Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 September 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston September 10, 1777

A few days since the Board of War offered me about forty Swords, designed for the Enemy’s Light Horse, taken by one of the State Armed Vessels. Capt. Crafts, being here and informing me that some of the Regiments, in particular Colo. Blands, were not completely furnished

with that necessary weapon, and these being excellent good ones, I have ventured to purchase them, and shall immediately order them on to Philadelphia to be disposed of as may be thought proper.
The Marine Board for this District have just applied to know if they can receive from the Continental Magazines such Quantities of Gun powder as may be necessary for the Continental Frigates. By your Excellency’s Letter of the 19th of April, and by one from General Knox to Major Barber about the same time, I take it to be my duty to supply them. If I misapprehend your pleasure in this Instance, your Excellency will please to signify it—Indeed I do not conceive any other way of supply at present—I have also mentioned the matter to the Board of War & Ordnance.
Our Affairs at the Northward every day wear a more favorable aspect—We hope your Excellency will soon give us a good account of General Hows Army.
Several valuable prizes have lately been sent in this way. But Monopolizers and Depreciators of our Currency threatens us with ruin, unless their vile practises are spedily restrained.
General Gates has just wrote me requesting that about one thousand Barrels of Salt provisions may be immediately sent on to Bennington, that Army being short of salt provisions.
One Elijah Woodward is to be executed here to morrow, for repeated Desertions and Inlistments. I have the Honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 10 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Sir
Head Quarters Chad’s Ford [Pa.] 10th Sepr 1777

I am favd with yours of the 5th and 6th instant. That of the 5th incloses Copy of a letter from an officer commanding a Regiment to a Member of Congress complaining of particular slight of his Regt by the Commissary, as there is no name to the letter it is impossible for me to inquire into the Matter. I never before knew that there was any partiality shewn to the other Officers in preference to those of the Virginia line in the mode of serving out provisions, and if the matter can

be proved the Commissary guilty of such partiality ought certainly to suffer. Congress are about fixing a mode of serving out provisions to a certain Number of Messes to the Officers in each Regiment, and I hope that will prove more satisfactory. The Article of Bacon is extra, and is provided by the Commissary at an advanced price for the Convenience and comfort of all the officers and I should be sorry to think that the General Officers should monopolize it. I am certain they neither wish or mean it, and if the Commissaries say they have any orders to deliver it to them only, they say what is not true if they mean that such Orders have gone from me. Upon the whole, the Charges exhibited in the letter alluded to are rather general ones, and all that I can do is to give the Commissary of issues a hint that partiality is complained of and advise him to avoid any such practice.
I cannot at present answer the Question proposed by Mr White the deputy Commy of Issues why the Rations claimed by the Soldiers differ so widely from those established by Congress on the 4th Novr 1775. As I have none of my papers, but those of a few days old, with me. I know there have been many alterations and new Regulations in the Commissary’s department and I fancy if you will have the Journals minutely examined you will find whence the difference arises. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 10 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dr Sir
Chads Ford [Pa.] Sepr 10th 1777

The prospect of a Descent from Staten Island on Jersey, by the Enemy posted & collected there, has induced Congress to order Fifteen hundred Troops at pecks Kill, with a Brigadr, to be in readiness to march for repelling them. This they have advised you of, as they informed me by Letter Yesterday. As there are many circumstances proving this invasion likely to take place from the seeming preparations they are making—their collecting forces from Long Island &c., you will give orders for the above number of Troops under the command of a Brigadr immediately to march into Jersey and to take such posts along & in the Neighbourhood of the Sound between the Main & Staten Island, as will best answer the purposes of defeating the Enemy’s views and of securing themselves agt any Sudden Attacks or Surprizes. I would also observe, that as this Detachment is ordered from you,

I think you should call in All your parties upon out commands, & that you should keep your force pretty well drawn together.
On Monday, the Enemy advanced towards our post at New port, as if they meant to attack us—but it was thought their appearance was only to amuse in Front, while their real Object was either to pass by our right Flank or to fall upon It. In this conjecture we were right as their subsequent conduct has proved. Accordingly we changed our Ground Yesterday morning, and advanced more into the Country, to this post. The Enemy pursuing their former plan, moved also. By Light Horsemen just come in, they are advancing upon us. We are preparing to receive ’em & should they come on, I trust under the smiles of providence & through our own conduct, that we shall give ’em a repulse or at most, that they will have to enjoy a painful & dear bought victory. I am Dr Sir.

P.S. This Letter, his Excelly intended to sign—but was prevented by a Report of the Enemy’s advancing which called him out.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Caesar Rodney, 10 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Rodney, Caesar

Sir
Head Quarters near Chads Ford [Pa.] 10th Sepr 1777.

I am favd with yours of Yesterday, and am sorry to find that so irregular a spirit and temper prevails among your Militia. The New Castle County people have no excuse for not joining you now, as the Enemy have in a manner left good part of the Country. I have recd Advice that their advanced Guards are within five Miles of this place. I wrote to you Yesterday to follow upon their Rear with all the Force you could collect, and I now press it upon you in the most urgent Manner, because if we should be lucky enough to give them a stroke at this distance from their Ships, you will be ready to intercept them. You will also be in the way of intercepting Convoys going to and coming from their Shipping. I desire you will be very particular in keeping the Returns of what Militia are in Service, and the time of Service, because when the Rolls are brought in for pay, I shall expect them to be certified by you. For want of a little Care in this respect the public has suffered monstrous impositions. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

The American dispositions on the east side of Brandywine Creek probably were complete by the evening of 10 Sept. (map 2). Maj. Gen. John Armstrong’s two brigades of Pennsylvania militia were stationed at Gibson’s or Pyle’s Ford, a short distance south of Chadds Ford. Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene’s division held the ground immediately east of Chadds Ford, straddling the road leading to Philadelphia some twenty-five miles to the northeast. Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne’s division was posted to the right of Greene’s division with Col. Thomas Proctor’s artillery detachment to Wayne’s right on some heights commanding Chadds Ford. The American right wing was entrusted to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan with his division stationed at Brinton’s Ford about two miles north of Chadds Ford. Maj. Gen. Stirling’s division was placed in reserve a short distance behind Sullivan, while Maj. Gen. Adam Stephen’s division was in a position to move to the support of either Greene and Wayne or Sullivan. Brig. Gen. William Maxwell’s light corps had crossed to the west side of the Brandywine to act as an advanced guard on the road that ran to Chadds Ford from Kennett Square seven miles away, where Gen. William Howe’s army of about fifteen thousand men was encamped. The number of American soldiers, Continental and militia, on the Brandywine at the start of the battle is not known precisely, but apparently it was roughly equal in strength to the opposing British and German troops whose advance toward Philadelphia they hoped to thwart. GW and his generals appear to have been well aware of the potential dangers posed by a British march around the American right flank. Sullivan, who

later claimed to be cognizant of the vulnerability of his position, was ordered to cover the three fords above Brinton’s Ford as far as Buffington’s Ford on the east branch of the Brandywine just above the place where the creek forks about six miles north of Chadds Ford. He detached for this purpose Col. David Hall’s Delaware regiment and Col. Moses Hazen’s Canadian regiment, the two battalions of the latter regiment being divided to cover the two upper fords, Jones’s and Buffington’s fords. Responsibility for patrolling the area north of Buffington’s Ford on both sides of the Brandywine was assigned to the light horse under the command of Col. Theodorick Bland, who reported directly to GW’s headquarters. Sullivan later said that he was informed late on 10 Sept. in GW’s presence that there were no fords “within Twelve miles” above Buffington’s Ford at which the British could cross without making “a Long Circuit Through a very Bad Road.” A flanking march, in fact, was the key element of Howe’s plan for attacking the American position on Brandywine Creek. Informed by sympathetic local inhabitants of the existence of fords on the upper branches of the Brandywine of which GW apparently was unaware, Howe proposed to lead a column north from Kennett Square and to cross those fords in order to make a surprise attack on the American right flank, while another column under the command of Lt. Gen. Wilhelm von Knyphausen diverted American attention by advancing directly east from Kennett Square toward Chadds Ford. Howe’s column, which marched at 5:00 A.M. on this date, contained about 8,200 men. It consisted of two battalions of British light infantry, two battalions of British and three battalions of Hessian grenadiers, two battalions of British Guards, the 3d and 4th British Brigades, two squadrons of British dragoons, and mounted and dismounted German jägers. Knyphausen’s column, which contained about 6,800 men, set out an hour later. It consisted of a Hessian brigade, the 1st and 2d British Brigades, the 71st Regiment of Highland Scots, Capt. Patrick Ferguson’s British reflemen, the Queen’s Rangers, and a squadron of British dragoons. Both columns were accompanied by field artillery. While Howe’s column marched north along the Great Valley Road, avoiding settlements and initially enjoying the cover of fog, Knyphausen encountered Maxwell’s forward outposts near Welch’s Tavern three miles east of Kennett Square. The Americans harassed Knyphausen’s vanguard in a series of running skirmishes until about eight o’clock when Knyphausen reached the heights immediately west of Chadds Ford, where the main body of Maxwell’s troops, supported by Proctor’s artillery on the east side of the Brandywine, were positioned. By 10:30 A.M. Knyphausen had outflanked and driven the Americans off the heights. He then halted there to await the results of Howe’s flanking march around the American right wing. Maj. Carl Leopold Baurmeister, who was with Knyphausen, wrote that at that time “the small-arms fire ceased entirely, although our cannon fired from time to time, each shot being answered by the enemy. The purpose of our gunfire, however, was only to advise the second [Howe’s] column of our position.” The conflicting reports of British movements that the Americans received during the morning made it difficult for GW to evaluate Howe’s intentions properly and left him in a state of indecision for several hours. At Brinton’s Ford at 9:00 A.M. Maj. John Jameson of the 1st Continental Dragoons informed

Sullivan that “he came from the Right of the Army & . . . there was no enemy there.” Sullivan says that he then ordered Jameson “to Send an officer over to the Lancaster Road,” about two miles north of Buffington’s Ford, and that the officer “Returned & Said no Enemy had passd that way.” Sullivan, however, subsequently sent word to GW, probably mid to late morning, that Colonel Hazen had reported seeing British troops in the vicinity of the Brandywine forks. “About 11 or 12 Oclock,” Charles Cotesworth Pinckney wrote many years later, GW was “near Col. Proctor’s Battery, on the height above Chad’s ford, [and] I heard him bitterly lament that Coll Bland had not sent him any information at all, & that the accounts he had received from others were of a very contradictory nature.” It probably was about that time that GW wrote Bland asking him “to gain satisfactory information of a body confidently reported to have gone up to a Ford Seven or Eight miles above this.” Bland’s dragoons apparently did not discover any evidence of Howe’s column until 1:15 P.M., but at 11:00 A.M. Lt. Col. James Ross of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment wrote GW that he had skirmished somewhere on the Great Valley Road with “a large body of the enemy—from every account 5000, with 16 or 18 field pieces” led by Howe himself. That route, Ross reported, “leads to Taylor’s and Jeffries ferries on the Brandy wine.” The few surviving accounts of events during the middle part of the day are vague and incomplete. GW probably received Ross’s letter about noon, and apparently on the basis of the information contained in it, GW ordered his army to make some sort of attack on Knyphausen’s force across the Brandywine, possibly with the intention of overwhelming it before the reported British flanking column could complete its march. GW, Sullivan later wrote, “sent me word to cross the Brandewine with my Division & attack the enemy’s left while the army crossed below me to attack their Right.” Lt. Col. Samuel Smith of the 4th Maryland Regiment, who was in Sullivan’s division, says in his autobiographical account that “Colonel Ramsay, of the Maryland line, crossed the river, and skirmished with and drove the Yagers.” The attack on Knyphausen’s position, however, apparently was canceled just as it was beginning, because at the last moment GW received from Sullivan further intelligence that caused him to fear that he was being drawn into a trap. The source of that information was Maj. Joseph Spear of the Chester County militia who arrived at Sullivan’s command post while preparations for attacking Knyphausen were under way and reported “that he was from the upper country, that he had come in the Road, where the enemy must have passed to attack our right & that there was not the least appearance of them in that Q[uarte]r & added that Genl Washington had sent him out for the purpose of discovering whether the enemy were in that Q[uarte]r.” Spear’s account was confirmed by Sgt. William Tucker of the 1st Continental Dragoons, whom Sullivan had sent out “on purpose to make discoveries & had passed on as he said to Lancaster Road.” Sullivan hesitated, however, before sending Spear’s report to GW, followed by Spear himself. Sullivan later claimed that he doubted the truth of Spear’s information and forwarded it only for fear that he would be blamed if it should prove correct and GW’s planned attack on Knyphausen be defeated. “Had the

General,” Sullivan wrote Hancock on 6 October, “crossed over [the Brandywine]; left his own advantageous post . . . & found the whole british army well posted in his front & his Army put to the rout having a river unfordable in rear, except in one or two places & most of his troops pushed into it, . . . & he had afterwards found out that I had received & witheld the intelligence, which might have prevented this misfortune & demanded my reasons I believe I never shou’d have been able to give on[e] which wou’d be Satisfactory to him to congress or to the world.” Whatever Sullivan’s doubts about Spear’s information, he did not discuss them in his letter to GW. Left to draw his own conclusions, GW gave Spear’s report too much weight, being induced by it “to suppose that the [flanking] movement of the Enemy was a feint, & that they were returning to reinforce Knyphawsen at Chad’s Ford.” Any idea of attacking Knyphausen was abandoned. GW later lamented that Spear’s “intelligence was no doubt a most unfortunate circumstance; as it served to derange the disposition that had been determined on in consequence of prior information, of the enemy’s attempt to turn and attack our right flank, which ultimately proving true, too little time was left us, after discovering its certainty, to form a new plan, and make adequate arrangements to prevent its success.” Howe’s column crossed the west branch of the Brandywine at Trimble’s Ford, about two miles above the fork, at approximately eleven o’clock and then cautiously halted to allow the whole column to cross there before marching three miles farther to cross the east branch at Jeffries Ford, about a mile above the fork, at approximately two o’clock. At 2:30 P.M., Capt. John Montresor says in his journal entry for this date, the column “arrived upon an open clear height . . . and [we] halted and refreshed ourselves for an hour, during which time [we] observed the Gros of the rebel army forming upon an opposite height.” The irrefutable reports of the British presence on the American right flank, which Colonel Bland made at 1:15 P.M. and about 2:00 P.M., put an end to GW’s confusion about Howe’s intentions, but the second report erroneously indicated that the flanking force consisted of only “about two Brigades.” To counter that threat GW immediately sent Stirling’s and Stephen’s reserve divisions to Birmingham Meeting House and nearby Birmingham Hill, which were located about two miles north of Chadds Ford and about a mile south of Osborne’s Hill where Howe’s troops had halted. GW then directed Sullivan to join Stirling and Stephen with his division and to take command of the whole force. Sullivan received GW’s orders at 2:30 P.M. and began his march within five minutes. “I . . . had not marched a mile,” Sullivan later wrote, “when I met Colo Hazen with his Regiment which had been Stationed at a Ford three miles above me who Informed that the Enemy were Close upon his Heels & that I might Depend that the principal part of the British army were there: altho I knew the Reports Sent to head Quarters made them but two Brigades as I knew Colo Hazen to be an old officer & a good Judge of Numbers I gave Credence to his Report in preference to the Intelligence before Received.” About three thirty or four o’clock while Sullivan was maneuvering his division into line with Stirling’s and Stephen’s divisions on and about Birmingham

Hill, Howe’s force descended Osborne’s Hill and attacked the American position in three columns. On the left were the British light infantry and the German jägers supported by the 4th British Brigade; in the center were the British grenadiers supported by the Hessian grenadiers; and on the right were the British Guards. Sullivan, whose division was thrown “into Some kind of Confusion” by the rapid enemy advance, assumed command of the American line, positioning himself near the Continental artillery on top of Birmingham Hill with his partially broken division on the left, Stirling’s division in the center, and Stephen’s division on the right. The ensuing fighting on and around the hill was intense. “When we got close to the rebels,” Howe’s aide-de-camp Captain Muenchhausen wrote in his diary entry for this date, “they fired their cannon; they did not fire their small arms till we were within 40 paces of them, at which time they fired whole volleys and sustained a very heavy fire. The English, and especially the English grenadiers, advanced fearlessly and very quickly; fired a volley, and then ran furiously at the rebels with fixed bayonets.” Sullivan says in his account of the fighting: “five times did the Enemy drive our Troops from the Hill & as often was it Regained. . . . The General fire of the Line Lasted an hour & forty minutes Fifty one minutes of which the Hill was Disputed almost Muzzle to Muzzle in Such a manner that General Conway who has Seen much Service Says he never Saw So Close & Severe a fire.” Finally compelled to abandon Birmingham Hill and the meetinghouse, Sullivan’s force retreated toward Dilworthtown, a village about two miles to the southeast. During one of the rearguard actions Lafayette was wounded in the leg while trying to rally troops. GW, upon learning of the retreat, ordered Greene to march his division from Chadds Ford to reinforce Sullivan, and then he rode toward Dilworthtown with some of his aides-de-camp to supervise personally the positioning of Greene’s troops. Greene later wrote: “I marched one brigade of my division . . . between three and four miles in forty-five minutes. When I came upon the ground I found the whole of the troops routed and retreating precipitately, and in the most broken and confused manner. I was ordered to cover the retreat.” Brig. Gen. George Weedon’s brigade, one of the two brigades in Greene’s division, was said to be “marching over a ploughed field,” a short distance south of Dilworthtown, when “Sullivan proposed to the General [GW] to halt it there & to display & take the Enemy in flank as they came down. This Genl Washington acceeded to.” Lt. James McMichael of Weedon’s brigade says in his diary entry for this date: “We took the front and attacked the enemy at 5:30 P.M., and being engaged with their grand army, we at first were obliged to retreat a few yards and formed in an open field, when we fought without giving way on either side until dark.” Greene says in his account: “We were engaged an hour and a quarter, and lost upwards of an hundred men killed and wounded. I maintained the ground until dark, and then drew off the troops in good order.” While GW’s attention was focused on trying to stop Howe’s advance on the right wing, Knyphausen took advantage of the weakening of the American forces at Chadds Ford by sending his troops across the Brandywine to attack

Wayne’s division, Maxwell’s light corps, and Proctor’s artillery, which GW had left in place to defend the ford. Hessian captain Johann Ewald says in his diary that “the 4th and 5th regiments, along with the 71st Highland Regiment, Ferguson’s, and the Queen’s Rangers, waded through the creek at Chad’s Ford, which is about fifty paces wide and a half-man deep, under grapeshot and small-arms fire from the enemy’s first battery. They continued their much . . . in the best order without firing a shot, deployed with complete composure, attacked the battery and the escort with the bayonet, stabbed down all who offered resistance, and captured four cannon and a howitzer. A part of the enemy infantry took a new position behind the first fence or wall, defending itself from wall to wall in the best way possible, but was constantly attacked from post to post by our gallant troops and finally completely driven back over the hills toward Chester.” By the time darkness fell, the entire American army was retreating under orders to “assemble behind Chester,” about twelve miles east of Chadds Ford. “We marched all night,” Lieutenant McMichael says in his diary, “until we neared the town [Chester], when we halted, but not to sleep.” Howe’s troops, exhausted by their march of seventeen miles and the subsequent fighting and hampered by the darkness, did not pursue the Americans but camped on the battlefield. Howe established his headquarters about a mile south of Dilworthtown. “It was fortunate for us,” Col. Timothy Pickering says in his diary entry for this date, “that the night came on, for under its cover the fatigued, stragglers, and some wounded made their escape.” Howe wrote in his letter to Lord George Germain of 10 Oct. 1777 that “the enemy’s army escaped a total overthrow that must have been the consequence of an hour’s more daylight.” The official British casualty figure was 583, including 89 officers and men killed, 488 officers and men wounded, and 6 men missing in action. Only 40 of the casualties were Germans. The heaviest losses were suffered by the British light infantry, the British grenadiers, and the British 64th Regiment in Howe’s column and by the Queen’s Rangers in Knyphausen’s column. There were 8 British officers killed, and 44 British and 4 German officers were wounded. American casualty figures are more difficult to ascertain, but they probably approached 1,100, including 200 killed, 500 wounded, and 400 captured. Major Baurmeister of the Hessian forces says that “our first [Howe’s] column captured six brass cannon, and the second [Knyphausen’s], four more and one howitzer. The howitzer had been cast in Philadelphia in 1777. The cannon consisted, for the most part, of French 4–pound Couleuvrines made at Douay in 1737, and two new Hessian 3–pounders which the rebels had taken at Trenton, one of which they had rebored to make a 6–pounder of it. Moreover, some munition wagons, a quantity of muskets, most of which were made in the French style and had, perhaps, been furnished by French factories, and many entrenching tools fell into our hands.”


Title: I: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison to John Hancock, 11 September 1777
From: Harrison, Robert Hanson
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Chads Ford [Pa.] Sepr 11th 1777. ¾ after 8 OClock A.M.

The Enemy are now advancing. Their present appearance indicates a disposition to pursue this Route. If they do, I trust, they will meet with a suitable reception and such as will establish our Liberties. They are now advanced near the Brandiwine & have fired Several peices of Artillery. I am Sir with great respect Yr Most Obedt Servt

Rob: H: Harrison


Title: III: To Colonel Theodorick Bland, 11 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

Sir
Chads ford [Pa.] 11th Septr 177720 Mints. after ⟨mutilated⟩ O’Clock

I earnestly entreat continuance of your vigilant attention to the movements of the Enemy and the earliest report, not only of their movements, but of their number, & the course they are pursuing. In a particular manner, I wish you to gain satisfactory information of a body confidently reported to have gone up to a Ford Seven or Eight miles above this. It is said the Fact is certain. You will send up an intelligent—sensible Officer immediately with a party to find out the truth—What number It consists of, and the Road they are now on. be particular in these matters. I am Sir Your Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: V: From Colonel Theodorick Bland, 11 September 1777
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Sr
¼ past one o clocke [11 September 1777]

I have discoverd a party of the Enemy on the Heights Just on the Right of two Widow dav⟨i⟩s’s who live close together on the Road calld the fork road, about half a mile to the Right of the meeting house (Birmingham) There is a higher Hill to their front.

Thedk Bland


Title: VI: From Major General John Sullivan, 11 September 1777
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
2 of Clock P.M. [11 September 1777]

Colo. Bland has this moment Sent me word that the Enemy are in the Rear of my Right about two miles Coming Down. there is he Says about two Brigades of them. Yr Excy m. o. Servt

Jno. Sullivan

he also Says he Saw a Dust Rise back in the Country for above an hour.


Title: VII: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison to John Hancock, 11 September 1777
From: Harrison, Robert Hanson
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Chads Ford [Pa.] 5 OClock. P.M: 11th Sepr 1777

When I had the Honor of addressing you this morning, I mentioned, that the Enemy were advancing and had began a Canonade; I would now beg leave to inform you, that they have kept up a brisk fire from their Artillery ever since. Their advanced party was attacked by our light Troops under Genl Maxwell, who crossed the Brandiwine for that purpose and had posted his Men on some high Grounds on each side the Road. The fire from our people was not of long duration as the Enemy pressed on in force, but was very severe. What loss the Enemy sustained cannot be ascertained with precision, but from our situation and briskness of the Attack, it is the general opinion, particularly of those, who were engaged, that they had at least Three Hundred Men killed & wounded. Our damage is not exactly known, but from the best Accounts we have been able to obtain, It does not exceed fifty in the whole. After this Affair, the Enemy halted upon the Heights, where they have remained ever since, except a Detachment of them, which filed off about 11 OClock from their left, and which has since passed Brandiwine at Jones’s ford between Five & Six Miles above Chads; The amount of It is not known, accounts respecting It being various—some making it Two or three thousand strong & Others more. Generals Sullivan—Stirling and Stephens with their divisions are gone in pursuit and to attack it, if they can with any prospect of Success. There has been a scattering loose fire between our parties on each side the Creek, since the Action in the Morning, which just now became warm, when Genl Maxwell pushed over with his Corps, and drove them from their Ground with the loss of thirty Men left dead on the Spot, among ’em a Captn of the 49th, and a number of Intrenching Tools with which they were throwing up a Battery.
At ½ After 4 OClock the Enemy attacked Genl Sullivan at the Ford next above this, & the Action has been very violent ever since. It still continues. A very Severe Cannonade has begun here too, and I suppose we shall have a very hot Evening. I hope it will be a happy One. I have the Honor to be in great haste Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Rob: H: Harrison


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 11 September 1777
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

Hond Sir
Eltham [Va.] Sepr 11th 1777

Your kind Favour of the 18th Ult. came safe to Hand. the oblidgeing Manner in which you accepted my Offer gives Me real Pleasure. I shall take every Care of the Colt, and have no doubt, from His present Appearance, of his makeing a very fine Horse.
I have for some time thought it Would be of advantage to Me, and of no Disadvantage to You to rent your Plantation in King William. I was mentioning It to Mamma a few Days ago, and She told Me You had said some thing to this Purpose, some time ago. Mr Hill informs Me

that on the said Plantation there is not Land clear’d, sufficient to work the Hands upon It, and that to clear more would injure the Plantation; I should be oblidged to you, Sir, to inform Me whether you would chuse to rent the Plantation or not, and whether you would hire the Negroes with the Land, or dispose of the Stock. I would, if you like, rent the Plantation as it now stands—What rent to offer, I cannot determine untill I hear what Part of the Estate you rent. I should therefore be glad you could inform Me as soon as convenient, what Part you will dispose off; and what you think will be an equivalent, or I will leave It to any One you shall chuse, to fix the Value, which I think may be done by Mr Hill’s drawing an Ac[coun]t of Profits arising from the Estate one Year with another. you will be pleased to write Me fully upon this matter, as the Fall is advancing, and some of the Overseers depend on your Determinations.
You will probably be surprized to hear that I have declined settling in King & Queen, and that I propose selling the House & Land. the reasons that have brought Me to this Determination I think are good. Namely, a Bad Neighbourhood, an insufferable Quantity of Muskitoes, and very poor Land, seperated from the rest of my Estate, by a river very inconvenient to cross, and which would debarr Me greatly of the Pleasure of seeing Those I regard—These Considerations have induced Me to quit a large and convenient House with every necessary Office, and in good repair, for a less comfortable Dwelling, in a Situation altogether agreable, I mean rockcohock. I am now repairing the white house which wants little else then whitewashing & plaistering. I intend to build a smal House adjoining with two good rooms above & below Stairs. this will render our Situation very comfortable, tho not elegant, and We Shall have room to entertain our Freinds, who will Favour Us with their Company. I shall then be convenient to the best Part of my Estate, and shall find Amusement enough in improveing Land that will make a grateful return. I am now claring that Large swamp which lies between the House, & Mrs Chamberlaine’s, and am in Hopes to get a very fine Meadow, as It is as rich a peice of Ground as I ever saw.
I am sorry that I have nothing to inform you off, by the Way of News, except that the Militia have turnd out to the Numbe[r] of 5000 very fine Men[.] Genl Nelson parades twice a Week, and they fire away an amazeing Quantity of Powder, I think to very little Purpose, when We are not over stock’d, and the militia to continue but a short Time—The Cry against the Eastern Troops was beginning to break out with double Vigour. your Letter that I published last December had the desired Effect for some Time, but the Enemys to the Eastern States concluded

It was generally forgot in the Country. A Member of Congress from this State, wrote to his Son: that Genl Stark had on Account of some disgust, drawn Himself Off from the Army with 2000 Men. the Gentleman ask’d Me in a very large Company, if I new a Genl Stark, formerly Colo. Stark. I told Him yes, and He was look’d upon as a brave & good Officer; He replyd, he new him to be a Dam’d rascal, and produced the Letter, when the whole Company agreed with Him. this Letter was greedily circulated about the Town, and Every One was abusing the Eastern Troops as Cowards. Gen. Stark has given a good Contradiction to Colo. H—n’s Letter. It is to be lamented that the Gentlemen of Congress, cannot divest Themselves of their private Peaks and animosities, and give fair & impartial accounts; I have seen several of his Letters fill’d with the most bitter Invectives against the Eastern Men: such Conduct tends only to breed Divisions among Us, and weaken our glorious Ca⟨use⟩.
I was prevail’d upon Yesterday at Court to offer Myself as a Delegate at the next Election in New Kent. the Gentlemen gave Me every reason to expect Success. Should they Honour Me with the Appointment, I am Determined to serve them on true Independent Principals to the Best of my Abilities—Nelly joins Me in Love and wishing You a glorious Victory over our Enemy & believe sincerely yr Affecte

J. P. Custis


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

Head Quarters, Chester [Pa.] Sept: 12th 1777.
Schuylkill.Derby. Germantown.

The commanding officer of each brigade is immediately to send off as many officers as he shall think necessary on the roads leading to the places of action yesterday, and on any other roads where stragglers may be found; particularly to Wilmington, where ’tis said, many have retired, to pick up all the stragglers from the army, and bring them on. In doing this, they will proceed as far, towards the enemy, as shall be consistant with their own safety, and examine every house—In the mean time the troops are to march on in good order thro’ Derby to the bridge over Schuylkill, cross it, and proceed up to their former ground near the falls of Schuylkill, and Germantown, and there pitch their tents—Genl Greenes division will move last and cover the baggage, stores &c.
A gill of rum or whiskey is to be served out to each man who has not already received that allowance.
General Maxwell’s light Corps will remain at Chester, collect all the stragglers they can, and to morrow morning follow the army.
The directors of the hospital will see, that all the sick, and wounded be sent to Trenton—In doing this, General Maxwell will give them all necessary assistance.
The General expects that each Brigadier, or officer commanding a brigade will immediately make the most exact returns of their killed, wounded and missing.
After Orders. The officers are, without loss of time to see that their men are completed with ammunition—that their arms are in the best order, the inside of them washed clean and well dried—the touchholes picked, and a good flint in each gun. The strictest attention it is

expected will be paid to this order as the officers must be sensible their own honor, the safety of the soldier, and success of the cause depends absolutely upon a careful execution of it. The commanding officer of each regiment is to endeavour to procure such necessaries, as are wanting, for his men—No time is to be lost in doing this.


Title: To George Washington from Carter Braxton, 12 September 1777
From: Braxton, Carter
To: Washington, George

Dear General.
West point [Va.] Sept. 12 1777.

I have often had a desire of writing to you and returning you my Acknowledgements for your polite treatment to me last Summer at New York, but I feared any Letter from me would but add to the immense Number I found daily crowding upon you & occasion a farther Interruption to the weight of Business you were involved in. A point of duty has at length compelled me to break thro the restraint & to inclose you the piece you will find herein which was sent me from one of the Dutch Islands with an Intent of having it circulated thro the Hessian & German Troops and I know of no Opportunity but thro your Excellency. I am told it is written by one of the Prince of Hesse Subjects address’d to his fellow Subjects and remonstrating with them upon the Impropriety of their serving the King of great Britain as Soldiers agt America & thereby selling themselves for the basest Purposes—I know not the Effect it will have but I conceived it my duty to send it to you and if it shall add in the smallest degree to weaken the Hands of our Enemies I shall be happy in having so far contributed my mite.
Your Lady did me the honor to dine with us two Days ago in perfect health—Your Situation & that of the Enemy, indicate some important Event soon, that it may be prosperous to you and crowned with every Success you wish is the sincere Prayer of Sir your affece hume Sert

Carter Braxton


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 12 September 1777
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Kingston [N.Y.] Sept. 12th 1777

The Friends of Major Hatfield (who last year belonged to General Scott’s Brigade in our Army and was taken by the Enemy on Montresure’s Island, and is now a Prisoner with them) inform me that when your Excellency was in the Clove Mrs Hatfield (the Majors Wife) obtained your Permission to visit her Husband at Newyork and was conducted by a Flag from Elizabeth Town to Staten Island for that Purpose and from thence was sent to Newyork but the Officer who ordered her there kept her Pass, that she went from Newyork to the Place of her Husbands Confinement on Long Island and after having continued with him a short Time returned to Newyork and applied to the Commanding Officer for Permission to leave the City and return Home;

he treated her with Politeness but referred her to the Mayor of the City who he said was intrusted with the Management of those Matters as best knowing the Characters of the People. She accordingly with a Woman who had accompanied her from Elizabeth Town made Application to the Mayor; he readily granted the other Woman a Permit to return Home, but refused one to Mrs Hatfield with a Degree of Indelicacy and Insult directing her to return to her Husband on Long Island and remain there.
The Conduct of Major Hatfield as an Officer was such as entitles him to good Treatment from a generous Enemy and his Family to every Indulgence from his Country. His private Affairs suffered greatly by his Detention as a Prisoner and this unprecedented Manner of preventing Mrs Hatfields Return who intended only a short Visit adds greatly to the Distresses of the Family.
As I have only by Relation the Circumstance of your Excellency’s having given Mrs Hatfield Permission to go to Newyork I have thought it most regular to lay the Matter before you and I am persuaded that your Excellency will take such Measures to procure Mrs Hatfields Releasement as will best conduce to that End.
I am a Stranger to the Steps proper to be taken on this Occasion but if your Excellency Should think that the Application for Redress ought to be made immediately by me I would esteem it a singular Favor if you would point out the Method and inform me whether the Circumstances respecting the granting the Permission to Mrs Hatfield are as above represented. If Retaliation shou’d be necessary I have not a Doubt but I shall have an Opportunity to try the Experiment. I am with much Regard Your Excellency’s most Obed. sert

Geo: Clinton


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 12 September 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Septr 12th 1777. 4 O’Clock A.M.

I am this Moment favoured with yours by the Express—I am sorry for the unfortunate Issue of the Day, but from the Troops keeping up

their Spirits, I flatter myself it will still be in our Power to retrieve the Loss of yesterday.
I have thought proper, in Consequence of the Intelligence received this Morning, to call the Congress together at six O’Clock. I have the Honour to be, with the utmost Respect Sir Your most obed. Serv.

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 12 September 1777
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Head Quarters Dilworth [town, Pa.] 12th Septemr 1777

The Number of wounded Officers and Men of your Army in this Neighbourhood, to whom every possible Attention has been paid, will nevertheless require your immediate Care, as I shall not be so situated as to give them the necessary Relief. Any Surgeons you may chuse to send to their Assistance, upon Application to me, in consequence of your Orders, shall be permitted to attend them.
The Officers Paroles will be taken, and the Men considered as Prisoners of War. With due Respect I am, Sir, your most obedient humble Servant

W. Howe


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Jr., 12 September 1777
From: Nelson, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Williamsburg [Va.] sepr 12th 1777

I had the pleasure of recieving your favor of the 2d Instant by post yesterday & am greatly honord by your congratulations upon my appointment.
The Governor and Council have thought proper to dismiss upwards of 1000 of the militia & talk of discharging more of them, I believe,

on account of the scarcity of provision, which has been occasion’d by our thinking ourselves too secure from any attack from the Enemy, & selling vast quantities of salted provisions which at this time are much wanted. I hope the state will not suffer as there appears no immediate call for Men, but should The Enemy return in any short time, we shall be nearly in as great confusion as when they made their first appearance. However I must acquiesce in whatever my Superiors shall please to order.
should your Excellency think the assistance of a Body of Militia from this State necessary to reinforce the grand Army, I think I may pronounce with certainty, that you might have almost any number, provided the Governor & Council will consent; and I assure you nothing would give me more satisfaction than to recieve such orders. I had once determin’d to apply for permission to throw over a Body of Men to the Eastern shore in order to hang upon the Enemy’s rear, but upon mentioning it to some of the Council, they had so many objections to it that I declin’d it, tho I am of opinion it might have been effected at that time & that it is not too late even now notwithstanding the vigilance of the Enemy in the Bay. At all events we may march up the western shore & act in conjunction with the Maryland Militia. I may be too sanguine, but I cannot but think, that, by proper exertions of the neighbouring states, the War may be nearly finish’d by the begining of November, especially if we should be as successful, as they have been in the Northern department, upon which I congratulate you.
I have just been inform’d that the Enemy are advancing towards Christiana Bridge, so that I imagine your advanced parties must have had some smart skirmishing with theirs. I am with sincere wishes for your health Your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

Thos Nelson jr


Title: To George Washington from Brig. Gen. Caesar Rodney, 12 September 1777 [letter not found]
From: Rodney, Caesar
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. Caesar Rodney, 12 Sept. 1777. Samuel Chase wrote GW on 15 Sept.: “Colo. Gist further informed Mr Buchanan that Genl Rodney had wrote to You on fryday last [12 Sept.], giving an account of his and Colo. Gists Situation, & sent the Letter by the usual Road & therefore fears it has fallen into the Enemies Hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Sir
Derby [Pa.] Sepr 12th 1777.

Having more maturely considered ⟨the⟩ situation and circumstances of the Enemy, since Colo. Hamilton wrote you this Morning, It appears to me, that the Forces under your command, can not be

employed to so much advantage in anyway, as by falling on the Enemy’s Rear and attacking & harrassing them, as Often as possible. I am persuaded many advantages will result from this measure. It will greatly retard their march, & give us time, and also will oblige them, either to keep a strong guard with their Sick & wounded, with which they must now ⟨be⟩ much incumbered—or to send ’em back under a large escort. In either case you will have an Opportunity of attacking with a good prospect of Success. Add to these considerations before you could join me by a circuitous march & your Troops were rested, Matters might be brought to a Crisis. I therefore wish you to pursue such line of Conduct, and that with all possible diligence and dispatch. You will also write to Genl Rodney & Colo. Gist urging them to push on & join you with all the force they have & can collect. It will be adviseable too for you to send into the Country as you march & to call in every aid you can; But I would not have you to wait for their joining, as they can do it after you have proceeded near the Enemy. No Exertions can be too great at this Time, and a Spirited Effort by the people would in all probability put a happy & speedy end to the present contest. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 12 September 1777
From: Wharton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council, Philada Septemr 12th 1777

Council have Strong apprehentions that General Howe may take the Shortest rohad to cross over the Schuylkill, call’d the Sweedes Ford; below this pass which is about 17 miles to the Northwest of this City, there is no ford equally good, or tollerably practicable.
Some Cannon 12 pounders will be Sent thither, and orders were issued yesterday for great part of Militia of Philada & Bucks Counties

to assemble at the Swedes ford & other places on the banks of that River. Measures are also taking to bring the Towns people to the like, and to watch the lower parts. Parties have been employed to Collect the Boats attend the removal of the Bridge and driveing off the Cattle.
But these precautions ought not to be depended on. the want of Arms for the people at large, is great, and Seems remediless, many discouraged by present circumstances, will be backward, Whi[l]st others will act feebly.
In the mean time, Council V[i]ew the unguarded Condition of the works on the Delaware with Concern, as they are not provided with means to reinforce them. I am may it please your Excellency your Excllys Most Obedt & very Humble Servant

Tho. Wharton jun. Prest

P.S. An officer of character is wanted to head the Militia, on the schuylkill.


Title: General Orders, 13 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, near Germantown [Pa.] Septr 13th 1777.

The General, with peculiar satisfaction, thanks those gallant officers and soldiers, who, on the 11th instant, bravely fought in their country and its cause—If there are any whose conduct reflects dishonour upon soldiership, and their names are not pointed out to him, he must, for the present, leave them to reflect, how much they have injured their country—how unfaithful they have proved to their fellow-soldiers; but with this exhortation, that they embrace the first opportunity which may offer, to do justice to both, and to the profession of a soldier. Altho’ the event of that day, from some unfortunate circumstances, was not so favorable as could be wished, the General has the satisfaction of assuring the troops, that from every account he has been able to obtain, the enemy’s loss greatly exceeded ours; and he has full confidence that in another Appeal to Heaven (with the blessing of providence,

which it becomes every officer and soldier humbly to supplicate) we shall prove successful.
The Honble Congress, in consideration of the gallant behaviour of the troops on Thursday last—their fatigue since—and from a full conviction that on every future occasion they will manifest a bravery worthy of the cause they have undertaken to defend—having been pleased to order thirty hogsheads of rum to be distributed among them, in such manner as the Commander in Chief should direct. He orders the Commissary General of Issues, to deliver to each officer and soldier, one gill per day, while it lasts.
The commanding officer of each brigade, without delay is to send a number of active officers into the city, and its environs, to pick up, and bring to camp, all straggling soldiers whom they may find, as well those belonging to other brigades, as their own—Likewise a serjeant from each brigade, to the bridge over Schuylkill, to direct the soldiers as they cross, where to find their respective brigades.
At roll-calling this afternoon, the men are to be charged not to be out of Drum-call of their respective parades, under pain of death; nor the officers, as they value the service, and dread cashiering.
The Qr Mr Genl is to have the waggons of each brigade immediately arranged, so as to move them in their proper line, at a moment’s warning—The order of the incampment at this place need not be attended to, as our stay here will be short—Each division is to encamp in as compact order as possible to night.
All the Continental troops are to be supplied immediately, with forty rounds of cartridges, and the officers will see, that the soldiers carry their spare ammunition, in such a manner, as to avoid injury and loss.
The Cloathier General is ordered to send spare shoes, shirts &c. to camp, to furnish such men as are destitute—The commanding officers therefore of corps are to delay no time, in supplying the absolute wants of their men.
The General does most ardently exhort every officer to attend to the due and speedy execution of these orders without a moment’s loss of time.
After Orders. The following proportion of tents is allowed the army upon the next march—vizt—One soldier’s tent for the field Officers of each regiment. One ditto for every four Commissioned officers. One do for eight Serjeants, Drums or fifes. One do for eight privates. The Brigadiers to have returns made out, and the above proportion of tents taken for their brigades, and one waggon for every fifty tents, and no more—No woman under any pretence whatsoever to go with the army, but to follow the baggage—The soldiers are to carry their camp kettles, which, if the army should come to action, are to be put into

waggons with the tents. The invalids, under a good subaltern, are to guard the tents of each brigade.
The division Commissaries are directed to have a constant supply of provision for the troops, and the Qr Mr General must without fail furnish the necessary waggons for that purpose—A gill of rum or other spirits a day to be dealt out to each officer and private until further orders. The Commissaries are to make provision accordingly.
The army to be ready to march precisely at nine o’clock to morrow morning—The General Officers, commanding divisions will receive the order of march from the Q. M. Genls who will also direct the route of the baggage.


Title: From George Washington to General William Howe, 13 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Head Qrs of the Army [Germantown, Pa.]Septr 13th 1777
Sir

I was this Evening honoured with your Letter of the 12th. The attention, which, you are pleased to assure me, has been paid to the Officers & privates of the Army under my command, who were unfortunately wounded in the Action on Thursday last, has a claim to my Acknowledgements. Agreable to the permission, you offer, I have directed the following Gentn—Doctrs Rush, Leiper & Latimer, and Mr Willet, a Mate in the Hospital with their Attendants, to wait upon you and to take them under their care. The Wounded will be considered in the light you place them. I am Sir with due respect Yr Most Obedt servt.

P.S. I have thought proper to add Doctrs Way & Coats to the Surgeons above mentioned, that the Wounded may have the earliest releif.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 September 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Peeks kill [N.Y.] September 13th 1777

I Should rejoice to have a line from you but I know in your Situation your attention is engaged in transactions of the greatest moment. We have intellegence from the northward that Supplies of men & Stores come in fast to General Gates that he has moved up to Stillwater—that Generals Lincoln & Stark with Seven or Eight thousand men are marched from Bennington to git into the rear of G. Burgoine.
I have for Some time been meditating an Expedition towards Newyork & expect to be able to attack the Enemy at Staten Island Powles Hook york Island & long Island, at one time, for by information from one quarter & another, I have gained knowledge of their Strength, very nearly, at their different posts, & that an enterprize of that kind might be undertaken with good prospects of Success—enclosed I Send a return of the Troops under my Command at this & the adjacent posts—in Case I Should go upon the proposed Expedition Govr Trumbull has encouraged me a large reinforcement from Connecticut which togather with the Continental Troops here & what assistance I Shall be able to obtain from this State & the Jersies I immagine I Shall have a Sufficiency of men—Wishing, dear General, that by the blessing of heaven, all your measures may be taken in Consummate Wisdom & the enterprizes of your arms, against our Cruel Enemies, may be Crowned with glorious Success & Victory—I remain with great esteem & respect most Sincerely your Obedient humble Servant

Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 13 September 1777
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Nottingham [Md.] 13th Septr 1777

After meeting with many impediments in the Commissary’s & Quarter masters departments, which have delayed considerably the march of the Militia under my command I arrived here yesterday evening with about 700 effectives and expect to be joined in a day or two by 600 more exclusive of the body under Colo. Gist, who was yesterday at Christeen & will pursue the rout you have chalked out for him: altho’ I have strong expectations of being at the head of 1300 effective men in the course of two or 3 days not above 800 of them will have arms, unless your Excellency can supply the deficiency—I have written by

this opportunity to the commanding Officer at Wilmington for 30 M. cartridges from No. 16 to 21—unless we receive these cartridges our men can be of no Service being very badly provided with that article, and their arms at best but indifferent. A box of mixed cartridges from Number 25 to 28 will also be wanting. The men are thinly clad, many of them without tents & badly trained, but seem willing & well disposed and in good Spirits. I intend as Soon as the men are provided with the above necessaries to hang on the Enemy’s rear & left flank and to harass them as much as we can. If your Excellency should be of opinion that the militia under my command can act more usefully in some other quarter, I beg your directions and you may be assured I will do my utmost to follow them. I must request your Excellency to provide me with the above mentioned cartridges, if they can not be obtained from Willmington: I have sent two expresses to Governor Johnson for cartridges & other necessaries, but I fear he will not be able to supply in time the numbers wanted. I have the Honor to be with much Regard yr Excellency’s most obedt Hble Sert

W: Smallwood


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 13 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Germantown [Pa.] 13th Sept. 1777.

I was this morning honored with yours of Yesterday. I am pleased to find that you have ordered an additional Number of Militia to assemble at the Swedes Ford, at which and the other practicable passes for some distance up the River I have directed small close Redoubts to be thrown up. This work will be executed under the command and direction of Genl Armstrong, who will also employ some of the Militia at present in the Feild upon the same service.
I wish it were in my power to turn any part of my present force to the completion of the Works upon the Delaware, but in our present Situation it cannot be afforded. Except General Howe can be checked upon land the obstructions in the River will be of little avail, for if he can once totally defeat this Army, he will take possession of the Forts of course and turn our own Guns upon our Ships, Galleys and floating Batteries. In my opinion, the River would be sufficiently secured against any sudden attacks by Water only, if the City Artillery Companies were thrown into Fort Mifflin, and all the Vessels of War of different kinds drawn up behind the Chevaux de Frize. I have given orders to Colo. Penrose to overflow the Grounds upon Province Island, which will render it impossible for the Enemy to approach the Fort in the Rear and raise Batteries against it.
As I am well apprized of the importance of Philadelphia you may rest assured that I shall take every measure in my power to defend it, and I hope you will agree with me that the only effectual Method will be to oppose General Howe with our whole united Force.
I am this moment favored with yours of this date and thank you for your compliance to my request for removing the continental Troops who may be loitering in the City. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 14 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters,  Septr 14th 1777.
Vigilance.Safety.

The army is to march to morrow morning as soon as it is well light.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 14 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Armstrong, John Sr.

sir
Head Quarters [near Germantown, Pa.]sunday Morning 7 OClock 14th sept. 1777

I last night wrote to the Officer commandg at the Bridge ordering him to have it moved immediately which I understand has been by some means neglected—I have therefore to request that you will have it executed directly as the Enemy (being now advanced near Chester) will probably Detach a party of light Troops to take possession of it, particularly when they come to understand that we have taken the Route which is determin’d on.
You will also pay due attention to the Fords up the Schuylkill & have any Works you see necessary thrown up for their defence Colo. Portail & his Officers will attend you for this purpose, as it is not expected that these Works will have occasion to stand a long defence, they should be such as can with the least labor & in the shortest time be compleated, only that part of them which is opposed to cannon need be of any considerable thickness & the whole of them should be rather calculated for Dispatch than any unnecessary Decorations or Regularity which Engineers are frequently too fond of[.] Guards should be kept at all the Ferries to take care of the Boats as long as they are necessary for use after which they should be drawn up & there also guarded.
Inclosed you have an order to Colo. Portail to wait on you. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 14 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

Sir
Head Quarters near German Town [Pa.] Sepr 14. 1777

I have this morning received a copy of your letter to Congress informing of the enemy’s incursion into the Jersies. You will perceive by the inclosed letters what steps I have taken in consequence of your information. After perusing them, you will forward them with all dispatch. On your part I am confident you will do every thing in your power to assist in counteracting the enemy. I am with esteem Sir Your most Obed. serv.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 14 September 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 14 Septr 1777 Sunday Morng

I have just Rec’d by Express a Letter from General Dickinson at Trenton, the Subject is of such importance that I Judged proper to Transmit you a Copy by Express, which is Inclos’d & to which I beg leave to Refer you.
Your favr by the Return Express I Rec’d & shall lay before Congress this morng. I have the honour to be Sir Your most Obedt Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Head Quarters Near German Town [Pa.] Septr 14th 1777

I have the honor of your’s of this morning, inclosing the copy of a letter from General Dickinson. In consequence of the interesting information contained in it, I have written to General Putnam, directing him to send forward a second detachment of a thousand men in addition to the former, as you will perceive by perusing the inclosed duplicate of my letter to him; which you will be pleased to seal and dispatch as expeditiously as posible, lest the original should by any accident miscarry. I have the honor to be With much respect Sir Your most Obedt servt

Go: Washington

P.S. You have also copies of other letters, by which you will perceive the measures I am taking; and which you will in like manner be pleased to forward.
On second thoughts I should be glad you would transmit the enclosures open ⟨to⟩ General Dickinson, for his perusal & information and to be forwarded by him.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 14 September 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Congress Philada 14 September 1777

I have just Rec’d your Letter of this Day’s Date, & have forwarded on the Dispatches you inclos’d.

The Resolution inclos’d has this moment pass’d Congress respecting Major General Sullivan, to which I must beg leave to Refer you.
I Transmit you a Letter I have just Rec’d for you, and also Coppies of several Letters Rec’d this day from General Gates. I am with much respect, Sir Your most Obedt sert

John Hancock Prest


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Head Quarters near German Town [Pa.] Septemr 14th 1777
Dear Sir

As the object of the enemy is now reduced to an absolute certainty, and they are bending their whole force, with great vigor, to the Southward, it can no longer answer any valuable purpose to keep a body of Continental troops in your state, whose presence in the further progress of the Campaign will probably be essentially necessary in this quarter. You will therefore, on receipt of this, exert yourself to dispatch forward all the Continental troops now in your state to join this army, with all possible expedition. Not a moments time is to be lost. The call for them is to the last degree, urgent.
On the 11th instant, we had a pretty general engagement with the enemy; which from some unlucky incidents terminated against us, so far as to our being obliged, to quit the field, after an obstinate action; with the loss of some men and artillery. But from every account, we have reason to believe, the enemy suffered much more than we did in the number of killed and wounded. Our troops have not lost their spirits, and I am in hopes we shall soon have it in our power to compensate for the disaster we have sustained. We brought the army to this place to refresh them with convenience and security, and are just beginning our march to return towards the enemy. Hurry of business prevents my giving you particulars. I am Sir Your most Obed. servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 14 September 1777
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dr Sr
[Philadelphia] 14th Sept. 1777.

Being in want of a light Pheeton I directed my Servt to inquire abt the City for one—He tells me he has found a single light carriage wch belongs to you and has been lying here for some time—I have not seen it but from his account of it expect it will answer my purpose and if you choose to sell will purchase and give any price you may think it reasonably worth—If it is your inclination to keep it and get it out of the way of the Enemey I will take it to Lancaster if we are obliged to move there, which you will please to determine by a line. I am Yr aff. hum. Sevt

Jos: Jones


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 14 September 1777
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp Rampough [N.Y.] Septr 14 1777

I had the Honor to advise your Excellency (by Mr Gordon) yesterday, of the Situation of matters in this Quarter, it now appears that the enemy are much Stronger, than was apprehended—its said abt 6,000 my Opinion founded on a Variety of information ab. 4,000 composd of the R. Island Garrison—& a reinforcement got in from Europe—I have wrote General Putnam thrice Yesterday—no Answer—nor will the Militia Collect unless there was a foundation of C[ontinental] troops—Col. Bur is down w[it]h all the men that we can spare—I have some hopes that the Goshen Militia will come in this Morning with which I Shall march. by that time I Shall endeavor to get waggons Collected to Move the Stores if pushed—but the Qur Master’s Departmt here is poorly manag’d—I hardly think its possible to get waggons in this Neighborihood Sufficeint—I Sent Genl Putnam an Inventory of the Stores with that information—the Number of Deserters which lurk among the disafected hereabouts oblidge me to employ a Number of men pursung them—I have taken upwards of 20 within these few weeks & Sent them on to their Corps—I hope the Gentlemen in this Quarter will be prevaild on to think the matter Serious. I am yr Excellencys very Hble Servt

W. Malcom


Title: From George Washington to Major Francis Murray, 14 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Murray, Francis

Head Quarters near Germantown [Pa.]14th September 1777.
Sir

As I have order’d that a Detachment of the Troops March from Peekskill to join this Army which I expect will very soon come thro’ Morris Town or its Neighbourhood—It is my desire that you hold the Men under your command in readiness immediately to Join them & proceed with them to us, or to any other place where It shall appear necessary to order them. If any Comissary or Quarter Masters stores arrive at Morris Town you will order them back in the Country & give every assistance in your power for executing it.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 14 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dr Sir
Camp at German Town [Pa.] Sept. 14th 1777

By express this moment receivd from General Dickonson, the Enimy have crost over from Newyork & Statten Island in two divisions one at Elizabeth Town the other at Second River—each division consisting of about a thousand men with Artillery.
By your returns it appears you have three thousand Six hundred and Eight men including the Militia and Sergeants fit for duty at your post—besides the detachment of 1500 already orderd a further detachment will be necessary to reinforce the first[.] You will therefore immediately on the receipt of this detach a thousand more and if General MacDougal did not come on with the first detachment he must come on with this—let the detachment be made as privately as possible—You will immediately write to Governor Trumbrell the State of affairs and request as this appears to be a crisis a reinforcement of 2000 Militia to secure the Posts in the Highlands and to enable you to make further detachments if circumstances should render it necessary.

You will garrison fort Montgomery & the other fortifications about it with some of your best Troops and secure the passes into the highlands with the remainder of the Continental Troops and the Militia—As it is not improbable the Enemy may make a diversion up the North River by way of amusing you—and to take advantages as circumstances may favor their design—you cannot be too vigilant—You will write in the most pressing terms to Governor Trumbrell to hasten in the Militia.
The Letter that accompanies this for General Heath let it be forwarded with all imaginable dispatch.
The advance party of the Enemy are within three Miles of Chester we shall recross the Schuylkill this day to take another look at them. I am Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servt.


Title: General Orders, 15 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, near the Warren tavern, Septr 15th 1777.
Frankfort.Dover.

The whole line, while it continues unseperated, is to furnish 600 men properly officered, for guards &c.—Each brigade to give in proportion to it’s strength—These men are to be under the immediate direction of the Major General, and other officers of the day, who, with the assistance of the Q. Mr General, agreeably to the order of the 10th instant, are to see that these out-guards are posted in such manner, as most effectually to secure the camp—If the different avenues to it, should not require the above number, the overplus are to remain, as a picquet near the park of artillery, & be always ready to reinforce any guard, or answer any other purpose that the Major General, or other officers of the day shall think necessary. These guards in common are to parade at eight o’clock in the morning, near the artillery park; but whenever the troops are to march, they are to assemble there at least half an hour before the time appointed, for the march of the army; and from thence the Major General, or other officers of the day will order so many of them, as he or they shall think necessary, to move on with the Qr Masters to the place of destination, and after the ground, and all the avenues to the new incampment, are well reconnoitred, the guards are to be posted.
Such troops as have not been supplied with their complement of cartridges, agreeably to the order’s of the 13th instant, are to be furnished instantly—The troops are also to get provisions cooked, for to morrow at least—The Cloathier Genl is attending with shoes &c.—the officers commanding regts are to delay no time in getting their men supplied.

In future, whenever the men are formed for action, the Serjeants are to be placed in the ranks, on the flanks of subdivisions, that the benefit of their fire may not be lost—The Brigadiers and Officers commanding regiments are also to post some good officers in the rear, to keep the men in order; and if in time of action, any man, who is not wounded, whether he has arms or not, turns his back upon the enemy, and attempts to run away, or to retreat before orders are given for it, those officers are instantly to put him to death—The man does not deserve to live, who basely flies, breaks his solemn engagements, and betrays his country.
Such men belonging to Genl Maxwell’s light corps as have returned to their regiments, are again to join Genl Maxwell without delay; and the officers commanding regiments are to make diligent search for those men, and see that they are sent to join that corps immediately.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 15 September 1777
From: Chase, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philada Septr 15. 1777.

Mr Buchanan, Commissary General of Purchases, informs Me this Morning, that he was at Christiana Bridge on Saturday Afternoon, that Colo. Gist was then there, with 400 Maryland eastern Shore Militia, that he informed Mr Buchanan he expected to be joined by 400 more in a few Days, that he had with him three Iron field pieces with 36 Artillerists. That he was informed by several, & by Colo. Gist that Brigadier Smallwood was at Nottingham on Saturday last with about 1000

Militia from the western Shore of Maryland, without any field Pieces. Colo. Gist informed Mr Buchanan that by his Intelligence about 1000 british Troops entered Wilmington on Fryday Night, & took full Possession of the Town and president McKinly before it was discovered they were in the Town.
General Rodney and Mr John Dickenson was at Xteen [Christeen] with Colo. Gist.
Mr Buchanan informs, that Genl Rodney had with him 150 of the Delaware State before he arrived at Xteen, but that so many of them deserted, that Genl Rodney discharged the Remaining few.
Colo. Gist further informed Mr Buchanan that Genl Rodney had wrote to You on fryday last, giving an account of his and Colo. Gists Situation, & sent the Letter by the usual Road & therefore fears it has fallen into the Enemies Hand. if Mr Howe is acquainted with the Circumstances of Colo. Gist, he may be in Danger. I am Sir with Regard & Respect Your Affectionate and Obedt Servant

Saml Chase

Colo. Richardson is sick in Sussex County.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 15 September 1777
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton 15th September 1777

I received your Excellency’s Letter last Night, & you may be assured of my utmost exertions to check the Enemy’s progress in this State—It will not be in my Power, to give them much Opposition for several Days, as our Troops had just before this alarm, received Orders to march for Philadelphia, not a single moment shall be lost; after giving the necessary Orders, I shall instantly go on towards Elizabeth Town.
The Enemy have several Field pieces, we have not one—the necessity I am under, of sending to Philada for Ammunition, occasions a little delay, but the men shall march on with the small quantity they have.

I am this moment informed, that Gen: Clinton has landed with the Troops from Staten Island, tis Tory news, but came to me in a secret way, it wants confirmation. A few Days ago, a Number of disaffected Persons in this State embodied themselves, with a Design of joining the Enemy, I immediately sent orders to have them apprehended, & by the activity & vigilance of our Militia, they have secured about forty of them, had dispersed the whole & were in pursuit of them, their Numbers amounted to near Ninety—they were about one half armed, & made some little resistance—Tis rather unlucky, that a number of Officers, belonging to the new Levies who were taken upon Staten Island, should be sent at this time thro’ this part of the State, to Peeks Kill, the fact is true.
I did not know your Excellency was at Philadelphia when I wrote to Congress, was the reason of my not writing to you. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Ot Sert

Philemon Dickinson

P.S. My Express this moment arrived from near Elizabeth Town, tis said Gen: Clinton is certainly in Jersey. Our Militia are very anxious to march to the Eastward, as they think the Enemy intend, to attempt a March thro this State—I shall keep your Excellency regularly advised.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Buck Tavern [Pa.] Septr 15: 1777. 3. OClock. P.M.

Your favor of Yesterday with its several Inclosures came to hand last night. Though I would willingly pay every attention to the Resolutions of Congress, Yet in the late instance, respecting the recall of Genl Sullivan I must beg leave to defer giving any order about It, till I hear further from that Honble Body. Our situation at this time is critical and delicate, and nothing should be done to add to its embarrassments. We are now most probably on the point of Another Action, and to derange the Army by withdrawing so many Genl Officers from it, may & must be attended with many disagreable, if not ruinous, consequences. Such a proceeding at another time might not produce any bad effects—but How can the Army be possibly conducted with a prospect of Success, if the Genl Officers are taken off in the Moment of Battle? Congress may rely upon it, such a measure will not promote, but injure the service. It is not my wish to prevent, or to delay a proper inquiry into Genl Sullivan’s conduct a single instant, when the circumstances of the Army will admit, But now they prohibit it, and, I think the suspension in his command also. The recall of Genl St Clair obliged me to part with Genl Lincoln, whom I could but illy spare—so, that the whole charge of his Division is now upon Genl Wayne, there

being no other Brigadr in it than himself. The Maryland Troops, if Genl Sullivan is taken away, will not have One Genl Officer, Genl Smallwood being at the Head of the Militia coming from that State, and Genl De Borre suspended—Added to this, Colo. Gist who commands One Regiment of them, is now from it by order. In a word Sir, Whether the charges alledged against Genl Sullivan are true or false—or whether his conduct has been exceptionable or not, I am satisfied the resolution for his recall at this time was unhappily adopted, and if carried into execution, will not fail to add new difficulties to our present distresses. And, I am obliged to observe, in justice to my own Character, that I cannot be answerable for the consequences which may arise from a want of Officers to assist me.
It gives me great pleasure to find Genl Gates is on so respectable a footing, and I hope, our Affairs in that Quarter in the course of a little time, will be in as prosperous a train, as we could reasonably wish.
The Main body of the Enemy, from the best intelligence, I have been able to get, lies near Dilworth Town, not far from the Feild of Action, where they have been busily employed in burying their Dead, which from Accounts amounted to a very considerable number. We are moving up this Road to get between the Enemy and the Swedes Ford & to prevent them from turning our right flank, which they seem to have a violent inclination to effect by all their movements.
I would beg leave to recommend in the most earnest manner, that some Board or Committee be appointed or some mode adopted for obtaining Supplies of Blankets for the Troops. Many are now without, and the season becoming cold, they will be injured in their health and unfitted for service, unless they are immediately provided with them. Our Supplies in this instance, as well, as in Every Article of Cloathing can not be too great, as there are frequent losses, not easily to be avoided. I would also observe, that, I think, in point of prudence & sound policy, every species of provisions, should be removed from the City, except such, as will be necessary to supply the present demands of this Army. I have been told, there are considerable quantities in private hands, which should not be suffered to remain a moment longer than they can be conveyed away. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 15 September 1777
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Pitt [Pa.] 15th Septr 1777

From the weakness of This Garrison and almost Constant Alarms, it is liable to I was Induced to detain a Detachment of the 13th Virginia Regimt also, a few Straglers & deserters from the 8th Pennsylvania & other Regiments Particular returns of which are inclosed for your Excys Inspection. I flatter myself that when your Excy is acquainted with the particular Situation of this Post you will not disapprove the measure—or the detention of the few men now at the Kanhawa. the western Indians are United against us. Gouvernor Hamilton’s Proclamation together with his Agents have gaind many of the Infatuated Inhabitants even of this remote Corner to the British Interest. the

Militia are Cald and Promise to turn out on an Expedition that must for the Security of the Frontiers, be Carried in to the Indian Country, but they cant be induced to do duty here So that, daily detachments, after Stragling Scalping Parties of Indians, transporting Provisions to the posts lower down the Ohio, repairing the Works, & defending the Stores depend on this little Garrison, upwards of an Hundred men in mongalia an[d] Yohogania Counties had Sworn to Support Our Enemies. the Greatest number of them are Already in Custody & will be sent to Williamsburg—An [In] Augusta Also a number of the Same Stamp were discovered, I Sincerely Congratulate your Excelly on the Success of the American Arms in the Northren department, and hope Shortly to be Able to give you a Satisfactory Acct of the Savages in the West—Moses Carson formerly a Captn in the 8th Pennsylvania Regt who Deserted to the Enemy & left them at the Head of Elk some small time since, was Apprehended the 12th Inst. at Ligonier. I have Order’d him with a Guard to Carlisle Goal, to be dealt with as your Excy thinks proper. I wish you every Success & Happiness & am with every mark of Respect your Excys Most Obedt & very Hble Servt

Edwd Hand

To Add to the other Inconveniencies this Post is liable to the Small Pox has Crept in so that a Third of it[s] strength⟨th⟩ there not having had that disorder must be Immediately Inoculated & thereby their Service lost for sometime.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant John Heard, 15 September 1777
From: Heard, John
To: Washington, George

Munday morning [15 September 1777] seven Oclockat the Turk’s head [Pa.]
Sir

I have just Been Down to the out gards. Saw the Ennimy. they Lay about a half mile from Brumingham meeting House[.] I Saw a Old man and he tould me that the Hessians Told him that they Where to march the ⟨illegible⟩. The Hessians are the out Gards of the army When here. I think you Could Take the hessians By Surprise. I shall Continue on this Road till further Orders[.] I send you three men that have Been into the Enimy—they thought that we Where the British Light Horse[.] they tould me that our army was part at Sweeds ford Part at Philadelphia. I think they are Come out as Spies. I am your H. Servt

John Heard Leut


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 15 September 1777
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Oxford Meeting House 7 Miles above Nottingham [Md.]Septr 15th 1777
Sir,

It is four Days since I wrote concerning the Situa[tio]n of the Troops under my Command, & am afraid the Express has fallen into the Enemys hands; ever since I have been detained in this Neighbourhood for want of Cartridge[s], wch I wrote to you for, and also sometime before that Period sent two Expresses to Governor Johnson to that Effect; I have collected some Public Powder, and am endeavoring to get Cartridge Paper to make up what little Lead & Powder we have, to be acting with, till we can be supplied—I have understood there is some on the Road from Baltimore, and dispatched an Officer to fall in with and bring it forward—I have wrote once to Genl Rodney, & twice to Colo. Gist, urging the Expediency of their forming a junction with me, in order to pursue the very Measures you recommend, as I suggested to them this requisition perhaps might not be repugnant to any Instructions heretofore received from your Excelly, especially as the Enemy had moved so far above their Quarters, but as I have derived from your Ltr a Power of ordering their junctn with these Troops, it shall be effected to Day or early Tomorrow, they were Yesterday at Christina

Bridge, Rodneys Men had mostly left him—I dispatch’d a Person of undoubt’d Integrity early on Saturday Morning to discover where the Enemy were posted, the Situation and Strength of their Rear, and to discover if possible if they were about to move, & where, he returned last Night, and informed they had made no move since the Action, being posted between Dilworths Tavern and Concord Meeting house, Genl Howe’s head Quarters at Geo. Gilpins, and Lord Cornwallis’s at Dilworths, p[ar]t of their Force lyes wide of a direct Line between Dilworths & Concord, being on their Right nearer the Brandewine.
Upon hearing a Body of the Enemy had taken Possession of Wilmington late on Friday Night, I dispatch’d a Quaker of Integrity and Attatchment to our Cause, to make the necessary discoveries, he went into Town on Saturday and remained some Time, Yesterday returned & informed he spoke with Moncrief the Commandant, and from his own Judgement, and what he cou’d collect, they were 1500 Effectives, and had brot the principal p[ar]t of their Sick & wounded down, they have also four pieces of Cannon, I expect some further Intelligence from Gist to whom I wrote on this head, perhaps further and certain Intelligence might render a stroke necessary there—for shou’d the Main Body move on I apprehend they will be obliged to draw of[f] p[ar]t of this Escort, & consequently weaken it—I have inclosed a general Return from which you’ll observe the deficiency of Arms & other Necessaries.
Your Excy may depend I will do all in my Power to comply with your Instructions, being sensible of the necessity of the most vigorous exertions at this Period, to annoy and harrass the Enemys Rear, but the Condition of my Troops, their Number, the State of their Arms, Discipline and Military Stores, I am Apprehensive will not enable me to render that essential Service I cou’d wish, or which might otherwise be ensured, as you seem to expect, as the Army under your Command has nearly reached the Schuylkill, & consequently is at too great a distance to awe the Enemy in Front (which wou’d create a Diversion that woud operate strongly in favor of this Measure) they may detatch a Body of Infantry with their light Horse to Attack and disperse the Militia now collected, and collecting under me. Your Excelly is too well acquainted with Militia to place much Dependance in them when opposed to regular and veteran Troops, without Regular Forces to support them—let me use all possible Expedition, yet from present Appearances it will not be in my Power to bring these Troops for these three Days to come on the Enemy’s Rear, so as to give them any real uneasiness, or disturbance, In this Situation of Matters, I submit to your Superior Judgement, whether it will not be most expedient to endeavor to join you; a junction might be effected in four Days from this Place; but your Excy

may rest assured I shall endeavor to pursue your Instructions and to act up to the Spirit of them, ’till I receive counter Orders, I don’t think the Enemy will attempt any thing of Importance agt Phila., till the Arrival of the greater Part of their Fleet at or near Chester—Your Excy will excuse the freedom I have taken in Offering my Sentiments at this Conjuncture and at the same Time rest satisfied that your Orders in the Interim shall be most exactly complied with. I have the honor to be &c. Yr most Obedt Hble Sert

W. Smallwood

P.S. I have heard their whole Fleet have left the head of the Bay[.] Numbers of Men I coud get but can’t procure Arms[.] I believe Colo. Gist has abt 700 Men inclusive of Richardson’s Regt[.] he wrote me he had on Saturday Upwards of 500 and expected the next Day to be joined by 200 more.


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

Head Quarters, at Yellow spring [Pa.] Septr 16th 1777.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Clement Biddle, 16 September 1777
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Valley Forge [Pa.] Tuesday Eveng 9 ’OClock 16 Septemr 1777
Sir

I removed the Baggage to Howells Tavern 4½ miles from the Warren Tavern & there waited for orders but before any came by a direct Line part of the Artillery of the Park under Lt Colonel Strobach came on that road without knowing which rout to pursue but an Express arriving a few minutes after from Colo: Lutterloh D. Q. M. G. with a Verbal Order from him to send the Provisions & Rum for the different Divisions to the Yellow Springs & having sent back on the road which lead there, found that Genl Potters Baggage coming that road would interfere with the Rum & Provisions so that they could not possibly come a nearer Rout than this & Colo. Mifflin who came with Orders from your Excellency having gone to put the Park Artillery in the road by Rowlands Mill to the Yellow Springs by the best rout with a Guide, We orderd the Baggage as well as the Provisions & Rum by this rout to the Bull Tavern & at Starrs Farm two miles from thence (4 from here) to take the left hand road, (6 miles to the Yellow Spring) the front of the Waggons who have passed this near an hour having Orders to halt at the Bull Tavern till the Rear come up & the whole move forward till I can seperate the provisions & Rum to send to the Army which should be

done with the utmost dispatch but I beg leave to request your Orders if there is Occasion to Josh Starrs at the fork of the road turning from the Reading Road to the Yellow Spring where the Baggage will halt, beyond.
I have stopd at this place (sending a Good Guide & Conductor with the Waggons to the Bull Tavern where I shall soon overtake them) to examine the state of the Stores at this place & I inclose to your Excellency an Estimate hastily taken from the Gentleman in Charge of them which he says may be incorrect—I have desired him to procure Boats & Teams to hawl them to the landing (not 400 yards from the Stores) & as he complains that his hands have all been taken from him who did this Business I have taken the Liberty to assure him that any persons employd in that Service should be exempted from Militia Duty while engaged therein.
You will pardon me for requesting your Instructions relative to the Baggage while I continue with it as I may err from want of Information but my Desire to do the best for the Service I beg leave to assure you of & that I am with the greatest respect your mo. Obed. & very humble serv.

Clement Biddle

An Express from Philada just arriving I have sent my Express to Conduct him to your Excellency—9’OClock.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 16 September 1777
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton 16 September 1777

Since I wrote your Excellency last, I have received Information, that I think may be depended upon, that Generals Clinton, Campbell, & Skinner came over into Jersey, with the Detachments from York, & Staten Islands.
The Person who gives this account, was at the Ferry on Staten Island, when those three Generals were crossing, & heard General Clinton say, he had orderd two regiments from Kingsbridge into Jersey, & that he should have 1,000 effective Men on this Expedition.
Our Militia are collecting, but without either field pieces or ammunition, expect a supply of the latter to’morrow, as I have sent a Waggon to Philadelphia for that purpose.
I have sent on several Horsemen to gain further Intelligence of the Enemy’s movements, & shall go on myself either this day, or tomorrow Morng. should have gone Yesterday, but was prevented by Business of Consequence to the State, & nothing can be done until the ammunition arrives.
Your Excellency’s orders to me, I construed rather discretional, but our Governor & Council who are seting down at Haddonfield, & not so soon possessed of the facts, as they would be, was their situation more central, have orderd our western Militia to Philada. I am this moment going to represent the matter fully to the Governor, which will not be attended with loss of time as there are but 200 Men, yet collected at this Place of rendezvous.
By a Gentleman just arrived from Morris, I am informed, Genl Skinner had sent word to the Inhabitants of that town, he should immediately take Possession of it finding but little Opposition in the Country, the Enemy had divided their force into three Divisions.
Under the present circumstances, I shall order on the Militia to the Eastward, & hope it will meet your Excellency’s Approbation. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Ob. Sert

Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 16 September 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Septr 16th 1777.

I have only Time to enclose you the Resolves of Congress passed yesterday and to request your Attention to them.
As I am not acquainted with the Name of Count Polaski, I must beg you will give orders for his Commission to be made out; and delivered to him. As he is at Head Quarters, it may be done with Exactness by consulting him as to his Name and Titles.

Your Favour of yesterday I was duely honoured with & shall lay it before Congress this Morning. I have the Honour to be with the utmost Respect Sir your most hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 16 September 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada September 16. 1777.

I have this moment Rec’d a Note from Genl Dickinson desiring the Inclos’d Letter from him might be Sent to you by Express; he Judges the Enemy’s Force in Jersey to be 4000 strong.
I will not Detain the Express longer than just to Inclose you the Resolution of Congress submitting to you the Execution of the Resolve respectg General Sullivan.
Your favr of this Day I have just Rec’d; I am with the utmost Respect, Sir Your most Obed. servt

John Hancock Presdt


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 16 September 1777
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Coll Thomases 16th Septr 1777—9 oclock morng

I had Your Orders from Coll Hamilton last night, and had ordered every thing cimilar to Your Excellencys I have had a party of 50 Just come in from the Turks head, at 12 oclock they found a party of the Enemys light Horse a little on this side but on the first discovery they made off and the Officer by enquirey found they had a piquet of foot about one Mile in the other side of the Turk the Turk is about four miles from me or halfway from me to where the Enemys main body was, or Dilworths I have another party of 50 I expect in soon there is a large party of Rifle Men gone out this Morning some Horse is gone out and Returned without any thing further. I am Your Excellencys Most obedt Humble Servant

Wm Maxwell

a good Quarter Master or Forrage master would be verry Necessary with this Division.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 September 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Peeks kill [N.Y.] Septr 16th 1777

I am extreamly sorry to hear that you have been unfortunatly obliged to retire and leave Genl How in possession of the Ground, I hope Providence will yet so smile on your Efforts, which I know will be to your utmost, as to put Genl How and his force in your power, The disadvantages of being attacked are very great, the Enemy chuse their mode of Attack Oppose their greatest strength, to your weakest part besides the Spirit of the Assailients, is almost universally Superior to those, who Act only on the defensive.
I Received an order of Congress to hold fifteen Hundred Troops ready to Cross the North River, which were to succour the Jerseys in case they should be wanted, as the Militia from that State were calld to your Assistance—About 1000 of the Enemy Crossed from Staten Island to Elizabeth Town last Friday & Marched through New Ark towards you—A considerable Body of the Enemy by the best information two or three thousand Crossed about the same time from Kings Bridge to Fort Lee and Marched towards Hackensack—last Sundy Morning Genl McDougal with about fifteen Hundred Men Crossed the North River to oppose the Enemy below & Succour the Jerseys.
After this I Received another Resolve of Congress ordering me to send fifteen Hundred men immediately to your Assistance.
Now I cant suppose the Congress mean I should leave the Jerseys to be raveaged and the Enemy to March where they Please or this Post Exposed to fall into their Hands.
Genl Parsons is at white Plains, by being there he answers a double purpose, to protect that part of the Country from the incurssions of the Enemy & is in my opinion equally or a greater Security to this Post then if they lay here, as he is under advantages to learn their first Movements—I have sent to Govr Trumbull Genl Woolcat & Silliman & to Govr Clinton for the Assistance of the Militia to be forwarded with the utmost dispatch—Under these Circumstances I wish to be derected whether the fifteen Hundred Men shall be forwarded at all adventures to your Assistance especially as I am well informed that a Considerable reinforcement has arrived at N. york—and am with great Esteem and Respect—Your Excellencys Obedt Humble Servt

Israel Putnam

P.S. This Moment one Colin Chapman belonging to Coll Bradlys Regiment who was taken at Danbury & inlisted with the Enemy came in—He says that the News at the Bridge was that 10,000 rec[r]uits had Arrived at New York, that the Enemy in Jerseys consist of four or five Thousand, that he came over with them to Fort Lee last Friday—that

few of them were taken from the Bridge, that they Marched to Soubriskies Mills between Peramus & Hackinsack & there he Deserted from them, that they had collected a great many Cattle & Horses.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, 17 September 1777 [letter not found]
From: Armstrong, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, Sr., 17 Sept. 1777. Armstrong wrote GW at 8:00 P.M., 18 Sept.: “I wrote you last Night at this hour.”