Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 3 March 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

March 3th 1776

I Visited the Guards on Yesterday, found them in Good Order, Ordered Grand Rounds to begin their Round at Eleven, Visiting Rounds at Three and Patroles between each Relief, Officers of the Day Report, That in the Night, they found the Guards Vigilant, & Sentinels remarkably Alert.
At Five this morning I visited the Guards at Lechmeres point, found them in the Works reinforced with five Companies of Colo. Phinny’s Regiment, was Informed that at Eleven at night a Cannonade and Bombardment on the Town of Boston, began from the Forts on Cobble Hill and Lechmeres Point, which was Seconded from the works at Lambs Dam in Roxbury, And Continued with Intervals Untill morning, During which Time the Thirteen & Ten Inch Mortars at Lechmeres Point, were Burst in Firing; After having Thrown a number of shells into the Town, The Enemy threw Shells and Fired a number of shott at our works, one Shell fell into the Citidel on Prospect Hill whereby the Platform of one of the Cannon was Damaged, But through the Interposition of Kind Providence there was no

man either Killed or Wounded, nither did any of the Enemy’s Shells fall into the works on Lechmeres Point.

W. Heath Brigr Genl of the Day


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 3 March 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dr General
N. York March the 3d 1776

My destination is alterd—instead of going to Canada I am appointed to Command to the Southward—there has been a great promotion of Brig’r Generals—Armstrong[,] Thompson, Lewis, Moore[,] Stirling and Howe are the six—four are to serve under my orders viz. Armstrong Lewis Moore and Howe—as I am the only General Officer on the Continent who can speak and think in French I confess I think it wou’d have been more prudent to have sent me to Canada—but I shall obey with alacrity and hope with success—Griffin has resign’d as He flatters himself He can do better in the Commercial line—I have in his room appointed one of the Sons of Lewis Morris to whom I was under a sort of engagement L’d Stirling will take the command until the arrival of Schyler his Lordship is active and distinct—

in my last I gave you my plan of defence for this City and environs, but from want of Men Shall be oblig’d to leave it in a poor condition—a Regt of Associators are I am told, order’d from Philadelphia, I have likewise sent for a Battalion from the Jerseys—but on the other hand Wards and Waterbury’s Regiments will I suppose according to their laudable custom, leave the place the moment their time is expir’d, which is the twelfth of this month—I heartily pray that you may give Mr Howe a handsome salute on his leaving Boston—I am not yet inform’d who is to take the Command in Canada—no time, I am sure, is to be lost—as I am order’d away immediately I must consign the affairs of N. York to Ld Stirling—I think He will acquit himself well—I have nothing material to trouble you with at present further than to assure You that I am and ever shall be, Dr General Yours most sincerely—

Charles Lee


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 3 March 1776
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Philad. March 3. 1776

I have not been favoured with any Thing from you since my too last but that never makes any Difference in my Writing as your Claims of Friendship & Gratitude upon me are superior to all other. The Congress have made an Appointment of Generals as by the inclosed Paper. Armstrong is ordered to South Carolina—Thompson to New York the others keep their present Situation. Genl Lee’s Destination is changed to Virginia from undoubted Authority that it will be a principal Scene of Action—The Congress have acceded to the Proposition respecting myself so that unless some new Event unforeseen & very important should happen I shall be with you this Summer. I must beg your Indulgence till I can get my Family into some convenient Situation & settle my Affairs—In the mean Time I am forwarding your Camp Equipage which I have extended in many small particulars beyond your Order—Arnold is to be intrusted with the Affairs of Canada—Wooster having either resigned or been superseded I know not which—Melchior is come from Quebeck in 12 Days where he left our little Army now strengthned to 1500 Men in good Spirits & Still pleasing themselves with the Hopes of being Masters of the Town I have not yet seen him so that I can give you no farther particulars—But I understand they are like to want battering Cannons & Mortars—No Arrivals of Powder or Arms since my last; or any Account of our Fleet—tho from their present cruizing Ground we hope they will fall in with Ld Cornwallis & the Transports.
Notwithstanding the Act of Parliament for seizing our Property & a thousand other Proofs of a bitter & irreconciliable Spirit—there is a strange Reluctance in the Minds of many to cut the Knot which ties us to Great Brittain particularly in this Colony & to the Southward—Tho no Man of Understanding expects any Good from the Commissioners, yet they are for waiting to hear their Proposals before they declare off—However yesterday I was informed Letters had been sent to France to know what Encouragement we might expect from that Quarter. Our Coast is yet clear, it is a golden Opportunity to make Provision for the War which I hope will not be lost. If the other

Provinces had done any Thing like this in the making of Arms this Winter we should have been tolerably provided—We shall by the 1st April have made 4000 Stand since last October every Part done here—We are casting Cannon & there is more Salt Petre made than in all the Provinces put together. Six Powder Mills are erecting in different Parts—the two near this City del[i]ver 2500 lb. ⅌ Week & are now in very good Order. Many, many Attempts have been made to get a Bounty for the New England Troops but without Effect—The Congress are resolved that you shall abandon the Lines & give up their Country to be ravaged if they will not defend it upon the same Terms as those inlisted here (such as march to Canada only excepted). The Assembly have it under Consideration to raise 2000 Men for the Defence of this Province, but I doubt its taking[.] perhaps there may be half the Number. I am told we can easily raise 2 or 3 more Battalions if we had Arms &c. for them. I do not think I shall bring any Person with me when I come. Mr Webb has long had an Inclination to be in your Family if the Post should be agreeable to him & he is agreeable to you I believe I should prefer him to any other.
The Post is just going so that I have only Time to add that I am my dear Sir Yours most Affecte

J. Reed


Title: To George Washington from the Field Officers of Brigadier General John Sullivan’s Brigade, 3 March 1776
From: Field Officers of Brigadier General John Sullivan’s Brigade
To: Washington, George

Winter Hill, 3 March 1776. Recommend “that Capt. Daniel Rogers [who] has been employed as a Deputy Engineer under Gena. Sullivan, of the works erected on winter & Plow’d Hills since the Sixteenth day of July last,” receive “what wages your Excellency may think Necessary for his past services.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 3 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir
Cambridge 3d March 1776

My Letter of last Night would inform you that the Genl Officers at this place thought it dangerous to delay taking Post on Dorchester Hills, least they should be possess’d before us by the Enemy, and therefore Involve us in difficulties which we should not know how to extricate ourselves from—this opinion they were Inclind to adopt from a belief, indeed almost a certain

knowledge, of the Enemys being apprisd of ⟨our⟩ designs that way.
You should make choice of some good Regiments to go on the Morning after the Post is taken, under the Command of General Thomas, the number of Men you shall judge necessary for this Relief may be orderd—I should think from two to three thousand, as circumstances may require, would be enough. I shall send you from hence two Regiments, to be at Roxbury early on Tuesday Morning to strengthen your Lines, and I shall send you to morrow Evening two Companies of Rifflemen, which with the three now there may be part of the Relief to go on with Genl Thomas. these Five Companies may be placed under the care of Captn Hugh Stephenson, subject to the Command of the Officer Commanding at the Post (Dorchester). they will I think be able to gall the Enemy sorely in their March from their Boats & in Landg.
A Blind along the Causey should be thrown up, if possible, while the other work is about; especially on the Dorchester side, as that is nearest the Enemy’s Guns, & most exposed. We calculated I think, that 800 Men would do the whole Causey with great ease in a Night, if the Marsh has not got bad to Work again, & the tide gives no great Interruption—250 Axe men I should think would soon Fell the Trees for the Abettes, but what number it may take to get them, the Fascines, Chandeliers &ca in place I know not—750 Men (the Working Party carrying their arms) will I should think be sufficient for a Covering Party. these to be Posted on Nuke-Hill. on the little hill in front of the 2d hill, looking in to Boston Bay—and near the point opposite the Castle. Sentries to be kept between the Parties, & some on the backside, looking towards Squantum.
As I have a very high opinion of the defence which may be made with Barrels from either of the Hills, I could wish you to have a number [sent] over—Perhaps single Barrels would be better than linking of them together, being less liable to accidents—the Hoops should be well Naild or else they will soon fly, & the Casks fall to Pieces.
You must take care that the Necessary notice is given to the Militia agreeable to the plan settld with General Thomas. I shall desire Colo. Gridley & Colo. Knox to be over tomorrow to

lay out the Work—I recollect nothing more at present to mention to you; you will settle matters with the Officers with you, as what I have hear said is intended rather to convey my Ideas generally, than wishing them to be adhered to strictly. I am with esteem &ca Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 4 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 4th 1776
Parole Hooper.Countersign, Allen.

The Flag on Prospect-hill, and that at the Laboratory, on Cambridge Common, are ordered to be hoisted only upon a General Alarm; of this the whole Army is to take particular notice, and immediately upon those Colours being displayed, every Officer and Soldier, must repair to his alarm post—This is to remain a standing order, until the Commander in Chief shall please to direct otherwise.
The several Surgeons, of the Hospitals at Cambridge, and every regimental Surgeon in the left, and centre divisions of the army, are directed to meet at five O’Clock this evening, at Brown’s Tavern in Cambridge, to take directions from the Director General of the hospital, relative to the immediate disposition of their sick, and in what manner they, and their Mates are to be posted.
The College to be forthwith appropriated to the reception of the regimental sick, and such as may be wounded—That suitable Barracks at Prospect-hill, or any other part of the Camp, which the Director General of the hospital shall advise, be got in immediate readiness for the reception of at least, one hundred wounded, in case of need, and such a number of men, as he may think sufficient, be ordered to assist in carrying wounded men to the hospital—Hand-barrows, and other proper means to be provided for their removal.


Title: To George Washington from John Morgan, 4 March 1776
From: Morgan, John
To: Washington, George

Cambridge, 4 March 1776. Recommends “William Eustis of Col. Knox’s Regiment of Artillery . . . as duly qualified for the post of Surgeon which he holds in said Regiment.”


Title: General Orders, 5 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 5th 1776
Parole Dorchester.Countersign Thomas.


Title: General Orders, 6 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 6th 1776
Parole Letchmore.Countersign Putnam

Stephen Moylan & William Palfrey Esqrs. are appointed Aids-De-Camp, to his Excellency the Commander in Chief; they are to be obeyed as such.
Thursday the seventh Instant, being set apart by the Honorable the Legislature of this province, as a day of fasting, prayer, and humiliation, “to implore the Lord, and Giver of all victory, to pardon our manifold sins and wickedness’s, and that it would please him to bless the Continental Arms, with his divine favour and protection”—All Officers, and Soldiers, are strictly enjoined to pay all due reverance, and attention on that day, to the sacred duties due to the Lord of hosts, for his mercies already received, and for those blessings, which our Holiness and Uprightness of life can alone encourage us to hope through his mercy to obtain.
The Brigadiers General Heath and Frye, to send for their respective Colonels immediately, and with them appoint the Officers, & Soldiers, from each of their brigades, to be selected for the command under the Brigadiers General Sullivan and Green, to direct that they be the best and most approved Soldiers; that their Arms, Ammunition and Accoutrements, are

compleat and in proper order, and the whole to be ready to turn out upon the shortest notice. Genl Heath to report the names of the Colonels and Field Officers, who are appointed for this service, to His Excellency, as soon as possible.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 6 March 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada March 6th 1776.

Since my last I have had the Honour of receiving your Letters of the 24th and 30th of January 9th 14th 18th and 21st and 26th of February, which were communicated to Congress. On the Settlements and Adjustment of the Accounts, the Congress have not yet come to any Determination; nor have they yet had Time to contrive Expedients for remedying the Inconveniencies mentioned in that of the 9th which is referred to, and will be taken up in a Committee of the whole.
The Congress highly approve your Care and Attention in stopping Lord Drummond’s Letter, and entirely concur with you in Sentiment, with Regard to his Lordship’s officious and unwarrantable Zeal.
The Situation of the Middle and Southern Colonies hath engaged the Attention of Congress. These are divided into two Departments, the Middle comprehending New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, under the Command of a Major General, and two Brigadier Generals; the Southern comprehending Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia, under the Command of a Major General, and four Brigadier Generals. As there is Reason to think the Force of our Enemies will be directed against the Colonies in the Southern Department, Major General Lee is appointed to that Command. The Brigadier Generals are John Armstrong, William Thompson, Andrew Lewis, James Moore Esqr., Lord Sterling, and Robert How Esquire. Of these Gentlemen, Genl Armstrong is directed to repair to South Carolina, Genl Lewis, and Genl Howe to Virginia, Genl Moore to North Carolina, and Genl Thompson and Lord Sterling, to New York. And that our Affairs in Canada may be under the Direction of an able Officer, and General Schuyler’s Health not permitting him to go thither, or if he could, as his Presence is so necessary in New York, the Congress have promoted Brigadier General Thomas to the Rank of a Major General, and directed him to repair to Canada and take the Command of the Continental Forces in that Quarter. I have accordingly inclosed his Commission, and am to desire you will give him orders to repair, with all Expedition, to his Post. To enable him to execute the Purposes, Congress

have in View in Canada, they have ordered twelve Battering Cannon to be sent from New York, and have forwarded ten Tons of Powder. Of this Article, we have lately received several Supplies, and have some Time ago ordered, five Tons and a Half to be sent to you, which if you have not already received, will, I hope, soon reach you. The Congress have also ordered ten Tons more of Powder to be sent you, which will set out tomorrow, or next Day. Besides this, in the Beginning of last Month, they ordered ten Tons of Salt Petre to be sent to Mr Wisner’s Powder Mill in the Colony of New York; and on the 12th of the same Month, ten Tons to Mr Livingston’s Mill in the same Colony, and ten Tons to the Council of Massachusetts, with a Desire to have it manufactured into Gun-Powder, with all possible Expedition, and sent to you for the Use of the Army under your Command. Besides this, I have the Pleasure to inform you, that the Powder Mills in this Colony are employed, and more Mills are building, which will be employed: so that I have strong Hopes we shall soon have a plentiful Supply of that necessary Article.
With Regard to Arms, I am afraid, we shall, for a Time, be under some Difficulty. The Importation is now more precarious and dangerous. To remedy this, a Committee is appointed to contract for the making Arms; and as there is a great Number of Gunsmiths in this, and the neighbouring Colonies, I flatter myself, we shall soon be able to provide ourselves without Risque or Danger. But we must, like other States engaged in the like glorious Struggle, contend with Difficulties. By Perseverance, and the Blessing of God, I trust, if we continue to deserve Freedom, we shall be enabled to overcome them. To that Being, in whose Hands is the Fate of Nations, I recommend you, and the Army under your Command. I have the Honour to be with every Sentiment of Esteem Sir, your most obedt hble Sert

John Hancock Presidt

The Inclos’d Letter I Request the favr you will please to order to be Deliver’d to Mr Cushing.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 6 March 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

March 6th 1776

Visited the Guards Yesterday Afternoon, found them in Good Order, But Some of them, deficient in their number, Occasioned by the Extraordinary Drafts from Some of the Brigades. I gave Orders for the Grand Rounds at Eleven—Visiting Rounds at Three, Patroles Between each Relief, The Guards in the out Posts were reinforced in the Evening, Officers of the Day Report that in the Night they found the Guards Vigilant and Sentinels Alert.
Six Sentinels from the Enemy on Bunkers Hill were Posted last Night at Charles town Neck, at the place where their advance Guard was Posted the last Fall, Ambrasures were Also Opening yesterday in the Parapet on Bunkers Hill next to Mistake

River, Several of the Enemy were Seen yesterday Afternoon on Nodles Island, who appeared to be admeasuring, or laying out a work.

W. Heath Brigr Genl of the Day


Title: To George Washington from Fielding Lewis, 6 March 1776
From: Lewis, Fielding
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[Fredericksburg, Va.] March 6th 1776

In my last I informed you that I could give you no information relating to your demand against Baraud indeed I fear most of that Money will be lost as I have no Opinion of the Man who I suspect will take advantage of the times and not pay alltho’ it may be in his power; I can get no information about his circumstances he’s now living at Suffolk, or at Smithfield as I am informed I shall be at Wmsburg next Month when I shall do everything I can to secure the Money.
Our nine Regements are nearly compleat and our people seem to be fond of entring into the service Colo. Henry has resigned his Commisn which I beleive most people are well pleased with as his acquaintance in the Military service was little, Clinton has been here with his Men stay’d a few Days & is gone it’s said to So. Carolina & taken some of the Kings Ships that were here with him; We expect Lord Dunmore is recalled as he has offer’d his service and requests to be sent home as a mediator. Our Committee of Safety are too well acquainted with his Lordships abilitys and friendship for this Colony to intrust a matter of so much importance to one of his insignificancy, nor would they were his Abilitys ever so great take a step of that sort without the sanction of Congress; Norfolk is totally distroyed not one House remaining Gosport Mr Sprowls seat has shared the same fate Portsmouth is safe, we have men at the great Bridge & Kemps Landing, little for them to do. The opinion for independentcy

seems to be gaining ground. indeed most of those who have read the Pamphlet Common Sence say it’s unanswerable. Our Manufactory has not yet made one Musquet the Hands have been imployed in reparing the Old Gunns from the Magazeen which Ld Dunmore took the Locks from, and reparing the Gunns belonging to the several Companys that have passed th[r]o’ this Town, we have a great many Barrells ready forged which we are now preparing for the Stockers, our Men had the business to learn, begin to be expert at Lock making, about Thirty of which ⅌ week we now make that are equal to the English and what Barrells are ready I think are better.
The Tory Factors are leaving of us daily few will remain in a Month, or two, Mrs Lewis joins me in our Love to Mrs Washington & the Family I am Dear Sir your most Affectionate Humble Servant

Fielding Lewis

In my last I requested You would furnish George with any Cloths &ca he may have occasion for and yr Order should be paid for the amount on sight.


Title: General Orders, 7 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 7th 1776
Parole Chedworth.Countersign Gerry


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 7–9 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge March 7[-9]. 1776

On the 26 Ulto I had the honour of addressing you and then mentioned that we were making preparations for taking possession of Dorchester Heights. I now beg leave to Inform you, that a Council of General Officers having determined a previous Bombardment & Cannonade expedient and proper, in order to harrass the Enemy and divert their attention from that Quarter, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights last, we carried them on from our Posts at Cobble Hill, Letchmores Point & Lams Dam—Whether they did the Enemy any considerable & what Injury, I have not yet heard, but have the pleasure to acquaint you, that they greatly facilitated our Schemes, and wou’d have been attended with success equal to our most sanguine expectations, had It not been for the unlucky bursting of Two Thirteen & three Ten Inch Mortars, among which was the Brass one taken in the Ordnance Brigg—To what cause to attribute this misfortune I know not, whether to any defect in them, or to the Inexperience of the Bombardiers. But to return, on Monday Evening as soon as our firing commenced, a considerable detachment of our men under the command of Brigadier General Thomas crossed the Neck and took possession of the Two Hills without the least interruption or annoyance from the Enemy, and by their great activity and Industry before the morning advanced the Works so far, as to be secure against their Shot—They are now going on with such expedition that in a little time I hope they will be compleat, and enable our Troops stationed there, to make a vigorous and

Obstinate stand—during the whole Cannonade, which was Incessant the last two nights, we were fortunate enough to lose but two men, One a Lieutenant by a Cannon Ball’s taking off his thigh, the other a private by the explosion of a shell which also slightly wounded four or five more.
Our taking possession of Dorchester Heights is only preparatory to taking Post on Nuke Hill and the points opposite the South end of Boston—It was absolutely necessary that they should be previously fortified in order to cover and command them—As soon as the Works on the former are finished and compleat, measures will be immediately adopted for Securing the latter and making them as strong and defensible as we can—their contiguity to the Enemy will make them of much Importance and of great service to us.
As Mortars are essential and Indispensably necessary for carrying on our operations & for the prosecution of our plans, I have applied to Two Furnaces to have some thirteen Inch ones cast with all expedition Immaginable, and am encouraged to hope from the Accounts I have had, that they will be able to do It—When they are done, and a proper supply of Powder Obtained, I flatter myself from the Posts we have just taken & are about to take, that It will be in our Power to force the Ministerial Troops to an attack, or to dispose of ’em in some way that will be of advantage to us—I think from these Posts they will be so galled and annoyed, that they must either give us Battle or quit their present possessions. I am resolved that nothing on my part shall be wanting to effect the one or the other.
It having been the General opinion that the Enemy wou’d attempt to dislodge our people from the Hills and force their works as soon as they were discovered, which probably might have brought on a General Engagement, It was thought advisable that the Honorable Council shou’d be applied to, to order in the Militia from the Neighbouring & Adjacent Towns—I wrote them on the Subject, which they most readily complied with, and in justice to the Militia, I cannot but Inform you, that they came in at the appointed Time, and manifested the greatest alertness and determined resolution, to have acted like men engaged in the cause of Freedom.
When the Enemy first discovered our Works in the morning, they seemed to be in great confusion, and from their movements

to have Intended an Attack. It is much to be wished, that it had been made—The event I think must have been fortunate, and nothing less than success and victory on our side, as our Officers and men appeared Impatient for the appeal, and to have possessed the most animated sentiments and determined resolution.
On Tuesday Evening a Considerable number of their Troops embarked on board of their Transports and fell down to the Castle, where part of ’em landed before dark; One or two of the Vessells got aground and were fired at by our people with a Feild peice but without any damage—What was the design of this embarkation and landing, I have not been able to learn; It wou’d seem as If they meant an Attack, for It is most probable that If they make one on our Works at Dorchester at this time, that they will first go to the Castle and come from thence—If such was their design, a violent Storm that night and which lasted till Eight OClock the next day, rendered the execution of It impracticable—It carried one or two of their Vessells ashore which have since got off.
In case the Ministerial Troops had made an Attempt to dislodge our Men from Dorchester Hills, and the Number detached upon the occasion had been so great as to have afforded a probability of a Successful attack’s being made upon Boston, on a Signal given from Roxbury for that purpose, agreable to a Settled and concerted plan, Four thousand chosen men who were held in readiness, were to have embarked at the Mouth of Cambridge River in Two divisions—The first under the Command of Brigadier General Sullivan—The Second under Brigadier General Greene, the whole to have been commanded by Major General Putnam—The First division was to land at the Powder House & gain possession of Beacon Hill & Mount Whoredom—The Second at Bartons point or a little South of It, and after securing that post, to Join the other division and Force the Enemies Gates and Works at the Neck for letting in the Roxbury Troops—Three floating Batteries were to have preceded and gone in Front of the other Boats, and kept up a heavy fire on that part of the Town where our men were to Land—How far our views wou’d have succeeded had an Opportunity Offered for attempting the execution, is impossible for me to say—Nothing less than experiment cou’d determine

with precision—The plan was thought to be well digested, and as far as I cou’d Judge from the cheerfulness and alacrity which distinguished the Officers & men who were to engage in the Enterprize, I had reasons to hope for a favourable & happy Issue.
The Militia which were ordered in from the Adjacent Towns, brought with them three days provision—they were only called upon to act under the Idea of an Attack’s being immediately made, and were all discharged this Afternoon.
I beg leave to remind Congress, that Three Major Generals are essential and necessary for this Army, and that by General Lee’s being called from hence to the command in Canada, the left division is without one—I hope they will fill up the vacancy by the appointment of another—General Thomas is the first Brigadier, stands fair in point of reputation and is esteemed a brave and good Officer. If he is promoted, there will be a vacancy in the Brigadier Generals which it will be necessary to supply by the appointment of some other Gentleman, that shall be agreable to Congress; But justice requires me to mention that William Thompson Esq. of the Rifle Regiment is the first Colonel in this department, and as far as I have had an opportunity of Judging, is a good Officer and a Man of courage: What I have said of these Two Gentlemen, I conceived to be my duty, at the same time acknowledging whatever promotions are made will be satisfactory to me.
March 9. Yesterday evening a Captain Irvine who escaped from Boston the night before with Six of his Crew, came to Head Quarters and gave the following Intelligence—“That our Bombardment and Cannonade caused a good deal of Surprize and alarm in Town, as many of the Soldiery said they never heard or thought we had Mortars or Shells: That several of the Officers acknowledged they were well and properly directed—That they made much distress and confusion—That the Cannon Shot for the greatest part went thro the Houses, and he was told, that one took of the Legs and Arms of Six men lying in the Barracks on the Neck—That a Soldier who came from the Lines there on Tuesday morning Informed him that 20 men had been wounded the night before—It was reported that others were also hurt, and one of the light Horse torn to peices by the explosion of a Shell—This was afterwards contradicted:

That early on Tuesday morning Adml Shuldham discovering the works our people were throwing up on Dorchester Heights, immediately sent an Express to General Howe to inform him, and that It was necessary they shou’d be attacked and dislodged from thence, or he wou’d be under the necessity of withdrawing the Ships from the Harbour, which were under his command: That preparations were directly made for that purpose as It was said, and from Twelve to Two OClock about 3,000 men embarked on board the Transports which fell down to the Castle with a design of Landing on that part of Dorchester next to It, and Attacking the works on the Heights at 5 OClock next morning: That Lord Piercy was appointed to command—That It was generally beleivd the attempt would have been made, had It not been for the violent Storm which happened that night as I have mentioned before—That he heard several of the Privates and one or two Serjeants say as they were embarking, that It wou’d be another Bunker Hill affair—He further Informs that the Army is preparing to leave Boston and that they will do It in a day or two—That the Transports necessary for their embarkation were getting ready with the utmost expedition—That there had been great movements & confusion among the Troops the night & day precedg his coming out, in hurrying down their Cannon, Artillery & other Stores to the wharffs with the utmost precipitation, and were putting em on board the Ships in such haste that no Account or Memorandum was taken of them—That most of the Cannon were removed from their works and embarked & embarkg. That he heard a woman say which he took to be an Officers wife, that she had seen men go under the ground at the lines on the neck without returning—That the Ship he commanded was taken up, places fitted & fitting for Officers to lodge, and Several Shot, Shells & Cannon already on board—That the Tories were to have the liberty of going where they please, If they can get Seamen to man the Vessells, of which there was a great scarcity—That on that account many Vessells cou’d not be carried away and wou’d be burnt—That many of the Inhabitants apprehended the Town would be destroy’d, And that It was generally thought their destination is Hallifax.[”]
The Account given by Captn Irvine as to the embarkation & their being about to leave the Town I beleive true, there are

other circumstances corroborating & It seems fully confirmed by a paper signed by four of the Select men of the Town, a copy of which I have the honor to Inclose you, which was brought out yesterday evening by a Flag and delivered to Colo. Learned by Major Bassett of the 10th Regiment who desired It might be delivered me as soon as possible—I advised with such of the General Officers upon the occasion as I cou’d be immediately Assemble, and we determined It right, as It was not addressed to me or any one else, nor authenticated by the signature of Genl Howe or any other act obliging him to a performance of the promise mentioned on his part, that I shou’d give it no Answer, at the same time that a Letter shou’d be returned as going from Colo. Learned signifying his having laid It before me with the reasons assigned for not answering It—a Copy of this is sent.
Tonight I shall have a Battery thrown up on Nuke Hill (Dorchester point) with a design of acting as circumstances may require—It being Judged advisable to prosecute our plans of Fortification as we Intended before this Information from the Select men came.
It being agreed on all hands, that there is no possibility of stopping them in case they determine to goe, I shall order lookouts to be kept upon all the Head Lands to discover their movements & course, and moreover direct Commodore Manly and his little Squadron to dog them as well for the same purpose, as for picking up any of their Vessels that may chance to depart their Convoy—From their loading with such precipitancy, It is presumable they’l not be in the best condition for Sea.
If the Ministerial Troops evacuate the Town and leave It standing, I have thoughts of taking measures for fortifying the Entrance into the Harbour, If it shall be thought proper and the situation of affairs will admit of It.
Notwithstanding the report from Boston that Hallifax is the place of their destination, I have no doubt, but that they are going to the Southward of this, and I apprehend to New York—many reasons lead to this opinion; It is in some measure corroborated, by their sending an Express Ship there which on Wednesday week got on shore & Bilged at Cape Cod—the dispatches if written, were destroy’d when she was boarded—she

had a parcel of Coal and about 4,000 Cannon Shot, Six Carriage Guns, a swivel or two & 3 Barrells of Powder: I shall hold the Riflemen and other parts of our Troops in readiness to march at a moments warning, and Govern my movements by the events that happen, or such orders as I may receive from Congress, which I beg may be ample and forwarded with all possible expedition.
On the 6 Instt a Ship bound from London with Stores for the Ministerial Army, consisting of Coal, Porter & Krout fell in with our Armed Vessels, four of them in Company & was carried into Portsmouth—she had had a long passage & of course brought us papers of a late date—The only Letters of Importance or the least Interesting that were found, I have Inclosed.
I beg leave to mention to Congress that Money is much wanted—The Militia from these Governments, engaged till the first of April are then to be paid, and If we march from hence, the expence will be very considerable, must be defrayed, and cannot be accomplished without It—The necessity of making the earliest remittance for these purposes, is too obvious for me to add more.
When I wrote that part of this Letter, which is antecedent to this date, I fully expected It wou’d have gone before now by Colo. Bull, not deeming it of sufficient Importance to send a Special messenger, but he deferred his return from time to time & never set of till to day—These reasons I hope will excuse the delay and be received as a proper apology for not transmitting It sooner. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 7 March 1776
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Philad. March 7. 1776

I have now the Pleasure of informing you that a Vessel long expected from France & Holland arrived a few Days ago with 25 Tons of Powder—300 Stand of excellent Arms & 1500 Weight of Salt Petre. We are hourly in Expectation of farther Arrivals, but we must now soon expect some Ships of War in our River which I fear will cut off all farther Enterprizes of the like Nature.
I have been in Doubt some Time whether I ought to mention to you a Continuance of one of your principal Officers in a private Trade with which I remember you was much dissatisfied last Fall—you can be at no Loss to know who I mean. But the Concern & Uneasiness you then expressed induce me to think it my Duty to mention it, that if it is not carried on without your Privity you may take such Measures to check it as may best answer the Purpose & least affect the Gentleman Concern’d in his Interest & Reputation—It is no Secret in this Town that Persons are constantly employed in purchasing up Goods here which do not all go to the publick Store as the Parties concerned have boasted of their great Profits amounting in some Cases to 200 ⅌ Ct. Persons who come from the Camp seem to be well

acquainted with the Mode in which it is carried on & are not sparing of their Remarks. I dare say on a little Inquiry you will know whether some Stores in Cambridge are not carried on under ostensible Names & from thence you will judge whether the Reports we have here are well founded—This Inquiry may be made without its appearing to be suggested by any one, as it is intended only for private Use. And I shall be very happy if it should turn out to be a Mistake or Misrepresentation.
I was mistaken in my last with Respect to Wooster’s coming home I understand he is to remain at Montreal & Arnold to have Command before Quebeck.
We have Accounts from Virginia that Clinton was arrived at Hampton but seemed to be waiting for his reinforcements—Nothing farther new therefore from that quarter—We have not heard a Syllable from our Fleet for a considerable Time but expect Intelligence every Hour.
Upon the Arrival of the Act of Parliament authorizing the Ships of War to seize all American Vessels & condemn them as lawful Prize, Application was made to Congress by several Persons for Letters of Marque & Reprizal but they could not feel bold enough—Tho many of the most timid & those who have hanker’d so much after Reconciliation seeing so little of a Spirit of that kind in Great Brittain have come off very much from there Sentiments the Result of old prejudices & new Fears.
I have taken a House in the Country to which I propose soon to remove my Family & am preparing what is necessary for the Summer: But an Affair of great Importance in the Assembly will detain me some Time tho I hope not long. We wait impatiently to hear from you in Consequence of the last Accounts as if there was a Probability of a Movement from Boston. I expect your Tents to be finished this Week—the other Matters will also be got ready with all possible Expedition.
Adieu my dear General, should there be any Action or Enterprize God grant it may be a glorious one to you & a happy one for our Country. Yours most Obedly & Affectly

J. R.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 7 March 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

7 March 1776. “As Brigadier General of the Day yesterday I visited The Several Guards hereafter mentioned & found the Guards vigilent & Sentrys Alert Except at the South & north Redoubt in both of which I found all the Guards within the Guard Houses and the Sentrys Taking no Notice of my Coming or Even of any thing Else[.] The South Redoubt was Commanded by Ensign Brown & the North by Lieut. Bowden both of Colo. Phineys Regiment.”


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 7 March 1776
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon March [7, 1776]

When I wrote my last there was company at the House Who interrupted me, so that I neglect[ed] to Answer that part of your Letter relative to the Dray Colt—I suppose you never expected he woud be a very handsome Horse—he is far from it—but as Clumsy as need be, not haveing more activity in him than your Bull—he is pretty well grown but not so high as might be expected (about 14 hands 3 Inches) he was fed all summer and well taken care of all winter is now very Fat—when you say Coverg will hurt him, surely you cannot mean Spoil his Shape, for in my opinion it is immaterial what shape a waggon Horse is of—and as to injuring him any other way it cannot. Whether will you have the Black Colt that came of the Grey mare you purchased at Philadelphia, Cut or not—he is a fine well grown Colt and promises fair to be very large. Stevens was with me yesterday He will not agree to go out to save the rest of your Lands with negroes only. he says there is only one of the Negroes you sent worth haveg (Bristol) the Others are weakly and inactive. the Big Fellow you bought of Adams (jock) cannot cut with an Axe nor can he lift more than a Boy—Orford is Willing but of little service in a worck of that Kind—the one you Bought of Captn Harper is a man in years but not in Strength—Sambo a Boy—He is of Opinion it woud be best at any Rate to Hire two White men beside himself, and first get an Order of Court appointing those two to be the appraisers of the worck when done—and send two other negroes besid[es] those already there—this being done he woud undertake it for £12 pr Month Virginia Curry he paying for the two White men out of the £12—If you are of Opinion that the times will not be thought a Sufficient excuse for not doing the Worck on the Land which the Law requires to save it from forfeiture—you must give me Liberty to make the Best terms I can with the man that goes, for after you directing as you did in your Letter that if Stevens

woud go with the Negros only, that were now there, you shoud like it, I was unwilling to agree upon any other terms—yet if Stevens woud have went for £12 Pen. money I woud have imploy’d him—I find a Tract of Land Patented in your name and Muse, for 7 Thousand and odd acres—whether is that Tract all yours or not (it Lays upon Pocatallico)—Cleveland is here and says there will be no Court in Fincastle & Bottetourt until April, he will then go and get his Worck recorded. Cleveland is of Opinion that the Bottoms upon your large tract on the Kanhawa are from ¾ of a mile to two miles in width—the Land so very Rich that to talk of meadow Land is out of the Question the whole of it is a meadow, the Ponds on it may be readily draind, Springs there is none, worth mentiong. Timber plenty of all kinds—The Other tract that he worckd on he likes Best, because he thinks it lays higher and not subject ever to be over Flow’d. the Bottoms from half a mile to more than a mile Well Water’d and Timberd, in short the Whole is very fine, but he likes the last Best altho not so rich as the former—he is just come here, I have not time to talk to him upon the Subject mention’d in my former Letter as the time draws nigh when I must send the Letter to the Post office—he says you may give your self no uneasiness, for he will assuredly get the worck recorded.
I am now Packing up your Furniture and shall move it but I am at a loss whether it all shoud be put up in Cases or not—I mean the Dressg Tables Desks &c.—some I have already put in Cases—but I have not plank to do it sometimes I think to put a Blankett about them and send it off in that way to Morrises Barn, and if I am Oblige[d] to move them farther to make Cases then if I can find Plank. Without I purchase Plank I must quit Buildg for in a Short time all we have will be worck’d up.
We have nothing new Stiring here all the talk is about the Tenants—Clevelands says he has been misrepresented to me—I will find upon converseg with him he is not to blame, I will tell you more of him in my next, he says he has twice desired the Committee to enquire into his conduct, that he may either be condemn’d or acquited for he knowg himself to be a Friend to his Country is unwillg to lay under the Censure he does, but they will not do it—but have promised to try him next tuesday—when he does not doubt to make it apper no part of his behavour has been Criminal—All the Family—pretty well—I

have not heard any thing from Milly Posey since Christmas. my Best wishes to Mrs Washington an[d] am Dr Sir yours &c.

Lund Washington


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 8th 1776
Parole Henry.Countersign Loyd.

The General Court Martial, of which Colo. Phinney was president, to assemble to morrow Morning, at eleven O’Clock, at Pomeroy’s Tavern in Cambridge.
His Excellency the General, returns his thanks to the Militia of the surrounding districts, for their spirited and alert march to Roxbury, last Saturday and Sunday, and for the noble ardour they discovered in defence of the cause of Liberty, and their Country.


Title: To George Washington from the Boston Selectmen, 8 March 1776
From: Boston Selectmen
To: Washington, George

Boston March 8. 1776

As his Excellency General Howe is determined to leave the Town with the Troo⟨ps⟩ Under his Command. a Number of the Respectable Inhabitants being very Anxious for its preservation & Safety, have Applyed to General Robertson for this purpose, who at their request has communicated the same to his Excellency Genl Howe, who has assured him that he has no intention of destroying the Town Unless the Troops under his Command are molest⟨ed⟩ during their Embarkation, or at their departure by the Armed force without, which declaration he gave Genl Robertson leave to communica⟨te⟩ to the Inhabitants; If such an Opposition should take place we have the greatest reason to expe⟨ct⟩ the Town will be exposed to Intire destruction. a⟨s⟩ our fears are quieted with regard to Genl Howe’s Intentions. we beg we may have some Assurances that so dreadfull a Calamity may not be brought on by any measures without—as a Testimony of the truth of the Above we have signed our Name⟨s⟩ to this paper Carried out by Mesrs Thomas & Jonathan Amory & Peter Johonnot who have at the earnest Intreaties of the Inhabitants through the Lt Governor Sollicited a flag of Truce for this purpose.

                  John Scollay
                  Thos Marshall

                  Timo. Newell
                  Samuel Austin


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 8 March 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Letter not found: to Nicholas Cooke, 8 Mar. 1776. On 18 Mar. Cooke wrote to GW: “I am favoured with yours of the 8th & 14th instant.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 8 March 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

[8 March 1776]. “I visited the Guards and gave such Orders as appear’d to be necessary found them in good Order. The Enemy on Bunkers Hill were very busy last Night and this Morning they were carrying Spunges Ladles &C. from the Hill to the Ferry—By the Noise last Night it was suggested they were moveing their heavy Cannon off the Hill and replacing them with Field Pieces.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Lachlan McIntosh, 8 March 1776
From: McIntosh, Lachlan
To: Washington, George

sir,
savannah in Georgia—8th March 1776.

I did myself the Honor to write to your Excely the 16th ulto which for want of Conveyance lyes here Still, as our Continental Post is not well regulated this Length yet. It is hardly worth troubling you with any Report of our Battalion, as I have heard from very few of our Recruiting officers. & we have only between 20. & 30 Men of them in Town. but the Transactions here since that Time may deserve some Notice. The Men of Warr at Tybee, tho’ still giving out they had no Hostile Intentions against this Colony, were encouraging our slaves to Desert

to them, Pilfering our Sea Islands for Provision, & our Governor broke his Parole of Honor & went privately in the Night with his Family aboard the Scarborough Capt. Barkley, which gave us every reason to expect they meant to Land at or near the Town, destroy it, & carry off about twenty Sail of shiping Lying in the River, having among other Articles near 3000. Tierces of Rice on board. between 3 & 400 of our own Militia & 100 from So. Carolina were all that could be got to defend an open, Straggling, defenseless & deserted Town, with Numberless Avenues Leading to it, and those Men under no Controul or Command whatsoever. and to add to the Anarchy & Confusion we were in, our Council of Safety had not met for some time having differed about the meaning of a Resolve of the Continental Congress respecting the Ships Sailing the 1st of March.
In this desperate state of Affairs I Ventured to take the Command of the Militia least the Colony should be tamely given up, tho’ I must acknowlege with some reluctance. and after examining very pa[r]ticularly as I was unacquainted around the Town, I placed Gaurds every where the Enemy could Land, & Amvushes in the different Roads Leading to it which made the Duty very Severe & reduced our Number in Town greatly. In the mean time the Cherokee, the two Transports, the Armed Vessels & Boats came up the River within 2½ Miles of Town, near where we Sunk a Hulk in the Channel of the River, & opposite to Brewton’s Plantation where I placed a Detatchment of 150 Men under the Command of Col. Bullock, expecting they wou’d attempt to Land there. The Enemy were parading with their Boats for Several Days within Gunshot of our Centinels, who tho’ they were ordered not to fire unless they were fired upon first, or they attempted to Land gave them Several shot, but were not returned.
Our Council of Safety were got together & resolved the Shiping should not Sail, & ordered they should be unrigged. on the Evening of the 2d of March One of the Transport ships, the Schooner Hinchinbrook & Sloop st John of 8. or 10. Guns each, with some Bo⟨ats,⟩ Sailed in our Sight up the North River, back of Hutchinson’s Island Lying opposite to the Town of Savannah, but so far off that a little Battery we had below the Town which played upon them cou’d do no damage to them. expecting

the Enemy intended coming round Hutchinson’s Island, & down the south side of it to make their Landing good at Yamacraw (a Village 3, or 400, y⟨ds⟩ above the Town) I had 3 four pounders carryed there, a Little Ba⟨t⟩tery errected in haste, & threw up Intrenchments. & withdrew part of the Guard at Brewtons, without Weakening it too mu⟨ch,⟩ or withdrawing any of our Ambushes on that side, Least it might be a feint to deceive us. About the Middle of the same night (as we were afterwards informed) The Commodore Barkley, & Majors Grant & Maitland with about 300 Men as it was Said, Landed on the back of Hutchinson’s Island with some Howitzers & Field Pieces, and with the assistan⟨ce⟩ & contrivance of all our own Sea faring People & many from the Town crossed the Island & hid themselves aboard of our Merchant ships, which were previously Halled closs to the Island, a little above our Battery at Yamacraw for that Purpose. early on Sunday the 3d the two Armed Vessels intending to Cover the Enemy’s Landing had come round the Island, & comming down on the South Side were attacked by parties of Rif⟨lers⟩ ordered for that purpose, & kept Smartly Engaged on both Sides most of the Day, untill they lost the Tide & got aground. while two Sailors (Americans) at the risq⟨ue⟩ of their Lives Stole ashore & informed me, the Enemy were hid on board our Mercht Men, & had taken Jos: Rice pri⟨s⟩oner, who was employed to unrigg them that Morning to confirm this inteligence Mess[r]s Demeré & Roberts were ordered to go only along Side the Vessels & without Arms to demand our fellow Citizen Mr Rice, but to our astonishment they were also forced on board & kept, which convinced us our information was true, & immediately our Little Battery of three Guns began to play upon them, which they returned, and was continued very Smartly with Ball, Langrage & Small Arms from both Sides for Several Hours. Our Men were inflamed, particularly at our own People who had trecherously Joined the Enemy against us, & were eager to board them, but we had neither Boats, Sailors or Arms proper for the attempt, & the Oars of the few Boats we had were previously stole away. the general cry then was, to Sett all the shiping on fire, in attempting of which many of our People shewed great Resolution & Bravery, but unfortunately the first ship Set afire (Valued at £20,000 sterg) was so Large that she grounded before she got up to the

others. afterwards a Sloop was fired, which burnt two others, while the rest were cutting away, amidst the shot of our Rifflers & Langrage, & sliping higher up the River out of our Reach with the last of the flood in the mean time many of the Soldiers hastily Landed on the Island in great confusion, running in the marsh in a Laughable manner, for fear of our Riflers tho’ far past their reach, untill they got aboard of a Tire of ships higher up the River, & out of the Reach of our Guns, near the Armed Vessels. in this manner Ten Sail of our Vessels went along with the Enemy round the upper End of the Island, a Channel never known before, with Sixteen hundred barrels of Rice, with the Utmost ⟨anxi⟩ety & fear. after being foiled in their scheme u⟨pon⟩ the Town, the Commodore & Majors eagerly & repeated⟨ly⟩ Solicited a Cessation of Hostilitys, for which they ⟨promis⟩ed immediately to repair to Tybee & not moles⟨t us⟩ again, which was at Length Granted them w⟨ithout⟩ Seeming dificulty, tho’ the truth was, we had ⟨no⟩ Means of annoying them by water. the rest of ⟨the⟩ shipping we halled close to the Wharfs. confined ⟨some⟩ of their Captains for acting against us, with our ⟨Chief⟩ Justice & Some Councelors, untill they release ⟨our⟩ fellow Citizens, Demeré, Roberts, & Rice, & Send ⟨them⟩ up from Tybee, where our Enemys are all now ⟨gone.⟩ whether, they intend to try us again or not, I a⟨m not⟩ able to inform your Excely. in this, I think ⟨they⟩ rather lost, than gained any reputation, and ha⟨ve⟩ done us great Honor, by being the Second Province on the Continent which they attacked, and were Shamefully Foiled. we had in all our different Engagements but two white Men & one Indian wounded slightly they must have many, both killed & Wounded, tho’ they acknowledge but Six. Several were Seen to fall. I have the Honor to be Your Excely’s Most obt & most Hble servt

Lachn McIntosh

The ships of warr have taken all the Rice, 1600 Barrels out of the Merchant Men that so treacherously went down with them, & put it aboard their two Transports ships, without paying a farthing for it. they claim ⅛th for “wresting them out of the Hands of the Rebels” as the Commodor’s Certificate expresses it. but I doubt they will keep the other ⅞ths also.


Title: General Orders, 9 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 9th 1776
Parole Morris.Countersign Allen.

The General earnestly expects every Officer and Soldier of this Army will shew the utmost alertness, as well upon duty, as off duty; as by that means, not only the utmost power, but the utmost Artifice of the enemy will be defeated.
The Regiments who have not drawn their cloathing from the Qr Mr General, are commanded to do it immediately.
The Regiment and Companies of Riffle-men, are to hold themselves in readiness, to march at an hours warning.
The whole Army to prepare to be ready to march when commanded.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 9 March 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

March 9th 1776

Visited the Guards on Yesterday before noon, found them in Good Order, Ordered Grand Rounds at Eleven, Visiting Rounds at half Past Three and Patroles between each Relief, Grand Rounds Report that they found the Guards Vigilant, and Sentinels Alert.
Capt. of the White House Guard Reports That the Enemy

worked all night, That at 4 oClock this morning the Bells rang in Boston, and a number of muskets were Fired—Field Officer at Cobble Hill Reports, That the Enemy moved One or Two peices of artillery from Bunkers Hill to the Ferry, also one Ammunition Waggon, and that during the night there was great motion of Carriages in Boston.
The Officer of the Day in the Center Division, Reports that when going his Grand Round he heard great noise of Carriages in Boston, and Frequent Firing of Small arms.

W. Heath Brigr Genl of the Day


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 9–10 March 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Albany March 9th[-10] 1776.

I am honored with your Letters of the 25th & 27th Ultimo which were delivered me on the 7th by Mr Bennet.
I feel in the most sensible Manner the disagreeable Situation you are in, for Want of Arms: it adds to the pain, this Information gives me, that we are here in a similar Situation, and unable to assist you—The New Jersey—pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts Troops arrive here more or less without Arms, or what may be deemed next to none—I have people in every Quarter picking up the few that are to be had, at a most immoderate price, and after all I shall not be able to procure above half a Sufficiency for Colonel Van Schaick’s Regiment, which is raising to go into Canada; none are to be had at New

York; and how to Arm the four Regiments raising in this Colony no Mortal knows—Of a thousand Stand the New York Convention contracted for, six only have been delivered, and they do not expect more than thirty of the whole—I have sent to Schenectady to Mr Duncan, but I much Doubt if he has any.
Twelve heavy Cannon are on their Way from New York, and are got as far as poughkeepsie, where they wait the opening of the River—But what will General Lee do with them in Canada, without either powder or Ball for them, and I shall be in a similar Situation at New York, to which I am ordered by Congress, with the additional Mortification of having Men without Arms.
I wish to be at New York as soon as possible, if it was only on Account of receiving better medical Assistance; but what is to become of the Army in Canada, if I leave this before every Thing is put into such a Train, as that it may be properly supplied? They are now so short of provisions (Altho’ if common Care had been taken, there would have been a Sufficiency to June) that I have been obliged to send between 3 & 400 Barrels of pork, in Sleds, at the vast Expence of 7½ Dollars per Barrel.
Two Companies of Colonel Burrel’s Regiment are only arrived here: one of them is gone on, and about half the pennsylvania & Jersey Troops; All greatly deficient of their full Complements—The Troops that served last Campaign in Canada are chiefly coming away, so that we shall not by any Means have that respectable Army, which was intended by Congress.
Inclose your Excellency a Return of the Troops, which were with General Arnold on the 22d Ultimo: This is the first Return I have ever received from that Quarter.
March 10th—My Messenger is returned from Schenectady, but no Arms are to be had there.
The Ice still continues in Hudson’s River, but is not passable with Horses and Carriages. By the Time it will be navigable, and the Waters which are out subsided, the Ice in the Lakes will be too weak to venture Troops on, hence I fear that no more Men can get into Canada until the Beginning of April.
I have this Moment received a Letter from General Wooster of the 1st Instant, he says not a Word relative to Quebec—Complains of Want of Specie, and indeed not without Reason, as he is greatly distressed, the Canadians absolutely refusing to take our paper Money, and I have with much Difficulty been able to

procure only about £2100 here, on my own Security, which I sent him on the 28th Ultimo but five Times that Sum, and more was already due for the Necessary Contingencies of the Army.
Inclose you Copies of some papers; which will shew how Colonel Allen was used.
The Difficulty of procuring Specie is such, that I fear the most fatal Consequences from the Want of it, in Canada; this induces me to venture a Question—Would it be improper to ask General Howe for the Subsistance of the prisoners in our possession? If he should consent that they might draw on his Military Chest for it, the Bills might all go in Favor of an Agent of Congress, and hence, we should have a very considerable Supply.
We have many Difficulties my dear General to encounter but I have the strongest presentement that we shall struggle thro’, and rise superior to our Enemies. May God bless & protect you. I am most sincerely and respectfully Your Excellency’s most humble Servant.

Ph: Schuyler

Since writing the above, I am honored with your’s of the 1st Ultimo by Lewis the Caghnawaga Indian, together with a Letter from Colo: Wade, advising me that some part of his Regiment had marched on the 24th Feby and desiring that provisions might be sent to Onion River. I am extreamly apprehensive that I shall not be able to procure Sleds to go there, I shall however immediately send an Express to Tyconderoga, and if Horses cannot be procured I will order the Soldiers that are there to draw it by Hand. Yours &c. &c. &c.

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 9 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge 9th M[arc]h 1776

The important Post at Dorchester Hill which has long been the object of our particular attention, and which, for various weighty reasons I had delayed taking possession of, I have the pleasure to inform you is now so well secured, that I flatter myself

it will not be in the power of the Enemy to dispossess us. A Detachment of twenty five hundred men under the Command of Brigadier General Thomas, on monday evening last begun the Works there, which they have carried on ever since without the least molestation from the Enemy—For two or three nights previous to this, I thought it necessary to draw off their attention from the grand object, and accordingly ordered a brisk Canonade and Bombardment of the Town, which, as I have been since informed, had the desired effect; for they had no suspicion of our real design till Tuesday morning, when they discovered our Troops in possession of the Hill. A Captain of a Transport who made his escape from Boston the night before last informs me, that three thousand men under command of Lord Piercy were ordered to dispossess us, but the weather being very tempestuous (or perhaps for some better reason) the expedition was laid aside—He also informs me, that they were making every necessary preparation to evacuate the Town—They have indeed been observed, for several days past, to be very busily employed in removing their Cannon and Ammunition, and yesterday in the afternoon the Captain’s intelligence was confirmed by a Flag of Truce sent out with a message from the Select Men of the Town, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose you—It now seems very evident, that they can no longer keep possession of the Town, and are determined to take Post, or attack in some other Quarter. When that may be is, at present, very uncertain; but I thought it my duty to give you the earliest information of this important movement, that you may take proper measures for the security of your own Colony. I have ordered their motions to be very narrowly watched, and if any thing material should occur, you may rely on my giving you speedy notice.
I have also the pleasure to acquaint you, that Captain Manly and others have taken another Transport Ship laden with Coals, Porter &c. for the use of the Ministerial Troops at Boston. She brings Papers to the 2d of December, but they afford no material News.
An armed Transport is also stranded upon the back of Cape Cod; the most of her Cargo, consisting chiefly of a few Military Stores, has been secured by the inhabitants. The Master, two Midshipman and a number of Seamen made Prisoners. She was

bound from Boston to New York. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir your most obedt & very humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: General Orders, 10 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 10th 1776
Parole Tighlman.Countersign Mercer.

There was a mistake in the Orders of the Sixth Instant—Genl Heath being ordered for the command therein mentioned, instead of Genl Green, who is appointed for that command.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Babcock, 10 March 1776 [letter not found]
From: Babcock, Henry
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Colonel Henry Babcock, 10 Mar. 1776. Stephen Moylan wrote to Babcock on 12 Mar.: “I have it in Command from his Excellency Gen. Washington to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 10th Instant with the inclosures” (DLC:GW).


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 10 March 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Winter Hill, 10 March 1776. “As Brigadier Genl of the Day Yesterday Orderd the Guards to be visited; found them alert as usual.


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 11th 1776
Parole Niagara.Countersign Thompson.

That there may not be the least pretext for delay (as the General is determined to march the whole, or any part of this Army, the Instant occasion shall require) His Excellency desires that not a moments time may be lost in preparing for the march—The Colonels will pay particular attention to the cloathing of their men—To prevent any unnecessary preparations, the General informs the Officers, and Soldiers, that it is his desire and expectation, that they encumber themselves with as little baggage as possible, as apart from the enormous expence to the Continent—Teams cannot be procured for superfluous Articles, it will be well if sufficient can be found to answer all requisite services—The Nature of the service we are engaged in, is such as require light Troops, ready at all times, and upon all occasions, for forced marches, the less baggage therefore, Officers and Men are encumber’d with, the better.
The recruiting Service is to be continued, but the recruits, and all the men upon Furlough, are to join their respective regiments immediately.
The General being desirous of selecting a particular number of men, as a Guard for himself, and baggage, The Colonel, or

commanding Officer, of each of the established Regiments, (the Artillery and Riffle-men excepted) will furnish him with four, that the number wanted may be chosen out of them. His Excellency depends upon the Colonels for good Men, such as they can recommend for their sobriety, honesty, and good behaviour; he wishes them to be from five feet, eight Inches high, to five feet, ten Inches; handsomely and well made, and as there is nothing in his eyes more desireable, than Cleanliness in a Soldier, he desires that particular attention may be made, in the choice of such men, as are neat, and spruce. They are all to be at Head Quarters to morrow precisely at twelve, at noon, when the Number wanted will be fixed upon. The General neither wants men with uniforms, or arms, nor does he desire any man to be sent to him, that is not perfectly willing, and desirous, of being of this guard. They should be drill’d men.
The General desires that those Colonels, who have not furnish’d the Arrangement of their Officers, will do it forthwith under the Inspection of the Brigadiers, who are to certify the same; he also requires the Brigadiers to see that the Returns are made, that the Commissions may issue.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 11 March 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada 11 March 1776.

Since my last I have had the honour of receiving your letter of the 9th of Feby. The congress have not yet come to any resolutions on your former Letters.
The design of this is only to desire you to send Captain Morgan Connor of the riffle Batallion to Philada the Congress having occasion to employ him in the southern department.
The Congress having promoted Edward Hand Esqr. to be colonel of the riffle batallion in the room of col. Thompson whom they advanced to the rank of Brigr genl and James Chambers Esqr. to be lieutenant colonel of the same, I have forwarded their commissions accordingly. I have the Honor to be with much Esteem Sir Your most Obedt Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Lord Stirling, 11 March 1776
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

My dear General
New York March 11: 1776

General Lee left this place on thursday Evening last for Philadelphia, in his Way for Virginia where he is to Command. this has thrown a heavy load on my Shoulders and very unexepectedly; but I am like soon to be relived from it, as I hear Brigadier General Thompson is to be here in a day or Two. The Sudden departure of the post prevents my saying any thing at present relative to the Scituation of this place. and will only inform you that last Night three Gentlemen landed here from on Board a packet Nine weeks out from Falmouth. they say that Seven Regiments of foot amounting to about 4000. Men were Embarked and ready to Sail from Cork, about the 6th Janr. bound to the Southern Colonies, that great Brittain had engaged 4000 Hanoverians and 6000 Hessians for the American Service, and were in Treaty for 10000, Russians; that the french Ambassador at London had declared to the English Ministry that His Master did not mean to Meddle with the Quarrel between G. Brittain and her Colonies which it was Carried on with its own force But that he Could not be an Idle Spectator if any foreign Aid was made Use of. (It was not then known in London that the french had any Troops in the West India Islands.) that It was not likely any more Brittish Troops would be sent out for they had them not to spare; If these things should be true I am in hopes we shall have any Easy Summers Work to Secure the whole Continent. The Commissioners whose Number is reduced to Twenty, were to Embark about the Middle of January, it was said that they were to endeavour to Treat with the Assemblies of Colonies Seperately if possible, & even to retail out Corruption to Single Towns or families. But if this Could not Succeed; they are to Swallow the bitter Pill and Treat with Congress. adieu my dear General, the post waits. But yet, present my best Respects to Mrs Washington, Mr & Mrs Custis, Palfrey &c. and am with the Highest Esteem & Regard your Most Humble Servt

Stirling


Title: To George Washington from Winthrop Sargent, 12 March 1776
From: Sargent, Winthrop
To: Washington, George

Sir
Glocester [Mass.] March 12 1776

This is to Aquant your Excellency that Last Sunday Commodor Manley with Warter Tucker & Ayrs Tuck a Ship from London Jams Watts Commander[.] the Contence of Hur Cargow you have inclosed with Two Letters for Genl How, but thay Had the Misforten it being Verey dark thick night to Run a Shoar upon the Rox About three Miles from the Harbor of Glocester[.] She is Bilged & Most of the Cargow will be Lost[.] the Com[mo]d[ore] Manley Damaged his Vessel Verey Much Lost his Bowsprit but is Refeted, I Shall dow all in my Power to Save what I Can of the Cargow[.] I Should be glad to Know what I Shall dow with the Capt. & Sallers as thay have Know Ship to Cheap on bord I Rem. Y. Excl. Very Hue Sar.

Winthrop Sargent


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 13th 1776
Parole Fairfax.Countersign Kent.

A General Court Martial to sit to morrow morning at ten OClock, All Evidences and persons concerned, to attend the court.
The Riffle Regiment under the command of Lieut. Col. Hand, and the three riffle Companies under the command of Capt. Stephenson, are to be ready to march to morrow morning at ten O’Clock—A Copy of their Route, with their orders, will be deliver’d to Lt Col. Hand and Capt. Stephenson, this afternoon.
As the Ministerial Troops in Boston, both from information and appearance, are preparing to evacuate that town: The General expressly orders, that neither Officer, or Soldier, presume to go into Boston, without leave from the General in Chief at Cambridge, or the commanding General at Roxbury; as the enemy with a malicious assiduity, have spread the infection of the smallpox through all parts of the town, nothing but the utmost caution on our part, can prevent that fatal disease from spreading thro’ the army, and country, to the infinite detriment of both—His Excellency expressly commands every Officer, to pay the exactist obedience to this order.
If upon the retreat of the enemy any person whatsoever, is detected in pillaging, he may be assured the severest punishment will be his lot—The unhappy Inhabitants of that distress’d town, have already suffer’d too heavily from the Iron hand of Oppression! their Countrymen surely will not be base enough to add to their misfortunes.
After Orders. His Excellency the Commander in Chief orders, that the Rifle Battalion, with Stark’s, Webb’s, Pattersons, Greatons, and Bond’s Regiments, be immediately relieved from duty, and hold themselves in readiness to march, on Friday

Morning next, except the Rifle Battalion, which marches to morrow.


Title: Council of War, 13 March 1776
From: Council of War
To:

[Roxbury, 13 March 1776]

At a Council of General Officers held at General Ward’s Quarters, Roxbury March 13 1776.
Present His Excellency General Washington

Major Generals Ward, Putnam
Brigadier Generals Thomas, Heath, Spencer, Sullivan,Greene, Gates

His Excellency the Commander in Chief inform’d the Council, That from the present appearance of the Ministerial Fleet and Army—The intelligence he had receiv’d from sundry Persons who had escaped from Boston, and from frequent observations, he had reason to believe that the Troops were about to

evacuate the Town; that in all probability they were destin’d for New York, & would attempt to possess themselves of that City, by which means they would command the Navigation of Hudsons River; open a Communication with Canada, and cut off all intercourse between the Southern & Northern Colonies.
His Excellency then demanded the opinion of Council, whether under the present Circumstances (i.e., before the Town is wholly evacuated) it would be adviseable to march any part of the Continental Army (now before Boston) to New York.
The Council were of opinion that it will be proper that five Regiments with the Rifle Battalion should be detached immediately to New York—the Rifle Battalion to march to-morrow, and the others to follow as speedily as possible, that his Excellency be advised to write to the Governor of Connecticut to desire he would immediately send two thousand of the Militia of his Government to New York, & that One Thousand be requested from the Convention or Committee of Safety of New Jersey, in order to reinforce the Troops already station’d there, until the detachments from this Army shall arrive.
His Excellency likewise demanded the opinion of Council, whether, If the Ministerial Troops should totally abandon the Town of Boston, it would be necessary to continue any part of the Continental Army for its defence.
Resolved, that if the Ministerial Troops should totally abandon the Town of Boston, it will be unnecessary to employ any part of this Army for the defence and security of the same, as the Militia of the Province will be adequate thereto.
The opinion of Council was also demanded by his Excellency, whether, if the Ministerial Troops should continue in the Harbour of Boston, it would be adviseable to fortify Newk’s Hill in Dorchester.
Resolved. That if the Ministerial Troops should continue in this Harbour to-morrow it would be advisable to fortify Newks Hill the next Night at all Events.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 13 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge March 13. 1776

In my Letter of the 7 & 9 Instant which I had the honor of addressing you, I mentioned the Intelligence I had received respecting the embarkation of the Troops from Boston & fully expected before this, that the Town wou’d have been entirely evacuated—Altho I have been deceived and was rather premature in the opinion I had then formed, I have little reason to doubt but the event will take place in a very short time, as other

accounts which have come to hand since, the sailing of a great number of Transports from the Harbour to Nantasket Road and many circumstances corresponding therewith seem to confirm and render It unquestionable. Whether the Town will be destroyed is a matter of much uncertainty, but It wou’d seem from the destruction they are making of sundry peices of Furniture, of many of their Waggons, Carts &c. which they cannot take with ’em, as It is said, that It will not, for If they Intended It, the whole might be involved in one general ruin.
Holding It of the last importance in the present contest that we shou’d secure New York and prevent the Enemy from possessing It, and conjecturing they have views of that sort and their embarkation to be for that purpose, I judged it necessary under the situation of things here, to call a Council of General Officers to consult of such measures as might be expedient to be taken at this interesting conjuncture of Affairs—A copy of the proceedings, I have the honor to Inclose you.
Agreable to the opinion of the Council I shall detach the Rifle Regiment to morrow under the command of Brigadr Genl Sullivan with orders to repair to New York with all possible expedition, and which will be succeeded the day after by the other five in one Brigade, they being all that It was thought advisable to send from hence, ’till the Enemy shall have quitted the Town—Immediately upon their departure, I shall send forward Major General Putnam, and follow myself with the remainder of the Army as soon as I have it in my power, leaving here such a Number of men as circumstances may seem to require.
As the badness of the Roads at this Season will greatly retard the March of our men, I have by advice of the General Officers wrote to Governor Trumbull by this Express, to use his utmost exertions for throwing a Reinforcemt of Two Thousand men into New York from the Western parts of Connecticut, and to the commanding Officer there, to apply to the Provincial convention or Committee of Safety of New Jersey for a Thousand more for the same purpose, to oppose the Enemy and prevent their getting possession in case they arrive before the Troops from hence can get there, of which ther’s a probability, unless they are Impeded by contrary winds—This measure, tho It may be attended with considerable expence, I flatter myself will meet with the approbation of Congress—Past experience and

the lines in Boston & on Boston Neck point out the propriety and suggest the necessity of keeping our Enemies from gaining possession and making a Lodgement.
Should their destination be further Southward or for Hallifax (as reported in Boston) for the purpose of going into Canada, the march, of our Troops to New York will place them nearer the Scene of Action and more convenient for affording succours.
We have not taken post on Nuke Hill and fortified It, as mentioned that we should in my last—On hearing that the Enemy were about to retreat and leave the Town, It was thought imprudent and unadvisable to force ’em with too much precip[it]ation, that we might gain a little time & prepare for a March—To morrow evening we shall take possession unless they are gone.
As New York is of such Importance, prudence and policy require, that every precaution that can be devised, shou’d be adopted to frustrate the designs which the Enemy have of possessing It—To this end I have ordered Vessels to be provided and held ready at Norwich for the embarkation and transportation of our Troops thither—This I have done with a view, not only of greatly expediting their arrival, as It will save several days marching, but also that they may be fresh and fit for Intrenching and throwing up works of defence as soon as they get there, If they do not meet the Enemy to contend with; for neither of which, would they be in a proper condition after a long and fatiguing March in bad roads—If Wallace with his Ships should be apprized of the measure and attempt to prevent It by stopping up the Harbour of New London, they can but pursue their march by Land.
You will please to observe that It is the opinion of the General Officers, If the Enemy abandon the Town that It will be unnecessary to employ or keep any part of this Army for Its defence, and that I have mentiond on that events happening, I shall immediately repair to New York with the Remainder of the Army not now detached, leaving only such a number of men here as circumstances may seem to require—what I partly allude to is, that as It will take a considerable time for the removal of such a body of men, and the divisions must precede each other in such order, as to allow intermediate time sufficient for ’em to be covered

& provided for, and many things done previous to the march of the whole for Securing and forwarding such necessaries as cannot be immediately carried, and others which It may be proper to keep here, that directions might be received from congress respecting the same, and as many men ordered to remain for that and other purposes as they may judge proper; I cou’d wish to have their commands upon the subject and in time, as I may be under some degree of embarrasment as to their views.
Congress having been pleased to appoint Colo. Thompson a Brigadier General, There’s a vacancy for a Colonel in the Regiment he commanded, to which I wou’d beg leave to recommend the Lieut. Colo. Hand—I shall also take the liberty of recommending Captn Hugh Stephenson of the Virginia Riflemen to succeed Colo. Hand & to be appointed in his place, as Lieut. Colo. (there being no Major to the Regiment since the promotion of Major Magaw to be Lieut. Colo. of one of the Pensylvania Batallions & who is gone from hence)—He is in my opinion the fittest person in this Army for It, as well as the oldest Captain in the service, having distinguished himself at the head of a Rifle Company all the last War and highly merited the approbation of his superior Officers.
Col. Mifflin Informed me to day of his having received Tent Cloths from Mr Barrell of Philadelphia to the amount of 7,500£ Pensylvania Currency and applied for a Warrant for Payment of It, But as our Fund is low and many necessary demands against It which must be satisfied and our calls for money are & will be exceedingly great, I cou’d not grant It, Thinking It might be convenient for payment to be made in Philadelphia by your order on the Treasury there. I have the Honor to be with much respect Sir Your Most H. Sevt

Go: Washington


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 14th [17]76.
Parole.Countersign.

Stark’s, Patterson’s, Webb’s, Greaton’s and Bonds regiments, together with two Companies of the Artillery, are to march to morrow morning at Nine O’Clock, under the Command of Brigadier General Heath, who will receive his orders from the Adjutant General this evening, at Head Quarters—The Qr M. General will furnish them with waggons, and the Route by which they are to march—The Men are to be supplied with five days provisions, good part of which, they will do well to cook, before they leave Cambridge, as there may be difficulty in doing it upon the road.
The General again reminds the Officers & Soldiers of the other Regiments, of the necessity of being ready for a march, as they may not have more than an hours notice.
The General was informed Yesterday evening, by a person just out of Boston, that our Enemies in that place, had laid several Schemes for communicating the infection of the small-pox, to the Continintal Army, when they get into the town—This shews the propriety of Yesterdays Orders, and the absolute necessity of paying the strictest obedience thereto.
All Officers, and others possessed of any of the Continental

Horses, are to return them immediately to the Q: Mr General, in Cambridge.
The General Court Martial of which Col: Huchinson was president, is dissolved.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 14 March 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Letter not found: to Nicholas Cooke, 14 Mar. 1776. On 18 Mar. Cooke wrote to GW: “I am favoured with yours of the 8th & 14th instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 14 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge 14 March 1776

I am indebted to you for your three several favors of the 19th & 29th of Feby & 3d March, which I should have acknowledg’d sooner had not the great hurry & bustle we have been in for several days past prevented—You have doubtless heard before this time of our being in possession of Dorchester Hill, which important business was executed in one Night without any loss—The Enemy were thrown into the utmost consternation when they perceiv’d the next Morning what had been effected the preceding Night & made preparations to dislodge us—Three thousand Men under Command of Lord Piercy were draughted for this Service, but a very heavy Storm of Wind and rain frustrated their design. In my opinion, the most fortunate Circumstance for them and unfortunate for us that could have happen’d. As we had every thing so well prepared for their reception that I am confident we should have given a very good Account of them—failing in this attempt they have thought it most prudent to quit the Town and have been for several days past very busily employ’d in embarking their Troops and Stores on board Transports, most of which are now in Nantaskete Road waiting for a fair Wind to sail—somewhere. It is most

probable their destination is for New York the vast importance of that place is doubtless a Capital Object with them—it is most certainly so to us, and in consequence of their shameful retreat I shall begin to March part of this Army immediately and follow with the remainder as soon as their Accomodations on the Road will permit—I am inform’d by two very intelligent Men who made their escape from Boston, that they embark in great Confusion—are oblig’d to destroy many of their Carriages & Waggons for want of Room to transport them—That they are greatly distress’d for Seamen to man their Transports, and that the few they have are put on half allowance, Provisions being so scarce that they have not more than sufficient for four Weeks.
I was just about to congratulate you on your appointment to the Command in Canada, when I receiv’d the Account that your destination was altered—As a Virginian I must rejoice at the Change, but as an American I think you would have done more essential Service to the common Cause in Canada—for besides the advantage of “speaking and thinking in French” An Officer who is acquainted with their manners and Customs & has travell’d in their Country, must certainly take the strongest Hold of their Affection and confidence.
You mention nothing of the Guard that went with you from hence—Mr Palfrey tells me you intend to carry them with you—As it will create great confusion in the Regimental Accounts, and they can be of no great Service to you—I must beg you will let them remain at New York where they will be soon join’d by their respective Regiments The Recruiting Business here has gone on but very slowly indeed.
I am much pleas’d with your plans for the defence and Security of New York, what you may leave unfinish’d—I shall order the Commanding Officer to compleat as soon as possible—Lest the Enemy should meet with favorable Winds in their passage and get there before our Army—I have wrote to Governor Trumbul desiring him immediately to forward two thousand Men, and have also requested One thousand from the Jersies—This with the Force already there I hope will be able to keep the Ministerial Army at Bay until I can arrive with the Main body.
I most sincerely wish you increase of Health and every blessing & am Dear Sir Your most affectionate Friend & hble Servt

The Ladies are well & desire their Compts. I am oblig’d to you for sending Mr Palfrey and shall endeavour to serve him whenever it is in my power.


Title: To George Washington from Winthrop Sargent, 14 March 1776
From: Sargent, Winthrop
To: Washington, George

Sir
Glocester [Mass.] March [14] 1776

I Rote your Excellence Last Tusday Sence which we have got all the Sails & Most of the Rigen from the Ship with about (50) Cask of Portor & Two fine Cabels & Two Ankors Last night Capt. Dosson had the Impedence to Run in & Set fier to the Ship it being high warter Our Guns would no⟨t⟩ reach him & She is burnt down to the warter This Low warter If the Storm Seases we Shall Sea what we Can git Out of the Ship the Poor Capt. Whatts has Lost all his Venter [venture] being about 150£ Starling the reason of his not cumming befor he was unwell. I Rem[ai]n Yr Excl. Very Hu. Sar.

Winthrop Sargent


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge 14th March 1776

Since I did myself the honor to write you last, the Enemy have embarked their Troops on board a number of Transports, and are now making a shameful retreat from Boston. Various are the conjectures of their destination, though most agree it is either for Halifax or New-York—The latter place seems by much the most probable, be that as it may, New York is a Post of infinite importance both to them and us, and much depends on priority of possession. I therefore intreat you Sir, immediately to throw two thousand men into that City, from the Frontiers of Connecticut, to maintain the place till I can arrive there with the Army under my Command—The Rifle Regiment will march this day. Tomorrow a Brigade will follow and be succeeded

by others as quick as possible—You are sensible Sir, of the great importance of a strenuous exertion at this critical period; a period which may, in its consequences, determine the fate of America—The zeal and activity heretofore shown by the good People of your Government in defence of the Liberties of America, leaves me no room to doubt their readiness on the present occasion. I have the honor to be most respectfully Sir Your obedient humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Meshech Weare, 14 March 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Weare, Meshech

Sir
Cambridge March 14. 1776

Your favour of the 12 Instant I just now received and beg leave to assure you that the approbation which your Honorable Council are pleased to express of my conduct respecting the operations against the Town of Boston affords me the highest satisfaction.
I am exceedingly sorry that It is not in my power at this time to comply with your requisition for powder and to make a return of what was generously lent for the Continental use, the low state of stock of that article will not allow me to spare the smallest quantity, But hoping that I may get a further supply before long to enable me to do It, I shall be much obliged If you will favour me with an account of what you furnished, that It may be repaid as soon as circumstances will admit of It. I am Sir with much respect Yr Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Morgan, 15 March 1776
From: Morgan, John
To: Washington, George

Cambridge, 15 March 1776. Certifies that Samuel Tenny is qualified to be surgeon of Col. Daniel Hitchcock’s regiment.