Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 13th March 1777

By my former directions, the fifteen Regiments, belonging to your State, were all ordered to march to Ticonderoga, as soon as they were raised armed and equipped. But upon a reconsideration of the matter, founded upon several peices of Intelligence, there is a probability that the Enemy will draw part of their force from Canada by water as soon as the St Lawrence is navigable, in order to enable them to make a formidable push towards philadelphia.
I have therefore thought it best, that only seven of your Regiments should march to Ticonderoga, and that the remaining eight should rendezvous at peekskill with all expedition. I have given my reasons, very much at large, to General Schuyler for this Alteration; the principal ones are, that a respectable force at Peekskill, secures the passage of the North River, obliges the Enemy to leave a considerable garrison in New York, and keeps a Body of Men, in our Centre, ready to move North or South as there may be occasion. Another reason, for lessening the number of Regiments from your State to Ticonderoga, is, that two Regiments have already marched for that post, from the State of New York.
Such of your Troops as are intended for peekskill, and are ready, may proceed immediately, and undergo innoculation there, and in the Neighbourhood, where you know the Barracks are very commodious. Such as are not ready for want of Arms, Accoutrements & Cloathing, should be immediately innoculated that they may go thro’ the disorder while these things are preparing.
But I would wish on many Accounts that a Force should be collected

as quick as possible at peekskill, the principal one is, that I am confident the appearance of a regular Body there, would embarrass the Enemy, oblige them to return part of the Troops which they have lately withdrawn from New York to Jersey, and thereby create that diversion, which I have all along wanted to keep up. As your Force that is to go to the Northward is lessened, your number of Brigadiers will lessen accordingly, you will therefore send two to peekskill and the remainder to Ticonderoga. As Brigadier Poor of New Hampshire (with the Troops of that State) will go to the last mentioned place, the hastening the march of them is also to become an object of your Attention. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Joshua Loring, 13 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Loring, Joshua

Sir
Head Quarters, Morris Town 13th March 1777

Inclosed you have a List of Seventeen French Gentlemen taken at St Johns and Six Servants. I always understood that these Gentlemen all bore Commissions in the British Service, but by their own return, of which the inclosed is a Copy, only four of them appear to be Officers. If any more are so, I trust to your honour, to send out an equal number of ours of equal Rank.
Since I last heard from you, I have sent in several of your Officers, Major Edmonson in particular, who signed a parole to return in Fifteen days, or send out one of equal rank. As the time has long since expired, I imagine you have set him off against some of our Officers released upon parole. That may be the Case with the others. If so, please to let me know, who the Officers are, that I may advise them of their Release. All the Officers taken at princetown, except those wounded and not able yet to move, are sent in. I desire in making the Exchanges, you will have regard to my former Directions, of giving a preference to those who have been longest in Captivity, as well as a proportion of the Officers of the different States. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to the Officer Commanding at Raritan, New Jersey, 13 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Officer Commanding at Raritan, New Jersey

Sir
Head Quarters, Morris Town March 13th 1777

I discover from a general return made to me, of the number and state of the Troops at Rariton by Brigadier General Dickinson, that the proportion of officers, vastly exceeds the number of Men at your post; whereby the Public is burdened with the unnecessary expence of useless Officers—I by no means condemn the good spirit that urges these Gentlemen to take the Field, but cannot help observing that they may be more usefull by going into the Country, and bringing out such a

farther number of Men as would amount to their respective commands. In future I desire that no more officers may be retain’d, than are necessary to command the Men & that without Loss of time—You regulate the Number of Officers now with you—the supernumerary ones must not expect pay after this day. I am Your most hum. Servt


Title: General Orders, 14 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 14th 1777.
Philadelpia.Chester.

By Order of His Excellency, the execution of Serjt Porterfield is suspended ’till Friday the 21st Instant.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General George Clinton, 14 March 1777
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

D’r Sir,
New Windsor [N.Y.] 14th March 1777.

I begg Leave to recomend Capt. Black & Lieut. Santford both of Colo. Malcom’s Regiment for Captains of the two remaining Companies for which your Excellency Directed me to appoint Officers. Their Charecters Well in private life as Officers are good & I believe they will [be] able to raise their Companies as the Men of that Regiment are strongly attached to their Officers; many of them have not yet entered the service. It might promote the filling of their Companies to let the Men know the Field Officers of the Regiment to which they are to be annexed. If Colo. Malcom is to command the Regim’t I believe it will influence many to inlist. As soon as we fix on the subalterns for these two Companies I will return their Names to your Excellency. I am your Most Obed’t Serv’t

(G.C.)


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 14 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Letter not found: to Nicholas Cooke, 14 Mar. 1777. When writing to GW on 14 April, Cooke says that “Your Excellency’s Favors of the 14th ult. and of the 3d instant are now before me,” and in another letter to GW of 31 Mar. 1778 Cooke writes: “Your Excellency wrote me on the 14th of March 1777 that General Howe had applied to you for the Discharge of Mr Hutchinson who was One of the Council and Secretary of Dominica and of Govr Shirley’s Son who were then Prisoners here; and requested me to discharge them accordingly. you were pleased to tell me at the same Time that you did not doubt but General Howe would on Application release any of our Friends in his Hands who were not in the military Line” (DLC:GW).


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Head Qrs Morristown March 14th 1777.

I was honoured several days ago with your Letter of the 25th Ulto with its Inclosures, the receipt of which was omitted to be acknowledged in my last.
Could I accomplish the important Objects so eagerly wished by Congress, “confining the Enemy within their present Quarters—preventing their getting Supplies from the Country & totally subduing them before they are reinforced,[”] I should be happy indeed. But what prospect or hope can there be of my effecting so desirable a Work at this time? The inclosed Return, to which I sollicit the most serious attention of Congress, comprehends the whole force, I have in Jersey. It is but a handfull, and bears no proportion on the Scale of Numbers to that of the Enemy. added to this, the Major part is made up of Militia. The most sanguine in Speculation, cannot deem it more than adequate to the least valuable purposes of War. The reinforcements mentioned to be drawn from General Heath, were merely ideal—nearly the whole of the Eastern Troops, which were with him, being here before. they were only engaged ’till to day—and to day they leave the Camp. their service has been of pretty long continuance and almost the whole of the Winter months. What prospect there may be of immediate succours from Other Quarters, I know not, but from the Militia of this State, I cannot expect to derive much more aid. Those who are well affected, have been so frequently called from their Homes, that they are tired out, and almost profess an abhorrence of the Service. Nor have I heard as yet, that any Continental Troops are on the way. I have wrote to the Brigadiers General in most of the States upon the

Subject & also to the Colonels, urging them by every motive to exert themselves in filling the Regiments & to forward ’em on. I confess Sir, I feel the most painfull anxiety when I reflect on our situation and that of the Enemy. Unless the Levies arrive soon, we must, before it be long, experience some interesting & melancholy event. I beleive the Enemy have fixed their Object, and the execution will surely be attempted as soon as the Roads are passable. The unprepared state in which we are, favors all their designs, & it is much to be wished that they may not succeed to their warmest expectations.
On recurring to the late promotions of Brigadiers, I find the Number appointed to be short of what I took the liberty to recommend & not competent to the exigencies of the service, supposing the whole in Office before & those lately created consent to act, which I have reason to beleive will not be the case. I shall only beg leave to refer you to my former Letters upon this Subject, and to assure you that many disadvantages will result from not having a sufficient number of Officers of this Rank. We have always been deficient in this instance, and certain I am, that the service has been greatly injured by it. The proportion I mentioned was full small, and in my Opinion should not be dispensed with.
I would also take the liberty of mentioning again, having received no Answer upon the subject, that settling the Hospital plan & Establishment becomes more & more necessary. it is an Object of infinite importance, and the difficulties of doing it on a proper foundation, will be great, if not almost insurmountable, should it be deferred till the Campaign opens & the Enemy begin their Operations. The benefits of the institution will soon be known—the want was severely felt in the course of the last year.
There is One thing more, which claims in my opinion the earliest attention of Congress, I mean the pay of the Regimental Surgeons & that of the Mates. these appointments are so essential, that they cannot be done without. the pay in the first instance, is so low—so inadequate to the services, which should be performed, that no Man sustaining the character of a Gentleman, & who has the least medical abilities or skill in the profession, can think of accepting it. That in the latter, is so paltry and trifling, that none of the least generosity of Sentiment or pretensions to merit, can consent to act for it. In a word, these are inconveniences of an interesting nature—they amount to an exclusion of persons who could discharge the duties of these Offices, and if not redressed there is not the smallest probability, that any can be prevailed on to enter them again.
There are several matters also, which I referred to Congress some time since, and upon which I have not received the result of their deliberations.

One enquiry about the State of Arms & Ammunition I am peculiarly anxious to be satisfied in.
From the inconveniences and injuries to the Service of late, for want of Money, I am induced to request, that the strictest regard should be had to furnishing the paymaster with constant and sufficient Supplies. On Sunday he received 500,000 Dollars, half of which is already expended, and the Ballance in a day or two, will be entirely swept away, without discharging the several claims. By his report, the Commissary here requires an immediate draft for 100,000 & the Militia returning and about to leave the Camp, 120,000 more. the Expence incurred by calling on them so frequently, is almost incredible. Besides these, there are several arrears due the Old troops and to most of the General & Staff Officers. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. I fully intended to transmit you a Genl return, but am not able to make it out with precision: However from the most accurate estimate that I can form, the whole of our Numbers in Jersey fit for duty at this time, is under Three Thousand. These (981 excepted) are Militia & stand engaged only till the last of this Month. The Troops under innoculation including their Attendants amount to about One Thousand.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Edward Hand, 14 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hand, Edward

Sir,
Morris-Town Mar. 14th 1777.

You left this place many Weeks ago to collect, as I understood, the remains of your Regiment together—no good that I have yet seen, has resulted from it—by the last return just handed in, you have 263 Sick, absent—strange this! after such a length of time spent in Assembling your Regiment.

The Season of the year, & the exigency of our Affairs, will admit of no more delays; I have therefore, in express terms, to desire that you will immediately join your Regiment—that you will order all yr straglers to be brought forward—& that you will use your utmost endeavours (by employing the best qualified, & most deligent of your Officers) to compleat your Regiment to its establishment.
What is become of your Lieutent Colo.? If there is not some cogent reason to be assignd, his long absence from Camp will stand in a very unfavourable point of view—As your regiment is deficient in point of numbers, & wanting of Officers I think you had better reduce the number of Companies to the proper Establishment of Eight. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S: I do not mean to impede the Inoculan of yr Men for the Small Pox, by the foregoing Ordr.


Title: From George Washington to Col. Charles Mynn Thruston, 14 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Thruston, Charles Mynn

 Letter not found: to Col. Charles Mynn Thruston, 14 Mar. 1777. In his letter to GW of 14 Mar., Thruston says, “I feel very sensibly for the honour done me in your kind and polite letter of this day.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Charles Mynn Thruston, 14 March 1777
From: Thruston, Charles Mynn
To: Washington, George

Sir
Whippeny [N.J.] 14 March 1777

I feel very sensibly for the honour done me in your kind and polite letter of this day: your congratulation affects me; I am obliged and thank you. Give me leave to return it in behalf of yourself and the publick on the speedy recovery from your late indisposition.
Your offer of a Regiment does me great honour, and the genteel manner it is made leaves me without a pretence to refuse it; except such as may arise from a consciousness of my own inability, and the great difficulty there will be, cull’d as the state of Virginia now is, of getting it genteelly officered. Capt. Lewis I think will make an excellent Officer and am confident with the assistance of his friends in Frederick, about Alexandria, and Fredericksburgh will readily make up his company. I could wish too that Thornton Washington might be an Officer in the Regiment unless your Excellency has destined him to some other station. If Colo. McDonald will serve, no better Lieut. Colonel could be found—I cannot at present recollect above two or three such Captains as I should be willing to appoint; I shall therefore be glad of the advice of yr Excellency and my friend Colo. Johnston on this head; as I suppose it is high time the business were set a going. I shall add no more as I can neither write nor think, but that I am with utmost Regard and esteem your Excellencys obliged and most humble Servt

C. M. Thruston


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Andrew Ward, 14 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Andrew

Sir,
Morristown Mar. 14th 1777

In looking over the return made of your Regimt I find that no less than 17 Men are upon Furlough and 14 others discharged. By what authority Sir is this done? You know I presume that no Officer under the Rank of General has a right to discharge Men—& you must have known I should think, that this is notime for granting Furloughs, especially in a Regiment whose term of Service is so near expiring. I am Sir Yr Most Obt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 15 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 15th 1777.
Trenton.Bristol.


Title: Return of the American Forces in New Jersey, 15 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

[15 Mar. 1777]

Return of Continental Troops under the command of his Excellency General Washington at the different Posts in the State of New Jersey. 15th March 1777.

            Posts
            Regiments
            Rank & File fit for duty

            Morris Town
            Parts of pennsylvania Regts
            46

            Bound Brook
            8th pennsylva
            342

            Princetown
            Capt Yates from Maryland
            49

            1 Compy Colo. Martin’s Jersey
            35

            Colo. Shreves
            200

            Chatham
            Colo. Wards to serve to 15th May
            235

            Pennsa Rifle
            25

            Rariton
            Wyoming Men
            99

            Westfeild
            3d pennsylva
            28

            1st Jersey
            94

            4th do
            157

            12th pennsylva
            162

            Spank Town
            1st pennsylva
            171

            German Batt.
            125

            Whippany
            1st 3d 4th 5th 6th 9th Virginia
            74 well

            571 innoculad    645

            Different posts
            Colo. proctors Artillery
            130

            2543

Return of Militia at the different Posts in Jersey 15th March 1777.

            Posts
            Corps
            Time to wh. they are engaged
            Rank & File

            Quibble Town
            Rumsey’s Maryd
            1st April
            177

            Morgans Virga
            do
            47

            Geo. Scott’s
            do
            63

            Jas. Scott’s
            do
            32

            Rariton
            Jersey Militia
            do
            423

            Westfeild
            Ditto
            do
            234

            976

There are besides the above, three or four hundred Jersey and other Militia whose time expires about the 28th March.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 15 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 15th March 1777

I this evening received the favour of your letter of the 12th instant. The order you gave for such part of Ganservorts regiment as was at Fish-kills to repair to Fort Constitution, I approve of, as also you[r] determination respecting DuBois’s to remain at Fort Montgomery. They may be drawn from these places, when requisite, with the same expedition and ease as from Peeks-kills. The meaning and spirit of my order was, that the troops should be so assembled, as to be ready to act upon the shortest notice, in cases of emergency. However I hope that the Convention will fall upon speedy and effectual measures for garrisoning the above posts, and that those regiments should not be relied on for the purpose.
If the Gallies can be serviceable in the way you mention, they ought to be equipped; but I cannot, nor ever will again break in upon the regiments, appointed for the land service to man them. I have seen and felt the disadvantages arising from reducing Corps by drafts. I should think the Convention had better take the matter up, and proceed in such way as they judge best adapted to the end, or agreeable to such directions as the Marine Committee may give, after ’tis referred to them.
It is much to be wished the States could make up their quota’s of men by voluntary inlistments, rather than in any other way; but if it cannot be done, in any reasonable time, they must try some other expedient. If it can be effected by that you mention, it is of importance, that it should be immediately adopted. Our situation is critical, and the filling the regiments should not meet with the least avoidable delay.
Securing the Magazines of Hay &ca mentioned by Mr Sacket, is certainly an object of much importance; but I cannot by any means consent that Colonel Livingston’s regiment should be stationed at West-Chester-County for that purpose. The present State of things will not admit of having the Continental troops placed where they cannot be readily drawn to those places, in which there is a high probability of their being more essentially wanted. Neither is perhaps the danger so great as seems to be apprehended of inroads from the enemy that way—They have drawn almost the whole of their force into this state, and have left so few behind, that it is extremely probable they will be content, if they remain free from annoyance themselves without risking

the consequences of any offensive attempts. Yet it will be altogether expedient as far as the situation of affairs will permit to guard against the exploits of a partisan. But I am under the necessity of leaving the matter to the committee of Convention, under whose management it has been hitherto conducted, to have the magazines remov⟨ed⟩ to some place of greater security, which I hope they will be able to effect.
I do not find any mention of innoculation in your letter. This is an object of great importance, and what I wished to claim your first attention. The Campaign will soon be opened, and if it has not been begun, I fear the troops cannot be carried through the disorder so soon as will be necessary; but as it is so material a point, I must repeat my request that it may not be delayed a moment longer.
The part you have taken respecting Mr Edmiston I think perfectly prudent; but however upright his intentions may in reality be, he has left great room to suspect some unfair procedure. The time limited in his parole for his return has been now three weeks elapsed; and his not coming out before he did, is certainly an infringement of it, and merits reprehension. The proposal for his being permitted to go to Canada appears to me to be stamped with no great degree of modesty; and to carry in the face of it an insidious design to make him the vehicle of some important instructions to the enemy there. I shall write to General Schuyler on the subject.
I have given orders to the State of Massachusetts to send eight of their regiments to Peeks-Kills. You will see that every necessary preparation is made for their reception; and as I have directed that such as are clothed and armed may be immediately sent on and pass through innoculation there, I must beg you⟨r⟩ particular attention to the forwarding this purpose.
On a second view of the matter, I have no great objection that Colonal Livingston’s regiment should be sent to West-Chester for a little time ’till the Convention, by exerting themselves, may be able to call out the Militia to supply its place. But I cannot admit the idea of its being stationary there, ’till the business is done, as seems to b⟨e⟩ desired. I consent to its going as a temporary expedient for an immediate exigency, but on no other ground; and this I would do with the greater readiness, if it could be so situated, as to be in the way of obeying a su⟨dden⟩ call to this Quarter. Urge the Committee to dispatch the removal of the Magazines to some safe and convenient place. It was utterly impolitic, and ever against my judgment, to begin them, where they now are. I am with great respect, Dear Sir Your most obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 15 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Qrs Morristown 15th March 1777.

When speaking of your Son, I was just now informed, that he had not been provided for in the late appointments of Officers in your State, being under parole when they were made. The part he early took in the Contest & his sufferings for it, would not be rewarded, was he to be neglected; I therefore wish, if he inclines to continue in service, that he may be appointed to the command of One of the Four Companies I wrote Genl George Clinton to raise, if all the Officers are not already nominated, or if he is not under promises on the Head. This you will communicate to Genl Clinton, and if Mr McDougal cannot be provided for in that way, you will be pleased to set him to raising a Company, and to fix on such Officers as you and he shall esteem good & who can assist in facilitating the Work. I will annex it to some Regiment. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir,
Morris Town March 15. 1777.

Since Writing the Letter herewith, I received a Copy of a Letter from General Howe, transmitted me by General McDougall, in which he very modestly makes a Proposition for Major Edmisstons being permitted to go to Canada.
Your own Reflections will immediately convince You of the Impropriety of Complying with It, and confirm what I before suggested, that the whole has been a Contrivance for conveying Intelligence; and the Scheme of going to Canada is evidently to be the Bearer of some Instructions to General Carleton. I must therefore desire that a positive Denial may be given to the Proposal. I am Sir Your most Humble servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain Oliver Towles, 15 March 1777
From: Towles, Oliver
To: Washington, George

Sir
Virginia March 15. 1777

Having been Engaged in Business as an Attorney, about 12 Years in which I was fully employed, together with being concerned as an Agent, and Attorney in fact, for sundry people; I thereby became possessed of a Number of valuable Books & Papers greatly affecting the property of many. previous to my engaging in the Regular Service, I had so fixt my affairs, that my Agent was enabled to understand and manage them; But I now beg leave to inform yr Excellency that since I have been in the Service, I had the Misfortune when absent from Home, to have my Dwelling House burnt, in a Room thereof were all those Books and papers, of which a Desk and Trunk almost full were entirely consumed; many others of great value, lost and destroyed, amongst the Number burnt, were all the Books, papers and Vouchers relating to an Estate of several Thousand pounds value, that has been under my care as Admr & Guardian for many Years; the Orphans will in a few Months, indeed some of them at this time, have a Right to Settlement, & I have not a single Account or Voucher except a few Mems. & what Account & Information I can get from a Steward, that

will contribute I fear but little to the adjusting this heavy matter, And although I despair of Settling it with precision, as well as many other important Things that were intrusted to me, yet in Justice to all parties concerned, am desirous of fixing them on the best footing I can; more especially the one particularly mentioned, as a Neglect may be not only injurious to myself & a large Family, but may throw my Security’s into Jeopardy, to whom I would wish always to conduct myself wth the utmost tenderness and Justice—On examining my Papers, many Bonds Bills Accounts &c. that I was in hopes were safe, are missing; Clients & others whose papers and business I had, are daily applying for their papers or where they are missing to establish their Claims on some certainty; Of this I apprized General Stephen, & applied to him for leave to return home, who kindly granted it, wth directions first to recruit Men for the Service, & then to take the Necessary time for regulating my own Business; Upon taking a full review of my affairs, I find it impracticable to do any Thing material in them, without taking more time from the Service, than can according to my Ideas be consistent with the duty and honour of an Officer; In fine I am so circumstanced by this Misfortune, that should I fail to Settle my confused affairs, it would Infallable terminate in the ruin of my family who have hitherto been tolerably well supported, and also prove injurious to many?
Thus Sr you have a true State of my Case, which is Submitted to your examination, I would then Appeal to your Excellcy whether under those Circumstances, I can without incurring Dishonour, Resign my Commission, if I can, then I request an Appointment may be made in my stead, & I at liberty to retire; but if you are of a different Opinion, I will return as soon as possible to the Service; Could my business be managed wth any Degree of advantage by a Deputy or Agent, I solemnly declare I would not make this Application?
I shall set out for Head Quarters some time next Month, in the mean time, shall be much obliged for yr Answer for should I depart from here without knowing yr determination, It may occasion me a good deal of unnecessary Expence, wch might, and ought to be in my present situation and circumstances avoided if possible; a Letter left at Mr William Smiths Tavern, in Frederick would get soon to the Hands of Yr Excellency’s, most Obedt hble servt

O. Towles


Title: From George Washington to James Warren, 15 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Warren, James

Sir
Head Qrs Morristown 15 March 1777

I was some time since honoured with your Letter of the 3d Ulto. The polite manner in which you have been pleased to express your wishes for my happiness, & congratulations upon the agreable reverse of our Affairs, after a series of misfortunes, demand my gratefull acknowledgements; and assured, that they are more, than mere professions of Compliment, with equal sincerity I return you my thanks. The duties of my Office ’tis true, and the various business incident to it, allow me but little time for a friendly correspondence, However Sir, I shall ever be obliged by your Favors, and a communication of such things, as you may consider either agreable or interesting.
The policy adopted for raising your Quota of men, I could not but reprehend in some degree, having regard to the influence of the Precedent upon the States at large; At the same time, I am willing to ascribe it to the motives you mention, and am well convinced that those and those only gave rise to it. I heartily wish the Batallions may be soon compleated and for that purpose, beg leave to suggest, that none should be wanting in their exertions: The Enemy now have a formidable force in the Country and are only waiting the Season to be a little more advanced, to begin their Operations, and I am persuaded, they indulge a pleasing hope of effecting some Capital Stroke, before we have an army to oppose ’em. it behoves every nerve to be strained to baffle their views, and I flatter myself it might be accomplished, if our Troops can be collected, ’ere they open the Campaign, but of this I am not without the most painfull apprehension. A few days more and the Spring is upon us—and nothing prevents their movements now, but the badness of the Roads. No material event has occurred of late worthy of mention & of which you will not have heard, before this reaches you. Now & then there has been a Skirmish, which in the issue have been generally favourable.
You will be pleased to inform Mrs Warren that I transmitted her

Letter to Mrs Washington by the earliest Opportunity after it came to hand, and requesting a tender of my respects to her I have the Honor to be with great esteem Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 16 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 16th 1777.
Frankfort.Kensington.

Lt Hafnagle is appointed Captn in the 8th Pennsa Regt vice Capt. Myers resigned—he is to be obeyed accordingly.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Lambert Cadwalader, 16 March 1777
From: Cadwalader, Lambert
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada March 16. 1777.

Having seen Coll Fitzgerald in Town some Weeks since, he promised to do me the Favor to forward my Letter to Genl Prescot to which I cannot as yet expect an Answer if he is not in New york or Jersey.
If he should not have left Rhode Island and an Answer should not arrive in a reasonable Time I shall be glad to be inform’d whether your Excellency will do me the Favor to send in an Officer of the same Rank (Lt Col.) in Exchange or an Equivalent in Officers of an inferior Rank? If this could be done I should think myself entirely discharg’d from the Obligation the World in general thinks me under to those from whom I recd my Liberty.
In a few Days I expect to have at least 100 Men from the 4th Battn, well cloathed and equippd, with the Army in Jersey—they are most of

them old Soldiers and I am in Hopes will do their Country essential Service.
There is a Capt. Doyle who has an independant Company of Pennsylva Riffle-Men which at present does Duty with Colo: Hands Regt—he is desirous of being annexd to my Battn as a light Company and requests me to write for Leave to join the 4th Battn—I shall be glad of your Excellencys Answer on this Head. My Father and Brother desire their Compts. Your most obedt Hble Servt

Lambt: Cadwalader


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 March 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston March 16th 1777

On the 14th Instant being on my Journey back to the Army, I received the Honor of yours of the 3rd Instant, and Immediately turned back.
Since my first arrival in this Quarter, I have in Obedience to your Excellency’s Orders of the 9th Ultimo been Endeavouring to forward the Troops to Tyconderoga, part of four Regiments vizt Colo. Marshalls, Brewers, Bradfords, and Francis’s have marched, and Some of them I suppose by this Time have reached the place of their Destination, A Considerable number belonging to Other Regiments are to march this week, The Colonels Are much Embarrassed in procuring Arms & Blankets for their men, This State having been much drained of those Articles heretofore, The week before last I applied to the Assembly in the most pressing manner, desiring that Some mode might be devised for furnishing the Troops—They have now Committees out in the differant Counties Collecting Blankets, and numbers will Soon be ready to be delivered, As to Arms I cannot See that they can be Obtained here in Sufficient numbers, being Informed that a number were returned into the Store at Tyconderoga, I have Directed Some of the Officers to March part of their recruits without Arms. The Best of the Arms that were in the Hands of the Soldiery at the Close of the Campaign of 1775, your Excellency is Sensible were Stopt, apraised and purchased for the Army, And large Numbers were Bought up in this State the last year by different Officers who were Sent Out for that purpose; the greater part of which were returned at the Close of the

last Campaign into the Stores at Peeks-Kill & Fish Kills and before I left that place the New York and Connecticut Recruits, were Arming with them. I Imagine that your Excellency will think it but reasonable, That the Troops of this State should have a Part of them and I Submit it to your Excellency whether it would not be Expedient to forward Some of them to Albany.
As to the Number of recruits Already, nither the Council, or my self, have as yet been Able to get Complete returns, Altho repeatedly Called for, the Week before last about 3080 had passed Muster, and I should think the Number now enlisted is between 4 & 5000, I shall Endeavour to Inform your Excellency of the number as I may from Time to Time, be able to Obtain them.
The recruiting Service in Some places is very Successfull, in Others not so. The State has added £20 to the Continental Bounty as your Excellency has been heretofore Informed. Each Towns Quota of the 15 Battalions has been Sent to them, The Towns have Still Enhanced the Bounty, in General £24 more, which makes in the whole £50, and Some Towns I am Just Informed are even exceeding that. This I think is Egregious folly, and I fear will tend to make the Troops Uneasy where the Encouragment is Unequal. But the Source of this Extravagance was the giving many of the militia who have been Sent out, from Ten to Sixteen pounds for a few weeks absence, However I hope the Quota of this State will be now Soon raised, altho in a very Burthensome manner.
The Friends of Major Austin, who was dismised from the Service for Burning the Houses the last fall at White Plains, are Solliciting that He may be again Admitted into the Army. The Assembly would Commission him, but are apprehensive that it might give Umbrage to your Excellency, I have been Asked the Question, But dare not advise, Untill I Know your Pleasure, which should you please to hint, I would advise accordingly. I have the Honor to be Very respectfully your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from the New York Convention, 16 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: New York Convention
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from the New York Convention, 16 Mar. 1777. GW wrote the convention on 20 Mar.: “I am this day favoured with your letter of 16th inst. enclosing the examination of sundry persons.”


Title: To George Washington from Captain Benjamin Tallmadge, 16 March 1777
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
Wethersfield [Conn.]March 16th 1777

I think it my Duty to inform your Excellency of the rect of your letter of the 1st inst. together with our determinations thereon. The conditional permission therein contained respecting our raising one Troop of Greys, we cannot but construe in favr of my late petition; inasmuch as your Excellency was pleased to allow us to purchase them, on Condition that Horses of that Colour might be procured which should be thought more proper for the business of the Cavalry than those of any other. If we may judge from a View of those Horses already sent in we are greatly deceived if we have taken a wrong step in this particular.
Immediately upon the rect of your Excellency’s letter of the abovementioned date, I repaired to Salisbury in quest of Colo. Sheldon, both with a View of taking his advice & of supplying myself with money for the purpose of purchasing sd Horses. Unable to find Colo. Sheldon, I am disappointed in these particulars, & am indebted to a Friend for the Loan of several thousand Dollars for a few Days, ’till money may be forwarded on sufficient for the purpose. If it may please your Excellency, I should be glad that 5 or 6,000 Dollars may be sent on by Lieut. Belden the Bearer, who will wait upon your Excellency’s pleasure, & then immediately return. The time being very uncertain when Colo. Sheldon may return, as he is obliged to ride far & near to procure the necessary accoutrements for his Regt, induces me to make this petition, which I am sure would have been needless, had he thought that we should have wanted the money in his absence.
But one thing still more important, concerning which I should be glad to know your Excellency’s mind, is the Enoculation of the several Troops belonging to Colo. Sheldon’s Regt. The Commanding Officers of those Regts raised by this State have recd particular orders for the Enoculation of those belonging to their respective Regts who have not

heretofore taken the infection. Both our Field Officers being absent on business of importance for the Regt, no orders for the above purpose have come to hand. As I am entrusted with the Commd of the Troops now rendezvousing at this Place, I am anxious to be resolved in the aforesd particular. We have not more than 40 Horses yet sent in, & neither Saddles nor Bridles have arrived, so that little can be done towards disciplining the Regt at present. We have moreover Lads enough belonging to our different Troops who have had the small pox, to attend the Stables for the present, so that in fact the others can be spared at this Juncture without the least Delay, or Detriment to the Service.
Your Excellency’s Determination on the premises, together with any further orders which may be thought necessary shall be strictly attended to, & punctually obeyed, by your Excellency’s most obedt hble Servt

Benjamin Tallm⟨adge⟩

P.S. The Cloathing designed for Capt. Lewis’s Troop has come to hand, but as I am informed that he is annexed to another Regt, I shall wait your Excellency’s Directions respecting it.


Title: General Orders, 17 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 17th 1777.
New-Castle.Salem.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Bryan, 17 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Bryan, Jonathan

Sir
Morristown in Jersey, March 17th 1777.

I have wrote to General Howe who commands in Georgia, to consult with you and the president of South Carolina, the propriety of making an Attempt upon St Augustine.
If on consideration the measure shall seem expedient & practicable, I flatter myself, that your State & that of South Carolina will chearfully concur and give General Howe every aid necessary for the execution of it.
The good consequences that will certainly result from such an Expedition, if attended with Success, are too obvious to escape your notice,

and lead me to hope for a ready compliance with the requisition, if it shall appear, after due consideration had of all circumstances, that the Enterprize would have a fortunate & favourable issue. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 17 March 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada March 17th 1777.

I have the Honour to transmit you sundry Resolves of Congress of a very important Nature, to which I beg Leave to solicit your Attention.
The Congress having had your Letters of the 1st and 6th Inst. under Consideration, have come to the enclosed Resolve on the Subject, by which you will percieve they decline making any Alteration in the Resolve of the 6th January, and that it was not their Intention that Colo. Campbell should experience any other Hardship than such Confinement as is necessary to his Security for the End they had in View when they passed that Resolve.
The obvious Distinction made by Genl Howe in his Treatment of Genl Lee who is notoriously committed to the Custody of the Provost and denied his Parole, while our other Officers are admitted to it, was the Ground on which Congress proceeded when they passed that Resolve, the Intention of which was to shew, that in Proportion as Severities against him were increased, the same Treatment should be exercised on Six Field Officers.
The Principle of Retaliation was early adopted by the States of America, and if adhered to, will be the most likely Way to prevent our Enemies from making Distinctions, which have no other Foundation but the Gratification of their Revenge, Genl Lee having an undoubted Right to every Indulgence that our other Officers Prisoners among them, may recieve.
I have wrote to the Governor and Council of Virginia, and likewise to Colo. Stephen, on the Subject of the enclosed Resolves.
The Congress have endeavoured to put a Stop to Foreigners coming over to America to enter the Service, not only by directing the Committee of Secret Correspondence to write to the Agents abroad to discourage them from such Views, but by declaring that they shall not be employed, unless they are well acquainted with our Language.
Your several Favours of the 20th 23d and 28th Feby and 1st and 6th

of March have been duly recieved and laid before Congress. I am also this Minute honoured with your Favour of the 14th which shall be laid before Congress as soon as possible. I have the Honour to be with Sentiments of the greatest Esteem, Sir, Your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Robert Howe, 17 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

Sir
Morristown in Jersey March 17th 1777.

Not long since I was honoured with a visit from Colonel Walton, One of the Delegates of Georgia to the Continental Congress who suggested the propriety of an Expedition against St Augustine, requesting at the same time my Opinion to be communicated to you. If the measure can be attempted with a probability of Success, it is much to be desired; but circumstanced as I am in point of situation & distance, & for want of a proper knowledge of many things, I can not determine upon it with precision.
I therefore wish you to inform yourself of the strength of the Garrison—the fortification & number of Cannon—the Route & approaches to the place, & to consult with the Govr of Georgia & the president of South Carolina, as to the expediency and practicability of the Enterprize. If it shall be considered from the forces which they can furnish—the mode for subsisting the Troops & from the Season of the Year & every other circumstance, that it can be attempted with a prospect of Success, it ought to be immediately undertaken. It is an Object of considerable importance, & if it could be effected, would produce the most valuable & salutary consequences.

I have written to the States of Carolina & Georgia upon the Subject and flatter myself if the Scheme shall appear adviseable and to promise Success that they will give you every aid necessary to the execution of it. I shall expect to have your Sentiments upon the matter, & have only to add, if it is attempted that the Issue of the Enterprize will greatly depend upon the Secrecy & dispatch with which it is conducted. I am Sir with great respect

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 17 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Livingston, 17 Mar. 1777. GW writes to Livingston on 1 April that “I have been honoured with yours of the 17th and 26th.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Thomas Mifflin, 17 March 1777
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Reading [Pa.] 17th March 1777

This Evening I was honord with Your Letter of the 11th Inst.
The Ammunition Wagons and others go on as fast as possible. I have purchasd all the Linen fit for Tents in & near Philadelphia; & have new Ones ready for 12000 Men only. When any Canvas arrives it shall be procurd & made up. Mr Hughes has Tents for 3000 Men. But my cheif Supply, which I lookd for from Massachusets, has been cut off by the Assembly of that State; who have engaged all the Sail Cloth that could be procur’d & have directed a Committee to provide Tents for 12000 Men: as I am inform’d—My Agent applyd for Sail Cloth for 4’000 Tents but could not obtain One Yard—He has however been assurd by the Council that we may have all the Tents belonging to that State provided we cannot supply ourselves in this Quarter—A Letter from your Excellency to the Government of Massachusets will make us easy on this Head.
The Tomhawks, intrenching Tools, Horse Shoes & Magazines of Forage will be in Readiness for any Movement of Mr Howes to the North or South of Morris Town.
I have dispatchd 36 stout Teems from this Town for Morris Town and will send off 12 more on Saturday next. If Colonel Biddle can find Leisure to begin with some of the Regulations proposd it may save much Trouble & Confusion hereafter; especially if Mr Howe should think of m⟨oving⟩ soon.
I ⟨have sent⟩ to Congress for Orders but ha⟨ve⟩ rece⟨ived⟩ only some general Hints that it wou⟨ld⟩ be most agreeable to them to continue me as the Qr Mr Genl.
All I can say on the last Line of your Excellencys Letter is that I will

endeavour to do my Duty in whatever Point I may be placed and that it is my ardent Wish to be in immediate Command of yourself.
I expect to have my Accounts in good Order in A Week—When they are compleated I will take a general Veiw of the Department in this State & then most cheerfully wait on your Excellency for Orders. I am with great Attatchment Your Obliged Friend & most Ob. Srt

Thomas Mifflin


Title: From George Washington to John Rutledge, 17 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Rutledge, John

Sir
Morris Town, in Jersey, March 17th 1777

The reduction of St Augustine being considered as an object of infinite importance, I have wrote to General Howe, who commands on Georgia, to consult with you, and the Governor of that state, the propriety of making an expedition against it.
If on consideration of every circumstance, the measureshall seem practicable, and to promise a prospect of success, I flatter myself, and am well assured, that you will chearfully concur; and give General Howe every aid in your power, necessary to the execution of it, in conjunction with the assistance he will derive from Georgia. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir Your most Obdt servant.


Title: General Orders, 18 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 18th 1777.
Newport.Wilmington.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 18 March 1777
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Providence March 18. 1777.

Your Excellency’s Favours of the 1st and 3d instant have been duly received, and will be laid before the General Assembly, at their Meeting next Week.

This State from it’s early and continued Exertions hath been greatly exhausted of Arms. Of all those furnished to the Continental Troops raised by us, and to the Numbers of Seamen raised for the Fleet, none have been returned, excepting from Col. Richmond’s Battalion, almost all which were lost upon Rhode-Island. The Invasion of the Enemy hath also obliged us to put Arms into the Hands of those poor Persons in the Militia who were not able to purchase. In this Case we were under the Necessity of applying to the Continental Agent in the Massachusetts, of whom we received Eleven Hundred and Seventy Six and no more; some Part of which hath been delivered out to the Militia from that State who came here unarmed. Should these Arms be taken from us, it will be impossible to furnish the Continental Battalions now raising here; and I am persuaded the General Assembly will wait your further Order before they will be Delivered: And when Your Excellency shall have considered the Matter fully, and more especially that all our Ports have been effectually blocked up ever since the Beginning of December, which hath prevented us from importing any, I have no Doubt you will countermand your former Order.
We have already given every Encouragement in our Power to Men to inlist into the Continental Battalions, and am sorry to inform You that there are but about Four Hundred inlisted. Nor, in the present State of Affairs, do I see any Prospect of our being able to complete them. To oppose the Enemy at Rhode-Island the States of New-England agreed to keep up an Army of Six Thousand Men, of which we were to furnish Eighteen Hundred. The other States having always fallen short of their Quotas from Eighteen to twenty Five Hundred, we have been obliged to keep up between Twenty five Hundred and Three Thousand. At present the Enemy consist of Six Hessian and two British Regiments making near Four Thousand Men, and we have not in the State but Five Hundred and fifty one effective Men besides our own Troops. Your Excellency is sensible that near a Quarter Part of the State is in Possession of the Enemy. Besides those inlisted into the Continental Battalions the Brigade for 15 Months consist of about Five Hundred, and One third of all the remaining sencible Men are upon monthly Duty by Rotation. I need not add that this Situation creates insuperable Difficulties.
In my next I will send you the best Accounts I can of the Exchange of Prisoners from this State: Of those sent by us it will be exact.
Methods are taken by General Varnum to have the two Continental Battalions raising by this State inoculated as early as possible, But I cannot think while so large a Body of the Enemy are upon Rhode Island, and we left so defenceless, that Your Excellency will Order them away. I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Nichs Cooke


Title: Instructions to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Sir
[Head Quarters, Morristown, 18 March 1777]

The necessity of having the Congress well inform’d of many matters essential to the well being of this Army, and the Impracticability of doing this fully by Letter, have induced me to request you (who intimately know our Circumstances) to repair immediately to Philadelphia for this purpose. at the same time to know how we are to be supplied with Arms and many other Articles of wch we are exceedingly deficient.
To enumerate the several matters of information necessary to be given, and the enquiries proper to be made, would be as needless, as endless—your own good Sense assisted by such hints as you have recd will be abundly Sufft.
Two or three things however, I must in a more particular manner, recom’d to your Attention—the one is, the embarrassment I am laid under with respect to carrying the Exchange of Prisoners into Execution agreeable to the Cartel settled with Genl Howe, by order of Congress, on Acct of the confinement of Lt Colo. Campbell, & the Hessian Field Officers.
One thing in particular I beg of you to Impress strongly upon Congress and that is the necessity of keeping the Paymaster regularly supplied with the Article of Cash. without it, every thing moves slowly on; and many, and great disadvantages flow from the want of it as we have most wofully experienced of late in numberless Instances.
As the Establishment of the horse with respect to the Pay seems to be upon an unstable footing and it is indispensably necessary that both Officers and Men should know what they have to depend upon—I should be glad if the pay could be settled upon such a just and liberal footing as to give satisfaction to the Parties.
But I would have you enquire of the Quarter Master Genl how he stands provided with Tents. Ammunition Carts or Waggons, Waggons for Intrenching Tools and hatchets, or Tomahawks—Also of the Comy of Stores how he goes on in his Castings of Cannon—Making Cartridges (of which numbers should be in readiness) and in general, what forwardness the business of the Elaboratory is in. & urge him to the most diligent discharge of the duties thereof. Given at head Quarters at Morris Town this 18th day of Mar. 1777.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Morristown March 18th 1777.

The difficulty, if not impossibility, of giving Congress a just Idea of our situation and of several other important matters requiring their earliest attention by Letter, has induced me to prevail on Major General Greene to wait upon them for that purpose. This Gentleman is so much in my confidence—so intimately acquainted with my ideas—with our strength, and our weaknesses—with everything respecting the Army, that I have thought it unnecessary to particularize or prescribe any certain line of duty or enquiries for him. I shall only say, from the rank he holds as an able & good Officer in the estimation of all who know him, he deserves the greatest respect, and much regard is due to his Opinions in the line of his profession. he has upon his mind such matters as appear to me most material to be immediately considered of, and many more will probably arise during the intercourse you may think proper to honor him with, on all which, I wish to have the sense of Congress and the result of such deliberations as may be formed thereupon.
I have inclosed an Extract of a Letter received yesterday from Govr Trumbull, with a Copy of one intercepted, going from the late Govr Wentworth to his Sister. The information contained in the Latter, if true, is important and interesting. How far it is to be relied on, I can not determine, but there can be no doubt of the British’s Court’s straining every nerve and interest at Home and abroad to bend us to their insufferable Yoke. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 18 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Morristown March 18th 1777.

I very sincerely congratulate you upon your late promotion. The purport of this Letter is private. Your design in restraining the Waggon Master, from buying and selling Horses, I highly approve, because I am well assured, that a contrary practice would be introductory of a great deal of fraud, and imposition upon the public: But as it is more than probable that, in the course of service, many Horses will be so worn down as to render it beneficial to the public to have them sold, I should be glad, in that case, and no other, to come in as a common purchaser of a parcel of Mares, to the number of even fifty or an hundred.
I have many large Farms and am improving a great deal of Land into Meadow and Pasture, which cannot fail of being profited by a number of Brood Mares; the getting of which, may perhaps, come easier and readier, in this way, than any other. I again repeat, that it is upon the presumption the good of the service requires such Sales, that I mean to become (as another person) a purchaser: But could wish, nevertheless, that it might be done without any mention of my Name; well knowing that the most innocent and upright Actions are often misconstrued, & that it would not be surprising, if it should be said, that I was defrauding the public of these Mares by some collusion or other.
I should not care how low in flesh, or even crippled, they are, provided I could get them home; but I should not like to have them Old, and would prefer Bays, though I shall not object to any Colour. If such Sales are found necessary, you can, I dare say, easily manage the matter so, in my behalf, as to keep my name out of the Question. My best respects to Mrs Mifflin. With truth and sincerity, I am, Dr Sir, Your obt & Affectionate.

G. Washington.


Title: General Orders, 19 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 19th 1777.
Brunswick.Amboy.

Major William McWilliams is appointed an Aide-De-Camp to Major Genl Lord Stirling, and is to be obeyed and respected as such.
The Non-commissioned officers and soldiers of Col: Dayton’s regt whose Arms, & Accoutrements are in repair, are, upon a settlement, to have Credit in their accounts, for the sums stopped from them respectively for said arms &c.—Such of the Arms as have been damaged, and can be repaired, are likewise to be accounted for, with them, making a reasonable allowawnce for the repair; With this the men are to be made acquainted, as soon as possible.
The commanding Officer of the regiment will, on application, receive a Warrant on the Pay-Master-Genl—for the sum necessary—the Arms will then be the property of the public, for which the Colonel, or commanding Officer must be answerable; And he will be careful to take Receipts from the Captains, or Officers commanding Companies, which will so far discharge him; it will be their duty to have them preserved and kept in good order—If any Arms are lost or damaged thro’ carelessness of the Soldiers, the loss or damage must be made good by the individual—As the whole Regiment have not reinlisted, the supernumerary Arms and Accoutrements to be delivered to the Commissary of Military Stores, who will give a Receipt for the same.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 19 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 19th March 1777

I was a few days ago favoured with yours of the 9th instant from Reading, and am glad to find, that the preparations in your department are so forward.
I wrote to you on the 13th and informed you of what Alterations I thought necessary for the future Regulation of the Office of Qr Mr General, and desired you to proceed with all expedition in the Execution of it.
I have a letter of the 9th from Mr Snickers, he had not then recd your orders for the purchase of Teams, at which he was very uneasy, as the price of Horses was rising daily. I have likewise heard from Mr Thomas Rutherford, to whom I made the Offer of Waggon Mr General, but his ill health renders him unfit to fill so active a department. As I have been unfortunate enough to be disappointed in the only three persons who came within my Knowledge, as proper to manage so important a station as Waggon Mr Genl I must leave the matter to you, and hope you will meet with better Success. You well know the necessary qualifications for this Officer, and how much the ease of your own department depends upon him, that I need give you no directions for your Choice.
I have had so many complaints of irregularity & ill Conduct in the deputy Commissaries, which I have in vain endeavoured to remedy, that I some time ago directed Colo. Trumbull to come down himself and regulate his own Department. I expect him daily, when I hope he will make strict enquiry into the Conduct of all of them. Capt. Wade may be a man of warm temper, but he has had a sad disaffected set to deal with. Whenever the Settlement of your Accounts will permit you to come to head quarters, I shall be very glad to see you, as the Season approaches fast, when the presence of the heads of every department will be highly necessary. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.

P.S. Yours of the 17th is just come to hand, after sealing which I broke to add this post script. Colo. Biddle is gone to Philada.


Title: General Orders, 20 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 20th 1777.
Chatham.Durham.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Alexander, 20 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Alexander, Robert

Dear Sir,
Morristown March 20th 1777.

I have waited, as I think you must do me the justice to acknowledge, with a good deal of patience, to see if you were disposed to fulfil your agreement with me, respecting the Land I purchased of you in Maryland. As I hear nothing of your intentions of carrying this matter into execution, and see no greater prospect of its being done now, than when the bargain was first made, I cannot help considering the Affair in a point of view very unfavourable.
I think, any Gentleman, possessed of but a very moderate degree of influence with his Wife, might, in the course of five or six Years (for I think it is at least that time) have prevailed upon her to do an Act of justice, in fulfilling his Bargains and complying with his wishes, if he had been really in earnest in requesting the matter of her; especially, as the inducement which you thought would have a powerful operation on Mrs Alexander, namely the birth of a Child, has been doubled, and tripled.
It is not a very favourable time I acknowledge, to purchase Lands upon the Water; but as this purchase still corresponds with the views I first set out upon, and I have waited your time for the completion of it, with a degree of patience, which few others in my situation would have done, I hope you will give me no further cause to complain of your delays; for I cannot help repeating, and the World will believe, that the fault is not in Mrs Alexander, but yourself, if matters are procrastinated any longer. I am, Sir, Your mo. obt servant,

Go. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Robert McKenzie, 20 March 1777
From: McKenzie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York 20th March 1777

I presume upon your former Friendship for Colonel Robert Stuart to trouble you with the enclosed Extracts of a Letter I lately received from him, as the most effectual Method I can devise of complying with his Request. If any Part of the Things mentioned can be recovered so

that I may have it in my Power to forward them to London, the Expences attending it will be most punctually paid in any Way you please to direct by, Sir, your most obedient Servant

Robert Mackenzie


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 20 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: New York Convention

Morristown, 20 March 1777. “I am this day favoured with your letter of 16th inst. enclosing the examination of sundry persons lately in New-York, for which I am much obliged to you; as every intelligence of this kind, serves to cast light upon the true situation of affairs.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 20 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 20th March 1777

I am favd with yours of the 23d February, & 6th March. So far from allowing the Goods brought off from Long Island to be sold for the Captors or rather plunderers, that if you had not assured me the Officer

delivered up all the Goods to you and seemed to think he acted for the best, I should have ordered him to be tryed by a Court Martial for disobedience of Orders. But I desire he may be severely reprimanded and the Goods restored to the Owners, for if such practices are not put a Stop to in the Beginning, we shall have nothing but descents upon the Island under pretence of distressing the Enemy, when in fact it will be to plunder the Inhabitants without respect to Whig or Torey.
The present disposition of the Enemy renders an Attempt upon Long Island dangerous if not impracticable. You had therefore better lay it aside, and content yourself with a Continuance of your Exertion in forwarding the Recruits within your department as soon as they are out of the small pox, during wch time preparations must be made for accoutering them—They must not stay at home till they are as well equipped as they could wish, I fear too many of the Officers make this a pretence for not coming on to Camp. Genl Howe is preparing fast to take the Feild; very little prevents his doing it just now, the badness of the Roads can only prevent him, and they must settle and be passable in a little time. Reinforcements therefore are indispensably necessary. Nothing but innoculation must detain the Recruits. About three Weeks past, Colo. Charles Webbs Son, the Adjutant [to] his Battalion came to this place, told me that his Father had four hundred Men inlisted and procured an Order on Mr Chevers for as many Arms. If he has not a sufficient Number of Men to use them all, take the overplus from him and put them into the hands of Men already inlisted. It never was my Intention to give Arms to any Gentleman ’till he had Men to use them immediately—Moreover I have heard lately that there are but slender hopes of Colo. Webb’s raising his Battalion—Please to inquire into this matter & inform me how it stands.
You will observe, how essentially necessary it is that I should immediately be furnished with a State of the Battalions—Be so good as to forward the Return within your Department as soon as you can possibly procure it. I am &C.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town March 20th 1777

I just now received your letter of the 16th instant, by Lieutenant Bolden.
You have rightly construed the permission, contained in mine of the first instant, respecting the raising a troop of dark greys. It was my intention that this should be done in case a sufficiency of horses of the ordinary colour could not be readily obtained.
With respect to money, I cannot at this time conveniently grant a supply of the sum you request; especially as it appears to me that, the £10.000 lawful, advanced by Governour Trumbal to Colonel Sheldon, cannot yet be exhausted; and he should not be in such circumstances, as to put it out of the power of the officers under him to call for and receive those supplies, which are necessary to the forwarding his regiment, and for which only the money before-mentioned was advanced. Besides it would be irregular to grant supplies, through any other channel than that of the commanding Officer of the regiment.
I expected that the directions I gave for innoculating the troops in general, would have been equally observed by your Regiment; but as I perceive it has not been so, I have to desire that no further delay may attend so important a matter; to which, for the reasons you give, the present situation of things is so peculiarly favourable.
Though Capt. Lewis’s troop has been annexed to a different regiment, yet as I design to have another troop added to your’s, the cloathing you speak of, is to come on with your regiment for that purpose. I expect and desire that every endeavour may be used to have the same ready for the field as soon as possible, which will be as honorable to the officers belonging to it, as conductive to the good of the public service. I am Sir Yr most humble servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major John Thornton, 20 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Thornton, John

Sir,
Head quarters. Morris Town. 20th March 1777.

Having determined to attempt the raising another Battalion in Virginia, the command of which is given to C. M. Thruston Esqr. of Frederick County, I have a desire to appoint you the Major. I have not forgot that it was in contemplation for You to fill the office of Lieutt Colo. of Colo. Henley’s Battalion: But, besides the improbability, from his own account, that success will attend his attempt in New England, I discover that there are several Captains in the Virginia line with older Commissions than yours, who will complain of so rapid a promotion. For these reasons, I think it more for the public good to offer you this Majority—Angus McDonald Esqr. of Frederick is designed for the Lieutt Colo. ’Tis at present doubtfull, whether he will come into service; should he refuse, perhaps Circumstances may justify your supplying the Vacancy—Be pleased to communicate your determination to me immediately; in the meantime ’tis proper that the recruiting Instructions & Money may be sent to you & the Regimt be filling up during Colo. Thruston’s indisposition. I am Yr most Obdt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. A certain Gentleman your junior, is only a Major, & not as is supposed a Lt Colo. of Horse.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 20 March 1777
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston March 20th 1777

Agreeable to your request I have settled those Accounts respecting the Arms that were purchased by your direction, which were not before settled. The money which I received I have paid into the hands of Mr Hancock, Deputy Paymaster General in this Department; his Receipts for the same, together, with Copies of the Accounts settled, I herewith inclose.
Your Favour of the third of March came duly to hand, and agreeable to your desire, I have this day resigned my command to General Heath.
Please, Sir, to accept my sincere Congratulation upon the Success which has attended the Army of the United States under your Excellency’s Command, and my most devout and ardent Wishes that Heaven may crown your future Efforts with complete and glorious

Success. I am Sir, most respectfully Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General George Clinton, 21 March 1777
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Fort Montgomery, New York, 21 March 1777. Writes on behalf of a John Griffiths who wants to travel to England to attend to his wife’s estate.
“Some Time since a Relative of Mrs Griffiths (I think a Brother) died in England & by his Will devised to her or her Son a considerable Estate in Lands on Condition the Devissee shoud return to England within a limitted Time & possess it—Mr Griffiths for this Purpose applied to the Convention of this State & obtained Leave to go to England from them; But Govr Tryon refusing to let any Passengergs on Board the Vessel in which Mr Griffiths intended to take Passage without their taking a certain Oath which he conceived inconsistent with his Engagements to the Convention & the Rights of a Freeman refused & was thereby prevented from prosecuting his Journey—He has lately received Information that such Steps are taken that unless he can be speedilly in England his Family are likely to loose their Interest there And proposes waiting on your Excellency for Permission to go there—I can with the greatest Confidence recommend him as a Gentleman of too much Honor & Integrity to make any Ill Use of any Indulgence your Excellency may Please to shew him on this Occasion.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Dr Sir
Morristown March 21st 1777

I was last night honoured with a Letter from Congress of the 17th Inst. covering Sundry Resolutions. They have determined to adhere to those formed sometime ago respectg Lt Colo. Campbell & the Hessian Feild Officers; Yet I am not able to conclude certainly, whether they mean to hold them as Sureties for the future safety & good treatment of Genl Lee ’till his Exchange is really effected, or Whether they are only to be detained, ’till he is declared by Genl Howe to be on the same footing of Other Prisoners belonging to our Army & exchangeable in like manner, when ever we have an Officer of their’s of equal rank to offer for him. You know the meetings already had for settling a more regular mode of Exchange, & how embarrassing my situation is, I therefore wish you to obtain the sense of Congress explicitly upon the Subject & to transmit it as early as you can with such Resolve as they may pass about fixing a Cartel. I am Dr Sir &C.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Morristown March 21st 1777.

I was last night honoured with your Letter of the 17th Instt covering Sundry Resolutions of Congress, which shall have my attention.
Having charged Major General Greene, who will probably be in philadelphia to day, with such matters as I wished to refer to the consideration of Congress, I have nothing to trouble them with at this time, or material to inform them of. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 21 March 1777
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Sr
Lyme [Conn.] March 21st 1777

I hope to be able to send to your Excellency’s Assistance One Regiment of continental Troops by the last of next Week. These will be

Detachments from all the Regiments raisd in this State; I can send nearly this Number as soon as a Field Officer’s Command as that cannot march ’till the present Class are out from the Hospitals.
Colo. Livingston informs me your Excellency’s Orders to him to make a Descent on Long Island are countermanded: I have not been able to procure any Men for that Purpose from this State & must therefore give over the Idea of attempting to distress the Enemy there—A Number of Transports under Convoy of three Men of War are now at the East End of Long Island taking off the Forage.
I am anxiously concernd in what Way the Levies will be armd; I have applied to the Govr & Council on the Subject but with little Prospect of collecting many Arms; I have sent to the State of the Massachusetts Bay for the Prize Arms but find Part have been deliverd to Colo. Lee, Part to the Marines on Board the Frigate, & the Residue are lent to the State of Rhode Island to be returnd when the Enemy leave that Part of the Country—Which Way I can arm another Regiment I cannot have the least Idea unless they can be supplied from the Public Stores at Peeks Kill or Jersey.
The Want of proper Medicine I fear will soon put a Stop to Innoculation, some of the capital Articles are scarcely to be procurd for those now in the Hospitals.
I having diligently imployd my Time in this State in raising, arming & clothing the Recruits I wish my Success could equal your Excellency’s Desires & reasonable Expectations but the amazing Inattention of the People to the necessity of speedily furnishing their Quota, the frequent Call of our Militia which has carried out many who would have inlisted, and the Length of Time for which they [are] to be ingaged, aford me little Prospect of soon compleating our Proportion.
I have thought when every Effort to raise our Men for three Years or the War fails, it might be an expedient worth Attempting to endeavor to inlist the Residue for One Year under such Encouragment as your Excellency should think Proper.
Had our Assembly orderd a Draft to fill the Battalions I beleive the Regiments would have been nearly compleated by this Time without detaching a Man; that would have rousd them from their Lethargy & every Person would have animated his Neighbour lest the Lot should fall on himself. I know no Men more ardently desire to Support your Excellency than the Assembly of Connectt. Every Requisition or Recommendation coming from you is more attended to & sooner complied with in this State than those from Congress or any other Body of Men, if your Excellency should think it advisable & should in pressing Terms urge the Necessity of a Draft for a Year or such Term as you

should think proper to fill our Quota I am inclind to think it would be complied with—this is the only Mode which at present, promises a speedy Supply of Men, and in my Opinion is much preferable to frequent Detachments of the Militia for short Terms, as the latter greatly affects the Husbandry of the Country is very Expensive & so discourages the People that I fear they will sink under the Weight of their imaginary & real Burthens.
When your Excellency thinks proper to order me to join the Army I shall be happy to receive your Directions therefor, if tis best for me to continue here till the Levies are nearly compleated, I am content, as I am sure I am doing best when I am pursuing your Orders.
If any of the Troops of this State are to be orderd to the Northern Department, I wish to know it as None of those Regiments ought to be sent to the Western Army. I wish not to be orderd Northward as I much prefer a Southern Station: but Nothing will give me more Pleasure than by a cheerful Obediance to all your Orders to convince your Excellency no Man has a higher Sense of the Justice & Propriety of all your Commands. I am with the greatest Esteem yr Excellency’s hbl. Servt

Saml H. Parsons


Title: General Orders, 22 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 22nd 1777.
Georgia.Hallifax

The Commander in Chief is pleased to make the following promotions. viz:
Major John Green of the 1st Virginia Battalion to be Lieutenant Colonel of the same, vacant by the death of Lt Col. Eppes. Capt: Robert Ballard of the same to be the Major of the same, vacant by the promotion of Lt Col. Green.
Lieut. Col. Alexander Spotswood of the 2nd Virginia Battn to be Colonel of the same, vacant by the resignation of Col. Woodford—Major Richard Parker of the 6th to be Lieut: Colonel, vacant by the promotion of Col. Spotswood. Capt: Morgan Alexander of the 2nd to be the Major; vacant by the promotion of Lt Col. Markham to the 8th.
Lt Col. Thomas Marshall of the 3rd Virginia Battalion to command the same, vacant by the promotion of Brigadier Weedon.
Capt: George Gibson of the 1st Virginia Battalion to be Major of the 4th, vacant by the promotion of Lt Col. Sayres to the 9th.
Lt Col. Alexander McClenachan of the 7th Virginia Battalion, to be Colonel of that Battalion; vacant by the removal of Col. Crawford: Major William Neilson of the same to be Lieutenant Colonel, vacant by the promotion of Col. McClenachan: Capt: William Davies of the 1st to be Major, vacant by the promotion of Lt Col. Neilson.
Lt Col. Bowman of the 8th Virginia Battalion to be Colonel of the same, by promotion of Brigadier Muhlenberg, & Major John Markham of the 2nd to be Lieutenant Colonel, vacant by promotion of Col. Bowman.
Lt Col. George Matthews of the 9th Virginia Battalion to be Colonel of the same, vacant by the death of Col. Fleming and Major John Sayres of the 4th to be Lieut. Colonel, vacant by the promotion of Col. Mathews.
As it is not possible, from the present dispersed State of the Virginia

Officers, many of whom are necessarily absent from the Army, and may have a claim for promotion, but are not taken notice of in the foregoing arrangement, it is to be observed that no Conclusion must be drawn from this order in prejudice of such Gentlemen. When circumstances will permit the residue of the vacancies will be filled up, and the rank of all the officers in that Line settled on just and reasonable principles; regard being had to their seniority, and the good of the service.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Elliott, 22 March 1777
From: Elliott, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Honble Sir
King Willm [Va.] Mch 22nd 1777

I make no doubt but you have been surprised why I did not comply with your Orders of the 12th Jany, in Joining my Regimt as soon as possable, in order to have the Troops Cloathed, Disciplin’d, and prepared to take the Feild early in the Spring; Your Letter (one I before wrote you) came to hand abt the tenth of Febry at which time I was much afflicted with an Inflamation in my Eyes, but hoped (as I then wrote you), shou’d be well enough to set off abt the 20th of same Month, before which time, I was seized with a pain in my Legs, which in a few Days render’d me unable to Walk without the Assistance of Crutches; and am now in such a situation that I can neither Walk nor ride, nor have I been able for 20 days past to do either; and as my disorder does not in the least abate, but rather to increase, it is impossable I can fix on any time when to set out to Join the regimt. This much I can Assure your Excellency that as soon as I am able to travel, I will repair to the Regimt without loss of time. Maj. Seayres, who was necessarily detain’d longer than I expected, I am inform’d set off about ten days ago to the Regimt who I hope will take care that the Troops are furnished with every necessary, and properly prepared to take the Field. Lt Colo. Lawsen (who by your Order superintends the recruiting service for the completion of the 4th Virga Regimt) being situated at a great distance from me, prevents me from giving you any satisfactory Acct how that business goes on, but am apprehensive men are very difficult to be got to complete the Old regiments, as most of the Men who were disposed to enlist, were engaged in the new raised regiments before the Officers came from the Northward to recruit. Shou’d my Disorder continue on me much longer, so that I can not render my Country the Service due from an Officer in my Station, I shall inform your Excellency of it, that some other person may be appointed to the command of the Regimt; for I wou’d by no means impede the service of my Country, tho it will be very disagreable to me to quit it at this Critical Juncture. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Mo: Obt & very Hhble Servant

Thos Elliott

Colo. B. Temple, can inform yr Excellency more particularly of my situation.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Dr sir
Head Qrs Morristown March 22nd 1777

I am again called upon for another meeting between Colo. Walcott & Mr Harrison to negotiate the Cartel—so long the Subject of Correspondence between Genl Howe & myself & those two Gentn. Without incurring further charge of delay, I could not defer their interview longer than next Friday morning; I therefore request that you will transmit me by Express, who may arrive here early enough on Thursday for Mr Harrison to set out, such Resolution as Congress shall have or may form on your Application for their vesting me with powers for settling This Business, also their sense in direct & explicit terms on the Subject of my last Letter to you Viz. Whether they mean to release & Exchange Colo. Campbell & the Hessian Feild Officers, supposing Genl Howe should declare Genl Lee on the footing of Other prisoners and liable to be exchanged on the principles of the Agreement now subsisting—or whether they are determined to detain them tho he should. I wish much to be satisfied in those points—a knowledge of them may prevent further embarrassments and more unnecessary meetings upon the Subject of a Cartel.
I have nothing material to advise you of, unless it is, that it was reported last night, that five deserters came to Colo. Hands Regiment

Yesterday morning & Seven the Evening before—They are not arrived here yet, but I beleive the Account is true. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 22 March 1777
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Evesham New Jersey March 22d 1777

A Person accidentally passing in a great Hurry gives me an Opportunity to acknowledge your Excellys Favour of the 14th Instt.
Before I received it I had wrote you Col. Cox’s Answer to the Proposal of the Commissaryship for Prisoners & sent it to Philadelphia under Cover to Col. Moylan to be forwarded by the first good Oppy: his Absence I suppose has delayed it so that I must trouble you with a Repetition of what I then wrote. Col. Cox desired me to express his warmest Acknowledgments for your Excellys Attention to him, but as the Office does not connect him with any Corps of Officers or afford an Oppy to distinguish himself, he prefers a Chance in some other Line & therefore declines the Commissaryship.
I most sincerely congratulate you on your Recovery from an Illness which gave a very sensible Alarm to every one, but more particularly to those who feel a particular Attachment to your Excelly & have been favoured with Marks of your Regard. Besides the common Interest we have in your Health & Comfort as Members of the great Community—The Feelings of Gratitude & Friendship were added to the general Concern & the Pleasure we feel on your Recovery can only be equalled by the Fears & Anxiety excited by your Indisposition.
May Heaven long preserve you my dear General, a Blessing & Ornament to your Country as well as the Delight of your particular Friends—Among the sinc[e]rest of these I beg Leave to place myself & am with the greatest Respect & Regard Dr General Your most Obed. & Affe. Hbble Servt

Jos: Reed


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 22 March 1777
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

Prince town [N.J.] 22nd March 1777

Your Excelency’s Letter of the 12th Last, I this Day Receid in which a return of my Regiment in the Shortest time possable is Demanded. It shall be Done, and Let me assure your Excelency, nothing is more my purpose than to Satisfie you of my Duty. A return Should have been made Earlier, but it has not been in my Power as yet, I have not been Able to procure returns from my Captains, to whom I have Written by Certain Conveyances. They are Dispersed through A Country extended near 200 miles, and Still worse; the Assembly have Appointed, then Superseded the Capt. of one Compy and Interduced repeated new Subalterns; by those means it was Impossable to Instantaneously Comply with Your Excelency’s Order, many of the Captains have made returns, according to those I can Only return to your Excelency, and If it is Impossable to Procure returns of all the Captains, the names of those who neglect their Orders from me, shall be made known. my Major has Joined me and Lieut: Colonel Rhea will return to Superintend the recruteing, But Your Excelency will Excuse my Apprehension that your repeated Letters Intimate a Diffidence of my Duty and activity. Some Incautious representations may have originated Doubts with Your Excellency; but if Such Doubts may be, this recollection will remove them, that we have recruteed Clothed armed and Joined the camp with 300 men Nothing has been Done for the regiment by this State or that of Pennsylvania, only on my continual attendance; and how could Delay have been of benifit to me; we began Late to recrute, had many Impediments and have produced as many men for the time as any Regment in my knowledge. The field officers also contrary to present practice, are on the Ground, any possable command Shall be Chearfully complied with. Some things are possable by Supposition more than by Experiment. Your Orders must be ever Binding to; Your Excellencys Humble Servant,

Israel Shreve


Title: General Orders, 23 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 23rd 1777.
Jamaica.Kingston.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Morris town March 23d 1777

Colo. Palfrey having expressed a desire to settle the Accounts of his Office to this time, has obtained my permission to repair to Philadelphia and now waits on Congress with his Books & Vouchers, hoping that a Committee will be appointed to examine and adjust the same.
The disadvantages which have arisen to the service and which have been severely felt for want of constant Supplies in the Military Chest, are almost incredible, and are not to be described but with great difficulty to those who are not immediately in the Army and privy to the frequent and importunate Applications that are made. to prevent inconveniences of the like nature in future, I have thought it proper, that an Estimate of the Monthly advances should be formed and laid before Congress. This Colo. Palfrey will do, and though it cannot be effected with a degree of scrupilous exactness and precision, Yet from his intimate knowledge of the incidental charges & expences in the common course of things, the Calculation I apprehend will be attended with many benefits. It will shew Congress the necessary provisions of Money to be made for Ordinary contingencies & enable them to form a Rule for their government in the instance of Supplies for the Army. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 23 March 1777
From: Hay, Ann Hawkes
To: Washington, George

Sir
Haverstraw [N.Y.] Sunday Evening 8 OClock March 23d 1777

As I think it my duty to give your Excellency every information in my power of the Motions of the Enemy, I beg leave to inform you that this day about Noon a Frigate and four Transports came to an Anchor near peekskill and immediately landed a Body of Troops without opposition, soon after I discovered a large fire, which increased in different places, till at last the Conflagration became general, the upper Barracks are destroyed with a considerable part, if not the whole town of peekskill, it is said it was done by our own people, There was a considerable Action but the event we know not as the communication with the other Side of the River is intirely cut off below the Mountains.
I thought it my duty to call out my Regiment to defend the Western Shore and the public Stores under my Care [in case] the Enemy should in their return attempt a landing here, but could not so much as procure one hundred Men to guard the landing on this Side the Ferry so that I am left without any Assistance and from the disposition which my Regiment shewed I find no opposition is to be expected from them.
Colo. pawling who commanded in the English Neighbourhood has drawn the whole of his Men to guard the pass at Ramapaugh in the Highlands, so that the whole Country between this and paulus Hook lies exposed to the Ravages of the Enemy and unless the Inhabitants receive a considerable Reinforcement immediately, I fear the whole Country will be lost, as Colo. Pawling has given us to understand we can have no assistance from him. I am with Esteem and Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

A. Hawkes Hay.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 23d March 1777

I wrote to you the 13th directing you to order eight of the Regiments of your State to march with the greatest expedition to peekskill. I then

gave you my reasons for this alteration of my former orders. Altho’ I called upon you, in the most pressing manner, to hurry the Troops on, I cannot help again repeating my distress for the want of Men; the general Backwardness of the recruiting Service, to which must be added the necessary delay of innoculation, makes me very fearful, that the Enemy will be enabled to take the feild before we can collect a force any ways adequate to making a proper opposition.
I therefore again conjure you to leave no means untried to send those immediately forward who have had the small pox, and those who have undergone innoculation, as soon as they can with safety undergo the Fatigue of the march. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 23 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

Letter not found: to Major General Stirling, 23 Mar. 1777. Stirling wrote to GW on 24 Mar. that “I have Just now received your Excellencys letter of Yesterdays Date.”


Title: General Orders, 24 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 24th 1777.
Lamerton.Maxwell.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Philip Burr Bradley, 24 March 1777
From: Bradley, Philip Burr
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
Ridgefield [Conn.]24th March 1777

I have forwarded the Pay Abstracts for the Regt which I commanded last Campaign, the peculiar difficulties attending the making out of the Abstracts arising from our broken situation will I hope apologize for any small inaccurasies which may be discovered I have endeavoured to do them with as much precission as possible.
Being appointed by Genl Parsons to superintend the Small Pox in the Western end of this State Prevents me doing myself the Pleasure of waiting upon your Excellency and drawing the Money—Hope you will give an Order for the payment to the Bearer Mr Rogers.
Being often shifted into different Brigades, rendered it impracticable to procure particular Certificates, have only been able to get a General one from Brigadier Genl Wadsworth, which I wish may meet with your Excellencies Approbation—I beg leave to acquaint your Excellency that being at a loss respecting the pay of those persons who were made prisoners, I consulted his Honour Govr Trumbull & his

Council who directed me to make out their pay unto 28th of Decr at which time the Regiment was discharged. With every Sentiment of Respect I am Your Excellencies Most Obedient Hum: Servant

Phillip B. Bradley


Title: To George Washington from William Brown, 24 March 1777
From: Brown, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bethlehem [Pa.] Mar. 24th 1777

As I am at present by Dr Shippen’s orders about to break up the General Hospital at this Place which is the only one in this part of the Country, not already brought to a conclusion, & the last Party of the Men will march this week, so that there will in a few days be no general Hospital nearer than that at Four-Lanes-End, which also will soon be broke up, Col. Read will be left totally without medical attendance, if Dr Skinner is called away from him—If however your Excellency cannot dispense with the Doctor’s immediate Attendance at Camp, I will apply to Dr Shippen to appoint a Surgeon purposely to attend the Colonel here, untill such time at least as he may be so far recovered that he can be trusted in the hands of one of the Country Practitioners of Physic of the Neighbourhood.
If Dr Skinner could be permitted to stay with the Colonel untill that time, which, I think, would not be above three or four weeks longer, it would be more agreable to the Colonel, than to have a new Surgeon to attend him, who also would not be so well acquainted with the Colonel’s case as Dr Skinner who has been with him from the beginning of his Illness. I am respectfully—Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble servant

P.S. The Colonel’s Disease at present is in such a situation that the whole prospect of a Cure depends upon the constant & carefull Attention of the Surgeon, & the accurate application of Bandages, so that to do him justice will for some time to come take up at least half the

Surgeon’s time every day—this is an additional reason why we would entreat that Dr Skinner may continue with him in preferance to another. Yrs &c.

W.B.


Title: From George Washington to Col. Lambert Cadwalader, 24 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Cadwalader, Lambert

Letter not found: to Col. Lambert Cadwalader, 24 Mar. 1777. The docket on Cadwalader’s letter to GW of 16 Mar. reads “16th Mar. Answer’d 24th ditto.”