Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant General Thomas Gage, 19 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Gage, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters Cambridge Augt 19th 1775.

I address’d you on the 11th Instant in Terms which gave the fairest Scope, for the Exercise of that Humanity & Politeness, which were supposed to form a Part of your Character—I remonstrated with you, on the unworthy Treatment shewn to the Officers, and Citizens of America, whom the Fortune of War, Chance, or a mistaken Confidence had thrown into your Hands. Whether British, or American Mercy, Fortitude, & Patience are most preeminent; whether our virtuous Citizens whom the Hand of Tyranny has forced into Arms, to defend their Wives, their Children, & their Property; or the mercenary Instruments of lawless Domination, Avarice, and Revenge best deserve the Appellation of Rebels, and the Punishment of that Cord, which your affected Clemency has forborne to inflict; Whether the Authority under which I act is usurp’d, or founded on the genuine Principles of Liberty, were altogether foreign to my Subject. I purposely avoided all political Disquisition; nor shall I now avail myself of those Advantages, which the sacred Cause of my Country, of Liberty, and human Nature give me over you. Much less shall I stoop to Retort, & Invective. But the Intelligence, you say, you have received from our Army requires a Reply. I have taken Time, Sir, to make a strict Inquiry, and find it has not the least Foundation in Truth. Not only your Officers, and Soldiers have been treated with a Tenderness

due to Fellow Citizens, & Brethren; but even those execrable Parricides, whose Counsels & Aid have deluged their Country with Blood, have been protected from the Fury of a justly enraged People. Far from compelling, or even permitting their Assistance, I am embarassed with the Numbers who crowd to our Camp animated with the purest Principles of Virtue, & Love of their Country.
You advise me to give free Operation to Truth, to punish Misrepresentation & Falshood. If Experience stamps Value upon Counsel, yours must have a Weight which few can claim. You best can tell, how far the Convulsion which has brought such Ruin on both Countries, and shaken the mighty Empire of Brittain to its Foundation, may be traced to those malignant Causes.
You affect, Sir, to despise all Rank not derived from the same Source with your own. I cannot conceive any more honourable, than that which flows from the uncorrupted Choice of a brave and free Poeple—The purest Source & original Fountain of all Power. Far from making it a Plea for Cruelty, a Mind of true Magnanimity, & enlarged Ideas would comprehend & respect it.
What may have been the ministerial Views which precipitated the present Crisis, Lexington—Concord, & Charlestown can best declare—May that God to whom you then appealed, judge between America & you! Under his Providence, those who influence the Councils of America, and all the other Inhabitants of these united Colonies, at the Hazard of their Lives, are resolved to hand down to Posterity those just & invaluable Privileges which they received from their Ancestors.
I shall now, Sir, close my Correspondence with you, perhaps forever. If your Officers who are our Prisoners receive a Treatment from me, different from what I wish’d to shew them, they, & you, will remember the Occasion of it. I am Sir, Your very Hbble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 19 August 1775
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Camp at Roxbury [Mass.] 19 August 1775

Recommends for the command of a regiment “Colo. Wm Henshaw who before the Arrival of Genl Gates officiated as an Adjutant Genl being appointed to that Office by the provincial Congress.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 19 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from Major General Artemas Ward, 19 Aug. 1775. On 20 Aug. Horatio Gates wrote on behalf of GW to Ward: “The General has this moment received Your Letter of yesterday, he is surprized to hear that the men you Mention are posted in so insecure & defenceless a Scituation, & wishes you would repair to Squantum, & examine into all the Circumstances, & if you think it prudent, Order all the Stock, & Sheep, to be drove off the peninsula. . . . Inclosed I return you the representation of the Lt Col. & Officers at in Command at Squantum.”


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Dodge, 20 August 1775
From: Dodge, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Chelsea, Mass., c.20 August 1775]

I Recd your Leter Last Evaning and I moust acknoledg my Self Not Eapuil [equal] to the Trust Reposed in me But Senc your Exelencey, has intrusted me with So importinant Post I

Shall mack it my Stodey to youse the Best of my Pouers to Keep Close to your orders and im Prove the furst and every oppertunity to A-Noy the Enemy at Notles Island—I have in Closed the miniets tackin By mr Leach. I am your Exelencies most Humble Servent

Richard Dodge Capt.


Title: From George Washington to George Mason, 20 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mason, George

Letter not found: to George Mason, 20 August 1775. On 14 Oct. 1775 Mason wrote to GW: “I have to acknowledge Your Favour of the 20th of Augt.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 20 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dr Sir
Camp at Cambridge August 20th 1775

Since my last of the 15th Inst. I have been favored with your’s of the 6th, I am much concerned to find the Supplies ordered you have been so much delayed: By this Time I hope Colonel McDougall whose Zeal is unquestionable, has joined you with every Thing necessary for prosecuting your plan. Several of the Delegates from Philadelphia, who have visited our Camp, assure me that powder is forwarded to you, and the daily arrivals of that article give us Reason to hope, we shall soon have a very ample Supply.
Animated with the Goodness of our Cause, and the best Wishes of your Countrymen, I am sure you will not let Difficulties not insuperable damp your ardour. Perseverance and Spirit have done Wonders in all ages.
In my last (a Copy of which is inclosed) I sent you an Account of the arrival of several St Francis Indians in our Camp and of their friendly Dispositions. You have also a Copy of the Resolution of Congress, by which you will find it is their Intention only

to seek a strict Neutrality of the Indian Nations, unless the Ministerial Agents should engage them in Hostilities, and enter into an offensive alliance with them. I have therefore been embarrassed in giving them an answer when they have tendered their Services and assistance. As your Situation enables you best to know the Motions of the Governor of Canada or the agents I proposed to the Chief to go Home by way of Ticonderoga, referring him to you for an answer which you would give according to the Intelligence you have had and the Judgment you have formed of the Transactions among the Indians: but as he does not seem in Haste to leave our Camp, your answer by the Return of this Express may possibly reach me, before he returns and alter his Rout—Four of his Company still remain in our Camp and propose to stay some Time with us.
The Design of this Express is to communicate to you a Plan of an Expedition, which has engrossed my Thoughts for several Days: It is to penetrate into Canada, by Way of Kennebeck River, and so to Quebec, by a Rout 90 Miles below Montreal—I can very well spare a Detachment of 1000 or 1200 Men, and the Land Carriage by the Rout proposed is too inconsiderable to make an Objection. If you are resolved to proceed, (which I gather from your last Letter is your Intention) it would make a Diversion, that would distract Carlton and facilitate your Views. He must either break up and follow this party to Quebec, by which he will leave you a free passage or suffer that important Place to fall into our Hands: an Event which would have a decisive Effect and Influence on the public Interests.
There may be some Danger that such a sudden Incursion might alarm the Canadians and detach them from that Neutrality they have hitherto observed but I should hope that with suitable Precautions and a strict Discipline observed, any Jealousies and apprehensions might be quickly removed—The few whom I have consulted upon it, approve it much: but the final Determination is deferr’d until I hear from you. You will therefore by the Messenger inform me of your ultimate Resolution. If you mean to proceed acquaint me as particularly as you can with the Time and Force—What late Accounts you have had from Canada—Your Opinion of the Temper of the Inhabitants as well as Indians upon a penetration into their Country? What Number of Troops are at Quebec, and whether any Men of

War and all other Circumstances which may be material in the Consideration of a Measure of such Importance.
Not a Moment’s Time is to be lost in the Preparation for this Enterprize, if the advices from you favor it. With the utmost Expedition the Season will be considerably advanced, so that you will dismiss the Express as soon as possible.
While the 3 New Hampshire Companies remain in their present Station, they will not be considered as composing a Part of the Continental army, but as a Militia under the Pay and Direction of the Colony, whose Inhabitants they are or for whose Defence they were stationed—So that it will not be proper for me to give any Orders respecting them.
We still continue in the same Situation here as to the Enemy, as when I writ you last: But we have had 6½ Tons of Powder from the Southward which is a very seasonable Supply—We are not be able to learn any Thing farther of the Intentions of the Enemy; and they are too strongly posted for us to attempt any Thing upon them at present.
My best Wishes ever attend you: Believe me to be with great Truth and Regard. Dear Sir Your most obedt & very humble Servant.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 20 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Dear Lund,
Camp at Cambridge Augt 20th 1775.

Your Letter by Captn Prince came to my hands last Night—I was glad to learn by it that all are well. the acct given of the behaviour of the Scotchmen at Port Tobacco & Piscataway surprizd & vexed me—Why did they Imbark in the cause? what do they say for themselves? What does other say of them? are they admitted into Company? or kicked out of it? what does their Countrymen urge in justification of them? they are fertile in invention, and will offer excuses where excuses can be made.

I cannot say but I am curious to learn the reasons why men, who had subscribed, & bound themselves to each other, & their Country, to stand forth in defence of it, should lay down their arms the first moment they were called upon.
Although I never hear of the Mill under the direction of Simpson, without a degree of warmth & vexation at his extreame stupidity, yet, if you can spare money from other Purposes, I could wish to have it sent to him, that it may, if possible, be set agoing before the Works get ruined & spoilt, & my whole money perhaps totally lost. If I am really to loose Barraud’s debt to me, it will be a pretty severe stroke upon the back of Adams, & the expence I am led into by that confounded fellow Simpson, and necessarily so in Seating my Lands under the Management of Cleveland.
Spinning should go forward with all possible dispatch, as we shall have nothing else to depend upon if these disputes continue another year—I can hardly think that Lord Dunmore can act so low, & unmanly a part, as to think of siezing Mrs Washington by way of revenge upon me; howevr as I suppose she is, before this time gone over to Mr Calverts, & will soon after retug, go down to New Kent, she will be out of his reach for 2 or 3 Months to come, in which time matters may, & probably will, take such a turn as to render her removal either absolutely necessary, or quite useless—I am nevertheless exceedingly thankful to the Gentlemen of Alexandria for their friendly attention to this point & desire you will if there is any sort of reason to suspect a thing of this kind provide a Kitchen for her in Alexandria, or some other place of safety elsewhere for her and my Papers.
The People of this Government have obtained a Character which they by no means deserved—their Officers generally speaking are the most indifferent kind of People I ever saw. I have already broke one Colo. and five Captain’s for Cowardice, & for drawing more Pay & Provision’s than they had Men in their Companies. there is two more Colos. now under arrest, & to be tried for the same Offences—in short they are by no means such Troops, in any respect, as you are led to believe of them from the Accts which are published, but I need not make myself Enemies among them, by this declaration, although it is consistent with truth. I daresay the Men would fight very well

(if properly Officered) although they are an exceeding dirty & nasty people. had they been properly conducted at Bunkers Hill (on the 17th of June) or those that were there properly supported, the Regulars would have met with a shameful defeat; & a much more considerable loss than they did, which is now known to be exactly 1057 Killed & Wounded—it was for their behaviour on that occasion that the above Officers were broke, for I never spared one that was accused of Cowardice but brot ’em to immediate Tryal.
Our Lines of Defence are now compleated, as near so at least as can be—we now wish them to come out, as soon as they please, but they (that is the Enemy) discover no Inclination to quit their own Works of Defence; & as it is almost impossible for us to get to them, we do nothing but watch each other’s motion’s all day at the distance of about a Mile; every now and then picking of a stragler when we can catch them without their Intrenchments; in return, they often Attempt to Cannonade our Lines to no other purpose than the waste of a considerable quantity of Powder to themselves which we should be very glad to get.
What does Doctr Craik say to the behaviour of his Countrymen, & Townspeople? remember me kindly to him, & tell him that I should be very glad to see him here if there was any thing worth his acceptance; but the Massachusets People suffer nothing to go by them that they can lay hands upon.
I wish the money could be had from Hill, & the Bills of Exchange (except Colo. Fairfax’s, which ought to be sent to him immediately) turnd into Cash; you might then, I should think, be able to furnish Simpson with about £300; but you are to recollect that I have got Cleveland & the hired People with him to pay also. I would not have you buy a single bushel of Wheat till you can see with some kind of certainty what Market the Flour is to go to—& if you cannot find sufficient Imployment in repairing the Mill works, & other things of this kind for Mr Roberts and Thomas Alferd, they must be closely Imployed in making Cask, or working at the Carpenters or other business otherwise they must be discharged, for it is not reasonable, as all Mill business will probably be at an end for a while, that I am to pay them £100 a year to be Idle. I should think Roberts himself must see, & be sensible of the reasonableness of this request,

as I believe few Millers will find Imploymt if our Ports are shut up, & the Wheat kept in the Straw, or otherwise for greater Security.
I will write to Mr Milnor to forward you a good Country Boulting Cloth for Simpson which endeavour to have contrived to him by the first safe conveyance. I wish you would quicken Lanphire & Sears about the Dining Room Chimney Piece (to be executed as mentioned in one of my last Letters) as I could wish to have that end of the House compleatly finished before I return. I wish you had done the end of the New Kitchen next the Garden as also the old Kitchen with rusticated Boards; however, as it is not, I would have the Corners done so in the manner of our New Church. (those two especially which Fronts the Quarter.[)] What have you done with the Well? is that walled up? have you any accts of the Painter? how does he behave at Fredericksburg?
I much approve of your Sowing Wheat in clean ground, although you should be late in doing it, & if for no other purpose than a tryal—It is a growing I find, as well as a new practice, that of overseers keeping Horses, & for what purpose, unless it be to make fat Horses at my expence, I know not, as it is no saving of my own Horses—I do not like the custom, & wish you would break it—but do as you will, as I cannot pretend to interfere at this distance. Remember me kindly to all the Neighbours who enquire after Yr Affecte friend & Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 21 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 21st 1775.
Parole, Norfolk.Countersign Oporto

The Court of enquiry ordered to sit Yesterday upon Col. Ebenezer Bridge, to sit this day at three O’Clock P.M.
Michael Berry tried by a late General Court Martial for “stealing a Hat from Capt. Waterman” is found guilty, and sentenced to receive Thirty Lashes, but in Consideration of his long Confinement; the General pardons the prisoner.
General Sullivan’s Brigade to be mustered to morrow—The Muster Master General, to begin with the Regiment posted on the left of the lines, exactly at Six O’Clock, with the next Regiment

on the left at seven, and so on untill the whole are mustered: The Field & Staff Officers of each Regiment, are to be mustered in the eldest Captains Company, and such as were draughted to the Regimt of Artillery, are to be mustered only to the day they were draughted. The Regiment of Artillery to muster them from that time.
A Serjeant, Corporal & nine Men, to mount Guard to morrow morning, at Mr Fainweathers House, lately converted into an Hospital. The Serjt to receive his Orders from Dr Church, Director of the Hospital.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Dodge, 21 August 1775
From: Dodge, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
Chelsea [Mass.] August the 21th 1775

I would in form your Exelencey that I have Nothing Remarkable to Right[.] I Have I[n] closed the minetes tacken By the Person a Pinted for that Purpos. I am your Exelencies most Humble Servent

Richard Dodge Capt.

P.S. Senc I Be[g]an to Right I am in formed that Sum fue of our men have Bin over and Destroied that Litl intrinchment at Noltes Island[.] I have Bin Doun to Pottrin Pint and have got a Vary good Scow or gondelow and fetched hur up Vary Near my Qu[a]rtes[.] I tack hur to Carey 10 or 12 tun wait.


Title: To George Washington from Peter Van Brugh Livingston, 21 August 1775
From: Livingston, Peter Van Brugh
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 21st August 1775

Your favors of the 8th & 10th Instant I have recd and communicated to our Provincial Congress. Our City Committie are ordered strictly to enquire for the Owner of the Vessel you mention to be arrived at Boston, Said to be cleared here for St Croix, and make Report; all possible care will be taken to prevent Provisions being sent from hence to Boston.
If the Fleet and army should move we hope to have the earliest Intelligence from you by Express—We have wrote to Mr Thompson Secretary to the Continental Congress for Blank Commissions.
Perswaded of the propriety that you Should be furnished with every Intelligence I inclose the Examination of Mr Carter taken by our Congress, and have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt Servant

P. V. B. Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 21 August 1775
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 21st Augt 1775

Your Esteemed Favour of the 14th instant is received, No Powder is stopped according to my request, hope that t[i]s for the best—None is lately arrived to this Colony, altho’ daily expected—We are greatly exhausted, your Order to leave a quantity out of the next parcell that passes this Colony will be agreable, if none arrive here before. Shall Take Care of the Lead ordered from Ticonderoga—to forward it in the best way to Camp—Seven or Eight Tons of rich Lead ore is already raised at Middletown, and Furnace &c. erecting to Smelt it; In Woodbury another Rich Lead Mine is discovered formerly it was begun to be worked, but some controversy about the property of it & contention among the people prevented its progress.
There is no doubt of beds of Sulphur to be found—Our People are busy in making Petre—I have enclosed for your Observation the Intelligence received from Brig. Genl Wooster.
Since writing above have received and enclosed for your Notice the Intelligence from Tyconderoga; you’l receive this by hand of our Mutual good Friends Colo. Dyer and Colo. Elderkin who will be able to inform better than I can by writing. I am, with great Truth & Sincerity Your Excellency’s most Obedient and very Humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 22 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 22nd 1775
Parole Portsmouth.Countersign Quinsey.

As the Muster Rolls cannot be properly prepared before Saturday next, The General defers the mustering of the Brigades upon the left of the Lines, until next Monday; when the mustering the whole will take place without interruption.
Capt. Pearl, of Col. Woodbridges Regiment, tried by a General Court Martial for “defrauding his men of their pay”—The Court are unanimously of Opinion, that the Complaint is in no part supported and being vexatious and groundless, and acquit Capt. Pearl: The Court order the chief Complainant, Daniel Davids, to be confined.
The General does not mean to discourage the practice of bathing, whilst the weather is warm enough to continue it; but he expressly forbids, any persons doing it, at or near the Bridge in Cambridge, where it has been observed and complained of, that many Men, lost to all sense of decency and common modesty, are running about naked upon the Bridge, whilst Passengers, and even Ladies of the first fashion in the neighbourhood, are passing over it, as if they meant to glory in their shame: The Guards and Centries at the Bridge, are to put a stop to this practice for the future.
The Director General of the Hospital having complained,

that the sick under his care, are not only incommoded by a promiscuous resort of Soldiers to the rooms; but greatly injured by having improper things carried to them to eat, at the same time, that many disorders, under which the Sick are suffering, may be by them contracted and spread in the Camp, by means of this Intercourse, it is therefore ordered, that this improper Visitation be put a Stop to for the future—No Non Commissioned Officer, or soldier to be admitted into the Hospital hereafter, without the leave of the Surgeon then in attendance, or by a written Licence from the Colonel, or Commanding Officer of the Regiment they belong to; in either of which Cases, the Friends to the sick, and all those who have any real business with them, will never be denied the privilege and satisfaction of visiting.
Representations being made to the Commander in Chief, that Officers are frequently seen in Cambridge and Watertown, and in the Towns and Villages round the Camp, without any leave of absence previously obtained, and contrary to all good discipline and Order; and as such irregularity at this time, may be productive of the worst of consequences: The General directs the Commanding Officers of Corps, to be particularly attentive to the Behaviour of all their Officers, and without Favor or Affection, confine any Officer, who is absent from the Camp or Lines, where he is posted or encamped, without Leave in writing first had and obtained from the General commanding the brigade. And the Commanding Officers are strictly enjoined, to put in Arrest, any Officer, who shall for the future disobey this order; When Officers set good Examples, it may be expected that the Men will with zeal and alacrity follow them, but it would be a mere phenomenon in nature, to find a well disciplin’d Soldiery, where Officers are relax’d and tardy in their duty; nor can they with any kind of propriety, or good Conscience, set in Judgment upon a Soldier for disobeying an order, which they themselves are every day breaking; The General is exceeding sorry to find occasion, to give such repeated Orders on this head, but, as the safety of the Army and Salvation of the Country, may essentially depend upon a strictness of discipline, and close attention to Duty; he will give no Countenance, nor shew any Favor to delinquents.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel James Babcock, 22 August 1775
From: Babcock, James
To: Washington, George

Rhode Island Camp on Prospect Hill [Mass.] 22 August 1775

Requests “a discharge from the Service, by reason of the indisposition that attends his bodily health.”


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Dodge, 22 August 1775
From: Dodge, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sr
Chelsea [Mass.] August the 22th 1775

I Have Sent a gentlemen to your Exelency that was from Boston yesturday, I Furst Saw him a Bout five of the C[l]ock But the Barer was gon to Head Quarters with the hors and it Did not Lay in my Pouer to git a Hors for him and he Said he Co[u]ld not goue on foot—he a Peard to Be vary noing—I inpuierd [inquired] in to his Cariter By gentelmen men of Note wich in formed me he was a man that mite Be Depended uppon & that he Nue The Situation of the armey as wull as aney man.

Sir I am with Respect your Exeleny most humble Servent a[t] Command

Richd Dodge Capt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Howe, 22 August 1775
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Charles:town Camp [Mass.] August 22d 1775

The Men under your command having repeatedly fired upon the Officers of His Majesty’s Troops before they were returned to the out:works of this Camp from Parlies that have been brought on by your desire; I am to request all farther intercourse between the two Camps may be at an end; your own letters excepted, which will be received if you are pleased to send them by a Drummer. I am Sir Yr Most Obt Sert

W. Howe


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Palmer, 22 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Palmer, Joseph

Sir,
Cambridge Augt 22d 1775.

In answer to your favour of yesterday I must inform you, that I have often been told of the advantages of Point Alderton with respect to its command of the shipping going in and out of Boston Harbour; and that it has, before now, been the object of my particular enquiries—That I find the Accts differ, exceedingly, in regard to the distance of the ship Channel, & that, there is a passage on the other side of the light House Island for all Vessells except ships of the first Rate.
My Knowledge of this matter would not have rested upon enquiries only, if I had found myself at any one time since I came

to this place, in a condition to have taken such a Post—But it becomes my duty to consider, not only what place is advantageous, but what number of men are necessary to defend it—how they can be supported in case of an attack—how they may retreat if they cannot be supported—& what stock of Ammunition we are provide⟨d⟩ with for the purpose of self defence, or annoyance of the Enemy—In respect to the first; I conceive our defence must be proportioned to the attack of Genl Gage’s whole force (leaving him just enough to man his Lines on Charles Town Neck & Roxbury) and with regard to the second, and most important object, we have only 184 Barrls of powder in all, which is not sufficient to give 30 Musket Cartridges a man, & scarce enough to serve the Artillery in any brisk action a single day.
Would it be prudent then in me, under these Circumstances, to take a Post 30 Miles distant from this place when we already have a Line of Circumvalation at least Ten Miles in extent, any part of which may be attacked (if the Enemy will keep their own Council) without our having one hours previous notice of it? Or is it prudent to attempt a Measure which necessarily would bring on a consumption of all the Ammunition we have; thereby leaving the Army at the Mercy of the Enemy, or to disperse; & the Country to be Ravaged, and laid waste at discretion? To you Sir who is a well wisher to the cause, and can reason upon the effects of such a Conduct, I may open myself with freedom, because no improper discoveries will be made of our Situation; but I cannot expose my weakness to the Enemy (tho’ I believe they are pretty well informed of every thing that passes) by telling this, and that man who are daily pointing out this—that—and t’other place, of all the motives that govern my actions, notwithstanding I know what will be the consequence of not doing it—namely, that I shall be accused of inattention to the publick Service—& perhaps with want of Spirit to prosecute it—But this shall have no effect upon my Conduct, I will steadily (as far as my judgment will assist me) pursue such measures as I think most conducive to the Interest of the cause, & rest satisfied under any obloquy that shall be thrown conscious of having discharged my duty to the best of my abilities.
I am much obliged to you however, as I shall be to every Gentleman, for pointing out any measure which is thought conducive

to the publick good, and chearfully follow any advice which is not inconsistent with, but corrispondant to, the general Plan in view, & practicable under such particular circumstances as govern in cases of the like kind. In respect to point Alderton, I was no longer ago than Monday last, talking to Genl Thomas on this head, & proposing to send Colo. Putnam down to take the distances &ca, but considered it could answer no end but to alarm, & make the Enemy more vigilant, unless we were in a condition to possess the Post to effect. I thought it as well to postpone the matter a while. I am Sir Yr Very Hble Servt

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain John Randall, 22 August 1775
From: Randall, John
To: Washington, George

Camp on Prospect Hill [Mass.] 22 August 1775

“By reason of the indisposition of his body, is reduced to the necessity of asking a discharge from the Service.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 22 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Major General Artemas Ward, 22 Aug. 1775. On 25 Aug. Ward informed GW: “I wrote your Excy . . . the 22d Inst.”


Title: General Orders, 23 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 23rd 1775
   Parole Rumney.Countersign Somersett.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Howe, 23 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
[Camp Cambridge] Aug. 23. 1775

I flatter myself you have been m[is]inform’d as to the Conduct of the Men under my Command complained of in yours of yesterday. It is what I should highly disapprove & condemn.
I have not the least Objection to put a Stop to the Intercouse between the two Camps either totally or partially. It obtained thro. the pressing Sollicitations of Persons cruelly separated from their Friends & Connections & I understood was mutually convenient. I am Sir Your most Obed. Hbbl. Servt


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 23 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Camp at Cambridge August 23d 1775

Yesterday I received Advice from Boston that a Number of Transports, have sailed on a second Expidition for fresh Provisions: As they meet with such Success before, it is probable they may pursue the same Course only advancing further—We think Montague Point on Long Island a very probable Place of their Landing: I have therefore thought it best to give you the earliest

Intelligence; But I do not mean to confine you[r] Attention or Vigilence to that Place—you will please to extend your Views as far as the mischief may be probably extended.
We have no Transaction of sufficient Consequence in the Camp to make a Part of a Letter. I am Sir: with much Respect & Esteem Your most Oblidged & Humble Servant

Go. Washington

P.S. You will please to Let me know in your next what Progress you make with the Hunting Shirts.


Title: To George Washington from William Tudor, 23 August 1775
From: Tudor, William
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
August 23d 1775

At the Time I had the Honour of your Excellency’s Appointing me to the Office of Judge Advocate to the army, my Unacquai[n]tedness with the Nature of the Department rendered me an incompetent Judge of it’s Duties. The Experience I have since had convinces me that I am engag’d in a Service, extensive, laborious & important. I must therefore beg, Sir, your Indulgence, while I mention some Particulars, which I presume will satisfy your Excellency that the Conclusion I may deduce from them is not unreasonable.
I have your Excellency’s Orders (through the Medium of the Adjt Genl) to attend every General Court Martial, both those of the Line, & each Brigade throughout the army; And to see that there is a fair Copy of the intire Proceedings in each Case, made out to be reported to the Commander in chief. The Number of Offences made cognizable by a General Court Martial only: the large Army here, & the Extent of the Camp (10 Miles at least) in each Quarter of which my Duty demands my Attendance, unitedly render my Station arduous & difficult. The Number of

Trials which have been reported your Excellency within six Weeks past, will I believe justify this Assertion.
It is not only expected that I give the proper Orders for procuring the Evidences, & putting all Matters in such a Train, that the Court may having Nothing else to do than to hear the Witnesses & form a Judgement but that I also analyse the Evidence & state the Questions that are involv’d in it for the Opinion of the Court—But I mean not to detain your Excellency by a tedious Detail. It is sufficient to acquaint you that I am oblig’d to act as Advocate, Register & Clerk—for a Stipend of 20 Dollars a month, without the least Assistance, or a single Perquisite of Office.
In the British army General Courts Martial sit only in capital Cases, or for the Trials of commissioned Officers. The Judge Advocate there is allow’d 10/ sterlg P. Day, besides drawing Pay as an Officer. This Duty is easy, because the strict Discipline maintain’d among regular Troops, make General Courts Martial but rare.
Almost every Day since my appointment, a general Court Martial has sit in one or other Part of the Camp. A Court at Roxbury adjourn’d for six Days successively, because my Duty would not permit me to leave Cambridge. This must frequently be the Case, while I am without an assistant.
I will no longer trespass on your Excellency’s Time—than to beg, that a Representation of this Office may be made from the Commander in Chief, to the honble Continental Congress who I am inform’d were intirely unacquainted with the Business of this Department, especially in an American Army—The Information they may receive from your Excellency on this Subject will doubtless prevail with them to affix a Salary something more adequate to the Service. Should they not I shall be under a Necessity of begging your Excellency’s Permission to resign an Employment, The Duties of which leave me without an Hour to call my own, & the Pay of which will not afford a Maintenance. I am with profound Respect Your Excellency’s most obt hum. Servt

Wm Tudor


Title: From George Washington to James Warren, 23 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Warren, James

Sir
Camp at Cambridge Head Quarters August 23. 1775

In a late Conference with which I was honoured from the General Court, it was mentioned that a Quantity of Shirts, Breeches, Stockings & Shoes had been provided by Order of the Committee of Supplies: As there are Numbers in the Army very destitute of those Articles, I should be glad the General Court would direct all that are provided to be delivered to the Quarter Master General & such as are in Hand to be hastened; He has Orders to receive them on the Continental Account. I am Sir, with due Respect & Regard Your most Obedt & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Gloucester Committee of Safety, 24 August 1775
From: Gloucester Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Glocester [Mass.] August 24, 1775
May it please your Excellency

The Committee of Safety for the town of Glocester beg leave to acquaint your Excellency—that James Grant who has a family in this town has for Several months last past been employed in Catching Fish for the Kings Navy and for the Inhabitants (as he says) at Boston and for his protection he had a Fishing pass from Admiral Graves.
also that Mr James Jordan of this town was Master of a Sloop loaded with Wood and Boards which was taken by the enimy and carried into Boston about 7 weeks ago and said Jordan has been there during that time till last Sunday, when he shipt to go and Fish with Grant and by the means make his escape, but when the boat put in here we did not think it proper that Grant should go back to Boston with her till we had your Excellency orders. as Mr Jordan was so long in Boston and not confined there, he had an opportunity of observing the Situation of the enimy, we think it our duty to desire him to go and carry Grant with him to your Excellency for examination, and have desired Major Collins to present them.
we pray your Excellency would please to order what shall be done with the Boat which Grant came in, as She is not his property. we are your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servants

per order
John Stevens Chairman


Title: General Orders, 25 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 25th [17]75
Parole WilmingtonCountersign Yorkshire

If the Officers who were sent upon the recruiting service, are not all return’d to Camp; they are to be forthwith recalled, and no more men are to be enlisted, until further Orders.
The Company late under the Command of Capt. Ebenezer Lindsey, is to join Col. Woodbridges Regiment, as that Regt has at present only nine Companies.
As the Commander in Chief has heretofore approvd all the Sentences of the General Courts Martial, which have been laid before him, and thought himself happy in agreeing with them in opinion, so will he not now disapprove the Judgement, respecting Ensign Joshua Trofton, as the Court have intimated, that they were influenced by some favourable Circumstances; Disobedience of orders, is amongst the first and most atrocious of all military Crimes, he desires that the Conduct of Ensign Joshua Trofton, (however he may have been provoked) may never be drawn into a precedent; as there are certain Modes by which inferior Officers, may obtain redress of grievances, without proceeding to any unjustifiable Acts of violence.
Ensign Joshua Trofton of the 30th Regt of Foot, in the service of the United Colonies, Commanded by Col. Scammons, tried by a General Court Martial for “offering to strike his Colonel, and for disobedience of orders,” is found guilty of a Breach of

the 6th Article, of the Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Army; and sentenced, to be confined to his Tent for three days.
A Return signed by the Commanding Officer of each regiment, of the Commission’d Officers vacant, distinguishing their names, rank, and by what means vacant; this must be delivered to the Adjutant Genl at orderly time to morrow.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 25 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear Sir,
Camp at Cambridge Augt 25th 1775.

Mr White presented me with your favour of the 27th Ulto—you may rely upon it, that any Civilities which may be in my power to shew this young Gentleman shall not be wanting—if an acquaintance of mine, for whom I have wrote to Virginia (knowing his promptitude to business) should not come, as there is reason to doubt, I propose to take Mr White into my Family as an Aid de Camp—the mode by which the Congress have left the ultimate appointment of Officers in this Army, confines all Offices (in its consequences at least) to the Governments in which the Regiments Originated; as, without the gift of Prophecy, I think it may be foretold, that no volunteers, not of those Governments to which the Regiments belong, will come in for a share; the propriety, & good policy of which, I leave you to judge of. I am with sincere esteem Dr Sir Yr most Obedt H: Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I refer you to my Public Letters for the Occurrances of the Army &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Dodge, 25 August 1775
From: Dodge, Richard
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] August the 25 1775

I would in form your Exelencey that thare is one man from Boston that Runaway and has now Bisne to git a Liven and would Enter, with me in to the Servis and one that was Presed on Bord the Ship Glasco that is of the Sam mind if your Exelencey will give Leave, thay have Now gounes.
I would in form your Exelencey that I maid in Quirey Respecting the Vissels you Wrote a Bout and the Sentres Say thay that thay all Came to a Anker at Nantasket Ro[a]d Excepte one. I am your Exelencies most Humble Servnt

Richd Dodge Capt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 25 August 1775
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Camp at Roxbury [Mass.] Augt 25th 1775

The Relations of Several Persons last out of Boston all tending to confirm our Belief that our active & restless Enemy are making large Preparation for some important Step & having ocular Demonstration that they have stript Colo. Hancocks

Lime Trees as well as many other Trees in Boston which we are informed was done for the Purpose of making Facines[.] I beg Leave to suggest to your Excellency that Dorchester Hill would be a very important Post to them as it would inevitably deprive us of the Advantage of a very considerable Part of our Works & supply the Enemy with Forage for their Cattle which we may rationally Judge is no inconsiderable Object of their Wishes: As we ever ought to be watching a Powerful & sagacious Enemy & considering what Posts they might take which by Nature are rendered easily defensible & convenient to annoy us so also we ought carefully to consider what Steps may be taken consistent with Prudence & Safety should an Enemy in Part gain such an Ascendency—If Sir, the Object they have in View is to entrench upon Dorchester Hill (their Facines are Indicative of entrenching or throwing up a Breast Work somewhere) I beg your Excellency to give me some Instructions relative to my Duty in that Case: I need not inform you of the Situation of the Hill nor how narrow the Passage is from the main Land to the Hill. Whether an Attempt (should the Enemy move that Way) is to be made to dislodge them or whether they are to be permitted to go on unmolested in fortifying the Hill I shall be much obliged for particular Orders which I always shall endeavor faithfully to ex[e]cute. I am with the greatest Respect your Excellencys most obedient Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 25 August 1775
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
[Roxbury, Mass.] 25 Augt [17]75

Of the Ordnance, Implements, Ordnance Stores &c. which I wrote your Excy for the 22nd Inst: only the follg are sent Viz. two—12 Pounders—2 doz: Cannisters without powder, a proper complement of round Shot. Implements for the Cannon only 1 Sponge to each. also a Gin—The cannon recd can be of no service witht powder. It appears a little mysterious that all the articles were not sent as I am informed that they were ordered by your Excy.

I have wrote yr Excy twice respectg Lt Stedson who has been confind a week to-day on a Complaint of Capt: Hamlen who charged him with maliciously aspersing his Character.
I have now Sir to inform you that Lt Cadwell of Colo. Danielson’s Regt is confin’d for encouraging mutiny Would request of your Excy to give such directions respectg the above prisoners as that they may be bro’t to a trial with all convenient Speed.
This Division of the Army is put to very great inconveniences for want of a Laboratory.
Chief, if not all the Vessels which came to an Anchor near the light House are put to Sea. I am &c.
P.S. Am just informed by a young man from Boston that the wife of the Chief N. York Carpenter is come out of Boston, & that she has a number of Letters secreted about her.


Title: General Orders, 26 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August [26] 1775
Parole, Amboy.C. Sign Brookline.

Genl Sullivan’s Brigade to be mustered upon Monday Morning next in the manner and form, directed by the General Orders of the 21st Inst.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Dodge, 26 August 1775
From: Dodge, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
Chelsea [Mass.] Augest the 26th 1775

I would in form your Exelencey tha[t] as Soun as I Could after I Recd your orders to Send a Partey of men to Dear Island I Proc[ee]ded and Sent Leut. Feirfeild with a Bout 20 or 30 men and he Proceded and Reportes as folowth (viz.) the Sumer-Set lyes a gainest the Island and tow Tranes Portes and a Small Ship that is mr Hanckock. when they furst got thare No Person on the Island tow Bearges Landed a Bout a: 11 of the Clock Stad a litle while and Returned Douing nothing He is in formed that thay have Cut and thrashed and Cared of the Litle grain that was on the Island. Further Saieth not I would in form your Exelency that the Reason of my Sending sow Lait is I wated for the a Bove Return wich came Sun a Bout on our hy I [am] your Exelencies most Humble Servent at Comand

Richd Dodge Capt.


Title: General Orders, 27 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 27th 1775
Parole, Colchester.Countersign Dover.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 August 1775
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Sunday Albany 27th August 1775. 6 oClock A:M:

Your Excellency’s favors of the 14th and 20th Inst: were delivered me last night.
I left Tionderoga on thursday the 17th Instant and hoped to have returned in four days, but on my arrival at Saratoga I received Information that a large body of Indians of the Six nations were to be here as on tuesday last, And that my presence was Indispensibly necessary. I therefore Attended and on Wednesday the Congratulatory Ceremony was performed, and On Friday the Treaty agreable to their request was opened by them, By giving an Answer to the Messages that had been sent them by the Committee of this place[.] In this speach they Anticipated part of what we had in charge to deliver them, being (as we concieved) Apprehensive that we should request them to take Arms in our Cause; they explicitly declared that as It was a family quarrel, they would not Interfere, but remain neuter and hoped we would not desire more of them; we have not got above half thro. what we are directed to say to them, and Altho. I hardly know how to leave them, yet such is the nature of the Intelligence Contained In the papers which I do myself the honor to Inclose your Excellency, that I consider myself und⟨er⟩ the necessity of leaving the Indian business to my Colleagues, and repairing Immediately to ⟨the⟩ Army.
That Governor Carlton and his agent⟨s⟩ Are exerting themselves to procure the Savages to act against us I have reason to believe from the various accounts which I have received, but I do not believe he will have any Success with the Canada tribes, tho. I make no doubt but he is Joined by some of the more remote Indians who I believe will assist him, and who have already

served him as Scouts from St Johns. I should therefore not hesitate one moment to Employ any Indians that might be willing to Join us.
I thank your Excellency for the honor you have done me in communicating me your plan for an Expedition Into Canada. The Inclosed Information of Fèrè’s which Corroborates not only the Information of Major Brown; that Contained in the two Affidavits of Duguid & Shatford; but Every other we have had leaves not a trace of doubt on my mind as to the propriety of going into Canada And to Do It, has been my determined resolution (unless prevented by my Superiors) for some time, And I have Accordingly since my Arrival here, requested Gen: Montgomery to get every thing in the best readiness he could, for that I would move Immediately, weak and Ill appointed as we were, and I learn with pleasure that he has since the receipt of Gerriffins Information ordered the Canon to be Imbarked and he will probably be off from Tyconderoga so soon, that I shall only be able to Join him, at Crown point; Such being my Intentions and such the Ideas that I have form⟨ed⟩ of the necessity of penetrating Into Canada Without delay. Your Excellency will Easily Concieve that I felt happy to learn your Intentions, and only wished that the thought had Struck you sooner[.] The force I shall carry is far short of what I would wish[.] I believe It will not Exceed Seventeen Hundred men, and this will be a body Insufficient to Attempt Quebec with; after leaving the necessary Detatchments (at St Johns, Chamble, and Montreal should we Succeed and Carry those places,) which must be respectable to keep an open & free Communication with Crown point &ca. having now given your Excellency the time, force, and latest Intelligence I have had, together with my Opinion of the Sentiments of the Canadiens, I proceed to Inform you of the Enemys Strength as far as I have been able to learn It. 350 or 400 at St Johns 150 or 200 at Chamblé About 50 at Montreal, and one Company at Quebec, these are regular troops, besides between three and five hundred Indians, Scotchmen & some few Canadians with Colo: Johnson at La Chene, Of this party the Indians that are at St Johns are a part. wether any Ships of war are at Quebec, I cannot say—as none have been mentioned to me I am rather Induced to believe there are none, Should the detachment of Your body penetrate Into

Canada and we meet with Success Quebec must Inevitably fall into our hands, should we meet with a repulse, which can only happen from foul play in the Canadiens I shall have An Opportunity to Inform your party of It, that they may Carry into Execution any orders you may give In case such an Unfortunate Event should arise.
Your Excellency will be pleased to be particular in your orders to the Officer that may Command the detatchment that there may be no Clashing Should we Join.
I shall leave orders at Tionderoga to forward all the lead that Can be Spared.
Excuse these Scraps of paper, necessity obliges me to use them, having no other fit to write on.
Be pleased to make my Compliments to the Gentlemen of your Suit, Colo. Read will be so good as to Excuse my not Answering his letter as I really cannot find time. I am Dr Sir with the most respectful Sentiments Your Excellency’s Obedient Hume Servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 28 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 28th 1775
Parole Essex.Countersign Falmouth.

As the extraordinary duty necessary for some days past, prevents the mustering Genl Sullivans Brigade this morning: The General appoints Friday morning next for that purpose, and

orders that Brigade to be relieved from all but the ordinary Camp duty of their particular encampments Thursday morning that they mave [may] have that day to prepare for their mustering.
As nothing is more pernicious to the health of Soldiers, nor more certainly productive of the bloody-flux; than drinking New Cyder: The General in the most possitive manner commands, the entire disuse of the same, and orders the Quarter Master General this day, to publish Advertisements, to acquaint the Inhabitants of the surrounding districts, that such of them, as are detected bringing new Cyder into the Camp, after Thursday, the last day of this month; may depend on having their casks stove.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 28 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 28 Aug. 1775. In a letter of 15 Oct. 1775 to GW, Lund Washington mentions receiving “your letter . . . dated the 28th of Augst.”


Title: General Orders, 29 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 29th 1775
Parole Georgia.Countersign Harvard.

For the future, the several Guards mounted upon the General Hospitals, are to be reduced into one Guard, consisting of one Sub: three Serjts three Corporals, one fife, and thirty men; The Officer after seeing his Centries posted, is to receive his orders from Dr Church, Director of the General Hospital of the Army of the United Colonies.
The Quarter Master General and Commissary General, are to see strict regard paid to the 6th Article of the General Orders of the 7th of July last; as Complaints are continually making of the badness of the bread, served to the regiments.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 29 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir,
Camp at Cambridge Augt 29th 1775

Your favour of the first Inst. by Mr Randolph came safe to hand—the merits of this young Gentleman, added to your recommendation, & my own knowledge of his character, induced me to take him into my Family as an Aid de Camp in ⟨the room of⟩ Mr Mifflin who I have appointed Quarter Master Genel from a thorough perswation of his Integrety—my own experience of his activity—and finaly, because he stands unconnected with either of these Governments; or with this, that, or t’other Man; for between you and I, there is more in this than you can easily immagine.
As we have now nearly compleated our Lines of Defence, we have nothing more, in ⟨my o⟩pinion, to fear from the Enemy provided we can keep our men to their duty and ma⟨ke⟩ them watchful & vigilant; but it is among the most difficult tasks I ever undertook in my life to induce these people to believe that there is, or can be, danger till the Bayonet is pushed at their Breasts; not that it proceeds from any uncommon prowess, but rather from an unaccountable kind of stupidity in the lower class of these people, which believe me prevails but too generally among the Officers of the Massachusets part of the Army, who are ne⟨ar⟩ly of the same Kidney with the Privates; and adds not a little to my difficulties; as there is no such thing as getting Officers of this stamp to exert themselves in carrying orders into execution—to curry favour with the men (by whom they were chosen, & on whose Smiles possibly they may think they may again rely) seems to be one of the principal objects of their attention.
I submit it therefore to your consideration whether there is, or is not, a propriety in that Resolution of the Congress, which leaves the ultimate appointment of all Offices below the Rank of Generals to the Governments wher⟨e⟩ the Regiments originated, now the Army is become Continental? To me it appears imp⟨ro⟩per in two points of view; first, it is giving that power and weight to an Individual Colony, which ought, of right, to belong ⟨only⟩ to the whole, and next it damps the spirit & ardour of Volunteers fro⟨m⟩ all but the four new England Governments as none but their people have the least chan⟨ce⟩ of

getting into Office—Would it not be better therefore to have the Warrants which the Commander in Chief is authorizd to give Pro tempore, approved or disapproved, by the Continental Congress, or a Committee of their body, which I should suppose in any l⟨ong⟩ recess must always Sit? In this ca⟨se every⟩ Gentleman will stand an equal chance of being promoted, according to his merit; in the other, all offices will be confined to the Inhabitants of the 4 New England Governmts which in my opinion is impolitick to a deg⟨ree.⟩
I have made a pretty good Slam among such kind of officers as the Massachusets Government ⟨a⟩bound in since I came to this Camp, having Broke one Colo. and two Captains for Cowardly beh⟨aviour in⟩ the action on Bunker’s Hill—Two captains for drawing more provisions and pay than they had men in their Company—and one for being absent from his Post when the Enemy appeared there, and burnt a House just by it. Besides these, I have at this time one Colo., one Major, one Captn, & two Subalterns under arrest for tryal—In short I spare none & yet fear it will not all do, as these Peeple seem to be too inattentive to every thing but their Interest.
I have not been unmindful of that part of your Letter respecting point Alderton—before the receipt of it, it had become an object of my particular enquiry, but the Accts of its situation differ exceedingly in respect to the command it has of the Ship Chan⟨nel⟩ but my k⟨no⟩wledge of this matter would not have been confined to enquiries only if I had ever been in a condition, since my arrival here, to have taken possession of such a Post; but you well know my good Sir; that it becomes the duty of an Officer to consider some other matters, as well as a Situation. namely, what number of men are necessary to defend a place—how it can be supported—& how furnished with Ammuniton.
In respect to the first I conceive our defence of this place (point Alderton) m⟨ust⟩ be proportioned to the Attack of Genl Gage’s whole force, leaving him just enough to man his Lines on Boston & Charles Town Necks—& with regard to the Second, and mos⟨t⟩ important, as well as alarming object, we have only 184. Barls of Powder in all (including the late supply from Philadelphia) wch is not sufficient to give 25. Musket Cartridges to each man, and scarcely to serve the Artillery in any brisk Action

one single d⟨ay⟩—under these Circumstances I daresay you will agree with me, that it would not be ver⟨y⟩ eligable to take a post 30 Miles distant (by Land) from this place, when we have already a line of Circumvalation round Boston of at leas⟨t⟩ 10 Miles in extant to defend any part of which ma⟨y⟩ be attacked without our having (if the Enemy will keep their own Council) an hours previous notice of it; and that, it would not be prudent in me, to attempt a measure which would necessarily bring on a consumption of all the Ammunition we have, thereby leaving the Army at the Mercy of the Enemy, or to disperse; and the Country to be ravaged and lai⟨d⟩ waste at discretion—to you Sir I may acct for my conduct, but I cannot declare the motives of it to every one, notwithstanding I know by not doing of it, that I shall stand in a very unfavourable light in the opinion of those who expect much, & will find little done, without understanding, or perhaps giving themselves the trouble of enquiring into the caus⟨e⟩—such however is the fate of all those who are obliged to act the part I do, I must therefore submit to it, under a consciousness of having done my duty to the best of my Abilitie⟨s.⟩
On Saturday night last we took ⟨possession⟩ of a Hill advanced of our own Lines & within point blank shot of the Enemy on Charles Town Neck—we worked incessantl⟨y⟩ the whole Night with 1200 Men, & before Mor⟨n⟩ing got an Intrenchment in such forwardness as to bid defiance to their Cannon; abou⟨t⟩ nine Oclock on Sunday they began a heavy Cannonade which continued through the day without any injury to our work, and with the loss of four Men only, two of which were killed through their ⟨own fo⟩lly—The Insult of the Cannonade however we were obliged to submit to with impunity, not daring to make use of Artillery on Acct of the consumption of powder, except with one Nine pounder placed on a point, with which we silenced, & indeed sunk, one of their Floating Ba⟨t⟩teries.
This move of ours, was made to prevent the Enemy from gaining this Hill, and we thought was giving them a fair Challeng⟨e⟩ to dispute it (as we had been told by various people who had just left Boston, that they were preparing to come out) but instead of accepting of it, we learn that it has thrown them into great consternation which mig⟨ht⟩ be improved ⟨if we had⟩ the

means of doing it—Yesterday afternoon they began a Bombardment without any effect, as yet.
There has been so many great, and capital errors, & abuses to rectify—so many examples to make—& so little Inclination in the Officers of inferior Rank to contribute their aid to accomplish this work, that my life has been nothing else (since I ⟨came here) b⟩ut one continued round of a⟨nnoyance⟩ & f⟨at⟩igue; in short no pecuniary r⟨ecompense⟩ could induce me to undergo what I ha⟨ve espe⟩cially as I expect, by shewing so little Co⟨unte⟩nance to irregularities & publick abus⟨es to⟩ render myself very obnoxious to a gre⟨ater⟩ part of these People. But as I have alrea⟨dy⟩ greatly exceeded the bounds of a Letter I will not trouble you with matters relative to my own feelings.
As I expect this Letter will meet you in Philadelphia I must request the favour of you to present my Affecte & respectful Compliments to Doctr Shippen, his lady, and Family, my Brothers of the Deligation, and any other enquiring friends—& at the same time do me the justice to believe that I am with a sincere regard Yr Affecte friend & Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts Council, 29 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts Council

Gentlemen
[Cambridge] August 29. 1775

The Quarter Master General of the Army has represented to me that notwithstanding he has offered 2/ ⅌ Foot for Fire Wood—2/1½ ⅌ Bushel for Oats—3/4 ⅌ Ct for Hay he cannot procure those Articles for the Use of the Army. From the Information I have received I have great Reason to believe that this is an artificial Scarcity partly created by some Persons who are monopolizing those Articles in order to advance the Price, & partly by the Possessors of them in the Neighbourhood of the Camp who keep them up in order to profit by our Distress. As such a Combination must be attended with fatal Consequences both to the Country & Army I cannot doubt the Interposition of your Honours to provide some speedy & effectual Remedy. That which is usual & customary in such Cases is to fix the Prices to the several Articles bearing a Proportion to what is the

ordinary Rate, & if Persons will not comply with a reasonable Tariff but still refuse to furnish such Necessary Articles, the great Law of Self Preservation must authorize us to compel them. This or any other Regulations which your Knowledge of the People & Zeal for the Service shall induce you to make will I doubt not remove the Mischief at present, & prevent it in future. If you should at the same Time extend your Views to other Articles besides those I have enumerated I flatter myself it would have a very beneficial Effect. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 29 August 1775 [letter not found]
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from Major General Artemas Ward, 29 Aug. 1775. On 30 Aug. Horatio Gates wrote on behalf of GW to Ward: “In answer to your Favor of Yesterday, I am commanded by His Excellency to say, that He is intirely of your Opinion, that three Hundred proper Men and Officers, should be Selected for the Batteau Service but is not certain, wheather Captain Davis is the person who ought to be consider’d as the Commandant of that Body.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General David Wooster, 29 August 1775
From: Wooster, David
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Oyster Ponds Suffolk County [N.Y.] Augt 29, 1775

I have with me at this place, four hundred and fifty of my Regiment: I should before this time have returned to my Station at Harlem, but General Scuyler having ordered the three Companies raised upon this End of Long Island for the Continental Service to join their Regiment at Ticonderoga; The County Committee requested me to remain here till the return of an express, which they sent to New York, to beg of their Congress, if possible to prevent the three Companies from being removed. The Express has now returned with liberty for the Companies to remain here ten days from last friday. It is thought best that I keep my Station near New York though I shall not return there till I know the destination of the fleet,

which I understand from your Excellency’s information to Govr Trumbull have sailed out of Boston, I hope and expect such measures will be pursued as will prevent their taking the Stock from this, or the adjacent Islands.
The Inhabitants here, think that had General Scuyler known their very exposed situation he would not have ordered the Companies away, The New York Congress suppose they have no right to counteract his Orders, they might indeed have sent to him, and receiv’d an answer in season, But they are so refined in their policy have so many private views to answer, and take such infinite pains to keep out of the plain path, conscious perhaps of their own superiour wisdom that they do nothing like other people. It is now too late to send to General Scuyler.
The Committee of Safety have therefore desired me to request your Excellency to continue their Troops upon this Station, I shall only say that I know of no place so much exposed to the Ravages of the Enemy, and if the companies raised here, who have, a great part of the good Arms in the County, should be removed, and their places not supplyed, I know of none so defenceless as this; It is my opinion after all the Soldiers are gone, that two hundred men might ravage the County notwithstanding all the Inhabitants could do to prevent it. From this representation I doubt not your Excellency will think proper to continue the Troops raised here upon this Station or order others in their Room. I am with great truth and regard your Excellency’s most obedient Humble Servt

Davd Wooster


Title: General Orders, 30 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters Cambridge, August 30th 1775
Parole, Ireland.Countersign Kingston.

One Field Officer, six Captains, twelve Subs. twelve serjts twelve Corporals, two Drums, two Fifes and three hundred Soldiers from Heaths Brigade, and the same from the Cambridge Brigade, to parade as soon as the weather is fair, to march to ploughd hill; one Surgeon & one mate from each Brigade to be provided with proper Instruments and Dressings, are to be ready to march with the above detachment.
By the Orders of the 17th Instant, Thomas Chace Esqr. was, to the prejudice of Samuel Brewer Esqr., through mistake, appointed to be continued to do duty to Brigdr Genl Thomas’s Brigade, as Major of Brigade: His Excellency orders that mistake to be rectified, and directs Samuel Brewer to be continued, to act as Major of Brigade, to Brigadier Genl Thomas—He is to be obeyed as such.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 30 August 1775
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence August 30th 1775

Your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th instant is now before me; the Contents of which I have duly considered. When it came to Hand our small Sloop of War was out upon the Cruize which I mentioned to your Excellency in a former Letter. She hath since returned. The sending her on the Enterprize you propose could not be done without some new & further Powers from the General Assembly which sat here last Week; and the Nature of the Business was such that I did not think proper to lay it before so large a Body: I therefore procured a Committee to be appointed to transact all Business necessary for the common Safety during the Recess of the Assembly; particularly with Power to employ the Two Vessels of War in such Service as they should think necessary. The Committee is summoned to meet this Day before whom I shall lay your Letter. At present the Undertaking appears to me extremely difficult. The most suitable Man we have for the Purpose is confined to his Bed by Sickness.
We have Accounts that a Number of Vessels have sailed lately from Boston, which we apprehend are designed to plunder the Stock along the Coast. The General Assembly have ordered it all to be removed from all the Islands in this Colony excepting Rhode Island. We have now about Three Hundred Men employed in that Business. I am requested by the General Assembly to apply to you to give Directions to the Commissary General that all the Stock taken from these Islands that are fit to kill be taken for the Use of the Army in Preference to any Stock which is secure in the Country. The Drought hath been so severe along the Sea Coast this Summer that there is no Possibility of providing for this Stock in any other Way.
The Scarcity of coarse Linens hath caused such a Demand for Tow-Cloth for Family Use that upon Inquiry I find there is scarcely any of that Article to be had in the Government at any Rate.
The Vessel our small Sloop was cruising for arrived on the 28th inst. at Norwich. She hath brought Powder, Lead, Flints & Small Arms—What Quantity of each I am not certain. They are now on their Way by Land.

This letter waits upon your Excellency by Capt. Joseph Brown who is an eminent Merchant here, a true Friend to the Liberties of his Country, extremely well respected amongst us, and noted for his superior mechanical Genius. If he hath any Thing to propose for the Service of the common Cause I have no Doubt of your paying Attention to it and giving it the Weight it shall appear to you to deserve. I am with very great Esteem and Regard Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant

Nichols Cooke


Title: From George Washington to the Delaware Delegates, 30 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Delaware Delegates

Gentn
Camp at Cambridge Augt 30 1775

I endeavoured to pay the best attention in my power to your recommendation of Mr Parke, by making him an assistant to the Quarter Master General, an Office indispensably necessary in discharge of that Important, & troublesome business—I wish it was in my power to provide for more of the young Gentlemen, who, at their own expence have travelled, & now continue here, from Pensylvania & elsewhere; but the Congress seems to have put it out of their own power to do this, leaving by their Instructions to me, the ultimate appointment of all Officers as high as a Colonel to the Government in which the Regiments originated; the obvious consequence of which is, that, every Commission will be monopolized by these four New England Governments; the good policy, & justice of which, I submit to your better judgments; but should give it as my own opinion, that as the whole Troops are now taken into the pay of the United Colonies, the Congress (which I presume will either by themselves, or a Committee of their own Body always be sitting) ought to reserve the filling up of all vacancies themselves, in order that Volunteers from every Government may have an equal chance of preferment; instead of confineing all Offices to a few Governments to the total exclusion of the rest. I have dropt these thoughts by way of hint wch you may improve or reject as they shall appear to have, or want weight.
For the Occurrances of the Camp—the State of the Army &ca I refer to my Publick Letters address’d to Mr Hancock & with great respect, & gratitude for the good wishes contained in your Letter I remain Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Dickinson, 30 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, John

Dear Sir
Camp at Cambridge Augt 30th [17]75

Your favour of the 25th Ulto recommendatory of Mr Moylan, came duely to hand, & I have the pleasure to inform you that he is now appointed Commissary General of Musters—one of the Offices which the Congress was pleased to leave to my disposal—I have no doubt, from your acct of this Gentleman, of his discharging the duty with honour and fidility.
For the occurrances of the Camp, I refer to my publick Letters, address’d to Mr Hancock, and am with sincere regard. Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Peter Van Brugh Livingston, 30 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Peter Van Brugh

⟨Si⟩r
⟨Camp at Cambridge—August 30th 1775.⟩

Your Favour ⟨of the 21st Instt is duly⟩ received, inclosing Mr Carter’s In⟨formation of the⟩ Capture of the Charming Sally: whic⟨h from the circum⟩stances attending it, was undoubt⟨edly collusive.⟩ I have received Advice that another Ves⟨sel belonging⟩ to one White at Marblehead, whose os⟨tensible Voyage⟩ was to Casco Bay was carried in soon a⟨fter. Such⟩ Instances of Avarice, at such a Time, & in s⟨uch a cause,⟩ call for a severe Scrutiny, & exemplary Pun⟨ishment.⟩
Mr Livingston & some other Gentlem⟨en from⟩ your City brought us the acceptable News of the ⟨safe⟩ Arrival of a large Quantity of Powder, & 500 Stand ⟨of⟩ Arms. Our Situation is such as requires your immediate Assistance & Supply, in that Article. We have lately taken Possession of a Hill conside⟨rably⟩ advanced towards the Enemy, but our Poverty ⟨prevents⟩ our

availing ourselves of any Advantage of Si⟨tuation.⟩ I must therefore most earnestly intreat that ⟨Measures⟩ may be taken to forward to this Camp in ⟨the most⟩ safe and Expeditious Manner whatev⟨er Ammu⟩nition can be spared from the immed⟨iate & necessary defence of the province. The value of whatever may be sent in Consequence of⟩ this Request, ⟨will be paid by Order⟩ from hence when delivered—or n⟨egociated with⟩ the Honbl. Continental Congress at Philad⟨a as ma⟩y be agreed with the Proprietors: I only req⟨uest th⟩at no Time may be lost thro. any such Difficu⟨lties⟩ as our Situation is so critical & the Exigence so great. The Mode of Conveyance I must leave with the Provincial Congress, or the Committee of the City: I doubt not they will take every Precaution to make it safe & expeditious. I have the Honour to be Sir Your most Obedt & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 31 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, August 31st 1775
Parole London.Countersign Monmouth.

The Colonels or Officers commanding of each regiment of the Massachusetts Forces, are without delay to make out an exact abstract for the month of August of the pay due to the Commissioned, Non Commissioned Officers and private soldiers of each regiment, who were effective in the said Regiment during that Month, and who continue to be effective in the same: This Abstract must be signed by the Colonel, or Officer commanding each Regiment of the Massachusetts, and forthwith deliver’d by him to the Commander in Chief; to the end that each of those regiments, may immediately be paid one month’s pay.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 31 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Camp at Cambridge August 31st 1775

Last Night I received Information that Messr Clarke & Nightingale of Providence had imported a Quantity of Gun Powder, Lead & 500 Stand of Arms: Upon which I have dispatch’d Capt. Baylor one of my Aids de Camp to treat with those Gentlemen for the whole Importation if not otherwise dispos’d of. I have directed him to wait upon you immediately on his Arrival & must beg the Favor of your Advice & Assistance both in negociating the Purchase, & transporting it hither in the cheapest, Safest and most expeditious Manner. I flatter myself those Gentlemen will not take an under Advantage of the Distresses of their Country so as to exact an unreasonable Price—& that a due Regard will be had to the very particular Necessities of this Army so as to prevent as far as possible any Part of this Supply being diverted to other uses. As I have the most perfect Confidence in your Attachment & Zeal for the Publick Interests, I am perswaded you will use your utmost Influence to give Effect to Capt. Baylor’s Commission. To him I must beg leave to refer you for the News of the Camp & am with much Respect & Esteem, Sir Your
In your next you will please to inform me what Progress you make with the hunting Shirts.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Dodge, 31 August 1775
From: Dodge, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
[31 August 1775]

I am Vary Sorey that thare was aney Misunder Standing in the mesage that your Eadeyeon Braught me Respecting the Signal that I was to mack on Powder Horn Hill[.] I under Stood By him that when Aney movemen⟨t⟩ By See or Land By the

Regular trupes was mad that was Lickley that thay ware a Bout to Land I was to give the Signal on Said hill[.] I have in Closed the Remarckes. I am your Exelencey most Humble Servent

Richd Dodge Capt.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 August 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
[Camp at Cambridge August 31. 1775]

The inclosed Letter came under s⟨uch⟩ a Direction, & Circumstances as led me to supp⟨ose⟩ it contained some interesting Advices, either respecting a Supply of Powder; or the Cloathing lately taken at Philadelphia: I therefore took the Liberty of breaking the Seal; for which I hope the Service & my Motives will apoligize.
As the filling up the Place of vacant Brigadier General, will probably be of the first Business of the Honourable Congress: I flatter myself it will not be deemed assuming to mention the Names of two Gentlemen whose former Services, Rank, & Age may be thought worthy of Attention on this Occasion. Of the one I can speak from my own Knowledge, of the other only from Character. The former is Col. John Armstrong of Pennsylvania. He served during the last War in most of the Campaigns to the Southward, was honoured with the Command of the Pennsylvania Forces, and his general military Conduct, & Spirit much approved by all who served with him beside which, his Character was distinguished by an Enterprize against the Indians, which he plann’d with great Judgment, & executed with equal Courage, & Success. It was not till lately that I had Reason to beleive he would en⟨ter⟩ again on publick Service, & it is now wholly unsolicited & unknown on his Part. The other Gentleman is Col. Fry of Massachusetts Bay. He entered into the Service as early as 1745, & rose thro’ the different military

Ranks in the succeeding Wars, to that of Colonel, untill last June, when he was appointed a Major General by the Congress of this Province. From these Circumstances together with the favourable Report made to me of him I presume he sustained the Character of a good Officer—Tho’ I do not find it distinguished by any peculiar Service.
Either of these Gentlemen, or any other whom the Honourable Congress shall please to favour with this Appointment, will be received by me with the utmost Deference & Respect.
The late Adjournment having made it impractiable to know the Pleasure of the Congress as to the Appointment of Brigade Majors beyond the Number of three, which they were pleased to leave to me: And the Service not admitting of farther Delay, I have continued the other three, which I hope their Honours will not disapprove. These latter were recommended by the respective Corps to which they belong as the properest Persons for these Offices, untill farther Direction, & have discharged the Duty ever since. They are the Majors Box, Scammel & Samuel Brewer.
Last Saturday Night, we took Possession of a Hill considerably advanced beyond our former Lines—which brought on a very heavy Cannonade from Bunkers Hill; & afterwards a Bombardment which has been since kept up with little Spirit on their Part, or Damage on ours. The Work having been continued ever since, is now so advanced, & the Men so well covered as leave us under no Apprehensions of much farther Loss. In this Affair we had killed one Adjutant, one Volunteer & 2 privates. The Scarcity of Ammunition, does not admit of our availing ourselves of the Situation as we otherwise might do: But this Evil I hope will soon be remedied, as I have been informed of the Arrival of a large Quantity at New York; some at New London, & more hourly expected at different Places. I need not add to what I have already said on this Subject; our late Supply was very seasonable, but far short of our Necessities.
The late Adjournment of the Hon: Congress having been made before my Letter of the 4th Instt was received, I must now beg Leave to recall their Attention to those Parts of it which respect the Provision for the Winter, the Reduction of the Troops, the double Commissions under different Establishments

& Col. Gridlys Appointment of Major General. In all which I hope to be honoured with their Commands as soon as possible.
The Advocate General has sent me a Memorial respecting his Service, which I have the Honour to inclose (No. 1). And from the Variety & Multiplicity of Duty in a new Army as well as his regular Service, & Attendance I am induced to recommend him to the farther Notice of the Honorable Congress.
The Treatment of our Officers Prisoners at Boston induced me to write to General Gage on that Subject, his Answer, & my Reply I have the Honour to lay before the Congress in the Inclosures—No. 2. 3. 4. Since which I have heard nothing from him. I remain with the greatest Respect & Regard, Sir, Your most obedt & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 31 August 1775
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Tionderoga [N.Y.] August 31st 1775

I arrived here last night and Immediately renewed my orders for Sending you the lead (my former ones having not come to hand) It will leave Crown point this Afternoon and be forwarded without Loss of Time to you.
Gen: Montgomery leaves Crown point to day with twelve

hundred Men, and four twelve pounders, I follow him this Evening and have ordered the whole Strength I can Spare to Join me at Isle-au-noix with out delay. When they arrive there which I hope will be in five days, I Shall then be near two thousand Strong—I am Still of opinion that the Canadiens and Indians will be friendly to us, unless the Imprudence of a Capt: Baker who without my Leave went upon a Scout and Contrary to the most pointed & Express orders Seeing some people in a boat that Belonged to us, Attempted to fire on them but his Gun missing he was Instantly Shot, thro. the head and Expired, his party Consisted of five men, and the other of an Equal number, one of which an Indian was only seen to paddle of, I will neither detain Your Excellency nor waste my time (which is precious) in giving you a detail of the many wants I labour under, I hope they will Serve for an Evening Chat at some future day.
You would have Cause to blame me for not Sending a return of the forces under my Command, but I cannot get one that may in the least be depended upon, I know the reason, but so Critical is my Situation that I sacrifice every thing to the Grand Object. I have sent on only four twelve pounders[.] I expect to have no more than Six because, but I have promised not to Complain. Adieu My Dear General. I am with the most respectful Sentiments Your most Obedient Servant

Ph: Schuyler

My situation will apoligize for this blotted Scrawl. Since writing the above I have received the papers of which a Copy is inclosed.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 1 September 1775
From: Baldwin, Loammi
To: Washington, George

Chelsea [Mass.] Sept: 1st 1775
May it Please your Excellecy

Yesterday morning I sent to the Select men of Chelsea desiring them to meet at my Quarters in the Evening of the Same day & they met accordingly I then laid before them the necessity of making some further provision for winter Quarters for the troops Stationed in this Town. They consulted freely with me and desired me to lay before your Excellency a brief account of the troops being Station’d in Chelsea & present accomodations for winter Quarters.
The exposed situation of the Town Induced the Committee of Safty in may last to give orders for a Company to be raised to keep a Guard which was accordingly raised under Capt: Sprague—Some time after General Ward Sent a detachment to remove the Stock from some of the ajacent Islands which brought on Skirmishes which both destressed an[d] endangered the town upon which Genll Ward and Dr Warren upon viewing the Situation of things and Judging it of importance to defend the post ordered a detachment of three companies more to be Stationed at Chelsea which still remain here[.] The inhabitants of Chelsea Seem ready to do as far as their Abilities will possibly admit in their present impoverished Circumstances to accommodate Sd Companies in winter Quarters but are utterly unable to provide for them unless Somthing of the Barrack kind Should be erected for 70 or 80 Men[.] The Select men pray that your Excellency would direct that a Barrack be built Sufficient to contain the above Sd 70 or 80 Men & they will provide for the rest—There are about 36 houses in the town 7 of which are at the Ferry and deserted by the Inhabitants which very much crouds the rest—They plead the Inhabitants are vastly destressed and impoverished by repeated difficulties, Such as Alarms removing their stocks &c.
Considering the Importance of the post for observation and other ways I would beg leave to give it as my opinion that a barrack had better be erected but your Excellencies pleasure Shall be punctually observed by your very humble Servant

Loammi Baldwin


Title: General Orders, 2 September 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Sept. 2nd 1775.
Parole Portugal.Countersign Quebec.

Capt. Edward Crafts of Col. Gridley’s regiment of Artillery, tried yesterday by a General Court Martial, is acquitted of that part of the Charge against him, which relates to defrauding of his men,” and the Court are also of opinion, that no part of the Charge against the prisoner is proved, except that of using abusive expressions to Major Gridley; which being a breach of the 49th Article of the Rules and Regulations for the Massachusetts Army; sentence the Prisoner to receive a severe reprimand from the Lt Col. of the Artillery in the presence of all the Officers of the regiment and that he at the said time, ask pardon of Major Gridley for the said abusive language.
Lieut. Russell of Capt. Symonds Company, in the 21st Regt of foot, tried by the above Court Martial, for “disobedience of orders,” is unanimously acquitted by the court.
The General confirms the proceedings & Sentence of the above Court Martl.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Abiathar Angel, 2 September 1775
From: Angel, Abiathar
To: Washington, George

Camp at Roxbury [Mass.] 2 September 1775.

“Being in a Very Poor State of Health and Some Misunderstandings happening Between Me & Some of My Company, which I did Not Expect, which Renders it difficult for me to Serve With Pleasure—I therefor Move to Your Excelly for Leave to Resign My Command in Favor of Capt. Henry Work.”


Title: To George Washington from Clark & Nightingale, 2 September 1775
From: Clark & Nightingale
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence Septr 2d 1775

Agreeable to your request by Captn George Baylor your Excellency’s Aid De Camp we have deliver’d him all the Gun Powder & Lead with what arms his Honr Govr Cooke thought would be expedient to spare, the remainder of the Powder & Arms which are but few & not yet come to Town, he thinks will be best to continue here in order to supply the Inhabitants in case of an Attack upon these parts.
As our vessel is not arrived here, & we have not been able to obtain the Captns Accounts with respect to the voyage we can not asscertain our proportion of these articles, The Provincial Congress of the Massachusets Bay being equally concerned with us in them, they having advanced four thousand Dollars to which we put the like sum to be invested in Military Stores if they could be procured, It will therefore be intirely out of our power to have this Matter adjusted till the Captns arrival; for which reason we must request your Excellency to inform Colo. Benj. Lincoln (to whom we wrote) as he was formerly one of the Committee of Supplies & now one of the Councel of the Massachussets Bay & the person with whom we contracted, that you have the Powder & Lead dld to you, & that the arms & five thousand flints will be sent by the first opportunity, for which your Excellency will please to settle with them, as soon as they know the amot which shall be, as immediately on the Captns arrival, we are with due respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Most Obliged humble Servants

Clark & Nightingale


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, 2 September 1775
From: Pennsylvania Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia September 2nd 1775

We receiv’d last night Mr Reeds Letter of the 24th ult. respecting Major French & the Gentn made Prisoners with him & you will find by what we wrote by Capt. Willing & Capt. Wharton, those Prisoners were sent off for your Camp long before the receipt of this letter, The Cloathing taken with them we had declared in a Certificate given Major French was detained untill the meeting of Congress on the 5th of this month to be disposed of as they may direct, consequently we cannot Consistantly send it forward without their order, but we will lay the matter before them the first day of their meeting and follow such directions as they think proper to give. It is with great concern we learn your want of further supplys of Powder & altho. we are farr from being well provided for our own defence; Yet being extreamly anxious to promote your success, We dispatch herewith Two Tons of Powder which we hope will arrive safe & soon to your Command. We are Sir Your Obediennt humble Servts

Signed by order & on behalf of the Committee of Safety
Robt Morris, President pro tempore


Title: Instructions to Nathaniel Tracy, 2 September 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Tracy, Nathaniel

Head Quarters [Cambridge] Septr 2. 1775

You are hereby authorized & impowered to take up for the Service of the sd Colonies so many Vessels as shall be necessary

for the transporting a Body of Troops to be detached from this Army on a secret Expedition: Freight of such Vessels to be paid in such a Manner and at such a Rate as is indorsed hereon: And in Case of Loss or Damage to such Vessels or any of them such Loss or Damage to be compensated by the Publick according to an Estimation to be made before the sd Vessels proceed in the above Service.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 2 September 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Camp at Cambridge, September 2d 1775

I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favour of the 21st Ult: with the Inclosures. By my last Letters from Ticonderoga, I expect a Quantity of Lead, will be forwarded soon to your Care from thence. In the mean Time, I am glad to hear there are such Prospects of a Supply of that Article, from the Mines

in your Colony: I make no Doubt, they will receive such Encouragement both publick & private, as their Importance & Value demand.
By the Time you receive this Letter, you will be able to judge with some Certainty, whether the Fleet which last sailed from Boston, was destined for your Coasts, if it is not yet arrived, we may conclude it has sailed to the Eastward—if it has arrived, the Issue will be known immediately; so that in either Case, the Continuance of the new raised Levies along the Coast is unnecessary[.] You will therefore on the Receipt of this, be pleased to order them to march immediately to this Camp, directing the commanding Officer at the same Time to give me two or 3 Days Notice of the Time in which the Troops will arrive that suitable Accomodations may be prepared—Their Presence is the more necessary as I may in Confidence inform you that I am about to detach 1000 or 1200 Men on an Expedition into Canada by Way of Kennebeck River from which I have the greatest Reason to expect either that Quebeck will fall into our Hands a very easy Prey or such a Diversion made as will open a very easy Passage to General Schuyler.
We are now so well secured in our late advanced Post on the Hill, that the Enemy have discontinued their Cannonade. The Men continue in good Health & Spirits. I am with much Regard & Esteem Sir, Your very Obedt & most humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General David Wooster, 2 September 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Wooster, David

Sir
Camp at Cambridge September 2d 1775

I have just received your Favour of the 29th ult: by Express. I am very sensible that the Situation of the Inhabitants of Long Island, as well as of all those on the Coast, exposes them greatly to the Ravages of the Enemy; & it is to be wished General Protection could be extended to them, consistent with the Prosecution of those great Plans, which have been adopted for the common Safety. This was early foreseen, & the Danger provided for by a Resolution of Congress, that each Province should depend on its own internal Strength against these Incursions: the Prejudice arising from them (even if successful) not being equal to that of separating the Army into a Number of small Detachments, who would be harassed in fruitless Marches, & Countermarches after an Enemy whose Conveyance, by Shipping is so advantageous, that they might keep the whole Coast in constant Alarm without our being able perhaps at any Time to give them vigorous Opposition. Upon this Principle I have invariably rejected every Application made me here, to keep any Detachments on the Coast for these Purposes. I should therefore most probably have thought it my Duty to have ordered the three Companies mentioned in your Letter, to have joined your Army to act in the general Service, had they not been under Command from General Schuyler to join him: But as it is, I can by no Means interfere: He is engaged in a Service of the greatest Importance to the whole Continent, his Strength & Appointments far short of his Expectations, and to give any Counterorders may not only defeat his whole Plan, but must make me responsible to the Publick for the Failure. Instead therefore of their further Stay, I would have them march immediately, I fear, the Delay of the Ten Days may have very bad Effects as by my last Advices from Ticonderoga Genl Schuyler was to march in a few Days for Canada, & it is highly probable, he may depend upon these Companies to occupy the Posts of Communication, which otherwise he must weaken his Army to do.
No Provincial Congress can with any Propriety interfere in the Disposition of Troops on the Continental Establishment, much less controul the Orders of any General Officer, so that in

this Instance the Congress at New York have judged properly in declining to counteract General Schuylers Orders. I wish I could extend my Approbation equally to the whole Line of their Conduct.
Before you receive this Letter you will most probably be able to judge how far your Continuance on Long Island will be farther necessary. If the Fleet which last sailed was destined for those Coasts, it must be arrived—if it is not, it is certainly gone to the Eastward, & your present Station is no longer necessary. The Importance of preserving the Communication of the North River, & many other Reasons induce me to wish you were returned to your former Post. The late Transactions at New York, furnish additional Reasons for your being as near that City as is consistent with the Discipline & Convenience of your Troops. Your next therefore I flatter myself will inform me of your having resumed your former Station. I am, Sir, with much Regard & Esteem Your most Obedt & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Instructions to Reuben Colburn, 3 September 1775
From: Washington, George,Gates, Horatio
To: Colburn, Reuben

[Cambridge, 3 September 1775]

You are to go with all Expedition to Gardnerstone upon the River Kenebeck, and without Delay proceed to The Constructing of Two Hundred Batteaus, to row with Four Oars each; Two Paddles and Two setting Poles to be also provided for each Batteau.
You are to Engage a Company of Twenty Men consisting of Artificers, Carpenters, and Guides to go under your Command to Assist in such Services as you, & they, may be called upon to Execute.
You are to Purchase Five Hundred Bushells of Indian Corn, to Provide the Workmen employ’d on Building The Batteaus.
You are to bespeak all The Pork, and Flour, you can from the Inhabitants upon the River Kennebeck, & a Commissary will be immediately sent from the Commissary General, to agree, and pay for the same; You will also acquaint The Inhabitants, that The Commissary will have Orders to Purchase Sixty Barrells of Salted Beef, of Two hundred & Twenty pounds each Barrell.
You are to receive Forty Shillings Lawfull Money for each Batteau, with the Oars, Paddles, and Setting Poles included, out of which, you are also to pay The Artificers, & for all the Provisions, Nails &ca they shall expend. Given at Head Quarters at Cambridge this 3d day of September 1775

Go: Washington
By The Generals Command
Horatio Gates Adjt Genl


Title: To George Washington from Major Christopher French, 3 September 1775
From: French, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Sir
Framingham [Mass.] 3d Sept. 1775

I am just now favor’d with a Letter from Mr Reed, enclosing me a Letter from you which informs me of your having been so kind as to forward the Letters I had the Honor to enclose you from Philadelphia, for which please to accept my Thanks.
In that from Mr Reed, who I presume is your Secretary, ’though not so sign’d, he tells me I am to return to Hartford with the Gentlemen who are Prisoners of War with me by your Order. I chearfully submit, as do these Gentlemen, but must observe that when I gave my Parole it was conditionally, & that we might be sent to Cambridge in order to be the nearer for an Exchange whenever it might offer. These Sir were the Terms offer’d me by the Committee of safety & upon these Terms, & these only I consented rather than accept the alternative of remaining Prisoner at Philadelphia; I must farther offer to your Justice & knowledge of military Rules that before I would sign to my Parole, or let the two young Gentlemen (Novices in these matters) do it, I objected to our being by any means consider’d

as Prisoners, first because we came to America unknowing of any Hostilities having been commenc’d, secondly that in case we had arriv’d, having heard of it at Sea, the Custom of War allots a certain Period for the departure of the ships & Subjects of the inimicable Nation; neither of these Reasons however had sufficient Weight with the Committee (though I must say I am of opinion they should) to prevent their considering us as Prisoners, under which Circumstance it was that we agreed to give our Paroles, which having been once given we are determin’d to preserve inviolably, & therefore I presume it will be unnecessary to renew them at Hartford, and the more so as we flatter ourselves the cogency of the Reasons I have offer’d will incline you to have us return’d to our Regts without an Exchange being expected. I have the Honor to be Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant

Chris. French


Title: To George Washington from John Sullivan, 3 September 1775 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Sullivan, 3 Sept. 1775. On 4 Sept. GW wrote to Sullivan: “I receivd your Letter of yesterday.”


Title: General Orders, 4 September 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Sept. 4th 1775
Parole Torrington.Countersign Urbanna