Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 25 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle,Hamilton, Alexander

          Gentlemen
          Head Quarters West-point 25th Octbr 1779.

        I have just now received a letter from Col. Hamilton, mentioning your having changed your position of Lewis Town, for that of little Egg harbour, and that you would write me more fully on your arrival at the furnace.
        In my last I informed you that the enemy had evacuated both their posts at Kings-ferry, since which no alteration has taken place, that has come to my knowlege. Things at Rhode Island remain in the same situation, at least, I have received no accounts either confirming or contradicting my former intelligence. I am Gentln your most obt & hble servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters [West Point] 25th October 1779.

        The Board of War having directed two Thousand dried Hydes to be sent to Philada by the returning Waggons, you will be pleased to give directions to the Deputy Qr Mr and Waggon Master at Newberg and New Windsor to furnish Mr Hatfield the Commissary of Hydes with return Waggons for the above quantity. Mr Hatfield represents that he could often send Hides and Leather to different places by return Waggons, by which much expence would be saved, if he had a general order upon the Quarter Master and Waggon Master at Newberg or New Windsor to supply him with such upon demand, when they are not otherwise engaged. You will be pleased to give the order and put it in the inclosed, which be kind enough to seal and forward immediately. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. I have thought it best to order General Sullivan to Sufferans instead of Warwick and have directed him to take the Route of Hacketstown—Mount pleasant—Mount Hope and pompton. You will therefore give orders if any necessary in your department—Be pleased to send an Express immediately here to go on and meet Genl Sullivan.


Title: From George Washington to Moses Hatfield, 25 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hatfield, Moses

          Sir
          Head Quarters West point 25th Octobr 1779.

        The Board of War in a letter of the 9th instant inform me that if two thousand dried Hides could be procured they might be immediately exchanged for Shoes at Philada and they direct, if that quantity is on hand with the Commissary near the Army, that they may be immediately sent forward to Philada. The person, sent yesterday to communicate the several matters respecting your department to me, informs, that you now have near ten thousand Hides on hand, You are therefore immediately to send two thousand to Philada to be delivered to the Board of

War—That you may take advantage of returning Waggons, you will find inclosed an order from the Qr Mr General to his deputy at Newberg and New Windsor to furnish you with the returning Waggons now, and also to permit you at all times to make use of them when going to places to which you have occasion to send Hides or Leather, if they are not previously engaged in other services—I shall depend upon your forwarding the quantity before mentioned without the least delay. I am, &.


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 25 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 25th October 1779

        I have your favr of the 21st: No occurrence has happened since I wrote to you last, except the evacuation of Stoney and Verplanks Points, which took place on the 22d. I have not heard from Rhode Island since the 15th when Genl Gates wrote me that the enemy were seemingly making every preparation for evacuating that place also—Should Count D’Estaing reach the Hook without touching at the Delaware, you will be pleased to communicate the foregoing with the other intelligences in your possession—Be kind enough to forward the inclosed to Genl Du portail and Colo. Hamilton at Egg Harbour. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obt Sert.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Nixon, 25 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Nixon, John

          Dear Sir
          West point Octor [25] 1779.

        I have received your L[e]tter of Yesterday and can assure you, that no measures have been wanting on my part, to obtain Commissions for the Massachusetts line in consequence of the late Arrangement. As soon as it was finished—it was transmitted to Congress—with an earnest request—that it might be committed to the Board of War, if it was approved—that the Commissions might be issued. Since Congress approved it—I have more than once requested the Board to lose no time in forwarding the Commissions—and so late as the 12th Instant—I wrote them in pressing terms upon the subject. From these considerations and the Board’s attention to expediting business—I cannot but persuade myself, ⟨th⟩at they will arrive in the course of a few days; or at least as soon as circumstances will permit. It is possible, besides the time which it necessarily takes to fill up between 4 & 500 Commissions and to record & enter them in a Book, that a want of blanks may have occurred—also the late change of presidents may have occasioned some difficulties. I know there are many instances as you observe, where promotions have been made in Orders; but those in most cases where directed by me, were either founded on pressing necessity—or where I conceived I had authority to do it. From some Regulations which have lately taken place on the subject of Commissions—promotions & vacancies—and which induced me to transmit the Massachussetts Arrangement in the first instance to Congress—it is my wish, to interfere with them as little as possible. As I have already mentioned, I cannot but hope—that a few days will put every Officer in possession of his Commission.
        The moment they arrive they shall be transmitted—and if they should not come by the Evening of the 2d of Novr I will forward to You & Genl Glover a List of the Field Officers & Captains, taken from the arrangement sent to Congress, which may answer the views of the Committee of the Honourable the General Court, with respect to the subject you mention, as far as it

extends. A List of Subaltern Officers was not taken by me from the Arrangement; but I have great hopes the Commissions for all will be here in time—and if they are not—the justice & generosity of the Court will not, I am persuaded, suffer the circumstance to operate an injury to them, as to any benefits they may have intended. As the subject of this Letter is interesting to the whole of the Massachussetts line—You will be pleased to shew it to Genl Glover and to such of the Officers as you may think necessary. I am Dr sir, with great regard Yr Most Obedt sert

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 25 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

          Dr Sir
          Head Qrs West-point 25th Octbr 1779

        I have been duly favored with your letter of the 22d.
        The enemy having evacuated both their posts at Kings ferry you will on receipt of this proced with your troops to Sufferans at the entrance of the Clove. Should you not have advanced far on your march to Warwick, Hacketstown—Mount-pleasant—Mount-Hope and Pompton would appear the most eligible route to this place. But that I may know this exactly you will be pleased to inform me of the Stages, that I may not be at a loss where to meet you should it be necessary to urge your march. I am Dr Sir &.

          G.W.


Title: General Orders, 26 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moores House [West Point]Tuesday Octr 26th [1779]
          Parole Pensacola  C. Signs Pitts-burgh. Richmond.


Title: To George Washington from John Beatty, 26 October 1779
From: Beatty, John
To: Washington, George

          sir
          Bethlehem (Orange County) [N.Y.] 26th Octr 1779

        Having returned from visiting and arranging the different Posts where Prisoners are confined to the Eastward, I beg leave to Report to your Excellency the State in which I found them and the measures pursued for their better Establishment.
        At Weathersfield in the State of Connecticut under the care of Ezekiel Williams Esqr. I found confined in the State Goal about 30 Prisoners, (privates) chiefly taken not long since in the Ship Badger, on the back of Long Island, and part of those destined as it was said to Quebec; exclusive of these and taken at the same time are one Lieutt and three Ensigns of the German Corps, who are on Parole in one of the Neighbouring Towns. much irregularity and Confusion has hitherto arose in the Department at this place as well from a want of a proper place of confinement & Sufficient Guards, as also from the distinction Subsisting between State and Continental Prisoners.
        The means for remedying the former lye without any powers in me invested, & I have endeavoured by a written application to the Governor and Council wholly to destroy the latter. The Expence attending the Department in this quarter has been very great, both from the many repairs rendered the Goal destroyed from the frequent Escapes that have been made from thence, the means pursued for taking up the Prisoners and the raising and payment of the Guards destined for this duty. On both these Subjects I have spoke to His Excellency Governor Trumbull and directed my Deputy at all times in future to call upon him when Guards are necessary for the safe Custody of the Prisoners.

        I shou’d conceive that if the Prisoners are to be continued in this State, that some New and less expensive mode of Confinement should be adopted, perhaps a Prison Ship would remedy the several inconveniencies.
        The Barracks at Rutland from their extent and incompleteness are far from Answering the purposes to which they are now appropriated, and I am sorry to Observe to Your Excellency that the few Prissrs (less than 100) which now remains there, continue rather from a want of inclination to run away, than any Confinement exercised towards them—Upon examination I find that a Guard of Fifty Men at least will be wanted to do the necessary business at this Post. & I am ashamed to confess that so far from this Number I found a Serjeant and 9 Men only of the Militia on duty there—That the Prisoners which remained were suffered to pass and repass at all hours of the day and that not less than 300 were then out at labour and Stragling thro’ that neighbourhood and Country.
        I conceived it in Vain to confine more Strictly those that were there, as Escapes wou’d have been the consequence, or to Attempt returning those who were out in the Country until such times as the Strength and Vigilance of the Guards would Admit their being kept more closely; for this purpose I applied when in Boston to the Council for an Augmentation of the Guard to 50 Men, which they have engaged shall be done and kept up, and have also lent me their aid and Authority in Collecting the Straggling Prisoners thro’ the Country.
        I Spoke some time since to Your Excellency concerning the removal of those Prisoners, I cannot help thinking it will Still be expedient both from the Circumstances of confinement above related but also as the Draughts upon the Public Magazines are much complained of—They have been obliged for some time past to Substitute Rice in the stead of Bread, which they Issue now four days in the week. There are also 18 British & German Officers on Parole at Rutland and five by leave of Genl Gates remaining at Cambridge.
        The marine Prisoners consisting of near Three hundred in Boston are confined on Board a Prison Ship prepared for the purpose, and some few of the Officers admitted to Parole on Noddles-Island, The Department here being in some Confusion & requiring a Deputy immediately on the Spot. I have by advice

of the Honble the Navy Board made such appointment, Before I conclude I cannot help taking Notice to your Excellency of the interference of the Civil Authority of the State of Massachusets Bay, in the Confinement Releasement & disposal of the Prisoners, the property of these States and under my particular Care and direction, The inclosed Orders I have selected from a Variety of others by which it appears they have Confined in close Prison a Doctor Goldson in retaliation for Doctor Quin of the State of New Hampshire, and have disposed of in a final Exchange for Capt. Goodale of the Massachuset Line a Captain Kerr both of whom are Prisoners to these states and within your Excellencys immediate direction—I am also to mention to you that Capt. Goodale’s time of Capture did not entitle him to so early an Exchange & that he came out of New York on Parole at the particular indulgence of the Enemy.
        In my Absence the inclosed Extraordinary Answer from Mr Loring arrived, a Copy of which I beg leave to lay before Your Excellency and Wait Your further directions thereon. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt and Most Humble servt

          Jno. Beatty


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 26 October 1779
From: Brodhead, Daniel
To: Washington, George

          Dear Genl
          Pittsburgh Octr 26th 1779

        Immediately after I had closed my last (of the 9th of this Instant) I recd a letter from Colo. Shepherd Lieut of Ohio County informing me that a certain Decker, Cox & Compy with others had crossed the Ohio River & committed trespasses on the Indians lands. wherefore I ordered sixty Rank & File to be equipped & Capt. Clarke of the 8th Pena Regt proceeded with this party to Wheeling with orders to cross the River at that post & to apprehend some of the principal Trespassers & destroy the Hutts—He returned without finding any of the Trespassers but destroyed some Hutts: He writes me the Inhabitants have made small improvements all the way from the Muskingum River to Fort McInto. & thirty miles up some of the Branches. I sent a runner to the Delaware Council at Coochocking to inform them of the trespass & assure them it was committed by some foolish people & requested them to rely on my doing them justice & punishing the offenders but as yet have not received an answer.
        I have not yet sent men to build the Block-houses at

Coochocking—I told the Indians I would send two or three hundred men to do that work—But I apprehend Six or seven hundred will not be too many because it is very uncertain what part the Wyandotts will take or what influence the trespass will have on the minds of the Delawares.
        It is reported that Colo. Clark is reinforced with some men from Virga & that he is gone against Detroit & that 500 Indians are assembling at Chilohocki Town on the Miami River but both reports want confirmation.
        When the Troops here go into Winter Quarters I shall be much oblidged to your Excellency for leave to wait on you. I have the honor to be with perfect Regard & esteem your Excellencies most obedt Humble Servt

          D. Brodhead


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 26 October 1779
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Great Egg Harbour Landing [N.J.] Octr 26th 1779

        We are honored with two letters from Your Excellency of the 10th and 21st; to the contents of which we beg leave to assure you of our strictest attention—That of the 18th is not yet come to hand—it is not improbable it has gone round by Lewis Town, which has occasioned the delay.
        Col. Hamilton wrote to Your Excellency from Philadelphia acquainti⟨ng⟩ you with our arrival there and our intention to proceed to Lewis Town & Cape Henlopen—and from Great Egg Harbour communicating our progress since and our determination to establish ourselves at Bat-Stove [Batsto] Furnace. We have since fixed on this place about forty four miles from the extremity of Cape May (or Eight⟨een⟩ miles short of the

Furnace, which w⟨e⟩ found to be more remote than had been represented) and as far as we are able to learn from 100 to 110 miles of Sandy Hook—about fifty from Philadelphia. Your Excellency will easily perceive the reasons of our choosing this station—It did not appear to us from our inquiries in Philadelphia to seek a point well ascertained that the fleet wou⟨ld⟩ stop at the Delaware—and the time which had elapsed made it the more possible; if the Count should be determined to prosecute any further operations on the continent, that he would not lose time by a procedure of this sort, but might content himself with send⟨ing⟩ some transports under escort of a few frigates to receive the provisions for the fleet and proceed himself directly on to the Hook—On this supposition our position at Lewis Town was intirely ineligible—the distance at which we were from the city as well as from the Hook⟨—⟩the delays that would consequentl⟨y⟩ attend our intelligences from every quarter—the difficulty and impossibility some times of traversing the bay, made our first situation inconvenient in every respect, in the event of the Fleet’s proceeding immediately to the Hook—These considerations induced us to cross the Delaware and take the position at which we now are, where or in the vicinity, we propose to remain till the arrival of the Count till intelligence from him decides the inutility of a longer stay or ’till we receive your Excellency’s orders of recall—We have now a better relation to the different points in which we are interested and have taken the necessary precautions to gain the earliest notice of whatever happens—We have stationed expresses at the pitch of the Cape and have established a regular communication with Major Lee and with the city. If the fleet should appear off the Delaware we can be there in twelve hours after its first appearance, and if at the hook in less than four days, provided Major Lee is punctual in conveying the intelligenc⟨e⟩ & the expresses from either side in bringing it.
        By recent information from Philadelphia (though not quite so distinct and accurate as we could wish) we find that so late as the fourth of this month the Count was yet to open his batteries against the enemy at Savannah—The time that will probably intervene between this and their final reduction—the reembarkation of the Count’s troops—the dispositions for sailing—and his arrival on this coast may we fear exhaust the season too much to permit the cooperation to which our mission relates; We do not

however despair; for if the Count has been fully successful to the Southward, and should shortly arrive which may be the case, the enterprise may possibly still go on.
        In a letter from Major Lee of the 22d he informs us that a vessel from Georgia arrived on the 16th; since which the two sixty fours and the renown which were at the Hook had fallen down towards New York and the troops at the hook had embarked and gone to the city. At first sight this account alarmed us and made us apprehensive that the enemy had received some favourable advices from the Southward which put them out of danger & superseded the necessity of continuing their preparations for defence. But on further reflexion we think it more probable that this is only a change of disposition—and that finding on closer examination they would be unable to defend the Hook they had determined to relinquish the attempt—This seems the more likely as Major Lee mentions that a part of the hulks sunk in the channel had gotten afloat and drifted ashore. To This experience of the difficulty of obstructing the channel may perhaps be attributed the change we suppose—And we are confirmed in this conj⟨ecture⟩ by the evacuation of the two posts at Kings ferry, which appears by your Excellencys letter to have taken place on the 21st, five days after the supposed arrival of the vessel from Georgia—a proof that they had not received information of any decisive good fortune on their side or ill-fortune on ours; and that they persisted in their defensive plan. We are persuaded too that their exultation would have given wings to any good news they might have received—and that it would have reached us before this. Were the season less advanced we should regret this change of disposition, because we believe the attempt to defend the entrance of the Hook would have been fruitless and it might have thrown a part of their ships and of their troops into our hands in the first instance which could not fail to facilitate the successive operations—But at this late period, it may rather be an advantage—to force the passage might have required land operations against the Hook, which would lose time and expose the fleet to the hazard of winds which would have rendered its situation critical—Now the fleet may probably enter the bay on its first approach and be in security—and the whole operation will be brough[t] to a point and may demand less time for its accomplishment.

        As a large number of fascines ready for use appears to us essential to any operations that may be undertaken we presume your Excellency has been preparing and will continue to prepare as many as possible; we beg leave to suggest the utility of having at the same time a sufficient number of gabions and sand bags—Of the former Col. Gouvion if your Excellency thinks proper may be charged with the construction—the latter may be made under the care of the Qr Master at Philadelphia. Several thousands may be necessary—The usual dimensions are fifteen or eighteen inches long and twelve wide—If notwithstanding the advices from Major Lee any thing by land is to be attempted against the hook, these will be particularly useful on such a flat sandy spot; and indeed it would be impracticable to construct batteries in any reasonable time without them. We have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 26 October 1779
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          Bethlehem [Pa.] October 26th 1779

        Upon reading Your Excellency’s letter of the 30th of September delivered to me by Major Skinner I did not hesitate at communicating my Sentiments to that Gentleman relating to an Exchange of Prisoners at large and particularly as such Exchange was connected with the Troops of Convention—my conversation on this matter with Major Skinner arose on the instant of reading Your Excellency’s letter and it was my real and genuine opinion—I know not whether Major Skinner may have thought proper to inform you, Sir, of what I have said and I, therefore, take the liberty of troubling Your Excellency with this letter.
        Uninformed as I am of the variety of matter, conversations, and meetings which have passed on the subject of Exchanges it would ill become me to attempt at positively judging what may be Sir Henry Clinton’s real feelings on this subject but being perfectly well acquainted with the uprightness of his way of thinking and the humanity and compassionate turn of mind he so fully possesses I am free to decide, as my belief, that the relief of Captivity has been on his part the constant primary and prevailing motive of all his Transactions with Your Excellency concerning either partial or general Exchanges of Prisoners made between the two Armies: and, as far as I am able to give an opinion, by what I have read in Publick Prints, I must conceive Sir Henry Clinton has wished only for Exchanges upon mutual advantages and upon terms of equality, equity and honour.

        I will be free to own, Sir, that I have no doubt of Your Excellency’s generous and liberal Sentiments and I really imagine you have, Sir, equally with Sir Henry Clinton a desire for a General Exchange of Prisoners of War.
        The reasons which have hitherto prevented this humane business from being brought to a fortunate conclusion have been owing, as I am given to understand, to the mode adopted by Sir Henry Clinton for an Exchange of the Troops of Convention and it leads me, Sir, to give you my opinion upon that particular subject.
        Whatever Officers of either Army may have been made Prisoners of War, upon their being exchanged join their respective Regiments and go into immediate actual Service both in Sir Henry Clinton’s Army and that Commanded by Your Excellency, such Exchanges are certainly made upon terms of mutual advantage, equity and honour, governed by considerations of humanity for the suffering Officers and persued with a view to the good of the Service to which such Officers belong.
        Now, I must be allowed, Sir, to give it as my free opinion that the Situation of the Troops of Convention differs in many respects from that of Prisoners of War, very materially so as it relates to Exchanges, Officer for Officer only without a consideration for the Soldiers, in as much as the American Officers so Exchanged would immediately join their several Corps or be otherwise directly employed in the American Service as Your Excellency and the American Congress might think proper, whereas, the Officers of the Convention being thus Exchanged would not become of any use to the King’s Service, it would indeed be an agreeable matter to them as Individuals as they might go to Europe and live with their friends and relations but could not by any means be employed in the King’s Service as the Regiments to which they are attached in their several ranks would Still remain in a State of Captivity—Therefore, Sir, it appears to me that this mode of Exchange for the Officers of the Troops of Convention would prove a most partial one in which the King would not gain the Service of any one Officer and Your Excellency and the American Congress would on the contrary receive Your Officers thus Exchanged into every positive Act of Service which might be required from them.
        If I am right in this description Surely, Sir, it will appear evident to the whole World that Sir Henry Clinton has never evaded

or avoided a General Exchange of Prisoners but has been impelled to resist the dictates of his humanity and to refuse agreeing to partial Exchanges which must have appeared such from your Commissioners having constantly insisted upon this Mode of Exchange for the Officers of the Troops of Convention.
        Having written thus freely upon the Subject, a Subject in which I acknowledge to be very much interested, I will go still further and suppose that the Campaign being nearly ended the subject of an Exchange of the Troops of Convention might again be brought on and persued, perhaps, with more success than formerly, under which description I will offer, as I did the last winter to Your Excellency, to meet any Gentleman of your family and enter with him upon a private conversation on this matter, which need never become a publick subject unless such private discourse may fortunately prove so agreeable to both parties as to make it the basis of a publick discussion for a general Exchange of Prisoners.
        At any rate I will freely acknowledge that I am solicitous for the Exchange of some few Officers whose remaining in their present Situation is of the greatest detriment to their healths and their fortunes and I will request to know Your Excellency’s Sentiments thereon, as, if I have your consent, I propose to solicit Sir Henry Clinton in their behalf, and they may be exchanged against any particular American Officers Prisoners of War that Your Excellency may chuse.
        I should not have taken up so much of Your Excellency’s time had you not, Sir, by your letter and message by Major Skinner given me reason to suppose you would excuse it. I have the honour to be, Sir, with great personal respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant.

          W. Phillips


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 26 October 1779
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Dr Sr
          Fredericksburg [Va.] Octr 26—1779

        Your excellencys favr I have now before me, in answer thereto, desire you will Send down the Sorrel, & as soon as I can will send one on of a Stouter built—at Colo. Meads request in Winter 1778—Colo. Washington (by Letter) made me an offer of his horse, but as he did not himself think him perfectly sound, I declined the purchase—on my return last Spring to Virginia, the horse was in Fredericksburg, I liked his Appearance, & got him for Myself—had he never been lame, your excellency woud undoubtedly had the preferance.

        I will now describe the horse & shoud you wish to have him, send down a careful hand to lead him up—as he is two Valluable to trust in the hands, of any person—he is a beautifull Bay—15—hands two inches high, Stout made, trots & Cantors finely—handsome, & of great Strength & activity—he has been sound for near Twelve months pass—& this Winter I intended to have let him ruffed it, which woud have braced him up, & made him compleetly Sound—I coud also dispose of the mare to great Advantage—but as she is exceeding high bred immagine you woud rather Keep her—the very polite & Affectionate treatment, I have always recd from yr Excellency, with the great freindship I have for you—will always make me happy to render yr Excellency every piece of Service which may lay in my power. I am with great respect & regard yr Exclly Mt Obt St.

          Alexr Spotswood


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 26 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

          My Lord.
          Hd Qrs West-point 26 Octbr 1779

        I have been favored with your letter of the 22d and am much obliged to you for the intelligence it contains. The chief part of it I have had confirmed from different quarters.
        Your Lordships offer to go down to the Count should he favor us with a visit is very interesting but it has been anticipated by my sending Gen. du Portail and Lt Col. Hamilton, who some time since set out on this business—fully possessed of my Ideas & of every informn I cd give. They are now waiting at little Egg harbour in expectation of seeing him. As the matter stands—and as you suppose you will in a few days be in a condition to act on horseback, I hope we shall be able to employ your Lordship to as much advantage with ourselves.
        We hear not a single word of the Southern operations. I have the honor to be your &.

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 26 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 26th October 1779.

        There will be a necessity of throwing up a small Work at Stoney point to protect the communication by Kings ferry. Colo. Gouvion will go down tomorrow to lay it out. When that is done, you will be pleased to furnish a party from the Infantry to assist in executing it. I have wrote to General Woodford to furnish a party from the Virginia line also. You had best see him and detail agreeable to your respective Strength. As the Work will be trifling, I would wish that the parties may be such as will finish it out of hand. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 26 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 26th October 1779

        There will be a necessity of throwing up a small Work upon Stoney point to protect the communication by Kings ferry—Colo. Gouvion will go down tomorrow to lay it out. When that is done, you will be pleased to furnish a party from Lord Stirlings Division to assist in executing it. I have wrote to Genl Wayne to furnish a party also from the Infantry—You had best see him and detail agreeable to your respective strength. As the work will be trifling, I would wish that the parties may be such as will finish it out of hand. I am &.

        Should not Lord Stirling be returned to Camp, be pleased to forward the inclosed by first opportunity, and that also to Colo. seely at Eliza: Town.


Title: General Orders, 27 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]Wednesday Octr 27th [1779]
          Parole Perkioming—  C. Signs Otsago. Norwalk.

        The General Court Martial whereof Col. Starr is President is dissolved, and another ordered to sit tomorrow morning nine ô clock at the same place to try such persons as shall come before them—Colonel Chambers will preside. The Maryland & Pennsylvania lines & the Garrison each give a Lieutenant Colonel or Major and three Captains for members.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 27 October 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 27 Oct. 1779. GW wrote Gates on 2 Nov.: “I received your favor of the 27th Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 October 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Mandevilles [Dutchess County, N.Y.]Oct. 27th 1779
          Dear General

        When I had first the honor of Seeing your Excellency at New Windsor after I left Boston I took the Liberty to mention the

case of Capt. Cartwright One of my aids De Campe, your Excellency was pleased to Observe that you had not the resolves of Congress then at Hand—Capt. Cartwright has frequently Since that Time mentioned his Situation, and Since the orders for my removing further from you, Some uneasiness that his rank and the footing on which he continued in the Army remained altogether unsettled & uncertain, and a Day or two Since put the enclosed into my hand Which I beg leave to lay before [your] Excellency, I would Observe that when I appointed Capt. Cartwright One of my aids De Camp I intended to do it in Strict Conformity to the resolve of Congress which directed that Aids De Camp Should be taken from the Line, it Seems that Colo. Jackson did not arrange him because he Supposed Capt. Cartwright provided for in my Family, as Capt. Cartwright is undoubtedly an Officer of abilities and Capable of rendering the public real Service I think it my duty both as it respects him and the public earnestly to request, if it be Consistant, with the establishment of the Army, that he may either be confirmed as One of my aids De Camp entitled to the rank and pay established for those aids De camp not belonging to the Line, or that He may be arranged and enjoy his proper rank, in the Army. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most Obedient Servt

          W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 27 October 1779
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from William Livingston, 27 Oct. 1779. Brig. Gen. William Woodford wrote Major General Stirling from Pompton, N.J., on 28 Oct.: “An honest Country man about twelve o’clock to Day picked up a letter in the Road near this place from Gove[rnor] Livingston to his Excellency which must have been dropped by a careless Express … the Letter was dated yesterday” (see GW to Stirling, 26 Oct., n.4).


Title: To George Washington from the Maryland Council, 27 October 1779
From: Maryland Council
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          In Council Annapolis 27th October 1779

        On hearing that the two Companies of Matrosses kept here and at Baltimore by this State, were directed by the Assembly to be incorporated and sent into the Continental Service, Capt. Lieut. James Smith of Brown’s Company & Capt. Lieut. Edward [Ebenezer] Finley of Dorsey’s Company, wrote to the Governor proposing their Pretensions to rise, if any Appointments were to take Place in that Company. The Manner of their Writing, it being with great Temper on what they esteemed an interesting Point of Right, is a Confirmation, in some Degree, of what we have heard of their Merit: before we received their Letter, the Company was commissioned, and that, as we conceive, in the Manner we should have been obliged to commission it, if we had received the Letter, immediately on the Act of Assembly passing. It is much our Desire to remove every good Ground for Complaint amongst our Officers and perhaps, as to the Artillery Officers from Maryland, it might be done by making, of the three Maryland Companies, a fourth, the whole to be considered as one Corps under the Command of a Major; there are Men enough for it & still to spare and it will give an Opportunity this would leave Room to place every Officer in the Situation he thinks himself entitled to, each Company would still have more Men than the Establishment and we apprehend, it would be more convenient for every Purpose. If your Excellency should entertain the same Sentiments, we shall be obliged to you to regulate this Matter in the proposed Way, or to recommend it so that it may be done. We have the Honor to be with the most perfect Esteem & Respect &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 27 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, Daniel

          Dr Sir
          Head Quarters West-point 27th Octbr 1779

        The letter of which the inclosed is a copy was put into my hands a few days since. Mrs Robinson is a perfect stranger to me and I would hope has been led into some misconceptions. I have however, as not only your own honor but that of the service is concerned thought it essential to send the whole representation.

        Should you have been induced from any circumstances attending her capture, or the Slaves own account, to suppose her lawful plunder at the time of taking, I have no doubt, should this have been the case, but that on a more full consideration you will readily make a restitution. I am Dr Sir &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

          Head Quarters West Point27th Octbr 1779 8 O’clock A.M.
          Dr Sir

        I have this moment received advice that the enemy (said to be 5000) landed yesterday at Amboy and were advancing towards Brunswick. Their intent yet unknown but I think a forage or the interruption of our stores from the Southward is most probable. The Virginia division and the light infantry who were near Kakeyate marched this morning at Sun rise to Paramus, from whence they will proceed as circumstances may require. From the situation of matters I think it will be advisable for you to direct your march towards morris town instead of the route which I pointed out in mine of yesterday. By sending some gentlemen of the Jersey Brigade forward you will be able to learn from Lord Stirling, or if he is not well enough to join, from the commanding office⟨r, the⟩ real situation of affairs, and should you find that the⟨re⟩ is occasion to fall even lower down than Morris town, you can do it. Should you hear that the enemy have retired you may again turn your course to Sufferans. I am Dr Sir Your most obt & hble servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 October 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Light Infantry Camp heights of Haverstraw [N.Y.]27th Octr 1779 One OClock in the morng
          Dear Genl

        Inclosed are two letters this moment Recd in consequence of which Genl Woodford & myself will take up our line of March in the Morning, towards Paramus—so as to be in a Situation to afford every possible cover to the Country & if practicable strike the Enemy on their Return, or follow them should they have our Stores or any other Objects in view.
        You may depend on the earliest notice of any further move they may make. Interim I am your Excellency’s Most Obt Hume Sert

          Anty Wayne


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          Dear Sir,
          Head Quarters West Point Octor 27th 1779

        Yours dated 1, OClock this morning reached me at 7—You will probably be soon informed more certainly of the real strength of the Enemy and what seems to be their intention. Should you find it more than a hasty forage, you will endeavour to collect the Militia lately ordered out, some of whom I suppose are by this time at their rendezvous at Pompton, and many more undoubtedly at their place of Battalion rendezvous. I have sent an Express to Genl Sullivan and have directed him to bend his march towards Morris Town, and to send forward some Officers to you, to know your situation and that of the Enemy—that he may, should there be occasion fall lower down than Morris Town. There is a considerable quantity of forage along the Mountain and probably a good many Cattle, the destruction of the former, and capture of the latter, may perhaps be the intention of the Enemy. We have likewise a number of flat Boats at Middle Brook—You will attend to these several matters, as being in my opinion most material; And be pleased to keep me constantly advised of all occurrences. I am Dear Sir Yr Most Obet, servant

          Go: Washington

          P.s. You will make use of Baylors Dragoons if you have not already taken them with you.


Title: To George Washington from Brig. Gen. William Woodford, 27 October 1779
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. William Woodford, 27 Oct. 1779. GW wrote Woodford on 29 Oct.: “I received your favor of the 27th 10 O’Clock.”


Title: General Orders, 28 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]Thursday Octr 28th 1779.
          Parole Newburn—  C. Signs Marblehead. Lancaster.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 28 October 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from the Board of War, 28 Oct. 1779. GW wrote Joseph Reed on 25 Nov. referencing “the Board of War in a Letter of the 28th of October” (see also GW to the Board of War, 6 Dec.).


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 28 October 1779
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir,
          Fishkill [N.Y.] 8th Clock P.M. 28th Oct. 1779

        On my arrival at this place, the letters, of which the enclosed are Copies, were deliverd me. If the accounts contained in them are true, and they appear too well authenticated to admit of Doubt, our frontier Settlements especially—those of Albany and Tryon Counties, if nothing farther is to be apprehended, will be greatly exposed to the Ravages of the Enemy. From Genl Ten Broecks Letter your Excellency will be informed of the Measures he hath taken to cover the Country, But if the Enemy’s Force is as formidable as is represented, it will not be in his power to prevent the desolation of some of the most valuable Settlements.
        I am informed that some of the Massachusets Militia have assembled at Clavarack; where tis said they are to wait further orders—They are without Provisions, or a Commissary to provide for them, and are very distressing to the Inhabitants on whom they are quartered, and who are obliged to supply them. If these Troops (on the present Occasion) were ordered to Albany from whence they might be brought to this Quarter nearly as

expeditiously as from their present Situation, I believe it would answer a very valuable purpose. I am &.

          G. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 28 October 1779
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Bethlehem [Pa.] October 28th 1779

        I have this Evening received Your Excellency’s letter of the 20th Instant.
        I have not failed on the Instant to communicate the Contents to Major General De Reidesel and have left him at full liberty to apply to the American Congress or not as he shall think proper on the subject of his going into New York.
        I am of Opinion it would be highly improper for me to address that Body on this occasion relating to myself, especially as to my future destination, it being a matter of perfect indifference to me—I left Virginia with the participation of General Washington, signified to me by Colonel Bland: And, as I have supposed, arising from some publick agreement between Sir Henry Clinton and Your Excellency in consequence, I should imagine, of a liberty it has pleased Sir Henry to grant to several American Officers of Rank to visit their friends and families, particularly Brigadiers Thomson and Waterbury who have been out from New York on Parole near Six Months.
        I will not, by insinuation or assertion, attempt to give an opinion on the conduct towards me of the American Congress in

this matter, I leave it to time and the Sentiments of dispassionate Men to develope and to determine upon. I have the honour to be, Sir, with great personal Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

          W. Phillips


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

          Dr
          Hd Qr W. Point 28 Octbr 1779

        Since my letter of yesterday, I have received an account (tho it does not come well authenticated) that the enemy had destroyed the forage at Middlebrook and were still in that quarter.
        I wish you to move towards them as light, and with as much expedition as possible. The Virginia division under Lord Stirling, and the Light Infantry under Genl Wayne with your own troops and the militia will give you a considerable body. I leave it intirely to yourself—to act either on the defensive or offensively according to circumstances. I am Dr Sr Yr

          G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 28 October 1779
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 28 Oct. 1779. GW wrote Sullivan on 31 Oct.: “I have your favr of the 28th.”


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge, 28 October 1779
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge, 28 Oct. 1779. GW wrote Tallmadge on 30 Oct.: “I have your favr of the 28th.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 October 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Paramus [N.J.] 28th Octr 1779 3 OClock [P].M.

        The only direct Intelligence I have been able to obtain of the motions of the Enemy is Contained in the Enclosed Copy of a letter from Colo. Seely.
        we have a Number of Patrols out—which have not yet Returned—rumour says that General Clinton is Committing Devestation in Monmouth—but not authenticated—a Report also prevailed that a Large body were landed yesterday at Fort Lee—this is without foundation—but the probability is that they are in Monmouth as I am Informed a Considerable Quantity of flour Cattle Sheep &ca have been Collecting there for some time said to be designed for the use of the Count De Estaing, Apropos at 9 OClock this Morning thirteen very heavy Cannon were regularly fired toward Sandy Hook—as this is a Number that the British are not very fond of—may it not be the Count’s Anouncing his Arrival—(but I fear this is rather to be wished than expected).
        Genl Woodford is at Pompton—but have not heard anything of Genl Sullivan—I impatien[t]ly wait the Return of our patroles—as I am at a loss to determine what measures to pursue until we know the Situation Number’s & Designs of the Enemy.
        I shall take post in the Vicinity of Passaick falls in the morning unless the Intelligence I may receive between this & that time will render an Other more necessary—the Militia are begining to Collect at Pompton—so that if there should be an Occation I hope we shall be able to meet the Enemy with a Respectable force. Interim I am your Excellency’s most Obt Hume Sert

          Anty Wayne


Title: To George Washington from Brig. Gen. William Woodford, 28 October 1779
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. William Woodford, 28 Oct. 1779, 4:00 A.M. GW wrote Woodford on 29 Oct.: “I received your favor … of the 28 of 4 O’Clock in the morning.”


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 29th October 1779.

        I am just honored with yours of last evening, and am sorry to find inclosures of so disagreeable a nature. I have, by the inclosed, directed the Commanding Officer of the Massachusetts Militia to repair to Albany, and have desired him to leave word for the remainder to repair thither as they come in. Should any part of your Militia, that were intended for the expected cooperation, be still above, I leave it with your Excellency to order them to Albany for the present, should you be of opinion that it will answer a good purpose.
        I, this morning, recd a Return from Colo. Swartwout of the Arms and accoutrements wanting by the Militia. Our stock of these Articles is so very scanty, that I am loth to deliver them out, in that way, but upon the greatest emergency. Should we commence operations against New York, we shall have occasion for a very considerable quantity of Wood, from above; I would therefore suggest to your Excellency the propriety of employing those Men who want Arms in cutting Wood between this and Verplanks point. I would wish you to give me your opinion upon this matter, because I would not impose a duty upon the Militia that should be disagreeable or disgusting to them. Should there be a necessity of arming them, I would wish it might be put off till we have a certainty of operating.
        I have heard that the party, which made an incursion into Jersey, have returned. Their numbers were greatly exaggerated. They consisted of about one hundred Horse who penetrated as far as sommerset Court House. What particular damage they did, I do not exactly know, but they were met by a small party of Militia at Middle Brook, who fired upon them, and took Lt Colo. Simcoe their Commandant and three privates prisoners. They returned with precipitation by south Amboy, where a Body of Infantry were prepared to cover them in their embarkation. I have the honor to be with very sincere Esteem Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. I have this moment recd a letter from Mr Laurens who favors me with news from the Southward to the 2d Inst. the following the Substance.

          Colo. Maitland with such of his Men as were able to march had made their escape to Savannah and joined General prevost, leaving his Hospitals—Artillery—Baggage and Stores.
          The enemy strongly fortified at Savannah—Their numbers about 3000 exclusive of Negroes &ca.
          Count D’Estaing had landed 5000 Men, and formed a junction with Genl Lincoln who had about 4000 under his command. The Allies were determined to make regular approaches. The Chief Engineer Col. Laumoy announced that his Batteries of 38 heavy Cannon and 8 Mortars would open the 2d Inst. Two sorties had been made by the beseiged who were beat back and suffered greatly in killed and wounded.
          The Sagittaire had taken the Experiment Sir James Wallace, on board of whom was General Vaughan and 20 other Officers and Cash to pay the troops in Georgia. it appears that 4000 Men had been intended for south Carolina. The Ariel 26 Guns—Fowey 24 and a sloop of 18 Guns—a large ship with 2200 Barrels of Flour and a quantity of Beef and pork—4000 suits of Cloaths &c. &c. All the Enemies Store ships and transports had fallen into the French Admirals hands.
          A part of the Cherokee Nation had been induced to break faith with us by Cameron the superintendant, They had in consequence been severely chastised by Genl Williamson who had returned and would join General Lincoln with 1000 Men the 29th or 30th Septemr.
          perfect unanimity between the Allies. it was expected the whole of the Enemy would be in our hands in a Week.
          The above being from a private letter from Mr Laurens I would not wish to have it published in the papers.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 29 October 1779
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

          D’r Sir,
          Fish Kill [N.Y.] Oct. 29 1779.

        I am this moment Honourd with your letter of this date, & thank you for the agreeable intelligence it contains. I wrote to General Scuyler this morning, & requested him to Communicate

to your Excellency the measures I have taken in consequence of the information from Colonel Van Schaack. I am of opinion that there is no immediate necessity to put Public arms into the hands of the militia. I imagine the emergency will not be so sudden but we can have an Opportunity of equipping them in time for Service and, in the meantime, I shall give orders that they be employed agreeable to your desire, which I flatter myself will be effected without disgusting them with the Service.
        Some unfinish’d bussiness in the Civil line, oblidges me to ride up to Poughkeepsie this evening, but I expect to return on Sunday. I leave Col. Malcom at this place, so that if your Excellency has any orders for the militia, be pleased to send them to his care and he will forward to me. Yrs. &c.

          Geo: Clinton.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 29 October 1779
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Philada October 29th 1779

        I am honour’d with your favours of the 21st instant, and have the pleasure to transmit your Excellency the enclos’d Act of

Congress of the 27th instant pass’d in consequence of the intelligence contain’d in your letter from Colo. Broadhead. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys hble servt

          S.H. President.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Riedesel, 29 October 1779
From: Riedesel, Friedrich Adolph (Adolf) von
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Bethlehem [Pa.] Octr 29th 1779

        Yesterday Evening I was Honored with Your Excellencys Letter of the 23d of October in Answer to mine sent by Mr Randolph, and Majr General Phillips has communicated to me that part of Your Excellencys Letter to Him, which concerns me—I return Your Excellency my warmest thanks for the share you take in my indisposition and am persuaded whenever my disagreeable Situation can be changed every thing in Your Excellencys power will be done to forward it.
        Your Excellency mentions in Major General Phillips Letter that I might represent the Ill State of my Health to the American Congress, but when I consider that the sole motive which determined me to undertake the very long Journey from Charlotteville to Elizabeth Town was a Letter from Your Excellency to Colonel Bland, the contents of which He communicated to me, I place my whole confidence and dependance entirely on Your Excellency under whose immediate directions I conceive myself to be: These reasons were, also, my inducement to take the Liberty of making a faithfull discription to you of the total change of my Health and am convinced whenever your Excellency may think

proper to make a representation of these Facts to the American Congress, Setting forth the circumstances which I have mentioned, it would have much greater weight, indeed could not fail of success, than any address from an Individual to the American Congress, a Body to whom I am unknown.
        It is through Your Excellencys kind intentions that I am in this Place, and as the very impair’d State of my Health is now known to you I cannot, Sir, doubt your generous Sentiments in procuring me permission to go into New York, at least for the time it may be necessary to reestablish my Health, for which I shall ever deem myself highly obliged to Your Excellency. I have the Honor to be Sir, with the most perfect Personal respect Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant

          Riedesel M:G:


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Silvanus Seely, 29 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Seely, Silvanus

          Sir
          Head Quarters West-point 29th Octbr 1779.

        I have been duly favored with your letter of the 27th—and thank you for the intelligence it contains.
        You will be pleased to send the packet addressed to Sir Henry Clinton by flag. I am Sir &.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 29 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

          My Lord
          Head Qrs West-point 29th Octbr 1779

        I have to acknowlege your Lordships favor of the 26th.
        As your Lordship was not with the division I have given my instructions to Brigadier General Woodford to return and take post between Sufferans and Stoney-point, provided the enemy have gone back. I am, &.

          G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 29 October 1779
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Murderers Creek [N.Y.] Octr 29 1779

        I was abroad when Your letter of this day came to my Quarters & have just now returned.
        I did express a wish to Mr Harrison that the Militia shou’d not be dismissed on my representation as I hoped to draw in supplies for the whole for Twelve days or even till Christmass if the French Fleet arrived, but I cou’d not be certain of feeding the whole Army including the Militia for more than twelve days if they were now collected. my “Expectations of future supplies” are founded in the Ability of the Country to furnish them, but my fears of not Obtaining them arise from the little credit the Money has with the People, and from my Department being forever in debt and so universally out of Credit that no body willingly trusts it—this County (Orange) has now a demand on my Purchasing Commissary of £150,000, and the whole Department owes Eight Millions of Dollars. early in the Year Congress furnished the State of Maryland with a large Sum of Money to buy flour: the price was raised & the flour bought and some of it sent to this Camp and here condemned—as to “the causes that have produced these unexpected difficulties,” some of them are above recited the want of Water to grind the Wheat in this State is one, but others their are which I wish not to mention, but necessity Obliges me, Congress from my entering into Office to this hour have not given me that support which was necessary, which I had a right to expect & which their Committee promised me, they have delayed to answer my letters, to advise me in matters of Importance till too late, their Committee who have been Appointed to Govern my Department have in many

instances judged wrong, & I have been kept at Philadelphia dancing attendance when I should have been else where employed. Congress have passed several resolutions which tended to destroy the Credit of the Officers of the Department and have made it difficult to get good men to Act in it. On the 5th of Septr I wrote them earnestly requesting their Approbation of a measure I had taken to procure flour, and that they wou’d enable me to comply with a promise I had made the People of this State, to induce them to part with their Wheat, they passed no resolution till the 30th of Septr and it did not reach me till the 10th instant and was not calculated to answer the purpose I requested it for—The Present difficulties I early foresaw and on the 5th day of June last I wrote the President of Congress I had no prospect of feeding the Army, I will not now trouble You with enumerating more causes for our present difficulties but proceed to inform Your Excellency what Additional hopes I have since my letter of the 27th Instant, the State of Connecticut have passed a Law “to collect imedeately an Official Account of Count DEstangs being arrived on our Coast, 14,000 bushells of Wheat and 6000 Bushells of Rye & Meslen, which will afford at least ten days Bread for our Army when all collected: Mr Flint writes me from Philadelphia the 25th instant that 1435 Bbls of flour left Philada since the first of the Month for this Army—Col. Blaine expects supplies from Maryland daily, but promises no quantity—I do not wish this letter to be communicated to Congress, as I wish not to provoke them and I am sensible the truths it contains will be unpleasant to them, and may tend further to embarrass me, & retard our supplies, but if Your Excellency thinks otherwise, I do not Object. I am with the greatest respect Your Excelly most Obt Hume Servt

          Jere. Wadsworth


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 29 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 29th Octobr 1779.

        I recd your favr of the 27th in due time. Before this reaches you, you will undoubtedly have heard that the enemy have returned to Staten Island. I think you may as well take post with

the Infantry, for the present, in the neighbourhood of paramus inclining towards Kakeate, and draw your forage as much as possible from the lower part of Bergen. You will be in a good situation to gain intelligence from New York. should any thing of consequence come to your knowledge, I shall be obliged to you for communicating it. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. Hold yourself in readiness to move on towards Stoney point or this post if necessary. some information just received may make it so.


Title: To George Washington from Brig. Gen. William Woodford, 29 October 1779
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. William Woodford, 29 Oct. 1779. GW wrote Woodford on 2 Nov.: “I have been favored this morning with your letters of the 29th Ulto and the 1st instant.”


Title: General Orders, 30 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]saturday Octr 30th 1779.
          Parole D’Estaing—  C. Signs Lincoln. Williamson.


Title: From George Washington to John Beatty, 30 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Beatty, John

          sir
          Head Qrs [West Point] October 30th 1779

        I have received Your Letter of the 26th with the Inclosures to which it refers.
        The measures you have taken with respect to the prisoners at the Eastward, appear to me right & proper. From the great latitude and indulgence which have been hitherto allowed, as well to those in that Quarter—as in every Other, I am well persuaded we have lost Many—and that it is our true interest in every point of view, to keep the prisoners well collected and under proper guards. This should be generally done, and your Deputies instructed to make exact & regular Monthly Returns of them. As to removing the prisoners from Rutland, as there has been a considerable expence incurred in building Barracks there—and it has been deemed a suitable place—I think they ought not to be removed, unless the difficulty of supplying them make it necessary. In this case I should have no objection—provided you were previously to consult with the Commissary General upon the occasion—and he should judge it adviseable—from

a probability of their being supplied with more facility and less expensively—in Pensilvania or Maryland.
        With respect to the distinction between State & Continental prisoners and the interference of Individual States in making exchanges—the inconveniences flowing from them as you mention, are exceedingly great and have been much felt. The Honourable the Board of War being sensible of this—transmitted me a plan of some regulations on the 28th of August, which they proposed laying before Congress to produce a Remedy—or at least for preventing similar mischiefs—which appeared to me well calculated for the purpose and which I returned. The matter has not been decided on that I know of—and therefore, I think it will be very proper for You to make a report to the Board on the subject, similar to the One you have made me. This might be accompanied by the proceedings in the case, both of Captain Goodale and of Doctr Goldson. These may impress the Board with a stronger idea of the necessity of the Regulations they proposed—and may serve to give ’em support.
        I cannot but express my surprize and disapprobation of Captain Goodale’s conduct, and if I had obtained notice in time—I would most unquestionably have prevented his exchange. Your Letter gave me the first and the only information I have had on the subject.
        As to the Enemy’s demand of the immediate return of All Officers or persons admitted by them to parole—they had a right to make it, if they thought proper—and it only remains for You to publish it. And with respect to such Violators of their parole—as we deem Ourselves accountable for—it is my earnest request, that you pursue every measure in your power to have them returned to captivity without delay. As to those, who have not been considered as proper Subjects of Military capture—You have nothing to do with them, as the Enemy have already been explicitly informed.
        From the just claim the Enemy have against us, on account of our Officers who have violated their paroles—we cannot but consent that the 14 Officers of Convention mentioned in the list referred to in Mr Lorings Letter, should be considered as free from every Obligation of parole and to Act—but the Equivalent to be received for them must be governed by the terms of your 1 & 2 propositions to the British Commissary—of which you

transmitted me a Copy in your Letter of the 22d Septr. The terms of these so far as they concern Violators of their parole, will never be departed from—as they are perfectly just—and as the Enemy have no right to determine what prisoners we shall receive on Exchanges. And, that they may not have the least possible ground for Objection—You may add to these propositions—that while ever there remain with us any Officers, whom we consider Violators of their parole and ourselves accountable for, of the rank of these Convention Officers—we will not insist upon the release of any of our Officers in exchange for them. As to the Officers taken in the Eagle packet—you know how matters stand with respect to them and therefore an Answer should be avoided for the present—or One given which will decide nothing.
        I do not see that there can be any objectio⟨n⟩ to the Enemy’s having an Agent in phil⟨adel⟩phia—on the footing Mr pintard resides in New York—provided he is a Citize⟨n.⟩ But as the point in any view must be deter⟨mined⟩ by Congress—you will report th⟨e⟩ Enemy’s demand to them. I am sir Yr Most Obedt st.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 30 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle,Hamilton, Alexander

          Gentn
          West point October the 30th 1779

        I inclose You an Extract of a Letter of the 26th which General Greene has just received from Mr Bowen D.Q.M. Genl, dated in New port, announcing the evacuation of Rhode Island by the Enemy on Monday night last. The intelligence is not to be doubted, although by some means or another it has happened, that I have not received any advices from Genl Gates upon the subject, or a Letter from him since One of the 15th of which I transmitted You a Copy on the 21st.
        By a private Letter which Mr Laurens the late president was so obliging as to write me on the 24th he gave me the intelligence you will find in the Inclosure No. 2, which is meant principally for your own satisfaction. I have the Honor to be with great regard Gentn Yr Most Obed. st

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 30 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

          Sir
          Head Quarters West point 30th Octobr 1779

        I do myself the honor of transmitting to Congress the Copy of a letter which I recd yesterday from Governor Clinton. I have agreeable to his request directed the Massachusetts Militia to rendezvous at Albany instead of Claverack, not for the purpose of making use of them against the Indians should the incursion prove serious, but to give the appearance of an immediate collection of force in that quarter. Should the expected cooperation take place, they can, with great ease, be brought down to join the Army.
        Genl Greene has this moment recd a letter (of which the inclosed is a Copy) from Mr Bowen, announcing the evacuation of Rhode Island. The authenticity of the report is not to be doubted. I have not yet recd an express from General Gates on the occasion. I have the honor to be with great Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 30 October 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 30 Oct. 1779. GW wrote Maxwell on 1 Nov.: “I was yesterday favd with yours of the 30th.”


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 30 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters [West Point] 30th October 1779

        I have your favr of the 28th. I send you by your dragoon a small quantity of the counterpart, of which we must be as saving as possible. I have heard nothing from Rhode Island, at which I am much surprised, especially if the Vessels bound to the Westward had troops on board. General Howe does not seem to think that, that matter was perfectly clear. I am Dear Sir &.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 30 October 1779
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 30 Oct. 1779. GW wrote Trumbull on 4 Nov.: “I have to acknowlege your Excellency’s favor of the 30th of last month.”


Title: General Orders, 31 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]sunday Octr 31st 1779.
          Parole Vandalia  C. Signs Ticonderoga. Susquehannah.

        Every regiment that has more Marquees, Horseman’s or soldier’s tents than the proportion directed in the General order of the 27th of May last must immediately deliver them over to the Brigade Quarter Masters who are to forward them to Colo. Hay at Fish-Kill Landing.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters [West Point] 31st October 1779.

        I shall be glad to know whether you have made enquiry if a sufficient number of Vessels can be procured, and held in readiness, to transport troops up the River, should the Indian incursion to the Northward prove serious.
        Be pleased to forward the inclosed to Colo. Gouvion by Express immediately. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Dr Sir
          Head Qrs [West Point] Octr 31st 1779

        I intended to inform you, but am not sure that I did do it, that a Party of Militia would be sent by Govr Clinton (for the purpose of cutting wood for the expedition below) between this & Kings-ferry. You will be pleased, while at Fish-kill to make your arrangements with the Govr or Colo. Malcolm accordingly—furnish Tools—& give the necessary direction to the Officer commanding. I am Yr Most Obedt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 October 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 31st Octobr 1779.

        I have your favr of the 28th: You will, previous to the receipt of this, have received intelligence that the enemy have returned to Staten Island—We have a very large and valuable collection of Forage under Newark Mountain, which is much exposed, and which, from the late specimen, may be easily destroyed by a light party—To cover this, you will be pleased to detach General Maxwell with his Brigade, with orders to take a position in the neighbourhood of Westfeild, and to make the security of the Forage the particular object of his attention. As the Brigade may, from circumstances, have occasion to move again from thence at a moments warning, be pleased to desire Genl Maxwell to keep the Officers & Men together and have all things in constant readiness for that purpose. I am Dear Sir Yrs &.
        The troops while at Westfeild will give every aid to the Forage Master.


Title: General Orders, 1 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]Monday Novr 1st 1779.
          Parole Ridgefield—  C. Signs Potomack Oswego.

        For the future when men are sent from the Light Infantry to the regiments to which they belong, on account of sickness, or

other causes, they are to carry their arms and accoutrements with them.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail and Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton, 1 November 1779
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Brigadier General Duportail and Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton, 1 Nov. 1779. Duportail and Hamilton wrote GW

on 8 Nov.: “We hope before this you will have received our two letters of the 26th of October and 1st instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 1 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

          sir
          Head Quarters West-point 1st Novmr 1779

        Major General Greene communicated to me on friday last a letter from Mr Bowen D.Q.M.G., giving an account of the total evacuation of Rhode Island, on the night of the 25th Ultimo. Not hearing from you on this event, I have concluded that your express must have met with some accident; and under this idea I communicated Mr Bowen’s advice for the satisfaction of Congress.
        I am anxious to learn the troops you are bringing on with you; or whether you have marched the State as well as Continental. You will be pleased when this meets you to dispatch a messenger for this purpose, that I may know what measures to take on the occasion.
        I observe by Mr Bowens letter that the enemy have left a quantity of hay and some other articles of lesser value. As the hay in particular is of much importance, I make no doubt but that you have given the proper directions for its security.
        We have very agreeable news of our Southern affairs. In the Philadelphia paper of the 26th it appears that Col. Maitland had precipitately evacuated Beaufort leaving behind him, his hospital, artillery-stores and baggage, and had formed a junction with Genl Provost at Georgia. The English shipping had fallen into the Counts hand, one of which is the experiment, Sir James Wallace. General Provosts force was about 3000 and the allied troops amounted to above 9000. Our batteries of 38 heavy pieces of cannon, and 8 mortars would be in readiness to open on the 2d or 3d of Octbr and there was every appearance of reducing the place in the course of five or six days. I congratulate you on this pleasing and promising prospect, and am sir Your most ob. & hble servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 1st Novemr 1779

        I have your favr of yesterday. I am sorry to hear of Colo. Russells death of whose indisposition I had not known.
        Lt Colo. Shearmans right to promotion to the Rank of Lt Colo. Commandant in consequence, must be reported to the State of Connecticut by the Brigadiers of that line agreeable to the terms of the late general order, as must also the names of the subalterns of the 8th Regt intitled to promotion in consequence of Colo. Russells death. The State will signify their approbation to the Board of War, who will issue Commissions accordingly. Then, and not before, Colo. Shearman will assume his new command.
        I have this day issued a general order which will in future prevent sending Men from the Infantry and retaining their Arms.
        I have Capt. Cartwrights affair under consideration and will give you my opinion on the subject the moment I come to a determination. I am Dear Sir Your most o[bedien]t Servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. Where Men of the same State, not inlisted for the War, chuse to engage for that term on condition of changing their Regiments, it has been invariably allowed.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 1 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

          Sir
          Head Quarters West point 1st Novr 1779

        I was yesterday favd with yours of the 30th by Capt. Wool acquainting me with your being upon the upper Road, which is rather unlucky as it has disconcerted me in many respects—I yesterday wrote to General Sullivan to detach your Brigade to Westfeild to cover the forage in that quarter. Should the troops not have marched from Warwick towards sufferans when this reaches you—you will be pleased to observe the follo⟨w⟩ing directions—March with your own B⟨ri⟩gade to Westfeild—order the Regiment late Aldens—and the Rifle Corps under the command of Major Parr to this place by the rout of New Windsor—and halt all the remainder of the troops at Warwick, till further orders. But should you have passed Warwick, you are to cont⟨i⟩nue the march to sufferans filing off with your own Brigade to Westfeild at the most convenient place.
        The cover of the forage under the Mountain is to be the principal object of your attention, for which purpose, and as circumstances may require your moving again from thence at a moments warning, you will keep your Officers and Men together, and all things in the most perfect readiness. If the Scotch-plains, or any position thereabouts will afford a better, & more general cover to the forage than West-field, you may make choice of it—The forage Master in that part of the Country will be able to give you the necessary information of the places where it principally lays—the State Regiment will (I presume) continue

at their present posts; I would not therefore have any part of your Brigade moved down to Elizabeth Town or those places but Posted in such a manner as best to answer the purposes above mentioned.
        Wherever this may meet you I would wish you to halt the Troops, & inform me immediately of it—provided they can be tolerably well supplied with forage—Yr own Brigade—Aldens Regt & the rifle Corps will proceed as before directed.


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Pendleton, 1 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Pendleton, Edmund

          Dear Sir,
          West-point Novr 1st 1779.

        Recollecting that I am your debtor for an obliging letter written sometime last Winter, I will, while my eyes are turned southwardly (impatiently looking for, or expecting to hear some thing decisively of Count D’Estaing) make my acknowledgments for it, as a proof that I am not unmindful of the favor, though I have been dilatory in thanking you for it.
        I shall not at this late period recount to you the occurrances of the past Campaign—I take it for granted that the published accts which have been officially handed to the public have regularly reached you and are as ample as I could give.
        A New scene, though rather long delayed, is opening to our view and of sufficient importance to interest the hopes & fears of every well wisher to his Country & will engage the attention of all America—This I say on a supposition that the delays to the Southward & advanced season does not prevent a full & perfect co-operation with the French fleet in this quarter. Be this as it may—every thing in the prep⟨a⟩ratory way that depends upon me is done, & doing—To Count D’Estaing then, & that good Providence wc⟨h⟩ has so remarkably aided us in a⟨ll⟩ our difficulties, the rest is committed.
        Stony point which has been a bone of contention the whole Campaign, and the principal business of it on the part of the enemy, is totally evacuated by them—Rhode Island is also abandon’d—& the enemys whole force is drawn to a point at New York; where neither pains nor labour have been spar’d to secure the City & harbour, but in their attempts to effect the latter some unexpected disappointments have occured (in sinking their hulks)—This makes them more intent on their land batteries, wch are so disposed as to cover the Town & the shipping equally.
        All lesser matters, on both sides, are suspended while we are looking to the more important object—The consequences of

all these movements are not easy to be foretold—but, another Campaign having been wasted—having had their Arms disgraced—& all their projects blasted—it may be conceiv’d that the enemy like an enraged Monster summoning his whole strength, will make some violent effort—if they should be relieved from their present apprehensions of the French fleet. If they do not detach largely for the West Indies (& I do not see how this is practicable while they remain inferior at Sea) they must from the disagreeableness of their situation feel themselves under a kind of necessity of attempting some bold—enterprizing Stroke, to give—in some degree—eclat to their Arms—spirits to the Tories—and hope to the Ministry—but I am under no apprehension of a capital injury from any other source than that of the continual depreciation of our money—This indeed is truly alarming, & of so serious a nature that every other effort is in vain unless something can be done to restore its credit. Congress—the States individually—and individuals of each state—should exert themselves to effect this great end. It is the only hope—the last resource of the enemy—& nothing but our want of public virtue can induce a continuance of the War—Let them once see, that as it is in our power, so it is our inclination & intention to overcome this difficulty, and the idea of conquest, or hope of bringing us back to a state of dependance, will vanish like the morning dew—they can no more encounter this kind of opposition than the hoar frost can withstand the rays of an all-chearing Sun. The liberties & safety of this Country depend upon it. the way is plain—the means are in our power—but it is virtue alone that can effect it—for without this, heavy taxes—frequently collected—(the only radical cure)—& loans, are not to be obtained. Where this has been the policy (in Connecticut for instance) the prices of every article have fallen & the money consequently is in demand; but in other States you can scarce get a single thing for it, & yet it is with-held from the public by speculators, while everything that can be useful to the public is engrossed by this tribe of black gentry, who work more effectually against us than the enemys Arms. & are a hundd times more dangerous to our liberties & the great cause we are engaged in—my best respects attend Mrs Pendleton, & with much truth & regard I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt & Affe Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 1 November 1779
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Bedford [N.Y.] Novr 1st 1779

          I have just recd the enclosed Dispatches from the C——r’s. I was obliged to touch the Counterpart on the enclosed Letter written with the Stain to discover whether it was the right Sheet or not as it was in a Quire.
          With Respect to the Robbery lately commited at Setauket, as related by C——Senior, I have additional Accounts of the same from others. In addition to the Crime of plundering the distressed Inhabitants of Long Island, t⟨he⟩ Perpetrators of such Villany never bring their Goods before any Court for tryal & Condemnation, but proceed to vend them at option. This Species of privateering (for it goes by this name) is attended with such numberless bad Consequences, that to a Gentleman of your Excellency’s feelings, I am confident I need not state them. If

being so plundered by the Enemy that the Inhabitants have hardly a Subsistance left, be not sufficient (for the Marauders from our Shore make no Distinction between Whig & Tory further than wher⟨e⟩ Interest may point out) it surely cannot be equitable to leave it in the power of Individuals to punish at pleasure, & enrich themselves by the plunder they take—Perhaps your Excellency may have seen the Proclamation lately issued by Governor Clinton prohibiting such practices.
          I would further observe that the boat which crosses for dispatches from C——has been chased quite across the Sound by those Plunderers, perhaps for the Sake of being the more secret in their Villany, while our Crew has supposed them to be the Enemy. Indeed if some stop cannot be put to such nefarious practices, C——will not risque, nor 725. [Caleb Brewster] go over fo⟨r⟩ Dispatches. I should be happy to have permissio⟨n⟩ to take the Men who have been concerned in this Robbery, & have them delivered over to the Authority appointed by Governor Clinton (as mention’d in his proclamation) to take notice of such Offenders, or otherways punish them. What would give a peculiar Sanction to such a proceeding is that some of the Perpetrators of this Villany belonged to Long Island, & of Course to the State of N. York.
          One of the Gentleman who was plundered was Col. Floyd, who not long since was bro’t over a Prisoner, & is now on Parole. From a long & intimate acquaintance with this Gentleman I believe him to be of more service to the Whig Interest in Setauket, than every other man in it, tho’ from his family Connexion I believe he has been in favour of Royal Government. The other Gentleman, Mr Seaton, is from England, & purchased a plantation at Setauket before the War began. This Family is of the first fashion of any on L. Island. The whole of their furnitur⟨e,⟩ Jewels, Cloaths, Money, Bonds, & paper⟨s⟩ of all kinds were bro’t off. I hope some Steps may be taken to prevent such Conduct in future. I have the Honour to be with much Esteem your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

            Benja. Tallmadge


Title: Enclosure: Samuel Culper, Jr., to John Bolton, 29 October 1779
From: Culper, Samuel Jr.
To: Bolton, John

            Sir
            New York October 29th 1779

          I have made inquiry concerning the quantity of provision on this Island, and am well convinced there is sufficient to last this Garrison 6 Months. Several Vessels have not discharged. The packet arrived the 23d Inst. The accounts by her are very alarming to the Tories. They are now convinced that the English fleet dare not engage the united fleets of France and Spain. The Ardent is taken and some say that they chased the English fleet into Portsmouth—This is certain that they lay off there several days which caused the greatest consternation, as they expected to be invaded. The troops from Stoney and Verplanks points got down on sunday evening. The troops which I mentioned to have embarked sails for Hallifax this day with all the heavy ships of War except the Europa. The Daphne Frigate with Sir George Collier and Colo. Stewart sails at the same time for England. Another Fort is erecting near Harrison’s Brewery on the Banks

of the North River—That on Long Island will not be compleated in some time. The Battery will be compleated in a few days. Eighteen 24 pounders are now mounted. We have no late accounts from Georgia but it is generally beleived that the Garrison there is taken. The fleet with the Garrison from Rhode Island arrived the 27th Inst. The Rainbow arrived at Sandy Hook from Hallifax the same day. The enemy are daily collecting forage and have lately been about Oister Bay and took all the Hay in that quarter, notwithstanding the Legion quartered there. From this they mean to contract their lines very soon. No prospect of any speedy movement. The transports which I mentioned that were taking in Water and Ballast was for the use of the Ships at Sandy Hook. The pilots say that it is now very difficult to bring a Vessel in, owing to the Hulks which were lately sunk there. A fleet of Victuallers were to sail from Cork the latter end of Septemr A fleet of Store ships & Merchantmen were to sail from Spithead at the same time. I shall want some more of the Stain immediately as I am now quite out. I am Yrs &c.

            Saml Culper Junr


Title: To George Washington from Philip Van Rensselaer, 1 November 1779
From: Rensselaer, Philip Van
To: Washington, George

          Albany 1 Novem⟨ber⟩ 1779

        Your Excellencies Favour of the 12 Ult: I have received, with my Return Inclosed, for the month of September last, in Which Appeared to be some Mistakes, Occassioned, my not explaining properly the several Columes mark’d, here inclosed I Transmit your Excellency a fair Copy, also a Return for the month of October by Which your Excellency will find What Number of Arms and Bayonets have been repaired in the month of October, What Number is now in good repair, what is repairable and Irrepairable. I have the Honour to be most Respectfully Your Excellencies Most Obedt Servt

          P. V. RensselaerPublic storekeeper


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 1 November 1779
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

          Camp, near Kakeate Meeting House [N.Y.]1st Novr 1779
          Dear General—

        Your Excellencies Letter of the 29th Octr directed me so soon as I was Assured of the Enemies return, to take a position between Suffrans & Stony point. Genl Muhlenberg & myself have reconnoitred all the Ground in this Neighbourhood, & find this the most convenient, unless we had gone near to Stony point, which I did not understand to be your Excellencies intention.
        We are at present without Forrage, & ver⟨y⟩ little is to be procured in a reasonable distance of us. I shall send out a party Tomorrow with the Waggons of the Division to Collect what they can.

        Your Excellency in a former Letter directed me to send working parties to the point—as I am unacquainted with the orders that may have been given in consequence of our move, I shall not send any Men down till the Dragoons return with your further orders, but so soon as the quartermasters Tools come up, I will continue the Fatigue parties in makeing Fascines &c.—I am, with great Respect Your Excellencies Most Obedt humble Servt

          Wm Woodford


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 2 November 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from the Board of War, 2 Nov. 1779. GW wrote the Board of War on 19 Nov.: “I have duly received your several favors of the 25th of Octbr and the 2d 8th 10th and 13th of this month” (see also GW’s first letter to the Board of War, 23 Nov.).


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 2 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle,Hamilton, Alexander

            Gentlemen
            Head Quarters West point 2d Novemr 1779.

          Since mine of yesterday I have received another letter from my confidential correspondent in New York dated the 29th ulto. He informs me that the 57th Regt Rawdons Corps and the Artillery mentioned in his last, were to sail on that day for Hallifax, and with them all the heavy ships of War except the Europa. The Daphne Frigate, with Sir George Collier and Colo. Stewart on board, was to sail for England the same day—He says the pilots reported that it was now difficult to bring a Vessel into the Hook on account of the Hulks sunk there (By this it would seem that some of them still remained upon the Shoals)—He says the transports mentioned in his last, as taking on Water and Ballast,

only carried it down to the Ships at the Hook—The Rainbow of 40 Guns had arrived from Hallifax. He informs me of no other circumstances that materially relate to affairs at New York.
          He says a packet arrived from England on the 23d October. The accounts brought by her seemed to alarm the tories very much. It was reported that the Ardent of 64 Guns had been taken and the English fleet chased into Portsmouth by the combined Fleet, which remained off that place several days. He mentions these matters as current reports, and adds, that a fleet of Victuallers were to sail from Cork the latter end of Septemr and another of Store Ships and Merchantmen from Spithead about the same time. I am with great Regard Gentlemen Your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington

          The capture of the Ardent is confirmed by a New York paper of the 28th ulto.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 2 November 1779
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Field’s House 2d Nov. 1779

        Colo. Armand writes me that in his progress towards the Enemies lines yesterday he took two Waggons loaded with Hay and one Soldier of Robisons Corps He Burnt the Hay and Brought off the waggons He Solicits hard to return the latter to the People who own them as he thinks they are not inimical to our cause this I have my Doubts of, but beside this his Party may think they have a claim to the worth of them tho’ he says he can get over this matter. He Expresses himself Strongly upon this Occasion by declaring that his heart hurts him at the thought of taking the waggons and Horses as it will strain the owners inform me dear Sir if I may admit his of returning them in his interest he adds one of them has the reputation of a good Liberty man I inclose your Excellency a Paper that came last night from New york. and am Dear sir with the greatest Respect your Excellencys most Obt & hum. servt

          R. Howe


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 2 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

          Dr Sir
          Hd Qrs [West Point] 2 Nov. 1779

        I have your favor of this date before me.
        If the waggon which Col. Armands party has taken was in the employ of the enemy with the consent of the owner it should be sold for the benefit of the captors. But if it was forced into service by the enemy it will be no more than a common act of justice to restore it to the proprietor.

        I thank you for the news-paper and am dear Sir.

          P.S. You will be pleased to take the first opportunity to send up the officer’s horse who made his escape from New-York—I promised to have this done.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Quarters West point 2d Novemr 1779.

          Since I had the honor of addressing your Excellency last, I have received a letter from a confidential Correspondent in New York who informs me that the 57th Regt Rawdons Corps and a detachment of Artillery were to sail for Hallifax on the 29th ulto and that they were to be accompanied by all the heavy ships of War except the Europa. The Daphne Frigate was to sail for England at the same time. This intelligence being of importance to His Excellency Count D’Estaing, I have communicated it to General du portail and Colo. Hamilton who will have an interview with him very soon after he reaches either the Capes of Delaware or the Hook.
          My Correspondent further informs me that a packet had arrived the 23d ulto. The accounts brought by her seemed very alarming to the freinds of Government. It was currently reported that the Ardent of 64 Guns had been taken and the British fleet chased into Portsmouth by the combined fleet of France and Spain, which remained off that port several days—Your Excellency will be pleased to observe that the European intelligence is not given as authentic. My informant has only picked it up in New York. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt

            Go: Washington

          The capture of the Ardent is confirmed by a New York paper of the 28th ulto.


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 2 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 2d Novemr 1779.

        I have an account from New York that a fleet with two Regiments and a detachmt of Artillery was to sail on the 29th ulto for Hallifax accompanied by all the heavy ships of War except the Europa—The Daphne Frigate for England was to sail at the same time. I mention these matters to you, that you may compare them with your accounts from the shore—I have reason to beleive that part of the Hulks yet remain sunk, it would be well to endeavour to be informed of this with a degree of certainty, lest the Count, should he arrive, might be led into danger by supposing the Channel clear. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Carter Nicholas, 2 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Nicholas, Robert Carter

          Dear Sir,
          Hd Qrs West point Novr 2d 1779.

        Colo. Fairfax before he left Virginia last, vested me with powers to superintend his interest in that Country; and till I

accepted the command of the American Army, I attended to it accordingly.
        So soon as I found that private attentions would no longer comport with public duty, and that it was not in my power to do justice to the trust which he had been pleased to repose in me, I acquainted him of it, and in repeated letters requested, that he would appoint some other for his Attorney.
        A few days since, letters from him 3d of Augt 1778 & 23d May 1779 of which I take the liberty to inclose you copies, were presented to me by Mr Willm Lee—The original of the first I have not yet seen.
        These letters are so expressive of the desires of our mutual friend, that I can say nothing in addition to them, unless you will permit me to observe, that the declining state of Colo. Lewiss health (from the Accts I have of it) afford little prospect of an acceptance on his part in case of your refusal; and that I shall be at a loss in making my next application.
        My best respects attend Mrs Nicholas & the rest of yr family—With much esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr &c.

          G. Washington