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

Sir
Head Quarters New York Aug. 7. 1776 1 oClock P.M.

Since closing the Letter which I had the Honour to write you this Morning two Deserters have come in who left the Solebay Man of War last Evening—One of them is a Native of New York. Their Account is that they were in the Engagement with Col.

Moultrie at Sullivan’s Island on the 9th July—the particulars they give nearly correspond with the Narrative sent by Gen. Lee—That they left Carolina 3 Weeks ago as a Convoy to 45 Transports having on Board Gen. Clinton, Ld Cornwallis & the whole Southern Army consisting of about 3000 Men all of whom were landed last Week on Staten Island in tolerable Health—That on Sunday 13 Transports part of Ld Howe’s Fleet & having on Board Hessians & Highlanders came to Staten Island. That the Remainder of the Fleet which was reported to have in the whole 12000 Men had parted with these Troops off the Banks of Newfoundland & were expected to come in every Moment—That they were getting their heavy Carriages & Cannon on Board, had launch’d 8 Gondolas with flat Bottoms—& 2 Rafts or Stages to carry Cannon. These Men understand that the Attack will soon be made, if the other Troops arrive—that they give out they will lay the Jerseys waste with Fire & Sword—the computed Strength of their Army will be 30,000 Men. They farther add that when they left Carolina one Transport got on Shore so that they were not able to give her Relief upon which she surrendered with 5 Companies of Highlanders to Gen. Lee who after taking every Thing valuable out of her burnt her—That the Admiral turn’d General Clinton out of his Ship after the Engagement with a great Deal of abuse. great Differences between the principal naval & military Gentlemen.
That the Ships left in Carolina are now in such a weakly distress’d Condition they would fall an easy Prey. I am Sir, with great Respect & Regard Your Most Obed. & very Huble Serv.

Go: Washington

P.S. The Ships are changing their position and the Men of War forming into a Line, but I still think they will wait the arrival of the remaining Hessians before any genl Attack will be made. Mondays return will Shew our strength here.

Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to the Hartford Committee of Safety, 7 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hartford Committee of Safety

Gentlemen
Head Qrs N. York 7th Aug. 1776

I am to acquaint you that I lately received a Letter from Major French who is a prisoner in Your place, signifying that his Parole would be out the 12th Inst. & that he had no intentions of renewing it—This Conduct I must confess appears very extraordinary as he cannot be ignorant that he has been hitherto considered as a prisoner of War, and that accepting his parole at first was an indulgence granted, solely to make his situation more easy & comfortable, & to prevent his experiencing the disagreeable Effects of a close confinement—I have expressed my sentiments to him freely on the Subject in my answer which I inclose unsealed for your perusal. I doubt not you will pursue such measures as are most proper on this Occasion—You will please to seal & deliver the Letter inclosed without delay, to avoid any trouble that may arise on accot of not delivering it previous to the date before mentioned. I am with due Respect & Regard Gentn Your very humble Servant

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Walter Livingston, 7 August 1776
From: Livingston, Walter
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany Augt 7. 1776

I am greatly distressed for Money to purchase provisions for the use of the Army—I am indebted very large Sums for Flour, Transportation of Stores, &c. to the amount of about 50,000 Dollars—The Military Chest belonging to this part of the Army is empty—I have wrote to the Commissary Genel informing him of the necessity there was of sending me money—He has it not, or I am persuaded he would have relieved me.
I have extended my own Credit and that of my friends, I have borrowed monies on Interest that the Service Might not be impeded. I am apprehensive it will be impracticable for me to Support the Army much longer unless that Sum is sent to discharge my debts, and I could wish a farther Sum might be advanced to enable me to furnish a future Supply—I cannot procure Cattle unless I have cash, they are bought in States where my Credit does not extend—I think it a duty incumbent on me, in Genl Schuylers absence, to give your Excellency this information by Express, requesting if money can be obtained, that it may be delivered to Capn Teunis V. Vechten. Hoping your Excellency will excuse this application I remain your Excellencies Most Obedt Humle Servant

Walter Livingston Dy Cy Genl

By letters last night from Conderoga we are informed that a Sail of French Ships are within four leagues of Quebec. That Genl Burgoin had retreated to the mouth of the Sorell. This account was brought by two French gentlemen in our Service.


Title: To George Washington from a Committee of the Massachusetts Council, 7 August 1776
From: Committee of the Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
State of Massachusetts Bay In Committee of CouncilWatertown, Augt 7, 1776

Your Letter of the 25th Ulto Inclosing a Resolve of the Honble Congress of the 8th of July, respecting the places of Rendezvous for the Battalions raising in this State for Canada, has been consider’d by us, and it is with pleasure we can inform your Excellency that we apprehend every thing that is necessary has been done respecting the matter agreeable to the Resolve of Congress, and that General Schyler and Commissary Trumbull have been made fully aquainted with the route the Troops were to take and that they approve of the same and have given directions for their being supply’d accordingly. In the name & by order of the Committee I have the honour to be your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble servant

John Winthrop Chairman


Title: From George Washington to Jesse Root, 7 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Root, Jesse

Sir
New York Head Qrs Aug. 7. 1776

I have the most authentick intelligence that Genl Clinton with his whole Southern Army—1000 Hessians & a number of Highlanders have within these few days joined General Howe—that 11,000 more foreign Troops are hourly expected having been left on the Banks of Newfoundland a few days ago—An attack is now therefore to be expected which will Probably decide the Fate of America—The Levies from New Jersey, New York, & Connecticut are not compleated within one half of their Establishment and my whole Army much short of its Complement.
Under these circumstances Sir, I must desire you to apply to

the several Committees or other authority of Connecticut to hasten down as fast as possible the Militia, and I cannot doubt but a sense of publick Duty & the imminent Dangers to which every thing that is dear to us is exposed, will induce every true friend & Lover of his Country to exert his utmost Powers for its Salvation and Defence. I am Sir Your Obed. Hble Servt

G.W.


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

Dear Sir
New York Augt 7th 1776.

Before this I presume You have received a Letter from Congress inclosing sundry Resolutions of the 22, 23 & 24 Ulto among Which was One, Empowering their Commanders in Chief in every Department to Negociate an Exchange of Prisoners, upon the Plan there[i]n pointed out: There were two Others Mentioning the Case of Colo. Allen & the Persons taken with him.
That the Views of Congress might be carried into Execution in these Instances as far as they could in this Department, & for the Enlargement of Mr Lovell whose Case lately have since mentioned, I wrote to General Howe, who has acceded to the several Propositions, I made him, as far as they came within the Extent of his Command. A Copy of my Letter & his Answer I have inclosed. By the Letter You will perceive, Prisoners made

in Canada, are subject to General Carleton’s Determination & Pleasure. It is probable You have already wrote him upon the subject of an Exchange, But If You have not, I think You should propose It immediately both to him & General Burgoyne, & try to Obtain General Thompson for General Prescott, & Also One for the Other Officers & Men who are Prisoners in their Hands. Justice & a Regard to the Merit & Bravery of the Officers & Privates who were taken when General Montgomery unfortunately fell, require that Your Exertions should be directed to relieve their sufferings & procure their Enlargment among the first.
It may not be Improper to inform these two Gentlemen of what has passed between General Howe & Myself. Perhaps the Copies of our Letters will contribute in some Measure to facilitate the Work.
I was Yesterday Evening favoured with Your Letters of the 1st and 2d Instt, also with One from Mr Varrick.
It is impossible to spare any Gunners or Mates from hence, our Posts being so extensive, that We are Obliged to draft upwards of six hundred Men from different Regiments to assist the Artillery. Colo. Knox informs Me You have four Companies of Gunners & Mattrosses at the Lakes as good as any here. You must draw What are Necessary from them & Other Parts of the Army. As to Seamen they are extremely difficult to procure, & I wish they may be got. As It is almost certain, they would not engage in the service, You want ’em for, Upon the Terms usually allowed here, There seems to have been a Necessity for Employing them on the best that can be had.
From Lt McMichels Report, Our Enemies seem determined to push Us on All Quarters. It is Nothing but what We may expect. Your Utmost Activity & Exertions must be employed to counteract their Designs & prevent their penetrating the Country. I hope fort stanwix ’ere long will be compleat & defensible against any Attack they can make, If they have any such Views. The Garrison should by all Means, have a proper Supply of Provision in Case It should be invested.
In Respect to the Articles in the List marked B in Mr Varrick’s Letter, All that can be procured here, are set down in the List subscribed by the Quarter Master General. As to the Cordage, lest a supply may not be Got in Connecticut, Mr Ivers has

undertaken & will Immediately Set out for Poughkepsy in Order to Manufacture six or Eight Tons of Hemp he has there, into an Assortment of It, which will be forwarded to Albany, with all possible Dispatch, from thence. I hope the Other Necessaries will be Got by the Person sent to Connecticut & the Anchors &ca at the Forges Mr Varrick mentions. Captn Bacon sent in Pursuit of Seamen &ca by General Arnold is gone to Connecticut to see what he can procure, I advanced him Five hundred Pounds Lawfull, All the Money That was in the Paymasters Hands.
Having represented to Congress the Expediency of Employing the Stockbridge Indians, as they are desirous of It, they have Authorized Me to do It, as You will see by the Inclosed Copy of their [Resolution passed the 2nd Inst., If Mr Edwards is at the Treaty you are now holding, Shew him the] Resolve & please to Inform him, That It is my Request, he should adopt the most Expeditious Mode of Raising them, Giving such of them that chuse It, Liberty to Join the Northern, & those that prefer Coming here, Leave to do It, In Case they incline to divide. If they do not, the whole may Go to which Army they please. Lest Mr Edwards should not be at the Treaty, I will try to write him by Another Opportunity to the same Effect.
Congress I see too, have ordered five hundred thousand Dollars to be sent Mr Trumbull for the Northern Army. I am hopeful they will be Attentive to the Necessary Supplies of Money in future.
By two Deserters from the Enemy, just come to Head Quarters, We are informed General Clinton with his whole Army from the southward, Except three Companies, has arrived. they also add, That above One thousand of the Hessians have Got in; the Remainder Of the Foreign Troops they expect (about Eleven thousand) will be in, every Day. Those that have arrived, having parted with them in a Gale of Wind off the Banks of New Foundland.
Congress having resolved That Colo. Elmore’s Regiment should reinforce this Army, On the 1st Instt I wrote him, (supposing him in Connecticut, with his Regiment,) to repair here with all possible Expedition, But being informed that he is at Albany, with It or a great Part of It ’ere now, & fully Convinced, That he cannot be here in Time, to afford any Succour, I request

that You will retain him & direct his Regiment to such Service as You may think necessary. I wrote him by this Opportunity, Countermanding my former Orders. I am Dr Sir, Yr most Obed. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., 7 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Shaw, Nathaniel Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters N. York 7th Aug. 1776

I duely received your favr of the 1st Inst. by Doctr Wolcott with an extreme fine Turtle, which was very acceptable, & for which I return you my best thanks—Am exceedingly sorry to hear the Prize ship was lost when so near the Harbour, but conclude it was an unavoidable accident, & as such we must be reconciled thereto—I wrote you the other day by some french Gentn to wch I refer, and am with due Regards Sir Your very humble Servt

Go: Washington


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

Head Quarters, New York, August 8th 1776
Greenwich.Kennington.

Passes signed by the President of the Convention, of New York, are to be deemed authentic, and noticed as such by officers attending at the ferries.
As the Movements of the enemy, and intelligence by Deserters, give the utmost reason to believe, that the great struggle, in which we are contending for every thing dear to us, and our posterity, is near at hand—The General most earnestly recommends the closest attention to the state of the mens arms, ammunition and flints; that if we should be suddenly called to action, nothing of this kind may be to provide; and he does most anxiously exhort, both officers, and soldiers, not to be out of their quarters, or encampments, especially early in the morning, or upon the tide of flood.
A Flag in the day time, or a light at Night, in the Fort on Bayard’s hill, with three Guns from the same place fired quick, but distinct, is to be considered as a signal for the troops to repair to their Alarm posts, and prepare for action, and that the Alarm may be more effectually given, the Drums are immediately to beat to Arms upon the signal being given from Bayards-hill—This order is not to be considered as countermanding the

firing two Guns at Fort George as formerly ordered; that is also to be done upon an Alarm, but the Flag will not be hoisted at the old Head Quarters in the Broad Way.
Col. Parsons, Col. Read, Col. Huntington, Col. Webb, Col. Wyllys, Col. Bailey, Col. Baldwin, Col. McDougall, Col: Ritzema and Lieut. Col. Sheppard, to attend at Head Quarters this evening, at six o’clock.


Title: From George Washington to Major Christopher French, 8 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: French, Christopher

Sir
Head Quarters New York Augt 8th 1776

I was unwilling to determine hastily upon your Claim of a Release founded upon your Parole & therefore delayed the Acknowledgment of your Favour of the 22d July untill I should fully inform myself. I had accordingly wrote you Yesterday that I was so unhappy as to differ from you in the Construction you had put upon it, But as there was Reason to beleive a General Exchange of Prisoners might soon take place I should chearfully facilitate your Return to your Friends.
Last night I received your favour of the 5th August waving your Claim of a Release which makes any farther Discussion of that Matter unne[ce]ssary—Your other Perposal of being Exchanged for Major Meigs or Colo. Allen will meet with no Objection from me. Should you write to Genl Howe on the Subject the Letter shall be chearfully [forwarded] & his Answer returned.
Should any difficulty arise in the Exchange I am doubtful, how far I should be authorized without Consulting the Congress to grant you an Indulgence similar to that of Major Meigs, which I have been informed was allowed in Consequence of his saving the Life of a British Officer either nearly connected with or much esteemed by General Carlton.
However you may assure yourself Sir, that both Duty & Inclination lead me to releive the unfortunate & that I agree with you, that your Long & early Captivity gives you a very Just Claim to Special Notice, & I shall be happy in furthering your Wishes as far as my Station will admit. I am Sir Your Most Obt & very Hum⟨ble⟩ Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 8 August 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
L. Island Wednesday [Thursday] Evening[8 August 1776] 9 oClock

Col. Varnum Reports from Red Hook about sun set and after as many as One hundred Boats were seen coming from Statten Island to the Ships full of Men. Three Ships went towards the Narrows previous to which about thirty Boats with Soldiers went on board them. From the best Observations made by Capt. Foster and others there is a general Imbarcation.
I have inclosd a Report from the Officer of one of Col. Hands out Guards—sent by Express this Evening. Your Excellency will pay the Attention the intelligence deserves. I am your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 8–9 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York August 8[–9]th 1776

By Yesterday morning’s post, I was honoured with your favor of the 2d Instant with Sundry Resolutions of Congress, to which I shall pay strict attention. As the proposition for employing the Stockbridge Indians has been approved, I have wrote Mr Edwards, One of the Commissioners, and who lives among them

requesting him to engage them or such as are willing to enter the service. I have directed him to Indulge them with liberty to Join this, or the Northern Army, or both, as their inclination may lead. I wish the salutary consequences may result from the regulation respecting Seamen taken, that Congress have in view. From the nature of this kind of people, and the privileges granted on their entering into our service, I should suppose many of them will do It. We want them much.
I yesterday transmitted the Intelligence I received from the Deserters from the Solebay Man of War. The Inclosed Copy of a Letter by last nights post from the Honble Mr Bodoin, with the Information of a Captain Kennedy lately taken, corroborate their accounts respecting the Hessian Troops—Indeed his report makes the fleet and Armament to be employd against us, greater than what we have heard they would be; However, there remains no doubt of their being both large and formidable, and such as will require our most vigorous exertions to oppose them. persuaded of this, and knowing how much Inferior our Numbers are and will be to theirs, when the whole of their Troops arrive—of the Important consequences that may, and will flow from the Appeal that will soon be made, I have wrote to Connecticut and New Jersey for all the Succour they can afford, and also to the Convention of this State. What I may receive, and in what time, the event must determine. But I would feign hope, the situation, the exigency of our Affairs, will call forth the most strenuous efforts and early assistance of those, who are friends to the Cause. I confess there is but too much occasion for their exertions. I confidently Trust, they will not be witheld.
I have Inclosed a Copy of a Letter from Mr Bowdoin respecting the Eastern Indians. Congress will thereby perceive, that they profess themselves to be well attached to our Interest, and the Summary of the measures taken to engage them in our service. I have the Treaty at large between the Honble Council of the Massachusets on behalf of the United States, with the Delegates of the St Johns & Mickmac tribes. The probability of a Copy being sent already, and Its great length, prevents One coming herewith. If Congress have not had It forwarded to ’em—I will send a Copy by the first opportunity after notice that It has not been received.
August 9th. By a Report received from Genl Greene last

night, at Sunset and a little after about a Hundred boats were seen bringing Troops from Staten Island to the Ships. Three of which had fallen down towards the Narrows having taken in Soldiers from Thirty of the Boats—he adds that by the best observations of Several Officers, there appeared to be a Genl embarkation.
I have wrote to Genl Mercer for Two Thousand men from the Flying Camp: Colo. Smallwood’s Battallion as part of them I expect this forenoon, But where the rest are to come from, I know not, as by the Genl’s last return, not more than three or four hundred of the New Levies had got in.
In my Letter of the 5th I inclosed a Genl Return of the Army under my Immediate command, but I immagine the following state will give Congress a more perfect Idea, though not a more agreable one, of our situation. For the Several posts on New York, Long & Governors Islands and paulus Hook we have fit for duty 10,514—Sick present 3039—Sick Absent 629—On Command 2946 on Furlow 97—Total 17,225. in addition to these we are only certain of Colo. Smallwoods Battallion in case of an Immediate Attack. Our posts too are much divided having Waters between many of them and some distant from Others Fifteen Miles. These circumstances sufficiently distressing of themselves, are much aggravated by the Sickness that prevails through the Army—Every day, more or less are taken down, so that the proportion of Men that may come in, cannot be considered as a real and serviceable augmentation in the whole. These things are Melancholy, but they are nevertheless true—I hope for better. Under every disadvantage my utmost exertions shall be employed to bring about the great end we have in view, and so far as I can Judge from the professions and apparent disposition of my Troops, I shall have their Support. The Superiority of the Enemy and the expected Attack, do not seem to have depressed their Spirits. These considerations lead me to think, that though the Appeal may not terminate so happily in our favor as I could wish, that yet they will not succeed in their views without considerable loss. Any advantage they may get, I trust will cost them dear.
8 OClock A.M. By the Reverend Mr Maddison & a Mr Johnson, two Gentn of Virginia who came from Staten Island Yesterday and where they arrived the day before in the packet with

Col. Guy Johnson, I am informed that Nothing material had taken place in England when they left It—That there had been a Change in the French Ministry which many people thought foreboded a War—That It seemed to be beleived by many, That Congress would attempt to buy off the foreign Troops and that It might be effected without great difficulty. Their Accounts from Staten Island nearly Correspond with what we had before—They say that every preparation is making for an Attack—That the force now upon the Island is about 15,000—That they appear very Impatient for the arrival of the Foreign Troops, but a very small part having got in—Whether they would attempt any thing before they came, they are uncertain, but they are sure they will as soon as they arrive, If not before—They say from what they could Collect from the Conversation of Officers &c. they mean to Hem us in by getting above us & cutting off All Communication with the Country—That this is their plan, seems to be corroborated and Confirmed by the Circumstances of some Ships of War going out at different Times within a few days past and Other Vessells—It is probable that a part are to go round & come up the Sound. Mr Maddison says Lord How’s powers were not known when he left England—That Genl Conway moved before his departure, that they might be laid before the Commons, and had his Motion rejected by a large Majority. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 8 August 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Aug. 8. 1776

Your letters of the 7 with the papers enclosed are received and now under consideration of Congress.
Enclosed I send you a resolution passed respecting lieutenant Josiah. He was first lieutenant of captain Nicholas Biddle & was taken in a ship capt. Biddle had made prize of, by the Cerberus frigate.
By a letter which he found means to convey he informs that “he is used worse than he ever thought one englishman could use another—that he was sent before the mast with the rest, but upon refusing to do duty was given under the charge of three boatswains mates & expects the gangway soon as he is daily threatened.”
An Order is this moment pass’d for calling general Lee from the Southward, & to morrow is appointed for electing a number of major generals & brigr generals. I am Sir Your very humbe Servt

John Hancock Presit

You will please to mention the matter of Lieut. Josiah as real information, but not discover that it was by Letter, as it may prove injurious, in case he is not exchang’d.


Title: From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 8 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Dear Sir
New York Augt 8th 1776.

This Letter will accompany another from me to the Convention of your State—the purport of wch will come before you, and need not be recapitulated—In that Letter, I did not care to make too full a declaration of the Weak State of this Army—to you Sir, I can have no reserve in doing of it—’tis necessary that you, and some other Gentlemen of your body should know it.
By the last Genl return (on Monday) our numbers stood thus, fit for duty 10,514. Sick present 3039. sick absent 629. On Comd 2946. On Furlough 97. Total 17225. In these are Included the Troops on Long Island, Govrs Island Powles hook, Red hook, Horns hook, Fort Washington, & Kings Bridge; in short all, except the Flying [camp]. You can judge then Sir, without any annimadversions of mine, how competent this force is to oppose the Enemy, which can be little if any short of 30,000 Men when the Hessiens (which were parted with off the Banks of Newfoundland) arrive & which is momently expected.
I have wrote to Connecticut, and to New Jersey for Militia; and you will judge what is necessary under the Circumstances I have mentioned to be done by this Colony. With sincere esteem and Regd I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Ser:

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 8 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Head Quarters New York Aug. 8. 1776

Before this reaches you—You will undoubtedly have heard of the unexpected Arrival of the Carolina Army on Staten Island: which added to the Hessians & former Troops under Ld Howe exhibit a Force justly alarming. When I compare it with that which we have to oppose them I cannot help feeling very anxious Apprehensions. The new Levies are so incomplete the old Regiments deficient in their Compliment ⟨& so mu⟩ch Sickness that we must have an immediate Supply of Men—I have therefore wrote to Connecticut & to the Convention of your Province to call the Militia immediately—but as it may take some Time & the Necessity admits of no Delay, I have thought it proper to apply to you also under the Resolution of Congress of last June copy of wh⟨ic⟩h was sent you when Ld Howes Fleet first arrived, to beg you would use your utmost Exertions to forward ⟨th⟩is most necessary Measure—The Consequences to the American Interest of any Failure ⟨here are so⟩ obvious that I need not enlarge upon them—your ⟨own⟩ good Judgment will suggest every Thing proper.
It would be a great Saving of Time & Expe⟨nce⟩ if the Militia when they come would allways equip themselves with Arms, Ammunition, Blankets, Canteens & Kettles as far as they can—& in any Order given on the present Occasion I would wish y⟨ou⟩ notice it specially. I am with much Truth ⟨& Regard,⟩ Sir Your most Obed. & ⟨very⟩ Hble Serv.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 8 August 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Eliza. Town [N.J.] 8th Augt 1776

I receivd your favour this morning and am very glad to find Mr Madison & Johnston here, who are immediatly from Staten

Island—They intend to pay their respects to your Excellency; it will therefor be improper to take your time with relating what you will hear from those Gentlemen—That some Attempt will speedily be made with the greater part of the Enemies force, is confirmed by all Accounts—I shall endeavour to have the troops on this Quarter in as good preparation as I can—and will with great alacrity give any Assistance in such way as you are pleasd to point out—The Militia are brought into somewhat better temper—Their well or ill founded complaints have given me a great dale of concern—But it has given me more Anxiety to find by a Letter from Col. Reed that constructing Lines of defence was expected here, when it was difficult to keep the Troops from deserting the Posts—It will always give me pleasure to receive & obey your Commands. I am Your Excellencys most obedt St

Hugh Mercer

Genl Roberdeau and Ewing accompanied me here in hopes of having the pleasure of meeting your Excellency.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Miles, 8 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Miles, Samuel

Sir
New York ⟨Hea⟩d Quarters Aug. 8 1776.

Since your Departure from hence we have received Intelligence of the utmost Importance that Genl Clinton has arrived at Staten Island with the whole Southern Army—that the foreign Troops are arriving, the whole making a most formidable & alarming Force. By the Preparations making we have Reason to expect an early & very vigorous Attack for which we would wish to have more equal Numbers: Upon looking round I do not see any Quarter from which I may so confidently look for Assistance

as the Pennsylvania Troops who have shewn so much Spirit & Zeal & particularly those of the three Battalions under your Command of whom I hear a most excellent Character. I do not scrutinize into the Terms of the Inlistment of Troops at such a Time as this nor would I avail myself of any Authority derived from that Source: Brave Men who love their Country & are resolved to defend it will go where the Service requires at so critical & dangerous a Period as this & Men of a different Character, such I hope we have not among us, can be useful no where. I flatter myself therefore when the brave Officers & Soldiers under your special Command reflect that the Time is fast Approaching which is to determine our Fate & that of our Posterity they will most chearfully perservere & comply with such Request respecting their March & Destination as the State of Things requires—Under this Perswasion I have wrote to General Mercer to desire one of the Riffle Battalions may be forwarded over as we have not one Corps of that Kind in or near New York, & the Ground in many Places will admit them to act with great Advantage. I doubt not your utmost Influence to facilitate so important an Object. I have left it to Gen. Mercer who will doubtless consult with you on the Subject, to determine which Battalion should come, or if they could be spared I should be glad to see a greater Number: From what I can learn I do not believe New Jersey to be included in the present Plan of Attack—if so, the Service rendered here would be of the most important Kind—If you think it will be of any Use, I have no Objection to your Communicating this Letter to your Officers & Men, & then such Steps may be taken as will ⟨mutilated⟩ the great Cause in which we are all engagd—I am Sir, with much Truth & Esteem Your most Obed. & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


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

Dr Sir
Head Quarters N. York 8th Augt 1776

As Capt. Bacon has been here in pursuit of some Duck and other Articles for the Northern Army and is now gone into Connecticut, I take the liberty of forwarding a letter for him to Gov. Cooke under cover to you, by which Capt. Bacon can be furnished with what Duck is wanting provided he does not meet with it in Connecticut. I wrote you particularly last evening by Mr Root of Hartford since which nothing material has happened. I am Sir with sentiments of Esteem Your most humble Servant.

P.S. Should you not have opportunity to present the enclosed to Capt. Bacon you will please to forward it to Governor Cooke, together with the intelligence of mine of yesterday to your honor contained, as I have not time to write him particularly.


Title: To George Washington from William Watson, 8 August 1776
From: Watson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Plymouth [Mass.] 8th August 1776

Capt. Ma[r]tindale, the bearer of this will Inform your Excellency that he, when he was about to sail in the Continental arm’d Brigantine the Washington, was obligd to draw on the Agent, for sundry Articles in the cloathing way, (for the use of his people who were almost naked, and without which they co’d not go to sea) amounting to £80 L[awful] Money, which were delivd by Capt. Martindale charged to such persons as recd them.
Capt. Martindale, had taken from him, his Books & all the papers which related to this matter, & can not tell to whom, or in what proportion, the sd goods were deliverd.
I have conducted as agent with Integrity, and with a view to the public good, & flatter my self that my services have been approved, & that your Excellency will not let me suffer by this unexpected event & that your Excellency will please to direct, in what manner I shall be reimburst. I am with great Respect your Excellencys most obedient much obligd Humbl. servant

William Watson


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 8 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Woodhull, Nathaniel

Sir
New York Augt 8th 1776

I have been favoured with your Letter of the 6 Instt and am happy to find the Nomination I made of Genl Clinton in consequence of your request to appoint an Officer to the Command of the Levies on both sides Hudson’s River, has met the approbation of your Honble body. His acquaintance with the Country, abilities and zeal for the cause, were the motives that Induced

me to make choice of him. However I am led to conclude from that part of your Letter which desires me to transmit him his appointment with the Resolution subjectg the Levies on both sides of the River to his command, that your Honble body entertain Ideas of the matter somewhat different from what I do or ever did.
When I was honoured with your Letter of the 16th Ulto with the Resolves of Convention upon this Subject, the State of the Army under my command would not allow me to send a Genl Officer in the Continental Service to command the Levies you then proposed to raise, supposing I had been authorized to do It, but considering myself without power in this Instance—the Levies altogether of a provincial nature—to be raised by you & subject to your direction, I esteemed the Nomination of a Genl Officer over them entrusted to my choice a matter of favor and of Compliment, and as such I gratefully fill It. I am persuaded I expressed myself in this manner to the Gentn who were pleased to attend me upon the occasion and that they had the same Ideas. Under the Influence of this opinion All I expected was that an Appointment would be made in conformity to my Nomination, If there was no objection to the Gentleman I proposed, conceiving then as I do now, If he was approved by Convention he was their Officer and deriving his appointmt and authority from them. In this light I presume Genl Clinton must be viewed and his powers over the Levies you allude to flow from you. Lest accident may have mislaid the Letter I wrote you on the Subject, I have Inclosed an Extract of It so far as It had relation to It.
It is not in my power to send an Experd Officer at this time to the post you mention, I trust that Colo. Clinton will be equal to the command of both the Highland Fortifications, they are under his direction at present.
In respect to the two Commissaries I thought the matter had been fixed, but as It is not I have requested Mr Trumbull who has the charge of this, to wait upon and agree with the Convention on proper persons to conduct the business and in such a way that their purchases & his may not clash to him therefore I beg leave to refer you upon this Subject.
I am extremely obliged by the order for the Telescope. I have obtained It and will try to employ it for the valuable purposes you designed It.

I shall pay proper attention to your Members & persons employed in their service and give It in Genl Orders that they be permitted to pass our Guards without Interruption.
Before I conclude, I cannot but express my fears lest the Enemy’s army so largely augmented should possess themselves of the whole Stock on Long Island: When the further reinforcement arrives, which they hourly expect, they may do It without a possibility on our part of preventing them. I wish the Convention may not see cause to regret that they were not removed. I have the Honor &c.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 8 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Woodhull, Nathaniel

Sir
New York Augt 8th 1776

By this I mean to communicate to your Honble body the Substance of the Intelligence I received yesterday from Two Deserters that came the Evening before from the Solebay Man of War.
They Inform that they were in the Engagemt at Sullivans Island & give nearly the same Account as that transmitted by Genl Lee which you would See published by Congress. They add that they left South Carolina about three Weeks ago with Genl Clinton and his whole Army who are now arrived & landed on Staten Island; they also say that part of Lord How’s fleet with Hessian & Highland Troops on board have got in and that the remainder with a considerable body is hourly expected, which

those that have come in parted from in a Gale of Wind, off the Banks of Newfound Land.
As the Accounts given by these Men are direct and circumstantial, and their Authenticity corroborated by many Other things that have occurred, It is not to be doubted but the Number of the Enemy’s Army will greatly exceed ours.
Their force which was generally expected would be considerable of Itself; the unexpected augmentation of Genl Clinton’s Army makes It more so—On the other Hand Our’s does not come up to the Intended establishment.
Under these circumstances & as we may expect the period just at hand when they will make their vigorous push, I submit It to the Consideration of your Honble body whether It may not be necessary for your Exertions to be employed in calling, in the most expeditious manner, such reinforcements as you can obtain to the aid of this Army. I have &c.

G.W.


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

Head Quarters, New York, August 9th 1776.
Lexington.Maryland.

Capt. Lieut. Sergeant of the Artillery, with two Field Peices, to attach himself to General Heath’s Brigade, with the Ammunition Carts, as ordered by Col. Knox; while time will permit, he must manœuvre with the Regiments of the Brigade, and practise as much as possible. The Horses not to be taken away from the Carts, but kept with the driver in some convenient place contigious to the Brigade so as to be ready at a moments warning.
Capt. Lieut. Carpenter to do the same with Lord Stirling’s Brigade.
Capt. Lieut. Johnson to do the same with General Spencer’s Brigade.
Capt. Lieut. Crane to do the same with General Fellows Brigade.
An Ammunition Cart is provided for each regiment with spare Cartridges; these Carts are immediately to join the several regiments to which they belong and keep with them in some safe place near the regiment.
The Quarter Master General to have the Water Casks replenished.

The Commissary General to deliver to the Colonel of each regiment, Rum in the proportion of half a pint to a man; the Colonel to make a return of the number of his men for this purpose, and see that it is properly dealt out, by putting it under the care of a very discreet officer.
As there are some regiments yet deficient in Arms, The General directs, that the Colonels, or commanders of regiments, see what good Arms there are, belonging to the sick, and put them into the hands of those who are well; if there should still be a deficiency, they are then to apply to the Adjutant General.
The General Officers to be at Head Quarters, this evening at Six o’clock precisely.
The General exhorts every man, both officer and soldier, to be prepared for action, to have his arms in the best order, not to wander from his encampment or quarters; to remember what their Country expects of them, what a few brave men have lately done in South Carolina, against a powerful Fleet & Army; to acquit themselves like men and with the blessing of heaven on so just a Cause we cannot doubt of success.
Nicholas Fish Esqr. is appointed Brigade Major to General Scott; he is to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
Col. Glover and Col. Smallwoods Regiments are to be under the immediate direction of Brigader General Sullivan ’till some further arrangement is made of the brigades.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Cheesman, 9 August 1776
From: Cheesman, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[C.9 August 1776]. Accuses Lt. Col. Herman Zedwitz of misappropriating or withholding the personal effects of his son, Capt. Jacob Cheesman, “who fell at the unsuccessful Attack of Quebec. . . . Your Petitioner therefore humbly begs that your Excellency would be pleas’d to order him to Account for his Conduct in the Premisses by such Ways and Means as to your Excellency shall seem best.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Lewis Duboys, 9 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Duboys, Lewis

Sir
Head-Quarters N. York Augt 9th 1776

Your Letter of the 5th by your Br[other] is Received[.] by him I forward you 800 Dollars, would have you order your Regt to March for this place as fast as an Officers party are enlisted, You will make a return to Me immediately of the number of Men already embodied, and Continue to make your returns by which you may call for Money as wanted, I conceive that taking Men from the 4 or 5 Months Militia will not answer our present Necessity as it will not add to the number in Service, but of the

Militia which is only ordered in for a few days or Weeks you have an undoubted right to take such as have a mind to enlist wt. You, Previous to your Mens arriveing in this City you will order a field Officer here to take Charge of them as they come in. I am Sir Yr &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 9 August 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Camp on Long Island Augt 9 1776

Col. Hand Reports the three Ships mentioned in my last Evenings Report gone down through the Narrows, are at Anchor in and a little below the Narrows—I was at Red Hook this morning about three OClock, but nothing further had been discovered neither has there since, that has come to my knowledge.
General Herd gives furloughs to the Troops of Col. Foremans Regiment. I conceive it to be cappitally wrong and very injurious to me and Col. Foreman both as neither can know what to depend upon if the Troops are Furloughed without our knowledge or consent, This is not the only Evil, for [if] the Troops are refused the indulgence here they request and get it elce where, it will naturally lead them to form an Oppinion that we [are] tryannical.
I must beg your Excellency to put a stop to it immediately. I am with all due respect your Excellencys most Obedt Humble Servt

N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 9 August 1776
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Harlem [N.Y.] 9th Augt 1776

It is with peculiar pleasure that I acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys favour of yesterday, since I cannot but consider it as an additional mark of that confidence with which your

Excellency has hitherto honoured me. I have made the proper use of it, & imparted it in confidence to those members of the Convention on whose secresy I thought I could most safely rely, & from whose influence I hoped to draw the most effectual assistance.
I early forsaw what has since hapned, & therefore made it my endeavour to enforce the drawing out as much of the strength of this State as could possibly be collected. I can not but hope that the good effect of this measure will very shortly appear A considerable body of troops will as we suppose begin their march for kings bridge tomorrow, and I flatter myself that in five or six days their number will be increased to sixteen or eighteen hundred men. Such is my Idea of the importance of this post that I could wish your Excellency to count as little as possible upon the raw troops we send there, but to send thither all you originally design’d for that station. Your Excellency is best able to judge whether it can be rendered tenable without some cannon, Gunners & Matrosses, & how far it is prudent to supply the want under which it now labours by sending them from some other place.
Since I am upon this subject I will take the liberty to hint what may possibly have escaped your Excellencys attention in the multiplicity of business in which you are involved. I mean the possibility of the enemies destroying the bridge (if their fleet shd get above the town) by means of a body of troops sent up the creek in boats, before any Assistance could come in, unless some small work was thrown up for its defence, which the situation renders very practicable.
The troops raised on Long Island, & which we have subjected to your Excellencys command, and ordered to join Genl Greens Brigade, may amount to about 800 men, but as part of them are very remote—they may possibly not all arrive at their stations in less than eight days.
We shall this morning endeavour to raise some more of our militia to occupy the passes in the highlands, & that of the northern Counties which [we] have hitherto reserved in case of any misfortunes happening to the army at Tionderoga. I fear they will not come in time to assist your Excellency at New York, if the enemy should be speedy in their attack, as they are very remote & but ill armed. perhaps we may be able to send some of

the neighbouring militia to Genl Green, to be dismissed when the long Island levies are all come in.
Your Excellency may be assured that the little influence I have shall be exerted to forward any operations which your Excellency may form, since I am fully satisfied that they will always be directed by that spirit of patriotizm which has so deservedly secured to you the esteem of this continent, & shall therefore think it a happiness to be honoured with your commands. I have the honour to be with the greatest esteem & respect Your Excellencys Most Obt Hum: Servt

Robt R. Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 9 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Letter not found: to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 9 Aug. 1776. In his letter to GW of 12 Aug., McDougall refers to “your Excellencys favor of the 9th.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 9 August 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Perth Amboy [N.J.] 9 Augt 1776

In consequence of your Excellencys Letter—Col. Miles will march with all his Riflemen—The two Battalions will make about 700—As we have numbers of Rifle men lately arrived—it seemd to me more for the Service to order the 2d Batn and it will be more agreable to the men—I hope they will be in time to render you essential Service—A Cowardly, infamous Spirit of Desertion, prevails here too much—Your Letter will be read to each Corps & must have good Effects—Some Waggons have been discoverd going from Billups Point to day—which confirms your former Intelligence—And the Enemy do not appear so numerous. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt

Hugh Mercer


Title: To George Washington from the New York Convention, 9 August 1776
From: New York Convention
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York at Harlem Augt 9th 1776

We received Your Excellency’s favors of Yesterday and have agreable to Your request made out General Clintons Appointment. As Your Excellency seemed to think the Militia necessary and had accordingly called them out both from this and the New England States; we upon finding that they served with great reluctance at this busy Season and were constantly quitting their Posts to return to their Farms raised Troops at great Expence in order to supply their Place, conceiving that they would be considered in the same point of View and entitled (agreable to the Resolutions of Congress with respect to the Militia called out in time of actual Invasion) to continental Pay and Subsistence.
If in this we have been mistaken we are only to lament our Error so far as may have given Your Excellency some trouble—since no pecuniary Considerations shall make us relax those Measures that are necessary to add Strength to the great Cause in which we are now engaged—We shall therefore, retain the Levies, in our pay, subjecting them however implicitly to Your Excellency’s Command, till You shall think them unnecessary—In the mean while the Duty we owe our Constituents obliges us to request that Your Excellency will be pleased to hint the Utility of this Measure to the Congress, in which Case we dare safely rely upon their Justice for reimbursing our Expence except as to the bounty for which (considerable as it is) we expect no Compensation.
In Order to avoid the Confusion that will arise from the Appointment of Officers who may afterwards be removed if our Levies should be placed on the continental Establishment, we shall appoint as Commissaries the Person’s Colo. Trumbull nominated, especially as their Characters are unexceptionable—and we beg that he will take the Direction of them, till we are informed by Congress of the light in which they are to be considered.
We consider the Order mentioned in Your Letter as an Additional Proof of that Attention to the Members of this Convention

which Your Excellency has so frequently manifested and which they conceive themselves bound gratefully to acknowledge. We see in the same Point of View the communication of that interresting Intelligence received from the Deserters.
It is our great Misfortune that at this important Crisis this State is unable to make those Exertions which the Cause of America requires. From the Disaffection of some amongst us, from the want of Arms, from the exposed Situation of Long Island and our Frontiers, from the possession of one County by the Enemy, and the probability of our being soon called upon to reinforce the Northern Army—We are unable to add much Strength to the Troops under Your Excellencys command. Being by the several Reasons above mentioned deprived of the Assistance of nine Counties out of fourteen which compose this State. Notwithstanding all these Difficulties we are determined to combat with every Obstacle and to strain every Nerve in the Defence of the Rights and Liberties of America, which we conceive to be most materially interested in the Safety of this State. By our Resolutions for Ordering the several Drafts made in the Counties of Suffolk, Queens[,] Kings, Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster and Orange to the Environs of New York, We hope in about Six Days to add near three thousand Men to Your Army.
We lament exceedingly that we should have Occasion to complain of the languid Efforts which the neighbouring States have made for our Assistance. From the Zeal they profest for the public Cause, from the Vicinity of some of them to this invaded Country, and from the dangerous Situation which Connecticut, Massachusets, Pensilvania and New Jersey must be in should the Enemy succeed in their Designs against this State, we expected their most strenuous and expeditious Exertions. How great our Concern at finding so considerable a deficiency in the Establishment of this Army, Your Excellency may easily judge from the feelings of a patriotic Bosom in the importance of the Cause and the Dangers to which it is by this Means exposed.
We flatter ourselves however that this Supineness will not be of long Duration, and that the Continental Congress will devise Means of affording the most expeditious and effectual Assistance, to preserve a State, the Loss of which from its geographical Situation and the Political Character of two many of its Inhabitants

would be almost fatal to the Causa of American Liberty. We have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient and very humble Servant. By Order.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 10 August 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp on Long Island Saturday [10 August 1776] half past Eleven

Col. Hand reports a large body of Regulars are drawn up at the ferry on Statten Island; and boats ready to Imbark. I am Sir Your Excellency’s Obedient Servant

N. Greene


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

Sir,
Philadelphia August 10th 1776

Conceiving it highly necessary you should be informed as soon as possible of the Promotions the Congress were yesterday

pleased to make in the Army of the American States, I do myself the Honour to enclose you a List of the same by Express.
The Continental Battalion, commanded by Colonel Haslet, will begin their March this Day for the Jerseys; where, on their Arrival at Amboy, the Colonel has Orders to acquaint you of the same. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Esteem & Respect Sir your most hble Ser.

John Hancock Presidt

The Inclos’d Letters please to order to be Deliver’d—The Commiss[ion]s Inclos’d in each.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 10 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hay, Ann Hawkes

Sir,
Head Quarters N. Yk 10th Augt 1776

Your favors of the 2d & 7th Inst. are duly Received The Commissary General to whom I had refered the matter of your appointment was to have wrote and desired you to undertake the Business, since which it is determined those troops under General Clinton are to March to Kingsbridge and of Consequence will receive their supplies from the General Store there—It cannot be long before matters may take a Capital turn this way, the Issue will Determine whether a Post from your part of the Country is necessary or Otherways. Any Movements of the Enemy which you think may be of Consequence I shall be obliged if you will transmit Me. I am Sir Your Most Hume sert

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas McKean, 10 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Colonel Thomas McKean, 10 Aug. 1776. In his letter to McKean of 13 Aug., GW refers to “your Letter of the 10th Instt.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 10 August 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Perth Amboy [N.J.] 10 Augt [1776] 10 oClock A.M.

I received the favour of two Letters from your Excellency this forenoon—In consequence of them Shall push forward to N. York as many of the Troops as I can prevail on to march—Col. Attlees Battalion of Musketry will march this Afternoon—Col. Miles’ two Battalions of Riflemen set out this Morning—A Tender of 10 Carriage Guns came up this Morning—to Billups point—was under Sail about an hour ago, seemingly with a view to pass up the Sound—The Wind faild and she is come to; the

distance—too great to fire on her as yet—we are prepared when She comes near enough, As the Enemy probably draws off from this End of Staten Island—The tender may be sent to prevent our passing over—Your Letter I hoped would have had good Effects on our Militia—but fear nothing will do—None have gone off from hence last Night but some Battalions are in very ill humour and very abusive to their Officers—Col. Dickinson writes me that Thirty of his Men have gone off with their Arms this Morning—I have wrote to the Congress to take some Measures to stop this Infamous Desertion and to the Convention of New Jersey to raise their militia to take up the Deserters and to supply proper Guards for these Posts—I have ordered one Company of Genl Dickinsons Brigade to be Stationed at Trenton, one at Prince Town & one at Brunswick to Stop all Deserters. I have the honour to be Sir Your Excellencys Most obedt St

Hugh Mercer


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Richmond, 10 August 1776
From: Richmond, William
To: Washington, George

Sir.
New Port Head Quts. 10th Agust 1776 10 oClock Evening

This Moment Arived Capt: Harris, Who brings us the Following inteligence—That Thursday Last he fell in with a Fleet and Distinctly counted 103 Sail, 17 of which he took to be Ships of War, the Rest Transports, About 15 Leagues S.E. B[y] S. from Nantucket Shoals, their Coarse W.N.W. Close to the wind, About the Latitude of Sandy Hook, the next Morning 10 oClock saw 9 Sail supposed to be part of the same Fleet.
I thought it my indispensible Duty to give your Excellency the earliest Intelligence, by Express, of so important a peice of News, as without Doubt they are Destined for New York. I am with Respect your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servant

William Richmond
Col. Commandant


Title: From George Washington to Captain Richard Varick, 10 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Varick, Richard

Sir,
Head-Quarters New York 10th Augt 1776

Your letter of the 5th Inst. with its several enclosures is safe to hand, and I now enclose you a List from the Colo. of Artillery and Quarter Master General of what is and will be forwarded from this place, which is all that can be procured, there was some Duck arrived at Providence out of which I have requested Gove[r]nor Cooke to supply the Northern Army provided it’s not otherways disposed of, The water Communication being yet stop’d makes it exceeding Difficult to transport these Articles to Albany. I am Sir Your Most Hume servt

Go: Washington


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

Head Quarters, New York, August 11th 1776.
Portsmouth.Roxbury.

No Furlough, or Discharges, are after this day to be granted to officers or soldiers without the knowledge and consent of the Commander in Chief—When an Action is hourly expected, a case must be very extraordinary which can warrant an application of this kind; but if such should happen, the Colonels are to

satisfy their Brigadiers in it first; The Brigadiers if they concur in it, are then to apply to Head Quarters, from whence only Furloughs are to be issued ’till further orders.
The Honorable The Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Pay Master, to each of the established regiments, and directed the General to appoint them; he desires the Field Officers of each Regiment, to recommend to him suitable persons; they are to be persons of Integrity and Fidelity; good Accomptants and fair Writers. The pay is Twenty-six dollars and two thirds pr Kalander Month.
When a prisoner is put under guard, the officer sending him, is not only to put down the crime he stands charged with, but the regiment & company to which he belongs; and he should also note the Witnesses names to prove the charge.
The Court Martial to sit to morrow, as a Court of enquiry, upon Lieut: Mesier, of Col. Lashers Regiment, for misbehaviour to his superior officer.
Joseph Martin of Capt: Hurds Company, Col. Silliman’s Regt, tried by a General Court Martial of which Col. Wyllys was president for “abusing and robbing a woman in the market”—acquitted for want of evidence.
Hugh Cahaggan (a transient person) and Richard Keif belonging to Col. Nicholson’s Regiment, convicted by the same Court Martial of “stealing a Coat and several Firelocks from Capt: Dickson’s Company[”] were sentenced to receive Thirty-nine Stripes each—The General approves the above sentences—orders Martin to be discharged, and the sentences upon Cahaggan and Keif to be executed to morrow morning at Guard mounting. A Drummer from each Regiment in General Wadworths Brigade, to attend the executing the sentence upon Cahaggan, and then he is to be turned out of the camp, and taken up if ever found in it, again.
The practice of Sentries setting down while on their post is so unsoldierly that the General is ashamed to see it prevail so much in the army—At Night especially, it is of the most dangerous consequence, as it occasions a Sentinel’s sleeping on his post, when otherwise he would be watchful—The General requests the officers, especially those of Guards & visiting rounds, to caution the soldiers against it, and have all conveniencies for that purpose removed. Officers & Soldiers will be very careful in

case of damp weather, to have their Arms kept dry, and fit for action.


Title: To George Washington from Major Christopher French, 11 August 1776
From: French, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Sir
⟨Ha⟩rtford 11th August 1776

I was Yesterday honor’d with your Letter agreeing to my being exchang’d for Col. Allen or Major Meigs, in consequence of which I take the Liberty to trouble you with a Letter to Genl Howe on that Subject, and though, from my long having been honor’d with his Acquaintance, having frequently serv’d under his Command during the last War; I have not the least Reason to apprehend a negative from him, yet I hope, should it prove otherwise, that you will get the Consent of Congress to my being allow’d the same priveledge granted to Major Meigs.
Allow me, Sir to return you Thanks for your Attention to my Scituation & to assure you that I am Sir Your most obedient and most hume Servant

Chris. French


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 11 August 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Camp on Long Island Augt 11 1776

There is no proper Establishment for the Supplying the Regimental Hospital with proper Utensils for the Sick. They suffer therefore for want of proper Accomodation. There is repeated complaints upon this head. The Regimental Hospitals are and ever will be renderd useless nay grieveous unless there is some proper fund to provide the necessary Conveniencies. The General Hospital cannot receive all the sick—and those that are in the Regimental Hospitals are in a suffering condition. If this Evil continues it must greatly injure the service as it will greatly despirit the Well, to see the Sick suffer and prevent their engageing again upon any conditions what ever. Great humanity should be exercisd towards those indisposd. Kindness on one hand leaves a favorable and lasting impression, Neglect and suffering on the other is never forgotten.

I am sensible there has formerly been great abuses in the Regimental Hospitals—but I am in hopes in general, Men of better principles are elected to those places—and that the same Evils will not happen again. But the Continent had better suffer a little extraordinary expence than the sick should be left to suffer for want of those conveniencies that may be easily provided.
I would beg leave to propose that the Colonels of Regiments be allowed to draw Monies to provide the Regimental Hospitals with proper Utensils, An Account of the disbursements Weekly or monthly to be renderd, this will prevent abuse, and remidy the Evil.
Something is necessary to be done spedily as many sick are in a suffering condition.
N.B. The General Hospital is well provided with every thing and the Sick very comfortable. I wish it was extensive enough to receive the whole, but it is not. I am your Excellencies most Obedt Servt

Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Rufus Putnam, 11 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Rufus

Sir,
New York Augt 11th 1776.

I have the pleasure to inform you that Congress have appointed you an Engineer with the Rank of Colonel, and pay of Sixty Dollars pr Month.
I beg of you to hasten the Sinking of Vessels and other obstructions in the River at Fort Washington as fast as it is possible—advise Genl Putnam constantly of the kind of Vessels you want and other things that no delays that can possibly be avoided may happen. I am Sir Yr assur’d friend & Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Congress have just sent two French Gentn here as Engineers will either of them be of use at Fort Washington or Kings Bridge?


Title: From George Washington to the Queens County Committee of Safety, 11 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Queens County Committee of Safety

Gentlemen
Head Quarters New York Augt 11th 1776

The Publick Exigences having required my apprehending a number of Suspected persons in your County & Sending them into another Colony for a Short time, they have expressed some Apprehensions that in their Absence their Property may be Exposed to Injury & their Families deprivd of the support they would Otherwise derive from it—I therefore beg leave to acquaint you that a Temporary Restra[i]nt of their Persons is all that is entended by the present measure & that it would give me much pain if it should be Construed to Extend to any Depridation

of Property—that matter Resting entirely within the Jurisdiction of the Civil Authority of the Province. Untill therefore some Orders are Received from them to that Effect I shall be happy in beleiving you will exert your whole Power & Influence to prevent the Mischief which these Gentlemen seem to apprehend. I am with Respect Gentlemen Your most Obdt Humb. Servant

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 11 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York August the 11th 1776

Necessity Obliges me to trouble your Honour with some more suspected persons whose Characters are such as to make it unsafe for them to remain at their Usual Places of Abode on Long Island—& there is no Retreat in this Province where they may not do some Mischeif or be less secure than our Safety requires, As they are apprehended meerly on Suspicion arrising from a General Line of Conduct, unfriendly to the American Cause, I have given them reason to suspect from you every Indulgence which your good judgment will admit you to allow them consistent with the publick Safety. There are few of them who will not defray their own Expences, & those few their Companions of better Circumstances will assist if Convenience will admit their being together in the same place which will be a Saving to the publick, If there are any quite destitute I presume they must be put on the Footing of other Prisoners in like Circumstances, They express a very earnest desire to be permitted to chuse their Own Lodging & accommodations to which I see no Objection; but as I have refered them intirely to you I do not chuse to enter into any Engagement on this or any other Point: Only adding generally that I could wish they might have every Accommodation & Indulgence having a Respect to their Rank & Education which may be deemed consistent with Safety; and they are given to understand that your Humanity & Politeness will most effectually prevent their being liable to any unnecessary Hardships. I am with much Respect & your Honours most Obt Hbe Sert
G.W.
Postscript. I am just informed that Judge Jones has Obta⟨ined⟩ some Letters of Recommendation to Connecticut from which he expects to be permitted to Stay at New haven unless very particular Circumstances should require it, I cannot but think you will agree with me that these Prisoners should be removed from Sea port and Post Towns as the Intention of Removal from hence is not fully answered while they have Opportunities of carrying on Correspondence.


Title: To George Washington from John Bradford, 12 August 1776
From: Bradford, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 12th Augst 1776

I am honour’d with your Excellencys Signature under the 5th Instant, directing me to take the necessary Care of all the Warlike Stores, and Necessaries, for an Army, till I may receive Orders from the proper Authority. your Excellency may rely on the Strictest punctuallity in Complying with any future Orders I may Receive.

I have not Omitted since I have been in this department giving a particular caution to each Commander to prevent any Embezlements, and have furnished them with the resolve of Congress on that head. but it Signifies little, for great Complaints are made by those who came in the last prize, that they Acted more like pirates than men who were so honorably employ’d. I am taking every measure to Efface that notion of their being privateers, for while they continue in it they will Act like such. Great need there is of a reform in our little Navy which I hope in time may be effected. I have the Honour to be with great truth Your Excellency’s most Obedt and very humble servant

Jno. Bradford


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

Sir
New York Augt the 12th 1776

I have been duly honoured with your favors of the 8 & 10th Instts with their several Inclosures.
I shall pay attention to the Resolution respecting Lieutt Josiah, and attempt to releive him from his rigorous Usage. Your Letters to such of the Gentn as were here, have been delivered—the rest will be sent by the first Opportunity.
Since my last of the 8 & 9th the Enemy have made no movements of consequence—they remain nearly in the same state, nor have we any further Intelligence of their designs. they have not been yet Joined by the Remainder of the Fleet with the Hessian Troops.
Colo. Smallwood and his Batallion got in on Friday, & Colo. Miles is also here with Two Batallions more of pensylvania Riflemen.
The Convention of this State have been exerting themselves to call forth a portion of their Militia to an Encampment forming above Kings bridge to remain in service for the space of One Month after their arrival there, and also half of those in King & Queens Counties to reinforce the Troops on Long Island till the 1st of September unless sooner discharged. Genl Morris too is to take post with his Brigade on the Sound and Hudsons River for Ten days, to annoy the Enemy in case they attempt to Land, and Others of their Militia are directed to be in readiness in case their aid should be required—Upon the whole from the Information I have from the Convention, the Militia ordered, are now in motion or will be in a little time and will amount to about three Thousand or more. From Connecticut I am not certain what Succours are coming—By One or two Gentn who have come from thence, I am told some of the Militia were assembling, and from the Intelligence they had would March this Week.
By a Letter from Govr Trumbull of the 5th I am advised that the Troops from that State destined for the Northern Army, had

Marched for Skeenesborough. Genl Ward too by a Letter of the 4th Informs me, that the Two Regiments would march from Boston last Week having been cleansed and generally recoverd from the Small pox. I have also countermanded my orders to Colo. Elmore and directed him to J⟨oin⟩ the Northern Army, having heard after my orders to Connecticut for his marching hither, that he and most of his Regiment were at Albany or within Its Vicinity. Genl Ward mentions that the Council of the Massachusets State will have in, from Two to three Thousand of their Militia to defend their Lines and different posts in lieu of the Regiments ordered from thence agreable to the Resolution of Congress.
The Inclosed Copy of a Resolve of this State passed the 10th Instt will discover the apprehension they are under of the defection of the Inhabitants of Kings County from the Common Cause, and of the measures they have taken there upon. I have directed Genl Greene to give the Committee such Assistance as he can & they may require in the execution of their commission—though at the same time I wish the Information the Convention have received upon the Subject may prove groundless.
I would beg leave to mention to Congress that in a Letter I received from Genl Lee, he mentions the valuable consequences that would result from a Number of Cavalry being employed in the Southern department. Without them, to use his own expressions, he can Answer for Nothing—with One thousand he would ensure the Safety of those States. I should have done myself the Honor of submitting this matter to Congress before at his particular request, had It not escaped my mind. From his acquaintance with that Country—the nature of the Grounds I doubt not he has weighed the matter well; and presume he has fully represented the advantages that would arise from the establishment of such a Corps. All I mean is, in compliance with his requisition to mention the matter, that such consideration may be had upon It, If not already determined, that It may be deserving of.
I have transmitted a Genl Return whereby Congress will perceive the whole of our Strength except the Two Battallions under Colo. Miles, which coming since It was made out are not Included.

I have Inclosed a Letter Just come to hand from Martinique—Congress will please to consider of the purport, favouring me with their Answer and a Return of the Letter.
This Moment (10 OClock) Report is made by Genl Greene that a Man of War came in yesterday, and that Sixty Sail of Ships are now standing in—No doubt they are a further part of the Hessian Fleet. I have the Honor to be with all possible respect Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 12 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

My dear Lee,
New York Augt 12th 1776.

Notwithstanding I shall probably feel the effect, I do most cordially and sincerely congratulate you on your victory over Clinton and the British Squadron at Sullivans Island—A victory undoubtedly it is, when an Enemy are drub’d, and driven from a Country they were sent to Conquer—such is the case of Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, who are now with the Fleet & Army at Staten Island, where Genl Howe and the Troops from Hallifax have been ever since the last of June, and Lord Howe since the 12th of July—Some Hessions and a pretty many of the Scotish

Laddies have got in, and the residue of the Fleet (parted with off the Banks of Newfoundland) hourly expected—When the whole arrive, matters will soon come to a decission; every thing being prepared on both sides for the Appeal, & on ours I hope, will be obstinate, if not successfull—the latter, is not in the power of Mortals to command, but they may endeavour to deserve it; and this I am perswaded our Troops will more than ever aim at, as I have Impressed upon their Minds the gallant behaviour of the brave few who defended Sullivans Island.
At present, the Enemy can bring more men to a point than we can. and when re-inforced by the Hessians will outnumber Us, unless the Militia (faster than heretofore) come in to our Aid. their numbers, when the Hessions arrive, cannot by the best Intelligence we can get, fall short of 25,000 Men—Ours are under Twenty, very sickly and posted on Governors Island, Long Island, at Powles hook, Horns hook, and at the Pass near Kings Bridge—More Militia are expected, but whether they will be in, in time, time only can tell; as also, where the point of attack will be. An opinion prevails, countenanced by hints from some of the principal Tories, & corroborated by Intelligence from Staten Island, that part of the Enemys Fleet & Army will go into the Sound, whilst another part of it runs up the North River, thereby cutting of all Communication by Water with this place whilst their Troops form a chain across the Neck, & stop all Intercourse with Connecticut by Land. Others think they will not leave an Army in their Rear, whilst they have the Country in their Front, getting by that means between two Fires, unless it is intended as a Feint to withdraw our Troops from the City, that they may slip in and possess themselves of it. all this is but a field of Conjecture.
Our Affairs in the North, have been growing from bad to worse till I hope they will mend, as one great source of the evil is in a way of being removed, I mean the Small Pox; but the Army have retreated from place to place till they are now got to Tyconderoga, opposite to which on the East side of the Lake Champlain they are about to establish a Post wch they say will be invulnerable; but whether it may not be somewhat like the Man who built a Mill on acct of a beautiful fall, and then had to consider whether it was practicable to bring water to it, remains in some measure to be determined; as it is the opinion of some (I

know nothing of the Country myself) that the Enemy may pass this Post and get into Lake George without receiving the least annoyance from this Work—whether they would choose to leave a Post in their Rear, without establishing one themselves sufficient to keep it in awe, is the point in question.
It gives me a very singular pleasure to hear of the gallant behaviour of your young Aids, and Mr Jenefer; as also of Colos. Moutree and Thompson—To be the means, at any time, of rewarding merit, will add greatly to my happiness; and whenever you can point out a mode that can be adopted consistently, you shall find me very ready—but you know the temper of the Troops in this Quarter as well as I do, and how impracticable it is to bring in a person (let his merit be never so great) without throwing a whole Corps into confusion. This will also apply to Captain Bullet. what vacancies there may be in your department that he has his eye to, & could be appointed to with propriety, you must know better than I, that there is none here, I can undertake to say—I have no doubt but the Congress would annex the Rank of Colo. to his Office of Adjutant—I believe they have done it in the Instance of Griffin, who is appointed D. Adjt to the Flying Camp—If this would add any thing to his satisfaction I should have no objection to the mention of it. With every wish for your prosperity & success, I remain with sincere regard Yr Most Affecte & Obedt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Livingston, 12 August 1776
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Eliz. Town [N.J.] 12 Augt 1776

Your Letter of the 8th Instant I recieved on a Journey to Brunswick on Friday last, when I had an Opportunity of Conferring with our Convention and urging your Excellency’s requisition

relating to the Militia, the propriety of which is so obvious—I returned on Saturday Evening and delayed answering your favour in hopes of recieving the resolution of Convention thereon—I have just been favoured with a rough Draught of their Ordinance which I shall send you as soon as I get a correct Copy.
The out Lines are—That the one half of the whole Militia without Exception, be immediately called out and join the flying Camp—That every Person refusing his attendance, be fined Three Pounds—That they be formed into 13 Battallions and to remain on Service one month and then to be relieved by the other half.
There being no mention made of any Number to be forwarded to New York, I take it for granted the whole are to be under your Excellency’s direction as to their Station &[ca].
The 2000 Men for the flying Camp under General Dickinson are in great forwardness and (altho’ very little acquainted with their duty) might answer a valuable Purpose in New York on the present Emergency, especially as their Places will be so soon filled by the half of the Militia now to be raised—A Considerable Body of the Militia must be kept here to supply the Place of the Pennsylvania Associators who are deserting their Post in Considerable Numbers notwithstanding the most spirited exertions of their Officers, and particularly their Colonel whose Behaviour does honor to his Province in particular and America in general.
We have taken such Measures as I hope will put a stop to any further Behaviour of this kind—This Corps since our Militia were dismissed have not carried on any of the works at the Point, which as soon as they are relieved by any Men under my Command, I shall order to be prosecuted with all possible Vigour, as it is more than probable the Enemy will attempt an Incursion into this Province, to which its present defenceless State in this part, seems strongly to invite them. I am with much Truth and regard Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Hble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 12 August 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Woodbridge [N.J.] 12 Augt 1776

Give me leave to Introduce to your Excellencys notice—Colo. Attlee of the Pennsylva. Troops—His experience and Attention to every part of the service entrusted to his direction—will I am perswaded secure to him your Regard—Col. Burd will march this Afternoon with about Three hundred men of the Flying Camp—including One Compy of Rifle men, Volunters, from CumberLd—Commanded by Capt. Steel. I intend to have ready at New Ark as expeditiously as possible Two Thousand men—to reinforce the Army at New York—if you think their Services there necessary—I receivd your Letter of yesterday—wrote probably under the apprehension that these posts were in danger of being abandoned—In consequence of the Postcript signifying your desire that no more Troops after Col. Attlees should be sent to N. York from hence—I shall not order any more over the Ferries, till I hear from Head Quarters. I have the honour to be Sir Your Excellencys Most obedt Sert

Hugh Mercer


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 12 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Convention

Gentlemen
Head Qrs New York Augt 12 1776

As the time is certainly near at hand & may be hourly expected, which is to decide the fate of this City & the Issue of this Campaign, I thought it highly improper that Persons of suspected Character should remain in places where their opportunities of doing mischief were much greater than in the Enemies Camp—I therefore have caused a number of them to be apprehended & removed to some Distance there to remain untill this Crisis is passed. Having formerly mentioned this Subject to your Honble Body I would not again trouble them in a Business which former Connections Obligations & Interests must make very unpleasant—& which I apprehend must have been in Danger of failing in the execution unless done with all possible Secresy & Dispatch. I postponed this most disagreeable Duty till the last moment; but the Claims of the Army upon me an application from a number of well affected Inhabitants, concurring with my own Opinion obliged me to enter upon it while time & Circumstances would admit. I have ordered a very strict Attention to be paid to the necessities of the Gentn apprehended & to their comfortable accommodation in every Respect both here & at the Place of their Destination. I have also wrote to the Committee of Queens County that this Step is not to be construed as making their Property liable to any Injury, or Appropriation, unless they should receive Directions from your Honble Body to whom I have referred them on this Subject. Being resolved in all Cases where the most absolute Necessity does not require it to confine myself wholly to that Line which shall exclude every Idea of interfering with the authority of the State.
Some of these Gentn have expressed Doubts & raised Difficulties from Engagements they lay under to your Honble Body or

some Committees—they do not appear to me to deserve much attention, as they cannot with any propriety be charged with a Breach of any Parole under their present Circumstances, but I beg leave to submit to your Consideration the propriety of removing the Pretence. I am Gentn with great Respect & Regard Your most Obed. & very hble Servt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 12 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Dr Sir
Head-Quarters N. Yk 12th Augt 1776.

Your Letter of the 4th Instant is safe to hand. an answer to the Several particulars it contains will be given soon, time will but allow me to Request your forwarding with all possible Dispatch, Two 13 Inch Sea Mortars of the best in Boston to this place with their Beds & every thing Compleat. I am sir Yr &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 12 August 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 12 August 1776.

This day I have forwarded one hundred Barrels of powder for Norwich, there to be deposited agreeable to your directions; I have also forwarded a Chest of Arms to the care of Messieurs Huntingtons to be by them sent to New York; an Invoice of them is here inclosed.
Whetcombs Regiment march’d the eighth Instant and Phinney’s the ninth, for Ticonderoga.
Last week Mr Glover, the Agent, was in Town and informed me that he could not find the Trowsers mentioned in the Invoice of the Cargo, and which your Excellency wrote for, and says

they were not on board unless they are in some of the packages that are forwarded to New York which he did not open. I am Your Excellencys Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: To George Washington from Henry Bromfield, 13 August 1776
From: Bromfield, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 13th Augt 1776

I am hond with your Excellencie’s Favor of 24th June, wch came to Hand at a time that I was Absent on a Journey in the Country, This wth a great uncertainty whether to undertake the Task Assigned me therein has been the Reason, that I have not returned an earlier Answer, at length however, upon the Consideration of the Delay a Refusal must Occasion, & that the Excuse I might Alledge in my favor might be pleaded by Others who most probable must have been in the same Situation, vizt an Unacquaintedness with the Value of the Various Articles to be Apprised, has determin’d me to Undertake the Trouble in Conjunction with Mr Willm Davis Mercht of this Town on Behalf of Capt. Manly & his Crew, We have spared no Pains to Ascertain the Value of the different Articles; in Order to wch we have Applied to All the Traders & Mechanicks most conversant therein & have from the Information recd from them & Others most capable of giving it, Endeavor’d to make an Estimation as near to Truth as might be, which however it may deviate I am conscious on my Own part cannot be Attributed to Inattention or Neglect, & hope will be such as to meet the Approbation of your Excellency & the Honbe Congress—I have the Honor to be with greatest Esteem & Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servant

Henry Bromfield


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

Sir
New York Augt 13th 1776

As there is reason to beleive that but little Time will elapse before the Enemy make their Attack, I have thought It advisable to remove All the papers in my hands respecting the Affairs of

the States from this place. I hope the Event will shew the precaution was unnecessary, but yet prudence required that It should be done, Lest by any Accident they might fall into their hands.
They are all contained in a large Box nailed up & committed to the care of Lt Colo. Reed, Brother of the Adjt Genl to be delivered to Congress, In whose Custody I would beg leave to deposit them, untill our Affairs shall be so circumstanced as to admit of their return. The Enemy since my Letter of Yesterday have received a further augmentation of Thirty Six Ships to their Fleet, making the whole that have arived since Yesterday morning Ninety Six. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir yr most Obed. Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I would Observe that I have sent off the Box privately that It might raise no disagreable Ideas, & have enjoined Colo. Reed to Secrecy.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 13 August 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] 13 August 1776. “I have nothing in Charge from Congress to Communicate to you. Had not the honour of a Letter by the Post, I Judge the Return Express is on the Road, by whom wish to have an Agreeable Accot of the State of the Army.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas McKean, 13 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: McKean, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters New York 13 Aug. 1776.

In answer to that part of your Letter of the 10th Instt “whether, when a Brigade is drawn up, and the oldest Colonel takes the Right, his Battalion is to be on the right with him; that is, whether the Colonel gives rank to the Battalion” I shall inform you, that to the best of my Military knowledge a Regiment never looses its Rank, consequently can derive none from its Colonel, nor loose any by having the youngest Colonel in the Army appointed to the Comd of it—The oldest Regiment therefore although Commanded by the youngest Colo. is placed on the Right, and the Colonel with it.
I am exceedingly sorry to hear that a Spirit of Desertion prevails among the Pensylvania Association at a time when the Cause of liberty has such a claim upon their Services, and every appearance of danger to it, invites their aid.
I thank you my good Sir for your kind and Affectionate wishes—the day of Tryal, which will, in some measure decide the Fate of America is near at hand, and I am happy in informing of you, that a noble spirit (as far as I can judge of it) seems to pervade this Army—If we should be beaten (our numbers among friends being unequal to those of the Enemy) it will not be, I flatter myself, till after some hard knocks; which will not be very soon recovered of by the Enemy—But that superintending Providence, which needs not the aid of numbers, will lead us I hope to a more fortunate Event. With respect & esteem I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Ser.

Go: Washington

P.S. Perhaps I may not have fully understood the tendency of the question propounded to me, & consequently have given an indecisive answer—the Idea I meant to convey is this, that the Regiment takes Rank from the time it is raised, and can not be depriv’d of that Rank by the change of its Colonel—if therefore three Regiments should be formed into a Brigade the eldest of those Regiments will take the Right, although it is Commanded by the Youngest Colo., but if there shd be no Genl Officer to Comd these three Regiments the Senior Colonel of course does it—not the Colonel of the Senior Regiment—In short, the Rank of a Colonel, & the Rank of a Regiment are distinct things—the first takes Rank from the date of his Commission (when in Service with those of the same denomination) the latter from the time of raising—If three Regiments therefore should be Incamp’d together & no superior Officer to that of Colonl the oldest of the Colonels will Comd those three Regiments. Yrs &c.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer, 13 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, Hugh

Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer, 13 Aug. 1776. In a letter to GW of 15 Aug., Mercer refers to “your Letters of the 13 & 14.”


Title: To George Washington from a Secret Committee of the New York Convention, 13 August 1776
From: Secret Committee of the New York Convention
To: Washington, George

Sir
Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] Augt 13th 1776.

Your Excellencys Letter of the 21 Ulto arrived here at a Time when this Committee was dispersed and the Members gone different Ways on different Business—It was however sent by Express to Mr Jay who was then in Connecticut endeavouring to procure Cannon for the Defence of Hudson’s River and we have

the Pleasure of informing your Excellency that we have obtained ten twelve & ten six pounders with fifty Rounds of Shot for each Cannon—four of the twelves are now at Fort Montgomery.
We have paid a second Visit to the Forts and were pleased to find the Fortifications at the West Point opposite Fort Montgomery going on with Spirit, we think it a most important Post and are confident that if it be well Fortified & defended it will together with Fort Montgomery effectually secure that important Pass—the Attention which General Clinton has paid to that Work as well as other Objects of public concern merit approbation—Several of the Garrison have been put to exercising the Artillery and we hope a Number of good Matrosses will in that Way be made.
The Chain intended for the Sorrelle is arrived and will form a Quarter part of the one designed for Hudson’s River, the Iron for the Remainder is come to Hand, and the Smiths begin this Day to Forge it.
We have agreed to fix One End of it at Fort Montgomery and the other at the Foot of a Mountain called Anthony’s Nose—it will cross the River Obliquely, and for that Reason be less exposed to the Force of the Tide, & less liable to Injury from the Ships of the Enemy—the Length of the Chain will at least be 2100 Feet. We have purchased and are now fitting out two Sloops each of sufficient Force to manage a Tender, and have appointed Capt. Benson (who will be the Bearer of this Letter) Commander of the one and Capt. Castel of the other—the late Levies have so drained the Country of Men that we fear it will be impracticable to Man these Vessels unless the Officers be permitted to Inlist them from among the Levies—Between fifty and sixty Men for each Vessel will be sufficient—should this Expedient meet with your Excellency’s Approbation we flatter ourselves the Vessels would in a very short Time to be fit for Service.
We are much Obliged to your Excellency for communicating to us the agreable Intelligence of the Success attending the Bravery of our Carolina Friends, as well as for your constant and unwearied Attention to the Safety and Defence of this State. We have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem—Your Excellencys most Obedt & Very Humbe Servts

By Order of the Committee
Robert Yates Chairman


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 August 1776
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Ginrol
tusday Evning [13 August 1776] 8. a. clock

Aftor mr Balor cam to me with your ordor I immedatly went one bord all the roo galles and told them it was your Pesetive ordors that thay proced up the rivor with 2 fier Ships the 2 Rodisland Galles and thes 2 bult hear immedatly waied ancor and proced up the revor the oather 3 have not moved but now aply for 36 men which ware peraded by my quartors for 2 or 3 hours and then went thare way but I beleave thay nevor intend to go and I never intend to Plag my self any mor about them. I am Dear Sir your most obedant humbel Sarvant

Israel Putnam