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

Sir
Cambridge March 27. 1776

I received your favour of the 11th Instt by Saturday Nights post, and must beg pardon for not acknowledging It in my last of the 24th: The hurry I was then in occasioned the neglect, and I hope will apologize for It.
I now beg leave to inform you that I just received Intelligence, that the whole of the Ministerial Fleet besides three or four Ships, got under way this Evening at Nantasket road, and were standing out for Sea—In consequence of which I shall detach a Brigade of Six Regiments immediately from hence for New York, under the command of Brigadier Genl Sullivan (Brigadr Genl Heath having gone with the first) which will be succeeded by an other in a day or two, & directly after I shall forward the Remainder of the Army, except four or five Regiments which will be left for taking care of the Barracks & public Stores & fortifying the Town and erecting such Works for Its defence, as the Honorable General Court may think necessary, and follow myself.
Apprehending that Genl Thomas will stand in need of some Artillerists in Canada, I have Ordered two Companies of the Train to march immediately, and Two mortars with a Quantity of Shells & Shot to be sent him. he set out on the 21st Instt.
Inclosed you have a Copy of the Return of Ordnance Stores left in Boston by the Enemy—In it are not included the Cannon left at the Castle, amounting to 135 peices as reported, all of which, except a very few, they have destroyed & rendered useless by breaking off the Trunnions and Spiking up.
I beg leave to Transmit you the copy of a petition from the Inhabitants of Nova Scotia, brought me by Jonathan Eddy Esq. mentioned therein, who is now here with an Accadian—From this It appears they are in a distressed situation, & from Mr Eddys account are exceedingly apprehensive that they will be reduced to the disagreable alternative of taking up Arms & Joining our Enemies, or to flee their Country, unless they can be protected against their Insults & oppressions—he says that their Committees think many salutary & valuable consequences wou’d be derived from Five or Six hundred men being sent there, as It wou’d not only quiet the minds of the people from

the anxiety & uneasiness they are now filled with and enable ’em to take a part in behalf of the Colonies, but be the means of preventing the Indians (of which there are a good many) from taking the side of Government, and the Ministerial Troops from getting such supplies of provisions from thence as they have done—How far these good purposes wou’d be answered If such a force was sent as they ask for, is impossible to determine in the present uncertain state of things—For If the Army from Boston is going to Hallifax as reported by ’em before their departure, that or a much more considerable force wou’d be of no avail—If not, and they possess the friendly disposition to our cause, suggested in the petition & declared by Mr Eddy, It might be of great service, unless an other body of Troops shou’d be sent thither by Administration too powerfull for ’em to oppose—It being a matter of some Importance, I judged It prudent to lay It before Congress for their consideration, and requesting their direction upon the Subject, shall only add, If they determine to adopt It, that they will prescribe the number to be sent and whether It is to be from the Regiments which will be left here—I shall wait their decision & whatever it is, will indeavour to have It carried into execution. I have the honor to be with Sentiments of the greatest regard Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Enclosure: Return of British Ordnance Stores Left in Boston, 22 March 1776
From: Cheever, Ezekiel
To:

Cambridge March 22d 1776

Return of Ordnance Stores left by the Enemy in Boston, March 17. 1776.

7–12 Pounders, 2–9 Pounders, 4–6 Pounders, In North Battery all Useless.
3–28 Pounders, 177–28 pound Shott, 1–8 Inch Shell, 273 Wads, 2 handcrowlevers, 2 Drag ropes, half a side of Leather, On Cobs Hill.
3–32 Pounders, 39 Shott, 154 Wads, 1–13 Inch Iron Mortar & bed, 1 Large Chain, at West Boston.
2–12 Pounders, 23 Shott, 23 Wads, On Bacon Hill.
1 Cohorn, In the Dock at Hutchinsons Wharf.
3 24 Pounders, at the hay market Battery.
1–28 Pounder, 1–24 Pounder, 8–12 Pounders, 3–5¼ Pounders, 1–3 Pounder Useless, On the Neck.
3–24 Pounders, 3–32 Pounders, 1 Cohorn, In the Blockhouse Battery.
3–12 Pounders, at Hatch’s Wharf.
A Number of Shott & Shells, In the Dock at Hatch’s Wharf.
10 Swivels, In the Washington Arm’d Vessel.
2–24 Pounders, 1–32 Pounder, 7 Iron Wheels for Carriage guns, 31 Cannon useless, In South Battery.
1–4 Pounder, 19–4 Pounders useless, At Rows Wharf.

    Errors ExceptedEzekl Cheever, Comy Artillery


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 March 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Albany March 27th 1776.

I thank you my dear General for your Favor of the 19th Inst. which I had the Honor to receive Yesterday—I most sincerely congratulate you on the Success of your Operations Forcing a formidable and well appointed Army commanded by Generals of Reputation & secured with the best of Works—to seek Elbow-Room Malgrèeux by a precipitate Retreat, whilst it reflects the highest Honor on you, cannot fail of the most salutary Effects, with the powers of Europe, out of which I except devoted England, whose prince & Ministry seem unalterably bent on the Destruction of their Country & themselves.
Inclose you a Letter from General Arnold, which I opened by Mistake, and read to within a few Lines of its Conclusion, before I discovered my Error—I hope you will pardon my Carelessness, for I assure you it was owing to Nothing else.
The North End of Lake Champlain is open and I hope a few warm Days will open the Remainder of that, and also Lake George—We have here now about six hundred Men, who will move as soon as there is a prospect of conveying them across the Lakes.
The Cannon from New York are arrived and are on their Way to Fort George, I fear they will not reach it in less than ten Days from this, if so soon, as I cannot procure Cattle sufficient to move them at once from Half Moon (to which place they are gone by Water) owing to the incredible Scarcity of Forrage.
On the 22d Instant, one hundred new Batteaus were finished at Fort George, as far as they can be without pitch & Oakham, which is not yet arrived from New York—Thirty five are however

compleatly finished—I am of Opinion that a much greater Number are necessary to pour Troops into Canada, in Case it should be found necessary, but Congress has stinted me to the Number I have built.
The powder (only eight Tons) arrived here last Week & will be sent on with the first Troops.
Congress have ordered me to remain here until further Orders, so that I shall not have the pleasure of saluting you on your arrival at New York, altho’ I may soon after, if it be agreeable to your Excellency.
The Officers, prisoners, that came a few Days ago from Canada refused to give their parole, and one of them, a Captain Dundee was very Cavalier with me; I have ordered him into close Custody—The others have since given their parole; but as some of them had droped Expressions, as if they should not consider a Breach of it criminal, I convened them all and informed them all, that if any of them attempted an Escape after having given their parole and I could lay Hands on them, I should resent the Injury done to Mankind in general by hanging such faithless Wretches.
The Cayugas one of the six Nations have expressed much Resentment, that Colonel Johnson’s War Belt was delivered up to us—Altercations ran very high between them and the Oneida Nation. Your Success will I hope quiet the Minds of all, and restore Tranquility amongst them. I shall immediately transmit an Account of it to the whole of the six Nations.
General Wooster is distressed beyond Conception for hard Money, and whatever your Excellency can send will be most heartily welcome.
May Heaven guard and guide your Steps and may your every future Moment be fraught with Happiness and Honor, is the sincere Wish of dear General Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant.

Ph: Schuyler


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

My Lord
Cambridge 27th March 1776

I crave your refference to my Last to you of the 24th instant, Since which I am honord with your Lordships favour of the 20th—it gives me much pleasure to find that you are makeing Such good preparations for the Reception of the enemy, who have this day entirely quitted this harbour, a Brigade under General Sullivan will Set off on the Morrow to your assistance I will not be Long after, with the Main Body of this army—I observe that Brigadier Genl Thompson was arriv’d, he is a Gentleman of Liberal Sentiments, who I dare Say your Lordship will be happy with, & I have not the Least doubt, but you will give him every assistance in your power. I have the Honor to be with great regard—My Lord Your Lordships most H. S.

Go: Washington

P.S. General Putnam, will Set out to morrow or next day, if General Schuyler is not with you, he will take the Command of the troops.


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

My dear General
New York March 27: 1776

When your letter of the 19th arrived at this place I was viewing some Grounds on Staten Island and the most exposed parts

of New Jersey It of Course went into the hands of Brigadier General Thompson who writes to your Excellency by this Conveyance. I sincerely Congratulate you on the Sudden Change of the Scenee at your late Station The evacuation of Boston is an Event that must Surprize all the world, and yet I believe your late Manuevers had put General Howe under a Necessity of takeing this very extraordinary Step. The Hurry & precipitation in which they have embarked will prevent their makeing any immediate attempt to Land where they can meet with opposition—however every measure has been taken here as if we had been sure of their immediate approach, and I have the Satisfaction to think that for the time & Numbers a very great deal has been done, and as the Troops are now Comeing in from the East & west I hope we shall soon be able to put things in such a State as will prevent the Enemy from getting any foot hold in this part of the world. Be pleased to present my best Respects to Mrs Washington, Mr & Mrs Custis and am with the Highest regard & Esteem, your Most Obedient Humble Servant

Stirling


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 28th 1776
Parole Cumberland.Countersign Gloucester

Genl Sullivan, with the six Regiments mentioned in the General Orders, of the 23rd Instant, are to march to morrow morning at sun-rise—The Qr Mr Genl, or his Assistant, will provide Nine Teams for each Regiment, and the Adjutant General will deliver the route, and Orders to Genl Sullivan.


Title: Address from the Massachusetts General Court, 28 March 1776
From: Massachusetts General Court
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
[Watertown, Mass.][c.28 March 1776]

When the Liberties of America were Attacked by the Violent hand of Oppression; when troops, hostile to the rights of humanity, Invaded this Colony, seized our Capital, and spread havoc and destruction around it; when our virtuous Sons were Murdered, and our houses destroyed by the troops of Britain; The Inhabitants of this & the other American Colonies, impelled by self preservation & the love of Freedom, forgetting their domestick concerns, determined, resolutely & unitedly to oppose the Sons of Tyranny.
Convinced of the vast Importance of having a Gentleman of great Military Accomplishments to discipline, lead and Conduct the forces of the Colonies, it gave us the greatest Satisfaction to hear that the Honble Congress of the United Colonies,

had made choice of a Gentleman thus qualified, who leaving the pleasures of domestick and rural life, was ready to undertake the Arduous task—and your nobly declining to accept the pecuniary Emoluments annexed to this high Office, fully evidenced to us that a warm regard to the Sacred rights of humanity, and sincere love to your Country, solely Influenced you in the Acceptance of this Important Trust.
From your acknowledged Abilities as a Soldier and your Virtues in Public and private life, we had the most pleasing hopes; but the Fortitude & Equanimity so conspicuous in your conduct, the Wisdom of your Councils, the Mild, yet strict Government of the Army, your Attention to the Civil Constitution of this Colony, the regard you have, at all times, shewn for the lives and health of those under your Command, the Fatigues you have with chearfulness endured, the regard you have shewn for the preservation of our Metropolis, and the great Address with which our Military Operations have been conducted, have exceeded our most Sanguine expectations, and demand the warmest returns of Gratitude.
The Supreme Ruler of the Universe having Smiled on our Arms & crowned your labours with remarkable Success, we are now, without that Effusion of Blood, we so much wished to avoid, again in the quiet possession of our Capital; the Wisdom and Prudence of those Movements which have obliged the Enemy to abandon our Metropolis, will ever be remembered by the Inhabitants of this Colony.
May you still go on approved by Heaven, revered by all good Men, and dreaded by those Tyrants who claim their Fellow men as their property; May the United Colonies be defended from Slavery by your Victorious Arms.
May they still see their Enemies flying before you; And (the deliverance of your Country being effected,) May you, in retirement, enjoy that Peace & Satisfaction of mind, which always attends the good and Great; And may future Generations, in the Peaceful Enjoyment of that Freedom, the exercise of which your Sword shall have established, raise, the richest and most lasting Monuments to the name of Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Thompson, 28 March 1776
From: Thompson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir.
New-York. Mar. 28th 1776

I should e’er now have sent you a return of the troops stationed at this place, with an account of the stores &c. but had the pleasure to hear of your having obliged General Howe with his Garrison to evacuate Boston & that you were immediately to march for this place yourself.
The many works laid out for the defence of New York will require more large Cannon, than are here at present, and as it is probable from the number the Enemy left behind them at Boston, that a few can be spared from thence, you will judge of the propriety of sending them and give your orders accordingly: I believe about thirty are wanted & the larger the better.
I am with the good assistance of Lord Stirling carrying on the sundry works with as much Expedition as possible, and hope you will be pleased with the forwardness you will find them in, when you arrive in Town.
As a number of Troops must be stationed on Long Island, and but very few houses near to lodge them in, perhaps you may think it right, to order Tents from Cambridge for that purpose. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant

Wm Thompson


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 28 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge 28th March 1776

I have been all this day at Boston. On my return your esteemed favor of the 25th was handed to me. I have not time to answer it at present. The next opportunity will convey to you that, and the money for amount of the account you have enclosed. I am with very great respect Sir Your most humble and obedient Servant

Go. Washington


Title: Orders and Instructions for Major General Israel Putnam, 29 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

[Cambridge, 29 March 1776]

As there are the best reasons to believe that the Enemys Fleet & Army which left Nantasket Road last Wednesday Evening are bound to N. Y. to endeavour to Possess that Important Post & if Possible Secure the Communication By Hudsons River to Canada. it must be Our Care to prevent them their Designs. To that End, I have Detach’d B. G. Heath with the whole Body of Riffle Men & five Battallions of the Conl Army by the Way of Norwich in Connct to New Y. These by an Express arrived Yesterday from G. Heath I have reason to believe are in N. Y. Six more Battallions under G. Sullivan March this morning by the same Route, & will I hope Arrive there in Eight or Ten days at furthest; The rest of the Army will immediately Follow in Divisions, leaving only a convenient Space between each Division to prevent confusion & want of Accomodation upon their March. You will no doubt make the best Dispatch in getting to N. Y. upon your Arrival there You will Assume the Command, & immediately proceed in continuing to Execute the plan proposed by M. G. Lee for Fortifying that City & securing the Passes of the E. & N. Rivers if upon consultation with the Bdrs General & Engineers any Alterations in that plan is thought Necessary you are at Liberty to make it cautiously Avoiding to Break too much upon his Main Design unless where it may be apparently necessary so to do & that by the General Voice & Opinion of the Gentn Above mention’d.
You will meet the Q. M. G. Col. M[ifflin] & Com[missary] G[eneral] at N. Y. as they are both men of Excellent Talents in their different Departments you will do well to give them all the Authority & Assistance they require, and Should a Council of War be necessary it is my direction they Assist at it.
Your Long Service and Experience will, better than any Particular directions at this Distance point out to you the Works most proper to be First rais’d & your Perseverance Activity &

Zeal will lead you, without my recommending it to Exert every Nerve to disappoint the Enemys Designs.
Devoutly Praying that the Power which has hitherto sustain’d the American Arms may continue to Bless them with his Divine Protection, I bid You Farewell. Given at H. Qrs in Cam[bridge] this 29th Mar. 1776.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 29 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir:
Cambridge 29th Mar. 76

As General Green is ordered to march with the next Brigade on Monday and as Generl Spencer will follow with the last (leaving four or five Regiments in this department for Defence, Protection of the Stores, Erection of works ect.) & should be glad, if you are not afraid of the Small Pox & Incline to continue longer in the Service that you lately talk’d of, if you would remove in to Boston tomorrow or next day, & take upon you the Command and direction of Matters there. I am Sir Yr Most Obed: Ser.

Go: Washington


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 30th 1776.
Parole Dedham.Countersign Putnam.

A Detachment from the Regiment of Artillery, to be ready to

march on Monday Morning, with the Brigade under Brigdr Genl Green.
The Colonels commanding the Regiments of this Brigade, may each of them receive a Warrant for five hundred pounds, lawful money, upon application at Head Quarters.
A General Court Martial to sit Monday Morning in Boston, in the Court House, to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them—All Evidences, and Persons concern’d, to attend the Court.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 31 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge 31. March 1776

The Bearer Colo. Putnam, who has been employed as an Engineer in the Army under my Command, is now on his Way to New York; I have order’d him to wait upon your Honor to afford you such advice & assistance in the Construction of your Works as his time will permit. You will find him capable and ingenious, & I am happy in having this opportunity of sending you an Officer of such experience. I am most respectfully Sir ⟨your most⟩ humble Servant

⟨Go: Washing⟩ton


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 31 March 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
New York March 31st 1776

on Yesterday I arrived in this City with the Brigade, and flatter my Self that Considering the Badness of the Roads Stormy weather &c. your Excellency will not think that I have been either Negligent or dilitory on the march.
General Schuyler Still remains at Albany and the Command of the army at present devolves on me, I have this day ordered a Return of the army, But have it not in my Power to acquaint your Excellency of the numbers by this Letter, Here are many works Constructing, and I have the pleasure to acquaint your Excellency that the workman Ship is Superior to Any before Boston[.] Capt. Smith Does himself Honor as an Engineer[.] I have this Day been viewing the works, and shall endeavour to Compleat them as fast as Possable, I am happy in having for my Colleagues Lord Sterling & General Thompson, to morrow I shall goe over with my Lord to Long Island to view the works on that Side, The army at present is very Unsettled being Composed of new raised Regiments minute men and militia—Several Companies of artillery are absolutely necessary and much wanted as there are many Peices of Heavy ordnance mounted in different works, Our Stock of Powder is Considerable at present, about 15 Tons (and more Expected) This I find to be Improperly Stored, shall divide and Remove it to different places more Safe without Delay—I hope Soon to have the Honor of Seeing your Excellency this way Untill which (or being Superseded in Command) your Excellency may rest assured that my Utmost Endeavou[r]s Shall be Exerted to Compleat the works and Put the City in a posture of Defence[.] The Ships Remain at their late Stations below the City, and are Constantly Supplied with Provisions, I should be glad to Know your Excellency’s opinion respecting the Propriety of it[.] I must again Entreat your Excellency if Possabl⟨e⟩ to obtain money for the Payment of the wages due to the Troops here who Came from Camp who grow Extreamly Uneasy on that Account. I

have the Honor to be with the Greatest respect your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath

Doctor Franklin and Two other members of Congress (with Monsieur La Baron—the Prussian General appointed a Brigadier Genl in the Continental army) are now in this City on their way to Canada[.] The Militia are Coming in fast from Connecticut & New Jersey.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Rufus Putnam, 31 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Rufus

Sir:
Head Quarters Cambridge 31. March 1776

You are hereby Order’d to march to New York, by the way of Providence—When you arrive at Providence you are to deliver Governor Cooke the Letter directed for him and afford him your best advice and assistance in the Construction of the Works there. At New York you are to apply to the Commanding Officer of the Continental Forces & follow such Orders & directions as you may from time to time receive from him. I am Sir Your most humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 31 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

Dear Brother,
Cambridge 31st March 1776

Your Letter of the 24th Ulto was duely forwarded to this Camp by Colo. Lee. and gave me the pleasure of hearing that you, my Sister and family were well. after your Post is established to Fredericksburg the Intercourse by Letter may become regular and certain (& when ever time, little of which God knows I have for friendly corrispondances, will permit, I shall be happy in writing to you)—I cannot call to mind the date of my last to you, but this I recollect, that I have wrote more Letters to than I have received from you.
The Want of Arms, Powder &ca, is not peculiar to Virginia—this Country of which doubtless, you have heard such large and flattering Accounts, is more difficient of each than you can conceive, I have been here Months together with what will scarce be believed—not 30 rounds of Musket Cartridges a Man. have been obliged to submit to all the Insults of the Enemy’s Cannon for want of Powder, keeping what little we had for Pistol distance. Another thing has been done, which added to the above, will put it in the power of this Army to say what perhaps none other with justice ever could. We have maintain’d our Ground against the Enemy under the above want of Powder—and, we have disbanded one Army & recruited another, within Musket Shot of two and Twenty Regimts, the Flower of the British Army when our strength have been little if any, superior to theirs. and, at last have beat them, in a shameful & precipitate manner out of a place the strongest by Nature on this Continent—strengthen’d and fortified in the best manner, and at an enormous Expence.
As some Acct of the late Manouvres of both Armies, may not be unacceptable, I shall, hurried as I always am, devote a little time to it.
Having received a small supply of Powder then—very inadequate to our wants—I resolved to take possession of Dorchester Point, laying East of Boston; looking directly into it; and commanding (absolutely) the Enemys Lines on the Neck (Boston)—To effect this, which I knew would force the Enemy to an Ingagement, or subject them to be enphiladed by our Cannon, it was necessary in the first Instance to possess two heights (those

mentioned in Genl Burgoynes Letter to Lord Stanley in his Acct of the Battle of Bunkers hill) which had the entire command of it—The grd at this time being froze upwards of two feet deep, & as impenetrable as a Rock, nothing could be attempted with Earth; we were oblig’d therefore to provide an amazing quantity of Chandeliers and Fascines for the Work, and on the Night of the 4th, after a previous severe Cannonade & Bombardment for three Nights together to divert the Enemy’s attention from our real design, removed every material to the spot under Cover of Darkness, and took full possession of those heights without the loss of a Single Man.
Upon their discovery of the Works next Morning great preparations were made for attacking them, but not being ready before the Afternoon and the Weather getting very tempestuous, much blood was Saved, and a very important blow (to one side or the other) prevented—That this remarkable Interposition of Providence is for some wise purpose I have not a doubt; but as the principal design of the Manouvre was to draw the Enemy to an Ingagement under disadvantages—as a premeditated Plan was laid for this purpose, and seemed to be succeeding to my utmost wish and as no Men seem’d better disposed to make the Appeal than ours did upon that occasion, I can scarce forbear lamenting the disappointment, unless the dispute is drawing to an Accomodation, and the Sword going to be Sheathed.
But to return, the Enemy thinking (as we have since learnt) that we had got too securely posted before the Second Morning to be much hurt by them, and apprehending great annoyance from our new Works resolved upon a retreat, and accordingly Imbark’d in as much hurry, precipitation and confusion as ever Troops did, the 17th, not taking time to fit their transports, but leaving Kings property in Boston to the amount, as is supposed, of thirty or £40,000 in Provisions, Stores, &ca—Many Pieces of Cannon, some Mortars, and a number of Shot, Shells &ca are also left—and Baggage Waggons, Artillery Carts &ca which they have been Eighteen Months preparing to take the Field with, were found destroyed—thrown into the Docks—and drifted upon every Shore—In short, Dunbars destruction of Stores after Genl Braddocks defeat, which made so much noise, affords but a faint Idea of what was to be met with here.
The Enemy lay from the 17th to the 27th In Nantasket &

Kings Roads abt Nine Miles from Boston to take in Water (from the Islands thereabouts, surrounded by their Shipping) & to fit themselves for Sea—whither they are now bound, & where their Tents will be next pitched, I know not; but as New York and the Hudson’s River are the most important objects they can have in view, as the latter secures the communication with Canada, at the same time it seperates the Northern and Southern Colonies Armies; and the former is thought to abound in disaffected Persons who only wait a favourable oppertunity, and support, to declare themselves openly, it became equally important for us to prevent their gaining Possession of these advantages, & therefore, so soon as they Imbarked I detach’d a Brigade of Six Regimts to that Government. so soon as they Sailed, another Brigade compos’d of the same number, and to morrow another of Five will March—In a day or two more I shall follow myself & be in New York ready to receive all but the first.
The Enemy left all their Works standing in Boston, & on Bunkers hill, and formidable they are—the Town has shared a much better Fate than was expected—the damage done to the Houses being nothing equal to report—but the Inhabitants have sufferd a good deal by being plunder’d by the Soldiery at their departure. All those who took upon themselves the Style, & title of Government Men in Boston in short all those who have acted an unfriendly part in this great Contest have Shipped themselves off in the same hurry, but under still greater disadvantages than the Kings Troops have done; being obliged to Man their own Vessels (for Seamen could not be had for the Transports for the Kings use) and submit to every hardship that can be conciv’d—One or two have done, what a great many ought to have done long ago—committed Suicide—By all Accts there never existed a more miserable set of Beings than these wretched Creatures now are—taught to believe that the Power of Great Britain was superior to all opposition, and that foreign Aid (if not) was at hand, they were even higher, & more insulting in their opposition than the Regulars—when the Order Issued therefore for Imbarking the Troops in Boston, no Electric Shock—no sudden Clap of thunder—in a word the last Trump—could not have Struck them with greater Consternation. they were at their Wits end, and conscious of their black ingratitude chose to commit themselves in the manner I have

above describ’d to the Mercy of the Waves at a tempestuous Season rather than meet their offended Countrymen. but with this declaration the choice was made that if they thought the most abject Submission would procure them Peace they never would have stir’d.
I believe I may, with great truth affirm, that no Man perhaps since the first Institution of Armys ever commanded one under more difficult Circumstances than I have done—to enumerate the particulars would fill a volume—many of my difficulties and distresses were of so peculiar a cast that in order to conceal them from the Enemy, I was obliged to conceal them from my friends, indeed from my own Army thereby subjecting my Conduct to interpretations unfavourable to my Character—especially by those at a distance, who could not, in the smallest degree, be acquainted with the Springs that govern’d it—I am happy however to find, and to hear from different Quarters, that my reputation stands fair—that my Conduct hitherto has given universal Satisfaction—the Addresses which I have received, and which I suppose will be published, from the general Court of this Colony (the same as our Genl Assembly) and from the Selectmen of Boston upon the evacuation of the Town & my approaching departure from the Colony, exhibits a pleasing testimony of their approbation of my conduct, and of their personal regard, which I have found in various other Instances; and wch, in retirement, will afford many comfortable reflections.
The share you have taken in these Publick disputes is commendable and praiseworthy—it is a duty we owe our Country—a Claim posterity has on us—It is not sufficient for a Man to be a passive friend & well wisher to the Cause[.] This, and every other Cause, of such a Nature, must inevitably perish under such an opposition. every person should be active in some department or other, without paying too much attention to private Interest, It is a great stake we are playing for, and sure we are of winning if the Cards are well managed—Inactivity in some—disaffection in others—and timidity in many, may hurt the Cause; nothing else can, for Unanimity will carry us through triumphantly in spite of every exertion of Great Britain, if link’d together in one indissoluble Band—this they now know, & are practising every strategem which Human

Invention can devise, to divide us, & unite their own People—upon this principle it is, the restraining Bill is past, and Commissioners are coming over. The device to be sure is shallow—the covering thin—But they will hold out to their own People that the Acts (complaind of) are repealed, and Commissioners sent to each Colony to treat with us, neither of which will we attend to &ca—this upon weak Minds among us will have its effect—they wish for reconciliation—or in other Words they wish for Peace without attending to the Conditions.
General Lee, I expect, is with you before this—He is the first Officer in Military knowledge and experience we have in the whole Army—He is zealously attachd to the Cause—honest, and well meaning, but rather fickle & violent I fear in his temper however as he possesses an uncommon share of good Sense and Spirit I congratulate my Countrymen upon his appointment to that Department. The appointment of Lewis I think was also judicious, for notwithstanding the odium thrown upon his Conduct at the Kanhawa I always look’d upon him as a Man of Spirit and a good Officer—his experience is equal to any one we have. Colo. Mercer would have supplied the place well but I question (as a Scotchman) whether it would have gone glibly down. Bullet is no favourite of mine, & therefore I shall say nothing more of him, than that his own opinion of himself always kept pace with what others pleas’d to think of him—if any thing, rather run a head of it.
As I am now nearly at the end of my Eighth page, I think it time to conclude, especially as I set out with prefacing, the little time I had for friendly Corrispondances—I shall only add therefore my Affectionate regards to my Sister and the Children, & Compliments to any enquiring friends and that I am with every Sentiment of true Affection yr Loving Brother & faithful friend.

Go: Washington


Title: Address from the Boston Selectmen, March 1776
From: Boston Selectmen
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
[March 1776]

The Select-men of Boston, in behalf of themselves, & Fellow-Citizens, with all gratefull Respect, congratulate Your Excellency on the Success of your military Operations, in the Recovery of this Town, from an Enemy, collected from the once respected Britons, who, in this Instance, are characterized by Malice & Fraud, Rapine & Plunder, in every Trace left behind them.
Happy are we, that this Acquisition has been made with so little Effusion of human Blood, which, next to the divine Favor, permit us to ascribe to Your Excellency’s Wisdom, evidenced in every part of the long Besiegment.
If it is possible to enhance the noble Feelings of that Person, who, from the most affluent Enjoyments, could throw himself into the Hardships of a Camp, to save his Country—uncertain of Success—’tis then possible this Victory will heighten Your

Excellency’s Happiness, when You consider You have not only saved a large, elegant, & once populous City, from total Destruction, but relieved the few wretched Inhabitants from all the Horrors of a besieged Town, from the Insults & Abuses of a disgraced & chagrined Army, and restored many Inhabitants to their quiet Habitations who had fled, for Safety, to the Bosom of their Country.
May Your Excellency live to see the just Rights of America settled on a firm Basis; which Felicity we sincerely wish You, and at a late Period may that Felicity be changed into Happiness Eternal.

                  Samuel AustinOliver WendellJohn Pitts
                  John ScollayTimo. NewellThos Marshall
                  }
                  Select Menof Boston


Title: Address to the Boston Selectmen and Citizens, March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Boston Selectmen and Citizens

Gentlemen
[c.March 1776]

Your Congratulations on the Success of the American Arms, gives me the greatest pleasure.
I most sincerely rejoice with you, on your being once more in the quiet possession of your former habitations; and, what greatly adds to my happiness, that this desirable Event has been effected with so little effusion of human blood.
I am exceedingly obliged by the good opinion you are pleased

to entertain of my Conduct—Your Virtuous efforts in the Cause of Freedom, and the unparallelled Fortitude with which you have sustained the greatest of all human Calamities, justly entitle you to the grateful remembrance of your American Bretheren, and I heartily pray that the hand of Tyranny may never more disturb your repose, and that every blessing of a kind Providence may give happiness and prosperity to the Town of Boston.

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 1 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, April 1st 1776.
Parole Chester.Countersign Ohio.


Title: To George Washington from an Anonymous French Officer, 1 April 1776
From: Anonymous
To: Washington, George

Fort-Dauphin [Saint-Domingue], 1 April 1776. Offers his services to GW. He says that he served in Germany during the last war as a lieutenant in the Royal Grenadiers and was dismissed three years after the peace. He came to Saint-Domingue to advance himself but has not been able to obtain a company. He does not sign his name for fear that this letter might be intercepted and injure him at the French court. M. Faribeau, to whom he asks GW to reply, will identify him and give his address.


Title: To George Washington from John Adams, 1 April 1776
From: Adams, John
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Philadelphia April 1. 1776

The Bearer of this Letter Francis Dana Esqr. of Cambridge, is a Gentleman of Family, Fortune and Education, returned in the last Packett from London where he has been about a Year. He has ever maintained an excellent Character in his Country, and a warm Friendship for the American Cause. He returns to share with his Friends in their Dangers, and their Triumphs. I have done myself the Honour to give him this Letter, for the sake of introducing him to your Acquaintance, as he has frequently expressed to me a Desire to embrace the first opportunity of paying his Respects to a Character, So highly esteemed, and so justly admired throughout all Europe, as well as America. Mr Dana will Satisfy you, that We have no Reason to expect Peace from Britain.
I congratulate you, sir, as well as all the Friends of Mankind

on the Reduction of Boston, an Event which appeared to me of so great and decisive Importance, that the next Morning after the Arrival of the News, I did myself the Honour to move, for the Thanks of Congress to your Excellency and that a Medal of Gold should be struck, in Commemoration of it. Congress have been pleasd to appoint me, with two other Gentlemen to prepare a Device. I should be very happy to have your Excellencys Sentiments concerning a proper one. I have the Honour to be, with very great Respect, sir, your most obedient and affectionate servant

John Adams


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 1 April 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence April 1st 1776

I Yesterday wrote your Excellency that I had Information by Express from Newport that a large Part of the ministerial Fleet and Army were near that Harbor. Since which by the Intelligence

I have further received I am inclined to believe that the Fleet was not seen as was reported. The Alarm was given upon the following Occasion. Three of the Soldiers being upon a Rising Ground near the Town were positive they saw a Fleet within Seconet Point and counted distinctly Twenty one Sail. Immediately upon this the Sheriff of the County of Newport dispatched an Express with the Information. One of the Ensigns also says that Three large Ships were seen off the Light House from Canonicut Yesterday at 11 o’Clock A.M. After having taken all the Measures that appeared necessary to collect a sufficient Force to oppose the Enemy I sent a Person in whom I could confide to Newport who hath just returned and informs me that it seems to be the general Opinion that no Fleet was descried; but that the Persons were deceived by the Weather which was very thick and foggy and hath so continued ever since. I think it my Duty to acquaint your Excellency of this by my Son who goes Express, and am with great Esteem and Respect, Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant

Nichs Cooke


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 1 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge 1st April 1776

This Letter will be deliver’d you by Jonathan Eddy Esq. the Gentlemen from Nova Scotia who I mention’d to you in mine of the 27th Ulto. He seem’d desirous of waiting on the Honorable Congress in Order to lay before them the state of public Affairs, and situation of the Inhabitants of that Province; and as it might be in his power to communicate many things personally, which could not be so well done by Letter, I incouraged him in his design and have advanced him fifty dollars to defrey his Expences—The Acadian accompanies him, and as they seem to be solid, judicious Men, I beg leave to recommend them both to the Notice of Congress, and am most respectfully Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: Address to the Massachusetts General Court, 1 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Gentn
[c. 1 April 1776]

I return you my most sincere, & hearty thanks for your polite address; and feel myself called upon by every principle of Gratitude, to acknowledge the honor you have done me in this Testimonial of your approbation of my appointment to the exalted station I now fill; & what is more pleasing, of my conduct in discharging Its important duties.
When the Councils of the British Nation had formed a plan for enslaving America, and depriving her sons of their most sacred & invaluable privileges, against the clearest remonstrances of the constitution—of Justice—and of Truth; and to execute their schemes, had appealed to the sword, I esteemed It my duty to take a part in the contest, and more especially, when called thereto by the unsollicited Suffrages of the Representatives of a free people; wishing for no other reward than that arising from a conscientious discharge of the important trust, & that my services might contribute to the establishment of Freedom & peace, upon a permanent foundation; and merit the applause of my Countrymen & every virtuous Citizen.
Your professions of my attention to the civil constitution of this Colony, whilst acting in the line of my department, also demand my gratefull thanks—A regard to every provincial institution, where not incompatible with the common Interest, I hold a principle of duty, & of policy, and shall ever form a part of my conduct—had I not learned this before, the happy experience of the advantages resulting from a friendly intercourse with your Honorable body—their ready, and willing concurrence to aid and to counsel, when ever called upon in cases of difficulty and emergency, would have taught me the usefull lesson.

That the metropolis of your Colony, is now releived from the cruel and oppressive invasion of those who were sent to erect the Standard of lawless domination, & to trample on the rights of humanity, and is again open & free for Its rightfull possessors, must give pleasure to every virtuous and Sympathetic heart—and being effected without the blood of our Soldiers, and fellow Citizens, must be ascribed to the Interposition of that providence, which has manifestly appeared in our behalf thro the whole of this important struggle, as well as to the measures pursued for bringing about the happy event.
May that being who is powerfull to save, and in whose hands is the fate of Nations, look down with an eye of tender pity & compassion upon the whole of the United Colonies—May he continue to smile upon their Councils and Arms, & crown them with success, whilst employed in the cause of virtue & of mankind—May this distressed Colony & Its Capitol, and every part of this wide, extended Continent, thro his divine favor, be restored to more than their former lustre and once happy state, and have peace, liberty & safety secured upon a solid, permanent, and lasting foundation.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 1 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Cambridge April 1st 1776.

By the Express which I sent to Philadelphia a few days ago I wrote you a few hasty lines—I have little time to do more now, as I am hurried in dispatching one Brigade after another for New York and preparing for my own departure, by pointing out the Duties of those that remain behind me.
Nothing of Importance has occurr’d—in these parts—since my last—unless it be the Resignation of Generals Ward & Frye,

and the re-assumption of the former, or retraction, on Acct, as he says, of its being disagreeable to some of the Officers—who those Officers are I have not heard. I have not enquired—When the Application to Congress & notice of it to me, came to hand, I was disarm’d of Interposition because it was put upon the footing of Duty, or conscience, the General being perswaded, that his health would not allow him to take that share of Duty that his Office required. the Officers to whom the resignation is disagreeable have been able, no doubt, to convince him of his mistake, and that his health will admit him to be alert and Active—I shall leave him till he can determine Yea or nay, to Command in this Quarter. Genl Frye, that Wonderful Man, has made a most Wonderful hand of it—His appointment took place the 11th of Jany—he desired ten days ago, that his resignation might take place the 11th of April—He has drawn Three hundred and Seventy five Dollars—never done one days dut⟨y⟩—scarce been three times out of his Hou⟨se,⟩ discovered that he was too old, and too infirm for a moving Camp—but remembers that he has been young, active, and very capable of doing what is now out of his power to accomplish; & therefore has left Congress to find out another Man capable of making, if possible, a more brilliant figure than he has done—Add to these the departure of Genls Lee & Thomas—taking some little Acct of S—r and H—and then form an opinion of the G—ls of this Army—their Councils—&ca.
Your Letter of the 15th Ulto contain’d a very unfavourable Acct of the Carolinas, but I am glad to find by the Subsequent one of the 23d that the prospect Brightens; and that Mr Martin’s first attempt (through those universal Instruments of Tyranny the Scotch) hath met with its deserved success—the old proverb, of the first blow being half the Battle cannot better apply than in these Instances the Spirits of the vanquish’d being depress’d in proportion as the Victors get elated.
I am glad to find my Camp equipage in such forwardness. I shall expect to meet it, and I hope you, at New York; for which place I am preparing to set out on thursday, or Friday next. the Accts brought by Mr Temple of the favourable disposition in the Ministry to accomodate matters does not corrispond with their Speeches in Parliament; how then does he Acct for their Inconsistency? If the Commissioners do not come over with

full and ample powers to treat with Congress I sincerely wish they may never put their feet on American Ground, as it must be self evident (in the other case) that they come over with inviduous Intentions—To distract, divide, & create as much confusion as possible—How then can any Man, let his passion for reconciliation be never so strong, be so blinded, and misled, as to embrace a measure, evidently design’d for His destruction? No Man does—no Man can wish the restoration of Peace more fervently than I do; but I hope, whenever made, it will be upon such terms as will reflect honour upon the Councils, and wisdom of America. with you, I think a change in the American representation necessary—frequent appeals to the People can be attended with no bad, but may have very salutary effects. My Countrymen I know, from their form of Government, & steady Attachment heretofore to Royalty, will come reluctantly into the Idea of Independancy; but time, & persecution, brings many wonderful things to pass; & by private Letters which I have lately received from Virginia, I find common sense is working a powerful change there in the Minds of many Men.
The 4000 Men destind for Boston on the 5th; if the Ministerialists had attempted our Works on Dorchester, or the Lines at Roxbury, were to have been headed by old Put. But he would have had pretty easy Work of it, as his Motion’s were to have been regulated by Signals, and those Signals from Appearances—He was not to have made the attempt unless the Town had been drained—or very considerably weakend of its force.
I believe I mentioned in my last to you, that all those who took upon themselves the Style & Title (in Boston) of Governments Men, have Shipped themselves off in the same hurry, but under greater disadvantages than the Kings (I think it Idle to keep up the distinction of Ministerial) Troops have done, being obliged, in a manner, to Man their own Vessels; Seamen not being to be had for the Kings Transports; and submit to all the hardships that can be conceived—One or two of them have committed, what it would have been happy for Mankind if more of them had done long ago—the Act of Suicide—By all Accts, a more miserable set of Beings does not exist than these—taught to believe that the power of G. Britain was almost omnipotent, and if it was not that foreign aid was at hand, they were higher, and more insulting in their opposition, than

the Regulars themselves—When the Order Issued therefore for Imbarking the Troops in Boston, no Electric shock—no sudden flash of lightning—in a Word, not even the last Trump, cou’d have struck them with greater Consternation—they were at their wits end, and conscious of their black ingratitude, chose to commit themselves in the manner before describ’d to the Mercy of the Winds and Waves, in a tempestuous Season, rather than meet their offended Countrymen; and with this declaration I am told they have done it—that if they could have thought, that the most abject submission, would have procured Peace for them, they would have humbled themselves in the Dust & kissed the rod that shd be held out for Chastisemt. Unhappy wretches! Deluded Mortals! Would it not be good policy to grant a general Amnesty? & conquer these People by a generous forgiveness? I am with Mrs Washingtons Compliments Joind with my own to Mrs Reed—Dr Sir Yr Sincere & Affecte friend & Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have this Instt receivd an Express from Govr Cooke informing me that A Man of War is just arrivd in the Harbour at New Port, and that 27 Sail of Vessels (supposed to be part of the Fleet from Boston) are within Seconet point. I have orderd Genl Sullivans Brigade wch Marchd from hence on Friday Afternoon to file of immediately for Providence & Genl Greens which was to begin its March to day to repair immediately to that place.

G. W—:


Title: To George Washington from Lord Stirling, 1 April 1776
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

My dear General
New York April 1: 1776

I am honoured with your Letter of the 24. Brigadier General Heath arrived here on Saturday Last with the five Regiments

that marched from Camp with him; the Rifle men Came in a day or two before. the Connecticut Militia detached by Govr Trumbull are also Cheifly Arrived; these with what are Constantly Comeing in from the Westward will put us on such a footing as to Numbers, that I think we have little to fear from Genl Howe, should he Attempt any thing in this Quarter. Staten Island is still open to their Invasion and I should be glad we were so possessed of it that we could prevent their makeing any lodgment in it. for this purpose I will endeavour to get Genl Heaths leave to go over there on Wednesday Next to set the Militia of New Jersey at work on it. I shall only add that I could wish Genl Howe would Come here in preferance to any other spot in America, as I beli[e]ve it would now be of least detriment to the American Cause; besides then I should have the Honour of Serving under your Immediate Command. I am very Sincerely, your devoted Humble Servt

Stirling


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 1 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Cambridge 1. Apl 1776

inclosd you have Copy of a Letter I recd from Governor Cooke to the Contents of which I reffer you; General Green will march with his Brigade this day for Providence; & if I find that the Enemy are at Rhode Island I will Soon join him—Governor Cooke will forward this to you, & will inform you whether this alarm is well founded or not; if it is, you must repair to Providence with the troops under your Comand; if it is not, you will proceed on your march to N. york.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel James Wadsworth, 1 April 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Wadsworth, James

Letter not found: to Colonel James Wadsworth, 1 April 1776. On this date Wadsworth wrote to GW: “yours of this Day recd.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel James Wadsworth, 1 April 1776
From: Wadsworth, James
To: Washington, George

Hond Sr
Roxbury 1st April 1776

yours of this Day recd am very sorry it is not in my Power to comply with his Excellency’s Request as my Regiment with the other Connecticut Regiments have marched and by Reason of Scarcity of Forrage and Difficulty of geting Covering for the Soldiers they have gone in small Parties and by different Routes they cannot be remanded & collected. some of the Field Officers have likewise marched. I doubt not had it been known the Throops might probably been serviceable in taking their Route by Providence they would chearfully have complyed with his Excellency’s Desire. I am with great Truth & Regard You[r] very Humle Sert

James Wadsworth Colo.


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

Sir,
Philadelphia April 2d 1776.

It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you, by Order of Congress, the only Tribute, which a free People will ever consent to Pay; the Tribute of Thanks and Gratitude to their Friends and Benefactors.
The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory: and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that, as a peculiar Greatness of Mind induced you to decline any Compensation for serving them, except the Pleasure of promoting their Happiness, they may, without your Permission, bestow upon you the largest Share of their Affections and Esteem.
Those Pages in the Annals of America, will record your Title to a conspicuous Place in the Temple of Fame, which shall inform Posterity, that under your Directions, an undisciplined Band of Husbandmen, in the Course of a few Months, became Soldiers; and that the Desolation meditated against the Country, by a brave Army of Veterans, commanded by the most experienced Generals, but employed by bad Men in the worst of Causes, was, by the Fortitude of your Troops, and the Address

of their Officers, next to the kind Interposition of Providence, confined for near a Year, within such narrow Limits, as scarcely to admit more Room than was necessary for the Encampments and Fortifications, they lately abandoned.
Accept therefore, Sir, the Thanks of the United Colonies, unanimously declared by their Delegates, to be due to you, and the brave Officers and Troops under your Command: and be pleased to communicate to them, this distinguished Mark of the Approbation of their Country.
The Congress have ordered a Golden Medal, adapted to the Occasion, to be struck, and when finished, to be presented to you. I have the Honour to be, with every Sentiment of Esteem, Sir, your most obedt and very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 2 April 1776
From: Mason, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Virginia Gunston-Hall April 2d 1776.

We have just received the welcome News of your having, with so much Address & Success, dislodged the ministerial Troops, and taken Possession of the Town of Boston—I congratulate you, most sincerely, upon this glorious & important Event—An Event which will render General Washington’s Name immortal in the Annals of America, endear his Memory to the latest Posterity, and entitle him to those Thanks which Heaven appointed the Reward of public Virtue.
It is the common Opinion here that we shall have a Visit from General Howe, in some of the middle, or Southern Colonies; but it does not seem well founded. I am very unable to judge of military Affairs; but it appears to me that if Genl Howe acts the Part of a wise Man, & an experienced Officer, he will not venture a sickly, worn out, disgusted, and disgraced Army in a

Country where He must meet imediate Opposition, and where any Misfortune might produce a Mutiny, or general Desertion. I think it much more probable that He will retire to Hallifax, give his Troops a little time, by Ease & Refreshment, to recover their Spirits, & be in readiness, as soon as the Season permits, to relieve Quebec; keeping some Ships of War cruising off Boston Harbour, to protect & direct the Transports which may arrive. New york, or any of the northern united Provinces are too near Cambridge; for if He cou’d not maintain the advantageous & strongly fortified Post of Boston, what reasonable Hope has he of gaining & maintaining a new one, in the Face of a superior Army? You will perhaps smile at these speculative & idle suggestions upon a Subject, which will probably be reduced to a Certainty, one way or other, long before this reaches your Hands; but when I am conversing with you, the many agreeable Hours we have spent together recur upon my Mind; I fancy myself under your hospitable Roof at Mount Vernon, and lay aside Reserve—May God grant us a Return of those halcyon Days; when every Man may sit down at his Ease under the Shade of his own Vine, & his own fig-tree, & enjoy the Sweets of domestic Life! Or if this is too much, may He be pleased to inspire us with Spirit & Resolution, to bear our present & future Sufferings, becoming Men determined to transmit to our Posterity, unimpair’d, the Blessings we have received from our Ancestors!
Colo. Casewell’s Victory in N. Carolina, & the military Spirit which it has raised will be an Obstacle to any Attempts in that Quarter. Maryland & Virginia are at present rather unprepared, but their Strength is daily encreasing: the late Levys here have been made with surprizing Rapidity, and the seven new Regiments are already in a Manner compleat, except as to Arms, in which they are very deficient; but they are coming in, in small Quantitys, from different Parts of the Country, & a very considerable Manufactury is established at Fredericksburg. Large Ventures have been lately made for military Stores; for which Purpose we are now loading a Ship for Europe, with Tobo at Alexandria; her Cargoe is all on float, & I hope to have her under Sailing Order in a few Days. Notwithstanding the natural plenty of provisions in this Colony, I am very apprehensive

of a great Scarcity of Beef & Pork among our Troops this Summer, occasioned by the People’s not expecting a Market, until the Slaughter-Season was past: I find it extreamly difficult to lay in a Stock for about 300 Men in the Marine Department of this River.
Ill Health, & a certain Listlesness inseperable from it, have prevented my writing to you so often, as I wou’d otherwise have done, but I trust to your Friendship to excuse it: the same Cause disabled me from attending the Committee of Safety this winter, and induced me to intreat the Convention to leave me out of it. I continue to correspond constantly with that Board, & I hope am no less usefully employed; thinking it, in such times as these are, every Man’s Duty to contribute his Mite to the public Service. I have in Conjunction with Mr Dalton, the Charge of providing & equiping arm’d Vessels for the Protection of this River. The thing is new to me; but I must endeavour to improve by Experience. I am much obliged to the Board for joining Mr Dalton with me: He is a steady diligent Man, & without such Assistance I cou’d not have undertaken it. We are building two row-Gallies, which are in considerable forwardness; & have purchased three Sloops for Cruisers, two of them, being only from forty to fifty Tons Burthen, are to mount 8 Carriage Guns each, 3 & 4 Pounders, they are not yet fitted up, & we are exceedingly puzled to get Cannon for them; the other, the American Congress, is a fine Stout Vessel, of about 110 Tons Burthen, & has such an easy draught of Water, as will enable her to run into most of the Creeks, or small Harbours, if She meets wth a Vessel of superior Force: She mounts 14 Carriage Guns 6 & 4 pounders; tho’ we have thoughts of mounting two 9 Pounders upon her main Beam, if we find her able, as we think She is, to bear them: her Guns are mounted, & are to be tryed to-morrow. We have twenty Bars. of Powder, & about a Ton of Shot ready; more is making; Swivels we have not yet been able to procure, but She may make a tollerable Shift without, ’til they can be furnish’d; We have got some small Arms, & are taking every Method to increase them, & hope to be fully supplyed in about a week more, her Company of Marines is raised, & have been for some time exercised to the use of the great Guns; her Compliment of Marines & Sea-men, is to be 96

Men. We are exerting ourselves to the utmost, & hope to have her on her Station in less than a Fortnight, & that the other Vessels will quickly follow her, and be able to protect the Inhabitants of this River from the piratical Attempts of all the Enemies Cutters Tenders & small Craft.
Imediatly upon Rect of yr former Letters, I applyed to some of the Maryland Committees, as well as those on this Side; in Consequence of which, the several most convenient places on this River were sounded, & thoroughly examined; but effectual Batteries were found, in our present Circumstances, impracticable. Mr Lund Washington tells me he sent you the Draughts & Soundings taken upon this Occasion. A Regiment, commanded by Colo. Mercer of Fredericksburg, is stationed on this Part of the River, and I hope we shall be tollerably safe, unless a Push is made here with a large Body of Men. I think we have some Reason to hope the Ministry will bungle away another Summer, relying partly upon Force, & partly upon Fraud & negotiation. The Family here join with me in presenting their best Compliments to yourself & Lady, as well as to Mr Custis & his.
If in any of your Affairs here, I can render you any acceptable Service, I beg you will use that Freedom with which I wish you to command Dear Sir Your affecte & obedt Servt

G. Mason


Title: To George Washington from Colonels Joseph Read and John Bailey, 2 April 1776
From: Read, Joseph,Bailey, John
To: Washington, George

Dedham [Mass.] 2 April 1776. Inform that they have chosen David Sanford to be chaplain of their regiments.


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, April 3rd 1776
Parole Liverpool.Countersign Exeter.

The Brigade under the Command of Brigadier Genl Spencer, to march to morrow morning at sun rise—Carriages will be provided this Afternoon by the Assistant Qr Mr General; and the Adjutant General will send the marching Orders to the Colonels commanding divisions.
Genl Spencer will receive his Orders this Afternoon at five O’Clock, at Head Quarters.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 3 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Sir
Head Quarters Cambg. 3d April 1776

Your favour of the 27th Feby is come to hand. I much fear you will be much Disapointed in the number of Troops you Expected in that month as the Lakes were impassable.

Major General Thomas will long before you receive this have informed you the Success of our operations here. the Enemy have quitted this harbour last week. we have no Certain Accounts of their Destination. it is Generally beleived they are gone to Halifax. (if true) it is probable they will Attempt to penitrate Canada on the Opening of the St Laraunce, I hope before that happens, you will be in full possesion of Quebeck, & have its Avenues well Secur’d. upon which depends the fate of this Campaign in These parts.
I have Dispatch’d two Company’s of Colonel Knox’s Regiment of Artillery to you from hence Two Mortars &c. as you will se at foot hereof if any thing else is wanting that Cannot be had in Canada & in my power to Send, they Shall be forwarded with all possible expedition upon my being informed thereof—the Chief part of the troops are marched from hence towards Newyork. I will Set off to morrow, if the enemy will not find us full employment & it is necessary you may expect a detachment from thence to your assistance—I am very Sorry that the Gentlemen of Newyork & other Officers Should think themselves neglected in the new arrangement—it is true that I reserved places in this Army for those Officers who went from hence under your Command—the Congress have Since informd me, that they woud be provided for, in the Army raisd for Canada. I was not acquainted with the Gentlemen who Complain, nor with their Circumstances, there is Little doubt but their merits will be rewarded in due time—I am very Sensible of the many difficulties you have had to encounter[.] Your Conduct under them, does you great honour—as General Thomas will take the burthen off your Shoulders, I hope you will Soon gather Strenght Sufficient to assist in finishing the important work you have with So much glory to yourself, & service to your Country hitherto Conducted—as I am informed that there is a Furnace Somwhere near you, Where Shells & Shot of any Size Can be Cast, I woud reccomend to General Thomas to have what quantity of each that May be wanting immediatly prepared, the roads are So very bad that it is impossible to Send you any great number of these necessary articles from hence, I have appointed Capt. Lamb who is Prisoner in Quebec to be Second Major in the Regiment of Artillery Commanded

by Col. Henry Knox, the Gentlemen of this familly return you their Compliments and I remain yrs
My best wishes & Compliments attend General Thomas.


Title: Orders and Instructions for Colonel Henry Knox, 3 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

[Cambridge, 3 April 1776]

It being of the Utmost Importance to the Publick Service, that the Main Body of The Regiment of Artillery, together with The Field Cannon, Ammunition, Stores &c., should as speedily as possible be Assembled at New York, I have thought proper to give you The following Orders, and Instructions.
The Legislature of this Colony, having determined to Assemble three Hundred Teams, upon the Common in Cambridge, between this day and Saturday next, You will Order the Commissary of Ordnance Stores, with the Conductors of Artillery, to be properly Assisted in loading all the Ammunition & Ordnance Stores into the Teams allotted for the Service of The Artillery.
You will send a Conductor with every Brigade of Thirty Teams to Norwich in Connecticut, whom you will Order to receive,

and Obey, such directions, as the Commanding Officer at Norwich shall think proper to give.
In loading the Teams at Cambridge, You will take particular Care, to direct the Stores, & Ammunition, that will be First in Demand at The General Rendezvous, to be First sent Forward, such as the Fixed Ammunition, the Powder, Muskett Ball, Buck Shott, Laboratory Stores, empty paper Cannon Cartridges, Flints, Fuzes &c. &c.—The Heavy Stores, Shott, & Shells, not so immediately in request, may be sent the last, according as upon the best information you shall see proper to give Directions.
The Covered Waggons taken from the Enemy, should Carry all the Powder that is to go from hence; & the Tumbrills, the Fixed Ammunition, with these, it is my Orders you send Mr Commissary Cheever, in whose care, and Guidance, it is proper to place your Confidence, for their Security, & preservation.
All the remaining Field Artillery, & Brass Mortars, should March with the two remaining Companies to Norwich, where they will Find my Orders for their further proceeding.
As soon as the whole of the Artillery, Ammunition, Stores, &c., directed by the Instructions, to be Sent forward, are upon the March; you will yourself proceed to Norwich in Connecticut, and having seen every thing before you from thence, you are then with all dispatch to proceed to New York: Lieutenant Colonel Burbeck, should without any Delay go the directest road thither; and as soon as Lieutenant Colonel Mason is able to Travel, he must follow; your Quarter Master should March with The Two Companies to Morrow, & your Adjutant You do well to keep with yourself, to Carry such Orders as You shall at any Time think necessary to give.
From the Great Variety of the Stores, and Duties in your Department, there is no such thing as giving all, & every Minute direction necessary to be Given upon this Occasion; Trusting in Your Zeal, Diligence, and Ability, I remain Confident of every exertion in your power for The Publick Service. Given at Head Quarters in Cambridge, this 3rd of April 1776.


Title: Orders and Instructions for John Morgan, 3 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, John

[Cambridge, 3 April 1776]

As the Grand Continental Army, immediately under the Command of His Excellency General Washington, will, as soon as it is practicable, be Assembled at New York; you are with all Convenient Speed to remove the General Hospital to that City.
As The Sick in the different Houses cannot be removed, but must be attended, untill they are Able to March, you will leave such Surgeons, Surgeon’s Mates, Apothecary, & Attendants, under the Direction of  as are necessary for the Care of the Sick now in the General Hospital.
The Medicines, Stores, Bedding, &c., not immediately wanted in the General Hospital, should be loaded in Carts, that will be provided next Saturday by the Assistant Q.M. General & sent under the Care of a proper Officer, or Officers of The Hospital, to Norwich in Connecticut; upon their Arrival there, They

will find His Excellency’s Orders how, and in what Manner to proceed from thence whether by Land, or by Water.
The Medicines order’d upon His Excellency’s Application, By the Honourable The General Court of this province, to be taken out of The Town of Boston; should be sent with the First of The Hospital Stores that goes to Norwich, a careful person having Orders to take Charge of the Same.
The fixing and Compleating the Regimental Medicine Chests, according to your plan lately proposed, had better be deferr’d untill your Arrival at New York, when that may be Set about under your Inspection.
As the removing the General Hospital, must be attended with such a Variety of Duty, and attention, I must refrain from giving more Particular Directions; leaving a Latitude to your Experience, & knowledge in your profession, to Govern & Direct all your Motions.
Before You leave Cambridge it will be Necessary to see a proper Regimental Medicine Chest provided, and Deliver’d, to each of the Surgeons of the Four Regiments left in Garrison there under the Immediate Command of Major General Ward—Also a Chest for Colonel Glover’s Regiment, on Command at Beverly.
Reposing entire confidence in your Care, Dilligence, and Zeal for the Service, I remain Satisfied of your best Exertions for The Publick Benefit. Given at Cambridge, Head Quarters, 3d day of April, 1776.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 4 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 4th April 1776

Your favour of the 26th Ulto came to my hands last Night by the Post, but as I am upon the point of setting out for New York (by the way of Providence and Norwich) I can do little more than acknowledge the receipt of it, and thank you for the Proceedings & Ordinances of the Virga Convention which came safely to hand.
At present, the Lakes are in an Impassable State, neither being clear of Ice, nor cover’d with such as will admit of Transportation; at present also, our Troops are at different Stages on their March from hence to New York; nor is it possible for me, till I get there, as the Congress have annexed Conditions to my sending the four Battalion’s to Canada, to tell whether they can be spared or not, as I am unacquainted with the number of Men, or strength of the Works at that place—no time shall be lost in forwarding these Battns if there is a possibility of doing it with safety; as no person can be more sensible of the importance of securing Canada than I am. A Letter of the 27th Ulto from Genl Schuyler Informs me that there are many Men now stopd at Albany on Acct of the State the Ice is in on the Lakes—I thank you for your friendly congratulations on the Retreat of the Kings Troops from Boston—It was really a flight—their Imbarkation was so precepitate—their loading so confused (after making greater havock of the King Stores than Dunbar

did upon Braddocks defeat, which made so much noize) that it took them Eleven days to fit their Transports—adjust the Loads of them, and take in Water from the Islands in Nantasket Road, after they had fallen down there—the Coast is now clear of them except the Renown (a 50 Gun Ship) & one or two frigat⟨es⟩ which remain here for the protection of such Transports as shall be bound to this port. I pray you to make my best wishes acceptable to the good Doctr, his Lady & Family, &ca and believe me to be as I really am Dr Sir Yr Affecte & Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Orders and Instructions for Major General Artemas Ward, 4 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge 4th April 1776

You are hereby Ordered and directed to take upon you the Command of the Continental Forces remaining in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay for the defence and security of the same and for the protection of the Continental Stores. You are therefore to observe the following Orders and Instructions. Vizt:
1st You will comply with any requisition of the General Court or Council of said Province respecting the Troops under your Command, if not incompatible with any Order receiv’d from me, or which has been or may be sent you from Congress.
2d All Provisions and Military Stores of every kind are to be collected together and sufficiently guarded. You will also afford every necessary protection to the Stores and Vessells which lay at Beverly.
3d If it should be found more convenient to have the Regiments Quarter’d in the Barracks at Roxbury, and in those erected by the Enemy on the Neck, and it should be agreeable to the General Court, or Council I shall have no objection to it. Some Men should be kept on Bunker’s Hill, and should be employed in levelling the lower Lines of that Work next Prospect and Winter Hills. All the Lines upon Boston Neck ought also in my opinion to be demolished, as it is a defence against the Country and no Security to the Town. The Flêches at West Boston ought also to be demolished.
4th All the Troops are to be employed in compleating such Works as are already begun, and such as may be resolved on by the General Court or Council, for the defence of the Harbour &c. Colonel Gridley will be left to construct and superintend these Works; an Exact Account is to be kept, and a particular Valuation made of all the Materials, whether Old or New, that may be used in these Works, to be ready whenever it may be called for. This is by no means to be neglected.
5 The Work upon Beacon Hill should be repaired, and, in my opinion, be made strong, as it commands Fort Hill and all the lower Works, and would endanger the loss of them, if it

should be possessed by the Enemy. No time should be lost in fixing with the General Court or Council upon proper Signals for alarming the Country upon the appearance of a Fleet. For the purpose of gaining as much time as possible I think the Alarm ought to be given from Cape Ann or Marblehead, and forwarded by (agreed) Signals to Boston and thence into the Country. This matter should not be delayed.
6th A Guard should be kept over the Powder Magazine which I think would be safer in Boston. The powder should be often Shifted. A Commissary or Conductor of Artillery Stores will be left who is to deliver nothing without an Order from you, or the Commanding Officer.
7th Mr Quarter Master Parke, and a Commissary of Provisions will remain here ’till the Affairs of their respective departments are arranged, and proper Persons fixed upon to do the duties of their several Offices.
8th The Paymaster General will probably continue here ’till some regulation is adopted. Money will be left in his hands to answer the pay of the Troops and Contingent Expences of this department, which may be drawn for by your Warrant, but with respect to Accounts and transactions of which you have had no knowledge, let them be specially reported and paid by particular Order.
9 All Captures made by the Continental Armed Vessells are to be immediately Libell’d in the Court of Admiralty of the District to which they may be carried. All Officers, Soldiers and Men of Wars Men are considered as Prisoners, the former to be sent and confined to some Town the others sent to such Goals as the General Court shall direct. No Condemn’d property to be sold ’till the day of sale is three times advertized, and a particular enumeration of the Cargo in the News Papers of Boston or Cambridge, Watertown & Worcester, and a special report thereof made to you, that if any thing is wanted in the Commissary or Quarter Masters departments they may be notified thereof.
10 Every possible method is to be used for the preservation of the Barracks. If any of them are wanted for any of the new Works they may be taken after valuation thereof.
11th The Vessells which were left in Boston by the Enemy,

some with and some without Cargoes, and which I am told various Claims are laid to, must not be delivered up unless the Person claiming will give proper Security to abide the determination of Congress respecting them. In that Case an exact Inventory to be taken in Order to ascertain the Value. The Wheat left by the Kings troops is to be attended to and preserved as much as possible from damage. It ought either to be sold, or converted into Flour for the use of the Army. The Quarter Master & Commissary may be consulted on this Head.
12 The Regiments should be kept as much together as possible for the purpose of disciplining the Men when they are not upon fatigue duty. No Furloughs should be granted but in Cases of extreme necessity, and both Officers and Men kept strictly to their duty. The utmost frugality must be consulted in all expences of the Army.
13 The flat bottom’d Boats, Whale Boats and floating Batteries, are to be continued in the care of Captain Sylvanus Drew—They must be hawl’d into a convenient place of safety, and proper care taken to prevent their being destroyed or suffering damage from the Heat of the Weather—Their Oars, paddles &c. are to be put into some safe Store.
14 All Officers and Seamen taken in Transport Vessells employed in the Enemy’s Service are to be released on Condition they give a very strict parole not to act against the American Colonies during the present Contest.
Lastly I would recommend to your particular attention the keeping up a Strict discipline among both Officers and Soldiers. I need not mention that the reputation of the Army and perhaps the Salvation of the Province depends upon your exertions to preserve due Order and decorum among the Troops. All attempts to Mutiny, or disobedience of Orders should be severely punished. Any matters not particularly specified in the foregoing Instructions must be submitted to your own Judgement & discretion—I must desire you to advise me from time to time of your proceedings and of any public matters you may think worth communicating. I am Sir Your most obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: Expenses of Journey to New York, 4–13 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

[4–13 April 1776]

Expences paid on the Road from Cambridge to New York for his Excellency General Washington April 1776.

            At Ames’s, Dedham
            4. 2.6
            At the Ferry
            10. 4

            Manns Wrentham
            1.
            at Guildford
            2.12. 9

            Gave Ship Carpenters
            12.
            paid Fessenden
            1. 4.

            at Baptist Meeting
            4.6
            at Bears’s [New Haven]
            1.15. 1

            Dexters
            9.18.7
            Ferryage at Stratford
            9. 2

            Bowens
            2. 8.
            Gorham’s
            14.

            Eatons [Plainfield, Conn.]
            12.2
            Penfield’s at Fairfield
            2. 0. 9

            Lothrops [Norwich]
            3. 3.
            Knapp’s [Greenwich]
            1. 9. 8

            Boatswain & Barges Crew
            1.18.
            Guion’s
            2.11. 8

            Douglass at N. London
            4.14.
            Kingsbridge
            19. 6

            mending Carriage
            4.6

            14. 6.11

            pd for a Salmon
            2.9

            30. 9. 5

            at Leighs Saybrook
            1. 3.5

            Ferry
            6.

            30. 9.5

            44.16. 4

            paid for 1 dozen of Wine at Newyork

            3.12.

            Dinner at Sam’s

            5. 3. 6

            At Coffee house, & Church, & ferry

            3. 4

            £53.15. 2

            Cash return’d in full

            6. 4.10

            £60. 0. 0

            Supra—Cr:

            By Cash receiv’d of his Excellcy General Washington

            200 dollars
            £60


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 5 April 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

My Dr General
Williamsburg April the 5th 1776

I most sincerely congratulate you, I congratulate the Public on the great and glorious event—your possession of Boston—it will be a most bright page in the annals of America, and a most abominable black one in those of the Beldam Britain—go on, My Dr General, crown yourself with glory and establish the liberties and lustre of your Country on a foundation more permanent than the Capitol Rock—my situation is just as I expected. I am afraid that I shall make a shabby figure without any real demerits

of my own—I am like a Dog in a dancing school—I know not where to turn myself, where to fix myself—the circumstances of the Country intersected by navigable rivers, the uncertainty of the Enemy’s designs and motions who can fly in an instant to any spot They chuse with their canvass wings throw me, or wou’d throw Julius Cæsar into this inevitable dilemma—I may possibly be in the North, when as Richard says, I shou’d serve my Sovereign in the West—I can only act from surmise and have a very good chance of surmising wrong—I am sorry to grate your ears with a truth, but must at all events assure you, that the Provincial Congress of N. York are Angels of decision when compar’d with your Countrymen the Committee of Safety assembled at Williamsburg. Page, Lee, Mercer and Payne are indeed exceptions, but from Pendleton, Bland the Treasurer & Co.—libera nos Domine—I shall not trouble you with a detail of the Army, ordinance stores, but compendiously say that the Regiments in general are very compleat in numbers, the Men (those that I have seen) fine—but a most horrid deficiency of Arms—no intrenching tools, no guns (âltho the Province is pretty well stockd) mo⟨mutilated⟩ service—had I only eight eighteen Pounders I wou’d immediately at all events take post on Crany Island, by which measure I shoud drive out the Enemy and exclude em from the finest and most advantageous Port in America—I have order’d with this view the Artificers to work night and day—if I succeed I shall come in for a sprig of lawrels—this essenstial measure might have been effected long ago, but the same apathy and oblique squinting towards what the milk and water People call reconciliation; the prodigious flattering prospect open’d by the appointment of Commissioners were strong arguments against the expence of gun carriages and intrenching tools—but this is not all They have distributed their Troops in so ingeneous a manner, as to render evry active offensive operation impossible—an equal number of their Battalions are station’d on the different necks—They say, very acutely, that as the expence is equal, the security ought to be equal—I cannot help perswading myself that their object will be to take possession of Williamsburg—not only from it’s tempting advantageous situation commanding in great measure two fine rivers and a Country abundant in all the necessaries for an army; but the possession of the Capital woud

give an air of dignity and decided superiority to their arms, which in this Slave Country where dominion is founded on opinion ⟨multilated⟩ a circumstance of the utmost importance—perhaps I may be mistaken—but the surmise is not irrational[.] I have calld three Regiments down the Country—You will excuse, My Dr General, the blots and scratches of this letter—for the Post is just going out—by the next I will inform You of the steps We have taken for the security of this place—I have been desir’d to recommend Colonel Grayson as a Man of extraordinary merit He sets out soon to make application to the Congress for an establishment—if We have, as We must, a Continental Hospital in the Southern department Dr McClurg I suppose will be the Man to direct it—I need not mention his qualifications—they are so well known—I beg You will make some body write to me from time to time, indeed I think I may modestly insist on Mr Palfrey’s Pen being employ’d often in this service—adieu, Dr General, yours most respectfu⟨lly⟩ and sincerely

C. Lee


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 6 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

[Providence] Saturday Morning 6th April [1776]

General Washington’s Compliments to Governor Cooke and the Gentlemen of Providence, and acquaints them that he intended to have set out on his Journey this forenoon, had he not been prevented by their polite invitation which he will do himself the honor to accept.


Title: To George Washington from Josiah Quincy, 7 April 1776 [letter not found]
From: Quincy, Josiah
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Josiah Quincy, 7 April 1776. On 25 April GW wrote to Quincy: “Your favour of the 7th Instt coming duely to hand I thank you for the Intelligence therein contained.”


Title: To George Washington from Winthrop Sargent, 7 April 1776
From: Sargent, Winthrop
To: Washington, George

Sir
Glouster [Mass.] Apl 7 1776

The Bayer [bearer] of this has under his Gard a Number of Prisoners & Toreys tachen by Comodor Manley & Capt. Warters the Prise is sent to Portsmouth I mack Know doubt you have had Acount of before this Reaches your Excellence thar nams you have below thare is two Women & Sum Children Left hear which is not Abel to Travel Should be glad your Excellence would Send me Answor to what I Roat you Last about Capt. Watt:s Goods and what I am to dow whith the Prisoners for I have Thirtey hear now upon Expences. I Rem[ai]n You[r] Hume Sarv.

Winthrop Sargent, Agent

P.S. Sence I rote the above Capt. Tucker here Carres the Prisners to Marvelhead ware thay well be sent to head Quartr will not Carrey the women & Children for fear of the Small Pox so I am fors to porvide for them hear Should be glad of your Order in Regard to the afore—Yr Hu.

W.S.


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

My dear General:
Albany April 7th 1776

The Regiments destined for Canada arrived here very incompleat: Sickness and Desertion have still reduced them much more, so that our Army in Canada will fall greatly short of what was intended: I have therefore applyed to Congress for a Reinforcement (as you will percieve by the inclosed) not knowing that they had requested your Excellency to detach four Regiments, of which I was only informed this Morning by the Gentlemen Commissioners, who then arrived—May I take the Liberty my dear General to urge the Necessity of their being speedily sent. I believe the Rout by the Way of New York will be as speedy as any, and give more Ease to the Soldiers, as they can be conveyed from thence to this place in Sloops.
General Thomas leaves this to Morrow and I shall accompany him to Tyconderoga. I am my dear General with every Sentiment of Esteem & Affection Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Thomas, 7 April 1776
From: Thomas, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
albany apiel the 7th A: 1776

I arrived at albany in five Day after I Left the Camp at Roxbury at which place I have bin Detained to this Time by Reason of the Lakes being Impassable the Troops here & at Lake George are about Eleven Hundred & I hear Sum few are at Ticonderoga & Crown Point Prevented going forwerd as the Lakes are partly Brook up what number are in Canada I Cant assertain but am Sensible from the best Inteligence will be much Short of the Number Expected as I find the Regiments are very Incompleat General Schuyler Thinks They will be much short of Five Thousand & Should the Ministerial Troops There be Reinforsed & Quebeck Remain in Their Hands so Small a Number must be Thought to be Inadiquate for the Defence of that Quarteer your Exclency will Judge whether a Reinforsement will not be Nesesary.
The Last from Canada was about the 25th of march at which Time Things There Remained In Statu quo Doct. Francklin & others of the Committe of Congress arrived here this morning as the wather this Day or Two is moderate I am in hopes the Lake may be Passed in a few Days I Determin to Set of for the

Lake Tomorow I am Sir with the Greatest Respect your Exelencys most obediant & very Humble Serva[n]t

Jno. Thomas


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Mckay, 9 April 1776
From: Mckay, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Hartford 9th April 1776

I flattered myself I should have had the pleasure of presenting you personally with the inclosed Letter of General Putnam’s; but as I understand your Route will not lie thro’ this place, and the Committee here will not allow me the honor of waiting on you at New-Haven, I am obliged to convey it to you in this manner. My Wife, & a large Family which were left at Montreal, are subjected to many Inconveniences during my Absence, and are the sole reason of my taking the Liberty of troubling you with this Application on their Account. If an Exchange can be effected with any of the Gentlemen mentioned in the General’s Letter, or any other that you may chuse to point out amongst the Prisoners at Quebec, I will apply to General Carleton for that purpose: If this is either not agreeable to you, Sir, or cannot be effected, I here pledge my Honor that I will return again to Hartford as soon as I have settled my Family Affairs. I have the Honor to be Sir, with great respect your most obedient & very humble Servant

Samuel Mckay


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Mckay, 11 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Mckay, Samuel

Sir
New Haven [Conn.] 11 April 1776

I receiv’d yours of the 9th Instant, and could wish that it was in my power, consistent with the Duty I owe my Country to grant you the relief you desire. I have made repeated applications to General Howe for an Exchange of Prisoners, but the has not thought proper to return me any Answer. It has been in his power to set you at Liberty, and if you are still continued a Prisoner the blame must lay entirely upon him.
The Situation of your family is indeed distressing, but such is the Event of War, that it is far from being singular. The brave Collo. Allen an Officer of Rank, has been torn from his dearest Connections, sent to England in Irons and is now confin’d to the most servile drudgery on board one of the King’s Ships—Your treatment Sir, & that of the other Officers, taken in Arms against the Liberties of America, has been very different—for the truth of this I appeal to your own feelings.
Whenever it is in my power to release you by a mutual Exchange I shall do it with the greatest pleasure and am Sir Your most obedt Servt


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 11 April 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 11th April 1776

I am to inform your Excellency that Col. Glover applied to me for a Warrant upon the Paymaster Genl to pay those Men who are in the Service of the Continent, on board the Continental

Privateers just arrived from a Cruise, but I did not think myself authorised by your Instructions to grant a Warrant; he informed me the Men would not be induced to go out again unless they received their pay, I therefore directed him to supply the places of such Men as might leave the Privateers, out of his Regiment, until I could receive your Directions in the matter.
The Agent for the Privateers at Beverly, Capt. Bartlett has likewise applyed for the same purpose. I must therefore beg the favour of your particular Directions relative to the above mentioned applications.
I have not been able to collect any material intelligence from the people taken on board the Transport, which Commodore Manley sent into Portsmouth; the general account they give, is, that the Enemy are going to Quebec as soon as the River opens.
A fifty Gun Ship, with three Transports, lies in Nantasket Road. A Man who made his Escape from the Ship informs that the Officers on board said they were to lie there until the Transports arrived which are expected from Europe and then to follow the Fleet. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 12 April 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear General.
Fort George [N.Y.] April 12th: 1776

Yesterday I had the Honor to receive your Favor of the 3d Instant by Bennet, who overtook me on my Way to this place—All is in readiness to move as soon as the Lakes open, which I

hope will be in a Day or two—General Thomas is here—6 Companies of Burrel’s Regiment from Connecticut two Companies of the first pennsylvania Batallion three of the New Jersey; the Remainder of these Corps are gone on, whereof two Companies are about 45 Miles below Crown point, the rest have reached Canada—We have also here two Companies of Van Schaick’s of this Colony; and five Companies of the second pennsylvania Battalion are at Fort Edward waiting for the Lake to open, as I have no Quarters for them at this place—The Remainder of Van Schaick’s are not yet raised, and two Companies of the first pennsylvania Battalion are on their Way from New York.
I should be extremely happy my dear General to pay my Devoirs to you At New York, but I do not see a possibility of quitting this Quarter, without risking all in Canada: unless some other General Officer should relieve me, I shall therefore presume to remain until I receive your farther Orders.
4 O’Clock P.M. This Moment the post from Canada is arrived—Inclose you Copies of all the papers I received. The Intelligence they afford is so alarming that I beg Leave to repeat my Wish that a considerable Body of Troops should be immediately sent up.
I have stopped the Courier at this place, and he goes back immediately to advise our Friends in Canada that the Troops now here will soon be in Canada, and I have presumed to add that they will be followed by three or four thousand more This Intelligence will keep up their Spirits and intimidate our Enemies.
I have heretofore observed to your Excellency that I had never received a Return of the Army in Canada I am on that account still incapable of letting you know the Strength of our Army there; I am equally in the Dark with Respect to the Arrangement made in Officering the two Regiments that were to be raised out of the Troops that wintered there.
The provisions at these posts is very trifling. None of what General Lee has contracted for is come to Albany, and unless a speedy Supply is sent up our Troops in Canada must suffer—I have written on this Subject to General Thompson before I left Albany, and altho’ I make not the least Doubt but that he will forward it if he can, yet I beg Leave to mention it least he

should forget to mention it on the Arrival of his superior officer at New York.
I am seized with a copious scorbutic Eruption, which I have frequently experienced and imagined that it threw off some other more disagreeable Disorder—I believe it will not confine me or prevent me from doing my Duty I am Dear General most sincerely Your obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 12 April 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 12 April 1776.

I am to inform your Excellency, that Col. Warren, the Paymaster Genl acquaints me he has not Money enough left in

the Treasury (since what was drawn for the Commissary and Quarter Master) to pay the five Regiments which remain here, for the month of March.
Mr Quarter Master Parke had a Warrant for £5500.12 and Mr Commissary Avery had a Warrant for £4500 to defray the expences in their several departments, and they both assured me they could not do with less.
Your Excellency will be pleased to give the necessary directions with respect to a supply of Money. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 13 April 1776 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 13 April 1776. On 15 April GW wrote to Reed: “Your favour of the 13th was this Instt put into my hands.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Wyllys, 13 April 1776
From: Wyllys, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Norwich [Conn.] 13 April 1776. Recommends that the bearer Lieutenant Huntington be promoted to captain in place of Captain Wells who has been appointed a major.