Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 15–16 August 1777
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Morris Town [N.J.] 15[–16] Augt 1777

The Governor and Council of Safety, having received Intelligence of two recruiting Parties having gone from Staten Island into the Counties of Sussex and Morris, immediately took measures for having them apprehended. On Saturday last, one of those Parties brought us Lieutenant Troup of the third Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers commanded by Collo. Dongan, with one Sergeant & a Private. They were surprized at Dinner at the house of a Farmer who is father to one, & father in Law to the other of the two last mentioned. There they had been for several Days, Troup generally concealing himself in the Woods. He treated the Party who took him very chevalierly, & insisted upon their

taking his Parole. When he was brought to me, he appeared insensible of his Danger, and expected to be treated as an officer, & exchanged for one of equal Rank. But what I told him of the Circumstances in which he was apprehended, and my Idea of the Law of Arms in such Cases, with his own Reflections the succeeding Day, so wrought on him, that the next Evening (his Brother aid De Camp to General Gates, arriving that day in Town, & increasing his Apprehensions) he desired to be examined by the General & me, promising, as the only thing that he conceived could intitle him to your Excellency’s Clemency, to make the fullest & most ingenuous Discovery of the Situation of the Enemy. In his Examination he appeared very frank, and, I believe, represented Matters respecting the British Troops to the best of his knowledge. But of the Design of his Errand into New Jersey, I cannot persuade myself that he gives us a true Account. That it was only to see his wife, who lives several miles from the place where he was taken, & at which he had been several Days, without making any Essay to go to his Father in Law’s with whom she lives, appears to me incredible. His Examination together with his Commission (which was found in his Pocket) I have the Honour to transmit to your Excellency. He left Staten Island with five of the New Levies. One was apprehended some days before him, & is confined for passing counterfeit Bills. The two taken with him, being guilty of a capital Felony by our Laws for having gone over to the Enemy since October last, & returning without the Leave therein mentioned, are to be tried accordingly, unless they agree to enlist on Board any of the Vessels of War belonging to the continental Navy, upon which the Governor & Council of Safety may pardon them. Of this they have by the Act six days allowed them to consider. Troup being also an Inhabitant of New Jersey at the time of his entering into the British Service, might likewise have been proceeded against upon the same Law, but being an officer, it might not have been prudent to put him on board of our Fleet, & your Trials by Court martial being much more summary & expeditious, are greatly to be preferred. Besides that being the mode in which an officer of ours in similar Circumstances would be tried by the Enemy, & the Law of Arms being in those cases everywhere the same, it will give less room for cavil than a Trial by Jury on a Law of our own making since the Commencement of the War, which they may affect to consider as partial, & calculated for the purpose.
A guard of our Militia has also taken three of the Staten Island Green-coats near Elizabeth Town two of which appear to have left the Enemy with Intent to desert to us; but the other not privy to their Design, came with the real Intent, of what the other only feigned to him to be theirs, that is to steal Sheep. One of the three being an Inhabitant of the State of New York & not subject to out Law, I have sent to General

Sullivan. The other two are left to their Election either to enter on Board our Navy or to be tried for Felony.
Troup’s Situation considering his Connections by marriage who are all most firmly attached to the Cause of America, & particularly his Brother for whom General Gates expresses the highest Esteem, is really deplorable. On the other hand, this is the second time of his coming into this State since his being in the Enemy’s Service in a concealed & clandestine manner—This tho’ not in his Examination, he confessed to me. But at the same time declared that he came each time for the sole purpose of paying a private Visit to Mrs Troup. From his intimate Knowledge of this part of the Country, he is a dangerous Man in the Character of a Recruiter.
After writing thus far, Collo. Dayton called upon me, and informs me that they have in Newark Jail, a Sergeant, Prisoner, belonging to the New Levies or Jersey Volunteers, who declares that Lieut. Troup came with the Express purpose of recruiting.
I have sufficient Evidence to believe that a constant Communication & commercial Intercourse has been held for a considerable time past with the Enemy by many of the Inhabitants of the County of Essex. That these Communications have been principally supported by means of Flaggs & Passports obtained from divers officers of the Army under your Excellency’s Command, who for some time past have been stationed at Elizabeth Town, Newark, & other places near the Enemy’s Lines.
Under colour of these Flaggs or Permits, which from their Frequency must be supposed (to use the softest Term) to have been imprudently granted, great mischiefs have arisen to these parts of the Country. Mischiefs, I imagine, greatly superior to the Advantages that may be pretended to be derived from any Intelligence that can be gained thereby. Persons of dubious political Characters, I am informed, have been sent over: Provisions for the Aid and comfort of the British Troops, furnished: A pernicious & unlawful Traffic carried on; The little Specie left among us collected with the greatest Avidity to maintain this execrable Trade; & the continental Currency by that means depreciated: Opportunities afforded the Enemy of circulating their counterfeit Bills; & the disaffected of conveying to them Intelligence of every Movement & designed Operation of our Troops; The Confidence of the People in the Integrity of our Officers diminished and a universal Murmuring excited among the Friends of the common Cause.
It is made capital by an Act of our Legislature for any Subject of this State to go into the Enemy’s Lines with a Passport from any Officer under the Rank of a Brigadier General of your Army, or of our Militia, or of the Governor of this State.

To prevent the further abuse of those Flaggs by the Officers of our Militia, I have given the strictest orders, & issued a Proclamation for the Purpose; and I doubt not your Excellency will take such Measures to discontenance the practice in the officers under your Command as you shall think best calculated to answer the End.
I duly received your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th instant; & tho’ fully sensible of the Necessity of carrying the Resolution of Congress of the 31 Ultimo respecting dividing the State into Districts for the purpose of recruiting, into immediate Execution; yet upon communicating it to the Council, we find it impracticable, before the Assembly meets (which will be on the 3d of next month) either to make a proper Division of the whole State, or to fix on proper Persons for the purpose. But at a Collection of the Members from the different Counties this may be done with some degree of Precision, while three or four men however well acquainted with the State in General cannot be presumed to be sufficiently acquainted with every particular, District or Township, nor with the fittest persons in each to intrust with so important an Appointment.
Tho’ it pains me not a little to say any thing on so melancholy a Subject as that of Lieut. Troup’s which may appear to have a Tendency to stop the Interposition of Mercy, I must, in Justice to the public, observe, that the People in these parts in general are so greatly exasperated against him that his being treated with Lenity will have a very unhappy Effect upon their future military Exertions.
I have laid the Requisitions of Congress, & of Major General Gates, who requests 500 of our Militia to reinforce the Northern Army before the Privy Council (the Governor of this State having no Authority to Order the Militia to march out of it, without advice of Council) who taking the Matter into consideration; and considering how greatly the Militia of this State have been harrassed for above a year past, we having been during all that time either actually invaded, or having the Enemy so near us, as to require a constant Guard along the most accessible Parts—The Number of our Inhabitants that have inlisted in Different Regiments of the continental Army, exclusive of the four Battalions raised by this State—The Numbers that have gone over to the Enemy, and now form what they call the New Levies, or New Jersey Volunteers—The extensive Frontier in the Counties of Essex Monmouth & Middlesex which we are obliged constantly to guard to prevent the Incursions of the Enemy; and that almost the whole County of Bergen, which lies contiguous to the State of New York is disaffected, & has for above a year past refused to do any military Duty; and that a considerable Force of the Enemy is statedly posted on Staten Island within less than half a mile from the opposite Shore of New Jersey, the Board are

of Opinion that the said Requisition of Congress, & of Major General Gates cannot at present be complied with.
I am informed by one of our Militia Majors stationed at Elizabeth Town that no Person is guilty of a greater Prostitution of Passports than Doctor Barnet a Captain of Horse, who is not a little suspected of Disaffection. He is in all Events a very improper person to be trusted with blank Flaggs, (as I am told he is) being much addicted to strong Drink, and having very little Discretion when sober.
Should your Excellency have Occasion to honour me with any of your Dispatches after next week, I expect by that time to meet the Council of Safety at Princeton.
I have to ask Pardon for troubling you with so long a Letter, which is a Sin I am not frequently guilty of. I am with great Respect your Excellencys most humble Servant

Wil: Livingston

P.S. General Sullivan perceiving the Difficulty of procuring Men here for Such purposes was so kind as to direct a Sergeant who is on his march to head Quarters with a Number of your Troops lately discharged from the hospital, to call on me to offer their Service, in guarding Troup & other Prisoners. I have sent with them Ensign Allen & Peter Roberts a private; both of our Militia—After delivering Troup to your order, Allen & Roberts are to proceed with the other Prisoners, 5 in Number who have enlisted on board our Navy to Mr Morris in Philadelphia. I beg the favour your Excellency to supply them with such a guard as is sufficient for that purpose.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 15 August 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Peeks kill [N.Y.] augst 15th 1777

Recd yours of 13th Inst: in my last Sent you the intelligence I received from the northward—& acquainted you that I had ordered the two york Regts to the northward which before this I presume you have received—that Genl Clinton was on York Island after the third of august Inst: It appears by a flag Sent out—which is Since their fleet Saild—the militia from Connecticut not being ordered for any Certain Time—Se no fleet in Sight—or Enemy advancing—hear no Cannon roar—nor are able to Conceive the necessity of their tarrying—while a Strong immagenation points to their vew—their Substance waisting—their grass & grain returning to the earth—& the horrors of want & famine—that you may as well reason with a Strong Northwester as with them—they must many of them be discharged to prevent their deserting.
I would Submit it to your decision whether it would not be adviseable for Genl Sullivan with his division to return to this post—the D. Paymaster in this department has paid out all the Cash in his hands—it is of importance that he be Speedily repenished with that article—the intelligence you mention, Shall forward to Govr Trumbull. with esteem I am your obedt humble Servant

Israel Putnam

P.S. inclosed is a Copy of the flag mentioned above.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 August 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Forts 5 Miles below Stilwater [N.Y.]August 15th 1777.

Yesterday I was honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 7th Instant.

The Resolution of Congress directing that your Excellency should send an officer to relieve me, I thought it my incumbent Duty to remain with the Army until relieved by one from below or until the next senior officer here should be ordered to take the Command.
Your Excellency will see by the inclosed, which I take the Liberty to leave under flying Seal, that it is probable I shall remain some Time longer at Albany before I do myself the Honor to pay my Respects to you. If Congress has exhibited any Charges against me on which to found the Enquiry into my Conduct, I shall be much obliged if you will order them to be transmitted to me, by the first Conveyance, that I may prepare for my Defence.
I am just informed that Lieutenant Colonel Willet is arrived at Albany he advises that after the Engagement which General Herkimer had with the Enemy, Colonel Gansevoort ordered a Sortie with two hundred and six Men commanded by Lieut. Colo. Willet—That he made a successful Attack on part of the Enemy’s Lines, drove them across the River, killed many—That Sir John Johnson (he is informed) was amongst the slain—That he took and brought off a considerable Quantity of Baggage—That on his Return to the Fort he was ambuscaded and attacked by a Body of regular Troops, who after a Fire, by which Willet did not lose one Man, were charged with fixed Bayonets and drove—He farther informs that between three and four hundred Indians were killed wounded and left the Besiegers after the Engagement—That the Militia with General Herkimer lost about one hundred and sixty killed and wounded.
That General St Ledyard, who commands the Enemy’s Force in that Quarter sent in a Flag to demand the Delivery of the Fort, offering that the Garrison should march out with their Baggage, and not to be molested by the Savages—That if this was not complied with, he would not answer for the Conduct of the Indians, if the Garrison fell into their Hands and that they would certainly fall on the Inhabitants—That General Burgoyne was in possession of Albany—That Colonel Gansevoort, after animadverting on the Barbarity and disgraceful Conduct of the British Officers, in suffering Women and Children to be butchered, as they had done, informed the Flag that he was resolved to defend the Fort to the last; that he would never give it up as long as there was one Man left alive to defend it—That he was well supplied with provision and Ammunition.
Colonel Gansevoort being informed that the Militia were dispirited, expecting that the Fort would soon fall, sent Lt Colo: Willet out to chear up their Spirits—That he found the Militia of Tryon County collecting with great Alacrity and, as General Arnold with the Troops marched under his Command will probably reach the German Flatts on the 16th or 17th, I have great Hopes that the Siege will soon be raised.

It is extremely chagrining to me to be deprived of the Command, at a Time when we shall probably, or not at all, soon be enabled to face the Enemy; when we are on the point of taking such Ground, where they must attack to a Disadvantage, should our Force be inadequate to face them in the Field—When an opportunity will in all probability occur, in which I might evince that I am not what Congress has too plainly insinuated by their Resolution, taking the Command from me. I have the Honor to be Dr Sir with every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Major General Joseph Spencer, 15 August 1777
From: Spencer, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Providence [R.I.] August 15th 1777

The Enemy at Rhode Island remain as they were when I wrote last to your Excellency, as I am Informed by Six deserters who came from them the week before last, four Hessions and two British from the 54th The Enemy last week Landed about 2,00 Men from Cananicut on Boston Neck designing to take a guard and Some Stock &c. this Occasioned a Considerable Alarm but they did no other damage, than to Slightly wound two Men, and Carry off three Inhabtants and Seven Calves; the Inhabitants the Enemy returnd Again in about two days in

Exchange for some that had been sent to them (Without Application from us) this I Suppose was because one of them was a Tory, and they thought he would Serve the Intrest of the Enemy better with us than with them. The Enemy was drove of by a Field peice and they own they had by that one man Killed and one wounded, a day or two before this Attempt of the Enemy, a party of our people went onto Cananicut with a design to Surprise and take off a guard at that place but being discovered the guard resorted to a fort, and our people only took one Hession Sentry and one Tory and about 13 H. Sheep, our party met with no damage—Capt. Adams (one that was with Colo. Barton in the taking of Genl Prescott) about three weeks Since at one time took two Men from prudence Island belonging to the diamond Frigate they Came there to Wash their Cloathes! and the next day at the Same Island took off Lieut. Otway and one Brooks Midshipman, from the Larke Frigate, they are both Considerably Set by, Especially the Lieut the Captain of the Ship is very desirous to have them Exchanged as appears by Applications Already made, and friendly Letters that have been wrote—we have also one Ens. Clarke of the 43d Brittish Regt, A Prisoner taken off Some time Since from Rhode Island near Howlands Ferry by Capt. Phillips, the other Capt. that was with Colo. Barton in taking Genel Prescott, I hope they as well as Colo. Barton will be properly taken Notice of—The Council of this State are desirous to have the Sentry taken with Genel Prescott Exchanged for one of their people Confined at Newport, and have Applyed to me to do it—Late Comadore Hopkins is also very desirous to have Lieut. Otway Exchanged for a Son of his a prisoner on board the Prison Ship Newport. Hopkins has been a Lieut. in Continental Service on board the Sloop Warren, but when taken was in a privateer not belonging to the Continent—I look on my self to be accountable to your Excellency for any Capture of the Enemy, made by this army; I acquainted the Gentlemen that the most I could at present do for them would be to represent their desire to your Excellency and further observed to them that I Supposed that the obstruction of the Exchange of Prisoners still Continues—I have Ventured to take the parole of the officers that I have in keeping; a Copy of one I Enclose that if your Excellency disapproves the measure I have taken I may be advised thereof—I desire to be Informed what Liberty and Expences may be allowed to prisoners, officers and privates—the Customary allowances here are Rather beyond what Appears to me Necessary Unless paid in part by themselves there has been Eighteen Deserters from the Land army at Rhode Island in the whole and about as many from the Navy I order a strict Watch Constantly to be kept on the Shore to observe the motions of the Enemy and in Spetial wheather they pass to or from Rhode Island—have no

acount of any thing remarkable of late. I have the Honor to be with due Respect your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

Jos. Spencer


Title: To George Washington from the Officers of Anthony Wayne’s Brigade, 15 August 1777
From: Officers of Anthony Wayne’s Brigade
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excelly
[c.15 August 1777]

As Commander in Chief of the Army, & as one who is always willing to redress any grievances in your power, we beg leave to address you upon an occasion which materialy concerns the Army under your Command, & as its Consequences may effect the safety of this Country—Your timely Intervention may however prevent every fatal Consequence which we doubt not, you will immediately exercise—It is not unknown to your Excy how enourmously high every necessary with which an Army must be supplied, hath risen in the Course of these last 6 months, The source of this evil has partly arisen from a wicked depreciation of the Continental Currency, & partly from the base & sordid conduct of certain Engrossers & Monopolizers, who secure at home, prey (as it were) on the Vitals of the Army, & whose evident views are to destroy its very Existence—We are sorry to mention that some who term themselves Whiggs as well as Tories carry on this ungenerous Practice—This inordinate thirst after Gain prevails in no part of the Continent in so great a Degree as in the City of Philada. Spirits Rum &c. &c. have been sent to the publick Coffer here 7 different times by a Junto of the People & has been raisd each time at least 50/ Ct & then sold to the Army: As Consumers they must pay whatever prices shall be fixd on these Articles—On the whole unless the Honble Congress thro’ your Excellency’s interposition shall fall upon way’s or means by which the Army can be supplied upon with necessaries at more modest prices, & unless a depreciation of the Currency measure prevented, which cannot possibly be affected otherwise than by the total destruction of Engrossers & Monopolizers, there are many Officers under your Excellency’s command who will be compelled to decline

the Service & retire to more private stations—The present pay of the Army is by no means adequate to the necessary expences attending a Soldiers Life, this we do not mention with a view of prevailing on your Excelly to ⟨illegible⟩ this we conceive ⟨illegible⟩ your present complaints than remove them. ⟨illegible⟩ fixd private Estates for ⟨illegible⟩ determination is not to bear the brunt of ⟨illegible⟩ exposing our Families to conections to want & ⟨illegible⟩ Enemies regardless if either Liberty or Peace security, accumulating wealth at our Expence—beg leave to mention that we cannot ⟨illegible⟩, when ⟨illegible⟩ & the Commissary’s themselves ⟨illegible⟩ of the whole to the Continent than submit to ⟨illegible⟩. We lay these Sentiments ⟨illegible⟩ desirous of carving out new business ⟨illegible⟩ well knowing that your Excelly’s time is ⟨illegible⟩ of your Country & the Liberties of ⟨illegible⟩ by Congress on the 7th of Oct ⟨illegible⟩. We are Your Excellys Most Obedient Hble Servants

David Grier L. Col: 7th Regt
Henry Miller Majr 1 Rgmt
Saml Ray Maj 7th Penna Regt
F. Johnston Colonel 5th Penna Regt
Jarvis Chambers Col. 5t. Regt
Lewis Bush ⟨illegible⟩
Adm Hubley Lt 10th P.R.
Caleb North Major 10th P.R.
Wm Williams Major 2d Pena Regt
Marien Lamar Major 4th P.R.
Thos Robinson Major 5th P. Regt
Wm Butler Lt Coll 4. P.R.
Persr Frazer Lt. Colo. 5th P.R.


Title: General Orders, 16 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, near the Cross roads, August 16th 1777.
Bristol.Coventry.Darby.

Standing Regulations.
1st When the army is to march, the General (and not the Revellie) is to beat in the morning.
2nd At the beating of the General, the officers and soldiers are to dress & prepare themselves for the march, packing up and loading their baggage.
3rd At the beating of the troop, they are to strike all their tents and

put them in the waggons; all the waggons to be sent (with the guard directed in the after orders of July 4th) to the place where the whole is appointed to assemble.
4th In due time, at least a quarter of an hour before the time appointed for marching, the drummers are to beat a march, upon which the troops are to march out and form at the head of their emcampment; the files to be completed, and the battalions properly told off—precisely at the hour appointed for marching, the drummers beat the march a second time, at that part of the line from which the march is to be made (whether the right, left or center) upon which the troops face or wheel, (according to the order of march which shall be prescribed,) towards that place where the march was beat, and instantly begin the march.
5th At the beating of the General, the regimental Quarter Masters, and Camp-colour-men, are to assemble, and forthwith parade on the right, left or center of the line, according as the army shall march, from one or the other—The Brigade and Division Quarter Masters—so many of the artificers as the Qr Mr General, or his Deputy shall direct—and all the pioneers, are to assemble at the same time and place—The Quarter Master General, or one of his deputies, will then march them to the place where the army is to encamp—The pioneers and Artificers are to go in the front to repair the roads, and remove any obstructions that may incommode the line of march—The Quarter Masters and Camp colour men follow, in the order the corps, to which they belong, stand in the line.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Holtzendorff, 16 August 1777
From: Holtzendorff, Louis-Casimir, baron de
To: Washington, George

Sir!
Philadelphia the 16th of august 1777.at Mistress Sword house Lodge Alley.

My Sincerest Mind to Serve usefully the American United States in my rank, engaged me to require lately of your Excellency that Place of Lt Colonel, now vacant in the Regiment of Baron arendt; But as the Regulations of the advancements in the Corps are contrary to it, in the mean while desiring to be really Serviceable, I have conceived the Project to publish a General Essay upon the King’s of Prussia Tactics.
This essential Work, Effect of my Experience in the Service of my native Country until 1744; of whom I have the honour to adress the Prospectus to Your Excellency, will inable you to judge of my militar Knowledges, and fix the manner of which Your Excellency may employe me afterward.
Being besides very desirous to merit your Suffrage, I beg Your Excellency to permit that my Work can appear under your Protection, and hoping that you will like my homage I’ll expect Your answerd to the End to publish immediately in English the said Prospectus.
In the same time I beg your Excellency to Send me your order for the General of the division, to which you are intended to adhere me, and so soon as I’ll receive my Bagage, which I Expect incessantly, I shall go over to your army. I am with respect Sir, of your Excellency most obedient humble servant

Baron holtzendorff


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 16 August 1777
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Philadelphia August 16. 1777

Agreeable to your Excellencys desire in your favour of the 14th Current, I have taken from the Minutes of the Committee of Congress who

resided here last Winter, an account of the Silver sent you to Trenton, as underneath. I must assure you that it affords me true pleasure to be favoured with your Commands and that my best wishes are constantly for your health and prosperity being most respectfully Dr sir Your Affte and Obedient humble servant

Robt Morris

December 31. 1776 sent per John Hay an Express

            410
            Spanish

                  Milled Dollars @
                  7/6

                  Crowns
                  7/6

                  Do
                  3/9

                  Shillings
                  1/6

            153.15.0

              2
            En:
            .15.0

               ½
            French
            . 3.9

             10½
            En:
            .15.9

            Penna Curry
            £155: 9:6

            deduct ⅕th
            31. 1.10

            Lawful
            £124. 7.8


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] 16th Augt 1777

I have your favr of the 14th instant. Just before it came to hand I had recd the intelligence which it contained from Genl Clinton. The people in the Northern Army seem so intimidated by the Indians that I have determined to send up Colo. Morgans Corps of Rifle Men who will fight them in their own way. They march from Trenton tomorrow Morning and will reach peekskill with all expedition. You will please to have Sloops ready to carry them and provision laid in that they may not wait a moment. The Corps consists of Five hundred Men. Be pleased to let me have an exact return of your numbers both Continental and Provincial that I may form a judgment of the propriety of Detaching any more force to the Northward. Remark to what time your Provincials are engaged. I am Dr sir your most Obet Servt

G. Washington

P.S. 500 is the true strength of Morgan’s Corps, but it will answer a good Purpose if you give out they are double that number.


Title: General Orders, 17 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, near the Cross roads [Pa.] August 17th 1777.
Providence.Newport. Kingston.

The Commander in Chief is pleased to approve of the following sentences of a General Court Martial held the 14th instant, whereof Col. Spencer was president, and orders them to be put in execution forthwith—viz.—
William Jackson, charged with “Desertion from the 2nd New Jersey regt; and inlisting into a company of artificers”—The Court are of opinion the prisoner is guilty of the charges exhibited against him; But as the prisoner was confined in the main guard-house, at Middlebrook, at the time Thomas Smith was shot, for the offences he is now found guilty of, and was released from confinement in consequence of His Excellency the Commander in Chief’s pardon; they are of opinion he should receive no punishment—They are likewise of opinion he should be sent to the 2nd New-Jersey regiment, to serve the time he inlisted for; and the officer of the company he belongs to, in that regiment, shall settle with Capt. Roe for the bounty the prisoner received from him, and other charges he has against him (if the pay due the prisoner during the time he served in the company of artificers is not sufficient for that purpose) And the money paid by the prisoner’s officer to Capt. Roe shall be stopped out of the prisoner’s wages.
Capt. Holmes, of the 4th New Jersey regt charged with “Going into one Palmer’s garden, and tearing cucumbers from the vines, and abusing and striking Doctor Smith” The court having considered the charge and evidence produced to them, are of opinion, that the prisoner took cucumbers from the vines, in Palmer’s garden, and he was justifiable in doing it, as he had leave—They are of opinion the prisoner did strike Doctor Smith: But as he gave the first offence, the Court are of opinion, he deserved the treatment he received.
The Court took into consideration, to what regiment Nathaniel Anster, tried as a soldier of the 5th Pennsylv: regiment, and punished for Desertion from that regt properly belongs, at the request of Capt: Bartholomew of the 5th Pennsylvania regiment and Lieut: Hammitt of Col. Spencer’s regt—The court having considered the several papers produced to them by each of the claimants, are of opinion, that Nathaniel Anster properly belongs to the 5th Pennsyl. regiment, and that Capt. Bartholomew shall stop out of Ansters wages four dollars per month, until Lieut. Hammitt is fully paid his account against Anster, and pay them to Lieut: Hammitt.

William Rickett of the 12th Pennsylv. Battalion, charged with “being a sleep on his post when over prisoners”—pleaded guilty; and begged for mercy—sentenced to receive thirty nine lashes on his bare back.
Moses Farrell, of the 5th Pennsylv. regt charged with “deserting from the said regiment, inlisting into another corps; after which being taken, deserting again, and persuading an exceeding good soldier to desert with him”—Acquitted of the charges exhibited against him.
Ensign McMichael of Col. Stewart’s regiment charged with “assaulting & striking with his sword, William Wright, a centinel in the execution of his duty”—The court, having considered the charge and evidence, are of opinion the prisoner struck William Wright, a Centinel, with his fist, while on his post; but on account of his insolence, and charging the bayonet on the prisoner, they sentence the prisoner to receive a private reprimand from the Colonel of the regiment he belongs to.
The Commander in Chief is anxious to have the ranks of the Pennsylvania field officers adjusted, The board of General officers which was appointed to sit for that purpose the 15th instant, will sit to morrow at Genl Greene’s quarters, at the hour to which they adjourned—The Commander in Chief wishes the board to be as full as possible; and desires the General Officers of the day to attend the board in preference to any other duty.
General Court-Martials are frequently prevented doing business, by means of the non-attendance of some of the members; which occasions such delays as are greatly injurious to the service. In time to come, if any officer is appointed president of a General Court Martial, and thro’ sickness, or other unavoidable accident, cannot attend, the Brigade Major of the brigade to which he belongs, is to give notice thereof, immediately to the Adjutant General—And if any member is, by the like means, rendered unable to attend, such member is to give immediate notice thereof to the Adjutant of the regiment he belongs to, that another may be returned in his stead: And upon the first appointment of a General Court Martial, each Brigade Major is to return the names of the members, furnished from his brigade, to the Adjutant General, at or before the hour appointed for the sitting of the court.
By the returns given in by the Brigadiers, pursuant to the orders of the 13th instant, it appears that many officers are absent without leave—that some have furloughs for sixty days—and others without limitation at all. With respect to those who are absent without leave, the General desires, that the Brigadiers, to whose brigade they belong, will order them to join it immediately, and have a strict enquiry (which is to be reported) into their conduct for so doing: and with respect to unlimited furloughs, or furloughs for sixty days—he desires that no

more such be given, without the consent of the Commander in Chief; as there are very few cases that can justify such indulgences in the active part of a campaign—Those who have exceeded the time limited in their furloughs, are also to be ordered to join, and to account satisfactorily for their conduct.
The ground being very wet, the Quarter Master General is to procure as much straw (from which the grain has been threshed) as possible, and distribute the same in the most equal manner among the troops.
A gill of rum, or other spirit is to be issued to day, to each non-commissioned officer, soldier and waggoner.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 17 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
[Cross Roads, Pa., 17 Aug. 1777]

I have been honord with your favour of the 2d April by Monsieur De Cenis written in behalf of that Gentleman on the credit of Monsr Turgot’s recommendation.
I should have been happy had it been in my power, in deference to your recommendation, founded upon that of so respectable a character as Monsr Turgot, to afford Mr De Cenis the encouragement, his zeal and trouble in coming to America to offer his services give him a claim to; but such is the situation of things in our army at this time, that I am necessarily deprived of that satisfaction. Our corps being already formed and fully officered, and the number of foreign gentlemen already commissioned, and continually arriving with fresh applications, throw such obstacles in the way of any future appointments, that every new arrival is only a new source of embarrassment to Congress and myself and of disappointment and chagrin to the gentlemen who come over. Had there been only a few to provide for, we might have found employment for them, in a way advantageous to the service and honorable to themselves; but as they have come over in such crowds, we either must not employ them, or we must do it at the expence of one half the officers of the army, which you must be sensible would be attended with the most ruinous effects, and could not fail to occasion a general discontent. It is impossible for these Gentlemen to raise men for themselves; and it would be equally impolitic and unjust to displace others who have been at all the trouble and at considerable expence in raising corps, in order to give them the command. Even where vacancies happen, there are always those who have a right of succession by seniority, and who are as tenacious of this right as of the places they actually hold, and In this they are justified by the common principle and practice of all armies, and by resolutions of Congress. Were these vacancies to be filled by the foreign officers, it would not only cause the resignation of those who expect to succeed to them; but it would serve to disgust others both through friendship to them, and from an apprehension of their being liable to the same inconvenience themselves. This by rendering the hope of preferment precarious, would remove one of the principal springs of emulation absolutely necessary to be upheld in an army.
Besides this difficulty, the error we at first fell into of prodigally bestowing rank upon foreigners, without examining properly their pretentions, having led us to confer high ranks upon those who had none or of a very inferior degree, in their own country; it now happens, that those who have really good pretensions—who are men of character

abilities and rank will not be contented, unless they are introduced into some of the highest stations of the Army, in which it needs no arguments to convince you it is impossible to gratify them—Hence their dissatisfaction and the difficulty of employing them are increased.
These obstacles reduce us to this dilemma: either we must refuse to Commission them at all, and leave all the expence trouble and risk that have attended their coming over uncompensated; or we must commission them without being able to incorporate or employ them, by which means enjoying the public pay and an unmeaning rank, they must submit to the mortification of being mere cyphers in the army. This last to some of them, may not be disagreeable; but to men of sentiment and who are actuated by a principle of honor and a desire to distinguish themselves, it must be humiliating and irksome in the extreme.
From these considerations, it would be both prudent and just to discourage their coming over by candidly opening the difficulties they have to encounter, and if after that they will persist in it, they can only blame themselves. I am sensible, Sir, that it is a delicate and perplexing task to refuse applications of persons patronised (as I suppose often happens) by some of the first characters in the Kingdom where you are, and whose favour it is of importance to conciliate; but I beg leave to suggest whether it would not be better to do that, than by compliance, to expose them to those mortifications which they must unavoidably experience, and which they are too apt to impute to other causes than the true, and may represent under very disadvantageous colors. Permit me also to observe to you, that even where you do not promise any thing, but simply give a line of recommendation they draw as strong an assurance of success from that, as from a positive engagement and estimate the hardship of a disappointment nearly the same in one case as another.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Neshamini Camp [Pa.] August 17th 1777.

The unfavourable situation of our Affairs in the Northern department and the pressing applications of Genl Schuyler for aid, induced me to write some time ago to Genl Putnam to hold Vancortlandt & Livingston’s Regiments in readiness to embark for Albany, in case I should find it necessary, and the Succours he received of Militia would justifie the measure. I have the honor to acquaint you, that by a Letter from him of the 16th, which came to hand yesterday, he informed me, that without waiting for further directions, he had ordered them to proceed with all possible expedition, as the late advices from that Quarter seemed to make a further augmentation of the Army requisite. Besides these, I have, contrary to my wishes but from the necessity of the case, ordered Colo. Morgan to march immediately with his Corps as an additional support. I hope they will be of material service, particularly in opposing the Savage part of Genl Burgoyn’s Force, which from every account spreads a General alarm among the Inhabitants and affects the Winds of the militia not a little, who have not been much accustomed to their mode of Warfare. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Head Quarters Camp at Cross Roads [Pa.]Aug. 17. 1777
Sir

Col. Portail for himself and in behalf of the Gentlemen with him has made different applications to me for horses and servants; and I have been in a manner under the necessity of furnishing them by way of loan till they can be otherwise provided. They expect these things to be found them at the public expence, and informs me that the matter is now before congress, whose determination they look for every moment. I have taken the liberty to mention this, because I should be glad, if any thing of the kind is intended, that it might be done as soon as convenient, or if it is not that they may be informed their expectations are not well-founded. This will put them upon providing for themselves, and prevent their repeating their applications to me on a subject, which I am not authorised to do any thing in. I have the honor to be With great Respect Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 17 August 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada August 17th 1777. Sunday Morning.

The Complaints of the Want of Men to the Northward, are so great & urgent, that Congress, with a View of affording them some Assistance, have come to the enclosed Resolve; by which you will percieve, it is their Desire that five Hundred Rifle-men, under the Command of an active Officer, should be immediately sent into that Department, to oppose the Incursions of the Indians.
Your Favour of the 16th Inst. I was last Night honoured with containing sundry Inclosures, which shall be communicated to Congress tomorrow.
The Plan you have adopted and recommended for the Defence of the River Delaware, is ordered to be carried into Execution.
As soon as Congress shall come into any Resolve on the Subjects of your several Letters, the Result shall be immediately transmitted. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Esteem, Sir your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to the Maryland Delegates of the Continental Congress, 17 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Maryland Delegates of the Continental Congress

Gentlemen,
Neshameni Camp [Pa.] August 17, 1777

I beg leave to trouble you with a few lines on a subject which I wish to have your attention. I was just now informed that Lieut. McNaire, of the Artillery, has been arrested, and stands bound over to the next Court to be held for Hertford County, for enlisting two men to serve in one of the Continental Regiments of Artillery. This, it is said, is in consequence of an Act of your Assembly, by which all Officers are prohibited from enlisting men within the State, unless they are of the Regiments belonging to it. I have never seen the Law, and therefore can not pretend to determine how far the prohibition extends, but should suppose, it was only designed to prevent the Officers of other States enlisting men to fill up the Regiments assigned as their Quota. So far, it appears to me, the Act would be founded in the strictest justice; but when there is an absolute necessity for Artillery Corps, when three such Regiments were ordered to be raised by Congress, without being apportioned on any particular State, certainly, each should furnish a proportion of them. This case is quite otherwise—All in this Line now with the Army have been enlisted in the New England States, a few excepted, ⟨and the⟩ greatest part in that of Massachusetts, over and above their ⟨Quota⟩ of the 88 Battalions first voted, and a proportion of the ad⟨dition⟩al 16. I will not say anything of the policy or impolicy ⟨of this⟩ Act, if it has a more extensive operation than I have s⟨upposed⟩ it to have, but I would take the liberty to observe, ⟨that⟩ in my opinion, it would be for the advantage of the State⟨s, if⟩ each of ’em had men employed in this important br⟨anch of⟩ war, not to add, that the whole ought to contribute ⟨equally⟩ to the filling of all Corps that are deemed essential ⟨and⟩ which are not allotted to any individual one—Cap⟨tn Lieut.⟩ McClure will deliver you this Letter, and I should hop⟨e,⟩ thro’ your application and intercession with the Court of Harford, so far as they may be consistent, that Lieut. McNa⟨ire⟩ may be discharged from his recognisance, if he has not offended in any other instance against the Laws of the State. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Gentlemen, Your most obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Preudhomme de Borre, 17 August 1777
From: Preudhomme de Borre, Philippe-Hubert, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp hanower [N.J.] the 17 august 1777

I am favoured With the Letters that your Excellency Done the honour to Write to me of the 14 respecting major mullens, and I Seen in it that your Excellency Should Wish that I may give the preference (in order to be my major of brigade) to one gentleman of my own Country, I no french gentleman Know who have acquired a Sufficient Knowledge of the English Language, to act in the capacity of major of brigade, As I have acquired a Sufficient Knowledge of the english Language in Writing myself my Orders reading & understanding all the orders & Letters I receive, I believe that it Should better for me to have an English gentleman With I Should obliged to Speack Alwais english, I have the honour to present to Your Excellency the gentleman Mack Onell Captain in the hazen regiment as very fit to act in the Capacity of major of brigade, I Will Wait the orders from your excellency before to give him that place. I am With a greatest respect of your excellency Sir your most humble and most obedient Servant

Le Chr De Preudhomme De BorreBrigr Gnal


Title: To George Washington from Colonel George Baylor, 18 August 1777
From: Baylor, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fredericksbur [Va.] Augt 18th 1777

I receiv’d by last post your favor of the 5th instant, and shoul[d] then of answerd it, but was prevented by my being very much indispos’d of an obstinate fever. enclosd I receiv’d your Warrant, for twenty thousand Dollars, and hope to render a satisfactory account of them.
I am fearful you may think, from the small proposion of the Regiment which has join’d you, that it proceeds from inattension or neglect; I think I can with safety say not but from a cause which was not to be remedied; the backwardnes of the men whome we wishd to enlist. We have a Troop that is nearly ready to set off for Camp, and a part of a nother, when compleated, I think will be as many men as we shall be able to get. We shall then have two thirds of our Regiment, and I should be glad to be relievd from the r[e]cruiting business, by taking the command of them. I am Dear Sr with the highest Respect your obdt Humble Servant

George Baylor

We are just informed here of the arrival of the Fleet in the bay, which you have no doubt heard of, by earlyer conveyance.


Title: To George Washington from William Buchanan, 18 August 1777
From: Buchanan, William
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Philadelphia 18th Augt 1777

The Quantity of Rum mentioned in Col. Trumbulls Return of publick Stores, and the Accounts I recieve of large Stocks of Whiskey lying in several Magazines in this State, induced me to think this a very proper Juncture to attempt a Reduction of the present exorbitant Price of the last Article. To effect this I had some thoughts of not purchasing any more Whiskey for the present unless it could be had at something like a reasonable Rate. But the Rum being at a very great Distance from Camp, and having recieved no Authentick Return of the Quantity of

Whiskey on hand I feared there might be some Risque of occasioning a Scarcity in Camp, and therefore applied to the Board of War for their Advice. They referred me to your Excellency as the most proper Authority to permit such a Trial. I now do myself the Honor of requesting your Excellency’s Orders on this Subject. Permit me also to remark that if the Suttlers &c. attending the Army are not restrained in the Prices which they demand from the Soldiery, every Endeavour of mine to reduce the Price of Whiskey must necessarily prove inneffectual. I am your Excs. Obdt humble Servt

Wm Buchanan C:G:P:

Whiskey 20/ ⅌ Gal. & rapidly on the Rise.


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 18 August 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

Letter not found: to John Parke Custis, 18 Aug. 1777. When writing to GW on 11 Sept., Custis says: “Your kind Favour of the 18th Ult. came safe to Hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 August 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Letter not found: to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 Aug. 1777. In his letter to Lt. Col. Holtzendorff of 18 Aug., GW says: “I inclose you a letter to General Greene, informing him, that I have attached you to his division.”


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Holtzendorff, 18 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Holtzendorff, Louis-Casimir, baron de

Sir,
Head Qrs Camp at Cross Roads [Pa.]Augt 18th 1777

I have the pleasure of your favour of the  transmitting me the plan of a military work, which you propose to publish and requesting my protection of the same. As I have not seen the work, I cannot undertake

to determine what degree of merit it may have a claim to; but if it be well executed upon the plan you exhibit, the few good books we have circulating in this country on the military art, afford a favourable prospect of the publication being attended with success and utility. I shall be happy to give it all the encouragement in my power and to find that the event may answer your expectations. You do not mention whether you intend to publish in the French or in the English language. You must be sensible that the work will be more generally useful and have a much more extensive circulation in the one than in the other. I doubt not before you commit it to the press, you will consult with your friends and make yourself acquainted with every circumstance necessary to be taken into consideration, that you may be the less liable to disappointment in whatever advantages you may expect will be derived from it.
I inclose you a letter to General Greene, informing him, that I have attached you to his division, and that you are to do duty as Lieutenant Colonel in the general roster of that division. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 18 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.]18th Augst 1777.

I have yours of the 15th. As it appeared clearly from the account sent out by the Enemy, that Palmer was really an Officer of theirs, he deservedly suffered for being found lurcking about our posts, and was a spy in the truest Sense of the word.
I am surprised at the conduct of the Militia of Connecticut, who because they find no Enemy directly at their own doors refuse to stay and assist their Neighbours. They do not consider that the Northern Army cannot be reinforced and the state of New York saved without they will consent to garrison Peekskill. I therefore desire that you will inform Govr Trumbull of these circumstances, and call upon him for a certain Number of Militia to continue in service for three Months at least, that we may know what we have to depend upon. I cannot by any means consent to Genl Sullivans division returning to Peekskill while Genl Howes destination remains a secret. If he is gone Southward, which now seems probable, that division is absolutely necessary to this Army to enable us to give him proper opposition.
The paymaster Genl shall be informed of the want of Cash in your department.
I desire you will keep as many of the Militia as possible till they are releived in a regular manner, those that come out should at least remain as long as the Militia of New York who have been more harassed and have more reason to complain on every account than any upon the Continent. I am Dear Sir Your Obt & hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. When any deserters come out from the British Army they have been paid four dollars and if they bring out their arms ten dollars more for them. Be pleased in future to pay those Sums and certify upon their passes that they have been paid, otherwise they claim it again.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 18 August 1777
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Hanover [N.H.] August 18th 1777.

I had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 14th Inst: & have notified your Approbation of the sentence against the unfortunate Majr Mullins. I have also rectified the mistake about the Pay Abstracts agreable to your Excellency’s directions. I am inclined to think your Excellency will soon hear from Mr Howe at the Southward where I beleive he is bound, & will even land though his Aim is Eastward, my reasons for this Opinion are many, the necessity of his cooperating with Burgoyne is one, the hazard of seperating their Armies so far asunder, & leaving each liable to be defeated, Mr Livius’s threats against New Hampshire in his Letter to me; Govr Wentworh’s Letter intercepted by Govr Trumble in which he promises his friends to be among them this Summer, are other reasons which have weight in my Mind; but above all these Genl Howe’s Letter to Burgoine intercepted by Genl Putnam, amounts, in my opinion, almost to full proof. This Letter he knew was sent by a person who would immediately bring it to our army; he supposed your Excellency would not take him at his Word, but rather on the contrary, & consequently draw your Force more Southward, & to confirm you more in this Opinion; he is now making these Demonstrations to the Southward, which in his Letter he said he had then made: And to give his Demonstrations the desired Effect he has taken care to keep in sight of land part of the time, & near enough to be discovered from the shore, which he was under no necessity of doing, nor wou’d he have thought of, if he was in earnest about begining the Campaign to the Southward; I know the Winds have been against him, and he has been beating to Windward, but this by no means obliged him to come in sight of Land, I have no doubt he is trying to get to the southward, & will go a considerable way toward if not to south Carolina, I even think he will land, & commit some small Depredations, & remain there ’till he finds, he has drawn our Army near him, then he will re-embark, & proceed immediately to Boston or Portsmouth, to Co-operate with Burgoine, he is not now to learn, that by stopping the Arms the first year of the War, we disarmed most of the Inhabitants, & that those Arms have not been replaced. and that all our active Soldiers & good Arms will be employ’d in the rear against Burgoine, & that he can find but few men that are armed to oppose him in Front, he considers doubtless that the panic which must seize upon the Inhabitants, when they find themselves between two armies, & our main army at a Distance will facilitate his Conquests, & that ev’ry advancing Step he makes, or indeed that Burgoine makes, will be so much toward forming a Junction & subjugating the Country; we may

add to this, that in case they can form the Junction through Massachusetts & New Hampshire, they will have nothing to fear on the other side of them, & will in all their after Opperation⟨s⟩ be taking the Continent in Flank, these & many other Reasons induce me to be of this Opinion—I at the Same time well know that it would be dangerous to leave him to act his pleasure to the southward, & rely upon his going to Eastward, when we can only offer matter of Opinion in favor of the Delay; this he doubtless foresees, & will therefore conclude that this Manœuvre will answer his purpose effectualy.
Your Excellency will pardon my Freedom in giving my opinion upon a Difficulty I am unable to point out a Method to avoid, & beleive me to be with the greate⟨st⟩ Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

Jno. Sullivan


Title: From George Washington to Captain Van Swearingen, 18 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Swearingen, Van (died c.1793)

Sir
[Bucks County, Pa., 18 August 1777]

It being represented, that Several of the Men in a Detachment under your command, as Captain from the Eight pensylvania Regiment, which composes part of the Corps commanded by Colo. Daniel Morgan, made up of Detachments from several Regiments, have Claims against the United States for Horses and Other necessaries furnished the said Regiment, for which they have received no satisfaction; Also, that you & the Officers under you, in the said Detachment, have charges of the like nature and for Money advanced some privates of the said Regiment, who have died—been killed—or taken prisoners: And it being impracticable at this time to examine & adjust the said Claims as the said Corps commanded by Colo. Morgan is under Orders to march & join the Northern Army; These are to authorize & require you, to state & settle the said Claims before Colo. Morgan—Lieut. Colo. Butler and Major Morris, or any Two of them, who are empowered to liquidate the same, producing to them such Vouchers as you are possessed of, and making such proofs to the Account, as may be deemed necessary; Which being done and certified under the Hands

of them, or any Two of them, you will advance, of your own Money, to your Officers and Men such Sums, as shall appear to be due them on the said Settlement. And I do hereby agree on behalf of the United States of America, that the Money so advanced, with what shall appear on the said Settlement to be due yourself, shall be paid to you on your Order. Given under my Hand at Head Qrs Bucks County this 18 day of August 1777.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 19 August 1777
From: Board of General Officers
To: Washington, George

Camp Bucks County [Pa.] Augt 19. 1777.

The Board of General Officers took into Consideration your Excellency’s Question, respecting the German Battalion, and Colonel Hazen’s Regiments: Are of Opinion; “That from the peculiar establishment of the German Battalion and Colonel Hazen’s Regiments, they had better rise Regimentally.[”]
Also your Excellencys Question “concerning the Sixteen additional Battalions[”]: They are of opinion the Sixteen additional Battalions, should rise in the line, and that a Rank-Role for the Sixteen Battalions be made out accordingly.
The Board likewise took into consideration, your Excellencys Question, respecting “the application of the Officers, for back pay, or the difference between the pay they have drawn, and what they now claim in consequence of their Commissions being dated at the time the vacancies happened to which they have been promoted.[”] They are of opinion; that, as the Congress have ordered that all Officers succeeding to Vacancies shall receive Commissions dated from the time the Vacancy happened; From this resolve, it appears a piece of Justice due to the succeeding Officers, that they should draw pay from the time of their right of promotion.

Nathanael Greene President of the board of General Officers for settleing ranks


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 19 August 1777
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
⟨Tren⟩ton 19th August 1777

From the latest accounts I have received, I cannot find there has been any movements of the Enemy, upon Staten Island; and this Day I recieved the inclosed Letter from Gen: Forman, which I thought proper to send your Excellency.
A few Days ago, I saw Mr Douglass, being the Person, whom I mentioned in my last letter to your Excellency, that made his escape from N. York, he say’s, that Gen: Jones is Governor of N. York—& that Genls Clinton & Tryon, (when he left the City) were both at Kingsbridge. I did not know, untill the Receipt of Col: Tilghman’s letter, but what Gen: Tryon still continued, to act as Governor. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency’s, Most Obt Servt

Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from the Maryland Delegates, 19 August 1777
From: Maryland Delegates of the Continental Congress
To: Washington, George

Sir
Phila. Aug. 19. 1777

We are just now honoured with your Letter respecting the Arrest of Lieut. McNaire of the Artillery and shall immediately enclose it to Governor Johnson to take such Measures on the Subject as the Law will warrant him: We wish the Artillery Corps and the 16th Regiments had been apportioned on the States that our State knowing its Proportion might have pursued the Same Means for raising it as it has taken to fill up its Quota of the 88 Battalions: Had this been done by Congress the present Act of our State would not have occasioned the Difficulties objected: We doubt not Gover. Johnson will do every thing in his Power for the Discharge of Lieut. McNaire & wishing you every Success & Happiness We have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Yr most Obd. humble Servts

W. Paca
Saml. Chase


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 19 August 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] Augt 19th 1777

There are about 80 Men with Officers for three Troops of Horse of thirty Men each now at Philadelphia. They came from North Carolina with General Nash’s Brigade & have been here for a considerable Time their Horses being sold as they were unfit for Service & the Board were so embarrass’d with the high Price of Horses & other Necessaries for sending them into the Field that they had determined to order them back to N. Carolina. They were induced to do this too for the Men having refused to enlist during the War & they have only from 12 to 18 Months to serve. But it has been represented that they are all Americans & therefore the more to be depended upon & that many of the Regiments of Cavalry either from Misbehavior of the Men or Accidents have many Horses more than Men. The Board have therefore thought it best to represent the Matter to your Excellency for your Opinion upon it & desire to know how these Men could be employed & mounted. It seems they object to being drafted into the Regiments without their Officers, but are willing to be annexed with them to any Regiment of Horse. Col. Baylors would be most agreeable to them & it is said he has Horses & cannot get Men equal to the Number of Horses. The Board would be happy to receive a speedy Answer as the Business has been too long delayed & the Men are Kept here at a great Expence. I have the Honour to be Your very obed. Servt

Richard Peters Secy


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Preudhomme de Borre, 19 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Preudhomme de Borre, Philippe-Hubert, chevalier de

Sir
Cross Roads [Pa.] Aug. 19. 1777

I have received your favour of the 17th; by which I perceive you are inclined in preference to have an American Gentleman appointed to the office of your Brigade-Major, and for that purpose have recommended Capt. McConnel of Col: Hazen’s regiment to my approbation. My only reasons for mentioning what I did in my last, were, that I thought it might be more agreeable to you to have one of your own countrymen in your family and that it would be a mean of giving a

handsome employment to some one of those French Gentlemen of merit who are commissioned on our army, without being attached to any particular service. But as I find you are otherwise inclined I have not the least objection to your persuing your inclination in the appointment of Capt. McConnell. Your most Obdt servant.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 19 August 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Van Schaick’s Island in the Mouth of the Mohawks River [N.Y.] Augst 19th 1777.

I have the Honor to congratulate your Excellency on a signal Victory obtained by General Stark over a Detachment of about 1500 of the Enemy near Bennington on the 16th Instant, an Account whereof I have this Moment received in a Letter from General Lincoln of which the following is a Copy—“Bennington August 18th 1777. Dear General The late signal Success of a Body of about 2000 Troops mostly Militia under the Command of Brigadier General Stark in this part of the Country on the 16th Instant over a party of about 1500 of the Enemy, who came out with a manifest Design to possess themselves of this Town as will appear by the inclosed is an Event happy and important—Our Troops behaved in a very brave and heroic Manner—They pushed the Enemy from one Work to another, thrown up on advantageous Ground and from different posts with Spirit and Fortitude until they gained a compleat Victory over them. The following is the best List I have been able to obtain of the prisoners, their killed and wounded Viz. 1 Lieut. Colo. 1 Major, 5 Captains 12 Lieutenants 4 Ensigns, 2 Cornets, 1 Judge Advocate 1 Baron, 2 Canadian Officers & 3 Surgeons, 37 British Soldiers, 398 Hessians, 38 Canadians & 151 Tories taken. The Number of wounded fallen into our Hands, exclusive of the above, are about 80. The Number of their Slain has not yet been ascertained, as they fought on the Retreat for several Miles in a Wood, but supposed to be about 200—Their Artillery which consisted of 4 brass Field pieces, with a considerable Quantity of Baggage likewise

fell into our Hands. We have heard Nothing of Burgoyne or his Army for these two Days past—The prisoners have sent into the State of Massachusetts Bay except the Tories. Shall wait your Direction respecting them, as most of them belong to the State of New York.
“We have now about 2000 at and near this place. I am Dear General with Regard and Esteem your very humble Servant. B. Lincoln. N.B. We had about 20 or 30 killed in the Action & perhaps 50 wounded.”
I also inclose Copy of General Burgoyne’s orders to Lieut Colo: Bern which were transmitted me with the above.
I have great Hopes that we shall soon have the Satisfaction of learning that General Arnold has raised the Seige of Fort Schuyler.
General Gates, I am informed, arrived last Night at Albany. I am Dear Sir with the most respectful Sentiments Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

Neshamini [Pa.] Camp Augt 19th 1777.

I wish thro’ you, Sir, to return my thanks to the Pennsylvania Officers, who subscribed the Memorial you delivered me a few days since, for the obliging sentiments they are pleased to entertain of me—At the same time, you will inform them, that I am fully sensible of the justice, in which their Complaint respecting the exorbitant price of Goods & Necessaries is founded, and that I painfully foresee the disagreeable consequences the measure leads to. My wishes are, that the Abuse of which they complain, should be restrained, but I know not how it is to be effected. I have represented the matter to the Congress, and have the most implicit confidence, that they will adopt any means that are practicable, to remedy the Evil. They feel it sensibly—and it is felt by all, but a Mode of Redress, I fear, will be difficult to find, as it has ever been in instances of a like nature. I am not sanguine in my expectations, that they will remove the grievance totally, yet I should hope that it may be done in part, thro’ their Deliberations & the interposition of the Legislative and Executive powers in the several States. I can only assure the Gentlemen, I shall ever be happy in affording my exertions to suppress any public abuses, so far as shall be compatible with my Situation, more I am persuaded, they will never wish or expect of one.
I have also laid the Subject of Rations before the Congress, and doubt not, but it will have their early Attention. This you will in like manner communicate to the Gentlemen.
In respect to the period, from which the augmented pay is to be drawn, the Line has been already settled by Congress. They determined, that the Officers appointed to serve in the present Army should receive it from the time of their Appointments by their respective States. In conformity to this Rule, they have been paid without deviation, that I recollect. If there are any who have not, it has been oweing to their own Omissions—or if the augmented pay has been extended in any case to a remoter period for its commencement, it escaped my observation. I would also add, that if this Resolution had not been passed, I should not have considered myself authorized to grant Warrants for augmented pay of any time preceeding the 1st of January; conceiving, that the old would have continued till the last of December, that being the Day when the service of the late Army generally

expired, and that the augmented pay was intended for the New. I am Sir Your most obedt servt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to William Buchanan, 20 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Buchanan, William

Sir
Neshamini Camp [Pa.] Augt the 20th 1777.

I have been favoured with your Letter of the 18th. In respect to the Subject of it I can only inform you, that it is necessary, there should always be a Sufficient Quantity of Spirits, with the Army to furnish moderate Supplies to the Troops. In many Instances, such as when they are marching in Hot or Cold weather—in Camp in Wet—on fatigue or in working parties, it is so essential, that it is not to be dispensed with. I should be happy, if the exorbitant price to which it has risen could be reduced, but if you have not a proper stock within your command, from whence Supplies necessary may be drawn, I cannot think of authorising, by my consent any Experiment which can possibly injure the Troops. You are the best judge of the Quantity there is in Store and the certainty you have of getting it seasonably to the Army and of consequence most able to determine the propriety of purchasing more or not.
The case of the Sutlers deserves attention, & I am informed, Regulations have been come into in One Division of the Army, that will restrain their exactions or oblige them to quit their business. I am sir Yr Most Obedt Set

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 20 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] Augt 20th 1777.

By a Letter from Genl Schuyler of 13th Inst. it appears that you had not reach’d Stillwater at that time, since which I have not had any accounts from you, but expect you had arriv’d there soon after that date.
From the various representations made to me of the disadvantage the Army lay under, particularly the Militia, from an apprehension of the Indian Mode of fighting, I have dispatch’d Colo. Morgan with his Corps of Rifflemen to your Assistance, & expect they will be with you in eight days from this date—this Corps I have great dependance on, & have no doubt but they will be exceedingly usefull to you, as a Check given to the Savages & keeping them within proper Bounds, will prevent Genl Burgoyne from getting Intelligence as formerly, & animate your other Troops from a Sense of their being more on an equality with the Enemy—Colo. Cortland & Livingston’s Regiments are also on their Way to Join you, & must of course be with you in a very few days—With these Reinforcements besides the Militia under General Lincoln (which by this time must be pretty considerable) I am in hopes you will find yourself at least equal to Stop the Progress of Mr Burgoyne, & by cutting of his Supplies of Provision &c. to render his Situation very ineligible.
Since the Enemy’s fleet was seen off Sinipuxent the 8th Inst. we have no Accounts from them which can be depended on, I am now of Opinion that Charles Town is the present Object of Genl Howe’s attention, though for what sufficient reason, unless, he expected to drag this Army after him, by appearing at different places, & thereby leave the Country open for Genl Clinton to March out & endeavor to form a Junction with General Burgoyne, I am at a loss to determine.
Genl Schuyler’s sending a Reinforcement to Fort Schuyler, I think was absolutely necessary; & am of opinion that particular attention should be paid to the Inroads leading to that Quarter, as a Successfull stroke of the Enemy there, might be a means of encouraging the whole of the Six Nations to unite against us. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp Bucks County [Pa.] 20th Augt 1777

I do myself the honor to forward you a packet which just came to my hands from Genl Schuyler. In his letter to me he communicates an agreeable account of the face of Affairs at Fort Schuyler, I therefore do myself the pleasure of inclosing you an extract. I have the Honor to be Sir Your obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 20 August 1777
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philada Augst 20 1777

I remember well a Conversation passing betwixt you and I on the Subject of the Marquis de la Fyattes Commission, & that I told you it was merely Honorary, in this light I look’d on it, and so did every other member of Congress, he had made an agreement with mr Deane, but this he gave up by Letter to Congress, not wishing as he said to embarrass their affairs, Mr Duer who presented this Letter assur’d us he did not wish or desire Command, but gave us to understand his chief motive for going into our Service was to be near you, to see Service, and to give him an Eclat at home, where he expected he would soon return, these you may depend on it were the Reasons that induced Congress to Comply with his request, and that he could not have Obtain’d the Commisn on any other terms; The other Day he surprised every body by a letter of his, requesting Commissions for his Officers, and Insinuating at the same time that he should expect a Command as soon as you should think him fit for one, depend on it Congress never meant that he should have one, nor will not countenance him in his applications, I had it not in my power yesterday to get their opinions on the Subject, but will do it soon.
Where can Howe be gone, we begin to be under great Apprehensions for South Carolina, and think he must have been heard off if he had taken any other Course, can not a blow be given Burgoyne in his absence? if something can not be done in that quarter soon, N. York will certainly be lost, our eastern Friends have behaved most shamefully—Where the Devil is Gates, why does he loiter so on the Road, the weather has been hot it is true, and so is the Service he is going to. I am my Dear Sir your affect. Hbb. Servt

Benj. Harrison


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 August 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston Augt 20th 1777

I have this day received ⅌ Mr Fessenden the honor of yours of the 5th 10th & 12th Instant, most heartily thank your Excellency for the Intelligence communicated therein, and shall strictly attend to the directions given.
We have just received the inclosed Intelligence of the success of our Troops under General Starks near Bennington, upon which I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency. We are happy to find the Tide is turning at last in our favor. It has been long ebbing in that quarter.
Major Trescott has just been with me. He informs me that he is in a disagreeable situation, That he was appointed by your Excellency a Major to Colo. Cornels Regt, That Regiment failing you were pleased to advise him to accept a Captaincy in Colo. Henly’s, promising him one of the first vacancies. He thinks it rather dishonorable to serve as a Captain after being appointed, and for months considered as a major. That he would chearfully serve as a Corporal if he could do it consistant with those principals which are the first Characteristick of a good Officer. He would serve as a Captain could he obtain a Majors Brevitt which would secure his Rank untill a vacancy offered. As he is a most excellent Officer I beg leave to recommend him to your Excellency’s particular notice, and that if it be consistant with the Establishment of our Army and agreeable to your pleasure he may have a Brevitt of Major if nothing more can be done for him at present, otherwise I fear a good Officer will be lost.
Being just informed that the Army at or near Bennington are short of ammunition I have wrote to Colo. Cheever to send on immediately 2000 wt of Powder 4000 wt of Ball and 6000 Flints. It is said, their numbers are between three & four thousand, and many on the march to join them. I hope this step will meet your Excellency’s approbation. We are impatient to hear the result of the Action, as it was very warm when the Express came away. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servant

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 20 August 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany August 20th 1777

Last Evening Gen: Gates arrived at the Camp and this morning I shewed him the different passes, gave him an Account of the disposition of the troops, The posts they Occupied, and the Orders I had given with Such Information as he required, or that occured to me and then Came down to this place.
Inclose Your Excellency a return of the Army, Copy of a letter from General Lincoln and Copy of Gen: Burgoyns Instructions to Lieut. Colo: Beam who Commanded the Enemy near Bennington. It appears to me that Gen. Burgoyne Expects Gen: Howe will attempt to come up the River.
General Arnold advises me that some Oneida Indians were waiting his Arrival at the German Flatts In order to Join him, If the Siege of Fort Schuyler Should be raised I hope to be able to Induce two or three hundred Indians to Join our Army. I am Dear Sir Most Sincerely & respectfully Your Excellency, Obedt Hume Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: Council of War, 21 August 1777
From: Council of War
To:

[Neshaminy Camp, Pa., 21 August 1777]

At a Council of General Officers, held at Neshamini Camp, in Bucks County the 21st day of August 1777.
Present His Excellency, the Commander in Cheif, Major Generals Greene[,] Lord Stirling[,] Stephen[,] Marquis Fayette[,] Brigadiers Genl Maxwell[,] Knox[,] Wayne[,] Muhlenburgh[,] Weedon[,] Woodford[,] Scot[,] Conway.

The Commander in Cheif informed the Council that the British Fleet left the Capes of Delaware on the 31st of July and have not been seen, from any information he has obtained, since the 7th Instant, when they were off Sinapuxon and steering to the Southward, and propounded the following Questions for the Opinion of the Council.
1st What is the most probable place of their destination, whether Eastward or Southward & to what part?
Answer The Southward, & that Charles Town, from a view of All circumstances, is the most probable Object of their attention.
2 If it should be thought, from a consideration of all circumstances, that the Fleet is gone far to the Southward, will it be adviseable for this Army, taking into view, the length of distance & unhealthiness of that Climate at this season, to march that way? or will there be a probability of their arriving there in Time, should it be attempted, to give any effectual opposition to the Enemy, or to prevent them accomplishing their purposes?
Answer It will not be adviseable for the Army to march to the Southward, as they could not possibly arrive at Charles Town in time to afford any Succour.
3d If It should not be thought adviseable in such case for the Army to march to the Southward, How shall it be employed? Shall it remain where it now is, or move towards Hudsons River to act as the situation of Affairs shall seem to require?
Answer The Army should move immediately towards the North River.

            Go: Washington

            Peter Muhlenberg B.G.
            Nath. Greene M.G.

            G. Weedon B. Genl
            Genl Stirling, M.G.

            Wm Woodford Brigdr Genl
            Adam Stephen M.G.

            Chs Scott B.G.
            The Mquis de Lafayette M.G.

            T. Conway B.G.
            Wm Maxwell B.G.

            H. Knox B.G. Artilly

            Anthy Wayne B.G.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp at Neshaminy [Pa.] 21st Augt 1777

Since I wrote to you on the 12th instant on the subject of the Militia under the command of Genl Newcomb, I have recd another letter from him which you have enclosed.
By this it appears that the Men were not employed in any way while they were at Red Bank, and that they are now anxious to get home to their farms as they see no immediate occasion of their Services—As I had in some measure put them under the direction of Monsr DuCoudray I did not chuse to give them a discharge without consulting you, tho’ in my opinion they had better be suffered to go home than to be kept discontented, as they will turn out with more spirit when they are wanted again. The Bearer waits upon you for your determination. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 21 August 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada August 21st 1777.

Upon the Resignation of Mr Philips as Commissary of Hydes, the Congress have been pleased to appoint Mr George Ewing in his Place, who is ordered to carry into Execution the Plan you have proposed; which I make no Doubt he will do with Application and Success.
Your Favour of yesterday I had the Honour of receiving with the Inclosures from General Schuyler, and am extremely pleased to hear that our Affairs in that Quarter wear so favourable an Aspect.
The enclosed Resolve to relieve the New York Militia, who at present garrison the Forts on Hudson’s River, and to garrison them with a like Number of the New Jersey Militia, in Order that the former may be employed in defending their own State against the Attack of our Enemies, I must beg you will carry into Execution in the Manner therein pointed out.
The enclosed Letter I have just received by Express from Virginia, who informs that the Fleet was seen last Thursday standing in for their Capes. I enclose you also a Copy of Colo. Nelson’s Letter to Colonel Harrison. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect Sir your most obed. and very hble Servant

John Hancock Presidt

Col. Harrison desires me to present his Complimts to your Excellency, & begs you will order Robin Randolph to Camp—(Col. H. has his reasons).


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] Augt 21st 1777

I do myself the Honor to inclose you a Copy of Doctr Franklin’s Letter in favor of Count Pulawski of Poland, by whom this will be handed to you. I some time ago had a Letter from Mr Deane, couch’d in terms equally favorable to the Character & Military Abilities of this Gentleman.
How he can with propriety be provided for you will be best able to determine—he takes this from me, as an introductory Letter at his own request. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obedt Humble servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Camp in Bucks County [Pa.] 21st Augt 1777

I do myself the Honor to inclose you a Resolve of Congress which I have just received, directing me to call on you for one thousand Militia from the State of New Jersey to releive a like number of the Militia of the State of New York at present in garrison at the Forts upon Hudsons River, who are to march to the reinforcement of the Northern Army. The requisition makes no mention of any particular time of Service, but as the York Militia were engaged to the first of November, those of

your State should if possible be drawn out for the same time. I shall be glad to hear how far and how soon you think the request may be complied with.
I have just recd advice from Virginia that the Fleet were seen on the 15th instant standing in towards Cape Charles but whether with a real design to enter Chesapeak could not be then determined. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt.

P.S. If the first Class of Militia cannot be called out for so long a time as the first of Novemr they may be releived by another.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Francis Nash, 21 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Nash, Francis

Sir
Head qrs [Bucks County, Pa.] 21st Augt 1777

You are to hold the Brigade under your command, in readiness to March early on Friday Morng next by the Route of Princeton—You will not begin to March untill you hear further from me. I am &ca

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to John Page, 21 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Page, John

Sir
Neshamini Camp, Bucks County [Pa.] Augt 21st 1777.

I was this Afternoon honored with your Letter of the 15th. The Order of the Board of Council to the Regiment at Alexandria, in consequence of the Advices they had received, I think perfectly right, and I shall write to the Commanding Officer of it, by this Conveyance, to remain there, subject to the direction of Congress—Your Board or Myself.
The conduct of Genl Howe is extremely embarrassing. He left the Capes of Delaware the 31st Ulto & having never been heard of since the 7th Inst. off Sinapuxent It was generally beleived here, that he had passed the Capes of Virginia, and that Charles Town, in South Carolina, was the Object of his expedition. We were so fully persuaded of this, and convinced of the impracticability of affording it Succour in time from this Army, that a Resolution was come into this Morning, to move to Morrow towards Hudson’s River, if approved by Congress, to

avail ourselves of any Advantages circumstances might point out. The destination of the Fleet, if for Chesepeak Bay, must soon be known, and the Army will remain here, till further intelligence is obtained on the Subject. At present, I think it not unlikely, that their appearance off the Capes is to amuse and that their designs may yet be against Charles Town. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obed. servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 21 August 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] Augt 21st 1777

Col. Bland informed me that the Enemy had thrown into the Rariton on their Departure from Brunswick two Cannon—one of 32 the other of 24—If these Cannon could be raised & sent on to this Place they would be very useful in the Defence of the Chevaux de Frize as we have no spare Guns of that Weight of Ball. I mentioned this Matter to the Board who gave it in Direction to me to request your Excellency would order Search to be made after the Cannon & if practicable direct them to be raised out of the River & sent on to Philadelphia immediately. There are here about 20 Eighteen Pounders belonging to the State & the Board are collecting a Number of twelves which were intended for the Frigates, Monsr Du Coudray’s Plan requiring a vast Number of Guns. But whether twelve Pdrs will answer much Purpose or whether it will be prudent to trust any great Number of Cannon on the Jersey Side where it seems a great Proportion of them are to go, are Matters which future Events will determine; at present they are at least doubtful. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Esteem & Respect Your very obedt hble Servt

Richard Peters Secy

There are here two Frigates without Guns. query would it not be better to make Batteries of these & put the Guns except a few at Billinsport & red Bank on Board them as they could be moved off in Case of Accident,

than to trust them where they must be lost if the Enemy prevail on the East Side of Delaware?


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 21 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Camp Buck’s County [Pa.] 21st Augst 1777.

I was a few Days ago favored with your’s of the 13th and Yesterday with that of the 15th. I immediately forwarded the Letter to Congress, who, I dare say, will be satisfied with your Reasons for remaining some little Time at Albany for the purposes you mention.
I do not know that any particular Charges are exhibited against you, or in what way Congress intend to take the Matter up—I observe by their Resolves of the 29th July “That an Enquiry be made into the Reasons of the Evacuation of Tyonderoga and Mount Independence & into the Conduct of the General Officers who were in the Northern Department at the Time of the Evacuation and that a Committee be appointed to digest and report the Mode of conducting the Enquiry.” Whether it is to be made by Congress themselves or whether they intend it shall be done by a Court of General Officers, I will not undertake to say.
I am pleased with the Account you transmit of the Situation of Matters upon the Mohawks River—If the Militia keep up their Spirits after their late severe Skirmish, I am confident they will, with the Assistance of the Reinforcement under General Arnold, be enabled to raise the Siege of Fort Schuyler which will be a most important Matter just at this time. I am Dear Sir Your most obedt Servant

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, 22 August 1777
From: Dandridge, Bartholomew
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Williamsburg [Va.] August 22d 1777.

Our Country has for sometime past been greatly alarmed by the appearance of a very formidable Fleet (upwards of 200 Sail) in the Bay of Chesapeake, which from their first appearance moved very slowly up the Bay, & we have now Accounts of their passing by the Mouth of Potowmack 2 or 3 days ago, This Country is in as bad a situation to resist an Invasion at present as you can possibly conceive, our whole defence consists of Militia badly armed & undisciplined, our Fortifications are unfinished, our Naval Preparations trifleing, and disaffection to our Measures not intirely rooted out, but I hope the Opportunity now afforded us will be improved to better purposes than others have been, we have called about 4000 Militia from different parts of the Country into Service and given the Command of them to Col. Thomas Nelson with the Rank of Brigadier General, the Militia are coming in with alacrity & chearfulness and as an Express was sent from hence to Philadelphia on the first appearance of the Fleet off the Eastern Shore we were in hopes you could assist us at least so far as to send us a General of Experience & Reputation, We also hoped that you had intelligence of the Motions of this Fleet & that yourself & Army were refreshing themselves near Philadelphia ready to meet them at the Head of the Bay, where we suppose them destined, or to counteract any other Measure they might design to adopt, In this situation we remained under an expectation of hearing either from you or our Delegates in Congress by the Post yesterday, but no Person either in Publick or Private had a line from either that I could hear of until I discovered a Letter of yours in the Post Office directed to my Sister Washington, which as I expected would require an Answer by the Post, which it is now too late for you to get from my Sister, this aded to the great anxiety I had to hear of your welfare & true situation, & aided by the desire of several of your Friends, prevailed upon me to venture to open your Letter to my Sister, when I had the pleasure of hearing that yourself & Army were in good health & Spirits, but I was much disappointed to find that you were then fatigueing yourself with an unnecessary March, directly contrary to what you would have done had your intelligence been better, but I hope the Fatigue you & your Army will suffer by it, will be the worst consequence that will follow from it, as I make no doubt but you will still be at Philadelphia before Genl Howe if that should be his Object—I am also much concerned to hear of the situation of our Army

to the northward, some other Letters contain even worse Accots of them than yours, our whole dependance seems to be on you and your Army, in whom we all place the utmost Confidence, and hope God will prosper our Righteous Cause in your Hands to the utter confusion of our cruel wicked Enemies in the End.
I have the pleasure to inform you that my Sister Washington is in perfect Health, at Eltham, as are all our Friends in these parts, except Mr Custis’s little Girl who is in a fair way of recovering from the Whooping Cough & some other little Indisposition, I expect my Sister will write to you by this Post tho’ she should not get your Letter in time to answer it, which however I shall inclose & send to her at Eltham by my Boy in a few Minutes, & expect the pleasure of seeing her tomorrow. These Alarms have prevented me from having the pleasure of much of her Company since she has been in this part of the Country, I write this in a hurry & am afraid you will receive it in the same situation I will therefore only add my best wishes for your health & welfare, & beg you will send me a line when you are most at leisure. I am sincerely Dear Sir Your very affect. & obedt Servt

B. Dandridge

Our Governor is just taken ill which probably may prevent his writing to you, it may therefore not be amiss to inform you that the Resolutions of Congress respecting the recruiting Business, mentioned in your late Letter to him is not come to hand, & nothing is done in it.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 22 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

Sir
Head Quarters Neshamini [Pa.] 22d August 1777.

You are immediately upon Receipt of this to march your Regiment and Colonel Ogdens with all their Baggage by way of Trenton to join your Brigade—You will make all convenient haste on the March, and it is probable that you will fall in with the Brigade at Philadelphia or somewhere below that Place. I am Sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 22 August 1777
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Head Quarters [Van Schaick’s Island, N.Y.] 22d August 1777.

Upon my Arrival in this Department; I found the main Body of the Army encamped at Van Schaack’s Islands, which are made by the Sprouts of the Mohock River, joining with Hudson’s River; nine Miles North of Albany—A Brigade under General Poor encamp’d at Loudon’s Ferry, on the South Bank of the Mohock River, five Miles from hence—A Brigade under Genl Lincoln, had Join’d Genl Stark at Benington; and a Brigade under Genl Arnold march’d the 15th Instant to join the Militia of Tryon County, to raise the Seige of Fort Stanwix—Upon my leaving Philadelphia the Prospect this Way appeared most gloomy, but the severe Checks the Enemy have met with at Benington & Tryon County; has given a more pleasing View of public Affairs—Particular Accounts of the Signal Victory gain’d by General Stark; and of the severe Blow Genl Herkemer gave Sr John Johnson, and the Scalpers under his Command; have been Transmitted to your Excellency, by General Schuyler.
I anxiously expect the Arrival of an Express from General Arnold, with an Account of the total Defeat of the Enemy in that Quarter, by my Calculation he reach’d Fort Stanwix the Day before Yesterday—Col. Livingston’s and Cortlandt’s Regiments, arrived Yesterday, and immediately join’d General Poor’s Division—I shall also order General Arnold upon his Return to march to that Post—I cannot sufficiently thank Your Excellency for sending Col. Morgan’s Corps to this Army, they will be of the greatest Service to it—for until the late Success this Way, I am told, the Army were quite Panic Struck by the Indians, and their Tory, and Canadians Assassins, in Indian Dress—Horrible indeed, has been the Cruelties, they have wantonly Committed upon the miserable Inhabitants—insomuch that all is now fair with General Burgoyne—even if the bloody Hatchet he has so barbarously used, should find its Way into his own Head—Governor Clinton will be here to Day—Upon his Arrival, I shall consult with him and General Lincoln, upon the best Plan to distress, and I hope finally defeat the Enemy—I am sorry to be necessitated to acquaint Your Excellency, how neglectfully your Orders have been executed at Springfield, not any of the Musket Ball, or Lead, which you ordered so long ago to be sent to this Department, is yet arrived, and I am exceedingly distressed for the Want of it. Upon my Arrival at Albany, I dispatched an Express to Col. Hughes, with the Inclosed Return of Ordnance Stores, wanted in this Department, and directed what he could not furnish, might be immediately ordered to be supply’d from Springfield—Few of the Militia

demanded are yet arrived, but I hear of great Numbers upon the March—Your Excellency’s Advice in Regard to Morgan’s Corps, &c. &c., shall be carefully observed—My Scouts and Spies inform me, that The Enemies Head Quarters and main Body are at Saratoga; & that they have lately been repairing the Bridges between that Place and Stillwater. As soon as Times and Circumstances will admit, I shall send Your Excellency a General Return of this Army. I am Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedient, Humble Servant,

Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 22 August 1777
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Head Quarters [Van Schaick’s Island, N.Y.] August 22d 1777.

General Glover desires me to acquaint you, that he has never received his Commission as Brigdr General—General Poor and Genl Patterson lost their Commissions with their Baggage upon their Retreat from Mount Independance—Those Gentleman desire the Favour of Your Excellency to send each of them a Commission, as soon as they can be procured from the President of Congress.
I am just now inform’d that 900 Swords and upward of 1000 Stand of Arms, taken from the Enemy, in Genl Stark’s Engagement, are lodg’d in Benington Meeting House. I am Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates