Title: From George Washington to Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, 6 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hollingsworth, Henry

Sir
Head Quarters Philada County [Pa.] 6th Octobr 1777

You will oblige me much if you will, immediately upon the Rect of this, set about making the most minute enquiry into the Number and Situation of the Enemy at Wilmington. I imagine both these points may be ascertained with precision as I am informed there is a very free intercourse between the Country and Town. The principal Matters to be inquired into are. The force of the Enemy—where posted and whether in Barracks or Camp. Where their Artillery is placed—

Whether they have any Lines or Redoubts and where—Where their pickets are and of what Numbers they consist—When you have gained a competent Knowledge of the above, I beg you will inform me by Letter or if you can spare the time, I shall be glad to see you personally.
I am informed that there is a considerable quantity of Corn and other Grain belonging to the public which the Enemy did not destroy when they left Elk, I shall be much obliged if you will endeavour to procure Waggons and have it removed some distance inland. I should suppose it would be safest over towards Lancaster, but as you are well acquainted with the Country I leave the place to your own discretion. I am Sir Yr most obt Sert.


Title: From George Washington to General William Howe, 6 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

[Perkiomen, Pa.] Octr 6. 1777

General Washington’s compliments to General Howe. He does himself the pleasure to return him a dog, which accidentally fell into his hands, and by the inscription on the Collar appears to belong to General Howe.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 6 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Dr Sir
Camp near Pennibackers Mill [Pa.] Octob. 6th 1777.

I was this Evening honoured with your favor of Yesterday. I am much obliged by your attention to Colo. Stewarts application, and for your Letter to the Magistrates; and I trust by perseverance & care, the several important Stores which were removed to Trentown, will be Secured. I confess their situation has given me great uneasiness.
Your description of a Tory seems to me to be well drawn. Those who come within it appear unconquerable but by the means you mention.
From Genl Dickinson’s Account it is probable some Movement is about to take place on the part of the Enemy. perhaps it may be only a landing in pursuance of their Original plan to prevent Reinforcements to this Army. I hope, whatever the design may be, that he will be able to make head against them.
You will have heard of the Action on the 4th. I shall only add, that we lost the day by a sudden retreat of our Troops at a Time when every appearance promised Victory and a defeat of Genl How’s Army. The Misfortune, I am persuaded, was occasioned by a Fog, which was so thick & heavy, that our several Columns & parties could not discover each other’s movements and harmonise in the Attacks. I hope thing’s will be more favourable at another time. I have the Honor to be &c. with great esteem &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Lewis Nicola, 6 October 1777
From: Nicola, Lewis
To: Washington, George

Sr
Trenton [N.J.] Octob. 6th 1777

When I last retreated from Philadelphia I ordered Jonathan Guy, Serjt Major to the Invalid Regt, out of the boat in which I was into another to take care of the men in her, when the boats pushed off he told the men I had ordered him to stay & look for two men that were missing, by this means he detained them about two hours, tho the light horse men who returned last said the enemy were close to the town, Serjt Aldridge, who is since dead, impatient at this delay set off with such men as were at hand & joined me in the evening, Serjt Macdougal, who had found two of the men, after Aldrige set off expostulated with Guy on the danger of tarrying longer, but Guy threatened to confine him if he offered to stir without his order. A captain of one of the Gallies, who heard the dispute, offered to take them on board his gally, which lay off of market st[r]eet wharf. Macdougal & two men accepted the offer but Guy refused. Just as I was leaving Philadelphia the keeper of the New Goal informed me a Mrs Bryan, who was confined for being an accomplice with the man that was hanged for enveagling pilots into the enemies service remained in Goal. I ordered her to be brought to the wharf & gave her into the care [of] Guy. When I was informed of all the circumstances of this affair, as I have just mentioned them to your Excellency I strongly suspected he had deserted to the enemy & wanted to throw as many men as possible into their hands with his & their arms & accoutrements.
I was yesterday much surprised to see Guy come to this town, on examining him he told me he understood I ordered him to stay & look for the men that were missing, which cannot be as the orders I gave were expressly as I have mentioned them on the other side, in which sence he must have understood them as he directly went out of my boat into that along side of it; he said that one Delaplain, who was constable of the night watch and one Wood, who had long been doorkeeper to the Council of safety & Board of war of the State of Pensylvania, seized him & confined him in the Courthouse, then in the State house ’till removed to the New Goal by the British troops, that Col. Will Allen & other Officers endeavoured to enlist as many of the prisoners as they

could persuade & that he entered into Brittish service as a Waggoner in which station he continued ’till last Thursday when he found an opportunity of deserting. As to Mrs Bryan he says he took her for a lady that wanted to retire from Philadelphia & that as there was a shallop at the end of the wharf designed for Trenton she chose to go in her. All these details not removing my suspicion & considering that he might have come out as a spy, being well acquainted with all the country in the neighborhood of your Excellencies army, & visited the army before he came here, or possibly the experience he has had of the British Service convinced him he was better with the Invalids, whether my suspicions are well or ill founded I thought it my duty to confine Guy & acquaint your Excellency with all the circumstances of this affair, independant of which he has certainly embezelled some of the continental cloathing. I am informed of 6 pair of Breeches & 2 bundles of stockins he left in a house in Philadelphia just before we retired the first time, as there is no Qr Master appointed to the Regt I was obliged to employ him as such & he says he left his book in the barracks.
Col: Sommers of the Militia, dispatched by Genl Newcomb in quest of arms and ammunition for the militia, who assemble at Red bank very fast, has just been with me to enquire where he can be supplied, after consulting Colonel Sullivan & the other Commissaries here I cannot find that either can be procured nearer than Northampton alias Allentown in Pensylvania, but as possibly there may be some belonging to this State nearer I have recommended to the Colonel to go by the way of Princetown as the Goverr & Council are assembled there.
Last tuesday I received a Letter from the Navy Board requesting a detachment of 100 men to guard the Shallops at Burdentown. as the whole regiment fit for duty would not make up that number I could not comply but anxious to do every thing in my power for the good of the service I went the day following to Burdentown to enquire into the necessity of a guard there & finding there is a large vessel in the river with a very valuable Cargo belonging to Congress which was in danger of falling into the enemies hands & that the Shallop men refused to receive her Cargo but on unreasonable terms I agreed with the Gent. of the board to send them 30 men, which I have done under the command of two Serjeants, the only officers appointed to the regiment being sick. I hope the urgency of the service will excuse my taking this step without waiting for your Excellencies orders.
I am sorry to trouble you with so long a letter but think it necessary to fully inform you of all the particulars of Guys affair & report to you the detachment I have sent to Burdentown. I have the honour to assure your Excellency that I am with due respect Sr Your most Humbe and Obedt Servt

Lewis Nicola


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 6 October 1777
From: Smith, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Mifflin [Pa.] October 6. 1777

From the best Intelligence the Enemy have withdrawn all their men from Billingsport (the night of the fourth Instant) except two hundred who seem much discourag’d, Your Excellencys Success (on which I sincerely congratulate you) has been of the utmost service, we have now no more Desertions, on the contrary some who went from the fleet have returnd. Had we a few men to sport on we might with ease cut of those few that are left at Billingsport. One of their Ships has just now come in close to the Chevaux de frize with intent I suppose to weigh it, the Gundolas are down to Annoy her. Our men are very sickly.
The Commodore and other Officers of the Navy think Red Bank of the utmost Consequence. I think from the Situation 400 Men might defend it with the Assistance which might be given from the fleet. without the Enemy possess it, they never can get the River. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys mo. Obedt Servant

Sam Smith


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 6 October 1777
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Camp at Perkeomi [Pa.] October 6th 1777

Some matters Calling off your Excellencys attention After you had mentioned Something of my Resignation prevented my giving your Excy Satisfaction on that head—I therefore take the Freedom to Trouble you with a Line on the Subject I freely Confess that nothing gives me more pain than to think of Abandoning a Commander who has Studied to make me and all others as Happy as the nature of the Service would admit Especially when he Expresses his Desire for me to remain with him. but I am Extremely Sorry to Say that a party have Risen up against me in Congress who Industriously manage their Business with Such Success that Every Report against me is believed & all those in my favor Discredited or Construed away The Best meant Actions are Construed into a want of Judgment & if Ever they hear a person Speak of my having a Common Share of Bravery they Construe it into madness—I wish for nothing after my Reputation is Lost I have yet preserved it through Life & can by no means Risque it Longer in Such hands: any thing that your Excelle[n]cy could ask it would be out of my power to Deny Except Risquing the Loss of my Reputation Even my Life (I can with truth Say) I would risque to Save or to oblidge yr Excy but if my Reputation is Lost my Life would become Disagreeable The Freedom of my Country would only Serve to aggravate my misfortunes when I Reflected That Though my Country was free the Loss of my Reputation had rendered me Incapable to Serve it—& had Lost me the Esteem of my Countrymen—To prevent These Evils I have Sent to Congress a Long Letter of Complaint respecting The Treatment I have received I have Inclosed them the Evidence of those Actions they have Condemned me for & begged Leave to Retire from the Army—This I Suppose they will grant and though it is my Earnest Desire to Quit the Service I Sincerely Lament my being forced into the Measure I am Sensible That Reports have been Spread agt me in the Country where I have Ever Resided (with as much Credit & Influence as any person there) Those Reports will Soon become too Deeply Rooted to be Eradicated unless I fall upon Some measures to Save myself which I cannot Do in the manner I would wish while in the Service—Congress have without Colour publickly Censured me and proclaimed it to the world & Such has been my misfortune that no Court of Enquiry has yet Sat to Acquit me from the Charge—I know Yr

Excelly has not had it in your power as yet But the Delay is very Injurious to me Every Day it is Delayed Renders it more necessary for me to Quit the Service & Remove those prejudices which Daily gain Strength. perhaps Congress when they read my Letter & Examine the Evidence Inclosed & afterward See the Result of a Court of Inquiry in my favor may think proper to publish to the world that the Suggestions against [me] were without foundation & the proceedings against me premature if They do I have no objection to remaining in the Service but if they Refuse necessity will force me to Convince the world of my own Innocence & their Error in order to which I must Leave the Service however Disagreeable to me it may be This Resolution I beg yr Excy to Consider as proceeding not from Choice but necessity & believe me to be with the highest Sentiments of Gratitude & Esteem Dr Genl yr Excellencys most obedient Servant

Jno. Sullivan


Title: General Orders, 7 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Perkiomy [Pa.] October 7th 1777.
Milton.Medway. Marlboro.

The state regiment from Virginia is to supply the place of the 9th regiment in Muhlenberg’s brigade, and do duty there ’till further orders.
John Farndon of Col. Hartley’s regiment, found guilty of the crime of desertion, and sentenced by the General Court Martial, held the

25th of September last, to suffer death is to be executed to morrow at twelve o’clock.
The situation of the army, frequently not admitting, of the regular performance of divine service, on Sundays, the chaplains of the army are forthwith to meet together, and agree on some method of performing it, at other times, which method they will make known to the Commander in Chief.
A General Court martial, to sit at nine o’clock this morning, at a Horseman’s tent by the artillery park, for the trial of divers officers, accused of cowardice, and of all prisoners which shall be brought before them—The court to consist of four field officers and nine Captains—Col. Brodhead is appointed president.
After Orders. The troops are to march to morrow morning at eight o’clock.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp near Pennibackers Mill [Pa.] Octor 7th 1777.

Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 5th I have obtained a Return of our loss in the Action on Saturday, by which it appears to be much more considerable, than I first apprehended, tho I always imagined myself, that it was greater, than it was generally supposed to be. The Copy of the Return inclosed will shew the amount as it now stands, but I hope, many of those who are missing will yet come in. I fear however, there are several under that denomination, to be added to the number of the slain, as the Action was warm in every Quarter from the information of the Officers who commanded the different Attacks. What loss the Enemy sustained, I am not able precisely to ascertain—but from a variety of corresponding Accounts of persons, who left the City since & those of a Deserter, it was very considerable. The Deserter, who is intelligent says, Genl Agnew was killed—Sr William Erskine wounded in the head & leg, and that their general loss in killed and wounded amounted to near Eight Hundred. Several Repu |

table persons from the City corroborate this, particularly with respect to General Agnew’s death. Some say upwards of Two Hundred Waggons with wounded were carried in after the Action and before they came out; and, that it was the common belief there, the Enemy had been severely handled. It is with much chagrin and mortification, I add, that every account confirms the Opinion, I at first entertained, that our Troops retreated at the instant, when Victory was declaring herself in our favor. The tumult, disorder, & even despair, which it seems had taken place in the British Army were scarcely to be parallelled; And it is said, so strongly did the Ideas of a retreat prevail, that Chester was fixed on as their Rendezvous. I can discover no other cause for not improving this happy Opportunity, than the extreme haziness of the Weather.
My intention is, to encamp the Army at some suitable place, to rest and refresh the Men, and recover them from the still remaining effects of that disorder naturally attendant on a Retreat. We shall here wait for the Reinforcements coming on, and shall then act according to circumstances. Genl Varnum with the Detachment from Peeks Kill, amounting to about Twelve Hundred including Officers would be last night at Coryel’s ferry. About Five Hundred militia from Virginia, & Two hundred from Maryland, together with Colo. Gibson’s State Regiment, consisting of 226 Effectives, have already joined the Army. Since the Action, Genl Foreman’s Brigade of Jersey Militia has quitted us. The men began to be uneasy at their situation and desirous to return Home; and as by some intelligence received from Genl Dickinson, there was reason to imagine there might be a call for their services in the Jersies, it was thought expedient to gratify their desire.
The state of our Water defence on the Delaware is far from being as flattering, as could be wished. After some slight opposition from the Jersey Militia under Genl Newcomb, a detachment of the Enemy took possession of Billingsport. This perhaps is an event of no material consequence. But it is to be lamented, that many of the Officers and Seamen on board the Gallies have manifested a disposition that does them little honor. Looking upon their situation as desperate, or probably from worse motives, they have been guilty of the most alarming desertions. Two whole crews, including the Officers, have deserted to the Enemy. I learn however by Captn Bruer, who is this moment arrived here from the Fleet, that the Accounts they have received from the City of our late Attack were such as to have produced a favourable change and to have inspired them with more confidence. I would here observe, that the charge of bad conduct was by no means applicable to the whole—far from it. He further adds, that four of the Enemy’s Ships made an Attempt yesterday morning to weigh the Chevaux de frizes

opposite Billingsport; but were repulsed by our Gallies, which has also contributed to raise the spirits of the seamen. Our Garrison on Fort Island, consisting of little more than Two hundred Continental Troops under Lt Colo. Smith appear determined to maintain their post to the last extremity.
I beg leave to mention to Congress, that there is a great deficiency of General Officers in this Army. When the detachment coming from Peeks Kill joins us, we shall have thirteen Brigades—These require as many Brigadiers & six Major Generals. Instead of these we shall have only Four Major Generals and Eleven Brigadiers; and the deficiency will be still increased by the death of Genl Nash, which from every appearance is momently to be expected. Genl Woodford’s absence, occasioned by his wound, adds to our embarrasments—though it will be but for a time. Under these circumstances, Congress will be sensible, that the government of the Army cannot go on with that energy, which is essential to its well being and success. Neither Officers nor Men will transfer the respect and obedience they pay to a Genl Officer, to a Colonel who happens to be appointed to the temporary command of a Brigade; nor will he, knowing his authority to be only temporary, be as solicitous to inforce it, as One who is conscious he is to continue in the station he fills. Want of leisure prevents my being more particular at this time; but I shall take the liberty in a day or two to point out the Troops, that are in want of General Officers with my observations on the Subject. I cannot, however, omit this Opportunity of recommending Genl McDougal to their notice. This Gentleman from the time of his Appointment as Brigadier—from his abilities—military knowledge and approved bravery has every claim to promotion. If I mistake not, he was passed over in the last appointments of Major Generals and younger Officers prefered before him; but his disinterested attachment to the service prevented his acting in the manner, that is customary in like circumstances. This, I think, gives him a peculiar title to esteem, and concurs with the opinion I have of his value as an Officer, to make me wish it may appear adviseable to Congress, to promote him to one of the vacancies.
It would be well, the intended inquiry into the conduct of Genl Sinclair could be brought to a speedy issue, and if he is acquitted to the satisfaction of Congress, that, as his general character as an Officer is good, he may be again restored to the service.
By a Letter this Evening received from Colo. Hawkes Hay of Haverstraw, dated the 5th at 4 OClock P.M.—Four Ships of War—a considerable number of Armed Vessels—Eight Transports and Forty flat Bottom Boats, arrived that morning in the Bay, opposite that place, and were landing Troops at Verplanks point. Their number & design were

not known. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Inclosed you will find a Copy of a Letter from Colo. Mifflin, containing an Account of the Action of the 4th as mentioned by the British Officers in Philadelphia. I would beg leave to observe that I think Miss Leonards name should not be mentioned.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 7 October 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
York Town: Pennsylvania October 7th 1777

I have the Honour to transmit you the inclosed Resolves relative to the Commissary General’s Department, and sundry other Subjects, to which I shall only refer your Attention.
I forward likewise, agreeably to the Order of Congress, a Copy of a Letter from Genl Putnam, by which you will perceive he apprehends an Attack is meditated against the Post at Peeks Kill, & the other Defences on Hudson’s River.
A Report prevails that last Saturday you had a severe Engagement with the Enemy, the Particulars of which we are anxiously expecting to hear every Moment.
Your Favour of the 3d Inst. I have been duely honoured with, and immediately laid it before Congress. I have the Honour to be with the utmost Esteem & Respect Sir, Your most obed. & very hble Serv.

John Hancock Presid.


Title: From George Washington to Commodore John Hazelwood, 7 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hazelwood, John

Sir
Camp Pawlins Mill [Pa.] 7 October 1777

Upon Capt. Blewers representation of the importance of Red Bank I have determined to garrison it immediately strongly with continental troops, who are now upon their march. Till they arrive I beg you will do all in your power to keep possession of the Ground, should the Enemy attempt to take it. With the assistance of this Force upon the land, I hope you will be enabled to keep your Station with your fleet, and if you can do that, I have not the least doubt but we shall by our

operations by land and Water oblige the Enemy to abandon Philada. I have wrote to Genl Newcombe to assist the Garrison with as many Militia as he can spare. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I intend to send down Capt. Mauduit to command the Artillery. I beg you will afford him every Assistance of Cannon and Stores, and if he should want a few Men to work the Guns, I beg he may have such as have been used to it. I think you should not lose one moment in possessing the Ground at Red Bank.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 7 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Sir
Head Quarters near Pawlins Mill [Pa.] 7th Octobr 1777.

I am favd with yours of the 1st and 2d instants. The Troops coming on from Virginia should have directions to proceed from Lancaster down what is called the Horse Shoe Road and cross Schuylkill about one Mile and an half below Potts Grove, when they have crossed the River they will hear where the Army is incamped and they must reach it by the most direct Rout.
I have given authorities to Mr Henry of Lancaster and to several others to impress, Blankets, Shoes, Stockings and other Cloathing, but unless Congress or the Board of War will extend the matter much further I fear very little in comparison to our wants will be done, for it cannot be expected that I can spare officers and Men at this critical Juncture to go upon that Business. If any parcels of Shoes are in the hands of particular persons in the Country there is no other method to be fallen upon but to take them and pay a reasonable price for them, this I have done in several instances and I must beg and intreat that if you know of any such parcels that they may be immediately seized and sent on to the Army.
I know not where Major Nicholas is or what were his particular orders, but I think you had better direct him not to bring his Arms and Stores further down than Bethlehem or that Neighbourhood, from thence they can be removed to the Western parts of the State if it should be thought more secure.
As Govr Trumbull obtained the Arms for the State of Connecticut by an order from the Board of War or from Congress I think they should direct him to return them into the public Magazine when the

state is in no danger of invasion. I shall direct Genl Heath not to keep any more than the three Regiments now raising have actually occasion for.
When Mr Mease has removed all his Stores from Trenton I expect to see him here, I recommended it to him to fix his principal Store at Lancaster, as thinking it would be the most likely place to get Cloathing made up. Those Recruits who are under such Circumstances that they cannot come on for want of Cloaths had better remain at Lancaster till they can get a supply.
I expect Genl Varnum with 1250 Men from Peeks kill will join me tomorrow, the State Regiment of Virginia came on to day, and their Militia are following. I am &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 7 October 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office York Town [Pa.] Octr 7th 1777

I have the Honour to enclose by Direction of the Board a Number of Certificates relating to the Bearer Capt. Thomas Rowland who is sent to your Excellency to exhibit his Experiments before you or such Persons as you shall appoint. On his Return he will bring your Certificates of his Performances & Opinion of the Utility of his Scheme. It appears to the Board that the Plan proposed by Mr Rowland will be useful or they would not have troubled your Excellency with the Matter especially as many Persons have claimed your Attention when Speculations have been either ingenious without Utility or merely calculated to get Money from the Public. The Board have furnished Mr Rowland with a Sum of Money to bear his Expenses & leave it to you either to employ him at Camp or send him back as you shall think proper.
The Board request you will be pleased to point out to them such Regulations in Regard to the Pay & Appointments of Messieurs du Portail, de la Radiere[,] de Laumoy & du Guvion as are suitable to their Rank & the Nature of their Employment as Engineers. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect Your very obed. Serv.

Richard Peters Secy


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Caesar Rodney, 7 October 1777
From: Rodney, Caesar
To: Washington, George

Dover [Del.] Octr ye 7th 1777

Captain Peery who commands a Company at Lewis-Town writes me as follows—“Lewis Octr ye 5th 1777. This morning 36 sails of the Enemy’s Ships went past this Town up the Bay, and this Evening 47 more were seen from the Light House Standing in for the Cape, and While writing being nine OClock find by the Lights in the Bay and firing Signal Gun they have Anchored in our Road.”—Captain Peery Says Several of the inhabitants run off to them that night. Tho he tryed to prevent it—
The Enemy that possess Wilmington By permitting the Inhabitants of this State to pass in and out the Town freely and—bring their Effects to Market, by furnishing them with articles much Cheaper than they were used to get them &c have already So Corrupted them—That to talk of Giving the enemy any opposition, or to prevent this free, dangerous Communication, is more than any, now, dare Venture—In Short we are now in a most alarming Scituation—


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 7 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Samuel

Sir
Camp at Pawlins Mill [Pa.] 7th Octob: 1777

I am favd with both yours of the 3d and am sorry to find that so dastardly a spirit prevailing in the Navy, but I hope there will still be good men enough left to defend the Fort and obstructions till we can give them a decisive stroke by land. I have the pleasure to inform you that we made a general attack upon the Enemy at Germantown upon the morning of the 4th. We surprised them and threw their whole Army into confusion, and had not the fogginess of the Morning prevented us from seeing the advantage we had gained it would have ended in a compleat victory as they themselves have confessed. However they have suffered considerably. Genl Agnew was killed and Sr William Erskine desperately wounded. Their return of killed and wounded amounts to upwards of 700 as we are informed by a person come out since the Action. We shall have a large reinforcement from the Northward and southward in a day or two, and you may assure the Officers of the Army and Navy that no time shall be lost in following our Blow effectually and Strictly giving relief to all our posts. I think this may be so much sooner effected by keeping our whole force together and acting powerfully with them, that I shall pursue that Course rather than detatch a part to operate against their detachments. For you must be very sensible that if their Main Body is defeated their small parties must fall of Course. I beg you will communicate this letter to the Gentlemen of the Navy and let them see how much depends upon their brave opposition to the last Moment. I am Sir Yr.
I have just recd an Account that 200 Waggons went into Philada with wounded if so the loss is more than I have mentioned.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 7 October 1777
From: Smith, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Mifflin [Pa.] October 7th 1777

Yesterday Evening the Enemy entirely evacuated Billingsport after having destroy’d our works, burnt the platforms, Houses[,] Gun Carriages &c. they have left all our own guns, one of which a twelve pounder they had taken out the spike and left it open. The works they threw up are entire We shall destroy them. The Commodore engag’d their Shiping last night and chas’d them down to Chester, where nine of them now lay, and where they landed their Troops from Billingsport.

I presume from their destroying every thing at that Garrison, that they do not mean to return, they have made an attempt on the Chevaux de frize and found it almost impractacable to raise them, I flatter myself ’tis their last.
Our Spies from the City say that the Enemy are very scarce of Ammunition, all the Accounts from them agree that one Hessian and one Brittish General were kill’d. our last Spy brings an account that a party attempted to cross the ferry to go to their Ships for Ammunition and coud not for want of Boats, he says that the Soldiers publickly found fault with their Officers for not supplying them properly. This Garrison is very sickly. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obediant Servant

Sam Smith


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 7 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Camp Pawlins Mill [Pa.] 7th Oct. 1777

I have the Honor to transmit you an account of an Action between the American Army and that of the British laying at Germantown upon the morning of the 4th inst. Having obtained information of the situation of the Enemy we determined to endeavour to do something by way of surprize—We accordingly marched all night and reached the Town by break of day. We attacked upon two Quarters, upon both of which we were successful; but the morning was so exceedingly foggy that we could not see the Confusion the Enemy were in and the advantage we had gained, and fearing to push too far through a strong Village we retired after an engagement of two hours, bringing off all our Artillery with us. We did not know till after the affair was over, how near we were to gaining a compleat Victory; but we have since learned from Deserters and others that have come out, that preparations were making to retreat to Chester. While the Action lasted it was pretty severe. Our loss will amount, in killed and wounded, to upwards of three hundred. What that of the Enemy is we do not exactly know; but one Deserter tells us, that when he came away the returns amounted to upwards of seven hundred, among which are Genl Agnew killed and Sr William Erskine badly wounded. Other accounts say, that upwards of two hundred Waggons went into Philadelphia loaded with wounded.

If this is true their loss is more than the Deserter mentions—Upon the whole our men are in high Spirits and much pleased with the fortune of the day though not so compleatly lucky as could have been wished. I have the Honor to be Sir your most obedient humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 7 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

Sir,
Camp Pawlings Mill [Pa.] 7th October 1777

I desire you will immediately on the receipt of this detach Col: Green’s and Col: Angel’s regiments with their baggage, with orders to throw themselves into the fort at Red-bank upon the Jersey-shore. This important post commands and defends the Chevaux de frize and unless kept in our possession, our vessels of war must quit their station and thereby leave the enemy at liberty to weigh the Chevaux de frize and open the free navigation of the River. These regiments are not to take any artillery with them. General Green has written a particular letter to Col. Green in which he will find instructions. I desire the detachment may march with the utmost dispatch by the following rout. From the place where this reaches you to Bristol and from thence across Delaware to Burlington, from Burlington to Mount Holly—from Mount Holly to Haddonfield—from Haddonfield to Woodberry—from Woodberry to red-bank. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant

G.W.


Title: General Orders, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Perkiomy [Pa.] October 8th 1777.

The Brigade Majors are to make returns to morrow, of the number of arms and accoutrements, wanting in the several regiments of their brigades, in order to their being completed without delay—They are also at the same time to make returns of the number of tin cannisters now in their brigades.
The battalion of militia from Virginia, commanded by Major Pickett, are to be attached to, and do duty with, General Woodford’s brigade.
The men’s pouches are to be well greased at least once a week, especially that part of the flap which preserve them from injury in case of rain—The commanding officers of corps will pay attention to this.
The commanding officers of corps are immediately to select the most suitable of their men, and set them to making Mockasins for their corps—The Commissaries are to order the skins of the heads and legs of bullocks to be taken off, and applied to that use so far as they will go—The Commissaries also are to issue the raw hides for the purpose, upon the returns of the officers commanding corps.
John Farndon of Col. Hartley’s regiment, sentenced to suffer death, for the crime of “desertion to enemy,” and who was to have been executed yesterday, is to be executed to morrow at 12 o’clock—A detachment of Sixty men from each brigade is to parade at the park of Artillery at that time, to attend the execution.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Armstrong, John Sr.

Sir,
Hd Qrs October 8th 1777

You are immediately to send General Potter with about 600 of your militia across the Schulkill, with directions to keep himself in such a situation as will be most convenient for interrupting the enemy’s intercourse, between Philadelphia and Chester &c.—He is to take every method to keep himself well acquainted with what is doing, and to embrace every opportunity of cutting off the convoys and intercepting the dispatches passing between their army and shipping; and to use every method to prevent their getting supplies from the country around them, and in a word to give them all the annoyance and disturbance he can. I would not mean to bend him to any precise position or mode of acting to answer the ends proposed; but leave him to his own discretion to persue such measures as Circumstances shall point out—It appears to me however, that Newtown Square would be a good general place of rendesvous, from which he might send out his detachments, as he should judge proper, and to which they might resort as often as any plan or event should make it requisite. It is not my wish he should be stationary; because by keeping in one place, he would not only be more liable to a surprise and attack; but would have it less in his power to perplex and injure the enemy. These however are only intended as hints, which he can use and improve as his own judgment shall direct. As a few horse will be extremely useful, with this detachment, I would have you send such a part of those with you, as You and General Potter shall deem sufficient.
Be pleased to communicate this letter to him; to which I shall only add, that, I confide in General Potters utmost vigilance against being surprized, which he may with certainty expect the enemy will attempt. For this purpose, he will be careful to keep continually out proper scouts and patrols of horse and foot. I am Dr Sir &c.

P.S. If Genl Potters Brigade does not greatly exceed the number mentioned for the detachment, let him take his whole Brigade with him. I shall expect to be punctually advised of every thing that happens or any intelligence that comes to his knowledge.


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Duché, 8 October 1777
From: Duché, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia, October 8th, 1777

If this Letter should happen to find you in Council, or in the Field, before you read another Sentence, I beg you to take the first opportunity of retiring, & weighing well its important contents.
You are perfectly acquainted with the Part I formerly took in the present unhappy contest. I was indeed among the first to bear my public testimony against having any recourse to threats, or even indulging a Thought of an armed opposition. The torrent, however, was too strong for my feeble efforts to resist. I wished to follow my Countrymen as far only as virtue & the righteousness of their cause would permit me. I was, however, prevailed upon, among the rest of my clerical brethren in this City, to gratify the pressing Desires of my fellow-citizens, by preaching a sermon to one of the City battalions. I was pressed to publish this sermon, & reluctantly consented. From a personal attachment of near 20 years standing, & an high respect for your character in private as well as in publick life, I took the liberty of dedicating it to you. I had your affectionate thanks for my performance, in a letter, wherein you express, in the most delicate & obliging terms, your regard for me, & your wishes for a continuance of my friendship, & approbation of your conduct.
Farther than this I intended not to proceed. My sermon speaks for itself & utterly disclaims the idea of independency. My sentiments were well known to my friends. I communicated them, without reserve, to many respectable members of congress, who expressed their warm approbation of them. I persisted to the very last moment, in using the prayers for my sovereign, tho’ threatned with insult from the violence of a party.
Upon the declaration of independency, I called my vestry, and solemnly put the question to them, whether they thought it best for the peace & welfare of the congregations to shut up the churches, or to continue the service without using the petitions for the royal family. This was the sad alternative. I concluded to abide by their decision, as I could not have time to consult my spiritual superiors in England. They deemed it most expedient, under such critical circumstances,

to keep open the churches, that the congregations might not be dispersed, which we had great reason to apprehend.
A very few Days after the fatal declaration of independency, I received a letter from Mr Hancock sent by Express to Germantown, where my Family were for the Summer Season, acquainting me that I was appointed chaplain to the congress, & desired to attend them at 9 o’Clock the next morning. Surprized & distressed by an event I was not prepared to expect, obliged to give an immediate answer, without the opportunity of consulting my friends, I rashly accepted the appointment. I could have but one motive for taking this step. I thought the churches in danger, and hoped by these means to have been instrumental in preventing those Ills I had so much reason to apprehend. I can, however, with truth declare that I then looked upon independency rather as an Expedient, and a hazardous one indeed, thrown out in terrorem, in order to procure some favourable terms, than a measure, that was seriously to be persisted in at all events. My sudden change of conduct will clearly evince this to have been my Idea of the matter.
Upon the return of the committee of congress appointed to confer with Lord Howe, I soon discovered their real Intentions. The different Accounts which each member of the Committee gave of this conference, the time they took to make up the matter for the public view, and the amazing disagreement betwixt the news-paper account, and the relation I myself had from the mouth of one of the Committee, convinced me, that there must have been some unfair & ungenerous Proceedure. Their Determination to treat on no other ground than that of independency, which put it out of his Lordship’s Power to mention any terms at all, was a sufficient proof to me, that independency was the idol, which they had long wished to set up, & that rather than sacrifice this, they would deluge their Country in Blood.
From this moment I determined upon my resignation, & in the beginning of October 1776, sent it in form to Mr Hancock, after having officiated only two months & three weeks. And from that Time, as far as my safety would permit, I have been opposed to all their measures. This circumstantial Account of my conduct I think due to the friendship you were so obliging as to express for me, and I hope will be sufficient to justify any seeming inconsistencies in the part I have acted.
And now, my dear Sir, suffer me, in the language of truth and real affection, to address myself to you. All the world must be convinced, that you engaged in the service of your Country from motives perfectly disinterested. You resigned every thing that was dear to you. You abandoned all those Sweets of domestic life, of which your affluent fortune gave you an uninterrupted enjoyment. But had you? could you

have had the least idea of matters being carried to such a dangerous extremity? Your most intimate friends at that time shuddered at the thought of a separation from the mother-country; and I took it for granted, that your Sentiments coincided with theirs. What have been the consequences of this rash & violent measure? A Degeneracy of Representation—confusion of councils—Blunders without number. The most respectable characters have withdrawn themselves, and are succeeded by a great majority of illiberal & violent men.
Take an impartial View of the present congress. What can you expect from them? Your feelings must be greatly hurt by the representation from your native province. You have no longer a Randolph, a Bland or a Braxton, Men, whose names will ever be revered, whose demands never rose above the first ground on which they set out, and whose truly generous & virtuous Sentiments, I have frequently heard with Rapture from their own lips. O my dear Sir! what a sad contrast? Characters now present themselves, whose minds can never mingle with your own. Your Harrison alone remains, and he disgusted with his unworthy associates.
As to those of my own province, some of them are so obscure, that their very names have never met my ears before, & others have only been distinguished for the Weakness of their understandings, and the violence of their tempers. One alone I except from the general charge. A Man of virtue, dragged reluctantly into their measures, and restrained by some false ideas of honour from retracting, after having gone too far. You cannot be at a Loss to discover, whose name answers to this character.
From the new-England provinces, can you find one, that as a gentleman, you could wish to associate with? unless the soft & mild address of Mr Hancock, can atone for his want of every other qualification necessary for the Station he fills. Bankrupts, Attorneys & men of desperate fortunes are his Collegues.
Maryland no longer sends a Tilghman, and a Protestant Carroll. Carolina has lost its Lynch, and the elder Middleton has retired.
Are the Dregs of a Congress, then, still to influence a mind like yours? These are not the Men you engaged to serve. These are not the Men that America has chosen to represent her. Most of them elected by a little low Faction, and the few gentlemen, that are among them, now well known to be upon the Balance, & looking up to your hand alone to move the beam. ’Tis you, Sir, and you only, that support the present Congress. Of this you must be fully sensible. Long before they left Philadelphia, their Dignity & Consequence was gone. What must it be now, since their precipitate Retreat? I write with freedom, but without

Invective. I know these things to be true; and I write to one, whose own Observation must have convinced him that they are so.
After this view of congress, turn to the Army. The whole world knows, that its very existence depends upon you, that your Death or Captivity disperses it in a Moment, and that there is not a Man on that Side the Question in America capable of succeeding you. As to the Army itself, what have you to expect from them? Have they not frequently abandoned even yourself in the hour of extremity? Have you, can you have the least Confidence in a Sett of undisciplined Men, & Officers, many of whom have been taken from the lowest of the People, without Principle, without Courage. Take away those, that surround your Person, how very few are there, that you can ask to sit at your Table?
Turn to your little Navy—Of that little, what left? Of the Delaware fleet, part are taken, the rest must soon surrender. Of those in the other Provinces, some taken, one or two at Sea, and others lying unmanned, and unrigged in their harbours.
And now, where are your Resources? O my dear Sir! How sadly have you been abused by a faction void of truth, & void of tenderness to you & your Country? They have amused you with Hopes of a Declaration of War on the Part of France. Believe me, from the best Authority, ’twas a fiction from the first. Early in the Year 1776, a french Gentleman was introduced to me, with whom I became intimately acquainted. His Business, to all appearance, was to speculate in the mercantile way. But I believe it will be found, that in his own Country, he moved in a higher Sphere. He saw your camp. He became acquainted with all your military preparations. He was introduced to Congress, and engaged with them in a commercial contract. In the course of our Intimacy, he has frequently told me, that he hoped the Americans would never think of Independency. He gave me his Reasons. “Independency, said he, can never be supported, unless France should declare war against England. I well know the State of her Finances. Years to come will not put them in a situation to venture upon a breach with England. At this moment, there are two parties in the court of Versailles, one enlisted under the Duke de Choiseul, the other under Count Maurepas. Choiseul has no chance of succeeding. He is violent for War. Maurepas must get the better. He is for œconomy & Peace.” This was his Information, which I mentioned to several members of Congress. They treated it as a fable, depending entirely on Dr Franklin’s Intelligence. The Truth of the Matter is this. Dr Franklin built upon the Success of Choiseul. Upon his arrival in France, he found him out of place, his councils reprobated, and his party dwindled to an insignificant faction. This you may depend upon, to be the true State of the court of France And

further, by vast numbers of Letters found on board Prizes taken by the King’s Ships, it appears, that all Commerce with the merchants, through whom alone your Supplies have been conveyed, will soon be at an End, the Letters being full of Complaints of no remittances from America, and many Individuals having greatly suffered.
From your Friends in England, you have nothing to expect. Their Numbers are diminished to a Cypher. The Spirit of the whole Nation is in full Activity against you. A few sounding names among the Nobility, though perpetually rung in your Ears, are without character, without influence. Disappointed Ambition has made them desperate: and they only wish to make the deluded Americans instruments of their Revenge. All Orders & Ranks of Men in G. Britain are now unanimous, and determined to risque their All in the contest. Trade & Manufacture are found to flourish: And new channels are continually opening, that will perhaps more than supply the loss of the old. In a word, your harbours are blocked up, your cities fall one after another, fortress after fortress, battle after battle is lost. A British army, after having passed almost unmolested thro’ a vast Extent of Country, have possessed themselves with ease of the Capital of America. How unequal the Contest now! How fruitless the expense of Blood!
Under so many discouraging circumstances, can Virtue, can honour, can the love of your country prompt you to persevere? Humanity itself (and sure I am, Humanity is no Stranger to your Breast) calls upon you to desist. Your Army must perish for want of common necessaries; or thousands of innocent families must perish to support them. Whereever they encamp, the country must be impoverished. Where-ever they march, the Troops of Britain will pursue, & must compleat the Devastation, which America herself had begun.
Perhaps it may be said, that it is “better to die than to be Slaves.” This indeed is a splendid Maxim in theory: And perhaps in some instances may be found experimentally true. But where there is the least Probability of an happy Accommodation, surely wisdom & Humanity call for some Sacrifices to be made, to prevent inevitable Destruction. You well know, that there is but one invincible Bar to such an Accommodation. Could this be removed, other Obstacles might readily be overcome. ’Tis to you, and you alone your bleeding Country looks, & calls aloud for this Sacrifice. Your Arm alone has Strength sufficient to remove this Bar. May Heaven inspire you with the glorious Resolution of exerting this Strength at so interesting a Crisis, and thus immortalizing yourself as Friend & Guardian of your Country!
Your penetrating Eye needs not more explicit Language to discern my meaning. With that Prudence & delicacy, therefore, of which I know you to be possessed, represent to Congress the indispensible

Necessity of rescinding the hasty & ill-advised declaration of Independency. Recommend (and you have an undoubted Right to recommend) an immediate cessation of hostilities. Let the Controversy be taken up, where that declaration left it, and where Lord Howe certainly expected to find it. Let Men of clear & impartial characters, in or out of Congress, Gentlemen, liberal in their sentiments, heretofore independent in their fortunes (and some such may surely be found in America) be appointed to confer with his Majesty’s Commissioners. Let them, if they please, prepare some well-digested constitutional Plan to lay before them, as the Commencement of a Negociation. When they have gone thus far, I am confident, that the most happy consequences will ensue. Unanimity will immediately take place thro’ the different Provinces. Thousands, who are now ardently wishing & praying for such a measure, will step forth & declare themselves the zealous Advocates of constitutional Liberty; and millions will bless the Hero, that left the Field of War to decide this most important Contest, with the Weapons of Wisdom & Humanity.
O Sir! let no false Ideas of worldly Honour deter you from engaging in so glorious a Task. Whatever Censures may be thrown out by mean & illiberal minds, your character will rise in the Estimation of the virtuous and noble; it will appear with lustre in the Annals of History, and form a glorious Contrast to that of those, who have sought to obtain Conquests & gratify their own Ambition by the destruction of their Species and the Ruin of their Country.
Be assured, Sir, that I write not this under the Eye of any British Officer, or Person connected with the British Army or Ministry. The Sentiments I have expressed are the real Sentiments of my own Heart, such as I have long held, & which I should have made known to you by Letter before, had I not fully expected an Opportunity of a private Conference. When you passed through Philadelphia on your Way to Wilmington, I was confined by a severe Fit of the Gravel to my Chamber. I have since continued so much indisposed and Times have been so very distressing, that I had neither Spirit to write a Letter, nor Opportunity to convey it, when written. Nor do I yet know, by what means I shall get these Sheets to your Hand.
I would fain hope, that I have said nothing, by which your Delicacy can be in the least hurt. If I have, I assure you, it has been without the least Intention, and therefore your Candour will lead you to forgive me. I have spoken freely of Congress & of the Army. But what I have said is partly from my own Knowledge, & partly from the Information of some respectable Members of the former, and some of the best Officers of the latter. I would not offend the meanest Person upon Earth. What I say to you, I say in Confidence, and to answer what I cannot but

deem a most valuable Purpose. I love my Country. I love you. But to the Love of Truth, the Love of Peace, & the Love of my God, I hope I should be enabled, if called to the Trial, to sacrifice every other inferior Love.
If the Arguments made use of in this Letter should have so much Influence, as to engage you in the glorious Work, which I have so warmly recommended, I shall ever deem my Success, as the highest temporal Favour that Providence could grant me. Your Interposition & Advice, I am confident, would meet with a favourable Reception from the Authority under which you act. If it should not, you have one infallible Resource still left. Negociate for America at the Head of your Army.
After all, it may appear Presumption in an Individual to address himself to you on a Subject of such Magnitude, or to say, what Measures would best secure the Interest & Welfare of an whole Continent. The friendly & favourable Opinion you have always expressed of me emboldened me to undertake it; and, (which has greatly added to the Weight of this Motive) I have been strongly impressed with a Sense of Duty upon the Occasion, which left my Conscience uneasy, and my Heart afflicted, ’till I had fully discharged it. I am no Enthusiast. The Case is new & singular to me. But I could not enjoy a Moment’s Peace, ’till this Letter was written. With the most ardent Prayers for your spiritual as well as temporal Welfare, I am Your obedt & sincere Friend & Servent

Jacob Duché


Title: Instructions to Colonel Christopher Greene, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Greene, Christopher

Sir,
Head Quarters [Perkiomen, Pa.] October [8]th 1777

I have directed General Varnum to send your regiment and that of Colonel Angel to Red bank, by a rout which has been marked out to him. The command of that detachment will of course devolve upon you; with which you will proceed with all expedition and throw your self into that place. When you arrive there you will immediately communicate your arrival to Col: Smith, commander of the Garrison at Fort Mifflin, and Commodore Hazelwood, commander of the fleet in the river. You are to cooperate with them in every measure necessary for the defence of the obstructions in the river and to counteract every attempt the enemy may make for their removal. You will find a very good fortification at Red-bank; but if any thing should be requisite to render it stronger or proportion it to the size of your garrison, you will have it done. The cannon you will stand in need of, as much as can be spared will be furnished from the Gallies and Fort Mifflin; from whence also you will derive supplies of military stores. Capt. Blewer is charged with supplying provisions, you will apply to him for what you want; and as this is a matter on which much depends, I would wish you to inform yourself what stock there is, and to promote every precaution in securing a sufficiency. I have sent Capt. Du Plessis with some officers and men to take the immediate direction of the Artillery for your garrison. He is also to superintend any works that may be wanted. If there should be any deficiency of men for the artillery, the security of the garrison will require you to assist him with a few additionals from your detachment.

You should lose not a moments time in getting to the place of your destination and making every proper preparation for its defence. Any delay might give the enemy an opportunity of getting there before you; which could not fail being of the most fatal consequence. If in the progress of your march you should fall in with any detachment of the enemy bending towards the same object & likely to gain it before you and from intelligence should have reason to think yourself equal to the task, you will by all means attack them, and endeavour by that mean to disappoint their design. I have written to General Newcomb of the Jersey militia to give you all the aid in his power, for which you will accordingly apply, when necessary.
Upon the whole Sir, you will be pleased to remember that the post with which you are now intrusted is of the utmost importance to America, and demands every exertion you are capable of, for its security and defence. The whole defence of the Delaware absolutely depends on it, and consequently all the enemy’s hopes of keeping Philadelphia, and finally succeeding in the object of the present campaign. Influenced by these considerations, I doubt not your regard to the service and your own reputation, will prompt you to every possible effort to accomplish the important end of your trust and frustrate the intentions of the enemy. Given at Head Qrs this 8th day of October 1777.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Pennibackers Mill [Pa.] Octob. 8th 1777.

As General How’s Operations are in this Quarter & his Object in all probability fixed for this Campaign, I am induced, to submit it to the consideration of Congress If the Whole or a part of the Regimt of Artillery commanded by Colo. Harrison, should not be immediately ordered to join this Army. In the late Actions, the Corps under Genl Knox has suffered severely, and it is so reduced by the number of killed & wounded &c., that we are obliged to make drafts from the other Batallions to supply their places. The measure, I have ventured to submit, will not, from present appearances, be attended with any ill consequences,

if carried into execution—And the less so, as the State of Virginia, according to my information is raising Another Regiment. Should it be thought adviseable, Congress will transmit their orders to Colo. Harrison. If the Regiment comes, they need not bring their Artillery. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Camp Pawlins Mill [Pa.] 8th October 1777

I have lately recd a letter from the secretary of the Board of War in which he complains that you have drawn Arms for the full Complement of Henly’s, Lee’s and Jackson’s Regiments when there is scarce any chance of their being compleated, I therefore desire if the matter is so, that you may return all the supernumerary Arms into the Magazine at Springfield or Brookfield. As you will undoubtedly have heard many and various Reports of the late Action upon the 4th I will briefly relate the Circumstances. Having recd certain, information of the Situation of the Enemy at Germantown, it was thought that a favorable opportunity presented itself of giving them a stroke by way of surprize. We accordingly marched all the Night of 3d and arrived at the town a little after day Break. We attacked upon two quarters upon both of which we were successful, but it was so exceedingly foggy that we could neither see the Confusion into which the Enemy were thrown, neither could each of our Wings form a judgment of the advantage which the other had gained. We continued the attack for two Hours and then retired to our Camp, bringing off all our Artillery. We unhappily did not know how near we were to gaining a compleat Victory till the Affair was all over. We were informed that Genl Howe was so dubious of the issue of the day that he had given orders to retreat to Chester in case of accident. The opposition was warm, our killed and wounded amount to near four hundred, from the best Account we can obtain that of the Enemy much more considerable. Genl Agnew is certainly killed and it is said General Grant and Sir William Erskine badly wounded. All Accounts from people who have left the Philada since the Action agree that great Numbers of wounded have been carried in. We have lost no Officer of distinction but Genl Nash of North Carolina.

The Enemy had possessed themselves of Billingsport upon the Jersey shore, from whence they could have annoyed our Shipping which protect the Chevaux de frize, but they abandonned it immediately after the Action, from whence I conclude that they cannot spare the detatchment. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel La Radière, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: La Radière, Louis-Guillaume-Servais des Hayes de

Sir
Skippack Camp [Pa.] 8th October 1777

I have this Evening recd the following Resolution of Congress passed the 6th instant.
“That General Washington be directed, if the Situation of his Army will admit, to send one of the four Engineers to do duty at Fort Montgomery and the defences on Hudsons River.”
In Consequence of this Resolve I desire you will immediately proceed to Fort Montgomery and there take upon you the direction of such Works as shall be deemed necessary by the commanding Officer in that department. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 8 October 1777
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Newark [Del.] October 8th 1777.

By the captivity of President McKinly of the Delaware State on the 12th last month, and the absence of the Vice-president, the command in chief devolved on me as Speaker of the Assembly, agreeable to the Constitution. I had some time before accepted the office of Chief-Justice of Pennsylvania, and at the time this unfortunate event happened was out of the Delaware State, but thought it my duty to my Country to repair thither, which I did on the 20th following. On my arrival I found that all the records & public papers of the county of Newcastle, and every shilling of the public money, together with the fund belonging to the Trustees of Newark Academy and upwards of twenty five thousand dollars in the continental Loan-Office &c. &c. had been captured at Wilmington at the same time the President was taken by the enemy—The people were dispirited and dispersed, and the Tories & less virtuous part, that remained, were daily employed in supplying the British troops, both in Wilmington & at Newcastle on board the ships of war, with all kinds of provisions.
Among other things I called out the one half of the militia into actual service, and ordered the remainder to be in readiness to march at an hour’s warning; and to render the service as easy & as agreeable as possible allowed the Colonel or commanding officer of every Battalion in the State to assign posts to the militia within the bounds of the Battalion. My intention was afterwards to reduce the number of posts, and to strengthen those nearest the enemy, and if a sufficient force could be collected to advance towards them. Above ten days were employed in this experiment almost in vain. The Whigs in sussex county are said to be rather too few to keep the Tories there quiet, the latter being most numerous. The same is said of Kent county, and the militia there absolutely refuse to march out of that county. In Newcastle county the lower class of people have got an opinion, that by remaining quiet they will not be molested, and seem unwilling to join their officers or that any troops should be assembled in their neighbourhood; and many of the officers & better sort of the inhabitants apprehend, that by attempting any thing without the assistance of the others, they will expose themselves to certain destruction.
This, Sir, is a true portrait of the Delaware State at present, and I really fear a total defection without some iffectual remedy is speedily

applied. There are so many virtuous & brave men in the State, who will be sacrificed to their inviterate enemies, by leaving them in their present situation, that my blood runs cold at the reflextion. The only remedy I can suggest is, to have a regiment of continental troops forthwith dispatched here to Newark; this will give new life to the virtuous, who will immediately join them, and from their example & thro’ their influence I make no doubt most of the lower class will come forth. By this means our internal enemies will be kept in awe, and by securing some of them (which must be done) the spirit of the rest will be broken, and our foreign enemies will be no longer supplied with necessaries, and very probably be obliged either to throw in more troops to Wilmington, which will in proportion weaken their army opposed to you, or to abandon it intirely. If a greater force could be spared from the main army (say five hundred good men) with some officers of abilities and some field-pieces, the re-conquest of Wilmington might be meditated.
Upon the whole, Sir, you will judge for yourself & the common good, and do what you think best at this critical period. If you are in force you will spare as many men as requisite, if not the Delaware State must take it’s fate, and not occasion the loss of a battle, which may prove more injurious to the common cause though I shudder at the thought.
With heart-felt gratitude to the Divine Disposer of all events, and next to you, I received an account of your success on Saturday last from some Quakers returning to Nottingham in Chester county, and to Elk ridge in Baltimore county, from their yearly meeting at Philadia, which you broke up on Saturday night by the actions of the day. These men would not relate a single word of any thing that happened at Philadia during the eight days they were there, saying they did not go there to carry or bring news and seemed unwilling even to stop so long as to make this speech. However I compelled them to stop, made them dismount, and examined them seperately and in private. They said at first they had no news &c.—I mention these minute circumstances to satisfy you, that their account, being given with great reluctance, was that of the Tories & the English themselves. It is, brief as follows; That you attacked the picket of the enemy, consisting of four or five hundred men near Beggars-town abt 3 a clock in the morng & drove them until supported by the British Light-Infantry, at which time you had taken 9 field pieces and killed or taken most of the picket—that the Infantry were drove near two miles into Germantown—that they are all cut off except a very few—that in Germantown there were 35 of some English General’s guard killed and it was supposed he himself was taken prisoner—that during the action all the British troops except part of a regiment of Grenadiers not exceeding 50, went from Phila. & joined General Howe, who commanded in person—that the main body of

the enemy were at the end of Germantown next Phila., and upon their advancing were once repulsed by you, but afterwards about 9 a clock obliged the American retreat to the ground they occupied the day preceding—That General Agnew was killed; and John Pierpoint (one of the examinants) said, he saw two Hessian Generals brought into the city wounded, one of them mortally, the other not so badly—that a great number of Colonels and many other officers were killed, & about a thousand men—that one hundd waggons & upwards came into the city after night, abt 9 a clock, with the wounded, some had 3, others 7, & between these numbers, in them, according to the severity of their wounds, as they were told—that a Virginia regiment had grounded their arms, and with others, amounting in the whole to 500 Rebels, were taken prisoners by the English, and that General Wayne was killed, but they heard of no other American officer of distinction that was—They further said, they heard that the English could never form until they joined their main Body below Germantown, and that you had the advantage of the ground—that a wounded Hessian told one of them, that he had fought French & Spaniards, but that the Rebels would beat them both, and that he had never seen men fight as they did. And in fine, that tho’ the English had got the ground, which they called the victory, it was agreed on all hands, that the British had not met with so great a loss since they came to America. John Pierpoint (who seemed willing enough to tell all he knew) informed me, that the Delaware frigate was given up by the pressed men on board, that there were but two brass cannon, 12 pounders, fired from the fort upon the frigate, and but one man killed in the fort, and one in the frigate; that she was manned with English & lay above the Town on Sunday morning when he came away—that the English had strong lines, some heavy cannon & a fortification about half way between Germantown & the city, as he was told—that the Quakers could get no provender, but hay, for their horses; that butter had sold from 3/9 to 5/ sterling a pound, and that a famine was expected by the citizens in general, tho’ some said, they might subsist for a month—A Mr Husbands told me, he saw upwards of two thousand Troops at Chester on Monday last escorting waggons, that were loaded from 13 ships, which lay there—that 4 Men of war were then at the Chevaux de frize, and that he saw 250 Hessians, who had crossed Schuylkill on the same day, proceeding down the neck towards Delaware, it was supposed to forage & plunder &c.—This is all that seems in any degree worth communicating; indeed, none of it is perhaps worth your reading; however if any use can be made of it, you have it.
If your Excellency attacks & disables a thousand of the Enemy a week, and are constantly re-inforced equal to the numbers you loose,

as I trust you will, you must soon prove triumphantly victorious, and get the game, tho’ you should not throw sixes.
Your answer by the Express will oblige one, who prays for your success and happiness, and professes himself to be, with the utmost regard, Your Excellency’s most obedient and devoted humble servant,

Tho. McKean


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Skippack Camp [Pa.] [8]th October 1777

Congress having recommended it to me to send an Engineer to Fort Montgomery, I have instantly dispatched Lt Colo. Radier upon that Service. He is the second in command of four Gentlemen sent out by Docr Franklin and Mr Dean.
The Congress have transmitted me Copy of a letter from you to them of the 29th Sepr in which you express your doubts of being able to defend the posts upon the North River with the force you will have left after detatching 2500 Men to this Army. Before I ordered this detatchment I consulted those best acquainted with the Strength of the passes and they all agreed that about two thousand Men at Peekskill and Fort Montgomery would be sufficient to repel any force that would probably be sent against you. Now by your Return of the 5th of Sepr you would have 1800 effective rank and file left after sending off the detatchment, besides these the non commissioned ought to be counted upon and some of the invalids, for in the defence of Stationary posts every Man that can lift a Musket must do his duty. I think you will find that you have far over rated Genl Clintons Force at New York, I am certain you have in regard to the late Reinforcements. But I imagine the thing has been tryed before this time as Colo. Hay has sent me an Express informing me that the Ships went up the River and began to land their Men upon the 4th instant. I am anxious to hear from you. I have wrote to Govr Livingston desiring him to send the Jersey Militia up the North River as there can now be no danger of an invasion in that State, the Enemy having shewn that their preparations were against you.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear sir
Head Quarters [Pa.] Octobr 8th 1777

Your Favor of 2d Inst. I receiv’d Yesterday, & I understand that General Varnum with his Brigade got as far as Coryells Ferry last Night—I expect such Measures will be taken as not to let the Army under General Gates suffer at present for want of Flour, & that things may be put in such a Train that a Circumstance of that kind cannot possibly happen in future. I sincerely wish with you that a better Regulation could take place in the Commissary Department, As, either by a fault in its Constitution or an unpardonable Neglect in the Executive part, this Army has been Clogg’d & retarded in some of its most important & interesting Marches, untill the Opportunity of doing what was intended, was entirely lost. I expect your Exertions in calling out the Connecticut Militia may have its proper Weight, Tho I cannot be of opinion that the Enemy have left any thing like the Number of Men at New York which your intelligence informs you of.
In pursuance of a concerted Plan we March’d on friday Night last to attack Genl Howes Army which lay at 12 or 13 Miles distance—We drove in their Picketts about 6 in the Morning the Men pursued with great Eagerness & Bravery & Surmounted every opposition; the Enemy were routed in the greatest Confusion several Miles, we pass’d thro their Encampments & took some pieces of Cannon, in short we were flatter’d with every appearance of a most glorious & decisive Action when to my great surprize Our Men began to give way, which when the Line was once broke became pretty General & could not with our

utmost Exertions be prevented & the only thing left was to draw them off in the best manner we could—which was effected without any very considerable Loss as we brought off our cannon &c.—In this Action Brigr Genl Nash (of the Carolina forces) was Mortally Wounded & several others of great Bravery but inferior Note were wounded some dangerously & some slightly—General Agnew on the side of the Enemy I believe is kill’d on the Spot & report says that one or two other General Officers are Wounded, Upon the Whole I have no doubt but their loss was at least equal if not much greater than ours & it has serv’d to convince our people that when they make an Attack, they can confuse and Rout even the Flower of the British Army with the greatest Ease and that they are not that Invincible Body of Men which many suppose them to be—The Accounts coming in hourly from Philadelphia make the Loss of the Enemy much greater than we Imagin’d[.] they say that More than 200 Waggons came in Loaded with their wounded that Genl Agnew is kill’d & Genls Erskine & Grant badly Wounded beside Several Colonels & Officers of Note.
I have spoke to Mr Boudinot about some Flour, which was to be sent into our prisoners at New York, this may be applied to any uses of the Army which you think Necessary.
By a Letter from Mr Hawkes Hay I understand the Enemy have push’d a Number of Men up the North River & landed on the East side in Expectation I suppose of finding few or no Men at your Post—I am fully satisfied that every thing in your power will be done towards calling in Reinforcements & making a Vigorous defence Assuring you, that the Number of the Enemy cannot possibly be great even should they leave N: York Staten & Long Island quite bare.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Fish kill [N.Y.] 6 OClock Wednesday Morning 8th October 1777
Dear General

Its with the Utmost Reluctance I now sit Down to inform you that the Enemy After Making a Variety of Movements up & down North river, landed on the Morning of the 4th Inst. about 3000 Men at Tarry Town, & after Making an excursion about five Miles up the Country, they retu[r]ned & embarked, the Morning following the[y] Advanced up Near Kings Ferry & landed On the East side of the river, but in the

Evening part of them reembarked & the Morning After Landed a Little above Kings Ferry on the West side, but the Morning being so exceeding foggy, concealed their Scheam & Prevented us from giving any Idea what Number of Troops they Landed, in about Three Hours we discoverd a large Fire at the Ferry, which we Immagined to be the Store Houses, upon which it was Thought they Only Landed with a View of Destroying the said Houses. The Picquet & Scouts which we had Out, could not learn the Exact Number of the Enemy which were Remaining on the East side the River, but from the Best Accounts they were about 1500. At this same time a Number of Ships, Galleys &c. with about 40 Flat Bottomed Boats made every Appearance of their Intentions to land Troops, both at Fort Indepandance, & Peeks kill Landing, Under all these Circumstances & my strength being not more than 1200 Continental Troops & three Hundred Militia Prevented me from Detaching off a Party to attact the Enemy that Lay On the East side the River. After we had thought it Impractable to quit the Hightes (which we had then Possession off) & Attact the Enemy, Brigadier General Parsons & myself went to Reconnoitre the ground near to the Enemy, and on Our return from thence we was Allarmed with a very heavy & hot firing, both of small Arms & Cannon at Fort Montgomery which Immediately Convinced me that they Enemy had landed a large Body of Men in the Morning at the Time & Place before Mentioned, upon which Immediately Detached of 500 Men to reinforce the Garrison, but before they could Possible cross the River to their Assistance, they Enemy (which was far Superior in Numbers) had Possessed themselves of the Fort; Never did Men behave with more Spirit & Activity than Our Troops upon this Occasion. they Repulsed the Enemy three times, which were in Number (at Least) five to One, Governor George & General James Clintons were both Present, but the Ingagment Continueing untill Dusk of the Evening, gave them both an Oppertunity together with Several Officers & a Number of Privates to Make their Escape; The loss of the Enemy in this Affair Governor Clinton thinks must be very Considerable. Our loss Killd & Wounded is by no Means Equal to what he Might have Expected, General James Clinton was Wounded in the Thigh but I hope not Mortal—Governor Clinton arrived at Peeks kill the same Evening about 11 OClock & with the Advice of him, General Parsons & Several Other Officers, it was thought Impossible to Maintain the Post at Peek kill with the Force then Present, against One that the Enemy might in a few Hours bring on the hights in our rear: It was therefore Agreed that the Stores Ought to be Immediately removed to some Secure Place & the Troops take Post at Fish kill untill a reinforcement of Militia come to their Aid, I have repeatedly informd your Excellency of the Enemys Design Against this Post, but from some Motive

Or Other, you always Differd with me in Opinion, has [as] this Conjecture of Mine has for Once proved right, I cannot omit informing you, that my real & Sincere Opinion, is that they now Mean to join General Burgoyne with the Utmost Dispatch.
I have Wrote General Gates & informd him of the Situation of Our Affairs in this Quarter, Governor Clinton is exerting himself in Collecting the Militia of this State, Brigadier Genl Parsons I have sent off to forward in the Connecticut Militia which are now Arriving in great Numbers, I therefore hope & trust that in the Course of a few Days I shall be able to Oppose the Progress of the Enemy time will not Permit Me to Add any thing More Respecting the Ingagment, only that our Loss (I believe from the best Information) does not exceed 250 Killd, Wounded, & taken Prisoners, this Eveng I intend writing you Again but am now very Buisey. I am Dr General With Sincere Regard your Very Hble Servt

Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Fish Kill [N.Y.] Octor 8th 1777

sinse I wrote you this morning, I have waited on Governor Clinton to Consult about our present Circumstances and fix upon the most effectual measure that could be pursued against the Enemy, which is now Landing a Considerable number of Troops at Fort Constitution, and proceeding up the River, with their Ships Gally’s, Flatt Bottom’d Boats &c: they will from all appearance be at the Chevaux De Frieze in the space of an hour—They well know the Situation of our Troops and

I Sincerely believe that their Intentions are to make all possible Expedition to get above us, I don’t think Weighing the Chevaux De frieze is a matter of great moment to them—If they cannot effect it with the greatest ease they will proceed up the River with the Flatt Bottom’d Boats, and such Small Vessles as can convey the Baggage of the Troops Stores &c. to the half Moon—if they Attempt to March by Land on the West side the River, Governor Clinton will Annoy them as much as possible, with about 400 Contl Troops, which I Yesterday Detach’d over, and the Malitia which he is now Collecting—If this side should be their Rout I will, with the Remainder of the Continental Troops and the Connecticut Malitia, (which I am happy to Inform your Excellency are coming in verry fast) oppose them to the Utmost of my Power—All our stores Baggage &c: except a few Barrels of Flower and Bread are removed from Peeks Kill. I have now a Small guard at that place and if I can with any safety remove it from thence I shall be glad—All the Ordnance Stores which are not Immediately wanted, I have orderd to the Eastward—All our Baggage except what is Absolutely necessary I shall send off in the morning to some place of Security after which my Troops will be light and I flatter myself will either be able to fight them, or keep Pace Should they keep upon the Water—I have the pleasure to inform you that many more of our Troops made their Escape, than what I was at first informd of—Colo. Duboy’s who is one of the number, this day Collected near 200 of his regiment that got off after the Enemy were in the Fort—About 5 oclock the Enemy Demanded a surrender of the Fort, but to their surprize and the Honor of our Commanders they had an Answer that it should be Defended to the Utmost of their Power—this Renewd the Action with Double Ardour, which Continued till Quite dark, when the Enemy (which we have sinse Learnt were 5000 in number) forced our Lines after which our Troops would not surrender but fought with Bayonet Swords &c. in such a manner as reflects the Highest Honor on our noble Garrison. General James Clinton was Wounded with a Bayonet in his Thigh, and a number of other officers and men with the same Weapon.
Yours of the 1st Inst. I have this day Receiv’d—the ten Peices of Artillery You mention were Ordered from Springfield by Congress two of which, from a Request of Genl James Clinton was sent to Fort Montgomery, two I have with me and the other six are on the other side the River with General Clinton. I am Dear General with great Regard your obt Hume servt

Israel Putnam

P.S. General Clinton commands the Enemy in person with two other Genl officers.


Title: To George Washington from Brig. Gen. James Mitchell Varnum, 8 October 1777 [letter not found]
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. James Mitchell Varnum, 8 Oct. 1777. GW wrote in his second letter to Varnum of 8 Oct.: “I this evening received your favour of this date.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

 Sir
 Head Qrs at Fredk Wampols [Pa.] Octob. 8: 1777

 I this Evening received your favor of this date. The Regiments under Cols Greene & Angel are to proceed to Red Bank according to orders. I desire to be informed of their precise amount by this Express

  at day light tomorrow, and that you & Genl Huntingdon will join me with the Remainder, as early as you can. I am Sr Yr Most Obed. Sert

 Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brig. Gen. James Mitchell Varnum, 8–9 October 1777 [letter not found]
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. James Mitchell Varnum, 8 or 9 Oct. 1777. GW wrote Varnum on 9 Oct.: “I received your Letter early this Morning by the return of the Express.”


Title: General Orders, 9 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Towamensing [Pa.] October 9th 1777.

The General Court Martial whereof Col. Brodhead is president, is to sit to morrow morning, at eight o’clock; the members to attend precisely at that time, at the horseman’s tent, by the artillery park.
By General Orders of Septr 13th the distribution of tents was thus directed. One soldier’s tent for the field officers of each regt. One ditto for every four commissioned officers. One ditto for every eight Serjeants, Drummers and Fifers. One ditto for every eight privates.
The commanding officers of regiments are instantly to examine into their number of tents, and cause all beyond the foregoing allowance to be collected and delivered to their brigade quarter masters, in the first place to supply those corps in their brigades which are short of that allowance, and the residue to be delivered over to the Quarter Master General, to supply these militia, and such corps as are destitute. The Commander in Chief expects, the General officers and those commanding brigades will see this order carried into effectual and immediate execution.
Brigadier General Nash will be interred, at ten o’clock this forenoon, with military honours, at the place where the road the troops marched in, yesterday comes into the great road.
The execution of John Farndon is to be postponed till to morrow morning.
The General Officers are, without delay, to have the rolls of officers called, and such as are absent, and not sick, wounded or on command, are to be ordered peremptorily to join their corps; and those who are absent without leave, are to be immediately reported to the Commander in Chief—They are also to report the number of blankets, stockings, shoes, and other necessaries to complete one suit to each man.

True field returns of the troops are to be made under the immediate inspection of the General officers—For this purpose, the several corps are to be mustered, and the rolls called; and if the weather permit, these returns are to be made to morrow-noon, signed by the Major Generals, or officers commanding divisions.
The Brigadiers, or officers commanding brigades, are immediately to report, the number of men, of those returned missing after the action of the 4th instant, who have joined their brigades since the returns of the killed &c.—and these reports they will continue to make daily to the Commander in Chief.