Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 24 July 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
German Flatts [N.Y.] July 24th 1776

Your Excellency’s Favor of the 17th Instant was last Night delivered me by Mr Bennet.
If I had with me the Remonstrance of the Field Officers against quiting Crown point, I should attempt to point out the Insufficiency of each of the several Reasons they give against the Removal of the Army to Ticonderoga and which would at the same Time shew on what I founded my opinion of the propriety of the Measure but as the paper was left at Albany I shall cursorily enter into some Observations—The little Time I have

for reflecting on the Subject; the constant Interruptions from the Indians; Indisposition of Body, and my Inability to convey my Ideas with that perspicuity the Subject merits, I hope will plead for the Inaccuracies which you will discover. Crown point is a peninsula which projects from the West Side of Lake Champlain and runs down and almost parallel to both Sides of it—The East Side of the peninsula is bounded by the Waters of that part of the Lake, which flow from Skenesborough and Lake George, passing by Tyconderoga in their Way; and the North-East Corner of the peninsula is distant from the East Shore of Lake Champlain about half a Mile or something better, but under three Quarters of a Mile—The Northwest Corner of it is nearly if not quite two Miles distant from the Western Shore of the Lake—If the Enemy should have a Naval Superiority, our armed Vessels must retire to the Southward of Crown point, between that and Ticonderoga, or take Shelter under any Fortifications we might have there. In either Case the Enemy may go along the Western Shore land in the Bay that forms the peninsula and attack any Force that may be at Crown point, from the Rear, or they may land on the East Side of the Lake, below Crown point, and as the Country is flat, and in some parts improved, they may possess themselves of the East Shore, between Crown point and Ticonderoga, without any great Difficulty, however strong any Fortification on the East Side, opposite to Crown point, might be, and hence all Supplies must be cut off, unless our Force at Crown point should imbark in Batteaus & be sufficiently strong to land and repulse them, and there is little prospect that such an Attempt would succeed, considering how infinitely better they are provided than we and what Advantages they would receive from the Works they might throw up; besides the last Considerations permit me to subjoin that such is the Nature of the Ground at Crown point (the point faces to the North; fronts the Lake and is indented with small Bays and about one Mile broad on a streight Line from the North-eastern to the North-western point) that the Fort which General Amherst erected there, was so exposed, from the Grounds about it, that it required three or four strong Redoubts to cover it—Redoubts, that were in themselves very considerable Fortifications and built at much Expence, on Account of the Scarcity of Earth, insomuch so that all the Fortifications ten thousand

Men could make in the Course of the Campaign would be far from formidable.
At Ticonderoga we are not exposed to these Dangers or Difficulties—The Lake between the Fort and the intended Encampment on the East Side of it, does not exceed half a Mile in Breadth—Let us now suppose that the Enemy are capable of forcing our armed Vessels to seek Shelter at Ticonderoga—Nothing then is to obstruct their coming to that place—Being come, let us suppose that they would land on the East Side of the Lake—The intended Camp is defended on the North by a large Creek and sunken Country, which effectually prevents any Approaches from that Quarter; they must therefore take a Tour of several Miles to head the sunken Country before they can get into our Rear—If they do, are our Supplies cut off? No, for we have the Communication by Lake George open—Can they drive us out of the strong Camp on the East Side? I think not: I think it impossible for twenty thousand Men to do it ever so well provided if the Camp consists of less than even a Quarter of that Number indifferently furnished; such is the natural Strength of the Ground: but let us suppose that the Enemy should land on the West Side and attempt to drive us thence; here we fight on an equal Footing (except what Advantages our Lines and Fortifications may give us) and we can oppose nine tenths of our Army to them: for they cannot prevent the Junction of our Troops either Way whenever they please to join—Let us suppose the worst—They drive us from the Ground; we lose our Cannon, but they cannot prevent such as do not fall in the Engagement from retiring to the strong Camp. (A bare Inspection of a good Map if I had one to send your Excellency would I hope convince you of the Weight of these Observations.[)]
But if we are obliged to retreat from Ticonderoga—will not their Vessels pass our strong Camp and get between that and Skenesborough? I think it impossible for them to pass—The passage is narrow: the Channel more so; our Vessels laying in Line of Battle on the South Side of the Camp: their’s obliged to come up by two at a Time, at most, exposed to our Cannon in getting there, and when there at once attacked by our Vessels and our Batteries within point blank Shot.
But if the Enemy have possession of Ticonderoga will they not cut off our Supplies? Yes, effectually any Supplies attempted to

be sent by the Way of Lake George, but not those sent by the Way of Skenesborough, or thro’ the Towns laying in this Colony on the East Side of Lake Champlain between the Camp and New Hampshire and the Northern parts of the Massachusetts.
But cannot the Enemy when in possession of Ticonderoga penetrate into this Colony by the Way of Lake George, and leave our Army in the strong Camp? Yes, provided they take their Boats, provisions &c. out of Lake Champlain on the North Side of Ticonderoga and convey them by Land into Lake George: the Distance between three and four Miles. but as they cannot do this without our Knowlege we can move any part of our Army by the Way of Skenesborough to Fort George before they can reach it, but as we have no Naval Force on that Lake, nor any strong Fortifications and if they are superior and our Army not reinforced by Militia, which I should hope would not be the Case, we can retire from thence to some place in the Vicinity of Fort Edward, and bring away all the Carriages from the few Inhabitants that live there and I conceive that they would find it extremely difficult if not impossible to move only such of their Boats and Necessaries, as they cannot dispense with over a fifteen Mile Land Carriage, even if they should be able to bring a considerable Number of Carriages from Canada, for it will take one hundred Carriages, each carrying four Barrels of pork or Flour (and they can bring no Carriages that will convey more) to transport one Day’s provision for 10000 Men and the Carriages can only compleat a Trip in two Days.
Upon the whole, I do not only think Ticonderoga infinitely preferable to Crown point for a Stand to be made, but so happily situated for us that I have very little Apprehension of General Burgoyne’s being able to succeed in that Quarter unless there should be too great a Disparity of Numbers in his Favor.
I had almost forgot to observe that your Excellency, from the Information you have had seems to entertain an Idea that the Situation of Crown point “Is of the utmost Importance, especially if we mean to keep the Superiority & Mastery of the Lake” and that “if it is abandoned by us it is natural to suppose the Enemy will possess it, and if they do that then our Vessels will be in their Rear, and it will not be in our power to bring them to Ticonderoga or the post opposite to it.” Your Excellency will pardon me for a few Remarks on that passage of your Letter.

Crown point lies about forty three Miles from the extreme South Part of Lake Champlain, which is at Skenesborough, and about one hundred from the Northern Extreme, which is at St John’s—The part of the Lake South of Crown point is seldom in any place above two Miles wide; from Crown point to about 18 Miles North of it, it may be at a Medium about 3½ Miles, three and four being the Extremes; beyond that for about 56 Miles it is seldom less than six or more than 14 or 15; but a Chain of Islands running nearly parallel to the Sides of the Lake lay in the broadest part on, and nearly in the Middle, so that the Width on each Side is about six Miles.
Let us now suppose our Navy to be in any part of the Lake to the Northward of, and out of the Reach of the Cannon that may be at Crown point, and there attacked by the Enemy, what Assistance can it receive from any Fortification at the point? None surely, and if worsted, it must fly to the South Side of Crown point for Shelter and the Enemy have the entire Mastery of the Lake. If Crown point was totally abandoned and if the Navy was attacked and worsted in any part to the Northward of Ticonderoga, whether in Sight of that place or towards the North End of the Lake, the Consequences are exactly the same—It must retire to the South of where the Army is. If we abandon Crown point, that the Enemy will possess themselves of it is certain, if they can do it; but if we suppose they can, we must not only suppose that they can and will pass our Fleet—altho’ their’s should be inferior, or that they must have a Naval Superiority—If they can pass our Fleet any where beyond Crown point, their Army can attack our’s at Crown point, if it is there, or at Ticonderoga if there: in either Case our Ships will be in their Rear.
But supposing they could and would, by some Means or other frustrate our Intentions in having a Navy in the Lake (which Intention appears to be to prevent any Boats coming up) and pass by it, altho’ superior to their’s—Is it probable they will do it? Will they risk the Danger they may run if a fair Wind should enable our Ships to get up with them? Will they risk an Interception of their Supplies and a prevention of Retreat in Case of a Repulse? I think not, but if their Navy is superior the keeping possession of the Lake is impossible, and then the Question recurs, where is the best place to make a Stand with the greatest

prospect of Advantage to us—I think that place to be Ticonderoga and the Grounds opposite to it: I may be mistaken—The only View I had in giving my opinion for removing the Army to these places was, that I thought it would there most advance the Interest of the Cause we are engaged in.
Altho’ I do not recollect that in the Resolution of the General Officers to move the Army from Crown point, that it is observed that a small post was to be kept there, from whence our Vessels might be supplied more readily than from Ticonderoga yet that was determined on.
I have always deprecated Jealousies and Contentions in the Army—I believe the officers that have served under me will do me the Justice to acknowlege it; I shall invariably continue in that Line of Conduct, and if seconded by the inferior Officers I hope the Evil will soon vanish. Your Excellency’s Conclusion is too just “that the most lavish and extravagant Waste has been made of provisions”—The Difficulties I experienced last Campaign on this Account, are incredible, and I was in Hopes that the Orders I had issued to the Officers, and the Directions I had given to the Commissaries, in the Course of the Winter would have been effectual and have put a Stop to many infamous practices—On this Side of Canada I experienced the good Effects: such of the Commissaries appointed by the Colonies at the Beginning of the Struggle as were then employed and were found incompetent were removed, as soon as it could be done, without giving Umbrage to particular Colonies. This Removal took place last Fall, and Things have been carried on regularly since that Time. But otherwise in Canada a Return was asked of such as were employed, and the Orders by which they as well as the Officers were to govern themselves were transmitted to the commanding Officer in February last, with a Request to publish them—I am informed they were never made public, nor was any Return sent of who was employed, and the D. Commissary could not tell, as they were appointed in Canada, and acted independent of him—When Mr Price was appointed D. Commissary General for Canada, I gave him a Copy of these Orders, Copy of which, and Copy of my Instructions to him, I think I transmitted to your Excellency—I never received a single Line from him during the Time he was in Canada, and I am informed by Mr Swart, whom Mr Livingston sent into Canada as

his Deputy, that the Soldiers have been permitted to go to the Barrels and take what they liked, and that this was by General Orders—On my last Arrival at Crown point I found the provisions laying in parcels on different parts of the Beach, exposed to the Weather and to be stolen; I ordered it and did see it put into the Stores, and then found much less than I had expected, altho’ I had supposed that great Waste and Loss had taken place in the Retreat from Canada; When I observed that fresh Beef was not to be had, I conceived that it could not be immediately procured in sufficient Quantities as all Stall-fed Beef was expended, and the Grass fed then hardly fit for killing, nor was I much mistaken, altho’ a few Days after I found that Mr Livingston by his Exertions and with borrowed Money had made Shift to engage such a Number that my Apprehensions on that Score are at an End; but Mr Trumbull was certainly ill-informed in supposing that fresh Meat could be easily procured at the Time alluded to—If Mr Livingston had been less industrious than he was, we should have experienced a Scarcity of provisions; both from the then Scarcity of Beef and Money to purchase it with—I am however still uneasy on Account of pork, lest any Accident should hereafter be occasioned, by not having a sufficient Quantity in Store.
Before General Sullivan’s Brigade arrived at Albany the Troops were contented with the Continental Allowance, and when only Bread pork & peas could be got, they had a pound of each of the two former, in Lieu of all the other Articles; but a Regiment of his Brigade refusing to draw less than 18 Ounces of pork, and General Sullivan assuring me that the additional Ounces had been allowed them since December last, in Lieu of Milk, I ordered the Commissary to issue it taking Receipts for the Quantities delivered—This extra-Allowance has not only made the Calculation I sent you some Time ago, extremely erronious, but will greatly distress us.
I am so well convinced of the Difficulties you labour under to procure the necessary Supplies of every Kind for the Army, that I have only asked for such Things as could not be procured at Albany or in the Neighbouring Country, and have wrote to Committees and employed persons in every Quarter of the County—I tried, but in Vain, to procure the Articles for the Gundaloes; but as the Navigation is since interrupted, I hope to

be able to get them and shall write immediately to Albany on that Head.
I shall immediately on my Return give out in Orders, that no double Commissions are to be held, except by the Officers you mention. I hope your Excellency will approve of my leaving it to the Choice of the Officers what Commission to keep.
I believe I forgot to mention that General Thomas and I concluded that it was highly necessary to have an active D. Quarter Master at St John’s and Chamblé—I mentioned Lieut. Colonel Buel of Burrel’s Regiment as an officer whose Activity and prudence I could rely on—He accepted the Office but with much persuasion, as he wished to remain with the Regiment—He is now at Fort George, and I am really at a Loss to find one to replace him, who will be equal to the Duty he is obliged to do. My Secretary, who had Orders to open any Dispatches that might come from you and to transmit such parts to General Gates as contained Orders that required more immediate Dispatch than the round about Way of first sending them here would admit of, informs me that the omitted part of my Letter of the 12th was “Inclose Returns of the Army at Crown point, the Garrison of Fort George &c.” “When I was at Crown point I proposed to a Council of Officers an Expedient, to procure the Return of the Deserters of the Northern Army and it was” unanimously &c.
I am just now informed that the pennsylvania Carpenters arrived at Albany on the 20th Instant. I left Directions for forwarding them, and I hope they are now at Work.
I have no Hopes that the Conference with the Indians will open before the 29th and I fear it will then last a Week—Their Delays distress me beyond Imagination I have represented to them, that important Business required my Attendance at Albany they will not however suffer me to leave them; and my Colleagues apprehend if I do, that it will essentially injure us—I must therefore comply with their Wishes, altho’ my presence on the Communication was never more wanted than at this Juncture.
Mr Trumbull the D. pay-Master General informs me that his Chest is quite empty—So early as the 22d of May Congress voted half a Million of Dollars for the Northern Army—

200,000 have only been received; Will your Excellency please to represent to Congress that the Service suffers very materially for Want of Money, and that the Officers in the different Departments are put to inconcievable Difficulties on that Account.
That Heaven may protect, and pour its best Blessings on you is the unfeigned Wish of Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York July 24th 1776

I was honored yesterday with your favor of the 17th instant and return you my thanks for your kind attention to and compliance with my request for the Row Galleys. They are not yet arrived that I know of.
I wrote to Congress by the return Express that brought your’s, respecting Colo. Ward’s Regiment, and as the Post comes in every day, it is probable I shall soon have their answer. The result I will transmit you by the first opportunity, and would recommend

that the Regiment be put under marching orders, that they may proceed, without loss of time, whatever way Congress shall direct.
The orders you have given to your armed cruisers for stopping provision vessels appear to me extremely necessary. I have mentioned the matter to Congress and shall warmly recommend the same to the consideration of the Convention of this State. If it should be attended with inconvenience to individuals, yet necessity and public utility ought to be first considered and outweigh every thing else—But it cannot. There is nothing but what they can readily dispose of for the use of the Army and for ready cash, so that every ground of objection must be nugatory. I am Sir with very great respect Your most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 24 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Woodhull, Nathaniel

Sir
New York July the 24: 1776

I have been honoured with your favour of the 20 with its several inclosures I observe the sentiments of your Honble body on the impracticability of removing the stock from Nasau Island and the measures they have adopted for securing them there and protecting the Inhabitants, and sincerely wish they may prove adequate.
I have long since and frequently requested the Commissary to purchase all the fatted Cattle & Sheep from the Island that he posibly could in preference to any other he informs me that he has had many from thence, and that he now has persons employed in different parts for that purpose the expediency of the measure strikes me so forcibly that you may depend every means in my power will be directed to its execution.
Agreable to your request, I shall continue Col. Livingston at his present post for the protection of the Inhabitants against the

Insults of the Enemies Cruizers, unless some thing should happen to make his removal necessary.
When the several Regiments are raised and I am certified thereof, and of the places of Rendevous I will direct the Muster Master General to attend and compleat the musters.
Governor Trumbull having informed me by Letter Yesterday that since the arrival of the Fleet at the Hook, many of the Enemie’s Frigates & ships have been stationed between Montauk Point and Block Island to Intercept the Trade from the sound, and in which they had been but too successfull in takeing several provision Vessells and of the imposibility that any should escape falling into their Hands, he had ordered the Armed Vessels in the Service of Connecticut to stop and detain all Vessells going down the Sound with provisions till the Continental Congress or the Conventions of the States to which they belong, could be apprized of the hazards attending their proceeding in their Voyages and give orders thereon; I beg leave to recommend the matter to the consideration of your Honble body, and submit It to them, whether it may not be expedient to lay a Genl Embargo or prohibition upon All exports of this kind from your State except such as the Congress or Yourselves may order. The propriety of keeping the Enemy from Supplies of this sort, and providing a sufficiency for our Own Army is so evident, that words are unnecessary upon the Subject. However I cannot but observe as my opinion, that the former will be imposible to effect, unless some Genl restraining regulation is come into. No care, nor Industry nor honesty, on the part of Exporters, will be able to elude the vigilance and activity of their almost Innumerable cruizers—But when It is considered that as long as a free export of any Articles of this nature is tolerated diseffected persons may easily fall in their hands with impunity nor any means be left us to ascertain their Guilt—when there is Strong reason to beleive that some have designedly done so, and almost incontestible proof from sundry depositions of deserters and others, that a Ship that went from hence sailed with no other view and Joined the Enemy at the Hook, I incline to think the measure not only advisable but necessary, Especialy as the large consumption of provision by our Army affords & will afford a ready Cash market for all that Individuals may have to dispose

of and take away every objection of injury on that head, Were it otherwise private advantages and emoluments must always give place to the public good when they are incompatible.
The last deserters from the enemy Inform us since they have heard of our forming a Camp at Amboy, they have talked much of Turning their views to long Island and regaling themselves with large supplies of provisions they intend to get from thence, This is an additional circumstance to Induce the Commissary to purchase the Cattle there before any Other. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir your most Obt Servt

GW

P.S. When the Ships of War &c. run up the River I wrote Govrs Trumbull & Cooke for some of their Row-Gallies supposing they might be of service in Attemptg some thing against the Ships—I expect three or four Every Hour besides the One I have—If the Secret Committee are forming any plan against the Ships in which they think they may be usefully employed—If they will let me know I shall be glad to cooperate with them and furnish every assistance the Gallies can give if not otherwise materially engaged.
I am just now Informed that this Ship mentd above to have gone to the Enemy was fitted out by the Congress under the Command of a Captn Hilton who has acted this base part.


Title: General Orders, 25 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 25th 1776.
Parole Abington.Countersign Bedford.

Care to be taken in future, that the Provost Marshal’s Guard be properly officered, there having been a Complaint made on that head.
Henry Davis tried for “Desertion” is sentenced to receive Twenty Lashes: Patrick Lyons for “Drunkenness and sleeping on his post,” Thirty Lashes.
It is with inexpressible concern, the General sees Soldiers fighting in the Cause of Liberty, and their Country, committing Crimes most destructive to the army, and which in all other Armies are punished with Death—what a shame and reproach will it be if Soldiers fighting to enslave us, for two pence, or three pence a day, should be more regular, watchful and sober, than Men who are contending for every thing that is dear and valuable in life.
The Honorable Continental Congress, in consideration of the Serjeant Majors, Quarter Master Serjeant’s, Drum and Fife Majors, not having pay adequate to their Service, and hoping it will excite them to Vigilance and Industry, have been pleased to increase the pay of them, officers having no other appointment One Dollar ⅌ Month, to commence the 16th Inst.
Those Soldiers who have entered on board the Row Galley, commanded by  Cook, are to repair immediately on board, and the officers of the Regiment to which they respectively belong, are to forward them as much as possible, as the service is of the most important kind.
Peter Gusdon Esqr: is appointed Major of Brigade to Brigadier General Heard, and is to be obeyed and respected as such.


Title: Circular to Certain New England Governments, 25 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Certain New England Governments

Gentn
New York July 25th 1776

Congress having empowered me to appoint suitable places of Rendezvous for the Battallions raising in your Government for the Northern Army and to communicate the same to you, also to advance them One Months pay &c. as you will perceive by the Inclosed Copy of their Resolution which I have the honor to

Transmit, I must request the favor of you to direct them to march by Companies as they are raised to Skeenesborough, and there receive orders and Instructions for their conduct from the Officer Commanding the Northern Army, and also to advance the months pay and take every necessary measure for forwarding their March and complying with the purport of the said Resolve, assuring you that whatever money may be advanced necessarily in carrying the same into execution shall be repaid to your Order.
Before I conclude I cannot but confess that I do not clearly Understand what Battallions Congress allude to and there fore beg leave to refer you to the requisition I presume they made you upon the Subject. I am Gentn with great respect Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 25 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp on Long Island July 25 1776

I have just compleated a Brigade Return for the Vacancies in the different Regiments. my Brigade is so dispersed that it is difficult geting returns seasonably; I should have made this

return yesterday but could not get Col. Hands until last Evening.
The out Guards reports nothing worthy your Excellencys notice this morning.
I am so confind, writing passes &ca that it is impossible for me to attend to the duties of the day, which in many instances prejudices the service. such a confind situation leaves one no opportunity of viewing things for themselves—It is recommended by one of the greatest Generals of the Age, not only to issue Orders but to see to the execution, for the Army being composd of men of Indolence, If the commander is not attentive to every Individual in the different departments, the Machine becomes dislocated and the progress of business retarded.
The science or Art of War, requires a freedom of thought and leizure to reflect upon the Various incidents that dayly Occur, which cannot be had where the whole of ones times is engrossed in Clerical employments. The time devoted to this employment is not the only injury that I feel. but it confines my thoughts as well as engrosses my time. It is like a merchandise of small Wares.
I must beg leave to Recommend to your Excellencys consideration the appointing an officer to write & sign the necessary pases—The person I should wish to be appointed is Lt Blodget. if it was put in General Orders that pases signd by him should be deemd Authentick as if sign’d by me, it would leave me at liberty to pursue the more important employments of my Station.
I hope your Excellency wont think this Application results from a lazy habit, or a desire to free my self from business, far from it, I am never more happy than when I am honnorably or usefully employ’d; If your Excellency thinks I can promote the service as much in this employment as any other, I shall chearfully execute the business, without the least murmur. I am with all due respect your Excellencys most Obedient humble servant

Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 25 July 1776
From: Hay, Ann Hawkes
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Haverstraw [N.Y.] July 25th 1776

I have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th Inst. with Twenty Pounds of Powder the Approbation you are pleased to express of my Conduct and the Regiment under my command, while it affords the most sensible satisfaction cannot fail to produce a Continuance of our exertions untill it is in your Excellency’s Power to relieve the Inhabitants.
My Regiment consists of but four Hundred men, one fourth of which with Eighty Men sent me by General Clinton I find necessary to keep on constant Duty—This Precinct has already raised two Companies for the Continental Service, in the Vicinity of the Mountains being poor, are thinly inhabited by People of small Estates this together with the great extent of Shore we have to guard is extreemly bourdensome to the People & I suppose is the true reason that has induced Captain Parker to fix his Station in Haverstraw Bay—Since the Distruction of Halstead’s House, & the robbing the poor Man of his Hoggs by Captain Wallace, nothing of a hostile nature has been attempted, the Enimy have collected their Force nearly opposite my House and imploy their Time in sounding the River. Their having taken down the Sand Baggs from the Side of their Ships, spread Awnings in all their Vessels and neglecting to imbrace the many fair Winds and Tides that have offered, induces me to think that Capt. Parker has resolved to confine his opporations to the South side of the High Lands and to make no further progress up the River till the arrival of a Reinforcement. As yet they have had no supplies from this Shore nor any addition to their Strength except two poor Wretches of infamous Characters, nor have I any reason to think that many have resorted to them from the Eastern Shore, altho’ a Bullock was brought from thence & hoisted with great shoutings from a Barge into the Rose at the Dawn of Day on Monday last & my Guards have since seen Cabbages delivered from a Canoe—If there has been any other Communication between the Enimy and the County of West Chester it must be in the Night for I have observed no Increase of the Number of Boats about the Ships or Tenders in the Day time.

Permit me Sir to suggest that it would tend greatly to obstruct the Designs of the Enimy if the Shores above & below them were furnished with light Whale Boats to pursue their Barges, this would enable us not only to dismiss part of the Guards now imployed, but also to cut of any supplies, follow them where ever they may attempt to land & prevent the disaffected from joining them, give greater safety & releive the Peasant, and upon the whole be a saving to the Public—I shall in Compliance with your Excellencys request give you the Earliest information of every material Event in this Quarter and am Sir—Your most Obt Servt

A. Hawkes Hay

P.S. Half after Ten Oclock A:M: this Moment the Ships and Tenders came under Sail, fair Wind and Tide, and they are proceeding down the River.


Title: To George Washington from Major Return Jonathan Meigs, 25 July 1776
From: Meigs, Return Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Sir
Middletown [Conn.] 25th July 1776

I arrived here the 22d Instant after A tedious passage of 66 Days from Quebec, on my parole of honor to return when called for, A coppy of which, together with my pass from General Carlton are inclosed, the Original is in the hands of General Howe—I am to represent to your Excellency the Situation of the unfortunate Detachment, that were made prisoners on the 31st Decemr last—the number now in Quebec is about 300 Including Officers—The Officers were confined in the seminary. The Soldiers were confined in the Jesuits Colledge, and were Served with the Same rations that were served to the Garrison; After the Siege was raised. The Officers had liberty to walk in large

Garden that is adjoining the Seminary—The Officers & privates are in Great want of money as they cannot procure Cloathing without it, of which they are in great want, the Officers are now considerablely in Debt for necessarys exclusive of the Garrisson allowance[.] Generals Carlton & Howe have given their word for the protection of any private Gentleman that may be Sent with money but will not admit that an officer of the Army be Sent—The prisoners bear their ⟨con⟩finement with becoming fortitude, but are anxious for an exchange of prisoners if it can be obtained consistent with the interest of their Country.
I am informed that Lieut. Colo. Campbell of the Highlanders has applyed to General Howe for a Cartel, & that Majr French & Others are anxious for an exchange—In February last the Officers prisoners at Quebec petitioned Genrl Carlton for an exchange of prisoners provided our Country Should approve of it—The General recvd the petition read it & told the Officer that presented it that he would consider of it—But returned no other Answer, I intended to have waited on your Exellency myself but was advised by the Gentlemen in Hartford & this Town not to do it without Your Exellency’s advice, As it would be undoubtedly known to General Howe & perhaps even represented that I had Joined the army Or was giving intelligence, for which he might immediately Demand me. When I gave my parole to General Carlton he told me Majr Skene Son to Governor skene had arrived at Quebec two days before, & that he Should not employ him, till he had the advice of the King of England.
I have sent By the Bearer a Number of Unseald letters which I brot from the prisoners at Quebec. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect, Your Exellencys Obedt & most humble Servant

Return Jona. Meigs


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 25 July 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Perth Amboy [N.J.] 25 July 1776

Inclosd is a Return of the Troops in New Jersey—There was a very capital Error in the Return of Yesterday—thro’ the carelessness of my Clerk.
The Position of the Enemy continues the Same as when I wrote last—I have sent to such of the Counties here as had not compleated the Levies for the Army at New York to give all possible Assistance & forward such men as were inlisted—such of those Troops as have come in my way I have pushed on with all expedition. I have the Honour to be Sir Your Excellencys Mot hb. Svt

H. Mercer


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Mifflin, 25 July 1776
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Camp at Mount Washington [N.Y.] July 25, 1776 8 OClock P.M.

I have this Minute receivd a Letter from Mr Gerry at Norwalk on his Way to Boston, with the following Paragraph.
“I was informd at the White Plains by some Gentlemen of the Convention that a person very unfriendly to the American States had authentic Information of the ⟨mutilated⟩ of the General in providing the Cheveax de Frize; and that it was appropriated,

with the Ships, to stop the Channel in the North River and hem in the Enemy’s Ships.”
The Movement of the Ships this Morning down the River confirms Mr Gerry’s Information. Lieutenant Connoly says they came 9 Miles down this Morning—We keep a good Look out for them as the Wind & Tide are favorable to their Wishes—When they first appear I will order 6 Alarm Guns to be fired at a Minutes Interval; and when they come within Reach will keep up as heavy a fire as possible. I am with Attachmt Yr Exy Obt

Tho. Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from John Morgan, 25 July 1776
From: Morgan, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York July 25. 1776

The Congress having come into a Number of Resolves respecting the General Hospital &c. I find that one of them as it now stands, gives great uneasiness to the Regimental Surgeons. It is that which prohibits them from drawing upon the Hospital of their department for any stores, except medicines & instruments, & orders that when any sick person shall require other Stores, they shall be recived into the General Hospital, & the Rations of the said sick persons be stopped so long as they are in the said Hospital.
The Regimental Surgeons seem to think if this Resolve should remain as it now stands without any palliative construction in favor of supplying the sick under their care with necessary

articles of diet &c. (for no provision is made by any of these resolves for changing the diet of the sick & their Rations would be very improper) they have nothing left but immediately to order the whole of their sick into the General Hospital. What would be the Consequence? Instead of about 300 which is the present number of the sick in the General Hospital; it would immediately amount to 2000 or upwards & the numbers increase every day. But where we should get room for them is the difficulty: & in case of an action & many persons being wounded; that difficulty would increase; the General Hospital would be crouded, & the Regimental Surgeons, who profess their ardent desire of being usefully employed, would complain of having nothing to do. But what is the worst part of it, As the Dysentery & fevers of a putrid kind now prevail; the crouding so many together in one house, would certainly engender a Malignant pestilential fever, that would threaten the Ruin of the Army.
These Difficulties in my opinion might for the present be got over in one of these two ways, the choice of which is left to your Excellency.
The First is by adopting a set of regulations drawn up, & agreed upon betwixt the Regimental Surgeons & myself (if it met with your Excellency’s approbation) & which I laid before your Excellency a fortnight ago for your consideration.
Otherwise Let the Regimental Surgeons be suffered to keep such men in their own Regimental Hospitals under their own care whose cases would endanger the spreading of putrid & infectious distempers—Let them be reported to & born on the List of Patients admitted into the General Hospital, but remain with the Regimental Surgeons under their care—Then their Rations will be stopped, discounted with the Commisary General & in Lieu thereof, they will recieve a supply of such articles as the General Hospital can furnish them with: of Wine, meal, Vinegar, Molasses &c.—which I believe would not far exceed the Amount of those Rations; This would answer to a plan I proposed to your Excellency last winter & which was approved—Your Excellency only then wished that some method might be taken to prevent the Rations of the sick being drawn twice; I apprehend that matter is fully guarded against by the

method pointed out by the sixth Resolve of Congress on the Subject of the General Hospital—The first method would give the greatest satisfaction both to the Regimental Surgeons, to the Officers & to the Men, & an Experiment would be made of the Real Expence attending Regimental Hospitals & every cause or even shadow of Complaint vanish—it would encourage the Soldier in his duty, & if it is found on trial subject to any Abuse, I imagine that abuse could be easily remedied by future Regulations, or Stoppage of the Men’s pay at the time of new Enlistment—The present increase of the sick is a serious Matter & requires a Speedy remedy.
I regret the calling for your Excellency’s attention (for ever so short a time) to my department, but I flatter myself the Importance of the Subject & the advantages which may accrue to the Service from it, will evince the necessity & be a sufficient apology for it. I remain Your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble Servant

John Morgan


Title: General Orders, 26 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 26th 1776.
Parole Cambridge.Countersign Darby.

The General Court Martial to sit to morrow for the tryal of Ensign Bryant now under Arrest for “sending some Soldiers to take away old Iron, and other Materials, from the Ships now fitting for public use.”
A Guard at Harrison’s Brewery to be mounted consisting of one Sub:, one Serjt, one Corporal, and twenty-four Privates, every evening, and Sentries to be posted at proper distances from the Air Furnace along the Shore, ’till they come opposite to Col. Baldwins quarters.
General Greene being particularly engaged at present, passes signed by Lieut: Blodget, are to be allowed sufficient to enable persons to cross the ferries.
Complaints have been made that some of the Soldiers ill treat the Country People, who come to Market; The General most possitively forbids such behaviour, and hopes the officers will exert themselves to prevent it: Good Policy as well as Justice, demands that they should have all possible encouragement as the health of the Soldiers much depends upon supplies of Vegetables; Those who have been guilty of such practices, will do well to consider what will be our Situation, at this season, if we drive off the Country people, and break up the Market—The healthy will soon be sick, and the sick must perish for want of necessaries: No favour will be shewn to any offenders hereafter.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 26 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear sir
Head Quarters N. Yk July 26th 1776.

Yours of the 23d Instant is duly Received and am pleased with the timely notice of your Situation, Strength Movements, &c. &c. & think time is not to be lost, or expence regarded in getting yourselves in the best posture of Defence, not knowing how soon the Enemy may attempt to pass You. The fire Rafts you mention are not of the best Construction, but probably are the best that can be procured with the necessary dispatch, Cables and Anchors I should suppose might easily be procured from the Vessels which used to be plying up and down the River and are now lying Idle, Salt Petre from the Manufacturers in the Country, as neither are to be had in this place; the Necessity of the case will fully Justify your taking the former wherever to be found, and the safety of the people I should Imagine would induce them to assist you to the latter all in their power.
I have sent up Lieut. Machine to lay out and oversee such Works as shall be tho’t necessary by the Officers there and from your representation of the Hill which overlooks the Fort, I think it ought to be taken possession of Immediately.
You who are on the Spot must be a better Judge than I possibly can, must leave it with You to erect such Works as you with Colo. Clinton and the Engineer may think necessary, A proper Abstract or pay Roll should be made out, of the Wages due the Artificers, examined & certifyed by you or your Brother, when it may be sent here and the Money drawn, Your Method of fixing fires, with advanc’d Guards, if they are vigilent must answer the purpose you intend.
Your dissmissing all the New Englandmen to 300 is a step I approve of, I hope you may continue to prevent the Enemy from obtaining any supplies or Intelligence, & committing any Ravages on the distress’d Peasentry on and about the shores—while you are able to keep them in this Situation below the Forts they can do little Damage, by every Conveyance I shall like to hear of your Situation and the Enemies Manœvers. I am sir, &c. &c.

Go. W.

P.S. Since the above the Q. M. General informs me you may be supplied with Turpentine here, and thinks he can get Salt Petre enough for the present Emergency.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 26 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Camp Long IslandFryday 5 OClock P.M. [26 July 1776]

Lt Colo. Chambers at Gravesend Reports Eight Sail of Shiping standing in for the Hook, but they are at too great a distance to discover what they are to a degree of certainty, but they have the appearance of Transports. I have the honnor to be your Excellencys most Obedient humble Servant

N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 26 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Friday 26 July [1776] 4 oClock P.M.

Congress being Adjourn’d, I have to Acknowledge the Rect of yor favr of 25th, this moment come to hand. The Subject of it is so just that I will venture to Say that it will be Complied with in it’s fullest lattitude.
The Preamble to the Resolution for Confiscating the Property of the Subjects of the King of Great Brittain, havg been this day Expung’d, & the Resolution alter’d, agreeable to the one now Inclos’d you, I am to Request you will please to Erase that from the Resolves I inclos’d you a few days past, & Substitute the one I

now transmitt in its place. With every wish in yor favr & every Sentimt of Esteem, I am Sir Your very hum. servt

John Hancock Presidt

Brigadier Gen. Sullivan this day Sent me a Letter of Resignation, which is order’d to lie on the Table untill monday. I have not Seen him.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 26 July 1776
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
July 26th 1776

All the Non-commissioned officers, rank and file of my Regiment, are enlisted without time, except one company, recruited before the instructions for raising the four Regiments, Issued from Congress. And I doubt not to be able to engage this on the same Establishment.
By the instructions to Colonel Dubois, I observe, he is authorised to give Ten Dollars bounty, to Such Soldiers as shall enlist for three Years, or during the present trouble.
I shall be glad to be informed from your excellency, whether I can be authorised to offer the Same bounty, for as the Harvest is now near in, I think it probable Some ⟨re⟩cruits may [be] raised on this bounty. Regiments engagd ⟨w⟩ithout time, are more to be depended on for the defence ⟨of⟩ the Country, than those embodied for a short period: I therefore Submit it to the Generals Consideration, Whether it would not advance the Service, to enable the regiments raised for three years, or a longer time; to recruit out of the new levis, and those corps raised for a shorter duration.
When your attention to Subjects of more importance will permit, I shall be glad to be favoured with your orders on those points. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Humble servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 26 July 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Perth Amboy [N.J.] 26 July 1776

I find by intelligence from our Guards at So. Amboy that some Shallops five in number that passed us yesterday from Fresh Kill were full of Soldiers, who appeard on Deck after getting round Billups Point into Princes Bay—As the Shallops passed our Field Peices played on them—but with little effect—the Enemy returnd the Cannonade briskly during the Space of an hour with four, Six, and Twelve Pounders—One of our militia was killed and two wounded but not dangerously—Two more Shallops passed this morning and one remains up the Sound, in view—The Fly Sloop of War Capt. Edger lyes at Brunswick—I ordered her down Yesterday on the appearance of the Shallops—but she is not yet fallen down the River—I am collecting all the Craft, of which a Return will be transmitted—Genl Heard is out, on examining the Creeks—I would send Morgan to Head Quarters, were his principles steady enough to resist the Arts of Tryon & Skinner &c. which I much doubt—This morning a Flag was seen hoisted on the Light house.
The Maryland Battalion passed Woodbridge yesterday—Orders from hence would reach Col. Smallwood this morning—to detain him at Elizabeth Town—I have the honour to be Sir Your obed. St

H. Mercer


Title: To George Washington from Lord Stirling, 26 July 1776
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

New York, 26 July 1776. Asks GW to decide on Capt. Joseph Butler’s request to resign his commission and Lt. Col. John Parke’s request for a “leave of Absence for About a fortnight.” Stirling adds: “I have been obliged to take a little Medicine which obliges me to stay at Home or I should have been at Head Quarters this Morning.”


Title: General Orders, 27 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 27th 1776.
Parole Effingham.Countersign.

Complaints are made, that officers who are to attend the men upon Fatigue, and other duty, grow remiss; the General hopes they will consider what the effects of so bad an example might be to the men, and as he believes it proceeds rather from inattention, than design, flatters himself there will be no occasion to remind them of their duty hereafter.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 27 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Camp on Long Island Saturday morning [27 July 1776]

Colo. Hand Reports five Ships one Brigg and five Schooners at the Hook: One very large Vessel came up last Evening to the fleet. One other Ship saild about one this morning but the Col. dont write whether she went down or up.
I have four Prisoners Inhabitants of Queens County that were taken yesterday attempting to make their escape to the Enemy: I am just going to examin them, if I discover any thing worthy your Excellencys notice it shall be transmited you immediately.
I receivd information last Evening of there being thirty or forty Tories on a little Island near the entrance of Jamacai Bay. Three boats full of men was seen off there day before Yesterday but they did not land, nor speak with any Boats that the Guards could discover. I sent a party of Sixty men to scour the Island this morning and to take all they found there prisoners. I am with all due respect your Excellencys very humble servant

Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 27 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
[Long Island] Saturday 12 OClock[27 July 1776]

I have examind the prisoners and find them to be a poor parcel of Ignorant Cowardly fellows. Two are Taylors named John & James Dunbar, and the other two are common labourers named Isaac Petit & Will Smith. They candidly confess they set off with an intention of going to Statten Island, but not with any

intention of Joining the Enemy; but to get out of the way of fighting here. I believe the true reasons of their attempting to make their escape were, There has been a draugft amongst the Militia to fill the New Levies, and it was rumourd these were a part that were drawn. It was also reported they were to go into the Northern Army, and that almost all that went there dyed or were killed. The prospect was so shocking to them and to their Grand Mothers & Aunts. I believe they perswaded them to run away. Never did I see fellows more frighted, they wept like a parcel of Children and appear exceeding sorrowful.
One of them is in an exceeding ill state of health very unfit for any fatigue. I beg your Excellencys direction how to dispose of them, they dont appear to be acquainted with one publick matter. They have been Toryish but I fancy not from principle, but from its being the prevailing Sentiment in the County.
Mrs Grant desires to go on board the fleet tomorrow, and to carry the necessary provision for her passage agreeable to the Order or Permit of Congress.
Your Excellency will please to signify your pleasure in the matter. I have the honnor to be your obedient Servant

Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July the 27. 1776

I was Yesterday morning honoured with your favor of the 24 Instt with Its several Inclosures, to which I shall pay the strictest Attention. The Confidence Congress are pleased to repose in my Judgement, demands my warmest acknowledgements, and they may rest assured, It shall be invariably employed so far as It shall be in my power, to promote their views and the public weal.
I have Inclosed a Letter received from Major French two days ago; also one from him to his Lady. Congress will perceive thereby what he says and thinks about his parole, and will be

pleased to transmit me by the earliest Opportunity the result of their opinion and such orders as they may think necessary to be taken upon It. the Letter for Mrs French they will please to return me, It was only forwarded to shew his views more explicitly than what that to me does.
Since my last nothing material has occurred. Yesterday Evening report was made That Eight Ships were seen in the Offing standing towards the Hook. The Men of War & Tenders still are up the River. they have never attempted to pass the Highland Fortifications and a day or two ago quitted their Station and fell down the River Eight or Ten Miles. The vigilance and activity of the Militia opposite where they were, have prevented their Landing and doing much Injury—One poor peasants Cot they plundered and then burnt.
I would wish to know whether the Allowance given to Officers the 17 of Jany of One & a third Dollars for every man they Inlist, Congress mean to extend to the Officers who Inlist for the New Army for three Years—At first It may appear wrong or rather exorbitant, supposing that many will be recruited out of the Regiments now in service & under them—but the allowance will be of great use, as It will Interest the Officers and call forth their exertions which other wise would be feint & languid—Indeed I am fearfull from the Inquiries I have made, that their utmost exertions will not be attended with but little success—It is objected that the bounty of Ten Dollars is too low, & argued that If the States furnishing Men for five or Six Months allow considerably more, why should that be accepted, and when the Term of Inlistment is to be for Three Years. I heartily wish a bounty in Land had been or could be given, as was proposed some time agoe. I think It would be attended with salutary consequences.
In consequence of my application to Governor Trumbull he has sent me Two Row Gallies and I expect another from him. None from Governor Cooke are yet come, nor have I heard from him on the Subject—One is compleat here—The fire Ships are going on under Mr Anderson’s direction, but rather slowly, and I am preparing some Obstructions to the Channel nearly opposite the Works at the upper end of this Island—When all things are ready, I intend to try if It shall seem practicable to destroy the Ships & Tenders above & to employ the Gallies if they can be of advantage.

The Militia for the flying Camp come in but slowly—By a Return from Genl Mercer yesterday they are but a little more than 3,000—If they were in or can be there shortly, and the situation of the Enemy remains the same, I would made some Efforts to annoy them, keeping our posts here well guarded and not putting too much to the hazard or in any manner to the risk. I have the Honor to with the utmost respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 27 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

Head Quarters, July 27, 1776.

My Lord: Upon your representation of Capt. Butler’s state of health, I think it will be best to give him a discharge, tho the loss of an officer whose character for diligence and fidelity stands fair, is at all times to be regretted and never more than at the present.
With respect to Col. Parke if the circumstances of his affairs render it absolutely necessary that he should have leave of absence for ten days I must consent, at the same time I can but say that I do it very reluctantly, at this critical period. I am, etc.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Woodhull, 27 July 1776
From: Woodhull, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

White Plains [N.Y.] 27 July 1776. Transmits “the enclosed Deposition relative to Wm Suttons declaration after returning from on board Governor Tryon’s Ship last fall.”


Title: General Orders, 28 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 28th 1776.
Parole Gravisent.Countersign Hungary.

William Peek Esqr. who has for some time past done the duty of Brigade Major, to General Spencer, is appointed to that office, and to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
Some of the Adjutants have of late been very remiss, in making up their Returns, by eleven O’Clock on Saturday; not sending their detachmants properly officered, or relieving their Orderly Serjeants, at Head Quarters; these Gentlemen will in future be pointed out in the General Orders; and after that put under Arrest if they are not more attentive.
The General finding the number of sick to increase; and being desirous to have them as well accomodated as possible, directs that the Barrack Master, under the direction of the Colonel, or commanding Officer of each Regiment, fix on some

houses convenient to the Regiment to be improved as a Hospital for the reception of Patients just taken down, or whose disorder does not require any special assistance beyond that of their own Regimental Surgeon. One of the Surgeons of the Hospital will occasionaly visit these Hospitals and determine where the nature of the case requires the patient to be removed to the General Hospital which will hereafter be kept in different Houses contigious to each brigade. The Regimental Surgeons are to receive directions from, and be responsible to, the Director General, so far as respects the furnishing their regimental Hospitals with conveniencies for their sick. The regimental Surgeons are also to keep a Register of their sick, and make a weekly Return to the Director and Commissary General severally of the Sick in their respective regiments.
As the Rations issued for Men in health, are very improper for those who are sick, the following resolutions are to take place—Whenever a person is taken sick he is not to be borne on the Provision Return; but the Value of his Rations be obtained in suitable Supplies from the General Hospital to be drawn by the Surgeons of the regiment who is to conform to the rules of diet established in the General Hospitals and to account with the Director General.
The Quarter Masters of each Regiment, to apply for necessaries, at the Quarter-Master-General’s, for the sick. Guards to be on the parade every morning before eight OClock.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 28 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp on Long Island July 28 1776

Col Hands reports that the Enemy continues as they were. they fird several Guns last Night different from any custom that has prevaild amongst them since the Arrival of the fleet, A considerable noise and movement of the Boats was heard, after the Signal Guns; and the hurry and confusion they seemd to be in after the firing discoverd they were Alarm’d, Perhaps they have heard of the fire Ships.
Capt. Talbut of Colo. Hitchcocks Regiment, begs the command of one of these Vessels. he is a daring Spirit and I dont doubt will execute the command agreeable to your Excellencys wishes. As I am totally Ignorant of the matter, I could give him no encouragement until your Excellencys pleasure was known. I have the honnor to be your Excellencys most obedient humble Servant

N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 28 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Camp on Long Island Sunday [28 July 1776] 12 OClock

Colo. Hands morning Report contained nothing material. Lt Colo. Chambers reports this moment that he saw at Ten this morning ten Sail of Vessels standing in for the Hook, but at too great a distance to discover what they were. Mrs Grant applies again for Permision to go on board the fleet. Should be glad to know your Excellencys Pleasure in the matter. she pleads great distress. but it can amount only to a family matter, make the best of it.
The new levies that come in hanker after Milk & Vegetables, I should think it would benefit the service to allow all the Regiments to draw one third the Value of the Animal food in money to purchase milk & so and direct in the most positive terms the Quarter Masters to provide it for the men. I am with all due respect your Excellencys most Obedient humble Servant

N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 29 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Gentn
New York July 29th 1776.

At length I have been able to comply with the first part of a Resolution of Congress of the 27 Ulto relative to a return of the vacancies in the Several Regiments composing that part of the Army under my immediate command.
I thought to have made this Return much sooner, but the dispersed situation of our Troops—the constant duty they are upon—the difficulty of getting returns when this is the case, especially when those Returns are more than probable to undergo several corrections & the variety of Important Occurrences

which have intervened of late to withdraw the attention from this matter will I hope be admitted as an excuse, and the delay not ascribed to any disinclination in me to comply with the order, as I shall while I have the honor to remain in the service of the United States obey to the utmost of my power and to the best of my Abilities all orders of Congress with a scrupulous exactness.
With respect to the latter part of the aforementioned Resolution of the 27 of June, I have to observe that I have handed in the Names of such persons as the Feild Officers of the Several Regiments & their Brigadiers have pointed out as proper persons to fill these vacancies—I have neither added to, or diminished ought from their choice, unless the following special information which I conceived my indispensible duty to give, should occasion any Alterations.
For the 20th Regiment then, late Arnolds, there are two Competitors, to Wit Col. Durkee the present Lieut. Col., who has had charge of the Regiment ever since the first establishment of It, and Lt Col. Tyler of Parsons’s Regiment—the pretensions of both, and a State of the case, I have subjoined to the list of Vacancies given in by Genl Spencer, as I have also done in the case of Colo. Learned to another list Exhibited by Genl Heath—If Learned returns to the Regiment, the Vacancies stand right—If he should not, I presume the Regiment will be given to the Lieut. Colo. Wm Shepherd who stands next to Tyler in Rank and not second to him in reputation—this change would in Its consequences occasion several moves. There is a third matter in which I must be more particular, as It is unnoticed elsewhere, and that is, the Lieut. Colo. of Wyllys’s Regimt Rufus Putnam acts here as a Cheif Engineer by which means the Regiment is totally deprived of his services, and to remove him from that department, the public would sustain a Capital Injury: for altho he is not a man of scientific knowledge, he is indefatigable in business and possesses more practical knowledge in the art of Engineering than any other we have in this Camp or Army—I would humbly submit It therefore to Congress whether It might not be best to give him (Putnam) the appointment of Engineer with the pay of Sixty Dollars ⅌ Month; less than which I do not suppose he would accept as I have been obliged in order to encourage him to push the business forward

in this our extreme hurry, to give him reasons to beleive that his Lt Colo. pay would be made equal to this Sum—If this appointmt should take place then, It makes a vacancy in Wyllys’s Regiment which I understand he is desirous of having filled by Majr Henley an active and Spirited Officer—now a Brigade Major to Genl Heath.
I am sorry to take up so much of your time as the recital of these particular cases and some Others require, but there is no avoiding It Unless Congress would be pleased to appoint one or more persons in whom they can confide, to visit this part of the Army once a Month—Inspect into It, and fill up the Vacancies as shall appear proper to them upon the Spot—This cannot be attended with any great trouble, nor much expence, as It is only in the part of the Army under my immediate direction that such a regulation would be necessary, the Officers commanding in other Departments having I beleive this power already given them.
I have the honor to inclose a List of the Officers of the Regiments at this place and long ago directed the like return to be made from the Northern & Eastern Troops which I hope is complied with—I also make return of the Artillery according to Colo. Knox’s report and of the Ordnance Stores &c. agreable to the Commissary’s Return.
I come now to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 20 Instant with several Inclosures relative to a proposal of Mr Goddart and beg leave to give It as my Opinion, that the Introduction of that Gentn into the Army as Lieutt Colo. would be attended with endless confusion—I have spoke to Colo. Parsons who is a very worthy man upon this Subject—I have done more—I have shown him the Memorial: in answer to which he says, that in the conversation had between him and Mr Goddart, the latter was told, that unless Lieutt Colo. Tyler was provided for—The Major Prentis advanced to a Lieutt Colonelcy in some other Regiment—and his eldest Captain—(Chapman) not deprived of his expectation of the Majority, his coming in there would give uneasiness, but nevertheless if It was the pleasure of Congress to make the appointment he would do every thing in his power to make it palatible—If all these Contingencies were to take place before Mr Goddart could get in to a Regiment he had been paving the way to, what prospect can

there be of his getting into any other without spreading jealousy as he goes?
With respect to the Regiment of Artificers, I have only to observe that the forming them in to One Corp⟨s⟩ at the time I did, when immediate Action was expected, was only intended as a Temporary expedient to draw that usefull body of near 600 Men into the feild under One head & without confusion—the appointment of Officers therefore in this Instance was merely Nominal and unattended with expence.
The mode of promotion whether in a Continental, Colonial or Regimental Line, being a matter of some consideration and delicacy to determine, I thought It expedient to know the Sentiments of the Genl Officers upon the consequences of each, before I offered my own to your Board, and have the honour to inform you that It is their unanimous Opinion, as It is also mine from Observations on the Temper and local Attachments of each Corps to the Members thereof, that Regimental promotions would be much the most pleasing; but this it is thought had better appear in practice than come Announced as a Resolution, and that there ought to be Exceptions in favour of extraordinary merit on the one hand & demerit on the other—the first to be rewarded out of the common course of promotion whilst the other might stand & Sustain no Injury. It is a very difficult matter to step out of the Regimental line now without giving much Inquietude to the Corps in which It happens—Was It then to be declared as the Resolution of Congress, that all promotions should go in this way without some strong qualifying clauses, It would be almost impossible to do It without creating a mutiny—This is the sense of my Officers—As also that the promotions by Succession are not meant to extend to Non Commissioned Officers further than Circumstances of good behavior &c. may direct.
As the list of Vacancies are returned in Consequence of an Order of Congress & would I doubt not be referred to your Board, I have sent no Duplicate—nor have I wrote to Congress on the subject, but that I may not appear inattentive to their Commands, I must request the favor of having this Letter or the substance of It laid before them. I have the Honor to be Gentn &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 29 July 1776
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston July 29. 1776 1 o’Clock P.M.

The enclosed Declaration is this Moment Sent to me by the Sheriff, which I thought necessary to be comunicated to your Excellency.
The Ship Peggy mentioned in it was taken by two of the Continent Cruizers & sent into Marblehead. The Passengers on board, who fled from Boston last March, came to Town this Morning, And are now in Goal here: who I understand have been, or will be, examined by Genl Ward.
It is probable you will have by this Post the result of that Examination: but if you Should not the enclosed may give you Some necessary information.
I cannot be more particular as the Post is just Setting out. I have the honour to be with the most perfect regard Sr Yr Excys most obedt Sert

James Bowdoin


Title: To George Washington from John Bradford, 29 July 1776
From: Bradford, John
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
[Boston] 29th July. 1776

In Compliance with your Order to General Ward to send forward all the Millitary stores taken in the Scotch Ships, I have deliver’d them to him, tho forbid doing so by the Agent for Connecticut, it gives me great pain that I could not fully comply with your Excellencys requisition having dispos’d of Seventy Muskets & fifteen fuzees to the Independant Company of this Town, before I knew A vote of Congress had pass’d Ordering All the Arms taken in them vessells to be sent forward to York, And not till Capt. Harding who Commanded the Connecticut Brig, who was Concern’d in taking the vessells & Claims the Greatest share of them, interested himself in the matter in favour of disposing of them to those Gentlemen.
Your Excellency will have a Return by this post from Gen. Ward of the number Recd and how disposed off, it may be Supposed that each man had a musket, I beleive they had, but I Received only two hundred and five. I’ve Reason to beleive the

Rest were Embezell’d, for the Captains as well as the men are too little impressd with the honble Service they are employ’d in, and Act the Part of Privateer men, It will give me the highest pleasure at all times to Comply with your Excellencys Order being with great truth Your Excellencys Much Oblig’d and Most Obedient humble servt

Jno. Bradford


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 29 July 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Providence July 29th 1776

I have the Honor to acquaint your Excellency that last Evening Capt. Bucklin in a Privateer from this Place returned from a successful Cruize in which he took Five valuable Prizes bound from the British Islands in the West-Indies to Great-Britain: He informs me that on the 25th instant in Lat. 40° 20′ S.S.E. from Nantucket Shoals, upon the clearing up of a Fog, he found himself in the midst of 26 Sail of Ships, Two of which appeared very large and were all standing about West. He also tells me that on the 27th of June in Lat. 35° Long. 52° he spoke with the Ship Morris, in the Continental Service, Capt. Thomas Bell, from Havre de Grace for Philadelphia with a Lading of Duck[,] Powder, Lead &c. Captain Bell informed him that the Portuguese had seized all the American Vessels in their Ports.
A Prize, which arrived here this Day, on Thursday last spoke with Two Schooners from the Eastward bound on a Cruize, who the Day before had taken a large Ship laden with Provisions for the Enemy’s Army at New York. I am with great Esteem and Respect Sir Your Excellencys Most obedt and most humble Servant

Nichs Cooke


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 29 July 1776
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Ticonderoga the 29th July 1776.

General Schuyler, who left us the 10th Instant, promised me to give Your Excellency a very particular Account of the State of the Northern Army; I conclude he has done it, but it might not have reach’d your Hands when the post left New York the 19th Instant; Your Excellency’s Letter of That date, is now before me. The Board of General Officers mentioned by your Excellency, were Assembled by Order of General Schuyler, who presided at it; They were Unanimous in Adopting his Sentiments, which were in my Opinion founded in Reason, & Good Sense. As to the Field Officers being All of a Contrary Opinion, whoever gave your Excellency that intelligence, was the Author of an Assertion Contrary to Fact; Two Field Officers did Object to it, but those whose Judgment & Experience entitles them to be the best Attended to, Acquiesced in the Opinion of the General Officers: Colonel St. Clair, and Colonel DeHaas in particular,

Men whose long Service, and distinguish’d Characters, deservedly gives their Opinion a preference, Your Excellency’s Council could not See, nor did not know, the Circumstances of this Army, when they took upon them to Decide, that the General Officers here had Acted reprehensibly—My Letter to Your Excellency of the 16th Instant, too plainly describes the Deplorable State to which Death, Defeat, Desertion, and Disease had most Unhappily reduced the Northern Army. Your Excellency Speaks of Works to be Destroyed at Crown point, Time, and the bad Construction of those Works, had Compleatly affected that business, long before General Schuyler came with me to Crown Point, The Ramparts are Tumbled down, the Casemates are Fallen in, The Barracks burnt, & the whole so perfect a Ruin, that it would take Five Times the Number of Our Army, for Several Summers; to put it in Defencible Repair. Your Excellency also mentions the Troops expected to reinforce this Army; it would be to the last Degree improper to Order those Troops to Crown Point, or even hither, untill Obliged by the most pressing Emergency; As that would only be heaping One Hospital upon another; Those Troops, when they Arrive, are all Order’d to Halt at Skeensborough, every thing about this Army is infected with the Pestilence; The Cloaths, The Blanketts, The Air, & the Ground they Walk upon; to put this Evil from us, a General Hospital is Established at Fort George, where there are now between Two, & Three Thousand Sick, & where every Infected Person is immediately sent; but this Care and Caution has not yet effectually destroyed the Disease here, it is notwithstanding Continually breaking Out. General Schuyler Assures me he has wrote to the Eastern Governments, & Acquainted them with the precautions taken to purify The Army, and directed the Reinforcements Still Expected, to Halt at Skeensborough. General Arnold is just returned from thence, where he has been exerting his Utmost diligence, in forwarding the Vessels Constructing there. Our Little Fleet already Built, is equipping under his direction, with all the Industry his Activity, & good Example can inspire; As fast as they are Fitted, they are sent to Crown point, where the 6th Battalion of the Pensilvanins, Commanded by Lieut. Colonel Hartley, is posted. Three hundred Men and Officers have been Draughted from the Corps here, to Man the Vessels, One half Seamen, the Other to

Act as Marines. As soon as all the Vessells, & Gondolas are equiped, General Arnold has Offer’d to go to Crown point, & take the Command of them; This is exceeding pleasing to me, as he has a perfect knowledge in Maritime Affairs, and is besides a most deserving, and Gallant Officer. The Command of the Water is of The last Importance, for should the Enemy ever get a Naval Force Superior to Ours upon the Lake, the Command thereof is theirs, let who will possess Crown point; As to their penetrating the Eastern Governments, they may Attempt that by Onion River, which emptys itself into Mississque Bay, Sixty Miles below Crown point; I must now take the Liberty, to Animadvert a little upon the Unprecedented behaviour of the Members of Your Council to their Compeers in this Department—They Sir, having every Ample Supply at Hand, make no allowance for the Misfortunes, & wants, of this Army; nor for the Delay & Difficulty that Attends the procuring every thing Necessary here. Had we a healthy Army, Four Times the Number of the Enemy; Our Magazines full, Our Artillery Compleat, Stores of every kind in profuse Abundance, with Vast & populous Towns, and Countrys close at Hand, to Supply Our Wants; Your Excellency would hear no Complaints from this Army; And the Members of Your Council, our Brethren and Compeers, would have as little reason then, as they have now, to Censure the Conduct of those, who are in Nothing inferior to themselves. I am, Sir, Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates

Postscript—Inclosed is a Letter, I received this Morning from the Director of the Hospital at Fort George; I must beg Your Excellency will give Doctor Morgan Your Directions, to relieve the pressing Wants which Doctor Stringer Complains of.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 29 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp on Long Island July 29. 1776

Colo. Hand Reports Nine Ships, four Briggs & two Sloops at the Hook that came in last Evening. Two Briggs came up to the

Narrows and one went down. I am with all due respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July the 29. 1776

Your favor of the 24th I received on Saturday Evening, and agreable to your request shall expunge the preamble to the Resolution Subjecting the property of Subjects to the British Crown to forfeiture and confiscation.
Our Stock of Musquet powder is entirely made up in Cartridges, I therefore request that Congress will Order Four or five Tons more of that sort to be immediately forwarded It being not only necessary that we should have more for that purpose but also some stock to remain in Barrells.
Yesterday Evening Hutchinson & Sergeants Regiments from Boston arrived, also Two Row Gallies from Rhode Island. I am fearfull the Troops have not got entirely clear of the small pox. I shall use every possible precaution to prevent the Infection spreading and for that purpose have Ordered them to an Encampment separate and detached from the rest.
By Saturdays report from Long Island Camp, Five Ships, a Brigg & five Schooners had got into the Hook, By Yesterdays two Ships more and a Sloop were standing in, what they are I have not been able to learn.
I have transmitted a General return herewith, by which Congress will perceive the whole of our Force at the time It was made.
I have Inclosed you an Account of Sundry Prizes which was transmitted to several Gentn here by Saturdays post—the Two last prizes I did not see mentioned in the Letters shewn me, and I fear the report of the 2d provision Vessell is premature—I was also this Minute informed that Captn Biddle had taken a Ship with Sugars for Britain & in bringing her in, unfortunately lost her on Fishers Island. I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 29 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada July 29th 1776

I have been honour’d with your favrs of 22d 25th & 27th Inst.—I hope by to morrow’s Post to Transmitt you Answers to the whole of your Letters which are yet unanswer’d—The exceeding warm Season, & the constant Attention of Congress to

Business the last week, induc’d Congress to Adjourn from Friday Eveng to this morning, I shall directly lay yor Letters before them, & request their immediate Attention to them.
Congress having Indulg’d me to make a Demand of Money from Mr Brimer who I Judge to be with Mr Howe on Staten Island, I have Sent the Bill to Mr Palfrey & desir’d him to apply to you, & I Request you will please to suffer him to Conduct this matter for me. I have the honor to be with much Esteem, Sir Your very hume servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 29 July 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, Hugh

Letter not found: to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 29 July 1776. On 30 July Mercer wrote to GW: “I am this moment favoured with yours of yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Artemas Ward, 29 July 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 29 July 1776

Yesterday the armed Schooners Franklin and Hancock, commanded by Captains Skimmer and Tucker, sent into Marblehead a Ship from Hallifax bound to New York with refugee Tories and Tory Goods on board. The Invoices which Mr Glover the Agent sent me, I have inclosed. The same day Captain Burk in the armed Schooner Lee came into Marblehead to refit, having a few days since engaged a Ship and a Schooner (supposed to be Transports) and was likely to have taken them both, but, by some unhappy accident a quantity of powder took fire and blew up part of his Quarter Deck, killed two Men and wounded several more, by which accident he was obliged to leave the Vessels he had engaged and come into port to refit.
All the Articles your Excellency wrote for, which I could procure of the Agents, I have forwarded to Norwich; Invoices of them which I received from Mr Bradford and Mr Glover are inclosed. Mr Glover informs me he let Col. Glover have the Arms taken in the Ship Anne, for the use of his Regiment, and he being at New York can give an account of them. Mr Bradford informs me he has a prospect of collecting the most of the Arms he parted with, which if he accomplishes, I will have them forwarded immediately. The Agent for the Connecticut Brig Defence, which assisted in taking three of the Scotch Ships, protested against sending the Articles wrote for, until the decision of the Court of Admiralty was obtained and a division made, but I thought in the present circumstances I should be justified in ordering them to be immediately forwarded. I am Your Excellencys Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward

P.S. I have inclosed an Hallifax News paper which was found on board the prize.


Title: General Orders, 30 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 30th 1776.
Parole Lancaster.Countersign Medford.

The Quarter Master General is to provide Canteens, as soon as possible, and to have the Water in the several works, in casks, examined, that there may be a fresh supply if necessary.
It is represented to the General, that the pump Water in the City, is very unhealthy; The Troops are therefore cautioned against the use of it; and the Quarter Master and Commissary Generals, are to consult together, and fix upon some mode of supply of fresh water, for the troops in the City.


Title: To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 30 July 1776
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston July 30th 1776

At the time your Excellency’s Letter was received, requesting the Aid of this Government in procuring a body of the Eastern Indians for the Service of the United States, it happened very fortunately, that a Number of them were here, as Delegates from the St John’s & Mickmac Tribes in Nova Scotia. They came on a visit to you, in consequence of yr Letter to them, which they produced: and soon after a couple of Chiefs arrived here from the Penobscot Tribe.
At the Conference held with the former, there appeared in them a very good disposition in favour of the united States: and the Genl Court having resolved, that a Regiment should be raised for the Service of the States to consist of 500 Indians & 250 English, it was strongly urged upon them to join with us in the war: and accordingly they have engaged to do it, and have Signed a Treaty for that purpose. By what they said at the Conference it appeared the Six villages they represented could furnish about 120 men: but as those villages are at a great distance from each other, their men dispersed in hunting, and they proposed to call the whole together, they Said they should not be able, and they could not engage, to come till the next Spring. The St John’s Delegates however, on being told they lived near, and could be soon here again, promised to return early in the Fall with about thirty of their Tribe. There are Six other villages of Mickmacs, who had not been informed of yr Letter, and had not therefore Sent Delegates, but are equally well disposed, and have about the same number of men belonging to them. These therefore can probably furnish for the Service a like number of men with the other.
With regard to the Penobscots, they appeared well disposed. They Said, that when Genl Washington Sent his Army to Canada, five of their People went with them, and were at the Siege of Quebec: two of whom were wounded, and three taken Prisoners, who had since returned; that they had been promised, an allowance should be made to those, who went Wth Colo. Arnold; the Support of whose families, in their absence, had been a great burthen to them: and that they had had no recompence

for these Services. They were told, this matter would be represented to Genl Washington, & that what is right & just he would order to be done. They Said further, they looked on themselves to be one people with us; and that whatever Governmt we were under, they were willing to Subject themselves to; that they had no doubt their Tribe would be willing to join Genl Washington; and that when they got home they would call the Tribe together, & consult them for that Purpose. This good disposition appearing in all the Indians, the Council thought it best, in Consequence of yr Letter, to Send with the Indians into their own Country, the most Suitable persons that could be had, in order to procure, with the utmost expedition, the number of Indians you desire may be engaged in the Service of the States, or as many as can be procured. An armed Vessel is accordingly engaged to carry these Indians to Penobscot & St John’s, where those Tribes will be respectively assembled, and all that can be persuaded to it, inlisted into the Service immediately. Mr Fletcher, who came with the Penobscots, is employed in this business with regard to that Tribe, and Major Shaw employd with regard to the St John’s, & their neighbours at Passamaquoddy. It being expected a considerable number might be had from these Tribes in a short time, the Sd Vessel was engaged to bring them up hither as soon as may be. One Mr Gilman is also employed to go to the St Francois Indians, and engage as many of them as he can. On the Conference with the St John’s & Mickmacs (a Copy of wch is enclosed together wth a Copy of the Treaty) three of them offered themselves to join the Army at New York immediately, and their Offer was Accepted: as it might not only secure the Fidelity of the Tribes to which they belonged, but induce many others of them to engage in the Service. Another has Since joined them. Accordingly these four, one of whom can speak French, will immediately Sett off for New York, under the Conduct of Mr Wm Shaw: who is orderd to wait upon you with them.
The Council hope those measures will be effectual for the purpose they were ordered. In their name & behalf I have the honour to be with every Sentiment of respect Yr Excellency’s most obed. hble Servt

James Bowdoin

The names of the 4 Indians above-mentioned viz. Joseph Denaquara of Winsor, who speaks fr: & eng:[,] Peter Andrè of Le Hève, Sabattis Netobcobuit of Gaspee[,] Francis of St John’s.


Title: To George Washington from Baron de Calbiac, 30 July 1776
From: Calbiac, baron de
To: Washington, George

My General
a New-york le 30e july 1776.

I Cannot Express to you how humiliating it is to a Man who thinks that his sentiments is of the purest kind to be the sport of evil minded Men: who I am informed have said many things to my prejudice to your Excellency, for to convince you of the purity of my intentions and to give you a just Idea of my views in Coming to this Country I here inclose you the Copies of letters which I have wrote to the Minister in france, having sent a duplicate to Colonel Mckean—having also Communicated it to Genl Mifflin.
I also inclose you My second Commission which I have found among my papers.
I desire to be favored with one Minute of your Excellency’s precious time. assuring your Excellency of my most respectfull atachment to you and the Glorious Cause, in which you fight; I am your Excellency’s Most humble and Most obedient servant

Le Baron de Calbiac


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Fenton, 30 July 1776
From: Fenton, Elizabeth
To: Washington, George

Ten Hills, 30 July 1776. Sends GW under cover “a Letter to General Howe the contents of which I hope will Convince your Excellency Mr Fenton has keep his Parole in Consequence of wch he has not taken Rank in the Army[.] I hope I nead not Use force to Convince General Washington how Unhappy I must be, Untill I with my family can get home to Mr Fenton, and the more so as Ive Nothing hear to Suport my Self & family with, should I have asked a conveyance your Excellency should not aprove, and my Letter not sent to General Howe, I hope your Excellencys humaniety will point out some way for me to leave America.”


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 30 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
New York July [c.30] 1776

Within these few days I have been favour’d with two Letters from you—the first cover’d one to Lord Howe which with equal confidence I should have sent locked under a Seal—the only difference is, that I have had an oppertunity of perusing Sentiments which cannot but be admired—the Second, recommending the scheme of  to whom I have given every aid in my power to bring his project to maturity.
Your Letter to Lord Howe is gone to him, & I have the honour to be with great esteem & regard Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 30 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, 30 July 1776. “Monsr St Martin having been Recommended to Congress as a Gentleman conversant in the Engineering Branch, they have been pleas’d to Appoint him in that Department with the Rank of Lieut. Coll.” GW is directed to “employ him where you Judge the Service will be best promoted.”


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 30 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia July 30th 1776.

I do myself the Pleasure to enclose, at this Time, sundry Resolves of Congress, relating principally to new Appointments and Promotions in the Army.
The Return of Col: Elmores Regimt (which you will please to give Orders to join you) I now transmit, together with blank

Commissions, to be filled up with the Names of such Officers as appear with their respective Companies in the Regiment.
I shall deliver Commissions agreeably to the enclosed Resolves, as soon as possible; and order the Gentlemen to repair to their respective Departments.
The Regiment raised in Connecticut under Col: Ward, you will order where-ever the Service, in your Judgment, shall require it. I have the Honour to be, with Sentiments of the highest Esteem, Sir your most obed. and very hble Sert

John Hancock Presidt

I Return you the Letter for Mrs French—Your favr of 29th this moment came to hand—I shall Send the Blank Commissions this Eveng by Fessenden—Several Resolutions are pass’d in Consequence of yor Letters, I will Send by Fessenden & not longer detain the Post. 500,000 Dolls. will be on the way to you to morrow 60,000 also to the Flying Camp.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Howe, 30 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Head Qrs New York July 30. 1776

Lieutt Colo. Pattison, Adjt Genl of the Army under your command at the Interview between us, having proposed an Exchange of Mr Lovel for Govr Skeene, I am authorized to inform you that the Congress have not only approved of this proposition but Judging that a Genl exchange of prisoners will be attended with mutual convenience and pleasure to both parties, have empowered their Commanders in each department to negociate one in the following manner “Continental officers for those of equal rank, either in the Land or Sea service, Soldier for Soldier, Sailor for Sailor & Citizen for Citizen.[”]

They have also particularly mentioned the exchange of Col. Ethan Allan for any Officer of the same or inferior rank.
You will be pleased to signify the time & place for that of Mr Lovell & Govr Skeene that I may give direction for the latter to be ready who is now at Hartford about 120 Miles from hence; also to favor me with your Sentiments as well on the proposition respecting Colo. Allan as on the Subject of a Genl Exchange. I have the honor to be with due respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

G. W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 30 July 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Perth Amboy [N.J.] 30th July 1776

I am this moment favoured with yours of yesterday—and shall sett about preparing boats with all possible expeditionYour favours by Major Ross were extreamly acceptable—Since his arrival Col. Griffin has joind me, very much to my Satisfaction—Only four Companies intended for the Flying Camp have arrived since my last—And a Battalion of Associators consisting of 350—Those last I have sent on to New Ark & Eliza. town for the purpose of releiving such of the troops as are to form the Flying Camp—that we may have Our men who are to remain in Service, brought into proper order as soon as possible—It will contribute greatly to th⟨is⟩ end, if now the Harvest is secured, Genl Livingston were desired to call out into Service such a Number of the New Jersey Militia as would guard the different Posts from Bergen Along the Jersey Shore—Not less than two Thousand would be required for this Purpose—His Excellency the General will please to consider how far such a Measure is necessary. I am Sir most respectfully Your obedt Servt

Hugh Mercer


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Woodford, 30 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

New York 30th July 1776
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 6th Inst came to my hands a Post or two ago and the answer delayed longer than I intended from the multiplicity of business in which I am engaged.—
I am sorry you should consider Genl Mercer’s late appointment as a slight put upon your services, because I am persuaded no slight was intended.—Whilst the service was local, and appointment of Officers affected no other Colony than that in which they were raised, the Continental Congress discovered no inclination to interpose in the appointments, But when they were to be chosen for more extensive service each member then concieved his own Colony to be affected, and that it was his duty to make choice of Gentlemen for Genl Officers whose former Rank (as they were to be placed over Officers that have commanded Regiments since the commencement of these disputes, and many of the field Officers in the last war) would give them the best pretensions, and those over whom they were to be placed, least offence—Upon this principle therefore I knew it was that Genl Mercer got appointed, and upon this principle also it will be that Col Stephens is, if such a event should take place; upon a revision therefore of the matter I cannot think you will find any just cause of complaint notwithstanding you stood foremost in the appointments of Virginia; which, as I observed before, were local, and whilst they regarded no other Colony, were unattended to by the Congress; but you should consider that Col Mercer, Genl Lewis, and Col Stephens were Field Officers in the same service, and at the same time, that you acted as subaltern, and that in general appointments by the Congress, regard must be had to the troops here, as much as elsewhere, the Officers being equally tenacious of Rank; and

only reconcilable to Mercer’s coming in over them on acct of his former Rank in the army.
Upon the whole, I am sorry to hear you mention a resignation on my account, and hope upon a Reconsideration of the matter you will change your sentiments and continue in the military line you are now in—every rub, and difficulty of this kind impedes the service—hurts our cause—and encourages the Enemy.—However, if after what I have said, and could say upon the occasion you are still resolved not to continue in the service, I must refer you to the Officer commanding in the southern department to receive your resignation, or the person from whence you derived your commission, for as I never have interfered in any matter relative to the southern command I would not wish to begin with a resignation that I would wish to be instrumental in preventing.—I am with much respect esteem and regard Dr Sir Yr most Obt Servt

George Washington.


Title: General Orders, 31 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 31st 1776.
Parole Norwalk.Countersign Oxford.

Ensign Briant charged with “embezzling public property,” having been tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Webb is President, is acquitted of any fraudulent Intention; but censured by the Court for indiscretion, in permitting some of the Soldiers taking away old Iron from the Shiping—The General approves of the sentence and orders him to be discharg’d from arrest.
It is with astonishment and concern, the General finds that precaution[s] used to prevent the Countersign being made known to any not intitled to it, are defeated by the ignorance or misconduct of those to whom it is intrusted: In Order that none may plead ignorance hereafter, the officers & soldiers are to know, that the following rule is established.
The Adjutant General at Six OClock P:M: will deliver the Parole and Countersign, to the Majors of Brigade, and Adjutant

of Artillery, they at Retreat Beating, and not before, are to deliver them to the Adjutants of their respective Brigades; The Adjutants are to deliver them to the Field Officers of their respective Brigades if required, then to the officer of the advanced Guards, then to the officer of every other guard, in and about the City or Camp; and the General flatters himself, that when the importance and necessity of secrecy upon this head ’tis considered every officer and soldier will pride himself in his fidelity, prudence and discipline.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July 31st 1776

This will be handed you by Captn Marquisie, with whom I have no other acquaintance than what is derived from the Inclosed Letter from Genl Schuyler. He says he has lost his Baggage in our service and All he had. I have advanced him Twenty Dollars and he is now Going to Wait on Congress to whom I suppose he means to make his pretensions known. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington