Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln and Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin,Wayne, Anthony

Sir
16th June [1777] half past 12 oClock Night

Major Campbell advises by Letter just now received that the Enemy are advancing toward Van Vacter’s Bridge. I wish you to send out fresh scouts immediately, and to make the earliest reports. If this report is confirmed by your scouts you will order your Tents to be struck, and put into the Waggons, and have everything in readiness to move. I am Sir yr mt hume servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 16 June 1777
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] June 16th 1777

Immediately on my Arrival I attended to the several Things mentioned by your Excellency. Two hundred Spears are sent on by General Mifflin. I have ordered three hundred more to be made but the Workmen are going out with the Militia & complain of the Want of seasoned Stuff for the Shafts. They will I hope however be shortly completed. Should you choose any Alteration from those sent the Commissary Genl of M. Stores will attend to the having it done. Would it not be better to have Slings to the Spears that they be slung at the Men’s Backs when they are using their rifles? or are they to be used as Rests to keep the Rifle steady? There are one thousand Tin Cartridge Boxes already made in this City, Five hundred are sent on to your Excellency & the remainder waits your Orders. The five hundred Arms are also sent, altho’ they can be but illy spared as our Stock here runs very low.
I received from Mr Tilghman & laid before the Board the Establishment of the Pay of the Light Dragoons. In the Troops passing thro’ & raised in this City I have observed that they have Quarter Masters in every Troop who are Persons thinking themselves entitled to a superior

Rank in the Army to that of a Serjeant. Is it your Excellency’s Opinion that these Gentlemen should be left out of the Establishment or is there to be a Quarter Master & Qr Mr Serjeant to each Troop? If so no Pay is established for the Qr Mr of a Troop who perhaps in your Excellency’s Opinion is an unnecessary Officer. I have the Honour to be with great Respect Your very obedt humble Servt

Richard Peters Secy


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 June 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] June 16th 1777

the Inclosed Letter was bro’t here by . I wrote to the Governor on that head—some time past & the man who bro’t the Letter told me the subject of it which Induced me to take the Liberty to open it.
I have orderd payment to those Troops mentiond in the Inclosed. I am Sir Your Most Obdt Hume servt


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 16 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle [Brook] 16h June 1777.

I have your Favor of the 9h & 10h Instant. The Account brought by the Officers from Canada may not be entirely true, but that part which speaks of a Removal of some Regiments down the River, favors an Opinion that I have for some Time entertained, which is, that if General Howe had not a Certainty of a full Reinforcement from England, part of the Troops from Canada would be ordered round for that purpose. That the European Reinforcement will be short or very late is beyond a Doubt, and therefore the Move from Canada more probable.
On the Night of the 13th General Howe began his March from Brunswick, seemingly with an Intention to push directly for Deleware—In the Course of the Night his Front reached Somerset Court House eight or nine Miles from Brunswick where he halted and has remained ever since. His Rear is still at Brunswick. I do not know whether this was intended as a real Move towards Philadelphia or whether it was to draw us down from the Heights we occupy along his whole Front. The Militia

turn out in a very spirited Manner, and seem determined in Conjunction with the Continental Troops to harrass and oppose the Enemy upon their March thro’ the Country. His principal Difficulty will be in crossing the Deleware—We shall hang heavy upon his Rear, and I expect that General Arnold and Mifflin will meet him with a considerable Force (made up of Continental Troops & Militia) upon the Western Side of Deleware.
As soon as I found that the Enemy had drawn their Force into Jersey, from whence they could not remove it without a good Deal of previous Notice, I ordered down all the Troops from Peek’s Kill, except one thousand effective Continentals and the Militia, which is a Force superior to any Thing that the Enemy now have in New York or its Dependencies and therefore fully sufficient to prevent any Surprize. When those Troops come down our army will be respectable, and I hope not only able to Check, but to make an Impression upon some part of the Enemy’s Line.
Of the Cannon that arrived lately to the Eastward only 32 are fit for Field Use and those General Knox had ordered on, and appropriated to this Army before the Receipt of your’s, others are daily expected and out of those you can have a Supply.
While you were in philadelphia Congress informed me that you had proposed to raise a Troop of Horse near Albany, which would be recruited and mounted quickly, as there was a Sufficiency of Horse Furniture ready. I advised this by all Means and thought it had been carried into Execution. You had better even do it now than depend upon the Arrival of any of the Southern Horse or even Eastern, for notwithstanding Colonel Shelden has been so long in Commission only sixteen Men of his Regiment have arrived at peek’s Kill. I have with me the Virginia Horse worn down by a hard Winter Campaign, and one Troop of Baylor’s and one of Moylan’s, altogether scarcely able to mount the necessary Patroles. One Troop raised in the Country where they are to act are worth double the Number of Strangers from their Acquaintance with the Ground.
If the Seneca Chiefs pay me a Visit, I will endeavor to impress them with as high an Idea as possible of our Strength & Circumstances. I am Dear Sir Your most obedt Servt

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 16 June 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fort Edward [N.Y.] June 16h 1777

I did myself the Honor to address you from Saratoga on the 14th Instant—On the next Day Amsbury and Adams (mentioned in General St Clair’s Letter Copy whereof I transmitted Congress by Letter under Cover to your Excellency) arrived at Saratoga—What passed between us, and what Information he gave is noted in the paper No. 1—No. 2 is the Letter which was inclosed between the two Bottoms of the Canteen.
If the Information which Amsbury gives is to be relied upon as I think it is we shall soon be attacked at Tyonderoga and altho’ I think the Force now there may be sufficient to hold that important post yet I have no Troops to oppose either Sir John Johnson, if he should penetrate to the Mohawk River, or any to prevent the Communication between this and Fort George from being cut off nor have I force, if these should not be attempted by the Enemy, to march to the Relief of Tyonderoga—In this Situation I am under the Necessity of applying to your Excellency for a Reinforcement.
From the Time I left Albany to my Return to that place, Nothing, compatively speaking, has been done towards throwing into Tyonderoga a Stock of provisions of the Meat Kind and of the little that is left there, I fear to learn that a very considerable part is damaged and what is equally bad, if not worse, is that we have very little Hopes of a Supply of fresh Meat—A Week or two may remedy the latter, but it may then be too late to convey a Quantity to Tyonderoga. If therefore any salted pork or Beef can be spared from Peek’s Kill or elsewhere, I wish it may be ordered up without the least Delay.
Should your Excellency order me a Reinforcement, permit me to suggest that if there are no Vessels at peeks or Fish Kill to transport the Troops to Albany, that it may be proper, by Express to direct the commanding Officer at Albany to send down from thence a sufficient Number of Sloops.
Such is the Inattention in this Department that no less than a thousand Barrels of Flour are now lying at this post, and only five Waggons employed to carry it to Fort George, the Distance fifteen Miles.
Permit me to beg that your Excellency will communicate the Contents of this Dispatch to Congress, as I cannot find Time to do myself the Honor to write to them.
I shall (consulting with the General officers at Tyonderoga) try to send an Answer to Mr Levius’s Letter, as from General Sullivan—In which I shall leave him to suppose (what I do not by any Means believe)

that General Sullivan has entered into his Views—Your Excellency will please to mention my Intention to General Sullivan, and to assure him that my only View is to serve the public. I am Dear Sir most sincerely Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


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

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 17th 1777.
Aberdeen.Amboy. Aimwell.

The Surgeon General is to give passes to all persons belonging to his department.
Two officers, from those regiments who have sick, in the hospital near camp, to attend the same, for the purpose pointed out in the order of yesterday.
An orderly serjeant to be appointed in each company, to take a list every morning of the sick belonging to it, and report them to the regimental officer of the day, who is to make a general report to the surgeon of the regiment—The orderly serjeant to attend the surgeon—distribute medicines, and do every thing necessary according to his orders.
A proportionate number of women to the sick of each regiment to be sent to the hospitals at Mendham, and Black River, to attend the sick as nurses.
Whenever prisoners are sent to the Provost; the evidences against them to be inserted in the charge; which will save much unnecessary trouble and delay.
The General Court Martial whereof Col. Marshall was president is dissolved; And another General Court Martial to sit to morrow morning at 9 o’Clock, at the usual place (General Wayne’s brigade) to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them—All Evidences to attend—Col. Stevens to preside.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 June 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston June 17. 1777

I have this moment received a Letter from General Putnam, in which he observes that he has just received an Express from your Excellency purporting that an Attack on the Army more immediately under your own Command was shortly expected, and requesting that Reinforcements may be forwarded as fast as possible, I shall exert my utmost endeavors to push on all such Troops as are ready. Colo. Putnam will have about 300. Men ready to march in a few days, they are waiting entirely for Cloathing, and the Commissary has assured them that it shall be ready by saturday next, several other Detachments are in the same situation. The extreem suffering of those who have marched without Cloathing discourages the Officers from the thoughts of marching their Men until they can obtain it. The Agents and Commissary of Cloathing are now exerting themselves to compleat the Cloathing, and I hope there will be no more Complaints on that Head, unless it should cause some delay; but not a moment shall be needlessly lost.
Colo. Whitcomb and Colo. Phinney are presenting some Abstracts for pay, Billeting, Mileage &c., for part of their respective Regiments for the Months of November & December 1775, whilst at Cambridge. General Ward informed me that he had wrote your Excellency on the Subject, and had inclosed you one of the Rolls. Your Excellency was pleased to write back that as you was unacquainted with the Matter it must be settled in the Northern Department. Colo. Whitcomb has Just been to Albany from whence he came last Saturday, He was told that it could not be settled there, as the matters were Transacted Here. Shall they be sent on for your Excellency’s special direction, Or shall they be settled Here? I think it is a great pity that Officers should so long neglect to settle their Accounts by which they not only embarrass themselves, but continually harrass others.

I would also beg to be informed whether the Militia now doing duty at Providence and its Vicinity are to be paid by the Continent, agreeable to the Resolve of Congress of the 10th of April last, or by the respective States who furnish them. I have the Honor to be With great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servant

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 17 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 17th June 1777

I am favd with yours of the 14th by Maj. Humphry. I have consulted the Surgeon General upon the propriety of those of your Brigade coming on who have not had the small pox. He tells me he does not apprehend the least danger, as there is but one Woman in the whole Army who has it, and she will be removed. The Tents must be ordered to follow as they arrive and untill they do, you must make shift in Houses Hutts &ca. You are to march directly forward to this place with all possible dispatch, and I could wish you to out march your heavy Baggage, for much may now depend upon one day. I shall be glad to see you here as I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dr Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 17: 1777.

I have been favoured with yours of the 15th & 16th Instant. You have done well in sending on the Troops though they have not had the small pox. The Camp is thought to be entirely clear of infection & the Country pretty much also. If it is not, Innoculation may be carried on, should it be found expedient.
I am extremely sorry to find the Troops are in such distress for Tents & Cloathing. I trust by this time, they will have obtained a supply of the Latter, and that the former will be provided. I understood that Cloathing was on the Road & for that purpose Mr Mease, the Clothier General,

sent Mr Young to Peeks Kill to receive & distribute them. One cause of the distress of the Massachusets Troops for Cloathing, arises from a Quantity intended for them, being ordered to Tyconderoga by Genl ⟨Gates’s order.⟩ Genl Schuyler should be immediately ⟨wrote⟩ to, & the most speedy measures taken ⟨to bring⟩ them down. If the Troops can possibly be ⟨cloathed⟩ so as to do duty—send them on. There aid is much wanted. Their not having Tents must not be considered an Objection to their coming, if their situation in respect to Cloathing will admit. You should contrive to throw out hints to magnifye their Numbers—not only of those coming on, but of those who remain. This in War is justifiable—You see the Enemy practice it everyday & if our Officers would do the same, not discovering too much design or surpassing every ground of probability in their Reports, many advantages might result from it.
The Inclosed Letter for Colo. Sheldon, you will send immediately by Express—Our demand for Light Horse can’t be dispensed with. They must come on, Whether they are armed &c. or not. You will retain ⟨one T⟩roop.
The Enemy’s designs and movements are ⟨truly m⟩ysterious. On Friday night Genl Howe ⟨advanc⟩ed with the Main Body of his Army as far as Sommerset Court House. From thence to Brunswic they now form a Line. We have been constantly harrassing them with Light Troops under Colo. Morgan. The Militia seem well disposed to give every aid in their power. I am Dr Sir with great esteem Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Wash⟨ing⟩ton


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 17 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, c.17 June 1777. When writing to Sullivan on 18 June, GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman says that “Yours from Garrisons Tavern reached his Excellency about Midnight.”


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

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 18th 1777.
Boundbrook.Bedford.Boston.

Timothy Pickering Esqr: is appointed Adjutant General to the Continental Army—He is to be obeyed and respected as such. The General begs Col. Connor to accept his thanks, for his obliging and punctual discharge of the office, for the time he has acted as such.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 18 June 1777
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton 18th June 1777

In consequence of a Commission which I r[e]cieved a few Days ago from the honble Council & Assembly of this State, (being at that Time in Maryland) I am now on my Way to join Genl Sullivans Division, where I am informed the greatest Number of the Jersey Militia are collected.
I should have done myself the honor of waiting upon your Excellency, but have been much indisposed; I expect to be at Fleming-Town to’morrow, where I shall be glad, to receive your Excellency’s Orders respecting the Militia of this State. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obt sert

Philemon Dickinson

P.S. The Militia of Pennsylvania are turning out with great Spirit, between 5 & 6,000 will now march, which Numbers will be increased to 10,000, if necessary—there is a coalition of Parties.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 18 June 1777
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philada June 18th 1777

By some Accident Mr Peters omitted sending me your Favour of the  Instt so that I did not receive it till several Days after he returnd. I cannot sufficiently acknowledge the kind Sentiments it breathes, nor express the Satisfaction it has given me. If I had been capable of the Disingenuity which might seem to appear I should certainly have guarded it: but as my Letter to which that was an Answer contained nothing that could make any Caution necessary none was used. While there was a Prospect of General Lee’s Release I purposely avoided an Explanation as I hopped my Letter might have been preserved. Certain I am it contained no other Sentiment than lamenting the Loss of Mount Washington as occasioned (I frankly acknowledge) by hesitating too long between clashing Opinions—the Want of Assistance to enable your Excelly to bear the Load of accumulated Losses & Misfortunes & to enable you to extricate yourself from the Difficulties which surrounded us.
I pressed him to hasten with his Troops to our Relief as necessary to raise the Spirits of our broken Army & as General Greens Judgment had just then proved so erroneous; I urged General Lee by every Motive of Regard to the Cause & his own Honour & Safety to hasten his March that his Judgment & Experience might in some Degree Supply that Defect—To induce him to exert himself I remember I told him that I knew you had a great Confidence in his Abilities as well as the publick & that the Opinions of others had kept you in Suspence, t⟨ho⟩ I believed your own Judgment was fixed—His Answer you may recollect followed these Ideas, tho mingled with those Expressions & a Style which you may recollect was peculiar to himself. I gratefully remember the Honour you often did me in hearing my Sentiments & should have been sufficiently encouraged to have express’d my Apprehensions of any Quality of the Mind whose Operations might prejudice the Service & your own Honour if my Views & Subject had led to it. But at that

Time I had nothing more upon my Mind or in Prospect, than the Affair of Mount Washington & a speedy Junction with General Lee. But I will not trouble you any farther upon this Subject than to give you my most sincere Thanks for the kind & obliging Manner in which you have relievd my Mind from the Anxiety which the apprehended Loss of your Favour & Friendship had occasioned.
I saw Dr Shippin yesterday who surprizd me very much by mentioning that you had received no Letters from me on the Subject of the late Appointment. I assure you, my dear Sir, I wrote immediately on receiving Information of your kind Intentions & when I had determined which I would not do hastily or without Advice of my Friends, I wrote immediately & sent the Letter to Mr Hancocks as the proper Place to be forwarded. I confess my Inclinations led me strongly to accept & more especially when I was assured of your Favour & Friendship but upon a Calculation of the Expence which would attend it & for which the Congress have not made any special Provision I found that in two or three Years I should probably sink my little Fortune do Injustice to the public or discredit the Station. This added to the many Promotions made in the Interim were my principal Reasons. My Prospects in the civil Line are considerable these I must also have sacrificed—For all these I am sure you will make due Allowances & I hope not disapprove my declining the Honour you intended me. I can hardly flatter myself with the Hope of contributing any Thing to your Ease or Honour but my Prayers & Wishes for both will ever be as sincere as my Attachment & Respect are lasting & ardent.
I have this Morning seen a Copy of your Letter to General Arnold expressive of your Plan & Views of the Enemy’s Intentions it cannot be unacceptable to you to know that it is highly approved. I have lately had a Collection of English Papers by Way of France, I read with great Pleasure the Encomiums which the British Officers have wrote to their Friends not only on the Virtues of your private Character—but Conduct of the War. The Praise of an Enemy cannot be suspected—be assured you Stand high in the Opinions of the first military Characters in Europe—As far as my poor Opinion can go I think your present System & Plan has the fairest Chance of Success & will meet with it if some of those unforeseen Strokes to which War is subject do not intervene. We have had a Letter published here which says we must fight or forget our Honour it is said to be wrote by some General Officer; I cannot think he intended it for publication—Your Letter contains different & I think juster Sentiments upon this important Point.
Col. Moylan writes that he thinks my Knowledge of the Country & People would be of Use in the Quarter where he is & presses me to

come up, which I shall do immediately & pay my Respects at Head Quarters as soon as possible.
I have been employed for some Time in labouring an Accomodation with the contending Parties in this State which thro’ General Armstrongs & Mifflins Influence is at last effected, so as to afford the fairest Prospect of bringing forth the Force of this State. General Mifflin addressed the People at a Town Meeting in your Name & requested them all to turn out, but on Tryal this was found impracticable—About 4000 besides those in the Field will probably be the Number provided they can get Arms Accoutrements & Tents: but there is at present so lamentable a Deficiency in those Articles that I very much fear Difficulties will arise after the Men are procured. General Armstrong is indefatigable in his Endeavours & I hope will be more successful than at present he seems to expect.
I presume the Hurry in which General Mifflin came prevented a formal Application from yourself to the Persons in Authority here. I would just hint it to your Excelly as I observe they think themselves passed by in the Mode which has been taken & which most probably has been purely accidental.
I am too well acquainted with your many Engagements to take up more of your Time allow me only to add that I am with the most sincere Respect & Attachment my dear General Your most Obliged Affect. & Obed. Hbble Sert

Jos. Reed


Title: From George Washington to d’Annemours, 19 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Annemours, Charles-François-Adrien Le Paulmier, chevalier d’

Sir
Head Quarters Camp at Middle Brook June 19th 1777

I have received your favour of the 6th instant, transmitting me your observations on the state of American affairs, and the part that France is interested by the motives of good Policy to act in consequence of it. Your reflections appear to me extremely judicious and well founded; and prove that you have made a good use of your time, in collecting the information necessary to regulate your judgement, in a matter that so intimately concerns all Europe as well as America. It were to be wish’d, that sentiments similar to yours were impress’d upon the French Court; and that they could be induc’d, not to delay an event so desireable both to them & to us, as the one you are anxious shou’d take place. An immediate declaration of War against Britain, in all probability, cou’d not fail to extricate us from all our difficulty’s, & to cement the Bond of Friendship so firmly between France & America, as to produce the most permanent advantages to both. certainly nothing can be more the true Interest of France than to have a weight of such magnitude as America taken out of the Scale of British Power & opulence & thrown into that of her own; and, if so, it cannot be adviseable to trust any thing to contingencies, when by a conduct decisively in our favor, the object in view might be put upon a sure footing.
Permit me Sir, to correct a mistake you have made, in narrating a fact, with respect to the Danbury expedition, in which some Magazines of ours were destroyed. You mention only an hundred men, being lost to the Enemy, but from various accounts, & circumstances, there is little reason to doubt, there must have been at least four hundred kill’d, wounded, & taken. I have taken notice of this error; because it is of some little importance, the affair shou’d be rightly stated, as it serves to show in a striking point of view the spirit of opposition prevailing among the People, which animated them to assemble on so sudden an occasion—& to attack a regular Body of two thousand men, with so much vigor, as to force them to a precipitate return, little differing from a rout.
Genl Howe has lately made a very extraordinary movement. He sallied

out from Brunswick on the night of the 13th instant & Marched towards Sommerset about nine miles distant, when He halted & began to fortify. By this operation He had drawn much nearer to us, and was in a tolerably commodious posture for attacking our right, which led us to conjecture this might have been his design—But all of a sudden He last night began to decamp, & with a good deal of expedition, if not precipitation, has return’d to his former position, with his right at Amboy & his left at Brunswick. this was certainly a hasty resolution, but from what motive it is not easy to determine. He had began a chain of redoubts from right to left, which together with other appearances, indicated a design of remaining there some little time at least. His abandoning the Ground he had taken & leaving the redoubts half finish’d, is an argument that he had been disappointed in his views & found it necessary to alter them. perhaps he was discouragd by the spirit that appeared among the inhabitants, who flocked together to join our Army, even beyond my expectation. As he began to retire in the night, had but a little way to go, was protected on his flank next to us by the Rariton, & on his rear by the Millstone, I had little or no opportunity of annoying him in his return. His Soldiers plunderd the People as usual & burnt many valuable Houses in their rout.
I am sorry it is not in my Power to avail myself of your services in the way you propose: at the same time I assure you, I entertain as high an opinion of your zeal & abilities as the opportunities I have had of knowing you will permit. I am with due regard &c.

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 19 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

Dr Baylor
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 19th 1777.

Yours of the 2d Instt, I received by Yesterdays Post.
I must request, that you will spare no pains to forward on the Troops you have inlisted. If they are not equipped, they must not wait. Our demand for Light Horse is such, that they cannot be dispensed with.
You should be extremely cautious in your enquiries into the character of those who are not Natives, who offer to inlist. Desertions among Men of that Class have been so frequent that unless you find ’em on examination to be of good & unsuspicious conduct, they should not be taken by any means. Otherwise, most probably, they will deceive you—add no strength to our Arms, but much expence to the public account & upon the first opportunity will join the Enemy. If those, you have inlisted, are to be suspected, will exchange places with Men in the marching Regiments, I have no Objection. I think it will be prudent that they should, but you cannot compell ’em without violating the conditions of their Inlistments and doing an act of injustice.
As a Regimental promotion, is to be the Governing Rule for filling all vacancies under those of Feild Officers, where there lies no Substantial objection to the next eldest Officer, or where it may not be necessary to promote out of that line for signal services, Mr Randolph must succeed to the Lieutenancy made vacant by Mr Greshams death. His having been constantly in service since he marched from Virginia with Weedons Regiment surely can’t operate to his prejudice. I am Dr Baylor Yr Aff. Hble servant

Go: Washington

P.S. As Mr Randolph is here, he will stay & do duty with Captn Lewis, till the Troop comes up which he is to join as a Lieutenant.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 19 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dr Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook June 19th 1777.

This will be delivered you by Mr Ryckman who returns with our Seneca Friends. I have shewed them every Mark of Respect in my power & taken such Measures as appeared most proper to impress them with Ideas of our Strength & Circumstances. They seemed to be extremely pleased and not only refused to go to Philadelphia on my Solicitations but thro’ our whole Camp, declaring they had seen what was entirely satisfactory. I have to regret that I had no presents for them and must request that you will use your good Offices in collecting something that will please them and which they will consider as a further Token of our Friendship and a Sort of Compensation for the Fatigues of their Journey. This I have promised them. As they will travel slow I shall say Nothing respecting the Situation of our own or the Enemy’s Army. I am Dr Sir &c.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 19 June 1777
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Sourland Hills [N.J.] June 19th 1777

I am honoured with your Excys favor of this Day. Shall Send on Mr Burr as Directed—I have Inquired of General Forman he knows of no Captain Wetherby There is a person of that name at Shrewsbury, who had orders To Enlist Troops for the British Service he Enlisted Some & was Detected & put in Irons by Genl Stephen Last Summer where he remained till about 8 Weeks Since when the Genl assembly of this State Released him perhaps he may Since that have undertaken the Business yr Excy mentions—The Enemy have Certainly Left Millstone I am falling Down toward the post Road as fast as possible to Harrass them if they attempt that Rout. Dr General I am with Much affection & Respect your Excys Most obedt Servant

Jno. Sullivan

P.S. Yr Excy will please to Consider That I am very weak—& wish to be Reinforced.

J:S:

The Enemys Rout is for Brunswick Burning Houses Barns &ca in their Rout many of my parties have been in Somersett—The Enemy abandoned it Little after Sunrise probably they may Turn off for Philadelphia.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 19 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, c.19 June 1777. An undated letter from GW’s aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton to Sullivan, apparently written in reply to the postscripts of Sullivan’s letter to GW of 19 June, says: “His Excellency has received your two last favours to day—In the first you hint the want of a reinforcement” (see Sullivan to GW, 19 June 1777, n. 2).


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

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 20th 1777.
Darthmouth.Deal.Derby.

Each Captain, or commanding officer of a company, is to make out immediately, an exact Size-Roll of his company, according to which his men are ever to be drawn up; and when formed in two ranks, the shortest men are always to be placed in the front, by which means the firing will be rendered easier, and the effect more certain.
The Commander in Chief approves the following Sentences of a General Court Martial, held the 18th and 19th instant, whereof Col. Stevens was president; and orders them to be put in execution forthwith—viz.

William Butler of Col. Thomas Hartley’s regiment, and Capt: William Nichol’s Company, charged with “Desertion and forging passes”—found guilty of the charge, and sentenced to receive 100 lashes.
Richard Hurley of the 7th Pennsylvania regimt charged with “Desertion”—found guilty of the charge, and sentenced to receive 100 lashes, on his bare back, well laid on.
Alexander McDonald of the 7th Pennsylvania regt charged with “Desertion”—found guilty, and sentenced to receive 100 lashes on his bare back; and to be sent on board one of the Continental Frigates to serve during the war.
Ensign Pope of the 10th Virginia regt charged with “Not attending his duty on the parade”—acquitted, and ordered to be forthwith discharged from his arrest.
Lieut: Booker of the 10th Virginia regt charged with “attending the parade drunk”—found guilty of the charge, and sentenced to be reprimanded by the Colonel of the regiment he belongs to, in the presence of the officers.
John Rowley, of Col: Patton’s regt charged with “Deserting, and going to the English”—found guilty of deserting, and sentenced to receive 100 lashes on his bare back, and to be sent on board one of the Continental Frigates, to serve for the time he is inlisted for.
Michael Reynolds, of the 5th Pennsylv: regt charged with “Deserting towards the enemy”—found guilty, and sentenced to receive 100 lashes, on the bare back, well laid on; and to be sent on board one of the Continental Frigates, to serve for the time he is inlisted for.
William Pannel, of Capt: McGowen’s Company, in the 4th Pennsylvania regt charged with “Deserting from his regiment, and endeavouring to go to the enemy”—found guilty—and sentenced to receive 100 lashes on his bare back.
Alexander McDonald, John Rowley and Michael Reynolds, who are sentenced to be put on board some of the Continental Frigates, are, after receiving their punishment, still to be detained prisoners by the Provost Marshal, ’till further orders.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 20 June 1777
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Corryells Ferry June 20th 1777

Your favour of the 17th Inst. I receiv’d the Next morning, & immediately communicated the Contents to Congress, at the same time recommended the Posting two thousand Men on the Delaware from this place to Bristol, & fifteen hundred at the Posts below, Philada to Compleat the Works already began, & raise such new ones, as are necessary. The State Regt formerly commanded by Colonel Bull, now by Colo. Stewart, is on its March to Join your Excellency, this will be Delivered By Capt. Patrick Anderson, who has the Advance Guard, & is charged with a Letter And fourteen half Joannes & three Guineas for Lieut. Colonel Thos Bull a Prisoner in New York, which beg the favr of your Excellency to forward.
I went yesterday from this to Trenton by the Rivers Bank, & Carefully examined all the Passes, I am fully of Opinion Two Thousand Men will effectually guard them with some few works, which will be immediately hove up Brigr Genl Potter is Posted here, I am Just Seting offor Trenton, where I shall continue Untill further Orders, Genl Mifflin I am told will be here this evening on his way to Join your Excellency, last evening I

receiv’d A line from Genl Sullivan who writes me the Enemy had Abandoned their Posts at Sommerset, & were retireing to Brunswick.
I am Ordered by Congress to remain at this Post, or Trenton, untill I received further Orders from your Excellency as there are no Troops Posted here, except Militia who have a sufficient Number of Officers, I can be of little service here, If I am not wanted—with the Army, I should be glad to return to Philada as my Accots with the Publick have not yet been settled oweing to Mr Milligan one of the Commissioners being out of Town. I am very respectfully Dr Genl Your Obedt Hbl. Ser.

B. Arnold


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier Generals John Glover and Alexander McDougall, 20 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Glover, John,McDougall, Alexander

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 20th June 1777.

The Enemy decamped, the night before last, & have returned to their former position from Amboy to Brunswick. This appears to have been in consequence of a sudden resolution, as they had been employ’d in raising a chain of redoubts from Sommerset to Brunswick; which they wou’d not have done, had they at first intended to abandon their new Ground in so short a time. What may have determined them to change their plan it is hard to tell; whether they might have been alarmed by the animation among the People, which brought them together in considerable numbers & disappointed in the movements they may have expected us to make, thence concluding their design impracticable; or whether they may have an operation against some

other Quarter in view, the event must show. In the meantime, I think it necessary to be upon our Guard against any sudden expedition up the North river, & therefore desire you will if you have advanc’d any distance from Peeks kill halt where you are & proceed no further—if you are near that Post return to it, or if you have not cross’d the river you are of course to continue where you are. I am Sir Your most Obet Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 20th 1777.

When I had the Honor of addressing you last, I informed you, that the Main body of the Enemy had marched from Brunswick and extended their Van, as far as Sommerset Court House. I am now to acquaint you, that after encamping between these Two posts and beginning a line of Redoubts, they changed their Ground Yesterday morning and in the course of the preceding night, and returned to Brunswick again, burning, as they went, several valuable dwelling Houses. We had constantly Light Troops hovering round them, as far as circumstances would permit, but being secured on their flanks by the Raritan & Milstone, they were difficult to approach and without loss effected their return to their former posts.
This sudden and precipitate change in their Operations, has afforded matter for much speculation. We suppose their Original design was to attempt an impression on our right or to manuvre us out of our Ground—or to advance towards the Delaware. Whether these conjectures were well founded cannot be ascertained. But it is probable, if they had an impression in view, they found, it could not be attempted without great loss—As to bringing on an Attack, they effectually secured themselves against One by the post they took—Or if passing the Delaware was their Object, that from the temper of the people, the prosecution of it if not impracticable, would meet with much greater opposition than what they expected—For I must observe, and with peculiar satisfaction I do it, that on the first notice of the Enemy’s movements, the Militia assembled in the most spirited manner, firmly determined to give them every Annoyance in their power and to afford us

every possible aid. This I thought it my duty to mention, in justice to their conduct, and I am inclined to beleive, that Genl How’s return, thus suddenly made, must have been in consequence of the information he received, that the people were in & flying to Arms in every Quarter to oppose him. I shall not reason upon the event, but, I cannot but consider it as a most fortunate and happy one to us, and the most distressing Mr Howe has yet experienced, unless he has Schemes in contemplation beyond the reach of my conjecture.
I should have written to Congress more frequently respecting the Enemy after they came from Brunswic, had I not been almost constantly on Horseback and had their designs been clear, but as they were not I did not wish to puzzle them with conjectures, more especially, as I wrote Genl Arnold, with whom I was obliged to correspond, that he might cooperate with me as circumstances should require, to transmit them Copies of my Letters.
Inclosed you will be pleased to receive an Extract of a Letter from Colo. Jackson of Boston to Genl Knox. The intelligence, it contains, is interesting, & I shall be happy to hear that the Two Brigs. mentioned, have captured the remainder of the Hessians & more particularly so, if the capture should not be far from the British Coast, provided they arrive safe.
12, OClock I just now received a Letter from Genl Schuyler, a Copy of which & of its inclosures, is herewith transmitted. The Enemy from appearances having changed their views for the present or at least rendered them dark and mysterious, I have sent Expresses to Brigadiers McDougal and Glover to halt their Divisions, if they have proceeded any considerable distance from Peeks Kills, till further orders—Otherwise to return. I have also written to Genl Putnam to hold four Regiments in readiness to embark for Genl Schuylers aid, should further intelligence from Canada respecting the Enemy’s movements from Canada make it necessary. The uncertainty of Genl How’s Operations will not permit more to be done at this time. Genl Parsons arrived here this morning and his Division is marching to their Ground towards the left of the Lines.
I omitted to mention in my Last, that in consultation with my Genl Officers, it was agreed, that promotions should be Regimental in the Army, for All Officers under the rank of Feild Officers, and for all of that rank, in the line of their State. This is now settled as a General Rule, a right being reserved However, that it may be made for particular merit out of this line or refused for demerit or any substantial Objection. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 20 June 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada June 20th 1777.

The enclosed Resolves relative to the Army, and therefore necessary for your Information, I have the Honour of transmitting at this Time; and beg Leave to refer your Attention to them.
The Congress have finished the Commissary’s Department, and it is now in the Press. As soon as it is printed, I will forward sundry Copies for your Use.
Your Favour of the 13th 14th & 15th Inst.; as also a Copy of your Letter to Genl Arnold, have been received, and are at this Time under the Consideration of a Committee. The Result shall be immediately transmitted. I have the Honour to be, with perfect Esteem and Respect Sir your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt

Genl Gates is here; I hope he will soon be establish’d in a Command equal to his Merit.


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 20 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 20th June 1777

I have yours of the 14th As I have not wrote to you since the 8th no letters of mine were among those lost by Mr Gurney. I cannot tell how the Cloathing designed for the Eastern Troops has been disposed of, but there are universal Complaints, from Massachusets in particular, for want. If the Quantity that will meet Mr Young at Peekskill is not sufficient, many of the Troops will be obliged to quit the Feild, for some of them are already so naked that they cannot do duty. The Board of War of Massachusets say, that as they had delivered a large quantity of Cloathing to Livingston & Turnbull wh. they had collected and purchased, they expected their Troops would have recd the Benefit of it, but that so far from that’s being the Case, they are the only people left destitute. As these repeated Complaints are all thrown upon me, I could wish that some measures may be taken by you or your Agents to settle this Matter and endeavour to give satisfaction.
The light Horsemen are not intitled to any more than a suit of Uniform annually. The coarse Jackets & Frocks are extra’s and must be charged to them. their pay was augmented in order to enable them to purchase these necessaries.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 20 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 20th June 1777

I am favd with yours of the 16th. The Spears have come to hand, and are very handy and will be usefull to the Rifle Men. But they would be more conveniently carried if they had a sling fixed to them, they should also have a spike in the But end to fix them in the Ground and they would then serve as a rest for the Rifle. The Iron plates which fix the Spear head to the shaft should be at least eighteen inches long to prevent the shaft from being cut through with the stroke of a Horsemans Sword. Those only, intended for the Rifle Men, should be fixed with Slings and spikes in the end, those for the light Horse need neither—There will be 500 wanting for the Rifle Men, as quick as possible. Be pleased to send on all the Tin Cartridge Cannisters and have as many more made as possible, they will save an immense deal of Ammunition from damage. The Qr Masters of Troops have no more Rank than Qr Mr Sergeants. There is but one Qr Master to a Regiment, whose Business it is to provide necessaries for the Regiment at large. But as the Horse are generally divided, there is a necessity for a Qr Master to each Troop to provide Forage &ca whose pay is 15 dolls ⅌ Month.
I refer the Board to my letter to Congress for an account of Genl Howes return to Brunswick. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 20 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 20h June 1777.

I am favored with your’s of the 16h Instant from Fort Edward, but that of the 14th from Saratoga, to which you refer has not come to Hand—Supposing the plan mentioned in Amsbury’s Evidence to be true; I cannot concieve that it will be in the power of the Enemy to carry it into Execution. But to provide against all Events, I have ordered General Putnam to hold four Massachusetts Regiments in Readiness at Peek’s Kill, to go up the River at a Moments Warning, and to order Sloops from Albany, which are to be kept for that purpose.
It does not appear that Burgoyne has brought any Reinforcements from Europe, if so, he cannot move with a greater Force than five thousand Men—He certainly will never leave the Garrison of Ticonderoga in his Rear, and if he invests it to any purpose, he will not have a sufficient Number left to send one Body from Oswego and another to cut off the Communication between Fort Edward and Fort George. As the Garrison of Ticonderoga is sufficient to hold it against any Attack, I do not think it politic, under your Representation of the Scarcity of provisions, to send up Troops to consume what ought to be thrown into the Fort Those Troops held ready by General putnam can always, upon a Certainty of the Enemy’s Intention to pass by Tyonderoga with the whole or any part of their Force, be up Time enough with the Assistance of the Militia, to give them a Check as their March cannot be a very rapid one.
I have communicated your Letter to Colonel Trumbull and I refer you to one which I have directed him to write to you upon the Subject of a Supply.
I draw a very favorable Omen from the intercepted Letter to General S——. It shews that they dispair of carrying their Schemes by Force and are reduced to the Necessity of having Recourse to the Arts of Flattery, Bribery, and Intimidation. The General is not at this post—I therefore cannot say how far it may be agreeable to him for you to carry on the Correspondence in his Name—If your Letter is not gone you had better wait for his Concurrence, for it is a delicate Matter.
From the Manœuvre of Yesterday, it is not prudent to weaken our post upon the North River upon an Uncertainty. On the Night of the 13th the British Army marched out of Brunswick, on the Road leading to Somerset Court House, which place their Van reached by Morning, being nine Miles. Their Rear continued at Brunswick, by which Means they formed a Line of Communication the whole Way, strengthened by Redoubts which are thrown up, upon every advantageous piece of Ground. What they gave out and what they seemed prepared for was

to make a push to gain the passage of Delaware, but whether they did not chuse to risk this with our Army upon their Rear or—intimidated by the unexpected Force which they found ready to oppose them (as the Militia of this State and pennsylvania turned out with the greatest Spirit) they suddenly abandoned their project and returned to Brunswick the Night before last, leaving their Works half finished. Their Army now lays in its former position between Brunswick and Amboy—As I do not think they will again attempt to reach philadelphia by Land, I conclude that their next Move will be to that place by Sea or up the North River. The first cannot be very sudden, because the necessary Embarkation for such a Voyage, tho’ not a long one must be a Work of Time. But the latter, if intended, will be as quick as possible, for they may have heard that I drew the greatest part of the Force from peek’s Kill when the Enemy drew theirs into Jersey. I ordered those that had not reached this place to halt as soon as the Enemy returned to Brunswick. They will be ready to move either Way as Occasion may require.
You may remember the Conversation we had upon the Expediency of removing all the Horses and Carriages from the Neighbourhood of Skenesborough for I cannot concieve that they have enough of their own to answer their purposes. Deprived of the Means of Transportation, they will be entirely baffled in their Attempts upon that Quarter.
Since I began this Letter your’s of the 14th came to Hand, the Contents of which is fully answered by what I have before written. I shall immediately forward the Letter to Congress. It is evident from General Sinclair’s Letter that it will not be proper to order up the Reinforcement before it is really wanted, for he very judiciously observes that they will consume the Stores. I shall desire General Sullivan to inform me whether he knows such a Man as Robert Shannon & what is his Character.
I cannot concieve what occasions the Delay of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Troops. I have repeatedly wrote to them in the most pressing Manner to send them on, but in vain. I however hope that your Representations, who are upon the Spot, will have a better Effect.
General Knox tells me that he intends the Majority of Colo: Crane’s Regiment for Major Stevens which would have been confirmed some Time ago, but there is one Captain in point of Rank, but not Merit, who has a prior Right, but he hopes to settle the Matter with him. I am Dear Sir with Regard Your most obedt Servant

Go. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 20 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Camp at Middle Brook June 20th 1777

General Howe has suddenly quitted his new Post between Somerset and Brunswic, and has returned to his old situation. The whole design of his making his late movement this way may possibly have been to induce us to draw off our Troops from Peekskill; though I think it most probable, that he was disappointed in his expectations of the manner in which we should act, and that finding the People turned out with great spirit to strengthen our opposition, he concluded it most prudent to relinquish his intentions, and resume his former position—But lest the first supposition should be true, I have ordered Generals McDougall and Glover not to proceed—If they are at a distance from Peekskill, they are to halt where they are; and if they are near it, they are to go back—You will cease sending any more on.
General Schuyler writes to me, that from some intelligence he had lately received, there was reason to apprehend General Burgoyne was making preparation for an immediate attack upon Ticonderoga, and on that account, requests a Reinforcement; but as the alarm may, very likely, prove false, until we have further evidence that such an event is about to take place, I do not think it advisable to lessen our force on this Quarter, by sending them to where, perhaps, they may not be wanted.
It will be proper you should keep in view, that the Enemy’s motions, must, of necessity, be in concert, & if they operate to the Northward, you will undoubtedly have a visit your way, besides, being continually

prepared for this casualty, it will be highly useful, to use every method of gaining intelligence from New-York—The most effectual means of doing this, is to have persons frequently going into, and coming out from the City. I am with Regard Dr Sir Your most obedient Servant

G: Washington


Title: General Orders, 21 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 21st 1777.

Col. Sherborne’s detachment, at present with Genl Parsons, is to join Genl Varnum’s brigade.
Genl De-Barre’s brigade to get ready to march to morrow morning, at 5 o’clock—He will send to the Adjutant General for orders to march.
Genl Varnum’s brigade to relieve the picquets at Van Nest’s Mill, and Van Veghten’s bridge, at 4 o’clock this afternoon.
A detachment of 900 men and twelve light horsemen, with proper officers, to furnish themselves with three days provisions, cooked, and parade at 2 o’Clock this afternoon, behind the park of Artillery, completely armed, accoutered and furnished with ammunition, and with their blankets slung—Brigadier General Maxwell will command the detachment—The Monmouth Militia to go with the detachment.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Elliott, 21 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Elliott, Thomas

Sir,
Head Quarters Camp at Middle Brook June 21st 1777

I flattered myself that I should have had the pleasure long before this of seeing you in Camp at the head of your regiment, and am sorry that the ill state of your health, or whatever other cause there may be, has disappointed my expectations. This campaign probably may be of decisive importance to America, and at this advanced period of it, the service demands that every commanding officer should be at the head of his corps and cannot but suffer, if circumstances oblige him to be absent. I have no doubt you have sufficient reasons to justify your not having yet joined the army at the same time as I am bound to consult the good of the service above every other consideration, I must of necessity

regret that it has been the case; and cannot allow those reasons to operate much longer to the prejudice of it.
I shall be glad it may suit you to repair to camp by the middle of next month, and enter upon the command of your regiment; but if it should not be in your power to do it by that time, I shall conclude your affairs will not permit you to act in that capacity, and that it is my duty to fill up the place of Col. in the regiment designed for you by the appointment of some other Gentleman. I expect to hear from you on the subject; and am Sir Your most Obedt servant.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 21 June 1777
From: Glover, John
To: Washington, George

D. Sir
Peeks-Kill [N.Y.] June 21st 1777.

I recd your favour of Yesterday, was preparing to Cross the River this morning but am now halted, & shall remain at this Post till’ otherwise ordered. I am Your Excellency’s most Obedt hum. Servt

Jno. Glover


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

Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 21st 1777.

I was last night honored with yours of Yesterday morning with its Inclosures, the Contents of which, I shall duly attend to.
Having written fully Yesterday, and Nothing new occurring since, I have only to request that you will forward the papers respecting the Commissary’s department, as soon as possible. For want of some certain and fixed line of duty in this instance, the Commissary says, it is impossible to conduct matters with any propriety. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 21 June 1777
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hawerstraw [N.Y.] 21st June 1777.

Your favor of the 20th reached me this morning. The Brigade left this yesterday morning; under Col. Cortlandt: It was Necessary for me

to stay behind to Expedite large Parties not then ready to march; which I got over last Night. The Brigade at noon must be at Pumton; where I should have halted them; but I have this moment receivd express orders, from General Putnam, to return with the Brigade to Peeks Kill. Time will only permit me to add that I am, with great respect Your Excellency’s very Hble Servt

Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 21 June 1777
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Philada 21 June 1777

Observing it asserted in Gen. Howes letter to your Excy of the 21st April Ulto that “one half of the sick prisoners were recd into the British Hospitals—that the remainder were attended in their different places of confinement by their own Surgeons—and lastly that these Surgeons, without restriction were supplied with medicines for this purpose until it was discovered that they disposed of large quantities by private sale.”
I conceive it incumbent on me to give your Excelly what information I can on this subject, the better to ascertain its credibility, and that it may have its proper influence in the settlement of the proportion of prisoners to be accounted for.
In the first place I would observe to yo⟨ur⟩ Excelly that Gen. Howe seems to have fallen into a mistake in using the term B. H. in the sense in which he would have it understood. If it be not appropriated to amuse, his information must have come from persons whose interest it is that he himself should be deceived. For your Excellency is by no means to suppose that any of our sick prisoners were, at any one time whilst I was in N.Y. received into, the B. H. or treated in the same manner as their own sick and wounded.
That great numbers of our sick and wounded were seperated from the rest, and put into houses provided for their reception is not to be doubted. But there they wanted, the necessary attendance, comforts, and conveniencies which constitute a hospital: either “through design, or neglect of reasonable and practicable care,” Whilst On the other hand no patients could be better taken care of or better provided, than those in the B. Hospitals. Had ours received a similar treatment no cause of complaint could possibly have arisen on this head. But some detail of their sufferings, and what was attempted for their relief will

better shew the discrimination. In compassion to our Enemies I enter upon it with pain and reluctance.
The condition of the prisoners in Gen. the want of such assistance as G. H. had it in his power to supply, & wch was compatible wth the situation as was at several times represented to Gen: Howe by letters from our field officers. No answer was received. In December, their distresses became more peculiarly interesting.
And It was now tho’t advisable to acquaint Do[c]tor Mallet (Surg. Gen. and providor to the B. H.) with their singular distresses. Accordingly in the presence of Col. Miles, I laid before him, and the Commissary for Prisoners (Mr Jos. Loring) their present condition. Mentioned their want of Hospital bed—bunks—bedding, and coverings—the almost total want of fire, in consequence of which several of their limbs had mortified—but more particularly their want of nurses and tenders to give cleanliness to the place and prepare and give them their drinks & nourishment at proper times. In short that they in a manner wanted every thing that could contribute to their comfort or recovery.
Dr Mallet reply’d the account was affecting, and he was very sorry to hear it. He would look into the matter. But in the mean while could assure me that they were allowed the same as the patients in the B. H. And because it was thought, that it would please our officers better, they were under the care of one of our own Doctors. If things were peculated or misapplied—it was not his fault. This complaint, I answered was made to him, and Mr Loring because it was imagined, it came more immediately under their cognizance. My state of their cruel sufferings was a true one. The evidence was no further off than the Quaker Meeting house where they lay. That Louis Debute who seemed to be chiefly intrusted with their treatment did not belong to us, nor had ever been in our service, as I could learn. That he was notorious for crimes, and had been pillored some time before we evacuated N. York. Moreover That Dr Oliver who had the management of our wounded had lately dismissed him upon its being discovered that he disposed of their medicines and necessaries. To this Dr Mallet replied—that he was found amongst our people; and he supposed him one of ourselves.
Dr Mallet then requested me to take the direction of the house upon myself, and said that if I could procure nurses (which I had remarked they wanted more than medicines) he would willingly pay them. To this I answered, that he must be sensible my situation in N. York was by no means calculated to procure nurses. But if nurses or even proper tenders were provided, and Debute turned off, I would immediately undertake the business—But altho’ bound as well by profession as duty to render the sick every service in my power, yet the superior regard

which I owed my character, must determine me from the undertaking so long as he was continued. Mr Loring said Debute should not be suffered to prescribe, but as he was a useful fellow, might still be employed as an understrapper. I could not engage in the affair, I replied, until he was totally dismissed.
Notwithstand this he was continued; tho’ a Dr Hawkins mate in the Gen. Hospital came now and then to prescribe. But of his attendance or care they were little the better. And Debute was suffered to carry on his inhumanities as usual ’till a more glaring act of cruelty rendered his dismission unavoidable.
An officer, prisoner on Long Island, came to our Lodgings to inform Cols. McGaw & Miles that the Doctor who had charge of our sick, had that morning in his presence given one of them a blow with his stick, in consequence of which the man died 15 minutes after.
Upon this I renewed my complaints to Dr Mallet with this additional circumstance of Debutes barbarity: and begged, as the officer was willing to swear to the fact that he might be tryed for the murder. The Doctor expressed much concern, and accompanied me to Debute. The fellow after some little hesitation confessed his having that morning struck one of his patients; but argued that it was the man who lay next him who died. The first detatchment of our officers, in the mean while was ordered over to Long Island, and unfortunately amongst them the person who was to evidence this fact. And the murdered man was already buried with a number of others, so that no testimony could be had from inspection.
Now Debute was dismissed from his office and commanded never more to be seen near the sick. This comprehends a period of six week during which time their crouded situation—the effects of severe cold on their limbs—the strong symptoms of a long deprivation of water expressed in many of their countenances—Exclamations for drink and food, from such as had strength left to speak—the groans of the dying—the looks of the dead that lay mixed with the living—and the insufferable impurity of the house, made up altogether a scene more affecting and horrid than the carnage of a field of battle wherein no quarter is given.
These things made impressions too strong to be forgotten. And I question whether the resentment of the few who survived can end, but with their feelings.
But from this discription which includes a period of 6 Weeks I would in some measure discriminate the wounded who were lodged in a different part of the Town; in houses provided with fire places, and under the direction of Dr Oliver a refugee from Boston. I also make some distinction between the usage of the sick under Dr Antil who had

charge of them before Debute. But even under these Gentlemen their state was often grievous and distressing to contemplate.
Debute left the sick in such a condition that nothing save their immediate removal from N. York afforded the smallest prospect of a single patients recovery. Wherefore all I could do, was to procure that application to Gen. Howe which got them out on parole; a copy of which I inclosed to your Excellency the latter end of Jany last dated from Hydes Town Jersey.
I come now to Gen. Howes allegation against our Surgeons. I imagine that upon proper enquiry it will be found unsupported by admissible evidence: or to depend upon an equivoque of the same nature as that on which the assertion of our sick being recd into the B. H. is grounded. How far the following facts may serve to clear up the matter may not be difficult to ascertain.
Doctor Hugh Hodge and myself make several applications for medicines, for our sick officers, but were always refused. We were obliged to buy them for their use. An ounce or two of salts and a few nitre powders from Drs Oliver and Antil were all we ever recd. And these we had in consideration of our profession, not because they had orders to deliver any. For the latter Gent. told Dr Hodge that Dr Mallet had positively forbidden medicines to be given for patients out of his own care. Moreover when Debute had charge of our sick I bought from Dr Brownjohn, and distributed amongst them medicines in his presence from time to time. I except here the dressings &c. which Dr Oliver furnished the wounded officers who were attended at their ⟨o⟩wn lodgings. Besides Dr Hodge and myself there were 4 or 5 Surgeons prisoners belonging to Pennsylvania and the N. England States. It is natural to suppose that those were also refused. But as I was not acquainted with them, do not affirm it.
But had medicines been allowed “without restriction” for the use of our sick remaining in their prisons—Wherefore prevented from visiting them? Between the 20 November and middle of January I attempted it several times but never obtained admission except in one instance, where I had reason to believe that the guard had mistaken me for a British Surgn.
But further med. to men circumstanced as they were, could answer no one salutary purpose. It is even illiberal to suppose that any rational person could have prescribed them to men so totally unfurnished with those conveniencies and necessaries, without which, they are useless, if not hurtful. This would have been carrying cruelty to its utmost limits. And it ought really to be considered as a mark of G. H. humanity, that such a thing was not ordered to be done.
This may serve as a commentary to G. Howes third fact. I cannot be

mistaken in a single assertion. In every part of this testimony I am clear, however it may stand contrasted with Sir William Howes. You will therefore use it as may best answer the course of justice. Tis true, I am G. Howes prisoner But this cannot prevent me from discharging the obligations I am under to truth. With all due respect I have the honor to remain your Excy most obt and very humble servt

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from James Mease, 21 June 1777
From: Mease, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada 21st June 1777.

Your Excellencys favour of 20th is just come to hand what respects the cloathing of the Massachussets Troops will be fully explain’d by Mr Turnbull—all the Clothing delivered by the Board of War to Livingston & Turnbull together with a great deal more to compleat them were applied to the Massachussets Troops and as I have before mention’d to your Excellency were by the direction of the Board of War or Council sent to Bennington. But the troops not taking the rout at first Intended the cloathing was not delivered but has I find been sent towards Ticonderoga and is I believe at Albany where it seems it has been detain’d by order of Genl Gates or some other Commanding Officer,

However if the supply of necessaries comming to Fish kill should prove insufficient for the Troops I doubt not it will be pretty soon in my power to compleat them from hence, provided the Commanding Officers do not take it into their heads to cater for themselves out of the goods as they are passing their posts. Out of 39 Bales Cloathing lately imported by Congress by Mr Babcock, I find only 15 of Cloth and One of Blankets have gott over the North River—Rhode Island having stop’t as I before inform’d your Excellency near 5000 yards, Connecticut has I suppose taken the rest They must now be glutted for this year and perhaps free egress may be permitted in future.
As there is a prize Snow arriv’d at Salem said to have 4000 Blankets on Board I have thought it expedient to send this by Express after Mr Turnbull in order if possible to secure those Blanketts for the use of the Army, and there is no doubt of its being done if the State will permitt it and not Interfere—I shall direct Livingston & Turnbull to represent to the State the necessity the Army is in for this Article, and should be glad your Excellency would please to Signify to that Government in how much need of a Supply of this article the Troops under Command of your Excellency has been for a long time. I am with all possible Respect Your Excellencys Most Obt hble Servt

James Mease


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 21 June 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Peekskill [N.Y.] 21st June 1777

Your Favour of the 20th I have just received and in Consequence thereof shall immediately dispatch an Express to Genl McDougall and take every step agreeable to your Directions as far as in my Power. I have the Honour to be Sir Your mo. Obt hume Sert

Israel Putnam


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 21 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dr Sir
Saturday June 21st 1777

From every information lately received, there is reason to believe the Enemy are evacuating Brunswick by sending One Brigade after Another. It is said they are transporting their baggage both by Land & Water to Amboy with the greatest Industry. If this fact be true, I should suppose it highly expedient that you should detach a Number of Militia well acquainted with the Country South of Amboy, if you have any such, to take post along the Rive⟨r⟩ at & near what are called the Roundabouts. If they go there and the Enemy are conveying their Stores down the River, which I believe is the case, I am persuaded, by a spirited exertion and vigilant conduct, they will intercept and possess themselves of a great part of it. This is a matter of considerable importance to effect, and which not only interests them greatly, but will much distress the Enemy. If there are Militia, who are fit for the business, proper parties cannot be too early sent down. You will take the Subject immediately into consideration, that such measures may be pursued as the circumstances of the Militia may seem to point out. I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Tayloe, 21 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Tayloe, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Tayloe, 21 June 1777. When writing to Tayloe on 5 Aug., GW says: “Your favor of the 21st of June came to my hands about Eight days ago by Colo. Thornton.”


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

Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 22nd 1777.
FarquharFarnham.Fairfield.

The out guards, or picquets from the line, to be called in immediately, and not relieved.
One regiment (Col. Spotswood’s) of General Weedon’s brigade, to take post in General Wayne’s encampment, and mount a subaltern’s guard at the gap near the encampment.

The regiments of Genl Muhlenberg’s brigade, now at Steel’s gap, will remain there and mount a subaltern’s guard.
The brigades of the line to furnish the other guards, besides their own quarter guards.
After Orders.
Every brigade and corps of the army immediately to draw three days provisions, and cook them, and parade to morrow morning at 6 o’clock (if it should not rain) with arms, accoutrements, ammunition and blankets, ready to march—Tents baggage and women to be left in camp; for the security of which each division is to leave a field officer; each brigade a Captain, and each regiment a subaltern, Serjt Corporal and twelve men. These guards to consist of men most unfit for duty, and who have the worst arms—The Major Generals will receive orders at Head-Quarters, respecting their route, and order of march.
The Commander in Chief thanks the Majors General Sullivan and Greene, and all the officers, and soldiers, engaged this day, to pursue the enemy, for their alacrity and zeal manifested in that service.
Major Peers, Brigade Major to Genl Weedon’s brigade, charged with “Refusing a true and just return of Colol Spotswood’s regiment; and sending him a very insulting answer by his Adjutant”—tried by a General Court Martial, held the 20th instant, and honorably acquitted—The Commander in Chief approves the sentence, and orders him to be immediately discharged from his arrest.


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

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 23d June 1777

I am favd with yours of the 3d 7th and 12th. Nothing has given me more uneasiness than the Complaints of want of cloathing for the Troops of your State, especially as I had been led to beleive that they were most amply provided. I have ordered all the Cloathing now coming on to stop at Peekskill, and the Cloathier General has sent up a deputy to distribute it to those who want. As it consists of Frocks, Waistcoasts and Overalls it will be more proper for the Season than Cloth Uniform, which must be provided against Winter. I have wrote to Mr Mease and informed him of the Complaints that are made against his Agents for their unequal or at least irregular supply to your Troops. He asserts that a full Supply has been delivered, but that by the Alteration of the first destination of their Troops the Cloathing of the whole is gone to the Northward. I have directed him to have the matter some how settled, for nothing can be more disagreeable to me than to be obliged to hear constant complaints of this Nature.
Genl Howe moved from Brunswic on the 13th at Night and marched as far as Somerset Court House on the Road leading to Delaware, he remained there untill the 18th and then suddenly marched back again to Brunswic, leaving a number of Works, which they had began, half finished. They burnt many farm Houses in this short distance of Nine Miles. Finding, from many accounts and a variety of Circumstances that they intended to move from Brunswic to Amboy, Major Genl Green marched yesterday Morning with three Brigades in order to fall upon their Rear. Upon the first appearance of our Troops they abandonned the Town with precipitation, and went off to Amboy. As they had previously sent off all their Stores and Baggage, they had nothing to encumber them in their Retreat and therefore only received a few Fire’s from our Flankers. They are now removing their Baggage to New York from whence they will plan some new Expedition—As it will take some time to concert and prepare for it, I hope we shall find ways and Means to come at their intentions & to be prepared for them.
If the March to Peekskill by the way of Kinderhook is more inconvenient than by the common Rout, I do not desire it to be pursued. It was a measure recommended by Genl Schuyler.
I have long found the ill effects of the wretched Cartouch Boxes generally in use, and I am very glad to find that Colo. Lee has found out a kind that will preserve the Ammunition. You will direct him to have them made, and I should be glad of one by way of pattern.
The Matter respecting Capt. Sullivans Pay during the time he continues a Hostage upon parole has never been settled, I shall write to Congress respecting it, and take their order upon it.

Mr Hancock should ever represent the State of his Treasury to Congress and obtain a supply from them. I can do this but no more. And I dare say they will ever upon his representation only send him the necessary Sums. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 23 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Sir
Head Qrs Middle Brook June 23d 1777.

I yesterday received your favor of the 21st. I am happy to hear you have so good a prospect of Cloathing the Troops—the distress of those

from the Massachusets now at peeks Kill is great indeed & requires every exertion to releive it. The inteference of a particular State or body of Men with Cloaths imported on Continental account is certainly wrong, and confusion & Inconvenience will be the least evils that can result from it.
The arrival of the prize Blankets is a fortunate event. Agreable to your request I have written to the Massachusetts Council and hope they will suffer no difficulty to arise from any Quarter to Messieurs Livingston & Turnbulls purchasing them.
There is One Supply, I must request your particular & immediate attention to—that of Shoes—The Army is in great distress. Some Corps are almost entirely incapable of doing duty for want of them. You cannot procure too many. I would further observe, that the Sizes should be much attended to. There have been many complaints on this Head, that in general they have been made too small & of consequence of but little use. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington

P.S. What shoes you have do send to Camp.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 23 June 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Peekskill [N.Y.] 23rd June 1777

Since my last, Part of the Cloathing has arrived and more is near at Hand. We shall have a Supply of Shirts, Rifle Shirts, Waistcoats, Overalls, and Shoes—Coats Breeches or Stockings we do not expect.
Genl McDougall’s Brigade are on their Return, and will recross the River, to Day—Genl Nixon holds himself in Readiness, agreeable to your Orders, he is quartered in the Houses at Peekskill, that he may be more convenient to the Boats, for which I have sent up the River—I have ordered Genl Glover with his Brigade to take Post somewhere between W. Plains and the Enemy, as shall be found most adviseable, he waits only for the Cloathing and Tents, which last I hear are also on the Way. I have the Honour to be sir Your Affectionate humble Servt

Israel Putnam

P.S. is this to be Considred as Seperait Department the reson of my asking is to know Whathor I am alowed a Secretary & Dbt. Agant Ginrol or no.

I.P.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 23 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord
Head Quarters Middle Brook 23 June 1777

Yours reached me so late last Night that it was impossible to send off the provision before this Morning, and I hope th[at] Genl Maxwell will not be obliged to return for want of it. Had the day been good, the whole Army would have moved down towards Metutchin disencumbered of Tents or Baggage, and would then have acted as Circumstances would have permitted, the Moment the weather is such that the Men can be turned out, the above Movement will be put into execution. I beg you will not only endeavour to get intelligence out of Amboy but what is more material try to get one or more persons upon Staten Island to give information of any Number of the Enemy that come over, for if we could find out with any degree of certainty when a considerable part are thrown over, we probably might, by making a forcible push against the Remainder, oblige them to go off in confusion if not with the loss of part of their Stores. You will likewise please to keep light parties constantly towards them to prevent their making discoveries; as well as to harrass, and alarm them. I am my Lord Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Genl Sullivan is at Brunswic and I desire you will give him any information that may effect him and act in concert with him till we all get together. Genl Stephen just informs me that he understands the Enemy have laid a Bridge of Boats from Amboy to Staten Island. I am informed that they have made a practice of carrying Baggage thro’ the sound and by the Kilns to New York, if they continue this practice they may be annoyed from Elizabeth Town point.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 23 June 1777 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 23 June 1777. GW writes in his letter to Sullivan of this date that “I have yours of this Morning.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 23 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 23d June 1777.

I have yours of this Morning with one from Genl Maxwell to Genl Green inclosed. The Weather is still so unfavourable that I have no thoughts of putting the Army in Motion till tomorrow Morning at 4 OClock provided it is fair. Except some very considerable advantage will be gained by your marching this Evening, I would not have you turn out the Men, for without Tents, they, their Arms and Ammunition would suffer much. But you must judge from Circumstances, and act accordingly. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 23 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Middle-Brook 23d June 1777

I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 12th instant—Permit me to assure you Sir, that it would give me pleasure to comply

with your request for Field Pieces, were it in my power—but it is not. We have not sufficient for the Army. General Schuyler applied for twelve, by a late Letter, for his Department, which cannot be furnished. Our number is so small that we do not think it expedient to appoint more than two to each of our Brigades—We are obliged to keep some reserve, in case of misfortunes.
Your exertions to compleat your Quota of Troops oblige me much, and I am happy to hear they are likely to be attended with so much success.
In respect to exchanging the Prisoners taken in the Danbury expedition, as the action was chiefly with the Militia, it seems to fall with more propriety under your direction. I am content that you should make a proposition of the sort, if it be agreeable, to General Howe, and that the exchange should take place, if he will accede to it. We are in dispute, upon the subject of the agreement between us, and I could not make the proposition with any degree of propriety.
On saturday night, and yesterday morning, General Howe and his Army evacuated Brunswick. Our advices of their intention, unhappily, were too late for us to make such dispositions to annoy them, as we wished: they had conveyed away their whole Baggage, and were clear of all incumbrances. General Greene commanded the Brigades particularly detached on this service; but before they could get up, the Enemy retreated. General Wayne’s only arrived in time on the ground, and behaved in a manner that does them Honor.
Colo. Morgan and his Corps of Light Troops composed of Rifle Men distinguished themselves greatly, and hanging on the Flanks of the Enemy, did them a good deal of damage—They are now within their Lines at Amboy. What their next operations and movements will be, I cannot determine—I should have been more particular upon this subject, had not the urgency of Mr Trumbulls Business, by whom this goes, required his departure. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. Yours of the 9th June has been also received. General Putnam has ordered Payment for the Militia mentioned therein.


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

Head-Quarters, Quibble-town, June 24th 1777.
HartfordHatfield. Huntington.

In case of an alarm, the army is to be drawn up in two lines on the northern side of the brook—Genl Greene’s division on the right—Genl Lincoln’s on the left of the front line; Genl Stephens’s division on the right of the second line, and Brigd. Genl Parsons’s brigade on the left of the second line; to be joined by Genl Varnum’s, when he comes up. The troops to make the best shelter they can, with boughs of trees.
An alarm will be made by the firing of two field pieces, at the park of Artillery, upon which the whole army is to muster and take the ground shewn to the Brigadiers General, with all possible dispatch—The park of Artillery to form in the Centre of the first line.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 24 June 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada June 24th 1777.

Your Favour of the 23d, containing the agreeable Intelligence, that the Enemy had retreated from Brunswick, I had the Honour of receiving yesterday Afternoon, and shall, this Morning, with the greatest Pleasure, lay it before Congress. Give me Leave to congratulate you very sincerely upon this Event; as it must be principally ascribed to the Prudence and Wisdom of your Operations, which had so embarrassed the Enemy, as to reduce them to the Necessity of acting in the Manner they have done. Should they be compelled finally to abandon the Jerseys, (which I flatter myself will be the Case) it will be the most explicit Declaration to the whole World, that the Conquest of America, is not

only a very distant, but an unattainable Object. We have seen them, after penetrating some Miles into our Country, precipitately driven back; and in a Moment obliged to evacuate Towns after keeping Possession of them only a few Months.
I do myself the Honour to enclose you the Resolves of Congress respecting the Commissary’s Department, together with a List of the Persons appointed to carry it into Execution. I beg Leave to request your Attention to them, and to the other Resolves herewith transmitted.
Your Favour of the 20th Inst: was duely received, and immediately communicated to Congress. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Esteem, Sir Your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Matthias Williamson, Jr., 24 June 1777
From: Williamson, Matthias Jr.
To: Washington, George

Elizabeth Town [N.J.] 24th June 1777
May it please your excellency

I have thought proper to trouble your Excellency with the following Intelligence receiv’d by three different ways from staten Island to day—

by persons whom I think may be credited—that the greatest part of the fleet from N. York Harbour has removed to the Watering place & Princes Bay where the Baggage & troops passing from the Jersies are constantly Embarking—by a person return’d from N. York which he left Yesterday Afternoon where he has been secretly sent by Means of Passes from Colo. Biddle we learn that New York was fir’d last Friday Night in five different places but soon discover’d & put out—the Offenders not known—A Transport cut down for a floating Battery has twenty Six 24 & 18 pounders lies off the Grand Battery in the River—Another which they have been fitting for the same purpose, is neglected & Unfinish’d Genl Howe arrived at New York on sunday Afternoon the Whole of which day they were employ’d in removing the wounded soldiers from the docks to the Hospitals there, said to amount to five Hundd Men by a Lieut. wounded in the Arm—Colo. Campbell of the 57th Regimt of British Troops Garrisons N. York with the Assistance of the Inhabitants—Fifty of which are Oblig’d to do duty every day—the Intelligence I have been able to gain from time to time I have communicated to Colo. Biddle, the distance at which I suppose him to be is the reason of addressing myself to your Excelly I am &c.

Sign’d Matt. Williamson Jun.


Title: General Orders, 25 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Quibble town, June 25th 1777.
Isleington.Italy. Inverness.

The picquets to be relieved this day at 10 o’clock A.M. Tomorrow at 8 o’clock, the usual hour.
Whenever any firing, or any thing else unusual in the Camp is permitted

by the Major General of the day; he is immediately to report it to the Commander in Chief; to prevent any unnecessary enquiries into the causes of it.
The officers are always to take the most particular care that no damage be done to the property of the Inhabitants where the troops are encamped—The inevitable distresses of war, are so great and numerous, that any addition to them must be deemed to proceed from barbarity and wantoness alone; more especially in us by whom that property was designed, and ought to be protected.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Arendt, 25 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Arendt, Henry Leonard Philip

Sir,
Head Quarters Quibble Town June 25th 1777

Mr Hamilton has informed me of your request to be permitted to go to Philadelphia; and, though at this season Gentlemen at the head of regiments can very ill be spared, yet the reason on which your request is founded is of such a nature that it is impossible I should refuse to comply with it—I hope, however, and doubt not you will return to camp as soon as circumstances will permit, for you must be sensible, that the service will suffer by your absence, and that a moment ought not to be lost unnecessarily—I shall be glad to hear from you from time to time, concerning the progress you make towards a restoration of health.
I have considered your project for a Treaty between the King of Prussia and this country; but as matters of this kind do not properly come before me, I must refer you to Congress for a consideration of the plan you have proposed; who, I doubt not, will give proper attention to whatever reasons you may have to offer in support of it. As you are going to Philadelphia, you will have a fair opportunity of laying it before them; and you are at liberty to make what use you think proper of this letter, as an introduction of the subject. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington

N.B. You will please inform your Brigadier of your permission to be absent.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp at Quibble Town June 25th 1777.

When I had the honor to address you last, it was on the Subject of the Enemy’s retreat from Brunswick to Amboy and of the measures pursued to annoy them. At the time of writing, the information I had received respecting their loss was rather vague and uncertain; But we

have reason to believe from intelligence through various Channels since, that it was pretty considerable and fell cheifly on the Grenadiers and Light Infantry, who formed their Covering party. The inclosed Copy of a Letter, containing the information of a person just from New York, corresponds with other Accounts on this Head and with the Declarations of some Deserters. Some of the Accounts are, that Officers were heard to say, they had not suffered so severely since the Affair at prince town.
After the evacuation of Brunswick I determined with the advice of my General Officers to move the whole Army the next morning to this post, where they would be nearer the Enemy and might act according to circumstances. In this I was prevented by Rain, and they only moved Yesterday morning. I have advanced Lord Stirlings Division and some Other Troops lower down in the Neighbourhood of Metuchin Meeting House and intended to have posted more there, but found on reconnoitring the Ground, that it was low and disadvantageous—and still more unfavourable through a scarcity of Water. Those reasons added to that of there not being the smallest prospect of attacking the Enemy in Amboy with a probability of Success, secured on their Flanks by Water and in their Front by strong Redoubts across the Neck, would not permit me either in my own Opinion or that of my General Officers, to keep any greater body of Men in that Quarter, where they would have been dispersed & of consequence extremely insecure.
I have light parties lying close on the Enemy’s Lines to watch their motions & who will be ready to act in conjunction with Lord Stirlings Division and such Other Troops as it may be necessary to detach. Tho I think and so do the rest of the Officers, that no Event is likely to take place that will require more, since the Idea of forcing their Lines or bringing on a General Engagement on their Own Grounds is Universally held incompatible with our Interest, and, that that Number is sufficient to avail us of any Advantages we can expect to arise from their retreating from Amboy, supposing notice of the Fact should be obtained. Their contiguity to the Sound and small distance across it, having Boats prepared to pass in, will enable them to get off, should they so incline, against every prudent & justifiable exertion on our part. Whether such is their design, is more than I can positively determine, but there is every reason to beleive, that they have been and are transporting their Baggage to Staten Island and making every preparation to embark on board their Transports for some New expedition.
Your favor of the 24th I just now received and am extremely obliged by your cordial congratulations on the Enemy’s retreat from Brunswick and favourable interpretation of the Event to my conduct. The Resolution you did me the honor to transmit shall have my attention.

It is much to be regretted, that an Express sent off to Genl Maxwell on Saturday night to inform him of Genl Green’s movements towards Brunswick, that he might conduct himself accordingly, did not reach him. Whether the Express went designedly to the Enemy or was taken, is not known, but there is reason to believe he fell into their Hands. If Genl Maxwell had received the Order, there is no doubt, but their whole Rear Guard would have been cut off. This the Enemy confessed themselves, as we are well informed by persons in Bonam Town.
By a Reconnoitring party just returned, It is reported, as a matter of doubt, Whether any of the Enemy have removed from Amboy—though it is almost certain, they have transported a great deal of their Baggage. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dr Sir
Head Qrs Quibble Town June 25th 1777.

I this morning received your favor of the 23d and am happy to hear part of the Cloaths for the Troops have arrived and that More are on the way.
Under the present appearances of things & incertainty of the Enemy’s Operations, I think it unadviseable to detach Glover’s Brigade from peeks Kills. If Genl Howe should make a push up the River, the importance of the Highland passes will demand the utmost attention & every exertion for their Security—The advantages which will result

from Troops being at the White plains will be too inconsiderable to draw any part of your force at this critical junture from their present important post—Added to this consideration, If the Enemy have a more Eastern expedition in view, Peeks Kill will be a more convenient place for Troops to march from as it is nearer, and more in the direct Route.
The post you are at is not considered as a Separate Department by any Resolutions of Congress that I have seen, Yet under one of their late determinations you have a right to a Secretary—I think his pay is Fifty Dollars ⅌ month. As to a Deputy Adjutant General, an Officer of that sort seems essential—I therefore authorize you to employ a Gentleman qualified for the purpose, to act for the usual pay and so long as it shall be thought necessary. In your agreement with him, be particular on this Head—That he may not claim the post & pay when circumstances may make it unnecessary to continue him.
From every appearance the Enemy are passing from Amboy to Staten Island—they have been, it is certain, carrying over their Baggage. Amboy is so situated that it is almost impossible to give them the least annoyance in their retreat—They have several strong redoubts across the Neck, and none of their parties come without them. We have now parties of Light Troops lying along their Lines. In their retreat on Sunday we are told by Deserters and some Other accounts, that their Grenadiers suffered a good deal as did part of their Infantry from Colo. Morgans Rifle Men. I am Dr Sir Yr Affecte Hub. sert

Go: Washington

N.B. as the D.A.G. will be a Post in the Army, the pay of his present Post will be suspended.

P.S. If Colonel Cornell is at Peeks Kill—I woud wish you to give him the Offer of Depy A. Genl as he is out of employ, & as he is some what acquainted with the business—Had the Enemy remaind in Jersey I should have approved much of your sending Genl Glover towards the White plains.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1777
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] June 25th 1777

since my last nothing material has hapned here—I have sent forward 3 officers & 15 men of Col. Hazens Battn—as all the others were in the Jerseys I tho’t it improper to Detain so small a Detachment.
Genl Glover with several officers have gone to White plains to Look some Conveniant place to encamp—his Brigd. Marches there tomorrow morning. I am Sir Your Obt Hume sert

Israel Putnam