Title: General Orders, 7 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Dec. 7th 1775
Parole Sydney.Countersign Brutus.

The Connecticut Regiments are to be under arms, upon their regimental parades; on saturday at eleven in the forenoon, in order to be reviewed—They are to have their arms in good order; the Rolls to be called over, and no man to be absent, every one that is able must appear; for this purpose they are to be exempt from all other duty upon that day.
The Qr M. General is strictly enjoined to pay proper attention to the Order of the 23rd of Novr respecting the quartering officers &c.—and is to prevent Boards, and other Materials being applied, to the building any houses without his Orders, as none such will be allowed for, by the public. All Officers are to pay due obedience to this order.


Title: To George Washington from Phillips Callbeck and Thomas Wright, 7 December 1775
From: Callbeck, Phillips,Wright, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Cambridge Decr 7th 1775

The Case of Phillip Callbeck late commander in Chief of the Island St John and Thomas Wright one of the Council, Justice of the peace, and Surveyor General of the said Island—Addressed to His Excellency General Washington.
That on Friday the 17th of November two armed Schooners or Privateers arrived at Charlotte Town the Capital of the said Island, immediately after Captain Broughton and Selmon who commanded said Vessels landed with two parties under their command; That Mr Callbeck met Captain Selmon on his landing who notwithstanding a very Civil reception immediately order’d him on board his Vessel without permitting him to return to his House though requested so to do. That as he was going on board one of the party insultingly without any provocation struck him. That immediately after Mr Calbeck was conveyed on board he received a messuage from Captain Salmon to send the Keys of his house Stores &c. otherways he would break the Doors open—on the receipt of the messuage Mr Callbeck instantly sent the Keys with one of his Clerks (who was detained a prisoner) that he might attend and open the doors of such places as the Captains choose to inspect, upon the Clerks informing him of Mr Callbecks directions, the Captain told him he did not want his assistance, and desired him to deliver the Keys which he accordingly did. That Captains Broughton and Selmon with their party immediately proceeded to a Store in which were a large assortment of Goods all of which except some Earthen ware they sent on board Captain’s Selmons Vessel after which (although they had the Keys of the doors) they broke open two other stores out of which they took the most Valuable articles together with the entire stock of provisions that Mr Callbeck had provided for his Family’s winter support and the Inhabitants immediately about him. After which they went into Mr Callbeck’s dwelling house where they examined all his private papers and broke the Bed chamber’s Closets and cellar doors open though they had all the Keys. In Mrs Callbeck’s bed room they broke open her drawers and Trunks scatter’d her Cloaths about read her Letters from her mother and Sister’s, took the Bed and window curtains, also the Bed & bedding,

and they or some of the party took Mrs Callbecks Rings Bracelets Buckles and Trinkets, also some of their Cloaths. After which they took the parlour window Curtains looking Glasses Carpets and several articles of plate, and to accomplish the whole, they took out of Mr Callbec⟨k’s⟩ cellar all his Wine, porter, Rum, Geneva and Cordials; except one cask of Wine which they stove the head in and drank the whole out. They also took Mrs Callbeck’s little stores of Vinegar Oil Candles, Fruit, sweetmeets, Hams, Bacon &c. Notwithstanding they having done what is here related, they next went to Mr Callbeck’s Office, from which they took two Trunks full of Goods. His Clerk’s Desk and wearing apparel—After which they open’d Mr Callbecks Bureau and Desks read all his pap⟨ers⟩ some of which were of great importance in his private connexions. They also took the province silver Seal weight 59 ounces, Gove⟨rnor⟩ patterson’s Commission some of Mr Callbecks Cloaths, all his Shoes &c.
That after they had ravaged Mr Callbecks house and out Houses they broke into Governor Patterson’s House (in which no Person resided) out of which they took his Window curtains, Carpets looking Glasses, Cases of Knives & forks Silver spoons &c. &c.—Broke some of the China and suffer’d their Men to drink what liquors they found in the House. That after they had accompliced thus far their Cruelty, they took Mr Wright into custody and brought him on board the Vessel where Mr Callbeck was confined and to keep pace with their barbarity Captain Selmon order’d his party to go in to take Mr Wright from the arms of his Wife and Sister, and insultingly smiled at the Tears and Lamentations of Women who were in the greatest distress; at being seperated from their Husband and Brother. That after Mr Wright came on board he and Mr Callbeck represented the treatment they had received, the confidence they had that the Captains had no orders to commit such outrages and they in order to justify themselves read your Excellency’s instructions by which it appear’d they were not directed to go to the Island and that your Excellency had particularly cautioned them not to abuse private property; upon which Mr Callbeck and Mr Wright labour’d all in their power to convince them of their not having in any respect conformed to their instructions, they further represented the Cruelty of taking them away for

tho’ it was probable they would be immediately dismissed, yet it would be almost impossible for them to get back to the Island before the Winter set in, and Season being then so far advanced, notwithstanding they determined to take Mr Callbeck (and his Effects) and Mr Wright—That Mr Callbeck supposes they have in their custody of his property to the amount of two thousand pounds sterling—to exaggerate the cruel treatment he has received is impossible and it is equally so even to give an exact detail of the injuries that have been offered to him and his property—His papers all read some of which were of a very private nature—Notwithstanding they had all his Keys, his Doors broke open, his Effects taken away the provisions and necessaries he had provided for his Families support taken away and wantonly destroyed—His Wife left destitute of every support, also between 70 and 80 people who we⟨re⟩ lately arrived on the Island and depended on Mr Callbeck for their support during the Winter will in all probabillity starve. By Mr Callbeck’s being taken away he is debarred from assisting Mrs Callbeck who is left without any support, not so much as a Candle to burn beside the necessity of taking the necessary care of what remains of a shatter’d Fortune; what has been left of his property on the Island is in the hands of Servants who doubtless will be neglectfull and perhaps avail themselves under the depredations that has been committed on his property by alleging several of his effects which they will choose to plunder were taken away by the Captains. The Captains by their conduct have left Mr Callbeck open to these apprehensions for altho’ it was urged and requested by his Clerks that an Inventory should be taken of the Effects the Captains took away—They would not permit it nor would they suffer the Clerks to stand by while they were taking the things away, and to make the matter still more doubtfull and to give the inhabitants an opportunity to plunder, the Captains after they apprehended Mr Wright suffer’d some of their people to remain on Shore, (without an Officer) who broke a second time into Governor Patterson and Mr Callbeck’s Houses and took out of them what they pleased, and finished what Liquors that had been left in both Houses. That during their Voyage some articles of Plate and other of Mr Callbeck’s property were found in the custody of some of the Marines,

so that even upon a supposition that Mr Callbeck should be order’d his property, he will doubtless be a considerable looser. That Mr Callbeck and Wright thus wantonly torn from their Families have been brought in a state of Captivity upwards of 600 Miles by Sea to this province, during their passage they have suffer’d many inconveniences and since their landing they have traveled 120 miles, part of which (from portsmouth to Lyne) they travelled without any Guard. That at Medford the Officer who met them at Lyne and was conducting them to your Excellency insisted that they should attend him as his Prisoners and if it was not for Colonel Tompsons humane interposition, they suppose they would have been treated as Captives whose deserts merited the worst usage—That Mr Callbeck and Wright have taken the Liberty to trouble your Excellency with the state of their Case, in order to be releived in such manner as to your Excellency shall appear reasonable which will confer a lasting obligation on them who are with respect Sir your Excellency’s most Obedient and most Humble Servts

Phills Callbeck
Thos Wright


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts General Court, 7 December 1775
From: Massachusetts General Court
To: Washington, George

Sir
Watertown [Mass.] Decemr 7th 1775

We inclose to your Excellency an attested Copy of the Resolve, passed by the General Court, on the first instant, upon the Subject matter of which Resolve, a Committee of both houses had yesterday the honor of a Conference with your Excellency. We are clearly of opinion, that the words of the Resolve will not admit of such a construction as was suggested to your Excelly by Genl Heath, but that they plainly put the Officers & Soldiers of the Militia, now to be raised, upon the same footing in all respects, as the rest of the American Army, under your Excellency’s command, and that they were so intended by the Court. We could have wished, that Genl Heath had defer’d giving the information he did, to your Excelly, unless he had been possess’d

of fuller evidence, than he appears to have had. We trust this account of the matter will be fully satisfactory to your Excelly, and prevent any difficulties from arising upon this head. In the Name, & by order of, the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay

W. Sever


Title: From George Washington to the Portsmouth Committee of Safety, 7 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Portsmouth Committee of Safety

Gentlemen
Cambridge Decemr 7. 1775

Richard Emms, a prisoner at Portsmouth, having expressed a Strong desire to go to his Family & Friends in the West Indies in a Schooner which is about to go there, you will be pleased to grant him a permit for that purpose, Unless there be any Objections against It, which I am not apprized of. I am Gentlemen Your Hble servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 7 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 7 Dec. 1775. On 25 Dec. GW wrote to Reed: “your favours of the 7th, & 11th as also the 8th are come to hand.”


Title: General Orders, 8 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Dec: 8th 1775
Parole St Asaph.Countersign Cato


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 8 December 1775
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Decr 8. 1775

This will be delivered to you by Mr Jonathan Smith a gentlemen of this city who with two others is charged with 500.000

dollars for the use of the army under your command. I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient humble Servt

John Hancock Presidt

I shall Dispatch an Express this Day to you by order of Congress in Consequence of your Letter of 28th ulto.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 8 December 1775
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada December 8. 1775.

Your letter of the 28 of November by Captn Blewer being received was immediately laid before Congress.
By my letter of the 2d instant, which I hope you will in due time receive, you will perceive the Congress have in a great measure prevented your wishes, having written to New york and given orders to General Schuyler to supply you with and forward with all possible expedition what cannon can be spared. They have also directed Genl Schuyler to make diligent search for lead, and retaining so much as may be wanted there to send the remainder to your camp. However it is hoped the gentleman you have sent will expedite that business. By order of Congress I forwarded a commission for Mr Knox, who is appointed Colonel of the regiment of Artillery. The Congress also have relieved your difficulties with respect to the two battalions of marines, having ordered that the raising them out of the army be suspended. It is the desire of Congress that such a body of forces may be raised, but their meaning is that it be in addition to the army voted. And they expect you will think of proper persons to command that corps & give orders for inlisting them wherever they may be found.
The Congress are sensibly affected with your situation and regret the backwardness in the troops to reinlist. In addition to

what I had the honor of transmitting you the 2d Instant, they have desired me to enclose you a copy of a resolution passed yesterday and to write to the council of Massachusetts bay, the Convention of New Hampshire and the Governors of Rhode Island & Connecticut, acquainting them with the present state of the army and enclosing copies of the resolutions of this Congress relative to your being empowered to call forth the militia of those governments on any emergency and requesting those colonies to exert themselves in defence of our common liberties by affording you all the aid in their power and to comply with your request for the assistance of the militia, whenever you may find it necessary to apply for it.
The Gentlemen with the money set out to day. I hope the arrival of this will relieve some of your difficulties and that the payment of the arrears & the months advance, which you are empowered to offer will induce many to reinlist, who seem not to be actuated by nobler motives.
By letters received yesterday we learn that Col. Arnold after a fatiguing march had reached Canada, where he was well received by the inhabitants; that on the 14 of November he had reached point Levi & was preparing to pass the river that night, that notwithstanding his being deserted by Col. Enos, he had great hopes of gaining possession of Quebec, as both the English & Canadian Inhabitants were well affected to our cause; that Carlton with the ships under his command was stopped in his passage down the river by a fort in our possession at the mouth of Sorrel & some row gallies; and that General Montgomery was preparing to attack him from Montreal, but of these matters you will doubtless be more fully informed by an express, which we understand was dispatched to you from Ticonderoga. I have the Honor to be with much Esteem, Sir Your most Obedt hume sevt

John Hancock Presidt

Please to Send the Inclos’d for Portsmo. by Express, and order the Inclos’d for Massachusett’s Assembly to be deliver’d.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Lynch, 8 December 1775
From: Lynch, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Decr 8: 1775

Your Favour by Captn Blewer gives me infinite Concern not less on yours than on the Account of the Continent. Providence favours us every where, our success in every operation excedes our most sanguine expectations and yet when God is ready to deliver our oppressors into our hands, that Men cannot be found willing to receive them, is truly surprising.
With grief & shame it must be confessed that the whole Blame lies not with the Army; youl find your hands streightened instead of Strengthened, what the Event will be, it is impossible to foresee. perhaps it is only intended to force the Continent into their own Terms and to shew that neither General or Congress shall be permitted to controul the Army, perhaps to mortify the Favourites of Congress. be this as it may Resolution & Firmness ought to Rule our Councils. a step yielded to improper & intemperate Demands may be irretrievable.
I shall not take upon me to advise. tis as improper as needless. your Rifle Men, Negroes, & Deserters may in proper passes defend your artillery Ammunition & Stores[.] shoud your Lines be deserted, & the glorious, golden opertunity of ending the War be lost, let not Hope be lost also. We have in the York Papers an Account, of your having taken an invaluable Transport & you have doubtless heard of Arnolds Arrival at Quebec. I hope both may end as we wish. the Addition of Arms and Ammunitio⟨n⟩

in the Transport according to Report must be most important to you. O! had you but an Army.
My best Compliments to your Lady and Family and to all my Acquaintances in the Army. I told Gen. Gates Mifflin and others I shoud be much obliged to them coud they send me a good Drummer. they have forgot me.
One of our Members of Congress sets out today for N. E. whether his intents be wicked or not I doubt much. he shoud be watched. Ship News that the Floridas being taken, but ’tis not credited, if true I have no doubt but tis with the Consent of our Court[.] God give you Health & Spirits to controul all opposition. Your sincere Friend & most hume Servt

Tho. Lynch

Command me freely whenever you please.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 8 December 1775
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Watertown [Mass.] Decr 8. 1775.
May it please your Excellency

’Tis with real pain I ask your Excellency’s attention (engaged as it is in affairs of such vast importance) to the subject of this letter: but justice, & compassion to the distressed (not to say the injured) compel me to do it. The bearer Capt. McGlathry about a month since was coming from the eastward with a load of wood, bound to Salem, but was taken by a man of war, & afterwards retaken by the privitaeer commanded by Capt. Manly, & carried into M’Head, where till this time he has been detained. He informs me that your Excellency directed the matter to be adjusted by Col. Glover—the agent of the privateer, Capt: Manly & him, he to make a reasonable compensation to the captors. But the agent Capt. Jona. Glover demands, it seems, one quarter part of the vessel & cargo, that being the allowance made in a late act of the General Court of this colony in cases of recaptures. This proportion Capt. McGlathry thinks too great,

considering his particular circumstances; which on his behalf I beg your Excellency’s leave to mention. Some time last summer Capt. McGlathry was taken & carried into Boston but (like many others) suffered to dispose of his cargo; and to depart with the Admiral’s pass to get a load of wood at the Eastward. He in order to make his escape put the best face on his situation & accepted the pass, but without any intention of returning to Boston. Accordingly instead of going thither he made then trips to Newbury-Port—to Salem—& to Marblehead, which was a great relief to the inhabitants. He then applied to the Comtee of safety at Salem by whose order I gave him a certificate that his last load of wood was landed at Salem, with the earnest request of the comtee to bring another load of wood to Salem, & their advice to retain the pass; that in case he met with a man of war he might destroy his other papers, & use the pass at Boston to save his vessel from condemnation. He conducted accordingly; and on his passing again to Salem was taken & retaken as before mentioned. Now considering the small profits of these wood voyages, the risque of being taken by the enemy, and the necessity of the greatest encouragement to surmount these obstacles, that the distressed seaports may find relief in the most important article of wood—Capt. McGlathry thinks he shall be very hardly dealt with if he is obliged to bear the loss of so great proportion of his interest as Capt. Glover demands. Had it been a foreign voyage, the profits of it might have enabld him to sustain so great a dimunution of his interest; but in the voyage above mentioned—a voyage intended humanely for the relief of the seaports, & of his own townsmen who needed provisions (which he wd have taken at Salem on return) as much as the latter needed wood—in such a voyage the loss is grievous & highly discouraging. Had he been carried into Boston he wd doubtless have made very handsome profits; but he does not repine at the loss of them—he only wishes that his friends & countrymen may not deal by him more unkindly than his enemies. Had the privateer been a private adventurer who had nothing to recompence their charge & hazard but what they could catch, he shd make little objection: but the continent fixed Capt. Manly for the sea, & pays him for his time & trouble, and Capt. McGlathry himself contributes or expects to contribute to the charge. He thinks therefore he has reason to ask &

expect the utmost lenity. Will your Excellency pardon me one suggestion? I understand that Capt. Manly & company draw one third of every prize they take & the continent the other[.] If these two thirds be released, the difficulty will be over. Capt. Manly & company then are entitled to one third of one quarter of Capt. McGlathry’s vessel & cargo. This he is contented to allow. But hopes for the reasons before mentioned, & others which may occur to your Excellency that you will excuse his prayer that if it can be done with propriety, the other two thirds of one quarter pertaining to the continent may by your Excellency’s order be released. I beg your Excellency’s pardon for this tedious detail; but hope the occasion will be a sufficient excuse. I am, with profound respect your Excellency’s most obt & most hble servant

T. P. jr


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 8 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 8 Dec. 1775. On 25 Dec. GW wrote to Reed: “your favours of the 7th, & 11th as also the 8th are come to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 8 December 1775
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Albany Decr [8] 1775

I do myself the honor to advise your Excellency of my arrival here on the 7th Inst: should have wrote you yesterday but I was all day in conference with Sixty of the principal Sachems of the Six Nations. the matter was merely congratulatory and introductory to the business which they intend to open on monday, the substance of which I have not yet been able to learn.

Inclose you copys of letters from General Montgomery and Colo. Arnold together with one to your Excellency from the latter and one from Colo. Knox, I have wrote to Congress that the necessity of sending a Body of troops into Canada this Winter appear’d to me very urgent. I was happy to meet Colo. Knox at Fort George. I have made such an arrangement to get the Articles he wants at Fort George that I am confident they will arrive there in eight days from this and I shall take the advantage of the very first snow to send them to Cambridge, My baggage is still behind and therefore cannot send your Excellency the returns, but there is a Sufficiency of every thing Colo. Knox wanted except powder and Flints.
I am now in tolerable good health but I beleive a perfect restoration will not take place until the cold weather ceases.
Some of the prisoners have attempted to Escape, a Capn Robinson of the Emigrants offered the Capn of an Albany Sloop two hundred Guineas to carry him on board the Asia man of War. I shall request the Capn to made affidavid of it. I am Dear General Your Excellency’s most Obedt and most Humle Sert

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 8 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Sir,
Cambridge 8th Decr 1775.

The Intention of yesterday’s order, respecting the Review of the Connecticut Troops, is only to afford a good oppertunity of making choice of such of their Arms as shall be found fit for the use of the New Army.
I am not without my fear that if they are appriz’d of the Intention, some of the best Arms will be Secreted; for this reason I desire you will say nothing of the matter till the Regiment (in your Brigade) is paraded, and then, in Company with the Field Officers of it, make choice of all the Arms that are good, taking the names of the Proprietors of them that they may be lodged, valued, and paid for agreeable to the General Order of the 23d Ulto. I am Sir Yr Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Thomas, 8 December 1775
From: Thomas, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Roxbury Decr 8. 1775

Capt. Chapin is one that was Arrang’d as a Captain in Colo. Wards Regt But does not fin’d himself Successful in Recruiting, & for Some other Reason brought me his Resignation, which I herewith inclose, Capt. Hazleton who Served as a Capt. in the Same Regt with Said Chapin the Last Summer Return’d to Stay & was Arrang’d with Colo. Jonathan Brewer, But by Some Means after the Arrangment was Setled he was Disappointed as I am Told, By Colo. Brewers appointing another in the Place that was Assign’d him—Capt. Hazelton is well recommended by Colo. Fellows & others, whom he has Serv’d with, & would be Glad of your Excellency’s approbation for Taking Chapin’s Place.

Jno: Thomas


Title: General Orders, 9 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 9th 1775
Parole London.Countersign Granby.

serjt Lane of Col. Whitcomb’s Regiment, with nineteen men of different Regiments, whose Names, Corps and Companies are delivered to Brigade Major Carey, are immediately to be draughted, and sent to the Quarter Master General to receive his orders.
The Court Martial whereof Col. Woodbridge was president is dissolved.


Title: To George Washington from Ezekiel Cheever, 9 December 1775
From: Cheever, Ezekiel
To: Washington, George

Cambridge Decr 9th 1775

Received of His Excellency General Washington, Ten Firelocks with Steel Rammers—Nine Pouches—three Cartouch Boxes—Seven bullet bags—Nine bayonetts with 8 belts & Scabbards; for all which I promise to be Accountable.

Ezekl Cheever Comsy Artillery


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 9 December 1775
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany Decr 9. 1775.

Since I did Myself the Honor to address Your Excellency on the 8th instant, my Baggage is arrived, & now inclose the Return of Cannon at Crown Point Tionderoga &ca—besides these there are a few at Fort George, the Return whereof I gave Colo: Knox to Copy & he forgot to redeliver It to me.
As soon as I am a little setled, I shall take the Liberty to send You Copies of my Letters to Congress, Containing a Recommendation of what I thought necessary to be done in this Quarter, preparatory to the next Campaign.
The Gentlemen of the Committee are still here, but propose returning to Morrow.
Be so good as to make my Respects to the Gentlemen of your Suit. I am Dr Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble Servt

Ph: Schuyler

I have just received Your Excellency’s Favor of the 5th inst. I have heretofore observed that Colo: Arnold had great Merit, he

has been peculiarly unfortunate in that one third of his Troops have left him. If the whole had been with him when he arrived before Quebec, he would probably have had the sole Honor of giving that important Place to America. he will however share in the Glory of Its Reduction & I make no Doubt, but that It will be in our Possession before any Troops can come to It’s Relief.
If Congress enters into my Views & immediately sends three thousand Men to this Place, I make no Manner of Doubt, of getting them into Canada by the middle of January. I am &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 9 December 1775
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 9th December 1775

last Evening I received your Excellency’s favour of the 5th in your hurry not signed, the number of men inlisted left blank.
While this Express waits for a horse, I have only time to mention, That I shall (Deo volente) set out on my Journey to meet the Assembly at New Haven the 12th please to favour me with a List of the Officers of our several Regiments, and of the Companies in each as they now stand arranged, with the number inlisted into them for the service of the ensueing Year—I trust nothing will be wanting in the most vigorous Exertions to afford you every Assistance on the present alarming Occasion. I am, most respectfully Sir Your most humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 10 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 10th 1775.
Parole Burke.Countersign Barre.

The General has great pleasure in thanking Colonel Bridge and the Officers of the 27th Regt (who from a peculiarity of circumstances, or want of vacancies, have no appointment in the new-established Army) for their polite address to him; he considers the assurances which they have given, of their determination to continue in service (if required) until the new Regiments are compleated, in a very favourable light; especially, as it is accompanied with further assurances, that the men of the 27th Regt, are consenting thereto; such a Conduct, at this important Crisis, cannot fail of giving pleasure to every well-wisher to his Country, and next to engaging for another Year, is the highest proof they can give, of their Attachment to the noble cause of Liberty, at the same time that it reflects honor upon themselves, it may under providence give Posterity reason to bless them, as the happy Instruments of their delivery from those Chains which were actually forging for them.
Four Companies of the New Hampshire Militia, are to march to Roxbury for the Reinforcement of that division; The Captain will receive Genl Ward’s Orders what Regiments they are to be attached to; The rest of the New Hampshire Militia are to join the Brigades on Winter and Prospect hills, in Cambridge &c., and together with the Companies of Militia from Massachusetts, which are ordered to join Prescot’s, Greaton’s & Nixons Regiments are to be appointed to the new-established Regiments, as the Majors and Brigadiers General shall think fit for the most equal distribution of them.
The Captains of the several Militia Companies from the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Governments, are to make exact Rolls of their Companies, and return them signed without delay to the Adjutant General.


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 10 December 1775
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Dembr 10th 1775.

I recieved no letter last post from you I suppose you did not write. Jennifer Adams has made Deeds for his Land to you—Dr Craik was here on thursday last he says he thinks unless the Land is Rented to Adams, it will not be rented at all, unless it is Rented for little or nothing, as yet I cannot tell what I shall do with it, if I find it cannot be rented to Advantage, perhaps I may let Adams have it I intend to go down to the Land this next week—Adams offers 2000 Wt of Tobacco—I desire’d Dr Craik to get £30 for it if he cou’d. I have had a very Strong Inclination to Ship a Cargo of your Flour & Indian Corn, or Whatever was, by judges thought best—to some part of the world—& take the returns in Arms & amunition If it was lost it perhaps may be no more than what it will be where it is, if on the other hand it shoud get safe to market & the returns Safe, it wou’d be profitable to you—but as you have hitherto been unlucky in trade & I have often heard you say, you wou’d not venture again, I have declined it—tho I think it be best to do it. I am apt to believe nothing will be done towards a battery on Potowmack, it serves to talk off and no more—I have said all I can about it & urge’d the matter in every Company, but I fear to

very little purpose the Cry is that all the Estates that woud be immediately Benefited by it, woud not be able to pay the Expence of it—I have some times a great mind to Build a House at morrises—& put your household goods in it, towards the Spring, I am at a loss to know what Elese to do with them—there is no such thing as Rentg a House in any place of Safety—perhaps you may think Morrises not safe, I once wrote to you about it—Mrs Barnes often presses me to make Use of hers—If things do not change for the Better I Shall move your Furniture some where or other in the Spring—I wish I had 12 or 15 good Musquets no tender shoud burn your Houses—& as it is they may Possibly loose some men in doing it.
I have sent the Plaisterer back to Colo. Lewis—I think the dineg Room very Pretty—Sears is now here paintg. he has Painted the Dineg Room twice over & the new Room once—Since Mrs Washington went away we have been trying to Cure the Chimney from Smokeg & I am in hopes have done it, after doing & undoing twenty times—(the Seller, new Room & dineg Room) they really smoke’d so Bad that the walls lookd as bad as any negroe Quarter, & the Smoke from the Seller came into the other Rooms. not yet done gatherg Corn—suppose instead of Soundg Barry about selling his Land, you had Authorised me to purchase it, I believe it may be done, or if you have any piece of Land any where that you think near it’s Value Swap for it—Barry Died in Debt all his personal Estate will be sold to pay it—the young man will have no one to worck for him—he had better sell the Land than keep it—& I have heard several say so, whose advice he may take. our people are all well but gunner, & he is Still laid up with his Foot—we have killd our hogs but if I thought neither Mrs Washington or you woud return in the Spring—I woud not have killd so much by several thousand. I am mistaken in the peoples being all well, Knowles has been laid up some time & not yet recover’d—they attempted to saw the Bulls Horns when I was out of the way, & as every thing Bishup does is wrong, so that was, every man woman & child (I am told) upon the plantation assisted but the Bull prove’d too many for them, & in the Scuffle Knowles had like to have lost his life—he will be well I suppose in a few Days—I was offerd Reagan Land the other Day for 30/pr Acre ½ the money laid

down, the other in 2 years—but I was doubtfull whether I coud collect the money—it is a good Bargain Captn Conway I am told will get it—My Best respects to Mrs Washington Mr & Mrs Custis and am Dr Sir yours

Lund Washington

P.S. I think your Corn housees are too near the water but I know not how to remedy it, suppose the corn Shoud get burnt next spring it will be bad.


Title: General Orders, 11 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge Decr 11th 1775
Parole, Otis.Countersign. Warren

The Majors of Brigade, to be more exact, in obliging the Adjutants to deliver to them every saturday, at Orderly time, an exact return signed by the Commanding Officers of the new establish’d Regiments, of the Number of men, weekly inlisted in each of those Regiments; The Majors of Brigade will for the future, be answerable for any neglect in executing this order.
To reward and encourage military Merit, The Congress thought proper to increase the pay of the Captains and subalterns of the Continental Army; and as uniformity and decency in dress, are essentially necessary in the Appearance & regularity of an army, his Excellency recommends it earnestly to the Officers to put themselves in a proper uniform—The Field Officers of each of the new Corps, will set the example, by cloathing themselves in a Regimental of their respective Corps; and it is not doubted but the Captains and subalterns, will immediately follow the example: The General by no means recommends, or desires Officers to run into costly, or expensive

Regimentals; no matter how plain, or coarse, so they are but uniforms in their Colour, Cut and Fashion: The Officers belonging to those Regiments whose uniforms are not yet fixed upon, had better delay making their Regimentals until they are.


Title: From George Washington to William Bartlett, 11 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Bartlett, William

Letter not found: to William Bartlett, 11 Dec. 1775. On this date Bartlett wrote to GW: “I acknolidge the Favour of yours of this date.”


Title: To George Washington from William Bartlett, 11 December 1775
From: Bartlett, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Beverly [Mass.] 11th Decer 1775

I acknolidge the Favour of yours of this date concerning the Ship Concords Cargo and Shall forward it to Head Quts. as fast as Possible but the Roads being Very bad the Teamers think the Price Stipulated by Our General Court is not Sufficient Desire Your Excellency would inform me weather you will allow them any more or not The Porter togeather with the Other Arcticles mentioned by your Excellency I shall forward the first warm Day.
One favour I would beg of your Excellency Concerning Capt. Lawry of the Ship Concord as his Circumstances is Low he Desires He may if your Excellency thinks Proper Tarry at Salem as his Expences will be Lessen’d by it I think him to be a man of Honour and Can be depended on in Hast. I am with the Gratest Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt Hum. Sert

William Bartlett


Title: To George Washington from William Bartlett, 11 December 1775
From: Bartlett, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Beverly [Mass.] 11th Decer 1775

I beg Leave to inclose Your Excellency the Petition of the Committee of Corrispondence of this Town where they set fourth the Sutiation of it in a Very Clear Light & Pray Your Excellency would hear and Answer the same if you in your Grate Wisdom think it Necessary.
Those Valuable Prizes brought in here are much Exposed as we have nothing to Defend them with—Our Herbour is as Safe as any can be where there is water Sufficient to bring in Such Vessels.
Our Forts & Brest Works built at the Towns Expence would not Only Protect the Prizes but the Town if we had Guns and Amunition to put in them Therefore Pray your Excellency would hear the Petition not Only for the Releif of the Town but to Preserve that interest now belonging to the Continent. And am with the Gratest Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Hume Sert

William Bartlett


Title: To George Washington from the Beverly Committee of Correspondence, 11 December 1775
From: Beverly Committee of Correspondence
To: Washington, George

May it Please Your Exelency.
Beverly [Mass.] Decebr 11th 1775

The Petition of us the Subscribers Humbly Sheweth That as the Highand of Minesterael Creuelty hath brought us into a most unnatural War with our mother Country by which means the Town of Beverly is much Exposed to their most unnatural Savage Like Creuelty. the Town Lying more then four miles on

the Sea coast and a grate part of that way Conveiniant for Landing, the Inhabitents of this Town withe the assistance of Some of the Neighbouring Towns have thrown up Brestworks in Several of the most advantagious places within the Same and have no Cannon or Ammunition Or next a kin to none to Support them with, and what renders us more obnoxtious to their most unnatural Creualty and Vengence is that the Contenental Privaters and others make this Harbour their Place of randevoze and have of Late Brought into this Harbour a Number of very Valluable Prizes, which we think are very much Exsposed to the Enemy as also the Town in General Therefore your Petitioners Humbly Pray that Your Exelency whould be Graciously Pleased to give us Sum releaf under our most Difucalt and Destressed Surcomstances and Let us have if you in your Wisdom think Best Two Nine pounder or one Twelve pounder with a Suitable quantety of Ammunition for the Same and those Two Six pounder and ½ barrel of powder and about 20 balls on board of the Ship Janne and those Two Small peaces of Cannon brought in on board the Brig Hannah togather with ½ barrel of powder Said to be on bord, which Vessels were Brought into this Harbour by Capt. Manly, and also for Sum Shot for the above said Small Cannon which will we think Contrebute much to the Safty of the Interest of the united Colonies as also of this Town in Peticuler and will be Greatfully recived by your most Humbl. &c. Obediant Servents

            Caleb Dodge
            }
            CommitteeofCorrepod.ofBeverly

            Joseph Rea

            Joseph Wood

            Nathan Leech

            Livermore Whittridge


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 11 December 1775
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence Decemr 11th 1775

I do myself the Honor to address this Letter to you by Mr Penet, and another French Gentleman who arrived here last Night in Capt. Rhodes from Cape Francois, who was dispatched some Time since from this Place for Powder. Mr Penet comes extremely well recommended to our Committee for providing Powder from a Merchant of Character at the Cape. He hath Proposals to make for supplying the United Colonies with Arms and warlike Stores. I am informed that the other Gentleman is a Person of some Consequence. I beg Leave to introduce them to your Excellency, and to assure you that I am with great Respect, Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant

Nichs Cooke


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 11 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 11 Dec. 1775. On 25 Dec. GW wrote to Reed: “your favours of the 7th, & 11th as also the 8th are come to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from William Sever, 11 December 1775
From: Sever, William
To: Washington, George

Council Chamber [Watertown, Mass.] Decr 11th 1775
Sir

At the request of the Board I am to acquaint your Excellency, that in consequence of a Letter, received the 4 Instt from your Excellency’s Aid de Camp, Robt H: Harrison, Esqr. giving Information of a number of Persons coming out of Boston, who were apprehended to be infected with the smallpox; The whole Court immediately took Order thereon, an attested Copy whereof is inclosed—This the Board apprehend precludes the Necessity of taking any further Order on your Excellency’s Letter of this Day—If your Excellency should think otherwise, & that this Order will not effectually remove the Evil—On your Excellency’s suggesting the Deficiency, the earliest Remedy will be applied. In the name & behalf of the Board I am yr Excellency’s most Obedt and very hu[mbl]e Servt

W. Sever


Title: From George Washington to the Simsbury Committee of Safety, 11 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Simsbury Committee of Safety

Gentlemen
Cambridge 11 Decr 1775.

the prisoners which will be deliverd you with this haveing been tried by a Court Martial & deemd to be Such flagrant & Attrocious villains, that they Cannot by any Means be Set at Large or Confined in any place near this Camp were Sentenced to be Sent to Simsburty in Connecticut. you will therefore be pleas’d to have them Secured in your Jail or in such other manner as to you shall Seem necessary So that they Cannot possibly make their escape—the Charges of their imprisonment will be at the Continental expence. I am


Title: From George Washington to John Tayloe, 11 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Tayloe, John

Dear Sir,
Camp at Cambridge 11th Decr 1775.

In a Letter which I have receiv’d from Mr Lund Washington dated the 24th Ulto are these Words—“I got a Letter the other day from Mr Mercer wherein he says that Colo. Tayloe & himself thinks that the Money due upon Bond for the Sale of Colo. Mercers Estate, or at least all those Bonds that are due from Maryland, or near here, should be paid to me; those in Berkley, Frederick &c. to Mr Mercer; as he was going up there & that they would Advertise the People of it.”
It is sometime ago since I desird Mr Washington to deliver all the Bonds; and every paper in my possession relative to the Sale of Colo. Mercer’s Estate, and the Power under which we acted to you; either in person, or to your written order as I found it would not be in my power to return to Virginia this Fall, and consequently utterly impossible for me to be of any further assistance to Colo. Mercer & his Mortgagees. This he informs me he has done—From hence forward then the matter rests wholely with you—But as a friend to you—to Colo. Mercer—

and to Mr James Mercer—I must express my entire disapprobation of the latters having any share in the Collection of those Debts arising from the Sale of the Estate—I am surprizd indeed at Mr Mercers wishing to have any hand in it, notwithstanding I firmly believe he means well, and to save expences by it as there is, in my opinion, a striking Impropriety in it. for you will please to consider Sir, that it was from the great dislike which Colo. Mercer and his Mortgagees had to the conduct of Mr Jas Mercer (tho I think very undeservedly) & from a suspicion of his unfair dealing, that the Estate was taken out of his hands, and our Powers arose. Would you then suffer that very Estate, after it is converted into Cash and in the most dangerous Situation it can be touched to return into his hands again? especially after knowing that he has a capitol claim upon it which he wants to secure in preference to other Debts the priority of which are contended for? I really think that this Step, if taken, will be improper—highly offensive to our Constituents—and may Involve difficulties unforeseen, and unintended at present.
I would not be understood to cast any Reflections on Mr James Mercer—I have no reason to do it—his conduct throughout the whole of this business has appeared to me in an exceeding fair point of view, but the temptation is too great to let a Man play the whole game himself—In other Words, to put it in his power to apply money to the discharge of one Debt in which he is Capitolly concern’d, instead of remitting it to discharge another in which he is not Interested at all. In short Sir, after having declared that I can no longer consider myself as Colo. Mercers Attorney it is presumptious to give my opinion of this matter so freely, and yet, as I wish a happy conclusion to it, I shall take the liberty of suggesting, whether it would not be better to appoint Colo. Francis Peyton to Collect the whole of these Debts as he was at the Sale—privy to every transaction attending it—acquainted with the People—Centrical—and wd I dare say upon Mr Mercers application undertake it for a small compensation—As to Mr Lund Washington’s collecting a Part it would be injurious to him, and me, unless the Money was brought to him, he therefore must be an Improper person for this business, & I hope will not be thought of for the purpose.
I have no doubt but that you, my good Sir, as well as others,

are wondering how it happens that two Armies almost in Stones throw of each other should keep so long from Action—I can account for it in few words—there Situation is such (being on two Peninsula’s very strongly fortified and surrounded by Ships of War and Floating Batteries) that we cannot get to them and they do not choose to come to us—This being the case we have spent the Summer in drawing Lines of Circumvalation round them—cutting of all Supplies of fresh Provisions by Land; and, latterly by Water; For finding no great prospect of a visit from them, I fitted out (in behalf of the Continent) Six armed Vessells; with which we have Interscepted their Provision Boats from Nova Scotia & Canada, and taken some others from G. Britain & the West Indies with Stores for the use of the Garrison, to the amount it is apprehended of near £20,000 Sterg—Except this few occurances have happened, not communicated in the publick Gazettes, worth noticing—My best respects to Mrs Tayloe and the Family, as also to your good Neighbours of Sabine Hall. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte H. Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. As I am inform’d that the Attorney General has left the Colony—in other words given it up—query whether some other Attorney ought not to be Imployed to prosecute the Orders, & desires of Colo. Mercer and his Mor’gagees. Yr &ca

G.W——n


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 11 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 11 Dec. 1775. On 30 Dec. Lund Washington wrote to GW: “Your Letter of the 11th Inst. I have recieved.”


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Freeman, 12 December 1775
From: Freeman, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sandwich [Mass.] December 12, 1775.

—May it please your Excellency: Colonel Otis, the younger, the author of the letter to your Excellency enclosed herewith, sent the same open to me,

as we were together in ordering Mr. Lovell apprehended and sent a prisoner to your Excellency. Upon reading it, I thought it would not be improper to add, that the two Lovells mentioned in this delinquent’s letter, owned that they told Shubael Lovell, the prisoner, they wished he had returned their names to the King’s officers as friends to Government, and as having refused to take up arms, &c.
This Shubael, though he appears an ignorant fellow, hath considerable influence among the Barnstable Tories, hath practised coasting to Nantucket the summer past, and I have no doubt hath communicated every thing of intelligence to the navy, if not frequently supplied them with provisions. Doctor Gelston, to whom he alludes in his letter, we have taken a number of depositions of his having supplied them considerably from Nantucket. He swears he will do it in defiance of the people, and threatens communicating the small-pox to any one who resists him. I wish he was taken, but cannot get any one, as yet, to join me in sending on for him. I hope your Excellency will take care that he is taken. The depositions concerning him are now in the hands of Joseph Nye, Esq., at the General Court. I shall be furnished with more, and be at Head-Quarters with Colonel Otis, this week, by Thursday, when shall take the liberty to wait on your Excellency. In the mean time, I am, with the greatest sincerity, your Excellency’s obedient, humble servant,

N. Freeman.


Title: To George Washington from John Morgan, 12 December 1775
From: Morgan, John
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Genl Hospital [Cambridge] 12th Decemr 1775

In pursuance of your Excellency’s command I have carefully inquired into the state of the genl Hospital, and of the sick in each House, and do find that the number set down in the last weekly return, made to me, from the Surgeons of the Hospital, amounts to 676, but they have sometimes amounted to near 15,00; of which the proportion at Roxbury, is about one third; and on an average, their returns have generally proved to be nearly in that proportion. And whereas, from the great number of troops stationed at Roxbury, and its being so remote from Cambridge, it is absolutely necessary, to have Houses there for the reception and care of the Sick, and to have stores and proper officers for the same: and on further consideration of the merits and services of William Aspenwall, and Lemuel Hayward, in establis[h]ing Houses for that purpose, and their care, attention and skill, manifested as Surgeons, ever since the Army has been established, as well as the expediency of retaining Gentlemen of their abilities, and good character, in the Hospital, and the particular advantage, of their being stationed at Roxbury, in case of action in that quarter, (the Mates of the Hospital, in general, being not yet sufficiently qualifyed for a trust of that importance, without the direction of a superiour; and the four Surgeons already appointed, by Dr Church, being fully employed in times of prevailing sickness, at Cambridge, and will be all wanted there in case of a general action) I would beg leave to recommend that Mr Aspenwall and Mr Hayward, may still be kept in pay, as additional Surgeons, in the General Hospital so long as circumstances require, with liberty to draw on this Hospital, for the necessary supplies of Instruments, Medicines &c. And whereas the Small Pox hath made its appearance at several times in the Army, and a number of persons have been lately sent out of Boston and landed at point Sherley with the small pox on them; it is highly expedient, to fix on a proper place, for conveying such persons to, as may have the small pox, with suitable Conveniences to prevent its spreading; and to have a Surgeon, and Mate of experience kept there continually, whose sole business shall be restricted to the taking

care of the Soldiers, and other persons, that may have the small pox, and be sent thither to prevent its spreading; and whereas Dr Isaac Rand, has hitherto been employed as Surgeon and Mr Lyons as his Mate, to the care of the small pox-patients, who are willing to remain in that department, I do further recommend that they may be continued in pay, as Surgeon, and Mate, for the service, so long as occasion requires, with liberty to draw, on the general Hospital for necessary supplies. With all dutifull submission I remain your excellency’s Most Obedient & most Hume Sert

John Morgan


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Otis, 12 December 1775
From: Otis, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Barnstable [Mass.], December 12, 1775—
May it please your Excellency: The enclosed letter was sent me by the Governour of Rhode-Island, on the receipt of which, with the advice of the Field Officers of this regiment, I took up the writer, and, with the advice of Colonel Otis, have sent the man to your Excellency, by Lieutenant Lothrop. The two men mentioned in the letter, we talked with, but have dismissed them till further

orders, as there was no proof against them but their being mentioned in the letter sent Captain Ayscough.
As to Mr. Lovell’s character and situation, he is one that we have always looked upon as a Tory, and something busy in the Opposition. He has a large family of small children that want his assistance. I pity the man’s folly. As I shall be at Head-Quarters this week, with the Militia ordered from this regiment, shall do myself the honour to wait on you further about the matter. Should be glad Lieut. Lothrop might have the care of him till I see your Excellency. I am your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant,

Joseph Otis.


Title: From George Washington to Eleazar Wheelock, 12 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Wheelock, Eleazar

Cambridge 12 December 1775. “Acknowledged receipt of two Letters. Thankd him for information respecting Major Rogers & inclosed a Letter for him, which was Saved with other papers thrown over board by Capt. Forster.”


Title: General Orders, 13 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 13th 1775
Parole Camden.Countersign Chatham

The Major Generals are to order the Militia Companies to be joined to the different Brigades and Regimints, in their respective Divisions in such a manner, as to supply the dificiency of the Connecticut Troops, and to prevent disorder and confusion, in case we should be called to action; and make a report thereof as soon as it is done. As the Companies have an Inclination to join particular Regiments, the General has no objection to it, in every Instance where it can be done, consistant with the good of the service, and the allotment to the different encampments. The Adjutants of every regiment to which any of these Companies are joined, are to acquaint them with all General, and Brigade Orders, that they may not unknowingly disobey them.
The Colonels of the several Regiments upon the new establishment, may respectively apply to the Commissary of the Ordnance stores, for seventy-five Stands of Arms, lately taken in the Store Ship from London; These Arms, the Colonels will be careful to put into the hands of the soldiers most approved for their Care and Bravery; and such only as are enlisted for the next Campaign—Exact Lists of their Names to be returned to the respective Colonels—The Carbines taken in the said Ship, are not to be delivered without especial orders.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 13 December 1775
From: Massachusetts Council
To:

	[Watertown, Mass.] 13 December 1775. Corrects several mistakes made in its letter to GW of 31 Oct. recommending officers in Col. Ephraim Doolittle’s regiment for commissions.


Title: General Orders, 14 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 14th 1775
Parole St Domingo.Countersign France.


Title: To George Washington from William Bartlett, 14 December 1775
From: Bartlett, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Beverly [Mass.] 14 Decer 1775

I now forward to Your Excellency by the Bearer Three Cask of Porter purchased of Capt. Hunter one BLL of Lemons of what was Remaining Sound out of the Ship Concord one Box of Pickels one Keg of Sweetmeets one Box of wine Two Cases of wine one BLL of Tea & Loaf Sugar one BLL of Oranges being all the Sound ones on board the Brign. Hannah the Oranges being Directed to his Excellency Generall Gaige hope they will be the more Acceptable to His Excellency Generall Washington the Box of Sweet meats being all I can find at Preasant on board when She is on Loaded if there Should be any more found Shall forward them to Your Excellency There is on board the Brign. Hannah a Number of Cask of Lemmons & Limes being almost all Perish’d therefore Shall Sell them Next Monday at Publick Auction if no Counter Orders from your Excellency four Loafs of Sugar out of Ship Jenny being all there was Onboard hope These will Arrive Safe & Clear from Frost And am with the Gratesst Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Hume Sert

William Bartlett


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 14 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Cambridge December 14. 1775

Your favour of the 11 Instant was handed me by the Two French Gentlemen, for which I am exceedingly Obliged to you—I have heard their proposals and plan for Supplying the Continent with Arms & Ammunition, which appear plausible and to promise Success; But not thinking myself authorized to enter into any contract respecting the same, and being not fully acquainted with the measures Congress have adopted for procuring these Articles, I have prevailed upon them to go to philadelphia and recommended them and the consideration of their plan to that Body, where the matter will be finally agreed upon or rejected.
I must pray the favour of you to furnish every necessary for accomodating them & Carriages with all expedition for carrying them as far as Governour Trumbulls. They are to Travel at the Continental expence, and whatever charge you may be at, on their account, you will be pleased to transmit to me and It shall be immediately reimbursed. I am Sir with great esteem Your Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Rogers, 14 December 1775
From: Rogers, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Medford (Porters Tavern) [Mass.] Decemr 14. 1775

I sail’d from Gravesend the 4th of June last in a Merchant

ship bound to Baltimore in Maryland, which was at the time I came away the nighest passage I could get to Philadelphia, where I waited on the Gentlemen that compose the Continental Congress, in order to obtain ⟨their permit to set⟩tle my private Affairs, being much ⟨encumbered with de⟩bts, chiefly contracted in the province ⟨of New-York; in w⟩hich settlement my Brother Colonel James Rogers (who lives in the Province of New York about Twenty miles West of Connecticut River) was deeply concernd, being bound for me in several sums of money, which made it necessary for me to visit him in my way home—and for that purpose came by the way of New York & Albany, to my Brothers, & from thence to Portsmouth, to my Wife & Family (a pleasure long wishd for) having been Six Years in Europe—I have taken the earliest opportunity that would permit to come to this Town (where I arriv’d this morning) in order to lay before your Excellency the passport I receivd at Philadelphia from the Committee of Safety there; a Copy of which is transcrib’d at the Bottom of this Letter, together with the Minutes made thereon by the Committees of safety at New York & New Hampshire. I do sincerely entreat your Excellency for a continuance of that permission for me to go unmolested where my private Business may call me as it will take some Months from this time to settle with all my Creditors—I have leave to retire on my Half-pay, & never expect to be call’d into the service again. I love North America, it is my native Country & that of my Family’s, and I intend to spend the Evening of my days in it—I should be glad to pay you my respects personally, but have tho’t it prudent to first write you this Letter, & shall wait at this place for your Excellency’s commands. I am Sir your Excellency’s most Obedient & most Humble Servant

⟨Robert Rogers, Major⟩


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Cambridge 14 December 1775.

“I beg leave to recommend to your kind notice Monsieurs Pennet and De Pliarne two French Gentlemen who came here last night. . . . I pray the favor of you to supply them with such necessaries as they may want and have Carriages provided for expediting their journey as much as possible.”


Title: General Orders, 15 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 15th 1775
Parole. Rockingham.Countersign Richmond

The Quarter Masters of all the Regiments, are as soon as possible, to deliver to the Deputy Commissary General Mr Elisha Avery, all the Cyder Barrels, Butter Firkins & Candle-Boxes, in the possession of their respective Corps; as those Articles are very much wanted for the public service.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 December 1775
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany December 15th 1775.

Your Excellencys Favor of the 28th November I received on the 11th instant, the Inventory of the Military Stores taken from the Enemy, gave great Joy in this Place.
With mine of the 8th instant, Your Excellency will receive an Account of our Strength in Canada, It is daily decreasing, above an hundred have left It since General Montgomery’s Letter. I fear much that by the first of next Month, I shall not have a Man left at Tyonderoga, Crown Point or Fort George, of those now there, and I cannot learn that the Officers to whom I gave Warrants to raise new Companies to garrison those Places, meet with any Success.
The Treaty with the Indians is not yet concluded.
They have delivered us the War Belt & Hatchet which Colo: Johnson gave them at Montreal, when this Belt was delivered at Montreal, Johnson had caused an Ox to be roasted and a Cask of red Wine was prepared, and when he invited them to the Feast He said it was to Eat a Bostonian and to drink his Blood, the Sachems of the six Nations present refused to partake of the Feast, or to let the Warriors sing the War Song. But took the Belt to lay it before their Grand Council. We have now sufficient Proof that the Ministry attempted to engage the Savages, to fight against Us.
The Mohawks have received a severe and Public Reprimand from the other Nations, because they did not immediately send

for the few of that Tribe that were in Canada, Some of which were killed by our People.
I do Myself the Honor to inclose Your Excellency Copies & Extracts of my late Letters to Congress.
I have not heard a Word from Colo: Knox since I left him at Fort George. the Weather is so moderate at present, that I am in Hopes he has got most of the Stores to Fort George. I am Dr Sir with every sentiment of Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & most Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 15 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge Decemr 15th 1775

Your favors of the 7th and 9th instant I received, and was much pleased to hear of the zeal of the people of Connecticut & the readiness of the inhabitants of the several Towns to march to this Camp, upon their being acquainted with the behaviour and desertion of their Troops.
I have nothing to suggest for the consideration of your Assembly; I am convinced that they will not be wanting in their exertions for supporting the just and Constitutional Rights of the Colonies.
Inclosed I send you a list of the Officers and Companies under the new arrangment, with the number of men inlisted. The returns only came in to day, or I would have transmitted it before.
Having heard that it is doubtful whether the Reverend Mr Leonard from your Colony, from the circumstances of his affairs, will have it in his power to continue here as a Chaplain, I cannot but express some concern, as I think his departure

will be a loss—His general conduct has been exemplary and praiseworthy—In discharging the duties of his office, active and industrious—He has discovered himself a warm and steady friend to his Country, and taken great pains to animate the Soldiery and impress them with a knowledge of the important Rights we are contending for—Upon the late desertion of the Troops he delivered a sensible and judicious discourse, holding forth the necessity of courage and bravery, and at the same time of perfect obedience and subordination to those in Command.
In justice to the merits of this Gentleman, I thought it only right to give you this testimonial of my opinion of him, and to mention him as worthy of your esteem and that of the public. I am Sir with great Regard Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 16 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 16th 1775
Parole Raleigh.Counter-sign Drake.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Dodge, 16 December 1775
From: Dodge, Richard
To: Washington, George

Chalsea [Mass.] Decr the 16th 1775
May it please your Excellency

I Have in Closed the Observation of the Day.
Last Eve[n]ing Eight men Runaway in a bote from Boston to our guard at the farry—arly in the mor[n]ing finding thay had been with the guard Immedetly forwooded them to the Cammete on the Commete Reception thay Clensed them by Smooking them and Lett them pass—one of tham was Capt. James

Warden who was Taken, in major mifflim Imploy who is Vary Desierous of Seeing the major.
Six of them are masters of Vassels and brought the in Closed Acctt I am yr most Humb. Servt

Richard Dodge Capt.

N.B. yeasterday one Large morter was Carred over to Bunker Hill the Troops are fillin Water Carring on board the Transports provision is Very Sca[r]ce the officers Say not more then anuf to Last them Six weeks one of the Gente man Say he Dined with a man that Dined with Lord parsey a feu Day ago upon horse beaff this from the men that Came out of Boston Last Night.


Title: Enclosure: Intelligence from Boston, 17 December 1775
From: Dodge, Richard
To:

[17 December 1775]

This Acompt I Receivd from Boston this Day—Dember 17 1775.
Remark for Tusday Dember 5 1775.
Gott into Boston mett with the Ship Boyan Bound for London Wich Had on Bord 30 Masters of Vesels Pasheners on bord.
Thusday 7 the Foy man of war 20 Guns Mountigue Commander Brought in the Brige Washington one Martendell Commander mounted 10 Guns and ten Swivells 72 men the Capt. and all the men was Put on Bord the Priston. Munday Last—General Washington—Prisners was Put on bord the Tarter man of war To be Sent Hom for Triel as Pyrets.

The Followg is the Price of Provison in Boston vizt

            Rum
            £
            0
            12
            0
            ⅌ Gall. Starling

            Moloses

            0
            3
            0
            by the Hh.

            Wood

            4
            16
            6
            ⅌ Cord

            See Coal

            4
            14
            0
            Chotron

            Salt Beef

            4
            4
            0
            ⅌ bl

            Merder Wine

            1
            8
            0
            ⅌ Doz.

            Read Porter

            1
            4
            0
            Ditto

            Hay

            20
            0
            0
            ⅌ tun

            beef

            0
            9
            0

            Turkeys

            0
            10
            6

            Foulls

            0
            4
            6

            Onions

            0
            0
            6
            ⅌ lb.

            Potato

            0
            10
            0
            ⅌ Bushel

            Solders Lounces 4 Pound ⅌ week

orders from General How to Pull Down the Old North meeting House and one Hundred Wood Houses.
Morson Scotch menster took Bribe of A Sertain Genttelmen of 36/ Starling to Gett Out of Boston and 72/ to Let him Bring Out A trunk of £240 Pound in Cash Wich when he Had it in his Power sezd the Holl and Carreed it to Boston A Gain.
The Officers of the 59 & the 18 Redg. is Sailed four Hom in order to Recrute and Return in The Spring one Redgt of foot and 3 Companys of the Lite Hors Sails for Halifex this day.
Sir I am Creadible in formed that the Solgers have Nothing But the a Bove 4 Pound of Porck & Bread Delt out to them

Richd Dodge Capt.


Title: To George Washington from Colonels Jedediah Huntington, Samuel Wyllys, and Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 December 1775
From: Huntington, Jedediah,Wyllys, Samuel,Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

C.16 December 1775.

Recommend Stephen Keyes “A Young Gentleman from Connecticutt . . . as a person of Education, Genius, & Spirit, & capable of doing honour to any Regt in which yr Excelly Should see fit to appoint him a Lieut.”


Title: To George Washington from Captain Peleg Wadsworth, 16 December 1775
From: Wadsworth, Peleg
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
16th December 1775

Agreeable to your Orders of the 5th Inst: I have examined the Harbour of Cape Cod. Give it as my Oppinion—that Cape Cod makes a very extensive Harbour with any Winds from the West to North & N. E. & Shipping may conveniently Ride out of the Reach of Cannon altho’ the whole Shore was lined with them. But the Cove, which may Strictly be called the Harbour might be pretty well commanded from an Eminence on the Shore. This might deprive an Enemy of the most commodius part of the Harbour prevent their Watering, Rendesvous &c. &c. I am with due Respect your Excellency’s Humbl. Servt

Peleg Wadsworth


Title: General Orders, 17 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 17th 1775
Parole Thanet.Countersign Dorset.

When fresh Recruits from the Country join the new established Regiments, The Colonels, or commanding Officers of those Regiments, are to discharge the like number of old Soldiers, who have not engaged for the next Campaign; taking care to part with the most indifferent first.
A General Court Martial to sit to morrow Morning in Cambridge, at Ten in the fore-noon, to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them—All Evidences and Persons concern’d to attend the Court.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 17 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Cambridge December 17. 1775

By sundry persons and Accounts just from Boston I am Informed, that the Ministerial Army is in very great distress for

want of fresh provision, and having received Intelligence that there are Two hundred Fat Cattle on Block Island, and some Transport Vessels cruizing that way in quest of Necessaries for the Army, I must request you to have the Cattle &c. removed from thence immediately, and from every other place where their Ships can come & take them away—It is a matter of the utmost importance to prevent them from getting a Supply; If they can be hindered now, the advanced season of the year & the inclement weather which we may expect e’re long, will put it out of their power.
I yesterday received the Inclosed Information from Several persons who lately came out from Boston, which I thought it my duty to Transmit to you—It is more than probable, that the destination of the Troops may be very different from what they have given out; they may have made use of that to deceive us in another Quarter—It is certain that Several Ships left the Harbour yesterday morning. I am Sir with great regard Your Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Knox, 17 December 1775
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Fort George [N.Y.] Decr 17. 1775.

I returnd from Ticonderoga to this place on the 15th instant & brought with me the Cannon &c. It having taken nearly the time I conjecturd it would to transport them here—It is not easy to conceive the difficulties we have had in getting them over the lake owing to the advanced Season of the Year & contrary winds—three days ago it was very uncertain whether we could have gotten them over untill next Spring, but now please God they shall go—I have made forty two exceeding strong sleds & have provided eighty yoke of Oxen to drag them as far

as Springfield where I shall get fresh Cattle to carry them to Camp. The rout will be from here to Kinderhook, from thence into Great Barrington, Massachusetts Bay & down to Springfield—There will Scarcely be any possibility of conveying them from here to Albany or Kinderhook but on Sleds the roads being very much gullied—At present the sledding is tolerable to Saratoga about 26 Miles; beyond that there is none—I have sent for the Sleds & teams to come up & expect to begin to move them to Saratoga on Wednesday or Thursday next trusting that between this & that period we shall have a fine fall of Snow which will enable us to proceed further & make the Carriage easy—if that should be the case I hope in 16 or 17 days to be able to present to your Excellency a Noble train of Artillery, the Inventory of which I’ve inclos’d I have been particular with respect to their dimensi⟨ons⟩ that no mistake may be in making their carriages as there are none here or Implements of any kind I also send a List of those Stores which I desir’d Colo. McD⟨ougall⟩ to send from N. York; I did not then know of any 13 Inc⟨h⟩ Mortars which was the reason of my ordering but few Shells of that Size; but I now write to him for 500 1 ⟨Inch⟩ 200 5 7/10 Inches & 400 of 4½ Inches—If these sizes could be ha⟨d⟩ there as I beleive they can I should imagine it would ⟨save⟩ time & expence rather than to have them cast—if You should think otherwise or have made provision for elswhere you will please to countermand this ord⟨er⟩.
There is no other News here of Colo. Arno⟨ld⟩ than that from Colo. McCleans having burnt the House⟨s⟩ round Quebec Colo. Arnold was oblig’d to go to poin⟨t⟩ au tremble about 6 miles from the City, that Ge⟨nl⟩ Montgomery had gone to join him with a Consid⟨erable⟩ body of men & a Good train of Artillery Mortars &⟨c.⟩
There are some timid & some malevolent Spirits who make this matter much worse—from the different accounts which I have been Able to collect I have very little doubt tha⟨t⟩ General Montgomery has Quebec now in his possession. I am with the utm⟨ost⟩ Respect Your Excellency⟨s⟩ Most Obdt Humble Servt

Henry Knox


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 17 December 1775
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Camp on Winter Hill 17th Decemr 1775
Much Respected General

agreeable to your order have again waited on Major Rogers and Strictly Examined him have Seen his Several permits and think them Genuine & in Every Respect agreeable to the Copy Sent you—he Says he Left New york about the 10th of October and being ill with the Fever & ague was 10 Days in getting to Abany That There & at a place Called Stone Rabba—he Tarried 10 Days More: he then passed Through Hoosuck Standford Draper & Hinsdale in his way to his Brothers who Lives in Kent he was three Days in performing this Rout and Tarried with his Brother 5 or 6 Days more he was then 3 Days in going to Westminster and in his way passed Through by Dartmouth Colledge & Saw Mr Wheelock from thence he went to his Farm in Pennycook where he Tarryed Six or Eight Days from thence he went to Newbury and from Thence to Portsmouth and after Tarrying there Some few Days Laid his permit before the Committee of Safety. he owns Every thing in Mr Wheelocks Letter Except that of his having been in Canada which he warmly Denies & Says he can prove the Rout he Took and prove himself to have been in the Several Towns at or near the Days he has mentioned. I asked him why he came to the Camp as he had no Business with any particular person & had no Inclination to offer his Service in the American Cause to which he Replied that he had voluntarily waited upon the Committees of Several Colonies as he thoug⟨ht⟩ it a piece of Respect Due to them and would probably prevent his being Suspected and Treated as a person unfriendly to us—That he Likewise thought it his Duty to wait on your Excellencey & acquaint you with the Situation of his affairs and if he could to obtain your Licence to Travel unmolested—These Sir are the Facts as handed to me by him what may be his Secret Designs I am unable to Say & what Steps are most proper to be taken Respecting him your Excellencey can best Judge—I am far from thinking that he has been in Canada but as he was once Governor of Michalamackinack it is possible he may have a Commission to Take that Command & Stir up the Indians against us & only waits for an opportunity to get

there—for which Reasons I would advise Lest Some Blame might be Laid upon your Excellencey in future not to give him any other permit but Let him Avail himself of those he has & Should he prove a Traytor Let the Blame Centre upon those who Enlarged him I beg pardon from Intrudeing my Opinion & Subscribe myself your Excellenceys most obediant Servant

Jno. Sullivan


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 17 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge 17th Decemr 1775

I yesterday received the inclosed information from several persons, who lately came out of Boston, which, I thought it my duty, to transmit to you—Whether these Troops are embarked I cannot undertake to say; but if they are it is more than probable, that their destination may be very different from what they gave out in Boston, and that that was only used as a feint—It is certain that several Ships sailed from thence yesterday morning. I am Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go. Washington

P.S. Brigadier General Prescot as it is said, having treated Colo. Allen with much severity, I beg your particular attention lest he should escape.


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 17 December 1775
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Decembr 17th 1775

Your Letter of 20th Novmbr I have recieve’d. I am uncertain whether the People got by Cleveland to Value his improvements made upon your Land, was appointed by the Court or not, but If I remember right they were swore by a single majestrate, he has a Certificate of the Valuation, (but whether an order of Court appointing them or not I forget) sworn to, I will enquire more particularly into it & If I find he has Err’d send him to the C[oun]ty Courts where in the Land lays, & get his wo[r]ck Recorded—he told me he had followed your Instructions in every particular, & had attended to the Act of Assembly, a Copy of which you gave him—I fear he has done wrong, I was not particular enough in examineg his Papers—but told him if he had done in all things According to his Instruction—t’was Well, take care of the Papers until your return, I have wrote to him to come down, that I may more particularly inquire into what he

has done—& will hereafter Inform you. Mr Thos Lawson several times applyed to me for a Sum of money you promise’d to pay at Wmsburg by Colo. Lewis on Ac[coun]t of Mr Robt Lawson £24.16.7—for Iron had in May 1774—& wrote me that you had once or twice appologised by letter for the disappointg him—I have paid him. I fear it will not be in my power to get any Money from Mr Adam—I mention’d in my last that Jennifer Adam, had made Deeds for his Land to you—I have not got his Negroe Fellow in Possession, the Fellow will not come to Virginia, What shall I do with him, had he not best be sold.
Gilbert Simpson has never sent to me this Fall—I wrote to him that I intended he should recieve the money for the Servt⟨s⟩ & that I would send the Indentures by the first safe opportun⟨i⟩ty—I expect to have an opportunity soon. Whether he has got the Mill to worck yet or not I cannot tell. Colo. Tayloe has not yet taken Colo. Mercers Bonds out of my hands—a yo[u]ng man that Mr Lawson sent here the other Day Ask’d if I had got a Letter from Colo. Tayloe lately, that he had wrote me, I have never Recieve’d it, therefore cannot tell why he does not send for the Bonds—A Mr Coomes liveg in Maryland near Snowdons Worcks writes to me desireg to know Who is to make him Deeds for the Land he Bought, that being done, he is ready to pay the purchase Money—I fear your absence will be an injury to Colo. Mercer—for it seems odd to me that, Colo. Tayloe does not take some steps to Collect the Bonds—Colo. Fairfaxes affairs are much in the same way—I have wrote to Willis & Peyton several times about it but to no purpose, Willis says he has no Business with the Collection, Peyton has never answer’d my Letters—Mr Bryan Fairfax is become a preacher he gave Publick Notice that on such a Day he shoud preach at his own House Accordingly on that Day, Many Asembled to hear him, but to their great Confusion & surprize he Advise’d them to return to the Boosom of that Church in which they had been brought up (The Church of England) for he had been at much panes in Examineg the Scriptures, & the different modes of Worshipg the Supreme being, which was now adopted by many, to the disgrace of Christianity, & that he found none so pure & undefiled as that prescribed by the Canons of the Church of England—you no doubt get the Virginia Papers in the Camp,

by them you will learn how our Army here come on in the Fightg way, beside the Ac[coun]ts contain’d in them, we have one jest come to hand, of a Party of Lord Dunmore⟨s⟩ men Attackg one hundred of our men that were intrenchd on this Side the Great Bridge, Dunmores Party were repulsd with the loss of 50 men kill’d & taken. It is said our Convention are to raise 4000 men, I suppose they will be raised out of the Minute Batalions, the Minute Men of this District are orderd to Wmsburg & I believe have March’d, Lord Dunmores Negroe Soldiers are, it is said, commanded by Scotchmen—proper Officers for Slaves, for they themselves Possess Slavish Principals—I think it woud be a good thing if several of the Privateers which we read of towards the Northward, were to come here, and take Lord Dunmore & his Squadron—or if the Congress were to send the Vessles now fitg out at Philadelphia.
Three or four of our Negroes are sick tho not dangerous, unless Silvia at the Mill is, the Dr seems to apprehend her Lungs is affected. Colo. Mason is getg Well & Intends to Wmsburg immediately after Christmas—nothing yet done towards a Battery upon Potowmack—it is to be hoped the great encouragement offer’d by our Convention for gund Powder (6/ pr lb. for all brought here for Six months) will shortly bring enough of that now so necessary article in to this collony. I hope by this time Mrs Washington is with you—my Best Respects to her—Custis & Lady and am Dr Sir your very Affectionate & Humble Servt

Lund Washington

P.S. Sears is here still I suppose he will finish next week he is paintg the new Room & dineg Room & then he has a picture frame to make which Mrs Washington directd him about Knowles is not recover’d of the hurt mention’d in my last—have alterd the Wash house & are now at worck upon it.


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 17 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Woodhull, Nathaniel

Cambridge, 17 December 1775.. Encloses intelligence from Chelsea and Dorchester.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge 18th December 1775

Captain Manly of the Lee armed Schooner took & Sent into Beverly the sloop Betsey, A. Atkinson Master, She is an armed vessell, dispatchd by Lord Dunmore with Indian Corn, Potatoes & Oats for the Army in Boston—the paquetts of Letters found on board I have the honour to send you with this, by Captain James Chambers, they being of So Much importance that I do not think, it woud be prudent, to trust them by a Common express.
As Lord Dunmores Schemes are fully Laid open in these Letters, I need not point out to the Congress, the necessity there is, of a vigorous exertion being adopted by them, to disposses his Lordship of the Strong hold he has got in Virginia, I do not mean to dictate, but I am Sure they will pardon me for giveing them freely my oppinion, which is, that the fate of America a good deal depends, on his being obliged to evacuate Norfolk this Winter, or not—I have Kirkland well Secured, and think I will Send him to you for examination—by Most of the Letters relative to him, he is a dangerous fellow—John Stewarts Letters and papers are of a very interesting nature—Governor Tonyn’s & Many other Letters from Augustine Shew the weakness of the place, at the Same time, of what vast Consequence it woud be for us, to possess ourselves of it, & the great quantity of Amunition Contained in the Fort; indeed these papers are of So great Consequence, that I think this, but little inferior to any prize, our famous Manly, has taken.

We now work at our ease on Leechmores hill, on discovering our party there yesterday Morning, the ship which Lay opposite, began a Cannonade, to which Mount Horam added Some Shells, one of our men was wounded; we fired a few Shot from two eighteen pounders which are placed on Coble hill, and Soon obliged the Ship to Shift her Station—She now lyes in the Ferry way—and except a few shells from the Mount in Boston, (which do no execution), we have no interuption in prosecuting our works, which will, in a very Short time be Completed, when that is done—when we have powder to Sport with—I think, if the Congress resolve on the execution of the proposal made, relative to the town of Boston—it Can be done.
I have Sent a Letter in, this day to General How, of which, a Copy goes herewith—My reason for pointing out Brigadier Gen. Prescot as the object who is to Suffer Mr Allens fate, is that by Letters from General Schuyler, & Copies of Letters from General Montgomery to Schuyler, I Am given to understand that Prescot is the Cause of Allens Sufferings—I thought it best to be decisive, on the occasion, as did the Generals whom I consulted thereon.
the returns for men inlisted Since my Last amount to about 1800 making in the whole 7140, the Militia that are come in—both from this Province & New Hampshire are very fine looking men, & go thro’ their duty with great alacrity, the dispatch made, both by the people in marching, & by the Legislative powers in Complying with my requisition, has given me infinit Satisfaction.
Your Letter of the 8th instant with the explanatory resolve respecting my Calling forth the Militia & minute men is Come to hand to which I shall pay all due attention—you have removed all the difficulties which I Labourd under about the two Battalions of Marines—I Shall obey the orders of Congress in Looking out for proper officers to Comand that Corps—I make no doubt but when the money arrives to pay of the Arrears, & the months advance, that it will be a great encouragement for the men to Inlist.
Inclosed is a Letter I Lately received from Mr James Lovell, his Case is truely pityable I wish Some mode Coud be fallen upon to relieve him from the cruel Situation he is now in—I am

Sensible of the impropriety of exchangeing a Soldier for a Citizen, but there is Something So cruelly distressing in regard to this gentleman that I dare Say you will take it under your Consideration, I am with great respect Sir Your most Ob. H. St

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Howe, 18 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir,
Cambridge Decr 18. 1775

We have just been informed of a Circumstance, which were it not so well Authenticated, I should scarcely think credible; It is that Col. Allan who with his small party was defeated & taken

prisoner near Montreal, has been treated without regard to decency, humanity, or the rules of War—That he has been thrown into Irons & Suffers all the hardships inflicted upon common Felons.
I think it my duty Sir to demand & do expect from you, an ecclaircisment on this Subject; At the same time I flatter myself from the Character which Mr Howe bears, as a man of Honour, Gentleman & Soldier, that my demand will meet with his approbation; I must take the liberty also of Informing you that I shall consider your silence as a confirmation of the truth of the report, & further assuring you, that whatever Treatment Colonel Allen receives—whatever fate he undergoes—such exactly shall be the treatment & Fate of Brigadier Prescot, now in our hands.
The Law of retaliation is not only justifiable in the Eyes of God & man, but absolutely a duty which in our present circumstances we owe to our Relations Friends & fellow Citizens.
Permit me to add Sir that we have all here the highest regard & reverence for your great personal Qualities & Attainments, and that the Americans in general esteem it not as the least of their misfortunes, that the name of Howe—a name so dear to them—should appear at the head of the Catalogue of the Instruments, employed by a wicked ministry for their destruction. with due respect, I have the honour to be Sir Yr Most Obedt & Hble sert

G.W.

P.S. If an exchange of prisoners, taken on each side in this Unnatural Contest is agreeable to Genl Howe, he will please to signify as much to his Most Obedt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Cambridge December 18th 1775.

Your Favours, the first of the 28th Ultimo and the two last of the 9th Instant with their Inclosures I received—I am happy to hear of your being better, and heartily wish that you may be soon perfectly recovered from your Indisposition.
I should have been very glad, if Mr Carlton had not made his Escape, I trust e’re long he will be in our Hands, as I think we shall get possession of Quebec, from whence he will not easily get away—I am much concerned for Mr Allan & that he should be treated with such Severity—I beg that you will have the Matter and Manner of his Treatment strictly enquired into, and transmit me an Account of the same, and whether General Prescot was active and instrumental in occasioning it—From your Letter and General Montgomery’s to you, I am led to think he was: If so, he is deserving of our particular Notice & should experience some Marks of our Resentment for his Cruelty to this Gentleman & his violation of the Rights of Humanity.
As some of the prisoners have attempted their Escape I doubt not of your giving necessary Orders that they may be prevented. It is a Matter that should be attended to.
In a Letter from the Reverend Doctor Wheelock of Dartmouth College of the 2d Instant, I had the following Intelligence “That the Day before two Soldiers returning from Montreal informed him, that our Officers were assured by a Frenchman, a Captain of the Artillery whom they had taken Captive, that Major Rogers was second in Command under Genl Carleton, and that he had lately been in Indian Habit

through our Encampment at St John’s, had given a plan of them to the Generals & supposed that he made his Escape with the Indians which were at St John’s”—You will be pleased to have this Report examined into and acquaint me as to the Authenticity or probability of the Truth of it—If any Circumstances can be discovered to induce a Belief that he was there he should be apprehended, he is now in this Government.
The Congress have sent me several Accounts against the Rifle-Companies, one of which is against Capt. Morgan—which I inclose you and desire that it may [be] transmitted to Colonel Arnold, who will have proper Steps taken for the payment of it as Capt. Morgan is with him.
I flatter myself that your next Favour will give me an Account of General Montgomery’s joining Colonel Arnold and that Quebec is or soon will be reduced to our possession—Should our Arms be crowned with such Success to me it appears that Administration will be much embarrassed and stand in a disagreeable predicament. I am Sir with much Esteem & Regard Your most obedient Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Joseph Spencer, 18 December 1775
From: Spencer, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Camp at Roxbury 18 December 1775. Recommends William Peck for adjutant of Col. Jedediah Huntington’s regiment.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Thomas, 18 December 1775
From: Thomas, John
To: Washington, George

Roxbury 18 December 1775. Recommends discharge of Lt. Matthew Gray.


Title: General Orders, 19 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 19th 1775
Parole Davers.Countersign Hall.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 19 December 1775
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence Decemr 19th 1775

I have your Excellency’s Letter of the 17th which I have laid before the General Committee. Should the Force sailed from Boston be destined for Rhode Island I tremble for the Consequences, as the Colony in its present exhausted State cannot without Assistance defend the Island. At their unaminous Request I apply to your Excellency for a Detachment from the Continental Army of One Regiment to be stationed upon Rhode Island; and that you would please to appoint a General Officer to take the Command of the whole Force there. They also desired me to inform you that General Lee will be very acceptable to the Colony; and to request that the General Officer who may be appointed may set out immediately to take the Command of the Troops upon the Island and put it in the best Posture of Defence. We have at Head Quarters about 250 Men and shall immediately place on there about 400 more, and hold as many more in Readiness as possible. I need not point out to you the Importance of the Island, and the Inability of the Colony. I am in great Hast Your very hume Servt

Nichs Cooke

Capt. Wallace hath hinted to some of his Friends that he expects a Reinforcement daily.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Cambridge 19th Decr 1775.

Since writing you of this date, the Letter herewith Inclosed was put into my hands by Mr Eustice, who is in part the subject

of it; thinking it necessary that you should be acquainted with the contents, & a safe oppertunity offering by Mr Irwin. I do myself the honour of Inclosing it, to shew more fully to Congress the views of Lord Dunmore. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 19 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 19 Dec. 1775. On 4 Jan. 1776 GW wrote to Reed: “I have recd your obliging favours of the 19th & 23d Ulto.”


Title: General Orders, 20 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Dec: 20th 1775
Parole, Fairfax.Countersign Woodford.

In Consequence of a Complaint exhibited by the Colonels and commanding Officers of Corps, in the Brigade upon Winter hill, on the 20th of October last, against Commissary Genl Trumbull; His Excellency is pleased to order a Court of enquiry to sit to morrow at Eleven in the fore-noon, to examine into the Cause thereof—Major General Putnam, with the Brigadiers Sullivan, Green & Heath, to compose the Court of enquiry—

All Evidences and Persons concerned to attend the Court—The Court will sit at Genl Putnam’s house, the Judge Advocate to attend.


Title: To George Washington from William Bartlett, 20 December 1775
From: Bartlett, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Beverly [Mass.] 20th Decer 1775

I hereby Acknolidge the Receipt of yours Pr Collo. Glover togeather with the Two Thousand Dollers Also Sundry Letters since Concerning Giving to the Prisoners their Private Property which Orders Your Excellency may depend on Shall be Punctually Obey’d with Pleasure for it allways hes ben Very disagreable to me that any thing Should be taken from them and have done my Utmost to Prevent it but it hes ben Impracticable which I hope Your Excellency hes heard from differant hands to Your Satisfaction Also your Order with Regard to the Corn and Oats on board the Sloop Betsey togeather with Thos Mifflin Esqrs. Order for the Same Collo. Glover is Sence Arrived here who informs me that Mr Mifflin will not Give so much as the Cargo will Sell for here and that your Excellency is willing I shoud dispose of it at this place I Shall therefore wait Your Excellencys Orders.
I have Onloaded the Brign. Hannah & Stor’d her Cargo at Salem Bridge The Coals Out of the Concord Goes of Very Slow on Acct of the Price of Teams The Butter taken Out of her would Sell Exceeding well here if Your Excellency would Think proper to Give me Orders to dispose of it The Porter on board the Ship Jenny is of an inferior Quallity desire your Excellencys Orders Concerning it Am in Hast with the Gratest Respect Your Excellency most Obedt Hume Sert

William Bartlett