Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 5 June 1780
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philad. June 5. 1780.

Your kind & truly obliging Favour of the 28th Ult. came safely to Hand, & the oftner I peruse it the more fully sensible I am of the Justice & Importance of its Contents. I do not know by what Means the expected Assistance from France has been procured, but it will certainly give a Complexion to the Alliance in future accordi[n]g to the Reception it meets with here. I should be very apprehensive from the different State of Improvement of the two Countries & Perverseness of human Nature which often leads us to expect more than can be obtained & be chagrined at the Disappointment, that with all possible Attention & Care, Difficulties will arise, & that it will greatly add to the Burthen laid upon you. But if they should want Necessaries when the Country abounds in them we shall justly forfeit every Pretension

to Respect & Friendship, & become contemtible not only to them but to the World & even to ourselves. Our Difficulties lay with the rich & not with the Poor, while the War was conducted with Emissions the Aid of the former was not wanted, that of the latter was to be had & may be had now upon the same Terms: that is giving them a Support for their Labores; but to fight & starve, or work & starve, are equally impracticable. In my Opinion we have in some Degree miscalculated the Ability of the Country, & entirely the Disposition of the People to bear Taxes, in the necessary Extent—The Country not immediately the Seat of either Army, is richer than when the War began: but the long Disuse of Taxes, & their natural Unpalatablness have embarassed the Business exceedingly, & Tories, grumbling Whigs, & Party, have all thrown in their Aid to increase the Discontent. These Circumstances, which it was impossible to foresee in their full Extent, made a foreign Loan a Matter of great Importance, & even of indispensable Necessity: & if any Thing has been omitted to obtain it which we may yet retrieve, I should hope no Time will be lost—The Failure of the Eastern States to supply Beef will be attended with some disagreeable Effects here, for all the Money we had or expected soon, has been furnished to procure this Article & of course our Means of procuring Flour proportionably diminished The State made an Effort on this Account which no other has equalled, as they mortgaged an Estate belonging to the Publick in the Neighbourhood of this City for the special Purpose of supplying the Army, leaving the Taxes for the general Use of the United States: But this Money tho secure in every other Event than that of our failing in the Contest, & drawing an Interest has met with Embarassments & Opposition partly from interested & partly from other Motives, which have very much delayed the Supplies. We have at length got in Motion & I hope shall be able to get a Supply of Flour for the Summer, but the Shock Paper Money has received, subjects all our Resources to the Caprice of interested or perverse Individuals, more than is consistent with our Safety or Honour.
The Address of the Committee accompanied with a Letter from yourself came at a seasonable Moment, just as the House of Assembly was about to rise: they immediately passed a Law for raising two Men out of every Company of Militia which I had endeavoured but in vain to effect last Springe. this will produce about 1000 Men from the whole State about 600 of which will go to fill up the Ranks of the Continental Army—the Remainder we must endeavour to throw upon the Frontiers or some of our oldest & most established Counties are in Danger of becoming a Frontier. In short there is no pacifying them without a Body of Troops tho Experience has long decided how inadequate a

defensive War is for Support against the Indians. The Representation of the Distress for Want of Meat producd an immediate Exertion, of which I hope the Benefit must be felt by this Time. It is true many of the Cattle are not fit for Slaughter, but they are the best we have. It was thought best to continue this Business at least for some Weeks, in order to have a Stock in Possession, & of Consequence they will be continued for some Time proceeding to Camp—upon this Principle that if you have none better, these must serve & if you have, the Season of the Year will admit their being kept till they are better. We had proceeded thus far, & there seemed to be a very good Disposition in all to advance the necessary Measures with as much Expidition as deliberative Bodies usually do, or are capable of. The vesting extraordinary Powers in the executive was not so well relished, & it was too delicate a Subject to be much press’d by me, especially as there appeared some Reluctance on this Point. And it is probable the House would have adjourned without touching upon it had it not been so forcibly urged in your private Letter. I was extremely embarassed I did not see any Chance of its being done but by letting them know that it was deemed by you a Matter not of mere Importance, but of indispensable Necessity This was done in a Manner the most guarded & confidential, & had the desired Effect as they have vested the executive with the Power to declare Martial Law so far as they shall deem necessary, & which gives us a Power of doing what may be necessary without attending to the ordinary Forms of Law. I have the Pleasure to observe the Measure is generally satisfactory, and as we shall endeavour to exercise it with Prudence & Moderation I hope it may be productive of the good Effects expected from it. The Loss of Charlestown with its Garrison & Stores which I think a very probable Event, notwithstandi[n]g the sanguine Hopes of some, & Doubts of others, will, it must be presumed rouse us from the Insensibility with which we have hitherto carried on the War since 1777. And yet the Scene is so distant, & the Danger apparently remote that I am not certain of this Effect. The Arrival of a few Vessels from Statia, or Capture of as many, seems to be an Event more interesti[n]g than an Advantage gained or lost by the Enemy, however considerable—And our Country Friends find their Patriotism abate as their Interests are affected by Duties, or Taxes. I am inclined to think some Stroke of adverse Fortune necessary, & that lasting good may flow frm it—for pretend what we may, the Country is much recovered from the Distress of the War, & really has the three great Requisites of War, Men, Provisions & Iron, if not in Abundance, in sufficiency for all our Wants our only Difficulty is to draw them forth, & for this two Things are essentially necessary viz. Union among the States generally, & particularly—The Parties in Congress have weakened the Influnce, & lessened the Weight of that Body, & the internal Divisions

have had the like Effect on the Governments, so that every Measure however necessary for the general Good has been timid feeble & languid, each fearing to give his Adversary some Advantage—while the disaffected & mercenary have raised their Heads with an astonishing Degree of Insolence, to the great Discouragement of the Whigs especially in the midling & lower Classes of Life, who having been distressed by their Attachment to our Cause, & their Minds neither feeling, or perhaps capable of feeling what is called Liberality of Spirit towards an Enemy, have been mortified to find themsel⟨ves⟩ no way distinguished but by their Sufferings. It is clear that the Royal Cause both in this State, & Maryland derives great Advantage from the Divisions of th[e] Whigs, for in the Rage & Discontent of Party, Auxiliaries are so acceptable that we are not apt to scrutinize their Motives, & Principles too narrowly. Upon these Considerations I have ever thought it a most necessary Duty to sacrifice as far as I am capable, any smaller Resentments & far from declining the Paths of Peace to seek them. I have made more Advances than one—the exposing my Life to save that of my principal Enemies, when they would otherwise have fallen a collective Sacrifice to their own Imprudence, & to popular Resentment tho an Act of Duty in my Station, might have been evaded on many plausible Pretexts—But it seems to be the Allotment of Providence that in this Respect I am to be unhappy. Conceiving it a proper Time to unite, & make a great & general Effort for our national Safety & Honour, a few Days before I was favoured with your Sentiments on this Subject, waiving all Sorts of Punctilio, I made a direct Overture. I can only say it was not accepted: but it was of so explicit, & unequivocal a Nature as to leave no farther Ground, unless Time & a Change of Circumstances should produce it. I am however happy to find that I have met your Opinion in this Respect, & beg you to believe not only that I was sincere on that Occasi[o]n, but that as th[e] publick Good & your Ease appear connected in some Degree with it I shall embrace any favourable Oppy to renew it.
I feel, exceedingly feel for the Peculiarity of your Situation, my dear Sir, & also fear that your Health may suffer in the Conflict. But when I consider what just Conceptions you have of the Importance of the Prize for which we contend, the Progress already, & the abounding Affection & Confidence of the Country—I cannot but believe you may draw great Consolation & Support that the present Difficulties will lay a Foundati[o]n for some System of solid Supply, & just Consideration of the Army, which has been too generally viewd thro a very mistaken Medium. For myself I shall only add that the same Motives which led [me] to leave domestick Enjoyments & lucrative Ease in 1775 & partake your early Exertions, now strngthned by more Knowledge & warmer Attachement will induce me to strain every Nerve & run every Risque

to promote the publick Service as the most acceptable Testimony I can give you of the Truth of these Professions. And if there is any particular Case or Occasi[o]n which from Want of Knowledge or Informati[o]n I may be likely to overlook I shall esteem it a particular Favour to be honoured with a few Lines, & to which I shall pay the most special & animated Attention.
I think it very happy that Major Lees Corps is in the Vicinity of this Place as in Case of an Emergency they may be wanted to execute Measures which tho necissary are unpalatable, & often ill executed where the Feelings of Acquaintance, & personal Friendship operate against the publick Measures. They are in exceeding good Quarters, on the best Te[r]ms with the Inhabitants, & I presume must be far too late to render any Assistance to our Friends in the South.
Mrs Reed who is pretty well recovered returns her respectful Regards & Thanks to Mrs Washingtn & yourself for your polite Attenti[o]n in which I beg Leave to include mine & am with the most unfeigned Respect & Esteem Dr Sir Your Obliged & most Obedt Hbble Serv.

Jos. Reed


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 5 June 1780
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

Sir
Windsor [Conn.] June 5th 1780

I have just recd a letter from Col. Mead which first informed me that Lt Mumford had been to Hd Qtr⟨s⟩ & applied for leave to Resign—It

is true he applied to me as well as to Major Tallmadge in my absence, for the Necessary Certificates preparatory to a Resignation; but we both rejected his request on the same principle (viz.) his having never served a Campaign since he was appointed an officer in the line.
I would further beg leave to Inform your Excellency that all the officers of my Regt have recd their full proportion of Cloathing procured for those who intend to serve the Ensuing Campaign—How far this may operate towards precluding Resignations, you[r] Excellency will best Judge; It has become my business, if required to give Certificates that they are not indebted to the Public. I have the Honor to be with the Greatest Regard your Excellencys most obt and most Humble Servt

Elisha Sheldon Col. 2d L.D.


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 5–6 June 1780
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Hartford June 5th[–6] 1780

I received Your favour incloseing Copy of a letter to his Excely Governor Trumbull, who is not in Town, but be assured nothing shall be wanting to afford the relief necessary to the Post at West Point. the D.Q.M. Genl here has been supplied with Money from the State Treasury to move the Salted Provision a very considerable part of which is on the way; and some of it must have arrived before this. Your letter will be imediately opened by the Dy Governor, & will be a means of procureing a grant for such further sum, as Mr Hubbard may want to compleat the transportation; of the remaining Salted provisions. if the Governor comes to Town this Evening as I expect will dispatch You his answer in the Morning by express if on any ocasion my services can be of use I beg Your Exceellency freely to command me. I have the honor

to be with the greatest attachment and regard Your Excelly most Obedient Hum. sert

Jere. Wadsworth

June 6th: I had just finished the above when Governor Trumbull arrived—and requested me to detain the Express till this morning[.] he will bring Your Excey the Governors Answer. I am certain nothing in the Governors power will be wanting in this or any other application from Your Excelly and I hope our misfortunes at Charlestown will rouse my Countrymen to such exertions as are necessary—I am with great respect & esteem Your Excy most H. &

Jere. Wadsworth


Title: Council of War, 6 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Council of War

[6 June 1780]

A Council of War held at Head Quarters Morris Town June 6th 1780

PresentThe Commander in Chief

Major Generals
Brigadier Generals

Greene
Knox

Stirling
Hand

La Fayette
Huntington

Steuben
Starke

Irvine

The Commander in Chief states to the Council, that The Court of France had generously determined, and had signified their intention, to send a considerable land and naval succour to this Continent, which was to have sailed from France early in April. That the extent of this succour when the advices came away had not been precisely fixed, but it was to consist of six sail of the line and from seven to ten thousand troops, completely provided with all the apparatus necessary for such an army, to be paid and maintained here in all respects by his Most Christian Majesty, to be entirely under the influence of Ameri[c]an councils—to be directed to any point where the interest or safety of these states may require—attended with every other circumstance, that can display the magnanimity of our great ally and evince his sincere disposition to establish our independence.
That in consequence of this, Congress and a Committee appointed by them for this purpose, have addressed the several states—the latter in circular letters of the 25th of May—giving them a full and Just picture, of our present situation, and representing, in the strongest terms, the absolute necessity of every possible exertion to draw out the resources of the Country in their utmost extent, in men, provision[,] transportation, and every other article, requisite to the success of the combined operations—That among other things, the states are particularly called upon, to complete their Continental batalions by draft to their complement, of 504 rank and file—the drafts to be with the army, by the 20th of June, and to serve ‘till the first of January next. This including the additionals will make the Continental troops in this Qr amt to 24000 rank & file.
That no answers have yet been received from the States to enable a judgment of the means they will employ upon this occasion, and the aids which we may look for in consequence.
The Commander in Chief further states to the Council, that the enemy’s present garrison in New York and its dependencies is at least 8000

effective rank and file, regular troops, besides Militia and refugees, whom the enemy estimate at four or five thousand.
That the troops which sailed on the expedition under Sir Henry Clinton with the reinforcement that has followed him amounted to between Eight and Nine thousand.
That the troops remaining at Savannah previous to this were about Two thousand five hundred.
That the force of the enemy in Canada from the best accounts that have been collected may be about three thousand, of which about one half are in Quebec—the residue at Montreal and the lower posts.
That the Garrison of Halifax is computed at about Two thousand five hundred.
That the Garrison of St Augustine may be about five or six hundred, a part of which are invalids—that the Spaniards have been for some time operating in the Floridas, and if successful will in all probability extend their efforts to this post.
That the enemy’s naval force at New York was lately The Russel of seventy four and three or four frigates—That three ships of the line, One fifty two forty fours and some smaller frigates and armed vessels convoyed the detachment under Sir Henry Clinton to the Southward; but it is uncertain whether the ships of the line all still remain there, as none but the Europa of sixty four guns has been heard of for some time past.
That our present force in this Quarter including the Garrison of West Point and the detachment which lately marched towards the Northward is above Eight thousand effective rank and file, exclusive of horse and artillery.
That The Continental infantry in South Carolina by the last advices, on the best calculation which can be formed (not very accurate, for want of recent returns) was about two thousand five hundred; besides which the Maryland division of about Two thousand are on their march to that state—that there are also on their march about Six hundred Virginia State troops.
Under this general view of our affairs and those of the enemy—combining the different probabilities of the enemy’s dispositions and considering the present situation of our finances and the resour[c]es of the Country in general, The Commander in Chief requests the opinion of The Council in what manner we are likely best to improve the benevolent aid of His Most Christian Majesty—what we have reason to believe we shall be able to undertake—to what point or points our preparations and views ought to be principally directed—what force will be requisite for the plan or plans to be adopted, whether against New York, Halifax, Canada or August⟨ine⟩—what ought to be our

immediate dispositio⟨ns⟩—and our general plan of operations in either case.
The Commander in Chief in considering these points, recommends to the Council to take into view the present posture and probable issue of the opera⟨tions⟩ against Charles Town—in doing which they will recollect that there is every reason to believe that the enemy here are fully apprised of the expected succour. He omitted mentioning that the enemy have a fortified post containing about four hundred men at Penobscot. The Members of the Council will be pleased as speedily as convenient to deliver their opinions separately in writing to The Commander in Chief.


Title: To George Washington from Azariah Dunham, 6 June 1780
From: Dunham, Azariah
To: Washington, George

Sir
Morris Town June 6. 1780

The Legislature of this State, require that the Receipts given by the Officers for Provision taken for use of the Army, previous to your Excellency’s Requisition for a Supply to the Magistrates, should be certified by you, or some Person of your Appointment; as may be seen by said Law, Section the 5th. Many of these Receipts had been presented me for payment before this Law was pass’d; and more are daily offering, which am oblidg’d to put off untill such Person be appointed. If agreeable to your Excellency, would wish that some One near this, might be approv’d of, for the conveniency of those who apply. Conceive no great Difficulty in this Business, as most of the Certificates either mention the weight of the Provisions or are valued by indifferent Persons, so that the certifying of them seems only a Matter of Form to answer such Law. Your Obedt humble Servant

Az. Dunham S.P.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 6 June 1780
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Highlands [N.Y.] 6th June 1780

The Informations I had of the Enemy’s Intentions of marauding in Force, & of which I gave your Excellency an Account yesterday, having been confirm’d to me by Intelligence received various Ways last Night, & from Sources that have seldom been mistaken, have induced me to advance Nixon’s Brigade, & to direct Glover’s to possess their Cantonments near & at the Village, that we may not receive the Mortification & Affront of having the Country plundered under our very Noses, & those Inhabitants ruin’d who are well affected, & who have sacrificed almost their all to the Cause, & against whom these Operations are principally intended.
your Excellency may be assured I shall not throw these Troops to such a Distance, but that an intimate & Timely Relation to this Grand Post shall be preserved, & to which they shall repair whenever it becomes requisite.
A Brigade of Guards lie at lauril Hill—from there a smart Detachment join’d Delancey yesterday Morng—The Refugees & Volunteers were turn’d out, & a full Complement of Ca[r]tridges serv’d out to them, some Arms were distributed, & the rest scrutinuously examined. Their Horse by Impressments & other Means are not a few, & tho’ not train’d will be useful for Extempore Services. Some Boats were collected & the Gally removed higher up. It is said some Part of their Men are to come up by Water, & the other by various Routes—their Junction to be somewhere upon the Croton—their Object a Forage, but that in Force.
I flatter myself Sir, the Movements I shall make, will make them suffer if they attempt to execute their Plan—or at least prevent their undertaking it, as I am fully convinc’d the Advance of Col. Putnam did the other Day—of which the Inhabitants are so sensible that they have sent me their Thanks.
The 37th British Regt lies at Lord Sterling’s House—the 43d at the Scotch Meeting House—five Companies of Artillery at the lower Barracks—three Regiments of Hessians at the Fresh Water Lake—two of Anspachers are in the Bowry Lane—one Regt of Hessians are at Greenwich—another Regt at Morris’s House—a Party of Yagers near

it. They are still apprehensive of a French Fleet, & their Forages are induced by that Expectation.
I shall do all in my Power to watch their Motions both by Land & Water, particularly the latter, as it requires the most Vigilance, & shall not cease to view this Post as the most capital Object, & consequently deem all else but minor Considerations. I have again sent to Connecticut to hasten on the Supplies which in Spite of all our Exertions come on too slowly. I am My Dear Sir With ev’ry Sentiment of Respect & Regard Your Excellency’s most obedient Humble servant

Robt Howe


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 6 June 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia June 6. 1780

I am directed by Congress to inform your Excellency that in their Opinion it is expedient for Major Lee with the Corps under his

Command to proceed immediately to South Carolina, unless his March to the Southward should counteract or embarrass such Plan of Operation as you may have concerted with Intention of employing that Corps otherwise.
The Foot belonging to that Corps have marched to the Southward some Distance from hence, how far I am not able to say. The Horse I am informed are in and about Darby. Major Lee is now in this City. As Congress have never given any Orders to direct Major Lee in his March, and are ignorant of Occurrences that may have taken place since he received Marching Orders, I am directed to communicate the sense of Congress as above expressed, with the fullest Confidence that your Excellency will give such Orders respecting Major Lee’s Corps as shall appear most conducive to the public Service, and Safety of the United States. I have the honour to be with the highest respect your Excelly’s most obedt hbble servant

Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from Edward Rutledge, 6 June 1780
From: Rutledge, Edward
To: Washington, George

Charles Town [S.C.] June 6th 1780.

My Situation my dear General as a Prisoner of War on Parole precludes me at present from delivering you my Sentiments on the State of Affairs, or an Account of the Manner in which we were reduced to it. I hope however that, the Day is not very distant, when I shall have it in my power to w[r]ite with more Freedom; until then I must be silent on the Subject of Politics. I must yet presume on our Friendship to request that if Major Pinckney of the 1st So. Carolina Regiment should go to the part of the World where you may be, you will shew him such Civilities & Acts of Kindness, as a brave officer, & my very particular Friend may require. From the earliest period of this Contest, to the present Hour, he has devoted his whole Time to the Service of his Country; & now quits his Wife, a numerous Family of Relatives & a very Easy Fortune, rather than yield to a power which he has abjured, & detests. He has

many Accomplishments & real Virtues. General Lincoln will give you any Information you may wish to know relative to my Situation & will assure yo. that I continue to be my dear General your very affectionate Friend

Edward Rutledge


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 6 June 1780
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Hartford 6th June 1780

Yesterday brot to my Hand your Favr of the 1st instant—The Circumstances of our Infomation fm N. York are indeed suspicious—yet I fear will prove but too well founded.
Our Genl Assembly, now sitting, had previous to your Letter, on Application from Genl Howe, furnshed Mr Hubbard D.Q.M. with Cash to

forward the salted Provisions deposited in this State—by this means 600 bbs. are now on the Road to West Point, with 150 bbs. more of Salted Shad—Orders are also given to purchase out of a Prize Brigg lately brot into N. London, 500 bbs. of Irish Beef (& more if to be obtained)—which is ordered to Middletown & Hartford, to be forwarded as soon as may be—thus much is already doing—Mr Hubbard is furnished with Cash to forward on such other Quantities as may be in this District. a more full Acco. of our Efforts I hope to be able to inform your Excellency in few Days—in the Mean Time be assured all our Exertions will be drawn forth for the general Safety on this critical Conjuncture—I have reiterated my Injunctions to Colo. Champion on the Score of Fresh Cattle.
I am happy to inform that the Assembly have this Day approved & accepted a Report of their Committee for makg a Settlement with the Connecticut Line of the Army for the Depreciation on their past Wages—this Report is founded on Principles which are, I trust, very acceptable to the Officers & Soldiery—This Event forms to me a Ground of much Hope that we shall be able to hold up to the dischargd Soldiers such Inducements as may encourage them to r[e]ingage in the Service—other Measures are adoptg for a speedy recruitg our Quota of the Army—which will probably be soon done by Detatchments if not otherways effected.
The melancholly Event of the Death of my Dear Consort has taken me from the Genl Court for a Week past—I am now returned, & by Divine Assistance, hope to give that Attention to Public Concerns wch their Importance, & their critical Aspect appear to Demand—Wishg Your Excellency the Protection, Guidance & Direction of Heaven—I am with perfect Regard & Esteem my Dear Sir Your most Ob[e]dient & humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 6 June 1780–6 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

My dear Brother,
Morris-Town June 6th[-6 July] 1780

Your letter of the 10th of March came safe, but was rather long on its passage. I have also received the other letter refered to—dated at Mt Vernon last fall. I do not at this time recollect the date of my last letter to you, because—however agreeable it may be to me—I have little leizure for private corrispondencies being, in a manner, wearied to death by the multiplicity of public matters I am obliged to attend to. I can only say—& I say it with much truth, that I derive much pleasure in hearing from you, although it is not in my power to response as often as I could wish.
I am glad to find that you did not dispose of your land. the Paper currency of this Continent has—for sometime past, been upon too fluctuating a scale to receive in return for real property, unless it was to be bartered off immediately for something else of permanent value. To say when the hour of apreciation will arrive, is (if not beyond the reach of human ken) very difficult—it depends upon a variety of causes—more virtue—more exertion—more economy and a better knowledge of our true situation. While the interested man, who makes every thing yield to his lust for gain—the Speculator, which is only another term for the same thing—and the disaffected—though acting upon different principles to effect the same end, are practising every art that human craft—& cunning can devise to counteract the struggles of the virtuous part of the community I think our money is upon too unstable a footing & fluctuating to part with Land for—when the latter we are certain will become more valuable every day. It ever was my opinion, though candor obliges me to confess it is not consistent with national policy, to have my property as much as possible in Lands—I have seen no cause to change this opinion; but abundant reason to confirm me in it;

being perswaded that a few years Peace will inundate these States with emigrants & of course enhaunce the price of Land far above the comn Intt of Money.

July 6th 1780.

I begun this letter, & had written nearly thus far when advice came to me that the enemy had landed at Elizabeth Town point, & was advancing in force upon us. Unable as we were to oppose them—I thought it best to put on a good countenance & advance towards them; which being done; and the partial engagements which followed being published—makes it unnecessary for me to detail them again—It is to be lamented—bitterly lamented—and in the anguish of Soul I do lament, that our fatal & accursed policy should bring the 6th of June upon us and not a single recruit to the army, tho’ the consequences were foretold last Fall, & pressed with as much precision as if the opinion had been the result of inspiration; but it has ever been our conduct & misfortune to slumber & sleep while we should be deligent in preparation—& when pressed by irresistable necessity & when we can delay no longer—then to bring ourselves to the brink of destruction by expensive & temporary expedients—In a word, we have no system, and seem determined not to profit by experience. We are, during the winter, dreaming of Independance & Peace, without using the means to become so—In the Spring, when our Recruits should be with the Army & in training, we have just discovered the necessity of calling for them. & by the Fall, after a distressed, & inglorious campaign for want of them, we begin to get a few men, which come in just time enough to eat our Provisions—and consume our stores without rendering any service—thus it is, one year rolls over another—and without some change—we are hastening to our ruin.
To tell a person at the distance of three or 400 Miles that an Army reduced almost to nothing (by the expiration of short enlistments) should—sometimes—be five or Six days together without Bread—then as many without Meat—& once or twice, two or three without either—that the same Army should have had numbers of Men in it with scarcely cloaths enough to cover their nakedness, & a full fourth of it without even the shadow of a blanket severe as the Winter was—& that men under these circumstances were held together, is hardly within the bounds of credibility—but is nevertheless true—it is no difficult matter therefore under this view of things (which is not sufficiently coloured to the life) to form some idea of my situation.
The States, under an expectation of hourly succour from France, are now called upon in pointed & pressing terms for Men & supplies to co-operate with them; but in what manner they will give them—when

they will arrive—& what may be the result—the womb of time only can reveal—I cannot. Our whole re-inforcement as yet is about 250 Men.
The Enemy after leaving the Jerseys, made demonstrations towards our Posts in the Highlands (on the North River) as if a visit was intended them—this occasioned my moving that way; but after hovering upon the Water for two or three days—in the river—they debarked on the East side of it, & are foraging that Ground which we ought to preserve if we had the power to accomplish it—meanwhile we lye on the West side of the river, distant from it abt 18 Miles, with a view of refreshing our Troops—waiting the arrival of the French-fleet—& our own reinforcements—My affectionate regards are presented to my Sister and all the family. with much truth I can assure that I am Yrs

Go: Washington


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

German lieutenant general Wilhelm von Knyphausen temporarily commanded at New York while British general Henry Clinton directed the siege of Charleston, South Carolina. Believing that GW’s main army was weak, Knyphausen decided to launch an attack into New Jersey.

In a letter written to George Germain nearly a month after his expedition, the German general explained his thinking: “Having received very frequent information that General Washington’s army, said to be under four thousand men, was universally discontented, that if they had it in their power a general spirit of desertion prevailed amongst them, that the militia of Jersey, tired of convulsions which they found pregnant with distress to themselves and families, were disposed to remain peaceably at home, and that a strong detachment had been made from Morristown to check the progress of the Indians upon the back countries, I was induced from these representations, with the approbation of his Excellency Major-General [James] Robertson and several other British general officers, to enter Jersey by Elizabeth Town upon the night of the 6th inst. with a corps of six thousand men which was the utmost force that could be spared from the immediate security of New York and its dependencies.
“From the intelligence which I had received from different quarters of the disposition of the country, the state of General Washington’s army, and from the great successes of the commander-in-chief to the southward, I was led to believe that the moment was too favourable to be lost. I expected to have been able to take post upon the Short Hills between Springfield and Chatham after the first day’s march and by a subsequent move from that commanding position to have obliged General Washington to have quitted his camp at Morris Town, in which event he must have left a great part of his artillery and stores behind him for want of horses to carry them off or to have risked an action with a very inferior force.”
Only a small Continental force initially opposed Knyphausen’s offensive. GW had deployed Brig. Gen. William Maxwell’s New Jersey Brigade to defend the coastal towns across from Staten Island and the roads leading from there to Morristown. Maxwell had established his brigade near Elizabeth, New Jersey. To provide protection to Newark, N.J., as well as to Elizabeth, GW ordered Maxwell at the end of May to repost his troops. Maxwell stationed Col. Elias Dayton’s 3d New Jersey Regiment in Elizabeth with Col. Oliver Spencer’s Additional Continental Regiment, both under Dayton’s command, while he himself took station with the other two regiments at “West Farms,” three miles west of Newark. Receiving reports that the British had taken Charleston and that a squadron carrying Clinton and part of his army might have arrived at New York, GW warned Dayton and other commanders to be on their guard.
Knyphausen’s attack force consisted of the British Guards regiment, five other British infantry regiments, the 17th Regiment of Dragoons, all or portions of three provincial regiments, seven Anspach and Hessian

regiments, and Anspach and Hessian jägers. The force totaled about 6,000 men. In a letter to Germain, Robertson, the royal governor of New York who joined Knyphausen on the expedition, described the attack’s initial stages: “On the 6th of June we sailed with as many troops as could safely be spared from the defence of [New York]—6000—to Staten Island. From thence we landed our advance guard the same night at Elizabethtown where they waited the landing of a second embarkation by the return of the boats. These bodies moved on with orders to try to surprise Maxwell’s brigade of Jersey troops stationed near to the road we marched by, to endeavour to get possession of the strong post at Short Hills, to wait there the arrival of the third embarkation of the army.” Knyphausen’s first division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Thomas Stirling and composed of the 37th and 38th British regiments, and the German Lieb and Landgraf regiments, began landing at Elizabethtown Point between 11:00 P.M. and midnight on 6 June.
Stirling’s troops did not surprise Dayton’s men in Elizabeth as Knyphausen had hoped. Continental pickets spotted Stirling’s approach. A shot from a picket severely wounded Stirling. Lt. Col. Ludwig von Wurmb, commander of the Jäger Corps, took over the command of the division. Dayton posted his two regiments on high ground west of Elizabeth to delay Wurmb’s column. Unfavorable winds delayed the landing of the other divisions of Knyphausen’s corps, and Wurmb decided to wait before advancing up the road to Springfield. Not until daybreak did Knyphausen have his entire corps ashore.
A message from Capt. Jonathan Dayton of the 3d New Jersey Regiment sent just after 1:00 A.M. on 7 June first alerted GW to the enemy raid. By 4:00 A.M., GW had received Dayton’s message, and he prepared the army to march at short notice. Three hours later, GW put six brigades in motion towards Chatham, New Jersey.
As he marched with the army, GW remained unsure of his opponent’s objective. He reasoned that the enemy commander might be trying to take the army’s camp at Jockey Hollow and Morristown or he might intend a grand forage to the west of the mountains. In either scenario, they would need to push through the Watchung Mountains. By marching to Chatham, GW could deny Knyphausen the main pass through those mountains. GW could then advance to Springfield knowing that he controlled good defensive positions in the Hobart Gap of the Watchung Mountains if retreat became necessary. If Knyphausen with his greatly superior numbers reached Chatham first, there is little GW could have done to stop the German general from taking Morristown with the Continental artillery park and all the army’s magazines.
Leaving Maxwell to oppose Knyphausen’s advance, GW sent for his

other major detachment and called for the militia to join the army. He wrote Major General Stirling, the highest-ranking New Jersey officer in the Continental army, to raise the alarm for militia in the area south of Morristown and take charge of those who responded. When he had them formed, Stirling was to harass the left flank of the enemy column. GW ordered the commander of the Continental detachment at Paramus, N.J., to request militia officers in that area to call out their companies and to march his own troops to join GW at Chatham.
Before midnight on 6 June, the regiments of Maxwell’s brigade at West Farms were alerted and on the march toward Elizabeth. As they neared Gov. William Livingston’s house (about two miles northwest of town), Maxwell learned from Dayton that the enemy had landed artillery and dragoons, and that their numbers would be at least 5,000. He retired toward Connecticut Farms, where Dayton joined him with his regiment. Maxwell ordered a few small parties from his brigade and small groups of militia to harass the advancing enemy. To protect his communication with GW, he directed the main body of his brigade to watch the enemy on the roads leading to the right and left toward Springfield. Maxwell had chosen a strong defensive position that hindered the jägers leading the British force.
Maxwell’s brigade held up the British offensive for three hours. Enemy reinforcements obliged the brigadier to retire slowly toward the heights near Springfield, but his command continued to harass the British troops. Maxwell’s troops fought the Jäger Corps under Wurmb, the English Guards regiment, and the Hessian Leib Regiment. When Wurmb temporarily halted his advance, Maxwell counterattacked and drove Wurmb’s forward corps back onto Knyphausen’s main body. Wurmb’s command then rallied and regained the initiative. Maxwell later described this fighting as “the closest action I have seen this war.” By the later part of the day, the New Jersey militia had arrived in large numbers. After being reinforced by a party of militia with a field piece, Maxwell renewed his counterattack and again drove back the British advance corps before nightfall.
That afternoon, GW arrived in the Short Hills behind Springfield with the leading units of the six brigades he had marched from Morristown. To aid Maxwell, he sent forward Maj. Caleb Gibbs and Lt. William Colfax, the top officers of his guards, with a detachment of guardsmen and troops pulled from the army’s other regiments. Gibbs and his men arrived in time to participate in the final counterattack at Springfield. On the morning of 8 June, Gibbs described this fight to Maxwell: “I had the happiness to give the Hessian Lads a Charge Just before sunset & drove them merrily. we gave them after they gave way about 8 rounds, I have lost 3 killd as many wounded & as many missing.

I am sorry to inform You that among the Wounded is Mr Ford of Morris Town where h[ea]d Q[u]a[rte]rs is kept he was in the advance, a volunteer with Lt Colfax which gave the Enemy the first Charge—he recieved two balls thro his thigh.”
During the fighting in front of Springfield, Knyphausen learned from prisoners and deserters that GW had arrived in the Short Hills with his main army. GW’s occupation of that position ended the German general’s hope of easily capturing Morristown or forcing GW to fight in the open country. Knyphausen also learned that Clinton could be expected to soon arrive at New York. “Under these circumstances,” wrote Robertson, “General Knyphausen gave up the intention of forcing Washington to an action in such an advantageous post and resolved to wait in Jersey Sir Henry Clinton’s arrival, that he might be ready to act jointly or separately with him.”
His venture into New Jersey greatly disappointed Knyphausen. “I found the disposition of the inhabitants by no means such as I expected,” he explained to Germain; “on the contrary they were everywhere in arms, nor did I find that spirit of desertion amongst their troops which it was represented to me existed amongst them. An unexpected delay in the repair of two bridges over marshy creeks and the time unavoidably lost in the different debarkations having retarded the march of the troops, I did not advance further than Conecticut Farms and found it would not be practicable to possess the Short Hills agreeable to my expectations. From this motive, the disposition I found in Jersey as well respecting the militia as their other troops, I did not judge it expedient with the force which I commanded to urge the point further.”
Eschewing immediate retreat to the coast, Knyphausen hesitated, apparently torn between advancing at heavy cost or admitting failure. In the evening, he pulled his jägers and other leading units back from Springfield and set up a camp and breastwork a short distance northwest of Connecticut Farms, where skirmishing continued. Knyphausen ordered his men to burn Connecticut Farms. GW, in turn, formed his army into two lines with Maxwell’s brigade as an advance corps deployed toward Connecticut Farms.
Knyphausen’s delay offered an opportunity for GW. He held a council of war later that night with his general officers to decide whether the army should make a night attack on Knyphausen’s position at Connecticut Farms. The council decided to launch an assault about midnight, but Knyphausen began a retreat to Elizabeth just before that hour. A heavy rain also began to fall that would have prevented the assault. The German general later reported to the ministry in London that he “preferred the returning to Elizabeth Town and taking post there in order

to wait the arrival of the commander-in-chief, being informed that his Excellency was upon his return to New York.”
With the rainstorm to mask his withdrawal, the German general moved his troops out of the breastworks at Connecticut Farms and marched back to Elizabethtown Point, where he began constructing field fortifications. The intense combat with Maxwell’s brigade on 7 June had exhausted ammunition in the Jäger Corps and the Leib Regiment. The jägers went to Staten Island to get more ammunition for both units. Knyphausen also ordered more artillery from New York to strengthen his works.
On the morning of 8 June, with Knyphausen having returned to Elizabeth, GW formed a 600-man detachment of three battalions under Brig. Gen. Edward Hand to operate with militia units against Knyphausen’s troops. By the time GW formed Hand’s detachment, he and his generals knew the German general had retreated to Elizabethtown Point, but they did not know how many troops still remained on the Jersey side of Arthur Kill.
With Major General Stirling in overall command, Hand’s detachment and the militia attacked Knyphausen’s new entrenched position. Hand disposed his force into three sections. He placed the Continental troops in the center under his personal command. He deployed one brigade of militia on the right and the other on the left wing. Each brigade would make its own assault but all were to arrive at the enemy breastwork at the same time. British artillery opened fire with balls and grapeshot. Only the advance corps of the brigades got into action with the enemy pickets before Hand perceived that the fortifications were too strong. He ordered a retreat. The British remained in their works and did not pursue.
Stirling described the attack to Gov. William Livingston: “I found the Enemy had retired thro’ the Town and were Confined to the limits of the [Elizabethtown] point Tract, except some at the forks of the Road leading to the two ferrys and in the woods to the Northward of that, we immediately attacked those and drove them to within our old lines on the heights beyond Rickets farm, where we found them in Such force as made me think it improper to proceed further and Contented ourselves with amusing them—with Skirmish⟨in⟩g for the remainder of the day.”
After the failure of this attack, Stirling advised GW that Knyphausen’s troops and position were so strong that even an attack by the entire main army would be futile. He would monitor enemy actions and advise GW of any changes. In the evening, Stirling retired to a position three miles “back of the Town.”
GW sent his aide Alexander Hamilton to gain better intelligence of

Knyphausen’s position and intentions at Elizabethtown Point. Hamilton believed that Knyphausen took up a fortified position at the point because he feared to cross his corps over Arthur Kill with GW liable to attack his rear. British observers agreed. William Smith, royal chief justice of New York, quoted Isaac Ogden, a New Jersey Loyalist who had been on Staten Island, as saying that Knyphausen and his general officers meant to leave New Jersey on the 8th “but found it would be dangerous to the Rear.”
By sunset, GW, at the head of the main army, was at Connecticut Farms meetinghouse. He intended to attack Knyphausen if the German attempted to transport his corps to Staten Island. Yet he remained cautious, ordering Stirling to keep out patrols and sentries to warn of any renewed enemy advance. On the recommendation of Stirling and Philip Schuyler, GW also ordered Stirling to withdraw the advanced corps—militia, Hand’s detachment, and Gibbs’s detachment—behind Elizabeth for greater security. Except for skirmishing around Knyphausen’s position at the point, this movement ended the fighting.
Maxwell put his losses at one officer killed and three wounded, and seven privates killed, twenty wounded, and five missing. He noted that the militia fighting with his brigade had several killed and “a number” wounded. Though no official count exists, British and German losses were heavier. Maxwell wrote that “We have good reason to believe from the number of dead left on the ground & from the information of many of the inhabitants, where they had their dead and wounded, that they left three times the number we did. … I am credibly informed that 47 of the enemy’s dead were found the next day, scattered through the woods and feilds, besides those whom they themselves had buried and carried off the first day.”
A modern estimate based on contemporary sources puts American casualties at fifteen killed and forty wounded. Knyphausen’s losses were not recorded, but contemporary accounts mentioned seeing forty or fifty British and German dead on the field after Knyphausen’s retreat to Elizabethtown Point. Capt. Johann Ewald of the Jäger Corps recorded that unit’s casualties as one officer and twenty-two men killed and three officers and fifty-nine men wounded. British losses seemed high to those observing from New York. The day after the fighting ended, Smith wrote that Knyphausen had made a mistake “In not vigorously defeating Maxwell Wednesday [7 June] Morning tho’ we had lost 500 Men.” The New Jersey militia greatly assisted in the defeat of Knyphausen’s offensive. The German general recognized their role, and GW was impressed by their turnout and performance.
Clinton disapproved of Knyphausen’s thrust into New Jersey, calling it an “ill-timed, malapropos move.” The German commander later

informed him that he undertook the offensive “on the ill-founded suggestions” of William Franklin, royal governor of New Jersey, “and some other over-sanguine refugees, whose zeal … has but too often outrun their prudence in the course of this unfortunate war.” But Knyphausen, seemingly unwilling to renew his attack or to withdraw across the sound, kept his corps at Elizabethtown Point awaiting the arrival of Clinton from Charleston.
GW could not discern Knyphausen’s motive in launching the invasion. But he knew that the weakness of his army had invited the attack. Nevertheless, despite his shortage of troops, he kept the main army in the vicinity of Springfield to watch Knyphausen and guard the approaches to Morristown and its important magazines and supply depots.


Title: I. To George Washington from Captain Jonathan Dayton, 7 June 1780
From: Dayton, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Near Eliza: Town [N.J., 7 June 1780]past 1 oClock—Wednesday morn.
Sir

I am directed by Colo: Dayton to inform your excellency that the enemy landed this night at 12 oClock, from the best intelligence four or five thousand men & Twelve field pieces, & it is his conjecture they intend to penetrate into the country. I am your excelly’s most hum. servt

Jona: Dayton Capt. 3rd J. Regt


Title: III. From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 7 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord—
June 7th 80

The enemy landed at De Harts Point last night in considerable force—and are advancing rapidly this way. They may aim at our camp or they may only intend to proceed as far as the mountains and file off to the left making a sweep of all the forage Cattle &c. in their way. In any case we ought to collect the Militia to give them all the opposition in our power. I request your Lordship to give the alarm as extensively as you can in your quarter and to remain to form them as they collect and

march them towards the enemy with direction to skirmish on their left flank. We shall as quick as possible move forward with the army. I wish your Lordship’s particular attention to the Militia. I am Yr Lordship’s Most Obedt serv.

Go: Washington

The enemy were on the road from E. Town to Springfield—We shall move towards Chatham.


Title: IV. From George Washington to Major Jeremiah Talbot, 7 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Talbot, Jeremiah

Sir
Head qrs Morris Town June 7th 1780 ½ after 8 A.M.

I have this morning been informed that the Enemy landed last night in force at De Harts point, near Elizabeth Town—and are advancing rapidly on the road to Springfield. I wish You to communicate this intelligence to the Militia Officers in the vicinity of your post immediately that they may alarm the Country—and that You will march as expeditiously as You can consistent with the Men’s health with the Detachment under your command & with all the Militia that will join You for Chatham; keeping the Mountains below you on your left. You will send on some of the Militia Light Horse—or Messengers from time to time to Chatham in order to inform yourself of the advance & situation of the Enemy & also to advise me how far you are on your march. I am sir Yr Most Obedt st

G.W.


Title: VI. General Orders (morning orders), 8 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

Morning Orders Thursday June 8th 1780

Major Generals Greene, La Fayette and Steuben’s divisions each give a battalion to form a detachment which is to be commanded by Brigadier General Hand.

Greene’s gives
120
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Files

La Fayette’s
  80

Steuben’s
100

The men’s ammunition to be carefully inspected immediately.
One or two officers from each division to be sent to Camp this day to bring on all stragglers small guards &ca to join their respective regiments.


Title: VIII. To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 8 June 1780
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
June 8th 80

I have seen the enemy; those in view I calculate at about three thousand—there may be and probably enough are others out of sight—They have sent all their horse to the other side except about fifty or sixty—Their baggage it is agreed on all hands has also been sent across and their wounded—It is not ascertained that any of their infantry have passed to the other side—There are four or five hundred on the opposite point; but it is uncertain whether they are those who went from this side or those who were on Staten Island—I rather suppose the former.
Different conjectures may be made. The present movement may be calculated to draw us down and betray us into an action—They may have desisted from their intention of passing till night for fear of our falling upon their rear. I believe this is the case; for as they have but few boats it would certainly be a delicate manœuvre to cross in our face. We are taking measures to watch their motions to night as closely as possible. An incessant but very light skirmishing—Very few boats—not more than enough to carry three or four hundred men at a time—It is likely more will come down this evening. I have the honor to be Yr Excellency Most Obed. se.

Alx. Hamilton


Title: IX. To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 8 June 1780
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Eliz. Town [N.J.] June 8th [1780] 5 oClock

You may be assured that the Enemy have not altered their Situation since we attacked them in the Morning, I do not think we are ripe for an attack upon them yet, I believe it would be best for the Army to halt two or three Miles short of this, for the present, I will give your Excellency the earliest Intelligence of any thing that should happen. I am your Excellencys Most Humble Servant

Stirling,


Title: X. From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 8 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord
June 8th 1780. Sunset

I am now at the Connecticut farms meeting House, where the Head of our Column is advanced. The Troops are halted and will ly on their arms to night to act as occasion may require. If the Enemy begin to cross over to Staten Island and you are well & clearly ascertained of the fact & circumstances indicate that they mean to continue passing—the Troops on your informing me of it or such part as may be deemed necessary for the purpose, will be put in motion; but as I have already observed—I wish the matter with respect to the Enemy’s passing to be well understood and not to be taken up on light grounds, as our moving otherwise might lead to very serious consequence.
And while I am speaking about the Enemy’s crossing—I think it necessary to request your Lordship’s equal attention that they ⟨mutilated⟩ not move against us without the earliest advice, which is an Object they may have still in view & which they may notwithstanding appearance⟨s⟩ to cross endeavour to carry into execution. It will ⟨be⟩ essential that good Centries & patroles should be kept on your left for this purpose—and some Horsemen & trusty persons should also be kept at Halsted’s point least they should after embarking making a landing there or at some place in it’s vicinity and advance from thence.
I shall be found at a House where the Roads fork on this side Springfield.
It will be best to withdraw the Troops which are advanced, a little in the rear of the Town where they will be secure, as you & General Schuyler proposed. I have the Honor to be with great esteem & regard yr Lordship’s Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington

The House I stay at is Mr Whitehead’s.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 7 June 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] June 7th 1780

The board are desirous of seeing Capt. Bowman of the Jersey Troops, on the subject of his command at Squan, during the last Winter & Spring, & would be much obliged to your Excellency to order him to repair to Philadelphia without delay. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Yr Excellency’s Most obed. Hble Servt

by ord.Ben. Stoddert Secy


Title: General Orders (second general orders), 8 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters Connecticut Farms Thursday June 8th 80
Parole Pensacola  Countersigns Mobile spainWatchword Galvez

A Field Officer from each division to post and visit the Guards of the Divisions respectively.
The officers from General St Clairs division to visit also the Guards posted from the Jersey Brigade.
The Army to keep its present position ’till further orders—the officers to keep with their regiments and platoons and their men compact as possible.
General St Clair having joined is to resume the Command of his own division; General Greene will take command of the Front Line.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 8 June 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

Sir
War office [Philadelphia] June 8th 1780

We have been honoured with your Letter of the 5th Instant. The representation of the Inhabitants of Northumberland, in favour of Colo. Weltner, was sent to your Excellency on a supposition that you had received an accusation presented to the Council of this State, charging Colo. Weltner with Misconduct & Ill treatment of the Inhabitants. We had directed the papers we received from Council to be sent, but it seems on Enquiry that our directions have not been complied with. The whole seems to be a party Affair & we shall not therefore trouble your Excellency farther on the subject.
We are clearly of opinion that Capt. Coren’s Utility in the Laboratory has for a long time past ceased. He has certainly much practical knowledge, but he is extreemly addicted to Liquor & is constantly thwarting instead of promoting the Business. We are convinced that Capt. Coren might, if deprived of his command, be rendered more useful than in his present situation. He may be employed occasionally with a proper Compensation for his services; & even if he should from Chagrin refuse to afford his Assistance; we are of opinion the business can very well be conducted without him.

We will send the Letter to Genl Gates by the first opportunity We shall be happy to hear that Genl Knyphawzen’s determination may answer Your Excellency’s expectations. We have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Your very Obedt Servants.

Richard PetersBy Order


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 June 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Roxbury [Mass.] June 8th 1780

The enclosed State of the British Garrison at Hallifax, was obtained from the Gentleman mentioned in my last, but is rather more particular than what he mentioned to the Honble Mr Bowdoin, I therefore take the liberty to enclose it.
Two Days after I had the honor last to write your Excellency, your requisition to the General Assembly here to raise a number of men to Complete their Battalions was received by them, and yesterday their orders were Sent to the several Brigadiers of the militia to cause the men to be drafted immediately, they will probably in the usual way, be bought at a very high price, I am however happy to hear that many of the old Soldiers intend to offer themselves, I am Just informed that the men are to rendezvous at Springfield, where they are to wait your Excellencys further orders, A large number of officers are here on the recruiting service, which will now be at an end, They might receive and march the drafts on immediately to Camp, and as the Season is far advanced, and it is very probable many of the drafts will be raw, I apprehend that it will be your Excellencys wish to have them marched on, formed and drill’d as soon as possible, at the Same time as I have not received the least hint of your pleasure respecting them, and by late accounts from West point the Troops at that Post being at half allowance, leaves me at loss to determine what your intentions are, or what mode of Conduct is to be pursued, I will however venture to order Several Officers to repair to Springfield to receive the men from the Superintendent, preserve Order, and have them in readiness to march the moment your pleasure is Signified.
Capt. la Touch, who lately Sailed from Boston to the southward in

the Hermione Frigate, has Just sent into Dartmouth, a Brig⟨gtine⟩ which he took off Nantucket Shoals bound to New York, with upwards of 1700, Firkins of butter, 150 Boxes of Candles, and 150 Boxes of Soap on board, This will be agreable news to the Marquis de la Fyette who will be happy to hear of the good Fortune of Capt. la Touch. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 8 June 1780
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Hartford 8th June 1780

The Importance of the Subject of the inclosed Copy of a Letter addressed to the President of Congress, as it has & will affect the Supplies of Provisions expected from this State for the Army, will plead my Excuse for troubling you therewith, & begging Your Excellency’s Influence with Congress to back our Application to that Hono. Body, that speedy Attention may be paid thereto—& that thereby the unhappy Consequences which have already arrisen from that Source to our Supplies, & the still greater Evils which we fear, unless speedily remedied, may be happily removed—This is our second Address on the Subject—our first on that Head not having met a Reply.
Since my writing ⅌ Return Express of 6th Instant 500 bbls more of Provisions are on the Road—and every Effort is exertg, for giving effectual Relief, so far as in our Power, to the Distresses mentioned by your Excellency. I have the Honor to be, with great Regard & Esteem Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Justin Ely, 9 June 1780
From: Ely, Justin
To: Washington, George

Sr
Springfield [Mass.] 9th June 1780

By the inclosed Copy of a Resolve of the General Court of Massachusetts Bay of the fifth Instant your Excellency will see that 3934 Men are ordered to be raised to reinforce the Continental Army. it is probable some of the Men may be at This Place by the first Day of July and as there [are] but a very few Barracks in Springfield it will be difficult to accomodate the Men here for any Length of Time. and I am this Day informed by Mr Church the issuing Commissary at this Place that he now issues Rice instead of Flour having none of the latter on Hand, and only Meat enough for about three Weeks for the People already employed at this Place, and has no Prospect of receiving any Provisions soon, as the purchasing Commissary has no Money wherewith to procure any—I am also informed by him that Mr Smith the Deputy Quarter Master at this Place cannot pay for the Transport of the Meat ordered from Coos to this place—I would propose to your Excellency whither it will not be convenient to order a few Officers to attend at this Place, or whereever else your Excellency shall appoint, by the first Day of July next, and afterwards some more Officers to receive the Remainder of the Troops—I thot it my Duty to give your Excellency the above Information that such Order may be taken thereon as to your Excellency may appear most conducive to the public Weal. I am with the truest Sentiments of Respect and Esteem, your Excellency’s most obedient and most hume Sert

Justin Ely


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 9 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heard, Nathaniel

Sir
H. qrs [Springfield] June 9. 1780

If the Enemy mean to make a movement into the Country to Morris Town—it is likely they will attempt it to night—and if they do, they may endeavour to proceed by a Road either more to our right or left, than any one on which we have Troops. From this consideration and the importance of having every avenue guarded by which they may attempt to gain our Rear, I shall be exceedingly glad—if You can procure & send Three or Four very trusty Horsemen on whom you can depend—on each of the Roads under the above description to patrol the night & who will give the earliest communication of the advance of the Enemy. The Road which leads through the Mountain by the way of the Scot’s plains—I wish to be particularly attended to. Should You not be perfectly informed of the Roads on which we have Troops—Baron Steuben will inform You. I am Sir.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 9 June 1780
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Highlands [N.Y.] 9th June 1780

Having been inform’d that some Difficulty would arise in obtaining the Public Horses from those Persons into whose Hands they had been lodged to forage them through the Winter, & having had it confirmed by many Persons having refused to deliver those up which were call’d for until the[y] were paid the Expence of having foraged them—I

directed Col. Hay to proceed in Person, & fall upon Measures to obtain not only those Horses but as many others as Service absolutely required, & which at this advanc’d Season I conceived it necessary to have ready for the Service of the Army. The Result of this Proceeding the inclos’d Extract will inform you Sir, which I was on the Point of transmitting by Express when the Arrival of Col. Hay on his Way to Morris Town upon some Public Occasion made an Express unnecessary, & to whom I beg Leave to refer you for further Particulars relative to this Matter, & upon which I should be glad to receive your Excellency’s Instructions. I am Dear Sir with great Respect your Excellency’s most obedient Humble Servant

Robt Howe


Title: General Orders, 10 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters Short Hills [N.J.] saturday June 10th 1780
Parole Perseverance  Countersigns Peace PlentyWatchword Independence

Returns of the Canteens actually wanting in the several brigades to be made immediately by the brigade Quarter masters (signed by the commanding officers respectively) and presented to the Quarter master General in order to their being drawn.
The firing of two pieces of Cannon from the Centre of the second line will announce the advance of the enemy upon which the Troops are immediately to parade and remain under Arms for orders.
Two days provisions beforehand to be kept continually cooked.
In the present situation the officers will take the most effectual measures to keep the men near their respective quarters and will not themselves leave their Corps without being detached by order.
The practice of going into the vicinity of the Enemy which is too common without being sent there on Service is entirely contrary to discipline and may be attended with ill consequences.

Evening Orders.
As it is totally inconsistent with the safety of the Camp that transient persons should be passing through the Encampment after dark and impossible to discriminate between Friends and foes the Commander in Chief directs that all Persons passing after nine o clock without the Countersign be taken up and confined ’till morning when the Field officers of the day may release or confine them as they shall think proper.
Colonel Angell’s regiment to relieve Colonel Hazen’s this evening.
A Sub.’s Guard to be mounted this Evening at Head Quarters from the front Line.


Title: Circular to the Executives of Three States, 10 June 1780
From: Circular
To: Executives of Three States

Sir,
Head Quarters Springfield 10th June 1780

I have the honor to introduce to you Mr De Corny Commissary of War in the service of His Most Christian Majesty. This Gentleman is charged with the important trust of procuring the necessary supplies of every sort for the French Army on which business he is now proceeding to the Eastern States. I have given him this letter for your Excellency to request you will afford him all the assistance in your power towards accomplishing the objects of his mission in their fullest extent. I have assured him that you will be happy in the opportunity of facilitating his operations in every way that may contribute to the success of the combined operations. Gratitude for so generous a succour and the interest of these States unite in requiring this of us—Your Excellencys zeal makes it unnecessary to suggest motives.
I take the liberty to recommend Mr De Corny to Your Excellencys particular attention. His personal merit and zeal in the common cause entitle him to every mark of consideration. I have the honor to be with perfect respect & esteem your Excellency’s Most Obet & hum. servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 10 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

Head Quarters Heights above SpringfieldJune 10th 1780
Dear Sir

From the accounts which I have received from the northward, I am in hopes there will be no occasion for your advancing beyond Albany. I put this letter under cover to the Lieut. Governor with a desire to forward it to you, in case the information he may have received of the retreat of the Enemy will justify your recall. In such case, you will return with the utmost expedition to West Point and put yourself under the command of Genl Howe or Genl Heath should he have arrived from Boston—From the present apprehensions of the designs of the Enemy, you will be pleased to use every exertion to reach West Point, should it be determined by the Legislature that you may come down the river. I am Dr Sir your most obet servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 10 June 1780
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Albany June 10th 1780.

I arrived at this Place on the Evening of the 6th inst. but the rear of the Troops did not come up untill the morning of the 8th. On my Arrival I found the Governor had marched in Pursuit of the Enemy, who had retreated precipitately on his Approach.
I also found that Col. Vn Schaick had sent off a Quantity of Provision

consisting of one hundred Barrels of Flower and forty Barrels of Beef for the Use of Fort Schuyler, which had not reached Conojoharie when I receiv’d an Express informing me that the Enemy had appeared at the German-Flatts, and done considerable Damage—I immediately sent orders, by the return of the Express, to the Officer commanding the Escort of the Provision, to halt, drawing up his Boats in the most defencible Spot, and remain there untill join’d by Col. Gansevoort, whom I had ordered to march for that Purpose.
The subsequent day I received accounts that the Alarm was occasioned by a Party of twenty Indians who appeared on the Flatts, burned two Houses, three Barns & took one man and a Girl Prisoners: however knowing the Provision to be of the utmost Consequence to the Garrison, and not being able to assertain the true Force of the Enemy I directed Col. Gansevoort to continue his march to the Fort.
Agreeable to the Governors Advice I have detatched the second regiment up to Fort Edward, the fourth to Conojoharie & Stonearabia, the fifth to Caughnawaga, and the third I intend to keep at Schenectady to act as Circumstances may require.
At the request of Col. Vn Schaick I woud just mention to your Excy that his Regiment is much dissat⟨is⟩fied with its long Continuance at Fort Schuyler—frequ⟨ent⟩ Desertions have taken Place in Consequence of it, if it is not improper, or inconsistant with the good of the Ser⟨vice⟩ I shou’d be glad to have it relieved before I march from this Place. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Hube Servt

James Clinton

P.S. I have left Capt. Johnson of the 5th regt and twenty Men at the Mouth of the Clove agreeable to your Instructions.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 10 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

Dr Sir
Hd Qrs Heights above Springfield June 10th 1780

I have received your several letters of the 5th 6th and 8th of June. You do well to consider the post of West point as the capital object of your attention and every other as secondary—This is peculiarly necessary at the present moment, as there are circumstances that authorise a suspicion of something being intended against that post. I would therefore have you by all means to keep your force collected, in such manner as that there may not be a possibility of your being found in a divided state, in case of a sudden movement of the enemy your way.
General Knyphaussen (we have reason to believe) with all the force he could spare from New York made an incursion into the Jerseys the night of the 6th instant and proceeded early next morning towards Connecticut farms about five miles from Elizabeth Town. In the night of the 7th he retired to the point of his debarkation beyond Elizabeth Town where he has remained ever since—and has been crossing and re-crossing his cavalry and baggage. His whole conduct is inexplicable and begins to have much the air of an amusement. ’Tis probable Clinton with the whole or a part of the troops under his command is momently expected at New York and the present movement may be intended to draw our attention this way, while he on his arrival pushes immediately up the North River and attacks the forts united with what troops Still remain in New York.
The day Knyphaussen moved out he was very severely galled by an adva⟨nce⟩d corps of Continental troops and the Jersey militia, who have turned out and acted with admirable spirit upon this occasion.
We conjectured at first that his coming out was to forage or to draw us down into the plain and give us battle; But as he did not persue the first and as he must have seen that we shall not fight him but upon our own terms, we cannot see why he should remain in his present position so long: we are therefore led to the other conjecture respecting you. Use all possible vigilance and caution.
It is not improbable Clintons brigade may shortly reinforce you.
The enemy have a good many cavalry and we have none here—You will dispatch immediately Moylans Regiment to join us. Sheldon’s will continue with you. His infantry on an emergency may be thrown into the garrison.
You ask my opinion about giving due bills for deficient rations. It

would be but justice if our circumstances permitted it; but they do not. We can neither afford provision nor have we money to pay for deficiencies. No such allowance has been made to the troops here.
You will order Col. Hay to detain the ship Carpenterrs in his employ even if the business now in hand should be finished, for we shall have essential need of their services hereafter.
With respect to the mode of purchasing horses as proposed by Col. Hay—I can only say that the necessity of the case must justify the measure, but, that I wish you to procure such a number only as may be absolutely necessary. I am &ca

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

Sir
Springfield June 10th 1780

I beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that on Tuesday night the Enemy landed at Elizabeth Town point, with the principal part of their force, under the command of General Knyphausen—and proceeded the next morning into the Country till they were within half a mile of Springfield. In their march they were most spiritedly opposed by the Jersey Troops which formed the advanced Corps of the Army, and by such of the Militia as had an opportunity from their situation and the suddenness of the occasion to collect. The moment I received advice that the Enemy were out in force, I put the Army in motion and it reached the heights in the rear of Springfield on Wednesday afternoon. A pretty warm skirmishing was kept up through the day between

the Enemy & the light parties on our side, in which there is reason to believe the Enemy were a good deal galled. We have received intelligence which seems to be authentic—that Brigadier General Stirling was wounded in the thigh shortly after the debarkation. In the night they retired to Elizabeth Town point where they have remained ever since, having burnt in the course of the day, according to their common mode of warfare, a Meeting House & several Dwelling Houses & Barns. Their movements are a little mysterious—the design of them not easily to be penetrated. We can only form conjectures with respect to it.
The Militia have turned out with remarkable spirit and have hitherto done themselves great honor. I cannot precisely ascertain the loss we have sustained upon this occasion, but it is inconsiderable. I have the Honor to be with the most perfect respect & esteem yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain La Touche-Tréville, 10 June 1780
From: La Touche-Tréville, Louis-René-Madeleine Le Vassor, comte de
To: Washington, George

a Bord de lhermione en Rade de newport-Rhodeislandle 10 juin 1780
Monsieur

je ne puis exprimer a votre éxcéllence combien jai été Sensible a la lettre tres honnête dont elle a bien voulu accompagner le paquet de Monsieur le marquis de la faÿette qu’elle a eu la bonté de me faire passer. lopinion que votre excellence a daigné prendre de moi mest trop flatteuse pour que je ne cherche pas toutes les occasions de men rendre digne. jaurais Souhaitté que des coups plus heureux dans le combat que je viens de Soutenir et dontje pense que Monsieur le marquis de la faÿette aura communiqué le detail a votre èxcéllence, meussent mis a meme dobtenir un Succes complet. jai au moins la Satisfaction davoir vu mon ennemi Se refuser a un Segond engagement, et lindifference avec la quelle il ma laissè poursuivre jusques Sous la terre, une de Ses decouvertes, massurre que cette fregate a eté plus maltraitée que la mienne dans le corps du vaisseau comme je letais plus qu’elle dans mes manreuvres hautes. tout me porte a croire quelle etait Sortie de new-york dans lintention de me combattre, je pense quelle setait munie a cet effet dun renfort de troupes. je lai jugé ainsi par Sa nombreuse mousqueterie. ce Supplément de forces naura Servi qua lui faire perdre plus de monde, mais je connais trop bien la jactance anglaise pour ne

pas etre assûrré d’avance quelle dissimulera Sa perte: c’est un art que nous ignorons en france. ma repplique est toute prête et je prends la liberté de la Soumettre au jugement de votre èxcéllence.
Si vous avez perdu moins de monde que moi, et que vous aÿès été moins maltraite ècrirai je au capitaine de cette frégate, quelle raison aves vous eu de ne pas continuer le combat voÿant letat de dègraÿement oujetais, limpossibilité physique ou je me trouvais de manoeuvrer et de Suivre une autre route que celle du vent arriere, tandis que votre Situation vous a permis de proffiter de lavantage du vent pour vous èloigner. vous manques donc ou de Sincerité, en naccusant pas au vrai la perte que vous avez eprouve ou denergie Si aÿant perdu peu de monde vous navez pas continué le combat avec les avantages que les hasards des coups vous avait donné Sur moi.
javais le projet en me rendant dans la delaware daller au quartier general de votre èxcellence pour lassurer de tout le Sentiment que Ses hautes vertus mont inspiré depuis longtems pour elle. je fais de voeux pour que les circonstances me Servent asses bien pour me mettre a portee de vous assurer du profond respect avec le quel je Suis de votre excellence le tres humble et tres obeïssant Serviteur

Latouche


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 10 June 1780
From: Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

State of Massachusetts BayCouncil Chamber June 10th 1780
Sir,

This Department has for a Considerable time past been destitute of a General Officer to take the Command & to issue out such Orders from time to time as the Public Service requires, Frequent Complaints are made to this Board of the Conduct of the Continental Officers on the Staff & Disputes & Contentions are often arising among Said Officers whereby the Public Business is greatly retarded & much Injured, It is impossible for this Board to make the necessary Inquirry into the Grounds & reasons of these Complaints & Contentions & to take effectual Measures for the Prevention of the same without greatly interrupting their Attention to the Publick Business which more immediately belongs to their Department, We must therefore request that some proper Officer may be appointed to take the Command here, whose proper Business it would be to make enquiry into those matters & remedy the many Mischiefs that now prevail Such an Appointment would be a great Ease to this Board & essentially serve the Public Interest—We now inclose you a Resolution of the General Assembly of this State passed in Consequence of a Letter lately received from the Committee of Congress for raising Three Thousand Nine hundred & Thirty four Men to be incorporated in the Battalions raised in this State, to serve for the Term of Six Months from their Appearing at Springfield the place of their Rendezvous unless sooner discharged, Your Excellency will please to give Orders for proper Officers to receive these Men at Springfield from the Commissioner who is appointed to deliver them to such Persons as you may appoint for that purpose in order to their being marched to Camp

with all convenient Speed as also for Provisions—The⟨se⟩ to be lodged at Springfield sufficient for their Subsistence during their Stay there. In the Name & behalf of the Council I am, With every Sentiment of Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble Servt

Jer: Powell Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Caesar Rodney, 10 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rodney, Caesar

Sir
Head qrs Springfield June 10. 1780

I have had the Honor to receive Your Letter of the 3d Instant. It appears to me necessary, that appointments should be made to the Four Vacant Ensigncies which Major Patten has reported. It is essential to service that Troops should be well officered—and in our’s the complement allowed should be generally full, as from the nature of our establishment, it is rather limited; and besides, three or four Officers are employed in the Regimental & brigade Staff who do not act in the common rotine of duty; not to mention that others are often taken as aids & for other purposes. I mention appointments to the Four Ensigncies only—as the places of the Two Officers in captivity cannot be considered as vacant & of consequence ought not to be filled by Others; Their captivity however as Your Excellency very justly intimates, is an additional reason to those I have mentioned, for making the proposed arrangement. I have the Honor to be, with great respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Scudder, 10 June 1780
From: Scudder, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Windsor Middlesex County [N.J.] Ju[n]e 10 [17]80

Having Just Recd Orders to March My Regiment to Join Yr Excelency and expecting to be on Our way tomorrow Morning whish to be directed what Rought to take.
his Excelency Govenr Livingston order’d us to Morris unless countermanded By Yr Excelency But hearing of the Enemie’s Retreat to Elizabeth Town shall proceed that way until ⟨I⟩ here from Yr Excelency. I am Sir Yr vary Hume Sert

Wm Scudder Lt Col:


Title: From George Washington to Pierre Van Cortlandt, 10 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Van Cortlandt, Pierre

⟨Sir
Head Quarters near Springfeild 10th June 1780

By accounts, tho’ not official, I am informed that the party under the command of Sir Jno.⟩ Johnston, have made a precipitate retreat, upon⟩ the approach of ⟨His Excellency the Governor. Should⟩ this have been the case⟨, I do not apprehend that there⟩ will be any occasion for Ge⟨neral Clinton to advance⟩ with his Brigade beyond Alba⟨ny⟩.
Under present circum⟨stances and appearances⟩ that force is most essentially neces⟨sary at West Point—⟩General Knyphausen with the gre⟨ater part of the⟩ troops remaining at New York lan⟨ded last Wed⟩nesday morning at Elizabeth Town, s⟨eemingly⟩ with an intention to penetrate the Countr⟨y, but after⟩ advancing five or six Miles, (in which ⟨distance he⟩ was warmly opposed by Maxwell’s Brigade ⟨and the⟩ Militia hastily assembled) he returned the ⟨same⟩ evening to Elizabeth town point, and the next ⟨day⟩ threw over his Waggons—part of his Artillery

⟨and⟩ some of his Horse to Staten Island, from which we concluded he meant to return with his whole force to his former positions. But contrary to our expectations he still remains on Elizabeth town point, and has brought back some Cavalry, Artillery and Stores.
It is difficult to determine with precision ⟨the intent of this maneuvre. By some it is conjectured, that it is meant to amuse us here, while the whole, or part of the force from the southward is to return and operate against⟩ the posts upo⟨n the North River, the Garri⟩sons of which are exce⟨edingly reduced by the⟩ expiration of service of the ⟨Men alloted to⟩ them. This carries with it the ⟨greater air of⟩ probability, as we have too much ⟨reason to⟩ think that Charles town has fallen to Sir ⟨Henr⟩y Clinton. West point, with the addition of ⟨Gene⟩ral Clintons Brigade would be tolerably secure ⟨ag⟩ainst any Coup de Main, and except it can be carried in that way, it may be relieved by reinforcements from the neighbouring States. From this short view of matters, you will see the necessity of bringing down the New York Brigade, unless the cause of sending it up should still exist. Should you therefore be of opinion that their service may be dispensed with at present, you will be pleased to forward the inclosed, by Express, to General Clinton—which contains an order for his return to West Point and which I hope nothing short of the most urgen⟨t⟩ occasion for his stay above will prevent being sent to him. I ⟨have the honor to be with great Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt⟩

[Go: Washington]


Title: General Orders (morning orders), 11 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

Morning Orders [Short Hills, N.J.,] June 11th 1780

The State or SubClothiers to apply without delay to the Deputy Clothier General at Colonel Potters on the Baskenridge road for their proportion of shoes; if the SubClothiers are not present officers are to be appointed for the purpose of receiving the shoes and delivering them to the regimental Clothiers.
A trusty Corporal to be sent from each division immediately to Colonel Potters to assist the Deputy Clothier General.


Title: General Orders, 11 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters Short Hills [N.J.] Sunday June 11th 1780
Parole Patriotism  Countersigns Jersey BraveWatchword Halloo

After Orders
The General observed with great pain today that a number of men were straggling to a considerable distance from Camp on a variety of frivolous pretences and without passes from the Commandants of their regiments.
This Practice subversive of all discipline and pernicious in every point of view demands the utmost care of the officers to prevent it; The General for this Purpose enjoins a strict observance of the Regulations forbidding any noncommission’d officer or Soldier to pass the chain of Sentinels without a written permission from the commanding officer of his regiment; and those respecting Roll-calls; and the more effectually to prevent straggling He authorizes every officer who shall find a Soldier without the chain unprovided with the Permit requir’d to order him on the spot fifty lashes. The visit directed to be made at Tatoo beating will be always under the Inspection of a Commission’d officer and the Tatoo will beat at nine o’clock ’till further orders.
The advanced Corps not to beat.


Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 11 June 1780
From: Craik, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence June 11th 1780

on my Arrival at this place I laid your Excellencys Dispatches and my Instructions before the Governor, upon which a Council was called when I was desired to attend. Previous to the meeting of the Council I viewed the Colledge which stands on the back of the Town a little detached from it on a beautifull Eminence, is an Elegant building on the Same Plan of the Prince Town Colledge, and well calculated both from Situation and convenience for a Compleat Hospital and would contain about Six hundred Sick. I was much pleased to find that only

one Small room was occupied by about fifteen Scholars, and made no doubt of obtaining it on my first requisition; but when I attended the Council many excuses were made why I should not have it. (tho all said they were willing to do every thing in their power to enable me to comply with your Exellencys Instructions to me) some said it would bring Contageous Diseases into the Town. others said it would Stop the Education of Youth. Some said it had been greatly injured by the Soldiery already and never had been repaired. And to conclude the whole the Parson was sent for who said he must be entirely ruined if it was taken as he expected a greater number of Scholars from whom he hoped for considerable advantage. Upon the whole the reasons urged were Sufficient to determine the Council that I should not have it. And I was sent to look at a few Barns about fifteen miles off and from thence fifteen miles farther to look at Some old Barracks; Places by no means fit to put well people in. being the most Dirty vile Huts I ever saw. And if they were good would not contain a hundred & fifty Sick. Such were the Places pointed out to me for Hospitals. on my return from viewing these places I was fixed to the place where the Barns are as being the most Eligible & was to have them put in order to receive as many as they will contain, and the Quarter Master was ordered to begin and Erect Barracks contiguous to them. This place would do pretty well as the Situation is tolerable provided buildings could be got ready in time but in all probability all the Barns and buildings which they can Erect in time upon that Spot will not contain more than betwixt three and four hundred—Your Excellency can easyly conceive the Chagreen & uneasyness I feel at the Small prospect I have at present of being able to comply with the Spirit of my Instructions. however every Effort in my power shall be used. to morrow the Assembly meets about thirty miles from this place at which I propose to attend. and I am told by Some Gentlemen that they will order me the Colledge, if so my prospect will be much better than at present—The people here would by no means be thought they would not do every thing in their power to Accomodate me, yet when I point out to them the proper places or desire them to do it, some selfish view or other gets the better of their Public Spirit. Were I not of opinion that you Excellency would object to the Sick being on the Island, Several convenient houses could be had in and about Newport. but I have imagined all along that you would think the Sick too much exposed to the Enemy—The Council appointed a Gentleman here to make the Purchases. one Mr Clark who bears an extream good Character and who promis’s me every thing shall be bought on the best terms. all kinds of Provisions we can get readyly except that of Flour. The Governor wrote to Governor Trumball for a Permitt to purchase it in that state and liberty to bring out what may be wanted for the Sick but

it has as yet been refused. what steps he intends further to take I have not yet heard as he only recd an answer to his Letter to day & he is in the Country. to morrow I shall wait on him on my way to the assembly and inform him of my intended application for the Colledge when I make no doubt of meeting with his approbation—The nature of this Governmen⟨t⟩ is Such that I find the Governor is too much in the power of the people that he is very unwilling to do much of himself—Some Letters are come from Genl Cornell with regard to the Situation of our affairs, which I am told will have a very good Effect upon the Assembly and are come in very good time.
Should I be able to obtain the Colledge, and that with the Barns & Barracks that are building should be insufficient to Accomodate all the Sick, I should be glad to know whether your Excellency would choose that any of them should be put into any of the Houses about Newport, for I clearly see it will be impossible to have them altogether—If I am able to procure proper Houses I think every thing else will be made agreeable. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys, most obedt hume Sert

Jas Craik


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 11 June 1780
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Trenton 11th June 1780

I am just returned from Philadelphia, & should immediately have waited upon your Excellency, but was desired by the Governor, to attend the Council this day—The Governor assured me, he had recieved no authentic accounts of the Enemys movements, since their excursion into the State, untill the reciept of Lord Sterlings letter, which came to hand this Morng.
I am now directed by the Governor & Council, to call out the whole Militia of this State, in which service I am busily engaged, the moment tis finished, I shall come on to Camp. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s, most Ob. Servt

Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 11 June 1780
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Highlands [N.Y.] June 11th 1780

I send to your Excellency, under the auspices of Mr Pomroy, a young Gentleman who was a Captain in the British Service by name Joel and who after (as he says) giving up his Commission, came over to this Service.
His Case is particular, he will explain it himself, he is young, Sensible, and I should hope Sincere, he can give you some Details, and I think he may with propriety have an audience of you. I confess I am led to think he means well, and may be made useful, and tho Persons under his circumstances are seldom to be trusted, Yet as some few there are, that may, he may be among that few, You Sir will be the best Judge of this when you examine him.
I beg to have the particulars of the Jersey movements, they have I hear sent for reinforcements. Not Hearing from your Excellency upon this occasion, I conclude nothg from me is requisite. You Sir I flatter myself need not be told, how ready I should be, and how happy it would make me, in any shape to Support, aid, or Cooperate & with what cheerfulness, and Pride I should obey your orders. I am Sir with great Respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obt & v. H. St

R. Howe

P.S. upon reexamining Captain Joel, I can not but confess that my favourable Idea Of him has increasd I recognize that I knew him some years since, at Norfolk (in the Navy), respected as a Lad of Honor, Spirit, and understanding above his years. As some British officers of my acquaintance informed me, his Father is Chaplain to the Duke of Richmond and was reported a Zealous Whig—Pity it is if the Young man is Sincere, that he should be lost.


Title: To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 11 June 1780
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

Scotch-plains [N.J.] 10 O’clock A.M. June 11th 80

On receipt of your Excellency’s letter directing the cavalry to halt, the corps were billeted in the vicinity of chester-town.
Your lettr of the 8th inst. reached us on the 9th in the afternoon—The troops moved at three oclock, & arrived here this morning.
We mean to halt & refresh for a few hours & then pursue our route to springfield—Your Excellency will please to favor me with your orders by Adjutant Gordon who bears this, & will meet me at Springfield in the evening.
I am happy in assuring your Excellency, that the zeal of both officers & soldiers is increased by the increase of difficulty; & that an universal anxiety has operated on us all, to hasten our participation of common dangers & distresses. The infantry had embarked for Portsmouth before the receipt of orders to halt, & are now in waiting on James’s river, Virginia. I have the honor to be sir, with the warmest attachmt your Excellys obt sert

Henry Lee Junr


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 11 June 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

Dr Sir
Hd Quarters near Springfield June 11th 1780

I have rec’d your favor of this date—& The spirit which has been exhibited by your co[r]ps on the present occasion, gives me pleasure, & be assured meets with my thanks & approbation. As your rapid progress must have fatigued the Cavalry in some degree, I wish you for the present to take Post somewhere in our rear—perhaps chatham or its vicinity, is as well calculated to afford you forage as any other place—You will however when you have fixed on the spot be pleased by a line to point it out to me. I am &ca

G.W.

P.s. I shall be glad to see you at my Qrs tomorrow morng.