Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 31 January 1776
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vern. Janry 31st 1776

Your Letter by Captn Matthews I got last Saturday Since my last the River is not Psable for Ice so that I have not seen Captn Marshal consequently cannot tell whether he will exchange his Land in this Neck for Adam’s in Maryland; but so soon as I can get to him I will let you know whether he will or not—I mention’d in a former Letter that Wm Barry had listed as a Minute Man and had march’d with the Batalion to Williamsburg, so that I can do nothing with Respect to his Land.
When I told you I was offer’d Reagans Land I did not mean to hint to you I wanted money, for I knew you had none—I am

very much Oblige to you for your willingness to Assist me if in your power—it was purchase’d by Captn Conway after—at 30/pr Acre.
Alexandria is much alarm’d, & indeed the whole Neighbourhood—a report prevails that there are five large Ships laying off the mouth of Cane an express from C[oun]ty to C[oun]ty brings the Information. Altho the River is Block’d up with Ice—the Women & Children are leaveg Alexandria & Stowg themselves into every little Hut they can get, out of the reach of the Enemys Canon as they think, every Waggon, Cart, & Pack Horse that can be got, are employ’d in moveg the goods out of Town—The Militia are all up (but not in Arms) for Indeed they have none or at least very few. I expect the five large Ships will prove to be 5 oister Boats—I cou’d wish if we are to have our Neighbourhood invaded soon, they wou’d first send a Tender or two Among us, I want much to see how the people woud behave upon the Occasion—I propose’d to the Inhabitants of Alexandria that they shoud (before this Alarm came) throw up an intrenchment from the mouth of Huntg Creeck up to the uper End of the Town or indeed farther, Assureg them that in my opinion they might by so doing prevent them from Landing & consequently from Burng the Town unless they shoud be provided with a Bomb Vessle, & I believe as yet they have none in this Colony—for they throw none into Norfolk—but there answer was what can we do—we have wrote to the Convention giveing them a State of our incapacity for defence, & praying that something may be done for the preservation of this Town—but they say they are determin’d to Fight altho they move out their effects I believe they will—I am about packg up your China Glass &c. into Barrels, & shall continue to pack into Casks, Whatever I think shoud be put up in that way, & other things into Chests, Trunks, Bundles &c. And I then shall be able at the Shortest notice, to move your things out of harms way (at least for a While) some to Mrs Barnes, & the Rest into Morrises Barn—and if they are found not to be safe there, move them farther after, I fear the destruction will be great altho the greatest care be taken—Mr McCarty has offerd me his Celler to put your Wine Rum &c. in, I shall either send it there or to Mrs Barnes, she tells me she has reserve’d one Room in her Celler, & one Room up Stairs for me. I have ingage’d two

Hhds of Rum in Portobacco which will be deliver’d so soon as the River will permit, @ 5/ pr Gallon, The Rest I suppose I shall be oblige to move—as yet I have move’d nothing but your papers—every Body I see tells me if they cou’d have notice they woud immediately come and defend your property so long as they had life—from Loudon, prince Wm, Fauquier and this C[oun]ty one hundred men in my opinion woud prevent 1000 from Landg here to do mischief. Wm Stevens so soon as the Alarm got to the Neighbourhood of Bladensburg—went to George Town Cross’d upon the Ice and came here, he says to Fight in defence of your property—I have paid him his Whole wagers for going out to the Ohio 7 Months—Cleveland is gone to Bottetourt and Fincastle Courts to get his Valuation recorded—The Bacon when it is sufficiently smoakd, I think to have put up in Cask with Ashes and if necessary move it, together with some Porck which I have already put up into Barrels—these are dreadfull times to give people so much trouble & Vexation, Fightg And even being killd is the least troublesome part—I wish you had said how large you woud have the Negroe Houses you speak off in your Letter, or whether you woud have them Built with or without sheds—I have not sold one 1d [lb.] of Flour nor have I any prospect of doing it, nor Indeed have I ground any, tho I intend to have some Ground immediately, in all the C[oun]tys below here the weavel is destroyg the Wheat and some people say it is in this C[oun]ty but I have seen none. Mrs Washington may be inform’d that I have recieved only one piece of 49 Yds Woolen Cloth from the Weaver—there is no more of it wove we suppose that we have thread enough spun to make upwards of 150 yds Cloth (Linnen) our little Folks spin 3 Cuts a day and some times less we have 9 Wheels at worck—The Dr says John Broad cannot live, The discharge of matter is too great. I told you he got a Slight wound in his thigh on Christmass Eve in Alexandria—he was it seemes at play with Aaron (my fellow) who had an Old rusty Sword in his hand, Broad with a Stick got to parreing with him, & by Chance he was prickd in the thigh but so slight that it scarcely cou’d be calld a wound, in short it was only skin deep & no wider than the point of a sword will make. it was very Cold & I suppose it got into it—the wound festerd, the thigh swelld & so did his Leg & Foot to a most amazing degree until his Leg

Bursted in several places, from these places & his thigh there runs more matter than I ever see in all my life put together, he is free from pain—but reduce’d to a Skeleton—he can eat hearty & sleeps but still he cannot live so says the Drs Rumney & Jenifer. there appears to be no inflamation Either in the leg or thigh—our family otherwise is pretty Well—My Best respects to Mrs Washington Mr & Mrs Custis & am Dr Sir yours Humble servt

Lund Washington

Tell Mr Custis the Ice prevents my sendg his Letters to Mount Airy.


Title: General Orders, 1 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, February 1st 1776.
Parole Richmond.Countersign Doncaster.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Bedel, 1 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Bedel, Timothy

Sir
Cambridge 1st February 1776

The Continental Congress, haveing Calld upon the Government of New Hampshire to raise a Regiment for the Service of the United Colonies—which they have accordingly Complied with—and appointed you to the Command—I have to desire, that you will use all the deligence & dispatch possible, to raise the Said Regiment & march it into Canada takeing your Rout by Number four, and Onion River, where a Suply of provisions will be Laid up, by order of Major General Schuyler.
This Regiment is to be raised upon the Continental establishment, agreeable to the terms & requisitions of the Congress—as transmitted to the Honorable Convention of New Hampshire—the necessity of Reinforceing our troops, posted before & forming the Blockade of Quebec—is too apparent, to need being dwelt on—I woud therefore have you order each Company to March, as fast as they are raised, and on their arrival put themselves under the Command of the General or Commanding officer in Canada.
Your Colony will provide you with Such necessarys, as are indispensably wanting for the use of your Regiment, in the takeing up of which, and your expences on the March I reccommend the utmost Oeconomy, that Can be used Consistant with dispatch.
You will take under your Care the Coghnawaga Indians, who are now here and Conduct them in the Safest, & most Agreeable manner to themselves, into Canada—You are to bear their expences, for which purpose I now give you a warrant on the paymaster General for the Sum of £100—L[awfu]l M[one]y. You must Keep a just account of its expenditure, & render the Same to the Commissary of the Northern department when you get there he will be advertized of this Matter and directed to Settle with you.
these Sir are your Instructions, to which I doubt not you will pay a proper attention that you may have a share in the G[l]ory, of expelling the instruments of Ministerial Tyranny from that fair Province, is the Sincere wish of Sir Your most H. St

Go: Washington


Title: Invitation to Colonel Henry and Lucy Flucker Knox, 1 February 1776
From: Washington, George,Washington, Martha
To: Knox, Henry,Knox, Lucy Flucker

Thursday Evening Feby 1st [1776]

The General & Mrs Washington, present their Compliments, to Colo. Knox & Lady, begs the favor of their Company at dinner, on Friday half after 2 oClock.


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 1 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Cambridge Feby 1st 1776

Your favour of yesterday I received, and am sorry to hear that the Quota of Militia which the Town of Salem was to furnish, by Resolve of the Honorable General Court can not be had.
The Generous tender of Services made by you Sir & the rest of the Volunteers, claims a return of my sincere thanks. Should I have an occasion to call upon them, I shall do It; At present I wish them to Continue at Salem & to hold themselves in readiness. I am Sir Your & their Hb. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 1 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

My dear Sir,
Cambridge Feby 1st 1776.

I had wrote the Letter herewith Inclosed before your favour of the 21st came to hand—The Acct given of the behaviour of the Men under Genl Montgomerie is exactly consonant to the opinion I have form’d of these People, and such as they will exhibit abundant proofs of in similar cases whenever called upon—Place them behind a Parapet—a Breast Work—Stone Wall—or anything that will afford them Shelter, and from their knowledge of a Firelock, they will give a good Acct of their Enemy, but I am as well convinced as if I had seen it, that they will not

March boldly up to a Work—or stand exposed in a plain—and yet, if we are furnished with the Means, and the Weather will afford us a Passage, and we can get in Men (for these three things are necessary) something must be attempted. The Men must be brought to face danger—they cannot allways have an Intrenchment, or a Stone Wall as a safe guard or Shield—and it is of essential Importance that the Troops In Boston should be destroyed if possible before they can be re-inforced, or remove—this is clearly my opinion—whether Circumstances will admit of the tryal—& if tryed what will be the Event, the allwise disposer of them alone can tell.
The Evils arising from short, or even any limited Inlistment of the Troops are greater, and more extensively hurtful than any person (not an eyewitness to them) can form any Idea of—It takes you two or three Months to bring New men in any tolerable degree acquainted with their duty—it takes a longer time to bring a People of the temper, and genius of these into such a subordinate way of thinking as is necessary for a Soldier—Before this is accomplished, the time approaches for their dismission, and your beginning to make Interest with them for their continuance for another limited period; in the doing of which you are oblig’d to relax in your discipline, in order as it were to curry favour with them, by which means the latter part of your time is employd in undoing what the first was accomplishing and instead of having Men always ready to take advantage of Circumstances you must govern your Movements by the Circumstances of your Inlistment—this is not all—by the time you have got Men arm’d & equip’d—the difficulty of doing which is beyond description—and with every new sett you have the same trouble to encounter without the means of doing it. In short the disadvantages are so great, & apparent to me, that I am convinc’d, uncertain as the continuance of the War is, that the Congress had better determine to give a Bounty of 20, 30, or even 40 Dollars to every Man who will Inlist for the whole time, be it long or short—I intend to write my Sentiments fully on this Subject to Congress the first leizure time I have.
I am exceeding sorry to hear that Arnolds Wound is in an unfavourable way—his Letter to me of the 14th Ulto says nothing of this. I fancy Congress have given some particular direction

respecting Genl Prescot—I think they ought for more reasons than one. I am Sincerely & Affectionately Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

Be so good as to send the Inclosd Letter of Randolphs to the Post Office.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 1 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dr Sir
Cambridge Feby 1st 1776.

On the 27th Ulto I had the pleasure of writing you and then mentioned my being under some Embarrassment, respecting the Application which I expected from our Caghnawaga Friends—I have now the pleasure to inform you that in a Talk they honored me with Yesterday, that they put the Matter upon the Footing I wished, that is, to join the Forces in Canada whenever you shall call for their Assistance—they requested me to certify my approbation of the Treaty they had concluded with you, which I did—Upon the Occasion they expressed much Satisfaction and said that they were now happy, that a firm peace was made between them and their Brothers, & that they were now free like the New England people—I heartily wish that this Union may be lasting and that Nothing may cast up to interrupt it. The Expediency of calling upon them I shall leave to you—Circumstances and policy will suggest the Occasion.
I promised them to write to you by Colonel Bedel of what they had done, and shall submit it to your Discretion to communicate such parts of this to them as you may think necessary.
I have advanced Colonel Bedel one hundred pounds lawful

Money for the Expences attending their Return Home—This he will Account with you for. I am Dr Sir Your affec: h. Servant

Go. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Howe, 2 February 1776
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 2d February 1776

In Answer to your Letter of the 30th Ulto which was delivered with the Seal broken, I am to acquaint you, that having lately discovered a prohibited Correspondence to be carried on by Mr James Lovell, the Liberty, which I fully intended to have given him, cannot take Place. I am, Sir, your most humble Servant

W. Howe


Title: To George Washington from Winthrop Sargent, 2 February 1776 [letter not found]
From: Sargent, Winthrop
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Winthrop Sargent, 2 Feb. 1776. A letter of 4 Feb. to Sargent, apparently written for GW by Stephen Moylan, “acknowledged receipt of his Letter of the 2d inst. giveing an acct of the Brig Henry & Ester, Laden with 62 Cord of wood, 150 Butts with water, 40 Suits of Soldiers Bedding, taken by Capt. Waters & Capt. Tucker & Sent into Scwan Harbour” (DLC:GW).


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 2 February 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] Feby 2d 1776

In Compliance with the Requisition of the Honle Continental Congress and of your Excellency, we are with the Greatest Chearfulness making our Utmost Exertions, to Raise and Dispatch one Battalion to Canada, and three to your Camp; and have much Satisfaction to Informe you, that there appears, a great Freedom in our Men, to engage in each of those important Services; and the Regiments are filling up very fast; and some Companies have Marched for your Camp about two Days Since: but am Just informed, of a very material Difficulty, which must greatly retard the March of both; unless it Can be removed: (viz.) That our Treasury is intirely exhausted of Money, without which, it will be impossible to persuade the Men to set forward to Canada; nor can it be reasonable to expect it. In this Exegency we know not what to do, and the Cause must greatly suffer, unless your Excellency can relieve us; and have therefore by Advice of my Council, sent one of the Committee of our Pay Table, to wait on, & request of your Excellency, the Replacing the Sum which they lately paid some of our Troops in your Camp, with no other View than to quiet, and induce them more freely to reingage in your Service; in doing which I trust they had your Approbation. The same Bills they made Use of for that Purpose, were Just before brought at our Instance and Expence, from the Continental Treasury, toward reimbursing our Expences in the great Cause: and Judging it Could not be better used we improved it for that Purpose. But I need Use no Arguments with your Excellency, Your own truely Publick Spirit & Zeal for promoting this unspeakably important Cause, will be Abundantly sufficient to Induce you to Comply with our Request, founded only on Principles of general Good, if it be in your Power. I am sir with the highest Esteem & Regard your most Obedient & very Humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 3rd 1776
Parole Chelsea.Countersign Cork.

Lieut. Dustin of Capt. Farringtons Company, in the 16th Regiment of Foot, tried at a General Court Martial whereof Col. Patterson was President for “Cowardice on the 7th of Jany last, when on Command with a Detachment sent towards Bunkers-hill”—is unanimously acquitted with Honor by the Court—The General approves of the proceedings and orders Lieut. Dustin to be released from his arrest.
The General Court Martial whereof Col. Patterson was President is dissolved.
All Arms purchased, by the Officers sent upon that duty, are to be first delivered to Mr Commissary Cheever for Inspection, who is to report their number, and Goodness, to the General, before they are delivered out of his store.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Carter Nicholas, 3 February 1776
From: Nicholas, Robert Carter
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Virginia 3d Feby 1776

I have to acknowledge the Receipt of your very obliging favr by Capt. Matthews. Your former Letter in Answer to mine by Mr Byrd I received in due time, & took the earliest Opportunity of recommending it to our Delegates to fix upon some Method to defray the Expences incurr’d by this Country in the northern Colonies. This they tell me that they have not been

able to effect, so that I have been obliged to stretch my own Credit in England to furnish them with Bills of Excha. for their immediate Purposes. I particularly recommended to them to try at reimbursing you what you might be in Advance for Mr Byrd, but I don’t beleive they have had it in their power yet. Indeed I know they have been obliged to borrow Money towards paying for Arms &c. purchased for us at Philadelphia. These Inconveniencies, however, I hope will soon be remedied, as the Congress hath agreed to take part, at least, of our Troops on Continental Pay, wch will enable us to exchange our Money for that of the Continent. Indeed, considering our Union in other Respects, it has been Matter of Wonder to me, that our Currency should want equal Credit in other Colonies. I shall write to Colo. Harrison about Mr Byrd’s Affair & desire the favr of you to send him Mr Byrd’s Account.
I cannot but condole with you on the Loss of Genl Montgomerie & the other brave Officers & Soldiers before Quebeck. This will be Matter of great Triumph to our Enemies, but I hope of not long Continuance.
Our Sentiments on the Situation of this Country & the Measures necessary to be pursued coincide exactly; but we are much puzled how to manage those amphibious Animals we have to deal with. The different Occurrences here you, no doubt, have pretty regular Accounts of thro’ the Channel of our News Papers, as the Printers never fail publishing every Incident of the least Importance. You must have heard of the Destruction of the greater part of Norfolk by the Men of War & their infernal Crimes, & I expect that the Remains will soon be laid in Ashes.
I hope your Lady is safe & well with you. I beg my respectful Complts to her, Mr Custis & his Lady. That the Almighty may take you & yr whole Corps under his Protection & crown your Endeavours to preserve the Liberties of America with Success is the ardent Wish of, Dr Sir, Yr affte & mo. obt Servt

Ro. C. Nicholas


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 4th 1776
Parole CumberlandCountersign York

The Colonel of each Regiment, to make a return on Tuesday, at Orderly time, of the number of Arms wanting to compleat the men, now in his Regiment, and to signify the Method, which appears to him most likely to procure them.
Genl Putnam: Genl Sullivan & Genl Green, with the Colonels of their Brigades, to attend at Head Quarters to morrow, in the forenoon, to receive commissions for their Officers.


Title: To George Washington from Fielding Lewis, 4 February 1776
From: Lewis, Fielding
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[Fredericksburg] February the 4th 1776

Your favour of the 25th Decr I have recd with one from George by Mr Matthews, I approve much of your caution in bestowing Commissions, more especially on a Relation, I hope George may be servicible to you in some other way, as you must have occasion for some person to do some little things that you

can confide inn, George writes me that he shall have occasion for some necessarys, anything he may want please to furnish, and your Order for the amount shall be paid on sight. we are making preperation to receive the Enemy should any appear in the Spring in the whole we have & are raising nine Regiments which are expected to be ready by the last of March our Convention have at last appointed some of your Old Officers to the Command of the Regiments Vizt

                  Colo.
                  L. C.
                  Majr

                  1
                  st
                  Regimt
                  Patrick Henry
                  Christian

                  2
                  d

                  Wm Woodford
                  Scott
                  A. Spotswood

                  3

                  Hugh Mercer
                  Go: Weedon
                  Marshall

                  4

                  Mor: Buckner
                  Wm Elliott
                  Hendricks

                  5

                  Wm Dangerfield
                  Geo: Matthew
                  McClanahan

                  6

                  A. Stephens
                  Fleming

                  7

                  Wm Peachey

                  8

                  EasternShoar

                  9

                  GermanRegimt
                  German officers

I do not recollect the other Officers nor have I placed them according to seniority.
One Company of Artillery: the Minute Men are continued but expect they never will be compleat as the Regiments may be recruted out of the Minute Men, we are also preparing a Naval force Two Row Gallys one to carry one 18 pounder & the other a 12 pounder Mann Page Esqr. & myself are to build immediately at this place, and I expect other Vessels are preparing in the different parts of the Country, many attempts are making to procure Powder from abroad, and numbers are now making Salt Petre which succeeds beyond expectation, my Son John brings this as far as Philadelphia where he is procuring persons to build a Powder Mill & a Powder maker Sulpher we have abundance of; I expected the Parliament would have repealed the American oppressive Acts; as persevering must I think ruin England, which I hoped they would have been sensible off, and had it been so, we should have had peace by the Month of

March as I mentioned to you; we have just heard that our Ships of Warr are arrived from Philadelphia, and that an engagement must have hapned before this, we are impatiently expecting some Acct of the matter God send us success & that our most inveterate enemy Dunmore may be among the first slain Our little Manufactory improves daily I expect by the last of March we shall be able to make Ten Muskets compleat ⅌ Day, we have been mostly imploy’d in reparing Old Gunns since we began and had only one Gunn Lock maker who has instructed many others who begin to be very expert we make now 35 ⅌ week and increasing, most of the Locks which Ld Dunmore stole away from the musquets in the Magazeen are now replaced by our Workmen: I propose making a Rifle next week to carry a quarter of pound Ball. if it answers my expectation a few of them will keep off Ships of Warr from our narrow Rivers, and will be usefull in the beginning of an engagemt by Land.
I have not heard anything of Barron lately, expect he will take advantage of the times nor has Mr Newton wrote me a line about it, I beleive he has to Mr Lund Washington; Mr Ben: Harrison is now in this neighbourhood expect to get some information by him as his Relation is in the same situation with you having sold Belfour a quantity of Flower at the same time, no money is paid among us only by those who have been able to supply provisions, to the Country, I have got clear of some of my Flower that way and am sending a venture to procure Powder & Arms.
we have been much dejected here at the misfortune of loosing Genl Montgomery & our miscarriage agst Quebeck. yet are hopefull that our Army will yet get the place before Carlton can receive any assistance I wish you success Health & Happiness and am Dr Sir with my respects to Mrs Washington Mr & Mrs Custis Your most Affectionate Humble Servant

Fielding Lewis


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 5th 1776.
Parole Newport.Countersign, Cooke.

The Colonels upon the old establishment, will this day and to morrow, receive the Warrants for their Pay-Abstracts, for the Months of November and December, of which all persons concern’d are to take notice, and govern themselves accordingly.
For the future, when a Warrant is granted, and pay’d for any Sum upon account of pay, of the Regiments, or Corps, to any of the Commanding Officers thereof, there will be no allowance afterwards, for any Neglect, or supposed Mistake; it is the duty of every Colonel, and Captain, to be exact in their Abstracts and Returns, and the Consequences of being otherwise, must fall upon themselves.


Title: To George Washington from Matthew Graves, 5 February 1776
From: Graves, Matthew
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Chatham [Conn.]Feby 5th 1776

Upon a friendly Notice, sent by Express in October last, that the Men of War intended soon to destroy our Seaport towns, I remov’d my Family & Effects from New London to Chatham, a Part of my Mission, wch I have occasionally attended for several Years.
After three Months Residence here, I am threatned to be driven out of my Parish, & a day is appointed to transmit me from Constable to Constable to New London, where, as Missionary to the Religious Society, I have officiated near thirty Years.
They dont pretend to accuse me of any Crime, or as inimical to the Constitution or Interests of the Colonies. The Soldier, my Neighbor, not Hear, knows me: he brings this Letter to Coll Parsons.
Believe me I solemnly declare, in the Presence of GOD & Your Excellency, I have never wrote one Line either to the Society,

or any one in Europe, or any Person upon this Land about the Affairs of America: neither have I ever preach’d about them. I have strictly observ’d every Proclamation both from the Continental Congress & our Governor. As I am no Politician I cautiously avoid talking about Politics, especially in the House of Prayer, esteeming it my bounden Duty to preach Jesus Christ & Him only—“Our Weapons are not carnal, but spiritual—My Kingdom is not of this world.[”]
For these reasons (& perhaps lest my small Flock shou’d encrease too much) my gray Hairs are going to be hastned down wth Sorrow to the grave.
To remove my Family & Goods now is impracticable, & to force me away at this Season wou’d be almost Murder.
Behold an aged Clergyman of the Church of England, almost worn out in my divine Master’s Service, lying at yr Excellency’s Feet, imploring yr Assistance, begging that he may not be treated, as a Vagabond, & expos’d to Cruelties, Miseries & Hardships, wch his decayed Strength cannot endure. For God’s Sake consider my truly pitiable Case & relieve me, & that soon; or else ’twill be too late.
Coll Parsons, Capt. Coit & Capt. Eeely will inform You about my Character, to some of whom I have been well known above twenty Years.
Had Genl Lee, formerly my Pupil in England, been at the Camp, he wou’d have deliver’d this, & pleaded the Cause of his old Master.
That divine Wisdom may direct You in all yr Affairs—provide & Mediate to interpose & bring about a true, permanent & honorable Peace, is & shall be the ceaseless Prayer at the Throne of Grace, of Sir, Yr Excellency’s most obedient & very humle Servt

Matt. Graves


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 5–6 February 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

My Dr General
New York Febr’y the 5th[-6] 1776

I arriv’d here yesterday but not without some difficulty—my disorder encreas’d rather than diminish’d, so that I was under the necessity of being carried in a litter a considerable part of the way. I consider it as a piece of the greatest good Fortune that the Congress have detach’d a Committee to this place—otherwise I shou’d have made a most ridiculous figure, besides bringing upon myself the enmity of the whole Province—my hands were effectually tied up from taking any step necessary for the public service by the late resolve of the Congress putting every detachment of the Continental Forces under the Command of the Provincial Congress where such Detachment is—I shou’d apprise You that General Clinton arriv’d almost at the same instant with myself—He has brought no Troops with him and pledges his Honour that none are coming. He says it is merely a visit to his Friend Tryon—if it is really so it is the most whimsical piece of civility I ever heard of—He informs us that his intention is for N. Carolina where He expects five Regiments from England, that He only brought two company’s of Light Infantry from Boston this is certainly a droll way of proceeding—to communic⟨ate⟩ his full plan to the Enemy is too novel to be creditted The Congress Committee, a certain number of the Committee of Safety and Your humble Servt have had two co[n]ferences—the result of these Conferenc⟨es⟩ is such as will agreeably surprize You—it is in the first place agreed and justly that to fortify the Town against Shipping is impracticable—but We are to fortify lodgments in some commanding part of the City for two thoushand Men We are to erect inclos’d Batteries on both sides the Water near Hell Gate—which will answer the double purpose of securing the Town

against Piracies through the Sound—and secure our communication with Long Island—now become a more capital point than ever—as it is determi⟨ned⟩ to form a strong fortify’d Camp of three thoushand Men in that Island immediately opposite to N. Yo⟨rk⟩—the pass in the Highlands is to be made as respectable as possible and guarded by a Battalion—in short I think the plan judicious and compleat—The two brass Pieces and other articles will be sent down as your require.
You have heard of the fate of the Cannon near King’s Bridge—as I write with pain—You will excuse my abrupt conclusion—Yours Dr General

C. Lee

My love to Gates and the rest Female and Male.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 5 February 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 5 Febry 1776

Enclosed is Account of the Charges & Expences incurred, by providing for Messrs Penet & De Pliarne in their Journey to Philadelphia, by your Excellencys direction, I have sent forward to you the Bills shewing how the Account arose.
Please to Order payment to be made and sent to me by the Post who brings this.
The Battalion raising in this Colony to march to the Assistance of our Friends at Canada, are inlisted to serve until the 1st of February Next—with Bounty, Pay, Wages, and Allowances

agreeable to Resolve of Congress sent me by the Express who last came to you this way.
Our Treasury was exhausted, and knew not how to set the Troops forward, until Saturday, Intelligence came to me that 12,500 Dollars was received from the Honble Congress for that purpose—My Proclamation was out some time before, and hear that Men inlist freely, and hope they will be on their March soon—have Ordered them [to] go off by Divisions—and hope nothing will retard them.
Through Fear of delay—wrote last Week to you On the head of our Payment of the Troops that served under you last season, the Pay-Rolls are to meet yr Approbation & Order for Payment, and altho provision is received for those going to Canada—yet there remains innumerable Calls we are unable to Answer without further supplies, and apprehend payment is to be made by you, on those Rolls.
Three Battalions raised and marching to your Camp will come on soon, three Dollars a man was paid in part of Wages to enable them to make necessary Provisions—I hear that 2 or 3 Companies are gone forward & the rest going this Week.
I received a Letter from Majr General Lee dated at Stamford Janry 31st wherein he writes—“A most unexpected & severe Attack of the Rheumatism or Gout has seized me hear & prevented me personally proceeding—I have sent Colonel Waterbury on, as he is sufficiently strong in Numbers betwixt his own Regiment and the Volunteers—I thought it prudent to order back Wards Regiment, till they received your Honors further Orders”—In another Scrip he says
“There is a late Resolve of the Continental Congress—Which had I seen before wou’d have Stopped me—It is that every detachment of the Army is to Act under the Direction of the Provincial Congress where it is—What then will be the Use of a detachment at New York”—I answered by Asking is N. York to be left to be more inimical to us than even the Province of Quebec? The Policy of many there is Strained to the utmost against our Rights. However I hope better things of their Congress, if not perverted by Artful Threats and Craft—Since writing thus far I am informed that Genl Lee was carried into N. York in a litter, & 3 Members of Continental Congress to meet him, to Settle

Measures of Conduct. I am, with Great Truth & Regard Sir Your Obedient Humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 5 February 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 5 Feb. 1776. On 29 Feb. Lund Washington wrote to GW: “Your Letters of the 5th and 8th Inst. are come to hand.”


Title: General Orders, 6 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 6th 1776
Parole Greenwich.Countersign Kent.

The Court of enquiry whereof Genl Green was president, appointed to enquire into the Complaint of Col. Hubbart Pay Master General of the New Hampshire Forces against Col. Stark—The Court have reported the State of the Evidences given in before them, by which it appears that Col. Hubbarts Complaints were well founded—All further proceedings are suspended, Col. Stark having made such Acknowledgments to the injured parties as will in all probability be accepted as satisfactory.
The Colonel, or Officer commanding each Regiment, is to examine minutely into the quantity, and condition of their ammunition, and make report of the Average Number of Rounds, they are possessed of, to their respective Brigadiers, without delay, and immediately thereupon the Brigadiers are to lay this their report before the General.
The Armourers are required to be very exact & diligent, at their business; if they are known to do work for any others, than those of the army, they will be brought to the severest punishment,

or if they presume to charge a Soldier for any repair done to his Arms, they will also be called to as strict an account.
An exact report to be made of all the Cartridges in the different Magazines—Those now employed in making Cartridges are to be constant and diligent at their work.
The Arms which have been delivered out of the public Stores, are not to be put in the hands of the Commissioned Officers: The Colonels of the several Regiments are to be answerable that this Order is duly attended to.


Title: To George Washington from a Citizen of Nova Scotia, 8 February 1776
From: Citizen of Nova Scotia
To: Washington, George

sir
Cumberland Nova scotia February 8th 1776

You may Reasonably imagine that it is presumption in me to take such Liberty in writing your Excellency, still its Going from one whose principles are Actuated from A Genuine feeling of Liberty, and an Indeliable Anxiety for the happiness of his Country, Annimates an Assurance that it will meet, rather with a feeling of sympathy then Censure, more perticula⟨r a⟩s it is Addressed to you sir who is at the head of that Army who is Opposing the mandates of a Corrupt and dispotic ministry, whose Views and Intent Can be founded on no other principle, then to bring the subjects of Britain to an abject slavery, as the subjects of the most Arbitrary Eastern monarch—Sensible I am of the Importance of this proceedg, my Inability of performing any thing in this Great strugle and the Danger I Expose myself and Family to, in being Treated with that accumulated Vengeance used by such men, who Are Actuated by publick as well as private prejudices, Still my fear and dread is Yet more when I Consider the state of my Country, that by lying passive I Expose myself and posterity to be bound in Chains of slavery & Wretchedness not only that but have, that Infamous Epithet Intail’d upon them, of being Like those sluggish & sloathfull wretches as Represented of the Tribe of Issachar, you will therefore pardon this Impudence of mine.
The Great Contest between Britain and America, has hitherto been only Treated with Speculation among us, a Spirit of Sympathy I persume for our brethren on the Continent reigns

in the breasts of the Generality of the Inhabitants—with gladness and Chearfulness woud we be Active in the Glorious strougle; had our situation and Circumstances been any way such that there was the Least Glimps of success, but our Remoteness from the other Colonies and our form of Government Join’d with the Indigent Circumstances of the Inhabitants renders it in a manner Impossible without succour from some other quarter.
Time not permiting and my mind Impress’d with Accumulated Troubles for Our situation, nor is it Necessary for the present Intention to Give a Detail of the different proceedings and managements of Government, so much will suffice as will give your Excellency an Idea of the Rise of our Impending Calamity if providence does not stirr up some means to Avert it—the Generality of the province as I before mentioned sympathisd with the Colonies—the Least Encouragment or Oppertunity woud have Excited the people to Join in the Defence of the Libertys of America, always Rejoiceing when the[y] heard any flying Report that an Invasion was intended. A Necessity there was that the Rulers in Government shoud use every mean and methode to prevent giving uneasiness to the poeple if they had had a mind to Preserve peace, Yet notwithstanding the men at the Head of Government with their Emmissarys, following the Example of their patrons the Ministry, stimulated with an Expectation of Recommending themselves by showing their Jealousness for the prerogative—Prompts on the Governour to Isue proclamations Laying Certain Restraints on the people—then Joining in Association offering their Lifes and fortunes in the Deffence of the supremacy of parliament, and then to Compleat the matter advices the Governour to Call the Assembly togather at a time when the small pox was raging at a great degree, many of the Country members Coud not attend on Account of the Destemper—A Bill was passed for Raising a Regiment By Ballot, and another for Raising a Tax to support them, The preamble to the Latter was such that in my View it Carry’d the greatest Implication of a Declaration of war against the Colonies, This flagrant proof of the Intention of these miscreants, roused a spirit among the people & publick declarations was made, which before was not heard—some were immediatly for applying to your Excellency—business was Intirely

stagnated, nothing to be heard but warr, This County in perticular, The Inhabitants being Called to Appear by the Commanding Officer of Militia, They Compli’d with the order and when met, they all to a man Charg’d the Officers on their peril to draw a person—The Inhabitants then Agreed that an Address Remonstrance and petition be sent the Governour, praying the suspending the Execution of said Acts and to disolve the house of Assembly & Call a new one to meet immediatly, The Governour Gave no other Answer, then ordering the Officers of Militia & Tax Gatherers to Desist for the present the puting the Acts into Execution, on the receipt of this the County of Cumberld Again met and Resolv’d almost unanimous that it was no way satisfactory, and that it was only to delay time till a number of Troops Coud be distributed through the differant parts as we had sufficient Reason to Imagine so by the preparation & other Intelligences at Halifax, We have therefore again petition’d, pressing His Excellency the Governour to Answer our former Request by Disolving the Assembly, and for the first time hinting to him our feeling for the Commotions in the british Empire &c.—In this time some Recruiting partys Came among us, as also a person whom we have found to be a spy, these with others who Lives among us whose principle are Actuated by private prejudices besides their Enthusiasm for Arbitrary Authority are makeg strong Solicitations to have Troops sent among us, the fear of which has Occationed much disorder and discontent among us many Are afraid of speaking—There is also among us severel families which Lately Came from England, they in generell speak something in favour of parliament are willing to submit to Little Taxes, as they have been Accustomed to pay so heavy ones in their own Country, these Encourages the minions of Government—We Can have no Certainty how matters Are passing, News are Constantly propagated to the disadvantage of the Americans, and of the Intentions & success of the other side, & that almost every foriegn power intends Assisting Britain—sometimes we have a flying Report that the Americans has Allies to help them, but this is Generally stifled, all these things keeps us in a flutter. The Stragling manner in which people has settled this New Country makes it very difficult and in a manner almost Impossible for them to Act either offensive or defensive,

The people in Genl have Great familys which will Occation a lemantable sceene shoud British Troops Arive here before any succour Comes from your Excellency—We woud Greatly Rejoice Coud we be able to Join with the other Colonies, but we must have other Assistance before we Can Act Publickly—I woud observe to your Excellency Concerning the Accadians, I have dwealt among them near six & Twenty Years, I am well Acqua[i]nted with their manners & ways—I have taken Great pains in Conversing with them Concerning these Commotions, Thay Are to a man wholy Inclin’d to the Cause of America, I have oftend pityd them in their situation & the manner of proceedings Against them from time to time, I have made proposals to them & Promis’d if ever in my power to do my utmost for their Relief & to Lay the state of their matter before the Honble the Continental Congress, not doubting but they woud be Reliev’d, by this Oppo[rtunity] I have sent a young man belonging to themselves he may be able to Answer any Questions your Excellency may want to know.
A Committee was Chosen Lately by the Inhabitants to fall upon such methodes As might be thought Conducive for the publick safety—but on their meeting two or three times, suspicions Rise that they intended sending to the Continent, the News of which was sent immediatly to Halifax—The Committee perceiving these things, found the[y] Coud not Continue As they subjected themselves to be made prisoners, they therefore Agreed to Lay aside the sending to New England as a Committee but if any shoud Chuse to do any thing of themselves they might—The Bearer Captain Jonathan Eddy declar’d that he woud immediatly sett of by Land, and Lay our situation before your Excellency, a Number drew upon a small Incorrect address to Recommend him to your Excellency, he will no doubt fully prove that he is Capable for the undertaking—I have also at the same time sent two frenchmen to Return immediatly from Mechias in Order to know what we Are to Expect.
Your Excellency may see by this, with the other Information you may Receive, our situation, you have no doubt an Unlimited power to help the distress’d in this Critical time, I trust & Rely that this Joind with your own humane disposition, will Excite your Excellency to Give us Assistance.
Shoud your Excellency incline helping us, it woud be Necessary

to take Care how any Troops Comes, my Grand View in this is, to prevent the Effusion of blood for shoud it be known where they Came, I imagine that a force woud be sent to Oppose—the present situation of the province Respecting force is very trifling & the fear our Great men is in Concerning an Invasion makes it more so, they have but about 1200 Regular Troops in Halifax, Including a Number of Raw Recruits from Newfoundland & other places—the 27th Regt Lately arrived is stationed in the Navel Yard & there Endeavourg to fortify Round the Town—but I think it is but trifling, We have this Comfort that shoud no other Troops Arrive they may not send up to molest us—had we at this present time Two or Three hundred men it woud secure all that part of the province between this and Halifax and I am Convinced that that number woud prevent 5000 from Coming thr’o the woods—Captain Eddy will make known to your Excellency the most suitable mann⟨er⟩ how to Interduce Troops—I am it may be said more perticular in this, in Order to save some friends, one of my brothers is an Officer in the Regimt at Halifax, Gauling As this is to me and the feeling of Anguish for this Calamity, will no ways detar me in my Pursuit for the wellfare of the publick, determined I am to prosecute the matter if God shoud spare me to Establish those Rights and previledges in this province which shoud by right be Injoy’d by every humane being—but shoud your Excellency with the Resolve of the Honble the Continental Congress Determine not to Give any Assistance it must Occation the most Direfull and horrible Consequence—Let me Beseech your Exceelency to help us, Give us an Oppo[rtunity] of Joining with the other Colonies, it all depends on your bounty.
I must once more plead for your forgiveness for this Liberty I have taken as also Excuse the Inccorectness of my Writing, have not time to Copy and further must Earnestly Request your keeping this from the publick, many other Informations Coud be given but the hurry of Departure of the bearer prevents my saying more, I Refer to him—Any Assistance I Can give your Excellency either by Intelligence or otherwise, I shall Esteem it an honour & duty to perform.
My best wishes for the success of your Arms, may the supreme Ruler of the Universe protect you may the Civil and Religious Libertys of America stand firm and unshaken to the

Latest posterity Is my Earnest Prayer. I am with profound Respect Your Excellencys most Devoted most Obt & very hb. servt


Title: Petition from Inhabitants of Nova Scotia, 8 February 1776
From: Inhabitants of Nova Scotia
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
[8 February 1776]

The Liberty we take in Addressing a person of so Exalted a Rank, will we persume be fully pardoned, when you perceive the Occation of it.
The Inhabitants of Nova scotia & in perticular those of the County of Cumberland have been under the Greatest A[n]xiety and Apprehension ever since the Great Contest subsisting between Great Britain and the American Colonies, Our situation has been such that we have not had it in Our Power to do any thing in Conjunctions with the other Colonies, The form of Governmt we Are under and the manner of Executing its Authority has been such that we Are Rether to be looked upon as slaves then freemen.
With Anxious desires have we been waiting for the success of your Righteous Cause, and that you woud Cast an Eye of Pity towards this forlorn part, we have indeed nothing to Recommend us, but missery and Impending destruction and devestation—we trust our manne⟨r⟩ of proceedings will have the desired Effect on you, As well as the others who Are the Instruments of supporting the Liberty of Mankind.
We have been harrased much. Occationd by Different proceedings of Government, threatend Are we, because we have such sentimts Concerning the Cause Contended for by Our brethren on the Conti⟨nen⟩t, N⟨e⟩ws have been Receivd that Troops will soon be sent among us, this in a manne⟨r⟩ has Roused many who were Invironed in Lethergy, Committees have been Appointed from the different Town (Including the Accadians) to fall upon some methode for safety—there being a Number among us (vainly Called Governments men) Are Continually prying into Our proceedings, and with Accumalated Tales Give Information to the Govt at Halifax—Liable therefore Are we to be Cut in Pieces, having No Expectation of success but what Comes through your Excellency—We Agreed in Our Committees that nothing should be done publickly As

it might Agravate the others to fall upon us sooner then they Intended—further As we Coud not tell the Intention of the Honble Continental Congress Concerning us—Therefore As Individuals who belongs to the foresaid Committee, do Recommend Jonathan Eddy Esqr. to Your Excellency who will Acquaint you with Our situation, & Praying with Ardentsy that your Excellency will please Releive us, so that we may be able to Give Our sentiments publickly & join with Our little streangth in Conjunction with the other Colonies, in preventing the Ensigns of slavery from being sett up in any part of this Great Empire, We further pray Your Excellency will keep this Our Request as a secret for the present—We do seperately & Jointly, Pray for the success of your Arms, And that you may be Victorious & Vanquish all your Enemys—We are with the Greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most Devoted & very Hlbl. servt

                  Elijah Ayer
                  Jesse Bent

                  Nathal Reynolds
                  William Maxwell

                  Mark Patton
                  Geo. Forster

                  Jno. Allan
                  Simon Newcomb

                  William Lawrence
                  Robert Foster

                  Amasa Killam
                  Simeon Chester


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 8 February 1776 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 8 Feb. 1776. In a letter of 26 Feb.—9 Mar. to Reed, GW wrote: “your favours of the 28th Jany and first & 8th of Feby are come to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 8 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge Feby 8th 1776

I received your favors of the 2d and 5th instant, and agreeable to your request have ordered payment of the ballance of the expences attending the journey of the two French Gentlemen to Philadelphia to be made William Bacon Post-Rider, for your use, which I hope will come safe to hand.
I am happy to hear of your having received 12,500 Dollars from the Honble Congress for the Troops going upon the Canada

Expedition, and heartily wish that no other difficulties may occur to impede their march, and prevent their giving early and timely succour to our Friends there, which they certainly stand in great need of.
As to replacing the money advanced by your Colony to the Regiments which served the last Campaign, it is not in my power—It is what I did not expect, and therefore have made no provision for it. I should have paid them in the same manner I did others, had I not been prevented by the Colonels, who expressed their inclinations to receive the whole at one time after the expiration of the service and on their return home. This being the case, I always imagined that the sum advanced by you would be taken in when the Congress came to form a General Account against the Colonies, and be applied to your Credit, which I presume they will shortly do, as I have wrote them of the necessity of having all their accounts respecting this Army adjusted and liquidated at proper periods—If I Had conceived that this application would have been made for repayment I should certainly have included the Sum advanced by you in my estimates, and taken care to have had a sufficiency of money to discharge it. But as I did not, I am unprovided, and have not more than will answer the claims I was apprized of antecedent to the last day of December—They are large and numerous, and in a few days will drain our Treasury of every shilling now in it. I am exceedingly sorry that matters should be so circumstanced as to give you the le[a]st disappointment or trouble, but I doubt not, Congress, upon your application, will refund you what you have advanced, or settle it in such a way as shall be perfectly agreeable to you.
I shall take care to have the three Battalions of Militia paid which are coming here for the defence of our lines, in the same manner that the rest are, when the time of their engagement expires—They certainly might have come thus far without the advance you have been obliged to give.
Having lately examined into the state of our Powder and finding the dificiency to be greater than what I had any idea of, and hearing that the Militia from your Colony, and I fear from the others too, are coming without any or but very little, I cannot but confess my anxiety and concern to be very great—I therefore again repeat the request I made this morning, and

beg and intreat your most strenuous & friendly exertions to procure what we are told is imported, or such part as you possibly can, and send it to me with the utmost expedition—I am already much alarmed on account of the scarcity, and the Militia coming in without a proper supply fills me with apprehensions of the most disagreeable nature—This I would mention in confidence as it might give great uneasiness if it was generally known, and trusting that nothing in your power will be wanting to releive us at this alarming and important crisis. I am Sir with very great esteem and regard your most obedt humble Servt

Go. Washington


Title: General Orders, 9 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 9th 1776
Parole StirlingCountersign Jersey.

The Colonel of a Regiment is on no pretence to licence more than one Sutler within the limits of the camp: As the Quarter Master General has his Excellency’s possitive Orders to punish

with severity any person who is unlicenced, or licenced contrary to the above order.
If any of the Militia, who are ordered into Camp, should incline to enter into the Continental Arrmy; they are immediately to join the Regiment, they inlist into and are from that day to be struck off the Militia-rolls, that their pay may from thenceforward commence in the Regimt they engage in, and cease in the Militia: It is expected that proper attention be paid to this Order, as no plea of Ignorance will be admitted.


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

Sir,
Cambridge Feby 9th 1776.

The purport ⟨o⟩f this Letter, will be directed to a single object—through you I mean to lay it before Congress, and at the same time that I beg their serious attention to the subject, to ask pardon for intruding an opinion, not only unasked, but in some measure repugnant to their Resolves.
The disadvantages attending the limited Inlistment of Troops, is too apparent to those who are eye witnesses of them to render any animadversions necessary; but to Gentlemen at a distance, whose attention is engross’d by a thousand important objects, the case may be otherwise.
That this cause precipitated the fate of the brave, and much to be lamented Genl Montgomerie, & brought on the defeat which followed thereupon, I have not the most distant doubt of; for had he not been apprehensive of the Troops leaving him at so important a crisis, but continued the Blockade of Quebec, a Capitulation, from the best Accts I have been able to collect, must inevitably have followed. And, that we were not obliged at one time to dispute these Lines under disadvantageous Circumstances (proceeding from the same cause, to wit, the Troops disbanding of themselves before the Militia could be got in) is to me a matter of wonder & astonishment; and proves, that General Howe was either unacquainted with our Situation, or restraind by his Instructions from putting any thing to a hazard till his re-inforcements should arrive.
The Instance of General Montgomery—I mention it because it is a striking one—for a number of others might be adduced; proves that instead of having Men to take advantage of Circumstances, you are in a manner compell’d, Right or Wrong, to make Circumstances yield to a Secondary consideration—Since the first of December I have been devising every means in my power to secure these Incampments, and though I am sensible that we never have, since that period, been able to act upon the Offensive, and at times not in a condition to defend, yet the cost

of Marching home one set of Men—bringing in another—the havock & waste occas⟨ione⟩d by the first—the repairs necessary for the Second, with a thousand incidental charges and Inconveniencies which have arisen, & which it is scarce possible either to recollect or describe, amounts to near as much as the keeping up a respectable body of Troops the whole time—ready for any emergency—would have done.
To this may be added that you never can have a well Disciplined Army.
To bring Men well acquainted with the Duties of a Soldier, requires time—to bring them under proper discipline & Subordination, not only requires time, but is a Work of great difficulty; and in this Army, where there is so little distinction between the Officers and Soldiers, requires an uncommon degree of attention—To expect then the same Service from Raw, and undisciplined Recruits as from Veteran Soldiers is to expect what never did, and perhaps never will happen—Men who are familiarizd to danger meet it without shrinking; whereas those who have never seen Service often apprehend danger where no danger is—Three things prompt Men to a regular discharge of their Duty in time of Action, Natural bravery—hope of reward—and fear of punishment—The two first are common to the untutor’d, and the Disciplin’d Soldier; but the latter, most obviously distinguishes the one from the other. A Coward, when taught to believe, that if he break⟨s⟩ his Ranks, & abandons his Colours, will be punished with Death by his own party, will take his chance against the Enemy; but the Man who thinks little of the one, and is fearful of the other, acts from present feelings, regardless of consequences.
Again, Men of a days standing will not look forward, and from experience we find, tha⟨t⟩ as the time approaches for their discharge they grow careless of their Arms, Ammunition, Camp Utensils, &ca; nay even the Barracks themselves have felt uncommon Marks of Wanton depredation, and lays us under fresh trouble, and additional expence, in providing for every fresh sett; when we find it next to impossible to procure such Articles as are absolutely necessary in the first Instance—To this may be added the Seasoning which new Recruits must have to a Camp—& the loss, consequent thereupon. But this is not all, Men ingaged for a short, limited time only, have the Officers

too much in their power; for to obtain a degree of popularity, in order to induce a second Inlistment, a kind of familiarity takes place which brings on a relaxation of Discipline—unlicensed furloughs—and other Indulgences incompatable with order and good government; by which means, the latter part of the time for which the Soldier was engaged, is spent in undoing what you were aiming to inculcate in the first.
To go into an enumeration of all the Evils we have experienced in this late great change of the Army—and the expence incidental to it—to say nothing of the hazard we have run, and must run, between the discharging of one Army and Inlistment of another (unless an Inormous expence of Militia is incurrd) would greatly exceed the bounds of a Letter; what I have already taken the liberty of saying, will serve to convey a general Idea of the matter, & therefore I Shall, with all due deference, take the freedom to give it as my opinion, that if the Congress have any reason to believe that there will be occasion for Troops another year, and consequently of another Inlistment, they would save money, & have infinitely better Troops if they were, even at a bounty of twenty, thirty, or more Dollars to engage the Men already Inlisted (till Jany next) & such others as may be wanted to compleat to the Establishment, for and during the War. I will not undertake to say that the Men can be had upon these terms, but I am satisfied that it will never do to let the matter alone, as it was last year, till the time of Service was near expiring—The hazard is too great in the first place—In the next, the trouble and perplexity of disbanding one Army and raising another at the same Instant, & in such a critical Situation as the last was, is scarcely in the power of Words to describe, and such as no Man who has experienced it once will ever undergo again.
If Congress should differ from me in Sentiment upon this point, I have only to beg, that they will do me the justice to believe, that I have nothing more in view than what to me appears necessary, to advance the publick Weal, although in the first Instance it will be attended with a capitol expence—And, that I have the honour to be with all due deference & respect theirs, and Your Most & Obedient & faithful Hble Servt

Go: Washington


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

Sir
Cambridge 9th February 1776

In Compliance with the resolves of Congress, I have applied to General Howe for the exchange of Mr Lovell, a Copy of my Letter & his answer thereto you have inclosed.
Captain Watters & Captain Tucker, who Command two of the Armed Schooners, have taken & Sent into Gloster, a Large Brigantine Laden with wood, 150 Butts for water, & 40 Suits of Bedding, bound from La Have in Nova Scotia for Boston—She is one of the transports in the Ministerial Service, the Captain Says that he was at Halifax the 17th January, & that General Massey was arrived there with two Regiments from Irland.
the different prizes were all Libelld immediatly on receipt of the Resolves of Congress pointing out the Mode, but none of them yet brought to trial, owing to a difference between the Law past in this Province, and the Resolutions of Congress, the General Court are Makeing an ammendment to their Law by which the difficultys that now occur will be removed, as I understand it is to be made Conformable to your resolves—the unavoidable delay attending the bringing the Captures to trial is grievously Complain’d of, by the Masters of these vessels, as well as the Captors—many of the former, have aplied for Liberty to go away without waiting the decision, which I have granted them.
I beg Leave to recall the attention of Congress to their appointing a Commissary in these parts, to attend the providing of necessarys for the prisoners, who are dispersed in these

Provinces—Complaints are made by Some of them, that they are in want of bedding & many other things; as I understand that Mr Franks has undertaken that business, I wish he was orderd to send a deputy immediatly, to See that the prisoners get what is allowed them by Congress, allso to Supply the Officers with money as they may have occasion, it will Save me much time & much trouble.
there are yet but few Companys of the Militia come in, this delay will, I am much affraid, frustrate the intention of their being Called upon—as the Season is slipping fast away when they may be of Service.
the demands of the Army were So very pressing before your Last remittence Came to hand, that I was under the necessity of borrowing £25,000 Lawful money from this province, they very chearfully Lent it, & pass’d a vote for as much more, if required, I have not repaid the Sum borrowed, as I may Stand in need of it, before the arrival of another Supply, which the demands of the Commissary General, Quartermaster General, & paying off the arrearages, will very Soon require.
Your esteemd favour of the 29th Ultimo is just Come to hand, it makes me very happy to find my Conduct, hath met the approbation of Congress—I am entirely of your opinion, that Should an accommodation take place, the terms will be Severe or favorable, in proportion to our ability to resist, and that we ought to be on a respectable footing to receive their Armaments in the Spring—but how far we shall be provided with the Means, is a Matter I profess not to Know, under my present unhappy want of, Arms, Ammunition, and I may add men, as our Regiments are very incomplete, the recruiting goes on very Slow, and will, I apprehend be more So, if for other Service the men receive a bounty, & none is given here.
I have tried every Method I Coud think of to procure Arms for our men, they realy are not to be had in these Governments belonging to the Pub⟨lic⟩ and if Some method is not fallen upon, in the Southern Governments to Supply us, We shall be in a distressd Situation for want of them, there are near 2000 men now in Camp, without firelocks, I have wrote to the Committee of Newyork this day, requesting them to send me those Arms, which were taken from the disaffected in that Government, the Congress interesting themselves in this request, will

doubtless have a good effect—I have Sent Officers into the Country with money to purchass Arms in the different towns, Some have returnd, & brought in a few, many are Still out, what their Success will be, I cannot determine.
I was in great hopes, that the expresses Resolved to be establisd between this place & Philadelphia woud ’ere now have been fixt—it woud, in my opinion, rather Save, than increase the expence, as many horses are destroyed by one man Comeing the whole way, it will certainly be more expeditious, & Safer than writeing by the post, or private hands, which I am often under the necessity of doing. I am with great respect Sir Your most Ob. H. Sert

Go: Washington


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 10th 1776.
Parole Suffolk.Countersign, Albany.

General Green’s Brigade to furnish one Field Officer, two Captains, four Subalterns, four Serjeants, four Corporals, two drums and one hundred and twenty privates, to relieve the Guard to morrow morning upon Cobble-hill. Genl sullivan’s Brigade to furnish the same Number of Officers, and Men, to relieve that Guard on Monday Morning, and so alternately by each Brigade, until further orders.
Robt McKnight of Capt. Gleason’s Company, in Col. Nixon’s Regiment, tried at a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Huchinson was president, for “Desertion and inlisting in different regiments”—is found guilty by the Court, and adjudged to receive thirty-nine Lashes upon the bare back and be stopped Five Pounds, four shillings out of his pay, to repay those Officers, whom the Prisoner has defrauded.

The General approves the Sentence, and orders it to be put in execution at such time & place as the Commanding Officer of the regiment shall appoint.


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 10 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts General Court

Gentlemen
Cambridge Feby 10. 1776

Notwithstanding I have taken every method my Judgement could Suggest to procure a Sufficient Number of Firelocks for the Soldiers of this Army, by Applications to the Assemblies & Conventions of these Governments, as well as by sending Officers out with Money to purchase, I am constrained by necessity to Inform you, that the deficiency is amazingly great, and that there are not nigh enough to Arm the Troops already here—It is true that All the Officers gone upon the business are not yet returned, but from the small success of those who have made report, I cannot promise myself many more—I must therefore beg leave to sollicit your kind attention to this very Interesting and important concern, and would Submit It to your consideration, whether If your Honourable Court were to depute some of their Members to make applications to the different Towns, they might not procure a considerable Quantity—I will most cheerfully furnish them with Money for the purpose, or pay for them on their delivery here, as you shall think most advisable—I shall only add that I hope the Exigency of our Affairs at this critical crisis, will excuse this request, and my confidence of your readiness & zeal to do every thing in your power for promoting the public Good and Am Gentlemen with Great regard & esteem Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have heard that there are Several King’s Muskets in the Country—for each with a Bayonet, that are good & have not

been abused, I will readily give 12 Dollars—& in proportion for Other Guns fit for service.

G:W.


Title: Instructions to Colonel Elisha Porter, 10 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Porter, Elisha

Sir
Cambridge 10th February 1776

The Continental Congress, having confirmed my application to this Government to Rais a Regiment for the Service of the United Colonies which is now Complied with & you are apointed to the command thereof—I have to desire, that you will use the utmost diligence and dispatch Possible to complete the Said Regiment, and march it into Canada by the shortest and best way, that from your own Knowledge of the Country, & from the best information you can get, you think will be the most expeditious.
I have to acquaint you that if you take your rout by Number four and Onion River, there will be a Supply of Provisions ready for you, Laid in, by order of General Schuyler.
As this Regiment is to be upon the continental establishment, agreeable to the termes and Requisition of Congress transmited to the Legislative power of this Province, and the necessity of reinforcing our Troops posted and forming the Blockade of Quebec is too apparent to need dwelling on, I woul[d] have you

order each Company to march as fast as they are rais’d—the whol putting themselves under the Command of the General or Commanding Officer in Canada, as fast as they arrive there.
Such Necessarys as you will think realy proper and that you cannot do without, will be provided for you, by the Commissary General, and Quarter Master General and I shall depend upon you that the strictest Oeconomy is used consistent with the dispatch necessary upon this Occation.
these Sir are my instructions to you, and from the Caracter you bear, I doubt not you will pay due attention to them—I must again recommend your making all possible dispatch, and that you may Share in the glory of expelling the instruments of Ministerial Tyranny from that fair Province, is the sincere wish of Sir Your Most He Svt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Pierre Van Cortlandt, 10 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Van Cortlandt, Pierre

Sir
Cambridge Feby 10. 1776

Being in the greatest want of Arms at this alarming and important crisis for the Army under my command without the most distant prospect or hope of getting more from these Governments, than what I already have, I beg leave to sollicit the favours of your Committee of Safety in this Instance, and earnestly request that they will use their exertions to get and send to me in the most expeditious manner all that they can possibly procure—I immagine that there are several belonging to the

Colony, and have been Informed of many Tories being disarmed, and therefore expect that It will be in their power to Obtain me a considerable supply. Whatever Quanti⟨ty⟩ is sent me, I will take on the Continental acco⟨unt⟩ & make payment for, with the expences Incide⟨nt⟩ to their transportation. This application being founded in necessity & arising from the exigency of our affairs I make no doubt will meet your most ready & early attention, and that nothing will be wanting on your part to give me t⟨he⟩ most speedy releif. I am Sir Your Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I wish to have only such Arms as are good & serviceable & shall be glad to have Bayonets with them.

G:W.


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Leffingwell, 11 February 1776
From: Leffingwell, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Sir
Norwich [Conn.] 11th Febry 1776

The above is Copy of Colo. McDougal’s Letter to the Commte of this Town—The Sloop has ariv’d at N. London—Our River being Froze She Could Come No farther—and has Landed the Stores there—The Committee here having never Taken Charge of any Stores to forward (they being principally forwarded by me) desir’d I would undertake forwarding these—Should be Glad of your Excellencys Orders Where to have them delivered—& to Who—The Earlier I have those orders the Better have mentiond this Matter to Colo. Trumbull in My Letter to him—he will Accquaint your Excellency with the Expence that will probably Attend the Transportation & That I am Obligd to Advance the Carters about half before they Go from hence Shall be forwarding the Stores by way of Providence if orders were Left at Doctr Ames Tavern at Dedham where they Shall be Carried—a few Load, which will Go forward Tomorrow—I will order the Carriers to Call there for instructions as Going to Cambridge or Roxbury from thence will Make but Little Difference in distance—but if they Go to Roxbury first & then have to Go to Cambridge it will Make a Material difference—Your Excellencys Instructions as above Shall be punctually obey’d by Your Excellencys Most Obedt Hble sert

Christr Leffingwell


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Rufus Putnam, 11 February 1776
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Washington, George

Roxbury Camp11th February 1776
May it Please Your Excellency

You have Inclos’d a Chart, of some, of the most Important Posts and Riseing ground in and near Boston, which is as Exact as I am able to make from the little Leisure I have had to take Surveys of them, by this Draught it Appears that the Enemies works on the Neck is nearer the Causway going to Dorchester Point, than Bunker Hill is to the Cover’d way going on Leachmoors Point, therefore if a Cover’d way was Necessary in that case, it will be in this, should your Excellency think proper to order works thrown up on any part of the point, how this Cover’d way will be made is a Question. to procure upland or Marsh Turf at this Season is in my Opinion absolutely Impossible, and nothing short of Timber instead of Turf will Answer the purpose, the Method I have tho’t of is to side or Hew the Timber on two Sides only raising a single Tare on the side of the Causway, raising a Parrapet of Stone and Earth next the Enemy. the Timber to be well Spliced together and if need be a post with a brace in about Fifty feet to support the Timber against the stone & Earth, I know Stone are bad in a Parrapet, but as they are easily Procur’d from the walls at Dorchester, and I think cannot be Driven through the Timber by any shot whatever, I would place them at the bottom and Cover the top with Earth which might be procur’d by opening a Pit for that purpose[.] About 200 Rods is Necessary to be made a Cover’d way which 80 Tons of Timber to Raise one Foot, and so in proportion to every foot, the Parrapet is High; I have been to the Swamp I mentioned to your Excellency the other Day, find it

between 12 & 13 Miles from the lines at Dorchester; there is near 100 Tons already got out besides a number of Mill Logs, the Carting from this place will be 12/ ⅌ Ton, One Hundred Tons more may be had on these lands if the swamp Does not break and no Doubt but Timber may be had in other Places, what your Excellency may think of so Costly a work, I cannot tell, ’Tis the only method I know of, but wish a better way may be found out, I hope your Excellency will Pardon my Officiousness in suggesting that I think this work may be Carried on with safety to the people Employ’d and to the Cause in general, as the Enemy cannot take Possession of Dorchester Hill at Present. Can we by any means Raise a Cover’d way in this frozen season it will be of no small Consequence in takeing Possesion of this Ground in a favourable Hour, the People who have been Employ’d by Mr Davis in getting the Timber out of the Swamp will get no more unless your Excellency gives Orders for it. I remain Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble Servt

R. Putnam


Title: General Orders, 12 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 12th 1776
Parole Plymouth.Countersign Portsmouth.

The General, being informed that several of the Militia are coming in without arms, orders that the Brigadiers, to whose Brigades they are joined, do examine into this matter, and discharge every Man who has not Arms as they come in, keeping an Accompt thereof, to deliver when called for.
It is with no small degree of astonishment, that the General observes by the Returns of last week, that seventeen men have been dismissed the service, out of which number Col. Whitcomb alone has discharged seven: he is therefore called upon, to be at Head Quarters to morrow morning, at ten OClock, to account for his conduct in this Instance; At the same time it is declared and particular Attention will be paid to it, that if any Colonel, or Commanding Officer of a Regiment, presume in future to discharge a man without proper Authority, for so doing, he will be put in Arrest and tried for disobedience of orders—To have Men inlisted one day, and discharged as it

were the next, without any Action, or apparent cause, to disqualify men for service, must have a bad appearance in the Returns sent to Congress, especially when the list of Deserters, comes to be added to it.
To remedy these evils, as far as possible, it is directed, in cases where discharges are really necessary, that the Commanding Officer of the regiment do produce the man, (solliciting the discharge) to the Brigadier Genl of his brigade, who is to examine accurately into the matter, and not to give a discharge for Sickness of a temporary duration—In case of desertion, the Commanding Officer of the regiment or Corps, is immediately to report the Deserter, or Deserters, to his Brigadier General, giving an exact description of the man—the town he comes from &c.—who is to cause proper Steps to be taken for apprehending them—A Reward of Five Dollars, will be paid to any person, or persons, who shall apprehend and bring a Deserter into the Camp, upon obtaining a Certificate from the Brigadier of the service performed.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 12 February 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Febry 12th 1776

Your Letters of 24th & 30th ulto have been duly Rec’d, and laid before the Congress, are now with their severall Inclosures under the Consideration of a Committee, as soon as Report is made, I shall do myself the honour to Transmitt you the Result of Congress thereupon.
I yesterday morng Rec’d an Express from General Lee, requesting an Augmentation of Troops, Congress immediately directed one Battalion of Minute Men from New Jersey in Addition to Lord Stirling’s Battalion, & one Battalion of Associators from this City to proceed to New York & be under the Command of General Lee, the latter Commanded by Coll Dickinson who very chearfully step’d forth, & both Battalions will immediately March.
Colonell Bull the Bearer of this Takes Charge of Two hundred & fifty Thousand Dollars for the use of your Army; I beg

leave to Recommend him to your Notice—I have the honour to be with the utmost Esteem, Sir Your most Obedt Servt

John Hancock Presidt


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

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] February 12th 1776

I received your two Favors of the 8th Inst., have also received ⅌ Bacon, the remittance for the Expences of the French Gentlemen to Philadelphia. I had no Design to have ever called upon You for the money paid our Troops under your immediate Command, but to have accounted with the Congress, had we not been unexpectedly drained of Cash, & had pressing Calls upon Us two or three ways at once. that to the Northward cod not possibly have been answered but for the seasonable Arrival of the Continental Supply just sufficient for that Purpose our other Demands for the common Service are many; the Men for

the short Service with You, cod not have marched without some money, which they have I trust wholly expended for necessary Cloathing &c. I therefore cod have wished it had been in your Power to have remitted the sum advanced by our Pay Table, but shall do every thing in my Power that the common Interest do not suffer.
I am greatly concerned for the scarcity of Powder & Arms, We have not half a sufficiency for our Selves as the Circumstances may be, yet anxious to furnish You, for the comon good, with every supply in our Power, have ordered a quantity of gun Powder lately arrived at Bedford in Dartmouth, carted to & now lying at Providence, on Account of this Colony, to be sent You with all possible Expedition, 3000 weight of this we conclude to order to Majr Thompson Agent for the Massachusetts Colony on Account of Money he supplied to Mr Shaw the importer for that End. & You will consult Him or Them concerning the use of it: I suppose the whole to be upwards of 6000 weight, the residue on Acco. of this Colony, for which shall expect payment, or to be replaced as shall be hereafter chosen by Us. I shall send You this week twenty or thirty stands of good Arms. I have not certain advice from every quarter, but I believe our three Regiments are all on the march to your Camp, except those already arrived there.
I have much more agreable Intelligence from Genl Lee & the New York Congress than I expected. I cant but hope propitious Heaven will smile Success on that most timely & judicious Exertion of your Excellency to prevent our Enemies, possessing Themselves of that important Station.
I have the Pleasure to inclose You a Copy of Genl Lees Letter.
In compliance with his Request We have already sent orders to Colo. Ward, to repair again forthwith to New York. I am Sir with the greatest Esteem & Regard your most obedient H. Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 13 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 13th 1776
Parole Litchfield.Countersign Coventry

The Regiments of Militia lately arrived at Roxbury and Cambridge are immediately to be furnished with Fifteen Rounds of Powder and Ball ⅌ man; The Adjutant General will, upon application give Orders upon the Commissary for that quantity. The Regiments now at Roxbury may apply to Major Genl Ward, who will give Orders accordingly.
Capt. Peleg Wadworth, is appointed Aid-de-Camp to Major Genl Ward, during the absence of Samuel Osgood Esqr.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 13 February 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Camp at Cambridge, 13 February 1776. Recommends the Rev. Jacob Foster as chaplain of the 7th and 18th regiments.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Mumford, 13 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Mumford, Thomas

Sir
Cambridge 13th Feby 1776

Colonel Fisher Gay of Farmington in Hartford County, has informed me, that Some powder was, by you imported, for the use of particular inland towns in the Colony of Connecticut, the great want we are in, of that necessary article, Obliges me to

Send Colonel Gay, to borrow, or purchass as much, as he Can possibly procure, I beg Sir that you will give him every Assistance in Your power, in negotiating this Important business—it will be of the utmost Service to the Cause of Liberty & America, & it will very Much oblige Sir Your Most H: St

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 14 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 14th 1776
Parole Richmond.Countersign Lincoln.

The General Court Martial of which Colonel Huchinson is President is dissolved.
Benjamin Mumford, in Col. Bonds Regt tried at the above Court Martial for “Theft”—is acquitted by the Court—The General orders the prisoner to be released.
The Provost Marshal is by his Instructions, ordered to suppress

all Riots, to be particularly attentive to the behaviour of all the Sutlers in, and about Cambridge, and see that they shut up their houses at Taptoo beating, and do not offer, upon any Account, to sell a drop of Liquor after that hour; All Officers are strictly enjoined to be aiding and assisting to the Provost, in the due execution of his Office, which the late Shocking proceeding of some of the Sutlers makes absolutely necessary.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 14 February 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dr General
New York Febry the 14th 1776

I shou’d have written to you more constantly but really had no means of conveying my letter—a Mr Buchanan and Tolby bound for head Quarters will deliver You this—You will excuse the conciseness as my time is short—The Governor and Capt. of Man of War had threaten’d perdition to the Town if the Cannon was remov’d from the Batteries and wharfs, but I ever considerd their threats as a Brutum fulmen, and even perswaded the Town to be of the same way of thinking—We accordingly conveyd them to a place of safety in the middle of the day, and no cannonade ensued—Capt. Parker publishes a pleasant reason for his passive conduct—He says that it was manifestly my intention and that of the N. England men under my command to bring down destruction on this Town so hated for their loyal principles but that He was determin’d not to indulge us, so remain’d quiet out of spite—The People here laugh at his nonsense, and begin to despise the menaces which formerly us’d to throw ’em into convulsions—to do ’em justice The whole shew a wonderfull alacrity—and in removing the Cannon Men and Boys of all ages work’d with the greatest zeal and pleasure—I really believe that the generallity are as well affected as any on the Continent—the Provincial Congress have order’d in fiveteen hundred Minute Men—a Numb⟨er⟩ equal to two Battalions are coming from Pensylva⟨nia⟩ and the Jerseys—Lord Sterlins Regt is already here but not compleat—when the Major part or a sufficient number arrive We shall begin our works—my intention is to pull down that part of the Fort on the Town side to prevent its being converted into a Citidal for the Enemy—and to erect a Battery on a traverse in the street to prevent their making a lodgment in it—a redoubt and battery at the pass of Hell Gate will prevent their Ships and Tenders passing and repassing to and from the Sound—We have fixd on a Spot in Long Island for a retrenchd Camp which I hope will render it impossible for ’em to get footing on that important Island as this Camp can always be reinforc’d it is our intention to make it so capacious as to contain four thoushand Men—the batteries on the pass of Hudsons River will be secur’d as soon as possible. some of the heavy Cannon from

hence must be sent up for the purpose—it is really a fine train We are in possession of, You shall have a return of the guns as well as stores by the Post—Capt. Smyth is an excellent intelligent active Officer, and I take the liberty [of] recommending him to your protection—Capt. Badlam of the Artillery is likewise a Man of great merit in his way—You must pardon me Dr General, for a liberty I have taken—You know that Sears was to collect our Volunteers in Connecticut—but He thought He coud not succeed unless He had some nominal Office and rank—I accordingly most impudently by the virtue of the power deputed by You to me (which power you never deputed) appointed him Adjudant General with rank of Lt Colonel for the expedition it can have no bad consequences, the Man was much tickled, and it added spurs to his feet—He is a creature of much spirit and public virtue and ought to have his back clapp’d—with respect to the Canada expedition which You indirectly propose to me, I have only one answer to make—wherever I can be of most service, there I shou’d chuse to be—I have indeed just at this instant one objection which is I am not without apprehensions that facing the Cold may throw me into a relapse so as not only to render me unfit for service there but evry where else—I am indeed much better, but extremely tender I begin to walk—it has been a damn’d attack—a constant violent fever attending it, I neither eat nor slept for eight days—but my fever is pass’d and I begin to eat—a week I hope will set me up—sevral Members of the Congress have indicated a desire I shou’d go to Canada, I have explain’d to em my apprehensions, but assur’d ’em most honestly of my willingness—but in fact unless They expedite an Army and some heavy Artillery it will be in vain to trouble their heads about a General—Colonel Richmore who lately left Montreal tell’s us that what few Troops are now there will infallibly return home early in April—He is gone to the Congress and I hope will give em (as He is capable) the necessary lights—but whatever steps They take be assurd, Dr General, that I am with the greatest readiness prepar’d to receive and execute yours and their commands; Canada is I confess, if I am only tolerably accoutre’d a glorious Field which Must flatter the ambition of, Yours Most sincerely

C. Lee


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 14 February 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Albany February 14th 1776

A few Days ago I was honored with your Letter of the 27th Ultimo by Bennet—I was so greatly indisposed then that it was with Difficulty I could do that Business which was indispensible: I am since much better—A copious Discharge from an internal Imposthume in my Breast has given me great Relief, and I have Reason to think it is healing, as my Cough is greatly abated, and I gain Strength so fast that I hope soon to be able to go to Canada, where all is in Confusion—Mr Walker I fear has too much Attention paid to his Advice, which is from what I can learn generally founded on his private Resentments for the many Hardships he has suffered—Indeed he has suffered so much that he must be more than Man to divest himself of all Resentment, but this I fear has already proved very detrimental to our Cause—I have written fully and freely on this Subject to Congress.
Five Companies of Colo: De Haas’s and one of Colo: Maxwell’s are marched from hence—They are much thined by Sickness and Desertion and came very ill provided, the better half of their Arms required Repairs, and the whole were to be furnished with Shoes Socks Mittins &c. which causes a considerable Detention and distresses me much as hardly any Thing is to be bought in this place.
It is extremely difficult to determine what should be done in what you mention respecting the Offer made by the Caghnawaga Indians, but if we can get decently rid of their Offer, I would prefer it to employing them—The Expence we are at in the Indian Department is now amazing; it will be more so, when they consider themselves as in our Service, nor would their Intervention be of much Consequence, unless we could procure that of the other Nations—The hauteur of the Indians is much diminished since the taking of Montreal, they evidently see that they cannot get any Supplies but thro’ us.
I have not a Mortar to send into Canada and no heavy Artillery, as your Excellency will percieve from the inclosed Return: Many of which mentioned there are unfit for Service—I have sent on half a Ton of powder which came from Philadelphia and we have none left here.

If even the Regiment from the Massachusetts which you ordered to be raised goes into Canada; the Number of Troops there will be still short of eight compleat Regiments, as many are very deficient, and that two cannot be raised out of the Troops that remained in Canada: Numbers of whom are daily coming away.
General Arnold still continues the Blockade of Quebec, the Garrison appear to be in want of Fuel as they have attempted to break up some Vessels near the Town, but were prevented by our people who made a few prisoners on the Occasion—I am Dr Sir with the most respectful Sentiments & best wishes Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant.

Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 15 February 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Feby 15th 1776.
Parole Fitzwilliams.Countersign Archer.

The Regiments upon the New-Establishment, and the Regiments of Militia, lately arrived at Cambridge & Roxbury; to deliver to the Brigade Majors they respectively belong to, at Orderly time on Saturday, an exact Return of their numbers, according to the form the Adjutant General has this day given to each of the Brigade Majors.
Such of the Regiments as are in want of Leather Shot-bags with Straps, to hold Ball and Buck-Shot, may have them by applying to the Adjutant General; it is intended that every Non-Commissioned Officer and Soldier be supplied.


Title: Council of War, 16 February 1776
From: Council of War
To:

[Cambridge, 16 February 1776]

At a Council of General Officers held at Head Quarters in Cambridge 16th Febry 1776.
Present

His Excellency General Washington
Major Generals Ward Putnam
Brigadier Generals Thomas Heath Spencer Sullivan Gates

His Excellency the Commander in Chief Informed the Council that in consequence of the Resolutions of Two Councils of War, held at this place on the 16th & 18th Ulto he had applied

to this Government, Connecticut & New Hampshire for the Regiments then Voted. That those Regiments were come & coming in, and If compleat, would amount (Officers Included) to 7,280 Men. That the Regiments of the United Colonies at these Incampments, by Saturdays return amounted to 8,797 men fit for duty, besides Officers and 1450 men on Command, which might be Ordered to Join their respective Regiments Immediately. That our Stock of powder was so small, as to Afford but little aid from Cannon & mortars, and therefore that Small Arms must be our principal reliance in any event, till a Supply cou’d be Obtained. That in the state Boston Harbour has been all this Year, & now is, a Bombardment might probably destroy the Town without doing much damage to the Ministerial Troops within It, as there were Transports Wooded & Watered, with a view more than probable, to take them in upon any sudden emergency; consequently, That, might not produce the desired effect, If those Transports were sufficient for the embarkation of the Army. That from the best Intelligence which had been procured, the Strength of the Army in Boston did not much exceed 5,000 men fit for duty. That considerable reinforcements were expected, and when arrived, they would undoubtedly endeavour to penetrate into the Country, If their strength should be sufficient, or remove to some other part of the Continent If not, and thereby greatly harrass and fatigue our Troops by constant Marching & Countermarching, for which in the present situation of Affairs, they neither were, nor could be provided: Therefore that a Stroke well aim’d at this critical juncture, might put a final end to the War, and restore peace & tranquility, so much to be wished for: For these reasons and under these circumstances, & as part of Cambridge & Roxbury Bays were so frozen as to Admit an easier entry into the Town of Boston, than could be Obtained either by Water, or through the Lines on the Neck, the General desired to know the Sentiments of the General Officers respecting a general Assault upon the Town.
The Question being put and their Opinion demanded.
Resolved that an Assault on the Town of Boston in the present circumstances of the Continental Army is for the following reasons Judged Improper.
Because It is the Opinion of this Council that the King’s

forces in the Town of Boston Comprehending New raised Corps & Armed Tories amount to a much larger Number than 5,000—furnished with Artillery, Assisted by a Fleet and possessed of every advantage the situation of the place affords—The Officers in proportion to the Number of men are so many, that the Troops there may be said with propriety to be doubly Officered.
Because Our Army is at present very defective in the Numbers this Council declared to be sufficient for the purpose of Offensive War, and also deficient in Arms to the amount of 2,000 Stand—The Militia Ordered & expected to be here by the first of the Month are not more than half arrived, so that to Assault the Town of Boston, guard the Works & Stores, there remain only 12,600 Men, militia, Commissioned & Non Commissioned Officers Included—a force not more than sufficient to defend the Lines & maintain the Blockade.
Because It appears to the Council by the Report of a m[aj]ority of the Generals commanding Brigades, that upon discoursing with the Field Officers of their respective Regiments upon the subject of an Assault, they in General declared a disapprobation of the measure as exceedingly doubtful.
Because If an Assault should be found practicable & expedient at any Time, It was declared highly necessary, that It should for some days be preceded by a Cannonade & Bombardment.
His Excellency the Commander in Cheif then required the Opinion of the Council whether It would be advisable to begin a Cannonade & Bombardment with the present stock of powder.
Resolved that a Cannonade & Bombardment will be expedient and advisable as soon as there shall be a proper Supply of powder & not before, & that in the mean Time, preparations should be made to take possession of Dorchester Hill, with a view of drawing out the Enemy, and of Nodles Island also, If the Situation of the Water & other circumstances will admit of It.