Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 6–21 January 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Jany 6[-21] 1776

I have the honor of enclosing you sundry resolutions passed yesterday respecting Mr Lowell.
The Congress are desirous to know your opinion what rank it would be proper the aids de camp of the general Officers ought to hold in the army and on this head I am directed to write to you & request yr answer.
Just after the receipt of your letter Conolly & Cameron were brought to town. By some mismanagement, Smith one of the associates was suffered to escape from Frederic where they were confined. Orders were given to have the saddles examined, but nothing is discovered. There is reason to believe he must have found means to withdraw his papers, as we find by an account from Fredric that his saddle was mended there.
The french gentlemen are arrived and referred to the secret committee.
The Congress have given orders to general Schuyler immediately to secure and keep in safe and close custody Brigr general Prescot until further orders.
Jany 16. Your letters of the 25 and 30 of December & 4th of January have been duly received and laid before Congress. By the enclosed resolutions you will perceive that the Congress, in providing for the defence of Canada, have directed that two batallions be formed out of the troops now serving there. This they did in testimony of their approbation of the services of those brave men, apprehending at the same time, that it would be agreeable both to the officers and men to have the honor of defending a country which their valour had rescued from slavery. And the Congress have a firm confidence that general Montgomery, who has a warm and just sense of their merit and services, will cheerfully embrace this opportunity of continuing and promoting the officers of that corps, and as far as in his power, of rewarding with offices and commands in those batallions such voluntiers and others, as have distinguished themselves.
The committee to whom your letters were referred brought a report on part, whereupon the Congress came to certain resolutions which you will see in the enclosed extracts. I am just to

acquaint you, it is expected when the paymaster general draws any bills on me he will observe to make them payable a few days after sight Say 3 or 4. The committee have desired leave to sit again which is granted. When they have compleated their report and the Congress have come to a determination thereon I shall do myself the pleasure of transmitting it to you.
The money just voted is now ready and will I expect be sent forward tomorrow.
I have the pleasure to inform you the secret Committee have purchased the salt petre and have agreed with the owners of Mills to manufacture it into powder. One of the Mills, it is expected, will make near a ton ⅌ week and another near half a ton. I hope you will soon receive the powder ordered to be purchased at New york. There were besides eight tons imported in the same vessel for the use of that Colony.
The public papers will inform you, that Lord Dunmore has endeavoured to exercise the same barbarity against the defenceless town of Norfolk, as was exercised against Falmouth. By these repeated instances of inhumanity so contrary to the rules of war and so long exploded by all civilized nations, it would seem as if the rancorous ministry, despairing of their measures to conquer and enslave, had determined to glut their revenge with destruction & devastation.
For my part I shall not be surprized to hear that, in their frenzy of rage and to effect their dark purposes, they proceed under form of law to murder those prisoners, whom the tools of their vengeance have chanced to take, and whom with officious zeal they have so hastily & industriously sent to England.
As it is now apparent that our enemies mean to exert their whole force against us next summer, the Congress are taking measures for putting the middle and southern colonies in a posture of defence.
We shall, doubtless, in this great struggle suffer much, but I trust no losses or sufferings will induce us to give over the defence of our liberty, and that cost what it may, we will persevere with unremitting vigour to maintain that inestimable jewel which we have received from our ancestors and transmit the same with unsullied lustre to our posterity.
The committee to whom your letter of the 31st of December was referred desire to be informed whether the companies stationed

at Chelsea and Malden are regimented and whether, if those at Hingham Weymouth & Braintree were withdrawn, it would be necessary to replace them out of the continental Army.
Jany 18. Since writing the above we have received a letter from Messrs P. Livingston Alsop & Lewis by which to our mortification we are informed that we were deceived in the account of powder and that there were only 462 quarter casks imported for the colony of New york, which they have in part distributed among several counties.
Before this reaches you, I doubt not you will hear the disagreeable news from Quebec, on which I sincerely condole with you. The express arrived yesterday evening; The Congress I presume will take it up this morning. I have the Honor to be with the utmost Esteem, Sir Your most Obedt hume servt

John Hancock Prest

Jany 21st The foregoing was design’d to have been forwarded by Express earlier but Congress directed a Delay, for further Resolutions, for which I refer you to my other Letter by this Express.


Title: To George Washington from the New York Committee of Safety, 6 January 1776
From: New York Committee of Safety
To:

In Committee of Safety, New York January 6th 1776

Capt. John Hodge of New York arrived in the last Night from Lisbon, & left that place Seven weeks ago to Morrow.
He says that on the 8th of October last about S.W. from Cape Clear about 125 Leagues, he met two East India Men & a Cat or North Country Collier, very full of Troops, the first Division of Seven Sail, with five full Regiments bound from Cork to Boston, which first Division had then been nine days from Cork.
That in Bourdeaux he afterwards met with sundry Masters of Vessels who sailed from Cork with the last Division of the said Seven Sail—That the Three Transports he met had not a Convoy, and he did not discover that they had any Guns—That the said Masters of Vessels at Bourdeaux informed him that Officers were recruiting in Ireland, and had raised Six Regiments all roman Catholicks—That the protestants would not enlist—That the said Masters informed him that after the said first Division of Transports had sailed from Cork, a Vessel had been dispatched after them to order them to go to Hallifax to winter—That he was informed by Calder of this port and Capt. Cassels of Philadia and by Capt. Amory, that two Thousand Fishermen were gone from Newfoundland to Boston to cut down the woods before the Army, as was pretended—That in Lisbon he understood that every English Vessel would be

Seized, as soon as the Consent of the King of Portugal could be obtained, who was then absent about Sixty Miles up the River Otagus—That Capt. Sandwich (Son of Lord Sandwich) arrived at Lisbon in an Armed Ship rigged Yatch, on the day before this Examinant left Lisbon—That his Merchant waited on Mr Sandwich, who informed him that if he (Sandwich) had met any of the American Rebels at Sea he would have Seized them—That to avoid a Seizure he came out of Lisbon the next Morning in Ballast, together with Capt. Alexr Guy of Philadia in a topsail Schooner also with Ballast only—That no powder or Arms can be obtained in the ports of France or portugal—And that they cannot be obtained from the ports in the Mediterranean as he was informed, on account of the English Ships of War & Cruizers.
That he did not hear of any french Troops being in the west Indies, or about to go there, until he arrived in New York.
That five Sail of Fishermen were taken in & about the western Islands; that three of them at least were Whalers—That the said five Whalers or fishing Vessels were taken by Commodore Banks in a 74 Gun Ship, and with two Frigates in Company.
That when the Captain of the Man of War or Yatch at Lisbon examined Guy to whom his Vessel belonged, he concealed his Register, and said She belonged to Par & Bulkley; And he this Examinant said his Vessel was his own property.
That by a packet Boat from England, which arrived at Lisbon the day before he saild from thence, he obtained his Majesty’s Speech to parliament, & newspapers of the 28th of Octr.
That there has been great Crops all over Europe—That Lisbon is the best market—Wheat & flour so low in France that it will not bring the first Cost.
That Capt. Cassels had a Letter which he received at Newfoundland from a Gentlemen there, informing him that he would be seized if he did not depart; upon which he fled from thence in Ballast—That he (Hodge) left Capt. Jones in Lisbon.
That by Masters of Vessels both in France & Lisbon he was informed that 25000 Men were intended for the American Service, but whether beside the Troops now in America, or not, he did not understand—And that Transports were arrived at Giberalter to take the British Troops from Thence. A true

Copy of Notes by me taken of the Information given by Captain John Hodge to the Committee of Safety.

John McKesson Secry


Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 7 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Dr Sir
Cambridge Januy 7th 1776

You will excuse me for reminding you of our conversation the other evening, when I inform’d you that General Lee’s departure for New York is advisable upon the Plan of his Letter, & under the Circumstance I thene mention’d, ought not to be delayed. In giving me your opinion of this matter I have no doubt of your takeing a comprehensive view of it. That is you will not only consider the propriety of the measure, but of the execution. wheter such a step, tho right in itself may not be look’d upon as beyond my Line—&c.—&⟨ca.⟩
If it could be made convenient & agrea⟨ble⟩ to you to take Pot Luck with me to day I shall ⟨be very⟩ glad of your company & we can then talk the ⟨matter ov⟩er at Large—Please to forward Genl Lee’s Letter to me. I am—&c.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 7 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge Jany 7th 1776

Your favor of the 1st inst. I received and heartily thank you for your kind salutations—I was happy to hear of the great unanimity in your Assembly and of the several salutary Laws they passed, which shew them to be well attached to the Common Cause, and to have taken proper measures for supporting it.
Inclosed you have the account of the lead from Crown Point agreeable to your request—The account of the smelting Furnace, and your expectations to make a considerable quantity of Salt-Petre and Powder, pleases me much—I wish that your most sanguine endeavours may be more than answered.
As to Gunlocks it is not in my power to furnish any. The information you had was groundless, for there were no spare ones in the Ordnance Stores which fortunately fell into our hands, none were ever found that I have heard of, nor is there any mention of them in the invoice.
Having undoubted intelligence of the fitting out a Fleet at Boston, and of the embarkation of Troops from thence which, from the season of the year and other circumstances, must be destined for some expedition South of this; and having such information as I can depend upon, that the inhabitants of Long Island in the Colony of New-york, or great part of them, are inimical to the Rights & Liberties of America, and from their conduct and professions have discovered an apparent inclination to assist in subjugating their Fellow-Citizens to Ministerial Tyranny, there is great reason to beleive that this Armament, if not immediately designed against the City of New-York is nevertheless intended for Long Island; and as it is a matter of the utmost importance to prevent the Enemy from possessing themselves of the city of New York, and the North River, which would give them the command of the Country, and the Communication with Canada, I shall dispatch Majr Genl Lee with orders to repair thither with such volunteers as are willing to join, and can be expeditiously raised (having no Troops to spare from hence) to put the City and the Fortifications on the North River in the best posture of defence the season and circumstances

will admit of, and for disarming all such persons, upon Long-Island & elsewhere, whose conduct and declarations have rendered them suspected of designs unfriendly to the views of Congress—I have directed him to call upon the Commanding Officer of the Jersey Troops for such assistance as he can afford, and being informed by Capt. Sears and Mr Woodward who will deliver you this, and whom Genl Lee will follow in a day or two, that he apprehends 1,000 or 1500 Volunteers may be readily raised in your Government, and in the towns through which Mr Lee will pass, I beg the favor of you to interpose your good offices and interest in the matter, and to encourage men to go on this important business, and as expeditiously as possible, for counteracting any designs our enemies may have against us in that quarter—Every necessary expence attending their march and stay will be borne by the Public.
I have just received advice from Chelsea, about 9 or 10 miles off this, that several Ships have sailed from Nantasket Road that were lying there.
I shall write to the Honble the Congress of New York by the General and direct his instructions to be laid before them, praying their assistance to facilitate his going. I am Sir with much Esteem your most obedient Servant

Go. Washington


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 8th 1776
Parole Harrison.Countersign Johnson.

It is exceedingly astonishing to the General, that he is yet without those Returns, which were called for on the first & third Instants; it is impossible that the business of an Army can be conducted with any degree of regularity, or propriety, where so much inattention prevails, and he desires that the commanding Officers of such regiments, as are conscious of their neglect,

in the instances now referred to, will take Notice, and be fully persuaded, that if those Returns are not made at, or before orderly time to morrow, that they will be ordered under an Arrest, and tried for disobedience of Orders.


Title: Instructions to Major General Charles Lee, 8 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Sir,
[Cambridge, 8 January 1776]

Having undoubted Intelligence of the fitting out of a Fleet at Boston, and of the Imbarkation of Troops from thence, which from the Season of the year, & other Circumstances must be destined for a Southern Expedition—and having such Information as I can rely on, that the Inhabitants (or great part of them) on Long Island in the Colony of New York are not only Inemical to the Rights and Liberties of America, but by their conduct and Publick Profession’s, have discoverd a disposition to aid and assist in the reduction of that Colony to Ministerial Tyranny—And as it is a matter of the utmost Importance to prevent the Enemy from taking possession of the City of New York & the North River, as they will thereby Command the Country, & the communication with Canada, it is of too much consequence (since we find by his Majestys Speech to Parliament that, disregardg the Petition from the United Voice of America, nothing less than the total Subversion of her Rights will satisfie him) to hazard such a Post at so alarming a crisis.
You will therefore, with such Volunteers as are willing to join you, and can be expeditiously raised, repair to the City of New York, and calling upon the Commanding Officers of the Forces of New Jersey for such assistance as he can afford, & you shall require, you are to put that City in the best posture of Defence which the Season & Circumstances will admit of—Disarming all such persons upon long Island and elsewhere (& if necessary otherwise securing them) whose conduct, and declarations have render’d them justly suspected of Designs unfriendly to the Views of Congress.
You are also to enquire into the State & Condition of the Fortification’s up the North River, and, as far as shall be consistent

with the Orders of Congress, or not repugnant to them, to have the Works guarded against Surprizes from a body of Men which might be transported by Water near the place & then Marchd in upon the back of them.
You will also Indeavour to have the Medicines, Shirts, & Blankets (now at New York) belonging to the Ministerial Troops secured, & forwarded to this Army Captn Sears can give you particular Information concerning them.
In all other matters relative to the execution of the general Plan you [are] going upon, your own judgment (as it is impossible with propriety to give particular direction’s) and the advice of those whom you have reasons to beleive are hearty in the cause, must direct; keeping always in view the declar’d Intention’s of Congress.
I am perswaded I need not recommend dispatch in the Prosecution of this business—the Importance alone is a sufficient excitement. I would advise a dismission of the Volunteers (whose necessary Expences will be borne) so soon as the Service will admit of it; & that you endeavour as much as possible, at all times, to be in readiness to join the Army if the exigency of our Affairs here should call for it. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters at Cambridge 8 day of Jany Anno Domini 1776.


Title: From George Washington to Pierre Van Cortlandt, 8 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Van Cortlandt, Pierre

Sir
Cambridge Jany 8. 1776

Having undoubted Intelligence of the fitting out of a Fleet at Boston, and the Embarkation of Troops from thence, which from the season of the year & other circumstances must be destin’d for some expedition South of this—and having such information as I can rely on, that the Inhabitants of Long Island in your Governmt, or a great part of them are not only inimical to the rights and liberties of America, but by their conduct & professions have discovered an apparent Inclination to lend a

helping hand to Subjugate their fellow Citizens to Ministerial tyranny, there is the greatest reason to beleive that this Armament, If not designed immediately against the City of New York, is nevertheless Intended for Long Island, I have therefore thought It expedient to dispatch Majr Genl Lee, with such Volunteers as he can quickly Assemble on his March (for I have not Troops to spare from hence, if the distance and Time would admit of it) to put the City of New York in the best posture of defence, the Season and circumstances will admit of.
To his Instructions, which I have desired him to lay before you, I beg leave to refer; firmly persuaded that your Honourable body, will give every assistance in their power to facilitate the end of his coming, as there needs no other Argumt than a retrospective view of the conduct of the Ministrl Tro⟨ops⟩ in Boston & the consequences resulting from it, to prove what a fatal stab It would give to the Interests of America to Suffer th⟨e⟩ City of New York to fall into the hands of our Enemies. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 9 January 1776
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

	Chelsea [Mass.] Jany 9th 1776Tuesday morni[n]g
May it Please your Exceellency

I have nothing very Remarkable to acquaint your Exceellency of only inform that last night upon the first apparanc of

the Fire in Charlestown we heard a Very great noise & Clattering in Boston Lanching of Boats weighing Anchors towing Carrages &c. it appeared to me that the Pier of Vesels that lay at the east Sid of the town were all Desingaged & Some of them moved off f[r]om the Whorves we heard a Man in Boston Call to the Centry or Some other person at Charlestown Point to enquire in whether they had got the Hill was answered ay ay or no no we could not perfectly Distinguish which & told him that was in Boston to prepare to move the Shiping from the Whorves the noise & tumult Continued in Boston untill between Eleven & twelve oClock after that pretty Still one of our Centries at Greens Point in Chelsea heard a Centry on the Edge of Bunker hill Enquire of the Relief how mony they had lost was answered 4 killed & 5 wounded.
enclosed are the Observations from your Excelly most obedeae & Very Humle Servt

L: B—


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 9 January 1776 [letter not found]
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from Major General Artemas Ward, 9 Jan. 1776. On this date Horatio Gates wrote to Ward: “By His Excellencys Command, I am to acquaint you in Answer to your Letter of this morning, by The Orderly Adjutant: that he approves for the present of your sending the Remainder of Captain Bisels Company to Squantum but thinks hereafter a Good Militia Company had better be Station’d at that post, as the less the Establish’d Corps are broke by Detach’d Duties the Better. The General Thinks a Company a Sufficient Guard for the Stores, and Squantum.”


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant John Knight, 10 January 1776
From: Knight, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Northampton [Mass.] Jany 10th 1776

Many reasons as well as the unexpected lengthening time of my Captivity enduces me to take the liberty of addressing you on a Subject the propriety of which I must leave to your Judgement. Freedom from being a Prisoner, is the ultimate of my request, and as this great indulgence I conceive lyes entirely with yr Excellency, I must beg your attention one moment—to my reasons for this presumption. I have been employed in America since the Year 1763 on the Survey of the Sea Coasts, and since 1770 untill the hour of my Captivity commanded a Kings Vessel on that Service only; during all which time I can declare I never did a single injury to an American, or ever detain’d one of their Vessels (even on an Illicit Trade) tho’ often in my power; on the contrary I dare believe there are several will do me the Justice to acknowledge having received assistance from me when in distress. The Work I was then engaged on, was of a publick Nature, and intended for the Advantage of all, but as this unhappy dispute must necessar[i]ly put a Stop to that Service, there is not the least probability of my being employed (Should your goodness endulge me with my Liberty) there being so many Young Gentlemen with the Adml waiting for promotion, and many more seeking Employment, which to a

Man in my Situation, having a familly in America, would admit of no invitation. I should trespass on your patience to relate the particulars of my being made Prisoner at Machias, which I am confident, would appear most favourable for me, and no doubt influence you sir in a great measure to acquiesce with my entreaty. If Captain Stephen Smith the principal person of that place was near your Excellency, he would I am positive inform, that the proceedings with me there & the surgeon Mr McFadyen belonging to the Diligent, was altogether contrary to every practice in War.
I beg leave to Submit these facts to your Excelcys consideration and am with respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient very humble servant

John Knight


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts Council, 10 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts Council

Gentn
Cambridge Jany 10. 1776

In the confused & distordered state of this Army, occasioned by such Capital changes as have taken place of late, I have found it almost impossible to come at exact returns of the strength of our Lines—Not till last night was I able to get in the whole, Since the dissolution of the old Army; by these I find myself weaker than I had any Idea of, and under the necessity of requesting an exertion of your Influence & Interest to prevail upon the Militia of this Government, now in the pay of the Continent, to continue till the last of the month & longer if requisite—I am Assured that those of New Hampshire will not stay any longer than they ingaged for, notwithstanding our weak state and the Slow progress we make in recruiting, which by the last weeks report, amounts to but little more than half of our usual Compliment, owing it is said to the number of men going or expectg to goe into the Provincial Service at or near their own Homes.
I am more & more convinced that we shall never raise the Army to the New Establishment by voluntary Inlistments, It is therefore necessary that this & the Neighbouring Governments should consider in time & adopt some other expedient for effecting it.
The Hurry I was in the other day when your Committee did me the honour to present a petition from a person (whose name I have forgot) wanting to be employ’d in the Continenl Army prevented me from being so full on the Subject as I wished.
I shall beg leave therefore at this time to Add, that I hope Your Honourable Board will do me the Justice to beleive, that It will give me pleasure at all times to pay a proper respect to any recommendation coming from them, And that the reason

why I do not now Encourage such kind of Applications as was made is That the New Army was arranged as near the plan & agreable to the Orders of Congress (Altho some unavoidable departures & Changes have taken place) as It was in my power to Comply with—And the Officers thus constituted ordered to recruit—every attempt therefore of others, not of this appointment must counteract & has been of infinite prejudice to the service—They Infuse Ideas into the minds of the men, they have any influence over that by engaging with them or which is tantamount not engaging with others, they shall be able to force themselves into the service; Of this we have numberless Instances; I am therefore anxious to discourage every attempt of the kind, by Convincg such persons that their engaging a Company will not bring them in—If such persons could once be convinced of this the business of this Army would go on more smoothly & with much more regularity & order—In short Gentlemn It is scarce possible for me to convey to you a perfect Idea of the trouble & vexation I have met with in getting this matter fixed upon some settled footing—One day an Officer wou’d serve, another he wou’d not & so on, that I have hardly known what steps to pursue for preserving of Consistency & advancing the good of the service, which are the only Objects I have in view; I have no friend I want to bring in, nor any person with whom I am the least connected that I wish to promote. I am Gent. with much esteem &c.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 10 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord
Cambridge January 10th 1776

Having received undoubted Intelligence of the fitting out of a Fleet at Boston, & of the embarkation of Troops from thence, which from the Season of the year and other circumstances

must be destined for some Expedition, South of this; And having such Information as I can rely on, that the Inhabitants of Long Island or a great part of them, are inimical to the rights & liberties of America, & by their conduct & professions have discovered an apparent inclination to Assist in Subjugating their Countrymen & fellow Citizens to the System of tyranny, Administration are Attempting to establish; there is the greatest reason to apprehend, that this Armament, If not immediately designed against the City of New York, is nevertheless Intended for Long Island.
Knowing it to be of the last importance to the Interest of America, to prevent the Enemy from getting possession of these places, and the North River, which would give them the command of the Country and a free communication with Canada, I have dispatched General Lee with orders to repair to New York with such Volunteers as he can raise on his way (having no Troops to spare from hence) to put the City & the Fortifications up the River in the best posture of defence, the season & situation of Affairs will admit of, and for taking proper steps against such persons on Long Island & elsewhere, whose conduct hath rendered them suspected of designs, unfriendly to the views of Congress—I have directed him to apply to you for the Troops of New Jersey in the Continental pay or such of them as he may think necessary for effecting the purposes of his going, which are under your command. I beg and am assured that you will afford him every assistance in your power, for facilitating this business, as far as may be consistent, or not repugnant to the Orders you shall have received from Congress, and with all possible expedition. I am My Lord with much esteem Your Obed. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 10 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dr Sir,
Cambridge 10th Jan: 1776

In looking over the list of Officers in your Brigade, I find the whole compleated, except in one Instance, without paying the least regard to the order wch directed, that no Person should be Inserted that was not in the first arrangement, otherwise than by recommendation.
I also find, in the Regimental returns of our Strength, in your Brigade, several matters that need explanation—to wit—a number of Men on Command—and in Colo. Poors last return the whole number of his Regiment consists but of 277 Men whereas by the different weekly returns which he has given there appears to have been Inlisted 511 Men. In like manner, by the different Weekly returns our whole number of Recruits ought to amt to about 10,500 Men, whereas by the Regimental Returns of Saturday (which were only compleated last Night) they stand at 8212 and but 5582 of these returnd present, fit for duty—These things are so alarming & stand so much in need of explanation that I must desire you to take a ride to head Quarters & see if they can be accounted for—Major Scammell & Colo. Poor may be necessary also in the illucidation of some of these points.
If you were to come to Dinner, I should be glad of your Company & am Dr Sr Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Wentworth, 10 January 1776
From: Wentworth, Joshua
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Portsmouth [N.H.] Jany 10t[h] 1776

Yesterday came to Town, from London last from Pool in England, (via Casco Bay) four masters of Vessels belongg to this Port; from whom I have collected all the News Papers, I Possibly Cou’d, with Sundry packages & Letters, and as I have it in Direction from your Excellency to forward any letters that arrive here, I take the readiest method of there reaching your Excellency, by Dispatching my Young man.
The newspapers are much defaced previous to there coming to my hand, the anxiety of Americans, occation’d a frequent Perusal, which I hope may appoligize for there present state.
The Captains Intend setg out for Head Quarters in a day or two, who have Verbal Informations to your Excellency from some Gentlemen of Note in London.
In the Interim I have to inform your Excellency that a number of Transports sail’d on or about the time these Gentlemen left England (say 6 novr) with Stores for Boston, without Convoy, Three of which were large Ships, formerly in The service of the India Compy & are defenceless—I sincerly wish some of the American Arm’d vessels may Conduct them safe to other Ports than there first destination. I am with much respect Your Excellencys most obe. h[umbl]e Servt

Josha Wentworth


Title: General Orders, 11 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 11th 1776
Parole Mount Airy.Countersign Calvert.


Title: To George Washington from Emmanuel de Pliarne, 11 January 1776
From: Pliarne, Emmanuel de
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Philadelphia, c.11 January 1776]

Your kind wishes for the success of our business oblige us to inform you of every Step we have taken since our arriva’l at Philadelphia.
We have been thirteen Days in that City, and have every minute promise’d ourselves the Honour of an opportunity, to write to you, but we thought it most proper to learn first the disposition of Congress, which we could not obtain before Yesterday, when we received their answer to our severa’l proposa’ls, We do not know tha’t our Enterprise has met the least opposition from any member of Congress.

We have however the satisfaction to find the Sentiments of their Committee of Secrecy very favourable, to us, and we asure your Excellency, that nothing shall be wanting on our parts to Establish between America & France, a branch of Trade, sufficient to supply all the wants, of the New Empire.
For that purpose we are forming a Contract with the Committe of Secrecy. The articles are not yet settle’d, Whenever they are agreed on Mr Penne’l will Sail for—in one of your Ships, and he will use his best Endeavour’s to return to America, before your Enemies can infest your Coast’s.
It gives me the highest satisfaction Sir to find our Business has been so Successfu’ll because the event will probably give me the Honour of sometimes paying my Compliments to your Excellency.
I propose to remain at Philadelphia to manage this business and shall most zealously embrace every occasion to testify the Gratitude, and Respect with which I have the Honour to be Sir Your most Obet Very Hbl. Sevt

Deplearne

Sir Please to Accept the Respectfull Compliments, of Mr Pennel, who is much ingaged in preparing for his Departure.


Title: General Orders, 12 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 12th 1776
Parole Pendleton.Countersign Deane.

His Excellency the Commander in Chief, having been pleased to order an Advertisement in the several Newspapers of this, and the adjoining Colonies, commanding “All Officers, Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers now absent upon any leave, or pretence whatsoever, to join their respective Regiments, at Roxbury & Cambridge, by the first day of February next, and all Officers neglecting to pay due obedience thereto, will be forthwith cashiered, and every Non-Commissioned Officer, or Soldier, failing therein to be tryed and punished as Deserters”—The Colonels, and commanding Officers of Regiments, and Corps, are now positively ordered, not to grant any more Furloughs, or leaves of absence, to any Officer, non-Commissioned Officer, or Soldier, any former Order, or permission heretofore given notwithstanding: His Excellency therefore expects every Colonel, & Commanding Officer of Regiments & Corps, will direct all those absent from their Regiments, or Corps, to pay strict Obedience to this Order, that no person may plead, or be allowed to plead Ignorance thereof.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 12 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Cambridge 12th Jany 1776

Your favour of the 5th ulto from before Quebec incloseing the returns of your detachment—is Come to hand[.] from the account you give of the Garrison & State of the Walls I expect soon to hear from you Within them, which will give me vast pleasure.
I am informed that there are Large quantities of Arms—blankets Cloathing & other military Stores in that City—these are articles which we are in great want of here[.] I have therefore wrote to Genl Montgomery or whoever is Comanding Officer in that Quarter to send me as Much as Can be Spared from thence. if you Can assist in expediting their dispatch you will much oblige me.
I understand that the Congress have it under Consideration to raise an Army for the defence of Canada on a new Establishment. When I received this information I applied to Congress to know, whether it was their intention that you & the Officers in your detachment were to be appointed there or remain as you were Appointed in this Army as newly arranged, to which I have not yet recd their answer.
the want of So many good Officers is felt here, especially in the recruiting Service which does not go on So brisk as I Could wish. I think it will be best for you, to Settle for the arrearages due to your men Since Octobr Last with the Paymaster of the Army at your place—I don’t know any better way for you or them to receive it.

G.W.


Title: Instructions to William Marony, 12 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Marony, William

[Cambridge, 12 January 1776]

All Prisoners guilty of Capital Crimes & Crimes not triable by a Regimental Court Martial are to be sent to the Provost.
The Provost is not to receive any Prisoner without a Crime specified in writing & signd by the Person committing him.
No Prisoner is to be suffered to be absent from his Confinement untill released by proper Authority.
The Provost Marshal is to provide a suitable Person, when necessary, to execute the Sentences of General Courts Martial, approved of & directed to be enforced by the Commander in Chief.
When any Men are sent to the Provost’s, The Provost Marshal is to send a Report of them immediately to the Regiment they belong to, & no Man is to be received by the Provost except his Crime is sent with him.
The Provost is to make a Return every Morning by Ten o’Clock to the Adjutant General, of the Number of Prisoners under Guard, specifying the Regiment they belong to, their Crimes, by whom & how long confin’d.
The Provost is to take due Care that all Orders from the Judge Advocate respecting the Trials of Prisoners be punctually executed. And is to post proper Centuries from his Guard at such Times & at such Places as a General Court Martial may sit.
The Provost is frequently to take a Party from his Guard & patrole the Avenues & Environs of the Camp; is to take up & confine all disorderly and suspicious Persons; to suppress Riots & Disturbances, is to inform the Quarter Master General of all Persons who keep unwarranted & destructive Dram Shops; and all other pernicious & Camp Nusances.
The Provost is to receive & obey all such Orders and Instructions as may at any Time be given him by his Excellency the Commander in Chief, the Adjutant General, the Quarter Master General & the Judge Advocate of the Army of the united Colonies. Given at Head Quarters at Cambridge this 12th Day of January A.D. 1776.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Warren, 12 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Warren, James

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 12th Jany 1776

Mrs Washington begs the favour of you to give the Inclosed a conveyance to Mrs Warren, when an oppertunity shall offer. I am with great esteem Dr Sir Yr Most Obed.

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 13 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 13th 1776
Parole Conway.Countersign Grafton

To prevent any misconception of the Order of Yesterday, it is declared, that the Commanding Officers of Regiments, are not restrained from sending out as many recruiting Officers, as can be spared from the duties of their respective regiments; but that those Officers, together with such as are now out with their Recruits, be possitively order’d to be in Camp by the last of this month, that our real strenght may be fully and clearly ascertained.
The Colonels, and commanding Officers of Corps, to recommend it immediately to their recruiting Officers, to get all their Recruits armed in the Country; or at least as many, as it is possible to have supplied with arms from thence.


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 13 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts General Court

Gentn
Cambridge 13th Jany 1776

It is exceedingly painful to me, to give you so much trouble as I have, and am like to do in the support of our Lines, and the Arrangement of the New Army—But my difficulties must, in their consequences, devolve trouble on you.
To my very great Surprize I find, that the whole number of

Arms which have been stopp’d from the discharg’d Soldiers, amt to no more than 1620, and of that number, no more than 120 are in store, the rest being redeliver’d to the Recruits which have come In. I also find from the report of the Recruiting Officers, that few Men are to be Inlisted who have Arms in their hands, and that they are reduced to the alternative of either getting no Men, or Men without Arms—Unhappy Situation! What is to be done, unless these Governments will exert themselves in providing Arms from the sevl Towns, or in such other manner as to them shall seem speedy & effectual?
To account for this great deficiency would be tedious, and not much to the purpose—suffice it generally to say, that it has arisen from two causes—the badness of the Arms of the old Army, which the Inspectors, & valuers of, did not think fit to detain; & to the disobedient Regiments, which, in spite of every order I could Issue to the Contrary (even to a solemn threat of stopping the pay for the Months of Novr and December of all those who should carry away their Arms) have, in a manner by Stealth borne them away.
I am glad to hear by a Gentleman of your Honble body, who does me the honr to be the bearer of this Letter, that you have for sometime past been collecting Arms at Watertown, whilst a good deal of dispatch has been used in making them else where—I beg to know how many I can rely upon, as the recruits now coming in from the Country will be useless without—It is to no purpose I find, to depend upon Imported Arms. What you can furnish, I must take in behalf of the Continent; & will, upon notice, send some Gentlemen to receive them—Will it, be prudent to apply to such of the Militia as are going of for their Arms? leaving it optional in them, cannot be amiss, but will the necessity of the case justify the policy of detaining them? I ask for information. being with great truth, and esteem Gentn Yr Most Obedt H. Ser⟨t⟩

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Matthew Thornton, 13 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Thornton, Matthew

Sir
Cambridge January 13th 1776

I am sorry that I should have so often troubled you respecting this Army, & that I am under the necessity of applying to you again.
To my great Surprize Sir, I find, that nothwithstanding I have taken the Utmost pains to prevent the soldiers that would not reinlist in the New Army from carrying away their Arms or such of them as were good, that the whole number collected amounts only to 1620, of which there are no more than 120 now in Store—the rest being delivered to the recruits, which have come in.
I also find from the report of the recruiting Officers, that few men are to be inlisted, who have Arms in their hands, & that they are reduced to the disagreable Alternative, of getting men without any, or no men at all—Unhappy situation! What is to be done? Must not these Governments exert themselves in procuring them from the several Towns, or in such other manner as to them shall seem most effectual & speedy?
To account minutely for this great deficiency would be tedious & of no Importance—I shall only say that It has arisen from two ca⟨uses⟩ to Wit, the badness of the Arms of the Old Army, which the Inspectors and appraisers did not think worth detaining, & to the disobedience of some Regiments carrying theirs away in a manner by stealth, nothwithstandg every order I could Issue, & even Solemn Threats of Stopping the pay, for the months of Nov. & Decr, of those that should.
The prospect of Getting Imported Arms is so remote & uncertain, that I can not depend upon it—I therefore request the favour of you to Inform me, Whether you have any & what Number belonging to the Government, as also If you will be able to procure more, & in what time—If you have any or can get them, I shall be glad to take them on account of the United Colonies—They must be had if possible—I have wrote to the Hon. Genl Court of this province about the same, but have not received their Answer—Should any of your Militia be here, when I get your Answer, will It be prudent to apply to them for

their Arms? Leaving It optional in them cannot be amiss—But will the necessity of the case justifye an Involuntary detention of them? I ask for Information. I am Sir with great esteem &c.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 13 January 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 13 Jan. 1776. On 8 Feb. 1776 Lund Washington wrote to GW: “your Letter of Janry 13th I have recieve’d.”


Title: General Orders, 14 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 14th 1776
Parole, Petersborough.Countersign London.

A General Court Martial to sit to morrow Morning, in Cambridge, to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them—All Evidences and Persons concern’d to attend the Court—The Court to assemble at Mr Pomeroy’s at Ten in the forenoon.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 14 January 1776
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp Before Quebec 14th Janry 1776

I make no Doubt you will, soon hear, of Our Misfortune, on the 31. Ulto, and be very Anxious to know Our Present, Situation. Our loss, and repulse struck an Amaseing Panick, into both Officers, & Men, and had the Enemy improved their Advantage, Our affairs, here must have ben Intirely ruined It was not in my power to Prevail on the Officers to Attempt, saveing, Our Mortars, which had ben Placed in St Roque’s, of Course they fell into the hands of the Enemy—Upwards of One hundred Officers, and Soldiers, Instantly set of for Montreal and it was, with the greatest difuculty I could persaude the rest to make a stand. The Panick soon subsided, I aranged the Men in such Order, as effectually, to Blockade the City, and enable them to Assist each other if Attacked. It was urged by the Officers, to move Our Ammunition, and Artillery Stores Of which

we had a large quantity and tho’ the risque was great, I could not Approve the measure, as it would undoubtedly, have made Unfavourable, impressions, on the Minds of the Canadians, and Induced them to withdraw thier Assistance, which must have ended in Our Utter Ruin, I therefore put the best face on Matters and betrayed no marks of Fear. I have withdrawn the Cannon from Our Battery and placed them round the Magazine, Our Present force is only Seven hundred I am in Daily, expectation of a reinforcement from Montreal of two or three hundred Men, I expected Genl Wooster, but find he Cannot leave Montreal, Colo. Clinton is Just Arived, I have put on foot the raiseing A Regt of 2. or 3 hundred Canadians, which I make no Doubt of effecting, Our finances are very low, however I hope we shall be able to rub a long, Mr Price is our Only resource, and has exerted himself, I wait with great Anxiety the Arival of a reinforcement from below, I have Wrote the Honble Congress, my Opinion that five thousand Men will be Necessary to Insure us Quebec, tho it may posably be reduced with a less Number, it Appears a Blockade may Answear the Purpose, I think Quebec an Object of too Much Consequence, to trust it to the event, if reduced Five thousand Men will be Necessary for a Garison.
Your favr of the 5 Ulto is Just Come to hand It gives me a most sensable pleasure, to have your Approbation of my Conduct, I beg you’d accept my Thanks for the Notice you have ben pleased to take of me, and my Officers, in your New Establishment Most of them are provided for in an unexpected, manner Not very pleaseing to me. Inclosed is a List of the killed and Wounded, Both Officers, & Men behaved with the greatest, Intrepidity, and had not the Genl ben basely deserted by his Troops we should doubtless have Carried the Town, my Detacht had Carried the First Battery, (my being, Wounded) & the loss of thire Guides retarded them much, after the Death of the General, they Sustained the Force of the whole Garrison, for a Considerable Time, who fired From under Cover and had every Advantage of Situation, their Retreat was Cut of by the Enemy’s gaining a Narrow, Defile thro’ which they were obliged to pass, they were overpowered by Numbers, and obliged to resign, tho deserveing a Better Fate. Govr Carleton treats them with Humanity, & has given leave for their Baggage to be sent

in to them. I heartily Congratulate you on the Success of your Privateers I think the Ballance of the last years Accot is still in Our favour, tho’ we have met a severe Check here, I hope soon to have the pleasure seeing Genl Lee or some experiencd Officer here, I heartily Wish you the Protection & blesing of the Allmighty & am with very great respect & Esteem Dr Sir your Obedt Hble Servt

B. Arnold


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 14 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 14th Jany 177[6].

The bearer presents an oppertunity to me, of acknowledging the receipt of your favour of the 30th Ulto (which never came to my hands till last Night) and, if I have not done it before, of your other of the 23d preceeding.
The hints you have communicated from time to time not only deserve, but do most sincerely, and cordially meet with my thanks—you cannot render a more acceptable service, nor in my estimation give me a more convincing proof of your Friendship, than by a free, open, & undisguised account of every matter relative to myself, or conduct. I can bear to hear of imputed, or real errors; the Man who wishes to stand well in the opinion of others must do this, because he is thereby enabled to correct his faults, or remove the prejudices which are imbib’d against him; for this reason I shall thank you for giving me the opinion’s of the world upon such points as you know me to be Interested In; for as I have but one capitol object in view, I could wish to make my conduct coincide with the wishes of Mankind as far as I can consistently—I mean without departing from that great line of Duty which, though hid under a cloud for sometime, from a peculiarity of Circumstances, may nevertheless bear a Scrutiny. My constant attention to the great, and perplexing objects which continually rise to my view, absorbs all lesser considerations & indeed scarcely allows me time to reflect that there is such a body in existance as the General Court of this Colony but when I am reminded of it by a Committee; nor can I, upon recollection, discover in what Instances (I wish they would be more explicit) I have been inattentive to,

or slighted them. they could not, surely, conceive that there was a propriety in unbosoming the Secrets of an Army to them—tha⟨t⟩ it was necessary to ask their opinion of throwing up an Intrenchment—forming a Battalion, &ca &ca, it must therefore be what I before hinted to you, & how to remedy it I hardly know, as I am acquainted with few of the Members, never go out of my own Lines, or see any of them in them.
I am exceeding sorry to hear that your little Fleet has been shut in by the frost. I hope it has Saild e’er this, & given you some proof of the Utility of it. and enabl’d the Congress to bestow a little more attention to the Affairs of this Army, which suffers exceedingly by their over much business—or too little attention to it. we are now without any Money in our treasury—Powder in our Magazines—Arms in Our Stores—We are without a Brigadier (the want of which has been twenty times urged)—Engineers—Expresses (though a Committee has been appointed these two Months to establish them)—and by & by, when we shall be called upon to take the Field, shall not have a Tent to lay in—a propos, what is doing with mine?
These are Evils, but small in comparison of those, which disturb my present repose. Our Inlistments are at a stand—the fears I ever entertaind are realiz’d—that is, the discontented Officers (for I do not know how else to acct for it) have thrown such difficulties, or Stumbling blocks in the way of Recruiting that I no longer entertain a hope of compleating the Army by Voluntary Inlistments, & I see no move, or likelihood of one, to do it by other mean’s—In the two last Weeks we have Inlisted but abt 1000 Men, whereas I was confidently bid to believe, by all the Officers I conversed with, that we should, by this time, have had the Regiments nearly compleated—Our total number upon Paper amounts to abt 10500 but as a large portion of these are returnd not joind, I never expect to receive them; as, an ineffectual Order has once Issued to call them In—another is now gone forth, peremptorily requireng all Officers under pain of being Cashierd, & Recruits, as being treated as Deserters, to join their respective Regiments by the first day of next Month that I may know my real strength; but if my fears are not imaginary, I shall have a dreadful acct of the advanc’d Months pay. In consequence of the Assurances given, & my expectation of having at least Men enough Inlisted to defend our

lines, to which may be added my unwillingness of burthening the caus⟨e⟩ with unnecessary expence, no relief of Militia has been order’d In to supply the places of those who are releasd from their Ingagement To morrow, and on whom (thô many have promis’d to continue out the Month) their is no security of their Stay.
Thus am I situated with respect to Men—with regard to Arms I am yet worse of—before the dissolution of the old Army I Issued an Order directing three judicious Men of each Brigade to attend—review—and appraise the good Arms of every Regiment—& finding a very great unwillingness in the Men to part with their Arms, at the same time, not having it in my power to pay them for the Months of Novr & Decr I threatned, severely, that every Soldier who carried away his Firelock, without leave, should never receive pay for those Months; yet, so many have been carried of, partly by stealth, but cheefly as condemn’d, that we have not, at this time 100 Guns in the Stores of all that have been taken in the Prize Ship, and from the Soldiery notwithstanding our Regiments are not half compleat—at the same time I am told, and believe it, that to restrain the Inlistment to Men with Arms you will get but few of the former, & still fewer of the latter wch would be good for any thing: How to get furnish’d I know not—I have applied to this & the Neighbouring Colonies but with what success, time only can tell. the reflection upon my Situation, & that of this Army, produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in Sleep. Few People know the Predicament we are In, on a thousand Accts—fewer still will beleive, if any disaster happens to these Lines, from what causes it flows—I have often thought, how much happier I should have been, if, instead of accepting of a command under such Circumstances I had taken my Musket upon my Shoulder & enterd the Ranks, or, if I could have justified the Measure to Posterity, & my own Conscience, had retir’d to the back Country, & livd in a Wig-wam—If I shall be able to rise superior to these, and many other difficulties, which might be innumerated, I shall most religiously believe that the finger of Providence is in it, to blind the Eyes of our Enemys; for surely if we get well throw this Month, it must be for want of their knowing the disadvantages we labour under.
Could I have foreseen the difficulties which have come upon

us—could I have known that such a backwardness would have been discoverd in the old Soldiers to the Service, all the Generals upon Earth should not have convincd me of the propriety of delaying an Attack upon Boston till this time. When it can now be attempted I will not undertake to Say, but thus much I will answer for, that no oppertunity can present itself earlier than my wishes—but—as this Letter discloses some Interesting truths, I shall be somewhat uneasy till I hear it gets to your hand although the conveyance is thought safe.
We made a successful attempt a few Nights ago upon the Houses near Bunker Hill—A Party under Majr Knolton crossd upon the Mill damn (the Night being Dark) and set fire to, and burnt down Eight, out of 14 which were standing, and which we found they were daily pulling down for Fuel—five Soldiers, & the Wife of one of them, Inhabiting one of the Houses, were brought of Prisoners; another Soldier was killed; none of ours hurt.
Having undoubted information of the Imbarkation of Troops (somewhere from three to 500) at Boston and being convinced that they were design’d either for New York Government (from whence we have some very disagreeable Accts of the Conduct of the Tories) or Virginia, I dispatched Genl Lee a few days ago in order to secure the City of New York from falling into their hands, as the consequences of such a blow might prove fatal to our Interests. He is also to enquire a little into the conduct of the Long Islanders, & such others, as have, by their conduct & declaration’s, proved themselves Inemical to the common Cause. To effect these purpose[s] he is to raise Volunteers in Connecticut, & call upon the Troops of New Jersey, if not contrary to any Order of Congress.
By a Ship just arrivd at Portsmouth (New Hampshire) we have London Prints to the 2d of Novr, containing the Addresses of Parliament, which contain little more than a repetition of the Speech, with assurances of standing by his Majesty with Lives and Fortunes—the Captns (for there were three or four of them Passengers) say that we have nothing to expect but the most vigorous exertions of Administration, who have a dead Majority upon all questions, although the Duke of Grafton & General Conway have joind the Minority, as also the Bishop of Peterborough. These Captains affirm, confidently, that the 5

Regiments from Ireland cannot, any of them, have arriv’d at Hallifax; inasmuch, as that by a violent Storm on the 19th of October the Transports were forced (in a very distressful condition) into Milford haven (Wales) and were not in a Condition to Put to Sea when they left London and that the Weather has been such since as to prevent heavy loaded Ships from making a passage by this time. One or two Transports they add, were thought to be lost; but these arriv’d some considerable time ago at Boston with 3 Companies of the 17th Regiment.
Mr Sayre has been committed to the Tower upon the Information of a certain Lieutt or Adjutant Richardson (formerly of yr City) for treasonable practices—an Intention of Seizeing his Majesty & possessing himself of the Tower—it is said in the Crisis—but is admitted to Bail; himself in £500 & two Suretys in £250 each. What are the Conjectures of the wise ones with you, of the French Armament in the West Indies? but previous to this, is there any certainty of such an Armament? the Captains who are sensible Men, heard nothing of this when they left England, nor does there appear any apprehensions on this score in any of the measures, or Speeches of Administration—I should think the congress will not—ought not—to adjourn at this important Crisis—but it is highly necessary, when I am at the end of a Second Sheet of Paper, that I should adjourn my Acct of matters to another Letter. I shall therefore, in Mrs Washington’s name thank you for yr good Wishes towards her & with her Complimts added to mine to Mrs Reed &ca conclude Dr Sir Yr Sincere & Affecte Servt


Title: General Orders, 15 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 15th 1776
Parole Lutterrel.Countersign Fox.


Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 15 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Dr Sir,
Cambridge 15th [January] 1776.

I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today—our want of Men & Arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourn’d the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the Genl Court) on these heads—they meet again tomorrow at 11 Oclock (head Quarters) when I should take it exceedingly kind of you to be present.
I understand that the Speaker and Major Halley, are to be of your party to Town at Dinner—let me prevail upon all three of you to be with me at Eleven—To make some attempt upon the Troops in Boston before fresh Re-inforcements arrive, is surely a thing of the last Importance; but alas! we are scarce able to maintain our own extensive Lines—if the Militia will not be prevaild upon to stay, I cannot answer for the consequences; longer than this Month we are sure they will not; as certain I am that our Regiments cannot be Recruited to their establishment in any reasonable time; ’tis for these reasons therefore, & without loss of time I am exceedingly desirous of consulting with you, and the Gentlemen before mentioned on the most efficatious method of collecting a sufficient Force to answer the valuable purpose we all wish to accomplish—In hope of seeing you at the hour appointed, tomorrow, I shall not now enlarge, but only add that I am with sincere esteem & respect Dr Sr yr Most Obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 15 January 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Hartford January the 15th 177[6]

Major French whom I have met with at Hartford, is extremely solicitous for permission to return home, as He is confident

that his whole fortunes depend upon his being immediately on the spot with his Friends at this instant as He is, I believe, a Man of strict honour his Parole not to serve for a given time against the Freedom of America wou’d be sufficient security—and as He has a Family to provide for it wou’d certainly be humane and charitable to indulge him, nor can I see any inconvenience which wou’d attend the indulgence—there may be some objections which do not perhaps occur to me, but I cou’d wish for my own part that as so much depends upon it, He might be gratifyd. however I beg You will excuse my submitting the matter to your consideration. I am, Dr General, Your most obedt humble, Servt

Charles Lee


Title: From George Washington to James Warren, 15 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Warren, James

Sir
Cambridge Jany 15. 1776

The Inclosed Account was this day sent me by Captn Wadsworth for paymt, as you will See by his order—The Services being done for the benefit of the province & at the Instance of your Honourable body, I have referred him to you for payment. I am Sir &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from William Watson, 15 January 1776
From: Watson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Plymouth [Mass.] 15. January 1776

Your Excellency’s favour, of the 3d instant came to hand, annexed to which are the resolves of the grand Contineltal Congress, respecting captures made, by contineltal armed vessels & others—In complyance with which, and in obedience to your Excellencys Command, I have Libeled all the Vessels which have been bro’t into this port, by the Harrison armed ⟨Sco⟩onr & which are now in my care, Viz. one Sloop, one Scooner, & one fishing boat of about 15 tons, & shall use my best endeavours, that these vessels be brought to tryal, as soon as may be.
The Scooner Harrison lately Comman[d]ed by Capt. Coit, I find, by strict enquiry, (tho she be not very well accomodated for the officers) is an excellent Sailer; & is sufficiently strong—The Continent has been at considerable expence, in fitting this vessel for the service, & sho’d she be put out, & another taken

into the service, £100 will necessarily be sunk to the Continent, by the Transfer. for these reasons I have thought it prudent to continue the Harrison in the service, and have, agreeable to your Excellencys Permission, nominated Capt. Charles Dyar to the Command. This Dyar was with Capt. Coit, his last cruize & can give the character of the Scooner more perfectly.
Capt. Dyar the bearer of this, wont at first interview appear to your Excellency, to advantage, he is no orator & seems rather softly, but his character is high as a good officer, & as an active, smart sailor. Capt. Coit has recommended him in high t⟨erms, &⟩ will give your Excellency his true Character.
We shall have no difficul[t]y in geting as fine a cre⟨w⟩ as any on the Continent, provided they can be enlisted for six months only, or for so long a time as Capt. Dyar shall continue to command—Our people are very fond of knowing their officers, & the best of them are unwiling to engage for a longer time, than their officers engage for. Capt. Dyar will wait on your Excy & will receive every necessary direction. I am your Excellys most obedient & very Huml servant

William Watson

N. B. Your Excellency will please to direct me, whether I am to Libel the two vessels taken by Major Tupper & carried into Dartmouth.


Title: General Orders, 16 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 16th 1776
Parole Sayre.Countersign Lewis

Notwithstanding the repeated Orders Issued, in the course of last Campaign, forbiding all Officers commanding Guards, to suffer any of their Guard to be absent, Day or Night, from their Guard, until regularly relieved; yet it is with Surprise, the General hears, that it is a common practice, even at the advanced posts next the enemy—Any Officer commanding at any of the Guards, or out posts, who shall for the future suffer any of their Officers, or Men, to be absent until regularly relieved, will be put in Arrest, and tried for disobedience of orders.


Title: Council of War, 16 January 1776
From: Council of War
To:

[Cambridge, 16 January 1776]

At a Council of General Officers held at Head Quarters in Cambridge [16]th January 1776.
Present

His Excellency General Washington
The Honourable John Adams
The Honourable James Warren
Major General Ward
Major General Putnam
Brigr General Heath
Brigr General Spencer
Brigr General Sullivan
Brigr General Greene
Brigr General Gates

The Commander in Chief laid before the Council a State of the Regiments in the Continental Army, the consequent Weakness of the Lines, and in His Judgement, the indispensible necessity of making a Bold attempt to Conquer the Ministerial Troops in Boston, before they can be reinforced in the Spring, if the means can be provided, and a Favourable Opportunity Offer; & then desired the Opinion of The Council, thereupon.
The Council agreed unanimously, that a Vigourous attempt ought to be made upon The Ministerial Army in Boston, as soon as Practicable, all concurring circumstances Favouring the Wish’d for Success; and Advised His Excellcy, to Request from this, & the Neighbouring Colonies, Thirteen Regiments of Militia to His Aid, to be at Cambridge by the First of February, & to Consist of the same Number of Men and Officers, as Those upon the Continental Establishment, & to remain (should Occasi[o]n require) until the last of March, Application to be made to the General Court of The Massachusetts Bay for Seven of those Regiments, to Connecticut for Four, & to New hampre for Two; Exempting Rhode Island from their Quota of Men, on Account of the repeated Insults of the Enemys ships of War, and the Exposed Situation of the Sea Coasts of that Colony.
His Excellency also inform’d The Council, of the Great Defficiency of Arms, & the small prospect of a Supply, (the recruiting Officers having Signified to Him, that the Recruits would

not bring Arms, without an Allowance for the use of them, & be assured, they might carry them home at the expiration of their services). The Council thereupon advised The General to procure Arms upon Those Terms, as there seem’d no probability of getting Imported Arms & The Service must be put to the Utmost Hazzard without.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Jackson, 16 January 1776
From: Jackson, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Sir
Newburyport [Mass.] 16th Jany 1776.

The day before yesterday two Enemies Vessels happen’d to be taken in this Bay & brought in here—one a Ship from London laden for Government Service, the other a Brig from Cork laden with Provisions both bound for Boston—in the latter were two Passengers Leiutenant Hill of Lord Percy’s Regt & a Mr Gray of Boston—our Committee here have sent both these Gentn & the Masters of both the Vessels by this Conveyance to the Order of the Council at Watertown, with the papers of a public nature that were found in either Vessel—This morning was discovered in a concealed part of the Ship several papers esteemed to be of some Moment in a political View—the Committee had before directed me (who happen’d to act as their Chairman) to write to the Council a Detail of this Matter & send the papers of public Concern to them—but while the Committee were together, it was not thought of, to furnish you with Copies of the most material—several of the members afterwards

mention’d to me there wou’d be a propriety in so doing, & in the Committee’s Behalf I have presum’d to furnish you with Copies of the concealed Papers found this morning, & which are inclosed.
For any Enquiries you may please to make I refer you to the Bearer Mr Marsh (who is a Member of the Committee here) and begging pardon for the Freedom I have taken, Am most respectfully your Excellency’s very obedient Servt

Jona. Jackson


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 16 January 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dr General
New Haven January the 16th 1776

We have been so baffled by the weather that We only arriv’d here last night—I believe We shall find no difficulties in procuring a sufficient body of Volunteers for the N. York expedition—the unhappy accounts from Canada seem to animate these People rather than depress—indeed We have now occasion for exertion and decision—I am apprehensive that the Congress must be inspir’d by You They have just given a strong and I think unfortunate instance of indecision—Colonel Waterbury had rais’d a Regiment; the Regiment was equipp’d and ready for embarkation—They were to have landed in Oyster Bay to have attack’d the Tories in Long Island—Lord Stirling was to have attack’d ’em on the other side all this by order of Congress—when suddenly Colonel Waterbury receiv’d an order to disband his Regt and the Tories are to remain unmolested till They are joyn’d by the Kings Assasins—Governor Trumbul like a Man of sense and spirit, has order’d this Regt to be reassemble’d—I believe it will be ready on Sunday the day on which I shall march from this Town I shall send immediately an express to the Congress informing ’em of my situation and at the same Time conjuring ’em not to suffer the accursed provincial Congress of New York to defeat measures so absolutely necessary to salvation—the affairs of Canada will I suppose very soon if not instantly require a very considerable Force from this Province—neither will the circumstances of N. York admitt of it’s being too much stripp’d of Men, for which reason I shou’d think it advisable immediately to raise some additional Regiments

in Massachusets Bay. Adieu, Dr General, God prosper you and the Arms of virtue. Yours most sincerely

Charles Lee

My respects to the whole Family.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Lynch, 16 January 1776
From: Lynch, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philaa Jany 16. 1776

I am happy to be at last able to write you that every thing you desired me to get done is accomplished, for the present. our President asures me he has sent you the determination of Congress concerning the Trial of Captures, Courts of Admiralty have been appointed in the Colony for that purpose. Colo. Frye has been appointed Brigadier in your Army (Mr Arnold preceeds him in that at Quebec) and I inclose Copies of the Resolutions for the direction of the Post Master, relative to Letters of Officers & Soldiers in our Service.
The delays in procuring the money has given me much concern, being sensible of the injury occasioned thereby to the Service, but the Calls for money from every Quarter, so far outrun the diligence of the Signers, that my reiterated solicitations coud get the sum no sooner.
We have resolved to raise exclusive of your Army, in New Hampshire 1 Batn in Connecticut one in N. York one, in Jersey three, in Pensilvania five, in the lower Counties one, in Virginia

six, in North Carolina three, & South Carolina three, in Georgia 1, & in Canada two, exclusive of Canadians besides these, I have no doubt New York will have four more & Maryland two, which with the Regiments of Artillery will be 62 or 3 Battalions & the Expence not less than ten Millions of Dollars How quick a transfer of property from the Rich to the Poor, such an Expenditure must produce, you are well able to Judge. the Prospect is far from receiving light when ’tis considered how each Colony lavishes away its private Treasure at the same Time, or when we view the amazing and unaccountable supiness of all our Governments. Not a single [one] anywhere in civil Department, seems to consider himself as interested in public matters, unless he can get money by them. the Idea of all the Paper being mortgages on their private Estates is totally lost and forgotten.
In this State of things, I have, besides my Dependance on the Continuance of the Favour of Heaven, Trust in two Supports alone, the one, on your Vigorous Exertions, the other on the Weakness of our Enemies, shoud they lose footing in America this Winter, I shoud despise their thirty thousand Russians, scattered by Storms, arriving one Transport after another, fatigued & debilitated by the Fatal Effects of long Voyages, without a Spot to collect and recruit themselves for the Field & depending for every Necessary on Supplies from a Country 3000 Miles distant.
Do not the Speeches of the King and his Minister hold very different Language from those of the last year! America is no longer the abject cowardly and defenceless Wretch she was then, Now his Lordship woud have dispised had they not bravely supported their Rights, seems to approve their vigorous support of them & offers the terms of 1763: a Gentleman wel⟨l⟩ known to Moyland, Ld Drummond just from Englan⟨d,⟩ assures me, he will give much more. he tells me that he has had many Conversations with Ministry on the Subject & Shewed me a Paper approved by each of them & which he is sure will be supported in bot⟨h⟩ Houses. The Substance of it is America to be declared free in point of Taxation & internal Police, Judges to be approvd by the Judges of England and commissioned during good Behaviour, upon Stated & sufficient Support be statedly assigned them by the Colonies, all Charters to be held Sacred, that of Boston restored, Britain to regulate Trade sub

modo, all Duties laid for the purpose of Regulation be paid into the Colony Treasury where they arise, applicable to it’s uses by it’s own Legislature, in Lieu of which America shall, by Duties, on such Articles as will probably keep pace in it’s Consumption with the Rise or declention of the Colony, laid by each Legislature by permanent Act of Assembly, Grant towards the general Support of the Empire, annual Sums in proportion to £5000 Sterling for this Colony. As this sum is little more than half of what did arise by Duties heretofore paid in this place, I doubted his information, but was assured that Ministry wanted nothing but a Shew of Reve⟨nue⟩ to hold up to Parliament, as they are affraid ⟨to⟩ propose Reconciliation, without saving what the stiff old Englishmen call the Honor of the Nation his Lordship came hither thro’ Hallifax, Boston & york, where I fancy he saw, what induced him to hint once or twice at beginning with a Suspention of Arms, to wh[ich] I turned a very deaf Ear, well knowing that the Season Winter is ours, and that much may be done by April next, I sincerely wish I had your sentiments on these heads, I shall propose them to the Consideration of Congress, as soon as the most urgent affairs are over I think the[y] merit it.
Congress has Ordered you 15 ton of Gun Powder from New York & we have Salt Petre enough here, to make 80 Ton more so that I hope we shall not soon want again, large Quantities are every day expected I beg youl make our Compliments to your Lady and to the rest of your Family and all my Friends. Dr Sir your most Obedt

Tho. Lynch

We have just heared from Charles Town that they have mounted on the Batteries there above 160 Cannon from 12 to 42 Pounders & 70 more in different parts of the Province that the Party raised by Kirkland & his Gang are totally suppressd, he is come but I have not yet seen him.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 16 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Cambridge Jany 16th 1776

Your Favour of the 5th Inst. inclosing Copies of General Montgomery’s and General Wooster’s Letters I received for which I return you my Thanks.
It was from a full Conviction of your zealous Attachment to the Cause of our Country and Abilities to serve it, that I repeatedly pressed your Continuance in Command, and it is with much Concern Sir, that I find you have Reason to think your holding the place you do, will be of prejudice & incompatible with its Interest—As you are of this opinion, the part you are inclined to take is certainly generous & noble: But will the good Consequences you intend be derived from it? I greatly fear they will not—I shall leave the Matter to yourself in full Confidence that in whatever Sphere you move[,] your Exertions for your Country’s Weal, will not be wanting.
Whatever proof you may obtain, fixing the Charge or tending to support it against Mr prescott, you will please to transmit me by the first opportunity.
I am apt to believe that the Intelligence given Doctor Wheelock, respecting Major Rogers was not true, but being much suspected of unfriendly views to this Country, his Conduct should be attended to with some Degree of Vigilance & Circumspection.
I confess I am much concerned for General Montgomery and Col: Arnold, and the Consequences which will result from their Miscarriage, should it happen, will be very alarming: I fear not less fatal than you mention: However I trust that their distinguished Conduct Bravery & perseverance will meet with the Smiles of Fortune, and put them in possession of this important Fortress—I wish their Force was greater, the Reduction would then be certain.
I am sorry that Tyconderoga and Fort George should be left by the Garrisons, and that your recruiting Officers meet such ill Success—this is too much the Case in this Quarter, & from the slow progress made in inlisting I dispair of raising an army to the new Establishment—Should it be affected it will be a long Time first.
Our Caghnawaga Friends are not arrived yet—I will try to make suitable provision for them during their stay and use

every Means in my power to confirm their favorable Disposition towards us—They will not I am fearful have such Ideas of our Strength as I could wish—This however shall be strongly inculcated.
If Quebec is in our possession, I do not see that any Inconvenience will result from Mr Gamble’s going there upon his parole—But if it is not, however hurtful it may be to him: however disagreeable it may be to me to prejudice the Interest of an Individual, I cannot consent to his Return—I am much distressed by other Applications. If Mr Gamble’s Request is granted, others in the same Situation will claim the same Indulgence, further I think a partial Exchange should not be made, & my proposition for a general one, was rejected by Mr Howe or what is the same it was unnoticed—I could wish that his application had been to Congress, they might have complied with it had they thought it reasonable.
I shall be much obliged by your sending with as much Expedition as you can, such Cloathing as you are able to spare, our Men being in great want—It not being made up, is rather an Advantage, as it may be done here with some Saving.
I am much pleased, that the artillery was like to be got over the River, and am in Hopes, that Colonel Knox will arrive with it in a few Days—It is much wanted.
On reading the Copy of General Wooster’s Letter, I was much surprised to find, that he had granted Furloughs to the Connecticut Troops under his Command, in preference of Discharges: What Advantage could he imagine they would be of to the Continent, when they were at their own Homes? If he could not continue them in Service, their Discharge would certainly have eased the Country of a considerable Expence.
Giving you in Return the Compliments of the Season and wishing you every Happiness I am Dr Sir with great Esteem Your most obedt Servant

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Henry Edwin Stanhope, 16 January 1776
From: Stanhope, Henry Edwin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Northampton [Mass.] Janry 16th 1776

I beg Leave to return your Excellency my sincere Thanks for your punctual Attention to my Letter, as likewise for your kind Expressions, relative to our Treatment, which I never doubted, having heard your Excellency mention’d with the greatest Respect in that Particular; in answer to which, I mu⟨st⟩ observe to yr Excellency, that the Committee here have behaved very well, & have enlarged the Limitts five Miles round the Town; but as I was sent here by Governour Cooke, they doubted whether they were invested with sufficient Authority, to grant me the same Priviledge.
General Pomeroy who does me the Favour to be the Bearer of this, has particularly exerted himself to oblidge us, & to silence the Outradges of a low, mean People, (which every Community is liable to be more, or less burdened with) I hope your Excellency will, (as early as convenient) direct the Committee to grant me the same Privilidges which the rest Enjoy.
I must beg Leave to observe to your Excellency, that the Land & Sea Commands, are perfectly distinct from each other, consequently General How has not, nor will not, trouble himself with us; the Admiral being the Head of the Naval Department, & should it fortunately suit your Excellency to write to the Admiral about an Exchange of Prisonners, I flatter myself, (as we all do), that he would not be deaf but I am desired in the Name of us all, to intreat yr Excellency, to permitt one of us, to go into Boston, to procure Money, & Cloaths, for the rest, (two Articles we seem not by any Means able to procure in our present disagreeable Situation) & which would prevent our being such a Burden on this ⟨Township⟩, who have already been at the Expense of cloathing some of us. & if yr Excellency could consent,

I should be glad to be the Person, to perform that Piece of Service. & should the Admiral not be inclined to make an Exchange I will return to whatever Time your Excellency might think fit to State.
I have taken the Liberty to enclose a Line for a friend of mine in the ⟨Nancy⟩ & hope yr Excellency will allow it to be sent to Boston. I beg Leave to conclude Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

H.E. Stanhope


Title: General Orders, 17 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 17th 1776
Parole Cornwallis,Countersign Hartley


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 17 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts General Court

Gentn
Cambridge 17th Jany 1776.

Your several Resolves in consequence of my Letters of the 10th and 15th Instt have been presented to me by a Committee

of your Honble Body—I thank you for the assurances of being zealously disposed to do every thing in your power to facilitate the Recruiting of the American Army; and at the sametime that I assure you, I do not entertain a doubt of the truth of it; I must beg leave to add, that I conceive you have mistaken the meaning of my Letter of the 10th if you suppose, it ever was in my Idea that you should offer a bounty at the seperate expence of this Colony.
It was not clear to me, but that some coercive measure might be us’d on this, as on former occasions, to draft Men, to compleat the Regiments upon the Continental Establishment; but, as this is thought unadvisable, I shall rely on your recommending to the Select Men, & Committees of Corrispondence &ca to exert themselves in their several Towns, to promote the Inlistments for the American Army.
In the meanwhile, as there is an appearance of this Service going on but slowly, and it is necessary to have a respectable body of Troops here as soon as possible, to act as Circumstances shall require, I must beg that you will order in, with as much expedition as the nature of the case will admit of, Seven Regiments agreeable to the Establishmt of this Army, to continue in Service till the First of April, if required. you will be pleased to direct that the Men come provided with good Arms, Blankets, Kettles (for Cooking) and, if possible, with Twenty Rounds of Powder and Ball.
With respect to your other Resolve, relative to Arms, I am quite ready to make an absolute purchase of such as shall be furnished, either by the Colony or Individuals—I am moreover ready, to engage payment for all the Arms which shall be furnished by the Recruits, if lost in the Publick Service, but I do not know how far I could be justified in allowing for the use of them, when I know it to be the opinion of Congress that every Man shall furnish his own Arms, or pay for the use of them if put in his hands—to do otherwise, is an indirect way of raising the Pay. I again wish, that the Honble Court could devise some method of purchasing.
I beg leave to return my thanks for the kind offer of Fifty thousand pds for the Continental use. I will accept of a loan upon the terms mentioned, of half that Sum, to secure payment of the Militia, whose time of Service will be up the last of this

Month; till when, I shall not have occasion to make use of the Money. I am with great Respect Gentn Yr Most Obedt H. Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the New Hampshire General Court, 17 January 1776
From: New Hampshire General Court
To: Washington, George

Sir
Colony New Hampshire Exeter Janry 17th 1776

Your Excellency’s Letter of the 13th Instt setting forth the Difficulty of providing Fire Arms for the Army, came to hand yesterday—The General Court now setting immediately took the Contents under Consideration, and find that all the publick Arms of the Colony have been deliver’d out to the Soldiers in the Continental Army, & at our Garrisons in Portsmo.

Upon a return lately made from the several Towns in the Colony, we find that not more than two thirds of the Inhabitants capable of using Arms are furnished therewith, & many of them such as woud not be tho’t fit to be trusted to in the Continental Army—The scarcity of Workmen, as well as Steel, has hitherto prevented our having any considerable Number made in the Colony; for wch reasons together wth the apparent Need of our keeping a considerable Body of Troops to defend our Seaport, brings Us To the disagreable Necessity of informing Your Excellency it is not in our power at present to supply any Arms for the purpose you mention—We are fearful that Detention of the Arms of the Militia (now at the Camp) against their Consent, will create such an uneasiness in their Minds, that it woud hinder their exerting themselves if called upon hereafter.
In consequence of a former Request from your Excellency we have procured one hundd & forty Blankets which we shall forward to the Camp immediately, And if any more can be obtained, they shall be sent along without Delay. In behalf of the Council & Assembly I am with great Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s most humble Servt

Meshech Weare president


Title: To George Washington from William Thompson, 17 January 1776
From: Thompson, William
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
Brookline [Mass.]January 17: 1776

Having been unlawfully and forcibly dispossessed of my dwelling House on the 14th of December last after Sunsett, by an insolent and arrogant Mandate of John Parke Asst Qr Mr G[enera]l, executed by Capt. Hophni King and the Officers and Soldiers of his Company, all belonging to the Army under Your Excellency’s Command, of which Your Excellency has had full Information; and as since that Time I could not with propriety consider the House as mine—I now beg leave to acquaint Your Excellency, that for more than a Fortnight past, I and my Family have quitted it, with the Effects, Furniture, and Provisions that were therein, of great Value, not without Hope of soon obtaining that adequate Redress and Reparation that is my due, and which in Duty to Society as well as myself I am bound steadfastly to pursue. I am Your Excellency’s most humble Servt

Wm Thompson


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 17 January 1776
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Janry 17th 1776

I did not write to you last Post owing to an accident I went over to Maryland to indeavour to get Adams’s Negroe Fellow—he being out of the way, & the family either did not know or pretended they coud not tell where he was—but suppose’d he was looking out for some one to purchase him, or hire him, I was unwilling to come away without seeing him, which kept me longer in maryland than I expected & when I attempted to return, was prevented for some time by wind & See—The Post was gone before I returnd. The fellow I see & he promised to be here on Monday or tuesday at farthest but as yet he is not come, altho I think he will still come for he has not the look of a Runaway Negroe. I mentiond in a former letter I was then going over after him, I was prevented by Indisposition, & sent Bishup over—but the Fellow kept out of the way—he told Bishup he had much rather be hang’d than come to Verginia—I got Dr Craik to Advertise the Land to Rent—not meetg with a proper Tenant, he since Christmass has Rented it to Adams for £25—Maryland Curcy and took security for the payment of the Rent—Your Letter of the 25th Dembr I have

got I will indeavour to Exchange Adams’s Land with Marshal for his over here—I will Also see what can be done with Dulany—Triplett &c.—about the Other Exchange—& if I can fix the other matter with Mr Wm Triplett—shall do it likewise—I told you in a former letter in what manner Clevelands appraisers were appointed—they were swore by a Single majestrate—he had it not in his power to procure an Order of Court, which he says he mention’d to you before he left this place—& you agreed you cou’d not see how it was to be done—but told him to have the men Swore if he coud do no better—he says the people out there tell him what he has done will be admited to record without despute—I expect him here every day to go out to Bottetourt Court—to get his worck Recorded—his Valuation, was on Buildings principally If I remember you had upwards of Eighty thousand Nails out there—if so 40 M are none too many to be left—I blame’d him for leaveg the Nails & Tools in the Possession of any person but Simpson—but 9/10 of the people in the world are not so Steady to their employers as the[y] shou’d be, I fear he was in too great haste to come home—the Rifle I have in my Possession, he hintd something to me of his being oblige’d to leave a gun behind of his that he might bring the Rifle in—I told him he had done no more than his duty—for he was to Consider you paid him a £100 a year, & if you had 10 Guns he ought to bring them, altho he was to loose so many of his own by it—I did not know he had wrote to you about it as he has done, he seemd rather unwilling to let me have the Gun but made several frivolous Excuses about his putg her in order & he woud then bring her to me—but I sent Alex. Cleveland for her & gave him to understand that I woud have her—upon which she was sent—she is now at George Town—her Lock was broke—& she wanted Screws—&c.—She is too small to shoot with Certainty more than 100 yds altho he & Stevens say she will kill a Dear 200 yds every shot—he does not give so particular a description of the Land as you desire. he says it is all very good, & will have one very great Advantage, The land adjoing is very Broken & poor so that it will always be a good place for Range. you shoud let me know in time whether you intend to send in the Spring to have the Rest of your Land save’d from forfeiture, or whether these troublesome times is

not a Sufficent excuse for not doing it. Woud not Stephens be a proper person to send out—I shoud think with the negroes you have there, the Land might be save’d without hireg any More white men, or at least not more than one or two—Cleveland talks of going out to the Kantucky—this Spring in pursuit of Land for himself—The Brick Layers are about the Chimney Tops. I suppose you do not mean to have the Chimney, of the Store House, & the other House opposite cap’d with stone also—The Wall of the new Garden Adjoing the Quarter is 178 feet—the Octagon is exactly half the distance—I cannot inform you what is done with the Painter—Colo. Lewis promise’d to get him sold—if he does not, I wrote to Mr Hill to do it. I fancy Dr Mercer has not pay’d his Bond to you, for the Other Day I got a Letter from Blair putg me in mind of his haveg your Bond which ought to have been paid before this—Colo. Lewis wrote me he woud recieve of Mercer & pay to Blair, why he has not I cannot tell, I have not heard from him since the first of Dembr—you Ask me if there is no one you coud give a power of Attorney to—that woud secure Barrauds debt for you—you can Best tell that yourself, being much better Acquainted with the people in that part of the World, I understood by you I think, or by Colo. Lewis, that Newton was to do it—whether he has or not, done any thing in it, I no not for altho I sometimes have wrote to him about it he never answers my Letters—he wrote to me by Mr Custis when he come from Wmsburg that if he cou’d get any money he woud send it to me. Norfolk is now in Ashes, which I suppose will make it more difficult to collect the money that is due, for Flour Sold by Newton—for in all probability it was sold to Bakers whose whole Estate lay in the Town & depended upon their trade altogether ever to put it in their power to pay their Debts—if things shou’d have a more favourable prospect towards the Spring, than at present—wou’d it not be a good way for me to go to Williamsburg when the Convention Meets, or Merchants, or at a time when Both Newton & Barraud was to be seen there, & make some inquiry about the State of your affairs with them—for it seems difficult to get any one to do it, so as to give any Satisfactory information—I sold some ship Stuff to Goodrich, which was to have been paid for in Octobr last upwards of 30£ of that money is

still due, the communication between this & him, is intirely cut off—I cannot tell how I am to get the money.
We made 2552 Barrels of Corn—A. Cleveland 1162—O. Cleveland 340. Morris 442—John Al[ton] 417. & Davy 191—we fatnd 132 Hogs they with the Fatg Beeves Eat 247 Barrels. Our Hogs were put up the 1st of Octbr. of this Corn the Overseers has 177 Barrels—you will Ask me what we are going to do with so much meat—I cannot tell—when I put it up, I expected Mrs Washington woud have live’d at Home, if you did not. was I to judge the future from the past consumption, there woud have been a Use for it—for I believe Mrs Washingtons Charitable disposition increases in the same proportion with her meat House—I thought last year there was a Sufficiency put up to supply our Labourers in Harvest—but we got scarcely any & she can tell you, there was very lettle Salt Provision in the House for Servts, &c., all this fall Past—beside I am by no means fit for a House keeper, I am affraid I shall consume more than ever, for I am not a judge how much shoud be given out every Day—I am vex’d when I am calld upon to give out Provisions for the Day. God Send you were both at Home—and an End to these troublesome times—The Servts behave as well as Common—at present I have no thoughts of any of them Run[nin]g off, & as to the Negroes I have not the least dread of them—John Broad got a small Hurt in the thigh on Christmass Day—he is still bad with it—much reduced unable to help him self—the Rest of the family Negroes &c. all pretty well—Gunners foot not yet well. I have sold 100 Barrels of Corn @ 8/—to a new England man that is to be diliverd this week, if the River does not freeze—but I think this Night bids fair for doing it—it is too little but what can I do better, Adam’s Negroe is come since I began this letter. The Alexandrians expect to have there Town burnt by the Enemy soon—they do not take any steps to prevent it—they put their trust in the Convention, & the Convention I believe, in God—for I cannot learn what they are about—We are not well represented in Convention—Colo. Masons Indisposition has preventd his Attendance this Winter, Our other Deligate you may remember, is no Cunjurer—our C[oun]ty Committee I believe writes to them prayg that they wou’d take them into their cerious Consideration—but

whether they will or not I cannot tell—The Minute Batalion is gone to Williamsburg & with them all most all the guns that were worth haveg in the C[oun]ty. our Militia Exercises with Clubs, if they come to close quarters in an engagement they perhaps may do some Execution but not otherwise—I suppose I am to pay Cleveland & Wm Skilling there wagers for going to save your Lands, I have already paid them both part—& likewise Stephens, I set a parcel of Little people to spining, at first they were rather Troublesome, but they begin to do a little better—we have thread enough spun to make a peace or two of linnen, which we are prepareg to have wove—I intended if I was drove to the Necessaty of moveing any of your Goods, to Carry them to Mrs Barnes, she haveing often Press’d me to do it—but without I begin very soon she will have very little Room to spare, she has offerd her House to every one in Alexandria. Wm Barry Son of John, is one of the minute men & gone to Wmsburg, so that I have no opportunity of knowg whether he will sell his Land or not—If he was here I think it might be bought—I have taken all the Bricks out of the Well—but it caves in so much that our people are all affraid to go into it, to brick it up again, Wm Skilling says he cannot venture in it again, I must send to Alexandria tomorrow for a man to come & do it, & if he is affraid there is an end to the well—I am glad to hear Mrs Washington got safe to the Camp—give my Compliments to her Mr & Mrs Custis—tell Mrs Custis she promise’d to write me a long Epistle & to tell me more in one letter, than you have in all you have wrote me—Believe Me Dr Sir your Affectionate Humble Servt

Lund Washington

P.S. I think your Letter shoud be postg free they will come high.


Title: General Orders, 18 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 18th 1776
Parole Worcester.Countersign Cambridge.

Samuel Neason, Quarter Master to Col. Prescot’s Regiment, tried at a General Court Martial whereof Col. Patterson was President for “defrauding the Soldiers of their allowance of bread” is acquitted by the Court—The General orders Qr Master Neason to be released from his arrest.