Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for Indian Affairs, 5 June 1779
From: Commissioners for Indian Affairs
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Albany [N.Y.] June 5th 1779.

        Your Excellency’s Letter of the 28th covering the Acts of Congress of the 17th & 22d we had the Honor to receive Yesterday.
        The Line of Conduct which your Excellency points out as necessary to be observed with the Indians meets our entire Approbation.
        We shall immediately try to engage the Onondagas to bring off Brandt and Butler.
        If any Exchange of prisoners should take place your Directions for conducting it will be strictly complied with. We have the Honor to be with perfect Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

          Ph. SchuylerPresident of the board of Commissioners for Indian affairs


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Frederick Frelinghuysen, 5 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Frelinghuysen, Frederick

          Sir
          Pumpton [Pompton, N.J.] June 5: 1779

        I have been informed that you are out with a party of Militia. I request that you will let me know where they are stationed—what their number is—and whether they would join the Continental troops in case their aid s⟨hould be⟩ found material, to act against the Enemy who appear to be meditating an attack with their whole force upon

the Highland posts. Besides the Militia, which are now with you, it is to be hoped that more of your Regiment would turn out on an emergency; You will therefore ascertain as nearly as you can the whole number that you think might be expected—I shall write to Colonel Dey upon the same subject with respect to the Militia that are with him. I am sir.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 5 June 1779
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Fish Kill [N.Y.] 5th June 1779 3 P.M.

        Yours of yesterday I recd two hours agoe. It gives me infinite pleasure to find that I have anticipated your wishes by having every thing done ordered in your Letter. All the valuable stores are sixteen miles to the N: E. of this—I have requested in the most pressing terms to have twenty Batteaux and two Scows from Albany, sensible that the communication between the two sides of the river must be kept up above the Fort, I have prepared every thing in my power at Fish Kill Landing for that purpose.
        I hope my request from Albany will be complyed with, it was wrote in the strongest terms I was capable of—The Deputy Commissary here wrote to Mr Champion two days agoe at my request to forward on a large drive of fat Cattle. I have wrote to every other purchasing Commissary I could think of on that subject. I acknowledge it was out of the Line of my Duty, but fully convinced it was for the public good I run the risque of censure—I have likewise wrote to the Commissary at Rhynbeck to forward fifteen hundred barrells of flour he has in shops with orders ⟨fo⟩r them to lay afloat at Poughkeepsee till ⟨mutilated⟩ recd further orders.

        I wish the salt Provisions from the eastward would come into this State as fast as I could send it on to the Landing, I have sent express after express to the Qr Masters there, and have wrote the Governor on the subject who was so good as lay it before the Assembly but all to no purpose.
        Enclosed is a state of our provisions here small indeed but nevertheless I think we shall be able to supply ourselves, about five hundred and twenty barrells of flour now afloat at the Landing, I believe we shall not want any of it on this side.
        Rely on every thing in my power being done at this critical juncture, it is unlucky that I am troubled with an intermitting fever if possible it shall be shaken off.
        The Letter for Col. Champion was forwarded by our most hasty express with a particular request to all officers civil and military to grant him every necessary assistance—I am wt. real respect Sir, Your most obed. Serv.

          Udny Hay

          The Pork saddles I think about 50 in number will be Lodg’d with Capt. Mitchell Qur Mr at Newburgh.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 5 June 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia 5 June 1779

        Your Excellency’s favor of the 3d Inst. enclosing three York Papers was this moment delivered to me. The one written on the Morning of that Day is not yet arrived. As it contains Intelligence probably important, I am anxious to recieve it. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys obedt Servant

          John Jay


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 5 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

          Sir:
          Pompton [N.J.] June 5th 1779

        The army is now crossing the Mountain to take post on the upper communication. It will be unsafe for you to move on through the clove. You will therefore be pleased to file off by the road from Morris town toward Sussex so as to proceed on by the upper route from Sussex to New Windsor, till you join the army. This is meant as a general direction. You will inform yourself more particularly of the best route from Morris to the upper road from Sussex to Chester and take that. I am, Sir, Your most obed. servt

          Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 5 June 1779
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          Scotch plains, [N.J.] Friday 5th June 79

        Being disappointed in not meeting with your Excellencys instructions which by a letter from Col. Meade was to have been lodged at General Green’s I have moved forward to this place, & intend to prosecute the route towards Paramus.
        I am happy to advise your Excellency, that the horses are in true order for service, but must lament, that no measures have been taken by the Commissary General of forage for their subsistence on the march.
        As the future services of the Corps will depend totally on the ability of the horses, I wish to consult their comfort by easy marches, & if a different line of conduct is necessary, must request your Excellency will please to direct. I have the honor to be, with inviolable affection your Excellency’s most obet & most hum: servant.

          Henry Lee Junr


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1779
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Near the 13 Mile House Stono [S.C.]June 5th 1779

        I had the honor of receiving your favr brought to this State by Colonel Laurens but have not had the pleasure of seeing him, nor an opportunity of showing him those civilities, to which your recommendation so justly entitles him, he being wounded in the flesh part of his arm almost immediately upon his arrival here which occasioned his removal to Charlestown. I wish I had it in my power to give you a more favorable account of our situation in this department than that

what is really the case—matters wear a very serious aspect here—Our numbers, mostly militia, instead of being superior are, if what is said of the enemys strength is true, much inferior to theirs should they receive reinforcements as is generally expected, and not more attention paid to us in this quarter, I tremble for this State as there will be great danger of it being lost.
        By the 10th of August there will be but very few troops in the field unless reinforcments arrive before that time, which I have little reason to expect—As Major Rice one of my aids a gentleman of great merit will do himself the honor of waiting on you with this I must beg leave to refer you to him for a perticular state of matters and that you will excuse my not entering into them. I have the honor to be with the highest respect & esteem Dear General your affectionate humble servant

          B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 5 June 1779
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          on the road leading from Fort Montgomery [N.Y.]towards the Furnace,June 5. 1779—11 O’Clock A.M.

        I have this moment seen Capt. Christie who has communicated his business, and I am thereby induced to Send a Gentleman Major Hughs a Volunteer wt. me on to your Excellency with information— The enemys fleet consisting of about 70 Sail—many of them very Small, are at Kings ferry—a body of their Troops are on the East Side the river, extending from the ferry upwards. a very few on Stoney Point—But the greatest part of their army are on board—they have

150 flatt boats with them, which are in Peeks Kill Cove—It is true that they have penetrated as far as the Village & have burnt a few Hutts &c.—but have got no Stores at all, nor have we Sustain’d any loss but the block house at the ferry wt. 80 men, of which in my Opinion nothing else could be expected.
        I Command the Militia of this State on the Wt Side the River—& am posted on the Cross road leading from Fort Montgomery 7 miles advanced from the Garrison to the Furnace With partys advancd on the passes from Haverstraw, & Scouts as far as that place & Your Excellency may be assured that every thing in my power shall be done for the defence of the Garrison—if a few Companys of Light Infantry could be sent me, it would be usefull—if so they must turn off near Junes in the Clove.
        If your Excellency Should want any further intelligence, I Shall be happy to furnish it & render every Service in my Power—Genl McDougal with Huntington, & Parsons Brigades are 9 miles below Fish-Kill. Nixons opposite the Fort—The Governor is in the Field wt. the Militia on the East side the river & also with Genl McDougal Genl Parsons took Command of the Fort Clinton on the 3d Inst. in the evening—The Garrison consists of Larned’s Patterson’s & the Carolina Brigade, about 1700 Strong—the Militia wt. Me as yet about 600.
        If the Fort is invested it will fall—I am clear that the enemy must be opposed in the passes & in the woods—I therefore have posted myself here, but without more, light Troops not a great deal can be expected. your Excellencys most obed. Servt

          W. Malcom

          I am now of opinion that the enemy will give up their design against the Fort—a few days ago, I thought it in danger, but I am perswaded a body of Troops posted where I am at all events will answer Valuable purposes—The baggage of the Army perhaps will go by Windsor but its perfectly safe (& Shorter) to cross the troops at the Fort.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 5 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Malcom, William

          sir
          Ringwood [N.J.] 5 June 1779 8 O’clock P.M.

        I thank you for your intelligence by Major Hughes.
        I think with you, the passes leading to the fort of consequence. The infantry corps not being yet drawn out from the regiments, I have not made a detachment of this kind—But would refer you to Major Hughs for the measures which are taken to give you immediate succour, and to obviate an investiture of the Fort. The enemy seem to be hesitating—since your letter I have received advice of their taking some of their boats on board—This however may be to amuse—I shall therefore till their designs are further developed pursue my original intention.
        I have the most perfect reliance on your assistance should the enemy make his approach—you may depend on mine.
        I shall be obliged to you for the earliest communication of such intelligence, as you may think of importance & am Sir &.

          G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 June 1779
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          sir
          Buds [near West Point] 5th June 1779

        Yestarday Evening, I was honored with your Favor of the 3rd Instant.
        The Enemy is on Verplank’s Point, without Tents or Marquees, and their Shipping are all at the Ferry—It is doubtfull whether he has brought up any apparatus for a Seige—If he has not, he is waiting for it—A Deserter who came in last Night, says General Knyphausen is on

the west side of the Ferry with Troops, and that some Corps were to day, to cross on the west Shore from Tarry Town: While the Enemy is master of the River, he can subject us to many Embarrassments—and it’s devoutly to be wish’d a junction of the Army was form’d. It will be of Importance, to have a Train for Intelligence, from the West Side of Kings Ferry—I think in the Enemy’s present Position, it will be attended with some Risque to your Army, if they march on the lower Roads to the North River—The Virginia Detachment is certainly here, for I have examined several Deserters from it—The Express who brought your last Letter was fired upon in the Clove—I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s humble Servt

          Alexr McDougall

          P.S. If the Enemy continue in his present Position, West Chester will be ravaged of all it’s stock by his Horse; and great Bodies of militia cannot long be kept together at this Season—Another Consideration forbids it, which you will readily recollect.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Neilson, 5 June 1779
From: Neilson, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Elizabeth Town [N.J.] 5 June 1779

        I have to acknowledge the Honor done me by your Excellency’s Letter of yesterday which I received in the Evening—Nothing has transpired at this place since my Last tho’ I have been very Industrious to obtain Intelligence.
        I have wrote to Governor Livingston acquainting him with your Excellency’s directions about the Beacons and other Signals by which the Militia may be collected with the greatest facility should it be necessary, requesting him to give the necessary Instructions for that purpose and acquaint me therewith that I may know how to set the Machine at work. I am most respectfully Your Excellencys Obedient & very Humble Servant

          John Neilson


Title: General Orders, 6 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Slott’s [N.Y.] Sunday June 6th 1779.
          Parole Philadelphia—C. Signs Peeks-Kill—Poland.

        The Pennsylvania division is to take post at June’s or in the Vicinity according to the situation of ground &c. & send a light party of three or four hundred men into the passage of the mountain, at the cross roads, where Colo. Malcom is, there to remain ’till further orders.
        The Virginia division to move to Smith’s tavern—Baron De Kalb’s division (except the two companies of Light Infantry ordered therefrom, which are to remain at Suffren’s) to move on by way of Slott’s and Galloway’s & join the other troops: The whole to move at the rising of the moon.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

          Gentlemen,
          Ringwood [N.J.] June 6th 1779

        I am this moment honored with your favour of the 2d instant. The arrangemen⟨t⟩ of Proctors corps cannot be confirmed as it now stands. The principles held up in my former letters on this subject are such as must be adhered to, and upon this plan only can I request the Board to issue Commissions. If Congress think proper on account of incapacity in Major Holmer to promote Major Forrest it will be agreeable to me and I hope no disadvantage to the service. But Capt. Craig cannot in my opinion succeed him in the Majority of the regiment. The vacancy must be filled by the oldest captain in the corps of Artillery not in the particular regiment. On these conditions I shall be glad the Board will issue Commissions to the regiment; but it must be understood, that the relative rank of the Captains in the line of the Artillery is liable to a future discussion, agreeable to the rules that have hitherto governed—in the regiment it will be final. As it will be a loss of time and very inconvenient in the present state of things to make a further reference to me, I shall be obliged to the Board to have the arrangement fixed under the limitations here suggested. I have the honor to be With great respect & esteem Gentlemen Your Most Obedt servt.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 6 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

          sir
          Ringwood Iron Works [N.J.] June the 6: 1779

        On the 3d I had the Honor to address Your Excellency from Middle Brook and Morris Town—and to transmit you all the intelligence I had then received, respecting the movements of the Enemy on the North River; and of the measures I had taken and was about to pursue in consequence. I am now to inform you, according to the advices I have obtained since, that on the 2d in the morning the Enemy opened a Battery on Stony point, which lies on the West side of the Hudson at the landing at Kings’ ferry, against a small detached work, which had been erected on Verplank’s point on the East side, and kept up a constant fire upon it in conjunction with their Ships, till four oClock in the afternoon, when the party stationed in it, finding that it was also invested on the land side in force, surrendered by capitulation. The next day that part of the Enemy, which was landed on the East side of the River, computed at Five thousand, advanced to the Bald Hill below the Continental village, when it was expected that they meant to attack our Troops in that quarter—and to gain if possible, Nelson’s point opposite Fort Arnold, while Sir Henry Clinton with the remainder of the Army should proceed from Haverstraw bay against the Fort, by the routes on the West side. This however was not attempted—and the body of the Enemy that appeared before the village, returned without making any Attack to the ground from which they had moved. The Enemy have remained since in two divisions on the opposite sides of the River. Their Vessels have generally fallen down below King’s ferry—and twelve square rigged with Eight of smaller size and Fifteen flat-bottomed boats with Troops on board, stood down the River yesterday—and were seen till they turned the point, which forms the upper part of Tapan bay. The rest of the fleet (the whole of which is reported to have consisted of about Seventy sail

and a Hundred & fifty flat bottom Boats great & small) keep their station, and the division of Troops on this side from the latest advices, were very industriously employed yesterday in fortifying Stony point; which from it’s peninsular and commanding form is naturally strong; and which from the narrowness of the neck which connects it to the Main, may be insulated and maintained without any very great difficulty. This sir is a summary of the intelligence and of the situation of the Enemy. Their movements and conduct are very perplexing—and leave it difficult to determine what are their real Objects. However, as the posts in the Highland’s are of infinite consequence and the points, in which we can be most essentially injured, I shall take every measure in my power to provide for their security—and accordingly shall make such a disposition of the Army as shall best promise to answer the end. If they should not operate against those posts—it would seem that one part of their expedition and a principal one, is to cut off the communication by the way of King’s ferry, by establishing Garrisons. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 6 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Dr Sir
          Head Quarters Ringwood [N.J.] June 6th 1779

        I have received your favour of yesterday. You will proceed with your corps with as much expedition as you can without injuring your horses, to the vicinity of Suffrans. Baron De Kalb is directed to have two companies of light infantry formed to join you there and act with your corps. He is to endeavour to have a junior officer to you to command it, that the whole may be under your direction. The intention of your command will be to countenance the militia, plague the enemy—and cover the country from the depredations of their light parties, as much as possible. The enemy have now a body at Kings ferry and appear to be establishing a post at Stoney point to which quarter your attention is principally to be directed. I leave You at perfect liberty to dispose of yourself as you think most proper for answering the purposes I have mentioned consistent with the security of your corps. Your utmost vigilance and attention will be necessary, as you will be entirely detached and unsupported, and will act in a very disaffected country, the inhabitants will give the enemy every kind of intelligence to enable them to take advantage of your situation. You will take every measure in your power to acquire information of their situation movement and designs and give me the earliest advice of every occurrence—I wish you to exert yourself to keep up the spirits of the Militia. yrs &c.

          G.W.

          P.s. The instructions which you were told should be lodged for you at Genl Greenes quarters were sent there.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 6 June 1779
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Charlottes Ville in Virginia June 6th 1779

        Captain of the Troops of Convention will probably have the honour of delivering your Excellency this letter—I have obtained permission from Governor Henry and Colonel Bland for his going to

Philadelphia to effect his exchange which Sir Henry Clinton has signified to me he intends to settle with your Excellency as well as for Captain Edmonstone who will set out in a few days he being at present not able to travel.
        I request your protection for these Gentlemen whose family affairs demand such attention as has engaged Sir Henry Clinton to exchange them.
        Captain Featherstone ranks as a Lieutenant by the treaty of Convention of Saratoga his promotion to a Captain Lieutenancy having happened since.
        I cannot suffer this Gentleman to leave Virginia without testifying to you, Sir, my sense of the polite treatment showed by all degrees of people to the Troops of Convention, I am in a particular manner obliged for much attention from Governor Henry and Colonel Bland. I have the honour to be, Sir, with much personal respect Your most humble servant

          W. Phillips


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 6 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

          Sir,
          Head Quarters [Ringwood, N.J.] June 6th 79

        There is a road leading from King’s ferry to Junes through the Mountains, by which it is possible the enemy may intercept our line of march—You will be pleased to send a good subaltern and a party

down that road to find his patroles as near the enemy as he can with safety and communicate the earliest intelligence of any movement— You will for this purpose furnish him with a few horse. If some of the inhabitants well affected & acquainted with the country can be engaged to accompany the party, it will be very useful. It is not improbable there may be parties of the militia on the same road—The officer that commands your party should be cautioned against mistakes. I am Sr Yr Obedt servt

          Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 7 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Smith’s-Tavern [N.Y.] Monday June 7th 1779.
          Parole Syracuse—C. Signs Scipio Cyrus.

        The Army is to encamp ’till further orders in the following manner as nearly as the situation of ground will permit.
        The Virginia division near the road leading from June’s to the Forest of Deane—The Maryland division near the road leading from Earl’s and the Pennsylvania division near the road leading from the Widow Van-Ambra’s, both, to the same place—Each division will furnish such pickets & patroles on the avenues leading from the enemy as will be necessary for its own security.
        A careful inspection to be immediately made into the state of the men’s Arms and Ammunition.
        The troops to have two days provision constantly in advance, if salt meat is to be had—if not, they will only have two days bread in advance and as much beef as will keep.
        The officers in general will inform themselves as exactly as possible of the roads and by-paths leading from their respective encampments towards the enemy, the Forest of Deane and West-Point.
        The General was sorry to see thro’out the march a much greater proportion of men with the baggage than could possibly be necessary and that a number of them were without arms, having probably

deposited them in the Waggons; the former tends to lessen the operating strength of the Army in a degree which every thinking officer must wish to avoid, and the latter occasions such a destruction of Arms as must add greatly to the difficulty of supplying the troops: It was too observant also that the heavy baggage of the Army has been very little, if anything diminished, and that the pernicious practice of suffering the women to incumber the Waggons still continues notwithstanding every former prohibition. The General recommends these matters to the particular attention of the officers commanding brigades and that they will take the most vigorous and effectual measures to prevent the like abuses hereafter.
        Two Cannon fired from Baron De Kalb’s encampment will be the signal of Alarm, upon which the troops will get under arms as expeditiously and as light as possible—The Quarter Master General will furnish guides to attend the several divisions.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 7 June 1779
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Camp Highlands [N.Y.] June 7th 1779

        It is with infinite Regret I inform your Excellency, that in Consequence of some Violent outrages lately committed in County of Cumberland and which the Resolutions of Congress (Copies of which I do

myself the Honor to transmit) do not in my opinion tend to remedy the Duty I owe to the State will soon constrain me to quit the Field, in Order to convene the Legislature, and to make the necessary Arrangements for vindicating the Authority of this Government—I had flatter’d myself that in Consequence of my Representation, that Ethan Allen, having the Rank of a Colonel under Congress, had with his Associates seized and imprison’d the principal civil and military Officers of this State in the County of Cumberland the Justice and Wisdom of Congress would have adopted such Measures as might have prevented this State from the cruel Necessity they will too probably be reduced to in a short Time of opposing Force, to Force—Your Excellency who knows my Inclinations and Conduct, the Zeal and Exertions of this State in the Common Cause, and their long and patient Forbearance under the Usurpation of its revolted Citizens, will judge with what Anxiety we look forward to the cruel Dilemma to which, by the great Principle of Self Preservation, we may shortly be reduced: And this Anxiety is rendered doubly painful, by the Reflection, that the general Interest of America must necessarily be affected by applying the Resources for maintaining the Authority of this State, which have been so amply and liberally afforded by them, since the Commencement of the war, in Support of the Common Cause—It is become my Duty however to provide in Time for such Operations, as the Legislature may think proper to adopt in Consequence of the Resolutions of Congress, which I have Reason to imagine will be considered, as by no means satisfactory. I have therefore to request that your Excellency will be pleased to give the necessary Directions for returning within the State the six Brass six Pounders together with their apparatus which the State lent for the Use of the Army in 1776—or that, in Case of Loss, you will order them to be replaced as soon as possible—In Order that Timely Measures may be adopted for supplying a sufficient Quantity of Provisions for the Army I think it incumbent upon me to inform your Excellency that the Magazine of Flour, which the Legislature have authorized me to collect may probably be wanted for Operations, which may be deemed necessary to support the Authority of the State and that it is not unlikely I shall not only be prevented from filling up the Continental Battalions by the Drafts from the Militia already made but that, by the Attention to the civil, or military Duties I owe particularly to the State in this critical Conjuncture I may not be able to carry into Execution the Measure I suggested to your Excellency, and which you thought proper to approve of, for favoring the Operations on the Western Frontiers: however as I am particularly anxious for the Success of the Enterprize in that Quarter, it is my Determination to abide by my former

Intentions, unless restrained by superior Considerations, and to continue to give to your Excellency every Aid in my Power, under the present Circumstances of the State, for opposing the Common Enemy.


Title: To George Washington from Jean Holker, 7 June 1779
From: Holker, Jean
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia the 7th June 1779

        I take the Liberty of inclosing to your Excellency a letter to Mr Pintard agent for the american prisoners in New york: as the purport thereof is of an important Nature, I take the Liberty of Requesting

that you’ll please to recommend it to some proper persons, so as it may be safely handed to Mr Pintard, whose good offices are also necessary on this Occasion: I Beg pardon for troubling your Excellency on this Subject, but I trust the Motives which have prompted me to it, will plead my excuse.
        We hear nothing further from his Exellency Count D’Estaing, nor from Europe. I have the honour to subscribe myself most respectfully your Excellency’s Most obedient & most-humble Servant

          holker


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 7 June 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Philadelphia 7th June 1779

        Since my last, I have been honored with two Letters from your Excellency of the third Inst., with the papers they covered.
        Herewith enclosed are two Acts of Congress of the 5th Inst., One ascertaining the Rank of Coll DuBois, the other Revoking the Commission of Major Powell, & assigning a Rule for settling the rank of the other Officers of the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment.
        The Extract of a Letter, from Major General Gates to your Excellency, is referred to the Treasury, who will take order thereon. I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant

          John Jay

          P:S: Enclosed is all the intelligence we have from So. Carolina.


Title: General Orders, 8 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Smith’s Tavern [N.Y.] Tuesday June 8th 1779.
          Parole Middlesex—C. Signs Milan—Milford.

        Returns of shoes actually wanted by the troops on this ground to be made forthwith to Head-Quarters.
        The officers will see that their men clean & refresh themselves this day.
        When multiplicity of business prevents the Sub-Inspectors from attending for general orders, the Brigade Majors of the division will alternately carry them to the officers commanding divisions.
        All the Axxes in the several Brigades to be ground & put in the best order immediately.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 8 June 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          providence [R.I.] 8th June 1779

        In Obedience to Your Excellency’s Commands of the 26th Ulto, I immediately forwarded The inclosed Letter to General Heath; His Answer went from hence Yesterday forenoon by the Express who was The Bearer of Your Excellency’s packets; Lieutenant Castaing wrote by the same Express to General Du portail, to acquaint The General, of his intention to repair to Head Quarters the instant he is able to Travel.
        It is proper I should be particular in acquainting Your Excellency with the State of The Corps of Artillery, and Ordnance Stores, in providence, & its Dependencies. By The General Return inclosed, You will perceive there are nearly as many Officers, & Non Comd

Officers as there are Mattrosses; when, and how, this great deficiency of Mattrosses will be supply’d, I know not, as The State Regiment Commanded by Col. Elliot receives no Recruits; and it is to Your Excellency I must look for those wanting in Col. Crane’s, & Col. Harrison’s Detachments. By the Return of Ordnance Stores, Your Excellency will be inform’d there is only Forty Eight Barrells of Serviceable powder in These Magazines, Exclusive of The Fix’d Ammunition; and when I arrived here, Col: Crane acquainted me there was no Lead! I immediately procured five Tons from Boston, which is now casting into Musket-Ball. Either there must have been a prodigious Expenditure of Ordnance Stores during the Seige of R. Island, or, the Quantity provided must have been extreamly inadequate to The intended Service. I have ask’d for a Return of The Ordnance Stores brought off the Island; Col. Crane says, there never was one made, until a little before General Sullivan left providence, so I can Give Your Excellency no better information than what is to be found in the one inclosed. I must again request Your Excellency will Urge Congress to forward an immediate Supply of Money to this Departmt, the recruiting Service is intirely at a Stand for want thereof; and the Commissary’s, & Qr Master’s wants, are Equally unsatisfied. Forty Men from Col. Jackson’s Corps, Deserted last Week; some who have been apprehended, declare, they should not have left the Regiment, if Their Just Demands had been duly paid. Shoes, Shirts, & Over’alls are totally unsupplied to this Army; I beg Your Excellency will acquaint me from whence, & by whom those Articles are to be provided. The Cry has been so Great for Shoes, that I was Obliged to Advance 12,000 Dollars out of the Military Chest, to Messrs Rennolds, & Mumford, to purchase as many as would cover the Feet of those, who are Naked.
        Sundry Travellers from the westward have reported, that The Enemy made an attempt to Force their way up the North River last Tuesday, this day Sen’night, in Order to beseige West point, & that Sr Harry Clinton in person Commanded The Expedition; if there is any truth in these reports, it cannot be long before they will be properly authenticated. Long Island is intirely evacuated by The Enemy. I am &. &.

          H.G.


Title: General Orders, 9 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Smith’s Tavern [N.Y.] Wednesday June 9th 1779
          Parole Bilboa—C. Signs Baltimore Bender—

        A detachment of five hundred men from the Virginia and Maryland divisions, with three days provision & their blankets unincumbered with any other baggage, to march tomorrow morning at four ô clock to relieve the detachment under Colonel Stewart—Colonel Williams to take the command and call this afternoon at Head-Quarters for instructions.
        Major Webb to be joined to this detachment.
        The Virginia division will furnish a Picket of fifty men on the clove road four miles advanced on the right of their encampment and the Maryland division will do the same on the road or path leading from June’s tavern towards Haverstraw—Patroles to be constantly going from these Pickets as far down as may be safe.
        Lord Stirling will please to order a party of thirty men to open the road from June’s and General St Clair a like party to open that from the Widow Van Ambras’s to the Furnace so as if possible to admit a march in sections.
        The Chief Engineer will furnish the General with a draft of West-Point and its environs, including the communications with this Camp—The roads leading from June’s and the Widow Van Ambra’ to the Furnace of Deane are in the first instance to be ascertained—The Geographers will assist in this business.
        Captain Lt. Pryor of Colonel Harrison’s regiment of Artillery is appointed Aide-De-Camp to Major General Lord-Stirling and is to be accordingly respected.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 9 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

          Gentlemen
          Smith’s in the Clove [N.Y.] June the 9: 1779

        The hurried and moving state of the Army would not permit me the Honor before, of acknowledging your several favors of the 21st 25th 27th & 27th and 29 Ulto which were duly received. Your favors also of the 3. 4 & 5 Instant have come safe to hand.
        I will obtain as soon as I can, the dates of the appointments of the Field Officers in the pensylvania line, which have not been already ascertained, and the names of the Officers intitled to be promoted to the Lieutenant Colonelcies of the 5th & 10th Regiments and majority in the 7th and transmit the whole to the Board by the first opportunity.
        The demand of Military Stores by General Clinton and Mr Ranselaer was certainly exorbitant in the extreme and such as merited the animadversions the Board have made. I believe it originated with themselves and probably the local distance the General was from Head Quarters, led him to make a direct application to the Commissary of Stores, without the interposition of other authority. The Board’s order to the Commissary and the arrangement of the Ordnance department, which they were pleased to send him, I hope will make him husband the stores with every degree of proper

œconomy. A circumstance at all times necessary—and in our situation— indispensably requisite. I am really pained that our supplies of amunition should be so miserably low—and trust that proper measures have been taken to place them on a more respectable footing.
        The interpetation which the Board have given of the Resolution of the 15th of March, in their answer to Govr. Livingston & the Honourable Mr Camp, appears to be founded in great expediency and I should be happy if it were to obtain generally: but it seems to me that the letter of the Resolution at least, will easily countenance a different one—and I have not the smallest doubt, but that it will be readily adopted. I am informed that the State of Connecticut, in their consideration of the Resolve gave it this construction—and accordingly, computing the difference between the aggregate amount of their Batallion quotas—and that of the Men in the field—including Artificers &c. &c. have placed the deficiency for which they are to provide at little more than 600, altho their Regiments want fourteen hundred to complete them. This too I should suppose was the sense of the Jersey Assembly at the time of their application—and I am inclined to think, it will be the sense of the Assemblies in general. The Infantry Battallions are the only troops that have been explicitly required and apportioned on the States—and hence they do not consider themselves obliged to make provision for any other Corps—and under the Act of the 15th of March—they apply all the Men engaged in them to the credit of their Batallion Complements. As this construction would have a very injurious operation by greatly reducing the Regiments, it will be adviseable for Congress to make an explanatory Resolve to prevent the mischief. In the instance of Jersey—this latter construction would take from her three Batallions, between three and four hundred Men—and in like manner a considerable number from the Battallions of the other States—so that they would become a mere handful. If the Men engaged in the Army for the War or three Years—not belonging to the Battallions assessed on the States, (no matter under what description) could be placed on such a footing as to receive a proportion of the supplies furnished by the States from which they came, it would remove the grounds of complaint, that have hitherto prevailed and which were the foundation of the Resolve.
        I entertain a very favourable opinion of Captain Ryan as an active— intelligent Officer—and think with the Board, that he is capable of rendering good services and that there is something of singularity in his case; Yet as there are a thousand or at least a variety of instances in the Army where the plea of hardship might be urged—and as his arrangement in the line was conformable to the general system and his promotion to a Majority before had given great uneasiness and been

decided irregular, I cannot advise that he should obtain the Brevet which he solicits. It is true he solicits a Brevet to have a future operation, but this is unprecedented, or at least contrary to any thing I am acquainted with, and supposing for a moment that it is not—and that the granting it would not immediately affect the rights of Others—it would open a door for many applications of the same nature. If we were to examine all the hard cases in the Army, we should find that Captain Ryan’s is far from standg alone—and probably not among the first. In a word we are now struggling to reduce matters to some order—and to get the better if possible, of the confusion which has unhappily prevailed; and it will be with the utmost caution, that I give my concurrence to any measure that may involve the smallest new inconveniences. Those that exist at present, are almost insupportable. The Board’s information with respect to the Majors in the line not accepting the Offices of Brigade Inspector and Brigade Major is but too well founded. As yet they have not done it except in a few instances. However, as it of gr⟨ea⟩t importance that they should undertake them, I would wish the plan to remain unaltered for some time, that we may make a farther experiment. At the same time I would observe that it may be necessary for Congress to augment their pay forty four Dollars in addition to what they draw in their Regiments. This may be some inducement for ’em to accept and will not more than compensate for the extensive and fatiguing duties they must undergo; and it seems the more reasonable as the Two Offices are united and the augmentation proposed will not exceed the extra pay allowed when they were discharged by Two persons.
        With respect to Baylor’s Regiment, I am at a loss to know what to say. If the Dragoons were remounted their services might be very essential; but as this is not the case, nor can it be effected at any rate, till the Campaign is far advanced—and then only on terms of such exorbitancy—I cannot tell how to advise the measure. The Board will be pleased to consider of it, and to decide upon it in such way, as they may think will best promote the public interest.
        The limited inlistments of the Troops—or at least of a part of them—and the approach of them towards their end, are certainly matters of very interesting concern—and such as should be provided for in time if it be possible. From the detached and divided situation of the Army at this time, a general state of the inlistments cannot be obtained; but this I should hope cannot operate any great inconvenience, as the Board will be able to derive information on the subject from the Muster Rolls—and to take their measures accordingly. However as the pensylvania Troops are in Camp and also those from Maryland, among which it is said there are many inlistments “for three

years and during the War,” I will direct the Commanding Officers to have returns made, lest the manner of the inlistment, should not have been explicitly stated in the Muster Rolls. But this must not be considered as an admission of the construction put upon them by the Soldiers—as that of the Officers must be supported. It is but very lately that I heard there was any uneasiness in the pensylvania line upon this head—and I took it for granted from the constant report of the Officers—that the only mode of inlistment was during the War. In the month of July August or Septr last, I cannot tell which (not having any of my papers or baggage with me) I called for a general state of the Inlistments of the Army, that I might inform Congress at what periods the Troops would end their service, or at least those whose inlistments would expire by the opening of the present campaign—when the Pensylvanians were returned inlisted during the War, except in a very few, perhaps not more than four or five instances. The enormous bounties given by the States Towns, and by individuals to Men for very short temporary services, are the source of the present discontents and of a thousand evils among the soldiery—and as long as they continue to be given—so long will they excite disatisfaction. They induce the soldier who has undergone a long service—and who engaged for the War in the first instance on a very moderate bounty to reason upon his situation—and to draw a comparison between what he does not receive and the great emoluments Others get—and put him upon inventing means from which he will be able to derive the same advantages. And from this comparison and these considerations it is I am convinced, that most of our desertions proceed, especially where the Men do not go to the Enemy. It would have been happy for us if State Town & Substitute bounties—particularly the Two first had never been thought of—and it would be still fortunate if they were to be entirely abolished. In consideration of the services of the Soldiers who engaged at an early period, to serve during the War—and the great disproportion between the bounties they received—and those given to Others for the service of a few Months or perhaps not more than a Year at most, I have sometimes thought it might not be improper to give them by way of gratuity and as an acknowledgement 100 Dollars, which, besides operating as a reward, might have a good effect and quiet their discontents. And perhaps some such expedient, attended with an explicit declaration that the money given was entirely as a gratuity—and to place them upon a more equal footing with respect to Other parts of the Army—who had received greater bounties for shorter service they who stand engaged during the War might compose the Soldiery in the Pensylva. line and those from Maryland, under the predicament the Board have mentioned. The

measure if adopted, must be general as to all the Old soldiers inlisted for the War. There is however a powerful consideration opposed to it—the state of our Money, and the quantity the gratuities would require. The Board as I have observed, will by recurring to the Muster Rolls derive satisfactory information respecting the inlistments and from them they will be enabled to determine with tolerable accuracy what part of the present Army we shall have to depend on another Campaign and of course will consider of the steps necessary to be pursued for levying a New one.
        I transmit again the Arrangement of the New Hampshire line, and request that the Board will make out the Commissions as soon as they can agreeable to it as the Officers are very importunate for them. There possibly may be some mistakes in it; if there are—they must be the subject to future amendmt and alteration. I also transmit an Arrangement of the Captains—Lieutenants & Ensigns in Spencers Regiment, and request Commissions for them. The Arrangement of the German Battalion is forwarded for the same purpose and the Board will return Commissions as far as it can be done. I have the Honor &c.

          G. Washington

          P.S. I request the Board will forward to the Inspector General as speedily as possible a sufficient number of copies of the new regulations to supply the officers in general—We cannot put the business effectually in train till every officer has the regulations by which he is to be governed, in his hand.
          I also request the Board will be pleased to forward two or three complete sets of the Printed Journals of Congress as far as they have gone—These will be very useful to me.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 9 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

          Dear Sir,
          Head Quarters Smiths in the Clove [N.Y.]June 9th 1779

        Having considered our own force—the situation and circumstances of the enemy—and the inconveniences which must result to the militia from detaining them longer in the field, from the sudden and unexpected manner in which they came out. I beg leave to inform your Excellency, that, I should hope they may be dismissed and permitted to return to their homes for the present, without any great injury. At the same time I request the favor of your Excellency to make them a tender of my sincerest thanks for their readiness in turning out—a circumstance not less interesting to the States than honorable to themselves—and which leaves me intirely convinced that their earliest support will not be wanting in any future case of emergency. I have the honor to be With great respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obet Servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 9 June 1779
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          June 9 1779

        I intended to have done myself the Pleasure of waiting upon your Excellency To Morrow but am now prevented by unexpected Business. The Necessity of attending to Agriculture will render it not only difficult but, extremely injurious to the Country to detain the Militia at this Season much longer in the Field unless the public Service shod render it indispensably necessary Colo. Malcolm who was to have accompanied me & who with this Letter will inform your Excellency of any particulars with Respect to our Situation & that of the Enemy on this Side the River and receive your Excellency’s Orders. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to James Duane, 9 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Duane, James

          Sir
          Smiths in the Clove [N.Y.] June the 9th 1779

        I had several days ago the Honor to receive the Board’s Letter of the 18th Ulto which I should have acknowledged long since, if I had not been prevented by the hurried and moving state of the Army. I am persuaded Mr Auditor Johnston’s report has but too much foundation and that many Officers have left the service without having previously settled their accounts. This however, has not been with my permission—and I have endeavoured to prevent it as far as it was in my power. I shall continue to do the same—and in all cases where I am applied to on the subject of resigning—proper certificates or information that the parties are not in debt, will be as they have been, insisted on as prerequisites to the measure. I will also issue orders upon the occasion. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem sir Yr Most Obed. sert

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 9 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

          Sir
          Smiths in the Clove [N.Y.] June the 9th 1779

        Among the various difficulties that have occurred in the Army—there have been few more distressing or more injurious to the

service than the disputes about rank—and those which have arisen from irregular promotions. A case has lately happened of this nature between John Allison & John Lee Esquires respecting the Lieutenant Colonelcy in the 1st Virginia State Regiment. The inclosed paper contains a Copy of the claims of the parties and of the Opinion of a Board of Field Officers as to their rights, which is submitted to Your Excellency to approve or disapprove, as it leads to a revocation of Commissions, which I do not consider myself authorized to direct in any instance. If the Board’s opinion is confirmed which is in favor of Mr Allison, and who was clearly a superior Officer to Mr Lee—it will be necessary to revoke the Commission of Lt Colo. granted the latter and that of Major granted to Captain Quarles. It will also be necessary in conformity to the Opinion of the Court—which is founded in justice to the line of the Army in general, that the Commissions of Lieut. Colonel and of Major given by Colo. Gibson to Mr Allison & Meriwether respectively, as mentioned in the proceedings, should be vacated—and New Ones issued bearing date at the time Lieutenant Colonel Brent was promoted to the command of the 2d State Regiment in consequence of Colo. Smith’s Resignation. I am sorry to observe upon this occasion, that there does not appear to have been that degree of candor & delicate conduct used, either in granting Commissions of Lt Colonel and Major to Mr Allison & Mr Meriwether in the first instance, or in obtaining those in the last for Mr Lee & Mr Quarles, which I could always wish to characterize Officers. The sooner Your Excellency determines the point and transmits the result the better—as till then matters will remain in suspence and confusion to the detriment of the service. I have the Honor to be with great respect and esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obed. & Most Hbl. sert

          G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 9 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Sir,
          9th June 1779

        I recd yr favor of yesterdays date & am happy to find you are in the neighbourhood of the enemy & make no doubt but you will fully answer the purposes of yr being placed there. The Stores you mention to have been at Kekiat were there without my knowledge—& I much approve the removal of them—As to the live Stock being driven off as you mention within a certain distance—though a desireable circumstance, I would not have you to undertake without the approbation of the Officers commanding the Militia & the well affected inhabitants—when if you gain their approbation I should wish the measure to be put into execution immediately.
        Capt. McLane I fully intended to have joined you before this and thought he had received orders for that purpose, but owing to some mistake, I find it was not done—he is however now order’d to march & place himself under yr command, with his company—Yr Letter of this date is just come to hand.


Title: From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 9 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

          Dr Sir,
          Smiths Tavern in the Clove [N.Y.] June 9th 1779.

        I have only time to thank you for your several favours of the 16th 21st & 30th of May first and 5th of June, the last in behalf of the Board of Commissioners, and for the pains you have taken to acquire information of the Country between Fort Shuyler and Oswegatchie, Lt Harbenbergh has fully communicated to me his plan and the observations he has made, I have requested him to make a second excursion to explore the country more fully and minutely—& have given him a letter to Col. Van Schaik to furnish him with a party of men and any other assistance he may require.
        You will have been informed before this reaches you that the enemy have made a movement in force up the River. They are in two divisions on the opposite sides one at Verplank’s point and the other at Stoney point and are fortifying—They invested a small redoubt on the former containing a party of between forty and fifty men which they took by capitulation. A part of their force has since returned to New York. Their design appeared first to be a serious attack upon the forts; which they perhaps relinquished on finding our affairs in a posture that might make the attempt dangerous. But they may possibly have had nothing else in view, than to possess themselves of the posts they have actually taken; This will interrupt our easiest communication between the Eastern and Southern states, open a new source of supplies to them and a new door to distress and disaffect the country. We have the mortification to be spectators of this and from the situation of the ground and other circumstances to see it out of our power to counteract a measure from which we must experience many inconveniences. That part of our army which lay at Middle Brook is now in this clove, in order to give effectual succour to the Fort in

case the enemy’s further operations should be directed that way. I am very truly and affectionately Dr Sir Yr most Obedt ser.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Otho Holland Williams, 9 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Williams, Otho Holland

          Sir,
          [Smiths Clove, N.Y., 9 June 1779]

        The detachment you command is intended to relieve Colo. Stewart—& will be relieved in turn three days hence—You will proceed with it to the furnace of Dean, where you will make your head Quarters and from thence you are to send Picquets on the roads

leading to Fort Montgomery—Kings Ferry &ca—and to use every precaution which your force will permit and the utmost vigilance requires, to prevent surprises & oppose any troops which may be moving against this Army or our posts at west point.
        To obtain knowledge of the proper places for fixing your Picquets you will be pleased to consult Colo. Stewart; but in a more especial manner Colo. Malcom if with him (on account of his superior knowledge of the grounds & passes.) You will keep in view that from the Forest or furnace of Dean there is a road, which leads to your right from the enemy at Kings ferry—distant not more than ten miles, by which, if not attended to they may turn your right flank.
        You will lose no time in giving me an account of every occurrence of moment & in case, as is before directed, the enemy should move either against this Army or the posts at West point in front flank or rear, you will to the utmost of your power, dispute every inch of ground & every advantageous pass.
        The Virginia Division is directed to send a party on the road leading from Junes to Kings ferry—it may be usefull for your advanced parties to have a communication with this.
        You will give a certified copy of these orders to the Officer who shall relieve you with any information you may have acquired. Given at Head quarters in the Clove June 9th 1779.

          Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 10 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Smith’s Tavern [N.Y.] Thursday June 10th 1779.
          Parole Needham—C. Signs Newton. Natick.

        The rum and whisky in the Magazine to be divided among the brigade commissaries and a gill pr man issued to the whole Army this day.
        Four days flour to be issued to the troops so that the whole army may be served with flour up to sunday next inclusive—Two days fresh beef to be issued to day, and cattle equal to two days supply to be with each brigade commissary, ready to be slaughtered when wanted.
        All deficiencies of meat on the march are to be made good to the troops.
        The General directs that returns for the present deficiencies of shoes, in the several regiments be immediately made out (so as to be ready to draw them as soon as they arrive) agreeable to the mode pointed out in the order of the 30th of May last, which is to be strictly and inviolably observed in drawing every future supply of clothing and necessaries.
        The Quarter Master General is desired to have the roads leading from the several divisions to Chester examined and apply for the necessary parties to repair them.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

          Dr Sir,
          Head Quarters [Smiths Clove, N.Y.]June 10th [17]79.

        I am honored with your Excellency’s favour of yesterday by Colo. Malcolm, who has communicated to me the particulars with which you charged him—I beg leave to refer you to my letter of yesterday which I hope you have received. In that, sensible of the inconvenience of keeping out the militia at this season of the year, I anticipated your wish for their discharge, with my warmest acknowlegements for the zeal and alacrity they have discoverd on the present interesting occasion. I have the honor to be With the truest sentiments of respect & esteem Yr Excellys Most Obedt ser.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 10 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

          Sir,
          Head Quarters Smith’s Clove [N.Y.] June 10th 1779

        I have received your two favours of the 28th of May and 6th of June—I hope before this you will have received instructions from General Sullivan, respecting the precise line of conduct you are to observe. Whether your destination shall be up the Mohock River or to form a junction in the first instance with the main body at the Head of Susquehannah, is a point I have left to him to decide and to give

you directions accordingly. But as the preparations on the Susquehannah are completed and the main body all in motion towards Wyoming, it is essential you should be ready to move either way at the shortest notice. Should there be any delay on your part, when you are required to commence your operations, the consequences may be very disagreeable. I therefore leave it with you to make whatever further preparations you think necessary to enable you to comply with a sudden call. The Quarter Master is directed to consult you and execute your orders. The providing teams or pack horses beforehand depends on the ease or difficulty of procuring them in a hurry—I leave it with you to do as you think proper; and I expect that you will be at all points prepared, instantly to comply with the orders you may receive from General Sullivan, for the purpose of a perfect cooperation either way.
        In respect to what Col. Van Schaik mentions of his being deficient in the means of rewarding the Indians for their services, if he should mean only a want of money, you will give him a warrant on the Pay Master for the necessary sum. If he means articles of Cloathing &c. you will be pleased to make an application to the Commissioners for Indian-affairs who I dare say will do every thing in their power to supply him.
        It is intirely agreeable to me that Capt. Graham should succeed to the vacancy to which he is intitled. You will be pleased to send me a certificate specifying the time and manner of the vacancy and that Capt. Graham is the oldest Captain in the New York line. This I will transmit to the Board of war, that his commission may be made out accordingly. In the mean time his appointment may take place by a brigade order.
        Major Popham, who I presume was your former Brigade Major may continue with you as Aide De Camp with the same rank and pay. I wish Major Fish’s health may permit him to accept the Brigade Inspectorship. I am with regard Sir Yr Most Obedt servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 10 June 1779
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Powhatan County [Va.] June 10th 1779

        I am Just from Petersburg where We have Colected about thirteen Hundred men Old soldiers included. we wait the arival of the Arms &c. which is hourly expected, when they Come to hand one Battallion will be instantly Put in motion. the remainder of the troops I am Fearfull will be detaind Some time for want of their Clothing Such as Shirts Shoes & Stockings all of which we are very short of. I have proposd to the Govr & Counsil to pay them money in lue of them & that I would indeavour to prevail on them to take it. But have not Yet had their answer. Your Excellency may be assurd that I Will put them in motion as Soon as possable my affars was put in some train for going on to Head Quarters which obligd me to leave the Place of Randezvous for two or three days I shall return again tomorrow when I Shall

Be Constantly found untill the whole of the troops March. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

          Chs Scott


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

          Dr Sir,
          Head Quarters Smith’s Clove [N.Y.]June 10th 1779.

        Inclosed I send you extracts of two letters one from Colonel Van Schaick of the 22d & another from General Clinton of the 28th of May—I rely intirely upon you for giving General Clinton the directions necessary for his cooperation; as I could not undertake to do it without hazarding an interference with your views. I am with great regard Dr Sir Yr most Obedt serv.

          P.S. The enemy remain much as last advised—on Verplanck’s and Stoney-points. They are industriously fortifying and seem determined to keep those posts to intercept the communication by Kings ferry. A part of their troops have returned to New York—The main army is for the present in this Clove.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11 June 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Camp [Smiths Clove, N.Y.] June 11 1779

        As every Artificer is wanted to repair Waggons and other necessary service I should be glad they may not be employed in laying floors to Markees—especially as boards is scarse.
        There is another reason why I wish there may be a stop put to this business which is It is more than probable the floors will increase the baggage of the Army; For the officers will be loth to leave them behind after they are once made. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble ser.

          N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Harnage, 11 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Harnage, Henry

          Sir,
          Head Qrs [Smiths Clove, N.Y.] June 11th 1779

        Want of leisure prevented my acknowledging sooner the receipt of your letter of the 28th of May—I shall be always happy to show you every attention, which circumstances will permit during your residence among us; and I sincerely wish you the speediest relief from your present difficulties.
        You may depend on having the earliest notice of your exchange, when it takes place; but I am sorry to inform you, no return has yet been made for any of the invalids of the Convention troops which have been sent into New York.
        I beg the favour of you to present my respects to Mrs Harnage and assure her of my best wishes for the restoration of her health. I am Sir Your ⟨Obdt⟩

          G: W—n


Title: From George Washington to Michael Hillegas, 11 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hillegas, Michael

          sir
          Smith’s in the Clove [N.Y.] June 11: 1779

        Some time since His Excellency the president of Congress did me the Honor to inform me, that Congress had passed an Act authorising the public Treasurer to pay to my order any sum of hard money not exceeding 2000 Guineas for the purposes of secret services. This I think was the substance of his Letter as well as I can recollect it, for I have not my papers with me. As I have now occasion for part—and a favourable opportunity offers, I request that you will be pleased to deliver to Major Des Epiniers Five hundred Guineas who will convey them to me—and whose receipt will be good for the same. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obed. st

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 11 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

          Sir,
          Head Quarters Smiths Clove [N.Y.] June 11th 1779

        I am honored with your Excellency’s favours of the 4th & 5th, to which due attention shall be paid.
        The enemy’s situation remains much the same as mentioned in mine of the 6th—One body of about 5000 Men is on Verplanks point and another of about 1000 on stoney point—They continue fortifying & no doubt mean to keep possession of those posts—The natural strength of the ground with very little help of art will make them inaccessible to us in our present circumstances—The advantages of holding them will be important to the enemy—the inconveniences to us great. It is a step to further operations against the forts—Our communication by Kings ferry, far the easiest, is at an end—The extent and difficulty of land transportation considerably increased—a new resort and sanctuary afforded to the disaffected in these parts of the country—and a new door opened to draw supplies distress and corrupt the inhabitants—Reasons which need not be explained put it out of my power to prevent it before hand or to remedy it now it has happened.
        We have taken post for the present with the main body of the army in this Clove where we are as well situated as we could be any where else to succour the forts in case the future operations of the enemy should be directed against them.
        The troops mentioned to have returned down the river on the 5th are said to be principally the detachment that went to Virginia, which immediately on its arrival at New York has been hurried up the river and is now gone back to repose.
        I devoutly wish a confirmation of the Southern news though I cannot but say my fears predominate so much time having elapsed. I have the honor to be With the highest respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obet servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 11 June 1779
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Buds Higlands [N.Y.] 11th June 1779

        I have considered the Subject on which you were pleased to ask my opinion. It is indeed a very Complex one. The movements of the Enemy may be So various, that its imposible to provide against them. The Post he has now taken is So near West Point, that while we consider it as a first object, we cannot with Safety move from it should the Enemy make excurtions East or West, unless we should be better assertained of the Strength, he leaves on the Points, than there is a prospect of obtaining If I advance below the high Lands, to cover the Country, he may move on the River, take Post on the High Lands cut off my Communication for Supplies on this Side, and get between me and the Stores. If this danger did not attend Such a movement on this Side it would be extreamly difficult to get our Bread transportd thro’ the High Lands; as Sixteen miles of the route is very illy Suplied with grass & will soon be exhausted. If I retire above the High lands, the Enemy will posess himself of the Strong ground on this Side in the Vicinety of the Forts; and render it impracticable for me to dislodge him. There are two Capital roads Leading up the Country on this Side thro the High Lands, beside a third passable for light Troops, near my left, and comes in two miles above Fish Kill. one of the Former is the Common Post Road; and Branches at the Village passes up to Wm Danfords along the River near Robisons above Fort Constitution to a point your Excellency noted from the Hills on the west Side; on which Cannon may be placed, to annoy our water Communication above. Col. Gouvion has inspected this Road & thinks it practicable for Cannon. This Road must be well defended for obvious

reasons; and So must the Post Road to Fish Kill, or the Troops Posted on the former will be taken in rear. It will therefore be Necessary for me to divide my Force. The Consequence of this is too apparent to require any further detail. If the Troops on the Fish-Kill Road are obliged to retire, those on the Road to Danfords, will be lost, as their retreat will be cut off; and if the Latter are oblige to give way. The Enemy will be poss[ess]ed of that important road; and soon take Post on the Heights in the rear; So that all Communication on this Side with West Point will be at an End. These are the dangers which we are exposed to, on this Side. And as the Enemy van is but Fourteen miles from me; the Militia cannot Posibly be Collected in time to my aid. nor Can I hope for any from your Excellency in Season. If I am obliged to retire from the Communication with west point, its hard to Say what will be the Consequence. I do not think I have force suffecient to Stop the Enemy, till the Militia comes in; which induces me to wish for a reinforcement. Add to all this, the Embarassment which Your Excellency will perceive I must be under with the Stores continually called for in my rear, if a misfortune should happen on this Side. And Should the Enemy make a movement to my left, to intercept our Provissions and destroy the Stores, the Perplexity Between those objects and the attention to west Point, would be very great. In short, as he can keep up an appearance to attack our works, by his being So near us, he can keep us in Suspence and do infinite Mischief to the Country. your Excellency is better acquainted with the Ground on the west Side than I am. And the difficulties which arise from it. If you take the nearest Position to prevent the Enemy drawing a line of Circumvalation round the works, it will be too remote to give Succour on this Side; if he should make a Principal movement to my left against our Stores and Provission. I am therefore inclined to be of opinion, that a Position at new windsor and murders Creek, would best answer the objects of giving Succour on both Sides of the River. The Enemy will not attempt a movement towards Phi[ladelphi]a unless he gets Possesion of our works—If he fails in this our Communication will be opened to follow him. I own my apprehentions are great on account of Forage, whatever Position is taken near the mountains. All the deserters agree, in opinion that the works are the Enemies object. The last who came out from Verplanks Point was yesterday. He says General Clinton went to Newyork the day before. And that Genl Vaugh[an] Commands at the Point. They have but few Tents Pitched. The want of Fresh intelligence a Cross the River is among our difficulties. Inclosed is a return of our Strength here and at West Point. It is lessen’d on this Side by many unavoiadable Small Guards. I take the Liberty also to inclose the State of west chester County. I am

doubtfull of the Propriety of having much Provission On the River, as in case of accident it will be lost; or out of our reach. I have the Honor be, Your Excellency most Hble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 11 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

          Dr Sir,
          Head Quarters Smith’s Clove [N.Y.]June 11th 1779

        Since mine to you of yesterday, I wrote to General Clinton giving him some general directions which you will find in the inclosed extract—I, of course, depend on you for giving him more particular ones and am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt serv.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Otho Holland Williams, 11 June 1779
From: Williams, Otho Holland
To: Washington, George

          Dr Sir.
          Forest of Deane [N.Y.]June 11. 79 Friday Morn.

        Agreeable to your Excellencys instructions I have taken post at the Furnace of Deane, And in order to relieve & Support the Picketts at Fort Montgomery & on the Road to Doodle Town with the greater facility, have advanced Majr Webb, about two Miles, to the post occupied by Coll Stewart, with One hundred and sixty Men compleatly Officer’d; With this Detachment I have a constant communication. On each road leading to Kings ferry (besides the Picketts and small Patrolls) I have sent a party commanded by a Commission’d Officer with orders to approach as near the Enemy as Circumstances and security to the party will admit in order to watch the motion of the Enemy and get the best information⟨.⟩ I pay particular attention to the Road your Excellency observ’d to be on my right, and with these precautions think my post secure from surprize but shall not let that consideratio⟨n⟩ put me off my Guard or relax my Vigilance With submission, I beg leave to observe to Yr Excellency that the roughness of the Road from Camp to this place and the extensiveness of the outposts to be occupied by the Detachmen⟨t⟩ station’d here will render it excessively fatiagueing for the Troops to be relievd once in three Days: And as it is practicable to be supplied with provision from West point while Fort Montgomery is in our possession, I submit it to Yr Excellency’s consideration whether it wod not be better to send a relief once ⅌ Week. my provisions will be exhausted tomorrow. I am Dr Sir, Yr Excellys Obt faithful & affectionate Humble Servant

          Oth. H. Williams


Title: General Orders, 12 June 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Smith’s Tavern [N.Y.] Saturday June 12th 1779.
          Parole Berwick—C. Signs Brest Deane.

        The following formation of the three divisions of the Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania troops is immediately to take place for the present campaign.

            The 2nd
            R[ank] & F[ile]

            5th11th
            }
            Virginia regiments to form one battn &furnish one & an half companies of L. Infantry
            }
             62.

            7th8th
            }
            to form one battalion & furnish onecompany of Light-Infantry
            }
             41

            103

            3rd4th
            }
            to form one battalion.

          6th &2nd St. Regt
          }
            to form one battalion & furnishtwo companies of Light Infantry
          }
             82

            Gist’s &1st St Regt
            }
            to form one battalion & furnish onecompany of Light Infantry
            }
             41.

            1st10th
            }
            to form one battalion and furnishhalf a company of Light-Infantry
            }
             21.

           144.

            1st Maryld Regt
            {
            to form one battalion and furnish one compy of L. Infantry
            }
             41.

            5th

            to form one battalion.

            7th

            to form one battalion.

            3rd
            {
            to form one battn & furnish onecompy of Light-Infantry
            }
             41.

            2nd
            {
            to form one battn & furnish one compy of L. Infantry
            }
             41.

            6th

            to form one battalion.

            4th
            {
            to form one battn & furnish onecompy of Light-Infantry
            }
             41.

        The Delaware Regiment to form one battalion.

            1st7th
            }
            Penns. Regts
            {
            to form one battn & furnish onecompany of L. Infantry
            }
             41.

            10th

            to form one battalion.

            2nd

            {
            to form one battn & furnish onecompany of Light Infantry
            }
             41.

            3rd6th
            }

            {
            to form one battn & furnish twocompanies of Light Infantry
            }
             82.

            9th5th
            }
            Penns. Regts
            {
            to form one battalion & furnishtwo companies of Light Infantry
            }
             82

        The companies of Light Infantry are to be immediately drawn out agreeable to this proportion; The officers commanding regiments will be particularly careful in the choice of the men, which is a duty, the good of the service, and the credit of their respective regiments equally demand; When it is considered that in every army the honor of a regiment and that of its Light-Company are intimately connected, the officer commanding it cannot but be solicitous to furnish men that will support the reputation of his regiment.

        The companies from the several brigades will parade tomorrow morning 11 ô clock near the Maryland division, where the Adjutant General is desired to pass the men, their clothes, arms and accoutrements under a critical inspection, and return all who on any account shall appear unfit for this kind of service to their regiments to be replaced by others whom he shall approve.
        A Captain, Subaltern and three Serjeants are to be appointed to each company.
        Lieutenant Colonel Harmar is appointed Sub-Inspector to the Pennsylvania division.
        Captain Alexander, intitled to a Majority is appointed Brigade Major to the 1st—and Captain Moore also intitled to a Majority, is appointed Brigade Major to the 2nd Pennsylvania Brigades—They are to be respected & obeyed accordingly.
        Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Morris is appointed a Volunteer Aide-De-Camp to Major General Greene and is to be respected accordingly.
        A corporal and eight men from each division are to be employed in making coal for the use of their respective divisions—Colo. Baldwin will give the necessary directions.
        A Sub-Serjeant and twenty rank and file to be daily employed in cutting grass under the direction of the Commissary General of Forage.
        Each brigade will constantly furnish sufficient fatigue parties to cut grass for their own horses under the direction of their brigade Forage-Masters.
        The afore mentioned fatigue parties to join their regiments immediately on an alarm.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 12 June 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          War Office [Philadelphia] June 12. 1779

        The inclosed letter from General Thompson is transmitted to your Excellency to correct a mistake he made of the name of a captain in the 21st British regt proposed to be exchanged on parole, the board being informed that the determination of the matter is by Congress referred to your Excellency. We are, with great respect, your very obedt servants

          By order of the boardTim. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 12–13 June 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

            My dear General
            St jean d’angely Near Rochefort harbour [France]12th[–13] june 1779

          Here is at lenght a Safe occasion of writing to you, here I May tell you What Sincere Concern I feel at our Separation—There was never a friend, my dear general, So much, so tenderly Belov’d, as I do love and Respect you—happy in our union, in the pleasure of living with you, in that So Charming Satisfaction of partaking any Sentiment of your heart, any event of Your life, I had taken Such an habit of being inseparable from you, that I Can’t Now get the use of absence and I am more and more afflicted of that distance which keeps Me so far from my dearest friend—I am the more Concern’d in this particular time, My dear General, that I think the Campaign is oppen’d, you are in the field, and I ardently wish I Might be there Next by you, know any interesting event, and if possible Contribute to Your succes and glory—Forgive me for what I am going to Say, But I ca’nt help Reminding you that a Commander in chief should never too Much expose himself, that in Case General Washington was kill’d, Nay was Seriously Wounded, there is no officer in the Army who Might fill that place, that Battle or Action whatsoever should most Certainly Be lost, and the American Army, the American Cause itself would perhaps be entirely Ruin’d.
          inclos’d I Send your excellency a Copy of My letter to Congress, in which you will find Such intelligences as I was to give them—The Chevalier de la luzerne intends going to Congress through head quarters—I promis’d I would introduce him to yr excellency, and I have Requir’d him to let you know any piece of news he has been intrusted with—Such a conversation will better acquaint You than the longest letter—The Ministry told me they would let him know the true State of Affairs Before his departure—By What you will hear, my dear general, you’ll see that our affairs take a good turn, and I hope

england will get a good stroke Before the end of the Campaign—Besides the good dispositions of spain, ireland is good deal tir’d with english tiranny—I in Confidence tell you that the Scheme of My heart would be to Make it as free and independent as America—Some private intelligences I have form’d there—God grant They Might Succeed, and the era of freedom Might at lenght arrive for the happiness of Mankind—I Will know more about ireland in Some Weeks and that I will immediately Communicate to Your Excellency—for Congress, My dear General, there are so Many people in it that one ca’nt Safely unbosom himself as he does with his Best friend.
          in Refering you to Mr le Cher. de la luzerne for what Concerns the public News of this time, the present situation of affairs And the designs of our Ministry, I will only Speak to Your excellency About that great article, Money—it Gave me much Trouble, and I So much insisted upon it that the Director of finances looks upon me as a devil—France has Made great expenses lately, those Spaniards Wo’nt give easely theyr dollars—however, dr franklin has got Some Monney for to pay the Bills of Congress, and I hope I Shall determine them to greater Sacrifices—serving America, My dear General, is to My heart an unexpressible happiness.
          There is an other point for which you Should employ all Your influence and popularity—for god’s Sake prevent theyr loudly disputing together—Nothing hurts So much the interests and Reputation of America than to hear of theyr intestine quarrels—on the other hand there are two partys in france—Monsieurs Adams and lee on one part, doctor franklin and his friends on the other—So great is the Concern which these divisions give me, that I Can’t wait on these Gentlemen as Much as I Could wish, for fear of occasioning disputes, and Bringing them to a greater light—that, My dear General, I entrust to Your frienship, But I Could not help touching that String in My letter to Congress.
          Since I left America, My dear General, not a Single line arriv’d from you—That I attribute to winds, accidents, and deficiency of occasions for I dare flatter Myself General washington, Would Not loose that of Making his friend happy—in the Name of that Very Friendship, My dear General, Never Miss any opportunity of letting me know how you do—I Can’t express you how uneasy I feel on Account of your health, and the dangers you perhaps in this Moment are exposing yourself to—Those you possibly May laugh at and Call woman-like Considerations, but so, my dear friend, I feel, and any Sentiment of My heart I Never Could, Nay I Never Wanted to Conceal.
          I don’t know what is Become of Cle. Nevill and the Cher de la Colombe—I beg you would Make Some inquiries for them, and do

any thing in your power for theyr Speedy exchange in Case they have been taken—inclos’d I Send you a little note for Monsieur Nevill. Give me leave to Reccommend to Yr excellency the Bearer thereof our New plenipotentiary minister, who seems to me extremely well Calculated for deserving A general esteem and affection.
          I know, My dear General, you want to hear Some thing about My private affairs—those I Give an account off to Congress, and shall only add that I am here as happy as possible—my family, my friends, My Countrymen Made me such a Reception, and Show me every day such an affection, as I would not have durst to hope—I am since some days in this place where is the king’s own Regiment of dragoons which I Command, and Some Regiments of infantry which are for the present under my orders—but I hope to Begin Soon a more active life, and in consequence thereoff My Return to paris is I Believe very near—from there I’ll get employ’d in whatever will be done Against the Common ennemy—What I want, My dear general, what would Make Me the happiest of Men, is to join Again American Colours, or to put under your orders a division of four or five thousand Country men of mine—in Case Any Such Cooperation or private expedition is Wish’d for, I think (if peace is not settl’d this winter) that an early demand Might be Complie’d with for next Campaign.
          Our Ministry are Rather Slow in theyr operations and have a great propension to peace, provided it is An honorable one, so that I think America Must show herself in a great earnest for war till such Conditions are obtain’d—American independancy is a certain undoubtfull point, but I want that independancy to be aknowledged with advantageous Conditions—The whole, My dear General, Betwen us—For what concerns the Royal, ministerial, public good will towards America, I, an American citizen, am fully Satisfied with it, and I am sure the Alliance and friendship betwen Both Nations will be establish’d in Such a way as will last for ever.
          Be so kind, My dear General, as to present My Best Respects to Your lady, and tell her how happy I would feel to present them Myself to her, at her own house—I have a Wife, My dear General, who is in love with you, and affection for you Seems to Me So well justified that I Can’t oppose Myself to that Sentiment of her’s—She Begs you would Receive her Compliments, and Make them acceptable to Mrs Washington—I hope, My dear General, you will Come to See us in europe, and Most Certainly I Give you My word, that if I am not happy enough as to be Sent to America Before the peace, I Shall by all Means go there as Soon as I may escape—I wo’nt forget telling You, My dear friend, that I have the hope of being Soon once more a father.

          All europe Wants So much to See you, My dear General, that you Ca’nt Refuse them that pleasure—I have Boldly affirm’d that you would pay a visit to me after peace Would be Settled, So that if you deny it, you will hurt your friend’s Reputation throughout the world.
          I Beg you would present My Best Compliments to Your family and Remind them of My tender affection for them all—Be so kind also to present My Compliments to the general officers, to all the officers of the Army, to all the friends I have there, to every one from the first Major general till the last Soldier.
          I Most instantly entreat you, My dear General, to let Me hear from you—write me how you do, how things are going—The Minutest detail will be infinitly interesting for Me—do’nt forget any thing Concerning yourself, and be certain that any little event or Reflexion concerning you, Whatever trifling you Might Believe it, will have my Warmest attension and interest—Adieu, my dear general, I Can’t leave the pen, and I enjoy the greatest pleasure in Scribling you this long letter—don’t forget me, My dear General, Be ever as affectionate for me as you have been, those Sentiments I deserve by the ardent ones which fill my heart—with the highest Respect, with the most Sincere, and tender friendship that ever human heart has felt I have the honor to be Your excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant

            Lafayette

            For god’s Sake write me frequent and long letters and speak most chiefly about yourself and your private circumstances.

            St jean d’angely 13th june 1779

          I just Receive, My dear General, an express from Court, with orders to Repair immediately to Versaïlles—there I am to Meet Monsieur le Comte de Vaux lieutenant General who is Appointed to the Command of the troops intended for An expedition—in that Army I will be employ’d in the Capacity of Aide marechal General des logis, which is in our service a very important and agreable place—So that I’ll Serve in the Most pleasing Manner, and will be in situation of knowing every thing and Rendering Services—The obligation of Setting off immediately prevents My writing to general greene, to gentlemen of your family, and other friends of mine in the Army whom I beg to accept my excuses on account of that order I did not expect So Soon—every thing that will happen you Shall most Certainly be Acquainted of by me, and I will for the moment finish my letter, in assuring Your excellency again of my profond Respect, and tenderest friendship. Farewell, my dear General, and let our mutual affection last for ever and ever.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 12 June 1779
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

          dear General
          We⟨s⟩t Point 12th June 1779

        General Patterson joind his Brigade last Evening and is now on the Point; when the public Service will admit I shall be happy to join my Brigade at such Place as will most conduce to the general Welfare.
        Your Excellency was pleasd to desire my Opinion of the Disposition to be made of the Army.
        Under all Circumstances I think 3000 Men should be assignd for garrisoning this Post, by which, I understand the Forts on the Point & Highlands near, the Heights near Rock Hill and the Island where Fort Constitution was.
        On the East Side the River a Force should be kept in the Highlands sufficient to prevent the Enemy’s occupying the Hills there which may cover works which will exceedingly distress this Post; the Advance of these Troops may safely be at or near the Village. this I think necessary because those Grounds cannot be held by this Garrison without new Works are constructed & the Garrison increasd. the Remainder of the Army will be well posted in or near Smith’s Clove with a Detachment advancd between Ft Montgomery and the Furnace.
        As this Post or the Army are the only capital Objects the Enemy can propose, I do not know a better Disposition which can be made at present to defeat their Designs than what may be formd on the Ideas before expresd.
        I have Nothing new this Day neither my Scouts or Boats are yet returnd—I should be obligd to Excellency to be informd what Congress have resolvd respecting an Aid De Camp for a Brigadier that I may recommend one, if allowd. I am with Esteem & Respect Yr Excellencys Obedt Servt

          Saml H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Major Joseph Pettingill, 12 June 1779
From: Pettingill, Joseph
To: Washington, George

          May it Please Your Excellency
          West-point June 12th 1779

        That whereas I was absent at the Time the Board of Officers Assembled which were appointed for the Settlement of the rank of the Field officers and eldest Captains of the Massachusetts Line My p⟨r⟩etensions were not properly Exhibited, by which means I am informed I stand arrainged the ninth Captain in said State and as there are some difficulty arrises in Consequence of the Majority of Colo. Wesson’s Regiment, being conferred upon me, I begg the liberty to lay before your Excellency my pretensions—which is a Captaincy from the Commencement of the present War—in the month of September 1777: the Majority of said regiment become vacant, from which time I have done duty as Major—Colo. Wesson made application to the Honble Council of the Massachusetts State soon after the Vacancy happened, and had a promise that I should be Commissioned—being in my duty in the Field I could not seek for what I esteem to be my right, but chearfully continued in my duty with full assurance that no difficulty would attend my Promotion than it hath severall other Gentlemen whose pretensions are no ways superior to mine Merit excepted, ever concluding that the date of the Vacancy would be Considered at which time I presume no one would have disputed my right to it—Last winter I was presented with a Majors Commission Dated 25th November 1777: at which time it appears I was appointed Major of Colo. Wesson’s Regiment by the Honble Council of the

Massachusetts State—Being Confident your Excellency will see equal Justice done to one as well as to another of equal merit—I now wait on your Excellency desiring your direction in what Charracter I am to consider myself, and shall with Cheerfullness and pleasure conduct myself accordingly. I have the honor to be Your Excellency Most Obedient and very Humble Servent

          Joseph Pettingill

          N.B. I Consulted the Muster Master yestoday in what manner he should Muster me, he wished to have a Line from his Excellency directing him Respecting the matter—as I can not muster as Captain and Certify the Roll to be Right and Just—your Excellency’s Compliance with the above will greatly Oblige Your Humble Servent

            J. Pettingill


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 12 June 1779
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

          [Easton, Pa., 12 June 1779]

        Extract of a letter from Genl Sullivan Dated at Easton June 12th 1779.
        I should have moved from this post before now but the stores not having got up the Susquehannah I thought it imprudent to throw the whole army on to consume the provisions before we were in readiness to move on. I expect an Officer to return from Wyoming this day who was sent on to examine into the state of affairs and hope to move the whole Army early on Monday—The road was much more difficult than was at first apprehended; it is however now completed. The companies of Pennsylvania are not half raised I must proceed without them though I much fear my numbers will be far short of what was supposed necessary and should the enemy reinforce strongly as

represented in Van Schaicks letter, but it is reasonable to suppose that they will spare all the troops from Canada which may be done with safety—I lament exceedingly the delay occasioned by the want of Boats & men on Susquehannah for transporting the stores in season which has occasioned such a loss of time that I cannot think of waiting for the Pennsylvania troops even though my numbers will be small & Genl Hand writes me that the troops with him are not to be depended on—I have now established expresses so as to hear from Genl Clinton every two days & I hope the exactness and regularity of our advancement will in some measure supply the want of numbers by dividing the attention of the enemy and preventing a collection of their whole force at any one point—your Excellency may rely that not a moments time shall be unnecessarily lost: but as the difficulties I have already encountered in getting Waggons forwarding stores supplying guards & preparing the roads would baffle all description. I have the honor to be &ca

          Jn S.