Title: General Orders, 2 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 2nd 1776.
Hartford.Harlem.

Jonathan Pollard Esqr. is appointed Aid-de-Camp to Genl Heath, and is to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
It is with much Concern the General is informed, that tho’ the new Rules for the Government of the Army have been out sometime, they have not been generally read to the soldiers—Surely Gentlemen do not reflect what prejudice it is to the service, to omit so material a point of duty.
It is once more repeated, that every Soldier is to be completed with Ammunition to 24 Rounds a Man; and it is the duty of Officers to see that they have it—Some of the troops who went out on the covering party this morning, had not their Complement, nor had their Officers examined their Arms and Ammunition, before they marched them on the Grand Parade—This

Conduct if not amended will be fatal to the Army and the Country—Where the Cartridge-Boxes will not hold the full Complement, application is to be made for Pouches, which may be had at the Commissary’s Store.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Harlem Heights Octobr 2d 1776

I do myself the Honor of transmitting to you the inclosed Letter from Lt Colo. Livingston with Sundry Copies of Genl Delancey’s Orders, which discover the measures the Enemy are pursuing on Long Island for raising Recruits and obtaining supplies of provisions; in consequence of the intelligence they contain and authentic advices thro other Channels respecting these matters, I have sent Brigadr Genl Geo. Clinton to meet Genl Lincoln who has got as far as Fairfield with part of the Troops lately ordered by the Massachusets Assembly, to concert with him and Others, an Expedition across the Sound with these Troops—three Companies under Colo. Livingston and such further aid as Governor Trumbull can afford, in order to prevent, if possible, their effecting these important Objects, and to assist the Inhabitants in the removal of their Stock, Grain &c. or in destroying them, that the Enemy may not derive any advantage or benefit from ’em. The recruiting Scheme they are prosecuting with uncommon industry, nor is it confined to Long Island alone, having just now received a Letter from the Committee of Westchester County, advising, that there are several Companies of Men in that & Dutchess County preparing to go off and join the King’s Army. I have given directions to our

Guard Boats and the sentries at our Works at Mount Washington to keep a strict look out in case they attempt to come down the North River, also to Genl Heath at Kingsbridge, that the utmost vigilance may be observed by the Regimts and troops stationed above there, and down towards the East River, that they may intercept them, should they take that Route with a view of crossing to Long Island. I will use every precaution in my power to prevent these parricides from accomplishing their designs, but I have but little hopes of success, as it will be no difficult matter for ’em to procure a passage over some part or other of the Sound.
I have been applied to lately by Colo. Weedon of Virginia for permission to recruit the deficiency of Men in his Regiment out of the Troops composing the flying Camp, informing me at the same time, that some of those from Maryland had offered to engage; Colo. Hand of the Rifle Batallion made a similar application to day: If the Inlistments could be made, they would have this good consequence, the securing of so many in the Service; However as the measure might occasion some uneasiness in their own Corps and be considered as a Hardship by the States to which they belong, & the means of their furnishing more than the Quota exacted from them in the General arrangement, and would make it more difficult for ’em to compleat their own Levies, I did not conceive myself at liberty to authorize It without Submitting the propriety of it to the consideration of Congress and obtaining their opinion, whether It should be allowed or not.
I have inclosed a List of Warrants granted from the 2d to the 30th Ulto inclusive, the only return of the sort, that I have been able to make since the Resolution for that purpose, owing to the unsettled state of our Affairs and my having sent my papers away: You will also receive Sundry Letters &c. from Genl Schuyler, which came under cover to me and which I have the honor of forwarding.
By a Letter just received from the Committee of Safety of the State of New Hampshire, I find a Thousand of their Militia were about to march on the 24th Ulto to reinforce this Army in consequence of the requisition of Congress. previous to their march Gen. Ward writes me, he was obliged to furnish them with 500 lb. of powder and 1000 lb. of Musket Ball, and I have little

reason to expect that they are better provided with other Articles, than they were with ammunition; in such case they will only add to our present distress, which is already far too great & become disgusted with the service tho’ the time they are engaged for is only till the first of Decemr—This will injure their inlisting for a longer Term, if not wholly prevent it.
From three Deserters who came from the Galatea Man of War about Five days ago, we are informed, that Several Transports had sailed before they left her for England as it was generally reported, in order to return with a supply of provisions, of which they say there is a want. Genl Mercer in a Letter informed me, that Genl Thompson said he had heard they were going to dismiss about a Hundred of the Ships from the service. I am also advised by a Letter, from Mr Derby at Boston of the 26th Ulto that the day before, a Transport Snow had been taken & sent into Piscatawa by a privateer in her passage from N. York to the West Indies—she sailed with Five more under the Convoy of a Man of War in order to bring from thence the Troops that are there to Join Genl Howe—they were all victualled for four months. From this intelligence it would seem, as if they did not apprehend any thing to be meditating against them by the Court of France.
Octor the 3d. I have nothing in particular to communicate respecting our situation, It being much the same as when I wrote last. We had an Alarm this morning a little before Four OClock from some of our Out Sentries who reported that a large body of the Enemy was advancing towards our Lines—this put us in motion, However turned out entirely premature—or at least we saw nothing of them. I have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 2 October 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, 2 October 1776. “The Bearer Major Ross calling on Me previous to his setting out for Head Quarters, I have only Time to enclose you sundry Resolves, and to inform you, that I shall write you fully by General Mifflin.”


Title: General Orders, 3 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Octobr 3rd 1776.
Ireland.Florida.

Genl Putnam will please to point out proper places for Huts, to shelter the Picquet-Guard (in front of our lines) and direct the officers who command these Guards, to see that the Men are employed every day at work thereon ’till they are completed; and this, for the sake of their own Health and Convenience, it is hoped they will do as soon as possible, as the weather will soon grow too uncomfortable to lay without shelter.
As the new Articles for the Government of the Army, are to take place on Monday next, it is expected that the officers will make their men acquainted with them as soon as possible, that Crimes may not pass unpunished on any pretence of ignorance.
The several Brigadiers are immediately to return a List, to Head Quarters, of the Field Officers of their respective Brigades, who are absent, and on what account; noting such (if any) as have absented themselves without leave, or stayed beyond their limited time. Colonels & commanding Officers of Regiments are to do the same in their regiments respectively—This

Return to be made on Saturday at 12 O’Clock. When the Brigadier is absent, the eldest officer of the Brigade to make the return.
Capt: Fitzgerald is appointed to act as Major to Col. Weedon’s regiment, ’till further orders, instead of the brave Major Leech who is dead of his wounds.
An exact Return of the Officer’s Names, fit for duty in Camp, and unfit; is to be made seperate from the General Return.
The Brigades which send their Detachments first on the parade, are to take the right, as has been the usage for a long time.
No Officer is on any pretence to take off any Soldier, who is employed either as Waggoner, Butcher, Tallow-Chandler, or other Business under the Qr Mr General or Commissary General, without first applying to the Head of the department; and in case of dificulty or difference on the occasion, to apply to Head Quarters, and in the meantime the Soldier to continue on the Command.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 3 October 1776
From: Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

Council Chamber, Watertown, 3 October 1776. Transmits a copy of a letter just received from Richard Derby “containing some Intelligence Which the Board Apprehend your Excellency ought to be made acquainted with.” The council asks to be informed of the posts and commanding officers of the state’s regiments.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 3 October 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 3 October 1776.

Several Persons who were employed to purchase Arms for the Continent, and received money for that purpose, have applied to me to settle their accounts, but as I was not possessed of the Receipts which they gave for the money they received I could not settle with them. If your Excellency inclines that I should settle those accounts you will be pleased to forward copies of those Receipts which are necessary for that purpose. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: General Orders, 4 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Octob: 4th 1776
Holland.Boston.

The shameful Inattention in some of the Camps to decency and cleanliness, in providing Necessaries, and picking up the Offal and Filth of the Camp, having been taken Notice of before in general, After this time particular Regiments will be pointed out by Name when such practices prevail.
The Court Martial whereof Col. Magaw was President is dissolved—The Brigade Majors are immediately to settle a new one, Col. Weedon to preside.
As there are many Officers in Camp, whose Health will not admit their going on Picquet, but can attend Court Martial, the Brigade Majors are to attend to this Circumstance in forming the Court, by which means the duty will be easier to the whole.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 4 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Haerlem October 4th 1776.

Before I knew of the late resolutions of Congress which you did me the honour to Inclose in your Letter of the 24th, and before I was favourd with the visit of your Comee, I took the liberty of giving you my Sentimts on several points which seem’d to be of Importance.
I have no doubt but that the Comee will make such report of the State & Condition of the Army as will induce Congress to believe, that nothing but the most vigorous exertions can put matters upon such a footing as to give this Continent a fair prospect of success—Give me leave to say Sir—I say it with due deference and respect, (and my knowledge of the Facts, added to the importance of the Cause, & the stake I hold in it, must justify the freedom) that your Affairs are in a more unpromising way than you seem to apprehend.
Your Army, as I mentioned in my last, is upon the eve of its political dissolution—True it is you have voted a larger one in lieu of it, but the Season is late, and there is a material difference between voting of Battalions and raising of Men. In the latter, there are more difficulties than Congress are aware of; which makes it my duty (as I have been informed of the prevailing Sentiment of this Army) to inform them, that unless the pay of the Officers (especially that of the Field Officers) is raised, the chief part of those that are worth retaining will leave the Service at the expiration of the present term; as the Soldiers will also, if some greater Incouragement is not offered them than Twenty Dollars, & one hundred Acres of Land.
Nothing less in my opinion, than a suit of Cloaths annually given to each Non-commissioned Officer & Soldier, in addition to the pay and bounty, will avail, and I question whether that will do, as the Enemy from the Information of one John Mash, who with Six others were taken by our Guards, are giving Ten pounds bounty for Recruits; and have got a Battalion under Majr Rogers nearly compleated upon Long Island.

Nor will less pay according to my judgment than I have taken the liberty of mentioning in the Inclosed estimate retain such Officers as we could wish to have continued. the difference pr Month in each Battalion will amount to better than one hundred pounds—to this may be added the pay of the Staff Officers, for it is presumable they will also require an augmentation; but being few in number, the Sum will not be greatly Increased by them, & consequently is a matter of no great moment; but it is a matter of no small Importance to make the several Offices desirable—When the pay & establishment of an Officer once become objects of Interested Attention, the Sloth, negligence, and even disobedience of Orders which at this time but too generally prevails, will be purged off—but while the Service is viewed with Indifference—while the Officer conceives that he is rather confering than receiving an obligation, there will be a total relaxation of all order and Discipline, and every thing will move heavily on, to the great detriment of the Service, and inexpressible trouble & vexation of the General.
The critical Situation of our Affairs at this time will justify my saying, that no time is to be lost in making of fruitless experiments—an unavailing tryal of a Month to get an Army upon the terms proposed, may render it impracticable to do it at all; and prove fatal to our cause; as I am not sure whether any rubs in the way of our Inlistments, or unfavourable turn in our Affairs, may not prove the Means of the Enemy Recruiting Men faster than we do—to this may be added the inextricable difficulty of forming one Corps out of another, and arranging matters with any degree of Order in the face of an Enemy, who are watching for advantages.
At Cambridge last year, where the Officers (and more than a sufficiency of them) were all upon the spot, we found it a work of such extreame difficulty to know their Sentiments (each having some terms to propose) that I despair’d once of getting the arrangemts compleated; and do suppose that at least a hundred alterations took place before matters were finally adjusted; what must it be then under the present regulation, where the Officer is to negociate this matter with the State he comes from, distant perhaps two or three hundred Miles—some of whom, without leave or license from me set out to make personal application

the moment the resolve got to their hands—what kind of Officers these are, I leave Congress to judge.
If an Officer of reputation (for none others should be applied to) is ask’d to stay what answer can he give, but in the first place, that he does not know whether it is at his option to do so—no provision being made in the Resolution of Congress even recommendatory of this Measure; consequently, that it rests with the State he comes from (surrounded perhaps with a variety of applications, and influenced probably by local Attachments) to determine whether he can be provided for or not. In the next place, if he is an Officer of Merit, and knows that the State he comes from is to furnish more Battalions than it at present has in the Service, he will scarcely, after two years faithful Services, think of continuing in the Rank he now bears when new Creations are to be made, and Men appointed to Offices (no ways superior in merit, and ignorant perhaps of Service) over his head. A Committee sent to the Army from each State may, upon the Spot, fix things with a degree of propriety & certainty; and is the only method I can see, of bringing matters to a decision with respect to the Officers of the Army; but what can be done in the meanwhile, towards the arrangement in the Country I know not—In the one case, you run the hazard of loosing yr Officers—in the other, of encountering delay, unless some method could be devised of forwarding both at the same Instant.
Upon the present Plan, I plainly forsee an intervention of time between the old & New Army, which must be filled with Militia (if to be had) with whom no Man, who has any regard for his own reputation can undertake to be answerable for Consequences—I shall also be mistaken in my conjectures, if we do not loose the most valuable Officers in this Army under the present mode of appointing them; consequently, if we have an Army at all, it will be composed of Materials not only entirely raw, but if uncommon pains is not taken, entirely unfit—and I see such a distrust & jealousy of Military power, that the Commander in chief has not an oppertunity even by recommendation, to give the least assurances of reward for the most essential Services. In a word such a cloud of perplexing Circumstances appear before me without one flattering hope, that I am thoroughly convinced

unless the most vigorous and decisive exertions are immediately adopted to remedy these Evils, that the certain and absolute loss of our Liberties will be the inevitable consequence, as one unhappy stroke will throw a powerful weight into the Scale against us, enabling Genl Howe to recruit his Army as fast as we shall ours, numbers being disposed, and many actually doing so already. Some of the most probable remedies, and such as experience has brought to my more intimate knowledge, I have taken the liberty to point out—the rest I beg leave to submit to the consideration of Congress.
I ask pardon for taking up so much of their time with my opinions, but I should betray that trust which they and my Country have reposed in me, were I to be silent upon a matter so extremely Interesting. with the most perfect esteem I have the honour to be their, and Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Enclosure, 4 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

[c.4 October 1776]

Table of Proposed Pay Increases for Officers

            Present Pay
            Suppose intended
            Difference

            1 Colonel

            £15

            £ 25
            £ 10

            1 Lieut. Colo.

            12

            20
            8

            1 Major

            10

            15
            5

            8 Capts.
            @ £8
            64
            £10
            80
            16

            16 Lieuts.
            5.8
            86.8
            7.10
            120
            33.12

            8 Ensigns
            4
            32
            6
            48
            16

            1 Chaplain

            10

            15
            5

            1 Adjutant

            5.10

            10
            4.10

            1 Qr Master

            5.10

            10
            4.10

            1 Surgeon

            10

            15
            5

             Mate

            4

            7.10
            3.10

            £111. 2.0


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 4 October 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Octr 4th 1776.

The enclosed Resolves will inform you of the Steps the Congress are taking to provide for the Army—they are so explicit that I need only refer your Attention to them—and indeed this is all I have Time to do at present. By General Mifflin who will set out tomorrow or next Day, I shall do myself the Pleasure to write you fully. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Esteem, Sir your most obed. & very hble Sert

John Hancock Presidt

Inclos’d you have Col. Shepard’s Commissn. The Vacancy of Col. in room of the late Col. Stephenson is order’d to be kept for Mr Morgan, agreeable to yor Recommendation.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Howe, 4 October 1776
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Head Quarters York Island 4th Octor 1776.

Having heard by Report of Governor Brown’s Vicinity in Connecticut, I have been in daily Expectation of his Arrival for the Exchange of Lord Stirling; but as the Governor is not in the military Line, and as I proposed the Ex[c]hange to gratify your Desire for the Return of Lord Stirling, whose Services would take Place with you some Days sooner, were I to comply with your Request for his immediate Dismission, you will excuse my detaining his Lordship until the Arrival of Governor Brown.
With Relation to the Non Performance on your Part of the Agreement between Captain Forster and General Arnold, that General being immediately under your Command, from your Situation made known to me by your own Subscription, it rests with you to see them fulfilled, agreeable to the plighted Faith of the General, which no doubt, to save his Honor, he has a Right to expect, or that you will return the Prisoners given up by Captain Forster—In the mean while I trust, from the Declaration in your Letter of the 23rd last past, that you will not allow of any Delay in the Exchange of the Officers and Soldiers in your Possession belonging to His Majesty’s Troops.
Brigadier General Woodhull was yesterday reported to me to have died of his Wounds.
The enclosed Note from Mrs De Lancey I have taken the Liberty of sending for your Determination upon the Contents. I am with due Regard, Sir, your most obedient Servant

W. Howe


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 4 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Head Qrs Harlem Heights Octor 4th 1776.

I last Night received the Favor of Your Letter of the 30th Ulto and am happy that You have Got the Directions of Congress upon the subject of Barracks, as It is high Time they should be begun where they are wanted. The Nails that are necessary I cannot supply.
In Respect to Major Edminston’s Request, I cannot consent to his coming here. You may inform him that a General Exchange of Prisoners is now in Agitation & When It is ready to be executed, he No Doubt will have proper Notice of It.
I am [in] Hopes That the Expedition by Way of Oswego, that was talked of, is Not intended as the Season begins to Grow late.
The Situation of our Affairs here is Much the Same, as When I last wrote, Which leaves Me only to Add, That I am Dr Sir, with Great Esteem, Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 5 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Octobr 5th 1776

The General conceiving it to be his indispensible duty to lay before the Congress the proceedings of the General Court Martial,

on the trial of Ensign McCumber, has received the following Orders from them, which he desires those Members, who were favourers of the first judgement would immediately comply with.
“In Congress, Septr 30th 1776. Resolved. That General Washington be directed to call upon such of the Members, of the Court Martial, as sat in the trial and concur’d in the acquital, of Ensign McCumber; to assign the reasons for their first judgement, together with the Names of such of the said Members, who were for the acquital; to be returned to Congress.”
For the greater ease and convenience of doing the duty the General directs, that the two Virginia Regiments be formed into a Brigade, and for the present be under the Command of the eldest Colonel thereof: Also that the regiments lately from Rhode Island, and the Militia regiments from Connecticut, under the Command of Lieut. Col. Storrs and Major Graves, be formed into another Brigade, and at present be under the command of Col. Lippet—Proper persons to do the duty of Brigade Majors, to be recommended by the Colonel who commands them, who will be paid during the time of their acting in that office: It is expected that Gentlemen capable of doing the duty, will be recommended, and none others; as it is a melancholy thing, to have the business of the Army, conducted with irregularity and sloth; when every thing should put on the face of activity and life.
After Monday, no Adjutant on the East-side of Hudson’s river, will be allowed to take orders at Head Quarters, but they must attend their Brigade Majors, and receive ’em from them—If any Brigade Major is sick, or otherwise unable to attend, the Brigadier, or Colonel commanding, is to signify it to the Adjutant General, and recommend some suitable person to act in his stead.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 5 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

Sir:
Hd Qrs on Harlem Heights. Octor 5th 1776

Your Lettr of the 1st Inst. enclosing one from the Committee of New Windsor and a Deposition against Mr Conner is duly Received, they say the Butter was intended for this Army I would therefore advise its being immediately sent to Colo. Trumbull Commissary General who will pay the Current Price, this Step cannot but be agreeable to Mr Conner if he is Innocent of the Charge if otherways will be secured from going to the Enemy.
The Committee should take upon them the further Examination of Conner & Montgomery and deal with them according to their Crimes, if found Guilty the same steps ought to be taken in regard to the Flour you mention to be in Store at New-Windsor, In respect to Intrenching Tools much time elapses in sending them from here, besides we have not more than are wanted for present use—you must apply to the several Committees in the Country or send an Officer to pick up such a number

as may be necessary, for the Amount you may draw on the Quarter Mastr General. I am sir &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 5 October 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Providence October 5th 1776.

Your Excellency’s Letter of the 17th instant by the Committee of this State hath been received.
Deputy-Governor Bradford informed you that it had been recommended to Colo. Richmond to march with his Battalion to join your Army; since which Mr Hopkins a Member from this State of the Continental Congress arrived here; by whose advice it was concluded to stop their March and to permit such of the Men, as should incline to inlist into the Continental Navy. The Reasons that induced the Committee to alter their first Intention were these. Eight Companies of the Twelve of which that Battalion consists were inlisted about the middle of November last for a year. But Part of the Regiment of Militia from the Massachusetts is yet arrived, and it will be some Time longer before the Remainder will arrive, so that by the Time Col. Richmonds Battalion could be got under proper Regulations in Camp their Inlistments would expire, and it might be expected they would return Home to the great Discouragement of the Troops left behind. In that Battalion are a considerable Number of Seamen who it is thought will enter in the Navy, and in the present scarcity of Seamen in this State, upwards of Twelve Hundred being at Sea in the different Privateers, it is absolutely impossible to supply them with Men in any other Way.
After the Committee had taken the last mentioned Resolution Mr Burr a Gentleman of Character arrived here from Governor Trumbull with a Plan of landing a Body of Men upon the East End of Long Island and collecting a considerable naval Force in the Sound. Upon Conference with him and Commodore Hopkins, the Committee determined to recommend it to Col. Richmond to proceed with such Part of his Battalion as should not enter into the Sea-Service to New-London, there to receive Orders from such General Officer as you should appoint to command in that Expedition. The Two Row-Gallies of this State with

about Sixty Whaleboats from the Massachusetts, and between Twenty and Thirty belonging to us will proceed to New-London with the Battalion and their Baggage; The Gallies and Whaleboats will be under the Direction of Commodore Hopkins to assist in the Expedition.
I last Night received the Resolutions of Congress for inlisting Eighty-eight Battalions in the Continental Service during the War: Copies of which without Doubt have been transmitted to your Excellency. By them a Requisition is made of Two Battalions from this State. At the same Time we are informed by Mr President Hancock that the Troops now in Service belonging to the several States who shall inlist for the War will be considered as Part of their Quota in the American Army. There are Four Battalions in Continental Pay which were originally raised by this State viz: Col. Varnum’s Col. Hitchocks, and Col. Lippitts who are now in the Army under your immediate Command and Col. Richmonds which is under Orders for New-London. I write by this Opportunity to the Three former to make Report to me of the Officers in their several Battalions who will engage to serve during the War: And by the Advice of the Committee I request your Excellency to transmit to me to be laid before the General Assembly at their Session on the 28th instant the Names of such of them as you shall think merit Promotion. I beg Leave to assure your Excellency that this State will give all possible Efficacy and Dispatch to those important Resolutions; and that I am with great Sincerity and Esteem, Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant

Nichs Cooke

P.S. This Letter will be delivered to your Excellency by Mr Jonathan Hazard who is a Member of the General Assembly of this State, and who I beg Leave to recommend to your Attention.


Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 5 October 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzhugh, William

Letter not found: to William Fitzhugh, 5 Oct. 1776. On 13 Oct. Fitzhugh wrote to GW: “I had the Honor to recieve your favr of the 5th Inst.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Harlem Heights Octobr 5th 1776

I was last night honoured with your favor of the 2d, with sundry Resolutions of Congress. The Officers that concurred in the Acquittal of Ensign Macumber shall be called upon, to assign their reasons for their first judgement which shall be sent as soon as they are collected.
In respect to the Exchange of prisoners, I fear it will be a work of great difficulty owing to their dispersed and scattered situation thro out the States; in order to effect it, I have wrote to the Eastern Governments to have them collected and to transmit me an Account of their number, distinguishing the Names and Ranks of the Feild & Commissioned Officers, and the Corps they belong to; I have also wrote to Govr Livingston of the Jersey’s upon the Subject, and must take the liberty of requesting Congress to give directions that a similar return may be made of those in pensylvania and Maryland, and for their being brought to Brunswick that they may be ready to be exchanged for an equal number and those of the same Rank. I observe by the Resolve of the 26th Ulto that the Exchange is particularly directed to be made of the Officers and Soldiers taken on Long

Island, but should not that follow the exchange of those Officers and Men who have lately returned from Quebec, whose imprisonment has been much longer, and whose service has not been less severe and in many instances conducted with great Intrepidity; I have had many applications since their arrival, by which they claim a kind of preference, as far as their Number and the circumstances of their Rank will allow, and which I thought it my duty to mention that I may obtain some direction upon the subject.
You will observe by a paragraph of a Letter received yesterday from Genl Howe, a Copy of which you have at length that the Nonperformance of the Agreement between Captn Forster and Genl Arnold, by which the latter stipulated for the return of an equal number of Officers and prisoners in our Hands for those delivered him, is considered in an unfavourable light and entirely imputed to me, as having the Chief command of the Armies of the States, and a controlling power over Genl Arnold. The pointed manner in which Mr Howe is pleased to express himself could not personally affect me, supposing there had been no good grounds for the Treaty not being ratified, having been nothing more than an instrument of conveying to him the Resolutions formed upon the Subject; but as there were but too just reasons, his Censure could have no weight was it not directed against me; However I would beg leave to observe, from the Letters from the Hostages; from what has been reported by Others, respecting Captn Forster’s having used his endeavours to restrain the Savages from exercising their wonted barbarities (tho’ in some instances they did)—his purchasing some of the prisoners for a pretty considerable premium—but above all, from the delicate nature of such Treaties, and because the Non observance of them, must damp the Spirits of the Officers, who make them, and add affliction to the misfortunes of those whom necessity and the nature of the case, force into Captivity to give them a sanction, by a long and irksome confinement—For these reasons and many more that will readily occur that I could wish Congress to reconsider the matter, and to carry it into execution. I am sensible the wrong was originally in their employing Savages and that whatever cruelties were committed by them, should be esteemed their own Acts—Yet perhaps in point of policy, it may not be improper to overlook these infractions, on

their part and to pursue that Mode which will be the most likely to render the hardships incident to War most tolerable, and the greatest benefits to the State. I have ventured to say thus much upon the Subject from a regard to the service, and because such Gentlemen of the Army as I have heard mention it, seem to wish the Treaty had been ratified rather than disallowed.
Inclosed is a List of Vacancies in the Third Regiment of Virginia Troops in part occasioned by the death of Major Leitch, who died of his Wounds on Tuesday morning, and of the Gentlemen who stand next in Regimental order and who are recommended to succeed to ’em; you will observe that Captn John Fitzgerald is said to be appointed to the duty of Major; this I have done in Orders, being the eldest Captain in the Regiment and I beleive an Officer of unexceptionable merit, and as It was highly necessary at this time, to have the Corps as well and fully Officered as possible; There is also a Vacancy in the 1st Continental Battallion by the promotion of Lieut. Clark to a Majority in the Flying Camp to which Colo. Hand has recommended William Patten to succeed, as you will perceive by his Letter inclosed.
I have taken the liberty to transmit a plan for establishing a Corps of Engineers, Artificers &c. sketched out by Colo. Putnam, and which is proposed for the consideration of Congress. How far they may incline to adopt It, or whether they may chuse to proceed upon such an extensive scale, they will be pleased to determine; However I conceive it, a matter well worthy of their consideration, being convinced from experience and from the reasons suggested by Colo. Putnam, who has acted with great diligence and reputation, in the business, that some establishment of the sort is highly necessary and will be productive of the most beneficial consequences. If the proposition is approved by Congress, I am informed by good authority, that there is a Gentleman in Virginia in the Colony service John Stadler Esqr., a Native of Germany, whose abilities in this way are by no means inconsiderable. I am told he was an Engineer in the Army under Genl Stanwix, and is reputed to be of skill and ingenuity in the profession. In this capacity I do not know him myself, but am intimately acquainted with him in his private character, as a man of understanding and of good behaviour. I would submit his merit to the inquiry of Congress, and if he shall answer the report

I have had of him, I make no doubt but he will be suitably provided for.
The Convention of this State have lately Seized & had appraised Two New Ships, valued at 6229£ Y[ork] Curry, which they have sent down for the purpose of sinking and obstructing the Channel opposite Mount Washington. The price being high and Opinions various as to the necessity of the measure, some conceiving the obstruction nearly sufficient already, and Others, that they would render it secure, I would wish to have the direction of Congress upon the Subject by the earliest opportunity, thinking myself that if the Enemy should attempt to come up that they should be used sooner than to hazard their passing. I must be governed by circumstances, yet hope for their Sentiments before any thing is necessary to be done.
Sundry disputes having arisen of late between Officers of different Regiments and of the same rank, respecting the right of succession to such vacancies as happen from death or other causes, some suggesting that it should be in a Colonial line and governed by the priority of their Commissions, Others that it should be Regimentally, and there being an instance now before me between the Officers of the Virginia Regiments, occasioned by the death of Major Leitch, It has become absolutely necessary that Congress should determine the mode by which promotions are to be regulated, Whether Colonially & by priority of Commissions, or Regimentally, reserving a right out of the General rule they adopt, to reward for particular merit, or of witholding from Office such as may not be worthy to succeed. I have only proposed Two modes for their consideration, being satisfied that promotions thro’ the line as they are called can never take place without producing discord, jealousy, distrust and the most fatal consequences. In some of my Letters upon the subject of promotions and one which I had the Honor of addressing the Board of War on the 30th Ulto, I advised that the mode should be rather practised than resolved on, but I am fully convinced now of the necessity there is of settling it, in one of the two ways I have taken the liberty to point out and under the restrictions I have mentioned, or the disputes and applications will be endless and attended with great inconveniences. I have the Honor to be with great esteem Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 5 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

Dr Sir
Head Quarters Heights of Harlem Octor 5th 1776

Your Obliging favor of the 20th Ulto came duly to hand, and demands my best acknowledgments. I congratulate You Sir most cordially upon your appointment to the Government & with no less sincerity on your late recovery—Your Correspondence will confer honor and satisfaction, and whenever it is in my power I shall write to you with pleasure—Our retreat from Long Island under the peculiar Circumstances we then labored became an Act of Prudence and necessity, and the Evacuation of New York was a consequence resulting from the other—Indeed after we discovered the Enemy, instead of making an Attack upon the City, were endeavouring (by means of their Ships and a superior Land Force) either to intercept our retreat by getting in our Rear, or else by landing their forces between our Divisions at Kingsbridge & those in the Town to seperate the one from the other, it became a matter of the last importance to alter the disposition of the Army.
These measures however (although of the most evident utility) have been productive of some inconveniences, the troops having become in some measure dispirited by these successive retreats, & which I presume has also been the case among several of our Friends in the Country—In order to recover that military Ardor which is of the utmost moment to an Army, almost immediately on my arrival at this place, I formed a design of cutting off some of the Enemy’s light troops (who encouraged by their Successes) had advanced to the extremity of the High Ground, opposite to our present incampment—to effect this salutary purpose Colo. Knolton & Majr Leitch were detached with parties of Riflemen and rangers to get in their rear, while a disposition was made as if to attack them in front—By some unhappy mistake the fire was commenced from that quarter,

rather on their flank than in the Rear, by which means though the Enemy were defeated & pushed off the Ground, yet they had an opportunity of retreating to their Main Body—This piece of success (though it tended greatly to inspire our troops with confidence) has been in some measure imbittered by the loss of those two brave Officers, who are dead of the Wounds they received in the Action—Since this Skirmish, excepting the Affair at Montresors Island, where Major Henley another of our best Officers was slain, there has been nothing of any material Consequence—Indeed the advantage obtained over the Enemys light troops, might have been improved perhaps to a considerable extent had we been in a proper situation to have made use of this favorable Crisis; but a want of confidence in the generality of the Troops has prevented me from availing myself of that and almost every other opportunity which has presented itself.
I own my fears, that this must ever be the case, when our dependence is placed on men inlisted for a few months, commanded by such Officers as Party or Accident may have furnished, and on Militia who as soon as they are fairly fixed in the Camp are impatient to return to their own Homes; & who from an utter disregard of all discipline and restraint among themselves are but too apt to infuse the like Spirit into others.
The Evils of Short Inlistments, and of employing Militia to oppose against regular and well appointed troops I strongly urged to Congress before the last Army was engaged—indeed my own Situation at Cambridge about the close of the last Campaign, furnished the most striking example of the fatal tendency of such measures—I then clearly foresaw that such an Armament as we had good reason to expect would be sent against us could be opposed only by troops inlisted during the War & where every Action would add to their experience & improvement; and of whom (if they were unsuccessfull in the beginning) a reasonable Hope might be entertained that in time they would become as well acquainted with their Business as their Enemies—This method I am convinced would have been attended with every good Consequence, for beside the Militia’s being altogether unfit for the Service, when called into the Field, we have discovered from experience they are much more expensive than any other kind of Troops, and that the war could have been

conducted on more moderate Terms, by establishing a permanent Body of Forces who were equal to every contingency, than by calling in the Militia on imminent & pressing Occasions.
I would not wish to influence your Judgment with respect to Militia in the management of Indian Affairs; as I am fully persuaded the inhabitants of the frontier Counties in your Colony are from inclination as well as ability peculiarly adapted for that kind of Warfare—At the same time I should think it would be highly adviseable, in case you should conceive yourselves to be in danger from any detachment of the British Army or from their Marines, not to depend on any troops but such as are well officered and inlisted during the War.
I make no doubt but your State have turned their views towards forming some Obstacles against the Enemies ships and Tenders who may go up your Rivers in quest of provisions or for the purpose of destroying your Towns—If they have depended on Batteries to prevent them without any other Obstruction, a tryal of the matter has taught us to believe it will be altogether ineffectual, as when under Sail with Wind and Tide in their favor any damage they may receive from a Battery will be of very little consequence. At the same time I must Observe that this kind of Opposition is exceedingly proper for the defence of a Town or in any Case where it is necessary the Ships should come to anchor before the Batteries for the purpose of silencing them—In the first instance I would strongly recommend row Gallies, which if Officered with brave & determined Men, & conducted with Prudence would in my Opinion be productive of the greatest advantage, and be the most likely means (in your Situation) of securing your Towns & Houses on the navigable Waters from any impression of the Shipping.
I imagine before this, Congress has made you acquainted with their Resolutions for raising the new Army and that your Colony is to furnish fifteen Battalions, to be inlisted during the War—As this will occasion the choosing a number of new Officers, I would in the most urgent manner recommend the Utmost Care & Circumspection in your several appointments—I do not expect that there are many experienced Gentlemen now left with you, as from what I have understood, those who have served in the last War are chiefly promoted; however I am satisfied that the military Spirit runs so high in your Colony, and

that the number of applicants will be so considerable that a very proper choice may be made—Indeed the Army’s being put upon such a permanent footing will be a strong inducement for them to step forth on the present interesting occasion—One Circumstance in this important Business ought to be cautiously guarded against, and that is the Soldier & Officer being too nearly on a level—Discipline & subordination add Life & Vigor to military movements—the Person commanded yields but a reluctant obedience to those he conceives are undeservedly made his Superiors—the Degrees of Rank are frequently transferred from civil Life into the Departments of the Army—the true Criterion to judge by (when past services do not enter into the Competition) is to consider whether the Candidate for Office has a just pretension to the character of a Gentleman, a proper Sense of Honor, & some Reputation to loo[s]e.
Perhaps Sir you may be surprised at my pressing this Advice so strongly as I have done in this Letter—but I have felt the inconveniences resulting from a contrary principle in so sensible a manner, and this Army has been so greatly enfeebled by a different line of Conduct, that I hope you will readily excuse Me. I am sir with Sincere Regard Yr Affect. Hum. Servt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 5 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Head Quarters Harlem Heights Oct. 5. 1776

The Congress having directed me, by a Resolve of the 26th Septemr to procure as soon as possible, an Exchange of the Officers and Soldiers taken on Long Island for the same Number of British Officers and privates, now prisoners in the united States, it becomes necessary for me to be informed of the Number and Ranks of the prisoners in the different States, in order to carry the same into Execution—You will therefore oblige me, by having made out and transmitted to me, an exact Return of the Number of Officers in New Jersey, their Ranks, Names and the Corps to which they belong. The Numbers of the non commissioned Officers and privates without their Names will be sufficient: They should also be collected from the different places

where they are stationed and brought together to some convenient place (Brunswick I should think) from whence they may be sent to Genl Howe when the Cartel is fully settled. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 5 October 1776
From: Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

Sir
Council Chamber, Watertown, Octor 5. 1776

In consequence of the measures taken by this Government to Engage a number of Indians of the Penobscott, St Johns and Mickmac Tribes in the Service of the united States of America agreable to the desire of your Excellency, Seven of the Penobscott Tribe have Inlisted for the Term of one Year, and have arrived here on their way to New York. As they were very poorly Cloathed, and would not proceed without some supply; We have furnished them with a few necessary Articles, amounting to twenty pounds, four shillings & 4d., Lawful Money, which must be stopped out of their Wages. And their Subsistance while here amounts to Fifteen pounds, sixteen shillings & 5d., And We have advanced Mr Andrew Gilman, who has the care of them Twenty pounds, Lawful M[one]y in order to subsist them in their way to New york. These were all that could be obtained from that Tribe, and whether you can depend upon any from the St Johns, or the Mickmac Tribes, we have not as yet any certain Intelligence. In the Name and behalf of the Council I am with great respect Your Humble Servant

John Winthrop Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Thompson, 5 October 1776
From: Thompson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Phila. Oc. 5th 1776

The wants of the Prisoners being many, I procured them Credit with Mr Freeman at Quebec for £630.9.8½ Halifax; equal to £945.14.6¾ Pennsylvania Currency, For which I have reced the following Bills and Cash viz.

            Col. Greens’s Bill for
            £335. 2. 6¾
            Halifax

            Capn Morgan’s do for
            105. 6. 9¼

            Cap. Lam[b]’s do for
            57. 6.  ½

            Messrs Nichol’s & Steel’s do for
            40. 0. 1

            Dr McKenzie Cash
            12. 3. 4

            Mr Duncan Cash
            8.13. 9

            Col. Green for the Sick (still Dr.)
            63. 3.10½

            Captn McClean Cash
            8.13. 3

            £630. 9. 8
            Halifax

Col. Green took up for the use of the Sick Soldiers belonging to the New-England Colonies, sundry Articles amounting to £63.3.10½ Halifax which he has not Included in his Bill—Your

Excellency will please to direct whether It is to be charged to the poor Soldiers or the Publick.
I have also drawn five months Pay, for the Officers & three Months Pay for the Soldiers, belonging to the Pennsylvania & Jersey Regiments, who have return’d with me from Canada. I enlcose the account that Stoppages may be made in the Regimts to which they belong.
I have made myself liable for the Goods supply’d by Mr Freeman, to Messrs Meredith & Clymer of this City, and must request that you will order the Bills to be Paid, that I may be released From that obligation. I have the Honor to be Yr Excellency’s Most obt Hble Servant

Wm Thompson


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 5 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Samuel

Dear Brother,
Heights of Harlem 5th Oct. 1776.

Altho the multiplicity of Ingagements which employ all my waking hours, will not allow me to corrispond with my Friends with that freedom and punctuality I could wish, they may nevertheless be assured that neither time—distance—or change of Circumstances have, in the smallest degree altered the Affection I have ever entertained for them.
Your favour of the 16th of last Month came safe to hand by Captn Shepherd, and gave me the pleasure of hearing that yourself, and family were well. the Acct given you by Doctr Walker, of the unfriendly disposition of the Western Indian’s is really alarming; but if our success against the Cherokees is equal to report, I am in hopes it will bring the Western gentry to their Second thoughts before they strike. Your Acct of the want of Arms among the People of the Frontiers is also alarming; but I hope the difficiency will, by one means or other, soon be repaird. Poor Stephenson! I sincerely lament his loss; he was a brave & a good Officer.
Mr Pendleton obtained my Deed; or a Bond, or something obligatory upon me, and my heirs, to make him a title to the Land he had of me, & sold you, upon the purchase Money being paid; not one farthing of which has yet been done—even the last years Rent, if I remember right, which he took upon himself to pay, is yet behind—However, so soon as I can get Evidences, I will send a power of Attorney to Lund Washington to make a legal conveyance of the Land, to you. In the meanwhile the Instrument of writing I passed to Mr Pendleton will always be good against my Heirs, upon the Condition’s of it being complied with.
Matters in this Quarter, have by no means worn that favourable aspect you have been taught to believe from the publications in the Gazettes—The pompous Acct of the Marches, & Counter Marches of the Militia, tho^ true so far as relates to the Expence, is false with respect to the Service, for you could neither get them to stay In Camp or fight when they were there—in short, it may truely be said they were eternally coming and going without rendering the least Earthly Service, althô the expence of them surpasses all description.

At no one time since General Howe’s arrival at Staten Island has my Force been equal (in Men fit for duty) to his; and yet, people at a distance, as I have understood by Letters, have conceivd that they were scarce a mouthful for us. To this cause—the number of Posts we were obliged to occupy in order to secure our Communication with the Country—& the intended mode of Attack is to be attributed our Retreat from Long Island, and the Evacuation of New York.
We found that General Howe had no Inclination to make an Attack upon our Lines at the last mentioned place—We discovered at the sametime by their movements, and our Intelligence, that with the assistance of their Ships they intended to draw a Line round us, and cut of all communication, between the City and Country; thereby reducing us to the necessity of fighting our way out under every disadvantage—surrendering at discretion—or Starving—That they might have accomplished one or the other of these, if we had stayed at New York, is certain; because the City, as I presume you know, stands upon the point of a narrow Neck of Land laying between the East & North Rivers; & not more than a Mile Wide for Six or Seven Miles back; both Rivers having sufficient depth of Water for Ships of any burthen; and because they were not only Superior in Numbers, but could bring their whole force to any one point, whereas we, to keep open the communication were obliged to have an extended Line, or rather a chain of Posts, for near 18 Miles.
It may be asked how we come to take possession of, and continue so long in a place thus Circumstanced—to the first I answer, that the Post was taken, and the Works advanced, before I left Boston—& to the Second, that if our strength had been equal to the determinations of Congress we should have had Men enough to defend the City & Secured the Communication if their behaviour had been good.
Our retreat from Long Island was made without any loss—so might that have been from New York, but for a defect in the department of the Quarter Master Genls not providing Teams enough; and for the dastardly behaviour of part of our Troops, two Brigades of which run away from a small party of the Enemy, and left me in the Field with only my Aid de Camps, The day after our Retreat from New York (which happend on the 15th Ulto) we had a pretty smart skirmish with the Enemy, in

which about 60 of our Men were killed and Wounded, and by the Smallest 100. and by most other Accts two hundred of the Enemys—In this Ingagement poor Majr Leitch of Weedon’s Regiment received three Wounds through his Side, of which he died on Wednesday last, after we thought him almost Well. Since that nothing extraordinary has happen’d, tho^ an Attack from the Enemy has been, & now is, daily expected—We are strengthning our Post, as the Enemy also are theirs.
My love to, & best wishes attends my Sister & the Family, as also our Friends at Fairfield—to these please to add my Compliments to Mr Booth, & all other Friends, & be assured that with the sincerest love and regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Affecte Bro.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Howe, 6 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Head Qrs Harlem Heights Octr 6th 1776

I beg leave to inform you that in consequence of my directions founded on your favor of the 21st Ulto, Governors Browne & Skeene are arrived within the Neighbourhood of this place and will be conveyed to morrow between the Hours of One & two to one of the ships of War in the North river, when it is hoped that my Lord Stirling will be permitted to return, as also Mr Lovell if he has come from Halifax.
The particular manner in which you rest upon me, by your Letter of the 4th Instt, a performance of the Agreement between Genl Arnold and Captn Foster, was entirely unexpected, as I inclosed you some time ago the Resolutions of Congress upon the Subject, by which you would perceive that they, to whom I am amenable, had taken upon themselves the consideration of the matter; As to the prisoners mentioned in my [letter] of the 23d their Exchange shall be effected as soon as the circumstances I made you acquainted with will admit of.
The enclosed Note for Mrs Delancey you will be pleased to have conveyed by the earliest opporty. I am Sir with great respect &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 6 October 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany October 6th 1776

By Mr Bennet, who arrived Yesterday, I was honored with your Excellency’s very obliging Favor of the 30th Ultimo.
I should have been much happier than I am if the Resolutions of Congress of the 25th Ultimo had not put it out of my power to be in Sentiment with you on the Resolution of the 14th of the same Month. Without advising me that I am no longer in Command, they resolve that “Mr Stockden and Mr Clymer” are “appointed a Committee to proceed to Tyonderoga to confer with General Gates with Respect to the Army under his Command.”
I believe I shall be able to collect about forty thousand Boards,

part of them are already gone from hence, together with a considerable Number of Rafters—I believe the Committee of this place will be able to procure about 20,000 Boards & they have employed people to procure the Timber Mr Ayres requested of them.
Be so good as to order the Quarter Master General to send me about two thousand pounds on Account or if it makes no Difference, I will draw on the Military Chest here.
I am in great Hopes that you have so embarrassed the Enemy by your Movement from New York that they will find it impossible to form and execute any plan that will materially distress you in the Remainder of this Campaign.
The Army in this Quarter is well supplied with provision and I trust will continue to be so—The three Row Gallies are gone to join the Fleet and a fourth will be very soon equipped—I do not apprehend that the Enemy will be able to do any Thing of Consequence to the Northward, unless they should suspend their Operations until the Term of Inlistment of our Troops expires. I confess, my Hopes of seeing an Army speedily raised on the new Establishment are not very sanguine; that the Soldiers are to pay for their Cloathing will be a great Obstacle, as the price of every Necessary is so extremely high—perhaps it would have been as well if Congress had enumerated the Articles each Soldier should be furnished with, and determined the Stoppage that should be made for it. I am dear Sir with every friendly Wish & every respectful Sentiment Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 6 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Dear Lund,
Heights of Haerlem Octr 6th 1776

Your Letter of the 25th Ulto has reached my hands since the date of my last about this day Week. nothing material has happened since that time—We are strengthning ourselves in this Post, as the Enemy also are in theirs. They have moved some of their Ships up the North River opposite to their own Lines, & a little below ours; whether with a view to cover their own Flanks, or at a proper time to aid in their Attack upon our present Post, time only can discover. We have been in daily expectation of having our Quarters beat up, but as yet nothing of the Kind has been attempted—On Wednesday last I expected to have had some pretty warm work, but it turnd out otherwise—It arose

from this—I sent a Party of 1000 Men to cover some Waggons in bringing of Grain from a Place where I expected opposition from them. this occasioned them to strike their Tents, & put their whole Line in Motion, & of course brought all our Men under Arms; but nothing more came of it, except that we went on, & brought of all the Grain.
Had I been left to the dictates of my own judgment, New York should have been laid in Ashes before I quitted it—to this end I applied to Congress, but was absolutely forbid—that they will have cause to repent the Order, I have not a moments doubt of, nor never had, as it was obvious to me (covered as it may be by their Ships) that it will be next to impossible for us to dispossess them of it again as all their Supplies come by Water, whilst ours were derived by Land; besides this, by leaving it standing, the Enemy are furnished with warm & comfortable Barracks, in which their whole Force may be concentred—the place secured by a small garrison (if they chuse it) having their Ships round it, & only a narrow Neck of Land to defend—and their principal force left at large to act against us, or to remove to any other place for the purpose of harrassing us. this in my judgment may be set down amg one of the capitol errors of Congress.
Their Motives for sending Deputies to hear Lord Howes proposals were, in my opinion, tolerably well founded—they had no Idea of treating with him otherwise than as Independant States—they declared so, previous to the appointing of their Commissioners—But as Lord Howe, a thorough paced Courtier, had taken uncommon pains to signify at all times, and upon all occasions, that he was vested with full powers to accomodate matters upon better terms than the Americans ever had askd, and became more importunate, as our Indifference Increased, it had the effect intended by him, on three classes of People. Our open and avowed Enemys, together with the Officers and Soldiers of their Army, were exasperated at it, from a conviction that our Aim, at the beginning, was Independance; the Neutrals had this doctrine so strongly inculcated into them by the Tories, that they began to adopt the same Sentiments & wonderd that we would not accept of more than we asked—whilst it remaind necessary to convince the third class who were really friendly, but great sticklers for the powers of, and the advantages to be derived from the long expected Commissioners, that the whole

was a falacy, calculated to deceive, as I suppose they now are; since it evidently appears that Lord Howe had nothing more to propose than that, if we would Submit, his Majesty would consider whether we should be hung or not. If this meeting shd have a bad effect with foreign Powers, who may be unacquainted with the inducements to it, it will be unlucky.
In speaking of New York, I had forgot to mention that Providence—or some good honest Fellow, has done more for us than we were disposed to do for ourselves, as near One fourth of the City is supposed to be consumed. however enough of it remains to answer their purposes.
I have got Harry Young here, & do not know what to do with him—he made his escape from the Roebuck and came to me at New York—I am affraid to entrust him to go home by himself & here he is useless to me. remember me to all friends—give the Inclosed Letter to my Brother a safe passage if it should even be delayed by it. I am with sincere regard Dr Lund Yr Affecte friend

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 7 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Herlem Heights, Octob: 7th 1776

Capt: William McWilliams, of the 3rd Virginia Regiment is to do the duty of Brigade Major in Col. Weedon’s Brigade, ’till further orders.
Representation having been made to the General, that numbers of the Picquet Guard are absent from their Posts, under pretence of fetching provisions, and water; He positively orders, that every man (as well Officers, as Soldiers) shall carry provisions with, or have it brought to them at their posts, by their Messmates; as the safety of the Army depends too much on their diligence and attention, to admit of such practices—It is moreover expected of the Officer commanding the Picquet, that he does not, under any pretence whatever, suffer the men to straggle from their respective Posts, without they are sent upon scouting parties by himself; But always to have them in readiness to give such effectual opposition, as to allow time to the line to turn out; which being the end and design of Guards, is defeated if the men, who mount, are not in a posture to give instant opposition.
The Quarter Master General is immediately to provide twenty Wood-Axes, for the Picquet Guards, in front of our lines; When provided, he is to deliver them to the Officer commanding the Picquet, who is to see that they are delivered over to the officer relieving, and so from one to the other—the Officer failing will be answerble—These Axes are intended for the purpose of providing Wood, and erecting Hutts for the Guards, which last ought not to be delayed.
The Brigadiers, and Officers commanding Regiments, are to prevent the irregular and promiscuous placing of Hutts, and to see that they are built in such a manner, as to stand the weather and weight of Snow, which may lodge on them, that no accident may befal the men.
Serjt George Douglass of Capt: Fosters Company, late McDougall’s Regiment, being convicted by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Weedon is president of “Embezelling and selling provisions, belonging to the Company”—is sentenced to be reduced to the Ranks, and whipped 39 Lashes—to be continued

under Provost-Guard for “Mutinous Speeches and disrespectful language of the Commander in Chief”—George Harris of Capt: Howell’s Company, Col. Wind’s Regiment tried by the same Court Martial, and convicted of “Desertion”—is ordered to be whipped 39 Lashes.
The General approves the above sentences, and the Provost Marshall is to see the sentence on Harris, executed to morrow morning at Guard mounting.


Title: From George Washington to Comte d’Ennery, 7 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ennery, Victor-Thérèse Charpentier, comte d’

Sir
Head Quarters Harlem Heights 10 Miles from New York 7th Octobr 1776

I yesterday had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 4th Augt and I take the earliest Opportunity of testifying the pleasure I have in complying with your request, by immediately ordering the Release of Monsr Dechambault. He shall be accommodated with a Passage in the first Vessel that sails from

Philadelphia to the French Colonies in the West Indies. Had it not been for your Interposition Monr Dechambault must have remained a prisoner till released by a Cartel, but I could not hesitate to comply with a Request made by a Nobleman who by his public Countenance of our Cause has rendered such essential Services to the thirteen united independent States of America, whose Armies I have the honor to command. I have the honor to be Sir with the highest Esteem yr most obt Sert.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Heights of Harlem Octor the 7th 1776

I do myself the honor of transmitting to you, a Copy of a Letter from the Compte D’Emery, Govr Genl of the French part of St Domingo, which I received Yesterday, and also my Answer, which I have enclosed and left open for the consideration of Congress, wishing that it may be sealed, if they approve of the Seiur De Chambeau’s releasment, and which I think may be attended with many valuable consequences. If Congress concur in sentiment with me, they will be pleased to give direction for his passage by the first Opportunity to the French Islands; if they do not, I shall be obliged by your returning my Letter.
I have also the pleasure of inclosing a Copy of a Letter from Monsr P. Pennet which came to hand last night and which contains intelligence of an agreable and interesting nature, for which I beg leave to refer you to the Copy.
The polite manner in which Monsr Pennet has requested to be One of my Aid de Camps, demands my acknowledgements. As the Appointment will not be attended with any expence and will shew a proper regard for his complaisance and the Attachment he is pleased to express for the service of the American States, I shall take the liberty of complying with his requisition and transmit him a Brevet Commission, provided the same shall

agreable to Congress. their sentiments upon the subject you will be kind enough to favor me with, by the first Opportunity.
The Enclosed Letter for the Seignr De Chambeau you will please to forward to him if he is to be enlarged after closing It.
Before I conclude I must take the liberty to observe that I am under no small difficulties on account of the French Gentlemen that are here in consequence of the Commissions they have received, having no means to employ them or to afford them an Opportunity of rendering that service, they themselves wish to give, or which perhaps is expected by the public. Their want of our language is an objection to their being joined to any of the Regiments here at this time, were there vacancies, and not other Obstacles. These considerations induce me to wish, that Congr⟨ess⟩ will adopt and point out some particular ⟨m⟩ode to be observed respecting them—What it should be, they will be best able to determine—But to me it appears, that their being here now, can be attended with no valuable consequences, and that as the power of appointing Officers for the New Army is vested in the Conventions &c. of the Several States, it will be necessary for Congress to direct them to be provided for in the Regiments to be raised according to the Ranks they would wish ’em to bear, or I am convinced, they will never be taken in, let their merit be what it may, or to form them into a distinct Corps, which may be encreased in time. they seem to be Genteel, sensible Men, and I have no doubt of their making good Officers as soon as they can learn as much of our language as to make themselves well understood, but unless Congress interfere with their particular directions to the States, they will never be incorporated in any of the Regiments to be raised and without they are, they will be entirely at a loss and in the most irksome situation for some thing to do as they now are. I have the Honor to be Sir your Most H. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir.
Head Quarters Heights of Haerlem Octobr 7th 1776.

Dr Skinner having been very urgent and pressing to go to Philadelphia, in order to procure medicine for the sick of his regiment, I could by no means refuse my assent to his proposition; By him I beg leave to inform you, that the applications of the Regimental Surgeons, are very frequent and importunate; & it is not in my power to satisfy their demands; their situation will be fully made known by Doctr Morgan’s letter to one of my Aid de Camps, in answer to one wrote to him on that subject, which I have inclos’d to you, for yr consideration. I have the honor to be Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 October 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kingsbridge Octr 7th 1776

Inclosed is the Disposition which I have made of the Troops of this Division which is to be observed in Case of attack—Colo.

Knox has a map of new York & its vicinity by which your Excellency may Determine if the Disposition is properly made[.] I did not See the map untill the Disposition is properly made[.] I did not See the map untill the Disposition was Compleated—I have this Day ordered a party to the Heighth on Harlem River who are to throw up a work there as the Massachusetts militia are nearby[.] I hope your Excellency will order Some of them to this Post where I am Sure they might be well Employed in Fortifying the Post[.] This However I humbly Submit to your Excellencys Determination. I am &c.

W. Heath


Title: Orders to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Sir.
[Headquarters, Harlem Heights, 7 October 1776]

As I am credibly inform’d that the inhabitants along the Sound carry on a frequent communication with the Enemy on Long Island, you are hereby instructed to collect all the boats, & other small craft on the sound, from Horse Neck downwards to any extent you shall think proper, & convey them to any place you shall concieve to be most convenient. Givn under my hand at Head Quarters this 7th Octob. 1776.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 7 October 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany October 7th 1776

I am to acknowledge the Honor of your Excellency’s Favor of the 4th Instant.
I have long since written to Congress for a Supply of Nails, all I can procure in this Quarter are insufficient for the Works at Tyonderoga, so that I fear no Barracks will be built in this Quarter, unless a speedy Supply arrives from Philadelphia—We have Nothing new in this Quarter worthy communicating. I am Dr Sir most unfeignedly and sincerely Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 8 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Octobr 8th 1776.

The late Sergeant Douglass of Capt. Foster’s Company, late McDougall’s Regiment, being convicted by a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Weedon was President of “Mutinous Speeches and speaking disrespectfully of the Commander in Chief” and sentenced to receive 39 Lashes—The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be executed at the usual time and place—This Offender being a very bad character, is to be continued in the Provost Guard ’till further Orders.
The Commanding Officer of the Rangers having represented, that Soldiers are continually straggling down to Harlem, and other Places; frequently without Arms—and that when he has apprehended, and sent them to their regiments, no farther notice has been taken of them; As this is a plain breach of General Orders, the General hopes there is some mistake in the matter; however to prevent it in future, he now orders that no officer or soldier (Rangers excepted) go on any pretence beyond the lines, without leave from himself, a Major General, the Brigadier of the day, or the Adjutant General, in writing; unless either of those officers are with them in person: And in order to distinguish the Rangers, they are to wear something white round

their Arms. If any such Straggler is found hereafter, he is to be sent to the quarter-guard of the regiment, tried by a Regimental Court Martial, and receive ten Lashes immediately.
There is now an issuing Store for Ammunition, near Genl Spencer’s quarters, the Officers of every regiment will be responsible if there is any deficiency in their regiments, as they may now receive a full supply by making a Return of the State of their Ammunition, and getting an Order from the Adjutant General.
The Brigade lately commanded by Genl Mifflin is to be under the care of Lord Stirling who is just returned from his Captivity.
The General desires the commanding Officers of each Regiment, or Corps, will give in a list of the names of the Officers & Men, who were killed, taken, or missing in the Action of the 27th of August on Long Island, and since that period: He desires the Returns may be correct, and that any perons who have it in their power, will give in the Returns of this kind in behalf of any Militia Regiments which are discharged.
The General, to prevent any plea of ignorance, again repeats his order against all kinds of Gaming, as destructive and pernicious to the service: He hopes the officers will set no examples of this kind, and that they will punish it among the men.
The General is surprised to find that manning the lines every morning, is discontinued—He desires that the practice of doing it, for the future, may not be omitted, unless contradicted by General Orders.
The Quarter-Master General is to use the greatest diligence, in providing straw for the accomodation of the troops.
Lieut. Kidd of Col. Smallwood’s regiment, convicted by a Court Martial whereof Col. Ware was President of a breach of General Orders, in “Taking fatigue-men from their duty”—is sentenced to be dismisd the service—Ensign Fairly of the regiment late McDougall’s, tried by the same Court Martial, for the same, is acquitted and discharged from Arrest. Capt. Hardenburgh of Col. Ritzema’s Regiment, convicted by the same Court Martial of “Defrauding his men”—is sentenced to be cashiered, and his name, place of abode, and offence, published agreeable to the 2nd & 4th late additional Articles of war.
The General approves each of the above sentences, and orders to be executed.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 8–9 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Head Qurs Heights of Harlem Octobr 8[-9]th 1776
Sir

Since I had the honor of writing you Yesterday, I have been favoured with a Letter from the Honble Council of Massachusetts bay, covering One from Richard Derby Esqr., a Copy of which is herewith transmitted, as it contains intelligence of an important and interesting nature.
As an Exchange of prisoners is about to take place, I am induced from a Question stated in a Letter I received from Govr Trumbull this morning, to ask the Opinion of Congress in what manner the States that have had the care of them, are to [be] reimbursed the Expences incurred on their Account. My want of information in this instance or whether any account is to be sent in with the prisoners, would not allow me to give him an Answer, as nothing that I recollect has ever been said upon the Subject. he also mentions another matter Viz. Whether such privates as are Mechanicks & Others who may desire to remain with us, should be obliged to return; In respect to the latter, I conceive there can be no doubt of our being under a necessity of returning the whole, a proposition having been made on our part for a Genl exchange and that agreed to; Besides the ballance of prisoners is greatly against us & I am informed it was particularly stipulated by Genl Montgomery, that all those that were taken in Canada, should be exchanged when ever a Cartel

was settled for the purpose. Under these circumstances, I should suppose the Several Committees having the care of them, should be instructed to make the most exact returns of the whole, however willing a part should be to continue with us; At the same time I should think it not improper to inform them of the reasons leading to the measure, and that they should be invited to escape afterwards, which in all probability they may effect without much difficulty if they are attached to us, extending their influence to many more & bringing them away also.
The situation of our Affairs, and the present establishment of the Army, requiring our most vigorous exertions to ingage a New One, I presume it will be necessary to furnish the paymaster General, as early as possible, with Money to pay the bounty lately resolved on to such Men as will inlist. prompt pay perhaps may have a happy effect and induce the continuance of some who are here, but without it, I am certain that nothing can be done—nor have we time to lose in making the Experiment. but then it may be asked, who is to recruit—or who can consider themselves as Officers for that purpose till the Conventions of the different States have made the appointments.
Yesterday afternoon the exchange between Lord Stirling and Govr Browne was carried into execution and his Lordship is now here; he confirms the intelligence mentioned by Captn Souther about the Transports he met, by the arrival of the Daphne Man of War (a Twenty Gun Ship) a few days ago with Twelve Ships under her Convoy having light Horse on board. they sailed with about Twenty in each and lost about Eighty in their passage besides those in the Vessel taken by Captn Souther. he further adds, that he had heard it acknowledged more than Once, that in the Action of the 16th Ulto the Enemy had a Hundred men killed, about Sixty Highlanders of the 42d Regiment and Forty of the light infantry—This confession coming from themselves, we may reasonably conclude did not exaggerate the Number.
In pursuance of the Resolve which you were pleased to transmit me, I called upon the Members who concurred in the acquittal of McCumber to assign their reasons. Inclosed you have their Answer, by which you will perceive the direction has given

them great uneasiness, and from the information I have received, it has become a matter of much more general concern, than could have been expected, in so much that I will take the liberty to advise that it may rest where it is, having heard that most of the Officers have become party to it and consider that the Resolve materially affects the whole.
Octobr the 9th. About 8 OClock this Morning, Two Ships of 44 Guns each, supposed to be the Roebuck & Phenix and a Frigate of 20 Guns with Three or four Tenders got under way from about Bloomingdale where they had been laying some time and stood with an easy southerly breeze towards our Chevaux de Frise, which we hoped would have interrupted their passage while our Batteries played upon them, But to our surprize and mortification, they ran thro without the least difficulty and without receiving any apparent damage from our Forts tho they kept up a heavy Fire from both sides of the River. their destination or views cannot be known with certainty, but most probably they are sent to stop the Navigation and cut off the supplies of boards &c. which we should have received and of which we are in great need. they are standing up, and I have dispatched an Express to the Convention of this State, that notice may be immediately communicated to Genl Clinton at the Highland Fortifications to put him on his guard in case they should have any designs against them and that precautions may be taken to prevent the Craft belonging to the River falling into their Hands. I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 October 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kingsbridge Octr 8th 1776

Being Posted at Some Distance from The other General Officers of the State of Massachusetts Bay, I have found it very difficult to Obtain their Opinion of the Field Officers Proper to be Recommended, to that State, to Serve in the Army in future, General Nixon was at my Quarters on Yesterday, General Fellows was on Duty and Could not attend. I did with General Nixon arrainge The Officers for 12 Regiments whose Names are in the Inclos’d List—I shew the List this morning to General Lincoln, who Joyns with us in Sentiment and Desired that Lieut. Colo. Seth Read of Colo. Patersons Regiment might be Added for a Regiment, I think He is worthy of one, We have put Colo. Prescott on the List—our motive was his past Heroic Conduct—I think He will not Serve after the Present Campaign, and I submit it to your Excellency’s better Judgment, whether it be best to put him on the List or not, Parks, Fuller, Hamblin, Peters, and Thompson are at Present Captains, I wish to Know your Excellency Opinion of this List, And whether it be your Pleasure, That we should proceed to Communicate it, to such of the Field officers as we Can, and Obtain from them a Recommendation of Capts. and Subalterns most proper to Serve in the New Army, we Also beg leave to propose an alteration in the List, (if

it should appear to be for the Interest of the Service) this Day or tomorrow, as a more Particular Enquiry is makeing with respect to Several of the Officers, whose Conduct Since in the army, is better Known to Some other General officers.
I also take the Liberty to Inclose to your Excellency, The Sentence of a General Court Martial, upon Two Subaltern Officers and beg leave to Suggest to your Excellency (In Case your Excellency should approve the Sentences) if it might not be as well, to remitt the mulcts—Especially in the Case of Smedes. I have the Honor to be &c.

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Trumbull, 8 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Joseph

Sir.
Head Quarters Octob. 8. 1776.

I have reciev’d your letter, requesting information, relative to the persons who are to draw the rations of the sick; ’Tis true, there was a general order, directing a payment of the rations, to the Director Genl, for those sick, who were lodg’d in the General hospital but the inconveniences, resulting to the sick, from this piece of duty being disputed and unsettled between the General and Regimental Surgeons being so great; I did, (to relieve their sufferings and to render their situation more comfortable) issue out special directions, for the Col. of each regiment, to chuse a proper person to carry the sick into the country, & provide proper necessaries and accommodations for them out of the ration mon⟨ey.⟩ I did not think it proper or adviseable to make this a general order, lest it should have been establish’d as a precedent, and become a color for some imposition, after the

present necessity for the measure shall have subsided; though I must observe to you, that in the settlement of your accounts, there will be the same attenti⟨on⟩ paid to a special as to general order; I should therefore concieve it will be productive of no inconvenience whatever, to pay the ration money to the person appointed as before mentioned, by the Col. when he furnishes you a proper certificate specifying the numb⟨er⟩ of men, the name of the regiment, & also th⟨e⟩ length of time his officer has had them under his care. I am Sir Yr hhble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 9 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Octobr 9th 1776
..

The General positively forbids covering the bottoms of Tents with Earth, as in a few days that situation, must render them totally unfit for service—The commanding Officer of each Corps, will take care to see that this Order is strictly complied with in his own Encampment—In Order that the regiments may get out of Tents as soon as possible, the Brigadiers may apply to the Qr Mr General for Boards, and under his direction, employ the spare time of their men in building Barracks, or Hutts, fit for Winter use. These Hutts, or Barracks, are to be built with regularity. The Works of defence are not to be retarded by these buildings; they are to be advanced by the men off duty, if tools are to be had for them to work.
The respective Brigadiers are to inquire into the state of the Ammunition of their Brigades, and every Colonel is to have a Box of spare Cartridges, to supply occasional deficiencies.
Edward Sherburne Esqr. is appointed Aide-De-Camp to General Sullivan, and is to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
David Dexter Esqr. is appointed to act as Brigade Major to the Brigade under Col. Lippet.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 9 October 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Octr 9th 1776.

The enclosed Resolves, which I do myself the Honour to forward, will inform you of the ample Provision the Congress have made for the Support of both Officer and Soldier who shall enter into the Service during the War. The Pay of the former is considerably increased, and the latter is to receive annually a compleat Suit of Cloaths, or in Lieu thereof, the Sum of twenty Dollars, should he provide the Suit for himself. This additional Encouragement, besides the twenty Dollars Bounty and fifty Acres of Land formerly granted, the Congress expect, will be the Means, (if any Thing can) of engaging the Troops during the War.
The Importance, and indeed the absolute Necessity of filling up the Army, of providing for the Troops, and engaging them during the War, having induced Congress to come to the enclosed Resolves, in Obedience to their Commands, I am preparing to forward them with all possible Expedition to the several States.
Your Letters to the 5th of October have been duely received and laid before Congress. I shall immediately transmit all such Resolves which may hereafter be passed, and Ways relative to your Department, or necessary for your Information. I have the Honour to be, with every Sentiment of Respect, & Esteem Sir, your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt

The several Resolves go to the States this day by Express.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 9 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dr Sir,
Harlem Heights 9th Octr 1776.

Your Letter of yesterday is before me with the list Inclosed; but this is doing the matter by halves only, and the delay must inevitably defeat the end; as it is impossible from the nature of things that the different Governments can withhold the nomination of Officers much longer—I therefore entreat you to delay not a moments time in summoning the Officers (under Sanction from me) to consider of this matter, that the Lists may be forwarded. the Committee of Congress directed this—Genl Lincoln earnestly recommended it. Governor Trumbull has requested it in precise terms—In short the good of the Service, & our Duty, renders it necessary; let it be received in never So unfavourable a light (which by the by I do not conceive to be the case) by the states they are sent to. I think you would do well to consult the Field Officers with respect to the Captns &ca—I beseech you once more to delay no time—& I beseech you to exhort the Officers you consult to lay aside all local prejudices & Attachments in their choice. the Salvation of their Country, & all

we are contending for depends (under Providence) upon a good choice of Officers to make this Army formidable to the Enemy, and Servicable to the cause we are endeavouring to Support. Men who have endeavourd to support the Character of Officers & who have not placed themselves upon a level with the common Soldiery, are fit to be prefered—Officers of the latter class will never—in short they cannot—conduct matters with propriety; but I need not point out the qualification’s necessary to constitute a good Officer; your own observations and good judgments will readily point out who are, and who are not fit for the new appointment. I would have you confine yourself to the Massachusets bay Officers.
Inclosed you have some Lists han⟨d⟩ed into me by General Green which may be attended to with the rest. Inclosed also, you will receive the opinion, and report of Colo. Knox & Colo. Putnam respecting our Works of defence, which so far as relates to your Department I shall have no objection to the Execution of with all possible dispatch. those on the Island we will attend to.
I have approvd the Sentences of the Court & desire you will order them to be executed. I am with respect &ca Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 9 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Sir
Head Quarters 9th October 1776

I have this Moment yours of this Evening. The Party of 100 Men were ordered up to assist a Detachment of Artillery in covering the two New Ships, should the Enemy attempt to cut them out or destroy them. Soon after I got home from Fort Washington I recd a Report that the Enemy had passed the new Ships and were landing at Dobb’s Ferry, I then directed Colo. Read to

desire you, if that should be the Case to send the Feild Peices and Howitzers forward if it should be judged necessary, and as Genl Clinton best knew the Ground to consult him upon the Necessity of sending on the Artillery, and if it was sent, that a strong covering Party should go with it. Till I recd yours I heard no more of the Matter. I am sorry you have been misinformed as to the Movement of the other Ships below, they have never stirred from their Moorings. You will therefore be pleased to order Capt. Benson to be as expeditious as possible in getting the new Ships afloat and bringing them down to where they may be conveniently ballasted. I will take proper Care of the prisoners you are sending down.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenants Jeremiah Putnam and Nathaniel Cleaves, 9 October 1776
From: Putnam, Jeremiah (Lieutenant),Cleaves, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
North Rever October the 9th 1776

this is a Coppey of the preceding⟨gs⟩ On Bord the Galley Independance On the 8th Coll Tupper sent Orders On Bord for Capt. Baker to prosceed On shore and that there Was no further Buisness for him On Bord On the 9th at about 7 A.M. We Observed the ships Below to Be moving We Imeadetly Cauld all Hands, after seeing the Other Galley Under way We hove Up

and stood Up the river after them and When We got Above the Chevux De’ free, spoke With Cook and askt what he Intended to Doo He answered that he Did not know But stood Up the river and said there Was Not Warter Enough to Goo in to the Creek the Wind Being Morderate we gained a head of them wich gave Us Encoregment to keep along it soon after Breessd Up & the ships Gaind Upon Us fast: and at a bout 11 A.M., the[y] Began to fire Upon Us With theire Bow Chases at A bout twelf they Over reacht Us which Causd Us to Bare in shore and at ½ P.M. We run her On shore Just Above Dobsey Ferry Where We had not time Enough to Git Our people and things On shore in the Boats: and the shiping Began the fire Wich Oblig’d Us to Swim On shore. But no Livs Lost But, part of theire Guns and Cheif of theire Baggage, And I Observed the Enemy to hawl Up thire Boats And man them, Wich, they Emeadetly Dropt On stern and fired a Brad side of Grape shot as We Ley in the Bushes and Emeadetly sent theire Boat On Bord With a Warp and hove her a long side, from your Most Obedt Serts

Jeremh Putnam Lt
Nathaniel Cleaves Liut.


Title: General Orders, 10 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Octob: 10th 1776
..

If the weather is favourable to morrow morning, the General purposes to visit the troops at their Alarm-posts. Commanding Officers of regiments, and others, are desired to make themselves well acquainted with their Alarm Posts, and the best ways to them; And also with the Ground in general, upon which they may be called to act, so as to avail themselves of every advantage. If Officers do not acquire this knowledge, they will miss the best opportunity of distinguishing themselves, and serving their Country.
If there should be any bad weather, the greatest care is to be taken of the Arms, and Ammunition; and Officers must attend to it themselves, or, from experience we know, there will be great danger of their being unfit for action.
Whenever any Field Officer is sick, leaves the Camp, or by any other means becomes incapable of duty, his Brigade Major is desired to signify it to the Adjutant General, otherwise it is impossible to have the duty regularly done.

Daniel Murphey of Capt. Edward’s Company, 3rd Pennsylvania Battalion; Thomas Dickens of Capt: Hobby’s Company Col. Ritzema’s regiment—John Stone of Capt. Grubb’s Company, Col. Brodhead’s Battalion—All having been tried by a Court Martial whereof Col. Weedon is President, and convicted of “Desertion”—are sentenced to receive 39 Lashes each—the above Daniel Murphey having been convicted by the same Court Martial of “Inlisting into another regiment”—is sentenced to receive 39 Lashes for that offence.
The General approves the above sentences, and orders them to be executed at the usual time and place.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 10 October 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Head Qurs Harlem Heights Octo: 10th 1776.

I am now to acknowledge Your Favor of the 1st Inst. & to inform You, that the two Sachems of the Cayugas, with Mr Deane the Interpreter, have been with me & spent three or four Days. I shewed them every Civility in My Power & presented them with such Necessaries as our Barren stores afforded and they were pleased to take; I also had them shewn all our Works upon this Island, which I had manned, to give them an Idea of our Force & to do away the false Notions they might have imbibed from the Tales which had been propagated among ’em. They seemed to think we were amazingly strong, and said they had seen enough without Going to our Posts in Jersey or the Other Side Harlem River. They took their Departure Yesterday morning & I hope with No Unfavorable Impressions.
Your Favor of the 6th came to Hand this Day by Mr Bennet; I have communicated the Contents, so far as It respects the Boards, to General Mifflin, who has resumed the Office of Quarter Master General on Mr Moylan’s Resignation & the Application of Congress; He will write You to Morrow about them and will send the Sum You require by the Return of Mr Bennet.
It gives me Great Pleasure to hear the Army is so well supplied with Provision & I would fain hope, that if the Enemy do not Effect any Thing in this or the next Month, that they will not attempt to pass the Lakes till Early in the Spring, by Which Time perhaps We may be able to recruit our Army, tho I have My Fears, That the Buisiness will not go on with Ease and Expedition that I could wish. I have done All I could, and urged strongly the Propriety of Giving the Soldiers a Suit of Clothes annually, how Congress will determine I know not; I have also advised the Raising of the Officers Pay.
We are again deprived of the Navigation of this River by three Ships of War, Two of 44 & the Other of 20 Guns with three or four Tenders, passing our Cheveaux de frize Yesterday Morning

And all our Batteries without any Kind of Damage or Interruption, Notwithstanding a Heavy Fire was kept up from both sides of the River.
I have Given Directions to compleat the Obstructions as fast as possible, and I flatter Myself, if they allow Us a little Time more, that the Passage will become extremely difficult, if Not entirely insecure. their Views I immagine are chiefly to cut off our Supplies & probably to Gain recruits. I am Dr Sir Very respectfully Your most Obedt servt

Go: Washington.