Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 March 1777
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia [24] March 1777

I receivd your letter of the 21st I was with a Committee of Congress who had the business of the Cartel and other matters under consideration when your Excellencies letter was deliverd me—I had explaind the matter fully to the Congress & Committee I was two hours before the former and two Evenings with the latter—I believe the business of the Cartel will be settled agreeable to your wishes—that is, General How acknowledgeing General Lee a prisoner of War and holding him subject to exchange when ever we have an Equivalent to offer—the full execution of the old Cartel to take place—as your Excellency & General How can agree—with full powers to annex such further conditions as may be thought necessary to promote the comfort & happiness of the unfortunate.
I explaind fully the State of the Army to the Congress—but I fear they can do but little more than has been done—there has gone from this City about 700 men within a Week past a thousand more will be ready in eight or ten days—The Congress have wrote to Governor Johnson to forward the Maryland Troops and to the Governor of the three lower Counties—the Maryland Delagates which arrivd in Town last Night said their Regimts are above half full upon an Average—It is reported with some degree of confidence that the Nine North Carolina Regiments are on their march this side of Virgina—but I have no sufficient foundation for the Report to give full credit to it.
I believe the Congress thinks the alterations of the rout of the Massachusets

Troops exceeding judicious—I explaind to the House your Excellency’s Ideas of the next Campaign—it appeard to be new to them—however they readily admited the probability from the reasons offerd—I yesterday went to View the forts & fortification below the City—I think them quite insufficient for the purpose without a very strong opposition—I have road round the City and up the Scuylkill and give it as my Oppinion that it cannot be fortified to advantage—The approaches may be made so many ways that it would take a greater number of Troops to defend the Works—than would be prudent to have shut up in the City—However I think an advantageous line may be drawn from the Schuylkill to the Delaware—begining at Morris Seat on the Schuylkill & runing from thence to Shippens Hubleys & Dickasons Country Seat over to the Delaware—these posts would be elligible upon the Enemies geting possession of the City.
Inclosd is a return of the situation of the Quarter Master Generals department the Waggons spare Carriages & so not mentiond in the return are in great forwardness General Mifflin informs.
Col. Flours returnd yesterday from Carlille the place for the Laboratory. he has contracted for the Ground provided materials & orderd the necessary buildings to be erectd as soon as possible—There is cast at this place one 12 lb., two Sixes & Two five inch Howitzers—that are good—they will continue to cast about two a Week. Col. Flowers is makeing out a return of the State of his department if he compleats it before this letter goes, I shall inclose it. I am told by the Congress the pay and establishmt for the light Horse is compleated and forwarded.
I have impressed upon the Congress in the strongest manner I was capable the necessity of keeping the pay master fully supplied with Cash—the House requested the estimates—I told them I could not furnish any but the demand would be great—at the opening the Campaign to pay off the old reareages & satisfy the new demands.
There is so much deliberation and waste of time in the execution of business before this Assembly that my patience is almost exhausted. I cannot get the resolve respecting the Cartel past so soon as I want it I know your delicate Situation and the Anxiety you must be under.
I think it is uncertain yet whether General Gates will serve as Adjutant General—I have directed General Fermoy to repair to Camp—What measures the Congress will take respecting the rank of General Officers appointed by the States I cannot pretend to say—the subject has been fully explaind to them and the injury that may arise from things continueing in their present situation.
Colonel Cox is gone out of Town—whether he will accept the appointment of Commisary of Prisoners or not—I cannot tell—I shall write him upon the subject.

A Brigg arrivd this day from Nantz her Cargo consists of 272 Chests of Arms containing Six thousand Eight hundred muskets Sixty Chests of which not being prouved—the Capt. sais he cannot so fully engage for their goodness—but the remaining 212 Chests are very fine provd Arms—Also 1500 excellent double bridled Gun Locks—When this Vessel left France there were great preparations in that Kingdom & Spain for war—which was expected to be general through out Europe.
Another Vessel has Just past up the River from Hispanolea—deep Laded her Cargo unknown.
Major Conner by land from Charles Town S. Carolina advises of a Ship belonging to that State arriving there 8 Days before he left that place with a number of Arms Ammunition &c. & 12 brass Cannon from France.
Nothing could have happend more seasonable than these Arms as the Congress have none in Store—Colo. Flours has about four thousand out of repair—and about 400 that are fit for use—The secret Committee have given me to understand that a large quantity of Arms Ammunition & brass Cannon are dayly expected.
I shall stay to day & tomorrow in Town and then set off for Camp unless I am detaind by the Congress. I am with the greatest respect your Excellencies most Obedient & very Humble Servant

Nathl Greene


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Loring, 24 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Loring, Joshua
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Joshua Loring, 24 Mar. 1777. Charles Hamilton Autographs, Inc., of New York sold an LS that Loring wrote as British commissary for prisoners to GW concerning the “arranging an exchange of prisoners of war, and informing him that a number of American officer-prisoners had deserted from their paroles, setting forth the terms of their paroles and demanding their return to British custody. Loring is assured that such conduct (escaping parole), ‘. . . will not meet with your Countenance & that you will cause them to be immediately return’d to their Captivity. The Gentlemen who remain on Long Island on their Paroles have not suffer’d upon this Occasion more than a Caution against any further Breaches of the Faith & Honour . . .”’ (Charles Hamilton Autographs, Inc., catalog no. 88, item 29, 12 June 1975).


Title: To George Washington from Captain John Paul Schott, 24 March 1777
From: Schott, John Paul
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia March 24th 1777

This is to inform your Excelency that I applyed here for Money Armes and plankits but can’t get it without your Excelency is pleas’d to send me a Warrand I have twenty five men I am oblig’d to pay £1.1 pr week for Each men which I think is too much, if I can get plankits I shall put them in the Barraks at Lancaster I have promiss of about twenty men at fort Lauton where I shall go as soon as I recive your Excelences warrand to traw Money &c. I am very glad to hear of your Excelences recovery and have the Honor of wishing you Helth. I am your Excelences most obitiant and Most Humble Servnt

John Paul Schott Captn

N.B. Your Excelency will be Pleas’d to Derect the above to the Presetent here as I shall Wait for an Answer.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 24 March 1777
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baskenridge [N.J.] March 24. 1777

I have Just now received your Excellencys letter of Yesterdays Date, almost every Matter Mentioned in it Necessary to guard our out posts

from any surprize; at the same time to Harrass them, were Contain’d in a set of Instructions which I gave to Colo. Hollinsworth, on his first going to Quibble Town. I shall again urge the same Matters to Colo. Rumsey, who now Commands there with about 300 men, which is the whole of my Division Excepting, a Guard of a Serjt & 12 here.
I shall send for & Examine Capt. Courtney the Artillery Officer at Long Hill, Indeed I sent this Morning a note to him to be upon his Guard & keep a sharp lookou⟨t⟩ Especially as there was a firing heard in this Ne⟨igh⟩bourhood of near 20 pieces of Cannon & a firing ⟨this⟩ Morning, Again for some hours. the former see⟨med⟩ to be towards Bonum Town, the latter more towards Bound Book—I have been this four Days very ill with a Violent pain in my Bowels—Intense head Ach & high Fever. which has reduced ⟨me to a⟩ lower state than I have been this ⟨mutilated⟩ years. I Express my Wish in a letter Yesterday to Genl St Clair to see Doctr Cochran—nor have I been Able to find Doctr Burnet. I am, &C.

Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 March 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston March 25th 1777

I most Heartily Congratulate your Excellency on the arrival of the French Storeship at Portsmouth Intelligence of which together with the Invoice of the Stores I suppose you Received Some Days Since ⅌ the Express, I hope this to be but the foretaste of a Plentifull Harvest from the Same Quarter, and Indeed this arrival is very Seasonable for without Some of the Arms, I Cannot at present See that it will be Possible

to Arm Our Troops. I hope your Excellency will have Granted the request of the Council in that respect before this Reaches you.
I am Endeavouring to the Utmost of my Power to forward the Troops to the Northward, But the want of Arms and Blankets (to Say nothing of Clothing which altho absolutely necessary might be Sent after them, but to march without either will Cause Universal murmers and Discontent) are great Embarrassments—I am Constantly pressing the Assembly—They are Exerting themselves But to Collect, Arms or Blankets is become almost like the Gleaning of the Vintage, so many have been already Sent out of the State the last Campaign for the Continental Troops, and a large number of Both Articles now in the Hands of the Militia, who are a Broad at Present.
I am forwarding a Considerable Quantity of Powder Lead &c. to Springfield in Consequence of General Knox’s Directions to the Commissary of artillery Stores—and a Quantity of Ordnance Stores, &c. to Tyconderoga to Compleat General Schuylers Demand.
Application has been made to the Assembly the last week for 1500 men for the army at Providence.
It has been reported a day or two past that your Excellency was much Indisposed with a Fever, I hope the report is premature, or if true, that your Health will be Soon restored. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys Obedient Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Jedediah Huntington, 25 March 1777
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

Norwich [Conn.] 25 March 1777

In Obedience to your Excellencie’s Order of the 12th March I send a Return of my Regiment, am sorry it rises no higher, I could go out of Service with more Cheerfullness than I cam into it or make any other Sacrafice to accelerate this important Business—Major Sill will march with a Division of my Regiment as soon as they are able—the Men are but just leaving the Hospital—many of them had the Small Pox severely—three or four died, owing, I believe, to the Badness of the Physick—the Physicians are now better furnished.
The Officers & Men of my late Regiment who were taken on Long Island are applying for Pay for their Arms Cloaths &C. lost in Action

& taken by the Enemy—many came out of Captivity with the Small Pox & were put to great Expence—they ask for a Compensation with a good Countenance because the Assembly of this State have made it to their Militia & New Levies in like Circumstances (whether prudent or not I pretend not to say).
I shall not be at Head Quarters so soon as I hoped and Applications on this Head being importunate I could wish to hear from your Excellency what may be expected from the Continent on these Accounts. I am, with the highest Esteem & Respect Your Excellencies most obedt Servant

Jed. Huntington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 25 March 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany [N.Y.] March 25th 1777.

Yesterday I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Favors of the 12th & 15th instant.
If the Enemy’s Intention is to draw their Force from Canada & content themselves, with preventing Us from Attempting to go into that Country, the Disposition Your Excellency has made of such of the Eastern Troops, as were intended for Tionderoga, is certainly a very judicious one, And if the Intelligence You have received should unhappily prove without Foundation & that which has been given me be Corroborated, by the future Attempts of the Enemy to penetrate from the North, by Hudsons River, the certain Consequence will be the Loss of Tyonderoga, before the Troops that may be at Peeks Kill can afford any Relief, On such an Event I should greatly apprehend the Defection of vast Numbers in this Quarter & beleive the Indians to a Man would join them, from a Principle, almost always predominant in those People. In that Case the Enemy would neither be in Want of Carriages or any other Necessary, Which the Country affords.
Your Excellency observes, that Part of the New York Troops are gone to Tyonderoga, contrary to your Expectation or Design, It is much to be lamented that they could not Even be spared for that. That Part of Colonel Gansevoorts which is in this Quarter, has occupied Skenesborough and Fort Ann, Colo. Van Schaicks Fort George, Fort Edward, Saratoga & this place, At Each of which there are considerable Magazines, but I have lately been under the Necessity of ordering Gansevoorts from the Posts above mentioned, to releive Colo. Elmore who is

at Fort Schuyler & whose Regiment is engaged to the 15th of next Month, beyond Which Not a Man of them will remain, Even one Day. To releive Gansevoorts I have ordered two Companies of the Very few Eastern Troops that have as Yet made their Appearance, and as the Indians have already begun their Hostile Depredations on Lake George and on this Side Fort George, I am under the Necessity of strengthening the Garrison of Fort George, Fort Edward & saratoga, as not a Waggoner or Teamster will stir, beyond the latter Place, without a Good Convoy & because the Garrison at the former place is too weak to afford covering Parties, for the Work men Employed in Constructing the Vessels on that Lake.
Van Schaick’s Regiment is under four hundred, that Part of Gansevoorts which is in this Quarter under two hundred & Livingstons which is to go to Fort Dayton & Johnstown, is under an hundred Rank & File. Warners, which was to have been long since at Tyonderoga, has under fifty Men there, Nor do I beleive that he has many more, Such are the Regiments in this Department. Nor is there the least Prospect that their Numbers will increase, and I fear the Eastern Regiments will not only be far from compleat, but bring with them too Many Boys; With so few Troops We shall not therefore be able by any Means to maintain the extensive Works at Tionderoga and Mount Independance; As I hope by this Day Week to have the Honor of seeing You, I shall take the Opportunity to converse with Your Excellency on the Subject.
General Howe’s Intentions with Respect to Major Edminston, are undoubtedly such as You suspect, & I shall immediately advise General McDougall that Mr Edimston is not by any Means to be permitted to go to Canada, this Way.
On the 20th instant two Officers two or three Inhabitants & some Soldiers, the whole Amounting to twenty six, were attacked on the West Bank of Lake George by a Party of Indians, with whom was discovered one White Man; they Wounded one of the Officers, killed six of the Party & took seventeen Prisoners; On the same Day two Men were made Prisoners by another Party of Indians on this Side of Fort George, trifling as these Affairs are in themselves, their Consequences are very disagreeable, as It retards the Supplies for the Army. I am Dear Sir With Great Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Capt. Francis Wade, 25 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Wade, Francis
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Capt. Francis Wade, 25 Mar. 1777. GW wrote Wade on 28 Mar.: “I have yours of the 25th inclosing sundry Letters and papers.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 26 March 1777
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Providence March 26th 1777

I was made very unhappy a Few days since by hearing your Excellency was exceeding Ill with a feaver, soon after had the pleasure hearing by Mr Learned you were so farr recovered as to be able to ride Out. my fears have not Intirely subsided I am still Anxious for your safety, and, Apprehensive your zeal for the Publick service will Induce you to exert yourself, before you are perfectly recovered.
I wrote your Excellency the 11th Inst., since which our Intended expedition Agt Rhode Island is laid a side, we now Confine Ourselves to a defencive Opposition only—Desertions from the Island are frequent, the Most Intelligent Persons agree the Enemy have Six Battallions of Hessians, and Four of Brittish Troops, the whole about Four thousand Men, Several Inhabitants who came from New Port the Evening of the 23d & 25th Inst. say that all the Enemies Transport Ships are hawled of from the Wharves, their Water In, & Sails bent, & ready for Sailing Sir Peter Parker has sent his Baggage on Board, & was to Embark soon, It is said by their Seamen they are bound to New York, from Appearances they will doubtless soon leave New Port, & probably Join General How.
In my last I intimated to your Excellency, the imposibility of my remaining In a disgracefull Situation in the Army, my being Superceeded must be View’d as an Implicit impeachment of my Character I therefore requested a Court of Inquiry Into my Conduct, I beleive the Time is near at hand when I can leave, this department without any Damage to the Publick Interest when that is the Case I will wait on your Excellency, not doubting my request will be granted, and that I shall be able to Acquit myself of every Charge, Malice, or Envy can bring against me.
General Spencer writes your Excellency very particularly by this Operty. I have only to Add, my sincere wishes for your restoration to

perfect health, and preservation in evry danger, and am Very respectfully Dear General Your Affectionate & most Obedt Hble St

B. Arnold


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 26 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Morris Town 26th March 1777.

Yesterday a letter, of which the inclosed is a copy, came to my hands. The account is confirmed by a Countryman who is since come in—but nothing distinct has yet been received.
The aid required of me in Colo. Hay’s Letter cannot be given. I have no men to oppose the Enemy’s designs in any one quarter, altho’ called upon from every Quarter. All that was possible for me to do towards collecting a force at peekskill I had attempted before.
I had in peremptory terms called upon the Officers of Rhode Island and Connecticut to forward on their Recruits (under proper Officers) as fast as possible, to that place—I had directed such of the New York Regiments as had not been ordered to Ticonderoga, to repair thither. I had requested eight of the Massachusetts Regiments to be marched to that post, and lest these should not arrive in time, I urged Govr Trumbull, in a Letter of the 6th Inst. to send two thousand of his Militia to the same place.
But, sorry I am to observe, the Militia have got tired—And, that the Colonels of the continental Regiments have been greatly deceived themselves—have greatly deceived me, or, the most unheard of Desertions, or most scandalous peculations have prevailed among the Officers who have been employed in recruiting: For Regiments, reported two and three months ago to be half compleated, are, upon the Colonels being called upon in positive Terms for a just State of them, found to contain less than one hundred Men, and this not the Case of a single Regiment only, but of many—In Connecticut alone, by a letter from Genl Parsons of the 6th instant, four Regiments are mentioned as not having more than Eighty Rank & File each.
These Sir, are melancholy Truths, but Facts they are, and necessary to be known to Congress, however prudent it may be to conceal them from the observation of others.
To superintend the Business of recruiting—To see that the Officers were diligent—To prevent Impositions, if possible—to appoint fit places of rendezvous—to see that the Recruits were actually brought to those places, and there equipped and trained for the Feild, were

among the great objects which early, and repeatedly induced me to press the appointment of General Officers—But unfortunately the delay of appointing, being followed by the resignation of some Officers and non acceptance of others, will involve the Army, in a mere Chaos of Confusion at a time when the utmost order and regularity should prevail, and when all our arrangements ought to be compleatly established.
The medical department will, it is much to be feared, be in the same Situation, not an Officer yet appointed to it.
For want of proper and coercive powers—from disaffection, and other Causes, the Militia of this State are not to be depended upon. They are drawn out with difficulty, and at a most enormous expence, as their accounts will shew—They come, you can scarce tell how, they go, you hardly know when. In the same predicament are those of pennsylvania.
Numbers from this State have joined the Enemy, and many more are disposed to do so, as the letter from a Mr Hoff, copy of which is inclosed (corresponding with several others of the same tenor) sufficiently evinces. I have the honor to be with great Truth and Regard, Sir Yr most obt and most hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Small as our present force is, it will be reduced in a few days by the going off of the Jersey 3 Months Men, The Cecil County Militia and the Virginia Volunteers all of whom claim discharges the first of next Month (April) I have sent an Officer express towards peekskill to inquire into the circumstances and consequence of the Enemy’s descent upon that place—not being able to account for Genl Mcdougals (who commands there) and General Clintons, who is at the Forts in the Highlands, their Silence upon this occasion.

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Ebenezer Hazard, 26 March 1777
From: Hazard, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

Fishkill [N.Y.] March 26th 1777

Mr Hazard presents most respectful Compliments to his Excellency General Washington, and begs Leave to inform him that he has received a Letter from Boston this Evening, dated the 20th Inst. from which the following is extracted.
On the 18th Inst. arrived at Portsmouth an armed Vessel, of 14 Guns, from France. Her Cargo consists of Twelve Thousand Stands of Arms, one thousand Barrels of Powder, Flints, Guns for the Frigate there, Woolens, Linens, &c. &c. She has been out forty two Days. A fifty Gun Ship sailed at the same Time, from the same Place, for this Port. We expect her heaving in Sight every Hour. She is richly laden with heavy Artillery and military Stores. Two very valuable Prizes are now riding in the Harbour, both from London. They have Woolens, Linens, and Summer Cloathing to a great Amount.
I had almost forgot to tell you that the Court of France has remonstrated against any more Foreigners being sent to America, and that upon Dr Franklin’s Arrival there they demonstrated their Joy by Bonfires, &c.
The Post adds verbally that thirty Sail of French Vessels are coming under Convoy of the fifty Gun Ship.


Title: From George Washington to William Shippen, Jr., 26 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Shippen, William Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town March 26th 1777

I have the greatest reason to believe that soldiers, when they are dismissed the Hospitals, in which they have been, instead of joining the Corps they belong to, go strolling about the country at their own option, to the great detriment of the service. It is absolutely necessary, that a remedy should be provided against this evil in future, which can only be found in making it an invariable rule to discharge none, without putting them under the care of proper officers whose business it shall be to conduct them to their respective Regiments: A return of his Men so discharged, should be sent to the Commanding Officer of each Regiment. And Regular reports should be transmitted to me of every particular, respecting their dismission; the time, the number, the corps to which they appertain, and the officers to whose care they are committed. Without these precautions, our Hospitals can never answer the ends for which they were intended; and the Army must lose the services of a great many men who are in a condition to render them.
To enable you to establish this rule, I now authorise you to call upon the commanding officer nearest the Hospital from which the men are to be sent, to furnish you with such officers as shall be wanted for the purpose. I am Sir &c. &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Joseph Spencer, 26 March 1777
From: Spencer, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence 26th March 1777

I Receiv’d your Excellency letter of 11th Instt and have carefully Observ’d the Contents Shall Endeavor faithfully to attend your Excellency’s advice therein given. We are but poorly prepar’d to defend the country here with the present Army, But I imagine that there is Great Reason to believe that the Enemy are about to leave Rhode island soon—Sundry people have lately made their escape from thence, they give Accounts of things that seem opposite one another, They say the Officers in Newport are setting up their Garden Fences, and at work on their gardens, as tho they Expected to pertake of the Fruit thereof, that the Enemy are fortifying of late very briskly at the North-End of the Island, which we can discover from the Main. They also say that the Tories Generally say, that the British Troops will Continue there. When I Examin’d those people, which was yesterday, they all agreed that the Transports were all hawl’d into the Channell and all Ready for Sailing Except Nine that lay in by the wharves, and some of them said that the light horse was carried on Bord, there being thirty Six of them, and that Sir Peter Parker’s goods was carried on Bord, which had been on shore, and one of them said he had heard a Soldier Say that the Troops were about leaving that place Generally, and were going to New York, that some would stay something longer and go when the nine Ships Sailed, I Doubt not your Excellency is Endeavoring to prepare against a Junction of their whole Force I wish it may be in your power to be Ready Soon enough for such an Event.
The First Class of the Continental Officers of this state are about leaving the pest house for the Smallpox, the Soldiers will soon begin to take the Infection, General Varnum has been preparing Hospitals several days for that Business There is about Three Hundred & Eighty Inlisted in both Regiments and near half of them, I Believe have had the Small Pox.
I Herewith Inclose to your Excellency the doings Of a Court Martial, by which three soldiers belonging to One of those Regiments are Sentenc’d to Death for attempting to desert to the Enemy, that your Excellency may approve or Dissaprove the same. I have also Sent a memorandum of some Facts Relative to those Criminals that possibly your Excellency will think may be of some weight in the Consideration of the Cause, which is not to be discover’d by the doings of the Court Martial—I Have the honor to be with great Respect and Esteem, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Servant

Jos. Spencer


Title: General Orders, 27 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 27th 1777.
Shepherd’s-Town.Gates.

The General having directed, that all Surgeons, who have the superintendency of Military Hospitals, should send all Soldiers whom they discharge, under the care of proper officers, to join their respective regiments, making report to the Commanding Officer of each regiment of the number of men so discharged, belonging to his Corps; desires that the commanding officer of the department, nearest any Hospital, from which they are to be dismissed, will, upon application of the Surgeons thereof, furnish an officer, or officers, for the occasion, proportioned to the number of men to be comitted to his, or their care, and when any number of men are sent to any of the Military Hospitals to be inoculated, an officer, or officers to be sent with them, from the respective Corps to which they belong, that proper care may be taken of them, whilst under inoculation.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General George Weedon, 27 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Weedon, George

Dear Sir,
Morris Town Mar. 27th 1777

Your Letter of the 10th Instt from Philadelphia came duly to hand; in answer to that part of it which respects Captns Thornton & Washington I have to observe, that upon looking over the list of Virga Officers, and finding that neither of these Gentlemen in the common

course of promotion (notwithstanding the number of vacancies which had lately happend in those Regiments) would, by several, come in as Field Officers, I thought, however great their merit might be, the advancing them at once to the Rank of Lieutt Colonels would (considering the Connexion between us) be looked upon as the effect of partiality—I have therefore made Cap. Washington Major of Moylans light Dragoons—and Captn Thornton Majr of a Regiment to be raised by Colo. Thruston in Virginia, with the chance of being Lieutt Colonel of it, if Angus McDonald refuses that offer. This appointment must, I should think, be more agreeable to Thornton than to be thrown into an Eastern Regiment, provided it could be raised, of which there is little prospect, as the Massachusetts have added a large additional Bounty to that allowed by Congress, which puts a total stop; Henley writes me, to his Inlisting a single Man. Thornton is authorized to facilitate the Recruiting of Thruston Regiment, & will, I hope, exert himself to the utmost in getting it compleated, especially as Thruston[’s] Wound will render it impossible for him to take an active part for sometime to come, & McDonalds acceptance of the Lieutt Colonelcy [is] much doubted here.
I have not yet seen any of the recover’d Soldiers of the third Regiment, spoken of as orderd to this place by you, It is next to Impossible, I find, to get either Officers or Men out of comfortable Quarters, Issue what orders you will for this purpose—nothing, I am convinced, but the breaking of two or three Officers in every Regiment will effect a radical cure of the Negligence, Inattention, and in fact, downright disobedience, which is now so prevalent among the Officers of this Army. and this remedy shall most assuredly be administred.
You conclude your Letter, my good Sir, with an assurance, that you shall see me early in the Summer—surely you meant this by way of Joke or trial only—can you possibly conceive that my consent would be obtaind for such an absence as this? Could I stand justified do you think, in the opinion of the Public, to suffer the Officers of the States to be absent so long at the most important, and active part perhaps, of the Campaign? No Sir, it is neither to be done, nor expected; No Man wishes more to gratifie Officers than I do—Nor can any Man feel more for their private Inconveniencies, because no Person suffers more by an absence from home than myself—but when I forego all the advantages of private Interest, and have more cause to regret my confinement, and may suffer more by it from a peculiarity of Circumstances than any other Man in the Service from a sense of Duty to the Public it cannot be presumed that that Sense which totally restrains my own wishes can give unbounded Indulgences to others. I must therefore inform you, that I cannot consent to your being longer from the Army

than the tenth of May. that will allow you as many Months as I should be sincerely thankful for Weeks, to go home and return in.
Your old Lieutt Colonel Marshall is not yet returnd to Camp, I must therefore desire, that in my name, you will order him, and every other Officer of the Virginia Troops, not actually engaged in Recruiting by proper authority; nor on Furlough; nor on business; having written leave, and written Instructions from General Stephen’s or myself to join their respective Regiments immediately if they went from the Army—If they are from any of the Corps coming on, to execute the Orders they are charged with & come on without delay. My Compliments to all friends I am very sincerely Dr Sir Yrs

Go: Washington

P.S. A Vessell is just arriv’d at Boston with 12000 Stand of Arms 1000 Barls of Gun Powder &ca &ca—from France. A French Man of War, 50 Guns, saild at the same time, for the same place, with 50 Brass Field Pieces & other Warlike Stores—Goods &ca &ca—two Prizes were then in the Harbour, just taken going from Great Britain to the West Indies with dry Goods to the amt of £50,000—this follows 11,000 Stand of Arms &ca just arrivd at Phila. Glorious News this.


Title: From George Washington to Francis Wade, 23 February 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Wade, Francis

Letter not found: to Francis Wade, 23 February 1777. On 4 March 1777 Wade wrote to a committee of Congress that "the Genl [GW] in his answer to me on that head the 23d of last month, says I must not by any means leave this post, & if I want men to Call on Genl Putnam, & he will strengthen me, and farther that I must not give an advanced price for sake of a little Credit" (DNA:PCC, item 78).


Title: General Orders, 28 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 28th 1777
Lancaster.York.

The Execution of Serjt Porterfield is suspended, by order of the Commander in Chief, ‘till Friday the 4th of April.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 28 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

Dear Sir,
Head quarters Morris Town. 28th March 1777

I am glad to discover by your favour of the 26th Ulto that You have a prospect of getting your Horses. We want them much—Inclosed is a Letter to Mr Finnie the Depy Quart. Mast. Genl directing him to supply you with the Continental Rations for Horse. Mr James Mease of Philada, the Clothier General, will furnish you with Cloathing whenever You call upon him & send for them—I presume the Men will have the same Allowance of Cloaths, or Money in lieu, made them as the Foot have. But I question much whether the Public will pay the Expence of such Articles of Cloathing as are peculiarly necessary for the Horsemen. Is not their advanced pay intended as an equivalent for the Boots, Caps &Ca?
I must desire that you will innoculate your Men as fast as they are inlisted; that, while preparations are making for them to take the Field, they may not be retarded on that Account—Let them not at any rate be detained for Carbines; But on the other hand forward them to Camp as fast as a Troop is made up & out of the Small pox—Surely Mr Hunter can furnish Pistols as fast they are wanted.
Before your letter reached me, and indeed before I had information of Colo. Nelson’s desire to enter into the Horse service, I appointed Ott. Byrd to the Vacancy you mention—Altho’ there cannot be the smallest objection of any sort to Colo. Nelson, yet he is now provided for very genteelly & Mr Byrd was entirely out of the service—Terms of distinction can be productive of nothing but Jealousy & Discontent; to obviate all this, I can not consent to your request.
Yr favour of the 17th Inst. this Moment came to hand—I have forwarded yr Letter to Capt. Lewis & am Yr most Ob. Servt

Go: Washington

The Mr Stith I mentioned is here. You may appoint the Gentn you speak of.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 March 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston March 28th 1777

yesterday I received the Honor of yours of the 13th Instant and immediately gave Orders Accordingly.
Brigadiers General Nixon, and Glover with Colonels Greaton, Sheppard, Nixon, Putnam, Wigglesworth, Alding, Bigelow, and late Pattersons, Regiments I have Ordered to Peeks-Kill, Brigadier General Patterson, with Colonels Marshall, Brewer, Bradford, Frances, Bailey, Wesson & Jacksons Regiments to Tyconderoga—Such as are armed & Equipt in those Regiments Destined to Peeks-Kill I have ordered to march Immediately, to that Place and their Clothing to be sent on as Mr Livingston Informs me it cannot be got ready here Soon; Such men as are not armed & Equipt I shall Order Under Inoculation agreable to your Excellencys Orders.
I much Honor your Excellency’s Opinion of the Importance of having a respectable Body of Troops at Peeks-Kill as they will be well Situated to answer those purposes you are pleased to mention should Occasion require it: But if your Excellencys Intelligence that the Enemy mean to Draw a part of their Force from Canada by water be true, is there not Some probability, that they will attempt a Landing Some where more Eastward than their Main Army is at Present—Monsieur Marmadale who Came to Town the Day before yesterday from Providence Informs me that the Enemy (by the accounts of Deserters) have received a reinforcement at Rhode-Island, and that their whole Force is Upwards of 4,000 men, how much Credit is due to the reports of Deserters your Excellency can well Determine.
as to the Harbour of Boston altho it has already Several good works is far from being in Such a Condition as I think it ought to be, a very

Considerable work should be Immediately Constructed on Governors Island (so Called) which has great Command of the Channel and also of the Castle.
The French Brigadier General De Borre is here waiting for orders from Congress or your Excellency, as are a number of Officers of Colonel Faneuils Intended Regt. They begin to grow Uneasy, They yesterday Informed me that they had Spent a Considerable Sum of money, that they were here on Expence that it was Uncertain whether they should be established or not, that they had not heard from their Colonel for Some Time, that Several Vessells were Soon to Sail for France, and that if nothing was in prospect for them they would return, I have advised them to wait a few Days in which Time it was highly probable they would have Some Intelligence from their Colonel—The General has also applied for money, He has as your Excellency will Observe in his agrement with Mr Deane received five or Six months Pay, He Considers that Sum as a Gratification to furnish him for his voyage and not as Pay. His wants are many, I beg your Excellency’s Direction as Soon as agreable—I Know Policy leads us to do much for them, but how far I am to go I am at loss—I have been Obliged, upon his pressing application to give him an Order for Four Hundred Dollars as advance Pay, I have wrote to the Honble Congress on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with great respect your Excellency’s most Humble Ser⟨vt⟩

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Captain Allen McLane, 28 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McLane, Allen

Sir
Head Quarters [Morristown] 28 March 1777

I have certain information that Lord Cornwallis returned from Jersey yesterday, and ’tis said they intend an attack upon this army with their joint force before Genl Green can rejoin us. I therefore depend upon your keeping a very good look out upon their line, and gaining every intelligence from people coming out of Town, that I may have the earliest notice of their movements or intentions I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 28 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Pennsylvania Council of Safety

Gentlemen
Head Quarters Morris Town 28th March 1777

I am glad to find by your publication in the pennsylvania Gazette of the 19th instant that you have compleated your arrangement of Feild Officers, by means of which I hope the recruiting of your Battalions will go on more briskly than it has done heretofore.
By the promotion of Major Butler and death of the Colonel and Lieut: Colonel, the eighth Regiment of your State is left without a Feild Officer, I must therefore desire that you will order the three new Feild Officers to join immediately, for I can assure you that no Regiment in the Service wants them more. From the dissentions that have lately prevailed in that Corps, discipline has been much relaxed, and it will require strict Care and Attention to both Officers and Men to bring them back to a proper Sense of Subordination and duty—By the absence of Colo. Hand, the dismission of Colo. Chambers, and the Resignation of Major Ross (who I see is again promoted) the 1st Regt is likewise destitute of Feild Officers, and what adds to the Misfortune is, that Capt. Hamilton the Senior Officer was unluckily taken prisoner a few days ago as he was reconnoitering. I must therefore beg that you will order Colo. Hand immediately to join his Regiment and to bring with him such of his sick as are recovered, and what new Recruits have been lately inlisted. He left the Army some time ago for this purpose, but tho’ I have wrote to him expressly to come forward, I have never

heard of him, or from him, which I cannot account for, unless my letters have miscarried.
By the late powers granted to me by Congress, I had a right to fill up all commissions under the rank of Brigadiers Genl. But as I thought the Conventions, Assemblies or Councils of Safety of the different States were best acquainted with the persons proper to fill the necessary appointments, I was pleased to see, you had compleated your arrangements yourselves, in the first instance.
In order to prevent the inconveniencies and delays that may arise from any vacancies, that may happen in future, remaining unfilled, I shall take the liberty to make the appointments, always taking Care to pay a due Regard to Seniority, where Merit is equal. I have the Honor to be with Respect & Regard Gentn Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. It is my wish that you would not only compleat the arrangement of your Feild Officers but of your Subalterns also before your Regiments take the Feild.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Francis Wade, 28 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Wade, Francis

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 28th March 1777

I have yours of the 25th inclosing sundry Letters and papers respecting some of the most notorious of the disaffected in the County of Monmouth. It is to ⟨be⟩ lamented that the States will not pursue the proper Methods to root out all such dangerous Enemies from among them, it is not in my power to do it at present, having sufficient work upon my Hands to watch the common and more powerful Enemy—But I hope the time will come, when they will pay the price of their Villanies.
If your private Affairs demand your attendance at home, I certainly can have no objection. You have my tha⟨n⟩ks for stepping forward at a time when the most ⟨mutilated⟩ pre⟨v⟩ail upon themselves to stand their Ground. I do not know what allowance Colo. Trumbull makes to Gentlemen who have acted in your Department but I expect ⟨mutilated⟩ when I will inquire. You may depend upon havin⟨g⟩ what is adequate to your Trouble. I am Sir Yr most obt hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General David Wooster, 28 March 1777
From: Wooster, David
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
New Haven March 28th 1777

I herewith forward The Proceedings of A General Court Martial, held at Fairfield for the Tryal of William Stone, and Alexander Fulton. As They are now confined in Fairfield Goal, which is much surrounded with Tories, and threatned with a visit from Long-Island, I must beg Your Excellencys answer, and farther directions as soon as possible. There being no Judge Advocate, in this part of The Country, I appointed Andrew Rowland Esqr. of Fairfield, to that Office for the above Tryal. Stones crime, demanded a Tryal much earlyer, but he was taken up, and brought to me, when we were on the march, on our expedition against Fort Independance; and since that time, we have been in such a moving state, that we have not had oppertunity to attend to it, with the Strictness that was necessary, I have therefore taken the first favourable oppertunity, to call a Court composed of Continental Officers, & from their known good character, and regard to Justice, and Their Country; I doubt not, the Criminals have had an impartial hearing, and that sentence is given, upon the most mature, and serious deliberation.
I am very sorry to find, the Quota of Men to be raised in This State, for The Continental Army, so far from being Compleated; and very much fear that thereby, Your Excellency will be prevented from taking the Field, with signal Advantage; untill The Spring shall be far advanced. Report here says, that The Enemy are pressing Artillery, and Baggage Horses from the Inhabitants of Long-Island; from The East End of which, I also expect they will gain much forrage, as well as from The County of Westchester; where I do not learn, that any Troops have arrived, since the expiration of The Term of Inlistment, and Departure of The Connecticut Troops; who have maintained The Ground, and in a great degree prevented the Ravages of The Enemy, in that Quarter This Winter. Wishing Your Excellency every possible, and additional Glory and Success I have the Honor to be, most respectfully, Your Excellency’s, most obedient, & most humble Servt

Davd Wooster


Title: General Orders, 29 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 29th 1777.
Allentown.Lebanon.


Title: To George Washington from Elisha Boudinot, 29 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Boudinot, Elisha
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Elisha Boudinot, 29 Mar. 1777. GW wrote Boudinot on this date “I recd yours of this day.”


Title: From George Washington to Elisha Boudinot, 29 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elisha

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 29th March 1777

I recd yours of this day and am much obliged to you for the pains you have been at to obtain intelligence.
I highly approve of your plan to gain more, and enclose you a Sketch of such Matters as it will be proper for your Spy to report to deceive the Enemy. If he can do us no harm by reporting what is intrusted to him—You may add what you please, only taking care to keep a Copy and send it to me, that if any other person should go in upon the same Errand, he may carry the same Tale—Inclosed you have a Blank Pass which you may fill up. I am Sir Yr obliged humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Col. Philip Burr Bradley, 29 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Bradley, Philip Burr

Letter not found: to Col. Philip Burr Bradley, 29 Mar. 1777. Robert Hanson Harrison docketed Bradley’s letter to GW of 24 Mar. in part: “Ansd 29th within.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Morristown March 29th 1777.

I last night had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 26th Instt accompanied by sundry Resolves of Congress & some other papers.
The arrival of the Arms—Locks & Flints you have been pleased to mention, is a most fortunate & happy event. I join you most sincerely in congratulations upon the occasion.
I have not yet obtained a certain account of the expedition against & destruction of Peek’s Kills. Information of those events has not been yet transmitted by Genls McDougal or Clinton or the Convention of the State. there is no doubt, but that the Town is destroyed and with it some Stores; neither the quality or amount of them is known. It is said, that it was done in part by our own people, when they found, that they could not prevent them falling into the Enemy’s Hands. The Ships & Troops have gone down the River again.
Mr Kirkland, the Oneida Missionary arrived here this Week with a Cheif warrior and Five other Indians of that Nation. they had been to Boston and came from thence to this place, to enquire into the true state of matters, that they might report them to a Grand Council to be shortly held. they said, things were so falsely and variously represented by our Enemies through their Agents, that they did not know what to depend on. I invited them to go to Philadelphia, but they declined it, declaring they were well satisfied with what they had seen, and that they were authorized to tell their Nation, All they had heard from the Enemy was false. being told that France was assisting us & about to join in the War, they seemed highly pleased, and Mr Kirkland said, he was persuaded it would have a considerable effect on the minds of several of the Nations and secure to us their neutrality if not a declaration & commencement of Hostilities in our favor. I shewed them every civility in my power and every thing that I thought material to excite in them an Idea of our strength and independence. After staying Two days, they set off for their Nation, expressing their desire of the most speedy return to the Council and professing the most friendly sentiments towards us. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Morristown March 29th 1777.

Since I had the Honor of addressing you this morning by the Return Express, the Eastern post arrived. The Intelligence he brought, is agreable and interesting, as you will perceive by the inclosed Letter from Mr Hazard which I do myself the pleasure of transmitting you. I am happy to say, the arrival of the Ship at portsmouth, and the capture of the two prizes, is confirmed, by other Letters from Gentlemen of Note in and about Boston. Upon these events I give you my most hearty congratulations. Some of the Letters add, that a French General, Coll and Major came passengers in the Ship who are highly recommended by Doctr Franklin.
The Affair of Peeks Kills has not been transmitted me with certainty, but I am informed, the relation of it in Loudons Paper, which I have inclosed, is nearly as it happened. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 29th March 1777.

The Situation of our Affairs again compells me to call upon you in express and positive Terms to hasten the Troops of your State (those inlisted for the continent I mean) to Peekskill and Ticonderoga, in such proportions as I have before directed, without one Moments loss of time. The Enemy have lately, taking advantage of our weakness at

Peekskill, made a descent there, burnt the lower Barracks, our Store Houses, and a valuable parcel of Stores. Perhaps elated by their Success, they may return up the River, and proceed as high as the Forts, which, if they do suddenly, and with any tolerable Force, I do not see what is to hinder them from making themselves masters of them. Those Regiments intended for peekskill may march immediately thither and undergo innoculation ⟨mutilated⟩ except you think ⟨mutilated⟩ pay Mr Jarvis of Boston Ten thousand dollars on account of Ordnance Stores which he has purchased. The Money may be obtained from Mr Hancock the Deputy Pay Masr Genl.
I shall expect to hear from you by the Post every Week and am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 29 March 1777
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Wmsburgh [Va.] march 29th 1777

I am very sorry to inform you that the recruitting Business of late goes on so badly, that there remains but little prospect of filling the six new Battalions from this State voted by the Assembly. the Board of Council see this with great Concern; and after much Reflection on the Subject, are of Opinion, that the Deficiency in our Regulars, can no Way be supply’d so properly, as by inlisting Volunteers. There is Reason to beleive, a considerable Number of these may be got to serve six or eight Months. But as you were pleased to Signify to Me, that great Inconveniences had arisen by the Admission of transient Troops at the Camp, the Board do not chuse to adopt the Scheme of Volunteers, until we are favor’d with your Sentiments on the Subject. I beleive you can receive no assistance by Draughts from the Militia. From the Battalions of the Commonwealth, none can be drawn as yet, because they are not half full.
The Volunteers will consist of men cheifly from the upper parts of

the Country & who would make the best of Soldiers could they continue so long in the Service, as to be regularly disciplined. They will find their own Arms, clothes & Blankets, & be comanded by Captains & Subalterns of their own chusing. The Feild Officers, to be chosen by the others. They will be Subject to the continental Articles of War, & I beleive will be as respectable, as such a Corps can be expected without training.
I cannot speak with any Certainty as to their Numbers. In a very little Time seven companys were made up in Augusta. In the other County’s no great progress was made, because Goverment stopt it on being informed that it was a prejudice to the regular Inlistment. But on the Failure of this, the other may be revived I beleive with Success.
Virginia will find some Apology with you for this Deficiency in her Quota of Regulars, when the Difficultys lately thrown in our Way are considered. The Georgians & Carolinians have inlisted, probably two Battalions, at least. A Regiment of Artillery is in great Forwardness. Besides these, Colos. Baylor & Grayson are collecting Regimts, & three others are forming for this State. Add to all this our Indian Wars & marine Service, almost total Want of Necessarys; The false Accounts of Deserters, many of whom lurk here; The Terrors of the small pox, & the many Deaths occasion’d by it, and the Deficient Inlistments are accounted for in the best Manner I can.
As no Time can be spared, I wish to be honord with your Answer soon as possible, in order to promote the Volunteer scheme, if it meets your Approbation. I should be glad of any Improvement on it that may occur to you. I beleive about four of the six Battalions may be inlisted, but have seen no regular Return of their State. Their scatter’d Situation, & being many of them in broken Quotas, is a Reason for their slow Movement. I have issued repeated Orders for their March long since. With Sentiments of the highest esteem & Regard, I have the Honor to be Sir Yr mo. obt & very humble servant

In Council
P. Henry Jr


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 29 March 1777
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

Peaks Kill [N.Y.] 29th March 1777
May it Please Your Excellency

Since I received Your Favour we have had a Visit from the Enemy at this Post abot 500 in Number after waiting untill they were Landed

Colo. Courtlandts Regiment and my own being all the Men that were present were Orderd to a Hill Back of Mrs Mandeviles House—the Enemy Drew up Opposite on an Eminence fronting us about 400 Yards Disstant when we received Orders from Genl McDougal to Retreat which was done with Regularity after destroying all Stores our Strength being insufficient to remove them this Happened on Sunday last on the Monday following in the Evening their Advanced Guard was Attacked Briskly by one Hundred Men under the Command of Lt Colo: Willett who Obliged them to retire with precipitation to their Main Body no Pursuit being Made the Enemy Reimbarkqued without Molestation and on Tuesday Made sail for New York—The Necessary Occasions of the Regiment Obliges me to Request Your Excellency to Transmit by the Bearer Capt. Lawrence Nine thousand Dollars by the time this Reaches Your Excellency they will have five Months Pay due to them—You will be so Obliging as to Excuse this Scrall as our Inconveniencies are Many at this Place Occasioned by the Greatest Part of our Barracks being Burnt. After Most Respectful Complimts to Mrs Washington I Am with Essteem Your Excellencies Most Obt Servt

Henry B. Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 29 March 1777
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Peekskill [N.Y.] 29th March 1777

It is very mortifying to me to be under the Necessity of informing you, that I was obliged to quit this Post on Sunday last. To be the

instrument of demonstrating to the Enemy, the weakness or supiness of this Country, must be grating to the feelings of any man of sensibility, but more especially to the Soldier. But when I reflect, on the many insults the Commander in Chief has suffered, flowing from the same Source; I submit to my portion of it. It however increases my mortification, that it was not in his power to give me the Necessary Support. I did not think it advancive of the Service, to send Colonel Livingstons Regiment below; but sent a Captains Command from his and Colonel Cortlands, as a reinforcement to the Militia at Wrights Mill, to protect the Forage. This left me with only 240 Rank and File, fit for duty; 15 of which had not Arms, exclusive of a Serjeants Command at Fort Independant. On Thursday the 20th an Artillery Officer taken at Fort Washington was sent out as exchanged. He was escorted by an Officer within a Mile of the Mills, where the Forage lay, owing to our not having any Guards farther advanced. Our Officer informed me, that the Enemy talked publickly of coming up to take off the Forage; which they intended to effect by three movements, one from the Sound, by a landing at Mamarineck, another from Kings bridge, thro’ the Center road, while a Third was to land at Tarry Town, and that the Day he came out he saw the Troops were embarked in the East River, and lying at Hallets Cove waiting for a Wind; and Waggons brought as far as Kingsbridge to carry down the Fodder and the Hessians advanced to Phillip’s Manor. Their speaking so publickly of their design made me doubt of it, But the facts he communicated were so expressive of it, which added to their practise in not concealing their intended movements in the cource of the Campaign, and the importance of the Forage to them, that I was inclined to believe their design against the Forage; and that their speaking so freely of it, arose from their Knowledge of our Weakness. As the Enemy could advance with more facility and in less time to insult this Post, than that at the Mills, I judged it inexpedient to send any more reinforcements to it; there being then 250 men at it. I therefore ordered the Commanding Officer to Hire or impress Twelve good Horses, and mount them with trusty men, to serve as Videts, which he should Post at a secure distance in his Front, and on his Flank to guard him against surprize; and when he should be well assured of a superiour Force moving against him to distroy the Forage; and such Teams as he could not carry off with him, and cover the retreat of the Rest, by taking Post in defiles, and on strong Ground. In the mean time, to use the utmost Vigilance in sending off the Forage, and not suffer any Team to remain there at Night, but to Load them, and send them to the next Days State. All the Artillery and Stores belonging to them were some time ago sent to Fishkill, except two Iron Twelve Pounders and a Brass Three Pounder. The former I judged necessary to risque to annoy any small armd Vessells which

should attempt to stop the Ferry, as they could not readily be got down thro’ bad Roads in their breaking up, As well as the latter to carry into the Field. The Arms Accoutrements, and every kind of Ammunition were also sent, save only a proper Quantity, for 500 Men. There were about 100 Hogsheads of Rum Sugar and Molasses, Sixty Boxes of Soap and Candles, and 600 Barrells of Flour in the Commissarys department. Thirty Tons of Iron and some Nail Rods, and sundry small stores, in the Q.M.G. department. These composed the principal Stores at this Post, the most of which would have been removed in forty Eight Hours, if the Enemy had not disturbed us. On Saturday 9 or 10 Sail were discovered in the North River, two of them came up in the Evening, as far as Tellers point, 12 Miles from hence, the others lay near Tarry Town. It appeared clearly they had troops on board. The Commissary was ordered some days before to clear the Stores near the Water of the Flour, by supplying Fort Montgomery with Six and Fort Constitution with four months Provissions, for 500 men to Garrison each. But the small Craft had been mostly employed to bring up wheat from Tarry Town, which lay exposed to the Enemy. The next Morning a Number of them were collected; and began to load; and the Rum ordered to Jersey was ready to be sent to there, by Water from hence. But the Enemy did not suffer us to Execute our Intentions: At 9 the whole Fleet were under Sail, steering up the River favoured by a fine Westerly Wind, and tide of Flood, and about 12 Anchored in this Bay, The Brune Frigate, the two Gallies taken from us, and a small one built by the Enemy, four Sail of Transports, two Ships and two Brigs, with some small Craft. Upon their first Movement this morning, I sent off an express to Lieut. Colonel Willet to leave a Subalterns Command at Fort Constitution, and march the detachment of Colonel Gansevorts Regiment under his Command to the Barrack No. 2; there wait for Orders, and one to Col. Ludington of the Militia of Dutchess to March as many Volunteers as he could raise into that Fort, which was secure by our being in front of it, and as the attack would first be made on Fort Montgomery. At one OClock they landed in 8 flat bottomed Boats and those of the Ships at Lent Cove, on the South Side of the Bay a Mile and a half from hence. From the Number of boats which were filled with Men, the force of the Enemy was unquestionably far superior to ours, in the opinion of every sensible Officer who viewed them. But I determined to leave no Possibility of being mistaken in their Strength, before I quited the Post. I therefore waited for the Enemy on rising Ground, in the Rear of the Town. They advanced and formed on Croncks Hill within good Musket Shot in our Front. There I was fully satisfyed of their great Superiority and Whenever the heavy Artillery had got some distance in my Rear I ordered the Troops to retire

in good Order on the Road to the pass in the Highlands which they obeyed. The Enemy cannonaded us, but we suffered only the loss of one man mortally Wounded. I ordered the Stores and Mill near the Water which contained provisions to be fired the Rum and Molasses to be Stove. The Ammunition Waggon and Stores belonging to the Twelve Pounder (which for want of Teams could not be carried off) to be blowed up, to prevent their using it against us. And the Barrack about the Town on High Ground to be fired, as the leaving it, compact Quarters for them, would not expose them so readily to be surprized as if they were in detached Houses. But these two last were not destroyed ’till we began to retire. At five I reached Barrack Number two, which is on the Summit of a Bald Hill two miles from hence. Here I took Post, and planted my Artillery so as to cover the Valley, below me, and Mills which contained a quantity of grain and flour; and commanded a Number of Roads leading to the Town. Soon after Colonel Gansevorts detachment joined me; my Scouts informed, the Enemy had taken Post a Mile from me. If I had nothing else to risque, than the small Corps under my Command, I certainly would have opposed the Enemy’s Landing. But the important Posts in my Rear, and the Notorious dissaffection of a great majority of the Vicinity, induced me to Sacrifice the Pride of the Soldier to the Prudence of the General. Such is the State of the ground near the Bay, that if I had moved towards the South part of it, where appearances indicated the place of Landing; before I could reach it, the Enemy would have been advised of it; and by changing the place of landing to the north side; would cut off my retreat to the mountains the direct Road; and obliged me to take a circuit of five miles, to reach my intended Post; while they would be at it, in half the distance. This movement would also have lost my Artillery, and exposed me to the disadvantage of approaching them on strong Ground, to disposes them, or suffer them quietly to possess it. If to prevent these Evils, I had engaged them, and been defeated, the Country would have been struck with a universal Panick; they might have gained the pass of the mountains; and advanced to Fishkill there destroyed the Stores, Arms and Artillery, and move off, before any body could have been collected to oppose them. But by acting on the defensive, I had a body collected, which would by a reinforcement in the Power of the Country, awe the Enemy if not defeat them. These were the Governing Principals of my Conduct; which I trust will meet your Approbation. A Deserter of the 64th (An American) came to us this night; who informed me, that the strength of the Enemy consisted of 600, large detachments of the 15th 23d 44th and 64th Regiments which he knew, four Pieces of Artillery three Pounders drawn by the Sailors who rowed the Boats, and 50 of the Troops under the Command

of Colonel Bird of the 15th Regiment. On Monday I observed an advanced Picket of the Enemy about a Mile posted on strong ground; with a Wood near it, on their right Flank, and on the contrary side of the Road. Knowing that we have frequently worsted them in skirmishes, I called for Volunteers to attempt to dislodge them. A Captain Davis of Colonel Livingstons Regiment, a good Officer with a Captains Command went out, got near them undiscovered; but he found them too strong to risque the Attack. At 4 in the Afternoon Lt Colonel Willet solicited to go with the detachment of their Regiment, to try his fortune with the Picket. I permitted him to go, and directed him to take his Rout through a Gully with trailed Arms which served as a Covert Way for him in the Enemies front. It lead into a Wood, where he got undiscovered on the Enemies right Flank; owing to our amusing them on Horseback, with a small party of Foot, as if we intended an Attack. When I expected Colonel Willet had reached the Enemy, I ordered the small party with me to quicken their Step to the Enemys Flank in Hopes the bait of destroying them would intirely draw off their Attention from Willet, which would give Him a fire on their Rear. But Willetts right fired rather too soon and at too great a distance, but he pressed on, fired smartly on them, ordered his men to fix Bayonetts, on hearing which the Enemy fled with great precipitation to the main Body. They were panick struck, asserted the Woods were full of Rebel Soldiers the Dusk of the Evening encreased their fright, ascribed our Attack to a reinforcement; formed on the Hill above the Town, and lay on their Arms ’till the Moon arose, and embarked leaving a great part of their Plunder, and the Most of our Stores undestroyed behind. The Enemy had nine killed and Wounded as the Townsmen inform us in this Skirmish. We also killed four of them whose graves we found near the Creek, in attempting to burn all our boats. Thus we got rid of those disturbers of our Peace. I have the pleasure to inform you, that all the Forage is removed from Wrights Mill. As this Letter is swelled to an unusual Length, I must refer you for further particulars to the Account sent by Mr Hunter, and to the bearer of this Mr Laurance. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys obedient, humble Servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier Generals Samuel Holden Parsons, Enoch Poor, and James Mitchell Varnum, 29 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden,Poor, Enoch,Varnum, James Mitchell

Sir
Morris Town Mar. 29th 1777.

The Situation of our Affairs again compells me to call upon you in express, and positive Terms to hasten the Troops of your State (those Inlisted for the Continent I mean) to Peeks Kills, or head Quarters, without one moments loss of time. I do not mean by this to interupt the Inoculation of them; but, that nothing which can facilitate the March of the whole, or part (under proper Officers) may be left unattempted. I also mean that the Conduct of the Recruiting Officers should be closely attended to, as I have but too much reason to beleive that Idleness & dissipation engrosses too much of their time for the Public weal—Characters of this kind will be marked.
I shall expect to hear from you by the Post, every Week, & am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Ramsay, 29 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Ramsay, Nathaniel

Sir
⟨Headquarters, Morristown⟩ March ⟨29 1777⟩

After returning my most sincere thanks to you & the other officers of your Battalion for your services, since your arrival in this State, I am under the Necessity however painfull to me of requesting you to remain at your present Post a few days longer, (not having it in my power at present to relieve you.) I am Sensible of the Disadvantages which must of course Accrue to you & many of your Battalion, by being from home at the Approaching Season, but when you Consider our Situation, & that I only want you to Stay untill the Troops (now on their March from Philada) arrive, I flatter myself I need not add a word more to Induce you to this necessary Step, than, that your Marching the first of April would leave that usefull Post intirely Defenceless—If you would agree to remain Eight days longer, I am satisfied it will answer every purpose & I think cannot materially injure you.
If you find the Men are ⟨d⟩eter⟨min⟩’d to go at the time appoint’d ⟨You will please order the arms &c to be delivered⟩ to the Person appoint’d by Lord S⟨tirling to⟩ receive them. I am Sir Yr mo. Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Capt. John Paul Schott, 29 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Schott, John Paul

Letter not found: to Capt. John Paul Schott, 29 Mar. 1777. Tench Tilghman docketed Schott’s letter to GW of 24 Mar. in part: “Ansd 29th with orders to march the Men inlisted immediately to Morris Town—sent him a Warrant for 300 Dollars.”


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 29 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 29th March 1777

I am honored with yours of the 21st by Express, and return you my most sincere thanks for your ready compliance with my request for two thousand Militia—A late Maneuvre of the Enemy convinces us of the necessity that there is for an immediate march of this body of men to Peekskill.
I imagine upon information of our weakness at that Post (the Eastern Militia having just left it) and that there were a valuable parcel of Stores there, last Sunday a Frigate and four Transports ran up the River, they landed a number of men, said to be four regiments of British, drove off Genl McDougal who had but 220 Men at that time with him, and burnt the Store-Houses with what Stores they contained—As I have not yet had a particular account from Genl McDougal, I dont know the quantity or value, but I hope there are not many of the military kind lost—I am informed by a Gentleman who is come down, that Rum Sugar and Molasses are the principal. The next day the Troops went on board and the Ships fell down again.
Perhaps, finding their conquest so easy, they may be induced to return again, and attempt the Forts which are at present too weakly garrisoned to make much resistance.
I yesterday received information from an intelligent Gentleman who says “The Enemy are steering off, first on to Staten Island, and then to New York—Last Sunday, at least, 2,000 crossed on to the Island, and I believe are there yet. It is a fact, that New York is fuller of Troops than it has been some time past”—If this should prove true, I dont know what other motive they can have for withdrawing their Troops from Jersey, but to go up the North River.
General Arnold also says in a letter of the 11th instant, that ten Transports, appearing full of Troops, passed point Judith, to the westward,

on the 4th. This also looks as if a collection of Troops was making at New York for some purpose or other.
To frustrate any designs of this kind, I beg, that not only your Militia, but your Continental Troops, may be hastened on with all expedition; for if I am not speedily reinforced in Jersey, the Enemy may safely leave small Garrisons in Amboy and Brunswic which they have fortified strongly, and make use of the residue or such number as they may think necessary to seize upon the Forts and Passes upon the North River—When they have once possessed them; a small force will maintain them, especially as they have the command of the water—The command of the passages over the North River, and the free navigation of it, would prove fatal to us, as the Eastern and Southern States would not only be cut off from each other, but Ticonderoga must also be evacuated for want of supplies. I wrote you fully on the 23d pressing you to fill up your Regiments by Draughts, if it could not be done by any other means. To this I have not had your answer.
I have the pleasure to inform you that a Vessel arrived at Philadelphia, a few days ago from France, with eleven thousand Stand of Arms, and some other military Stores. The accounts of the intentions of France were most favorable.
The late arrival of Arms from Portsmouth is so ample, that we shall have no future complaint for the want of them. I shall therefore expect every man of the new Levies in the Field shortly—Those who have had the Small Pox immediately, & those who have not, as soon as they recover from innoculation. I am Sir with the most perfect Esteem Your obedt humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 30 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 30th 1777.
Hartford.Baltimore.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 30th March 1777

Since mine of yesterday, I recd your favor of the 16th: The fortunate arrival of Arms at portsmouth will remove all difficulties which you laboured under for want of them, and I therefore hope that your next will inform me that some of your Troops are on their march to peekskill as well as to Ticonderoga. You will see the Necessity of sending part to peekskill, as quick as possible, by my letter of Yesterday.
Major Austin is a Gentleman, and a Man of sense, and before the unfortunate Step at the plains was esteemed an excellent Officer. His excuse for his Conduct is certainly, strictly considered, rather an aggravation of his Crime, for there can not be a greater failing in a Soldier than drunkenness. This however might have been the effect of an unguarded hour, if so, Major Austin has undergone a punishment equal to the offence. But I think I have heard that he is apt to drink, that is a matter that should be fully cleared up before I could consent to his coming into the Army again. If upon enquiry, you find that his general Character, before and since, is that of a Man of sobriety, I should think he might be intrusted with a Commission again. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 30 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Head Qrs Morristown March 30th 1777

The Office of Adjutant General being vacant by the resignation of Colo. Reed, and the power of appointing a Successor with me, I am induced from the good opinion I entertain of your attachment to the interests of the United States and your Military character, not only to make a tender, but most heartily to wish your acceptance of it. It will give me much pleasure if the Offer meets your concurrence, and if it should, I must request, that you will delay no time in repairing to Head Quarters, the arrangement of the New Army and the good of the Service requiring that the post should be immediately filled. The pay, I presume, you are acquainted with, but lest you should not, I

think proper to mention, that it is a hundred and twenty five dollars ⅌ month.
Should circumstances put it out of your power to accept it, an event I hope not to happen and which would give me concern, you will be pleased to send the Express with the inclosed letter to Colo. William Lee—Otherwise you will retain it, and return it to me upon your arrival, which I trust will be in a few days. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 31 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 31st 1777.
Reading.Bethlehem.

The General Court Martial held at Woodbridge the 28th Inst:, whereof Col. Martin was President, for the trial of Capt: Will: Work of the 12th Pennsylvania Regt accused of “Misbehaviour and Cowardice, in an Action with the Enemy, on Carman’s hill, near Bonum-Town, on the 8th Instant”—The Court after mature consideration, are of opinion that the prisoner is Guilty, and sentence the said Capt: Work to be cashiered, and dismissed the service, as a person unfit for a military Command.

His Excellency approves the sentence, and orders the said Capt: Work forthwith to depart the Camp.
Capt: Henry Fister of the German Battalion, tried by the same General Court Martial for “Quitting his Company and Regiment, being absent from both a fortnight, without leave from his commanding officer”—After mature consideration, the Court are of opinion, the said Capt: Fister is Guilty; and sentence him to be dismissed the service.
His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the sentence.
The Commander in Chief is pleased to make the following promotions in the Regiment of Cavalry from Virginia. viz. Theoderick Bland Esqr: Major, Comdt to be Colonel thereof. Capt: Benjamin Temple of the 2nd Troop is appointed the Lt Col. Capt: John Jameson of the 3rd Troop is appointed the Major. Lieut: Cuth: Harrison of the 2nd Troop is appointed Captain of the same. Lieut: Alexander S: Dandridge of the 4th is appointed Captain of the 3rd. Lieut: John Belfield of the 5th is appointed Captain of the 6th; vacant by the resignation of Capt: Nelson. Cornet William Lindsay of the 3rd Troop is appointed Lieutenant of the same. Cornet William Watts of the 4th is appointed Lieut: of the same. Cornet Henry Peyton of the 5th is appointed Lieutenant of the same. Cornet Henry Clements of the 6th is appointed Lieut: of the second. Mr Cole Diggs, Cadet, is appointed Cornet of the 3rd Troop. Mr Robert Yauncey, Cadet, is appointed Cornet of the 4th Troop.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, 31 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Flower, Benjamin

Sir
Morristown March 31st 1777

The great waste and embezzlement of Public Arms, and the difficulties arising from thence make it necessary, that the utmost precautions should be used to restrain such infamous practices and future losses. I know no way so likely to effect it, as that of putting on them some mark indicating ’em to be public property, and therefore request that you will have all belonging to the States, as well those which have been lately imported as all others, as far as circumstances will admit of, stamped with the Words “United States” on such parts as will receive the impression, which designation should be also put on all their Accoutrements. This Congress determined should be done by a Resolve of the 24th Ulto and if they had not, it is so essential that it could not be dispensed with. As there are & will be many public Arms here which ought to be secured by the same impression, I wish you to have several Stamps made and sent by the earliest Opportunity to Mr French Commissary of Stores here with directions to advise me of their arrival that they may be immediately used. I am Sir &c.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Morris town March 31st 1777

Captain Desheild of Mr Buchanans Ship from Baltimore who was taken by the Enemy and carried into York made his Escape from thence on Saturday Evening. He informs, that three thousand Troops, British & Hessian, embarked about Ten days ago from the City & Staten Island on board Transports which were laying at the Latter when he came away, he adds that the Enemy have built & are building a number of light flat Bottomed Boats, about Seventy of which were finished. Captn Desheild says, it seemed to be the general opinion & conversation, that this embarkation was for Chesepeak Bay with a view of makeing a descent on the Eastern Shore, or that the Troops were to proceed to the Head of Elk, taking Annapolis & Baltimore in their way. there were some who thought it probable they mean to go up the North River and attempt the Highland fortifications. I have written to Genls McDougal & Clinton desiring them to make the best preparations, that circumstances will admit of, for their reception, in case the latter should be their Object.
Captn Desheild being in company with the Captain of the packet, but unknown to him, heard him say, that a War with France was much expected when he left England which was about the beginning of February. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 31 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 31st March 1777

I am much surprised at never having received any regular account from you, of the late Affair at peekskill. I am yet intirely at a loss to know the Quantity, Quality or Value of the Stores that were lost.
A Captain of a Tobacco Ship taken and carried into New York, left that place on Saturday last, he informs that three thousand Men were embarked and laying on Board Transports at Staten Island. Some said to go to Chesapeak Bay, others to go up the North River. Their late Success, and the small force which they found ready to oppose them, may perhaps induce them to make another attempt, and of a more daring Nature. I yesterday wrote to Govr Trumbull and pressed him to send forward the Militia, which I hope he will do, but it would not be amiss for you to send an Officer forward to meet those who may be upon their march and hasten them. I have given Genl Geo: Clinton this Information and hope you will put all things in the best posture should the Enemy pay you another visit. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Board of War, 31 March 1777
From: Pennsylvania Board of War
To: Washington, George

Sir
Pennsylvania War Office Philadelphia March 31st 1777

By Appointment under the new frame of Government established in this State, we succeed the late Council of Safety in the Military Department, of course your Excellency’s letter of the 28th Inst. came before us, and from our knowledge of the late Council, we can assure your Excellency that it was thro’ inadvertency that they infringed upon

the powers invested in you by Congress, and not by design. Amidst the great variety and multiplicity of Business they were necessarily engaged in, we do believe that Resolve of Congress escaped their attention and that the public Service was the only motive that influenced them to proceed to the Arrangement of the Field Officers of the Regiments to be raised in this State, and that they had such a respect for the Congress that they would fully aquiesce with any resolution of theirs especially in a matter that was so obviously calculated for the safety of the United States, as the investing your Excellency with the powers you allude to. We have immediately on receipt of the said letter dispatched Orders by Express to Colonel Hand and the Field Officers of the eighth Regiment to repair to their respective Regiments without delay. And we shall compleat the Arrangement of the Subalterns, which has been already nearly accomplished, and shall make a return of them to your Excellency as soon as possible.
We sincerely congratulate your Excellency on the favourable Accounts from Doctor Franklin at Paris, the late great Arrival of Arms &c. in Boston, and the happy discovery of a dangerous Conspiracy in this City, the following persons were concerned in it. A certain Molesworth under a Lieutenants Commission from General Howe, one Collins, lately a Clerk in General Mifflins’ Office, one Keating, a Clerk in the City Vendue Office, and one Sheppard who kept a Livery Stable. The first of whom was convicted of engaging Pilots to go to Lord Howe to assist in bringing the English Fleet up our River, had contrived to have our Fort Guns spiked and the Posts and ropes of the Ferries destroyed—He was Executed this day agreeable to the sentence of a Court Martial. The three latter have absconded we have sent several Officers after them, the bearer of this Captain Proctor is one of them, who has the best description of their persons we can obtain, not doubting your Excellency will order him all necessary assistance to apprehend them. By Order of the board I am Your very humble Servant

Owen Biddle Chairman


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 31 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 31st March 1777

Since I did myself the pleasure to write to you yesterday, I have received information, that the Enemy have embarked three thousand men, some said, with an intent to go to Chesapeak Bay, others, to go up the North River again. As this last is the most probable, I beg you will hasten your Militia to Peekskill with the utmost expedition, and also what Continental Troops are ready. Should the Enemy get up the

River before they arrive, they would meet with little or no opposition. I am Sir with the greatest Respect Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, March 1777
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

May It Please Your Excellency
[March 1777]

I just Received Your Orders of the 12th Instant Accordingly have sent You My Return enclosed being a true State of the Regiment Orders Are already issued for Assembling the Recruits at Peeks Kill the Greatest Part are Collected and ready for a March at any warning a Sufficiency of Officers have been left for the Recruiting Service And Your Excellency May depend that no Pleas for Delay will be Made by me on any Pretence As My Most Ardent Wish for some time Past has been that I might have an Opportunity to distinguish Myself under My Generals Eye—I have it not in My Power at present to Account for all the Inferior Officers of the Regiment as their Places of Abode are unknown even to the Gentlemen who Gave them Commissions Tho I readily agree with Your Excellency that we ought to Be perfectly acquainted with the Situation and time of Absence of Our Officers I Should have been Absent from the Regiment endeavouring to fill it But have been detained with it almost Constantly for Better than seven Weeks no other Field Officer being with it—I have wrote Your Excellency Several Letters which were sent to Genl McDougal to forward but I fear have not Reached You as no Mention is Made of the Receipt of them in Your Excellencies Letter returns of the Regiment have Monthly been enclosed. I Am with Resspect and Essteem Your Excellencies Most Obt Servt

Henry B: Livingston


Title: General Orders, 1 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 1st 1777.
Poland.Lee.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Grayson, 1 April 1777
From: Grayson, William
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir.
Dumfries [Va.] Aprill 1st 1777.

I return’d the day before yesterday from Maryland, & am sorry to inform you that the recruiting service in that quarter does not by any means answer my expectations or wishes; Mr Smallwood & Mr Jones will I think (from present appearances) succeed; but Mr Tilly & Mr Brown have not got a man; the latter has resign’d his commission & return’d the bounty money for that reason; I wrote you by the last post an answer to your letter of the first of March from Morris town; I also put a letter in the Post office here, dated the 26th of January, acquainting you among things, that I had clos’d with Major Ross and had not spoke to Majr Frazer on the subject; I also wrote the 13th of March from Winchester by General Muhlenburgh, inclosing a list of the officers, whom we had appointed; I mention these circumstances, lest my last letter should meet with the fate of that of the 26th of Jany; I likewise send for the same reason, the Post master’s certificate, respecting my letter & that of Col. Powell, to the end that the person, who takes up your letters in Philada may make some enquiry about the matter; In my opinion, it is of the utmost importance, that the letters directed to you, should proceed without delay or interruption to Head Quarters; & therefore I should conceive, the sooner a stop is

put to the practice of intercepting your letters the better; if the Post masters oath here added to Col. Powell’s & mine, will be of any service in convicting any of the Post masters, they can be had immediately.
In my last letter to you by post, I mentioned that Congress had furnished me with cloth for three hundred suits & had also supplied me, with money to purchase up several articles for the regiment, & that I thought we should get every thing necessary here, except blankets; lest this should be understood in a larger extent than I intended I beg leave to observe, that I only mean’t such things, as would enable us to march as far [as] Philada; We must still depend on being supplied there with arms Cartridge boxes Camp kettles Tents, & some more Cloth.
Dr Alexander the regimental surgeon has offered me his medicines for the use of our battalion, but I shall not purchase till I hear from you, as I do not know whether such articles as are necessary for the army, have not been imported by the Continent on cheaper terms, than his can be procured at; & if this is the case, I make no doubt but the medicines are better in quality than his, which have been in the country for some time.
Inclos’d is a letter from Mr Washington wherein he mentions his sons declining to accept of the appointment which was offered; The reason of his not being placed more to his satisfaction, was that I did not recieve your letter, till after all the appointments were made, except the one offered to him; I take the earliest opportunity in my power to acquaint you of this circumstance, that you may provide for him in some other regiment.
With respect to reducing the companies from ten to eight, you may depend it shall be done; indeed the thing will execute itself; at the same time I could have wished to have been allowed the liberty of having ten companies, which I understand is the case with all the Virginia regiments.
I have just now understood that there are orders for all the Georgia officers & their parties to march immediately to their own State; & I also hear that the three State regiments are nearly complete; these circumstances induces me to hope I shall shortly have it in my power to send you, more pleasing accounts of our success in recruiting.
General Weedon has (I am informd by Mr Graham), recommended innoculation to the soldiers of this regiment before their departure; alledging the difference of expence; the danger of getting it on the road, & the difficulty of having it done at Baltimore Philada or Wilmington on acct of the numbers there already; however this I have not done, nor shall I do it untill I know your determination, except in the instance of part of a small party of Capt. Moore’s men, who are posted

here to guard the Hessian Field Officers in lieu of the Militia, with whose conduct towards them, they were much dissatisfyed. Most Sincerely Wishing you Health & Success am yr Affect. frd & Most Obedt Servt

Willm Grayson


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 April 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston April 1st 1777

This will be handed to your Excellency by Monsieur Mauduit de Plesis, who lately arrived here with the French General De Borre—He has represented to the Council of this State, that he is charged with Dispatches to the Honble Congress—The Council have desired me to assist & forward him.

I take the Liberty to enclose Copy of a Letter from Col. Wayne dated at Ticonderoga the 25th of March 1777, to the Council of this State, by which it appears the Garrison there is very weak—Cols. Marshall’s[,] Bradford’s, Brewer’s & Francis’s Regiments who had received marching Orders from the Council or General Ward before my Arrival in this State, & had partly marched, are those mentioned to have arrived so badly Officer’d—Col. Marshall informed me that his Orders were to march when Two Thirds of his Regiment were gone—By his last Return he had Inlisted 403–362 of whom have march’d—Col. Francis has returned 503 including Officers; upwards of 400 of whom have marched—The number enlisted or marched, in Cols. Bradford’s & Brewer’s, I cannot ascertain—A Return is made of about 300 who have march’d from the Two—but I think a larger number have since marched.
The Orders which I have given to the other Regiments are to march their men under a Field Officer & other proper Officers, in proportion to their numbers and I have given express orders for the Field Officers of the Four Regiments before mentioned, to join their Regiments immediately—The first division of Col. Greaton’s Regiment marches for Peeks-kill to morrow morning, including all who are equip’d—A Division of Col. Nixon’s & Patterson’s will also march this Week—the want of arms causes the Delay—A part of those lately arrived at Portsmouth, are expected here this day—I shall arm such Troops as are otherwise ready, & forward them with the utmost Expedition, to the places of their Destination. Part of Cols. Wesson’s, Bailey’s & Jackson’s will march as soon as armed to Ticonderoga, as will part of Shepard’s & Wigglesworth’s to Peeks-kill—I this moment hear that, 4000 arms are arrived. I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Excellency’s most humble Servt

W. Heath

P.S. Upon receiving your Excellency’s last, I wrote to General Poor, to forward the New-Hampshire Regiments, which I am informed are in great forwardness, with the utmost Expedition to Ticonderoga.

W.H.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 1 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear ⟨Sir⟩
Morristown April ⟨1st 1777.⟩

I am to inform you, that Congress not perceiving that any advantage would be derived either to yourself or the public Interest from an interview between you and a part of their Members, could not consider ⟨them⟩selves at liberty to comply with your request. At the same time

I am to assure you, that every ⟨means⟩ will be pursued to provide for you⟨r safety and⟩ the attainment of your liberty. Th⟨is I had in cha⟩rge when Major Morris w⟨as permitted to visi⟩t you, but thought proper ⟨to defer the com⟩munication of it for reaso⟨ns which you would deem⟩ satisfactory.
The inclosed Letters came when ⟨Congress⟩ transmitted the result of your applicatn. ⟨T⟩hat from Mr Morris contains sundry Bills of Exchange the detention of which I hope has not subjected you to the least possible ⟨inconv⟩enience. I am Dr Sir with great regard and esteem Yr M⟨ost Obedt Servt.⟩


Title: General Orders, 2 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 2nd 1777.
Fredrickstown.Sharpsburgh.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 2 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 2d Apl 1777

I was this day favd with yours of the 26th last Month and a few days ago with that of the 11th.
It is needless for me to say much upon a subject, which must undoubtedly give you a good deal of uneasiness. I confess I was surprized when I did not see your Name in the list of Major Generals, and was so fully of opinion that there was some mistake in the matter, that I (as you may recollect) desired you not to take any hasty Step, before the intention of Congress was fully known. The point does not now admit of a doubt, and is of so delicate a nature, that I will not even undertake to advise, your own feelings must be your Guide—As no particular Charge is alledged agt you, I do not see upon what Ground you can demand a Court of Enquiry. Besides, Public Bodies are not

amenable for their Actions. They place and displace at pleasure, and all the satisfaction that an individual can obtain when he is overlooked is, if innocent, a consciousness that he has not deserved such treatment for his honest exertions. Your determination, not to quit your present command, while any danger to the public might ensue from your leaving it, deserves my thanks, and justly entitles you to the thanks of your Country.
Genl Green who has lately been at Philada took occasion to inquire upon what principle the Congress proceeded in their late promotion of General Officers—He was informed that the Members from each State seemed to insist upon having a proportion of General Officers adequate to the number of Men which they furnish, and that as Connecticut had already two Majors General it was their full share. I confess this is a strange mode of reasoning, but it may serve to shew you, that the promotion which was due to your seniority was not overlooked for want of Merit in you. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.