will extend considerably to lessen our wants. The Agents, I think, should be active, suitable Men appointed by the Legislative or Executive Powers of the respective States. I have addressed Congress upon the subject. I am, Sir Your most obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 11 November 1777 [letter not found]
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Richard Peters, 11 Nov. 1777. On 27 Nov. GW wrote Peters: “I was duly favd with yours of the 11th inst.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Potter, 11 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Potter, James

Dear Sir,
White Marsh [Pa.] Novr 11th 1777

I do not wish you to hurry the March of the Militia mentiond in my former Letter. on the contrary, if you can employ them to any advantage, you have my free consent to detain all that are now with you—or such part as may answer your purposes. It would be a great, and glorious thing, if you could disturb (admitting no more was done) the Enemy upon Carpenter’s Island; especially while they are in the height of their operation against Fort Mifflin—the reason why I cannot, at this time, detach Troops from hence for this Service may be communicated at a future day not being the fit Subject for a Letter.
As Intelligence of any Movements against, and operations at the Forts, can come much quicker from your Quarters than red bank I could wish to have the speediest Information of it from you. Genl Armstrong thinks it is in your power to give considerable Interuption to the Enemy in the construction of their Bridge. If so, I earnestly recommend the measure to you and have advised Genl Armstrong to furnish you with a field piece or two for this purpose. I shall be glad to hear regularly from you and am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 11 November 1777
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Novr 11th 1777

I have Just Received Intelagance of 38 Sail of the enemey fleet coming up the Rivers the latters was wrote five oclock yesterday evineng altho the are dated as of this day the fiering yesterday was from the enemys Battereys on province Island near the River Banks I Beleive the have dun little damige if any I Recved your excelanceys of the 10th of Novr as for my doing any thing that can be of us[e] to the fourt—I cant conseve how I can do it. I am your excelanceys obedant Humble servant

Ja’s Potter


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 11 November 1777
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
11th Novr 1777—ten oClock

yesterday I sent Col. Rankan and Capt. Livis to Give me an account of the fiering Rankan is Returned, and Says that about eight OClock there was an Attact maid on Rid Bank which continued one hour and a half about 1 oClock the 2 Attact Began and Continued upwards of one hour, and about 3 oClock the attacted again and Continued about 3 Quarters of an hour about one quarter after 3 oClock the Began again and Continued about one hour and a half and After the small Arms Seased, the Cannaiding Continued about 3 minits, and all seased Col. Rankan is Confidant that the fourt is ours yet and says he will wiger his hors, aganst a gill of Whisque I hope your Excelancy will have Glouris Accounts from Rid Bank. I am your Excelanceys Most obedant humble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 11 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Whitemarsh [Pa.] 11th Novemr 1777

I have your favr of the 7th and am glad to find that you had determined to detain Warners Militia. At whatever place Govr Clinton and yourself determine to throw obstructions and Batteries upon the River, I imagine it will prove satisfactory, for no person is supposed to have a better knowledge of that Country than the Governor.
For the very same Reasons that Genl Howe is reinforcing himself strongly, ought we to reinforce also, and I therefore beg that you will comply with my request of the 9th which is nearly the same of Colo. Hamiltons namely to send all the Continentals except Colo. Samuel Webbs and Sherburns and the New York Battalions, and I intreat they may be forwarded as quick as possible for Should Genl Howe’s reinforcement arrive before them, consider what a situation this Army will be in.
I am extremely sorry to hear of the uneasiness that has happened in Genl Poors Brigade on Acct of their pay; and am amazed to hear that they have ten Months due to them. This is indeed a very great hardship, and there must be a fault some where, but I hope from the prudent Measures you have taken, they will be contented. I have wrote to Congress in the most pressing Manner for Money for your department, and I have no doubt but you will be soon supplied.
It is evident that the Enemy, in order to secure their remaining Army, under Genl Howe, are drawing every Man from New York, to what purpose then would it be to keep a force up the North River when there is no Enemy near, for we have certain accounts of the fleet’s having left the Hook. I know the People are apt to be alarmed and to think themselves deserted when they see troops drawn away from them, but I am confident they will soon find the good effects of it.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 11 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

Dear sir
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] Novr 11th 1777

Your Favors of 9th & 10th Instant, I have duly received.
I think we may reasonably hope, that from the good disposition of the Troops in your Quarter, & the Zeal & Activity of the Officers & men, Join’d to the present very advanced & cold Season, which must greatly retard if not prevent the Operations of the Enemy; Matters may terminate with you agreeable to our Expectations—this must have the greatest Influence upon the Conduct of Genl Howe, & force him to adopt disadvantageous or disgraceful Measures.
Genl Knox informs me that he has sent down a person to get an

exact return of the Ammunition which you now have & of what may be wanted, & that he has sent off 17 Waggons loaded with Ball which you will receive about this time A Waggon with 20.000 Muskett Cartridges will be immediately dispatch’d, to be deliver’d to the Militia (if you see fit) by your order only—It is greatly to be wish’d that all Firing could be prevented, except where there is a real Necessity & the distance such as might promise a good effect.
I have wrote to Genl Potter ordering him to take every Step by which he can Assist you & distress the Enemy on province Island—He may alarm them & draw off their Attention from Fort Mifflin if nothing more—You are acquaint’d with the reasons why a greater force is not sent to annoy them in that Quarter.
Inclosed you have a List of the Ammunition which Genl Knox says has been sent down to them Posts since 23d Ulto. I am Dear sir Your mo. Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 11 November 1777
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Woodberry [N.J.] 11th Novr 1777.

Capt. Treat of the Artillery and one Man besides was killed this Morning. The Enemy have battered down a great Part of the Stone Wall: The Pallisades and Barracks are prodigiously shattered. The Enemy fire with Twenty four and thirty Two Pounders. Upon these, and other Considerations, Colo. Smith is of Opinion that the Fort must be evacuated. A Storm would not be dreaded; But, it appears impossible for the Garrison to withstand point blank Shot. I am now going to consult the Baron & Colo. Greene. I expect we shall cause an evacuation this Night. I am Sir, yours very obediently,

J. M. Varnum

N.B. The Evacuation may enable us to take Billingsport.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 11 November 1777
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Woodberry [N.J.] 11th Novr 12 oClock P.M. 1777.

   I am this Moment returned from Fort Mifflin—Every Defence is almost destroyed. Poor Colo. Smith is on this Shore, slightly wounded—I have ordered the Cannon, least in Use, to be brought off—Lt Colo. [Giles] Russell of Colo. Durkee’s Battalion, commands. I have ordered the Garrison to defend at all Events, ’till your Pleasure can be known. Nothing shall be wanting to support them, which we can give. They cannot hold out more than two Days. Colo. Smith urges an Evacuation still; At least, to continue a small Garrison only, w’ch might be bro’t off occasionally. I cannot acceed to the Measure, as long as we have lost but few Men. The Enemy have pass’d seven Boats this Evening between the Fort and Province Island. The Cannonade is renewed; If as great Injury should take Place tomorrow as to Day, we may be obliged to relinquish the Place. I wish to know your Will—The Fort shall be held, at all Events, ’till then.
Your Commands of this Day, just came to Hand. I am much obliged.
At Red Bank, an Eighteen Pounder burst, One Man killed and several wounded; At the two Gun Battery, a Serjt killed and one wounded.
The Baron ought to know whither he shall go farther than this, as he is extremely unwell. I am your Excellency’s most devotedly

J. M. Varnum


Title: General Orders, 12 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, White Marsh [Pa.] Novr 12th 1777.
Parole Kensington.C. Signs Lancaster. Marshfield.

The Honorable Continental Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolve, concerning the opinion of the Court of enquiry, published in General Orders, the 16th Ult: relative to General Sullivan.

 In Congress—October 20th 1777

Resolved—That the result of the Court of enquiry into the expedition of Staten-Island, so honorable to the character of General Sullivan is highly pleasing to Congress, and that the opinion of the said court be published in justification of the injured character of that officer.

It appears that some regiments are destitute of necessary cloathing, altho’, they have been supplied with full suits allowed by Congress—This may have arisen, at least in part, from the inattention of the officers, in not taking lists of their men’s necessaries—examining them weekly, agreeable to General Orders, and calling delinquents to a severe account for what was missing—This, under our circumstances, is a neglect of the worst kind, and most fatal tendency, and demands a speedy and effectual remedy. And altho’ the articles delivered the men, beyond the stated allowance, be charged to them, yet, in our situation this does not lessen the evil complained of—The Commander in Chief therefore most seriously, and positively requires the officers commanding companies, after taking exact lists of their men’s necessaries, to examine them critically, once a week, agreeably to the General Orders formerly issued; and if any non commissioned officer, or soldier, shall sell, wilfully destroy, or carelessly lose, any of his necessaries, he is to be severly punished at the discretion of a Court Martial—This is a matter of so very important a nature, the Commander in Chief expects that the Officers will pay the most exact attention to it; and that the General Officers, and others commanding brigades will see this order carefully and regularly complied with—It appears also, that many men who go into the hospitals well clad, are in a manner naked when they got well, and cannot return to their regiments ’till new-cloathed—To prevent a continuance of this evil, and that the guilty may be known and punished, no men henceforward are to be sent to the hospitals, without

lists of the companies and regiments they belong to, and of every article of their cloathing; those lists to be signed by the Captains, or officers commanding those Companies, and transmitted to the surgeons of the hospitals to which the sick are sent: And if any men are sent to the hospitals without such lists, the officers sending them shall be punished for their neglect at the discretion of a General Court Martial; And for this end the surgeons of the hospitals are, as soon as possible to send a report of such officers to the Adjutant General—And that the arms and accoutrements of such sick may not be lost, or damaged, they are agreeably to the General Orders lately issued, to be delivered to the regimental Quarter Masters, and by them without delay to the Commissary of military stores, and never carried with the sick to the hospitals.
After Orders. The waggons in each brigade which are empty, or can conveniently be emptied, are to parade this evening at such place as the Forage Master General shall direct.


Title: Sonnet from Domenico Bertini, of Florence, 12 November 1777
From: Bertini, Domenico
To: Washington, George

[c.12 November 1777]

A Sua Eccellenza il Signor Washinton
Generale delle Colonie Americane
Sonetto

Patria a Me premio? No; non fui vénale,
Allor che Strinsi in tuo favor la Spada,
E Se avverrà, che in qualche incontro Io cada,
Cadrò, ma il cader mio Sarà immortale.
In Te libero nacqui, or che t’assale

D’Estere Genti una venal Masnada,
Sangue, Vita, Sostanze, il tutto vada,
Te Salva, L’Esser mio pongo in non cale.
E vedrà con Stupor L’Inclita Roma,
Che San nascere i Fabii ancor tra Noi,
Di Quercia Trionfal cinti la Chioma.
Valor, Fede, Costanza i Figli tuoi
Mostrano, non temer, non Sarai doma,
Se uniti in tua difesa hai tanti Eroi.

In Segno di Sommo infinito rispetto, e venerazione
Domenico Bertini di Firenza


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 12 November 1777
From: Board of War
To:

War Office [York, Pa.] Novr 12th 1777

Colo. Flower having applied to the Board to fill up a Commission as Colonel as he alledges he is entitled to that Rank by the Arrangement of the Artillery the Matter is referred to Genl Washington as he is the best acquainted with the Circumstances.

By Order of the Board
Richard Peters Secy


Title: To George Washington from William Buchanan, 12 November 1777
From: Buchanan, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
York Town [Pa.] 12th Novr 1777

I am favoured with yours of the 5th. It is much to be lamented that from many unfortunate concurring Circumstances, there is sufficient Ground for General Heath’s Remonstrance—I have not been inattentive to that Quarter, but I have not the appointment of Agents. The Assistant Commissaries are all appointed by the Depy Commissary General of Purchases for the District, and Congress, with whom his Appointment is, have been much embarrassed and distressed by the Resignation of that Officer for the Eastern Department—They however expect that Business is now taken up by the Governor and Council of Connecticut pursuant to Resolves passed on the 3d Inst. in Case Mr Colt should have refused to act. I have also directed that my Instructions to Mr Colt, should in that Case be delivered over to the Person by them engaged in the Business—They will appear to have been early and full. I have the Honr to be Yr Excellencys mo. Obedt hble Servt

Wm Buchanan C:G:P.


Title: To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 12 November 1777
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Mr Jacobs House [Chester County, Pa.]Novr 12th 1777 8 oClock A.M.

This will inform you I left New Castle Yesterday Evening, at which place there lay about one hundred sail of Men of War & Transports, chiefly of the later, one large Ship of Force at the mouth of Christiana—Day before Yesterday thirty five sail of Transports hove in sight & soon after taking advantage of the Flood, moved up & joined the Fleet at Chester—The Inhabitants say they had no Troops on board—same Day nine Hessians came on shore to bring a Hessian Captain, who died of the Wounds he received at Brandywine; and informed the Inhabitants they had between two & three thousand Troops on board & wou’d land Yesterday—I have also received information that all the Transports have Orders to hold themselves in readiness to sail with six Weeks provision excessive of what they had.
My Freind from Philadelphia has not yet returned I expect him every hour—I wrote to Genl Greene lately & desired him to shew it you—The Militia of the Delaware State have taken 5 or 6 Shallops trading with the Enemy & a considerable quantity of Cash (solid Coin) about 20 prisoners—The bearer Mr Benjamin Jacobs obliges me by delivering you this, he is a Son of Mr John Jacobs (late Speaker of the House of Assembly of this State). I am with respect your Excellency’s Obedt Humble Servt

Jno. Clark Junr

P.S. A pilot Boat was going to New Castle when I came away, probably to pilot the Shipping up. J.C.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 12 November 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander (Lieutenant Colonel)
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
New Windsor [N.Y.] November 12th 1777

I have been detained here these two days, by a fever and violent rheumatic pains throughout my body. This has prevented my being active in person for promoting the purposes of my errand, but I have taken every other method in my power, in which Governor Clinton has obligingly given me all the aid he could. In answer to my pressing application to General Poor for the immediate marching of his brigade, I was told they were under an operation for the itch, which made it impossible for them to proceed till the effects of it were over. By a letter however of yesterday, General Poor informs me he would certainly march this morning. I must do him the justice to say, he appears solicitous to join you; and that I beleive the past delay is not owing to any fault of his, but is wholly chargeable on General Putnam. Indeed Sir, I owe it to the service to say, that every part of this Gentleman’s conduct is marked with blunder and negligence, and gives general disgust.
Parson’s brigade will join you I hope, in five or six days from this. Larned’s may do the same. Poors will, I am persuaded, make all the haste they can for the future, and Glovers may be expected at Fish Kill tonight, whence they will be pushed forward, as fast as I can have any influence to make them go; but I am sorry to say, the disposition for marching in the officers and men in general of these troops, does not keep pace with my wishes or the exigency of the occasion. They have unfortunately imbibed an idea that they have done their part of the business of the campaign and are now intitled to repose. This and the

want of pay make them averse to a long march at this advanced season.
A letter from you to General Putnam of the 9th fell just now into my hands. As it might possibly contain something useful to me, I took the liberty of opening it and after reading it, immediately dispatched it to him. If he has paid any attention to my last letters to him, things will be in a right train for executing the order in yours; but whether he has or not is a matter of doubt. In a letter from him just now received by Governor Clinton, he appears to have been the 10th Instant at Kings street, at the White-plains—I have had no answer to my last applications.
The enemy appear to have stripped New York very bare. The people there (that is the tories) are in a very great fright. This adds to my anxiety, that the reinforcements from this quarter to you, are not in greater forwardness and more considerable.
I have written to General Gates, informing him of the accounts of the situation of New York, with respect to troops, and the probability of the force gone to Howe being greater than was at first expected—to try if this will not extort from him a further reinforcement. I don’t however expect much from him; as he pretends to have in view an expedition against Ticonderoga, to be undertaken in the Winter, and he knows, that under the sanction of this idea, calculated to catch the Eastern people, he may without ⟨cen⟩sure retain the troops. And as I shall be ⟨under⟩ a necessity of speaking plainly to Yr ⟨Exce⟩lly when I have the pleasure of seeing ⟨you,⟩ I shall not hesitate to say, I doubt whethe⟨r⟩ you would have had a man from the Northern army if the whole could have been kept at Albany, with any decency. Perhaps you will think me blameable in not having exercised the powers you gave me, and given a positive order—Perhaps I have been so; but deliberately weighing all circumstances—I did not and do not think it advisable to do it. I have the honor to be With Unfeigned esteem & regard Yr Excellys Most Obedt servt

A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 12 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Sir
Head Quarters White Marsh [Pa.] 12th Novemr 1777.

I am favd with yours of the 4th inclosing Returns of the Cloathing that has been delivered, and which you are now sending on to Camp. If I understand you, it is all that you have on hand made or unmade. If this is so, our prospects are melancholy indeed, except considerable quantities are expected from abroad, or are on some other part of the Continent. Of this I shall be glad to be informed by the first oppertunity. Mr Young informs me that he saw all the Blankets and Shoes that are coming from the Eastward (except 400 Blankets and 1 Cask of Shoes stopped by Genl putnam) over the North River, there is therefore no occasion to send an Officer for them. I have wrote to Genl putnam upon this constant practice of stopping part of the Cloathing

at peekskill that is intended for this Army, and I hope he will not do it in the future.
I can easily account for the nine old Virginia Regiments calling more frequently upon you for Cloathing than any others, they were the whole Winter in the Feild and were reduced almost to nakedness.
Genl Woodford complains that he lately wrote you a polite letter requesting necessaries for his Brigade, which he sent by an Officer, to which he says you only returned him a rough verbal Answer, without complying with his demand even in part. As General Woodford is an exceeding good Officer and one who I think would not make extravagant or unnecessary demands, I could wish you would clear up this matter to his satisfaction.
From the success which many officers and others I have sent out have had, I am convinced that there are large quantities of shoes, leather Breeches and other Articles of Cloathing in the hands of the Makers or people who have brought them up to make a market by monopolizing them, these I have taken wherever they were to be found, agreeing to pay for them at a just and reasonable rate. I must therefore intreat you Sir to employ people in the same Business, and where they find Goods suitable for the Army, if the owners will not part with them, I will engage, by the powers in me by Congress, to compel them.
I know not upon what terms the Commissary of Hides has disposed of all that have gone thro’ his hands but I should suppose in many instances to return wrought leather for them. This should be inquired into, and when the leather obtained, proper steps should be taken to have it worked up. I am certain that the Hides of the Cattle that are consumed by the Army were returned in leather, they would much more than shoe the Soldiers.
In short it lays with you to set every Engine at work to procure such articles of Cloathing as are of our own produce, and to have Agents ready to purchase all that is imported. The Members of the secret Committee must take Care to engage what can be imported from abroad. I have wrote to Congress and urged to them the necessity of calling upon each state to collect what Cloathing can be obtained among themselves. But I think it highly necessary that you should repair to York Town and press them to delay no time in carrying a matter of this kind into execution, and you may with truth assure them, that unless some mode of this sort is adopted, or they have a certainty of cloathing from abroad, that it will be impossible for the Army to exist. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Pierre Penet, 12 November 1777
From: Penet, Pierre
To: Washington, George

Hond Sir
Nantes [France] November 12. 1777.

permit me to address these few lines in Congratulation of your late success against the Troops of Great Brittain, as we have just had the agreeable news by post of the arrival of a Packet at St Malo’s in this Kingdom, whereby we learn you have drove them & prevented their schemes against the Southern Colonies—I have taken the Liberty of sending you a pair of Shoulder knots & a sword knot, also a fan & 1 dozn pair Gloves for your Lady, which with my best Respects must beg you both to accept of, I’ve likewise sent two other pair Shoulder knots & two sword knots, which leave at your Disposal to such Officers you think proper.
Hoping the success hitherto attending your arms may by the assistance of Providence continue, & shortly accomplish the glorious Task you have undertaken; & return once more to the Enjoyments of Domestick tranquility which you have so long been deprived of for the pure & Noble motives of saving a Glorious Country from the Ignominious bands of Slavery, which that you may accomplish is my most Earnest wish. I’ve the Honor to be with profound respect Your Excellencys most Obt very hbl. Servt

P. Penet


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 12 November 1777
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Novr 12th 1777

I Receved your Excelanceys favour of yesterday at 10 oClock last night. I was out Reconnitring, the Shiping are com up the number of soldiers I cant assurtain.
as to the marching of the Militia the were all at Head Quarters before I Recd your Letter, as for my Harressing the Enemy the sitation of the pleace is such that I can do Little, and my numbers so Trifling, that I cant prevent there coming over the Bridge, they are alarmed on the Island, and have Strenthened that place with men and works and cannon

there will be mutch more dificqualty in Redusing it then would have been eight days ago.
I am sorey that Genl Armstrong is under a misstak in Regard of my given Interruption to the enemy in Bulding there Bridge, I drove there gaurd three times down to the warf, but my men were oblidged to Run back again the ground on the other side commands that on this side and they soon drive us off with there cannon—If it is agreeble to your Excelancey I could wish some other officer was to take the command here—I will do all in my power to get a Communication with Ridbank But cant Vew it in such an easy light as som Gentlemen do. I am your Excelancey’s Most Obedant Humbe servt

Ja’s Potter


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 12 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Samuel

Sir
[Whitemarsh, Pa., 12 November 1777]

I last night received your Favor of the 10th Instant, and am sorry to find the Enemy’s Batteries had played with such Success against our Works. Nevertheless, I hope they will not oblige you to evacuate them. They are of the last importance, and I trust will be maintained till the latest extremity. I have written to Genl Varnum to afford you immediate succour by sending Fresh Troops to releive those now in Garrison, and also such numbers of Militia, as he may be able to prevail on to go to your assistance. With these every exertion should be used for repairing in the Night whatever damage the Works may sustain in the day. The Militia are principally designed for this end, and they are to be permitted to return every morning to Red Bank, if such shall be their choice. Genl Varnum will furnish all the fascines & palisades he can. You may rest assured, I will adopt every means our situation will admit of to give you releif. I am Sir &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 12 November 1777
From: Smith, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Woodberry [N.J.] 12th Novr 1777

   I yesterday unfortunately recd a Contusion on my Hip & left Arm both which give me much pain. I imprudently went into my Barracks to answer a Letter from Gen. Varnum & A Ball came through the Chimney & Struck me on the Hip So forcibly that I remain’d senseless for Some time. however I am happy to find myself much less hurted than I at first imagin’d & Hope in 5 or 6 days to be again fit for duty. Coll [Giles] Russell now commands in fort Mifflin. The troops there are worn out with fatigue watchings & Cold. All the Guns in the Block Houses are render’d unfit for Service & the Houses almost destroy’d. the Pallisades were renew’d last Night & this Day destroy’d again. the other Gun on my two Gun Battery render’d unfit for Service. An 18 pr next to the right of the Battery dismounted, the New Well very much injur’d, the whole of the Garrison a Heap of Ruin. this Night Gen. Varnum intends removing Some of the heavy Cannon. we Shall perhaps be able to keep the fort three days, in which Time it will be levell’d to the Ground. Yesterday Capt. Treat was kill’d by a Ball which came through the Grand Battery. & this Day his Lieut. George wounded, So that there are now but 2 Artillery Officers in Garrison if they attempt a Storm, I fear the Garrison must fall, Such weather as this the Gallies

can give no Assistance. I Have advisd the Garrison to be withdrawn except the Artillery & abt 50 Men who could keep up the Same fire that the whole can. Boats to be prepar’d & in Case the Enemy attempt a Storm they might Set fire to every part & withdraw. Gen. Varnum waits your Order. I Have the Honor to be Your Excellys Most Obedt Servt

Sam. Smith


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 12 November 1777
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Woodberry [N.J.] 12th Novr Sunset, 1777

   The Garrison holds out; tho’ the Enemy continue to batter with great Success upon the Works, but few Men are killed and wounded. The Troops are extremely fatigued. I shall send one Hundred fresh Troops this Night, &, all that I have tomorrow Night, if the Fort should remain defensible—The most fatigued will be taken from the Garrison. Colo. Smith will be unable to return to his Command for some Time; It is a misfortune, but, Colo. [Giles] Russell will command with Spirit, & Colo. Durkee will go in tomorrow Morning, should Colo. [Giles] Russell be much fatigued. Inclosed you have Major Fleury’s Opinion. I am anxious to hear from you—Have no particular Intelligence, save that Forty Sail of Vessells with Troops, on Saturday last, entered the Deleware—Should the Enemy continue their Cannonade the Island will be lost; however, the Garrison will continue ’till your Excellency shall order otherwise. I am, in due Submission, your Excellency’s most obdt humble Servt

J. M. Varnum