Title: To George Washington from Lord Stirling, 1 June 1776
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Sir.
1st June 1776.

Agreeable to your Request, I left New York on Sunday last, in order to view the Fortifications on Hudson’s River, in the Highlands. I took with me Colo. Putnam, Chief Engineer & Captain Sergeant of the Artillery, The Winds were so adverse that we did not reach Fort Montgom[e]ry untill Wednesday Evening; but with the help of our Boat, we employed our time in visiting several other parts of the River, that appeared proper for fortifying. At the Mouth or South end of the Highlands about four miles below, Fort Montgomery, there is a post which to me appears well worth possessing on many Accounts; Should the Enemy be in possession of it, we should be cut off from our best Communication with the whole Country below the Highlands, Eastward as well as Westward; there is a very remarkable Spot of Ground; easily fortified which Commands the passage of the River, as well as either of the other posts, it also commands the Mouth & landing of Peaks Kill, from which there is an excellent Road into Connecticut which is only twenty miles off, on the opposite is an excellent Road into New Jersy & Pennsylvania, the

   Sketch of this part of the River, No. 1, will best shew the propriety of it’s being fortified; In the passage from this place to Fort Montgomery is a large Island which would be very usefull to the Enemy in their Approaches to that place.
Fort Montgomery is situated on the West Bank of the River, which is there about half a Mile broad, & the Bank 100 feet high, on the opposite Shore is a point of Land called Anthony’s nose which is many hundred feet high, very steep & inaccessible, to any thing but Goats or men, very expert in Climbing; a Body of Riffle Men, placed here would be of very great use, in annoying an Enemy as the Decks of every Vessel that passes, must lie open to them.
 The Works begun & designed at Fort Montgomery are open lines, as may be seen by the plan No. 2. and all lie on the North side of a small Creek called Poop Lopen’s Kill, on the South side of which is a Point of Land which projects more into the River, Commands all the principal Works and is within two & three hundred yards of them; On the Top of this point is a level spot of Ground of near an Acre commanded by nothing, but the high Inaccessible Mountains, at about Twelve hundred yards distance, this Spot I think should by all means be fortified, as well for the Annoyance of the Enemy in their approach up the River, as for the protection of the Works at Fort Montgomery. Indeed this appears to me, the most proper place I have seen on the River to be made the Grand Post, and in my opinion should be a regular, Strong Work, capable of Resisting every kind of Attack, and of containing a Grand Magazine of all kind of Warlike Stores, The whole would then command the passage of the River, with so formidable a Cross Fire, as would deter any attempt to Approach with Shiping. The Works finished, designed or begun at Fort Montgomery are each of them distinguished in the plan No. 2. Those built are all faced with Fascines, and filled in with strong good Loam; but as they are liable to take fire, the Commissioners who have the Care and Direction of the Works, propose to Ruff Cast the Faces of the Embrazures with a strong Mortar made of Quick Lime & sharp Sand of which there is plenty at hand; I advised them to try the Experiment on a part of the Work as soon as possible. As these open lines are entirely defenceless on the land side it will be

very proper to erect a small Redoubt on the Hill in the Rear of them marked A.
Fort Constitution is about Six miles above Fort Montgomery, on an Island near the East side of the River and near the North end of the High Lands, which on the West and South sides is bounded by the River, & on the North & East side by low Marsh & small Creeks, running through it.
 The Works here consist of four open lines or Batteries fronting the River; the two Eastermost command the Approach up the River very well, the next or middle line Commands the approach from the West Point upwards, the Westermost Battery is a streight line constructed by Mr Romans at a very great Expence, it has 15 Embrazures which face the River at a Right Angle, and can only annoy a Ship in going past, the Embrazures are within 12 feet of each other, the Merlons on the outside, are but about two feet in the face, and about Seven feet deep, made of Square Timber, covered with Plank & looks very neat, he also built a Log house or Tower on the highest Clift near the Water, mounted with Eight Cannon (four Pounders) pointed out of the Garret Windows, & looks very picturesque, upon the whole Mr Romans has displayed his Genius at a very great Expence, & very little publick Advantage. The Works in their present open Condition, and scater’d Situation, are defenceless; nor is there one good place on the Island on which a Redoubt may be erected that will Command the whole, however I have marked in the plan No. 3, those heights which are most commanding: Yet every work on the Island is Commanded by the Hill on the West point, on the opposite side of the River, within 500 yards, where there is a level piece of Land of near 50 Acres in Extent, a Redoubt on this West point is absolutely necessary, not only for preservation of Fort Constitution, but for it’s own importance on many accounts. One also is necessary at the West end of the Island to Command the approach that way, and to prevent a landing at the North side of the Island, an easy Communication by Land as well as by Water may be made with Fort Montgomery from the West point.
The Garrison of Fort Constitution consists of Two Companys of Colonel Clinton’s Regiment and Capt. Wisenur’s Company of Minute men, in all about 160 Rank and File; The Garrison at Fort Montgomery consists of Three Companys of the same

Regiment amounting to about 200 men Rank & file. The Field Officer of the Regiment is Lieut. Colonel Livingston, But the Command of the whole of both Garrisons is still in the hands of Colonel Nichols, who it seems last fall raised a Regiment of Minute men for the purpose of Garrisoning Fort Constitution, which Regiment is all dismissed except Capt. Wisenur’s Company of about 40 privates; Lieut. Colonel Livingston has very prudently avoided any dispute with Colo. Nicholl about the Command, rather referring the matter to Your Excellency’s determination. The whole of the Troops at both these posts are miserably armed as will appear by the Return No. 4. Lieut. Colonel Livingston informs me he has lately received about 40 Firelocks all in very bad order, from the Committees of Dutchess County, and expects several hundred more in a few days in the same Condition, I have therefore directed the Blacksmith’s Shop at Fort Constitution to be enlarged, so that it will at the same time serve for an Armoury; a Blacksmiths Shop and Armoury of the like kind I have directed at Fort Montgomery & the Artificers in those Branches, in Clinton’s Regiment to be employed in them.
The Provision Branch at these Forts seems to have been strangely managed, Mr Walter Livingston Commissary for the department of New York & Canada residing at Albany, supplyed them; His Deputy, a Mr Phelps appointed for the issuing provisions at these posts has since November last been there in all about a fortnight; The Care & Issuing of Provisions has in the mean time been left to a Serjeant, who has dealt them out without any Rule but his own Caprice, Indiscretion, & want of Honesty. Out of these hands the Provision Branch here, has lately gone into the hands of Mr Abraham Livingston who by Contract is to supply the Troops in the New York Department; His Deputy, a Mr Honan now Issues the Provisions, but instead of doing it according to Contract; by which he is obliged to furnish two days fresh Provision per Week, the Troops have had only twice fresh Provisions in Six Weeks, Complaints are loud against Mr Honans want of Prudence and Sobriety! Another inconsistancy in this Branch is, that while there is a very considerable Stock of Provision at Fort Constitution, laid in at Continental expence by Mr Walter Livingston as appears by the Return No. 5. a new supply is sent for immediate use by Mr

Abraham Livingston; if this goes on, the old Stock will perish.
The direction of the Works at both those Forts is in the hands of Commissioners appointed by the Provincial Congress of New York, two Commissioners with four Carpenters, two Blacksmiths & Seven Attendants are at Fort Constitution, Two Commissioners, one Clerk, fifteen Carpenters & four Masons are at Fort Montgomery, the pay of these amount to at least 800 Dollars ⅌ month, besides their provisions &ca. One good Engineer with Artificers from the Army might, I think, do the whole Business as well.
There have lately been brought into Fort Montgomery, several persons, as notorious Tories, they are sent by District Committees of the Counties Albany, Dutchess & West Chester, with directions to the Commanding Officer to keep them at hard labour, untill their further order. How far this accords with the Resolutions or Intentions of the Continental, or Provincial Congress, I cannot determine; & have therefore directed the Commanding Officer to employ them in the Works, & to keep a Watchfull Eye over them, untill further order.
The Artillery and Ordnance Stores at these posts, appears by Capt. Sergeants Reports herewith No. 6. The Cannon in General are to all appearance excellent of their kind, excepting two nine and three Six pounders, which are dubious. There are also I am informed Six Cannon, Six pounders, four of them good, & two dubious at New Windsor a place about Six miles above Fort Constitution, they had better be brought down to Fort Montgomery.
Considering the different Directions all these matters are under, I have avoided giving any determinate Orders about them, But it is highly necessary that explicit Orders should soon Issue. I am Your Excellency’s Most Humble Servant

Stirling

   3. Plan no. 1, the Hudson highlands, enclosed in Lord Stirling’s letter to Washington, 1 June 1776 (Department of Rare Books, Cornell University Library).

   4. Plan no. 2, Fort Montgomery by Thomas Palmer, enclosed in Lord Stirling’s letter to Washington, 1 June 1776 (Department of Rare Books, Cornell University Library).

   5. Plan no. 3, Fort Constitution and West Point, enclosed in Lord Stirling’s letter to Washington, 1 June 1776 (Department of Rare Books, Cornell University Library).


Title: General Orders, 2 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, June 2nd 1776.
Parole Fitch.Countersign Babcock

General Greene to order all arms in his brigade which want repairs to be immediately brought in to the Armourers shop, where they will be fitted up properly after which, all repairs will be stopped out of the men’s wages.
Capt. Oliver Soaper of the 13th or Colonel Reads regiment, tried at the General Court Martial, [(]whereof Col. Nixon is President) On Complaint of Lieut. Thomas Williams of said Company, for “defrauding the public, in knowingly and willingly drawing pay, for more men than he had belonging to his company”—The Court are of opinion, that Capt. Soper, is not guilty of the charge brought against him, therefore do acquit him.
The General approves of the proceedings of the above Court Martial, and orders, that Capt. Soper be immediately released from his arrest.
Lieut. Thomas Williams of Capt. Soper’s Company, and Col. Reads regiment, also tried at the above Court Martial, for “Impeaching and falsly asserting that Capt. Soper of the said regiment, had knowingly and designedly defrauded the public, in making up, and drawing pay, for more men than he had in his company: Also for signing Returns of the Company expressly against the orders of Capt. Soper—Also for refusing to repair to his Tent, when ordered by Capt. Soper”: The Court are of opinion, that the prisoner is guilty of the charge brought against him, and unanimously adjudge that he be cashiered for the said offence.
The General approves of the sentence of the above Court Martial, and orders that Mr Williams, late a Lieutenant in Col.

Reed’s Regiment, immediately depart the Camp by the way of Kingsbridge, or on board a vessel going up the sound.
John Quinn, of Capt. Allen’s Company and Col. Wards Regiment, tried at the above Court Martial for “Desertion”—is found guilty, and sentenced to receive Thirty-nine Lashes, on his bare back for said offence.
John Suby and James Johnston, both of Captain King’s Company, and Col. Ward’s Regiment, tried severally at the above Court Martial, for “Desertion”—are each found guilty, and sentenced severally, to be whipped Thirty-nine Lashes, on their bare back.
The General approves of the several Sentences above, & orders them to be put in execution, to morrow morning at Guard mounting.
Hugh Killbreath, of Capt. Rosse’s Company, in Col. Hand’s Regiment, tried at the above Court Martial, for [“]Assaulting, beating and wounding Assa Baker, and David Avery, of the Artillery”—is found guilty of the Charge, brought against him, & sentenced to be whipped Thirty-nine Lashes on his bare back.
The General approves of the above sentence, and orders the prisoner to be transmitted to his Corps, and that the punishment be inflicted on him at the head of the regiment at Guard mounting, on the first morning The Commanding Officer shall find suitable for the purpose.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 2 June 1776
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Head Quarters N. York June 2d 1776

These you will receive by Doctor Gill, & Lt Shork, who were made Prisoner’s at St Johns, they have both behaved Exceedingly well, and I could wish they might receive as kind treatment, as can be shown to prisoner’s of war—Lt McClean, has behavd very ill, which has occasioned his being sent in Irons, to Philadelphia no treatment can be too bad for such a Villain. I am with the greatest Respect Your Obedient Humble Servant

Israel Putnam

Lieut. Vanwaggenen who has in charge the Prisoners, will give your Excellency the particulars of Lieut. McCleans Conduct—No Ships arrived since I wrote by Express Yesterday—nor no other news of Importance.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Thompson, 2 June 1776
From: Thompson, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General.
Camp at Sorel [Canada]. June 2. 1776.

The news of this Country you will hear from the Honorable Commissioners of Congress. The Prospect is rather unfavorable on our side at present but I hope will clear up.
On the night of the 31. Ult. I receiv’d an account of Genl Carleton’s having passed the Rapids of Richlieu, whilst I was at Chamble attending a Council of war—I made no delay in setting

out for this place and arrived in time to prevent any bad consequences following the intelligence here.
Having received information that Col. McClean with about 800 Regulars and Canadians had advanced as far up as the Three Rivers, I have sent off Col. St Clair with between six & seven hundred Men to attack his Camp if it can be done with the least probability of success—This may be a means to prevent the Canadians and Savages from taking up Arms against Us which they begin already to do, and might otherwise in a little time increase the number of the enemy to a very formidable force.
Col. St Clair is an Officer of great experience and I make no doubt he will acquit himself well of his command.
I have wrote to General Arnold at Montreal to send the Pennsylvania Troops in number about 300 from thence to join me here, and likewise to the Baron to send from St John’s the first Regiment that arrives there—With those Troops I may be able to make the most advantage of Col. St Clair’s Success if he shou’d prove fortunate, or support a retreat if driven to that necessity.
Had I arrived in this Country two weeks sooner with my reinforcement I think we could have prevented General Carleton’s passing De Chambault this summer. Three thousand men could have defen[ded] Canada at that place better than ten thousand can, now we are out of Possession of it—I now begin to entertain doubts of our Ability to keep the Province. Our Artillery is lost and the New England Troops are so much infected with, or afraid of the Small Pox as to almost prevent their doing duty. Could I have the command of the Jersey and Pennsylvania Regiments I still believe if I did not keep the Country, it would require at least five thousand Men to oblige me to evacuate it, and that would be easing the Southern Colonies of so many Enemies during the course of the Campaign, & perhaps recover a little of the Honor we have lately too lavishly thrown away.
Mr Chase is of opinion we may with safety break the Capitulation made with General Arnold. ’Tis extremely hard to give up all the Fruits of the last Years Campaign in Canada which cost so much, & what was still a greater loss to us, the Life of General Montgomery—without even releasing our distressed

Friends in Quebec. But if engagements of this delicate Nature are broken without the fullest testimony to support us, we shall be forever undone.
I have sent off the sick and heavy Baggage from hence that if I am reduced to the necessity of retreating I can do it with little Loss. Including the Men that went with Col. St Clair, those employed in rowing his Boats & gone to remove the sick; with 50 stationed on the opposite Side of the St Lawrence, the number of Troops here are reduced to about 200—in a few days I shall be joined by Col. De Haas with his detachment.
My greatest distress at present is on account of the unhappy situation of the Canadians who have taken an active part with Us, as I know not whether I shall long have it in my Power to protect them from the Vengeance of Genl Carleton with which they are threatened.
They apprehend the worst and are truly objects of Compassion. I am my Dr Genl Your Affect. Hume Servt

Wm Thompson


Title: General Orders, 3 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, June 3rd 1776.
Parole Hartford.Countersign Wethersfield.

Col: Learned’s and Col: Webb’s regiments to be mustered Wednesday Morning at nine o’clock.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Philadelphia June 3d 1776

I have perused the petition preferred by the Independant Corps of Boston and beg leave thro you to Inform Congress,

that the Five Regiments there are extremely deficient in Arms, as are many Other Regiments in Continenta⟨l⟩ pay, and Submit It to their consideration whethe⟨r⟩ any part of the Arms lately taken, under these circumstances shou’d be delivered to the Gentlemen applying for them, determening at the same time that whatever decisio⟨n⟩ they come too will be agreable to me and be litterally complied with by. Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 3 June 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia June 3d 1776.

I am extremely sorry it is not in my Power to wait on you in Person to execute the Commands of Congress. But being deprived of that Pleasure by a severe Fit of the Gout, I am under the Necessity of taking this Method to acquaint you, That the Congress have directed me in their Name, to make the Thanks of that Body to you, for the unremitted Attention you have paid to your important Trust; and in particular for the Assistance they have derived from your military Knowledge & Experience, in adopting the best Plans for the Defence of the United Colonies.

Tomorrow Morning I will do myself the Honour of sending you, all such Resolves of Congress, as any Ways relate to the Operations of the ensuing Campaign.
Having therefore fully accomplished the Views of Congress in requesting your Attendance in this City, I am commanded to inform you that they submit to your Choice the Time of returning to Head Quarters; well knowing, you will repair thither, whenever the Exigency of Affairs shall render your Presence there necessary. With the most ardent Wishes, that you may be crowned with Success equal to your Merit and the Righteousness of our Cause, I have the Honour to be with the highest Esteem and Regard Sir your most obedt & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 3 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dr Sir
Philadelphia June 3d 1776

I received your favor by Yesterday Evenings Express with the sevl Letters and Intelligence from Genl Schuyler and am much concerned for the further misfortunes that have attended our Arms in Canada. I have laid the whole before Congress, who had before resolved to send a considerable augmentation to our Army there, & doubt not that Genl Schuyler may receive assistance from the Militias most convenient to him for securing the different passes & communications ’till they can be [releived]—As to sending a reinforcemt from New York, neither policy or prudence will Justifye It, as we have the strongest reasons to beleive the day not far distant when a Large Armanment

will arrive and vigorously attempt an Impression there, to oppose which the forces we have will not be more than equal If sufficient.
Congress have determined on building sundry Gundaloes and fire rafts to prevent the men of War and Enemies Ships from coming into the New York Bay or Narrows, I must therefore request that you make Inquiry after Carpenters and procure all you can with materials necessary for building them, that they may goe on with all possible expedition as soon as the person arrives from hence, whom I have employed to superintend the work, he will be there in a day or two. I am Dr Sir &c.

G:W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 3 June 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Chamblee [Canada] June the 3d 177[6]

I had wrote a Letter to Congress & Expected to have the honour of writing one to you befor the Commissioners Departed but as I found them going off before I could possibly finish one to you I Sealed that & begd Mr Chase to Desire yr Excellency to open & read it which Contained the purport of what I Intended to write yr Excellencey—I have Since that been to Montreal & find almost Every person agreed to Depart without Ever Seeing the Enemy—Genl Thompson writes that about Eight hundred of the Enemy have arrived at three Rivers 45 miles below Sorell where he is This he has by Report only I find that all the heavy baggage is Sent away with the Intrenching tools &c. on that account I have ordered them back & am this moment Embarking for Sorell where I hope to arrive by Day Break & meet them with all the force I can make I am far from fearing 800 men against Such a force as I can muster I have Desired all the General officers to be with me there who Seem well Satisfied to go on Want of time prevents my writing more fully on the State of affairs here at present which I Shall not forget to do as Soon as possible. In the Interim I am Dear General with great Respect your most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: General Orders, 4 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, June 4th 1776
Parole Brunswick.Countersign Stratford.

Col. Reads Regiment to be mustered to morrow morning, at nine o’clock; and not Col. Webb’s, as was mentioned in the orders of yesterday.


Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 4 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia 4th June 1776.

Your favour of the 24th Ult. came to this place just time enough for me to acknowledge the receipt of it before I set out for New York which will be in an hour or two having come to this place at the request of Congress to settle some matters relative to the operations of the ensuing Campaign. My hurry as I am engaged in a good deal of business will not permit me to relate the few occurrances which have happend lately, But, at the request of Mrs Washington I am to thank Mrs Basset for her kind Letter which came under your Cover—she did not Incline to write herself as she is now in the Small Pox by Innoculation and like to have it very favorably having got through the Fever and not more than about a dozen Pustules appearing (this being the 13th day since the Infection was receivd)—After she is perfectly recovered she will return to New York again if matters there are in such a situation as to make it a fit place for her to remain. Mr and Mrs Custis left this 10 days ago for Maryland. We join most Cordially, & sincerely, in love and good wishes for you, Mrs Bassett & Family, & all our other Relations and friends—and I am with the greatest regard and Affecte Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 4 June 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

Letter not found: to John Parke Custis, 4 June 1776. On 10 June John Parke Custis wrote to GW: “Your Favor of the 4th inst. . . . came to Hand last Saturday.”


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper, 4 June 1776
From: Tupper, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
 Sloop Hester June the 4 A.D. 1776—6 oclock P.M.

the Inclosed is the Original which I have just Recd and thought Proper to Send it by express by land, it is most likely that the Indian Ship and Sloop mentioned will Sail out under Convoy of Sd Marcurey. I Shall Send to the Armd Vessels on the South side of long Island to look out & do the best ⟨th⟩ey can—however if it Should please Your Excell⟨en⟩cy to Send an express to Admiral Hopkins and ⟨he⟩ Should think proper to Waylay them off Nan⟨tu⟩cket Sholes I trust he might meet with Success ⟨th⟩ree men more last Night Desarted from the Lively man of war Who is Directly from Halifax but the Stupid Souls at Middletown have not yet Sent them up—N.B. it is not likely Sd Vessels will sail quite So Soon as the Desarters Informd I Shall keep a good look out while I have the Honour to be Your Excelly most obident Humble Servt

Benj. Tupper Lt Colo. ofthe 21st Regt & Comr at Amboy


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Varick, 4 June 1776
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

Albany, 4 June 1776. “I send down the Bearer Capt. Godwin of the Royal Artillery made Prisoner at Chambly: He has a Permit on Parole

to join the Prisoners of that Garrison now in Trenton or some Other Part of New Jersey & is directed to wait on your Excellency for Directions in his Rout to New Jersey.”


Title: General Orders, 5 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, June 5th 1776
Parole Esopus.Countersign Albany.

Lieut. John Riggs of Capt. McFarland’s Company, & Col. Nixon’s Regiment, tried at the General Court Martial, whereof Col: Nixon is President, for “Counterfeiting, and assuming the character of a Field Officer, and under pretence of being Field Officer of the day, ordering out one of the principal Guards, in the army; imposing upon Capt. Sumner commanding the upper Barrack Guard; and behaving herein unbecoming the Character of an Officer, acting in subversion of military order &c.[”] is found guilty of the several charges brought against him, and sentenced by the Court to be cashiered for the same.
The General approves of the sentence of the Court, and orders that Mr John Riggs, late Lieutenant in Col. Nixon’s Regiment do depart the Army, City and Encampment immediately.
George Cottingen and Daniel Dunevil, both of Captain Van Wyck’s Company, of Col: McDougall’s Regiment, tried at the above Court Martial, for “Desertion”—are severally found guilty of the same, and sentenced to be whipped Thirty-nine Lashes each, on their bare backs.
The General approves the above sentence, and orders it to be put in execution to morrow morning, at guard mounting, at the head of the regiment.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 5–6 June 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia June 5th[–6] 1776.

The Congress having this Day made several Promotions in the Army of the United Colonies, and established some Rules for the future Direction of the Deputy Commissaries general, Deputy Quarter Master General &c. I do myself the Pleasure to enclose you a Copy of the same.
I have delivered Col. Reed his Commission, and have sent Mr Whitecom Mr Mercer, and Mr Moyland theirs.
Should you stand in Need of any more blank Commissions, they shall be immediately forwarded, on your letting me know it. I entirely forgot to make Enquiry into the Matter while you was in this City.
Having Nothing further in Charge from Congress at this Time, I beg Leave to assure you that I am, with the greatest Respect and Esteem, Sir your most obedt and very hble Sevt

John Hancock Presidt

June 6. P.S. This Morning two small Privateers arrived here after a very successful Cruise; having taken three West India Ships with 22,420 Dollars on Board—1052 Hhds & Trs. of Sugar 70 Pipes best Madeira Wine, and a Variety of other Articles. The Captain and Owners this Moment called to acquaint me, the Money is now in this City, and have generously made an offer of it to the Congress.

I have this Morning advanced thirty Dollars to Fessenden in Part of his Account, which you will please to deduct on Settlement.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 5–6 June 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Sorrell [Canada] June 5th[–6] 1776.

I have the pleasure to Inform you that I Arriv’d here at a very Critical Moment with my Brigade. Genl Thompson was Left with but very few men to Defend this Important post. The Troops being Scatter’d about in a most Shocking manner. I had Issued Orders for all the well men to follow me as upon Departure of Genl Worster & the Death of General Thomas the Command Devolved on me: having given those Orders I proceeded with the Troops I brought with me to Join General Thompson, who was in the greatest Distress as Genl Carltons Fleet had pass’d the Sorrell & was Coming up the River with a fair wind, as was Reported on all Quarters, a Retreat Seem’d in all parts to be agreed on, & the heavy Baggage & most of the Artillery was Remov’d to St Johns & Chamblee. This Caused the French men to Curse our Cowardice & Lament their Folly

in favouring a Cause which we had so poorly Defended, but upon my Coming with a Large Force ordering all the Troops to follow & the Cannons to be Return’d, I found Joy in every Countenance Except some very few Tories. it Really was very affecting to See the Banks of the Sorrell Lined with men Women & Children Leaping & Clapping their hands for Joy to See me Arrive. it gave no Less Joy to Genl Thompson who Seem’d to be Wholly forsaken & Left to fight against unequal Force or Retreat before them. upon my Arrival I was Surpriz’d to hear that Notwithstanding all we have read about the Sorrell our People had not thrown up as much Work as I Could do with a Hundred men in Two days & that Extremely ill done. there was three Cannon & three only mounted in all the Works. I Sat all the men at Work & have this Day almost Inclosed the Encampment and Compleated a Battery on the North Side of the river with 3 Can[no]n. General Thompson Says & I believe with great Truth that more Work was done here this day than has been in Canada Since the Surrender of St Johns.
June the 6th 1776 This Morning Two Expresses Arrived from three Rivers which were Sent to Observe the Motions of the Enemy, one of them was a Friendly Canadian who Lived at Three Rivers & pass’d among the fleet, the Other one of our own Officers. They agree that the Number of vessels are as follows one Ship one Brigg & Eight Sloops & Schooners, They both Say that the Troops there amount to no more than Three Hundred who are Intrenching themselves at the Three Rivers. I have Detached General Thompson with about Two Thousand of our best Troops to Attack them. a Copy of his Orders are Inclosed which hope will be Approved by your Excellency—Our Affairs here have taken a Strange turn Since our Arrival. The Canadians are Flocking by Hundreds to take a part with us. I am giving them Commissions Agreeable to the Inclosed Form, which I hope will not be thought an unnecessary Assumption of Power. I really find most of them Exceeding friendly. I have Sent out for Carts Teams &c. They have come in with the greatest Chearfulness & what gives Still greater Evidence of their Friendship is that they have Voluntarily Offer’d to Supply us with what Wheat flour &c. we want & ask nothing in return but Certificates. they begin to Complain against their Priests & wish them to be Secured. I Shall however Touch this

String with great Tenderness at prest as I know their Sacerdotal Influence. I really find by the present Behaviour of the Canadians that the Only reason of their Disaffection was because our Exertions were so feeble that they doubted much of our Success & even of our Ability to protect them. but the face of our Affairs seem now to be Changed & in the Midst of our pleasing Prospects an Express arrives from Genl Schuyler with Sixteen Hundred & Sixty two pounds one Shilling & three pence Pensylvania Currency in Specie, with the Spirited Resolves of Congress. This gave new Life to our Canadian Friends & added Spirit to our Troops. I was Extremely happy to find that I have Anticipated the Wishes of Congress—& had thro’ every Embarrasment Pressed downward toward the Important posts they wished. for, it was my fixed Determination to gain Post at Dischambeau which I mean to Fortify so as to make it inaccessable, This Commands the Channel, Secures the Country Destroys the Communication & Affords a Safe Retreat, if we are Oblidg’d to make one. Genl Thompson was Embarking for that Purpose when the Resolves Arrived. The Ships are now above that place but if General Thompson Succeeds at three Rivers, I will Soon Remove the Ships below Richlieu falls & after that Approach Toward Quebeck as fast as Possible & according to the present appearance of Affairs may Exceed in Number the Hannoverians &c. which we are threatned with. I have no Doubt of the General Attachment of the Canadians, though I Suppose some unprincipled Wretches among them will Always appear against us, but a vast Majority will be for us & perhaps as many according to their Numbers are Really in our favour as in Some other Colonies upon the Continent, many of them are with General Thompson in this Expedition & great numbers are here Ready Equipped waiting my Orders! I may Venture to Assure you & the Congress that I can in a few days Reduce the Army to order & with the Assistance of a Kind Providence put a new face to our Affairs here, which a few days Since Seem’d almost impossible. General Thompson & the Baron De Woodkle have done every thing in their Power to Assist me—Genl Arnold has not Join’d me being as you may see by his Letter which I Inclose you much Engaged at Montreal upon Affairs of Importance. This post at Lachine which he Mentions I can by no means Consent to Afford such a Large Body of men to Defend

against a Petty Number of Savages Little Less than a Mobb. I have therefore order’d a Small Fortification to be thrown up by Colo. De haas party Consisting of about Nine Hundred men & made Inaccessable at Least to Savages & Garrison’d it with Two Hundred men the rest to Return to me as all our Opperations ought to be Down the River where if we are Successful the Insurrection there will Die of Course—I have Order’d a months Provision to be Lodged there Lest an Excuse of Surrendering for want of Provisions before we can Relieve it, Should take place as at the Cedars. I Dont think it a post of any Great Importance or Indeed any in our Rear, Except St Johns & Chamblee which will ever Secure a Retreat, & to these I will pay Particular Attention. I hope Dr General to give you in a few Days Some Agreeable Intelligence. mean while I remain with the Most Profound Respect your Excellenceys most Obedient Servant

Jno. Sullivan

P.S. I Shall Soon Obtain proper Returns of our Scatter’d Army, & will forward them with Return of Stores &c. after which you may Expect them Weekly. I have for your Diversion Enclosed you one which is Similar to what the Other Colonels must make if call’d upon.
I also Inclose your Excellencey a Letter from Colo. Dugan I have appointed a Court of Enquiry to Enquire into the Accusation against him. I am Informed by General Thompson Mr Bonfield & others that the Accusation is false—& that he is an Exceeding useful man—he has at my request Since he wrote the above Letter Raised & armed upward of 200 men for us I have the honor to be yr Excellenceys most obedt Servant

Jno. Sullivan

As I have not time to write the Congress beg yr Excellencey to forward them a Copy of This. Yr H. S.

J.S.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 6 June 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 6 June 1776

Inclosed is the Invoice of the Ordnance Stores which I have forwarded to Norwich to the Care of Capt. Huntington to be forwarded from thence by him to New york, agreeable to General Putnam’s request in his letter to me of the twenty fourth of May. All those Articles were taken in the Ship Hope lately brought into this Harbor by Captain Mugford. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: General Orders, 7 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, June 7th 1776.
Parole Gates.Countersign Mifflin.

The Honorable The Continental Congress, have been pleased to appoint Horatio Gates Esqr. Major General; and Thomas Mifflin Esqr. Brigadier General in the Army of the United Colonies: They are to be obeyed as such.
The Honorable The Continental Congress have been pleased to appoint Stephen Moylan Esqr. to be Quarter-Master-General, in the room of Thomas Mifflin Esqr. preferr’d; and to be obeyed as such.
Walter Stewart and Isaac Peirce Esquires are appointed Aid-de-Camps to Major General Gates; All orders written, or verbal, deliver’d by either of them, are to be considered as coming from the Major General, and obeyed as such.
After Orders. June 7th—76. The Adjutants of each regiment to give in immediately at Head Quarters, a Return of what number of Pikes are fit for service, and what number wanting to complete in each regiment.


Title: To George Washington from the Berkshire County Committees of Safety and Inspection, 7 June 1776
From: Berkshire County Committees of Safety and Inspection
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency,
Pittsfield [Mass.]June 7th 1776

We beg leave to lay before your Excellency the Distresses of our Minds with all humility. Fear of injuring our Common cause by writing as well as speaking on the one hand, or by Silence on the other has filled us with peculiar Concern. The purport of this Epistle is so delicate we write with fear & Trembling least when we mean to serve our Country, we do it an irreparable Injury. Purity of Intention will not always secure us against rong steps. We beg leave to assure your Excellency that it is our hearty Intention to support your Excellency in the Defence of America against the Tyranny & Usurpation of Great Britain, & if that is the pleasure of the Honorable Continental Congress to the building up a distinct Republic, or American Empire, to the last Extremity. But what has filled our Minds with a peculiar Sence of Danger to our Common cause are the following Things which we take to be facts tho’ we may be deceived as to some of them.
That his Honor General Schuyler has had the superintending oversight of our Canadian Army.

That after the glorious Defeat of Decr 31st 1775 at Quebec in an Attempt to take it by Storm, Recruits were forwarded in the slowest & most dilatory Manner.
That our Army before the walls of Quebec during a long & tedious Winter underwent every kind of hardship & their Spirits were broken by being neglected.
That about the 4th of May so inconsiderable was the Army, so miserably provided with Provisions & Ammunition, in a word so greatly neglected that it was obliged precipitately to raise the seige & disgracefully to retreat, so as not only to leave those 500 valiant Sons of America taken within the walls of Quebec to the Mercy of our Enemies but an Additional Number of sick to be disposed of at their pleasure.
That his Honor General Schuyler some Time last Winter went on an Expedition to subdue the internal Enemies of this Country collected in Arms against the Country at Johnstown & after the Suppression of the said Rebellion The Ring Leader Sr John Johnston was not so much as put under moderate Confinement.
That the said Sr John Johnston hath since collected a Number of said Enemies as we suppose & Joyned some of the Kings forces in the upper forts & raised a Number of Canadians & Indians & come down upon Col. Beatles Regiment stationed at the Cedars & taken them to a Man not less than about 500 in Number many of whom were Shot & others Tommahawked in cool Blood by the insatiable Savages after they were made Prisoners this we have from Men of Credibility who were made Prisoners at the same Time but found Means to get away. The Col. of said Regiment being necessarily absent at the Time of said Fight after Provisions &c.
That our Army has long been in a most deplorable Situation in Canada as to provisions Intrenching Tools &c. & we view them as in Danger of being driven wholly out of those Territories which Event we have but too much Reason to fear will decide the fate of New England, & be of the most dangerous Consequence to all the united Colonies.
That the Minds of many Officers & Soldiers & others, are greatly dissatisfied with the Conduct of his Honor General Schuyler & have great fears Respecting his fidelity to his Country

tho’ they may be wholly without foundation & we find a great Backwardness in Men to enlist in this Expedition on this Account. God forbid that we should harbour ungrounded Jealousies of the Deliverers & in a Sense Saviours of our Country, or willfully shut our Eyes against the greatest Dangers.
We beg leave to assure your Excellency that we consider all the United Colonies but as one & observe no other Distinctions but those of friends & Enemies to their Country. We indulge no private Dusgust or Resentment, we are of no faction or party. We wish not to injure the Reputation & Glory of his Honor General Schuyler were it in our power, we sincerely hope his Name may be handed down with immortal Honor to the latest Posterity as one of the great Pillars of the American Cause. We must not conclude without assuring your Excellency of the utmost Repose & Confidence placed in your Excellency by persons of all Ranks & Conditions within the Sphere of our Knowledge. We can chearfully rest in your Excellencies Wisdom under the Direction of him who ruleth over all, for the directing the Military Opperations in general thro’ this great Continent in Conformity to the Advice of the Honble Continental Congress. We heartily pray for Success to your Arms, & Salvation to America; And that your Excellencies disinterested Services may meet with a glorious Retribution in the Resurrection of the Just at the last Great Day & your present Tears for America be turned into neverending Joy & Triumph.

Asa DouglassChairman of the Committee


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York June the 7th 1776

I do myself the honor to Inform Congress that I arrived here yesterday Afternoon about One OClock, and found all in a state of peace & quiet. I had not time to view the works carrying on & those ordered to be begun when I went away, but have reason to beleive from the report of such of the General & other Officers I had the pleasure to see, that they have been prosecuted & forwarded with all possible diligence and dispatch.
I am much concerned for the situation of our Affairs in Canada and am fearfull ’ere this, It is much worse than was first reported at Philadelphia. The Intelligence from thence in a Letter from Captn Wilkinson of the 2d Regimt to Genl Greene is truly alarming; It not only confirms the account of Col. Bedle & Major Sherburn’s defeat, but seems to forebode General Arnolds with the loss of Montreal—I have Inclosed a Copy of the Letter which will but too well shew that there is foundation for my apprehensions.
On Wednesday Evening I received an express from Gen. Schuyler with sundry papers respecting Sir John Johnston, which I have not time to copy as the post is just going off, but will do myself the honor of transmitting you as soon as I possibly can.
Before I left Philadelphia I employed a person to superintend the building of the Gondoloes which Congress had resolved on for this place, he is arrived and all things seem to be in a proper channell for facilitating the work, but when they are done, we shall be in much want of Guns, having never received any of those taken by Commodore Hopkins. Be pleased to mention me to Congress with the utmost respect and I am Sir with every sentiment of regard and esteem Your & their Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I this minute received your favor of the 5 Inst. I am in need of Commissions and beg Congress to point out precisely the line I am to pursue in filling ’em up—this I mentioned in my Letter of the 11 Ulto. I am much pleased at the fortunate captures and the generous conduct of the owners & masters for the tender of the money to Congress.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 7 June 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia June 7th 1776.

The enclosed Letter from the Commissioners in Canada, I am commanded by Congress to transmit to you. The Contents of it are truly alarming. Our Army in that Quarter is almost

ruined for Want of Discipline, and every Thing else necessary to constitute an Army, or to keep Troops together. The Congress, in this Situation of our Affairs, have resolved that Genl Wooster be recalled from Canada. I am therefore to request, you will immediately order him to repair to Head Quarters at New York.
Yesterday I sent off an Express to Genl Mercer with Orders to set out directly for Head Quarters, and at the same Time enclosed his Commission.
I enclose you a Resolve respecting Docr Potts’s appointment in Canada. You will please to give him Orders to go, either into Canada or to Lake George, as you may think most proper. I have the Honour to be With every Sentiment of Regard & Esteem Sir your most obedt & very hble Ser.

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to the New York Provincial Congress, 7 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Provincial Congress

Gentlemen,
New-York June 7th 1776

I suppose you have received from the Congress two Resolutions, for the Reinforcement of our Army in Canada, but, lest you should not be apprized of them, I take the Liberty to enclose you a Copy—I most earnestly request, you will exert every Endeavour, to furnish the Quota expected from your Province, as speedily as possible—General Schuyler is extremely importunate for a Supply of Men, and it is altogether out of my Power, to afford them from the Troops here, as they by no Means exceed the Number requisite for the Defence of this Place. I have the Honour to be with much Respect Gentlemen your most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 7 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York June 7th 1776

I have No Time to answer your two last Favors minutely, but only to acknowledge the receipt of them, being just returned from Philadelphia & the Post about to depart this Morning.
The Situation of our Affairs in Canada, is truly allarming, & I greatly fear from the Intelligence transmitted from thence by Captn Wilkinson to General Greene, that ’ere this We have sustained further & greater Misfortunes than what had happened when You wrote, I have inclosed You a Copy of his Letter, by which You will see I have Grounds for my Fears, & I sincerly wish the next Letters from the Northward may not contain the Melancholly Intelligence of General Arnolds Defeat & the Loss of Montreal. The most Vigorous Exertions are necessary to retrieve our Circumstances there, & I am hopeful that You will strain Every Nerve for that Purpose. Unless It can be now done, Canada will most probably be lost for Ever, the fatal Consequences of Which Every one must feel.
I have enclosed You a Copy of a Resolve of Congress for reinforcing the Army in Canada & keeping up the Communication with that Province; I hope the several Colonies will Immediately furnish their Quotas of Men, which or as Many of them as may be necessary I shou’d imagine had better be employed at the Communications & all the inlisted soldiers sent forward to Canada. You have also another Resolve for Employing & Engaging a Number of Indians in the service. Tho’ Congress have not particularized the Mode, I wou’d have You & the Commissioners appointed for Indian Affairs, pursue such Measures for that Purpose as to You may seem best for Securing their Friendship & Engaging their Service. If a smaller Number than two thousand will do, I would not advise more to be Embodied than are Necessary.
If Your Presence or Direction at St Johns or any Post in Canada would be of Service & tend to put our Affairs in a better Channel than they now are, I could wish You to go, as General Thomas is down in the small Pox, But I do not mean to direct or request You to do It, If You think Your Remaining where You are, or not going will be of more Public Advantage, or that the Cause will be injured by It. You will be Governed by such

Measures as will appear to You best & the Circumstances of our Affairs under Your Management & those in Canada, which You must be much better accquainted with than I am or can possibly be at this Distance. It is probable Your Presence may be necessary & wanted at the Negociation with the Indians, which will be one Cause to prevent Your Going. I am, Dr Sir, with Great Regard, Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 7 June 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Sorell [Canada] June the 7th 1776

after having as I think given you a Just Representation of our affairs in Canada which I Dare Say Every person here will witness to I must beg you to Excuse my giving you the Trouble of one Petition which is That if it be possible for your Excellencey or General Lee to come here that it might be done. Though I Suppose General Lee cannot be Spared where he is I am well perswaded that Canada would be ours from the moment of yr Excellenceys arrival but in Case neither of you can come to take the Command I beg That if any other officer is Sent to take it That I may have Leave to Return as I am well Convinced that the Same disorder & Confusion which has almost Ruined our Army here would again Take place & Compleat its Destruction which I Should not wish to See. This Confusion & Disorder your Excellencey Discovered in Some Degree on your arrival at Cambridge—And if yr Excellencey or General Lee cannot Come to take the Command we that are on the Spot will undertake to keep possession of the Ground we have & keep advancing our posts till we have by the assistance of heaven Compleated

the Wishes of Congress & fulfilled the Desires of your Excellencey. I have the honor to be may it please yr Excellencey your Excellenceys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: General Orders, 8 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New-York, June 8th 1776.
Parole York.Countersign Hudson.

The Quarter-Master-General is to return the number of Spears, and intrenching Tools in his store.
The Brigadiers are to see that an exact return of the Spears, in their respective Brigades, and Posts, is also given in, and that a Report be fort[h]with made of the deficiencies of Arms and Accoutrements, wanting in each Regiment, distinguishing the kinds—These several returns are expected without delay.
The Colonels and commanding Officers of Regiments and Corps, are to make out pay-Abstracts for the month of April—These are to be carefully examined by the Brigadier under whom they serve, and the Pay Master-General before they are brought to the Commander in Chief [to] sign the warrants.
The Brigadier of the day is to make a report to the Commander in Chief in writing, (so soon as his tour of duty is ended) of the Guards, and all remarkable occurrences.
The charges made by Capt. Butler, against Lieut. Silas Walker of Col. Nixon’s Regiment, are to be laid before the General-Court-Martial now sitting, and the parties to attend with their Evidences when called for by the court.
Lieut. Van-Hook of Colonel McDougall’s regiment, charged with “Disobedience of orders”—to be tried by the General-Court-Martial now sitting. Also
Lieut. Ezekiel Oakley of Colonel McDougall’s Regiment, charged with “beating Sally Paterson, an Inhabitant of this town, on the head with a stick,” to be tried by the General Court Martial now sitting.

The different Charges against the several persons above mentioned, to be tried, to be given in immediately to the Judge Advocate, together with the names of the evidences—All Evidences are to give due attendance.
Colonels—Nixon’s, Varnum’s, Parsons’s, Little’s, Huntington’s, Webb’s and Arnolds Regiments, have never given a Return of their Arms and Accoutrements, altho’ ordered near a month since, ’tis expected they will be more particular in future—And as an alteration in the state of the arms and accoutrements, may have happened in some of the Regiments, who have sent in their Returns, by purchases of arms &c.: since; those Regiments are desired to furnish a fresh return, agreeable to the General Order above—specifying good, bad and wanting.


Title: From George Washington to the Continental Congress Committee on Fortifying Ports, 8 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Continental Congress Committee on Fortifying Ports

Gentlemen,
New-York June 8th 1776

In Answer to your Favour of the 14th Inst. in which you request me to employ proper Persons to survey the Harbour Fortifications &c. of Cape Ann and of New London, I informed you of my writing to Colonel Richard Gridley and Coll Henry Knox to undertake the Business and promised to transmit you their Report, as soon as it should come to Hand—I accordingly have the Pleasure to inclose you Colonel Gridley’s Report of the Harbour and Works of New London with the several

Plans he has taken, which appear to be accurate and well done. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen with great Regard your most obedt Servant

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York June the 8th 1776

In my Letter of yesterday which I had the honor of addressing you and which was designed to have come by post, but was prevented by his departure before the usual time, I mentioned my having received by Express a Letter and sundry papers from Genl Schuyler respecting Sr John Johnson, Copies of which I herewith transmit you for your inspection & perusal—they will shew you what measures were planned and attempted for apprehending him and securing the Scotch Highlanders in Tryon County.
Having heard that the Troops at Boston are extremely uneasy and almost mutinous for want of pay (several months of which being now due) I must take the liberty to repeat a question contained in my Letter of the 5 Ulto, “what mode is to be pursued respecting It, whether is money to be sent from hence by the paymaster Genl, or some person subordinate to him to be appointed there for that purpose?[”] I expected some direction wou’d have been given in this Instance long ’ere this, from what was contained in yours accompanying, or about the time of the last, remittance. I presume It has been omitted by reason of the multiplicity of Important business before Congress.

In perusing the several Resolves you honoured me with, when at Philadelphia and since my return, I find one allowing a chief Engineer for the Army in a separate department—the Service requiring many of them, I wish Congress if they know any persons skilled in this business, woud appoint them—Genl Schuyler has frequently applied and suggested the necessity of having some in Canada—I myself know of none.
I also find there is a Resolve of the third of June for taking Indians into service, which if literally construed, confines them to that in Canada—Is that the meaning of Congress, or that the Commander in Chief may order their service to any place he may think necessary?
In respect to the establishing of Expresses between the several Continental posts, who is to do It? the Resolve does not say—Is It expected by Congress that I shoud? whoever the work is assigned to, I think shou’d execute It with the utmost dispatch—the late Imperfect and contradictory accounts respecting our defeat at the Cedars strongly point out the necessity there is for It—No Intelligence has yet come from any Officer in command there, and most probably for want of a proper channel to convey It, tho this misfortune happened so long agoe.
When I had the honor of being in Congress, If I mistake not, I heard a resolve read, or was told of one, allowing the New York Troops the same pay of Others in the Continental service—This, If any such, I do not find, and If there is not such a one, I shall be under some embarrassment how to pay the Militia to be provided by this Province—The Resolve providing them says, they are to be paid while in service as other Troops are—But If those Inlisted heretofore in this province, are to receive according to the first establishment, It is a matter of doubt what the Militia are to have.
Before this comes to hand, a Hand Bill containing an account of a victory gained by General Arnold over the party that had defeated Colo. Bedle and Major Sherburne will most probably have reached you—I have Inquired into the authenticity of this fortunate report, and have found there is no dependance to be put in It—nor do I beleive It deserving of the least credit—I shall be happy not to hear the reverse. I have the honor to be with Sentiments of great esteem Sir Your Most Obedt Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington

P.S. If Congress have come to any Resolution about an Allowance to Induce men to reinlist you will please to favor me with It, as the Time the Rifle Regimt is ingaged for is just expired.
As the Militia will be coming in and they will be in much need of Covering please to have all the Tents and Cloth proper for making ’em that can be procured, forwarded as soon as possible.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 8–12 June 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Sorrell [Canada] June 8th[–12] 1776

At three Quarters after 11 of Clock forenoon I received a Letter from Genl Thompson of Which the Inclosed is a Copy. I find that he has proceeded in the Manner proposed & made his Attack on the Troops at three Rivers at Day light for at that time a very heavy Cannonading began which lasted with Some Intervals to Twelve of Clock. it is now near one P.M. the firing has Ceased, Except Some Irregular firing with Cannon, at a

Considerable Distance of time, one from the Other—at Eight of Clock a very heavy firing of Small Arms was heard Even here at the Distance of Forty five miles. The Distance might have Render’d it Doubtful had not the Boats down the Bay which have Since Arrived Confirm’d it, & Declared they Distinctly heard the Small Arms for a Long time: I am almost Certain that Victory has Declared in our favour, as the Irregular firing of the Cannon for Such a Length of time after the Small arms Ceased, Shows that our Men are in Possession of the Ground. I should Immediately Set off to Join General Thompson with Colo. Dehaas Detachment, but by Some Strange kind of Conduct in General Arnold Directly Contrary to repeated Orders, he has Kept that Detachment dancing between this & Montreal ever Since my Arrival. Some of the Officers this moment Arrived, Inform that he Let them come within Eighteen Miles of this place, & order’d them back again. he has now Permitted them to pass to Chamblee, & I Expect them here this Evening: When I Shall Immediately Sett off with them to Join General Thompson. I am now inform’d by Mr McCarty that Genl Arnold has abandon’d Montreal, & gone to Chamblee with all the Troops. I hope this Report is not Just, as the Step must be in Every light Imprudent & Injudicious. it Leaves that Quarter intirely without a Check & gives our Enemies Liberty to Assemble & form any Mischiefvous designs they please without interruption. I hear that the report at Montreal Yesterday was that the Enemy had pass’d us at the Sorrell & were passing up the River. this gave the Alarm & Caused them to abandon the City. I wish it may not prove true, but as it is so much of a piece with former Conduct, I cant help giving some degree of Credit to it. Notwithstanding the Weakness of this post Occasion’d by the Strange Delay of Colo. De Haas, I have Sent Colo. Wind with his Regiment to Reinforce General Thompson. This I did this Morning at Eight of Clock. They Join’d him before now I trust. I hope Soon to follow with more force to Maintain the Ground which I dare Say our Troops have won. we hear no firing now Except a few Cannon at a great Distance of time, between Sometimes half an hours Space at least. This with many other Circumstances induces me to believe our Troops are Victorious. I am Anxious to know the Event which God grant may be Fortunate. however if our party have been or Should be Defeated,

I am Determin’d not to Leave Canada, but to make Vigilance & Industry Supply the want of Numbers. I am Determin’d to fortify & Secure the most Important posts, & hold them as long as one Stone is Left upon another it is a Serious truth that our Army is Extremely weak. Colo. Greaton is with me without a Single man all under Innoculation, Colo. Bond with all his Regimt in the Same Situation, Colo. Patterson has Six only, Colo. Stark about forty, Colo. Reeds & Colo. Poors nearly in the Same Situation. Poor is at St Johns, Reed at Chamblee. Colo. Burrells’ Return I Sent in my Last, & the other Regiments are most of them in the Same Situation, for this Colony it Seems has been of Late Considered as the General Hospital of America. The party with General Thompson & that with Colo. Dehaas Contains the flower of our Army at Present. Some Regiments are nearly out of the Small pox & will be fit for Duty in a few days. our Numbers will be daily encreasing. I Should however Rejoice to See General Green here with his Brigade if he Can be Spared from New York.
June 12th 1776 I Could not close the forgoing Letter till I Could get Some Certain Intelligence of General Thompson & his party, most of which after being Unfortunately repulsed, are now Return’d but the Genl himself with Colo. Irwin Doctr McKenzie Mr Currie Mr Burd Mr Edy & Parson McColley—have unluckilly fallen into the hands of our Enemies. a flagg has Arrived this night for their Baggage by which he writes that he & the Other Gentlemen are treated wth the greatest Politeness by Genl Burgoyne who Commands at three Rivers—The Officers Suppose they had about Twenty five Killed & we find Missing in the whole about a Hundred & fifty Some of which we Expect in yet, as Some have Arrived this Evening, & Say more will be in. The Genl was taken after the Retreat by Some Canadian Militia Summon’d in by Carlton. I have also a number which I have Summon’d in to take part with us under Command of the Baron De Woodkle. our People Say that the Canadians were in General very kind to them upon their Retreat & gave them every Assistance in their Power. The Unfortunate defeat of General Thompson & his Detachment happen’d in this Manner Viz. the Repeated accounts from three rivers of the Smallness of their Numbers Induced Genl Thompson to Detach Colo. St Clair to attack them with Seven

Hundred men before my Arrival. This not having being [been] put in Execution & St Claire remaining at Nichollet, & the Account of their Weakness being Confirmed, The Genl Solicited the Liberty of Attacking them, which I granted giving Ordrs which I inclosed in my Last. he Crossed from Nicholet to three Rivers in the night but being Lead into a Morass by his Guide was Oblidged to return back near Two Miles, in which time the day Broke. he was Discover’d, The Ships began to Canonade & Continued while he Marched thro’ a Swamp which took near an hour & a half. The people came up to the Attack, but unlucky for them Twenty five Vessels had Arrived that night with Troops which they Landed while he Marched on & being well prepared gave them so Warm a Reception that the Troops Soon Broke & quitted the Ground the Cannonading & all the firing after that was a Meer random firing, which answerd very Little purpose when they found our Troops began to give way, they Detach’d a party of Six hundred by the Side of the River to Attack them in flank & to Secure our Batteaus. The Batteaus were preserved by Major Wood who brought them Off. One Batteau only was taken with four Barrels of powder & Nothing Else on Board. The men Escaped. This Dr Genl is a State of this Unfortunate Enterprize. what you will hear next I Cannot Say I am every Moment Inform’d of the Vast number of the Enemy which have arrived. Some Indeed Say that great Number have Arrived from England & all the Troops from Halifax. this I do not believe but I apprehend their numbers are now very Great. I have here only Two thousd five hundred & thirty three Rank & file, most of the Officers Seems Discourag’d & of Course their men. I am Employ’d day & Night in fortifying & Securing my Camp & am Determin’d to hold it as Long as a person will Stick by me. I have heard nothing Of Colo. Daytons or the Residue of Colo. Waynes Regimt or of the Others Order’d here. Sure I am that they are much wanted. There is Some Regimts all Down in the Small pox not a Single man fit for duty This will be remedied in time unless the Enemy make a Sudden push which Indeed we Expect every hour if so we must with the Numbers we have Sustain their Efforts & I hope Repulse them. Dr Genl I am with much respect your Most Devoted humble Servt

Jno. Sullivan

P.S. Our Old Friend Colo. Louie of the Caughnawagas has this moment Arrived Express from that tribe. Says all the Indian Tribes have made peace even the Canasadugas & those tribes which Join’d Capt. Foster at the Cedars except the Roundocks. these have Refus’d in Councill & Declare, They will take arms for the king, and have Sent to Genl Carlton to Let him Know it This tribe Consists of Fifty Warriors Only. The Caughnawagas & other tribes Desire that we Should Send up Some force which they will Join with to Exterpate them. This they would do themselves, but are apprehensive that Some few french through the Influence of their priests will Join them. Indeed I can but Illy Spare the force but it is a Matter of Too much Importance to be Neglected. I must therefore Send Some force under the Command of an Experienc’d Officer. I have the Honour to be your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

Jno. Sullivan


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York June the 9. 1776

I was honoured Yesterday with your favor of the 7th with Its Inclosures. When Doctr Potts arrives I shall order him to Canada or Lake George, as may appear most proper. It is certainly necessary that he or Doctr Stringer shou’d go to the former. The Resolve respecting Genl Wooster’s recall, I will immediately Transmit him, with directions to repair hither without delay.
The situation of our affairs in Canada as reported by the Honble Commissioners is truly alarming, and I am sorry that my opinion of the Ill consequences resulting from the short Inlistment of the Army shoud be but too well confirmed by the experience they have had of the want of discipline & order in our Soldiery there. This Induces me again to wish Congress to determine on a liberal allowance to engage the Troops already in service, to reinlist for a longer period, or during the continuance of the war, nor can I forbear expressing my opinion of

the Propriety of keeping the Military Chest always supplied with money, as evils of the most Interesting nature are often produced for want of a regular payment of Troops. The neglect makes ’em Impatient & uneasey.
I am much surprized at the scarcity of provisions there, particularly of Flour; as from several accounts I had received from thence, I was led to expect that considerable supplies of that article cou’d be procured there. That our misfortunes may not become greater, I have wrote the Commissary to forward more provisions in addition to those already sent. An Adjutant & Quarter master Genl are Indispensibly necessary with Assistants. the money saved the Continent by their nonappointment will be but small and trifling, when put in competition with the loss for want of them. Col. Fleming who acted in the former capacity under Genl Montgomery is now here, but his Indisposition is such as to render him unfit at this time for the post—It is an Important one, and requires vigour and activity to discharge the duties of It—he will be of much service to Col. Reed, the business of whose Office will Increase considerably by the Augmentation of the Army. It will be necessary too that the Commissaries in Canada and the D. Quarter Master Genl shou’d have several Assistants & Clerks—nor do I think a precise number can be fixed on, as a variety of circumstances may and must occur to render the number essential for doing the business in these departmts greater or less at different times. It will be better I apprehend to leave It indefinite and with power to the commanding Officer to allow such as may be wanted. I am still in the dark, how the unfortunate affair ended at the Cedars, or on what Terms the Surrender was made, as the last Letter from the Commissioners has reference to a former, and mentions an Agreement entered into which I have not seen; but I know of It, more than I cou’d wish.
I have received from Providence in consequence of Mr Morris’s order as Chairman of the Secret Committee of Congress, 234 Musquets in part of the 244 directed to be sent—the Inclosed Copy of a Letter from Mr Brown will account for the deficiency.
I shall be much obliged by your ordering a Quantity of Lead & Flints to be immediately forwarded, our demands for both are and will be very pressing. there are also wanted some particular

and necessary Medicines to compleat our Hospital Chests of which I will get Doctr Morgan to furnish Congress with a list, when he writes or waits on them, about some other matters necessary to be fixed in his department.
As General Wooster in all probability will be here in a little time, in compliance wi⟨th⟩ the resolve of Congress and my order transmitted him, I wish to know, what I am to do with him when he come⟨s.⟩
General Schuyler in his Letter of the 31st Ulto of which I transmitted you a Copy yesterday, mentions that Sundry persons had a design to Seize him as a Tory & probably still have, and wishes Congre⟨ss⟩ to give him some public mark of their approbation, If they are convinced of his zeal & attachmt to the cause of his Country. Whether he intended that I shou’d communicate his desire to them or not, I am not certain, but supposing that he did, I must beg leave to request, that you lay the paragraph before them that they may do in the Instance of his requisition whatever they may Judge necessary. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem Sir your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. If Congress have agreed to the report of the Committee for allowing the Indians 50£ for every prisoner they shall take at Niagara &c., It is material I shoud be Informed of It, this will be a favourable opportunity for ’em to embrace to gain possession of Detroit & the other posts whilst the Enemy are engaged towards Montreal &c.

G. W—n.


Title: From George Washington to the New York Provincial Congress, 9 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Provincial Congress

Gentlemen
[New York, 9 June 1776]

I am extremely obliged for th⟨e⟩ high sense you entertain of my services, and for your promises of every possible assistance in the discharge of my important duty.
You may rest assured, that my attention to the Interest and happiness of this Colony shall not be wanting, nor my regard to Its Civil authority remitted whilst I am honoured with the command I now hold.


Title: To George Washington from Lord Stirling, 9 June 1776
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York June 9th 1776.

Untill your Excellency has Leisure to determine on a further plan for the Security of the pass thro’ the Highlands, I would Advise, in order to give Fort Constitution some degree of Security against a Surprize to which it at present is liable in almost

every part, that the Battery on the high Clift Marked B, in the plan No. 3 be Compleated so as to mount three Guns in front and one on Each flank, and that then the other sides of the hill on which it is Erected, be enclosed by a Breast work of logs of about one foot thick and Seven feet high in the form that Colonel Putnam and myself pointed out on the spot in the presence of Col: Livingston and the Commissioners, and is nearly represented by the black lines I have now marked round the Letter B. That the Battery A be extended westward to the foot of the Hill B. with four Embrazures, and on the North Eastward in the manner as marked at G, the whole ground fronting the first Approach up the River would then be either enclosed or inaccessible and as a farther Security to this part of the work it will be Necessary that a Barrack Sufficient to Contain One Hundred Men be Errected, in the Spot Marked H, which is intirely Covered from the River. At Fort Montgomery I belive it will be best that the whole of the front lines, from B to C, in plan No. 2 be Compleated in the manner proposed, that the Magazine D, (the Walls of which are Seven feet thick and Already raised to their proper height) should be finished with a proper Arch of Brick & Stone and then Covered with Earth & Soddwork. The Barracks E which are begun and Considerably Advanced, should also be finished, especially as the Cellars under them will make Excellent Magazines for Salt provisions. I would also advise that the Hills on the Opposite side the Creek and at the Mouth thereof be Cleared in such Manner that an Engineer Can lay out a proper regular Work on it if hereafter it be found Necessary.
I have shewn this to Col. Putnam, and he thinks these are the Most Necessary things to be done at present.


Title: General Orders, 10 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, June 10th 1776.
Parole Bedford.Countersign Cumberland.

The Brigadier Generals are requested to make their different Brigades, perfectly acquainted with their several alarm posts, and that they pay particular attention to the men’s arms, and see that they are in perfect good fighting order.
The Colonels, or commanding Officers of Regiments, from which men were taken, to compose His Excellency The Commander in Chief’s guard, are not to include them in their future Returns, or Abstracts, after the month of March, they being consider’d as a distinct Corps.


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 10 June 1776
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

Hond Sir
Mount Airy June 10th 1776

Your Favor of the 4th inst. which came to Hand last Saturday, gave Me the sincerest pleasure: to hear; that my dearest Mother had gone through the Smalpox so favorably, I do with the most filial Affection congratulate you both on this Happy Event, as She can now attend you to any Part of the Continent with pleasure, unsullied by the Apprehensions of that Disorder; and whose Presence will alleviate the Care and Anxiety which public Transactions may occasion. this Consideration has added much

to the pleasure I feel on this Occasion, as your Happiness when together will be much greater than when you are apart.
I am extremely desireous (but I am at Loss for Words sufficiently expressive) to return you Thanks for your parental Care which on all Occasions you have shewn for Me. It pleased the Almighty to deprive me at a very early Period of Life of my Father, but I can not sufficiently adore His Goodness in sending Me so good a Guardian as you Sir; Few have experience’d such Care and Attention from real Parents as I have done. He best deserves the Name of Father who acts the Part of one. I first was taught to call you by that Name, my tender years unsusceptible of the Loss I had sustaind knew not the contrary; your Goodness (if others had not told Me) would always have prevented Me from knowing, I had lost a Parent—I shall always look upon you in this Light, and must intreat you to continue your wholesome Advice and reprimands whenever you see Occasion. I promise you they shall not be thrown away upon Me, but on the contrary be thankfully receiv’d and strictly attended to; I often wish’d to thank you personally, but my resolution fail’d Me; I thought I cou’d more strongly express my Gratitude in this Manner, but my slender Capacity cannot afford Words expressive enough to convey the high Idea I entertain of the many Obligations I have receiv’d from you. This you may depend on; I shall with the greatest Eagerness seize every Opportunity of testifying that sincere regard & Love I bear you; in which Nelly begs Leave to join Me. I am Hond Sir, with wishing you Success in all yr Undertakings, your most Affecte & much Oblidged

John Parke Custis

The Family present their Compts.


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners at Forts Montgomery and Constitution, 10 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners at Forts Montgomery and Constitution

Gentn
[New York, 10 June 1776]

Unacquainted as I am with the Situation of the Posts in the Highlands, I can do no more than desire you will pursue and with as much dispatch as possible the Plan of Work pointed out in the within directio⟨ns.⟩ I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Serv:

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
New York June 10th 1776.

Since I did myself the honor of writing to you yesterday, I have had the satisfaction of seeing (and for a few Minutes conversing) with Mr Chase & Mr Carroll from Canada—their acct of our Troops, & the situation of Affairs in that department cannot possibly surprize you more than it has done me. but I need not touch upon a subject which you will be so well informd of from the fountain head. nor shou’d I have given you the trouble of a Letter by this days Post but for the distraction which seems to prevail in the Commissary’s department (as well as others in that Quarter)—the necessity of having it under one general direction—and the dissatisfaction of Colo. Trumbell at the allowance made him by Congress (as an equivalent for his trouble)—With respect to this particular matter, I can only say that I think he is a Man well cut out for the business; and that where a shilling is saved in the Pay, a pound may be lost by mismanagement in the Office; and that his resignation at this time (I mean this Campaign) may, possibly, be attended with fatal consequences; I therefore humbly submit to Congress the propriety of handsomely rewarding those Gentlemen who hold such very important, troublesome, and hazardous Offices, as Commissary & Quartermaster.
In speaking to the former abt the Supplies necessary for the Troops to be raiz’d, he informd me that the qty of Salt Provisions which was Shipping from hence might render his attempts to do it, precarious; in consequence of which I desired him to lay the matter before the Convention of this Colony which he will do this day; but in the meanwhile desired Congress might be informd of the matter which I cannot better do than in his own Words, Inclosed and submit the consideration of it for the Wisdom of that honourable body.
To Congress I also submit the Propriety of keeping the two Continental Battalions (under the Comd of Colonels Shae & McGaw) at Philadelpa when there is the greatest probability of a speedy attack upon this place from the Kings Troops. the Incouragements given by Govr Tryon to the disaffected, which are circulated no one can well tell how—the movements of these kind of People which are more easy to perceive than describe

—the confident report which is said to have come immediately from Govr Tryon, & brought by a Frigate from Hallifax that the Troops at that place were Imbarking for this, added to a thousand Incidental Circumstances trivial in themselves but strong from comparison, leaves not a doubt upon my Mind but that Troops are hourly expected at the Hook.
I had no doubt when I left this City, for Philadelphia, but that some measures would have been taken to secure the suspected, & dangerous Persons of this Government before now, and left Orders for the Military to give every aid to the Civil Power—But, the Subject is delicate, & nothing is done in it—we may therefore have Internal, as well as external Enemies to contend with. I have the honr to be with most respectful Complimts to yourself and Congress, Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 10 June 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia June [10]th 1776

I am honoured with your Letters of 7th 8th and 9th Instant. The two first I have read in Congress. We have been two Days in a Committee of the Whole deliberating on three Capital Matters, the most important in their Nature of any that have yet been before us; & have sat till 7 O’Clock in the Evening each Day. That not being finished I judged best to return the Express. I shall press Congress as soon as possible to determine upon the several Matters you wish to be ascertained, and immediately transmit you the Result.
The Congress have agreed to settle the Mode of paying the Troops in the Eastern Department this Morning, and to proceed to the Appointment of a Deputy Paymaster General.
The particular Mode of establishing Expresses is now under the Consideration of a Committee, and as soon as agreed, you shall know the Issue.

Altho Congress have not acted upon your Queries respecting the Indians, yet I will venture to give my opinion that Congress intended the Resolution of 25 May should be general and extend to the several Departments, and that the Resolution of the 3d June goes only to the Number which the General shall be empowered to employ in Canada. But I hope soon to give you a full Answer to all your Queries; and in future I will exert myself in Congress that your Applications may be considered as soon as received, and you punctually and regularly informed of the Result.
Inclosed you have a Resolve, whereby you will see, that all the Troops in the Middle Department are put upon the same Pay 6⅔ Dollars as the Troops in the Eastern Department.
I have sent you four Bundles of Commissi⟨ons⟩ and will forward you more by next Opportunity.
The enclosed from Mrs Washington I wis⟨h safe⟩ to Hand. I have the Pleasure to acquaint y⟨ou she⟩ is in fine Spirits, and proposes paying you a ⟨Visit⟩ next Week. I sent her your Letter by the Express; and when you write, if you will please to put the Letter under my Cover, I will immediately deliver it. I have the Honour to be with every Sentiment that Respect & Esteem inspire, Sir, your very hbe Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Knox, 10 June 1776
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

New York June 10 1776

Your Excellency will please to observe by the above summary that there are now mounted and fit for action in this City and the neighbouring posts one hundred and twenty one heavy and light Cannon. To each Cannon it will be necessary to have ten men including the mortar and contingent Services. this would make twelve hundred an[d] ten men. we have in the regiment six hundred officers included, of these about forty are on Command at distant posts, and about as many more perhaps sick or unfit for service, this would reduce the numbers to five hundred and twenty, of these about fifty are officers—if your Excellency should think it proper that all the artillery should be mann’d at the same time we shall want six hundred more men. It is usual in the British Service to draught men from the Battalions as additional artillery men for such time as the Commander in chief shall think necessary. as most of the Battalions now in the service are considerably defficient in arms a draught might be made without any prejudice to the strength of the regiments—and that part of the army which will be of no use in action put upon a Service of the utmost importance. the men who may be draughted to be muster’d and paid by their Respective Colonels. as the Corps of artillery is always more on detachments than any other Corps an additional number of officers will be necessary—The above is Most respectfully submitted by Yr Excellencys Most Obedt Hble Ser.

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to the New Jersey Provincial Congress, 10 June 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: New Jersey Provincial Congress

 Letter not found: to the New Jersey Provincial Congress, 10 June 1776. In the postscript to his letter to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., of this date, GW wrote: “I have wrote a similar Letter to the Jersey Convention,” and on 11 June Samuel Tucker, president of the New Jersey provincial congress, wrote to GW: “I am honoured with your favor of yesterday.”


Title: Orders to Major Peter Schuyler, 10 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Peter

Sir,
[New York, 10 June 1776]

Immediately upon Receipt of this Order you are to repair to Long Island and take upon you the Command of three Companies belonging to your Regiment posted towards the East End thereof for the Defence of the Inhabitants, Protection of the Stock &c.—To effect these Ends you are to use every Means in your Power, as it is of great Importance to prevent the Enemy from obtaining Supplies of fresh Provision and other Necessaries—You are also to prevent as far as in your Power lies all Kind of Correspondence & Intercourse between the Inhabitants and the Enemy, seizing upon and carrying before the Committees of Safety for Trial all those who shall be detected in such infamous Practices.
You are to see that your Men are kept close to their Duty, and not suffered under any Pretence to be absent on Furlough, but in Cases of great and real Necessity, and then, that not more than two at a Time from each Company be indulged.
You are to view the Men and inspect their Arms so soon as you arrive at their respective Posts and make exact Returns thereof—Make your Quarters as Centrical as you can, and advise me from Time to Time of all remarkable Occurrences. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters in New York this 10th Day of June 1776.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 10 June 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany June 10th 1776.

At Nine this Morning I arrived from Fort George having left that Yesterday in Consequence of the Information Contained in a Letter & Paper sent Me by the Committee of this City & County, Copies of which I do Myself the Honor to inclose You.
I was apprehensive That Something of this Kind would happen, as Your Excellency will perceive by recurring to some of my former Letters, I shall do Every Thing in my Power to prevent the Savages from Succeeding, and If Daytons Regiment with the Militia of Tryon & this County drive them off as I hope they will, I propose to take Post at Fort Stanwix as soon as I shall be in a Condition to do It, by the Arrival of Cannon Ammunition & Intrenching Tools, having None of Either here.

I am informed that Captain Foster his Troops & the Indians that Joined him, retired on General Arnold’s Approach, failing of Success, their Necessity will oblige them to turn Elsewhere in Search of Subsistance, probably the Mohawk River.
Your Excellencys Favor of the 7th instant I have this Moment received, I am happy that Captn Wilkinson’s Conjectures were not realized.
I assure you my Dear Sir That I do all in my Power to forward & arrange Matters; Such a Variety of Business crouds upon Me, That I hardly know which to take in Hand first, a steady Perseverance will however I hope Carry me thro’, And If I can find Time I will repair to Canada, Tho I hope and beleive General Sullivan will put our Affairs in good Order, seconded by Generals Arnold & Thompson who are also indefatigable. Genl Thomas died on the Second instant.
So far from being able to procure two Thousand Indians to join Us I shall be extremely happy If we can prevent them from acting against Us, and I beleive Nothing will do It but the spirited Measure I proposed in my last of the 8th instant to Congress & the taking Post at Fort Stanwix.
If any Militia should come up, I shall Certainly Employ them on the Communication & send on the Troops, I have Already Ordered three Companies of Van Schaicks from Tyonderoga, As the Exchanged Prisoners were to be Employed there. But if the Militia should take It in their Heads to leave Fort George, Tyonderoga &ca. It will be difficult to Carry on the Provisions for the Army.
Yesterday Morning upwards of an hundred Barrels of Flour left Fort George, I suppose thrice that Quantity left It to Day & by Saturday next I expect fifteen hundred Barrels will be sent, together with three hundred Barrels Pork lately arrived here, After which None will be left unless a fresh Supply comes from New York, which I hope will be the soonest possible.
I do not wish That Lady Johnson should be permitted to go to any Place where she may Escape, as her Detention may induce her Husband to seek an Accommodation. I am Dr Sir with Every Sentiment of Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble servt

Ph: Schuyler

I believe I shall be under the necessity of going Into Tryon County myself.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 10 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York June 10th 1776

Before this I expect you have recieved the Resolve of Congress for augmenting our Army here and in Canada, with their requisition for the Quota of Men to be furnished by your Colony—I must beg leave to add, that from intelligence just recieved, and a variety of circumstances combining to confirm it, General Howe, with the Fleet from Halifax or some other Armament, is hourly expected at the Hook, with designs, doubtless, to make an impression here, and possess themselves of this Colony, of the last importance to us in the present Controversy—Our works are extensive and many, & the Troops here but few for their defence, being greatly reduced by the Regiments detached from hence on the Canada expedition—In this critical conjuncture of affairs, the experience I have had of your great zeal and readiness to assist the Common Cause, induced me to request the most speedy and early succour that can be obtained from your Colony, and that the Militia be forwarded, one Battalion after another, as fast as they possibly can be raised, without waiting to make up the whole Compliment to be furnished from this place before any of them march—I would advise that they come properly provided with Field and other officers, and that the General Officer appointed by the Colony to command the whole be here a day or two before them, to recieve his orders, and be in readiness to take the Command on their arrival—It will be proper too, that notice should be sent two or three days before their coming, that provision may be made for subsisting and disposing of them in proper places. I am Sir very respectfully Your most obedient Servant

G. Washington

P.S. I have wrote a similar Letter to the Jersey Convention, praying aid from them.


Title: General Orders, 11 June 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, June 11th 1776.
Parole Cambridge.Countersign Dorchester.

A working party of fifty men, to attend at the Laboratory, to morrow morning, at Six OClock; The Ast. Qr Mr General will direct them where to work.
Daniel Claflin of Capt. Bolsters Company in Col. Learneds Regt tried at the General Court Martial whereof Col. Nixon is President, for “Desertion” is found guilty and sentenced to be whipped Thirty-nine Lashes on his bare back for the same.
William Camp of Capt. Moores Company, in Col. Prescot’s Regt tried at the above Court Martial for “Desertion”—is found guilty and sentenced to be whipped Thirty-nine Lashes on his bare back.
Ebenezer Sawyer of Capt. Moore’s Company, in Col. Prescots Regiment, tried at the above Court Martial for Desertion, is found guilty and sentenced to be whipped Twenty Lashes on his bare back for the same.
The General approves of the above Sentences, and orders them severally to be put in execution, at the usual time & place.


Title: To George Washington from William Bartlett, 11 June 1776
From: Bartlett, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Beverly [Mass.] 11th June 1776

I would beg leave to Inform your Excellency of my Procedings with Respect to the Vessels taken and Brought in here by Captne Manly, after Condemnation they where agreeable to

your Instructions Advertiz’d in the publick papers 3 weeks, I then Proceeded to the Sale, I Recieved Instructions from Your Excellency through the Hone Major Genl Ward to purchase the Ship Jenny & the Brigne Hannah for the United Colonies provided they sold very much under their Real Value the Jenny Selling for 1950£ thought it quite enough for her Therefore did not Purchase her, the Brigne Hannah I purchased for £520 have Since Deliver’d her to Capt. Bradford by order of Genl Ward, the Ship Concord sold for 930£ the Brigne Nancy 430£ Sloop Betsey for 175£ and the Sloop polly 130£ I have also sold all the Goods I think at a Very Good price.
If your Excellency thinks proper to order that the Goods Deli[vere]d Collo. Mifflin as well as the Ordinance Stores should be Valued and Transmitted me, that the sales may be Closd would be of Infinite Service to the poor Captures as well as an Encouragement to them to go again into the Service for I dont concieve their can be a Division untill I can git the amount of the whole.
I would further beg Your Excellencys Instructions Concer[n]ing paying the Captures, there where Severall Servants in the Service a Taking these prizes the masters of which Apply’s for their share of the prize money, knowing the rules of the army Respecting that Matter have Refus’d paying them untill I Recieve your Excellency’s Orders also wither any of the people who are yet left with us Belonging to any of the Above Vessells should Recieve any Wages.
This day Capt. Bradford apply’d & Informd me that he was Appointed Agent for this Colony with power to depute whom he thought proper under him therefore desird me not to act Any more in the Station which Your Excellency was pleas’d to appoint me in.
Your Excelly Orders with Respect to this or any Other affairs will be Gratefully Accepted and Punctually Obey’d By your Excelly most Obedt Hume Servt

William Bartlett

N.B. my best Complements to Colln Moylan.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 11 June 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia June 11th 1776

Your Favour of the 10th Inst. containing the most interesting Intelligence was received this Day, and immediately laid before Congress.
In Order to expedite the March of the Militia destined for New York, I have sent, by Order of Congress, Expresses to the several Colonies that are requested to furnish Troops for that Place. Copies of my Letters on the Occasion, I do myself the Pleasure to enclose to you.
I am in Hopes, the alarming Situation of Affairs will induce the neighbouring Colonies to think of their Danger, and to adopt the only effectual Means of saving themselves from Destruction.
The Congress have this Day ordered Colonels Shee and Magaw with their Battalions to repair immediately to New York, and they are to begin their March tomorrow.
Mr Chace & Mr Carrol arriv’d this Day, by their Accott there has been most shocking mismanagement in that Quarter. I hope our Affairs will soon be upon a more reputable footing. I have the honour to be with Esteem, Sir Your most Obedt Servt

John Hancock Presidt

Please to order the two Letters for the Convention of New York to be Deliver’d.