Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 13 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir,
New York Augt 13th 1776.

Your Letter of the 6th Inst. I received this Morning by Bennet. The Reports made by the Emissaries who have been among the Indian Nations, appear not so promising as I could wish. However I trust, as so many have come to the Treaty, their Views are friendly, & tho they may not consent to take an Active Part in our Favor, that they will not Arm against Us.
The Difficulties attending the Vessels fitting for the Lakes, I am well apprized of. My late Letters will inform You, that I have taken Every Measure in my Power to facilitate the Work.
Before this comes to Hand, the Paymaster I expect, will have received a supply of Money. The Extract of Mr Varicks Letter shews It was Much Needed. I have not failed in any Instance to Communicate Your Wants of this Article, to Congress, When

they have been mentioned to me, Urging at the same Time, Not only the Expediency, but Necessity of keeping the Military Chests constantly furnished. It will be well, for You always to give them Early Notice of What You may have Occasion for, that their Remittances may be adequate. In future I presume they will have the fullest Information upon the Subject, having by some late Resolves enjoined their Commanders in Every Department to transmit them Monthly, a List of the Warrants they Grant, The Paymasters to return a Weekly state of their Military Chests, & the Commissaries & Qur Masters of What they receive. I have not these Regulations by me, but if my Memory serves, they were passed the 2d Inst. & have been forwarded You. I have always laid before Congress, Copies of Your Letters & their Inclosures, where they were of a public Nature or contained Intelligence in any wise Material, Except when advised that You had done It Yourself. I shall here take Occasion to request, That Whenever You write them & Me of the same Things, You Certify Me thereof, to prevent me transmitting useless Information.
In Respect to Colo. Nicolson’s Regiment & the Places Where It should be stationed, You certainly can determine better than I, having more in Your Power, Intelligence of the Enemy’s Movements & Designs.
I would Observe in Answer to that Part of Your Letter Which mentions, that a Council of Officers & a Court Martial had been Convened & held here to decide upon the Council of those, who had sat at Crown Point, that Your Information is wrong. No Council—No Court of Inquiry—Nor Court-Martial upon that Subject Sir, was Ever convened by my Order or their own Accord. When Intelligence was first received here, that Crown Point was abandoned, It was the Cause of General Alarm & filled the Minds of most who heard It, with no small Degree of Anxiety; Some judging from the Common accepted Opinion and Others from their Knowledge & Acquaintance with It & the Country round about It, that It was of the last Importance to us to possess It, to give us in Conjunction with the Vessels we were about to build, the Superiority of the Lake, & to prevent the Enemy from penetrating into this & the Eastern States. Among

Others, some of the General Officers from their Own Knowledge, & the Rest from the Ideas they had formed, as the Matter was Occasionally mentioned deliver[ed] their Sentiments to this Effect, as did Every Person I heard speak of It at the Time the Account first came. From the Universal Chagrine that took Place, the Regret that Every Person expressed upon the Occasion—the Remonstrance of the Officers, which You transmitted, & Which appeared to contain Many Weighty Reasons, I felt Myself Much Concerned, as Every Body Else did, & Wished According to my Information & Opinion at that Time, the Post had been maintained. I do not wish to dwell longer upon the subject, & therefore shall only add that Your Letter of the 24th Ulto (or at least a Copy of It) was transmitted to Congress, as soon as It was received. Nor shall I have any Objection to sending a Copy of the One before me now when I have an Opportunity to make It out, If It shall be Your Inclination & Request.
I have no News of Importance to Communicate, Unless that the Enemy are daily becoming stronger. On Monday they received an Augmentation of Ninty Eight Ships to their Fleet, with a further Part of the foreign Troops, It is probable. They seem to be Making Great Preparations & We have Reason to expect they are upon the Point of an Attack.
The Letters which Accompany this, You will be pleased to deliver General Gates, Reed and Sinclair. they came to Hand on Sunday, and Wishing You & the Army under Your Command, Health & the Smiles of a Kind Providence on all Your Efforts. I am Dear Sir, Your Most Obedt Servt

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 13 August 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 13th August 1776

Your Favour of the 7th Instant, by Mr Root, & the Intelligence it contains has given me great concern & Anxiety—the soon expected Strength of the Enemy & weekness of your Army were equally unforseen and surprizing—tho I never gave credit to the public Accounts of you[r] Numbers, yet I could not suspect they fell so much short of the Numbers proposed as I find they do.
Immediately upon receipt of your Letter I Summoned my Council of Safety, and Ordered Nine Regiments of our Militia in addition to the Five Western Regiments, Fourteen in the whole to march without loss of Time and join You, under the Command of Oliver Wolcott Esqr. Colo. of the  Regiment as their Brigadier General, who is appointed and Commissioned to that Office. these Orders are accompanied with the most pressing Recommendation of speedily carrying them into Execution, inforced by communicating as much of the Intelligence you was pleased to favour me with of your Situation & danger as I thought prudent and Necessary.
I have likewise proposed that Companies of Volunteers ⟨cons⟩isting of Able bodied Men not in the Militia should associate ⟨and⟩ March to your assistance, under Officers they should chuse, and have promised them like Wages and Allowance of provisions &C. as the Continental Army receive—some such Companies are formed & I expect more will be, what ever their Numbers may be they will be ordered to join some one of our Militia Regiments, and submit themselves to the Command of their Field Officers while they continue in Service.

Colo. Wards Regiment is on their March to join—I am far from trusting meerly in the Justice of our Cause—I consider that as a Just Ground to Hope for the smiles of Heaven on our Exertions, which ought to be the greatest in our Power.
These fourteen Regiments, sent On the Present Emergency consist of Substantial farmers, whose Business requires their return when the Necessity of their further stay in the Army is Over—And doubt not your attention thereto, and that you will dismis them in whole or in part as soon as you think safe and Convenient.
Capt. Bacon has not been with me tho I have heard of him and that he is returned without going to Rhode Island Capt. Van Buren has been here upon the same Errand, and has procured all the Sail Cloth that was wanted, and part of the Cordage and has a prospect of obtaining the rest of the Cordage in this Colony.
I have notwithstanding forwarded you[r] Letter to Governor Cooke and likewise given him the Intelligence I received from You agreable to your request. I am with Esteem and Regard Sir Your Obedient humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 13 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Dear Sir,
Head-Quarters New York Augt 13th 1776.

I could not have supposed the Company of Artificers under Capt. Ayres would have insisted on their Wages being augmented in Consequence of their being ordered to this place, the consequences of raiseing their pay would be an Immediate Application from all those in Service as Artificers to be put on the same footing, if not refuse doing Duty any longer than absolutely bound.
But these men understanding the particular branch of makeing Gun Carriages &c. and the absolute necessity we are under for them induces me to order them on at the Wages you mention, and to prevent the Evil abovementioned have concluded to stop them 40 or 50 Miles up the Sound and let them go on with their Business, Norwalk a town in the Western part of a Connecticut situated on the Sound seems a proper Station, to which place you’ll please to order them as soon as possible, with their Tools &c. compleat, Necessity obliges me to order on the Company of Artillery which I mentioned in my Letter some time past, both the above Companies may March to Norwich, & from that by Water, they will take in Change the two Sea Mortars wrote for Yesterday, and such other articles as may be bound for this place, If necessary a Company of Artillery might be embodied & put in Continental pay, from among the Inhabitants of and in the Neighbourhood of Boston, in this case Inventory should be taken of such Stores Arms Utensils &c. that are delvd them and the Officers pass their Receipts to be Accountable. I am Sir, Your Most Humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Yates, Jr., 13 August 1776
From: Yates, Abraham Jr.
To: Washington, George

In Convention of the Representatives of theState of New York at Harlem Augt 13th 1776.
Sir

I am directed by the Convention to return their Thanks to Your Excellency for the Attention You have paid to the removal of suspicious and dangerous Persons from the Environs of the City of New York. Deeply sensible with Your Excellency of the Importance and Necessity of this Measure, the Convention had entered into a Resolution for that purpose previous to their Arrival at this Place but the difficulty of preparing proper Lists, the danger of giving the Alarm to some by the Apprehension of others and the Dilatoriness of Proceedings inseperable from a large Body, together with the great Urgency of our other public Affairs, delayed the Completion of this Business untill Your Excellency had taken it under Your immediate Cognizance. The delicate State of the present Juncture did in the Opinion of this Convention from the nature of the Case fully vest Your Excellency with all the civil Power necessary for the immediate Safety of the Army under your Command and consequently of the american Cause, and considering the great Divisions which have prevailed among the Inhabitants of the State of New York by sparing this House that disagreable Task You have conferred upon them a considerable Obligation.
The Convention, Sir, are at a Loss to conceive on what foundation those Gentlemen who had given their Paroles to a Committee of this House could assume the Opinion that any Dangers would after their Caption result from it. Since evidently the Parole is by that Step entirely dissolved, but as Doubts may remain in their Minds a Resolution is enclosed to Your Excellency which when You shall have made it known to them must certainly obliterate all their Scruples.
I am directed further to inform Your Excellency that the Intelligence with which You have honored them from the Northern Department fully convinces them of the propriety of preserving as much force as possible in the upper Counties. At the same time we hope that the Assistance given to us by the neighbouring States will be effectuall to Defeat the Designs of our Foes in this Quarter.

General Clinton will give Your Excellency full Information with Respect to the Troops under his Command—seven hundred of which are now at the Post to the Northward of Kings Bridge, and more of them would have been there if the essential service of depriving the Enemy of Water did not demand considerable Detachments along the Banks of Hudsons River.
The Convention are very happy that Your Excellency hath attributed to it’s proper Cause the omission of a Signature to the Letter which we had the Honor of writing to You on the 9th instant. The fault lay with the Secretaries who in a great Hurry of Business neglected the presenting of it to the President for which we must pray Your Excellency’s Excuse.
I am further directed to enclose You the Copy of a Letter from General Scott with relation to one of the Prisoners who hath lately been taken by your Order. And the Copy of our Resolution upon that Subject. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient & very humble Servant

By Order.
Abm Yates Junr President P.T.


Title: General Orders, 14 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 14th 1776
America.Liberty.

Alexander Scammell and Lewis Morris Esquires, are appointed Aids-de-Camp to Major General Sullivan; they are to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
The Divisions of the Army, under Major Generals Putnam and Sullivan, having undertaken some special works are to be omitted out of the general detail of Guards and Fatigue for the present.
The General orders three days provision to be cooked immediately, that the Soldiers have their Canteens filled, and be ready to meet the enemy on a short notice.
Such Colonels of Regiments as have not sent for their Ammunition Carts, or drawn for Rum, for the refreshment of their men, in time of action, as pr Order of the 9th Instant, are to do it immediately, and the Quarter Master must take care that it be used properly; the allowance is half a pint pr man.

The Brigadier Generals will please to recollect, that there are a number of spears, at the Laboratory, which will be of great use at the posts, and are waiting to be distributed.
In case of Alarm, the men are immediately to repair to their usual parade, where the Roll is to be called, and then march, join in Battalion, and march to their respective alarm posts—Absentees will be considered as Cowards, and treated as such.
The General flatters himself, that every man’s mind and arms, are now prepared for the glorious Contest, upon which so much depends: The time is too precious, nor does the General think it necessary to spend it in exhorting his brave Countrymen and fellow Soldiers to behave like men, fighting for every thing that can be dear to Freemen—We must resolve to conquer, or die; with this resolution and the blessing of Heaven, Victory and Success certainly will attend us: There will then be a glorious Issue to this Campaign, and the General will reward, his brave Fellow Soldiers! with every Indulgence in his power.
The whole Line to turn out to morrow morning and march to their several Alarm posts, in all points ready for action and continue ’till nine o’clock, or further orders.
William Peck and Charles Whiting Esquires, appointed Aids-de-Camp, to Major General Spencer, they are to be respected and obeyed accordingly.


Title: From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 14 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Bowdoin, James

Sir.
Head-Quarters N. York 14th Augt 1776

Your favor of the 30th Ultimo in behalf of the Honorable Council of the Massachusetts State is duly Received, thro you I beg their Acceptance of most hearty Thanks for their readiness in undertakeing the late Treaty. I likewise congratulate them on

the Success with which it was attended, and wish an early arrival of such of their Tribes as intend Joining Us in the present Controversy, The four under care of Mr Shaw have arrived, and promise to take an Active part with Us, By Intelligence received this morning, from Staten-Island we have the greatest Reason to suppose, a very few days will Determine the fate of this City, a Deserter mentions the Arrival of their whole force, and that it was the Orders of Yesterday to have three days Provisions ready Cooked and be ready at a moments warning—he mentions their numbers to be 26,000—and in General very Healthy, the Army under my command (which amounts to little more than half the number of effective Men) are in good Spirits, and will I hope act becomeing Men fighting for every thing worth liveing for, in this case with the Smiles of Providence I have not a doubt but that we may render a good Account to our Country and Posterity of these Mercenaries. With particular Compliments to the several Members of your Honorable Body, I am Sir with Sentiments of Esteem, Your Most Obedt & Very Hume Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Continental Congress Secret Committee, 14 August 1776
From: Continental Congress Secret Committee
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada August 14th 1776

You have annexed an extract of a letter we have just recd from Messrs Clarke & Nightingale Merchts in Providence Rhode Island, this letter was laid before Congress who ordered this Committee to inform your Excellency of the Powder therein mentioned & to desire you woud take possession of it granting a receipt for the same to those who have it in keeping in order that we may Account hereafter for the Value of such part as may be adjudged to the Privateer that retook it. By order & on behalf of the Secret Committee I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obed. Servant

Robt Morris, Chair Man


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York August 14th 1776

Since I had the honor of addressing you on Monday Nothing of Importance has Occurred here, Except that the Enemy have received an Augmentation to their Fleet of Ninety Six Ships—some Reports make them more: In a Letter I wrote you Yesterday by Lieutt Colo. Reed, I advised you of this, but presuming It may not reach you so soon as this will, I have thought proper to mention the Intelligence again.
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit a Copy of the examination of a Deserter, sent me this morning by Genl Mercer, to which I beg leave to refer Congress for the latest accounts I have from the Enemy. Whether the Intelligence he has given is litterally true, I cannot determine, but as to the Attack we daily expect It.
Your favor of the 10th with Its Inclosures was duly received, and I have Instructed the Several Officers who were promoted, to Act in their Stations as you requested, though their Commissions were not sent.

As we are in extreme want of Tents and Covering for this Army—A Great part of them at Out posts, having nothing to Schelter them—nor Houses to go in, I submit It to Congress, Whether It may not be prudent to remand those that were sent to Boston lately where there are no Troops at present, and If there were, the Necessity for them would not be great, as the Town and Barracks at Several of the posts would be sufficient to receive them.
The Inclosed Letter from Lieutt Colo. Henshaw will discover to Congress his Views and wishes, of which they will consider and determine on, in what ever way they think right and conducive to the public Good—meaning only to lay his Letter before them.
I take the liberty of mentioning that Colo. Varnum of Rhode Island has been with me this Morning to resign his Commission, conceiving himself to be greatly Injured in not having been Noticed in the late Arrangement, & promotions, of Genl Officers. I remonstrated against the Impropriety of the measure at this Time and he has consented to stay till Affairs wear a different Aspect than what they do at present.
11 OClock By a Report Just come to hand from Genl Greene, Twenty Ships more are coming in. I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of the highest respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt 14th 1776

This will be delivered you by Captn Moeballe, a Dutch Gentleman from Surinam, who has come to the Continent with a view of Entering into the Service of the States, as you will perceive by the Inclosed Letters from Mr Brown of Providence and General Greene. What other Letters & Credentials he has, I know not, but at his request have given this Line to Congress to whom he wishes to be Introduced, and where he will make his pretensions known.
I have ordered the Quarter master immediately to write to Mr Brown for the Russia Duck he mentions, with directions to have It Instantly made into Tents there, being in great distress for want of a Sufficient number to cover our Troops. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer, 14 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, Hugh

Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer, 14 Aug. 1776. In a letter to GW of 15 Aug., Mercer refers to “your Letters of 13 & 14.”


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 14 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lund Washington, 14 Aug. 1776. On 26 Aug. GW wrote Lund Washington: “Your Letter of the 14th is now before me.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 August 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Long Island Augt 15th 1776

It having appeared in Orders that Colo: Hitchcocks’s Regiment is to take Possession of the Post opposite to Fort Washington I beg leave to acquaint you that their peculiar Attachment to the old regiments that are here, their thorough Knowledge of the Ground, their Discipline and the good Order in which they are respecting Arms makes me desirous of their remaining here, if it can possibly be dispenced with and absolute Necessity does not require their removal—The most of the Troops that come over here are strangers to the Ground, Undisciplined and badly furnish’d with Arms—They will not be so apt to support each other in Time of Action as those who have long been acquainted, and who are not only attached to each other but to the Place—I have made this Application in Consequence of my own Observations and to evince the Propriety of it send you inclosed the Arrangement for your Inspection—Colo: Hand about Eight OClock yesterday Evening reported that the Hessians were landing on Staten Island to a considerable Number; that after their Landing they paraded upon the Beach and marched up the Hill towards the Flag staf—I have received no

report from him this Morning owning as I suppose to the Inclemency of the Weather, should he not send one speedily I shall dispatch an Express to inquire the Cause—I have made Choice of Mr William Blodget and Major William Livingston for my Aid de Camps should it meet with your Approbation you will please to signify it [in] Orders—I have the Pleasure to inform you that the Troops appear to be in exceeding good Spirits and make no Doubt that if they should make their Attack here we shall be able to render a very good Account of them—I am carrying into Execution the late resolve of Congress respecting the removal of the Cattle dismantling of the Mills, removing the Grain already thrashed and having that which is still in Sheaf so stacked and disposed of that in Case of an Attack it may easily be destroyed—The Militia of the County that was ordered here have not as yet made their Appearance notwithstanding the Promise I received from the Lieut. Colo: that they should be here last Night—should they delay coming in any longer than this Day I am determined not to be trifled with and shall let them feel my Resentment by vigorous and spirited Exertions of Military Discipline and those Powers with which I am invested—A Part of the Militia from the East End of the Island under the Command of Colo: Smith are arrived—I am very sorry that I am under the Necessity of acquainting you that I am confined to my Bed with a raging Fever—The Critical Situation of Affairs makes me the more anxious but I hope thro’ the Assistance of Providence to be able to ride before the Presence of the Enemy may make it absolutely necessary. I am with respect your Most Obedt hume Servt

Nathanael Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt 15th 1776

As the situation of the Two Armies must engage the attention of Congress and lead them to expect, that, each returning day will produce some Important Events, This is meant to Inform them that Nothing of Moment has yet cast up. In the Evening of Yesterday there were great movements among their Boats and from the Number that appeared to be passing and repassing about the Narrows, we were Induced to beleive they Intended to land a part of their force upon Long Island, but having no report from Genl Greene, I presume they have not done It. I have the Honor to be with my duties to Congress yr & their most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Your favor of the 13th was received by Yesterdays post—I wrote on Monday by the Return Express as you Supposed.


Title: From George Washington to Walter Livingston, 15 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Walter

Letter not found: to Walter Livingston, 15 Aug. 1776. Livingston’s letter to GW of 7–9 Aug. is docketed “An[swere]d 15. 1776.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 15 August 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Powlis Hook [N.J.] 15 Augt 1776

I was att Eliza. Town when your Letters of the 13 & 14 reached me—The Men who had been prepared to join the Army at N. York lay at New ark—The Posts along the Jersey Shore opposite to Staten Island are sufficiently Guarded—and more Troops are dayly arriving—If you approve of it a Body of four hundred men well accoutred from the Delaware Country may be stationed at Powlis Hook & five hundred of the Jersey men for the Flying Camp at Bergen Town besides what we may Spare to be ready in case of emergency att New ark—Eight Hundred Men will cross to day to join you—if more are necessary please to inform me—I shall be to Night at New ark. I have the honour to be Sir Your excellencys most obed. Sert

H. Mercer


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 16 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Benjamin Franklin, 16 Aug. 1776. On 18 Aug. GW wrote to Franklin: “I have been honourd with your favour of the 16th.”


Title: From George Washington to Elbridge Gerry, 16 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Gerry, Elbridge

Dear Sir,
New York Augt 16th 1776.

Your favours of the 3d & 6th have come duly to hand, and Mr Adams’s return affords me an oppertunity of acknowledging the receipt of them, & thanking you for the attention paid to the several matters I took the liberty of mentioning as you passed this place.

The Enemy have given us much time to collect our Strength, and erect the necessary Works of Defence—The Militia from Connecticut are coming in fast, and we have received aid from Phila. & that Provence, notwithstanding which if Accts be true the Enemy will out number Us in this Quarter—Our Troops are very sickly but those which are in health are in high Spirits & not at all backward in making the Appeal.
The Flints you were obliging enough to procure (I am told) are arrived—so are the Micmack Indians sent by yr Honble Council. In haste I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt 16th 1776

I beg leave to inform you that since I had the pleasure of addressing you Yesterday Nothing Interesting between the Two Armies has happened. Things remain nearly in the situation they then were.
It is with peculiar regret and concern that I have an Opportunity of mentioning to Congress the Sickly condition of our

Troops. In some Regiments there are not any of the Field Officers capable of doing duty—In Others the duty extremely difficult for want of a sufficient Number—I have been Obliged to Nominate some ’till Congress transmit the appointments of those they wish to succeed to the several Vacancies occasioned by the late promotions. This being a matter of some consequence I presume will have their early attention and that they will fill up the Several Vacancies also mentioned in the List I had the Honor of transmitting some Few days agoe to the Board of War. I am Sir with the utmost respect Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 16 August 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, 16 August 1776. “I have only time to Acknowledge the Rect of your Letter of 15th, and to Transmitt the Resolves pass’d since my last, which you will find Inclos’d.”


Title: From George Washington to Frederick Jay, 16 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, Frederick

Sir
Head Quarters New York Augt 16th 1776

In Consequence of my Orders, the undermentioned persons have been apprehended and are now under a Guard at New Rochelle or its Neighbourhood. As the sending a Guard thro’ to Govr Trumbull with them would be attended with much Inconvenience to the public and cannot be agreeable to the Gentlemen Upon their giving you their Word & Honor to proceed to Lebanon to Govr Trumbull I am satisfyed to permit

them to go without any other Escort than that of the Officer who will deliver you this. I must beg the favor of you to take the Management of this Business and as soon as it is put upon a proper Footing dismiss the Guard now there. I am with due Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to the New Jersey Convention, 16 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New Jersey Convention

Gentlemen
Head Qrs [New York] Aug. 16. 1776.

I am informed that in consequence of my Letter acquainting you that a number of Persons deemed unfriendly to the Interests of America were suspected of holding a Correspondence with the Enemy from Shrewsbury & its Neighbourhood, Mr Isaac Low late of this City has been apprehended, & is now detained under some kind of Confinement.
Since that time I have received Satisfaction with respect to this Gentleman, who I find has also entered into a Contract with the Congress for the Supply of a great quantity of European Goods—I should therefore be glad that any restraint laid upon him meerly upon my Representation might be removed, & he restored to his former Liberty on such Terms & Conditions as you may think proper if any are necessary. I am with much

Respect & Regard Gentlemen Your most Obed. & Very H’ble Servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 16 August 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany August 16th 1776

About eight last Night I returned to this place after a Month’s Absence; on a Business the most disagreeable to a Man accustomed to Civil Society that can possibly be conceived.
On the 11th Instant, I was honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 7th, but was unable to answer it from the German Flatts, altho’ I several Times attempted it being ever interrupted by a Croud of Savages.
Last Evening I received Dispatches from General Gates, Copies of which I inclose, by which you will percieve that General Carlton has put it out of our power to have any Intercourse with him on the Subject Matter contained in the Resolves of the 22d Ultimo or indeed on any other—With what Degree of Justice Carlton can bestow the infamous Epithets he has so freely dealt out in his Orders of the 7th Instant, his barbarous Conduct to Colonel Allen the infamous Manner in which he engaged the Savages to act against us last Year; the Murder of the Officers and Men lately near Isle aux noix in which British Troops were

joined with Savages and other Actions of a like Nature can Witness.
The Works at Fort Stanwix are going on with great Expedition, and by the inclosed Return your Excellency will observe that near eighty Days pork and Flour for the Garrison is in Store there, a considerable Quantity of the latter is on its Way up from Schenectady, and as they had on Monday last twenty three Head of fat Cattle and will receive a constant Supply of fresh Meat, I am under no Apprehensions that the Garrison will be under any Difficulty in the Article of provisions.
The Anchors for the Vessels on Lake Champlain will be procured in this Quarter but we greatly fear to fall short in many of the other Articles, as Capt. Bacon is returned without being able to procure any Thing and not even a Sailor.
Mr Edwards returns this Morning & will engage all the Stockbridge Indians he can, and as you do not direct what pay is to be given we have thought it expedient and as what will best promote the Service and raise these people with the greatest Dispatch, that they should be officered & paid agreeable to the former Resolve of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs and that such as were raised in Consequence of that Resolution should have their pay continued from the Time they were discharged, which is about a Month ago. They shall be disposed of agreeable to your Orders.
Colonels Elmore & Nicholson’s Regiments are here they have refused to march until they receive pay and Necessaries—The former they will now have, but where to procure the latter I know not—I will furnish them as well as I can, and keep them here until I receive the Report of two Scouts that are sent one to Oswego, and the other towards Oswegatche.
I shall immediately order Copies of the Transactions of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs at the late Treaty to be made out and transmit them to you—I believe the six Nations will not fall on our Frontiers altho’ I believe a few will always join the Enemy in Canada. I have some Matters that concern Officers in the Army to communicate but I am at present too much indisposed to write any more. I am Dr Sir with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler

P.S. I am just now informed that Lieut. McMichel of Colonel Dayton’s Regiment is deserted to the Enemy—I had Information of his Intentions the Evening before I left the German Flatts and sent to have him brought before me but he was supposed to have gone to the Regiment, to which I had ordered him the Day before. Yours &. &. &c.

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 16 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters N. York Augt 16th 1776

I have been obliged to trouble you with some more disaffected persons whose residence here was dangerous to the American Interest. I trust I have now done with them, at least for the present, and hope you will excuse the disagreeable necessity I have been under of solliciting your care and attention to provide for them and dispose of them. As the case of these differs in no respect from that of those before I presume they will be put under the same regulations. I am with much respect and regard Your Honor’s Most obedient and very humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 17 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, Augt 17th 1776
Falmouth.Essex.

Benjamin Durant of Capt: Wadsworth’s Company & Col. Bailey’s Regiment, convicted by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Wyllys was President, of “getting drunk on Guard,” sentenced to receive Thirty Lashes.

Patrick Lion of Capt: Curtis’s Company; Regiment late Learnad’s, convicted by the same Court, of “sleeping on his post”; sentenced to receive Twenty-five lashes.
Benjamin Wallace of Capt: Stewart’s, independent Company of New-York Forces convicted by the same Court of “Desertion, and inlisting into another Company,” sentenced to receive Thirty-nine lashes.
The General approves the above sentences, and orders them to be executed at the usual time and place.
The General recommends to all commanding officers of divisions, brigades and regiments, in issuing their several orders, to be careful they do not interfere with General Orders, which have been, or may be issued; and those Gentlemen who have not had an opportunity from their late arrival in Camp, to know what have been issued; will do well to inform themselves, and more especially before any special order is issued, which may have a general effect.
The Guard ordered to mount at Lispenard’s Brewery, in the evening, to mount in the day also, and march off the parade with the other guards.


Title: Proclamation for the Evacuation of New York, 17 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

[New York, 17 August 1776]

By His EXCELLENCY GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esquire, General, and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United States of North-America.
Whereas a Bombardment and Attack upon the City of New-York, by our cruel, and inveterate Enemy, may be hourly expected: And as there are great Numbers of Women, Children,

and infirm Persons, yet remaining in the City, whose Continuance will rather be prejudicial than advantageous to the Army, and their Persons exposed to great Danger and Hazard: I Do therefore recommend it to all such Persons, as they value their own Safety and Preservation, to remove with all Expedition, out of the said Town, at this critical Period,—trusting, that with the Blessing of Heaven, upon the American Arms, they may soon return to it in perfect Security. And I do enjoin and require, all the Officers and Soldiers in the Army, under my Command, to forward and assist such Persons in their Compliance with this Recommendation. Given, under my Hand, at Head-Quarters, New-York, August 17, 1776.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.


Title: To George Washington from Lord Drummond, 17 August 1776
From: Drummond, Thomas Lundin (Lord)
To: Washington, George

Sir
[New York Harbor] August 17th 1776

Being deeply intarested in the welfare of America I think it my Duty to communicate a Matter of Intelligence which I flatter myself may be rendered conducive to the Restoration of a Disirable Peace And in this View I request your Excellency’s Permission to land at New York to go to Philadelphia in Order to lay the same before the General Congress.
In the course of a Conversation I have had with Lord Howe I perceive that the powers he is vested with as well as his Disposition for establishing an Equitable and permament Peace are Altogether misunderstood by the Colonies—For in Consequence of a Sketch of some Propositions being offer’d for his Consideration he very frankly assured me he was willing to confer upon those Grounds with any Gentlemen of the Greatest Influence in this Country.
As I am at Liberty to declare his Sentiments I have the Honour to inclose for your Excellency’s Information, a Copy of my Corrispondence with his Lordship and of the Propositions referred to in his Letter which are the Motives of my Present Request. Attending in the Boat to be Indulged with your

Answer—I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s Most Obbt Humbe Servant

Drummond


Title: From George Washington to Lord Drummond, 17 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Drummond, Thomas Lundin (Lord)

My Lord
Head Quarters New York Augt 17. 1776

I have your Lordships Favour of this Day, accompanied by Papers on Subjects of the greatest Moment, & deserving the most deliberate Consideration.
I can allow much for your Lordships well meant Zeal upon such an Occasion, but I fear it has transported you beyond that Attention to your Parole which comprehends the Character of a Man of strict Honour.

How your Lordship can reconcile your past or present Conduct with your Engagement, so as to satisfy your own Mind, I must submit to your own Feelings, but I find myself under the disagreeable Necessity of objecting to the Mode of Negotiation proposed, while your Lordships Line of Conduct appears so exceptionable.
I shall by Express forward to the Congress your Lordship Letter, & the several Papers which accompanied it. The Result will be communicated as soon as possible.
I am sorry to have detained your Lordship so long, the unavoidable Necessity must be my Apology. I am my Lord, Your Lordships most Obed. & very Hbble Servt.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt 17th 1776

The circumstances of the Two Armies having undergone no material alteration since I had the honor of writing you last, I have nothing particular or Important to communicate respecting them.
In my Letter of Yesterday I forgot to mention the arrival of

Lord Dunmore here. By the examination of a Capn Hunter who escaped from the Enemy and came to Amboy on the 14th transmitted me by Genl Roberdeau, I am certainly Informed his Lordship arrived on the 13th—The Examination does not say any thing about the Ships he brought with him, It only extends to his Force which It mentions to be weak.
I before now expected the Enemy would have made their Attack—Nor can I account for their deferring It, Unless the Intelligence given by Captn Hunter & Another person who escaped about the same time, is the Cause. to wit—that they are waiting the arrival of Another division of the Hessian Troops which they say is still out. Whether that is the reason of the delay I cannot undertake to determine, but I should suppose things will not long remain in their present state. I have Inclosed a Copy of Genl Roberdeaus Letter and of the Examination of these Two persons, which will shew Congress all the Information they have given upon these Subjects.
I am just now advised by Mr Aires who came from Philadelphia to build the Row Gallies, That Two of our Fire Vessels attempted last night to burn the Enemies Ships & Tenders up the River—he says that they burnt One Tender and One of them boarded the Phenix and was grapled with her for near Ten Minutes, but she cleared herself—We lost both of the Vessels—his Account is not so particular, as I could wish, however I am certain the Attempt has not succeeded to our wishes—In a little time It is probable the matter will be more minutely reported. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 17 August 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia August 17th 1776. 5 O’Clock P.M.

Your Favour of the 16th Inst: per Post this Minute came to Hand, & shall be laid before Congress on Monday.
I do myself the Pleasure to enclose sundry Resolves for your Information, and likewise to forward the Commissions ordered by a Resolve of Congress on the 10th Inst., a Copy of which I transmitted in my Letter of that Date. With the most ardent and sincere Wishes for your Health & Prosperity, I have the Honour to be with perfect Esteem Sir your most hble Sert

John Hancock Prest

This morng I Rec’d the Box by Coll Reed, & am Directed by Congress to Take Care of it, which is done.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kings bridge Augst 17th 1776

The Last night the Fire Ships & Row Gallies made an attempt, Upon the Enemys ships, which lay at Anchor up the River, The Fire ships were well Conducted, the Armed Schooner was Grappled and Burnt, The Phenix was Grappled for a Bought Ten minutes, But got herself Clear, The Lady Washington Galley and Independence, were Conducted with Great Judgment and Bravery, I wish I could Say that the Other Gallies Did any thing at all The Phenix either Slipt or Cut her Cable The Rose was left alone, and it is thought might have been Taken, I was an Eye witness to the whole, and from the Confusion which was apparent, I am Confident that if an Attempt Should be made on the Fleet Below, and but one or Two Ships Set on fire their Confusion would be beyond Description.
I have the Pleasure to Acquaint your Excellency that General Mifflin has a Bout 500 men at a moments notice, to aid you in Case of need, they were the last Evening Drawn out when I reviewed them They are of Colo. Sheas & Magaws Regiments, and the best Disciplined of any Troops that I have yet Seen in the Army—I shall this Evening or to morrow Send a Return of the Troops at this Post, we are Pushing our works with all Dilligence. I have the Honor to be with great Respect your Excellencys Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Lord Howe, 17 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Richard (Lord)

My Lord
Head Qrs New York Augt 17. 1776.

Being authorized by Congress, as their Commanders in every Department are, to Negociate an Exchange of Prisoners, and presuming as well from the nature of your Lordships command, as the Information Genl Howe has been pleased to Honour me with, that the Exchange in the Naval Line will be subject to your Lordships direction, I beg leave to propose the following mode of Exchange for your Lordships consideration, viz. Officers for those of equal Rank & Sailors for Sailors.
If the above proposal should be agreable to your Lordship, I am charged in a particular manner to Exchange any Officer belonging to the British Navy in our hands, & of equal rank, for Lieutt Josiah, who was lately made prisoner in a Ship retaken by the Cerberus Frigate.
The reason my Lord of my being charged to propose the Exchange of Lt. Josiah in preference to that of any Other Officer is, that authentic Intelligence has been received that regardless of his Rank as an Officer, he has not only been Subjected to the duties of a Common Seaman, but has experienced many other marks of Indignity.
As a different Line of Conduct My Lord, has been ever observed to wards the Officers of your Navy who have fallen into our Hands, It becomes not only a matter of right but of duty to mention this to your Lordship, to the end that an enquiry may be made into the case above referred to.
From your Lordships Character for Humanity, I am led to presume, the Hardships Imposed on Lt. Josiah are without either your knowledge or concurrence, and therefore most readily hope that upon this representation, your Lordship will enjoin All Officers under your command to pay such regard to the Treatment of those that may fall into their hands, as their

different ranks & situations require and such as your Lordship would wish to see continued by us to those, who are already in our power or who may hereafter by the Chance of War be Subjected to It. I have the Honor to be My Lord with great respect Your Lordships Most Obedt Sevt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major William Smith Livingston, 17 August 1776
From: Livingston, William Smith
To: Washington, George

Sir
Long Island Augt 17th 1776

Colo: Hand has this Morning reported to the General that since Yesterday Evening four Vessels of War, one of them the Solbay have sailed from the Fleet at the Narrows—Two Brigs a Sloop and Schooner came in from Sea and the Man of War that lay off the Hook these two Days past came in—The Morning being very Thick he could discern nothing distinctly at the Hook but that late in the Evening of Yesterday some of the Foreign Troops Landed at the Ferry Way on Staten Island.
I am sorry to inform your Excellency that General Green had a very bad Night of it and cannot be said to be any better this Morning than he was Yesterday. I have the Honor to be Your most Obedt Servt

Wm S. Livingston


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 17 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Convention

Gentn
Head Qrs N. York Augt 17: 1776

When I consider that the City of New York will in all human probability very soon be the scene of a bloody conflict: I can not but view the great Numbers of Women, Children & infirm persons remaining in It with the most melancholy concern—When the Men of War passed up the River the Shrieks & Cries of these poor creatures running every way with their Children was truly distressing & I fear will have an unhappy effect on the Ears & Minds of our Young & inexperienced Soldiery. Can no method be devised for their removal? Many doubtless are of Ability to remove themselves; but there are Others in a different situation—Some provision for them afterwards would also be a necessary consideration—It would releive me from Great anxiety If your Honble body would Immediately deliberate upon It & form & execute some plan for their Removal and releif in which I will co-operate & assist to the utmost of my power—In the mean Time I have thought It proper to recommend to persons under the above description to convey themselves without

delay to some place of safety with their most valuable Effects. I have the honor &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Yates, Jr., 17 August 1776
From: Yates, Abraham Jr.
To: Washington, George

In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York Harlem 17th Augt 1776
Sir

I am directed to inform your Excellency that immediately upon the receipt of your favor of this morning respecting the Women, Children and Infirm persons remaining in the City of New York—The Convention appointed a Committee for the purpose of removeing and provideing for such persons—I inclose a Copy of the Resolves for that purpose and hope you will soon be releived from the Anxiety which their continuence in Town has occationed. And have the Honor to be with verry great Respect Your Most Obedt Hume Servt

Abm Yates Junr President


Title: From George Washington to Robert Yates, 17 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Yates, Robert

Sir
Head Quarters, New York 17 Aug. 1776

I am favoured with yours of the 13th & 14th inst. and am pleased to find you have been successfull in procuring Cannon for the Defence of Hudsons River; also that there is such a good prospect of effectually securing the Pass at Fort Montgomery, the mention you make of General Clinton’s attention to that & other important Objects gives me great satisfaction, & confirms me in the opinion that he is fully qualified for the trust reposed in him by the Congress, in their appointing him a Brigadier—I approve much of the measure for making a number of Matrosses by putting a part of the Garrison to exercising the Artillery, the same steps have been taken here.—If any material advantages can be derived from fitting out the two Sloops you speak of I shall be glad you have undertaken it, tho’ I confess they are not very apparent to me at present—I cannot consent to those Vessels being manned from among the Levies, unless absolutely necessary, if the Officers can inlist them out of the Militia I have no objection thereto—I shall comply with your request in furnishing Capt. Benson with a sufficient quantity of Powder for the two Armed Vessels, & am with due Regard & Esteem Sir, Your very Humble Servt

Go. Washington


Title: General Orders, 18 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 18th 1776
Grantham.Fairfield.

As nothing contributes so much to the good order and government of troops, as an exactness in discipline, & a strict observance of orders; and as the Army is now arranged into different divisions; those divisions formed into brigades, and the brigades composed of regiments; The General hopes and expects, that the several duties of the Army, will go on with regularity, chearfulness and alacrity: As one means of accomplishing this he desires, that no regiment, brigade or division, will interfere with the duties of another, but walk in their own proper line; the Colonels taking care not to contravene the orders of their Brigadiers; the Brigadiers of their Major Generals; and that the whole pay due attention to the General Orders, which can only be set aside, or be dispensed with by orders of equal dignity.
The army under such a regulation will soon become respectable in itself, and formidable to the foe—It is an incumbent duty therefore, upon every officer of every rank, to be alert and attentive in the discharge of the several duties annexed to his office; his honor, his own personal safety, and for ought he knows, the salvation of his Country, and its dearest priviliges, may depend upon his exertions. Particular Causes may, and doubtless will happen, to render it necessary (for the good of the service) that a change of officers &c.—should be made, from one brigade to another; but when ever there appears cause for this, it will be notified by General, or special Orders.
The General cannot quit the subject, as this may possibly be the last opportunity, previous to an attack, without addressing the private men, and exhorting the troops in general, to be perfoundly silent, and strictly obedient to Orders, before they come to, and also while they are in action, as nothing can contribute more to their Success, than a cool and deliberate behaviour, nor nothing add more to the discouragement of the enemy, than to find new troops calm and determined in their manner. The General has no doubt but that every good Soldier, and all the officers, are sufficiently impressed with the necessity of examining the state and condition of their arms, but his own anxiety on this head impels him to remind them of it after every spell of

wet weather, least we should at any time, be caught with arms unfit for immediate use.
The regiments of Militia from Connecticut are to be formed into a Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Wolcot, who is hourly expected; and in the mean time to be under the command of Col. Hinman, the eldest Colonel of the militia.
Though the Fire Ships which went up the North river last Friday Evening, were not so successful as to destroy either of the Men of war, yet the General thanks the officers and men for the spirit and resolution which they shewed in grappling the Vessels before they quitted the Fire Ships; And as a reward of their merit, presents each of those who stayed last, and were somewhat burnt, Fifty Dollars, and Forty to each of the others; And had the enterprize succeeded, so as to have destroyed either of the ships of war, the General could have been generous in proportion to the service.


Title: To George Washington from William Blodget, 18 August 1776
From: Blodget, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Long Island Augt 18. 1776

Colonel Hands report, mentions no Uncommon movements of the Enemy.
The General desires me to acquaint your Excellency that he finds himself considerably better this Morning than he was Yesterday, and is in hopes in a few days, to be able to go abroad, ’tho still very weak. I am with Respect Humble Servant

Wm Blodget A.D. Camp


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 18 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
New York Augt 18th 1776.

I have been honourd with your favour of the 16th, and the several Inclosures contained therein, which are now return’d

with my thanks for the oppertunity of perusing them—I also Inclose you a Letter from Lord Howe, sent out (with others) by a Flag in the Afternoon of yesterday. with it comes a Letter for Lieutt Barrington, who if not among those who broke their Parole, & went of for Canada, is in York, Pensylvania. With very great esteem and respect, I have the honr to be Sir Yr Most Obedt H: Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt the 18th 1776

I have been honoured with your Favor of the 16th with Its Inclosure and am sorry It is not in my power to transmit Congress

a Copy of the Treaty as they require, having sent It away with the Other papers that were in my Hands.
The Resolution they have entered into respecting the Foreign Troops, I am persuaded would produce Salutary Effects, If It can be properly circulated among them. I fear It will be a matter of difficulty—However, I will take every measure that shall appear probable to facilitate the End.
I have the honor to Inclose you for the perusal and consideration of Congress, Sundry papers marked No. 1. to No. 7 Inclusive, the whole of which except No. 2. & 7, My Answers to Lord Drummond & Genl Howe, I received Yesterday Evening by a Flag, and to which I beg leave to refer Congress.
I am exceedingly at a loss to know the Motives and Causes Inducing a proceding of such a nature at this Time and Why Lord Howe has not attempted some plan of negociation before, as he seems so desirous of It. If I may be allowed to conjecture and guess at the Causes—It may be that part of the Hessians have not arrived as mentioned in the examination transmitted Yesterday—or that Genl Burgoyne has not made such progress as was expected, to form a Junction of their Two Armies—Or what I think equally probable—they mean to procrastinate their Operations for some Time, Trusting that the Militia’s which have come to our Succour, will soon become tired and return Home as is but too usual with them. Congress will make their Observations upon these Several matters and favor me with the Result as soon they have done.
They will Observe my Answer to Lord Drummond who I am pretty confident has not attended to the Terms of his parole, but has violated It in several Instances—It is with the rest of the papers—but If my Memory Serves me he was not to hold any Correspondence directly or Indirectly with those in Arms against us, or to go into any port or Harbour in America where the Enemy themselves were or had a Fleet or to go on board their Ships.
The Treaty with the Indians is in the Box which Lt. Colo. Reed I presume has delivered before this. If Congress are desirous of Seeing It—they will be pleased to have the Box opened—It contains a variety of papers and All the Affairs of the Army from my First going to Cambridge ’till It was sent away.

This Morning the Phenix and Rose Men of War with Two Tenders, availing themselves of a favourable and Brisk Wind, came down the River and have Joined the Fleet. Our Several Batteries fired at them in their passage but without any good effect that I could perceive. I have the Honor to be with great esteem Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer, 18 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, Hugh

Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer, 18 Aug. 1776. In a letter to GW of 19 Aug., Mercer refers to “your Excellencys Letter of yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 18 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Gentn
New York Augt 18th 1776

I have been honoured with your Letter of the 17th with the Resolution of your honourable Body for obstructing the Channel betwixt the Grand Battery and Nutten Island. Having gone into a considerable Expence for stopping that of the North River, and such as I am not certain I shall be justifyed in, and the Obstructions there being far from compleat, it will not be in my power to engage in the Business you propose, or undertake to Advance any part of the Money which will be necessarily expended in the Execution—At the same time give me leave to assure you Gentlemen that I shall most readily afford you such Assistance as may be derived from the Labour of the Troops here and that can be spared from other Service to facilitate the Design, which will be of great Importance if it can be executed.
I have been also honoured with your favr and Resolution of the same date, and am exceedingly obliged by the ready Attention you have paid to my Recommendation for the removal of the Women & Children and infirm persons from the City. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Yr most obt Sert.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 August 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany August 18th 1776

Your Excellency’s favor of the 13th Instant was Delivered me about nine Last Evening.
I am very Confident that you have pursued Every measure in your power, to releave our wants in this Quarter, and to Facilitate the works going on to the Northward; we have people in every Quarter Attemping to procure the variety of Articles, that are wanted, but after all, We shall fall Considerably short, nor did I ever doubt, but that your Excellency had Communicated to Congress, the Difficulties we Laboured under for the want of money, I Assure you that I all ways have and shall Continue to Advise them in time, of the Necessity of Supplies of Cash; The resolves you mention have not been sent me, nor any about raising Troops for three years, Except that the Officers are to have the same Allowance for recruting.
I cannot upon recurring to my Letter of the 6th Instant, perceive that I intimated the Least doubt of your Excellencys not having Communicated to Congress, such part of my Letters, as were Necessary for them to know, I shall strictly Comply with your order and Advise You of any Information which I at the same time send You and them.
If your Excellency will please to reperuse my Letter of the 6th Instant, I belive you will Find, that it is in no part suggested, that a Court of Inquiry, or Court Martial was Convened at New York, upon the Subject alluded to, I was informed that a Council of Officers had Convened at New York, I was Advised of what was their decision. I was Chagrined and had the Information been as I thought it, I belive your Excellency will do me the Justice to think That I should have had too much reason to be so.
As the movement of the Army from Crown point to Tyonderoga was so Generally Condemned at New York, It is more then probable that Congress must have heard it, and I therefore

wish, that every thing I have said on the Subject, should be Communicated to them, I frankly Confess that I first moved the Matter, and that were the Question to be again Ajetated, I should still Continue of the same Sentiments, unless better reasons Could be given against it, than those I have Adduced in support of my Opinion, and then I should have most readily Acquiesced, or if your Excellency, without having given any reasons for it, had ordered me to move the Army back to Crown point, I should have Obeyed without Hesitation or a Murmur, well knowing that the orders of my Superior Officer are on no Account to be Contested.
I Assure you, my dear Sir, that I very reluctantly entered on a Command, in which I foresaw as many Difficulties as I have Experienced, I easily Conceived that a people whom it had been necessary to Inspire with Jealousy of the men in power in Great Britain, and those Employed by them in this Injured Country, would also be Easily Induced, by Artful and Designing men to Transfer part of that Jealousy to the Servants of the public here, my Conjectures were well founded, for Suspicion and Envy have Followed me, from the Moment I came To the Command, I have experienced the Most Illiberal abuse, in many of the Colonies, and even in the Army I Commanded, and if any Accident should happen to the Northward, the same spirit that has Imputed The Misfortunes in Canada to me, will Impute that also to me, I have Intreated Congress to Cause a Minute Enquiry to be made into my Conduct, and I Trust, if it is done, that I shall not only be Honorably Acquited, but that Judicious men will discover in me the Honest man and the Faithfull American. But as Envy even in that Case, will not Cease, nor Melevolence withold its Slander, I am Determined to Quit The Army, As soon as my Conduct has been Enquired into and Evince myself in private Life what I have Strove to do in public; the Friend of my Injured Country.
Soon after Colo. Daytons regiment marched to Johnson Hall, some of the Officers broke open the Doors and Carried away a very Considerable Quantity of Effects, Contrary to mine and Colo. Daytons Orders, soon after my Arrival at the German Flatts, I was Informed of this by some of the Officers, who wished an Enquiry, that the Innocent might not share The Scandal with the Guilty, I ordered a Court Martial on Lieut. McDonald, Witnesses with respect to his Conduct being On the spot,

he was Tryed and broke, in the Course of his Tryal it appeared that a number of others were Concerned, and I ordered Lieut. Colo. White, & Capts. Ross and Patterson down from Fort Stanwix, the two Captains Delivered me the paper No. 1, in Answer to which I advised them Candidly to Narrate the Whole Transaction No: 2 is their Narrative, and No: 3 Contains an Account of what they took, No. 4 with the paper Inclosed in it is what Colo. White Delivered me. As I was Apprehensive that a public Conviction of so many Officers, would reflect to much Disgrace on our Troops, I chose to defer any further proceeding untill I should advice with your Excellency. permitt me therefore to Intreat your Opinion, whether it will be prudent for me to Accept of the Concessions, they Offer to make at the head of the Regiment, and thus to Bury the Affair, or wether I ought to have them Tryed, please to return the papers above Alluded To, as I have not time to make Copys of them.
Inclose your Excellency, Copy of a Letter from Colo. Dayton with Copy of a paper Inclosed in it, he has changed the name of Fort Stanwix, The Messesaga Indians Mentioned in the paper, Live on the west side of Lake Ontario, and of those the Savages, who made our people prisoners at the Cedars, were Chiefly Composed.
Only five Quire of Cartridge paper Could be procured, which I have sent Colo. Dayton, we are greatly in want of that Article, Capt: Varick informs me that he has wrote to your Excellency for it, it is not to be had any where, nearer than New York, General Gates also presses me in a Letter of the 16th Instant for that Article, please to order it to be sent with all expedition. I also Inclose a Copy of a Letter from General Arnold.
As I Cannot possibly find time to make two Copies of the Transaction at the Late Treaty, I have mentioned to Congress, that I had sent one to you, to be Transmitted, after perusal to them.
Also Inclose Copy of a Letter from Genl Arnold which gives me a state of our naval force on Lake Champlain.
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 10th Instant to Capt. Varick is Just come to hand but not any of the Articles Mentioned in the return are as yet Arrived. I am Dr Sir with unfeigned Esteem and Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York Augt 18th 1776

I have been duly honored with your favor of the 13th inst. and at the same time that I think you and your Honble Council of Safety highly deserving of the thanks of the States for the measures you have adopted in order to give the most early and speedy succour to this Army, give me leave to return you mine in a particular manner.
When the whole of the reinforcements do arrive, I flatter myself we shall be competent to every exigency, and with the smiles of Providence upon our arms and vigorous exertions, we shall baffle the designs of our inveterate Foes formidable as they are—Our situation was truly alarming a little while since; but by the kind interposition and aid of our Friends is much bettered.
You may rest assured Sir, that due consideration shall be had to the several Militia Regiments that have come & are marching to our assistance, and that they shall be dismissed as soon as circumstances will admit of it. I trust as long as their is occasion for their service, that the same spirit and commendable zeal which induced them to come will influence their continuance—I sincerely wish it was in my power to ascertain the particular period when they would be needed, that they might not be detained one unnecessary moment from their homes and common pursuits. But as this cannot be done; as the approaching contest and trial between the two Armies will most unquestionably produce events of the utmost importance to the States; as the issue, if favorable, will put us on such a footing as to bid defiance to the utmost malice of the British Nation and those in alliance with her, I have not a doubt but they will most readily consent to stay, and chearfully forego every present and temporary inconvenience so long as they shall be necessary.
I am happy Capt. Van Buren has succeeded so well in the business he was upon, it being of great consequence for us to fit out and maintain our vessels on the Lake.
On the night of the 16th two of our Fire Vessels attempted to

burn the Ships of War up the River. One of them boarded the Phœnix of 44 Guns and was grappled with her for some minutes, but unluckily she cleared herself—The only damage the Enemy sustained was the destruction of one Tender. It is agreed on all hands that our people engaged in this affair behaved with great resolution and intrepidity. One of the Captains—Thomas—it is to be feared perished in the attempt, or in making his escape by swimming, as he has not been heard of—His bravery entitled him to a better fate—Though this enterprise did not succeed to our wishes, I incline to think it alarmed the Enemy greatly—For this morning, the Phœnix and Rose with their two remaining Tenders taking the advantage of a brisk and prosperous gale with a favorable tide, quitted their stations and have returned and joined the rest of the Fleet—As they passed our several Batteries they were fired upon, but without any damage that I could perceive.
The whole of the British Force in America, except those employed in Canada, are now here; Clinton’s arrival being followed the last week by that of Lord Dunmore who now forms a part of the Army we are to oppose. His coming has not added but little to their strength. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 19 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 19th 1776.
Georgia.Hartford.

John Green of Capt: Johnsons Company and late Col. McDougall’s Regiment, convicted by a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Wyllys is President, of “breaking out of his quarter guard and being absent two days”—ordered to receive Thirty-nine Lashes. The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be executed at the usual time and place; and the prisoner to be then returned to his quarter guard.
The Court Martial to sit to morrow, for the tryal of Lieut. Hubbel of the regiment late Col. McDougall’s—The Judge Advocate will be informed of the witnesses by General Putnam.

A Subaltern’s Guard to go over to morrow, to relieve the Guard at Hoebuck ferry.
Col. Hitchcock’s Regiment to move to morrow, to Burdetts ferry, and relieve the party now there; they are to join General Mifflins Brigade, and receive Orders from Major General Heath, agreeable to General Orders of the 12th Instant. General Putnam will order boats.
The Adjutants of such regiments as have lately come in to apply at the Adjutant General’s office for Blank Returns which they are to fill up and bring in at orderly time—viz.: Eleven O’Clock every Saturday.
After this day, a Major to mount at the Main Guard, at the Grand Battery, instead of a Lieut: Colonel.


Title: To George Washington from Lord Drummond, 19 August 1776
From: Drummond, Thomas Lundin (Lord)
To: Washington, George

Sir
sloop Polly Augt 19th 1776

While attending in the Boat on the 17th I was favoured with yours of that Date, and in Answer to those Points it seemd to allude to I coud then only return a verbal Message by Mr Tighlman which I flatter myself woud remove the Suspicions you entertained. As my first Motive for asking Lord Howes Permission to land at New York, was to give me an Opportunity of explaining myself to your Excellency on the Subject of my Parole

in Relation to my Return to this Place—so the Hope I entertained of effecting it in this Way, made me perhaps too negligent in not saying any thing on that Subject in my Letter to you.
Aware however of the Possibility of not being able to obtain an Interview with your Excellency—I had taken the Precaution to prepare a Letter to Colonel Moylan on that subject, and which I read to Mr Tighlman on his Delivering me that from your Excellency but which I forbore delivering as not thinking it sufficiently explicit.
But shoud Suspicions on any other Point in the Parole have arisen, I have only to beg that Your Excellency will have the goodness to permit me to a Personal Interview with You, which will either afford me an Opportunity of exculpating myself, or will place me in a Situation to suffer that Treatment which must follow an Infraction of Parole. I have the Honour to be Sir Your most Obt and most Humble servant,

Drummond

I enclose My Letter to Colol Moylan which I have alluded to together with the Logbook.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 19 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 19 Aug. 1776. In a letter to Hancock of 20 Aug., GW says that he received “a Letter from Genl Greene Yesterday Evening.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt the 19: 1776

I have Nothing of moment to communicate to Congress, as things are in the situation they were when I had last the Honor of addressing them.
By a Letter from Genl Ward of the 12th, I find that Whetcombs Regiment on the 8th, and Phinneys on the 9th, Marched from Boston for Ticonderoga.
Governor Trumbull also in a Letter of the 13th, Advises me that Wards Regiment in the service of the States was on the March to this Army, and that he and his Council of Safety had in the Whole, Ordered Fourteen Militia Regiments to reinforce us. Three of them have arrived, & amount to about a Thousand & Twenty men. When the whole come in, we shall be on a much more respectable footing than what we have been, but I greatly fear If the Enemy defer their Attack for any considerable time, they will be extremely Impatient to return Home, and If they should, we shall be reduced to distress again: he also adds, that Captn Van Buren who had been sent for that purpose, had procured a sufficient supply of Sail Cloth for the Vessels to be employed in the Lake and a part of the Cordage in that State, and had a prospect of getting the Remainder.
As there will be a difficulty in all probability to circulate the papers designed for the Foreign Troops, and many miscarriages may happen before It can be Effected, It may be proper to furnish me with a larger Quantity than what I already have.
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit you a Genl Return of Our Whole force at this Time in which are comprehended the Three Regiments of Militia above mentioned. I am sorry It should be so much Weakned by Sickness—The Return will shew

you How It distresses us. I have the Honor to be Sir with great respect Your Most Obedt

Go: Washington

P.S. The post Just now arrived, has brought a further Supply of papers for the Hessians, which makes my requisition unnecessary.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Sir
Head Quarters [New York] 19. Aug. 1776

I received yours of yesterday’s date—The ships of War & Tenders were fired at from the Batteries here as they passed, and I suppose received similar damages to what they met with from the Forts at Mount Washington & Burdit Ferry. I shall not be able to spare any Tents for Genl Clinton at present owing to the very small Stock on Hand, with regard to their Quarters being so scattered I can only say, that I think it of less consequence the Case should be so circumstanced there than here, at this time—I have wrote to Colo. Knox this morning, desiring him to have the Carriages for four poundrs ready & sent forward with all expedition.
When I directed you to inquire into the Cause of the inactivity of some of the Row Gallies it was upon a presumption they were near you, as they are now come down to the City I shall give further Orders respecting that Affair. I am Sir Your very humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lord Howe, 19 August 1776
From: Howe, Richard (Lord)
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Eagle off Staten Island, August the 19th 1776.

Concurring in the Proposition you have been pleased to make in your Favor of the 17th for an Exchange of Prisoners in my Department, viz. Officers for those of equal Rank, and Sailors for Sailors; I will take the Liberty to propose an Officer of the same Rank to be exchanged for Mr Josiah, when he arrives.
The Cerberus being absent, I have no other Information respecting the Situation of Mr Josiah, than what is communicated in your Letter. But the matter, you may be assured, shall be inquired into, and every Attention paid to the Rules of Propriety, as well as the Dictates of Humanity, on all such Occasions.
Principles and Conduct form the true Distinction of Rank amongst Men: Yet without a competent Habit in the Manners of the World, they are too liable to meet with unmerited Disregard. But Insult and Indignities to Persons of whatever Rank, who are become Parties in these unhappy Disputes, cannot be justified, and are, I persuade myself, as much disapproved of, by every Officer under my Command, as they can never cease to be by me. I am, with great personal respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

Howe


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Knox, 19 August 1776
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
New York Augt 19 1776

I understood that some few Cannon were to be taken from Mount Washington for Kings Bridge for the present—we find great difficulty in procuring the Carriages for General Fellowss encampment—the Greatest part of which I hope will be Completed to day and tomorrow after which we will turn our whole endevors to Complete those for Kings Bridge. I am with Great Respect Your Excellencys Most Obt & Humble Sert

Henry Knox


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 August 1776
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Tuesday 1 OClock. [19 August 1776]

The Substance of the examination of the woman which your excellency directed me to take, is as Follows vizt That her name is Mary Debeau; that She lived with Mr John Livingston about 18 months ago; and resided two weeks in Newyork, before She went to Staten Island, the day the man of warr passed up the River. That She embarked with 7 men good livers in appearance, & 8 or 9 women, & ten Children, landed to the right of the Fleet & army; and that no person Questioned her or her Companions there, about her or their business, or on any other Subject. That her errand there, was to See her husbands mother. She can give no account of the state of the army on the Island nor precisely where she staid. That She left that, on Sunday last in the afternoon, in Company with 10 or 11 men, and women and passed the Fleet on her left; and landed at the foot of Leary’s Street; (where the Ferries to Powles Hook are kept) between 7 & 8 last night and that the boat was not examined in crossing the Bay, nor any of the passengers Questioned when they landed. That her Husband John Debeau is in our Service; (She thinks in the first Battalion of Militia.) That she knows not the name of any of her companions, who went down or came

up with her, except; one Cassens, who said he lived lately near the exchange. That from what she could collect the business of her Companions down, was to Secure a place of retreat, & those who came up to take their Famil[i]es out of Town. She answers So evasively, that I am at loss to determine her true Character. I have However had her Searched by matrons for Papers; but found none. From her appearence and deportment; I am inclined to conclude, she is a follower of the Enemy’s army. And as the Committee of the Town is composed of Persons from every Quarter of the Town, I s[u]bmit it to your excellency, whether they will not be most likely to Search this matter, to the Bottom; and discover her fellow passengers; if her Story be true. I have the Honor to be Your excellency’s very Humble servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 19 August 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New Ark [N.J.] 19 Augt 1776

This will be delivered at Head Quarters by Mr Ludwick; whom I sent for to Amboy in consequence of your Excellencys Letter of yesterday—Inclosd is some Intelligence that may be of Consequence—I am pushing on Troops to Bergen to the Amount of one Thousand—I hear the 3rd Virga Regt is on the March to join the Army—please to signify your Intentions as to the Disposition of such Virga Troops as may arrive—whether they are to proceed on to N. York or remain in the Flying Camp. I have the honour to be Sir Your excellencys Most obed. Sert

H. Mercer


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Daniel Roberdeau, 19 August 1776
From: Roberdeau, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
New-Ark [N.J.] Augst 19th 1776half past 11 OClock A.M.

The Post rider just past through here with a very incredible story which he told with great Confidence vizt that you had received a Flag from Lord Howe “proposing to retire with the Fleet and Army and that he was willing to settle the present dispute on any terms you should ask” for which he quoted the Authority of an Officer in your Army who told him that he might spred the News without the least reserve for that the Officer offered to sware to the truth for that he had it from you. As this Intelligence might have a tendancy to lull the Inhabitants I thought it duty to make it the subject of an Express without consulting Genl Mercer who is gone forwards towards Amboy. I am Sir Yr most obt huml. Sert

Danl Roberdeau

The Intelligencer further informed that the Reason of this hasty move from Ld Howe was news from England of a Rumpus wt. France.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Daniel Roberdeau, 19 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Roberdeau, Daniel

Sir
Head Qrs N. York Augt 19th 1776

I Received your favor of this date and thank you for the Intelligence thereby communicated.
The Report propagated by the post Rider, is totally destitute of truth in every instance, & as It may have the fatal tendency you seem but too Justly to apprehend, I beg Sir, that you will take Such Steps to contradict & Suppress It, as you shall think most likely to effect It. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 19 August 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 19 August 1776.

Your Letter of the twelfth Instant I received Saturday Evening; I gave immediate attention to your Orders, and as it was judged extremely difficult, if not impracticable, to convey the Mortars by land, I gave Orders to the proper persons to prepare every thing necessary for conveying them by water, and to work day and night until they were compleated. This day they will go on board of Lighters to Sandwich from which place they are to be conveyed over the narrow neck of land to a place called Buzzards Bay, where they will be put on board two Lighters and conveyed to Rhode Island, from thence, keeping near the land, to New york. I ordered they should be put on board two Vessels for the greater safety that if one should meet with any misfortune the other might perhaps go safe. I have given Mr Davis,

Deputy Barrack Master, the care of them as he was well acquainted with Coast, and have directed him to make all possible dispatch in conveying the Mortars with their Appertenances to New york. An Invoice of them is as follows, 2 Sea Mortars with upper and under Beds. 1 Truck Carriage. 1 Dozen Handspikes. 4 Iron Crows. 2 Spruce Poles for a pair of Sheers. 2 Hoisting Tackles. 3 Guys. 2 Pair of Slings. 4 Luff Tackles. 2 Coils of small Cordage. I have ordered Ensign Gould with his party, (who were going to New york by land,) to go on board the Vessels as a Guard, lest the Enemy should send their Boats from some of their Cruisers and attack the Lighters.
Great is our Solicitude for you and the Army under your Command at New york, as we are in constant expectation of the Enemy’s making a violent attack. May the God of Armies give You Success! I am Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 19 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Dear Lund,
New York Augt 19th 1776.

Very unexpectedly to me, another revolving Monday is arrived before an Attack upon this City, or a movement of the Enemy—the reason of this is incomprehensible, to me—True it is (from some late informations) they expect another arrival of about 5000 Hessians; but then, they have been stronger than the Army under my Command; which will now, I expect, gain strength faster than theirs, as the Militia are beginning to come in fast, and have already augmented our numbers in this City

and the Posts round about, to about 23,000 Men. The Enemy’s numbers now on the Island and in the Transports which lay off it, are by the lowest Accts 20,000 Men by the greatest 27,000 to these the expected (5000) Hessians are to be added.
There is something exceedingly misterious in the conduct of the Enemy—Lord Howe takes pains to throw out, upon every occasion, that he is the Messenger of Peace—that he wants to accomodate matters—nay, has Insinuated, that he thinks himself authorized to do it upon the terms mentioned in the last Petition to the King of G: Britain—But has the Nation got to that, that the King, or his Ministers will openly dispense with Acts of Parliament—And if they durst attempt it, how is it to be accounted for that after running the Nation to some Millions of Pounds Sterlg to hire and Transport Foreigners, and before a blow is struck, they are willing to give the terms proposed by Congress before they, or we, had encountered the enormous expence that both are now run to—I say, how is this to be accounted for but from their having received some disagreeable advices from Europe; or, by having some Manouvre in view which is to be effected by procrastination. What this can be the Lord knows—we are now passed the Middle of August and they are in possession of an Island only, which it never was in our power, or Intention to dispute their Landing on. this is but a small step towards the Conquest of this Continent.
The two Ships which went up this River about the middle of the past Month, came down yesterday, sadly frightned I believe, the largest of them, the Phœnex (a 44. Gun Ship) having very narrowly escaped burning the Night before by two Fire ships which I sent up; one of which was grapnal’d to her for Ten Minutes, in a light blaze, before the Phœnex could cut away so as to clear herself. the other Fire ship run on board of the Tender near the Phœnex, & soon reduced her to Ashes. We lost no lives in the Attempt unless the Captn of the Ship which made the attempt upon the Phœnex perish’d. We have not heard of him since, but it is thought he might have made his escape by Swimming, which was the Plan he had in contemplation.
As the Collection of Mercers Bonds has not been put into the hands of Colo. Peyton, I have no objection to your undertaking of it if Colo. Tayloe has none; accordingly, I inclose you a Letter to him on this Subject, which you may forward, & act agreeable

to his Instructions, and appointment. I do not recollect enough of the Tenor of the Bonds to decide absolutely in the case of Majr Powell. true it is the design of making the Bonds carry Interest from the date, was to enforce the punctual payment of them; or, to derive an advantage if they were not. The Circumstances attending his going to Hampton, & the time when he did, I know not. He knew that those Bonds were payable to Tayloe & me—he knew that they became due (to the best of my recollection) the first of December, & should have tendered the Money at that time in strictness—however if you have the Collection, in all matters of that kind take Colo. Tayloe’s, or (which I believe will be the same think) Mr Jas Mercer’s opinion as it will be impossible for me to determine these matters at the distance I am, and under the hurry of business I am Ingaged In.
There is no doubt but that the Honey locust if you could procure Seed enough, & that Seed would come up, will make (if sufficiently thick) a very good hedge—so will the Haw, or thorn, and if you cannot do better I wish you to try these—but Cedar or any kind of ever Green, would look better; howr, if one thing will not do, we must try another, as no time ought to be lost in rearing of Hedges, not only for Ornament but use.
Adams’s Land you will continue to Rent to the best advantage, for I believe it will turn out, that I made bad worse, by attempting to save myself by taking that pretty youths debts upon myself. As Lord Dunmore and his Squadron have joind the Fleet at Staten Island, you will, I should think, have a favourable oppertunity of sending of your Flour, Midlings, Ship stuff &ca—Corn will, more than probably, sell well sometime hence—especially if your Crops should be as short as you apprehend—If your Ship stuff & Middlings should have turnd Sower it will make exceeding good Bisquet notwithstanding. Your Works abt the Home House will go on Slowly I fear as your hands are reduced, & especially if Knowles fails. remember that the New Chimneys are not to smoke. Plant Trees in the room of all dead ones in proper time this Fall. and as I mean to have groves of Trees at each end of the dwelling House, that at the South end to range in a line from the South East Corner to Colo. Fairfax’s, extending as low as another line from the Stable to the dry well, and towards the Coach House, Hen House, & Smoak House as far as it can go for a Lane to be left for Carriages to pass to, &

from the Stable and Wharf. from the No. Et Corner of the other end of the House to range so as to Shew the Barn &ca. in the Neck—from the point where the old Barn used to Stand to the No. Et Corner of the Smiths Shop, & from thence to the Servants Hall, leaveng a passage between the Quarter & Shop, and so East of the Spinning & Weaving House (as they used to be called) up to a Wood pile, & so into the yard between the Servts Hall & the House newly erected—these Trees to be Planted without any order or regularity (but pretty thick, as they can at any time be thin’d) and to consist that at the North end, of locusts altogether. & that at the South, of all the clever kind of Trees (especially flowering ones) that can be got, such as Crab apple, Poplar, Dogwood, Sasafras, Lawrel, Willow (especially yellow & Weeping Willow, twigs of which may be got from Philadelphia) and many others which I do not recollect at present—these to be interspersed here and there with ever greens such as Holly, Pine, and Cedar, also Ivy—to these may be added the Wild flowering Shrubs of the larger kind, such as the fringe Tree & several other kinds that might be mentioned. It will not do to Plant the Locust Trees at the North end of the House till the Framing is up, cover’d in, and the Chimney Built—otherwise it will be labour lost as they will get broke down, defaced and spoil’d, But nothing need prevent planting the Shrubery at the other end of the House. Whenever these are Planted they should be Inclosd, which may be done in any manner till I return—or rather by such kind of fencing as used to be upon the Ditch running towards Hell hole—beginning at the Kitchen & running towards the Stable & rather passing the upper Corner—thence round the Dry Well—below the necessary House, & so on to the Hollow by the Wild Cherry tree by the old Barn—thence to the Smiths Shop & so up to the Servants Hall as before described. If I should ever fulfil my Intention it will be to Inclose it properly—the Fence now described is only to prevent Horses &ca. injuring the young Trees in their growth.
As my Greys are almost done, and I have got two or three pretty good Bays here, I do not Incline to make an absolute Sale of the bay horse you mention—But if Mr Custis wants him, & you and he can fix upon a price, he may take him at such valuation; paying the Money and using him as his own; subject however to return him to me if I should hereafter want him and will

repay him his money—by this means he will (if it should not prove an absolute Sale) have the use of the Horse and I, the use of the money.
Before I conclude I must beg of you to hasten Lanphire about the addition to the No. End of the House, otherwise you will have it open I fear in the cold & wet Weather, and the Brick work to do at an improper Season, neither of which shall I be at all desirous of. My best wishes to Milly Posey and all our Neighbours and friends. with sincere regard I remain Dr Lund, Yr affecte Friend

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 20 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 20th 1776.
Hampton.Gates.

Nathaniel Mun of Capt. Peters’s Company, Col. Reads Regiment, convicted by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Wyllys is President of “Desertion and reinlistment into another corps.”
James Mumford of Capt. Ledyards Company, Regiment late Col. McDougall’s convicted by the same Court Martial of the same crime.
Alexander Moore, Serjeant in Capt. Conway’s Company, Col. Wynd’s Battalion convicted by the same Court Martial of “Desertion.”

Christopher Harpur of the same Company and Battalion, convicted by the same Court Martial of the same crime. Each of the above prisoners were sentenced to receive thirty nine lashes.
The General approves the sentences, and orders them to be executed at Guard mounting, to morrow morning, at the usual place.
The troops lately arrived are informed that it is contrary to General Orders, to fire in camp; such Firelocks as are loaded, and the charges cannot be drawn, are to be discharged at Retreat beating in a Vulley under the inspection of an officer. The officers of such troops are desired and required to prevent all the firing in the camp, as it tends to great disorder.
The regiments of militia, now under the Command of Col. Hinman, from Connecticut, are in case of alarm, to parade on the grand parade, and there wait for orders.
The officers who have lately come into Camp are also informed that it has been found necessary, amidst such frequent changes of Troops to introduce some distinctions by which their several ranks may be known—viz.: Field Officers wear a pink or red cockade—Captains white or buff—Subalterns green—The General flatters himself every Gentlemen will conform to a regulation which he has found essentially necessary to prevent mistakes and confusion.
The trial of Lieut: Hubbel is postponed ’till tomorrow.
The General Court Martial to set on Thursday, as a Court of enquiry, into the conduct of Adjutant Brice of Col. Smallwood’s Battalion, charged with “disobedience of orders and disrespectful behaviour to his commanding officer.”
The General being informed, to his great surprize, that a report prevails and is industriously spread far and wide that Lord Howe has made propositions of peace, calculated by designing persons more probably to lull us into a fatal security; his duty obliges him to declare that no such offer has been made by Lord Howe, but on the contrary, from the best intelligence he can procure—the Army may expect an attack as soon as the wind and tide shall prove favourable: He hopes therefore, every man’s mind and arms, will be prepared for action, and when called to it, shew our enemies, and the whole world, that Freemen

contending on their own land, are superior to any mercenaries on earth.
The Brigadiers are to see the Spears in the different works, under their command, kept greased and clean.
General Sullivan is to take the command upon Long Island, ’till General Greene’s State of health will permit him to resume it, and Brigadier Lord Stirling is to take charge of General Sullivans division ’till he returns to it again.
Edward Tilghman Esqr. is appointed as an Assistant Brigade Major to Lord Stirling; the duty of the whole division being too great for one officer—He is to be respected and obeyed accordingly.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Lewis Duboys, 20 August 1776
From: Duboys, Lewis
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
New Windsor [N.Y.]20th August 1776

I received your Excellency’s Letter of the 9th of August and agreeable to your Order have procured Returns of all the Officers of the Regiment under my Command of the Men inlisted by them (except three Captains who are at present in New York) The Number which as yet they have been able to inlist consists of thirty Men; 23 of which are well Armed and will be ready to march on Saturday next agreeable to your Excellency’s Order.
At a meeting of the Officers this Day they requested me to petition your Excellency that you would be pleased to order them into immediate Service at New York or wherever your Excellency may think fit. As the Country is very much drained of Men every Man that can any way be spared being already in the Service. they think that if they were in present Service they might not only have an Opportunity of exerting themselves to the utmost of their power, but might also compleat their Company’s out of the Militia whenever it is thought expedient to grant them that Liberty.
They all express the most ardent Zeal for the Service, and are unwilling to be Idle at this important Crisis. I am your Excellencys most Obedient humble Servant

Lewis Duboys


Title: To George Washington from the Greenwich Committee of Safety, 20 August 1776
From: Greenwich Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
Greenwich in the State of ConnecticutAugt 20th 1776.

The Authority Selectmen & Comttee of this Town have yesterday reced from his Honor the Governor of sd state, a requisition

dated the 12th instant, to embody all the householders not obliged to do duty in any Training Band, in order to march forthwith to N. York to Join the Army under your Excellency’s Command. we thereupon warned all the able Bodied men in the Town to assemble at 6 O’Clock this morning, but as the mallitia is already gone into the service, & this Town hath been pretty much drained of men in the progress of the war, we find there are now but few fit to go, & those few badly Equipped, the householders having been at different times Striped of their fire Arms to supply those who turned out in the Defence of their Country. All which being maturely considered by the sd Authority &ca it was Judged most proper to advise your Excellency of our difficulties, in order to know from yr Excelly whether the service requires the whole of the few Men remaining in this Town to be raised immediately, & if so whether they can be supplied with Arms on their arrival at York.
As the Bearer, Doctor Mead a Member of the Comttee will deliver this, we think it superfluous to add any more further than that we are with the greatest Esteem Your Excellency’s Obedt huml. servts

Per order of the Authority &ca
John Mackay Chairman pro: Temp.