Title: Orders to Brigadier General James Ewing, 12 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ewing, James

Sir
[Trenton Falls, 12 December 1776]

Your Brigade is to guard the River Delaware from the Ferry opposite to Burdentown till you come within two miles or thereabouts of Yardly’s Mill, to which General Dickenson’s command will extend.
About One hundred, or a hundred and fifty Men will I should think, be sufficient at the Post opposite to Burden Town—the principal part of your Force should be as convenient as possible to the ford above Hoops’s Mill, in order that if a passage should be attempted at that place, you may give the earliest and most spirited opposition, the success of which depending upon good intelligence and the vigilance of your Guards and sentries, will induce you to use every means in your power to procure the first and every endeavour to enforce & encourage the latter.
Between Burdentown and the Mill, and from the Mill to the extent of your Line above, you are to have intermediate Guards and Centries, who are to be as attentive as possible in discovering, and informing you of every movement of the Enemy—constant patroles are also to pass—In a word, so much depends upon watchfullness that you cannot possibly be too much upon your Guard.
As the Ford from the Jersey Shore leads on to the upper end of the Island adjoining the Mill, you are to throw up a breast Work for Musquetry near the landing place, and secure your communication with it—Besides this work another on the height on this Side for a Field Piece or two should be erected.
Be particularly carefull of your Field Pieces & do not suffer them to be left if there is a possibility of avoiding it.
You are as I before said to give every possible opposition to the Enemy, particularly at crossing the River; but if you should be overpowered and obliged to retreat, join that part of the Troops under my immediate Command, or the other under Colonel Cadwallader—in the latter case, the best stand possible is to be made at Neshaminy Ferry, Bridge and Fords, but if you are unable to hold these, then seize the strong grounds in the neighbourhood of German Town, unless you receive orders to the contrary from me or some other your superior Officer.
spare no pains, nor cost, to gain information of the Enemys movements, and designs—whatever sums you pay to obtain this end I will chearfully refund. Every piece of information worthy of communication, transmit to me without loss of time.
A part of Colo. Harts Battalion I have ordered to join your Brigade. keep your Troops always supplied with three days Provisions and prevent

them from stragling, that they may be ready at a moments warning, to oppose the Enemy in their passage of the River.
Be particularly attentive to the Boats and other Vessells & suffer no person to pass over to the Jersey shore without a permit. Given at Head Quarters at Trenton Falls this 12th day of Decr 1776.

Go: Washington


Title: Orders to Brigadier Generals Lord Stirling, Hugh Mercer, Adam Stephen, and La Rochefermoy, 12 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander),Mercer, Hugh,Stephen, Adam,La Rochefermoy, Matthias-Alexis

[Trenton Falls, c.12 December 1776]

The General desires that Brigadiers Lord Sterling, Mercer, Stephen & de Fermoy do, respectively, Quarter their Brigades in Houses or Hutts as compactly as possibly, that they may be soon form’d, and ready for action at the shortest notice of the approach of the Enemy. Each Brigadier is to take care of his own Front, and keep strong Guards at all the convenient passing places—the intermediate spaces between the Brigades, are to be attended to by the Brigadiers next adjoining.
This order is not intended to withdraw the German Battalion (now annex’d to Genl Fermoys Brigade) from the Posts they at present Guard.
The Brigadiers are to use their utmost endeavours to have the Men got under the best cover they can, consistent with the above order for Quartering them compactly. And, as it does not admit of a doubt but that the Enemys attempt to cross the River will be conducted with the utmost secrecy and expedition, they cannot possibly use too much vigilance & caution with their Guard.
That no Intelligence may be conveyed to the Enemy that can be avoided, no person is to pass the River but by written leave from the Brigadier in the district he commands, or a verbal message from him by an Officer to the Guard who has charge of the Boats. Colo. Housaker is to observe this Rule, at the upper Ferry.
That the Recruiting Service may not be retarded, each Brigadier is to see that as many Officers (under the New appointments) as can be spared from their respective Regimts be sent upon that Service. the

Colo. or Commanding Officer of the Regiment to which they belong may apply for Money to Recruit with, & furnish them therewith.
The Brigade Majors are to fix with the Adjutant General or his Assistant upon A place to receive the daily Orders and be punctual in their Attendance at the hour of Eleven[.] as the distance will now be great for some of the Brigade Majors to come and their duty in other respects render it inconvenient they may send a Commissiond Officer for the Orders—but to none other will they be given.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 12 December 1776
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Van Kemp’s 15 Miles from Sussex Court House [N.J.]12th December 1776.
Sir,
In Obedience to General Schuylers Commands, I left Albany the  Instant with Starks[,] Poor’s, Read’s, & Paterson’s Regiments; Greaton’s, Bond’s, & Porter’s, having Sailed from thence the day before, Bedel’s remaining to Embark the next day, as Sloops were not then ready to receive them. Upon my Arrival at Esopus I sent Brigade Major Stoddard to New Windsor to Order Greaton’s, Bond’s, & Porters Regiments to Join me upon the March, by the way of Goshen; I thereupon March’d from Esopus; and sent my Aid de Camp Major Peirce to Goshen to direct the March of those Regiments. He met me Yesterday, and Acquainted me that Major General Lee, had sent an Order to those Regiments to Join Him by a prescribed Route. I therefore pursued My March by this Route with the Four other Regiments; and hope to rendezvous them all the day after tomorrow at Sussex Court House. I send the Bearer Brigade Majr Wilkinson for your Excellency’s Orders in respect to the Route you would have me take, at present I propose marching by that Deliver’d to Major Wilkinson.
I shall strictly Observe the directions contained in Mr Secretary Harrison’s Letter to Major General Schuyler of the 26th Ulto a Copy of which is now before me. There was a deep Snow last night at this place; it is now mild, and promises Rain, in that Case, we shall be able to go in Boats down the Delaware, which will save much time and fatigue. with every Ardent Wish for your Excellency’s prosperity, I am Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Trenton Falls Decr the 12th 1776

I last night received the favor of Mr Thompson’s Letter, inclosing the Proceedings of Congress of the 11th Instt. As the publication of their Resolve in my opinion will not lead to any good end, but on the contrary may be attended with some bad consequences, I shall take the liberty to decline inserting it in this days Orders, I am persuaded if the Subject is taken up & reconsidered, that Congress will concur with me in Sentiment. I doubt not but there are some who have propagated the report, but what if they have? Their remaining in or leaving Philadelphia must be governed by circumstances & events; If their departure should become necessary, it will be right; On the other hand, if there should not be a necessity for it, they will remain, & their continuance will shew the report to be the production of Calumny and Falsehood. In a word Sir, I conceive it a matter that may be as well disregarded, and that the removal or staying of Congress, depending entirely upon events should not have been the Subject of a Resolve.
The intelligence we obtain respecting the movements and situation of the Enemy is far from being so certain and satisfactory as I could wish, tho every probable means in my power and that I can devise are adopted for that purpose. The latest I have received, was from Lord Stirling last night, he says that Two Grenadiers of the Ineskilling Regiment who were taken and brought in by some Countrymen, inform that Genls Howe, Cornwallis, Vaughan &c. with about 6000 of the flying Army were at Penny Town waiting for Pontoons to come up with

which they mean to pass the River near the blue Mounts or at Corriels Ferry, they believe the latter. That the Two Battallions of Guards were at Brunswick & the Hessian Grenadiers, Chasseurs & a Regiment or Two of British Troops are at Trenton. Captn Miller of Colo. Hands Regiment also informs me, that a body of the Enemy were marching to Burlington on Yesterday morning. he had been sent over with a strong Scouting Party and at day break fell in with their advanced Guards, consisting of about 400 Hessian Troops who fired upon him before they were discovered, but without any loss & obliged him to retreat with his Party & to take boat. The number of the whole he could not ascertain, but they appeared to be considerable. Captn Millers account is partly confirmed by Commodore Seymour who reports, that Four or Five hundred of the Enemy had entered the Town. Upon the whole there can be no doubt but that Philadelphia is their object, and that they will pass the Delaware as soon as possible. Happy should I be, if I could see the means of preventing them. At present I confess I do not. All military writers agree that it is a work of great difficulty—nay impracticable where there is any extent of Coast to guard. This is the case with us, and we have to do it, with a force small and inconsiderable and much inferior to that of the Enemy. Perhaps Congress have some hope and prospect of Reinforcements, I have no intelligence of the sort, and wish to be informed on the Subject. Our little handfull is daily decreasing by sickness and Other causes, and without aid, without considerable Succours and exertions on the part of the people, what can we reasonably look for or expect, but an event that will be severely felt by the Common Cause, and that will wound the Heart of every virtuous American, the loss of Philadelphia. The Subject is disagreable, but yet it is true. I will leave it, wishing that our situation may become such as to do away the apprehensions which at this time seem to fill the minds of too many & with too much justice.
By a Letter from Genl Heath dated at Pecks Kills, the 8th, I am advised That Lieutt Colo. Vose was then there with Greatons, Bonds & Porters Regiments amounting in the whole to between 5 & 600 Men, who were coming this way, he adds That Genls Gates & Arnold would be at Goshen that night, with Starks, Poors, & Reads Regiments, but for what purpose, he does not mention.
The Inclosed Extract of a Letter which I received last night contains intelligence of an agreable nature[.] I wish to hear its confirmation by the arrival of the Several prizes; That with Cloathing & Arms will be an invaluable acquisition.
I shall be glad to be advised of the mode I am to observe in paying the Officers, whether they are to be allowed to draw the pay lately established & from what time or how long they are to be paid under

the Old establishment. A Pay Roll which was presented Yesterday being made up for the New, has given rise to these Propositions. Upon my objecting to it, I was told that Congress or the Board of War had established the Precedent by paying the 6th Regiment of Virga Troops, commanded by Colo. Buckner agreable to the latter as they came through Philadelphia. I have the Honor to be with much esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Head Quarters near Trenton fallsDecember 12th 1776.
Dr Sir.

Your letter of the 8th Instant has come duly to hand, and am glad to hear that Greatons Bond’s and Porter’s regiments are coming forward to join me; at the same time I must acknowledge I should have been much better satisfied, if they had contained a greater number of men than what you have mentioned: your sending them on with all possible expedition, was exceedingly proper; indeed no time is to be lost, as the necessity of our affairs at present, requires an immediate augmentation of our forces.
I have observed in your letter, you have mentioned, the arrival of Generals Gates and Arnold at Goshen, with Patterson’s, Stark’s, Poor’s & Reads Regiments, but have not mentioned whether they are on their march to join us; though I conjecture that this is the case from the rout they have taken; As every thing ought to be attempted for the preservation of Philadelphia, I hope these troops, will make all imaginable haste, to get here, in time to be of service.
Our situation at present in this quarter is truly critical; our army (as you have been informed) has been greatly diminished; The troops composing the flying camp, have mostly gone home, and we have as yet received very little assistance, except from the Philadelphia Militia: The Enemy under the command of Genls Howe, Cornwallis & Vaughan amounting to about twelve thousand men, are posted at Trenton Penny town & downwards towards Borden town, waiting for an oppertunity to cross over; Their views are to get possession of Philada; however it is very probable they will considerably extend them, unless we can procure a sufficent force to oppose their progress. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Please to forwd the inclosed to Governor Trumbull, as soon as possible.
With respect to the officers of one State inlisting the soldiers of another, it is not to be allowed of; & as to the Convalescents mentioned in your letter you may use your own discretion.


Title: To George Washington from New England Delegates, 12 December 1776
From: New England Delegates
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Decr 12 1776

We are this Moment informd by a Gentleman who is Brother of Collo. Griffen and has lately been at New York, that a Body of ten thousand of the Enemies Troops are actually arrivd at Rhode Island.
As Congress is now adjournd to Baltimore in Maryland, and the President and the Board of War are not in Town, we think it our Duty to send you this Intelligence; and as there is no General Officer in that Department, we refer it to your Consideration whether the Service does not absolutely require that one be immediately sent, to take the Command of Troops to be raisd there, to repel the Progress of the Enemy.
If Major General Green or Gates, who are greatly belovd in that Part of America, with a suitable Number of Brigadiers, could be spared for this Service, it might be attended with another Advantage, that of facilitating the new Inlistments.
We intreat your Attention to this important Matter and are with very great Respect your Excellcys very humble Servants

Samuel Adams
Elbridge Gerry
William Ellery
Wm Whipple


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 12 December 1776
From: Pennsylvania Council of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council of Safety Philadelphia 12th December 1776

The Council are Obliged to your Excellency for the intelligence ⅌ Colonel Humpton and you may be assured of our strict attention to every object which your Excellency shall think proper to recommend—The inclosed is Copy of a Letter just recieved advising of the appearance of two Vessels of War at our Capes, we though it of importance to communicate it to you & have sent off Lieutenant Butler Express therewith—We are sorry to inform you that the want of Men is such that we are unable to furnish Colonel Humpton with a proper number to execute your purposes fully, nevertheless we shall detach a party who may at least Answer the purpose of Observation. By order of Council I have the Honor to be with great respect Sr your Very Hume Servant

Tho. Wharton junr Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Joseph Reed, 12 December 1776
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Dec. 12. 1776

The Gentlemen of the Light Horse who went into the Jersey have returnd safe—they proceeded into the Country till they met an intelligent Person directly from Trenton who informd them that Gen. Howe was there with the main Body of his Army—that the Flying Army consisting of the light Infantry & Grenadiers under Ld Cornwallis still lay at Penny Town & there was no Appearance of a Movement—that they are certainly waiting for Boats from Brunswick—that he believed they would attempt a Landing in more Places than one—That their Artilly Park has 30 Peices of Cannon—all Field Peices—They are collecting Horses from all Parts of the Country. Some Movement was intended yesterday Morning but laid aside—what it was & why they did not proceed he does not know.
I sent off a Person to Trenton yesterday Morning with Directions to return by Penny Town—I told him to go to ⟨mutilated⟩ & get what Intelligence he could from him—he is not yet returned[.] I expect him every Moment—I charged him to let ⟨mutilated⟩ know that if he would watch their Motions & could inform us of the Time & Place of their proposed Landing he should receive a large Reward for which I would be answerable.
I cannot but think their Landing will be between this & Trenton for these Reasons. 1. That Ld Cornwallis with that Part of the Army which will lead, keeps at Penny Town within 4 Miles of the River. 2. They will by that Means avoid the Ferry at Shaminy [Neshaminy Creek] & the Fords which at this Season of the Year must be disagreeable to their Troops. 3. They will derive much more Assistance from the Country which is but too favourable to them. 4. They know our principal Artillery is near Trenton & the Passage thro the Woods to Bristol must be

unfavourable to them—on the Road above they will find all clear & the Distance nearly the same.
The River is not nor I believe cannot be sufficiently guarded[.] we must depend upon Intelligence of their Motions—to ⟨obtain⟩ which no Expence must be spared—If it were possible to fix Signals answering to their different Movements that would be most speedy & effectual.
The Militia are crossing over in Parties—I fear they do not mean to return[.] I do not know by whose Orders—but if their Colonels have Power to give Permission in a little Time there will be none left.
I do not like the Situation of Things at & above Coryells Ferry—the Officers are quite new & seem to have little Sense of the Necessity of Vigilance—I shall wait a little to see my Man return & then unless your Excelly thinks my Stay here of Service I will return to Head Quarters.
I inclose you a Proclamation which I got from the other Side—I suppose it is one of the same kind Gen. Dickinson saw. I am in Haste most respectfully D. Sir Your Obed. Hbble Ser.

Jos: Reed

Mr Moylan desires me to mention to your Excelly the Propri[e]ty of his meeting Gen. Lee to inform him of the State of Things & wishes to know your Pleasure by the Return of the Light Horse.


Title: To George Washington from Lord Stirling, 12 December 1776
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Blue Mounts Decemr 12th 1776.

The Intelligence which the two Granadiers [brought] is in many things Confirmed, first by the Extensive fires of their Incampment which appeared last Night to be about Penny Town, and other Intelligence from the other side, particularly by one person who has [passed] thro’ all their Incampments and Came out of Trentown about Eleven oClock Yesterday—who says that the flying Army is in and About penny Town under the Command of Lord Cornwallis, That General Howe is at Trentown with some Brittish & some Hessian Troops, & 30 peices of Cannon placed at the Church, that there was to have been some movement he Understood downwards Yesterday Morning, why it was delayed he knows not, but they remained quiet when he Came away, that there was a very long Cannonade heard yesterday while he was on the Road, Supposed to be at or near Brunswick. I have sent of one peice of Cannon to Colonel Wieden, and as the three Regiments here now lie Compact & well Covered with Boards and Nearly Centrical to Yardly’s & to Corriels ferries I belive it be best to let them be in their present Scituation ’till some Movement of the Enemy makes it Necessary to Alter it; I have this Moment seen the two persons who sent me the two Granadiers yesterday Evening, they have reconitred the Enemy & Conversed with several of their Neighbours who have been in every part of the flying Camp, which they say [is] Scatterd for two or three Miles round penny Town in the Utmost Security, I shall therefore send Capt. Taylor over this Evening with abt 30 Men to try his hand among them. If our Troops were not so much worn out I would propose to your Excellency that about 1200, good Men should

Cross over at Tinicum & come down upon them suddenly from the North, If General Lee is in their Rear this would greatly Cooperate with him & tend to disconcert their measures much; I would Gladly try the Experiment. I am your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

Stirling,

I cannot find that any of the persons who have been Among [them] know any thing of their pontoons or that they are building any Boats.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 12 December 1776
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Decr 12. 1776

The president being still necessarily engaged with his family I have the honour to inform you that your letter of yesterday was recd & laid before Congress. I enclose you sundry resolutions passed this day and am Sr Your obedient humble Serv.

Chas Thomson


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 12 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Trenton Falls 12th Decemr 1776

I was a few days ago favored with yours of the 30th last month, and this is the first opportunity that afforded me the pleasure of answering it.
The Event has shewn, that my opinion of General Howe’s intention to make an excursion into Jersey was not ill founded. Immediately after the reduction of Fort Washington he threw a body of men consisting of about 6,000 over the North River, with an intention to surprise the Garrison of Fort Lee, but they withdrew before he could accomplish his purpose. Finding the few Troops I had with me insufficient to oppose the Enemy, and knowing that my numbers would be diminished by the expiration of the service of the flying Camp Men from Jersey, Maryland and Pensylvania, which would take place on the last day of November, it was determined to retreat as far as Brunswick, when I hoped to receive a Reinforcement from the Militia of the State of New Jersey sufficient to check the further progress of the Enemy—But in this I was cruelly disappointed. The inhabitants of this State, either from fear or disaffection, almost to a man, refused to turn out, and I could not bring together above 1000 Men, and even on these very little dependence was to be put. My numbers are now reduced to three thousand and that of the Enemy considerably increased by fresh reinforcements—I had sent Genl Mifflin down to Philadelphia to raise what Force he could in that Province and send them on with all speed to my assistance—I fell down myself to Trenton in order to wait for supplies, hoping that such numbers would come in from Philadelphia as would enable me to turn upon the Enemy and recover most of the ground which they had gained. General Mifflin was very successful with the Militia of Pensylvania who turned out in a very spirited manner and immediately marched about 1500 Men up to Trenton—But the remainder of the Province continues in a State of Supine[ne]ss, nor do I see any likely hood of their stirring to save their own Capital which is undoubtedly General Howe’s great object—The Delaware now parts the two Armies, and nothing hinders the passage of the Enemy but the want of Boats which we have been lucky enough to secure.
General Lee is still in the rear of the Enemy with about four thousand Men with whom he is on his march to join me. If he can effect this junction our army will again make a respectable appearance, and such as I hope will disappoint the Enemy in their plan upon Philadelphia. I sent down General Putnam a few days ago to begin upon some works for the defence of that City, upon the Salvation of which our Cause almost depends.

I am informed that the Enlistment of the new Army goes on very successfully to the Eastward and Southward. Little or nothing can be expected from New York or Jersey which are, for the most part, in the hands of the Enemy—Every thing must depend upon the regular force we bring into the Field in the Spring; for I find from fatal experience that Militia serve only to delude us.
As my distance from the Eastern Governments makes me ignorant of their present circumstances, I will not undertake to direct the disposition of the four Regiments you have ordered to be raised till the 15th March. I would only recommend, if they can be spared, that they should march & take Post at the Highlands, and at the Forts upon the North river—Much depends still upon keeping possession of the upper part of that River.
I highly approve of your plan for supplying your New Army with necessaries. Our old one has suffered considerably for want of some such wholesome regulation—You may depend upon my giving due countenance to such a commendable scheme. I am with Truth and Sincerity Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 12 December 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] Decr 12th 1776

Among the variety & important Objects which I have no doubt every moment press on your mind and command your attention, I beg leave to suggest to you the distress of our prisoners in Newyork, which upon every principle of humanity as well as policy, demands the most speedy method to be come into and accomplished for their relief. Major Welles of one of the Battalions of this State, among the Prisoners in Newyork, is now suffered on his parole, to come from thence into this State to sollicit relief for the Prisoners there; by him I understand Col. Miles is permited to goe to Philadelphia on the same Errand, the representation made to us by Major Welles is, that we have in Newyork between three & four thousand prisoners, the privates all close confin’d upon about half allowance, great number of them almost naked, their confinment is so close & crowded that they have scarce room to move or lie down, the air stagnate & Corrupt, numbers dying dayly, arising principally from their close Confinment, applications have been made to Genl Howe for relief but in vain, he expresses himself with great humanity but yet the number are so great, & not haveing a

Country to dispose them in, as we have for our Prisoners, and giveing enlargment in Newyork would be attended with great hazzard he most heartily wishes for an Exchange, & that it does not lye at his door that it is not accomplished before this time; he has been both ready & willing, but the delay is on our part, besides he is willing to exchange Officer for Officer of equal Rank, private for private, & when that is done to release the remainder to return to their homes on their parole; We entertain not the least doubt of your great humanity & that the relief of these unhappy Sufferers lyes near your heart. we are also in some measure sensible of the amazing weight & burthen that has especially for some months pass’d lain upon ⟨you⟩ and also of the disadvantages you have been under to accomplish this exchange. we are convinced of your inclination by the early attention you have paid to that Subject manifested by your Letter to me to make the necessary preparations therefor. but Sir, you will suffer me to give one hint more to your Excellency to Shew the necessity of speedily attending to this matter if possible, that is, the privates suffer so amazingly, their lives in danger every moment, tho’ they abhor the thot, and it is only despair drives them to it, as Skin for Skin, all a man has he will give for his life, if they cannot soon be releived, they must yield to the offer made them, and enlist themselves into the Kings Service, necessity will soon compel them, about three hundred have already yielded to the Temptation. the effect a delay of this matter has upon the present enlistment for the New Army, will not Escape your Consideration.
I thot it my Duty to acquaint your Excellency with these matters, and have no doubt you will attend to every Object according to its weight & merrit. It may be convenient to send the Prisoners in this State from the several Towns where they are kept under Guard of the Troops of our four new raised Battalions, who are to continue in Service till the 15th of March next—Parties from those several Towns, going on to their Service, may very conveniently do it, and the Prisoners goeing in such small parties will not be dangerous—and it may be so concerted that they arrive at the place appointed, near at the same time—I have sent forward Mr Alden with this, who will wait on you for your Answer & advice for my future Conduct herein, with such other Intelligence as you may think convenient to transmit me.
I have to advise you the Enemy seem to be spreading in every quarter, a few days since about ten of their Ships of War with about eighty transports lay off New London harbor, since which they have proceeded to Rhodisland & up Providence Bay, haveing from five, & some say to 8000 Land Forces with them, an attack upon Providence is every day expected, we are alarmd for our neighbours, & the near approach of the Enemy, are sending forward all the force we can from our Militia

nearest that State for their relief, and at the sametime we are calld upon for an additional force westward on the borders of Newyork, as by the removal of so great a part of the continental forces west of Hudson River, leaves us in a great measure naked, & defenceless on this side. hope to hear your Excellency is supported by a numerous accretion to your Army from Pensylvania & the Jerseys, and that God Almighty may yet so prosper our Arms as to give a check to the Rapid progress of the Enemy, & that he will yet Crown this year with Victory over the Enemies, & Salvation to his oppressed People. I am, with great Esteem and Regard Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


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

Sir
Head Quarters Trenton Falls 13th Decemr 1776

The apparent Designs of the Enemy being to avoid this Ferry, and land their Troops above and below us, have induced me to remove from this place, the greater part of the Troops, and throw them into a different Disposition on the River: whereby, I hope not only to be more able to impede their passage, but also to avoid the Danger of being inclosed in this Angle of the River. And notwithstanding the extended Appearances of the Enemy on the other Side, made at least in part, to divert our Attention from any particular point, as well as to harrass us by Fatigue, I cannot divest myself of the Opinion, that their principal Design is to ford the River somewhere above Trenton; to which Design I have had particular Respect in the new Arrangement, wherein I am so far happy as to have the Concurrence of the General Officers at this place.
Four Brigades of the Army under Generals Lord Stirling, Mercer, Stephen and D’Fermoy extend from Yardleys up to Coryels Ferry, posted in such a Manner as to guard every suspicious part of the River and to afford Assistance to each other in Case of Attack. Genl Ewing with the Flying Camp of Pennsylvania, and a few Jersey Troops under General Dickinson are posted from Yardleys Ferry down to the Ferry opposite Bordentown. Colo. Cadwallader with the Pennsylvania Militia

occupies the Ground above and below the Mouth of Neshaminy River as far down as Dunk’s Ferry, at which place Colonel Nixon is posted with the 3d Battalion of Philadelphia. A proper Quantity of Artillery is appointed to each Brigade, and I have ordered small Redoubts to be thrown up opposite every place where there is a possibility of fording.
I shall remove further up the River to be near the main Body of my small Army, with which every possible Opposition shall be given to any further Approach of the Enemy towards Philadelphia.
As Genl Armstrong has a good deal of influence in this State and our present force is small & inconsiderable, I think he cannot be better employed than to repair to the Counties where his Interest lies to animate the People, promote the recruiting Service & encourage the Militia to come in. He will also be able to form a proper Judgement of the Places suitable for Magazines of Provision to be collected. I have requested him to wait upon Congress on this Subject, and If Genl Smalwood should go to Maryland on the same business, I think it would have a happy effect. he is popular and of great influence and I am persuaded would contribute greatly to that States furnishing her Quota of Men in a little time. he is now in Philadelphia. I have the Honor to be Sir very respectfully Yr Most Obd. St

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 13 December 1776 [letter not found]
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 13 Dec. 1776. On 21 Dec. GW wrote to Heath: “I have been favoured with yours of the 13th Instt.”


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 13 December 1776
From: Pennsylvania Council of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir,
In Council of Safety Philadelphia 13th December 1776

At the particular desire of General Mifflin we have undertaken to give you a detail of our public affairs as Major General Putnam is otherwise engaged in his very important department and General Mifflin about setting off on a Tour through the Counties to try his Influence with our Militia too Many of whom remain in a state of supineness and infatuation which is altogether unaccountable, especially in the Counties of Philadelphia, Bucks[,] Berks, Lancaster & Northampton. These Counties lye nearest to this City and from them we have but little prospect of drawing much succour, what the Frontier Counties will afford we cannot determine as we have no certain intelligence of their disposition. Our Assembly has offered a Bounty to draw out the Militia. inclosed is a Copy of their resolutions for the purpose—we know not what effects can be promised from it, Possibly it may influence some—All our sencible men are already drawn from this City who can be prevaild upon to take an active part in our favour, indeed the City is amazingly depopulated by the detachments made to Head Quarters and the fears of the Timid and disaffected who have sought an Assylum in the Country.
General Putnam is preparing to draw out the people which remain to throw up Works of defence, What numbers he will be able to procure cannot as yet be assertained, a day or two perhaps will determine—a Floating Bridge will be finished tomorrow over the Middle Ferry at Schuylkill—Mr Casdrop has been employed by order of this Council for some days about that Business—We cannot spare or raise men to station at Billingsport, That place is entirely evacuated and in

fact we have drawn almost the whole of our force from below this City to reinforce the Army at Head Quarters—Our Stores are in some Confusion and we are uneasy about our Powder Magazine at the Continental Mill which has been filled from Hence, and a great many valuable Stores are at Norrington which must inevatibly fall into the Enemies hands should our army retreat to Philadelphia without allowing a few days to prepare for them, as we cannot draw a sufficient number of Waggons from the Country to remove the inhabitants, their effects and those public Stores; our Tenderness to our fellow Citizens had induced us to suffer them to make use of a part of the Waggons to remove their families and Effects.
We fear if our Army retreats to Philadelphia the Militia of this City will not be prevailed upon to leave it again should your Excellency think proper to evacuate the City by which means the Army will be much reduced—General Mifflin desired us to hint this Matter.
The Council have exerted every Nerve to raise the Militia and are Still devising means to support our opposition and shall from time to time give such intelligence as they may think Useful. By order of the Council I am Your Excellencys Very Humble Servant

Owen Biddle, Chairman


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 13 December 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Germantown [N.J.] Decemr 13. 1776

It gives me the most pungent pain to inform your Excellency of the sad Stroke America must feel in the loss of General Lee, who was this morning taken by the Enemy near Veal Town. He ordered me yesterday morning to march for this place early, which I did—and by some fatality he was induced to go to Barnell’s Town, nearer the Enemy by three Miles than we were. Some Tories doubtless gave information, and this morning 70 of the Light Horse surrounded the House, and after a gallant resistance by him and his Domesticks, he was made a prisoner.
I have taken every step to regain him, but almost despair of it. I received your Excellency’s Letters to him of the 10th & 11th instant, and shall endeavour to join the Army as soon as possible. A french Gentleman whose name is wrote on the Cover that incloses this, (Capt. De Vernejoul,) behaved with great bravery in defending the General, & had his advice been taken, the General would have escaped.
Dear General I most heartily sympathize with you and my Country in this affecting Loss, and am Your most Obedient Servant

Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Trumbull, 13 December 1776
From: Trumbull, Joseph
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Morris town [N.J.] 13th Decr 1776

The Night before last, I left Haverstraw, with intent to come to Head Quarters, expecting by the Intelligence, we had then, to have found your Excellency at Brunswick—But on my arrival here I find matters in a very different Situation in this Quarter—& that I can’t expect to

see Your Excellency ⟨with⟩out going by Easton, & thence, I know not wh⟨ere—⟩therefore on the whole I have engaged Capt. Doughty to come to your Excellency with this—& then go on to Congress, or stop as you shall direct—I conceive in ⟨the⟩ present Situation of Affairs, that the great supplies of Salted Provisions for the Army, another Season must be made in New England—The killing Season is now fast Advancing & will soon be passed—I have been makg preparations—have Salt procured—But am nearly or rather quite out of Cash, for that purpose—& have Little or none to pay off the return Troops at the 1st Jany which will soon be here—(I have also in Charge from the Officers to say to your Excellency—That their Men would Enlist fast, but they have no Money)—I must also mention, the matter of Sendg to Virginia for Flour during the Winter, to be bro’t into New England by Water.
These matters I wished to see Your Excellency upon, & to have gone to Congress, But the Situation of Affairs in New England, with respect to Cash for Salted Provisions[,] the uncertainty of where I shall find yourself, or Congress who I am told here, are gone to Lancaster, & by some that they are gone, even to York town—therefore for me to go on will spend too much Time—& be of non especial service—Have determined me to Write & send Capt. Doughty on, to yourself & Congress, & get back to New England as soon as I can, & borrow Money of the Colony of Connecticut or Individuals, ’till I can receive a Supply from Congress—I conceive 6, or 700,000 dollrs will be necessary for me—The Boston & Albany Chests, I conceive also will need to b⟨e su⟩pplied, for my Deputies, in those Department⟨ts⟩.
I wish your Excellency to forward Capt. Doughty to Congress, & write on these Subjects as you shall think Proper—In mean Time I shall return to Peekski⟨ll⟩ & so to New England, & pay the utmost attention to laying in the best Magazines in my Power—& to preparing my Accots to lay before Continental Auditors, who I hope will attend that Business at Hartford—where I have sent all my Books & Papers, & hope by some time in February to be ready to attend them—I have a Letter from Mr Shaw dated the 7th Inst. by which I am informed, that the Fleet that was off New London, consisting of about 80 Sail Transports & near 20 sail of Armed Vesselles of different Sizes, with about 5,000 Troops, sail’d from thence the day before, they sent a Boat to Dogg them which had Just returned & informes that the Fleet doubled round Point Judith & were standing in for Newport—The Country were all alarmed & flockg in to support the Country—I came to this place this day about 10 oClock, & stop’d with Colo. Remsen, to feed my Horse, & inquire the way to follow Genl Lee, Capt. Doughty told Me he would Pilot me, in two hours—before that Time

was expired, a Gentleman came in & told us that a Party of the Enemy’s Light Horse, Led by a Tory who had dog’d Genl Lee for 2 or 3 days Pass’d, had taken Genl Lee a Prisoner, at White’s Tavern, near Bask⟨enridge,⟩ about 10 oClock this Morning, which Disagreeable ⟨account⟩ is Since confirmed by several of his Guards who ⟨have⟩ escaped, some Wounded, some not—I sincerely C⟨ondole with your⟩ Excellency, on this unfortunate Loss to the ⟨country. They⟩ said the Light Horse used Genl Lee, very Ill—⟨mutilated⟩ off by the Hair of his Head[.] Majr Bradford is Just ⟨come⟩ in; at present it seems no body about the Genl was taken but himself—One Light Horse man, & one of the French gentlemen—Since Writing thus far Mr Bates one of my Clerks is come up with me—who comes on with Capt. Doughty, & will go on to Congress, if necessary.
I shall be exceeding Glad, to receive your Excellency’s Commands—& am with Greatest Respect—Your Excellency’s most Obedient humble servt

Jos: Trumbull

I have Constituted Mr Carpenter Wharton, my Sole Deputy with the Army with power to employ such Persons as are necessary & beg Your Excellency’s Directions & Support to him accordingly—in Money &c. as needed.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 14 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Dr Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County State of Pennsylvania 14 Decemr 1776

Having recd Advice from Govr Trumbull of the 6th Inst. that a large Fleet of the Enemy’s Men of War and Transports had appeared off New London, without doubt with an Intent to make a Descent either there or some part of the Coast of New England, and he desiring that some General Officers might be sent to take the Command of the Militia who were assembling. I must desire that you would immediately repair to the States of New England, and in whichsoever of them you find the Enemy landed or likely to land, that you will in Conjunction with Major Genl Spencer, who I have ordered upon the same Service, take such Measures as in your Opinions will be most likely to give Opposition to, and frustrate the Intents of the Enemy.
I shall be glad to hear from you upon your Arrival in New England with a State of Matters as you find them—I have full Confidence in your exerting yourself in this as upon former Occasions, and am Dr Sir with gt esteem & regd yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [at Keiths] Decr 14th 1776

Before this comes to hand, you will have heard of the melancholy situation of our Affairs. I do not mean at this time to detail our misfortunes. With a handfull of men, compared to the Enemys Force, we have been pushed through the Jerseys without being able to make the smallest opposition & to pass the Delaware. Genl Howe is now on the other side, and beyond all question, means if possible to possess himself of Philadelphia. His Troops are extended from Penny Town to Burlington, the Main body from the best advices at the former & within the Neighbourhood of Trenton. I wish it were in my power to tell you that appearances were against his success. At present I confess they are not. But few of the Militia of this State have yet come out, except those belonging to the City, nor have I any great hope of their assistance, unless we can collect a respectable force; in such case perhaps they may turn out & afford their aid. I have heard that you are coming on with Seven Regiments. This may have a happy effect & let me entreat you not to delay a Moment in hastning to Pitts Town. You will advise me of your approaches & of the time you expect to be there, that I may meet you with an Express and inform you of your destination & such further movements as may be necessary. I expect Genl Lee will be there this Evening or to morrow, who will be followed by Genl Heath & his Division. If we can draw our Forces together I trust under the smiles of Providence, we may yet effect an important stroke, or at least prevent Genl Howe from executing his Plan. Philadelphia is now the Object of our immediate care, you know the importance of it and the fatal consequences that must attend its loss—I am persuaded no aid with you to give, will be witheld a single instance; Your arrival may prove a most happy circumstance. The Congress have adjourned to Baltimore, but previously resolved, that Philadelphia should be defended to the last extremity. Lord Stirling is going to meet Genl Lee &

concert with him a plan of Operations. I wish you to be there, and would advise you not to wait the slow march of your Troops. I have wrote to Genl Arnold to go to the Eastward on account of the Intelligence from that quarter, his presence there will be of infinite service. I am Dr Sir with great esteem Yr Most Obedt Svt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Qrs at Keiths Decr 14th 1776

I last night received your favor of the 10th Instt. I am extremely pleased by the ready attention you have paid to my Orders and have only to request that you will proceed with your Troops with all possible expedition to Pitts Town, pursuing General Lee’s rout & where I expect you will join him. You will not lose a Moment. The situation of our Affairs demands industry and dispatch on all hands. Advise me from time to time of your Approach, & use your best endeavours to accomodate your Troops & for obtaining proper supplies of Provisions. Supposing the Account in Gains Paper to be true & that Genl Howe has sent a detachment to the Eastward, I am led to conclude from your Letter, that you would be advanced so far this way before you could receive Counter Orders, That the return of your Troops could not afford much assistance as their time of service would be near expiring if not entirely out before they could arrive Here, if we can collect our Force speedily, I should hope we may effect something of importance, or at least give our Affairs such a turn as to make ’em assume a more promising aspect than they now have. I am Dr Sir very respectfully Yr Most Obedt St

Go: Washington


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

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters at Keiths Decembr 14th 1776

I last night received your Letter of the 11th Instt by Major Dehart. I am much surprized that you should be in any doubt respecting the Route you should take after the information you have had upon that Head as well by Letter as from Majr Hoops who was dispatched for the purpose. A large number of Boats was procured and is still retained at Tinnicum under a strong guard to facil[it]ate your passage across the Delaware. I have so frequently mentioned our situation, and the necessity of your aid, that it is painfull to me to add a word upon the Subject. Let me once more request and entreat you to march immediately for Pitts Town which lies on the Route that has been pointed out and is about Eleven miles from Tinnicum ferry, that is more on the Flank of the Enemy than where you are. advise me of the time you will arrive there, that a Letter may be sent you about your further destination and such other movements as may be necessary. The Inclosed for Genls Gates & Arnold you will forward by an Officer without delay. The former I have requested to come on with the Regiments he has with all possible expedition; The latter to go to the Eastward on the Intelligence received from Govr Trumbull. Part of the Enemy have advanced as far as Burlington and their main body from the best information is in the Neighbour Hood of Trenton & at Penny Town. The Congress have adjourned from Philadelphia, to meet at Baltimore on the 20th Inst. & sensible of the importance of the former have directed it to be defended to the utmost extremity to prevent the Enemy from possessing it. the fatal consequences that must attend it’s loss are but too obvious to every one. Your arrival may be the means of saving it, Nothing but a respectable force, I am certain from melancholy experience can induce the Militia to come in and give their Aid. The Roebuck and a Sloop of War have arrived in Delaware Bay and from the last advices were laying not far within the Capes. I have wrote to Genl Heath to proceed with his Troops with all possible dispatch to Pitts

Town where I hope to hear of the arrival of Genl Gates with the Regiments that are with him in a short time if my inform[atio]n is true. I am Dear Sir Yr Most Obdt Servt.

P.S. The Letters for Genls Gates and Arnold I have sent by another conveyance.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 14 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

Sir
Head Quarters near Coriells Fery [Pa.] Decr 14th 1776

I have before me your favor of yesterday, and for answer would inform you, that I shall most chearfully cooperate with you in endeavoring to save the Frigate Delaware, and for this purpose shall immediately inclose your Letter to Colo. Cadwallader, with directions for Capt. Alexander, with his Officers and a sufficient number of men to proceed to Phila. without delay in order to carry the Frigate out of your River before the Opportunity is lost, and am with much Esteem & Regard Sir Your most Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 14 December 1776
From: Pennsylvania Council of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council of Safety Philadelphia Decr 14. 1776 8 o’Clock in the Evening

The Council this moment received a Letter from William Attlee Esqr. of Lancaster—extract from which we dispatch to you by express—he says (dated 13th instant).
“The inclosed is copy of a Letter from Colo. Burd last night by express[.] I march with my whole Battalion on Monday next—Colonel Galbreaths Battalion, we are told, will move on Saturday next—The Militia of Lancaster seem rather backward owing principally to this that many of our spirited officers and young men are gone to escort the prisoners sent from hence and upon their return have hopes they will turn out to the assistance of their Brethren—There are a few of the Militia from Cumberland County arrived here, who say that large Numbers are on their way down—The Battalion from Northumberland are also soon expected.”
From these and other Circumstances we have reason to hope a considerable reinforcement may join you in a few days if the enemy can

be kept at bay—We shall communicate every peice of intelligence to you which may appear to deserve your notice and thank you for such information as you may think proper to give this Board. By order of the Council I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys very Humble Servant

Dav’d Rittenhouse V. President


Title: From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 14 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Spencer, Joseph

Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County State of Pennsylvania 14th Decemr 1776

I have just recd Advices from Governor Trumbull that a large Fleet of the Enemy’s Ships of War and Transports were lying off New London, with an Intent to make a Descent on some part of N. England.
He desires me to send some General Officers to take the Command of the Militia who are assembling to make the best Opposition in their power. I must therefore request, that you would immediately repair to

New Engld and take the Command at such place as you may find your presence most necessary. I have ordered General Arnold upon the same Service, and beg you may co-operate with him in such Measures, as will be most conducive to the public Good. If any Militia should have arrived from New England to replace those who have lately gone home, you will please to leave as many as will, in your Opinion and that of the Commanding Officer at the Highlands, be necessary to guard those passes, and take the remainder with you; or if you should meet any on their march up, you will please to let as many proceed as will be necessary for the above purpose, (of guarding the Highlands) and take the Remainder back with you. I am Sir yr &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 14 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord,
[Bucks County, Pa.] Decr 14th 1776.

Repair with all possible expedition to Genl Lee’s Camp—Know his Situation, Numbers, &ca—Send Officers you can confide in to Genls Gates, & Heath, to be informd of their numbers, condition & when they may be expected at Pitts Town.
Use every possible means without regard to expence, to come with certainty, at the Enemys strength, situation and movements—without this we wander in a Wilderness of uncertainties & difficulty, & no plan can be formd upon a Rational plan—When you see Genl Lee & converse with him as also (Gates & Heath if possible) what probable mode of attack can be attempted & give me the earliest advice of it—recollect that there is a difficulty in crossing from hence to the other side (on acct of Boats) and that it will take sometime to put the Troops about Bristol in Motion if a cooperation is necessary.
Weigh every circumstance of attack, & retreat properly, that nothing that can be guarded against, may be unprovided for. Give me the earliest & best advice of every matter—and do all in your power to inspirit the Militia, & bring them into use to the best advantage.
Reposing the most implicit confidence in you & the Officers before mentioned I do not mean to tie you down to any rule but leave you to the free exercise of your own judgments of wch as I before said I only want timely advice. With the most sincere regard I remain Yr Lordships Most Obt

Go: Washington


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

Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] 14th Decr 1776

I was last night favored with yours of the 6th—In a letter which I did myself the pleasure to write to you two days ago, I gave you a full account of my present situation and the occurrences that had happened since I left the neighbourhood of Fort Lee. The want of means of transportation has hitherto hindered the Enemy from making any attempt to cross the Delaware, and I hope, unless the course of the seasons entirely changes, that the weather will soon prevent their making use of Boats, if they should build them.
Your situation to the Eastward is truly alarming, and I wish it were in my power to afford you that assistance that is requisite. You must be sensible that it is impossible for me to detach any part of my small Army when I have an Enemy far superior in numbers to oppose, but I have immediately countermanded the March of General Heath’s Division who were coming down from Peekskill. They are ordered to return again to that place & hold themselves ready to move as occasion may require—General Lee’s Division are so necessary to support this part of the Army, that without their assistance we must be immediately overpowered and Philadelphia lost.
I have ordered General Arnold who was on his way down from Ticonderoga, immediately to repair to New London, or wherever his presence may be most necessary—The Troops that came down with him and General Gates are already, from their advices I have received, so far advanced towards this Army, that to countermand them now would be losing the small remainder of their service entirely, as the time of their enlistment would expire before they could possibly reach you. Whereas by coming on they may, in conjunction with my present Forces and that under Genl Lee enable us to attempt a stroke upon the Forces of the Enemy, who lay a good deal scattered, and to all appearance, in a state of security. A lucky blow in this Quarter would be fatal to them, and would most certainly raise the spirits of the People, which are quite sunk by our late misfortunes.
In the interval, between the dissolution of the old and enlistment of the new Army we must put our dependence upon the public virtue and spirit of the People, which, I am sorry to say, has manifested but too small a regard for their Rights and Liberties in the States of Jersey and Pensylvania, the Citizens of Philadelphia excepted. But I hope

such a spirit still exists among your people as will convince their bold invaders, that although they may, by a superior Naval Force, take possession of your Sea Port Towns, yet, that they cannot penetrate and overrun your Country with impunity. I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Esteem Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. I have just received a letter from General Heath of the 10th instant in which he informs me that his Division was to cross the North River on that day. So that they must be at Morris Town by this time, which is but fifty miles from hence—Upon this consideration I have changed my intention of countermanding him for the same reasons as given in my letter above, respecting the Troops under Generals Gates and Arnold.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs at Keiths Decr 15th 1776

About One OClock to day I received a Letter from Genl Sullivan, a Copy of which you have inclosed. I will not comment on the melancholy intelligence, which it contains, only adding, that I sincerely regret Genl Lee’s unhappy fate, and feel much for the loss of my Country in his Captivity.
In respect to the Enemy, they have been industrious in their attempts to procure Boats and small craft, but as yet their efforts have

not succeeded. From the latest advices that I have of their movements by some prisoners and Others, they appear to be leaving Trenton and to be filing off towards Princeton & Allen Town. What their designs are, whether they mean to retreat or only a feint, cannot be determined. I have parties out to watch their motions, and to form if possible, an accurate Opinion of their plans. Our force since my last, has received no augmentation, of course by sickness & other causes, has diminished, but I am advised by a Letter from the Council of Safety which just came to hand, that Cols. Burd and Gilbraeth are marching with their Batallion’s of Militia and also that some small parties are assembling in Cumberland County.
By Captn Murray who is just returned from his imprisonment, we are informed, that Messrs John, Andrew & William Allen are at Trenton. The fact I suppose is to be depended on, as Capn Murray is acquainted with them & saw ’em himself accordg to the report he has made. I have the Honor to be with great esteem Sir—Yr Most Obedt St

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 15 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Pennsylvania Council of Safety

Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] 15th December 1776.
Gentn

With the utmost Regret I must inform you of the Loss our Army had sustained by the Captivity of Genl Lee, who was made a prisoner on the Morning of the 13th by a party of 70 of the Enemy’s Light Horse near a place call’d Veal Town in the Jerseys. For the particulars I refer you to the inclosed from Genl Sullivan.
The Spirit of Disaffection that appears in this County, deserves your serious Attention. Instead of giving any Assistance in repelling the Enemy, the Militia have not only refused to obey your general Summons and that of their commanding Officers, but I am told exult at the Approach of the Enemy and our late Misfortunes. I beg leave to submit to your Consideration whether such people are to be intrusted with Arms in their Hands? If they will not use them for us, there is the greatest Reason to apprehend they will against us, if Oppertunity offers. But even supposing they claimed the Right of remaining Neuter, in my Opinion we ought not to hesitate a Moment in taking their Arms, which will be so much wanted in furnishing the new Levies. If

such a Step meets your Approbation, I leave it to you to determine upon the Mode. If you think fit to empower me, I will undertake to have it done as speedily and effectually as possible. You must be sensible that the utmost Secrecy is necessary, both in your Deliberation on, and in the Execution of a Matter of this kind, for if the thing should take Wind, the Arms would presently be conveyed beyond our Reach or rendered useless.
Your favors of the 13th & 14th Inst. are this Mom[en]t come to my hands. I am glad to find from the latter that the Militia of Lancaster County are in Motion, and I am in hopes that Genl Mifflin’s Appearance in the different Counties will have as good an Effect as it had in Philadelphia.
I have recd Information that the Body of the Enemy which lay at Pennington under Lord Cornwallis, moved this Morning back towards princetown, if so, it looks as if they were going into Quarters, and this corresponds with the Account brought last Night by a prisoner, a Servant belonging to Genl Vaughans Family, who says he heard his Master talk of going soon into Winter Quarters. The Body that lay at Trenton are likewise filing off towards Allen Town and Bordentown, with their Baggage which makes me conjecture they are taking the Road to South Amboy. I have a Number of small parties out to make Discoveries, and if the Motions of the Enemy are really such as I have mentioned above; I shall soon have Information of it. In the mean time my Troops are so stationed, as to prevent them from crossing the River at any place without our Knowledge. But I am in great hopes that the disappointment in Boats, and the lateness of the Season, which now begins to put on the Face of Winter, will prevent their making any Attempt upon Philadelphia till Spring. This however should not in the least slacken your Exertions in making the necessary preparations for the Fortification and Defence of the City by Land & Water, for you may be assured the Conquest of that will be their first and great Object in the Spring. I have the Honor to be Gentn Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington

Please to forward the inclosed to Congress.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel David Chambers, 16 December 1776
From: Chambers, David
To: Washington, George

Sir
Amwell [N.J.] Decm. 16th 1776

herewith I send your Excellency 4 prisoners that we took last evening 2 being Regulars—one of the others by name Jno. Vandyke a Malitious Active Tory, and is said to have let some prisoners out of Millstone Goal and assembled and spirited the Negroes against us And as I am Informed was about a week since taken prisoner in Company with some light Horse by our people and confin’d who says he was discharg’d from sd Confinem[en]t by Order of Congress and travelled into Jersey by the way of Easton from thence to Jno. Ringoes where he call’d himself by the name of — Jones. The other is a person employed as Post by Jesse Wall of Trenton in conveying intelligences Letters &c. for the use of the Regular Army—And from the best information I can get their forces are on the move from Pennington—I am since inform’d the said Vandyke made his escape from Ld Sterling and given Orders for him to be left with him if so. I have the Honour to Subscribe myself your most obedent & very Hml. Sert

David Chambers


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs at Keiths Decr 16: 1776

In a late Letter which I had the honor of addressing you, I took the liberty to recommend that more Battallions should be raised for the New Army, than what had been voted. having fully considered the matter, I am more & more convinced not only of the propriety, but of the necessity of the measure. That the Enemy will leave nothing unessayed in the course of the next Campaign, to reduce these States to the rule of a most lawless & insufferable Tyranny, must be obvious to every One, and that the militia is not to be depended on, or aid expected from ’em, but in cases of the most pressing emergency, is not to be doubted. The first of these propositions is unquestionable, and fatal experience has given her sanction to the truth of the latter; indeed their lethargy of late and backwardness to turn out at this alarming crisis, seem to justify an apprehension, that nothing can bring them from their Homes. For want of their assistance, a large part of Jersey has been exposed to ravage, and to plunder, nor do I know that Pensylvania would share a better fate, could Genl Howe effect a passage across the Delaware with a respectable force. These considerations have induced me to wish that no reliance, except such as may arise from necessity, should ever be had in them again, and to make further mention to Congress, of the expediency of encreasing their Army. I trust the measure will meet their earliest attention. Had I leisure and were it necessary, I could say much upon this head, but as

I have not, & the matter is well understood, I will not add much. By augmenting the number of your Battallions you will augment your force; The Officers of each will have their interest and influence, and upon the whole, their numbers will be much greater, though they should not be compleat. Added to this, from the present confused state of Jersey and the improper appointment of Officers in many instances, I have little or no expectation that she will be able to raise All the Troops exacted from her, though I think it might be done, were suitable, spirited Gentlemen commissioned who would exert themselves & encourage the people, many of whom for a failure in this instance & who are well disposed, are making their submissions. In a Word, the next will be a trying Campaign, and as All that is dear & valuable may depend upon the issue of it, I would advise that nothing should be omitted that shall seem necessary to our success. Let us have a respectable Army, and such as will be competent to every exigency. I will also add that the critical situation of our Affairs and the dissolution of our present force, (now at hand), require that every nerve & exertion be employed for recruiting the New Battallions. One part of Genl How’s movements at this time, I beleive is a design to distract us & prevent this business. If the inclemency of the Weather, should force him into Winter Qrs, he will not remain there longer than necessity shall oblige him. he will commence his Operations in a short space of time, and in that time our Levies must be made up to oppose him, or I fear the most melancholy of all events must take place.
The inclosed Extract of a Letter from the Comy General will shew his demands for money, and his plans for procuring salted provisions, and a Quantity of Flour from the Southward. The whole is submitted to the consideration of Congress, and I wish the result of their Opinion to be transmitted him, with such supplies of money as may be necessary for himself and the departments he mentions.
The Cloathing of the Troops is a matter of infinite importance, & if it could be accomplished, would have a happy effect. their distresses are extremely great, many of ’em being entirely naked & most so thinly clad as to be unfit for service. I must entreat Congress to write to the Agents & Contractors upon this Subject, that Every possible supply may be procured & forwarded with the utmost expedition—I cannot attend to the business myself, having more than I can possibly do besides. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt St

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 16 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Convention

Gentn
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] 16th Decemr 1776

I was last Night honored with yours of the 11th Inst. enclosing Sundry Resolutions of your Board. I have also to acknowledge the Rect of your favr of the 23d Novemr which should not have remained so long

unanswered had not the continued Motion of our Army for some time past, put it out of my power to sit regularly down to Business, indeed I have now so much on my Hands, and such a choice of Difficulties, that I hardly know which first to attend to. I know you have had your Difficulties too, indeed more than any other State, and you therefore have my thanks not only for the compleat Arrangement of your Officers for the four Battalions allotted to your State, but for your Determination to raise a fifth to be commanded by Colo. Dubois. As the office of Aid Major has been hitherto unknown in the Continental Service perhaps by introducing it among your Regiments umbrage might be given to the others if they were not likewise provided with an Officer of the same kind, and therefore to avoid Disputes I could wish the Matter might be waved.
Major Sheldon who commands the Connecticut Horse will return in a few days, he will either take the Troop with him from Fish kills or post them where they are more wanted.
I thank you for the great Confidence you are pleased to repose in me, and you may be assured that whatever Military power shall be intrusted to me, shall ever be exerted first to establish and then protect the Civil.
I come now to answer yours of the 11th—When I ordered down Genl Heath from his post at the High lands, it was done in Consequence of a Determination of a Council of General Officers, who agreed that we had no other means of Stopping the progress of Genl Howe, who was evidently making a grand push to make himself Master of Philadelphia. The advantages of keeping possession of the posts in the Highlands were not unattended to; we considered that the Enemy had thrown the Main Body of their Army over into Jersey; that they were about to make a Considerable Embarkation (which has since turned out to be against New England) and that it would take most, if not the remainder of their Army, to keep up the Garrisons at New York &c. and that therefore they had not a sufficient force left to attempt the strong posts at the Highlands, tho’ only guarded By Genl Geo. Clinton with the force of the State of New York.
General Howe easily forced our small Army to retreat before him to the Delaware; but not finding Boats to transport his Troops, (we having had time and precaution to secure and destroy them,) he seems by his late Motions to be moving back towards Brunswick for Winter Quarters, or intending a feint. Upon this change of Measures, I have immediately ordered Genl Heath to return to Peekskill with General Parson’s Brigade. If he finds any of the Enemy’s Posts at Hackensack or elsewhere weakly guarded he is to endeavour to beat them up. As the Inlistment of the greatest part of the Continental Army, expires on the first of January, every State must exert itself in forwarding the new

Inlistments and procuring temporary Supplies of Militia, till the New Levies can be brought into the Field. I have the Honor to subscribe myself Gentn yrs.


Title: Orders to Lieutenant Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 16 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Sheldon, Elisha

Sir
[Bucks County, Pa., 16 December 1776]

The Congress having thought fit to appoint you Lieutt Colo. Commandant of a Regiment of Horse to be raised and to empower me to appoint the officers under you, reposing especial trust & confidence in you & knowing how much your honor & reputation depends upon the proper choice, I am willing you should have the Nomination of all the Officers (reserving to myself a negative of any One and all such as I shall think unfit for that service,[)] and doubt not you will be particularly carefull in fixing upon none but Gentlemen of true spirits and of

good Characters—observing at the same time that Gentlemen of Fortune and reputable Families generally make the most usefull Officers.
You are immediately to repair to the State of Connecticut and as soon as possible nominate your Officers, and send them out on the recruiting service; they are to be particularly attentive to take none into the Corps, but young light active men.
The Privates are to receive Twenty Dollars bounty, and a Suit of Cloaths on entering the Service and pay as ⅌ Schedule annexed. They are to be raised to serve during the war unless sooner discharged by Congress.
Each Non commissioned Officer and private is to be furnished with a good Horse, Saddle, Bridle & other Accoutrements belonging to the Horse service at the expence of the Continent—and I will recommend to Congress that the Commanding Officer be also furnished at the public expence with the same, but cannot absolutely engage it as I beleive it is not customary.
In procuring the Horses, you are to have no Stallions, Mares, White or Grey Horses, but likely serviceable Trotters of sufficient size, It is expected you will purchase them at the most reasonable rate & not upon an average to exceed One hundred Dollars ⅌ Head, carefully describing and keeping an exact account of the Cost of each Horse.
Saddles, Bridles, Carbines, Broadswords, Pistols and every other accoutrement necessary (agreable to a Pattern herewith given you,[)] you will procure as cheap as possible.
Your Regiment is to consist of One Major, an Adjutant, Surgeon & Mate and Six Troop[s], to each Troop, One Captain, One Lieutenant, One Cornet (commissioned Officers) One Qr Master, Two Serjeants, Two Corporals, One Trumpeter, One Farrier & thirty four privates.
In order to enable you to defray the Expence of raising and equipping this Regiment, you are herewith furnished with a Warrant upon the Paymaster for the sum of 14,000 Dollars and a Letter to Governor Trumbull to advance you such further Sums as may be necessary on Continental account. In case of the latter failing you are to advise me of it, & if no public money is to be had in that Department from a Paymaster to be appointed, send a carefull Officer for such Sum or Sums as may be wanted.
As fast as you can raise and equip a Troop they are to be sent to the Army under my immediate command, agreable to the Resolution of Congress directing the raising of said Regiment. Given at Head Quarters &c.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 16 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Head Quarters State of Pensylvania in Bucks County Decemr 16th 1776
Dr Sir

The Congress have been pleased to appoint Elisha Sheldon Esqr. of your State to be Lieut. Colonel and Commander of a Regiment of Cavalry.
For the purpose of raising them he now sets off for Connecticut—Having to pass through an Enemy’s Country on his way there—I cannot think it prudent to advance him the sum necessary for his immediate use.
I have to request you will furnish him with what money he may want, from the Treasury of your State, or in such other way as you may think best, which Sum you will please to draw on the Continent (through me) for. I am with due Regard Sir Your most Obedient Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Trumbull, 16 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Joseph

Dear sir
Head Quarters near Trenton 16th Decemr 1776

Your favor of the 13th Inst. came safe to hand; I have taken an Extract of that part of it which relates to the business of your Department, and shall forward it to Congress by the first Opportunity. I can have no objection to your going to New England instead of coming this way, upon the representation you have made of the necessity, and superior Advantage arising from your going, and at the same time confiding in your judgment in determining upon that plan of Conduct which will conduce most to the benefit of the Service.
I am glad to find you have been making preparations for laying in a large Supply of salt provisions for the Army, and approve of your plan of sending to Virginia for flour during the Winter, as I don’t see but it may be rendered practicable; but these matters will doubtless be fully answered by Congress, when they receive the Copy of your Letter, as also the necessary supply of Cash which you mention; in the meantime, I think it will be very adviseable for you to borrow money in the manner you propose till you receive the necessary supplies from Congress—indeed there is so little Cash in the Paymaster’s hands here at present that it is not in my power to afford you any Assistance in that particular.
As I conclude you have informed yourself sufficiently with respect to the Abilities and Capacity of Mr Wharton, I shall make no objection to the appointment, but only observe, that circumstanced as Affairs are at present in the Jerseys, it will require an Officer of much sagacity and diligence, to discharge the duties of that Office faithfully, & to satisfaction.
I have inclosed you a list of such persons in Virginia as I think will be most likely to supply you with Flour on good Terms—Mr Wharton’s acquaintance there will also help probably to procure it with greater facility and dispatch.
I thank you for your condolences on the universal loss America has sustained, in the unfortunate Captivity of General Lee, and am with due Regard Dr sir Your very humble Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. I shall send some Money to General Heath for the recruiting Service.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Head Quarters [Bucks County, Pa.] 17th Decemr 1776
Dear Sir

Yesterday I received a letter from the Council of the State of Massachusetts by Major Shaw, informing me he had in charge a few Indians from N. Scotia who were inlisted into the Continental Service; as they will be of no use to me here I have directed Mr Shaw to deliver them into your Care, & request you will employ them in such a manner as you may judge most advantageous to the Service, and continue them under your command till you hear further from me. I am Dr sir Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. These Indians may join those that came before that one Interpreter may serve. and the Waggon & Horses which attended them and bought at the Public expence may be applied to the Public use.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant General William Howe, 17 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Head Quarters [Bucks County, Pa.] 17th Decemr 1776

I would beg leave to recall your Attention to the proposition for the Exchange of prisoners, to the several Letters I have lately written on that subject, and to inform you that I have not recd such officers in Exchange as were requested by me.
I am persuaded Sir, that this Mistake has arisen from Mr Commy Loring’s Zeal to facilitate the Business, but I would at the same time desire, that you would give him Orders, whenever any of your Officers are sent in by me, not to send others in Exchange, till he is furnished with a List from me of such as I would chuse to prefer, which shall always be done as soon as possible. For as the prisoners seldom pass my Head Quarters on their Way, it is not in my power to transmit such Lists by them without occasioning their delay. If this Mode is not complied with in future, I shall be under the disagreeable necessity of stopping others from going in, as my Ideas and Expectations are by no Means answered from what has happened.
I inclose you a List of 7 Officers who were sent in from Bristol on the 14th and of two Officers and two privates who accompany the present Flag. As the remainder of all those who were in the State of Pennsylvania are on the Road and expected here daily, I shall defer making a demand of those I would chuse in Exchange till the whole come up. I am with due Respect, Sir, Yr most Obedt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Robert Magaw, 17 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Magaw, Robert

Head Quarters [Bucks County, Pa.] 17th Decemr 1776
Dear Sir

As an exact Return of the Officers, with their Names and Ranks, and the Number of non Commissioned Officers and privates taken at Fort Washington, will be necessary to carry an Exchange into Execution, you will please to furnish me with it as soon as convenient. And as Genl Howe only transmitted me an Account of the number of Officers returned by Sr Guy Carlton under Parole from Canada, without specifying their Names & Ranks, be pleased to apply to Mr Commissary Loring for the same and send it to me with your own Return. I am Dr Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 17 December 1776
From: Pennsylvania Council of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir,
In Council of Safety Philadelphia December 17. 1776

We lament the loss of General Lee both as it relates to the public and to a General whom we so highly esteem & respect—yet we hope it may be in the power of your Excellency to close the Campaigne with honour to yourself and to leave General Howe in a situation which may afford him little reason to boast—We assure you, sir, this Council will not suffer any thing to abate their exertions, but that they will use every hour, which the enemy shall delay their approach, in preparing for the defence of this City and state in the best manner possible and shall most cheerfully afford your Excellency every assistance in our Power.
By the enclosed Resolution you will see the sentiments of the Council respecting the Militia who refuse to do their duty on the present occasion.
A servant of Brigadier General Dickinson’s, last Friday afternoon, requested a pass to your Camp, he having as he said, a letter from Mr Dickinson to his Master—The Council thought it proper to examine the contents, a copy of which we have enclosed—The original appears to be in the hand writing of John Dickinson Esqr.—General Dickinson has requested that the letter may be sent to him, but we think it proper to retain the Original in our hands and have referred him to your Excellency for the Copy, if you shall think proper to deliver it to him. By order of Council I have the Honor to be with great respect Sr Your Obedient Servant

Tho. Wharton junr Prest


Title: From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 18 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Bowdoin, James

Sir
Head Qrs at Keiths Decr 18th 1776

I this morning received the Honor of your favor of the 8th Instt and beg leave to return your Honble Body my warmest acknowledgements for their early attention to my requisition, and assurances of such Support as shall be in their power. Circumstances having varied much since I addressed them upon this Subject, & being far removed myself from the rendezvous intended for this reinforcement when it was applied for, I have wrote to Major Genl Heath to concert a Plan with Major Genl Lincoln & to form with him such dispositions of the Troops as they may judge necessary and the exigencies of Affairs require. Their arrival I hope will be in due time, and be attended with many important & happy consequences. Were it not for them, in a few days by reason of the impolicy and fatal system of short inlistments, there would scarcely remain the least shadow of an Army to check the Operations of the Enemy.
I should be happy if there had been just grounds for the report of

the success of our Arms at Heckensec, but things have been entirely the reverse. By the expiration of the service of the Troops denominated flying Camp men and their return home on the 1st Instt, our force on this side Hudsons River, which before that period was unequal to any successfull opposition, was reduced to a mere handfull. With this small number I have been pushed through Jersey by the main body of the Enemy’s Army, without deriving the least aid from the Militia, notwithstanding the earliest & most pressing sollicitations and for want of their Assistance a large part of that State has been exposed to all the effects of ravage & of the most wanton plunder.
The Delaware now divides what remains of our little force from that of Genl Howe whose Object beyond all question, is to possess Philadelphia. They have been industrious in their efforts to procure Boats for their transportation, but the precautions I have taken have hitherto rendered their attempts unsuccessfull. How things will terminate I must leave to the event itself; As yet I have recd but little or no augmentation except that of the City Militia who have turned out in a Spirited manner.
Convinced that Philadelphia was the Object of Mr How’s movements, & of the fatal consequences that would attend the loss of it—I wrote for Genl Lee to Reinforce me with the Troops under his immediate command. By some means or other, their arrival has been retarded and unhappily on Friday last, the Genl having left his division and proceeded on the flanks, three or four miles nearer the Enemy (then 18 miles from him) of which they were informed by some Tories, was surprized and carried off about Eleven OClock by a party of Seventy Light Horse. I will not comment upon this unhappy accident. I feel much for his misfortune, and am sensible that in his captivity, Our Country has lost a warm friend and an able Officer.
Upon the whole our Affairs are in a much less promising condition than could be wished, Yet I trust under the smiles of Providence, and by our own exertions, we shall be happy. Our cause is righteous and must be supported. Every nerve should be strained to levy the New Army; If a respectable one can be procured in season, All may be well. The ensuing Campaign will be an important one, and the issue may lead to happiness or the most melancholy of all events. I have the Honor to be with sentiments of great respt Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 18 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Dr Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] 18th Decemr 1776.

By a Letter which I had this day the pleasure of receiving from the president of the Council of Massachusets Bay, I find that that State had

immediately upon my Application ordered a Reinforcement of about 6000 Militia to the Continental Army, and that they had appointed you to the command. Give me leave Sir to assure you that this Appointment gives me the highest Satisfaction as the proofs you exhibited of your Zeal for the Service, in the preceding part of this Campaign convinces me, that the command could not have devolved upon a more deserving Officer. If the particular Circumstances of the Eastern Governments (who are threatned with an invasion themselves) should permit your proceeding on, you will join Genl Heath at peekskill with all Expedition. I have given him directions how to dispose of your Men which is to endeavour if possible to cover and afford protection to the upper parts of the Jerseys, and to the province of New York below the Highlands. But I have desired him to consult and Cooperate with you in the Steps necessary to carry this or any other plan into Execution. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 18 December 1776
From: Pennsylvania Council of Safety
To: Washington, George

In Council of Safety Philadelphia 18th [December] 1776
Sir

We have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys favour of the 16th & 17th instant, and shall be attentive to the subjects recommended.
Yesterday Captain John Rice commander of a Look out Vessel which we Stationed at Cape May arrived here from his Station and informs us that Five of the Enemys Ships with three Tenders are in our Capes, The Roebuck and Fowey are of the number, the names & force of the others we are ignorant of—We presume they do not intend up our River unless General How’s future movements should encourage them.
We have sent a quantity of old Cloathing by the bearer which may be of some use to such of our fellow Countrymen who are in the Army and are necessitous for want of suitable covering at this inclement season of the year. We requ[e]st your Excellency will give orders to have them distributed to such as most want them particularly to the Southern troops who we are informed are in great Need. By order of the Council I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant

Davd Rittenhouse V. President


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 18 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Samuel

Camp near the Falls at Trenton Decr 18th 1776.
Dear Brother,

In the number of Letters which necessity compels me to write, the recollection of any particular one is destroyed, but I think my last to you was from Hackinsack about the 20th of Novr.

Since that period, and a little before our affairs took an adverse turn but not more than was to be expected from the unfortunate measures which had been adopted for the establishment of our Army.
The Retreat of the Enemys Army from the White Plains led me to think that they would turn their thoughts to the Jerseys, if no further, and induced me to cross the North River with some of the Troops in order if possible to oppose them—I expected to have met at least 5000 Men of the Flying Camp and Militia; instead of wch I found less than one half and no disposition in the Inhabitants to afford the least aid—This being perfectly well understood by the Enemy they threw over a large body of Troops which pushed us from place to place till we were obliged to cross the Delaware (into Pensylvania) with less than 3,000 Men fit for duty owing to the Dissolution of our Force by short Inlistments—the Enemys Numbers by the best Accts exceeding Ten, and by others 12,000 Men.
Before I removed to the Southside of this River I had all the Boats and other vessels brot over or destroyed from Philadelphia upwards for 70 Miles, and by guarding the different Fords have, as yet, baffled all their attempts to cross but from some late movements of theirs I am left in doubt whether they are Inclining to Winter Quarters or making a feint to throw us off our Guard.
Since I came on this side I have been reinforced by about 2000 of the City Militia, and understand that some of the Country Militia (from the back Counties) are on their way—but we are at present in a very disaffected part of the Provence, and between you and me I think our Affairs are in a very bad way—not so much from the Apprehension of Genl Howes Army as from the defection of New York, New Jersey, and Pensylvania—In short the conduct of the Jersey, has been most Infamous—Instead of turning out to defend their Country and affording aid to our Army they are making their Submissions as fast as they can—If they had given us any Support we might have made a stand at Hackensack, and after that at Brunswick, but the few Militia that were in Arms disbanded themselves or slunk off in such a manner upon the approach of danger as to leave us quite unsupported, & to make the best shift we could without them.
I have no doubt but that General Howe will still make an attempt upon Philadelphia this Winter—I see nothing to oppose him in a fortnight from this time, as the term of all the Troops except those of Virginia, (reduced almost to nothing) and Smallwoods Regiment from Maryland (in the same condition) will expire in that time. In a word my dear Sir, if every nerve is not straind to recruit the New Army with all possible Expedition I think the game is pretty near up—owing in great Measure to the insiduous Arts of the Enemy and disaffection of

the Colonies beforementioned, but principally to the accursed policy of Short Inlistments and depending too much on Militia, the Evil consequences of which were foretold 15 Months ago with a spirit almost prophetick.
Before this reaches you, you will no doubt have heard of the Captivity of Genl Lee—this is an additional Misfortune, and the more vexatious as it was the effect of folly & Imprudence (without a view to answer any good) that he was taken—going three Miles out of his own Camp (for the sake of a little better lodging) & within 20 of the Enemy a rascally Tory gave information in the Night and a party of light Horse in the Morning seiz’d and carried him off with every mark of triumph and Indignity.
You, at a distance, can f⟨orm⟩ no Idea of the perplexity of my Situa⟨tion. No⟩ Man I be⟨li⟩eve ever had a greater c⟨hoice of⟩ difficulties & less the means of extri⟨cating⟩ himself than I have—However und⟨er a⟩ full perswation of the justice of our Ca⟨use⟩ I cannot but think the prospect will bri⟨ghten⟩ allthough for wise purposes it is, at pres⟨ent⟩ hid under a cloud.
My love & sincere regards attend My Sister & the Family. My Compliments also to our friends at Fairfield &ca and with every Sentiment of friendship as well as love I am Dr Sir Yr Affecte Brothr

Go: Washington


Title: Orders to the Colonels of the Bucks County Militia, 19 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Colonels of the Bucks County Militia

Sir
[Bucks County, Pa., 19 December 1776]

The Honble the Council of Safety of the State of Pensylvania having by a Resolve passed the 17th day of this Inst. December, authorized me to call forth the Militia of the County of Bucks to the assistance of the Continental Army under my Command, I hereby require You immediately to issue Orders to the Captains of Your Regiment, to summon the Officers & privates of their Companies to Meet on the 28th day of this Instant, at the usual Place for their Joining in Battalion, with their Arms & Accoutrements in good Order, and when so met, march immediately to the City of Philadelphia & there put yourself under the Command of Major Genl Putnam. And you are further required to make me an exact return, of the Names & places of abode,

of Such Officers & privates as refuse to appear with there Arms & Acoutrements at the time & place appointed, that they may be dealt with as the resolve above referred to directs. Given under my hands at Head Quarters this 19th Decr 1776.