Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp near German Town [Pa.] Augt 9: 1777.

Inclosed you will be pleased to receive Copies of Two Letters & Other papers which just now came to hand by different Expresses. Genl Heath’s Letter of the 2d Instant seems to make the intelligence respecting the Fleet, which he had obtained before, vague—if not entirely ill founded. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp near German Town [Pa.] Augt 9: 1777.

I have been duly honored with your Letter of Yesterday and with its Inclosures. I shall pay attention to the Resolves transmitted, and as soon as circumstances admit, shall propose to Genl Howe an Exchange between Lt Colo. Campbell and the Hessian Feild Officers, and a like Number of Our’s of equal rank in his Hands.
I would beg leave to lay before Congress, a Copy of a Report made by a Board of Genl Officers held on the 7th Instant, to consult of several matters respecting the Army. In the course of their deliberation, they took into consideration the Subject reported. I shall only add, that this matter has been long complained of by the Officers, and the more so, as the Indulgence they pray could not—nor can be ever attended with the least possible injury to the public, and is what, I beleive, is allowed in most Armies. Congress, I am persuaded, will give it their attention, and, if no Good objections of a public nature appear against the measure, will grant what the Officers wish and the Board have recommended.
I perceive by the Resolves of the 30th Ulto & 1st Instant, for recalling Genls Schuyler and St Clair, that they are directed to repair to Head Quarters. I also find, that a Committee had been resolved on, to digest

a mode for enquiring into the Reasons for evacuating Tyconderoga & Mount Independance, and into the conduct of the General Officers in the Northern department at the time of the evacuation. As these Gentn have received the Letter upon this Subject by this time, and will probably be down in the course of a few days, I shall be glad to be informed what I am to do with ‘em, when they arrive. I may be then at a great distance from this, and, in such case, should be at a loss what to say or how to conduct myself respecting them, without receiving some directions, which I request to be favoured with, by the earliest Opportunity. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obed. servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 9 August 1777
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

sr
[Smith’s] Clove [N.Y.] August 9 1777

I am sorry to inform, your Excellency; that there are but Six men, inlisted in my Regiment, Since the Return, which I had the Honor to present, to you at Pompton.
I have by memorial, to the Councill of Safety of this State, Sollicited the encouragement, they have given their State Regiments—but to no effect.
Capt. Hallet cannot be found. the more Surprizing, as he was informed by Capt. Hunter, in June, that he was Attach’d to my Regimt.
Your Excellency, will perceive, by the Return, that Capt. Thom, hath been Very Unsuccessful in recruiting—he was among the first of General Clintons appointments—I am at a loss to determine the propriety of furnishing him with money, of which I have received 2000 dollars, Your Excellency will be pleased to decide upon that Subject.
We find much difficulty in procuring cloathing & Accoutrements—hitherto we have only got firelocks and Shirts—It is a part of Col. Burrs business to procure an Order for what Stores your Excellency thinks proper.
I Keep a Competent Number of Officers to do duty with the Regiment and the Residue on Recruiting Service. I have the Honor to be with due Respect Your Excellency’s most Obed. Servant

W. Malcom


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 9 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, Daniel

Sir
Camp near German Town [Pa.] Augt 9th 1777

You will march to Morrow Morning the Corps under your Command for Maidenhead in the state of Jersey and there halt ’till you receive further Orders. In your March, as well as during your stay at that place, you will take every possible care in your power to restrain every species of licentiousness in the Soldiery and to prevent them doing the least injury to the Inhabitants or their property, as nothing can be more disserviceable to our Cause, or more unworthy of the Character we profess—to say nothing of the injustice of the measure. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 10 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

G.O.
Camp Augt 10th 1777.

Complaints having been made that certain Officers of Colo Whites’ Georgia Battalion of deserters having listed men out of the Regts in the service of the States under the pretence of their being deserters though many of them have serv’d faithfully a long time.
The Commr in Chief directs that the matter be regularly enquired into for which end the Commg Officers of Corps who have any ground of Complaint against any of Colo Whites Officers the cause aforesaid are immediately to exhibit their Complaints to their respective Brigrs or Officers Commg their Brigades and they to Majr Genl Green without delay.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Head Quarters Camp Near German Town [Pa.]Aug. [10] 1777

The disappearance of the enemy’s fleet for so many days rendering it rather improbable, that they will again return, I have thought it adviseable to remove the army back to Coryel’s, where it will be near enough to succour Philadelphia, should the enemy contrary to appearances still make that the object of their next operations, and will be so much the more conveniently situated to proceed to the Northward, should the event of the present ambiguous and perplexing situation of things call them that way. I was the more inclined to this step, as the nearness of the army to the city, beside other disadvantages, afforded a temptation both to officers and men to indulge themselves in licenses inconsistent with discipline and order, and consequently of a very injurious tendency.
But before my departure, I esteem it my duty to communicate to Congress the result of my examination into the nature of the River defence proper to be adopted, according to the means in our possession, to prevent the success of any attempt upon Philadelphia by water. I therefore beg leave to lay before Congress what appears to me most eligible, considering all circumstances and comparing my own observations, with the different opinions of the Gentlemen, whom I consulted on the occasion.
It is generally a well-founded maxim, that we ought to endeavour to reduce our defence as much as possible to a certainty, by collecting our strength and making all our preparations at one point, rather than to risk its being weak and ineffectual every where, by dividing our attention and force to different objects. In doing this, we may disable ourselves from acting with sufficient vigor any where, and a misfortune in one place may pave the way for a similar one in another. In our circumstances, we have neither men, cannon, nor any thing else to spare, and perhaps cannot with propriety hazard them on objects which being

attended with the greatest success we can promise ourselves, can be productive of only partial and indecisive advantages, and which may possibly fail of the end proposed—may have some serious ill-consequences, and must at all events have some disadvantages.
It is then to be considered, where our defence can be most effectually made; whether at Bilingsport, or at Fort Island. It appears to me, that the last deserves greatly the preference. Bilingsport has but one row of Chevaux de frize, Fort Island has three, and, in addition to them, a boom and another chevaux de frize, ready to be sunk in the channel, on the approach of the enemy; of course the obstructions in this respect are four times as great at the one as at the other. The Gallies and floating batteries, that could be brought for the defence of the chevaux de frize at Bilingsport, would be unable to maintain their station, when once the enemy were in possession of the commanding ground on the Jersey side, to which they would be intirely exposed, and notwithstanding the works raising there, even supposing them complete, the strongest advocates for making our defence in this place do not pretend, that that event can be protracted more than fifteen or twenty days at most, at the end of which time, we should be obliged with the loss of our cannon at least to abandon the defence, and leave it in the power of the enemy to remove or destroy the chevaux de frize at pleasure. Nor is it by any means certain, that a single row of chevaux de frize would be an impenetrable barrier to the enemy’s ships. Experiments have been made that lead to a contrary supposition; and, if they should hazard one, which it might be well worth their while to do, with some of their less valuable ships, under favour of a leading breeze and tide, and should succeed in it, the consequence might be the loss of our gallies and floating batteries, which I apprehend might be intercepted, and with the assistance of their gallies and small armed vessels, taken and this would greatly weaken the opposition we might otherwise give at Fort Island, and tend powerfully to render it abortive. But if they should not attempt this, contenting themselves with safer though slower operations, I have already observed, that it is agreed, on all hands, in fifteen or twenty days they would be able to possess themselves of infallible means of frustrating our opposition there, by the capture of our works; and if we add to this, that it might very possibly happen in less time, if from no other cause, yet from the garrison being intimidated, by a consciousness of its own inferiority and inability to support itself against a so much superior force of numbers, which might occasion a conduct destructive to itself—there will remain no sufficient reasons to justify the making this the principal point of defence.
At Fort Island the boom and chevaux de frize are an ample security

against any forcible impression of the enemy’s ships which it would be imprudent in them to attempt. On the Jersey side the situation of the ground is such, that the gallies, floating-batteries and forts employed in the defence of the obstructions, would have little to fear from any batteries erected there. Red-bank seems, by its elevation to be the only advantageous spot for annoying them, but as it is computed to be above 1900 yards from Fort Island, the distance is rather too great to allow any battery raised there to act with so much effect as to be able to silence our fire. On this side the ground by dykes and sluices may be laid under water to so considerable an extent as to leave no danger of our River force being annoyed from thence; for which purpose, suitable preparations ought, at once, to be made, against it may be necessary to carry them into effect.
But though a battery upon Red-bank would not, in my apprehension, be able to prevent the efficacy of our defence, or give any material disturbance to Fort Island in particular, yet it might serve to make the situation of some of our gallies rather uneasy; and this perhaps makes it worth-while to pre-occupy it, in order to keep it out of the enemy’s hands, erecting a small but strong work there capable of containing about two hundred men, with six or eight pieces of light cannon, and a proportionable quantity of stores. As the approaches to it are difficult on account of the adjacent creeks, and a communication can be kept open, between it and our army, by which mean the garrison might receive succours from time to time, though we could not expect to make it impregnable, yet we should have a prospect of holding it much longer than we could the work at Bilingsport. In the position, which from my present view of it, I should think it best for our army to take, the left wing of it would be nearly opposite to Red-bank, and therefore in a condition to relieve and support it; whereas Bilingsport being more remote, from the probable position of the army and detached from any other work could not easily derive any assistance from without, and must rely wholly upon its own strength.
Either at Bilingsport or at Fort Island, I believe there is not much to be apprehended from the fire of the enemy’s ships unaided by land batteries: For as, by the information of those who ought to be acquainted with the fact, not more than three ships can act abreast at a time at either place; and, the gallies, not requiring the same depth of water, can extend themselves at pleasure, and besides carry a superior weight of metal to that which frigates commonly have, a much superior fire could be opposed to them than any they could bring, and from the difference of size and make between the frigates and gallies, to much better effect than theirs. The comparative extent of the River at Bilingsport and at Fort Island has been assigned as a motive of preference

to the former, the river being narrower there than at the latter, and supposed to admit of fewer ships operating at a time; but as it is asserted by the Gentlemen in the River department, that the sand-banks and shallowness of the River in most places near Fort Island, compensate for the width of it and make it impossible for more than three ships to act together at a time, this reason of preferring the position at Bilingsport seems to have no foundation. And if we consider, that our whole force of gallies and floating batteries, would be collected at Fort Island, assisted by the fort itself, and that it would not be safe to trust them all out for the defence of Bilingsport, for fear of the disaster already suggested; it seems evident enough, that this is the place where our defence may be most successfully made.
One of the most weighty considerations with me is, that our army, as before intimated, could more conveniently co-operate with the defence by water here than at Bilingsport. The ground on this side is better situated here than at the other place; and the army being so much nearer the city, it is so much the less likely, that the enemy should be able, by a circuitous rout to fall into the rear of it, and separate it from the city; which is a circumstance, that ought carefully to be attended to.
Some Gentlemen are of opinion that our principal dependence ought to be upon Fort Island and its appendages; but at the same time, that we should make a part of our defence at Bilingsport, proposing for that purpose that the works there should be continued on the new contracted scale to be garrisoned by four or five hundred men. The reasons for this are—that it would serve to delay the enemy, and give our army time to come up, should it be at any distance, and that it would prevent those disagreeable impressions which never fail to accompany the abandonning works that have been once raised and plans that have been once in execution; especially when the persons concerned in the defence of them repose a degree of confidence in them; which is said to be the case in the present instance. But these reasons may perhaps not be so conclusive as ’tis imagined; for ’tis a question, whether, if our army was so remote as to make such a delay necessary, the enemy would embarrass themselves with removing the water obstructions in the first place; but would not rather debark and make a rapid march by land, possessing themselves of the city and of those positions which would make the surrender of the gallies &c. in some sort a natural consequence; and it is worthy of consideration, whether the abandonning the works begun at this time, which will probably allow some leisure for any disagreeable impressions it might make to be effaced, will not be less injurious than the abandonning them hereafter, when they have cost more expence, time and labour, and in the critical moment of an attack, when every misfortune, and the loss of

the most inconsiderable post is too apt to have a much worse influence on the mind than the real importance of it will justify. Add to this the possibility that the garrison, dismayed at the approach of numbers so superior to their own, might not answer the end expected from them, and might even be lost by their timidity—the certainty of losing the cannon after the time limited for the defence and thereby weakening that of the upper position—the chance of losing the gallies and floating batteries, requisite for covering the chevaux de frize, by a hazardous and successful attempt to break through them, and the garrison with them, which would fall of course upon such an event, It is however submitted to Congress to ballance the advantages and disadvantages and determine accordingly—I would only beg leave to give it clearly as my opinion, that our principal dependence ought to be upon Fort Island and the obstructions there, and that Bilingsport ought not by any means to be defended, more than as a secondary object.
And to that end, I would recommend that the works on Fort Island, which on their present construction are, by no means calculated for the defence of the Chevaux De frize, be immediately altered and adapted to that purpose, taking care, at the same time, to make them defensible with a small number of men against any sudden attempt to land in boats and carry them by assault. But whatever scheme is persued, I could wish the greatest diligence and dispatch may be used in bringing it to maturity; for though the danger which lately threatened seems to have subsided, there is no knowing how soon it may return, and certainly it will be prudent to do every thing in our power to be prepared for it, as we can lose nothing by being so, and may lose a great deal by neglecting to improve the interval of leisure they have given us should it be their intention to revisit this quarter. As the means to this—it will be necessary to furnish Mr Coudray, to whom the superintendency of those works is intrusted, with a competent number of workmen, tools, and what other things he may want to enable him to carry them on with propriety ease and expedition.
On the whole I am of opinion, that the obstructions in the River, with the help of gallies, floating batteries, and with tolerable industry to put the land works in a proper state, will be extremely formidable to the enemy, and authorise a reasonable expectation of their being effectual. The fire ships also will contribute to this end, for though there are many obstacles that render their success precarious, and a happy concurrence of circumstances is necessary towards it any of which failing may disappoint the project, and there is therefore no room to be sanguine, yet there is some probability of its succeeding, and they will be at least an embarassment and terror to the enemy, and will oblige them to use precautions inconvenient to them, and serviceable to us.

As an accurate knowlege of the country is essential to a good defence, and as the enemy’s approach may be sudden, and we may be called to act, without having time, when it happens, to examine it sufficiently if it is not done before hand, it would answer a valuable purpose to have it immediately carefully reconnoitred, and sketches taken of all the landing places, great roads, and bye-paths, encamping grounds, heights, rivers, creeks, morasses, and every thing that it can be of any importance to know. Marcus Hook seems to be the most advanced place at which it is conjectured the enemy will land; the survey should therefore comprehend all the country between that & Philadelphia. Mr DuCoudray has offered his service, with his Engineers, to do this business, if authorised by Congress, only requiring that they may be supplied with horses and a hand or two—if Congress approve of it, I shall be glad they may be desired to enter upon it, without loss of time. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most Obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 10 August 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia August 10th [1777] 5 oClock P.M.

I was this moment called out of Church by the arrival of an Express, with a letter informing of a large fleets being seen of Senapuxon, Copy of the letter I enclose you pr Express, should I hear any thing further I shall immediately advise you of it. I have the honour to be, with sincere respect & esteem. Your most obedt & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
[Near Germantown, Pa.] Sunday Evening 9 OClock.[10 August 1777]

I this Minute received your favor of this Afternoon transmitting intelligence that a Fleet was seen off Sinapuxon on the 7th Inst.—I was about three Miles Eastward of the Billet Tavern, on the Road leading to Coriels ferry when the Express arrived. The Troops are encamped near the Road, where they will remain till I have further Accounts respecting the Fleet, which you will be pleased to forward to me by the earliest conveyance after they come to hand. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10–11 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters near Germantown [Pa.]10[–11]th Augt 1777

I was yesterday favd with yours of the 1st and 2d instants. I am convinced if any Ships appeared off your Coast at the time you mention,

that they could not have been the Fleet that sailed from the Hook, because they were off the Capes of Delaware just at that time. But I think it more than probable, that you will have heard something of the Enemy before this reaches you. We have not recd the least intelligence of them, since they left the Capes of Delaware last Thursday was a Week. Had they returned to the Hook, they must have arrived there many days ago, as the Winds have been constantly fair. the Season of the Year is not only against their going Southward, but there is no object there worth their attention, and it would be leaving Genl Burgoine to make head against the whole Eastern force and the Continental Army up the North River. My opinion therefore is, that they intend either to go round the East End of Long Island into the Sound and land in Connecticut, or stand more Eastward, and make a descent upon Rhode Island, or somewhere in Massachusetts, from either of which places, they may attempt to penetrate and form a junction with Genl Burgoine, who is pushing down the North River with scarce any opposition.
Be the place of Genl Howe’s destination where it may, it will be impossible for the Army to be up time enough to prevent his making good his landing, but I think it will be a considerable time before he can compleat his debarcation and get all things in readiness to march into the Country. I therefore must depend upon the most spirited exertions of the Militia to give him every opposition, and endeavour to retard his progress till the Continental Army can come up. That I may reach the North River quickly (should there be occasion) I have ordered this Army with all their Baggage &ca to return to the East Side of Delaware. As the Garrison of Peekskill have not been upon fatigue, they will be able to march forward rapidly, while the Troops that take their places refresh and rest themselves. As I am informed that the whole Country between the Coast and the North River is rough & defensible, I am in hopes that we shall be able to take such a position, as with our joint forces, will prevent a junction of the two Armies of the Enemy should they attempt it.
Should a descent be made, it will be necessary to remove all Teams and provision out of their way as quick as possible, the Teams especially, as I am convinced General Howe will be in great want of draft Cattle, as his own must be much reduced from the length of time which they have been on Board. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. 11th Augt An Express over took me last Night with an Account that the Fleet were seen the 7th instant off Sinepuxent 16 leagues to the southward of the Capes of Delaware. I have therefore halted till I have further intelligence.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 10 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, Daniel

Sir
Camp at the Cross Roads Bucks County [Pa.]Sunday 10th Augt 1777. 10 oClock P.M.

I have just recd an Express from Philada informing me that a large Fleet was seen off Sinepuxent Inlet on the 7th instant. You are therefore desired to halt wherever this finds you, and wait till we hear further of this Matter. Let me know by Return of the Express where you are, that I may know how to direct for you when I have occasion to send you Orders. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. By ordering you to halt when this shall find you, I mean upon the most convenient Ground near the place.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Silas Newcomb, 10 August 1777
From: Newcomb, Silas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Woodbury [N.J.] Augt 10th 1777.

In Pursuance of an Order from His Excellency Govr Livingston of the 27th of last month, I have assembled here a Detachment of my Brigade of Militia; and expect in a Day or two to have about 500 Men.
I wait for Orders from Your Excellency; and Am, with most dutiful Respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

Silas Newcomb.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 10 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Camp near German Town [Pa.]Augst 10th 1777.

I received Yesterday your Favor of the 4th—I am greatly concerned at the rapid progress of General Burgoyne’s Army. I shall not enlarge

at this Time for the Reasons mentioned in my last, and it is more than probable this will meet you on your Way to Head Quarters. I am Dr Sir Your most obedt humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Sever, 10 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sever, William

Sir
Camp near German Town [Pa.] August 10: 1777

I was honored Yesterday with your Letter of the 1st Inst., and at the same time with Two from Genl Heath, the first containing similar advices to those you were pleased to transmit—The Latter of the 2d Instant giving us further Accounts of the Fleet, and discrediting the Report as prematurely founded. I can only express my thanks for your attention in this instance, and assure you, I shall consider myself much obliged by your advising me by the earliest Opportunity of the arrival or certain appearance of any Fleet on your Coast or of any Other intelligence, that you may conceive important and interesting.
Since Genl Howe left the Capes of Delaware with his Fleet, on the Night of Thursday Sennight, we have not obtained any account of him, nor can we fix his destination with any certainty or satisfaction by reasoning on the Subject. ’Till he sailed from Sandy Hook, I had no doubt in my own mind, but that he would have pushed up the North River to cooperate with Genl Burgoyne. His expedition to the Capes of Delaware and departure again without further information of him, have put us all into a State of conjecture, as to the line of conduct he means to pursue. Whatever it is, I hope eventually, he will be disappointed. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington

P.S. If Genl Howe should arrive on your Coast and make dispositions for landing, I would recommend that All Cattle and every species of provision may be removed out of his reach—Also all Teams & Carriages to prevent him penetrating the Country if such should be his design—You will readily perceive the propriety of this measure and I am persuaded will put it into execution.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dear sir
Head Quarters near Germantown [Pa.]10th Augt 1777

I am this day favor’d with your letter of 7th Instant—I am happy to hear that you are so far recover’d as to be able to Join your Division, & expect the Regimen you propose to follow will effectually remove all your Complaints.
I have repeatedly wrote to the Clothier Genl respecting the Articles of his Department, particularly shoes, & have order’d him to search the Continent rather than let the Troops want in future. I have been inform’d that your Division has lately had a Supply & that Colo. Antill & Major Steward were lately in Philadelphia for more, which I expect’d they had obtain’d & would be Sufficient.
As the Troops are now on their March to the Deleware it will be in your Power without any great Inconvenience to Issue Orders for your Paymasters to come on with their Abstracts ready certified &Ca that they may be paid off to the last of July.
Since the fleet disappear’d off Deleware, I have not been able to obtain the least Intelligence of their Course or design, but, being almost persuaded their operations are turn’d to the Eastward. I shall cross Deleware with the Army that we may be more ready to meet them, or effect any other purpose which may present itself in a favorable light.
You will Observe in one of my Letters to Genl Deborre, he is Order’d, in case the Enemy should appear off the Hook or in such manner that their Designs are evident to be up the North River or Sound, he should under such Circumstances recross the North River & Join Genl Putnam without waiting to hear from me.
From the Representation made to me respecting Brown & Murphy, I then thought that it became necessary to execute one of them by way of Example, but as you are of Opinion that the Necessity is in some degree remov’d, & from late discoveries that there is a possibility of their not being guilty, you have my free consent to pardon them both, as it is my most sincere wish, that whenever we are guilty of an Error in matters of this Nature, it may be on the Side of Mercy & forgiveness.
If Major Mullen will make such Concessions to Genl Deborre as you deem sufficient & will be Satisfactory to him, & that he will give you reason to believe that he will in future be sober & attentive to his duty, I have not the least Objection to your Reinstating him.
I have attended to the Information you reciev’d from the Deserters, but are of Opinion that few or no Officers in Genl Howes Army knew his real Designs before he left N: York.
I would in future call your attention in the most particular manner, to find out the Numbers, Situation & Posts of the Enemy on Staten

Island Long Island & N. York—Your surest Method to effect this will be to find out what Corps Regiments &C. are at such & such places, by which you will be able to form a much better Judgment of their Numbers, than from the Rough guess of Spies or Deserters, who are always exceedingly Mistaken in Calculations of this kind; this I would wish to be done in such a manner & interwoven with other Queres so as to avoid suspicion of your real Design, & when any Accounts can be collected which you think may be depended on, or may serve to give me a tolerable Idea of their Strength Situation &Ca they may be communicated to me.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 10 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Samuel

Dear Brothr
Germantown, near Phila. Augt 10th 1777.

Your Letter by Captn Rice, without date, came to my hands last night. when my last was dated, or from whence, I cannot at this time recollect; but with truth can assure, that it is not owing to a want of Inclination that you do not hear from me oftener—nor is it altogether to be ascribed to the hurry of business in which I am immerc’d; but to your living out of the Post Road, and my want of knowledge of accidental, or casual conveyances.
I most sincerely condole with you on your late loss; and doubt not your feeling it in the most sensible manner—nor do I expect that human Fortitude, and reason, can so far overcome natural Affections, as to enable us to look with calmness upon losses wch distress us altho they are Acts of Providence, and in themselves unavoidable—yet, acquiescence to the divine Will is not only a duty, but is to be aided by every Manly exertion to forget the causes of such uneasiness.
Thorntons inclination to go into the Army is, I think, commendable, if you have given him all the education intended; but why (as Genl Woodford informs me) do you want to send him as a Volunteer when he had a Comn promised him in Colo. Thrustons Regiment. The only end in view (except with people of very great fortune, who do not choose to be under any restraint) by serving as Volunteers is to obtain Commissions; why then he should refuse a Commission, & come out as a Volunteer I cannot conceive.
The Saddle and Bridle which Thornton carried away, and which I thought belonged to Mr Johnston, is found upon an enquiry, to belong to myself; having just recd a new one upon a different Construction, this by mistake, was given, & therefore you are very welcome to detain it as a present from me.

Since General Howes evacuation of the Jerseys, the Troops under my Command have been more harrassed by Marching & Countermarching than by any thing which has happened to them since the opening of the spring Campaign.
After Genl Howe had Imbarkd his Army, the presumption that he would operate upon the North River, to form a junction with Genl Burgoyne was so strong, that I movd my Force towards that River, and actually threw two divisions of the Army across it—and, in this situation lay, till the 24th ulto; when receiving certain advice that the enemys Fleet had Saild from the Harbour of New York, and was generally believ’d to be destind for Philadelphia, I counter Marchd the Troops in order to defend the City, and got within about 30 Miles of it when Expresses from the Capes anounced the arrival of the Fleet; but by the time he got to this place, other Expresses gave information of the disappearance of it on the 31st Ulto; since wch we have remain’d in the most perfect ignorance, and disagreeable State of Suspence, respecting their designs—but, being fully convinced in my own judgment, that they are bound to the Eastward of this, we are upon the move (by slow & easy Marches) back again, till we can learn something certain of their destination—Our Affairs in the Northern department have taken a turn not more unfortunate than unexpected—The Papers which I presume you get, will convey ev’y information that I can on this Subject—to these then I refer—An enquiry which is order’d to be made into the Conduct of the Officers who Commanded there will illucidate matters and acquit them of crimes laid to their charge or point them out as objects of Public resentmts—This however will not retrieve the Misfortune for certain it is, that this Affair has cast a dark shade upon a very bright prospect; our accts from that Quarter being exceedingly gloomy; but it is to be hoped that new Officers and reinforcements of Men which are gone up will, in a little time, dispel the Cloud which at present overwhelms that Northern hemisphere. With the sincerest Affection and regard I remain Yrs

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 11 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

G.O.
Cross Roads [Pa.] Augt 11th 1777.

That few Complaints were made for damage done to fences and other property while the troops lay at or near German Town has given

much satisfaction to the well disposed Inhabitant of that neighbourhood and such peculiar pleasure to the Genl that he thinks it an act of Justice to express his approbation of their conduct in G.O. some instances however were not wanting of a contrary behaviour but the Genl flatters himself that by the unwearied behaviour of the Officers, and the good disposition of the Soldiery all abuses of this kind will in future be corrected and that we shall evince clearly that men that have stepped forth in defence of those rights which are most dear and valuable to themselves and Posterity, will not like mercenary hirelings be the first to violate them. The Genl possitively orders that the Commissary Genl do provide and keep in Camp Spirituous Liquors to be Issued to the men as the exigency of service shall require, and being informed that one great cause of the Inormous price of this Article arises from the immoderate proffit made by the Sutlers who are thereby enabled to give any price the Sellers please to ask he directs that each Brigr or Officer Commg a Brige, appoint in his own Brigade a board of Officers of at least to Consist of one from each Regt to examine into and report this matter to him, with their Opinion of prices which the Sutlers ought to content themselves with for the Capital articles they retail, when these reports are receiv’d by the Brigrs in manner aforesaid they are also to meet and Consider them and give their opinion upon the matter to the Commr in Chief.
It is with infinite regret the Genl hears that vile and abominate practice of desertion still prevails and therefore orders that the Inst a Soldier is missing the Commg Officer of the Corps to which he belongs make report thereof to the Brigr who is to direct an immediate pursuit the Offender to be advertised and every necessary means used that can be devised to have him apprehended and brought to Justice.
Many light Dragoon horses being off their speed and broken down by the extream carlessness and wantonness of the riders, the Commr in Chief possitively orders that no non Commd Officer or trooper in the Corps of Horse ever mount his horse except when on duty, nor leap nor Gallop except for exercise under the direction of his Officer and when the service and absolute necessity require it, any offender against this order shall be severely punished, and the Commg and other Officers in each Corps of Horse are to give the most particular attention to this point and see that this order be always carefully observ’d. Genl Conways Brige will in the way of exercise fire their blank catridges this afternoon at 5 o’clock. When the troops are upon a long march the Ensigns are ever to carry their colours furl’d and in case except where they are marching through a Town, and then they will not display them but by the orders of the Brigr or Officer Commg.
The Commr in Chief approves the following sentences of a Genl

Court Martial held the 6th & 7th Inst whereof Colo Wood was Presidt and orders them to be put in execution. Vizt Lieut Smith of the 1st Virga Regt charg’d with refusing to obey orders in the face of a Guard, the Court are of opinion that Lt Smith as he acted as Brige Major to Brigr Genl Muhlenburgh was justifiable in refusing to obey the orders given him in the face of a Guard. Lieut Geo. Hufnour charg’d with borrowing money from one of the soldiers and messing with the Colos servants, the Court acquitted the Prisoner of the charge of messing with the Colos Servants, they sentence the Prisoner to be reprimanded by the Colo of the Regt he belongs to for borrowing money of one of the soldiers. Ensign Robt Grigg of Colo Stewarts Regt charg’d with going to the 4th Pennsylva Regt and drinking with Serjts and Privates, the Court are of Opinion the Prisoner is Guilty of the charge and sentenced him to be Cashired. Lt Ambrose Cream of Colo Stewarts Regt charg’d with disobedience of Colo Stewarts orders, the Court are of opinion the Prisoner is Guilty of the charge, but on account of the orders being vague and uncertain do sentence him to be reprimanded in G.O.
The Commr in Chief had lately an occasion to remark in G.O. the Criminality and dangerous tendency of disobedience of Orders, and disregard to that subordination which ought ever to be established in an Army. In proportion as Obedience and Subordination is wanting, confusion and mischief must take place Lt Cream is deserving of censure and the Genl orders refused to merit his particular attention, cavelling at orders and asking indirect Questions concerning them is not a proper way to come at a full explanation of them but leads to altercation and such consequences as have taken place in the present Instance.
Ensign Made of the 14 Virga Regt charg’d with disobedience of orders in quitting his division without leave the Court do unanimously acquit the Prisoner of the charge laid against him. Capt Hawkins charg’d with making a false return of the men inlisted by him and also returning Ensign Phillips a Soldier inlisted by him as a Private, the Court acquitted him of the charge of making a false return of the number of men recruited, and are of Opinion that Capt Hawkins had a right to enlist Ensign Phillips as a private and return him as such.
The Genl Court Martial of which Colo Wood was President is Desolv’d. A Genl Court Martial is to set at 11 o’clock this forenoon near the place where the Provost Guard is kept by Genl Maxwell’s Encampment and not far from Head Quarters the members are to be warned with the utmost despatch and they are to attend precisely at the Hour mentioned, all witnesses are to attend, Colo Spencer is appointed Presidt of the Court.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elias Dayton, 11 August 1777
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Ackquacknum [N.J.] August 11th 1777

I yesterday removed with the two Regiments to this place for the sake of provisions and beer which I am told may be procur’d much easier at this place than at Peramus.

I send the Pay Master to Head Quarters for money as both officers and soldiers are much in want of it. The necessaries of life are so very high in the Country that their pay is scarcely sufficient during the month.
Your Excellency I hope will therefore see the necessity of ordering us one months pay [(]although we have not been mustered) as, without it I know not how we can well subsist. I am your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

Elias Dayton


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 11 August 1777
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton [N.J.] 11 August 1777

This morning came to this Place, Mr. Anthony Taylor an Inhabitant of Jersey, & gave me the following account that on Wednesday Eveng last (having the liberty of the City, & by bribing two Sailors) he made his escape from New York, in a Boat; that a Frigate came up to N. York, the day before he left it, the Captain of which said, that he had left the whole Fleet much to the Eastward of N. York, & the prevailing Opinion there, was an Eastern Expedition—the Troops upon Staten Island were order’d to hold themselves in readiness to remove to Kingsbridge, & the Transports (about 60 in Number) were order’d immediately into ballast, Men of War remaining at N. York were, 1, sixty four Gun Ship, & 3, fiftys—about 3,000 Troops upon York Island composed of British, Hessians, & new Levies, with some Light Dragoons, that both the Inhabitants, & troops at N. York began to grow very sickly, especially the Hessians, the Light horse remaining upon York Island have a disorder among them, of which many have died, Mr Taylor saw a few of them shot, being judged past recovery by the Officers.
That the difference between Genls Howe & De Heister had arisen to such a height, that the latter had sailed for England in a Frigate deeply laden’d with Hessian Plunder, since the former sailed with the Fleet from N. York, Mr Taylor saw De-Heister embark, Gen: Niphausen commands the Hessian Troops—they say in N. York, their reinforcement amounted to 4,000 Men—A Vessell arrived not long since from England which, brought many London Papers, one of which has Lord Chathams Speech in it, but was not permitted to be inserted in the N. York Papers, being very severe upon Administration, he tells them, he might as well pretend to conquer America with the crutch that then supported him, as they could hope for Conquest from the Foreign Mercenaries & British Troops they had sent to America, & concluded by advising them, to accommodate matters upon any Terms they could.

Mr Taylor, is an intelligent Young fellow, & says he had frequent Opportunitys of geting Information from some of the Officers, having been a Prisoner in N. York for five months past—The Tories in general, he thinks appears much dejected.
Not knowing whether your Excellency has received this account, I think proper to send it by Express. I have the honor to be, Your Excellencys, most Ob. Servt

Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 11 August 1777
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dr Sr
Phila: 11th Augst 1777.

Capt. Monroe leaveing Town this evening I cannot avoid informing you by him that as far as his conduct has fallen under my observation and I have not been unattentive to it, he has been diligent in endeavouring to raise men but such is the present disposition of the people in Virginia neither Capt. Monroe or any other Officer preserving the Character a Gent. ought to support can recruit men Some men have indeed been raised but by methods I could not recommend and I sho’d be sorry he should practice. The enlisting Men for the usual bounty is now and will I expect be for some time impracticable if at any time it sho’d mend, on accot of the high bounty given by the Militia exempts, a mode of raising Men very hurtfull I conceive to the recruiting Business. I wish Capt. Monroe could have made up his Company on his own accot as well as that of the Public but I am satisfied any further prosecution of the attempt will be equally unsuccessful with his past endeavours. It is probable I may have the gratification of seeing you in this City as I cannot think the Enemy mean to carry on their operations to the Southward—a few days will I expect open their design very respectfully I am Dr Sr Yr aff. Sevt

Jos. Jones


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Silas Newcomb, 11 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Newcomb, Silas

Head Quarters near the Cross Roads [Pa.] Augt 11th 1777
Sir

Your Favor of yesterday from Woodbury I have this Moment receiv’d. As you have got so many of these Militia collected, I would think it highly impossible to discharge them untill we can with some degree of precision, explain the late extraordinary Movements of the Enemy, & determine the object of them. In the interim my desire is that you Order your Men to Redbank to assist in compleating the Works there and at Fort Island. The Officer commanding will take orders from General de Coudray or whoever he has left there to Superintend them. The disagreeable suspence we are now kept in cannot possibly be of long duration, during which, your Corps will be doing a Service to their Country, at least equal to the pay they draw, which I am satisfied will be more agreeable to them than to remain Idle. I am Sir your mo. Obedt Servant


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 11 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Camp in Bucks County [Pa.] 11th Augt 1777.

I recd yours of the 8th instant at this place. I was upon the march with the Army to recross the Delaware upon a supposition that the Fleet had certainly gone to the Eastward, but I was last Night overtaken by an Express from Philada with an account that they had been seen on the 7th instant off Sinepuxent Inlet about 16 Leagues to the Southward of the Capes of Delaware. Upon this I have halted for further intelligence—Under the present Situation of Affairs, I can give you no better direction than to remain at your post and collect all the force that you possibly can, the Season of the Year is to be sure inconvenient for the Militia to be out, but the necessity of the Case requires that as many as possibly can must be retained in service, for if Genl Burgoine persists in his advance upon our Northern Army we must afford them support or suffer him to make himself Master of all the Country above. My last letter to you directed you to consider well whether you could spare the two New York Regiments to Genl Schuylers Army—If Genl Clinton is left upon York Island with the number of Men you mention, it is undoubtedly for some other Reason than merely to keep the post. It is probably to attack you below while Burgoine comes down upon you. It is a matter of great consequence to ascertain that fact. Deserters and people of that Class always speak of Numbers from report, indeed scarce any persons can form a judgment except they see the Troops

paraded and can count their divisions. But if you can by any means obtain a list of the Regiments left upon the Island, we can compute the Number of Men within a few hundreds over or under. I beg you will use every method to come at a knowledge of this. Let your Spies be also very particular in their Enquiry whether Genl Clinton is actually upon the Island, for an Officer of his Rank and military Estimation would scarcely be left to keep Garrison only. It has been reported that there was a collection of Waggons and Horses making at Kingsbridge, if so, it can be for no purpose but to move out; and this therefore is another fact of which you should endeavour to know the truth. Till you are fully satisfyed in the above particulars, I think you should upon no account keep any more than light parties down towards King’s Bridge, for if there is any design against your post from that Quarter, they might by a sudden embarkation and a favourable Wind get between you and the Mountains should you fall down with any considerable Body. I am glad to hear that Govr Clinton has determined to resume the command of Fort Montgomery, for there cannot be a proper Man upon every Account.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 11 August 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] August 11th 1777

I received your favour of the 7th Inst The dark designs of our Enimies evincies the foulness of their cause, & the genus of their Ally, betray Strong marks of timidity by attempting through artifice what they are deffident of effecting by force, but time, I trust, will unravel their misteries, When we Shall Se the Light Shine through both them & their Schemes—Inclosed is a letter from Govr Trumbull directed to you at Peeks Kill & in absence of you to me—I have ordered five tun of powder to be brot to Danbury, acquainted him with the measures I have thought of & transmitted to you in my last, which before this I trust you have received—respecting the line of Conduct to be adopted by me—whuther to Send a body of Troops to the northward, or to the southward to kings bridge & long Island—& that I waited your directions therein—& desired, as the assembly of that State Sets to morrow, they would be prepared to co-opperate with the party that may be ordered Northward in case that measure should be approved by You—G. Parsons is gone Southward to Horsneck &c. to reconnoiture the Situation & to Se what may probably be effected in case an expedition Should be turned that way—the militia are coming in fast, have not

received all their returns so Cannot ascertain their numbers—three or four Regts of militia of this State came in but they having receved an order from Govr Clinton to Detach from thence three hundred & ten men for two months to go down to white plains to assist in protecting the Inhabitants there—& no Enemy appearing in Sight I thought proper to release them till that purpose is effected which I expect will be done by the middle of this week & then they are to return. with the highest regard & esteem am your obedt humble Servt

Israel Putnam


Title: General Orders, 12 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters [Cross Roads, Pa.] August 12th 1777.

The Commmander in Chief is pleased to approve of the following sentences of a General Ct Martial held yesterday, whereof Colo. Spencer was President.
Aron Paul of the 11th Virga Regt charged with letting a Prisoner escape, and being drunk on his Guard found guilty of being drunk on his Guard & not guilty of letting a Prisoner escape; & sentenced to receive fifty Lashes on his bare Back—The Commander in Chief orders that the foregoing sentences be put in execution immediately And that at all Times henceforward so soon as the sentences of a Court Martial are approved, & published in Orders, the Officers whose duty it is shall send for the Prisoners and cause the sentences respecting them to be executed without any delay, if the situation of the Army will possibly admit of it.
The Major Generals are to consult their Brigadiers, and the Commanding Officers of Corps in the respective Divisions, and set up as many Armourers as are sufficient to keep the Arms of their Division in repair And to see that one or more (if necessary) travelling Forges are provided to effect this purpose in their respective divisions—In making provision for this Business it may not be amiss to consult the Commissary Gl and Mr Thomas Butler—Continental Armourer on the means proper for it—it is hoped each Division can furnish its own Armourers—The Gl does in very strong Terms, request that the Brigadiers will confine every Regimental Qr Mr of their respective Brigades, who neglects to have proper necessaries erected for the conveniences at any encampment of more than one Nights continuence & who does not cause all Offel to be buried—The neglect of this in some part of our encampment near the Falls of schuylkill occasion’d it to become a public nusance and as public a Reproach to the great discredit of the Army—which in fact is not less injur’d in point of Health than reputation by such uncleanliness, and Offensive smells. These necessaries in a single Line of encampment are always to be in the Rear—and regular and dug at the will & Pleasure of every Camp Colour Men many of whom have placed them most indecently—they are also to be covered with Bows & Bushes, when the Places are marked out by the Qr Masters

It is expected this Order will be invariably adhered to without need of repeating.
Guards to Parade nigh Head Qrs 6 OClock this afternoon.
Wilmington Chester Burlington.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Quarters Camp at Cross Roads [Pa.]Augt 12th 1777.

General Newcomb having informed me, that he had collected a body of about five hundred Jersey Militia at Woodberry, I have desired him to endeavour to keep them together while matters remain in their present uncertainty and suspense, and to employ them in whatever works may be carrying on at Bilingsport, or Redbank, for the defence of the river. I mention this, that if it shall be thought proper, Mr Du Coudray may be directed to call for the assistance of those Militia accordingly. I have the honor to be With much respect Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dr Sir
Camp 20 Miles from PhiladelphiaAug. 12th 1777.

I have now before me your favour of the 30th Ulto which only came to hand last night.
Having written you fully yesterday, I have but little to add at this time and indeed Nothing but what respects the Subject of your Request.

Springfeild being in the Massachusetts State is certainly included in your Command, and you will from time to time order payment to the persons employed in the Elaboratory department, as their pay becomes due; taking care that the Accounts are regularly stated & authenticated in the best manner circumstances will admit. I would also have you to direct and order every possible, necessary aid of Teams & Waggons to be furnished—Whenever they are wanted for removing and forwarding the Stores to and from thence, and to establish such regulations in that instance, as you shall judge best calculated to promote the service.
The Stores & Elaboratory are under the management of Genl Knox, as being more intimately connected with his Department, You will therefore be mindful not to give any Orders contrary to his or mine, as a Compliance would produce Confusion & in many cases derange the most necessary plans. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Preudhomme de Borre, 12 August 1777
From: Preudhomme de Borre, Philippe-Hubert, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

Sir
camp hanower [N.J.] the 12 august 1777

I executed the orders from your Excellency concerning master mullens, I have him tried by a general court martial & the Sentance hath been reported to your Excellency, I would not Set in my grievances before the court martial, that master mullens hath been So bold to tell to me, being under arrest, that he after 8 Days would have Satisfaction or Duel With me, I Know your ordinance upon Such Sujet, he is enough guilty for to be Demetted of my brigade, it is the third time he hath been unrespectful over against me & the Last time hath been at the head of my troops in using impertinent Language as a man ill educated and he is too frequently in Liquor, I beg the favour of your Excellency, that I can take another brigade major (that master mullens may be punished or not, it is for me the Same) but I never will Serve With him and I Would prefer to forsake the Service, I am a man of quality Since 37 years in the Service, if it was happened in the french Service master mullens Would be confined in goal for 20 years, I have the honour to tell to your Excellency that it concerns my honour. I am With greatest respect of your Excellency Sir your most humble and most obedient Servant

Le Chr De Preudhomme De Borre Brig: Gnal


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 12 August 1777
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Hanover [N.J.] August 12th 1777

I had the Honor yesterday of receiving your Excys favor of the 10th Instant am happy to Learn that The Army is on its march this way as I have Long been of opinion that New England is the object of Mr How—I Shall use Every method to get what Intelligence I can from the places you mention—I feel myself under the most Sensible obligation to your Excellencey for your Lenity to the prisoners I mentioned & am happy to find my Division fast Reforming in their Manners—I communicated your Excellenceys Sentiments respecting Major Mullens to him & General De Borre. Mullens Stands ready to make any Concessions but De Borre is Inflexible he will by no means Consent to his Coming again into his Family—I suppose in the Letter which accompanies this he has Expressed himself fully I have done Every thing in my power to bring about a reconciliation but find it Impossible. Genl Deboore urges Mullens want of Learning to keep Details as one potent reason agt him, Indeed I think he is much better Qualified for Some other office Than that of Brigade Major tho I by no means think this has the most weight in the Generals Breast. Dr General I have the Honor to be yours most affectionately

Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Trumbull, 12 August 1777
From: Trumbull, Joseph
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Cross Roads [Pa.] 12th Augst 1777

On the Subject of Waggons for the Commissary Department I conceive That the Qr Mr General should always furnish the Commissary Genl of Issues with all the Teams necessary to remove Provisions, from the Magazines to Camp or Quarters; & to remove all the Provisions in Camp, on a remove of the Army—By the New Regulations the Commissary of Purchases, is to lodge the Provisions when purchased in Magazines to be affixed by Your Excellency, these ought to be haul’d by Teams in the Country, to be hired & employed by the Commissary of Purchases—after they are in Such Magazine’s they are to be removed to where wanted by the Commissary Genl of Issues, to do this he must have Teams & to remove, in Case of a March—To prevent any altercation between the Qr Mr & Comissary, the Commissary ought to make a requisition in Writing, to the Qr Mr for a certain Number of

Teams, which will exculpate the Qr Mr if furnished & if not Sufficient, the Commissary must take the blame on himself: this will settle the only Objection, the Qr Mr Genl has ever mentioned to me; It has been the Case in every movement this Season, that the Commissary has left behind in Camp 5 or 600 Casks of different kinds of Provisions which must have been the Case had the Enemy been at our heels—in Case of a Movement towards the North River, I am very Sure Teams Cannot be had, in this part of the Country, 20 & 30 miles West of the River, sufficient to have Provisions from the Magazines to Subsist the Army—I have mentioned this Matter to Mr Stewart, as absolutely necessary to be provided off, in Time.
I shall leave Mr James Bate, with the Army, to Settle & pay all Rations & dues from the Commissary’s Department to the Army, & also the Debts due to the people of the Country, I must beg your Excellency to furnish him with Warrants for such Sums of Money from Time to Time, as he may ask for, which Sums I ⟨illegible⟩ make myself Accountable for, as if delivered myself. I am, with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt humble Servt

Jos. Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 13 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, near the Cross Roads, August 13th 1777.
Berlin.Hungary. Hanover.

The officers of the day will consider of the necessary guards to be posted in this place, and attend to the order & discipline of the camp, agreeably to the general orders of the 5th of June. The General requests the officers of the day to dine at Head Quarters as usual.
The Brigadiers, or Officers, commanding brigades, are, at orderly time to morrow, to return a list of all the absent officers in their respective corps, to the Adjutant General—In doing this, the name and rank of the officers are to be set forth—how long they have been absent—whether they are upon duty, and what duty—or upon furlough—and the length of time for which the furloughs were given—A strict compliance with this order is expected.
The Quarter Master and Waggon Master General are now to arrange all matters in their respective departments in the best manner possible; and be ready to move on the shortest notice, in whatever route the army shall be called to march.

The board of General officers held the 12th instant to examine the complaints made against Col. John White and other officers of the Georgia Battalion, for inlisting some men out of the Continental army who were already inlisted in other regiments—report—“That upon the fullest enquiry, there dont appear the least imputation against any of his officers, except in the instance of Capt: Lucas; who supposed himself authorised in the matter complained of by a general order from Major General Gates, issued by the Town Major.”
All officers from whose corps it is suspected any men have deserted, & inlisted into Col. White’s battalion, are instantly to make out lists of their names, with proper descriptions of their persons & dress—and deliver them to their brigadier, or officer commanding their brigade, who will immediately send a suitable officer of the brigade to Philadelphia; to examine Col. White’s battalion, agreeable to his request; who will deliver up their deserters, if any shall be found in his corps—these officers will at the same time, apply to the officers commanding the gallies, and other vessels of war, at Philadelphia, and below the city, for leave to search their vessels, for deserters; and they are desired to permit such searches accordingly.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 13 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear Sir
Camp Bucks County [Pa.] 13 August 1777.

I this day received your Favor of the 9th Inst. your Vigilance in providing a proper Force to oppose the Enemy and the Alacrity with which the Militia have assembled afford me great Satisfaction; if your Efforts are seasonably and skilfully seconded by your Eastern Neighbours we may hope that General Bourgoyne will find it equally difficult to make a farther Progress or to effect a Retreat. You are the best Judge with respect to the Length of Service to be requir’d from the Militia, however

as their Assistance is a Resource which must be sparingly employ’d, I would have them detain’d no longer than is absolutely necessary.
The Excuse of Want of Confidence in general Officers, which has hitherto been alledged by the Eastern States for witholding those Reinforcements from the Northern Army which were expected of them, will be obviated by the presence of Major General Gates.
The Resolves of Congress relative to the Recruiting of the Army will have reached you before this time, and you will have acted in consequence. By a Resolve of the 3d August The Commanding Officer of the Northern Army has a discretionary Power to make Requisitions on the States of N. Hampshire, Massachusets Bay, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania—There will be therefore a concurrence of Authority in yourself and General Gates, which you will arrange between yourselves. I am with great Regard Sir Your most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 13 August 1777
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
New Windsor [N.Y.] Augt 13h 1777

As the inclosed Copies of sundry Letters whch were forwarded to me by the Council of Safety at Kingston together with Extracts of their Letters to me accompanying them contain a Description of the melancholly Situation of our Affairs to the Northward with a particular Account of two small Actions between Parties of the Enemy near Fort Schuyler and the Militia of Tryon County and Part of the Garrison of Fort Schuyler I have thought it my Duty to transmit the same to your Excellency by a special Express. In a Letter I did myself the Honor to address to your Excellency on Saturday last from Fort Montgomery I particularly mentioned how I had disposed of the Militia of this State tho’ I have Reason to believe from the present unhappy Situation of the County of Albany and the North Part of Dutchess County (both being much infested with the disaffected) neither have been able to do as much as might otherwise have been expected from them—The well disposed Militia of the County of Tryon were at most but few in Number—they have behaved with Spirit in their late Encounter, but tho victorious from every Account they have suffered much and I fear that the Loss of their bravest Officers in the late Action will so dispirit them that unless they can be speedily succoured little more may be expected from them.

It is with Pain I repeat my Surprize to your Excellency that under these unhappy Circumstances of our public Affairs, in which not only this State more immediately, but the whole Continent is eventually so deeply interested, we as yet have received no Aids for our Northern Army from our Eastern Neighbours nor from any Accounts I have been favored with have we the least Prospect of any arriving from thence in Time to be of Service. The Militia of Connecticut it is said are ordered to Peck’s Kill at one Time, at another that they have promised to send a Proportion of their Militia there to replace Continental Troops destined to reinforce the Northern Army as appears by Copies of Letters to the Committee of Albany and from Governor Trumbull to General Schuyler now inclosed but it is a Fact, Sir, that of the 1500 Militia lately requested by your Excellency from that and this State but 500 were ordered from Connecticut and I have Reason to believe that four or five Days ago even to the Amount of that Number were not arrived, from Connecticut, at Peck’s Kill. Some may however have got in since.
Their witholding of those Aids which we had a reasonable Right to expect from Sister States strikes a sensible Damp on the Spirits of our warmest Friends in this, whilst it encourages Our internal Enemies to Acts of the most daring Insolence tending to destroy the Force of such Exertions as we might otherwise be able to make (even in our present weak Condition) against the Common Enemy, And in this Point of View does a double Injury.
As the Council of Safety are led to believe that my Presence in the Northern Part of the State might be of Service in rouzing the Spirits of the Militia and as my Brother is now at Fort Montgomery I propose going, at least, to Kingston and if I find it will answer any valuable End to proceed to Albany tho’ I am persuaded I shall not be able to draw after me any considerable Force more than are already ordered out to that Quarter. I am with much Esteem your Excellency’s most obed. sert

Geo. Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Silas Deane, 13 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Deane, Silas

Sir
Camp in Bucks County [Pa.] 13th Augt 1777

I have had the pleasure of receiving several of your favs. by the hands of Gentlemen coming to America with a desire to enter into our Service, but as they were merely introductory, I hope I shall be excused for not answering them in regular order.
The difficulty of providing for those Gentlemen in a manner suitable to the former ranks of some, and the expectations of many, has not a little embarrassed Congress and myself. The extravagant Rank given to the Officers who first came over from France, most of whom have turned out but little better than Adventurers, made those of real Merit and long Service, who came over with proper credentials, naturally conclude that they should enjoy the highest posts in our Army; indeed it could not be expected that they would consent to serve in this Country in an inferior Station to those whom they had commanded in France. Had not this difficulty been in the way, it would have been in a great measure impossible for us to have provided for them all in the line of the Army, for the following Reasons. When Congress at length determined to establish the Army upon a permanent footing, the Regiments and Feild Officer’s Commissions were naturally given to those Gentlemen in the different States who had stepped forward and distinguished themselves from the beginning of the contest. All that could then be done was to give those, that came well recommended, Commissions in the Continental Army, from whence they derived Rank & Pay, but as they were assigned to no particular Corps, they were in a great measure excluded from any real command. This, to those who came over upon Motives of interest only, was not unsatisfactory, but it was very irksome to men of real spirit who wanted to distinguish themselves,

and who could not brook the thoughts of drawing pay without rendering Service for it. From this State of the Case you will plainly perceive, that had applications for employment in our Service been but few, it would not have been easy to have granted them in a proper manner; but when they have been so extremely numerous (and scarce a Man willing to accept of any thing under the degree of a feild Officer) it has been really distressing, especially when it is considered that many of the Gentlemen are men of Merit and who have come from home out of a desire of serving our Cause—I have often expressed my Sentiments to Congress upon this head, and have wished them to take some measures to make Docr Franklin and yourself acquainted with our difficulties. If the Gentlemen in France were properly informed that our Army was fully officered and that all Vacancies are filled by Succession, none would come out but those in particular Branches with whom particular Stipulations are made. I make no doubt but you are sufficiently importuned for Letters of recommendation, which I am confident you grant to none but those whom you think worthy of them. But I hope you will in future let the Gentlemen who apply for them, into a true State of the nature of our Service and of the difficulty of getting into it, in any but an inferior Station; if, after that, they choose to come over upon a Risque, they cannot complain if their expectations are not answered. Altho letters of recommendation are not binding, yet if the parties that bring them have not their wishes fully complyed with, they are apt to attribute their disappointment to slight of them and want of attention to the Gentlemen recommending. I have laid this matter thus fully and candidly before you that you may endeavour to prevent the fruitless applications and great Expence that those Gentlemen must incur who cannot be provided for. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 August 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston Augt 13, 1777

I have received the honor of yours of the 27 Ulto. Extracts of the paragraph respecting the Expedition to the River St Johns I sent to the Assembly—finding your Excellency’s opinion, without [waiting]

for further Directions from Congress they voted to lay the Expedition aside, and ordered the Troops to be disbanded. As the Resolve of Congress directed them to set the Expedition on foot and prosecute it solely at Continental expence, the Assembly have directed the Officers to me for the payment of the wages due for the time they were engaged.
The Assembly here have ordered one sixth part of the Militia of several Counties to reinforce the northern Army immediately. Brigr Genl Warner is to march with them. Numbers have already marched from the western Counties. 1500. Militia from the State of New Hampshire have marched for Manchester under the Command of Brigr Genl Stark. I have this day sent on to Major General Lincoln 400. Tin Camp Kettles, and 100. Tents for the use of the Troops collected & collecting under his Command, he having represented the great want thereof.
In a former Letter I observed to your Excellency that the Colonels of the several Regiments raising here, viz., Lee’s, Jackson’s & Henly’s were desirious that their Officers should be Commissioned, and asked your Excellency’s pleasure whether a List of the Names should be presented for approbation, Your Excellency did not signify your pleasure respecting this matter in your Letter in answer to mine. The Officers still desirious to have it done and the more anxious as they may be called to Action, have importuned me again to mention the matter to your Excellency. I also beg to be informed whether the Serjeant Fife, & Drum Major and the Quarter Master Serjeant in the respective Regiments are to be considered as included in the ordinary number of those Officers and consequently as belonging to particular Companies; or as distinct from & not connected with any Company.
We have just received from Portsmouth the Entrenching Tools which arrived at that place in the Amphretrite—they are most miserable things, and scarcely worth Transporting any considerable distance; they are at present at Cambridge. shall they be sent on to Springfield or Brookfield? There is also a considerable number of Granade Shells but these are also of a very bad quality. They will probably be most wanted on board the Ships.
In my last mentioning the powder sent on to Brookfield it should have been near Two instead of near Three Hundred Barrels, the exact number being one Hundred and ninety two Barrels The Arms at that place is 83. Chests.
Inclosed is the last weks Return of Lee’s & Jacksons Regiments. They are still weak—The Assembly declare their determination to take effectual Measures to complete them this session.
Colo. Jackson has inlisted a number since the last Week. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Colonel David Mason, 13 August 1777
From: Mason, David
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Williamsburg [Va.] Augt 13th 1777

I take this Oppertunity of Doing myself the Honr to write you on Several Matters which Occur & which I think highly necessary to Consult Your Excellency on, The time of Drafting of the Militia of this State Approaching Fast, when I have the Greatest Hopes we shall by inlistments & the Draft be able to Effect the Completion of our Quota’s of Men to fill up the Six Additional Battalions, when I Reflect on the Situation we are in Respecting of Blankets, Camp Kettles & Other Necessary articles for an Army, that there are no Men preparing of them for us. The Distance from Yourself & the Congress such as must take time to Effect any Refor[m]ation of this sort, I have this Day Determined to write to my Friends in Congress as well as to Yourself on the Subject & hope something will be Done in order to Hasten our March so as to be Able to Join the Grand Army this Fall, I have the pleasure to Assure your Excellency that Under every Disadvantage Attending the Inlisting of Men, we have been able to Recruit Twenty Odd or Thirty that I have also Reclaimed Several of my Deserters as well as of other Regiments & hope Between this & my Marching to the Northward to get in the Greatest Part of those Imprudent Men who Have Quit the service in so Dastardly & Injurious a Manner, with Respect to the Troops being Innoculated before they get to Head Quarters, I would wish for Your Particular Directions on It as that subject. I am to Acqt Your Excellency that of the Troops that Have Deserted & Left the Army to the Northwd some Offers of an Exchange of Men to take their place have been made

me, As I am but Young in Matters of this Sort I am at a Loss to Determine How to act Whether I should be Justifiable in Discharging a Soldier after Deserting on his Giving me as Good a Man in his Room & wish for Your Excellencys Advice on this Head, I have also, to Induce those deserters who have not Yet come in, to Wit, Assured them of my Best Indavours with Your Excellency to Obtain Pardons for them, I am also to Acqt You that I have two Deserter’s from my Battalion, who was taken up in N. carolina & have been Imprisoned Some time in Halifax Jail, The Hone Willie Jones Esqr. on their being sent into this State writes a Letter to His Excellency our Govr at the Foot of which he Added that those Rascals had in the time of their Confinement made Declarations Threatening if ever they were to Join the Grand Army they woud Destroy You in some Manner or other, Mr Jones does not say How He came by this, I have confin’d the Men & have sent to Mr Jones Requesting of him to Furnish me with the Best Authenticated Evidence he can of the Fact & if it shoud Appear that they have made such Threats I shall take Special care that they are trussed until I can get them to the Northward where they may be Properly Tryed & Punished if Guilty, In Hopes of Hearing from You as Speedily as Possable & of Receiving Your Particular instructions in the several Matters above Mentioned, I have only to Acqt You that Lady Washington Mrs Custis & Mr Custis are in this City & in Reasonable Health. Hoping this may find Your Excellency the Like & that it may long Last is the Hearty Prayer of Your Excellencys Mo. Obedt Humble Servant

David Mason


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Bucks County [Pa.] 13th Augt 1777

I have your favr of the 11th with Copy of a Letter from Govr Trumbull, by which I am pleased to find that he so readily complies with the requisition for a Body of Militia. I have a letter from Govr Clinton, in

which he informs me that instead of five hundred Men he shall order Eight hundred to Fort Montgomery and that neighbourhood. Mine to you of the 11th gives you my opinion fully as to the part you are to act in regard to sending Parties down towards Kingsbridge. Genl Clinton writes me that his Militia are engaged to the 1st of November, if those from Connecticut or a sufficient number are engaged for such certain length of time that you can depend upon their not leaving you suddenly, I think you may safely spare Livingstons and Cortlands Regiments to reinforce the northern Army. If you conclude to do it, the sooner they are sent up the better—I have heard nothing more of the Fleet since I wrote to you last, only that the Account of their being to the Southward seems confirmed. I am &c.

P.S. It will probably be a Satisfaction to Govr Trumbull to know that the Fleet are to the Southward, you will therefore please to inform him.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 13 August 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir,
Stillwater [N.Y.] Augt 13th 1777

I do myself the Honor to inclose You a return of the Army under my Command—At the very least One half of those returned on Command are in such places, that they cannot be of any Service to us and Since that return, Van Schaick’s Bailey’s, and Jackson’s are marched to the relief of Fort Schuyler by the unanimous advice of all the General Officers here—We have not one Militia from the Eastern States & under forty from this—Can it therefore, any longer be matter of Surprise that we are obliged to give way and retreat before a vastly superior force daily increasing in numbers, and which will be doubled if Genl Burgoyne reaches Albany which I apprehend will be very soon—Last night I received a Letter from Governor Trumbull advising me that Militia from the State of Connetticut were ordered to Peeks-Kill, and Mr President Sever of the Massachusetts in a letter of the 29th Ult. informs me that orders had been issued for the march of one sixth part of Six “Regiments in the County of Worcester and one in the County of Middlesex”—When these arrive, if ever they do, our Strenght will not be much Increased as I do not suppose they will exceed five or Six hundred Men.
Whether the Resolution of Congress, ordering me to repair to Head-Quarters at this critical conjuncture, was a Wise one, time must determine, It is a very disgraceful One to me, and my feelings on the occasion are very sensible.

The General Officers here just now unanimously resolved that we should quit this Post, as altogether untenable with the Troops we have, and retire with Part of the Army to the Islands at the Fords in the Mouth of the Mohawk’s river, and to post a Brigade above the Cahoes falls to prevent the Enemy from crossing there. I am Dr Sir most respectfully Your Excellency’s Obedt Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Alexander Spotswood, 13 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Spotswood, Alexander

Dr Sir
Camp [Bucks County, Pa.] Augt 13: 1777

Agreable to your request, I enclose you, a Copy of the proceedings of the Board of Genl Officers on the Question of Rank, which was before ’em, between Colonel McClanninghan & Yourself. I am persuaded a reconsideration of the Question would produce the same determination, and therefore suppose it altogether unnecessary, as the Matter was very fully and maturely considered and there is nothing new to offer. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 14 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, near the Cross-roads, August 14th 1777.
Holland.Sweden.Denmark.

A board of general officers, consisting of all the General officers not on duty, to sit to morrow, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, at General Greene’s quarters, for the purpose of settling the rank of all the Pennsylvania field officers.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 14 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

Head Quarters Camp at Cross Roads [Pa.] Aug. 14th 1777
Sir,

I have received your letter of the 11th and have given a warrant for the month’s pay agreeable to your request.
As your present situation is not inconvenient for gaining intelligence of what may be passing about Kings-Bridge in New York and on Staten Island, I wish you to take every method in your power to inform yourself of the situation of the enemy, their strength and motions at those several places, and to advise me of the same. With respect to their strength, I would have you pay no attention, to any vague general calculations, that may be made by those of whom you inquire concerning it. The point to be ascertained is how many and what particular corps there are at the different places; from this, we shall be able to estimate their numbers better than from any conjectures they can form.
I have been informed they are collecting a large number of waggons about Kings-bridge. This is a circumstance of importance; and which I should be glad you would take all possible pains to find out the truth of.
I would also have you to procure and send me an exact account of the number of boats that may be collected in the neighbouring rivers, in case they may be wanted for any sudden secret expedition. This should be done in such a manner as not to make any noise nor raise any suspicions of what may be in contemplation, if any thing of the kind should hereafter appear adviseable. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Preudhomme de Borre, 14 August 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Preudhomme de Borre, Philippe-Hubert, chevalier de

Letter not found: to Preudhomme de Borre, 14 Aug. 1777. In his letter to GW of 17 Aug., Preudhomme de Borre says that “I am favoured With the Letters that Your Excellency Done the Honor to Write to me of the 14 respecting major [Thomas] mullens.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Price, 14 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Price, Thomas

Sir
Augt 14: 1777.

I am informed by Captain Eli Dorsey, appointed to a Command in your Regiment, that he has never been included in any Pay Abstract, from a doubt arising, whether he could be paid, as he is a prisoner under parole—I am to request, that in your next Abstract, Captain Dorsey’s

back pay may be included, and that in future, he may be regularly drawn for, as the Other Officers are & in the same manner, that he would, if he was at liberty to act & in service. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt set

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 14 August 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] Augst 14th 1777

I have received no intelligence of the Enemy’s fleet Since the 1st of this month that may be depended on—theres a rumour that they have appeared in Chesapeak bay, another that they were Seen off natucket Shoals—we have frequent desertions from the Enemy both british & Hessian.
Jud: McDonald, taken Septr last in our Service on york Island and inlisted into Delancys Coir deserted from them 9 oClock in the evening of the Eleventh—Says that day their army at kings bridge were ordered to march & came out as far as Valentines—with Six Six pounders, three three ditto & three long nines, beside the Hessian Train—five hundred men with three field pieces formed their advanced Guard—their whole force Consisted of Six british & Six Hessians Regiments, Delancys Browns & Fannings Coirs & the york Volunteers, making about Six thousand in all—the Troops took Eight days provision no baggage but a shirt & pr of Stockings—the heavy rains that fell at that time turned them back—they were to have marched by land to Peeks Kill; the Ships fifteen of which, lay above fort Washington were to come up the river & Attack fort Montgomery—they left all their Tents Standing—a Considerable number of the militia are Come in—& begin to Grow uneasy—I begin to Suspect Whuther G. Hows Plan is not to amuse & act only on the defensive this way & to reinforce the northern army—G. Gates lodged here Night before last on his way to the Northward—we have a report from albany of a Severe Action Near fort Stanwix, between about Eight hundred Militia & A party of the Enemy—which lasted Six hours the Enemy were drove off the ground & left one hundred & Seventy dead—we lost upwards of One hundred men in the action Should be glad to hear from you as it’s Some time Since I have

recived any advices from you. Dear Genl with esteem & respect I am your most obedt humble Servt

Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 14 August 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] august 14th 1777

I this moment received a letter from Govr Geo: Clinton at New Windsor, inclosing a Copy of intelligence from the northward which I send to you, also requesting Some Continental Troops to go northward—to Support the Militia whom he is gone to influence on—in Consequence of his request your Order before given I have ordered Col. Courtlands & Livingston’s Regts to march immediately to the northward.
Since I wrote you this day more deserters have come in, who Contradict the acct of McDonald, I sent you, that no part of the army have advanced beyond the fort, except the Picquet, this Sex weeks—that they are not more then 4 or 5000 Strong & very Sickly with the Camp distemper. dear Sir I am most affectionately your obedt humble Servt

Israel Putnam

P.S: Sir. I think if your Excellency were here we might go into N. York Since writing the above I was honourd with yours of the 11th & Shall observe the directions of it.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dear Sir
Camp Bucks County [Pa.] 14th Augt 1777

I this Morning recd yours of the 12th at the same time one from Genl Borre, by which I find Major Mullen’s Behaviour has been so exceptionable that no concessions can make any amends. I am therefore obliged to confirm the Sentence of the Court Martial.
Upon a supposition that the Enemy had gone to the Eastward, I was upon my march further Northward, but an Express overtook me at this place, with an account that they were seen upon the 7th instant off Sinepuxent between the Capes of Delaware and Chesapeak bearing to the Southward. They were seen again upon the 8th nearly in the same situation. Upon this Advice I have halted till I hear something further. In mine to you of the 10th you were directed to issue orders to the

Paymasters of your division to come on with their Abstracts ready certified that they might be paid off to the last of July. The Gentleman who wrote the letter mistook my meaning and I signed it in a hurry. My meaning was that the Troops should be paid off for the Month of June, and that the Abstracts for the Month of July should be lodged with the Paymasr General, there to remain till General Orders directed the July pay to be called for. You will therefore please to let the Paymasters know how the matter stands. I shall give the Adjutant General orders to let you know when the pay for the Month of July is to be drawn. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Captain Ephraim Anderson, 15 August 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, Ephraim

Sir
Camp in Bucks County [Pa.] 15th Augt 1777

You are directed to proceed from hence to Pluckemin and enquire of Colo. McDaniel by what authority he lately went to Staten Island with a Flag. I am told he produced the Copy of a permit, the original of which he said he obtained from me. As I never granted any such to him it must be a forgery When I was at Colo. Mehelm’s I granted a liberty to send a Flag to an old Gentleman of the Name of Porter and another to a Lady of the name of Leak whose Husband formerly lived at New Bromley Mills, perhaps McDaniel may have accompanied the persons going in with one of these Flags. But he ought to know and certainly does know that a person under his suspicious Character, and who was released at Morris Town upon a promise that he would not go near the Enemy, had no right on any pretence to go to Staten Island.
If you find he has been over, you are hereby directed and authorized to apprehend and bring him before me to answer for his conduct. I am &c.

G.W.