Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 24 November 1775
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Novmbr 24th 1775

Your Letter by Mr Gilpin I recieved last monday & by the Post the day before, I got Mrs Washingtons More I shall have the Cherry trees Dug up & transplanted, but I believe it will be labour lost to do it, for they will not live—I will likewise have the Vineyard planted over again—& will have every thing done towards Clearg Hell Hole that can, but I fear there will be no great deal of it done, for we have a Fence to make intirely Round the pasture the present one being quite Rotten, Flax to break, Swingle, & Heckle, Earth to turn up for Brick makeg next Summer, Stone to Raise at an immense deal of Labour for makeg Chimney Tops, & many other things to do, that is not worth mentiong. perhaps our wheat to get out of the Straw. now to do all this we have Coock jack, who is grown so Lazy that he Scarce worcks two days in a week—I think he is in a Consumption, Old Peter & Schomberg differ but little from the above, Gunner has been laid up three months with a Sore Foot & when he will get well the Lord knows for he is Still confine’d to the House with it, Lewis & Guy Drives the Waggons Boatswain & Webster are Sound—Myrtilla Phebe & the 4 Boys. I have not yet got rid off the Plaisterer, perhaps my next letter may tell you he is done Mrs Washington concluded to ⟨mutilated⟩ the Room intended for her Chamber, done quite plain, no ornaments

upon the Cielg the Sides plain Stucko, he is now about it, but has yet something to do to the Dineg Room. The Chimneys of the Wash House are not done, the weather is cold & freazeg so that it goes on slow, I want to get them finish’d, one of them is just out of the Top, & the other up almost to the joice—the House is shingle’d & partly weather Boarded, you wrote to me some time past about breakg up Doeg Run Meadow & sewg it in the Spring with Oats & Timothy, I gather’d all the seed this summer that cou’d be saved, which was not so much as I wanted, for there was very little seed on our grass, whether owing to wet weather or what I cannot tell. the whole of it I sew’d in the ground Cleard in the mill Swamp I think if we had the seed, it woud be imprudent to break up that meadow, before you had the one at the mill fit for Cutg Hay, for the old meadow there, will not next Crop yield 1000 Wt of Timothy consequently if the Doeg Run Meadow was broke up, you woud be one year without Timothy Hay, so that upon the whole I think you had better let it stand one year longer—I will have the weeds grub’d out of it, we got a large Crop of Hay of it this year—in your Letter by Gilpin you speak of haveg been disappointed in not getg a Letter by the Post—I can assure you I have not miss’d writeg one Post—without it was when I wrote by Harrison. & last Sunday, I did not write, haveg wrote by Mrs Washington jest before, in Short I have wrote to you once every week Since you left Home. I got a Letter the other day from Mr Mercer wherein he says that Colo. Tayloe & himself thinks, that the money Due upon Bond, for the sale of Colo. mercers Estate, or at least all those ⟨mutilated⟩ that are Due from Maryland or near here a⟨re to⟩ be paid to me, those in Berkeley Frederick &C. to Mr Mercer, as he was going up there, & that they woud Advertise the people of it.
I wrote to Colo. Tayloe that you had Instructed me to Diliver the papers Relative to Colo. Mercers Estate to him, & that you had given me no directions about recieveg money—I at the same time told him that several people had applyd to me about takeg up there Bonds—a Letter from a Mr Cooms in maryland, I sent him tellg him he coud Best answer it, he says you agreed to take Silver Dollers at 6/ in payment he finds them Difficult to get or at least as many as he wants, & deseres to know if Continental or other paper Dollars will do. this day a Man from

Berkeley (Cooper) paid me the money for his Bond £60—I shall diliver it to the person Colo. Tayloe sends for the Bonds, Tayloe is to be at Neabsco about this time. the man Says half joes at 48/ was to be recieved but I woud not take them for more than there Wt.
I got a Letter from Mr Newton by Mr Custis when he come up from below, he tells me the times are such that he has been very little in Norfolk therefore cannot inform me whether you may expect any thing from Barraud or not—He will if Possible Collect some Money due for the Flour he sold, & let me have it but at the same time says it is very uncertain. some of our Negroe Quarters are so very Bad, that I am oblige to have them mended, so as to last this Winter—the Carpenters are now about them. Mrs Washington cou’d not find any list of your Rents—I must indeavour to make out a List from the Lease’s, & will see if any part of them can be Collected.
Our Bull has lately given a Specimen of his mischievous disposition (as we suppose) one of our waggon Horses was found dead in the yard—it app[e]ard that he had been gore’d—through the Flank into his Bowels—his guts Were hanging out at the Wound—(the grey Horse you had of Cleveland) If I find Sawg his Horns pretty close will not prevent his doing mischief—I shall fasten a Board a Cross them—he some little time before wounded a mare belonging to Muddy Hole. I shall set of tomorrow morning for Stafford haveing some Business which I cannot any longer put off. Mrs Barnes is here & promises to stay until I return, we begin now to think we shall not be Visited this fall by any of the Men of War or tenders—the people are run[nin]g mad about Salt—you woud hardly think it Possible there coud be such a Scarcity 5/ or 6/ pr Bushel—Conwey’s Sloop come to Alex. on Monday last with a load. he see no tenders in the Bay—several other Vessles are Expected but whether they may have Conweys luck is uncertain. you will see by the Virginia papers that Lord Dunmore has defeated a party of our Princes Anne Militia—Killd one Wounded two & took 7 Prisoners—If Mrs Washington gets to the Camp before this present my Compliments to her—Custis & his Lady—& believe me Dr Sir Your very Humble Servt

Lund Washington

Our old Company is to be continued as militia Dr Rumney Captn John Muir Lieutenent, Dr Jackson Ensign.


Title: Instructions to Aaron Willard and Moses Child, 24 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Willard, Aaron,Child, Moses

[Cambridge, 24 November 1775]

The Honourable, the Continental Congress, having lately passed a Resolve, contained in the following words, to wit.
“That two persons be sent at the Expence of these Colonies to novascotia, to inquire into the state of that Colony, the disposition of the Inhabitants towards the American cause, & the Condition of the Fortifications, Docks, Yards, the Quantity of Artillery & Warlike stores, & the number of Soldiers, Sailors & Ships

of War there, & Transmit the earliest Intelligence to General Washington.[”]
I do hereby Constitute & appoint you the said Aaron Willard, Esqr.—to be one of the persons to Undertake this business; And as the season is late, & this a work of Great Importance, I intreat & request that you will use the utmost dispatch, attention & fidelity in the Executi⟨on⟩ of it—The necessity of acting with a proper degree of caution & secrecy is too apparent to need recommendatio⟨n.⟩
You will keep an Account of your Expences & upon your return will be rewarded in a suitable ma⟨nner⟩ for the fatigue of your Journey & the services you render your Country by Conducting & discharging this Business with expedition & fidelity. Given under my Hand this 24 day of Nov. 1775.


Title: General Orders, 25 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Novr 25th 1775.
Parole Hampden.Countersign Pym

The Commissioned, Non Commission’d Officers & Soldiers, lately arrived in Camp from Kenebeck river, are to join their respective Corps—A Return of them, signed by the commanding Officers of their respective regiments, to be sent to the Adjutant General, Monday morning.
At the request of the Honble the General Court of this colony; the General directs, that, the Colonels, or commanding Officers of the Massachusetts Regiments, do respectively order, each of their Captains, to make out a Muster and pay roll of his Company, up to the 1st day of August last, from the time of each Mans Inlistment—This to be done agreeable to the form of a Return, which is lodged with, and may be had of the Adjutant General. The Court desires these Rolls may be confirmed upon

Oath, and lodged as soon as possible (with the original Certificates) in the Secretary’s Office of the Colony; that all the Massachusetts Regiments may be paid up to the first of August aforesaid: For further particulars relative to this resolution of the General Court; The General refers to their Resolve of the 3rd Instant, it being too long to insert in these orders.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 25 November 1775
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Providence Novemr 25th 1775

Your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th instant I duly received. The General Assembly, at their late Session, had a Motion under Consideration for apprehending those Persons whose going at large might be injurious to the common Cause; but the defenceless precarious Situation of the Town of Newport induced the Assembly to postpone the Measure, until the Inhabitants of that Town are more generally removed. The Assembly however took into Possession the Estates of several of the most active Tories, and also passed an Act making it Death and Confiscation of Estate to supply the Enemy’s Navy, or Army, with Provisions, or naval or warlike Stores, or to hold a traiterous Correspondence with them, or to pilot any of their Ships, with an Exception in Favour of the Town of Newport, who may, under the Direction of the Commander of the Forces on Rhode Island, supply the Ships in that Harbor with a stipulated Quantity of Provisions, upon Condition that the Wood-Boats, Ferry-Boats, and Boats with Provisions pass and repass unmolested. The General Committee of the Colony will sit here next Tuesday. I shall lay your Letter before them, who without Doubt will give it that serious Deliberation which its great Importance deserves.

Your Letter of the 18th did not come to Hand until last Evening. I have given Orders to the Troops on Block Island to be immediately removed, and forwarded to Cambridge. I am with great Esteem and Respect Sir Your most obedt and most humble Servant

Nichs Cooke


Title: General Orders, 26 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Nov: 26th 1775
Parole Wilks.Countersign Liberty

The Colonels and commanding Officers of regiments upon the New Establishment, to order the Men to be recruited to be paraded every Monday, at Ten in the forenoon, before the Brigadier General of their respective Brigades, who will reject such as are unfit for service, or do not come within the discription, of the recruiting Orders: The Brigadier will sign a Certificate of the recruits, he approves of, and deliver it to each of the Colonels, that the Blanket Money due, may be paid, and no more.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 26 November 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Chelsea [Mass.] novr 26Sunday morng [1775]

One of the General Courts Committee who left Point Shirley last Evening Informed me that the officers in Boston (in particular the Admiral) was under great Concern about a Brigg from England Laden with all sorts of Ordinance Stores who were Informed that She was taken & caried in to Plimouth at which news the Admiral Said if so we are Undone, in the presence of an Officer or officers who told the Gentlemen now a[t] point Shirley, I understand that She can not make any defence[.] If it could be ordered so that some of our Privateers could come across & bring her in to us it would give us great advantages over them this Winter as their chief dependanc seems placed on her Cargo.
The people that came out of Boston now at the Point are in a

most Shocking Condition yesterday in the afternoon there was one dead and another Just Dieing upon the Beach Sevral other very Sick no bread believe that they have had some of pulling Point Sheep killed & carved them.
I take it, by your Excellencys not writing Yesterday that I am to let the people come of from Point Shirly & pass where they Please[.] The committee Say there is an Act of the General Court against any more of the Inhabitants of Boston coming out & therefor they are not free in providing for them. I am not Obdurate Enough to Confine them on the Point where they must Perish with hunger & Cold unless I have it in Command from your Excellency[.] I am informed that there is now three Gentlemen at the Point that came out of Boston who are under very large Bonds to Return to Boston again they give an account of ⟨illegible⟩ in Boston of one Marston from Marblehead who gave to Genl How an account that our Army was almost Broak up on account of the Soldier not being paid and that in three weeks time the Soldiers were determined to leave their Posts and go to ther Respective homes that Provisions were Excessive Scarce & dear—flour at 24/ Strling Pr hundwt & upon the Rise that there was little or no ammunities in the Camp that the American Army would become an Easy pray to them in three weeks or a months time this Insusurrant Miscreant got into Boston about 3 days ago. This from your Excy most Obd. & Vry H. Sv.

L.B. L[ieutenant] C[olonel]


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 26 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

[Cambridge] Novr 26th 1775.

I well know where the difficulty of accomplishing these things will lie. Overseers are already engaged (upon shares) to look after my business. Remote advantages to me, however manifest and beneficial, are nothing to them; and to engage standing Wages, when I do not know that any thing I have, or can raise, will command Cash, is attended with hazard; for which reason I hardly know what more to say than to discover my wishes. The same reason, although it may in appearance have the same tendency in respect to you, shall not be the same in its operation: For I will engage for the Year coming, and the Year following, if these troubles, and my absence continues, that your Wages shall be standing and certain, at the highest amount that any one years Crop has produced to you yet. I do not offer this as any Temptation, to Induce you to go on more chearfully in prosecuting these Schemes of mine. I should do ingustice to you, were I not to acknowledge that your conduct has ever appeard to me above every thing Sordid, but I offer it in consideration of the great charge you have upon your hands, and my entire dependance upon your Fidility and Industry. It is the greatest, indeed it is the only comfortable reflection I enjoy on this score, to think that my business is in the hands of a person in whose Integrity I have not a doubt, and on whose care I can rely—was it not for this I should feel very unhappy on acct of the Situation of my Affaers; but I am perswaded you will do for me as you would for yourself, & more than this I cannot expect.
I observe you mention something, in respect to the removal of my valuable Furniture, but where can you carry it? or what will be done with it? I wish the Wine could be secured, & the Rum in the Barn Sold—the last I should think might easily be

done, & to a good Acct as the Importation will be stopped—If you are obligd to give Credit for this, or any thing else, be sure of your Men—I had rather take much less than be obliged to enter into letigeous disputes.
Let the Hospitality of the House, with respect to the Poor, be kept up; Let no one go hungry away—if any of these kind of People should be in want of Corn supply their necessities, provided it does not incourage them in Idleness; and I have no objection to your giving my money in Charity to the amount of Forty or Fifty pounds a year, when you think it well bestowd. What I mean by having no objection, is, that it is my desire that it should be done—you are to consider that neither myself, or wife are now in the way to do these good Offices. In all other respects I recommend it to you, and have no doubt of your observing, the greatest Oeconomy and frugality; as I suppose you know, that I do not get a farthing for my Services here, more than my Expences; it becomes necessary therefore for me to be saving at home.
Great as the length is, to which I have run this Letter, I will not conclude it without expressing my wish that something should be done this Winter to prevent Armed Vessels from running up the River, in order to destroy the property thereon in the Spring: If the Channel is too wide, & too deep for sinking of Cheveaux de Frieze, Hulks, or &ca Floating Batteries, or such kind of Armed Boats as they have Built in the Delaware, with Land Batteries would, though more expensive answer the purpose; & more than probable would be a very considerable saving of Property. I have no doubt of your using every endeavour to prevent the destruction of My Houses, if any attempts should be made thereon by the Men of War & their Cutters, but I would have you run no hazards about it, unless an oppertunity presents of doing some damage to the Enemy. The Height of the Hill—& the distanc⟨e⟩ from the Channel gives it many advantages.
Remember me kindly to all friends and be assured that I am with sincere regard⟨s⟩ Yr Affecte friend & Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Acknowledge the receipt of this Letter that I may know whether it gets safe to hand or not.

G. W——n.


Title: General Orders, 27 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Novr 27th 1775
ParoleCountersign

A Court of enquiry to sit to morrow Morning, to examine into the Conduct of Lieut. Col. Enos, who appears to have left Col. Arnold his commanding Officer without leave.

            Major Genl Lee President

            Brigadier Genl Green.
            Brigadier Genl Heath.

            Col. Stark.
            Col. Nixon.

            Major Durkee.
            Major Sherburne

            Members


Title: To George Washington from Josiah Quincy, 27 November 1775
From: Quincy, Josiah
To: Washington, George

Braintree [Mass.] Novr 27th 1775.
May it please your Excellency,

Since I was honoured, with your Excellency’s obliging Answer to my Letter of the 31st Ulto, the Question has often occurred to my Mind, whether, Row Gallies might not be as advantageously employed, in the Harbor of Boston, as in the River Delaware? and the more I have thought upon the Subject, the more I am confirmed in the Opinion that they may.
The Quantities of Provision that, in the Course of the Summer past, have been transported in Whaleboats from Barnstable, Sandwich, and Plymouth, for the use of the Army: The Successfull Excursions to the Lighthouse and other Islands, by Detachments from the Companies posted to gaurd the Shores, and especially, the numerous Captures by our armed Cruisers, are striking Proofs of the Utility of a well directed Naval Force.
Soon after the Whaleboats were procured, Majr Tupper was so sure of the Advantages to be made of them, that he repeatedly said, if he might have the Command of as many of them, as could be conveniently navigated by one hundred Men, with Ammunition and Provision at the publick Charge, he desired no other Reward for himself and Men, than what he could get from the Enemy: The Difficulties under which the Army then laboured, was, doubtless, the Reason why he was not attended to: Could his Terms have been complyed with, the amount of his and his Mens Wages would, not only have ballanced the Cost of the Boats and Provision; but have been a Saving of some Hundreds to the Publick, besides annoying and weakening the Enemy, and adding to our Strength, in Proportion to the Success of the Enterprizes in which he had engaged: His Men insted of living in Idleness, the Parent of every Vice, would have

been in Action, whenever the Wind and Weather permitted, and at the same Time, a more effectual Gaurd to the Inhabitants, than if they had been on Shore; as the Enemy would have been very cautious of landing, least their Retreat should be cut off.
Permit me now, Sir! to enumerate some Atchievements that may, probably, be made, and some Advantages that, I think must arise, if the same Number of Men, or a greater Number than were this Year appointed, to gaurd the Shores from Cohasset, to Squantum Neck inclusively, were, the next year to be employed, under brave and experienced Commanders, in Row Gallies judiciously constructed, mann’d, and armed; with attendant Whaleboats, built square stern’d, a swivel Gun fixed in the Bow of each, and to row, each, with eight Oars. And,
1. As our Navigation is in a Manner annihilated, the Crews, being Seamen, may be more easily procured, than so many Soldiers, and being collected at a Distance from the Places of their usual Abode, they will not be so likely to desert, may be better disciplined, and kept more steddily to their Duty.
2. By keeping them as much as possible on ship board, to the Exercise of their Oars and Arms, in sham Engagements, whenever the Weather will permit, they will be preserved from Idleness, and have little or no Opportunity to do Mischief on Shore.
3. If the Gallies are constructed to row and sail swift, they may take or leave at Pleasure; and consequently, in light airs of Wind or a Calm, every Cutter, Transport, or Merchantman, found without Convoy may be easily taken: And I am not able to foresee any thing to hinder, their united Efforts making Prize of a 20 Gun Ship when becalmed, especially in the Night, and within the Limits of the Harbour.
4. Since I began this Letter, I have been attentively considering, the Situation of the Ships of War and Transports now lying in Nantasket Road: of the Rocks and Islands within point blank Shot of them; and I am not only convinced my Self, but, I am perswaded, upon Inspection, your Excellency wou’d be also convinced, that, a given Number of Row Gallies, with heavy Cannon and brave Commanders, might force them to leave the Road, or make a watery Grave for them where they lye. Be assured, Sir! this is not a Chimera.

5. Were our Enemies forced to abandon Nantasket Road, might not the Narrows be immediately stopped, with Machines formed agreable to the enclosed Draft, or any other esteemed more eligible? Should they attempt to prevent it, by fortifying the adjacent Islands, they must divide their Force, and consequently, be so much weaker elsewhere.
6. Were Vessels of superior Force, to pursue our Row Gallies without the Lighthouse, as they ought never to go far from Shore, they may easily escape into Cohasset, or Scituate, which are inaccessible by Vessels of any considerable Draught of Water: If pursued within the Harbor, they may soon run out of Danger into shoal Water, where, shou’d the Enemy follow, they might by runing a ground, insted of being Captors become a Prize.
7. Should your Excellency determine upon fortifying Nantasket or any of the Islands, every thing necessary for the Purpose, may be shiped on board the Row Gallies, and transported wherever they are wanted, with little or no Hazard of being intercepted by the Enemy.
Upon the Whole: Permit me Sir, to conclude as I began, that, the more I contemplate the Subject, the more I am confirmed in the Opinion, that Row Gallies may be as advantageously employed in the Harbor of Boston as in the River Delaware: If the same Conclusion for the Reasons above assigned, should be the Result of your Excellency’s Deliberations upon the Subject, and you should determine upon building a Number of them; the sooner the Places where they are to be built, are pitched upon; the Materials collected, and the Tradesmen contracted with, the greater the Probability of their being finished by the Time they are wanted: On the contrary: If your Excellency should view the Subject in a different Light, and the Result of your Deliberations upon it should be the reverse of mine; I am all Submission; and only beg, that, the Rectitude of my Intentions may, at least, secure your Excellency’s favourable Opinion of, Your obliged and faithfull humble Servant

Josiah Quincy

P:S: I forgot to observe that some of the Advantages of attendant Whaleboats wou’d be making sudden Excursions in

Calms upon unarmed Vessels; preventing their Crews from escaping in Boats, and towing the Gallies whenever they wanted Assistance.


Title: General Orders, 28 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Novr 28th 1775
Parole Montgomery.Countersign Montreal.

An Express last Night from General Montgomery, brings the joyful tidings of the Surrender of the City of Montreal, to the Continental Arms—The General hopes such frequent Favors from divine providence will animate every American to continue, to exert his utmost, in the defence of the Liberties of his Country, as it would now be the basest ingratitude to the Almighty,

and to their Country, to shew any the least backwardness in the public cause.


Title: From George Washington to Captain George Baylor, 28 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

Dr Sir,
Cambridge 28th Novr 1775

I forgot to desire you to hire Horses if more than those you carried should be wanted. & therefore I mention it by Captn Blewer. I should be glad if you could send on, & let me know a little before you come to Town—the Evening before if convenient. I wish you a pleasant and uninterupted Journey, & am Dr Sir Yr Obedt

Go: Washington

P.S. I forgot to give you Money before you went away but keep an Acct of your Expences & they shall be paid so soon as you return to Camp.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Ebenezer Learned, 28 November 1775
From: Learned, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

Camp at Roxbury, 28 November 1775. Requests commission for “my former Quarter Master—who has highly Recommen’d himself by his Past faithfulness and Varasity—in that Duty—and has Returnd to Serve in the New Establishment—if he can have the incouragement and Provision Made for that Rank.”


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 28 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 28th Novr 1775.

By Post, I wrote to you yesterday in answer to your Letter of the 16th, since which your favours of the 15th & 17th are come to hand. In one of these you justly observe, that the sudden departure of Mr Randolph must cause your absence to be the more sensibly felt; I can truely assure you that I miss you exceedingly; & if an express declaration of this be wanting, to hasten your return, I make it most heartily; and with some pleasure, as Mr Lynch in a Letter of the 13th (receivd with yours) gives this information.
“In consequence of your Letter by Colo. Reed I applied to the Chief Justice who tells me the Supreme Courts are lately held, and that it will be sometime before their term will return, that he knows of no Capitol Suit now depending, and that it is very easy for Colo. Reed to manage matters so as not to let that prevent his return to you; I am sure Mr Chew is so heartily disposed to oblige you, and to serve the Cause, that nothing in his power will be wanting.”
I could wish, my good friend, that these things may give a spur to your Inclination to return, and that I may see you here

as soon as convenient, as I feel the want of your ready pen, &ca, greatly.
What an astonishing thing it is, that those who are employed to sign the Continental Bills should not be able, or Inclined to do it as fast as they are wanted. they will proove the destruction of the Army if they are not more attentive and diligent. Such a dearth of Publick Spirit, & want of Virtue; such stock jobbing, and fertility in all the low Arts to obtain advantages, of one kind or another, in this great change of Military arrangemt I never saw before, and pray God I may never be Witness to again. what will be the ultimate end of these Manouvres is beyond my Scan—I tremble at the prospect—We have been till this time Enlisting about 3500 Men—To engage these I have been obliged to allow Furloughs as far as 50 Men a Regiment; & the Officers, I am perswaded, endulge as many more—The Connecticut Troops will not be prevail’d upon to stay longer than their term (saving those who have enlisted for the next Campaign, & mostly on Furlough) and such a dirty, mercenary Spirit pervades the whole, that I should not be at all surprizd at any disaster that may happen—In short, after the last of this Month, our lines will be so weakend that the Minute Men and Militia must be call’d in for their defence—these being under no kind of Government themselves, will destroy the little subordination I have been labouring to establish, and run me into one evil, whilst I am endeavouring to avoid another; but the lesser must be chosen. could I have foreseen what I have, & am like to experience, no consideration upon Earth should have induced me to accept this Command. A Regiment, or any subordinate department would have been accompanied with ten times the satisfaction—perhaps the honour.
I think I informd you in my Letter of yesterday, that we had taken Possession of, & had fortified Cobble Hill, & several points round the Bay, between that & Roxbury. In a Night or two more, we shall begin our Work on Letchmores point; when, doubtless, we shall be honourd with their notice, unless Genl Howe is waiting the favourable moment he has been told of, to aim a capitol blow; which is my fixed opinion.
The Congress already know, from the general estimate given in (for a Month) what sum it will take to supply this Army; & that little less than 275,000 Dollars will answer the purpose.

Pray Impress this upon the Members, & the necessity of forwarding the last Sum voted, as 100,000 Dollars will be but a flea bite to our demands at this time—Did I not, in one of my late Letters inform you, that I had sent Mr Knox threw New York to Genl Schuyler to see what Artillery I could get from those Places? He has been set out upon this business about Ten days and I hope will fall in with the Committee of Congress—Powder is also so much wanted, that nothing without it can be done.
I wish that matter respecting the punctilio, hinted at by you, could come to some decission of Congress—I have done nothing yet in respect to the proposed exchange of Prisoners nor shall I now untill I hear from them, or you, on this Subject—I am sorry Mr White met with a disappointment in the Jerseys, as I could wish not to be under the necessity, from any former incouragement given him, of taking him into my Family. I find it is absolutely necessary that the Aids to the Commander in Chief should be ready at their Pen (which I believe he is not) to give that ready assistance that is expected of them; I shall make a lame hand therefore to have two of this Kidney.
It would give me singular pleasure to provide for those two Gentlemen mentiond in your Letter, but believe me, it is beyond the powers of conception to discover the absurdities, & partiality of these People, and the trouble & vexation I have had in the New arrangement of Officers—after five, I think, different meetings of the Genl Officers I have, in a manner, been obliged to give into the humour & whimsies of the People, or get no Army. The Officers of one Government would not serve in the Regiments of another (although there was to be an entire new Creation)—a Captn must be in this Regiment—a Subaltern in that Company In short I can scarce tell at this moment in what manner they are fixed. Sometime hence strangers may be brought in, but it could not be done now, except in an Instance or two, without putting too much to the hazard.
I have this Instt by Express, received the agreeable News of the Capitulation of Montreal—The acct of it, you also, undoubtedly have—Poor Arnold I wonder where he is—Enos left him with the Rear division of his Army and is now hear under Arrest.
What can your Brethren of the Law mean by saying your perquisites

as Secretary must be considerable? I am sure they have not amounted to one Farthing. Captn Blewer Waits and therefore I shall add no more than that I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Ser.

Go: Washington

P.S. Please to let Colo. Lee know that I answerd his query by last Post respecting the Armd Vessels of this Provence, & those fitted out by the Continent.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 28 November 1775 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 28 Nov. 1775. On 15 Dec. GW wrote to Reed: “I have had the pleasure of receiving your Favours of the 28th Ulto and 2d Instt.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 28–30 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Cambridge 28[-30]th Novem: 1775

You may easily conceive that I had great pleasure in perusing your Letter of the 18th Instant which with the Inclosures I received

last Evening—It was much damped by my finding that General Montgomery had the same Difficulties to encounter with the Troops under your Command that I have with these here—No Troops were ever better provided or higher paid, yet their Backwardness to inlist for another Year is amazing: It grieves me to see so little of that patriotick Spirit, which I was taught to believe was Characteristick of this people—Colonel Enos who had the Command of Arnold’s Rear Division is returned with the greater part of his Men, which must weaken him so much as to render him incapable of making a successful attack on Quebec without assistance from General Montgomery: I hope he will be able to give it to him, and by taking that City finish his glorious Campaign.
I have Nothing material to communicate to you from hence, I am making every Disposition for Defence by throwing up Redoubts—Half Moons &c. along the Bay, some of which have been constructed under the Enemy’s Guns, but they have not given us the least Disturbance, I suppose Mr Howe waits the arrival of his Reinforcement, when probably he will attempt Something—He has sent out about 300 Men Women and Children last Week, they give shocking accounts of the Want of Fuel & fresh provisions—General Burgoyne is gone or going Home. I am Dear Sir with great Regard Your most obedt h: Servt

Go. Washington

Dear Sir
The 30th November 1775

Last Evening I received the agreeable account of one of our armed Schooners having taken a large Brigantine laden with Military Stores, the Inventory of which I have the pleasure to inclose you, but let not this acquisition prevent your sending what Stores you can spare—We shall want them all—adieu my dear General I wish you a Return of your Health and am Your assured H: Servt

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 28 November 1775
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Tyonderoga [N.Y.] Nov: 28th 1775.

The Evening before General Montgomery landed on the Island of Montreal, Mr Carlton embarked his Garrison on Board of some Vessels and small Craft, And made two Attempts to pass our Batteries near the Mouth of Sorrel, but was drove back by Colo. Easton, who has behaved with Bravery & much Alertness; On the 19th Mr Carlton disguised En Canadien & accompanied by six Peasants, found Means to make his Escape. Brigadier General Prescott surrendered next Day by Capitulation. What Terms General Montgomery has given him, I do not know as he was so hurryed in preparing to move immediately to Quebec, that he could not find Time to send them. Prescott & the Officers arrived here at four to Day. I have just recd a Return of the Officers, Men, Vessels & stores taken, which I do Myself the Honor to inclose.
Your Excellency’s Favor of the 16th November I received two Days ago. I believe some Cannon & Mortars may be spared, but none Except what I have sent across Lake George, can be got down, until that or this Lake Freezes over. I have a very fine thirteen Inch Mortar here, and I will make a Push to get her over the Lake. But where will You get Shells. we have none here?
Mr Livingston, Mr Langdon & Mr Paine arrived here at seven this Evening. The Season was so far advanced that I could not wait the Orders of Congress upon sundry Matters, which appeared to me absolutely necessary to be carried into immediate Execution. I am however happy to find, that Every Measure I have pursued, corresponds with the Instructions given to the Committee.
I am informed that Prescott has used poor Walker & Allen with a shamefull Brutality. Of this I shall acquaint Governor Trumbull, to whose Colony I shall send him.

I believe our Army in Canada consists of about One thousand Nine hundred Men including Colo: Arnolds Corps. I have Suggested to Congress that I thought it necessary that they should be compleated to three Thousand, in the Course of the Winter, that they may be ready early in the Spring to put Quebec (of which I make no Doubt we shall possess Ourselves⟨)⟩ into a Proper State of Defence, to prevent the Enemy from regaining that important Place.
I have added that I thought it necessary, that Preparations should be made here, to throw in a Reinforcement early in the spring if they should be wanted.
I expect to leave this in a few Days for Albany. I am Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Very Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 29 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Nov: 29th 1775
Parole Guilford.Countersign Allen.

Capt. Towns of Col. Woodbridges regiment, tried at a late General Court Martial whereof Col. Woodbridge was President for “behaving in an unofficerlike manner, in suffering a prisoner to escape who was charged with an Attempt to steal”—The Court were unanimously Of opinion, that the prisoner is guilty of behaving unbecoming an Officer, by declining to obey the orders of the Qr Mr General, in not assisting to seize a Soldier suspected of Theft, and for suffering the said Soldier, grossly to abuse Col. Mifflin, and therefore adjudge the prisoner to be reprimanded by his Colonel, at the head of the regiment, in the presence of Col. Mifflin; and also adjudge that he pay a Fine of Three pounds, to be appropriated according to the 51st Article of the Rules, and Regulations of the army.
Jonathan Wilkins, Soldier in the same Regiment, and in Capt. Town’s Company tried at the same Court for “an Attempt to steal, and for insolent language to the Qr Mr General[”]—The Court were of opinion that the prisoner was Guilty of abusive language to the Q: M: Genl and therefore adjudge him to be fined Twenty Shillings, to be appropriated according to the 51st Art: of the Rules and Regulations of the army.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 29 November 1775
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Winter Hill, 29 November 1775. Recommends discharge for Ens. Zebulon Drew, who “has been for a Long Time Troubled with a painful Disorder which not only prevents him from Doing Duty at present

but renders it impossible for him to do any further Service during the Campaign & very Improbable whether he will Ever be able to Serve in the field in future.”


Title: To George Washington from William Watson, 29 November 1775
From: Watson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Plymouth [Mass.] 29 Novr 1775

This pr Capt. Martindales Lieutenant, who comes to acquaint your Excellency, that the people on board the Brigantine Washington are in general discontented, & have agreed to do no Duty on board sd Vessel, & Say, that they Inlisted to Serve in the Army & not as Marines.
I believe Capt. Martindale has done all in his power to make things easy—His people really appear to me to be a sett of the most unprincipled, abandond fellows I ever saw—your Excellency knows in what manner to conduct in this matter—I am very apprehensive that little is to be expected from Fellows drawn promiscuously from the army for this Business, but that if people were Inlisted for the purpose of privateering much might be expected from them.
I have just heard that Capt. Coit is at Barnstable—driven in there by two men of Warr—He has sent an express to your Excellency, but I had not the pleasure of seeing him when he passed thro’ this Town. I am your Excellencys most obedient much Obligd Humb. Servant

William Watson


Title: Instructions to John Grizzage Frazer, 30 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Frazer, John Grizzage

[Cambridge, 30 November 1775]

You are to hire & provide in the most Expeditious manner a Sufficient number of Teams, Waggons & Carriages for bringing to Windsor & prospect Hills: such boards & plank as you have purchased at petucket falls upon Meremet River & at Bradford & Hay at Andover or elsewhere, for the hire of which you are to Allow a reasonable price, & in case the owners of such Teams, Waggons & Carriages shall refuse to let the same upon reasonable hire, you are hereby Authorized & empowered to impress the same. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters at Cambridge this 30 day of Novr Annoque Domini 1775.


Title: To George Washington from Moses Gill and John Pitts, 30 November 1775
From: Gill, Moses,Pitts, John
To: Washington, George

Watertown [Mass.] 30 November 1775. Present “Mr Gillam Tailer, a Gentleman from Boston, of a good Family & whose Character is unexceptionable, as being desirous to serve his Country.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge 30th November 1775

I had the honour to write you the 28th Instant by Captain Joseph Blewer—Last evening I received the agreeable account

of the Schooner Lee, Comanded by Captain Manly haveing taken & Carried in to Cape Ann a Large Brigantine bound from London to Boston Loaden with Military Stores, the Inventory of which I have the pleasure to inclose you—Cape Ann is a very open Harbour and accessable to Large ships, which Made Me immediatly Send of Colonel Glover and Mr Palfrey, with orders, to raise the Minute Men & Militia of that part of the Country, to have the Cargo Landed without Loss of time, & Guarded up to this Camp, this I hope they will be able to effect, before it is Known to the enemy, what Port she is Carried into, I sincerely Congratulate you on this very great acquisition, & am Sir Your Most H: St

Go: Washington

Manly has allso taken a sloop in the ministerial Service, & Capt. Adams in the schooner Warren, has taken a Schooner Laden with Potatoes & turnips bound to Boston, & Carried her into Portsmouth.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 30 November 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 30th Novr 1775.

Two days ago I wrote fully to you by Captn Blewer—to this Letter I refer—since which your favr of the 20th with the agreeable Post[s]cript of the 21st, is come to hand, and demands my acknowledgements for the Civility intended Mrs Washington, by you &ca.
I have a very singular pleasure in informing of you, that by Express last Night from Cape Ann, I received the glad tidings of the Capture of the Nancy Storeship from London, by Captn Manley, contents as pr the Inclosed Copy (taken by Mr Pierce to save me, you must know, the trouble of innumeration)—He, unluckily, miss’d the greatest prize in the World; their whole Ordinance; the Ship containing it, being just a head. But—he could not have got both; and we must be thankful, as I truly am, for this Instance of divine favour; for nothing, surely, ever came more Apropos—that no part of it may slip threw my fingers (for I have no doubt, as this Capture was made in Sight of the other Vessell, of there being some bold push to recover it) I, instantly upon receiving the Acct, orderd four Companies down to protect the Stores—Teams to be Impress’d to remove them without delay—& Colo. Glover to Assemble the Minute men in the Neighbourhood of Cape Ann to secure the removal to places of safety.
The colouring of that affair at Litchmores point has been rather too high—The alacrity of the Riffle-men & Officers upon that occasion did them honour. to which Colo. Patterson’s Regiment & some others were equally entitled, except in a few Instances; but the Tide, at that time, was so exceedingly high as to compel a large Circuit before our Men could get to the Causey, by which means the Enemy, except a small Covering Party (distant from the dry land on this side near 400 Yards) had retreated, or were about to Imbark—all the Shot therefore that pass’d

were at a great distance; however the Men went to, & over the Causey (except as before mentioned) spiritedly enough.
This little Manouvre of the Enemy is nothing more than a prelude. we have certain advice of a Scoundrel from Marblehead, a Man of property, having carried in to General How, a true state of the temper and disposition of the Troops towards the new Inlistment; and hath given him the strongest assurances of the practacability of making himself Master of these Lines in a very short time, from the disaffection of the Soldiery to continue in Service—I am endeavouring to Counteract him—how effectually, time alone can shew.
I began our Bomb Battery on Litchmores point last Night, the workg Party came off at day without having met with any Interruption—the weather favourd our operation, the Earth being clear of Frost. Not an Officer in the Army but looks for an Attack. this has no effect upon the Connecticut Regiments they are resolved to go off. My best respects to Mrs Reed & any other Friends—be assurd I am Dr Sir Yr Affecte

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 1 December 1775
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp in Cambridge December 1st 1775

I shall esteem it as a particular Favour if your Excellency will be so obliging as to recommend my Worthy friend Collo. Henry Babcock to the Honorable Continental Congress to be appointed to the Rank of Brigadier Generall in the Continental Army.
I have been upon Service with him several Campaigns the last War and have seen him in Action behave with great Spirit and Fortitude when he had the command of a Regiment, he has this

day been very Serviceable in assisting Me in quelling a Mutiny and bringing back a number of Deserters.
Your Excellency well knows I am in great want of a Brigr Genll in my Division, and such a One as I can put Confidence in, and rely upon, I know of no Man who will fill the Vacancy with more Honor, than the Gentleman above named. I have the Honor to be with Great Truth & Regard Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Most Hume Servt

Israel Putnam M.G.


Title: To George Washington from the Stonington Committee of Safety, 1 December 1775
From: Stonington Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
Stonington [Conn.] December 1st 1775

Recd Your Excellency’s Orders of the 27th Ult. Accompanied with the Papers belonging to the Sloop Warren, now in this port, and in consequence the Committee convened, and have taken the same into Consideration, and find that John Denny the Master of Said Sloop is a Native of Great Britain & is Suspected to hold principles Inimical to this Country, Wherefore we dont think Proper to discharge Sd Vessel & Cargo at present. And not having the Advantage of Such evidences and other Circumstances as may be Obtain’d, have therefore postponed the enquiry & Consideration thereof to the 8th day of January Next—in the mean time have Ordered Proper care to be taken of the Cargo, and the Vessel moored in a Proper place of Safety, Any further orders from your Excellency shall be cherefully comply’d with by your Excellencys most Obedient And Very humble servants.

Signed pr Order and in behalf of the Committee
Joseph Denison Chairman


Title: General Orders, 2 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Decr 2nd 1775. (Cambridge)
Parole.Countersign.

James McCormick of Capt. Dibble’s Company, in Col. Woodbridges Regt tried at a General Court Martial, for “striking General Putnam’s horse, and saying at the same time, d—mn you! who is there? clear the road; and for repeatedly leaving the camp without orders”—The Court are of Opinion that the Prisoner is Guilty of breach of the 3rd, 15th, 16th & 17th Articles of war, and adjudge him to receive thirty-nine Lashes on his bare back—Serjeant James King of Col. Paterson’s regt tried at the same General, upon an appeal from a regimental, Court Martial. The Court were of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of being absent from his regiment without leave, and of striking and abusing Serjt Goodrich, when in the execution of his duty, and therefore adjudge the prisoner, to be reduced to the Ranks, and pay a fine of Twenty Shillings, to be appropriated according to the 51st Article of the Rules, and Regulations of the army.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 2 December 1775
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Decemr 2d 1775.

Your severall Letters from the time the Committee left the Camp to the 19th of November inclusive being duly Rec’d, were laid before Congress, on which, as well as on the Report from their Committee, they have Come to sundry further Resolutions, which I have the honour to inclose you—The Money order’d is getting ready and will be forwarded with all possible Expedition—The Congress have Resolved to make a further Emission of Three Million of Dollars, which I hope will be finished, & such supplies forwarded as will Answer your Exigencies and enable you for the future to pay the Army Monthly, and fulfill your other Engagements.
I have nothing further in Command from Congress.
Yesterday we Rec’d Advice by an Express from the Committee of Frederic in Maryland, that Conolly & three Associates were taken prisoners and are now in Confinement in that County—By his Examination taken and the Papers found with him, the Deposition of his Servant, which you Transmitted to Congress, is fully Confirm’d.
This Day we Receiv’d Advice from Northampton in Virginia, that Lord Dunmore has Erected his Standard at Norfolk, proclaim’d Martial Law, invited the Negroes to Join him, and offer’d them Freedom, for which purpose he has issued a proclamation from on board the Ship where he Resides; and that Two Counties have been Obliged to Submitt to him—However I hope such measures are taking as will speedily and effectually Repel His Violences and secure the peace & safety of that Colony.
The Committee have just brought in their Report on the Vessell taken by the People of New Hampshire. As soon as the Congress have come to a Determination thereon I shall do myself the pleasure of Transmitting it to you. In the mean while with sincere & hearty wishes for your Safety, Happiness & prosperity, I have the Honor to be, Sir Your most Obedt hume servt

John Hancock President

I forward you severall Commissions for the Officers of the Arm’d Vessells, also a Number of printed Articles for the Regulation

of the Army as Amended[.] For the Recommendation of Mr Crafts & Trott to be Appointed Officers in the Regiment of Artillery, and the Steps to be pursued with Respect to the Release of Coll Ethan Allen, I beg leave to Refer you to the Resolves Inclos’d.
I inclose you a Commission for Henry Knox Colonell of the Regimt of Artillery.
The Inclos’d Accott of Advances to the Rifle Companies you will please to order the Pay Master to Deduct from their Pay agreeable to the severall Charges.
Please to forward the Inclos’d Letters.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 2 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 2 Dec. 1775. On 15 Dec. GW wrote to Reed: “I have had the pleasure of receiving your Favours of the 28th Ulto and 2d Instt.”


Title: To George Washington from Eleazar Wheelock, 2 December 1775
From: Wheelock, Eleazar
To: Washington, George

Dartmouth College [N.H.]Decr 2d 1775
Much Hond & Respected Sir.

On the 13th Ult. the Famous Major Rogers came to My House from a Tavern in the Neighbourhood where he calld for Refreshment—I had never before Seen him—he was in but ordinary Habit for one of his Character—He treated me with great Respect—Said he came from London in July, and had Spent 20 Days with the Congress in Philadelphia, and I forget how Many at New York—had been offer’d & urged to take a Commission in Favor of the Colonies but as he was Now in half pay from the Crown he thought proper not to accept it—that he had fought two Battles in Algiers under the Dey—that he was Now on a Design to take Care of Some Large Grants of Land Made to him—that he was Now going to visit his Sister at Moor’s Town—and then return by Merimac River to visit his Wife whom he had not Yet Seen Since his Return from England—that he had got a Pass or Licence to Travel from the continental Congress—that he came in to Offer his Service to procure a large Interest for this College—that the Reputation of it was great in England—that Lord Dartmouth and Many Other Noblemen had Spoken of it in his hearing with Expressions of highest Esteem and Respect—that Capt. Holland Surveyor General Now at New York was a great Friend to Me and the College and Would assist me in the Affair—and that Now was the most favourable Time to apply for a large Grant of Lands for it.
I Thanked him for Expressions of his Kindness but after I had Shown Some coldness in Accepting it he proposed to write Me in his Journey & let Me know where I might write him, and he Should be ready to perform any friendly Office in the Affair—He Said he was in hast to pursue his Journey that Evening. he went to the aforesaid Tavern and tarried all Night, the next Morning told the Landlord he was out of money & could not pay his Reckoning which was three Shillings but would pay

him on his Return Which Would be within about three Months. And went on his Way to Lyme Since which I have heard Nothing from him. But Yesterday two Soldiers vizt Palmer of Orford (whom they Say was Leiut. under Colonel Beadle) and Canada of Haverhil on their Return from Montreal informed Me that Our Officers were Assured by a Frenchman a Captain of the Artilery whom they had taken Captive that Major Rogers was Second in Command under General Carlton, and that he had lately been in Indian Habit through Our Encampments at St Johns and had given a plan of them to the General And Suppose that he Made his escape with the Indians which were at St Johns. This accot is according to the best of My Remembrance—If it Shall prove of any Service to detect Such an Enemy I Shall be glad if not My Intension will, I trust apologize for what I have wrote—I am Much Hond Sir with much Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and very humble Servant

Eleazar Wheelock


Title: General Orders, 3 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 3rd 1775
Parole Sawbridge.Countersign Hartley.

It is with surprise and Astonishment The General learns, that notwithstanding the Information that was communicated to the Connecticut Troops, of the Relief being ordered to supply their places, by the 10th of this month; that many of them have taken their Arms with them, and gone off, not only without leave, but contrary to express Orders; this is therefore to inform those who remain, that the General has sent an Express to the Governor of Connecticut, with the names of such men as have left the Camp, in Order, that they may be dealt with, in a manner suited to the Ignominy of their behaviour. The General also informs those who remain, that it is necessary for them to obtain a written discharge, from the Commanding Officer of the Regt they belong to, when they are dismissed on the 10th Instant; that they may be distinguished from, and not treated, as Deserters.
The Colonels and commanding Officers of the Connecticut Regiments, are to give in the Names of all those of their respective regiments, for the purpose abovementioned.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Glover, 3 December 1775
From: Glover, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Honored Sir
Beverly [Mass.] Decembr 3 1775

I have the pleasure to Inform your Excllencey that Capt. Manly in your Schr Lee Brought into the Mouth of Marblehead harbour this Morning, the Ship Concord James Lowrie Master from Glassco; the Invoices and all the papers on Board her have Sent forward By Capt. Richd James, the Ship Immeadatly on her Comeing into Marblehead, order her, to Beverly, as She was Turning in, got a ground on the Barr, But hope She will Recd No Damage Capt. Bartlitt & I Shall take all the Cear of the

Ship & Cargo posable Can Be taken. I am Sir your Excllencey Most Humble Servant

Jonathan Glover


Title: To George Washington from William Palfrey, 3 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Palfrey, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Palfrey, 3 Dec. 1775. On this date Palfrey informed GW: “I wrote this Morning to acquaint you of the Capture of the Ship from Glasgow.”


Title: To George Washington from Captain William Palfrey, 3 December 1775
From: Palfrey, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Salem [Mass.] 3d Decr 1775

I wrote this Morning to acquaint you of the Capture of the Ship from Glasgow, since which we have been busily employ’d in getting her Cargo into small Craft, in order to get her off the Ground where she stuck in coming in, & hope to be able to hawl her to the Wharf to-morrow morning—This afternoon I have been procuring a number of Horses to carry the Baggage Waggons & Gun Carriages to Cambridge, & intend to begin upon that Business to-morrow Morning. Your Excellcy may be assur’d I shall lose no time in sending forward the Stores as fast as possible. I hope General Lee will not be uneasy at my long stay.

The Agents have so much on their hands that is impossible for them to go through the Business without some assistance & I beg Sir you would be so obliging as to mention the matter to Genl Lee & let me know his mind.
Capn Bartlett requests the favor of your Excy to send him a supply of Cash, about 5 or 600£ to be accounted for by him as he has all the Waggons & other Charges to pay & has expended upwards of two hundred Pounds of his own Mony. you’ll please to send him this by the earliest opportunity.
As the Minute Companies of this & the Neighbouring Towns, are on duty at Cape Ann I have applied to the Commanding Officer of the Independent Company here who has been so kind as to let me have a file of men to escort the Prisoners to Cambridge & they will sett off in the morning.


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 3 December 1775
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Dembr 3d 1775

Two Letters from you came to hand this Week dated Nvmr the 6th & 12th. I also recieved the one by Mr Gilpin which I men⟨ti⟩on’d in my last—I am glad to hear Mr Harrison is with you—I shall alter the Servts Hall—If it is not Intended for a Wash House one of the Chimneys is rather larger than it shoud be, it was done by Mrs Washingtons Derection, but as they have the same outward appearance I know of no inconvenience that

will arise from it. Knowles has been Sick or rather got hurt, so that he has done no Worck for 10 Days past, otherwise the Chimneys woud have been done. as it is, they are not.
I really cannot inform you whether Adams has made deeds for his land or not, If he has, it has been done very lately—Mr Stone is now at Portobacco Dr Jennifer Inform’d me that when the Partys had met together for that purpose—Mr Stone found that he had left some of the papers relative thereto at Anapolis so that it coud not be done, Dr Craik has promise’d to have it done, Jennifer Adams was here on tuesday he says, wednesday was the Day appointed for doing it, & he was going home for that purpose, he came up to clear himself of the charge against him for sellg Timber, he declares he did not cut down a Single Tree but that some Timber which had been saw’d for the purpose of makeg Staves & what lay in the ground, where I had seen them clearg when there last March, was what he had sold amountg to 3000 Staves—this Timber woud have rotted or have been Burnt, & When he promised not to Cut any timber he really never thought of this or he shoud have mentione’d it as he always Intended to sell it. I will go to Portobacco this Week comeg in & if I find you may be off your Bargain with Adams with Honour, it shall be but really If I cou’d collect Money these troublesome times I woud gladly take it myself upon the Terms you are to have it. I told Adams the other Day I was then about going down to bring up the Negroe Fellow, he said he woud diliver him, but he verily believe’d the Fellow woud Run away immediately, for he was so attachd to his Wife & children that he had repeatedly declared he had rather Die than leave them. & that the Fellow begs he may be sold, as there is no chance of his wife & children being sold—Adams said you promised if the[y] were you woud purchase them—they belong to one of his Sisters. I verily believe without the matter is done by the Convention, there will be no attempts made towards Stoping the Navagation of Potowmack or Erectg Batterys to prevent Ships from comeg up—If it is done it must be at Indian Head—it serves to talk about—but no more for I cannot find that the people are any ways incline’d to set about a worck of that sort—I believe whatever is done must be by a Battery, for the Channel is too wide to do it otherwise—I will go down to Colo. Masons

to morrow & have some farther Conversation with him upon the subject—our Convention is to meet next Fryday, but I believe he is not well enough to attend altho much better than he has been for some time, he was in Alexandria the other Day at the chooseg of a Committee for the C[oun]ty. it was publickly said the Committee that the people had in view to chuse, were such as cou’d Scarcly write their names—but they chose the old ones with very little Alteration—Conwey, Kirk, & James Wren, are new, Cockburn, Moody, Seale, Ed. payne & Henderson were left out of the old ones.
I suppose before this comes to hand you will hear that connelly is taken—he was passing through Fredrick Cty Maryland, in some measure disguise’d but was known by a Boy who met him on the road. he spoke of seeg mjr Connelly—a party immediately assembled pursued & took him with two others, one of them, is a Dr Smith liveg below Portobacco, Mr Harrison can tell you who he is—this man was to be surgeon to the Regiment, to be Rais’d by Connelly he being the Colo.—it appears by Connellys Commission & instructions, that the man who wrote to you (which letter you sent me) told the Truth. Conelly was to meet Dunmore at Alexandria by the 20th of April—but I hope the Scheme in part is now Flustrate’d. our minute Scheme does not Equal the Conventions Expectation. the people do not come readily into it—I believe in very few Districts in the Colony—it is thought the Convention will make some alteration—By Mrs Washington Cleveland wrote to you, I desired he woud be very full, I suppose he was, I expect him here shortly & if there is any thing undone that shoud be done I Shall take care to have it done—The Paint⟨er⟩ was one among the Prisoners taken at Hampton, after recieveg a wound in the thigh—& is now in jail at Wmsburg the wound almost well—I have wrote to Colo. Lewis desireg he woud order him up to Fredrixburg, if he cannot sell him in Wmsburg, & sell him to some of the back people, after Whipg him at a Publick whiping Post—my information is from Thos Davis by last Post—he calls himself Joseph Wilson but acknowledges himse[l]f to be your Servt, & that he Run away from Colo. Lewis, but is unwiling to be sent back.
Our Dunmore has at length Publishd his much dreaded proclamation—declareg Freedom to All Indented Servts & Slaves

(the Property of Rebels) that will repair to his majestys Standard—being able to bear Arms—What effect it will have upon those sort of people I cannot tell—I think if there was no white Servts in this family I shoud be under no apprehensition about the Slaves, however I am determined, that if any of them Create any confusition to make & [an] example of him, Sears who is at worck here says there is not a man of them, but woud leave us, if they believe’d they coud make there Escape—Tom Spears Excepted—& yet they have no fault to find[.] Liberty is sweet.
I agree with you that this is no time to be paying Wagers to hirelings—you say Bishup you keep out of Charrity—Stone may be Usefull & you woud not shuse to part with him, (he is a good hireling) the Miller then is the only one you have beside & he you know, is ingage’d for a year to come. I can assure you I have had it in contemplation to part with him, if it coud be done, for to me it seemeth odd, to pay a man high Wagers as a Miller, & the Mill to Stand Idle—but I hardly think he is so Silly as to be off his Bargain.
You are pleased to say you put much confidence in my Honesty integrity & Fidility, I hope I never have or ever shall give you cause to alter your opinion, If I ever injured anyone it was my self. I believe I have Neglected my own Business but never yours or any man who I have serve’d. I think to grind up about 100 Barrels of Flour perhaps some one may want it, as the Congress have allowd it to be Exported for the purpose of getg Arms & Amunition—I shall Husband all the money that Falls in my Hands, your Rents I will endeavour to have Collected.
My Best Respects to Mrs Washington Custis & his Lady & believe me Dr Sir Unalterally yours &c.

Lund Washington

I have never seen Edmd Randolph.


Title: General Orders, 4 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Qrs Cambridge, Decr 4th 1775.
Parole Cushing.Countersign Payne.

Lieut. Col. Enos, tried at a late General Court Martial whereof Brigadier Genl Sullivan was president, for “leaving his Commanding Officer without permission, or orders, and returning to Cambridge”—The Court after mature Consideration of the Evidence, are unanimously of Opinion, that the prisoner was by absolute necessity obliged to return with his division, and do therefore acquit him with honour—The General orders Lieut. Col. Enos to be forthwith released from his arrest.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 4 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge 4th December 1775

I had the honor of writeing to you the 30th Ulto incloseing Inventory of the Military Stores, taken on board the Brig Nancy, by Capt. Manly of the Armed Schooner Lee—I have now to inform you that he has Since sent into Beverly, a Ship named the Concord, James Lowrie Master, from Grenock in Scotland bound to Boston. She has on board dry goods & Coals to the value of £3606.9.7 Stg Shipd by Crawford Anderson & Co. & Consigned to James Anderson Merchant in Boston—it is mention’d in the Letters found on board that this Cargo was for the use of the Army, but on a Strict examination I find it is realy the property of the Shippers & the person to whom Consigned, pray what is to be done with this Ship & Cargo? and what with the Briga. which brought the Military Stores?
It was agreed in the Conference Last October “that all vessells employed merely as Transports & unarmed, with their Crews be Set at Liberty upon giveing Security to return to Europe but that this Indulgence be not extended Longer than till the first of April next.[”]
in the shippers Letter they mention, “you must procure a Certificate from the General & Admiral, of the Concords being in the Government Service, Such as the Glasgow Packett brought with her, which was of great Service, procured a Liberty to arm

her which was refused us. allso gave her a prefference for Some recruits that went out in her[”]—in another part of their Letter they Say—“Captain Lowrie will deliver you the Contract for the Coals, we gave it to him, as it perhaps might be of use as a Certificate of his ship being employed in the Government Service[”]—every Letter on board breathes nothing but enmity to this Country, & a vast number of them there are.
It is Some time Since I recommended to the Congress, that they woud institute a Court for the trial of Prizes made by the Continental Armed vessells, which I hope they have ’ere now taken into their Consideration, otherwise I shoud again take the Liberty of urgeing it in the most pressing manner.
The Scandalous Conduct of a great number of the Connecticut troops has Laid me under the necessity of Calling in a body of the Militia, much Sooner than I apprehended there woud be an occasion for Such a Step, I was affraid Some time ago that they woud incline to go home when the time of their Inlistment expired. I calld upon the officers of the Severall Regiments to Know, whether they Coud prevail on the men to remain untill the first of January or till a sufficient number of other forces Coud be raised to Supply their place. I Suppose they were deceived themselves, I Know they deceived me, by assureances that I need be under no apprehension on that Score, for the men woud not Leave the Lines—Last friday Shewed how much they were mistaken, as the Major part of the troops of that Colony, were goeing away with their Arms & Amunition, we have however by threats, perswasion & the Activity of the people of the Country who Sent back many of them that had Set out prevaild upon the most part to Stay[.] there are about 80 of them missing.
I have Call’d in 3000 men from this Province and General Sullivan who lately returned from the Province of New Hampshire, haveing informed me that a number of men were there ready at the Shortest notice, I have demanded 2000 from that Province, these two bodies I expect will be in by the 10th inst: to make up the defficiency of the Connecticut men, whom I have promised to dismiss on that day, as well the numbers to whom I was Obliged to grant Furloughs before any woud Inlist.
As the Same deffection is much to be apprehended, when the

time of the Massachusetts Bay, Newhampshire, & Rhode Island Forces are expired, I beg the attention of Congress to this Important Affair.
I am informed that it has been the Custom of these provinces in the Last War, for the Legislative power, to order every town to provide a certain quota of men for the Campaign—this or Some other mode shoud be at present adopted as I am Satisfied the men Cannot be had without this, the Congress will please to take into their imediate Consideration my Suspicions on this head I shall allso Comunicate to the Governors Trumbull & Cooke allso to the New Hampshire Convention.
The Number Inlisted in the Last week are about 1300 men, by this you See how Slow this important work goes on—inclosed is a Letter wrote to me by General Putnam, reccomending Colonel Babcock to the Brigadier Generalship now Vacant in this Army—I Know nothing of this Gentleman, but I wish the vacancy was filld, as the want of one is attended with very great inconveniencies.
An Express is just Come in from General Schuyler, with Letters from Colonel Arnold & General Montgomery, Coppies of which, I have the honour to inclose you, upon the whole I think Affairs Carry a pleaseing Aspect in that Quarter[.] the reduction of Quebec is an Object of Such great importance that I doubt not the Congress will give every assistance in their power for the Accomplishing it this Winter.
by the Last Accounts from the Armed Schooners Sent to the River St Lawrence, I fear we have but little to expect from them, they were falling Short of provision, & mention that they woud be obliged to return, which at this time is particularly unfortunate, as if they chose a proper Station, all the vessells Comeing down that river must fall into their hands—the plague trouble & vexation I have had with the Crews of all the armed vessells, is inexpressable, I do believe there is not on earth, a more disorderly Set, every time they Come into port, we hear of Nothing but mutinous Complaints, Manlys Success has Lately, & but Lately quieted his people[.] the Crews of the Washington & Harrison have Actually deserted them, So that I have been under the necessity of ordering the Agent to Lay the Later up, & get hands for the other on the best terms he Could.

the House of representatives & the Honble Board have Sent me a vote of theirs, relative to the harbour of Cape Cod, which you have herewith—I Shall Send an Officer thither, to examine what Can be done for its defence, tho I do not think I Shall be able to give them Such Assistance as may be requisite, for I have at present neither men, powder, or Cannon to Spare.
the great want of powder is what the Attention of Congress Should be particularly applied to, I dare not attempt anything Offensive, Let the temptation or advantage be ever So great, as I have Not more of that most essential article than will be absolutely necessary to defend our Lines, Shoud the enemy Attempt to attack them.
By recent information from Boston, Genl Howe is goeing to Send out a number of the Inhabitants in order it is thought to make more room for his expected reinforcements, there is one part of the information that I Can hardly give Credit to. A Sailor Says that a number of these Comeing out have been innoculated, with design of Spreading the Smallpox thro’ this Country & Camp. I have Communicated this to the General Court & recomended their attention thereto.
they are arming one of the Transports in Boston, with which they mean to decoy Some of our armed vessells, as we are apprized of their design, I hope they will be disapointed.
My best respects wait on the Gentlemen in Congress, & I am Sir Your most Humb. & Ob. Sert

Go: Washington

P.S. I was misinformd when I mentiond that one Regimt had arrived at Boston, a few Companys of the 17th & Artillery were all that are yet come—Near 300 persons are Landed on point Shirly from Boston.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Alexander McDougall, 4 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Sir
Cambridge December 4. 1775

Henry Knox Esqr. having informed me by a Letter from New York of the 27 Ultimo that upon his application you had been kind enough to promise your good offices in Congress, to have Twelve good Iron four pounders, with a Quantity of Shells & Shot directly sent to this Camp and also to spare Two Brass Six pounders; I have now the pleasure to acquaint you, that we are fully supplied with Shells & Shot from the Storeship, which has fortunately fallen into our hands, and there is no necessity that these two Articles should be sent: The Cannon are much wanted, and I shall be much Obliged by your having them forwarded hither as expeditiously as possible. I am Sir Your Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Ramsay, 4–11 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Ramsay, William

Dear Sir,
Cambridge [4–11] Decembr 1775

I am sorry to find by your favour of the 14th Ulto that there is so little prospect of stopping the Navigation of the Potomack, by sinking of Vessels or Cheveaux de Frieze—the Channel being not only deep but wide in those places which you judged most likely to admit of these obstructions—What ever plan you adopt, if executed at the expence of Individuals, should be as extensive as possible in its operation; for you will not be able to get Men to contribute to a Work of defence, from which they derive no advantage, immediate or remote—this is my objection to Colo. Fairfax’s, otherwise I do not know a more advantageous Situation, as a Battery up on the Hill, in Front of the House, could never be hurt by any Ship in the World and would sink any Ship before she could pass it, having the full rake of a

Vessel from the time it comes within reach of its Guns, till it had got out of shot above.
I am not acquainted with the Situation of the Grounds, or bearings of the River at the Indian highlands, so that I can give no opinion of that particular spot; but think the Method you propose of fixing out two Privateers under the Conduct of those Gentlemen you have named aided by a couple of Row-Gallies (upon the Philadelphia plan) not a bad one; but then, I would have these again supported by Land Batteries in some advantageous spot, where the whole might co-operate against any considerable Force, if need be—this Stand of defence I would have as low down the River as a convenient Situation could be found on account of the number of Inhabitants it will cover, and the benefits that will result from it; for I have no expectation that the Committee of Safety will take this matter up, upon a contracted Plan; if they give into it at all, it must be upon a larger Scale.
If you could get Guns, the cost of such a defence as is above describd could not be much—Men’s wages & Provisions would be the chief—the Vessels might, I should presume (Insuring them) be hired cheap—and the building of the Batteries, in a manner nothing, as a few Men would throw them up in a day or two—the Row Gallies would be the principal cost, & perhaps another Privateer might answer the Purpose of them.
I think as you do, that it is high time a test Act was prepared & every man called upon to declare himself; that we may distinguish Friends from Foes; nor have I any Idea of a Set of Men being exempt from the common duties of Society in any Country, or Community where they have been Foster’d in the sweet Injoyment of its liberties.
Finding we had no great prospect of coming to close Quarters with the Ministerial Troops in Boston, I fitted out at the Continental Expence, several Privateers; chiefly with design to Intercept their Fresh Provision Vessels from Nova Scotia & Canada, in which we have succeeded ⟨illegible⟩ in this few days, have taken a Store ship from London with a fine brass Mortar, 2000 stand of Arms, Shot, Shells ⟨&⟩ca to the amount, it is supposed, of £16000 Stg but no Powder—also a Ship of Dry Go⟨ods f⟩rom a Compy in Greenoch, Scotlan⟨d mutilated⟩ Tory in Boston,

worth £3600 Stg; wha⟨t t⟩he Congress will do with the latter I know not ⟨mutilated m⟩atter is now before them.
I am very glad to find that a firm Peace is made with the Western Indian’s; I hope in God it will be lasting—The Ministry are sadly disappointed in their Expectation’s from Canada and that Quarter—the good Wishe⟨s⟩ which accompanied Mrs Washington from her once peaceful & happy abode, cannot but be most pleasing and flattering to me, & lays claim to my warmest thanks—she is not yet arrived—fresh Horses are gone on to meet her—My sincere good Wishes attend your Family, and all our Friends—I am Dr Sir with great esteem Yr affecte H. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Thomas, 4 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Thomas, John

Sir,
Cambridge 4th Decr 1775.

I recollect that when you were here last, you spoke to me in behalf of some Captn who was desirous of raising a Company,

and taking the chance of a Vacancy. The answer I then gave I am not positive, but think I rather declind accepting the offer—upon reflecting more maturely on the matter I am clearly against it—because I am satisfied that if one person is indulged in an application of this sort it will open a door to others, and the Recru[i]ting Service greatly impeded by those who may want to come in, & who will expect to do so if they can have it thought that their success in the Recruiting Service exceeds those of the Officers already nominated—If a measure of this sort was, in a single Instance to be given into, it would instantly create different Interests & do more injury than can well be immagin’d, for which reason I beg of you to discourage every attempt of the kind. I am with esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 4 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir,
Cambridge 4th Decr 1775.

The Officers for the Regiment of Artillery still remaining unfixed, and of consequence the Inlisting men for it greatly impeded, I should be glad as I am a perfect stranger to that Corps if you, with Genls Thomas and Spencer would assist me in Scrutinizing a list given In by Colos. Burbeck and Mason at my desire.
For this purpose you will please to be here to morrow at 11 Oclock. I am with respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 5 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 5th 1775.
Parole Albany.Countersign Bristol.


Title: Circular to the New England Governments, 5 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: New England Governments

Sir
Cambridge December 5th 1775

I have of late, met with abundant reason to be convinced of the impracticability of Recruiting this Army to the new establishment in any reasonable time, by voluntary Inlistments—The causes of such exceeding great lukewarmness, I shall not undertake to point out; sufficient it is to know, that the fact is so—many reasons are assigned, one only I shall mention, and that is, that the present Soldiery are in expectation of drawing from the Landed Interest & Farmers, a Bounty equal to the allowance at the commencement of this Army, and that therefore they play off—Be that as it may, I am satisfied, that this is not a time for trifling, and that the exigency of our Affairs calls aloud for vigorous exertions. By sad experience It is found, that the Connecticut Regiments have deserted and are about to desert the noble cause we are engaged in; nor have I any reason to beleive, that the forces of New Hampshire, this Government or Rhode Island will give stronger proofs of their Attachment to it, when the period of their dismission, (if they claim it) arrives: For after every stimulus which I have been able to throw in their way, and near a months close endeavour, we have Inlisted but about  men, 1500 of which, are to be absent at a Time on Furlough, untill all have gone home, in order that they may visit & provide for their families.
Five Thousand Militia from this Government and the Colony of New Hampshire are ordered to be at this place by the 10 Instant, to releive the Connecticut Regiments & supply the difiency which will be occasioned by their departure & those on Furlough—These men I am told by Officers who have been Eyewitnesses to their behavior, are not to be depended upon for more than a few days, as they soon get tired, grow impatient, ungovernable, and of course leave the Service—What will be the consequence then, If the greatest part of the Army is to be composed of such men?
Upon the New establishment, 26 Regiments were Ordered to be raised, besides those of the Artillery and Riflemen: of these, New Hampshire has three, Massachusets Sixteen, Rhode Island two & Connecticut five—A mode of appointing the Officers was recommended, and as strictly adhered to, as circumstances

would admit of; These Officers are now Recruiting with the success I have mentioned.
Thus Sir have I given you a true & impartial state of our situation, and Submit it to your & the other three New England Colonies wisdom, whether some vigorous measures, If the powers of Government are adequate, ought not to be adopted, to facilitate the completion of this Army, without offering a bounty from the publick, which the Congress have declared against, thinking the terms exclusive thereof, greater than ever Soldiers had—I have by this conveyance laid the matter before Congress, but the critical situation of our affairs will not awaite their deliberation & recommendation, Something must be done without further delay. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Benedict Arnold, 5 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 5 Decr 1775

Your Letter of the 8 Ultimo with a Postscript of the 14 from Point Levi, I have had the pleasure to receive—It is not in the power of any man to command success, but you have done more—you have deserved it, & before this I hope, have met with the Laurels which are due to your Toils, in the possession of Quebec—My thanks are due, & sincerely offered to you, for your Enterprizing & persevering spirit—To your brave followers I likewise present them.

I was not unmindful of you or them in the Establishment of a new army—One out of 26 Regiments, (likely Genl Putnams) you are appointed to the Command of, and I have Ordered all the Officers with you, to the one or the other of these Regiments, in the Rank they now bear, that in case they chuse to continue in service, & no appointment take place, where they now are, no disappointment may follow—Nothing very material has happened in this Camp since you left it—Finding we were not likely to do much in the Land way, I fitted out several Privateers [or] rather Armed Vessells in behalf of the Continent, with which we have taken several prizes, to the amount it is supposed of £15,000 Sterling—One of them a valuable Store Ship (but no powder in it) containing a fine Brass mortar 13 Inch—2000 Stand of Arms—Shot &c. &c.
I have no doubt but a juncture of your detachment with the Army under Genl Montgomerie, is effected before this: If so, you will put yourself under his Command and will I am persuaded give him all the Assistance in your power, to finish the Glorious work you begun—That the Almighty may preserve & prosper you in it, is the sincere & fervent prayer of Dr Sir &c.

G. ⟨W.⟩

P.S. You could not be more Surprized than I was, at Enos return with the Division under his Command⟨.⟩ I immediately put him under Arrest & had him tried for Qui⟨tting⟩ the Detachmt without your Orders—He is acquitted on the Scor⟨e⟩ of provision.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Benedict Arnold, 5 December 1775
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Before Quebec5th December 1775

My last of the 20th ultimo from Point aux Trembles, advising of my retiring from before Quebec, make no Doubt your Excellency has received. I continued at Point aux Trembles until the 3rd Instant, when to my great Joy General Montgomery joined us with Artillery and about 300 Men. Yesterday we arrived here, and are making all possible Preparation to attack the City, which has a wretched motley Garrison of disaffected Seamen, Marines & Inhabitants, the Walls in a ruinous Situation, & cannot hold out long. Inclosed is a Return of my Detachment amounting to 675 Men, for whom, I have received Cloathing of General Montgomery. I hope there will soon be Provision made for paying the Soldiers Arrearages, as many of them have Families, who are in Want. A continual Hurry has prevented my sending a Continuation of my Journal. I am with very great Respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble servant

Benedt Arnold


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Knox, 5 December 1775
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
Fort George [N.Y.]Decr 5. 1775.

I arriv’d here Yesterday & made preparation to go over the lake this morning but General Schuyler reaching here before day prevents my going over for an hour or two. He has given me a list of Stores on the other side from which I am enabled to send an Inventory of those which I intend to forward to Camp—The Garriso⟨n⟩ at Ticonderoga is so weak, The conveyance from the fort to the landing is so difficult the passage accross the lake so precarious that I am afraid it will be ten days

at least before I can get them on this side—when they are here—the conveyance from hence will depend entirely on the sleding—if that is good they shall immedia[tel]y move forward—without sleding the roads are so much gullied that it will be impossible to move a Step.
General Schuyler will do every thing possible to forward this buisiness. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servan⟨t⟩

Henry Knox

P.S. General Schuyler assures me that although the Navigation thro’ Lake George should be stopt Yet if there is any sleding they shall move on another way.


Title: Enclosure: List of Cannon and Ordnance Stores at Ticonderoga, 5 December 1775
From: Knox, Henry
To:

[c.5 December 1775]

A List of Stores to be convey’d to Camp At Cambridge from Ticonderoga

            12 18 pounders—Iron

             1 do—brass

             2 13 Inch Iron Mortars

             1 7 do

             1 6½ do

             2 do

                   2 Howitz.
                  1 8¼ Inch
                  }
                  Iron

                  1 8

                  1 10¼ Inch

                  1 10

             1 8 Mortar brass

             1 Cohorn do

            11 brass field peices 4-pounders

             1 do 24 pounder

            25 Boxes Lead the quantity in each unknown

            a Small Quantity flints

The beds for Mortars the Carriages for the Cannon are to be

made at Camp except six field Carriages for the brass field peices which are now making at Albany.


Title: To George Washington from Captain William Palfrey, 5 December 1775
From: Palfrey, William
To: Washington, George

Salem [Mass.] 5th Decr 1775

I wrote Mr Moylan Yesterday to acquaint your Excellency (through him) of the progress we had made in forwarding the Ordnance Stores &c. I have since got all the Baggage Waggons & Gun Carriages put together & should have sent them off this Morning, but unfortunately could not procure Harness for the Horses, & the Harness that came with them is not arriv’d from Cape Ann. I have desir’d Capt. Glover (the Agent) to send after them & expect they will be landed here by to-morrow Morning, when I shall send forward the Articles abovemention’d.
There is a large Quantity of Potatoes on board the Ship & Sloop, which if not speedily dispos’d of will perish & be of no Service to any one. Capt. Bartlett begs to receive your Excellency’s Orders respecting them. If you would chuse to have any of them at Head Quarters, he will send them. They are at present very fine.
The Scotch Ship is unloaded, all but the Coals, & the Cargo is deposited in safe Stores at Salem. This was absolutely necessary as the Ship was aground & could not be got off without.
The Mate of the Brig informs me that the Cask of Watch Coats & a box of Buck Shott were taken out at Gravesend & put on board another Transport.
Your Excellency may be assur’d the greatest dispatch in our power shall be made to get all the Stores to Head Quarters as speedily as possible. I am most respectfully Your Excellcy’s obedt humble Servt

Wm Palfrey


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 5 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir.
Cambridge December 5th 1775

Your much esteemed Favour of the 22d Ultimo covering Colonel Arnold’s Letter, with a Copy of one to General Montgomery, and of his to you I received Yesterday Morning.
It gave me the highest Satisfaction to hear of Colonel Arnold’s being at point Levi, with his Men in great Spirits after their long and fatiguing March, attended with almost insuperable Difficulties, and the discouraging Circumstance of being left by one third of the Troops nearly that went upon the Expedition: The Merit of this Gentleman is certainly great and I heartily wish that Fortune may distinguish him as one of her Favorites. I am convinced, that he will do every Thing that his prudence & Valour shall suggest to add to the Success of our arms and for reducing Quebec to our possession—Should he not be able to accomplish so desirable a Work with the Forces he has, I flatter myself it will be effected when General Montgomery joins him and our Conquest of Canada be compleat.
I am exceedingly sorry to find you so much plagued and embarrassed by the Disregard of Discipline Confusion and Want of Order among the Troops, as to have occasioned you to mention to Congress an Inclination to retire—I well know that your Complaints are too well founded, but I would willingly hope that Nothing will induce you to quit the Service but Indisposition, and that Order and Subordination in Time will take place of Confusion, and Command be rendered more agreeable. I have met with Difficulties and Troubles of the same sort and such as I never expected—But they must be borne with.
The Cause we are ingaged in is so just and righteous that we must try to rise superior to every obstacle in its Support, and therefore I beg you will not think of resigning, unless you have carried your application to Congress too far to recede. I am Dear Sir with great Regard & Esteem Your obedient Servant

Go: Washington.

P.S. We have taken a Vessel bound into Boston with dry Goods to the amount of £3600 Sterling, but whether the Congress before whom the Matter is now laid will consider it as a prize, as it is address’d to a Tory only I cannot undertake to say.

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Colonel James Mitchell Varnum, 5 December 1775
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Prospect Hill, 5 December 1775. Informs GW that Private Ralph Morgan of his regiment “hath a Wife and two Children destitute of an House to cover them, & his Household Furniture in the Streets.” Morgan wants an eight-day furlough, “But, as that Regard which the Colo. is happy in paying to General Orders will not admit of a regimental Relief (Morgan declining the Service), begs his Excellency’s Commiseration for the Poor Man.”


Title: General Orders, 6 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Dec: 6th 1775
Parole Philadelphia.Countersign Allen.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 6 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Cambridge December 6. 1775

Your favours of the 25 & 30 Ultimo I received, and am to inform you that from the good Character you gave of Mr Aborn, I ordered the Agent in whose care his Vessell was, to deliver her up to him; There were other circumstances too, that were favourable to Mr Aborn & Induced a beleif that he was not Inimical to our cause.
I am much Obliged by your kind attention to my two Letters of the 15 & 18 of Novr, and for your promise to lay the matters mention’d in the first before the General Committee, and Ordering the Troops which were on Block Island to this Camp. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 6 December 1775
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia 6th Decr 1775

The inclosed letter from Colo. Pendleton came to hand two days ago, and as it will save a good deal of unnecessary writing, I send it to you. The proclamation there alluded to, we have seen. It proclaims martial law thro Virginia and offers freedom to all the Slaves, calling their Masters rebels &c.—It seems this unlucky triumph over Hutchings with his less than half armed Militia, so dispirited the miserable wretches in that neighborhood, that many have taken an oath of Ld Dunmores prescribing, reprobating Congress Committees &c.—Long before this, Colo. Woodford with 800 good men, must be arrived in those parts, and I make no doubt has forced his Lordship on board his Ships again. All this would have been prevented, if our troops could have crossed James River in proper time, but they were obstructed, & forced to march high up by the Men of War, and indeed, such is the nature of our water intersected Country, that a small number of men provided with Naval force, can harrass us extremely. I have good reason to hope, that in a few weeks, the state of things in Virginia will be greatly altered for the better. I thank you for your list of Armed Vessels, but at present no use can be made of them. I hope some of them will be fortunate enough to meet with prizes eastward. I had not heared of your improvements on the Kanhawa being destroyed, and unless Mr Lund Washington has received very accurate information on this head, I am yet inclined to doubt it; because I see in the treaty lately concluded with all the Ohio Indians, they first inform the Commissioners of the Kanhawa fort being burnt by some of their rash young men, but they promise to punish the offenders and prevent repetition of the like offences. They are very precise in their information, and mention only the Fort, as well as I remember. I hope therefore, that your property may yet be safe. This treaty with the Indians is

the more likely to last, as Connelly, with his little Corps of Officers, are now in close custody in Maryland, having been arrested there, as they were stealing thro the Country to Pittsburg, from whence they were to proceed to Detroit, and with the Troops in those Western parts, Indians &c. he was to have done wonders. This wonderful Man is now in close jail. I congratulate you on the surrender of Montreal, and from Gen. Mongomeries letter giving account of that event, I think we have room to expect that Quebec is fallen before now. A Committee of Congress some time since sent to Canada, have direction to raise a Regiment in that Country, to invite Delegates to this Congress, and to give the Strongest assurances of protection to their Civil & religious rights. I am glad to hear of your getting Cobble hill & I hope it will prove useful to you. We are told that your enemy troops are very uneasy on Bunkers hill. God grant, that their uneasiness may increase to their ruin. No accounts yet from England, but Ships are daily expected. I am, with much esteem, dear Sir Your affectionate and obedient Servant

Richard Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to James Otis, Sr., 6 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Otis, James Sr.

Cambridge 6th Decr 1775.

Copies of the Inclosed Letter I have already written to the Governors of Rhode Island & Connecticut, & shall do the same to the President of the Congress in New Hampshire; as I conceive our affairs are in a very critical Situation.
It was mentioned to me yesterday, in conversation, that the Militia of this Government ordered in, to supply the places of the Connecticut Troops, are allowed 40/ pr Month, of 28 days. The first I highly approv’d of, because I was unwilling to see any inviduous distinction in pay; the never failing consequence of which is, jealously, & discord—But Sir, if the Genl Court of this Colony have resolved on the latter, you must give me leave to add, that it aims the most fatal stab to the Peace of this Army

that ever was given; & that Lord North himself, could not have devised a more effectual blow to the Recruiting Service.
Excuse me Sir for the strength of these expressions—if my Information is wrong (I had it from Genl Heath, who says he had it from a Member of your Court) they are altogether Improper & I crave your pardon for them—If right, my Zeal in the American cause must plead my excuse. I am with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Ser.

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