Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 23 July 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] July 23d 1777

As no precise Account had ever been transmitted of the Strength & Situation of the Division under General Putnam I had it in Direction to write to him for Returns of the Numbers of Men, & the Situation of their Arms & Clothing, their Supplies & their Wants. I have the Honour of enclosing the Answer I received which is by no Means satisfactory to the Board who expected General Putnam would have complied with their request, altho’ not in a separate Department, being too of Opinion that no regular Returns were made to your Excellency or they would have been transmitted to Congress. The Board have transmitted the enclosed Resolve of Congress to Genl Putman & again desired his Returns, but if there be more Propriety in their coming thro’ your Hands, you will be pleased to give the necessary Orders concerning the Matter.
General Knox informs me your Excellency has not recieved the Resolves of Congress relative to the Invalid Corps. I thought I had sent them. But least I should not have done it, I enclose them. Your Excellency will excuse their being sent in a News Paper as we are much hurried. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect Your very obedt Servt

Richard Peters Secy

Colonel Lewis Nicola is appointed to the Command of the Invalid Regiment.


Title: General Orders, 24 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Ramapough [N.J.] July 24th 1777.
Harmony.Concord.Union.

Hezekiah Turner Esqr: was on the 18th instant appointed Pay Master to Col. Marshall’s regiment; and he is to be regarded as such.
After Orders.
The army is to march to morrow morning early; every thing is to be prepared accordingly, agreeably to the orders of yesterday; and nothing left to be done but striking the tents and putting them into the waggons—At five o’clock, or sooner, the march is to begin—Genl Muhlenberg’s brigade will lead, and the whole march off by the right in platoons—General Muhlenberg will detach an advanced guard, and General Weedon a rear guard. There are to be no flanking parties.

The waggons, with the tents of both brigades will follow the division. The rear guard is to march in the rear of the Artillery and ammunition Waggons; the other baggage Waggons of the brigade will precede the park of artillery.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 24 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

Sir
Camp at Ramapaugh [N.J.] July the 24th 1777

The Enemy’s Fleet having left Sandy Hook and gone to Sea, you are requested to proceed forthwith with the Regiment under your Command to the City of Philadelphia and Receive directions from the Commanding Officer there. You will take no Heavy Baggage with you, but leave it to follow under the Care of an Officer & proper Guard. I am Sir Yr Most Ot Servant

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major Richard Campbell, 24 July 1777
From: Campbell, Richard
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Woodstock in Virga Dunmore CountyJuly 24th 1777

On the 23d June, I was ordered by General Scott, to return from Camp Middle Brook, to the commonwealth of Virginia, & there to Superintend, & Inspect into the Conduct & proceedings of the Officers of the 8th Regimt & to Transmit an account of their Conduct & success in recruiting to Head Quarters, once a Month, Agreeable to those orders, I have proceeded, & on my arrival to Virginia, I have examined into their Success, & find that the Recruiting Service goes on very slowly. There is a great number of Officers of our Regimt from Camp in this State, & no probability of raising Men by that Means—Capt. Higgins & the Officers of his Company (who was appointed in the

Room of Capt. John Stinson of the 8th Regimt) have not raised more than 20 Men in the course of five months. Tho’ the greatest Industry has been used by them. The other Officers ordered from Camp has met with less success, Our Assembly have fallen on ways to fill up our Battalions, which I hope will render it unnecessary to keep so many Officers on the Recruiting Service, as are now absent from the 8th Regimt—Things thus circumstanced make me wish to return to my post, will thank your Excellency for orders to do so. the draughts will take place the 10th of next Month, which I hope will answer the purpose intended—’Till I receive your Orders, shall continue to use my endeavours to forward the recruiting Business, tho’ have no prospect of being successfull—The bearer Lieut. Clark is to return immediately, by him expect your Excellencys order which shall Govern the Actions of Your Excellencys most Obt & very Hble Servt

Richd Campbell Majr 8th Regimt


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General George Clinton, 24 July 1777
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir,
Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] July 24th 17778 OClock in the Evening

I this Moment received your Excelllency’s Order of the Day for sending 30,000 Wt of Hard-Bread from this Post to King’s Ferry to be transported from thence to Head Quarters.
The Hard Bread was sent here in Bulk and by the Time it was Stored so much broken as to render it almost unfit to be used as I have no

empty Casks at this Place to put it in I fear it would be impossible to convey it to Head Quarters but as the Order is positive I thought it my Duty to direct the Commissary to set about getting it on Board of a Vessel that it may be sent to King’s Ferry—In the mean Time I have sent a Copy of the Order to Mr Schenck at Fish Kill and directed him to send to this Post 30,000 Wt Properly put up in Casks to be forwarded to King’s Ferry lest it should be impracticable from the bad State the other is in to transport it to Head Quarters. If the Bread ordered from Fish Kill is received in Time the broken Bread may be returned from Kings Ferry—I have directed Mr Schenck to send no more Bread in the Condition he sent the last as it cannot be removed, if requisite, without great Trouble and Loss. I am with due Respect your Excellency’s most obedt servt

Geo. Clinton

Since Writing the above I have myself viewed the Bread and find it to be even worse than the Commissary represented it—Nor have we a single empty Cask to put it in and should this also be the Case at Kings Ferry it will be impossible to get it to Head Quarters.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Fellows, 24 July 1777
From: Fellows, John
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Kenderhook [N.Y.] July 24th 1777

Am in duty bound to accquaint your honr that I am well informed from a person of real Dependence, that he has for a long time put himself off for a Tory—and that he has entertained the Enemies Expresses from one Army to the other, one of which passed his house 7 Days since from Genl How to Gen⟨l⟩ Burgoyne who informed him that Genl How meant to make a Diversion somewhere in Connecticutt in order to draw off Genl Washingston’s Army if possible then to push up the River—The same Express returned yesterday from Genl Burgoyne’s Army at Schenatdy and advised that Genl Burgoyne meant to attack in Ten Days at least at which time sr John Johnson was to attack

Fort Schuyler and Genl How the Highlands—That sr John had a much greater Force than was expected and had no Doubt of carrying the Place with little Difficulty—As whatever has been related by my intelligencer so far as the time would admit has proved true have not the least Doubt of the truth of the whole—Genl Schuyler has sent of Colo. Brown with a small Pa[r]ty of light Horse to take Burgoyne’s Express he will no Doubt meet with success but no Papers are expected, as none were brought by reason of the Difficulties of the times—the Enemies Expresses meet at Livingston’s Manner next Sunday, as one goes from that to How, the other to Burgoyne, they are two notorious Scotch Men whose Plan of Rendezvous is well explained—I really fear that Fort Schuyler is in such a situation as that it will be carried. I am with the greatest Respect Your honrs most Obedt Hume St

John Fellows B. Genl


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 24 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Camp at Ramapaugh [N.J.] July 24th 1777

I have just received information that the Fleet left the Hook yesterday, and as I think Delaware the most probable place of their destination, I shall immediately move the Army that way. I desire that you will agreable to what I hinted to you, set off immediately, and proceed as quickly as your Health will permit to join the Northern Army under the Command of Genl Schuyler. My Principal view in sending you there, is to take the Command of the Eastern Militia, over whom I am informed you have influence and who place confidence in you. You will concert such plans with Genl Schuyler as shall seem to you most conducive of the Public good. Yesterday I was in some doubt whether I shou’d send you to the Northward or not, but I have this day received two Letters from Genl Schuyler in such a stile as convinces me that it is absolutely necessary to send a determined Officer.
I shall be glad to hear from you a State of Northern affairs, as soon as you arrive there. I wish you health and a safe journey & am with great regard Dr sir Your most Obet hum. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Lovell, 24 July 1777
From: Lovell, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 24th July [1777]

So long ago as Decr 2d 1775, direction was given by Congress to the committee of secret correspondence to procure from Europe four good Engineers. This was not however accomplished till the 13th of last Febry When the bearer the Chevalier du Portail, with Mr La Radiere Mr Gouvion and one other Officer, who is left sick in the West indies, was engaged by Doctor Franklin & Mr Deane to come over to America. I beg your Excellency to observe well that these are the only Officers, of any species, who have been procured from abroad by express direction of Congress. And this I do, because I am about to furnish you with several circumstances peculiarly within my knowledge relative to a point of equity well worthy of your Excellency’s attention. The corps of Engineers is very honorable in France; and officers from it are sought by different European Powers. These Gentlemen who are come over into our service made an agreement with our Commissioners to rise one degree from the rank they held at home, upon a supposition that the practice of Europe had been regarded here. But, when they arrived, they found instances very different wth respect to officers in all other corps. It was their mishap also to see a Major of artillery affecting to be exalted four ranks, as a Chief in his proper line and theirs also. They made a representation of these circumstances & appealed to the Equity of Congress. But, they had arrived at a time when the Infatuation of some here and the wild conduct of one abroad had rendered a spirit of reformation absolutely necessary as to the point of rank. The Ingenuous, however, must own that there is singular hardship in the case of these Gentlemen. The only officers ever sent for by us, procured by the real political Agents of Congress, coming out with the good wishes of the french Ministry, being of undoubted rank & ability in their Profession, find themselves in the Dilemma of becoming the first examples of our new reforming spirit, or else of going home during a Campaign, which their high sense of honor will not allow. But, tho’ the Chevalier du Portail was not made a Brigadier, yet it appeared too gross to expose him to be directed in his peculiar line by such as will readily acknowledge his pretensions by regular education & discipline to be greatly superior to their own—His commission prevents this, and enables him so to distribute, in work, the others who came with him, as to prevent them, who have been within a few months as long in service as himself, from being interfered with by such as never belonged to the royal corps of Engineers in France or perhaps but a very short time to any other. Your Excellency cannot but wonder at the strange manner of wording the commission. I shall explain it with the

greatest freedom. Mr Du Coudray being employed as a good artillery officer to examine the arsenals in france to see what cannon &c. could be spared from them, acted with great Industry in that employment and much seeming regard to america. In the course of his transactions between the Ct de st Germain & Mr Deane, he was not blind to perceive that he might take occasion to serve himself. Besides being paid for his trouble & Expenses in France he procured an agreement from Mr Deane wch has already been shown to yr Excellency, and has affected you, doubtless, with the same surprize & indignation which it has excited in others, almost without a single exception. I shall omit any remarks upon that treaty, or a long too-ingenious memorial presented to Congress with it, except such as are strictly connected with the occasion of this letter. Mr Du C—having erected himself to the Command of Artillery and Engineers persuaded Mr Dean that it woud be impossible to get any from the military corps of Engineers now called royal, because their Demand would be so exorbitant; and that it would be also unnecessary, because we ought not to build fortified Places in America to serve as secure Holds to our Enemy when once taken from us; and that therefore, a few Bridge & Causeway-makers would answer all the ends of military Engineers. Such he brought with him; who were quite ready to fall under the command of an artillery-direction; when not the lowest officer of the royal corps of Engineers would have submitted to such a novel pretension. It is needless to enquire whether it be true that Mr Deane acknowledged he had been surprized into his uncouth compact. It is sufficient that Doctr Franklin made an after-one, which Mr Deane also signed. Is not this in fact tantamount to a disavowal of the first treaty so far as relates to the orders of Congress? For, if those orders were fullfilled by the first, why was a second treaty made? The Agents show that there had been a deception; or, that there had not been any attempt to follow the instructions of congress as to Engineers, in all the train attending Mr Du C— Another remark may not be impertinent here. as these four Engineers showed their treaty to the Count de st Germain, to whom they have also written for hence, it cannot be supposed that he would have permitted a Lt Coll of the royal corps of Engineers & two old Majors of the same to come over hither, to be under the immediate command of a young Major of Artillery. It is not to be conceived. From whence, I conclude that Mr Du C— never let his exorbitant & whimsical treaty be known to that Minister of the War-Department, who must have been shocked at the confusion of corps in the principles of the contract. Excuse me, dear General, I will not again wander from the point which I said I would explain. Mr Du C— has given full scope to his species of Ingenuity, here, as in the Neighbourhood of Mr Deane. I have been

told that he has said, if he could not be employed himself, he would bring it about that these others should not. This may be an absolute Falsehood. But, I will own it comes the nearest of any thing, which I can conceive of, to explain the delays which have taken place in regard to these Engineers; who ought to have been sent to your Excellency long ago. They have remained subject to the crucifying expences of this city, because their employment seemed to interfere wth Mr Du Coudray’s Pretensions, tho’, those very Pretensions had been rejected. Your Excellency would doubtless smile if you should ever hear that even a number of Peasants disputed 3 days about the difference between the consequences of a Man’s being Colonel in Chief, or First Colonel, or Colonel to take rank & Command of all heretofore appointed, or Colonel commandant of Engineers. Would not a Brigadier or Major General of Engineers alike annul the supremacy of the differently worded commissions? Or rather, do not the 4 different modes give like command? I shall pass from rank to pay. These Gentlemen not only far from the prophesied exorbitancy in demand of rank, never received one shilling in france as Gratification; tho’ others who were not sent for received large sums and claim pay from their embarkation, and even pensions for life. But Doctr Franklin, supposing it would be less trouble to himself and more agreable to the Engineers to see to their own passages, stipulated their pay from the 13th of Febry—As no Regulations have yet been made in regard to Cavalry or Engineers, these Gentlemen have received 5 Months pay as Infantry; which will not refund the expenses of their voyage. I am really uneasy when I find manly honourable Intentions do not meet with at least equal emoluments with artful suspicious tricking contractors. If these Officers do not walk to camp, it is not because they were furnished by the Board of war with horses upon my application for them: And yet the nature of their Profession demands a provision of this Kind. Are they suddenly to reconnoitre a Camp, a River, a Shoar, or a whole neighbouring country thro’ which an army is to march, and to make the speediest return to the Generals, on foot? I trust your Excellency, when asking for Engineers had Ideas of something beyond what the sinister views of an ambitious foreigner has sought to inspire us with here; which is forming a causeway or cutting a ditch or planking a bridge. And I shall consequently rest satisfied that you will receive the Officers now presenting themselves to you, and secure to them such honours and emoluments as you shall find them to merit from their education & abilities exemplified under your command.
No one has been more backward than I in desiring to see foreigners in our service, to the slight of my countrymen. And, except Engineers,

I could not admit the Thought of our wanting any military strangers other than one or two veteran Adjutants or Majors, who know our language well, and could serve as instructors-at-large to our spirited and well-attached young american Officers.
I wish these Engineers could speak english better than they do; but they can receive orders & give them in english, and will speedily learn to speak.
I hope your Excellency will not think amiss of the freedom I have taken at this time both as to the matter of my letter & the interruptive length of it. I do not write officially, as of the Committee on foreign Applications. In that capacity I have more than once communicated to you proceedings of Congress in a stile which might lead you to misconjecture my individual opinion. I write as a Friend to my Country and the Reputation of it’s Congress its Army & its Agents abroad. I write as being well acquainted with your Excellency, or, in other words, as thinking I know you. In short, I write because I had determined it to be my Duty so to write. That path once determined, I never ask myself whether there may not be a Lion in the way.
After the important kindnesses which your Excellency has done me, I so far forgive the late injury of your apologizing for a short answer written by one of your hurried family, as not to revenge myself, by intreating you to excuse my rough uncopied sheets to a violent headache.
Aliquando dormitat did not appear an unnatural charge against Homer.
Nimium vigilat would have appeared so against Scipio or Marlborough, and yet I am led by you to think they might have given provocation for it. With truest vows for your prosperity I am Your Excellency’s Obliged Friend & humble Servant

James Lovell


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 24 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, Daniel

Sir
Camp at Ramapaugh [N.J.] July 24th 1777

The Enemy’s Fleet having left Sandy Hook & gone to Sea, you are, immediately on receipt of this, to march with the Corps under your Command to the City of Philadelphia & there receive Orders from the Commanding Officer—You will proceed as expeditiously, as you can by the shortest Routs—You will take no Heavy Baggage with you, but leave it to follow with an Officer and a proper Guard. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 24 July 1777
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Amboy [N.J.] 24th July 1777 7 ô clock P.M.

the Letter from General Forman & the other from my Correspondant are just come to hand, I send them to your Excellency, who can form a juster opinion of their Contents than I can pretend to do, the Letter for General Forman was immediatly forwarded to him. I have the honor to be Dr Sir Your ob. H. St

Stephen Moylan


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Matthias Ogden, 24 July 1777
From: Ogden, Matthias
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 24th July [1777]

This morning three OClock I had a person from the Island—This information is, that the whole of the Fleet sailed in the forenoon of yesterday, that they were joined by the shipping from New-York before they sailed, that he was on board the Centurion & saw them standing to sea as far as he could see them—there were upwards of 200 Sail, there are no shipping behind nor have any gone up either the North or East River—he thinks the floating Battery is with them but did not distinguish her with the Fleet, tho he saw her come down to the fleet before they sailed—There have been several marchings of Troops to Kingsbridge & the 22nd two full Brittish & one Hessian Rigements landed from the fleet and marched to Kingsbridge tho he cannot guess

with any certainty how many there are at that place—I shall certainly have accounts, this evening, tomorrow evening & the next. I am with due respect & esteem Your Excellencys humble servant

M: Ogden


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 24 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dr sir,
Head Quarters Ramapough [N.J.] July 24th 1777

I have just received advice of the Enemy’s fleet having sailed from the Hook, in consequence of which I have to desire you will immediately make Genl Sullivan’s & Lord Stirling’s Divisions cross the river and proceed towards Philadelphia—They will have more particular Orders on their Rout—You are to reserve two field pieces for each Brigade that remains behind, except that which is to garrison the forts, and all the rest of the field Artillery is to come on with the forementioned divisions—Colo. Crane’s Battalion is to accompany them, and Colo. Lamb’s to supply their place. I am Dear sir Your most Obedient servt

G. Washington

Lord Stirlings Baggage will meet him at Sufferans—The inclosed order is to be communicated both to him & General Sullivan who are to observe the same, as they cannot be too unincumbered & expeditious.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 24 July 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Head Quarters Peeks kill [N.Y.] July 24th 177710 o Clock at night

Inclosed is a Letter from G. How to G. Burgoine brot out by one Mr Williams who was betrusted to Carry it to Canada inclosed also is the

account he gave of the matter on Examination also Major Fishes Recommendation of him—which being of So much importance I thought prudent not to loose a moments time in transmitting to you—It Seems that G. How Means to make a Shew of going Southward when his real intent is Eastward if this Intelligence may be depended on.
In consequence of receiving the above, I Consulted with a Number of Genl Officers, & have advised Ld Sterling not to cross the river untill he Shall receive your further advice—The boats are all ready & his Division may be thrown over in a very Short time. with respect & Esteem am your Excellencys Obedt humble Servant

Israel Putnam


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 24 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Ramapough [N.J.] July 24h 1777.

Your two Favors of the 21st & 22d Instant with the inclosed papers are come to Hand.
I lament, that you have not yet been joined by a larger Number of Militia, and that it has been found necessary to dismiss a part, even of those that have come to your Assistance, notwithstanding their presence is at this Time so urgently wanted—I am however in Hopes that your Situation will soon wear a more smiling Aspect, as I cannot but think the Eastern States, who are so deeply concerned in the Matter will exert themselves to enable you by effectual Succours to check the progress of the Enemy, and repel a Danger with which they are so immediately threatned.
I informed you in a Letter of the 23d that I had ordered a further Reinforcement, in General Glover’s Brigade, to be dispatched to you. This is all the Aid I can possibly afford you in the present State of Affairs, which you will be sensible is the Case, if you will endeavor to form an Estimate of my Strength, by that of the two Brigades which have been sent to reinforce you—You may draw a tolerable Inference from them of the Force I have to oppose the Enemy’s main Army, and you will percieve that I cannot, with the least propriety render it less, let my Inclination to put you upon the Footing you desire be ever so great.
You seem to apprehend that the Artillery sent up to you will in a great Measure be useless, for Want of a Sufficiency of Hands to manage them; but I see no Reason for this Apprehension, as by your last Return, including Non commissioned Officers, you have nearly twelve Men to each piece which are as many as we make Use of here and are sufficient for the purpose.
Not more than six Artillerists are required to load and fire a piece in Action, and you will have six others to each to make good any Loss that

may happen—For any Thing else besides loading and firing, active Men drafted from the Batalions will answer extremely well, and in a few Days, with Industry such Men may be made capable of performing every part of the Duty of a private Artillerist.
The Information of the prisoners and others transmitted by you, do not make the Numbers of the Enemy to exceed the Idea at first entertained of them, nor do I see any Thing in it to induce a Belief that their progress will be so rapid as not to give you Time to make proper preperations and receive sufficient Accessions of Force, to be able to give a vigorous and successful Opposition. They do not appear to be much above five thousand strong and seem to be unprovided with Waggons to transport the immense Quantity of Baggage and Warlike Apparatus without which they cannot pretend to penetrate the Country. You mention their having a great Number of Horses, but they must nevertheless require a considerable Number of Waggons, as there are many Things which cannot be transported on Horses. They can never think of advancing without securing their Rear, and the Force with which they can act against you will be greatly reduced by the Detachments necessary for that purpose and as they have to cut out their passage and to remove the Impediments you have thrown in their Way before they can proceed—This Circumstance with the Incumbrance they must feel in their Baggage Stores &c. will inevitably retard their March a considerable Time, and give you Leisure and Opportunity to prepare a good Reception for them—If they continue to act in Detachments you will have it in your power to improve it to very great Advantage, by falling vigorously upon some one of them with your whole Force, which, if you are fortunate enough to cut off will be fatal to them.
I have directed General Lincoln to repair to you as speedily as the State of his Health, which is not very perfect, will permit him. This Gentleman has always supported the Character of a brave, active, judicious Officer and as he is exceedingly popular and much respected in the State of Massachusetts, to which he belongs, he will have a Degree of Influence over the Militia, which cannot fail being highly advantageous. I intend him more particularly for the Command of the Militia and I promise myself it will have a powerful Tendency to make them turn out with more chearfulness, and to inspire them with perseverance to remain in the Field, and with Fortitude and Spirit, to do their Duty while in it. The Confidence they have in him will certainly operate forcibly towards producing these desirable Ends. You intimate the propriety of having a Body of Troops stationed somewhere about the Grants, the Expediency of which Measure appears to me evident, It would make General Burgoyne very circumspect in his Advances; keep him in continual Anxiety for his Rear, and believe him to

leave the posts behind him much stronger than he would otherwise do, and might answer several other valuable purposes—General Lincoln cannot be more serviceable than in the Command of this Body and no person can be more proper for it than him. From the View I have of the Matter, I should think it also advisable to send General Arnold or some other sensible spirited Officer to Fort Schuyler, to take Care of that post: keep up the Spirits of the Inhabitants and cultivate and improve the favorable Disposition of the Indians, all which are Objects of no small Importance. This is recommended on the Supposition that any Thing formidable should appear on that Quarter. I am with Regard Dear Sir Your most obedt Servant

Go. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Adam Stephen, 24 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

Sir
Camp at Ramapaugh [N.J.] July 24th 1777.

By certain intelligence just received, the Enemy’s Fleet left Sandy Hook Yesterday Morning and put to Sea. You will immediately, on receipt of this, march with your Own Division and that of Genl Lincoln (he himself being ordered elsewhere) to the City of Philadelphia by the shortest Rout, and in the most expeditious manner you can without injuring the Troops—You will only take with you such Baggage belonging to the Division, as may be absolutely necessary and which cannot be done without, leaveing the Residue to follow, under the care of proper Officers & Guards as directed by Yesterdays Order. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. It has been thought adviseable that Genl Wayne, on account of his interest & weight with the Pensylvania Militia, should immediately repair to Philadelphia—I have written to him on the subject. His departure & that of Genl Lincoln’s will leave Genl Lincoln’s division without a Genl Officer—You are for the present to put the Division under the best Regulations you can & in such way as you shall deem most conducive to the public Interest.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord,
Camp near the Clove [N.J.] July 24th 1777.

Since my last to you, dated at Gallaways in the Clove, I have March’d one division of the Army to this place whilst two others proceeded to Chester, to be ready to March by a back road to Philada (if need be) or to cross at New Windsor, if the Enemy, contrary to our present expectation, should attempt to operate up the North, or East Rivers.
I have to request, that your Lordship would apply to Genl Putnam, to have Boats ready to throw your division (and such other Troops as

occasion shall require) across the North River with the utmost expedition, upon notice given; which, if at all, will be sudden—Or, how would it answer if your Lordships division was to come over to this side, and wait orders? Could you recross, being on the spot, and Boats ready, before the Communication could be stopped? &, which is of consequence, could your Men get comfortably covered in the Neighbourhood of Kings Ferry?
My last advices, which can be depended upon, are that the Enemys Fleet except 40 Sail (which are at New York) have fallen down to the Hook, that it consists of 170 Sail of Topsail Vessels and abt 50 or 60 Smaller ones—this, with the Report of the Pilots being Southern ones, & some other Circumstances have led to a belief that Phila. is the object. Was this certain, no time shd be lost in drawing both yours and Genl Sullivans divisions (with other Troops) over—under the probability of it however, it is, I have suggested the Idea of your recrossing, and do further suggest the propriety of Gen. Sullivans taking your Ground at Peeks kill; for if there is no appearance of the Enemy in the Sound his moving Easterly, towards Crumpond, is altogether useless.
I do not give these as orders, but wish you to consult Genl Putnam and the other General Officers on that side, & see how my Ideas corrispond with theirs, & such certain Intelligence as you may have; & act accordingly. If the Enemy are destind for Philadelphia, these moves will facilitate the March of the Troops thither—if to the Eastward, they will be retrograde. but such is the disadvantage we do, and such we must labour under, if the Enemy have Cunning enough to keep their own Councils, whilst they have Shipping to Move in, and the absolute Command of the Water. I am with great regard Yr Lordships most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 24 July 1777
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Peaks Kill [N.Y.] July 24: 1777.

 Your Excellency’s letter of 22d I received yesterday Afternoon, and Instantly put my Division in readyness to March at a moments Warning. The Intelligence given by —— Atwood which Genl Putnam tells me he sent to you on Tuesday Evening, Corroborates the Account your Excellency had received of the Enemy’s fleet haveing fallen down from the Narrows towards the Hook; and I have but little doubt in my own Mind that they are gone to Sea; however General Putnam is of opinion

that it is not so Certain as to Justify my Marching to Join you, untill we have more Certain Intelligence or further Orders from your Excellency. I therefore now am impatiently waiting for one or other of those Events in one of the most Melancholy dirty holes I ever saw. a party of Ninety odd men part of Major Mentges Command Came in here yesterday & brought with them five Men as Tory prisoners on Examination I found one of them (Daniel Curvin) to be a Spy, he Confessed that he belonged to Colonel Byards Regiment, that the Colonel sent him last Thursday to Veiw the Scituation & Motions of our Army, that he Came and remained in the Neighbourhood of the Army ’till Sunday and observing our Motions on that day, he pushed off to give Intelligence to Colo. Byard, but was Catched on his way near the Closter, this being fully Coroborated by a Number of Circumstances, there Could be no doubt of it, and therefore I ordered him to be Instantly hanged which I hope will deter others from comeing on the like Arand.
If we march to the Southard my Route will be shortned by takeing the Road from Kakiyat to Paramis, then to the great falls, then to Watsessing, then to Springfeild, & then either to Brunswick or Bound Brook, the road is better & the whole line of March will be eased by our being in a Separate Column, Our Baggage can meet us at Paramis Church about 10 Miles from Suferins. I am your Excellency’s Most Obt Humble Servt

Stirling,

Not a Word from the Eastward.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

Sir
Head Quarters Ramapaugh [N.J.] 24⟨th Jul⟩y 1777

The Fleet have gone out of the Hook and as Delaware appears to be the most probable destination, I desire you will leave your Brigade under

the next in command and proceed yourself immediately to Chester in Pennsylvania where your presence will be necessary to arrange the Militia who are to rendezvous there. Genl Mifflin is just gone off to Philada. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 25 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Pompton [N.J.] July 25th 1777.
Eugene.Marlborough.Montgomery.

The troops having arrived at the place of encamping so early, they can with the greatest ease provide themselves with wood; and each Brigadier General will see that it be done accordingly—That fences are ever burnt must be imputed to inattention, and want of care in officers; but at this time will be deemed to arise from the most inexcusable negligence—How disgraceful to the army is it, that the peaceable inhabitants, our countrymen and fellow citizens, dread our halting among them, even for a night and are happy when they get rid of us? This can proceed only from their distress at the plundering and wanton destruction of their property—To prevent these evils is the manifest duty of the officers; and were they closely attentive to that discipline and order, which should ever be established in a camp, they, for the most part, certainly might prevent them—The Commander in Chief therefore expects, that officers of every rank, will exert themselves, and put a stop to such practices in future; And if no other means are sufficient, that they post Sentries round their encampments, who shall take prisoner, every man who is guilty of them; And the guilty will most assuredly meet the punishment due to their crimes. Two soldiers in General Sullivan’s division found guilty of plundering the inhabitants, have lately been condemned to die, and one of them executed—At all events such practices must be prevented—for ’tis our duty to protect the property of our fellow citizens.
The officers and men are to remain at their encampments, and not stroll from house to house all around—The officers doubtless ought to set the example in this matter; and if this caution were always attended to, and the men made to observe it, one of the evils before complained of would be almost totally prevented.

If it should not rain to morrow morning, nor the tents be too wet with dew, the army is to get ready to march at four o’clock.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 25 July 1777
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Sr
Bound Brook [N.J.] July 25th 1777

In persuance of the orders I received to obtain all the Intelligence in my power of any movement of the Enemy, immediately on the Return of my Regt to their former station at this place I detached a Party under the Comd of Leiutt Lewis to S: Amboy, & another of Leiutt Lindsay to N. or Perth Amboy, Elizth Town & Newark with orders to Patroll the adjacent Country, & coast, and Pick up all the Intelligence and watch every manœuvre of their fleet. In consequence of the above Orders I this morning recd the Enclosed letter from Leiutt Lewis, dated yesterday. The Main Body of the fleet I understand by the Express saild before the Arrival of Lt Lewis & his Party they were therefore unable to ascertain their Number or the way they stood. The Express says, the Wind was at Northwest, where he saw the last under sail—I have Orderd the same Express on with this who brout the Enclosed that your Excy may put such Questions to him as you think proper. I shall be carefull to convey every intelligence that is worth notice as Expeditiously as possible. We have had some days past a Rumor that a large Party of the Enemy were landed at or near Shrewesbury, but I beleive it is only a Rumor. Leiut. Lewis having had orders to Patroll as far as that Place, & mentioning nothing of it. I shall punctually obey yr Excy’s Orders & am with the greatest respect Yr Excy’s Most obedt Sert

Theok Bland


Title: To George Washington from Archibald Cary, 25 July 1777
From: Cary, Archibald
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Ampthill [Va.] July 25th 1777.

To have receiv’d a letter from you would have been Very Agreable to me, but the Waighty Matters which must have long Ingrossd your whole time Justifies if you had any Occasion, your not Answering mine.
How oft I have Trimbl’d for you & in you for my Country and with what Pleasure I have heard of your Success on Numberless Occasions, is only Known by those of our Intimate Acquaintance.
Your Forseing the Enemy to Abandon the Jerseys, is Great and with Great Anxeiety we wait to Know there next Attempt. I am Sorry to Say, Should it be on Virginia, Much Mischif will they do before a Proper Forse Can be Got to Oppose them, for no Man has a Worse Opinion of Militia than I have, and regulars we have none who Ever Saw Action, but I Judge the Season will rather confine How’s Opperations to a More Temperate Climate.
I had your Complyments lately in a letter from Col: R. Meade, for which I return you Thanks.
I Flatter my Self the Virginia Regiments Will sone now be made up, Shame on my Country they had not long been so, but the late Assembly have hit on a Method, which will Answer, and I hear of Many who are Secured for the 9 old Regemts as Every two of the Militia are Exempt from duty who Furnish a Man for that Service, and Idle Fellows who love to Indulge are busy in recruteing for you. The Six last Regiments are to be Filld by a Draft, if not done sone. Those Men will ad nothing to your Strength this Campaign, but as we dare not Flatter our Selves with this being the last I hope they will be a Considerable Addision by the Next.
This letter will be deliverd you by a Mr Willm Smith Pay Master to one of Your Regements, and a Neighbour of Mine. he has promised with your Permission, to do a little Business for me and My Neighbour Mrs Randolph, but if it is Improper to be done Assure your Self I would no More Aske the Favour than, you would Grant Such a one, and I realy do not Know whether it is proper or not, so leive it to you to determine.
A Certain Hector McAllister, who resided in Virginia and listed after under Ld Dunmore; purchased a Considerable Quantaty of wheat on Js River, and is indebted to many for it, he has wrote to Mr Ingels of Philadelphia, from New Yorke, where he has been for some time, that he is ready to Pay all demands against him and requested Ingels to inform those Concernd of his Intentions. I have Given Mr Smith Mrs Randolphs and my Acct he is Acquainted with McAllister, and if On Any Occasion of A Flag, if Mr Smith Could go to New Yorke I think we Should Git our Money. if therefore there be no Impropriaty in it, youl Serve us by Permiting Mr Smith’s doing this business.

We have not one Tittle of News worth relateing, only that the Enemy lately Cut out of Chingoteage 8 or 9 Vessels and took 4 or 5 who Attempted going to Sea. Young Warner Lewis is Just About being Marry’d to Miss Fleming Eldest daughter of your acquaintance Col: Jn. Fleming, a very Considerable Fortune by the death of her Brother and Uncle Col: Thos Fleming both without Will; She is also very Hansom and Agreable, so that Warner is in high Luck. That God may preserve You for the defence of Your Country, and the Happyness of Your Friends, Assure Your Self that no Man more Ardently Wishes than does Your Most Afft. Friend & Obedit Hble Servt

Archibald Cary

P.S. My Wife desires I may tell you She is very devout in her Prayrs for your Safety and begs youl Accept her Complyments.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 25 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear Sir
Pompton Plains [N.J.] 25th July 1777

Yours of Yesterday reached me at this place. Considering the situation in which you say the hard Bread is, instead of bringing it forward,

I have directed Genl Sullivan’s and Lord Stirlings divisions to draw three days each before they leave King’s Ferry. If any remains after supplying them, it may be sent back to the Forts.
Whether the Enemy’s real design’s are southward or Eastward, in order to oppose them effectually, and to give proper support to Genl Schuyler, I shall be obliged to draw off a considerable part of the present Force from Peekskill, and there can be no substitutes but Militia, (under our present Circumstances) I think it would be expedient immediately to call in from One Thousand to fifteen hundred from the States of New York and Connecticut. The proportions I leave to be settled between Genl Putnam and yourself. I do not apprehend much danger from the Garrison that is left in New York, but were the posts up the River left in too defenceless a state it might be a temptation for them to seize them. I have desired Genl Putnam to make a demand of as many of the Connecticut Militia as you and he shall allot to them. I do not know what Number of Militia are at present in Service, but I do not mean one Thousand to fifteen hundred exclusive of them. That number altogether in addition to the Continental Troops will, in my opinion be sufficient. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William De Hart, 25 July 1777
From: De Hart, William
To: Washington, George

sr
[25 July 1777]

A Wednesday Morning the fleet upwards of 100 Sail Sailed from Sandy Hook—And Stood An Eastern Course—Yesterday Afternoon Nine More sailed from New York six went out of the Hook & three Come too at the Watring Place, Their Frigates & some Other Small Vessels lay at New York Volentine Jones M: Genl Commands at New York. Some Hessians went A few days Ago to Kings Bridge. Cammel’s Regt has left Bergen, Buskirks, Bartons & Dungans Tory Regts Are at Statin Island. I am Told A British Regt too I belive the 42d—I have not heard of Any movement of the Torys, from N. York last Night this was the State of the fleet. I will Keep A man On the mountain With A Glass where if the fleet returns the Earliest Notice Shall be had Unless its Hazy Weather. I Am sr Your Most Hum. Servt

Wm DHart


Title: From George Washington to William Franklin, 25 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, William

Sir,
Head Quarters Ramapough [N.J.] July 25th 1777

I have this moment received your letter of the 22d instant by express.
I heartily sympathise with you in your distressing situation; but however strong my inclination to comply with your request, it is by no means in my power to supersede a positive resolution of Congress, under which your present confinement took place. I have enclosed your letter to them, and shall be happy it may be found consistent with propriety to concur with your wishes in a matter of so delicate and interesting a nature. I sincerely hope a speedy restoration of Mrs Franklins health may relieve you from the anxiety you must naturally feel from her present declining condition. I am with due respect Sir Your most Obed. Servant.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
[Ramapo, N.J.] ½ after 8 A.M. July 25th 1777

I do myself the Honor to transmit you the Inclosed Letter from Govr Franklin which came this Minute by Express.
As Mr Franklin was confined by order of Congress, I could not think myself at liberty to answer him on the subject of his request and therefore have referred it to their consideration. At the same time I would observe his situation is distressing and must interest All our feelings, as I have no doubt of the great indisposition of his Lady. I should suppose after his solemn assurances and being laid under such further restrictions as Congress may judge necessary to impose upon him, that he might be indulged to see her. Humanity & Generosity plead powerfully in favor of his Application and I am certain it will be duly considered. If it is granted he should have the earliest notice or the end & the views

of Congress may be disappointed in the death of Mrs Franklin before his arrival. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Head Quarters Ramapough [N.J.] July 25th 1777

I have the honor to inclose you a couple of letters which Monsieur Davout the bearer of this delivered me in his behalf. You will perceive by them that he is desirous of entering into our service, and what his pretensions have been in his own Country. I have referred him to Congress to determine on what footing he is to stand with us. He requests me to mention that he would be glad of decision; and to be informed at once what can be done—whether he can be employed or not and in what capacity. I have the honor to be With great respect Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp at Ramapaugh [N.J.] 3 Miles from the Clove July the 25th 1777.

I do myself the Honor to transmit you a Copy of my Letter to Genl Howe of the 16th Instant, proposing an Exchange between Genls Lee and Prescot. I dispatched it early the next morning and presume it got to hand on the 18th. As yet, I have not received his Answer.
The amazing advantage the Enemy derive from their Ships and the command of the Water, keeps us in a State of constant perplexity and the most anxious conjecture. We are not yet informed of their destination, nor can any plausible conclusions be drawn respecting It—at least, not such as appear satisfactory. What renders the matter still more difficult & confused, is their extreme inactivity & delay. For it is certain they began to embark immediately after the evacuation of Amboy and now remain between the Narrows & the Hook or were there, when I was last advised upon the Subject. I have Two Active Officers with an Escort now out, for the purpose of Intelligence and for reconnoitring their situation from Fort Lee and along the River in that Neighbourhood. Things being thus circumstanced and various Opinions, as to their real object, prevailing among us, Some supposing it to be Philadelphia—Others the North River and Others an Expedition more Easterly, I would submit it to Congress, Whether the Militia of the Neighbouring Counties should not be immediately called to the First or at Chester—the Lower Counties at Wilmington. This measure appears to me highly expedient and no Objection can lie against it of

sufficient validity to prevent it, As a few days must certainly determine their real designs. Should they be against philadelphia and they have favourable Winds, their voyage will be made in a short time, when it may be too late to obtain their aid & to arrange them properly for defence, supposing ’em to come in. I am the more induced to recommend this measure, as the several objects we have to attend to, necessarily oblige this Army to continue at a considerable distance from that place, till their Intentions are better understood; And as they might by a sudden and rapid push, attempt to effect some material—capital stroke, before we could get there, unless there is a respectable Force to oppose ’em. For tho no great dependance can be put in a Militia acting alone—nor a vigorous Opposition expected from ’em, from the nature of things, to a disciplined—well appointed Army, yet their Operations may be greatly retarded by ’em and may be checked till other Succours can arrive. The report of a Force, especially if it is anyway respectable, let it be of what sort it may, will have some influence on their conduct & may prevent Enterprizes that would Otherwise be undertaken.
From the Intelligence received on Saturday Evening, that a Number of the Enemy’s Ships were standing up the North River and in the course of that & the preceding day, that Forty Sail were in the Sound going into Fairfeild Harbour, I had not the least doubt, in my mind, but Genl Howe had in view a stroke against the Highlands & the Fortifications there, & to cooperate with Genl Burgoyne. In consequence of these advices, I judged it expedient to move the Army, the next morning, from our then Encampment towards those posts. Lord Stirlings division was ordered to take the Rout to King’s Ferry and to pass the River to Peeks Kill, and I proceeded myself with the remainder, which composed the main body, by the Rout leading through the Clove towards New Windsor—We marched over a very difficult & rugged road till Night, when we halted, the First Division having advanced about Eighteen Miles. In this situation we lay till Yesterday Morning, when from the Information received before Respecting the Enemy’s Fleet being at & near the Hook and no further Accounts of the Ships in the Sound, a change in our measures took place. Stephen & Lincoln’s Divisions were ordered to proceed to Chester, there to wait further directions, as a place from whence they may move with more ease either to Philadelphia or Hudson’s River, being Seven Miles nearer the former and equally convenient to the Latter; and General Green’s Division to this Ground. By dividing & this arrangement, I am in hopes our Movements will be more expeditious, wheresoever they may be necessary. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington

P:S: In my Letter of the 23d, I mentd I had ordered Nixon’s Brigade as a further reinforcement to Genl Schuylers—I meant Glover’s.
4 OClock P:M: This Minute received a Letter of the 22d from Genl Schuyler—A Copy of which and of its inclosure, I herewith transmit. His Letter of the 21st which he mentions has not come to Hand—Things seem still in an unpromising way in that Quarter. Genl Schuyler complains much for want of Artillerists—It is not with me to satisfye his demands—he has at this time a much greater proportion of Artillerists, than this Army, having regard to the Quantity of Artillery.
After sealing my Letter, I received by Express from Colo. Moylan a Letter advising that the Fleet sailed from the Hook, Yesterday Morning out to Sea.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir,
Ramapaugh [N.Y.] July 25th 1777

My Letter of yesterday would inform you of the reasons which occasions the remove of this part of the Army towards Philadelphia, and the

recall of the divisions under Genls Sullivan, & Lord Stirling—I have now to add, that, it is my desire that you should keep as many of the remaining Troops (as can possible be spared from the defence of the Forts and passes of the Highlands) in the most perfect readiness to Move either this way, or to the Eastward as occasion shall require—I do not pretend to fix upon, or ascertain the number which may be necessary for those defences—yourself & Officers must determine this point, proportioning your defence to the Troops left by Genl Howe on York Island.
If you have not already done it, let the Eastern States be immediately advised of the Fleets Sailing from the Hook that they may be in a posture of defence as no person can with certainty say where the blow will be struck. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Since writing the above, I have recd yours of Yesterdays date, Inclosing the Intercepted Letter from Genl Howe to Burgoyne &ca. to me, a stronger proof could not be given that the former is not going to the Eastward, than this Letter adduces. It was evidently intended to fall into our hands—the complexion of it—the circumstances attending it, &ca evinces this beyond a doubt in my Mind—I therefore desire that no time be lost in sending on Genls Sullivan and Lord Stirling with their divisions. If it was not too dangerous to hazard their Shipping to Sea, merely to perform a Manœuvre to deceive, I should think it not unlikely that the North River might yet be the object, & that they had run out with a view of returning, when our Troops should be drawn of—but the possibility of a dispersion of their Fleet makes so much against this, that I am perswaded more than ever, that Philadelphia is the place of destination, & therefore hope that no time will be lost in Marching the Troops already orderd, & preparing as many of the others as can be spard, to follow, if my conjectures are right. I am as before Yrs &ca

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Head Quarters Pumpton Plains [N.J.] July 25. 1777.
Dear Sir,

Fresh accounts are momently coming in, to confirm the intelligence of the enemy’s fleet having gone to Sea, with the whole or the greatest part of their force. The general opinion is, and a variety of circumstances

make it most probable that their destination is towards Philadelphia; and for this reason, I have to desire you will keep a couple of brigades in constant and complete readiness to cross the River at the shortest notice and march to join me. These Brigades should be two of the strongest you have. They will not be called for ’till the intention of the enemy to operate to the Southward is reduced to a greater certainty than at present exists.
General Clinton informs me that he has ordered to your post a large quantity of hard bread. If it arrives in time, you will direct General Sullivans & Lord Stirlings divisions to draw a sufficiency of it for three days; but lest it should be retarded you must not depend so much upon it as to neglect making other provision. The situation of things will not admit of delay. I am Dr Sir &c.

P:S: To whatever quarter the enemy may direct their motions, whether to the Eastwards, or the Southward, I shall be equally under the necessity of drawing off the principal part of the Continental troops from Peeks Kill to oppose them with, and the attention due to that post and its dependencies, and make it requisite to have the place of those supplied by a competent number of militia. I should imagine about fifteen hundred would answer. You will consult General Clinton on the subject and settle the proportion to be furnished respectively by the States of Connecticut and New York, and when this is done to make application to the former for the number required. General Clinton has power to call out those of the latter. No time should be lost in effecting this necessary measure. In the number I have mentioned I mean to include those who may be already with you. Fifteen hundred Militia in addition to the Continental troops you will have I should think would be fully sufficient.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General La Rochefermoy, 25 July 1777
From: La Rochefermoy, Matthias-Alexis
To: Washington, George

fort éduart 25. juillet 1777
A Son excelence Le general Waginsthon

je Vous écris dans L’amertume d’un coeur navré de La plus grande douleur, Sur La perte que nous Venons de faire: L’evacuation des deux places, tyconderoga et mont indépendance, que Le général St Clair a été obligé d’ordonner, est une avanture de La quelle je ne puis me Consoler, et que j’aurois toutes Les peines du monde a croïre Si je n’avois été moi même present de La précipitation avec La qu’elle elle

S’est faite. j’ai L’honeur d’assurer, Son Excélence, que depuis L’age de onze ans, j’ai L’honeur de Servir, Sa Majesté trés crethienne, je n’ai jamais rien vüe de Si précipité de Si mal ordonné, et en même tems de Si peut Combiné; je L’aisse a panser, à Son Excelence, Combien il est douloureux pour un étrangers dans pareille Sirconstance, de Se trouver Compromis dans une Cohüe qui Sans attaquer L’honeur de chaque officier en particulier Laisse un impression tout a fait différentes des principes qu’ils ont acquis de trente ans d’expériances; c’est peut être Le cas ou malheureusement je me trouverois Si je n’etois Sure de La judiciaire de Votre excélence et en même tems trés persuadé qu’elle me rend assès de justice pour croire que Loin d’avoir Contribuer a tous Ce S’est fait j’aurois Vendüe La place Le plus cher qu’il m’auroit été possible. ma Signature que Vous Verrés Sur La résolutions Du Conseille de gueres, n’est point une raison pour croire que j’aye acquiessé a tous Ce qui S’est fait; La plus grande preuve que je puisse en donner, C’est que j’ay demander tous Les jours a faire des Sortie pour arester L’ennemie du moment qu’il a été debarqué Sans que Cela aye put m’être accordé, eu égard au peut demonde qu’il Yavoit pour pourvoir a La Sureté de L’intérieur de La place.
mon premier Soin en arrivand Sur La place que nous avons été forcé d’evacuer, fut d’observer Les postes, et d’aprés une Combinaisons justes, j’observai au Général Scheler, qu’il n’y avoit que trois mil hommes pour déffandre Les deux places; beaucoup de fortifications Commancés aucune de fini: aquoi il me repondit, que Sous huit jours nous aurions de huit a dix mil hommes qui ne Sont point, Venus, et qui nous ont obligés de nous retirer aussi ignomigneusement que nous L’avons faites, j’ose assurer a Son Excelence, que cet époque est une obstacle au Succés des armes americaines, L’interets que j’y prend me donne droit de Vous faire cette observations, je ne puis m’ouvrire à Vous aussi franchement que je Le désirerois, qu’au prealable Vous ne m’en donniés L’ordre et encore ne pouroit-ce, être que Verbalement; il ne faloit que Dix mil hommes pour garder Ses deux places, La partie La plus essentielle et que L’on a été obligé de negligé par Le defaud de monde est Le mont taup dont notre ennemi a Senti toute L’importance puisqu’il S’y est retranché dans Vingt quatres heurs, Sans que j’aye pus obtenire de L’em empecher. du reste je n’ai rien tant à Coeur, que d’assurer, a Son excelence, avec quel zele je suis attaché au bonheur dès américains qui deviend Le mien par Le grand interets que j’y prends.
j’ai L’honeur d’observer, a Son excelence, que Le fort Scheler est menacé d’etre attaqué par dix huit Cents hommes, et qu’il n’y a pour Leur opposé que deux cents hommes, et quatres heurs d’amunitions, j’ose pourtant Vous assurer que Ce poste est de La derniere importance

et que Si Lon y prend garde il Sera enlevé avand que L’on en aye La moindre Connoissance. je suis a Son Excelence avec Respects Le trés humble et trés hobiessant Serviteur

d’erochefermoy b.g.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 25 July 1777
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Moses Creek [N.Y.] July 25th 1777

In my Letter to your Excellency of the 17th I believe I made a mistake with regard to the quantity of provisions at Tyconderoga, when I had the notice of the Enemy’s approach: I think it should have been twenty days, instead of ten. I am certain it did not exceed that; but the Commissary’s return, on which the Calculation was made, is, with many papers of consequence to me, fallen into the hands of the Enemy, tho’ I have been lucky enought to save almost all that were of public concern.
In my last I requested your Excellency to order an enquiry into my conduct, and thought myself very happy that General Arnold would be one of my judges, as from him, at least, I promised myself a candid and impartial hearing: I am very sorry to tell your Excellency that I deceived myself. General Arnold having, both at Albany on his way up, and here before he could possibly be properly informed to enable him to make any judgement at all, publicly condemned the retreat from Tyconderoga, and declared that some person must be sacrificed to an injured Country—Whether the Country has been injured or not, or by whom, I hope will be made appear—and with all due deference to Genl Arnold, I look upon myself to be at least as good a Judge of the tenability of a post as he is, and being on the Spott, in the present instance a better—The public prejudices ran high enough, and did not need to be encreased by the unasked opinion of an Officer of his Rank. Be these things as they may I cannot help thinking he has by this Conduct totally disqualified himself, and on the whole Sir, I believe it would be better to order a Court Martial as their Sentence will be definitive—My life I can with chearfulness resign. I never wish’d to preserve it one moment longer than it could be of use to my Country—ever Regulated by that great object I can with boldness appeal to every person who has known me in every station I have held. If my elevation has raised the envy of some, it was unsolicited on my part as it was unexpected, and surprized me as much as it did them. I received it with humility & gratitude, and have yet done nothing unworthy of the honour

conferred, or the confidence reposed in me. My reputation is very dear to me, & I shall never willingly part with it, and it would be a kind of treason to myself, and my Country too, to submit the decision upon it, to a person who has already prejudged it.
I gently remonstrated to General Arnold against the impropriety of his determining, beforehand, on a matter that he must have expected to pass upon in a judicial capacity; and acquainted him that I should immediately write to your Excellency. He replied he could not recollect any thing of the matter—if he had said any thing, it was only repeating the Sentiments of the Army & Country, or a few questions he had jestingly put to General Patterson—Cruel jesting when a man’s life & honor are both at stake! I cannot persuade myself that the Army are so illiberal—the sooner, however, they are undeceived or confirmed in their opinion upon just grounds, the better for them and me as I feel myself extremely hurt, and the public suffers by it too. At the same time he informed me he should at any rate have refused to be of the Court of enquiry. If your Excellency should not think proper to appoint a Court Martial at present, I beg the favour that you will send up a General Officer to make the Enquiry. All I ask or wish, is that he may be unprejudiced & have some knowledge in his profession—It is our misfortune to have many with little Knowledge & very narrow minds. I beg your Excellency’s pardon—I ought not to have made the observation, but I know your Excellency’s generosity will excuse this little sally from a man not destitute of sensibility and labouring unjustly under a heavy load of Obloquy. I have the Honor to be Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

Ar. St Clair

Colonell Warners loss was more considerable than he imagined I believe it is near three hundred in killed wounded and Prisoners amongst the last are seventeen Officers, and we now know that the Party that attacked him consisted of two Thousand under the Command of General Fraser.
General Schuyler has received Your Excellencys Answer to his Letters of the same Date with mine, and that went by the same Conveyance—I know Sir how much you have upon your Hands, and am very loth to give you any Trouble—but you cannot wonder at my present Anxiety.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 25 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dr Sir
Pumpton Plains [N.J.] July the 25: 1777.

It is with no small concern, I am constrained to inform you, that I am constantly receiving Complaints from the People living contiguous to the Road of great abuses committed by the Division under your Command in their march through the Country. From their accounts, they have experienced the most wanton and insufferable injuries—Fences destroyed without the least apparent necessity, and a great number of Horses seized & taken away—In a word, according to them, they have suffered the most flagrant violation of their property. Perhaps their representations may be rather exaggerated beyond the bounds of strict truth—But I cannot but observe, that the Officers in the Quarter Master General’s department have informed me, that more Accounts have been presented to them, for Injuries done by your Division & of greater amounts than by the whole Army besides, and those carrying too a degree of authenticity with them, being certified in many Instances under the Officers hands. At the same time, that you are sensible how distressing such a conduct is to the Inhabitants, you well know it is highly disgraceful and unworthy of the Cause in which we are engaged—Add to this that it has a fatal & obvious tendency to prejudice their minds and to disaffect ’em. I must request, in the most earnest manner, your attention to this matter and to prevent in future by every exertion in your power, the like proceedings point out the scandal and impropriety of it to your Officers & urge them as they regard their honor and reputation, to use their endeavours to restrain such unwarrantable practices. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 25 July 1777
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 25th July 1777

I have the Honour of your’s of the 17th Inst.
On the first Intelligence receiv’d from Majr Genl Schuyler, by his Letter of the 28th June Ulto, that the Enemy had advanc’d as far as Crown Point, and sent out Parties by the Way of Otter Creek, & on the West side of Lake George, and requiring the aid of Militia from the States of New York, Massachusetts Bay, & Connecticut; I immediately directed Brigadier General Ol. Wolcott, forthwith to order the Brigade under his Command (which lyes in the most Northerly Part of this State), to hold themselves in readiness to march at the shortest Notice; & to Draught one half of the same, see them armed Equipp’d, & furnish’d

with Ammunition, Knapsacks, Blankets, and so much Provision as he should Judge necessary, and Appoint suitable Officers to Command them; at the same time to take care to gain Intelligence of the State of Affairs at the Northward, and left at his discretion to Order the Part Draughted, or such other Part of his Brigade as he should think proper, more or less, as the case should require, to march for the support and Assistance of the Northern Army; Which Orders were Attended; The Intelligence he gain’d, was however, so uncertain, that he thought fit to Order the March, only of the half of Colos. Burrell’s & Humphry’s Regiments; On the 9th Instt I receiv’d Genl Wolcott’s return of his Conduct, & that he reserv’d the other two Regiments for future Direction.
Our Intelligence remain’d far from explicit, but the extreme busy Season, to which may be added, the Distress of being Commanded by Officers whose Conduct in evacuating the Posts at Tyconderoga was so much censur’d; inclin’d the Men to incur the Fine in the Case, rather than turn out with the Freedom & Spirit they would otherwise have shewn.
Our Accounts being still doubtfull, & our Friends anxious to have every Assistance Afforded that is in our Power, On the 12th Inst: I wrote Genl Schuyler, and, that no time might be lost, in affording our Aid, desir’d Majr-Genl Wadsworth to go up, & with power to call for Militia from this State as should appear to be needfull, and to gain full Intelligence in the Affair; He went and yesterday returnd with a Letter from Majr Genl Schuyler, and made a report of the material Circumstances which he was able to Obtain: Copies of both are enclos’d for your Observation.
It is not wonderfull that the Minds of all Friends to our Cause should be agitated, On the Abandoning the important Posts at Tyconderoga &c.; with the Cannon, Ordnance Stores, Ammunition, Provision, Tents, Cloathing &c.; in such astonishing hurry & Confusion, considering the apparent Circumstances & unhappy Consequences that must Attend that hasty resolution; Nor is it surprizing that some Cry Treachery, others Cowardice, & all blame, While the true & real Grounds of such a step remain unknown, the Officers concern’d must be violently perturbated, the Men distrustfull, & the Service suffer—A speedy Enquiry appears necessary, while the facts are fresh in the Minds of all, may be examin’d with Care, Discuss’d with Candour, and treated in the Manner the same may appear to Merit.
If this unhappy Event, shall render it necessary for your Excellency to send a larger Number of your Army, to the Northward, to stop the Career of the Enemy in that Quarter, than can be well spar’d, during the suspence of Genl Howe’s Intentions and Operations, Our Militia,

it is apprehended will turn out with much better Spirit to Defend the Passes of the Highlands, than to g⟨o⟩ to the Northward in the present situation.
Major General Spencer sent Genl Prescott to this Place; Agreeable to your Desire, the Day before yesterday, I caus’d him to be remov’d to East Windsor, where the People are generally well affected, where he is genteely accommodated; but strongly guarded; At his request I sufferd his Aid Du Camp Lieut: Barrington to attend him. I hope this Capture of Genl Prescott, may procure the releasement of Genl Lee, & bring about a General Exchange of Prisoners, so much wish’d for.
Sunday last we were alarm’d at the Appearance of twenty four Sail of the Enemy’s Ships, passing from N: York thro’ the Sound, & Shewing themselves as standing for Fairfeild, & in like manner for sundry other Places. Capt. Niles in our Armd Schooner Spy, who was Order’d out for Discovery was chas’d into New London Harbor, several Broad Sides with other random Shott were fir’d at him. The Enemy pursued him till they came within a short Distance of the Light House in that Harbour—They Pass’d by—only two Ships & three or four Schooners & Sloops went in at Newport. Mr Shaw says he found they are bound home, with sick & wounded Soldiers; He was at the Time in a Flag to carry Letters to thirty one Gentlemen at New York, who had been sent into this State for their inimical Principles, & had been allow’d to go in on Parole to return when call’d for; Mr Shaw proceeded up the sound as far as Huntingdon, when meeting with a British Ship, the Commander prevented him from going up any further, Saying he had positive Orders not to let any Flag pass him, Mr Shaw gave him the Letters, and has his Receipt, to deliver them to Lord Howe, mentioning the Purport.
The Earth Helpeth us—I never saw it better cover’d with its Fruits for our Support; The Enemy threaten it’s Destruction; May God prevent them!
By your Permission I have receiv’d from Springfield about One thousand Arms, on Loan, Doubt not they will be very usefull for our Defence.
The Spirits & Ardour of our People are not subdued or Abated. Men who have tasted of Freedom, & who have felt their personal Rights, are not easily taught to bear encroachments on either, and cannot, without great preparation be brought to submit to Oppression.
The Admiration of Riches leads to despotic Government—Amor Sceleratus Habendi, at this Time greatly endangers those States from the want of Consideration that, if the Public is not Serv’d their Personal Interests & Pursuits must be lost; Effectually to guard the Safety of a People, great Care is needfull to preserve their Virtue; Virtue is true Bliss! ’Tis the great Object of all good Government—We will persevere

in the pursuit, The Lord reigneth, let us rejoice therein, He set⟨s⟩ one thing over against another, that we may find nothing after Him. I am—with great Esteem & Respect, Your Excelleny’s Most Obedient Humble servant

Jonth; Trumbull

P:S: Just after finishing the above, I Rec’d a Requisition from Genl Schuyler for a Reinforcement of one thousand Men from this State; For the Reasons suggested, I conceive the best we can do, may be effected by your Ordering Continental Troops who can move forward sooner, & their Places be supply’d by Col: Enos’s Battalion, now in service on the Western Part of our Sea Coast; who may again be succeeded by Militia if necessary, which We hope to find otherwise.
Col: Enos’s Battalion is Inlisted for the Defence of the Sea Coast & Frontiers of this State, & the parts adjacent, without Expectation of a Lengthy March—I shall give Orders to our Brigadiers of Militia to Draught & Equip Men, to march on the shortest Notice, while this is doing shall wait your Approbation of the Measure, & be ready to Carry the same into Execution.
The Cry of the People for an Enquiry encreases; it must be soon, full, & made public, or it will not be satisfactory.
In the present situation of the Northward, the Distrust of the Officers is so great, that it will be impracticable to procure Men to go—They say it was not the Men’s fault, that Ty—was evacuated—They went to fight, & would have done it; if the Officers had done their Duty.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 26 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

Sir
Mr Lott’s [N.J.] July 26. 1777

Your two expresses have delivered me your letters both of the 25th instant. If this reaches you before you have passed Trentown, you are to halt there till further orders or till you receive authentic information of the enemy’s fleet being in the mouth of the Delaware bay, in which case you are to proceed to Philadelphia as before directed—But if you have passed it, you are then to halt at Bristol, and to govern yourself in the same manner as if you had halted at Trentown. I shall detain one of your expresses to carry you any dispatches that may be necessary in consequence of any further intelligence I may receive. The enclosed to Cols: Moylan & Morgan you will be pleased to forward. They contain similar instructions to those given you. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 26 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

Sir
8 Miles East of Morris Town July 26: 1777.

By a Letter received this Morning from Lord Stirling of the 22d Inst., I find he intends to pursue his Rout from peeks Kill, through Keckyate & pyramus to the Great Falls—From thence thro Watsessing—Springfeild & Brunswic or Bound Brook.
The reason of my being thus particular in describing Lord Stirlings Rout, is, Because I wish you to take every possible pains in your power, by sending trusty persons to Staten Island in whom you can confide to obtain intelligence of the Enemy’s situation & numbers—What kind of Troops they are, and What Guards they have—their Strength & where posted: My view in this, is, that his Lordship, when he arrives, may make

an Attempt upon the Enemy there with his Division, If it should appear from a full consideration of all circumstances and the information you obtain, that it can be done with a strong prospect of Success. You will also make due enquiry How many Boats are & may be certainly had to transport the Troops, in case the Enterprize should appear adviseable. You will, after having informed yourself upon these several matters, send a good & faithful Officer to meet Lord Stirling with a distinct and accurate Account of every thing—As well respecting the Number & strength of the Enemy—their situation &c.—As about the Boats, that he may have a General view of the whole, and possessing all the circumstances, may know how to regulate his conduct in the Affair.
The necessity of procuring good Intelligence is apparent & need not be further urged—All that remains for me to add, is, that you keep the whole matter as secret as possible. For upon Secrecy, Success depends in most Enterprizes of the kind, and for want of it, they are generally defeated, however well planned & promising a favourable issue. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 26 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

Sir
[Near Troy Hills, Morris County, N.J.]4 OClock P.M. July 26: 1777

The inclosed Letter, from Majr Burnet, just now came to Genl Greene. You will compare the Intelligence, which you obtain with the information contained in this Letter, and after making such Observations & remarks upon the whole, you will transmit the same with this Letter to Lord Stirling. I am Sir Yr Hble servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I wrote you today by One of Blands Light Horse upon the subject of Intelligence—You’l refer to that & such Intelligence as you may obtain about paulus Hook.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 26 July 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada July 26th 1777

I have the Honour to transmit sundry Resolves of Congress for your Information and Direction, to which I beg Leave to refer your Attention.
Lieutentant Colonels Meigs and Barton having distinguished themselves by their Enterprizes against the Enemy, the Congress, as an Acknowledgment of their Bravery and good Conduct, have ordered an elegant Sword to be presented to each of them.
The Congress having empowered you to appoint Mr Robert Erskine (a very ingenious Gentleman) or any other Person you may think proper, Geographic and Surveyor of the Roads, you will be pleased to carry the Resolve into Exec[u]tion agreeably to the Terms of it.
Your several Favours to the 22d instant have been duly received and laid before Congress.
We have not yet heard any Thing of the British Fleet since it sailed from Sandy Hook. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect, Sir your most obed. & very hble Sevt

John Hancock Presidt

P.S. 11 O’Clock A.M. I have just received your Favour of the 25th which shall be laid before Congress.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 26 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, Daniel

Sir
8 Miles East of Morris Town July 26: 1777

If this Letter comes to hand before you have passed the Delaware, you are to halt at Trentown and there remain till further Orders, Unless you should receive authentic information of the arrival of the Enemy’s Fleet within the Capes of Delaware—In which case, you are to

proceed to Philadelphia and take Orders from the Commanding Officer there, as before directed. Should you have crossed the River when you get the Letter, you are to march to Bristol and there wait further Orders, If your Intelligence of the Enemy’s arrival as above should not require your proceeding to philadelphia—If you hear of that circumstance, in a satisfactory manner, you will delay not a Moment in getting there. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 26 July 1777
From: Pulaski, Casimir
To: Washington, George

Sir
a Boston 26 Juill. 1777

Par Les letres que je joins Vous connoitrais Mon General combieins je desire meriter l’honeur d’Etre util à L’Etats de L’Amerique. Ma Patrie me conoit pour un libr et jalou des ses droits Citoiein, Je spere que par tout alieur ou il s agira de remplir mon devoire je ne me serais point ignorer.
Je m adresse a Votre Excellence avec toute la Confience que Vos merits m inspirent Vous est le defenzeur de la liberté J’eus eté aussi sacriffié pour la meme Cause cela me done un Titre de pretendre a Votre Soutiein. Je n aspire a dautre chause qu au premieur Combat je puisse Vous convaincre Mon Generale du zele a remplir mon devoire et meriter Votre Estime. Je me presenterais bieinto a lArme pour recevoir

Vos ordrs. Jais lhoneur detre de Votre Excellence le tres humbl et tres obeissent Serviteur

C. de Pulaski


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 26 July 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Peek’s kill [N.Y.] July 26th 1777

Recd your two favours of the 24th & 25th with the inclosed order of March—Ld Stirling & Genl Sullivan are marched for Philadelphia—& Genl G[l]over for the Northward—The intercepted letter, it is most evident, they intended Should fall into our hands—& under Such circumstances, as they must think; we Should know they intended it; in Such case, as is natural, they Supposed, we should beleive them to be going Contrary to what they tell off & therefore tell us where they are really going—these reasons with others induce me to beleive they are gone Eastward—which I humbly Submit to your better Judgement—also, whether it will not be good policy to forward the letter, to Genl Burgoine by Same Express, & obtain an answer—if you Should think it adviseable, you will Send the letter, as the Express is here.
I have very Certain Intelligence of a Considerable body of Troops left on york Island—that there is five or Six thousand at kings bridge & Fort washington—which plainly indicates, that they Mean, in case we should not attack them, to attack us, when they Shall think it practicable.
The unhappy event that took place here—the Other day—the hanging a man for a Spy without a Trial, was wholly without my Knowledge or privity—and of which I had not the least notice, till he was dead & buried—I am very Sorrey any thing so disagreable Should have taken place I think such hasty proceedings in Capital cases, even by a Commander in Chief, Could not be Justifyed except from the particular Circumstances & Situation of his Camp and an officer under

Command at a Post doing it, especially one of so respectable a Character, as, my Ld S. furnishes a preceedent of rashness to under officers, which, I am Sure, must give every Considerate person, Much concern.
I have Sent expresses Eastward, giving those States the best Information I was capable, of the Enemys Fleet—also that it was your Excellency’s Opinion, they were going to the Southward.
Edmund Palmer that noted robber &c. who was taken, as a Spy, & of whom I wrote you the other day, is condemned, & to be hanged next friday—& will be accordingly, unless disapproved off by you. with great esteem & affection I am your Excellency’s Obedt humble Servant

Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 26–27 July 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Moses Creek [N.Y.] July 26[–27]th 1777

Your Excellency’s Favors of the 22nd Instant I had the honor to receive this Morning, It gives me great pleasure to learn that a reinforcement is coming up: It is much wanted indeed, for our numbers are daily decreasing; as we have no Salt Meat, the constant Use of fresh brings on disorders, and our Men sicken with an alarming rapidity. The Militia go home in crouds, and I fear we shall not be able to procure any others to come up—The People, especially in the Eastern States, are industriously propagating that the General Officers who were at Tyonderoga, and myself are all a Pack of Traitors; this doctrine has been preached in the Army by many of the People that have come up from New England, and by some from this State, which greatly prejudices the Service, as it tends to destroy that confidence which troops ought to have in their Officers.
I wish an Occasion may offer for us to attack a detachment of Genl Burgoyne’s Army, but he is so well informed of every thing that passes with us that there is not much Prospect at present of making such a coup as Your Excellency mentions—It may however offer, and if it does, we shall attempt to make the most of it.
Colo. Warner, from whom I have had a Letter since my last to You, informs me that he was about 800 strong, that more were coming to him, and that he soon expected the New Hampshire Militia, not one of which was yet arrived—As soon as they do he has orders to approach the Enemy—If he does, it will I hope somewhat distract Genl Burgoyne in his operations.

Three deserters from the Brunswickers who joined Colo: Warner advise that a fricas had taken place at Skenesborough, between the British and foreign troops, that about eighty had been killed, including some Officers—This Account was corroborated by an Inhabitant from Skenesborough, but as it is said to have happened about the 20th Instt I doubt it is not true—As I have Intelligence from thence since and so remarkable an Occurrence would have been taken notice of.
I find by Letters from below that an Idea prevails that Fort Edward is also a strong and regular Fortification—It was once a regular Fortification, but there is nothing but the ruins of it left, and they are so totally defenceless that I have frequently galloped my Horse in on one Side and out of the other, but when it was in the best Condition possible with the best troops to Garrison it and provided with every necessary, it would not have stood two days seige after proper Batteries had been opened—It is situated in a Bottom on the Banks of the river and surrounded with Hills from which the Parade may be seen within Point blank shot—I doubt not but it will be said that Fort-Miller, Fort-Saratoga & Stillwater are considerable fortifications of neither of which a trace is left altho they still retain their names.
Application has been made to me to fill up the Vacancies that have happened in the several Regiments—As I have no authority to do it I have declined it and promised to write to Your Excellency on the Subject—If I am to do it, you will please to point out the line in which the Promotions are to be made.
July 27th Yesterday a Body of Indians and regular troops attacked a Picket detached from a body of about 150 which we keep at Fort Edward, killed & scalped a Subaltern, two Serjeants and a private and took four Prisoners—They also scalped a Woman and carried off another.
I am just informed that Gen: Glover’s Brigade is arrived at Albany—I wish he was up as I expect the Enemy will soon be with us.
If it was prudent to risque so much below, I think Gen: Burgoyne’s Army might be cut to peices, if we were ordered to retire before him, and permit him to follow us to the Vicinity of Albany, and Your Excellency to ascend Hudson’s River and with both armies to fall upon him—Such a Manoevre may be attended with difficulties—I do not foresee but at present it appears feasible. I am Dr Sir with great Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler

July 27th 10 oClock A:M: The Enemy as General Arnold Informs me are appearing In force at Fort Edward and he Expects they will Attack this day. I am Dr Sir Your most Obt Hbe Servt

P: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 27 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters  July 27th 1777.

The army is to proceed on its march to morrow morning as early as possible.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 27 July 1777
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
Corryels Ferry [N.J.] 27th July 1777

persuaded by my Own Opinion, & confirm’d by the Opinion of Congress, I believed Sr William Howe was determined to Force the pass of the Highlands; by the Direction of The Congress, I set out from philadelphia Fryday Evening to Join you at pompton, or peekskiln, as Circumstances might answer; This moment; an Express is Arrived from philadelphia; with Certain Information; that the Enemys Fleet is Off the Capes of Delaware. I am happy that the Great Blow is either to fall there, or of Course up that River—it is plain from thence, that the Councils of Great Britain are wavering, and that what Their General dared not to attempt by Land, he is now going to Effect by Sea alone—as my presence at Philadelphia may be of some Use I shall set out immediately for that City. In Earnest Expectations of seeing Your Excellency on Wednesday, I remain Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates

P:S: From my Acquaintance with the Mode of Sailing with so large a Fleet, I think it will take the Enemy Six days to come up the River.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
July the [27]th 1777

I do myself the Honor to transmit you, the inclosed Memorandum of Warlike stores wanted for an Expedition to the River St John’s, which I received in a Letter from Genl Heath of the 16th Inst.

The Memorandum was sent, that I might order the Stores to be supplied. Not knowing, that Congress have such an Expedition in view at this Time, I do not conceive myself authorized to comply with the requisition, & therefore refer the Matter to their consideration, to direct therein, as they shall judge proper; But I would beg leave to observe, that I think the Force, intended to be employed upon the Occasion, would render infinitely more Important services, by reinforcing the Northern Army & assisting in the repulse of Genl Burgoyne. The progress of his Arms and the deficiency in the Quota’s of Men exacted from the States to compose our Army, seem to forbid Expeditions for Conquest and to demand our Utmost exertions to maintain, What we already have. Congress will be pleased to write the Massachusets Council on the subject, and a Line to Genl Heath, that he may know how to govern himself respecting the Application. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sr Yr Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington

 Cross Roads 16 Miles from Morris Town 2 oClock P.M. Your Letter of the 26th with its Enclosures I met on the Road. The Subject of Rank, which Congress have been pleased to submit to my consideration, shall have my attention, as soon as circumstances will admit, and the result made known.
Gen. Green’s Division, consisting of Muhlenburg & Weedons Brigades, is now here. It will proceed Six or seven Miles farther this Evening. Genls Sullivan & Stirlings Divisions have repassed Hudson’s River. The former will proceed by this Rout—The Latter by way of Pyramus and Bound Brook or Brunswick. Genl Stephen with his own & Lincoln’s Division (Genl Lincoln being ordered to join Genl Schuyler) is marching on a back Road from Chester through Sussex to Howel’s Ferry on Delaware. Moylans & Blands Regiments of Horse, which were pasturing about Bound Brook & on the communication towards Woodbridge, were ordered to march too on the first intelligence, I received, of the Fleets sailing. Morgan’s Corps of Light Troops is also on the march through Brunswic with directions to halt at Trenton ’till further Orders, or till he gets certain information of the appearance of the Fleet in Delaware. I intend, in like manner, that Ld Stirling’s Division shall halt & remain there or at Bristol, till we have further information of the Enemy. From either of these places, they will be sufficiently near Philadelphia, and may proceed in time on any emergency. I am with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Health, 27 July 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir,
Morris Town July 27 1777

I have received your favor of the 16th instant, informing me of an application from the Board of War, of your state for a sufficiency of arms and other necessaries to accommodate a body of men to be employed in a secret expedition to St John’s River, and desiring my instructions upon the occasion. As I am not acquainted by Congress with what steps they have taken in the affair, nor with their present intentions concerning it, I do not think myself authorised to comply with the requisition. But I shall immediately write to them on the subject and request them to give you directions what to do. Till you receive them you are to defer doing any thing in it. For my own part I think the whole scheme very ineligible at this time. It appears to me altogether inexpedient to employ such a number of men in a remote offensive expedition, when we have so urgent a demand for all the strength we can collect to answer the purposes of defence.
It is a disagreeable consideration, that our men are so apt, on any misfortune to defer their engagements and return home at the very moment their services are most wanted. The evil is of the most injurious and dangerous nature, and calls for a vigorous remedy. I approve

of what you have done with respect to those who left General St Clair; and shall be happy to hear you may have it in your power to contribute towards checking the practice, by a few instances of exemplary severity.
In a former letter of yours of the 13th, which has been also received, you ask my advice what to do with Monsieur Faneuil, and some other French officers, who are desirous of entering the service as volunteers, and in other capacities. I would have you, by all means, discourage all such from coming to Camp, who do not come out under the faith of contracts with our agents in France. They embarrass me beyond measure, which would be the case, were their pretensions ever so moderate, from the difficulty of giving employment to so great a number of strangers, unacquainted with our genius, language and customs; but the inconvenience is very much increased by the immoderate expectations, which, almost every one of them, I have seen, entertains, and which make it impossible to satisfy them. And I have found by experience, that however modest, they may seem at first to be, by proposing to serve as volunteers, they very soon extend their views, and become importunate for offices they have no right to look for. I believe what I recommend is agreeable to the intention of Congress.
I am glad to hear of the prizes, that have been made by our frigates and privateers, particularly with respect to the fox-frigage; but I am sorry to find there is reason to suppose she has been retaken—I hope with you the account may prove false.
The British fleet sailed out of Sandy Hook the 23d instant. The prevailing and perhaps the most probable opinion is that they are destined for Philadelphia. But it is not impossible they may intend for the Eastward. Proper attention to this should not be wanting: But the bare possibility of it must not prevent, or interfere with, your forwarding the remaining Continental troops to their respective regiments, with all the diligence you can. The emergency of Northern affairs indispensibly calls for them. It is with reluctance I am obliged to say that had all the Eastern States taken effectual measures to complete and send on expeditiously their several quotas, the misfortune at Ticonderoga with all its attendant mischiefs would not have happened. But I have the consolation to reflect, that my endeavours have been unremitted to induce them to make every exertion in their power for that purpose. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedient servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Thomas Mifflin, 27 July 1777
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Philadelphia Sunday Morning 9 OClock [27 July 1777]

A Gentleman well known in this City is this Minute come to Town from little Egg Harbour. He declares he saw Seventy Sail of Vessels at 4 OClock Yesterday Afternoon pass by little Egg Harbour toward Cape May. I enclos’d to you a Letter from Doctor McGinnis to Colonel Bradford on the same Subject. The Destination of General Howe cannot now be mistaken as Egg Harbour or but a few Hours Sailing from our Capes. I have the Honour to be Your Excellency most Obt Hle St

Tho. Mifflin