Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town May 11th 1777

This will be delivered you by Major General Green. He and General Knox are sent by me to review the posts under your command, and their appendages; and to give their advice and assistance towards putting every thing in the most defensible state possible. The vast importance of these posts and the great probability that the enemy will direct their operations against them make me anxious for their security, and suggest this step. I doubt not proper regard will be paid to the judgment of these Gentlemen. I am Sir Your most Obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 11 May 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] May 11th 1777

By Order of the Board I have the Honour of enclosing the Resolution of Congress herewith sent. I have written to Governor Livingstone & General Putnam & as soon as their Answers are recieved they will be communicated to your Excellency.
Congress are desirous to be informed what Number of Men are now under your Excellency’s Command in New Jersey as nearly as Certainty can be arrived at in the present Situation of the Army, in Order that a Judgment may be formed of the Propriety of hastning on or

disbanding the Pennsilvania & Delaware Militia now embodying agreeable to the Request of Congress who would be glad of your Excellency’s Opinion on the Subject & that you would inform them whether the disbanding the Militia would be safe & proper or would in anywise interfere with any Plan your Excellency has formed. From the distracted State of Pennsilvania there is no certain Prospect of their Quota speedily taking the Field & no Accounts have been recieved of those of the Delaware State being ready. Steps however are persuing in both States to comply with the Recommendation of Congress & Part of the Men are assembled.
The Secretary of Congress mistook the State wherein Springfield is situate, it being in the Massachussetts & not the Connecticut State. I copied the Error in my Letter to your Excellency of the 7th inst. informing you of the military Stores being ordered thither from Portsmouth Boston & Providence. I have the Honour to be Your very obedient & most hble Servt

Richard Peters Secy


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 11 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Morris Town May 11th 1777

I was yesterday evening honored with your letter of the 4th inst. I regret our loss of Stores at Danbury and the misfortunes of our brave men who fell, and of those who were wounded. However, from these latter events, we derive this consolation, that the sentiments of the People are still powerfully directed to Liberty, and that no impression of the Enemy, be it never so sudden and unexpected; will pass with impunity. We cannot ascertain what the Enemy’s loss was, but from our

own, when our men fought in parties, and their’s in a compact Body, and other circumstances of information from New York, I think it must have been pretty considerable—Another happy consequence, which must necessarily result from this affair is, that the Enemy will engage in such enterprizes in future with much caution and circumspection: for though they should be able to accomplish their end in destroying Stores, yet the means attending it will be disagreeable.
That the Enemy will harrass our Coasts, and injure the maritime towns with their Shipping and by sudden debarkations of small parties of men, is not improbable, and what we cannot prevent whilst they have the entire command of the water—This we laid our account in, when we first engaged in the Contest; but I have no idea that they will penetrate into your State to form the junction you mention, nor is it likely that those who have escaped from the Enemy should know much, if any thing, of the General’s design. It is much to be wished they would make that their plan of war. I should then expect most sanguinely, that we should bring the matter to a speedy and glorious conclusion.
I should be happy, were it in my power, to station Guards of Continental Troops, at every place, subject to the depredations of the Enemy. But this cannot be done—If we divide and detach our Forces to every part where the Enemy may possibly attempt an impression, we shall effect no one good purpose, and in the end, destroy ourselves, and subjugate our Country—The Enemy have certainly some Capital Object in view—either Philadelphia or Hudson’s River. Till their designs are unfolded, all the troops from this & the more Southern States must assemble in this Quarter to prevent their possessing the former—Those raised in the Eastern States, except such as were ordered immediately to Ticonderoga, must march to Peekskill to prevent them possessing the latter, & the important passes through the Highlands. Should they be able to carry those and the fortifications for the defence of the River, we all know the important & fatal consequences that would follow. I confess, myself, and so do all who have reasoned about their operations, that the latter, from its importance and a variety of circumstances which have occurred of late, seem to be the objects of their attention. For those reasons, and because the Battalions which are in service, from innoculation—that languor which has but too generally prevailed in our enlistments, and from other causes, are extreamly weak and deficient, and totally inadequate to check the progress of the Enemy, I cannot comply with your request for two Regiments to remain in the State, this time—I heartily wish, Congress would inform me of the dispositions they make of the Troops. Their not doing it disconcerts my arrangements, and involves me in difficulties—

Till the favor of your letter, I never had the least intimation, that I recollect, that any of the Regiments exacted from the States were to remain in them—nor do I know an instance where Continental Troops are stationed, in any State in which the Enemy have not a Post. I have the Honor to be with great Respt Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 11 May 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, John Augustine
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 11 May 1777. GW wrote his brother Jack on 1 June: “I think I stand Debter to you for your Letters of the 22d of April and 11th of May.”


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown, May 12th 1777.
Georgia.Halifax.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Dear Sir,
Morris Town May 12th 1777.

In your ride to and from Peeks Kill, I would have you make the best observations that time and Circumstances will admit, upon the Country, and point out, at your return, such places for posts of Communication, as you shall conceive necessary.
Determine upon the propriety of having a Post at Pompton, examine the Works throwing up at that place, and give such directions to General Heard or Officer Commanding the Militia there respecting them, as shall appear to you proper.
After examining the State and Condition of the Forts in the Highlands

(especially Fort Montgomery) the probability of an Attack by Water, and the practicability of approaching them by Land, after seeing, where, and how this is to be effected, viewing the Eminences, from whence these Forts can be annoyed and hearing the sentiments of the General officers present, you will give such orders for further defence, as shall appear to you necessary for the greater security of the Passes (by Land and Water) through the Highlands; and moreover, dispose of the Troops in such a manner, as you shall judge most likely to answer the end in view.
The Pass through the Highlands on the west side of the North River should also be attended to, lest the Enemy by a Coup de Main should possess themselves of it, before a sufficient force could be assembled to oppose them. This however, may be the work of Militia, if to be had; if not, the Detachments of Eastern Troops under Colonels Butler and Olney (upon giving me notice) shall be sent thither.
Turn your attention also to the Boats and direct them to be removed to the place or places of greatest safety and where they can be had for the transportation of our Troops over the North River, if occasion should require it. Examine into the State of Military Stores and Stock of Provisions at the Forts, and direct a Sufficiency, having an Eye to Circumstances; For if the Works are not tenable, or the passage of the River defensible, a large Stock of either wou’d only add to our losses; if they are, supplies can easily (if the Enemy can be kept below the Highlands, and Carleton from our Backs) be brought to them.
Inquire what has been, or can be done towards removing the Stores from Derby, and other places, to the west side of the North River, and learn, if possible, how the Country on this side is stored with Provisions and Forage for the Support of Troops, if any should be marched thither.
Keep the precise time of your return secret, lest the disaffected should avail themselves of the Knowledge to offer you an insult. I am Dear Sir, Your Most & Affecte Servt

G. Washington


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

Sir
Morristown May 12th 1777.

I was this Morning honored with your Letter of the 10th Instt accompanied by the proceedings of Congress of the day before.
The conduct of too many Officers, in withholding the pay of their Soldiers, I am persuaded, is reprehensible, and has been the cause of

uneasiness & of many desertions. Every measure in my power, will be exerted to prevent such Abuses in future, and every aid given to punish the Offenders in an Exemplary manner; But Congress will excuse me, when I tell them, it will be impossible to comply with their recommendation upon this Subject, Unless the Genl Officers withdraw their attention from matters of the utmost importance and such as require their constant care. Were this not the case, the dispersed situation of the Officers at this time, thro the different States, on the recruiting service would prohibit the Enquiry. Nor do I apprehend the Regulations empowering & enjoining the Regimental paymasters to bring them to an Account, will be found competent to the End. Such Officers will be proper to state the Accounts in the first instance & to receive Vouchers &c., but will not do to settle them finally, as their connections with the Regiment will subject them much to the influence of the Officers. I should suppose, if Two or three Gentleman of integrity & of ability in Accounts, were appointed Auditors, to attend the Army, ’till the Business is finished, it would be the best expedient that could be fallen on. They would be a check on the paymasters, and, I am persuaded, will be the means of the Accounts being fairly & justly liquidated. If a Settlement can be once obtained, I trust, the same confusion will never take place again, as the paymasters will receive and pay All Money due to the Regiments & account for it, and as the Army is on a more permanent footing than it ever was before; For this, like most other inconveniences and difficulties, which we have experienced, is to be imputed in a great measure to short Inlistments & the frequent dissolution of our Troops.
A Return of the Army in Jersey, as late as the 6 Instant, I transmitted Yesterday Morning in a Letter by Mr Randolph of Chesnut Street, which you will probably receive to day & from which, Congress will be able to determine the Expediency of calling out the Militia from Delaware & Pensylvania. Though it gives me pain, that we should be under the necessity of recurring to such a measure, Yet I should suppose it to be adviseable. Our Army is weak and by no means equal to that of the Enemy, and ’till their designs are known, and we are more reinforced with Regular Troops, we should be prepared in the best manner we can. I would observe, if the Militia are called out, it should be for a fixed, determinate time; For though they will certainly return when that expires, yet, that is more tolerable than for them to go off in parties every day, as their Whim and caprice suggest, which has always been the case, when the time was not stated. I would also observe, if it is possible, they should be engaged to march out of their States, if they are ordered. If their service is located, they will move with great reluctance, if they do at all.

On Saturday, a smart skirmish happened with a Detachment of our Troops, who attacked a Number of the Enemy near Piscataway, in which our Men behaved well & obliged the Enemy to give way twice, as reported to me, with loss. The Enemy receiving a Strong reinforcement, our people retreated to their post. I cannot give the particulars, as they have not been sufficiently ascertained. Their pickets were also attacked yesterday by some of our parties from Bound Brook & forced within their lines. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


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

Sir
Morristown May 12th 1777.

This will be delivered you by General Arnold, who arrived here to day in his way to Philadelphia. He seems to be anxious to settle his public Accounts, which are of considerable amount, and waits on Congress, hoping they will appoint a Committee of their Body, or of such Gentlemen, as they shall judge proper, to take the matter into consideration. This he considers, the more necessary, as he has heard some Reports have been propagated, injurious to his character, as a man of integrity. If any such aspersions lie against him, it is but reasonable, that he should have an Opportunity of vindicating himself and evincing his innocence.
I find, he does not consider the Promotion, Congress have been

pleased to confer upon him, sufficient, to obviate the neglect arising from their having omitted him in their late Appointments of Major Generals. He observes, It does not give him the rank, he had a claim to, from seniority in the line of Brigadiers; And that he is subject to be commanded by those, who had been inferior to him. He further adds, that Congress in their last Resolve respecting him, have acknowledged him competent to the Station of Major General, and therefore have done away every objection implied by their former Omission. These considerations are not without their weight, though I pretend not to judge what motives may have influenced the conduct of Congress upon this occasion. It is needless to say any thing of this Gentleman’s Military character. It is universally known, that he has always distinguished himself, as a judicious—brave Officer—of great activity—enterprize & perseverance. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 12 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Sir
Morris Town May 12th 1777.

Being more and more convinced, of the impolicy of any part of our Troops being Clothed in Red and that many injurious and fatal consequences are to be apprehended from it, I think it necessary to repeat my request, mentioned in my last, that you will have all the Clothes in your hands, of that Colour, dyed of some other, as soon as you can. Yesterday an Escort to money from Colo. Moylan’s Regiment dressed in that Uniform, alarmed the Country, and had they passed where the Enemy’s Horse could possibly have been, they certainly would have suffered. Unless the matter is immediately remedied, by changing the Colour, our people will be destroying themselves. I am Sir, Your Most Obedt Servt

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Mease, 12 May 1777
From: Mease, James
To: Washington, George

sir
Philadelphia May 12. 1777

Upon receipt of your Excellencys letter of 17 Ult. I waited on Col. Moylan, & mentioned your disapprobation of his regiment being dressd in Red, & he appeared desirous of complying with yr Excellencys wishes, but upon consulting the officers, on this point; it appeared they had been all at a considerable expence for scarlet Uniforms, & therefore they concluded best on the whole, to take the red, Upon which, I delivered them 240 Coats of the 21st & 8th regts both which are red faced with blue. There remains of both these regiments, together about 450 more, which I have had shortend a little, & the body lining taken out, which have been sometime ready, to be deliverd to any regiment, but I cannot meet any one yet, part of which is not already clothed in some other Uniform, so that giving them this, would only tend more to dissort the whole, yet as the Cloth is rather better, than the generality of what we are obliged to use for others, all the Officers are desirous to have it. There is also part of the Clothing of three other regts Vizt 47th 53d & 62d which together will go near to clothe a Battalion, & I have directed the white Lapels of the 47th to be taken off, & applied to make Cuffs & Capes for the 53d, so that they will be uniform. The 62d is buff facings, & I think it scarcely worth while, to put new Cuffs & Capes to them, as the difference between them is not Very discernable in Battalion, I had thoughts of resewing one of these Uniforms for Col. Graysons regt, but find he has fallen on blue & red & has obtained near 400 suits, part of which he was to receive from Col. Mayson, upon my engaging to supply his regiment, which is now on its march about 400 strong from Dumfries, As I can supply this regiment, with either the red Uniforms mentioned, Or with the Brown & buff, which is yet Unappropriated, should be glad to know your Excellencys mind thereon. I have long since applied to the Chairman of the secret Committee, respecting the supplys for our Army next year, & he assures me the Utmost pains has been taken on that head, & that there is almost a Moral Certainty of being plentifully furnishd, Indeed the late great importations to various ports in the Eastern states, confirms me in that sentiment, for besides the Amphitrite, which has brought Cloth &c. for 5000 Men, there is a ship into Newhaven, with 30 bales Cloths, & 6 of Blanketts, this latter very necessary Article, is the only one that I am Apprehensive of being Streightend for—Capt. Gibbss clothing is compleated, & he left this yesterday, as I could find no Buff Cloth for facings, I was obliged to get a ps. Yellow discharged, which although tis a little too strong colourd, does pretty well, & I hope will prove agreeable to your Excellency, Amongst

the Cloth in the Amphitrite, there is both fine blue & buff, so that on a future occasion, I Shall I hope better provide than at present. I am with the greatest respect, your Excellencys Most Obt hble Servt

James Mease


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 12 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 12th May 1777.

A party of your Regiment arrived here Yesterday with an escort of money. Their appearance has convinced me fully of the danger which I always apprehended from the similiarity of their Uniform to that of the British Horse, and the officer who commands the party, tells me, that the people were exceedingly alarmed upon the Road, and had they been travelling thro’ a part of the Country, where it might have been supposed the Enemy’s Horse would be foraging or scouting, they would in all probability have been fired upon. The inconvenience will increase, when your Regiment joins the Army. Your patroles will be in constant danger from our own scouting Parties and whenever there is occasion to dispatch a party into the country, they will alarm the Inhabitants.
I therefore desire that you will immediately fall upon means, for having the colour of the Coats changed, which may be done, by dipping into that kind of dye that is most proper to put upon Red. I care not what it is, so that the present colour be changed. I am Dear Sir, Your Most Obedt Servt

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 12 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 12th May 1777

I am favd with yours of the 11th. Capt. Gamble who was at princetown has been exchanged some time since, and Capt. Mcpherson who was left there wounded, has, upon his own Request, permission to go into Brunswic, whenever the State of his health will admit of his removal. The Docr will of course go with him. I never heard of any particular

improper behaviour of the Docr. Genl Putnam barely mentions, that he suspects, that thro him, messages are sent backward and forward, and to get rid of him I consented that Capt. Mcpherson should go in.
I yesterday furnished Congress with a general Return of the Army in this Quarter, since that was made out, I have recd Returns from Colo. Stone at Bristol of the 8th instant, where there were about 800 Men. some small detatchments have likewise since joined Genl Putnam.
I have wrote fully to Congress upon the propriety of calling out the Militia of Delaware and pennsylvania, to which I refer the Board.
I am obliged for the particular Returns of the Amphitrites Cargo and the other papers inclosed and am with great Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt

G. W.——n


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town May 12th 1777.

I have just received your favour of the 10th.
Of the Troops coming on and to come on from Bristol, you are to detain at your post all the Marylanders, Colo. Hazen’s Regiment of Pennsylvania, and that of Delaware, the others must be sent on immediately to the places where their respective Corps are stationed.
Your application to General Mifflin for tents, was right, and must be repeated, as we have none here. I have instructed him, in future, to forward a sufficiency of tents, with every detachment that marches from Philadelphia, which I suppose will be accordingly done.
I do not recollect, that any officers have been returned in exchange for those you mention; proper notice will be taken respecting them.
The intelligence you communicate, and that received from Mr Mercereau, in concurrence with what I have received from other quarters, make it pretty evident, the Enemy have it in intention to evacuate the Jerseys. You will be attentive to their motions, and give me immediate information of every thing you can discover tending to unfold their designs and ascertain the time when they will be ripe for execution. As to Mrs Busy’s tale, the whole seems to be a fiction, and makes me suspect she has been sent out for some ill purposes, and that her story is only a contrivance to cover them. I wish she had been taken care of, and scrutinously examined.
With respect to the prisoners sentenced to die, you are the best judge of the circumstances of their crime and of the characters of the men, and if either of them should appear to you, in other respects, as well as in this instance, worthy of severity, I think it would be well, for example sake, to inflict the punishment on him, and pardon the others, especially as the Regiment, to which they belong, has been particularly addicted to the mischeivous and hateful practice of desertion; But if there are any palliating considerations, or if the general conduct of the men has been pretty good, I should wish you to incline to the side of lenity. Rigour, in our present dispersed situation, would not have its full effect.

You will get yourself immediately ready to resign your command at Princeton, to the first Genl Officer that arrives at your post; to General Weedon, if no other joins you before. Give him full and accurate instructions, as to every thing necessary for the discharge of his duty, acquaint him with your Situation, Strength, orders, disposition, views and every matter relative to the command. When you have done this, you are to repair to Morris Town with your baggage &ca. Your destination will then be to take the command of the posts on the other side of the North River; Peeks Kill and its dependencies. I am with great regard Dear Sir, Your Most Obedt Servt

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Adam Stephen, 12 May 1777
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Sir
Chatham [N.J.] 12th May 1777

I can now with propriety Congratulate your Excellency on a Certain and Considerable Advantage gaind over the Enemys best troops; by the Continental Troops of My Division.
Col. Cooks Pen. Regt begun the Attack, supported by the 1st Regt of that State; They behavd well, & the Captains Chambers & Par distinguishd themselves.
Capt. Phelps of Col. Wards Regimt behaved well & the few men that were with him did honour to the Corps.
The Combatants in the first Onset were within 50 yards—some of them nearer, & None further off than 100 yards.
The Conflict continued half An hour, when the Enemy gave way, leaving three Officers & thirty Nine men dead on the ground our people took possession of.
The Enemy were Reinforced, & the Continental troops Supported by 150 Virginians, Compell’d them to give way again, wt. Considerable loss; but as the Action had by this time Continued upwards of an hour; & our Videt discoverd about 2,000 men within a quarter of a Mile, on their way from Brunswik.
The troops were prudently withdrawn, in the very Nick of time.
We have three killd, three Officers & 12 privates Wounded a Leut. of Capt. Chambers Company Col. Cooks Regt & 4 men taken We have lost Several Straglers taken plundering the Dead—I am Convinced the

Enemy have at least 200 killd & Woundd.
It was a Bold Enterprize; It was the time, & Rapidity of the Attack that Secured us the Success we met with. I have the honour to be sr your most Obt hube Sert

Adam Stephen


Title: From George Washington to Major General Adam Stephen, 12 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

Dear Sir
Morris Town 12th May 1777.

Your account of the attempt upon the Enemy at Piscataway is favourable, but I am sorry to add, widely different from those I have had from others, (officers of distinction) who were of the party. I cannot by them learn, that there is the least certainty of the Enemy’s leaving half the slain upon the Field, you speak of in your letter of this date; that instead of an orderly retreat, it was (with the greatest part of the detachment) a disorderly route, and, that the disadvantage was on our side, not the Enemy’s, who had notice of your coming and was prepared for it, as I expected. I am &ca

G. Washington


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown May 13th 1777.
Ireland.London.

William Johnson Esqr:, formerly Brigade Major to Genl Lewis, is appointed to that duty, in Brigadier Genl Scott’s Brigade; and is to be respected and obeyed as such.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel George Baylor, 13 May 1777
From: Baylor, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fredericksburg [Va.] May 13th 1777

Your favor of the 25th of april came to hand by the last post, it’s not requireing an immediate answer, I defer’d it until the present opportunity, flattering myself that by this time, our Assembly would of done something towards filing up our Regiments, with which I should of been pleas’d to of informed you, They have done nothing towards it as yet. it is now the only method left to compleat their Quota’s, for a greater bounty has not the smallest effect.
I should long since of had the men who are here innoculated, had we not of had double the number of Horses, which would of sufferd had any part of the men been sent away. I hourly expect all the recruits of the Regiment, who have been some time since orderd to this place, which will enable us to send a Troop to get the small pox, and shall send them on to Camp, as soon as their armes and accoutrement are ready, which I am in hopes will be by the time they get over their innoculation.
In your list of officers to me, no mention is made of either Chaplin or pay master I shoul[d] be glad to know whether you thought proper for us to have them. I think a pay master necessary, and a Chaplin may be useful. I am Dear sir with the greatest Respect your obt Hue servant

George Baylor


Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 13 May 1777
From: Craik, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Maryland Portobacco May 13th 1777

Your Affectionate & very freindly Letters I have the pleasure to Acknowledge And cannot too much express my gratitude for the freindship shewen me on all Occasions This fresh instance of it when so much taken up with affairs of the Utmost consequence And so many waiting for Offices lays me under the greatest Obligations. The freindly, and pointed manner in which the proposal is made to me, deserves my warmest thanks; and must make a deep impression on a gratefull mind—Having as you request, considered with mature deliberation, the Contents of your Letters, and examined my present Situation in every point of View, And as my own inclinations are to embark in the Service for this Campaign at least, I shall think my self honoured by your procuring me the Deputy Director Genl Place in the middle department provided you think me Capable of discharging the Dutys of that Office, for I must own at present, I am not fully Acquainted what they are—At the Same time that I Solicite for this Appointment I must inform you that in case my immediat attendance at Camp is necessary, it will not be in my power to Comply with it as I have Some familys under Inoculation near Fredericksburgh whom I am not certain that I could leave under three or four Weeks from this time. Should the nature of the Office be Such as my Absence for that time could not be excused, I can by no means desire it to be kept open for me and must Submitt to a Dissapointment. I have wrote the Director Genl of my Situation in regard to this point Should I be appointed under those Circumstances; were it not adding to the trouble I have already given you I should be glad to know how long I may be absent; and if there is any part of the Duty that I can do while here.
I have the Pleasure to inform you that Mrs Custis’ Child has got over the Small Pox very well, and all your Negroes who have been Inoculated, and all others in that Neighbourhood whom I have Inoculated. Coll Mason has had it very favourably and is now well—It is expected every day to be in Fredericksburgh where I am Solicited to Inoculate but I shall obey your Commands by the time I have mentioned if you think proper to order me—Mrs Craik joins me in Sincere Prayers for your health & prosperity—and that God may grant you a Glorious & Successfull Campaign and restore you to your friends Crowned with the Blessings of a free and gratefull people—We likewise beg that our most Respectfull Compts May be offered to Mrs Washington and hope that she has recovered her former good state of health. I ever am Dr Sir your Most obliged & Obedt hume Sert

Jas Craik


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 13 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Morristown May 13th 1777

I have reason to apprehend, from the information I have received, that desertions from some of the Virginia Regiments, now on their March, will, in all probability, be not less frequent, than they have been from some from Pensylvania, which are in Camp. There is cause to fear, they will be more common & certain. I am told, that Convict Servants purchased from their Masters by the Recruiting Officers, compose no small proportion of the Men from the Upper & more interior part of that State. If the fact be so, and I beleive it is not to be doubted, I strongly suspect, that the greater part of these Men, if not the whole of them, will go over to the Enemy, especially if the Money paid for their purchase should be stopped from their pay. The Officers concerned in this business, excuse themselves upon the principle of necessity, alledging that the difficulty of getting Recruits, compelled them to the measure. As this most probably was the cause, and we find ourselves greatly distressed for want of Men, I beg leave to submit it to Congress, Whether it will not be adviseable, that they should receive their full pay without stoppage, and the advances made in such instances be taken into public Account; Or whether it will not be most conducive to the good of the service, to discharge them from it, returning them to their former occupations, or disposing of them to New proprietors. I confess, I shall have no reliance upon such Troops, nor shall I ever be without apprehensions of their deserting with their

Arms. In the consideration of this case, Many difficulties appear, and I shall be happy if Congress will adopt or advise such measures as shall seem most likely to remove them & to advance the public good.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Thomas Mifflin, 13 May 1777
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Philadelphia 13th May 1777

Our Loss of Seventeen hundred Tents at Danbury will, I fear, prove of bad Consequence to the Divisions of Ticonderoga & peeks Kills. To prevent as much as possible any bad Effects of that Loss I orderd Mr Chase Ass[istant] Qr Mr Genl at Boston to send all the Tents which were stord at Boston or portsmouth to Mr Hughes at peeks Kills who will distribute them in such Manner as your Excellency may direct. I have sent 1312 Tents & 33 Horsemens Tents with 700 Setts of poles to Colonel Biddle and have also sent 214 Tents to General putnam agreeable to his Order.
Our Circumstances require the best Œconomy in the Distribution of Tents which Col. Biddle will no Doubt attend to.
An armd Sloop is arrivd at Sinepuxent with military Stores—She has 500 Tents on board—The Capt. says that there are now at Martinique 6000 Tents imported there for Congress which are to be sent to the Continent in different Bottoms to prevent a total Loss. The french Ship La Seine is taken by the pincus Frigate are carried into Dominigue. She had on board a great Number of Tents. The Governor of Martinique has sent a Frigate to demand her on Pain of Reprisals.
A Brigantine belonging to this Port is arrivd at Baltimore with 24000 Yds of Tent Cloth—but as they run great Ri[s]que in the Importation the Owners demand a most exorbitant Price which in the Opinion of many Gentlemen of Congress ought not to be paid—The Owners are willing to take their Chance at public Sale here, but as Housekeepers are generally in Want of Sheeting &ca for which the Cloth mentiond above is well calculated I think it cannot be purchasd for Congress at any reasonable Rate—I have Tents ready for 25000 Men here including those already sent to Col. Biddle & to princetown. Your Excellency will please to direct me how to act in future purchases of Tent Cloth; as I find myself much at a Loss with Respect to further provision of Tents when I am told that we shall soon have Tents sufficient for all our Wants & that the price of Linen is beyond all Reason.
As Mr Howes Jaunt to philada will probably be suspended for some

time I expect your Excellencys Orders to join you will soon be sent to me—Congress having no other Motive for detaining me except that of stimulating the Militia to unite in their Efforts of Defence which an unhappy political Contest has hitherto prevented. I have the Honor to be with much Respect & Attachment Your Excy ob. Sert

Tho. Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 May 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl,
Princeton [N.J.] 13th May 1777

There arrived here Yesterday about 1000 Men—The Maryland Detachments, of which I have yet no Return, but suppose about 600, I shall detain at this Place, agreeable to your Instructions—The Detachment of 9th P[ennsylvania] B[attalion] under Majr Smith I have ordered to march immediately to Bont [Bound] Brook—Since the 10th Inst. have passed thro’ this Place about 400 Virginians in different Detachments and Majr Ottendorf with a Part of his Indept Corps.
I Sent a Waggon to Philada for Tents but could get none, neither Genl Mifflin or his Asst were in Town. I am Sir with the Utmost Esteem your hu. Servt

Israel Putnam

Qurey wil it not do to atack Bromswick in thar weak stat.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Rush, 13 May 1777
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia May 13th 1777.

I have just now learned from General Mifflin that your Excellency intends to take the field in a few days. I hope your Excellency will excuse the liberty I am about to take in Suggesting that your troops will probably suffer from being so early exposed in an encampment. The variable weather of the Spring and fall have always been found much more destructive to the health of an Army than the uniform heats of Summer or colds of Winter. One of the greatest Authorities in physic Sir John Pringle tells us that the difference in the proportion of sick in an Army in the latter end of April, and the middle of may is as 1 to 32 in the former and 1 to 36 in the latter case. The Weather in that part of Germany where the Above Observation was made is generally as warm in the middle of may as it is with us on the 1st of June. From the effects of the ordinary winds and weather in the month of may in the middle states upon the constitution, I am inclined to think that the proportion of sick in our Army should they now take the field would be considerably greater than that mentioned by Sir John Pringle. The single circumstance of several thousands of them having been so lately enfeebled by the Small pox would add greatly to the number of sick. If your Excellency can possibly delay encamping your men a few weeks longer I am sure you will save the lives of many hundreds by it, besides retaining as many more in your Service who might Otherwise be rendered unfit for duty during the Summer.
With sincere wishes that you may begin and close the campaign with much honor to yourself, and lasting Advantages to our country, I have the honor to be with great regard your Excellency’s most Obedt Hble Servant

B. Rush


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 14 May 1777
From: Heard, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Pumpton [Pompton, N.J.] May 14th 1777

Yesterday morning the new recruits from Bergen under the Command of Colls Barton & Buskirk—came up to Paramus with about 300 Men—with an intent to Surprize the Detachment I had there—about 70 Men—under the Command of Captains Fell & Berry—The Enemy ariv’d there about the Break of day—and Surround[ed] the Houses our Men had Quarterd at the day before, but Fortunately, Capt. Fell who had receivd Some information of Some of them being

Seen at Hackinsack the Evening before, prudently moved their Quarters about Ten OClock at night—or they Certainly must have fallen into the Enemys hands—The morning being Somwhat Hazy, by which the Enemy coud not know their own Men and Suppose not rightly consulting each other of any Signal—they began a very warm fire at each other and continued Some time—& Capt. Fells Men Still on their backs fireing away—put them in Some confusion—and am inform’d made Coll Barton Trimble and Sware they wold be all Cut off for the Rebels had intirely Surrounded them—when at the Same time it was his own Men. daylight appearing they with Shame found the Error they had committed—and immediately collected in a Body and marchd off—The number they lost cannot assertain—but the inhabitants Saw about Ten of their Men killed and carried off in one Pile—& Several Wounded—amongst which was two of their Captains—and one or two other Officers—There was one out Sentry on our Side killed—and two taken prisoners—one two Horse Team & Some Blankets—taken, which was all the damage Sustain’d on our Side—none wounded.
By every account Capt. Fell and his Men Behaved exceeding well and Harrassed their Rear when they marchd off for four Miles.
Whenever I receivd the Express Capt. Fell Sent immediately Collected all my Men at this place—about 400 and marched of with all expedition—and after marching about 7 Miles, recd information of their being entirely gone off—upon which we return’d—except a reinforcement of 100 Men which I had Orderd the Evening before to be Stationd there—& have this day Sent another Small party down—which will make them about 200 strong.
I am really in great want here of Light Horse Men and would be exceeding glad your Excellency would Order a few—About ten days past I sent an Express to Capt. Nixon at Cranbury—for part of his Troop—agreeable to your Excellencys consent—but Genl Putnam thought he could not Spare any at that time—and have heard nothing from them since. I am sr Your Excellencys Most Obt Servt

Nathaniel Heard


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 May 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston May 14, 1777

The Post setting off rather sooner on Monday than common prevented mine of the 11th Instant being forwarded by him. An application from Governor Trumbull of Connecticutt to Mr Langdon, copy of which Mr Langdon has ⟨Sent m⟩e occasions my writing to your Excellency by Express. ⟨Governo⟩r Trumbull has represented to Mr Langdon that the State of Connecticutt seems now “to be the Object of the Enemy’s attention,” that the Inhabitants who are now called to the Field are very deficient in Arms, and that Tents, Flints, Ball, Cloathing and many other Articles are greatly wanted in that State and earnestly requests that a “good Quantity of those Articles” and also a number of field peices may be immediately sent on to that State Mr Langdon has refered the matter to me, I do not see my way clear to deliver them untill I have more express Orders for that purpose; I have wrote to Governor Trumbull that I am sending the Stores on to Springfield but

as General Knox had wrote me that the 3000 Arms already delivered to Connecticutt was their full proportion of those arrived no more were to be delivered to that State. I had therefore wrote to Colo. Cheever, not to deliver to that State any more Arms except by order of Congress, Your Excellency or General Knox, and I think that to put them into the Hands of the Militia before the Continental Army is supplied would be ill policy, as your Excellency recommended t⟨hat the⟩ supernumery Stores Shoud be forwarded to Springfi⟨eld I am⟩ pushing of them on, and the necessary ammunition of ⟨the⟩ Field pieces is there fixing, but I must beg your Excellency’s immediate direction as to the Artillery and Stores as I apprehend the State of Connecticutt will be impatient untill something be determined. should I receive any special directions from your Excellency by this days post respecting this matter shall instantly act conformable thereto. I have the Honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servant

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Robert Howe, 14 May 1777
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

Charleston [S.C.] 14 May 1777. “I had the Honor of receiving your Letter a few days since, and have consulted the President of this State upon the Subject of it; He acknowledges the Propriety and Importance of an Expedition against Augustine, but seems to think it ought not immediately to be undertaken. For my part Sir, convinced as I am that the Enemy should be dispossessed of that Post and proud as I should be of the Honor of conducting an Attack against it, I feel it my duty to mention those Reasons which I fear may with too much foundation, be urged against the present undertaking of it.”


Title: To George Washington from Captain John Hunter, 14 May 1777
From: Hunter, John
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Philada 14 May 1777

I had the Honor of receiving your Commands in a Letter from Colo. Johnston together with a warrant for four hundred Dollars, which was paid. Enclosed I send your Excellency the Muster of my Recruits, which I look upon to be as good men as any in the service. The Board of war has given me orders to Join Colo. Pattons Regiment untill such time as your Excellencys pleasure is known as they say many Inconvenincies arise from an Independent Company. if your Excellency would be pleased that I should continue with that Regiment as a light Infantry Company it would be perfectly agreable to Colo. Patton and the other Field officers—agreable to Colo. Johnston’s request I have sent two of my Subalterns into the Country on the Recruiting service, so that with what Money I have paid to them, and what I have used my self, I find another Draught necessary, the whole being expended. The money I have already received hath been faithfully applied to the purposes for which it was given—By the Muster Roll your Excellency will see in what manner a great part has been expended as they have all received their full Bounty, for their is no Inlisting them without it The residue is with my Subalterns whose returns I have not for some time past received. I wait your Excellencys further pleasure And am with the greatest Respect your Excellencys most obliged and very humble Servt

John Hunter


Title: Instructions to Captain Strother Jones, 14 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Jones, Strother

Headquarters Morris Town 14th May 1777.

I have appointed you to the Command of a Company, to be raised for the Continental Service, agreeable to the printed Instructions herewith

delivered to you. As the Good of the Service depends in a very great Measure on a proper Choice of Officers, and the honour of a Superior as much upon the quality of his Subalterns, I have given you power to nominate yours—subject to my Disapprobation—From which that no Inconvenience may arise to them or yourself, I must inform you, that I expect your Choice will fall upon Men of Integrity & unexceptionable Character—The pressing necessity for Troops will prompt your utmost & unceasing Activity; As fast as they inlist, you should have them innoculated, & kept as much together as possible; thereby Desertion will be prevented—So soon as you raise a Sub.’s quota, you will forward them to Head quarters under a proper Officer. I am Yr most Obed. Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 14 May 1777
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Boundbrook [N.J.] May 14th 1777

I this moment receivd an extract of a letter from Genl Stevens to your Excellency of this days date, purporting the situation & designs of the enemy—and a letter from Colo. Harrison expressing your desire that I woud avail myself of the intelligence containd in the extract, and be gaurded in the best manner possible, to elude, & baffle their designs, I shall most chearfully do it—I have taken, and am now pursuing every measure in my power to obtain a knowledge of their strength and intentions, but as I have been in doubt with respect to

both, I have made such disposition of the troops as appeard to me the most likely; not only to evade and baffle their designs, should they attempt to annoy us, but in the most effectual manner to harrass & distress them should they decamp—The unhappy affair of Sunday April 13th is too recent in my mind to admit my neglecting the former, while a duty indispensable (to say nothing of a desire to retaliate) call me to every exertion, in the fullest manner to effect the latter.
It hath been the conversation in Brunswick for several days past, that your Excellency intended to possess yourself of that place, (tho’ it should cost you 10.000 men) by thursday, Either many of their troops have left it, or they wish an attack may be made on them, and to lead us into the measure, have carefully avoided shewing their men, for a few days past, for from what we can observe of their numbers our selves & learn from those who have been in, they appear to be much decreasd.
The evidence in favor of the enemies removing from Brunswick over ballances in my mind that of their intentions to remain; for if it is true, that they have given up all thoughts of an attack on Philadelphia untill they receive a reinforcement, I think the same prudence woud dictate to them the propriety of removing their troops to a situation more safe & compact. I have the honor to be with the greatest regard & esteem your Excellencys most obedient humble Servant

B. Lincoln

I have forwarded your Excellencys letter to Genl Putnam.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Malmedy, 14 May 1777
From: Malmedy, François Lellorquis de
To: Washington, George

sir
Head quarters [Morristown] 14 April [May] 1777

it Beeing more Easy to me, to Write, than to speaek English, permit me to give your Excellency a relation in Writing of my journey to philadelphia.
I am flattered, With the Esteem With Which the Congress has honored me; the Board of War seemed un Easy at my situation; But after

the intimation, I have received by mister Hamilton, of your Excellency opinion, concerning my promotion, I plainly insinuated to those gentlemen, that, I aimed at serving at the camp, in any station not Derogatory, to that Which I had Enjoyed; But for the moment, I required only the rank of colonel, Which Was granted to me, With these assurances.
I Do not Know Whether [I] Deceive my self, or not? in thinking, that, my rank of colonel, in the army, Will not Derogate to my rank of Brigadier general in the state of rhodeisland (I was obliged to obtain him, in the continental army.) the promotion is the reward of service and a mark of Esteem; and When an officer, has been honored of them, and has done his Duty, he Cannot Cease Beeing what he Was; the officer’s rank, ought to be regulated by his conduct, that is the spring of Emulation, and the rule of Equity.
I beg your Excellency Will receive those observations in a favourable Light, and attribute them, to the sensibility of my sentiments. I should not be happy, if I [were] Deprived of that hope.
the board of War, has assured me, that the Congress has Desidered, you would Employ me in a usefull manner, therefore I wait upon your Excellency to receive his Commands. I am sir very respectfully your very most obedient humble servant

malmedy


Title: To George Washington from Major General Adam Stephen, 14 May 1777
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Chatham [N.J.] 14th May 1777

I recd the honour of your Letter last night—Your Excellency has not Seen an Officer that was in the Action Saturday Night—They were of the party; but to their Staying at Such a distance from the Sceene of Action The Surviving Highlanders owe their Existence.
I took delight in mentioning the Troops to your Excellency who distinguishd themselves—The Reverse gives me pain; hoping that time, Attention, & habit, will improve us—Whether owing to the order in the field, or to What, I am uncertain—but one half of the troops were not Engaged—& Never had the ground—gaind from the Enemy.
Time will discover the Loss of the Enemy—a more Accurate Acct than I had, is Seldom Obtaind.
The troops who Stayd a Quarter or near half a mile in the rear must needs have run damnd hard to retreat the way the troops engagd did—But the fighting troops Were killd a Considerable time on a Rising ground untill they Had an Opportunity of Coming off.
I can Assure your Excellency, from Intelligence that has never faild or disappointed me; that the Boats for the Bridge, are taken out of the Waggons, & put in the Water—The Expression of a Certain Officer of great Rank is “Sir Wm Howe has been pleasd to lay aside the Expedition agt philadelphia at present; that Troops were daily expected on, to fill all the Regiments, & 6,000 of a Reinforcement—Then they Should Work us.”
They do intend an Attack on Bound Brook—they have had Spies out, Observing their Cannon, Encampmt and the first thing they do, is to take possession of the M⟨oun⟩tain—with a Body of troops in one of these Moon Shine Nig⟨hts.⟩ They have procurd good Guides for the purpose.
Genl Lord Cornwallis, the Genls Grant, Mathews, & Lesly, Sir William Colier, & Sr George Osburn, were Reconnoit⟨ring⟩ the ground about Dickes farm on Munday.
They have pulld down the fences, & thrown Cut tr⟨ees⟩ into the hollows for ¾ of a Mile round.
They talk of bringing their troops into more Comp⟨lete⟩ Order; that they may be more Capable of acting either on the defensive or Offensive—for that purpose the destroying Rariton Bridge is in Agitation—& forming a Bridge of Boats at Brunswick.

The above Intelligence I esteem Certain & of the Utmost importance. I am with great Respect sr your most Obt hub. Ser.

Adam Stephen

P.S. I beg your Excellency will not countenance the Stay of Officers at Morristown, whose Regmts are in the Lines; nor permit Officers to go home ⟨illegible⟩ ordering them of My decision to Acquaint me. Col. hazen had orders to move near to Bonum Town Sunday ⟨illegible⟩ sent me Word that he was just Setting off for Virginia.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 14 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

Sir,
Head Quarters [Morristown] May 14th 1777

Yours of the 6th instant this moment reached me, inclosing returns of the batalions raising in your state.
You must continue to send them forward with all expedition, whatever affect it may have in the opinions of those you mention. Their presence in this quarter cannot be dispensed with; and it is impossible to neglect a certain and pressing danger, in order to guard against a precarious and improbable one. I am Sir Your most Obedient servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 15 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Forman, David

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 15th May 1777

I am favd with yours of the 11th with the proposition for exchanging Capts. Campbell and Harrison for Messs. Richard McKnight and Thomas Little. This I can by no means assent to, as it would be establishing a precedent of a dangerous Nature in its consequences. For then, whenever any of their provincial Officers fell into our Hands, they would send out parties and pick up some of the Inhabitants of Reputation in order to procure their Release by exchange. I will however desire Mr Boudinot, our Commissary of prisoners, to represent this Matter to Mr Loring the Commissary of the British, and endeavour to bring about the Exchange in some other Manner.
I have no doubt of your Vigilance & Care, but I would beg you to bear in mind, that one intent, of sending these Flags, is to obtain intelligence, which is clearly the Case, from their always sending people

who know the Country well to conduct them. I therefore desire that such persons may never be permitted to come on Shore. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 15 May 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada May 15. 1777.

I do myself the Honour to enclose you sundry Resolves of Congress, accompanied with a Commission for Monsr Armand, which I am to request you will order to be delivered to him, as he is now at Head Quarters.
Ever since the appointment of Brigadiers I have been waiting to be informed of the Dates of their respective Commissions in Order to settle their Rank in making out new ones. But as there is no Probability of my receiving this Information, & the Gentlemen themselves will be at Head Quarters, I must request you will give Commissions to them and ascertain their Rank by the Dates of their original Commissions. I have the Honour to be, with the utmost Esteem & Respect, Sir, your most obedt & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 15 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hughes, Hugh

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 15th May 1777.

General Mifflin informs me that he has ordered Mr Chase Assistant Quarter Master General at Boston to send forward all the Tents which were stored at Boston or portsmouth to you, and desires that I will give you directions as to the distribution of them. You will know with certainty what number will be wanting for the Troops that are not barracked at Peeks Kill and the Forts. I cannot conceive that any great number can be wanting at Tionderoga, as the Garrison at that post will mostly lay in Barracks, which I am told are capable of containing between three and four thousand men.
I have wrote to General Gates, and have let him know, how much our late loss at Danbury has disappointed us in the Article of Tents, and have recommended it to him, (as his Garrison will be intirely stationary) to endeavour to barrack or built Huts for the whole. But if any Tents are really necessary, to draw as sparingly as possible. He will let you know his wants; But you must take care, at all events to reserve as many as will be sufficient for the men that are not in Barracks with you. If any remain, after keeping what are necessary at Peeks Kill, and supplying Genl Gates, they must be sent to such place as shall be deemed most secure. I am Sir &ca

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 May 1777
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hartford 15th May 1777

I have recd your’s of the 7th Inst. & have Ordrd all the Troop’s who have had the Small pox and are able to March to peck’s Kill’s; by the Numbr wanting Still to Compleat our Battalions with those who have not yet gone thro’ the Small pox tis probable we shall Soon have Two or three Thousand Men who have not had that Disease as I beleive our Quota will be raisd soon in this advancd Season will it be best to proceed any Further in Innoculating the Troops? I have recd a Request from the Govnr & Councill of this State a Copy whereoff I herewith send you; As I could not Comply with their Desire without your Excellency’s Direction, I have stayed those, Only, who have not had the small pox or are in a Convalescent State; I wish to receive your Ordrs respecting this Matter; In the mean Time I shall continue to forward all able Bodied Men who have had the small pox to pecks Kill’s.

The Genll Assembly have passd a Resolve which I think will not fail to procure our Men within Twenty Day’s If I can get a Copy of the Act I shall send it by Coln. palfry.
The last Return’s I have had are as Follows

            12th may
            Huntington’s
            480

            13
            Bradly
            444

            1
            Swift
            369

            6
            Chandler
            297

            10
            Durkee
            318

            13
            S. Webb
            205

            15
            Wyllys
            371

            13
            C. Webb
            257

            13
            Lt Col. Meigs
            110

            2851

            Col. Doughlass Suppd
            400

            3251

This with the addition of the Officers makes us more than One half our Quota; the prospects of Speedily compleating the Battalions are good—Nothing on my part shall be omitted which can forward this Service.
Thirteen Transport’s have gone to Newport there is no Certainty of Troops being on board from the Information we have here, we have no Reason to beleive any considerable Number have gone from thence to New York—I have no great apprehensions of a Descent on our Coast, but think we may make some on theirs to advantage. I am your Excellency’s Obt Hble Servt

Saml H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Edward Stevens, 15 May 1777
From: Stevens, Edward
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bound Brook [N.J.] May 15th 1777

Agreable to your Letter of the 2nd Inst. I herewith send you the Four Men desired from my Regmt. I hope they will Answer. They are all natives and agreable to the Size mentioned, they were Strongly recommended by their Capts. who has had a better Oppty of Knowing them than myself. Yours of the 12th March last missed me in Virginia And was sent back to philadelphia so that I never received it till I arrived their myself, which was the only about Twelve days agoe (my Regiment was stoped by the way to undergo Inoculation for the small pox) I now Inclose you a full State of it. I wish it was better But conscious of my having done every thing for the best must content myself. I am with the utmost respect Sir Your very hum: Servant

Edward Stevens


Title: Instructions to Major General John Sullivan, 15 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Sir
[Morristown, 15 May 1777]

You are to repair to Princeton and take upon you the Command of the Troops at that Post. The Troops from Maryland, the lower Counties (on Delaware) and Hazen’s Regiment, together with the Artillery Company, and light Horse now at that place, are to remain there till further orders; all others now there, or that shall hereafter come to that Post (except the Marylanders and such detachments as belong to Hazen’s and the Delaware Battalions) are to proceed immediately on, and join their respective Regiments.
Keep no more Provisions, or Military Stores at that Post than are necessary for present use; but take care, that the several Corps are well supplied with Ammunition, and that you have enough besides for any emergency.
Have the Troops in such order as to be ready to march at a Minute’s warning; for this purpose the Quarter Master General must supply you with waggons, and Tents. Of the first, demand no more than are absolutely necessary (as the Men must be taught to carry their own Knapsacks &ca) and of the latter, as there is a scarcity, allow one to every six Men only.
It is, I am persuaded, totally unnecessary to say any thing to impress you with an Idea of the necessity of using the greatest vigilance and precaution; your own reputation, the safety of your Troops, and the

good of the Service, are sufficient incitements; but I would advise you to use every possible means to obtain Intelligence of the designs and Movements of the Enemy, that you may act accordingly.
If you find the Enemy’s views are turned towards the Delaware, harrass and impede their march, as much as possible, disputing every advantageous piece of ground, to give time for the other parts of the Army to come up; but take care to do this in such a manner, as to be able at all times, to secure your retreat to the Hilly Country. If, on the other hand, you perceive their intentions are to penetrate the Country towards Morris Town, or the North River, you are to follow close in their rear and annoy them, as much as possible. In either case, I do not wish that you should hazard a general Engagement; because, a defeat of your whole body which would probably follow, from inequality of numbers wou’d bring on a dispersion and discouragement of your Troops; whereas to harrass them day and Night by a Number of small parties, under good Officers, disputing at the same time advantageous Passes, (with proper precautions to prevent being surrounded) would do them more real injury without hazarding the bad consequences of a defeat and rout.
In the event of the Enemy’s marching for the Delaware, let your Baggage &ca be sent towards Coryel’s Ferry. I need not observe to you, the necessity of calling the Rolls frequently (at least twice a day) to keep the Soldiers in place, and thereby prevent desertion; nor need I recommend to you the expediency of cleanliness among the Soldiers, and in the Camp; your own good sense and experience will prompt you to use your best endeavours to introduce both, as conducive to the Health of the Troops.
Correspond with Colo. Forman who commands in Monmouth County, and keep me regularly advised of every important occurrence without loss of time. Given at Head Quarters Morris Town May 15th 1777.

G. Washington


Title: General Orders, 16 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown May 16th 1777.
Quebec.Roxbury.

Francis Swain Esqr., is appointed Brigade Major, to Brigadier Genl Muhlenberg; and to be obeyed as such.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Bartholomew Burke, 16 May 1777
From: Burke, Bartholomew
To: Washington, George

sir
Philadelphia 16th May 1777

I have some days Agoe Wrote to You to request You would Permit me to Joyn Colonell Pattens regimt now raising in this City the loss I have met with by Desertion and what I am likely to meet with has Obliged me to Waite on their honours the Congress for the same Purpose they have thought Proper to order that General schuyler should put it in Publick orders that I should Joyn Colonell Pattens regiment Provided it should be Agreeable to You I hope this will Meet with Your Aprobation w[hich] will be A Means to eneable me to take the field sooner than I can otherwise as I will have it in my power to send they men away in small parties. I have the honour to be Your Excellencys Most Obed. Very hb. Ser.

Bart. Burke


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Morris Town May the 16th 1777.

Your Letter of the 15th, I had the Honor to receive last night, at Eleven OClock. The Commission inclosed for Monsieur Armand, I shall deliver him, as soon, as I see him.
Agreable to your request, I will give Commissions to the Brigadiers, and will ascertain their Rank by their Original Commissions, when I obtain them. The inquiry directed, respecting Major Campbell, shall be made and that be done, which shall appear right.
I fear, it will be hardly possible to satisfie the views & claims of some of the French Gentlemen. The late promotion of Monsr Malmady, though highly Honourable, and such as should be considered fully, if not more than adequate to his pretensions, taken upon any principle, does not come up to his demands. He arrived here Yesterday morning, and has been writing to me upon the subject. From the high marks of distinction, but too readily conferred upon these Men, in many instances, they seem to have lost sight of what is just and reasonable. It would have been happy for us, particularly for me, and for the Gentlemen themselves, if a too easy grant of favors had not induced them to contemn All rank in our Army, under that of first Officers; Nor is it in my power to give commands to every Appointment. I shall inform Monsr Armand, and reconcile him to it in the best manner I can, that there is no vacancy for him at present; and I would beg leave to suggest, that where promotions are made in future, from political and

honorary motives, that it will be well for Congress to explain to the Gentlemen that it may be some time before they can be put in actual command. This might prevent their entertaining suspicions of neglect on my part, which the situation of the Army will not allow me to obviate. There is no vacancy for Monsr Malmady of the rank he now holds, unless the merits of Many other Officers, who have served with reputation and much longer here, are to be overlooked to make way for him. Such a measure will neither be practicable—nor prudent to attempt.
By a Letter from Genl Heard, who is at pompton, I am informed, that Cols. Barton & Buskirk with 300 Tory Levies from Bergen, on the morning of the 13th attempted to surprize & cut off, about 70 of his Militia, stationed at pyramus. The Officer, happily, had notice of their design & eluded it, by moving his post. It happened that the Morning was foggy, and the Enemy entering at different places, their parties engaged. Genl Heard says their loss could not be ascertained, but from the reports of the Inhabitants, Ten of their men were killed & carried away at One time & several wounded. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Langdon, 16 May 1777
From: Langdon, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Portsmouth [N.H.] May 16th 1777

Your favour of the 3d Inst. I had the Honor to receive two days since & is now before me—to which I beg leave to answer, am happy you wrote to Congress respecting the Stores at this place, expect their Orders soon (⅌ return of Express). I misapprehended the matter relative to the three Thousand Arms, did not understand it as your special Order to send them on to Springfield; tho’t it a Recommendation from General Heath only, who wrote me Politely on the Subject; I should not have had the least doubt about me, of forwarding all the Stores immediately on your Recommendation; my proceeding in this has been as follows—As soon as the Mercury (the first Ship) arrived, I immediately sent on Express to Congress—& proceeded to discharge the Cargo: received a Resolve from the State of the Massechusetts & recommendation from some General Officer, to deliver four thousand Arms for the use of the Continental Troops raised by that State, & were waiting for Arms; Two thousand one Hundd more for the State of New Hampshire, & Three Thousand ⅌ order of General Parsons to the State of Connecticut for the same purpose, vizt for The Continental Troops raised ⅌ those States for three Years or dureing the War: This I did with all possible dispatch, seeing the absolute necessity of the case, without waiting any orders of Congress, as I had no doubt I should meet their & your approbation in so doing; Just as I had finished this, Majr Barber come down from General Heath (who did not know at that time of the three thousd sent on to Connecticut) with the Recommendatio⟨n⟩ to send on three thousand to Springfield, at that Inst. the Express arrived from Congress directing me how to dispose of the Arms, which was to the Order of the Hon’ble Board of War, & the Cloathing for the Clothier General’s order, from whom I’ve received no order, which I wonder a little at. By this your Excellency will see that my haveing the Orders of Congress before me, prior to which, I had delivered about Nine thousand of the Arms, three of which went to Connecticut, which I tho’t might be the same that were to be forwarded to Springfield, and my not knowing it to be your order, made me Conclude not to send them Just then—As soon as the Ampha’trite (the last Ship) arrived, I proceeded in the same way to discharge &c., & soon received a polite Letter from Genl Heath Recommending

the forwarding on the Stores as fast as possible, which I perfectly agreed in—& immediately sent out for Teams, which at this Season were hard to be come at, & desired General Heath to send down the Deputy Commissary of Stores to receive & assist in forwarding them; about one Hundred and Twenty Teams have been already sent off with Field pieces, small Arms, Tents, Powder, Ball, Flints &c., am useing my best Endeavours to give dispatch to the rest, which are loading & going on every day; am happy to have your Excellency’s recommendation on this Head, tho’ I’ve but little doubt but shall meet the approbation of the Board of War in this most necessary work. We are in some Expectation of a visit from the Enemy near here, should it be the case, I know not what we shall do for Arms, as we are in a manner disarmed oweing to our Men from time to time, being obliged to leave their Arms at the diffrent Head Quarters for the use of the Continent; I should have been very happy if it could have been done with propriety, that some few Arms might have been left in this State as a Continental Magazine, not to be made use of only from the necessity of the case; should our Seaport be attacked we have to get Arms from Springfield, about 150 Miles for those who want them; This I mention with submiss⟨ion⟩ to your Excellency—please to accept of my best wishes & beleive me to be Your Excellencys Most Obt Servt

John Langdon


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Malmedy, 16 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Malmedy, François Lellorquis de

Sir
Head Quarters [Morristown] May 16th 1777.

In answer to your letter of the 14th I must freely confess, I do not fully comprehend your meaning, nor can I forbear expressing my surprise, that you still hold out the idea of difficulties in your situation, notwithstanding the mark of attention you mention, which has lately been conferred upon you by Congress. It astonishes me, that a Gentleman of your discernment, should find it impossible to make a right distinction between Continental and Colonial appointments, after all the pains that have been taken to explain it. Certainly there is nothing easier to conceive, than that an appointment made by the legislature of a particular State, unauthorized by Congress, can have no effect out of that State. The reason is plain; such legislature has only a local jurisdiction, and can do no act binding on any other State, much less on the whole Continent. Your rank of Brigadier in Rhode Island, on a Continental Scale, is, and always has been, intirely nugatory. You might request a ratification of it from Congress, as a matter of favour, but you could not demand it as a matter of right; and you must be sensible, that many Substantial reasons independent of any personal objections to you, oppose your wish.
A perseverance in your mistaken pretensions, after you had seen they could not be complied with, is what I did not expect.
To request to be employed in a manner not derogatory to the rank you held in Rhode Island, according to your ideas of that rank, is to request not to be employed at all. I must repeat what I have before

told you, that I cannot consider you in any other light, than that in which Congress has placed you, and whatever Employment I may at any time have it in my power to give you, must be in conformity to that precise rank you actually possess in the Continental Army. If you expect any other you deceive yourself. Such an employment, though it may appear to you a degradation, would not in fact be so; because your appointment of Brigadier is a perfect non entity in a Continental view.
If you formed erroneous notions of your Colonial appointment, and in consequence of them made representations to your friends in Europe, which now involve you in perplexities, you ought to consider it as your misfortune, and should not build any claims upon it that cannot be admitted. But, though the distinctions existing among us, may not be well understood in France, as you have hinted in a former letter, is it impossible to give a satisfactory explanation of them to your friends? or will it be any indelible disgrace to you, to confess to them that you have been in an error in your first conceptions, arising from your being a Stranger and unacquainted with the nature of our different military establishments? We ought not to convert trifling difficulties into insuperable obstacles.
Let me propose a few more questions. Appeal to your own understanding and conscience, and then answer, is not the Continental rank you now hold, fully adequate to any expectations you can reasonably deduce from the rank you held in the French army, and from the short term of seven month’s Service in ours? Would not the American Officers, who have been in the Service from the beginning of the war, have a just cause to complain of your too rapid promotion, were your wishes indulged? And would it not justify those, who have been your Superior Officers in your own Country, in raising their hopes to a height, which it would be impossible to gratify? In short Sir, I cannot bring myself to think, that the extraordinary mark of distinction bestowed upon you by the State of Rhode Island, is any sufficient foundation for expecting the Continent to wave every consideration of policy or propriety in your behalf.
Though I wish not to offend or wound, justice both to you and myself requires that I should plainly inform you, that your scruples and difficulties, so often reiterated and under a variety of Shapes, are exceedingly perplexing to me, and that I wish them to cease. I am Sir &ca.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Alexander Martin, 16 May 1777
From: Martin, Alexander
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency,
Alexandria [Va.] May 16th 1777

Five Days ago, I arrived at this place with the first Division of the North Carolina Troops, and expect two more will arrive to morrow, and am sorry that we are compelled to halt for some Time to under go Innoculation for the Small Pox before we can join you. The marching and countermarching of the N. Carolina Troops last Winter and this Spring to and from Charlestown has much retarded our Northern Duty and prevented our being much earlier at your Head Quarters.
I cannot at present transmit to your Excellency a full and proper State of our Troops by the late unexpected Death of General Moore who was to have marched with me whose papers are not in my possession; and can only inform you that the nine N. Carolina Battalions consisted of about 1500 Officers and Men when they marched from Halifax in that State. Gen. Nash in a short Time will follow us, who first is to regulate the recruiting Service there agreeable to the Instructions of Congress.
Colo. Jethro Sumner of the 3d N. Carolina Battalion a worthy good Officer waits on you with this, who commands a Detachment of all those Soldiers from the several Battalions who have had the Small pox agreeable to a late Resolve of Congress who, on every Occasion will gladly receive your Commands.
In the mean Time, I shall take every Step to hasten the Recovery of

our Troops, and march to you with the utmost Expedition or where ever you will please to order us. I am with the Utmost Respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant

Alex: MartinColo. 2 Bat. N.C. Troops


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Rush, 16 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear sir,
Head Quarters Morris Town May 16th 1777

I last night received your favour of the 13th instant; and am much obliged to you, for communicating your judicious observations on the inconveniences of an early incampment. They are perfectly correspondent with my own ideas, but how far they can be allowed to operate must depend upon many other considerations and circumstances. I shall be induced to incamp the army, sooner than I could wish, from this powerful motive, that the more an army is collected, the better it is adapted, both to the purposes of defence and offence, and the better enabled, either to defeat the attempts the enemy may project against it, or to take advantage of favourable conjunctures, which may offer, to annoy and injure them. I shall however endeavour to defer incamping ’till the weather becomes a little more settled and temperate. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 17 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown May 17th 1777.
SpanktownTrenton.

All the troops in, and about Morristown, (those on duty excepted) are to attend divine service, to morrow morning.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 17 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

Dr Baylor
Morris Town May 17th 1777.

The inclosed Copy of a Resolve of Congress, & Extract from the Presidents Letter, founded upon it, will discover to you, their desire of your being furnished with a Good Horse, properly caparisoned, at the Expence of the States.
Tho, it has been my wish, to comply with their Resolve in your favor, Yet, for want of Opportunity, and by reason of the Multiplicity of business, which constantly engrosses my time & attention, I have not had it in my power. I there fore request, that you will take the matter upon yourself, and procure such a Horse & furniture, as will please your fancy, and answer the generous views of Congress. Whatever expences are incurred upon the occasion, I shall order to be paid on the earliest notice.
I have nothing further to add, than to recommend your utmost industry, in compleating your Corps, and to assure you, that I am Dr Sir Yr Affect. Hbl. servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I wish you to send on your Troops, as fast as you can raise & equip any tolerable ⟨number of each. You must not wait for the whole to be complete either in number or every Article. I wrote you before on this subject.⟩


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 17 May 1777
From: Brodhead, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Summersit Court House [N.J.] May 17th 1777

Inclosed I send a list of the Subaltern officers of my Regiment with their Rank as settled by Ballot, Also an Extract from a Letter I have just received from the Chairman of the Board of War—I beg leave to mention to your Excellency that some of the officers are by no means qualified for the Rank they hold in the Regt, whilst much better and decenter officers must submit to their Command—A number of genteel good officers have applied to me to be appointed in this Regt.
Most of the officers of my Regt have lived in the Neighbourhood of, and on an equality with the Men, and have not Resolution enough to Shake off an unbecoming Familiarity with them for which reason no proper Command is supported and he who Screens his Men most from doing their Duty, concieves himself the best officer.
Some of them were unfortunate enough to loose their Commissions by the Hands of the Enemy at Bound Brook on the 13th of April last, and they are generally very anxious to have Commissions immediately upon their Appointment.
I would submit to your Excellency whether (in case Commissions cannot be immediately filled up at Head Quarters) it would not be best to apply to the Board of War and should be much Obliged for being so far indulged, as to have Permission, to get some of the Gentlemen who are so very desirous of serving with me appointed in my Regiment and permit the unworthy to resign—which in my Humble Opinion would rather profit than injure the Service—I should be much Oblidged for an early Answer and am with all due Respect you⟨r⟩ Excellencies most obedt Hble Servt

Daniel Brodhead


Title: To George Washington from the Council of General Officers at Peekskill, 17 May 1777
From: Council of General Officers at Peekskill
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency,
Peeks kill [N.Y.] May 17th 1777

We have examined the Obstructions in the North River, and beg leave to observe that the object is too important to be trusted to its present security. If those obstructions in the River can be rendered effectual, and the Passes into the Highlands be properly guarded, which can be done with about four or five thousand Troops, the rest of the Army will be at liberty to operate elsewhere.
To render the obstruction at Fort Montgomery compleat it will be

necessary to have a Boom across the River, and one or two cables, in front of the chain, to break the force of the Shiping before they come up to it. The two Continental Ships should be immediately man’d & fix’d; and the Two Row-Gallies, to be stationed just above the obstructions, which will form a front fire equal to what the Enemy can bring against them. The fire from the Ships and Gallies in front, and the Batteries upon the flank, will render it impossible for the Shipping to operate there, if the obstructions in the River bring them up; which, with the additional strength proposed, we have great reason to expect.
The communication between the Eastern and Western States is so essential to the Continent & the advantages we shall have over the Enemy by the communication, and the great expence that will be saved in transportation of Stores, by having the command of the River, warrants every expence to secure an object of such great magnitude. We are very confident if the obstructions in the River can be rendered effectual, the Enemy will not attempt to opperate by Land, the passes through the Highlands are so exceed⟨ingly⟩ difficult. We are with the greatest respect and esteem, Your Excellency’s most obedt servts

Nath. Greene M.G.
Alexr McDougall
H. Knox B.G. Artillery
Anty Wayne B.G.
Geo. Clinton B. Gl


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 17 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

Sir,
Morris Town. 17th May 1777.

When I had the honour of addressing You on the 13th Ult. I flattered myself that, tho’ the recruiting Service did not succeed to our Wishes, a sufficient Reinforcement would ’ere this have enabled me to open the Campaign in such a manner as to have recommended the Service to the lower Class of People, and thereby to have removed the necessity of compelling them to inlist. But that Hope has been unfortunately blasted—So that We have only to decide, whether the States shall be loaded with the enormous Expence of Militia (with difficulty drawn out) capable only of making a feeble defence, and the War protracted, or the Army completed by coercive Methods. For altho’ the important Season is almost past, that afforded the Opportunity of crushing the Enemy’s power, at present here, had I been sufficiently enabled; Yet it greatly behoves Us, by an instant and vigorous Exertion of our strength, to put ourselves into such a situation as to have a good

Prospect of never being obliged to hazard our Liberties as We have been.
The warmest Advocates for Militia and short Inlistments must, from the Experience of two Campaigns, confess that the important purposes of War can not be answered but by Men engaged for a length of Time. No Substitute can be admitted—What then remains for Us to do? Nothing less than furnishing our full Quota of Continental Troops by any Means that will ensure success. Our situation perhaps more critical now than ever, Policy directs that Caution should be used in the Choice. But whether it should be by an indiscriminate Draft, or by making it the Interest of the Timid, the Rich, and the Tory to furnish Soldiers at their own Expence, in ease of themselves, and in Conformity to the Resolve of Congress of the 14th of April last, is a subject well worthy the most dispassionate and mature Deliberation of your Assembly.
Both of these Methods have been tried, and are still practised by some of the States, with better success than simple recruiting—They are however capable of Abuse. The former may produce Convulsions in the People and their Opposition, by the manner in which it is conducted. The latter affords the bad Officers too tempting an Opportunity of defrauding the Public, by receiving the reward for Men already in the Service, or (for some private Emolument) giving Certificates when no Soldier is furnished; and of greatly injuring the service by introducing into it Foreigners of no Principle, who seize the first Opportunity of deserting to the Enemy with their Arms. If the former should be adopted, the Men drafted should serve for a fixed time, Three years at least; and every possible precaution taken against their substituting Convicts and foreign Servants in their room. If the latter, the Men procured should serve during the War—Here the Evil may be effectually guarded—The substitute, or exemption from Militia-duty being evidently an Indulgence, may be granted on no other terms than furnishing a Native, or a person of some property or connexions in the Country.
The annexed Return of your Battalions now here, will enable the Assembly to form a good Judgment of the number of Men necessary to complete them to the full Establishment.
A well executed Law to encourage the taking up of Deserters will greatly lessen the Deficiency that appears upon the return; which is not occasioned altogether by Deaths, because I am well assured that a number of the Men (taking advantage of their Absence from their Companies, occasioned by their being left in Hospitals) have, on recovery, gone home without leave; nor can my most unceasing Efforts bring them back, the Officers sent upon that duty shamefully spending their time in Dissipation and Idleness.

I hope the Freedom of this letter will find an Excuse in the Importance of the subject, and its Length have an Apology, when ’tis considered, that Consequences of the greatest Magnitude are involv’d in the Issue of the present Contest, the management of which demands our utmost Wisdom and Activity. I have the Honour to be with great Respect Yr most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 17 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dear Sir
Morris Town May 17th 1777.

I was favoured yesterday, with your Letter of the 11th Instt. I wrote Govr Trumbull fully, on the 11th and then informed him, that no part of the Troops exacted from the State, could remain there. This Letter, I presume, has reached the Governor, and I trust, the observations contained in it, would satisfy him of the necessity, of drawing the whole Troops together. I think with you, that the Enemy will make no impressions into Connecticut. If they attempt any thing of the sort, it will be to call our attention from more important objects. It is much to be wished, that they would prosecute the War on a partisan or detached plan. Nothing would more certainly insure their destruction. The Troops, as fast as they are raised, and their recovery from the Small pox will admit, must come on to Peeks Kills.
I am sorry, the Expedient adopted by the Governor and Council for filling their Quota of Men, has not been attended, with all the advantages expected from it. I wish their next attempt may have more happy consequences. I am persuaded, your remaining in the State some time longer, would be of Service; yet, as I consider, the defence of the Fortifications and passes thro’ the Highlands, an object of the last importance, and possessing them, most probably to form the chief end of the Enemy’s councils and immediate operations, I wish you to come on to Peeks Kills, and there continue with the Troops, till some further disposition shall become necessary or may be ordered. At the same time, I would wish you to fix upon and leave behind, a sufficient number of proper officers, to collect and hasten on the recruits as fast as they are raised and gone thro’ Inoculation. Perhaps more than one may be necessary, and I have no doubt you will choose for this purpose, such as will be of great activity and industry, and in whose conduct, the most implicit confidence may be reposed.
How far the expedition to Long Island, would be practicable, supposing our army was full, I cannot determine; In our present situation, we have no Men to spare for the purpose. Further, I am by no means satisfied, that the rules of War would justify our detaching a Force, to recover our prisoners under their present circumstances. I rather think they would not; But without going into a full discussion of the measure, either upon the principles of War or justice, I am certain, policy strongly forbids the attempt. Success in such case would lead to unhappy consequences. No future prisoners, in the hands of the Enemy, would receive the same favourable indulgence, so essential to their Health and comfort, and would authorize their imposing on them a more close and severe Confinement. You are not to infer from

hence, that I esteem the recovery of prisoners unjustifiable in all cases or have any doubts respecting the propriety of it.
I am surprised, you have neither received or heard of the Money sent by Colo. Lee. He was not detained in his return, either thro’ this or the State of New York. He left it, I am persuaded, with some of the Surgeons or Physicians of the Hospital or some of your officers.
In respect to the warrant for William Stone’s execution you may make any alterations in it, necessary to give effect to the Sentence of the Court Martial, adhering only to the mode of punishment prescribed by the Warrant; Unless you should deem a Deviation on the Side of Mercy requisite, from any circumstances you may have obtained since his trial in his favour. From the proceedings of the court, which were before me, he seemed to merit what they adjudged him to suffer. I am Dear Sir &ca

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonels John Patton and Thomas Hartley, 17 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Patton, John,Hartley, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 17th May 1777.

I have long indulged the hope of seeing a considerable part of your Battalion in the Field before this; But the last Genl return informs me, that it is without foundation. Aware of the disadvantages attending the recruiting business, I have made every reasonable allowance, yet I must conclude that if the Officers engaged in that Service, had applied a proper share of their attention to it, the Army must have been greatly reinforced. Our present situation compels me to direct you to repair to your Battalion; justice to it, and to the Service, calls upon you to do so without loss of time. Such of your recruits, as are equipped, and over the small pox, must follow under proper Officers. You will leave your Lieutt Colo. behind, to superintend the recruiting service, and to provide all necessaries, with positive orders to exert his utmost activity in the discharge of those important duties, and to see that the inferior officers do not spend their time in dissipation, as (I am told) is too generally the case. I am Sir &ca

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Adam Stephen, 17 May 1777
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Sir
Chatham [N.J.] 17th May 1777

This moment arrivd. I have learnd that The Hessians embarked in the Boats mentiond in my last, amount to about 350—That the troops sent over to the Jerseys was not so much to Execute any present Enterprise, as to guard agt One—Asson [As soon] as the Enemy understood that the Artillery & troops were moved from Newark—They immediatly gave orders for These troops to proceed to the Jerseys—It was reported here that M.G. Tryon was dead: He is neither dead nor wounded.
There is not above 800 Effectives left in N. york—The Circumstance which gives the greatest pleasure & Discovers the Situation of the Enemy more Clearly; is, that the people formerly attached to Governmt; are be come our friends, & would willingly leave N. York if they Could.
On Tuesday last 40 of the Enemy most dangerously wounded on Saturday were Carryd into N. York.
Majr Fraser of the 2d Batt. of the 71t & Capt. Stewart of the Light Infantry were wounded.

Bergen is in the same Situation as formerly—It must be Attempted to morrow night, or the Tide will not Answer again for a Week—Can so many men be spard from the Lines?
I have a deserter from Bergen here, but he is so drunk—I have orderd him to sleep.
I hope a parcel of these deserters will be hangd, one on Every Road leading to the Enemys posts. I have the honour to be sr, your Excellency’s Most Obt hule Ser.

Adam Stephen


Title: From George Washington to Major General Adam Stephen, 17 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 17th May 1777

Yours with the plan for the attack upon Bergen is this moment come to hand. I see many difficulties to prevent the matters being carried effectually into execution. The first and principal one is, the known disaffection of the Country, which is such, that the instant such a Body as one thousand Men began to assemble, the Enemy would have notice of it, and the consequence would be, that were they strong enough they would prepare themselves to give you a Reception, and were they not, they would retreat from Bergen to Paulus Hook, and after they got beyond the Mills, it would be impossible for you to follow them. These have ever been my Sentiments upon this matter. The thing must be effected by Surprize or not at all, and I have no conception that Boats sufficient for the purpose could be collected, and such a Body of men embarked without the Enemy’s having notice of it.

In my opinion therefore, the Enterprize had better be laid aside, for I really think it would end in our being worsted, if the Enemy were prepared to receive us, or of their getting out of our way if they were not. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 18 May 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, May 18th 1777.
Vienna.Wilmington.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel David Grier, 18 May 1777
From: Grier, David
To: Washington, George

Philada 18th May 1777

I Recd your Excellencies favour of 16th Instant and am Sorry to find my Answer to yours of the 12th March did not Come to you; I delivered it to an Officer on his way to Head Quarters who intended to Proceed from thence to Boston I find you are disappointed about the numbers you Expected of our Regmt and am sorry it is not in my Power to help it we have only fourteen of the Officers that were formerly in our Regmt: Occasioned by a Variety of Accidentes. there are but few of the Old Regmt Return’d they were much Borke by sickness hard duty & other misfortunes about one hundred of them are reenlisted the rest are either quit the service or enlisted with Col: Hartley. our new Officers has not had much time; as it was some time before proper Recommendations Could be got then applications to have them Appointed by the Council of this State took so much time; a number of them 150 miles from this Place; Recruting very difficult and great delays about even getting money sufficient are the reasons our numbers are so Small: I am in hopes Recruiting will be Attend with greater success now since recomendation for Inlisting Apprentices & Servants was had from Congress. our Assembly are now met & their Concurrance is daily Expected Major Hay has left this Place last Thursday with all the men we had here the rest are Ordered from Carlisle our Officers have been detained these three weeks here between

Settling their Accts of last year & Providing Clothing for these new Recruits.
only the Accounts of six Companies are yet settled by the Auditors Appointed by Congress: I must leave them Unsettled untill a more Convenient time & shall Proceed to Camp next Tuesday: I have left a Captain at Carlisle to take Care of the Recruting Parties with Orders to have them sent to Camp as soon as they are Equiped; delays happen about getting Clothes & Blankets for which Reason I have Ordered the Recruting Officers to get as many in the Country as Possible.
An Officer now of Col. Hartleys Regmt formerly of ours Recd at Tyconderoga five hundred Dollars to Recruit for ours. in Consequence of which he Inlisted twenty men formerly of our Rigmt & while he Acted as an Officer in it: he now insistes that the men were Inlisted for Col. Hartley Rigmt & Refuses to diliver them to ours—I therefore Request that your Excellency will Appoint a Place of hearing & if the men are ours Order them to be delivered to us: I think it ungenerous for Captn Hopes to receive Pay & Money from our Regmt & with that very Money Recruit men for a different Regmt. however what ever is right shall be Chearfully Submitted to by your Excellencies most Obeident & Hble Servant

David Grier