Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 19 December 1776
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Jamaica Plain [Mass.] Decr 19 1776.

I have been for some time past in pain for your Excellency, but still in hopes that You would receive a reinforcement sufficient & soon enough to prevent the enemy’s crossing the Delaware, or marching down by it on the Jersey side towards Philadelphia. Accounts yesterday relieved us from our anxiety, & have given us reason to conclude that the regulars have left Brunswick & gone down by water to Staten Island. If so, we may consider the campaign as over; & upon a review have reason to be thankful. Certain it is, that if we have not succeeded in every instance to the utmost of our wishes: tis no less so with the enemy, who so far from having made a conquest of the Continent, have not completed the reduction of a single province not even of that in which they had the most interest. Whatever puffs the ministry may cook up & present to the publick, they that expected more solid doings & to have had matters settled, will find themselves wretchedly disappointed. Our friends in Europe will judge, that all things considered, we have made a glorious campaign. France & Spain will be likely to believe that we shall not be an encumbrance to them in case of their declaring war against G. Britain, but the contrary. I can heartily bless God for having carried us so well through the year, & thankfully make my acknowledgments as an individual to your Excellency & others, who have been used as instruments therein. Should a few prizes, whose arrival we have not yet heard of, get safe in, the balance will be much in our favour.
The Alfred is got to Boston harbour: Designed for Rhode Island, but the wind coming contrary, may have been the means of saving her. This day sennight in thick stormy weather, she lost sight of her seven prizes, whom she meant to see safe in Port. They are worth between two & three hundred thousand pound sterling, prime cost, as I am informed. One has sixteen thousand full suits of clothes, designed for the soldiers in Canada; each suit, including shirts & two pair of shoes, amounting to eight pounds sterling. This ship mounted sixteen guns, was pierced for twenty or one & twenty, bore down upon the Alfred who concealed her lower ports, with a view of taking Her, & was herself caught. She is a remarkable fine sailer. Capt. Jones of the Alfred put in her full compliment of guns, took out all her men, & manned her with a hundred of his own. Yesterday an armed vessel was to sail & cruize off Nantucket shoals for her, to give information of the enemy’s being at Rhode Island. The Council have also sent expresses directing that boats should keep a good look out for her. I trust that Providence will make her a deodand (I mean a gift of God) to us: we have our fears however. We have cause for hoping that she has not got into

Newport, considering the weather & other circumstances. Am told that another of the prizes has bombs mortars &c. on board. The Captain has brought in all the prisoners to the amount of one hundred & sixty among them some officers, & the judge, a Nephew of Lord Effingham, of course of Lady Carletons; this gentleman may possibly induce the General to admit of a flag of truce going to him, tho’ it is not to supplicate his Majesty’s mercy & may cure How’s shuffling with instead of exchanging Carleton’s prisoners.
Accounts were recd yesterday from Rhode Island, that Carleton had been obliged to hang three or four soldiers for ravishing the women.
Would it not answer a valuable purpose, was an authentic account to be transmitted this way of the plunderings of the regulars without regard to Whig or Tory, in order to its being published? Your Excellency will be too much engaged to attend to such a matter; but you can prevail upon some of your suite to write to me.
At Salem a noble spirit was discoverd in raising the troops for the three months. Gentlemen of considerable fortune turned out volunteers, several worth many thousands sterling. Should your Excellency visit their quarters I am sure it will be a pleasure to you to see & take notice of them.
The gentlemen of Boston expect to engage their proportion for the whole three years.
The cadet company have furnished thirty six gentlemen who have signed a petition to be presented this day to Council requesting that they may be appointed officers in one of the battalions to be furnished by the Massachusetts State. They mean to wipe away the reproach that has laid long upon Boston for not furnishing the army with more military men. I hope there will be no invincible obstacles in the way preventing a compliance: for as they have been well educated, know more of the world than the country clowns, have a sense of honour, & a spirit of emulation, & understand their exercise, expect that should they have a regiment, it will be as fine & as well disciplined a corps as any upon the Continent.
When I acquaint your Excellency, that I am preparing for that history in which you are so deeply concerned & make so eminent a figure, & in the forming of which you was so obliging as to assure me You would assist by furnishing materials, your Excellency will conclude that I do not despair of the Common Wealth, but look for a happy conclusion to the present noble struggle. Should our cause miscarry twill be owing to our own supineness & selfishness, but these I flatter myself are at their summit, & will abate shortly.
Your Excellency would do the country great service, would you urge it upon our General Court to fortify the harbour of Boston to the utmost, & make the necessary provision for its being effectually defended,

that so should the ministry set on foot an expedition against it early the next spring the same may not succeed.
Do me the favour, my dear Sir, of making my respectful compliments to your Suite, to Genl Putnam, Green, Ld Stirling &c. Mrs Gordon joins in warmest wishes for your safety & success, & pray you when you write to your Lady to transmit our respects as also to Mr & Mrs Custis. The coldness of the weather has injured the writing, but my heart is warm & sincere, notwithstanding the coldness of my hand, while I subscribe myself your very affectionate friend & most humble servant

William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 December 1776
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Chatham in East Jersey 19th December 1776

The Rheumatism and other disorders detained me at Haverstraw and seperated me from my Brigade. Eight days since I found myself

much better; and followed General Lee’s divission to Morris Town; where I arrived the day after he was unfortunately taken. This Catastrophy determined me by the advice of Friends not to proceed unless I had a Guard. The three Regiments from the Northward under Colonel Vose were hourly expected to Morris Town, they did not arrive until the day before Yesterday late in the Evening. Provissions and other necessaries were prepared for their march, next morning to join you; but an express arrived at night with information that Colonel Fords Militia had an Engagement with the Enemy at Springfield, and that he expected it would be renewed the next morning to gain the pass of the mountains. The Country in General being greatly discouraged, and on the Eve of making a Surrender of this State, I Judged it my Duty to order those Regiments to march at four A.M. to support Colonel Ford. The Enemy early the next morning retired towards Spank Town. When Colonel Vose this morning was preparing to march to Morris Town, the militia and principal Gentlemen were much dejected, and assured me If those Troops were not left here, to countenance them, the militia could not be collected, to make any opposition to the Enemy, and those who were embodied would disband, which would eventually end in a Submission of this State. Indeed some of the most important, sensible and zealous of the People declared they would provide for their own Safety as they had no hopes of being able to assemble the militia if those Continental Troops were removed. They asserted that General Lee gave them assurance that those Troops should be left here for their protection, which was countenanced in some measure in a Letter of General Heaths to Colonel Ford, and to remove them, after so many of the Troops passed through the State, would be to abandon them to the Enemy, which is the Idea Generally held by too many of the Friends of the Country; but if the Troops stay they were in no doubt of Collecting a respectable number of the militia. In this State of things I feared if I advised Colonel Vose to proceed to the Delaware; I should be chargeable with all the bad Consequences. These facts will be authenticated to you by the Committee of Morris Town. The Submission of this State would draw after it consequences easier to conceive than Express, and are too obvious to render an Enumeration Necessary. To prevent an event so fatal to our common Cause I have ventured to advise Colonel Vose to remain in this State, and shall post his Troops with the militia in the best Manner to cover the Country, not in the Hands of the Enemy. It is the only chance we have for retaining it. Orders for him will readily find him by applying to Colonel Remsen at Morris Town, or Colonel Ford. I find by Colonel Vose that those Troops are determined to go home at the expiration of their Time, which would nearly be accomplished

before they could reach you, which was a consideration that induced me to advise his Stay; and as their assistance to you would not bear any proportion to the prospect of their service here. I hope these Considerations will justify me to your Excellency; as the Service and the Safety of the Common cause, were the only motives which determined my advice. I am greatly mortified, that I have no reason to expect I shall be able to do duty in the course of the winter in the manner I could wish from the Complication of disorders that afflict me. If the time was not so critical, to the Country I would resign, as I do not wish to be a burthen to it. But as this might at this Crissis be a prejudice to the Cause; Subject to the abuse of our Enemies, I decline it; but wish to be favoured with the Generals advice for my future conduct. If I stay here, unless I am with some detachment of the Army I shall be exposed to the like misfortune that befel General Lee. If I am with the Army the Houses are so necessary to them, that I cannot be accomodated; I shall however endeavour to remain in this Neighbourhood ’till General Heath arrives at Morris Town which I have reason to expect will be in a few days. I am with earnest Wishes for your success and Happyness Your Excellencys very humble servant

Alexr McDougall

P.S. the Enemy are changing their Troops So often from Hancinsak to Elizabeth Town, that its imposible to give a true State of their Numbers in Frontier Towns of this State. Col. Ford has had, from 800 to 1000 of the Milit[i]a Collected. Now about 700.

            Grantons Regt
            about
            250

            Bonds
            do
            100

            Porters

            170

            520

I have taken the Liberty to transmit to you a Letter of General Heaths approving of my advice in detaining that Corps.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 19 December 1776 [letter not found]
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 19 Dec. 1776. GW on 21 Dec. wrote Putnam: “I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Camp above Trenton Falls Decr 20th 1776.

I have waited with much impatience to know the determinations of Congress on the propositions made sometime in October last, for augmenting our Corps of Artillery & establishing a Corps of Engineers. The time is now come, when the First cannot be delayed without the greatest injury to the safety of these States, and therefore, under the Resolution of Congress bearing date the 12th Instt, at the repeated instance of Colo. Knox, and by the pressing advice of all the General Officers, (now here) I have ventured to order three Batallions of Artillery to be immediately recruited. These are two less than Colo. Knox recommends, as you will see by his plan inclosed, but then, this Scheme comprehends all the United States, whereas some of the States have a Corps already establis⟨hed⟩ and these three Battallions are indispensibly necessary for the Operations in this Quarter, including the Northern department. The pay of our Artillerists bearing no proportion with that in the English or French service, the murmurings & dissatisfaction thereby occasioned, and the absolute impossibility as I am told of getting them upon the old terms, and the unavoidable necessity of obtaining them at all events, have induced me (also by advice) to promise Officers & men, that their pay should be augmented 25 ⅌ Ct or that their Engagements shall become null & void. This may appear to Congress premature and unwarrantable; but Sir, if they view our si⟨tua⟩tion in the light it strikes their Officers, they will be convinced of the Utility of the measure and that the execution, could not be delayed till after their meeting at Baltimore; In short, the present exigency of our Affairs will not admit of delay either in Council or the Feild, for well convinced I am, that if the Enemy go into Quarters at all, it will be for a short season; but I rather think, the design of Genl Howe, is to possess himself of Philadelphia this Winter, if possible, and

in truth, I do not see what is to prevent him, as ten days more will put an end to the existence of our Army; that One great point, is to keep us as much harrassed as possible with a view to injure the recruiting service, and hinder a collection of Stores; and other necessaries for the next campaign, I am as clear in, as I am of my existence; If therefore we have to provide in this short interval and make these great & arduous preparations, every matter that in its nature is self evident, is to be referred to Congress, at the distance of 130 or 40 miles, so much time must necessarily elapse as to defeat the end in view.
It may be said, that this is an application for powers, that are too dangerous to be intrusted. I can only add, that desperate diseases, require desperate remedies, and with truth declare, that I have no lust after power but wish with as much fervency as any man upon this wide extended Continent for an Opportunity of turning the Sword into a ploughshare; But my feelings as an Officer and a man, have been such, as to force me to say, that no person ever had a greater choice of difficulties to contend with than I have. It is needless to add, that short inlistments, and a mistaken dependance upon Militia, have been the Origin of all our misfortunes, and the great accumulation of our Debt.
We find Sir, that the Enemy are daily gathering strength from the disaffected; This strength, like a Snowball by rolling, will increase, unless some means can be devised to check effectually, the progress of the Enemy’s Arms: Militia may possibly do it for a little while; but in a little while also, the Militia of those States which have been frequently called upon, will not turn out at all, or if they do, it will be with so much reluctance and sloth as to amount to the same thing—Instance New Jersey! Witness Pensylvania! could any thing but the River Delaware have saved Philadelphia? can any thing (the exigency of the case indeed may justifye it), be more destructive to the recruiting service, than giving Ten dollars bounty for Six weeks service of the Militia, who come in, you can not tell how—go, you cannot tell when—and act, you cannot tell where—consume your provisions—exhaust your Stores, and leave you at last at a critical moment. These Sir, are the men, I am to depend upon, Ten days hence. This is the Basis on which your Cause will and must for ever depend, till you get a large standing Army, sufficient of itself to oppose the Enemy. I therefore beg leave to give it as my humble Opinion, that 88 Batallions are by no means equal to the opposition you are to make, and that a moments time is not to be lost in raising a greater number; not less in my Opinion, and the opinion of my Officers, than 110. it may be urged, that it will be found difficult enough, to compleat the first number. this may be true, and yet the Officers of 110 Batallions will recruit many more men, than those of 88. In my judgement this is not a time to stand upon expence

—our funds are the only Objects of consideration—The State of New York have added one (I wish they had made it two) Battallion to their Quota. If any good Officers offer to raise men upon Continental pay and establishment in this Quarter, I shall encourage them to do so, & regiment them when they have done it. If Congress disapprove of this proceeding, they will please to signify it, as I mean it for the best.
It may be thought, that, I am going a good deal out of the line of my duty, to adopt these measures, or to advise thus freely. A character to loose—an Estate to forfeit—the inestimable blessing of liberty at Stake, and a life devoted, must be my excuse.
I have heard nothing of the light Horse from Virginia, nor the Regiment from the Eastern shore. I wish to know what Troops are to act in the different departments, & to have those from the Southward, designed for this place, ordered on, as fast, as they shall be raised. The Route should be pointed out by which they are to march. Assistant Commissaries & Quarter masters upon the Communication, to supply their wants—The first or second Officer of each Batallion, to forward them, and the other to come on, receive & form them at their place of destination. Unless this is immediately set about, the Campaign, if it should be closed, will be opened in the Spring, before we have any men in the Feild. Every exertion should be used, to procure Tents—A Clothier General should be appointed without loss of time for supplying the Army with every article in that way. He should be a man of business and abilities. A Commissary of Prisoners must be appointed to attend the Army; For want of an Officer of this kind, the Exchange of Prisoners has been conducted in a most shamefull and injurious manner. We have had them from all Quarters pushed into our Camps at the most critical junctures, & without the least previous notice. We have had them travelling through the different States, in all directions, by certificates from Committees without any kind of Controul, and have had instances of some going into the Enemy’s Camp without my privity or knowledge after passing in the manner before mentioned. There may be other Officers necessary, which I dont recollect at this time & which when thought of, must be provided; for this Sir you may rely on, that the commanding Officer under the present establishment, is obliged to attend to the business of so many different departments, as to render it impossible, to conduct that of his own with the attention necessary, than which nothing can be more injurious.
In a former Letter, I intimated my opinion of the necessity of having a Brigadier for every three Regiments, and a Major Genl to every three Brigades at most. I think no time is to be lost in making the Appointments, that the arrangements may be consequent—this will not only aid the recruiting service, but will be the readiest means of

forming & disciplining the Army afterwards, which in the short time we have to do it, is of amazing consequence. I have laboured ever since I have been in the service, to discourage all kinds of local attachments & distinctions of Country denominating the whole by the greater name of American; but I found it impossible to overcome prejudices, and under the New establishment I conceive it best, to stir up an emulation, in order to do which, would it not be better for each State to furnish (tho not to appoint) their own Brigadiers? This, if known, to be part of the establishment, might prevent a good deal of contention and jealousy & would I beleive, be the means of promotions going forward with more satisfaction, & quiet the higher Officers.
Whilst I am speaking of promotion, I cannot help giving it, as my opinion, that if Congress thinks proper to confirm what I have done with respect to the Corps of Artillery, that Colo. Knox (at present at the head of that department, but who without promotion will resign) ought to be appointed to the command of it, with the rank and pay of Brigadier. I have also to mention, that for want of some establishment in the department of Engineers agreable to the plan laid before Congress in October last, Colo. Putnam who was at the Head of it, has quitted and taken a Regiment in the State of Massachusets. I know of no other man tolerably well qualified for the conducting of that business. None of the French gentlemen whom I have seen with appointments in that way, appear to me, to know any thing of the matter. There is one in Philadelphia whom I am told is clever, but him I have never seen. I must also once more beg leave to mention to Congress, the expediency of letting promotions be in a Regimental line. The want of this, has already driven some of the best Officers that were in your Army out of the service. from repeated and strict enquiry, I am convinced, you can adopt no mode of promotion that will be better received, or that will give more general satisfaction, I wish therefore to have it announced.
The casting of Cannon, is a matter that ought not to be one moment delayed, and therefore, I shall send Colo. Knox to put this in a Train, as also to have travelling Carriages & shot provided—Elaboratories to be established, one in Hartford, & another in York. Magazines of Provisions should also be laid in; These I shall fix with the Commissary. As our great loss last year, proceeded from a want of Teams, I shall direct the Qr master General to furnish a certain number to each Regiment, to answer the common purposes thereof, that the Army may be enabled to remove from place to place differently from what we have done, or could do this Campaign. Ammunition Carts—& proper Carts for intrenching Tools, should also be provided, and I shall direct about them accordingly. Above all a Store of small Arms should be provided,

or men will be of little use—the consumption and waste of these this year, have been great—Militia—Flying Camp men &c., coming in without, were obliged to be furnished, or become useless—Many of these threw their Arms away—some lost them—whilst Others deserted & took them away. In a word, although I used every precaution to preserve them, the loss has been great & this will for ever be the case in such a mixed and irregular Army as our’s has been.
If no part of the Troops already embarked at New York, has appeared in Virginia, their destination doubtless must be to some other Quarter, and that State must, I should think, be freed from any invasion, if Genl Howe can be effectually opposed in this. I therefore inclose a memorandum given me by Brigadr Stephen of Virginia, which Congress will please to adopt in the whole—in part or reject, as may be consistent with their plans and intelligence.
That division of the Army, late under the command of Genl Lee, now Genl Sullivan, is just upon the point of Joining us—a Strange kind of fatality has attended it! they had orders on the 17th of Novr to join, now more than a month! Genl Gates with four Eastern Regiments, are also near at hand—three from those States were coming on by his order by the way of Pecks Kills and had joined Genl Heath whom I had ordered on with Parson’s Brigade to join me, leaving Clintons Brigade and some militia, [(]that were at Forts Montgomery & Constitution) to guard those important passes of the Highlands—but the Convention of the State of New York seeming to be much alarmed at Heath’s coming away—a Fleet appearing off New London and some part of the Enemy’s Troops retiring towards Brunswick, induced me to countermand the order for the march of Parson’s Brigade & to direct the three Regiments from Ticonderoga to halt at Morris Town in Jersey, where I understa⟨nd⟩ about Eight hundred Militia had collected, in order to inspirit the Inhabitants, and as far as possible cover that part of the Country. I shall send Genl Maxwell this day to take the command of them, and if to be done to harrass & annoy the Enemy in their Quarters & cut off their Convoys.
The care & vigilance which were used in securing the Boats on this River, has hitherto baffled every attempt of the Enemy to cross, but from concurring reports and appearances, they are waiting for Ice to afford them a passage.
Since writing the foregoing, I have received a Letter from Govr Cooke of Rhode Island, of which the inclosed is a copy. Previous to this and immediately upon the first intelligence obtained of a Fleet’s going through the Sound, I dispatched Orders to Genls Spencer & Arnold to proceed without the least delay to the Eastward. The first I presume is gone—the latter, not getting my Letter till he came to a

place called Easton, was by advice of Genl Gates, who also met my Letter at the same place, induced to come on hither before he proceeded to the Eastward. Most of our Brigadiers are laid up, not one has come on with the division under Genl Sullivan, but are left sick at different places on the Road. By accounts from the Eastward, a large body of Men had assembled in Rhode Island from the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut; I presume (but I have no advice of it) that the Militia ordered from the first, to rendezvous at Danbury, (6000 in number) under the command of Major Genl Lincoln for supplying the place of the disbanded men of that State in the Continental Army, will now be ordered to Rhode Island. In speaking of Genl Lincoln, I should not do him justice, were I not to add, that he is a Gentleman well worthy of notice in the Military line. he commanded the Militia from Massachusetts last Summer or Fall rather, and much to my satisfaction, having proved himself on all occasions, an active, spirited, sensible man. I do not know whether it is his wish, to remain in the military line, or whether if he should, any thing under the rank he now holds in the State he comes from, would satisfy him—how far an appointment of this kind might offend the Continental Brigadiers, I cannot undertake to say—Many there are, over whom he ought not to be placed, but I know of no way to descriminate. Brigadier Read of New Hampshire does not I presume mean to continue in service—he ought not, as I am told by the severity of the Small pox, he is become both blind & deaf. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S: Genls Gates and Sullivan have this Instant come in, by them I learn, that few or no men are recruited out of the Regiments coming on wi⟨t⟩h them⟨.⟩ there is very little reason to expect that these Regiments will be prevailed upon to continue after their Term of service expires. If Militia then do not come in, the consequences are but too evident.


Title: To George Washington from the Captains of the Second New Jersey Regiment, 20 December 1776
From: Captains of the Second New Jersey Regiment
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency
December 20th 1776.

The Captains of the late Colo: Maxwells Regiment in Behalf of their men—have thought it necessary to lay before Your Excellency—The Charge brought against them of Cartouch Boxes, Cross Belts, Tomhawks, Haversacks, Priming Wires & Brushes, Canteens, Gunslings, Camp Kettles & Canada Caps—the men have been taught to belive that they would not have to Pay for those things enumerated—Genl Gates while at Ticonderoga gave them assurances that they would not—since which they think themselves exempted from the Payment, we hope your Excellency will Consider it. This Charge if Permited to stand will retard the present service, and Injure our Characters—Relying on the Justness of the Case & the Impartiality with which Justice is administered where you Precide, are in full assurances that our request will be Complyed with.
If the hardships these men have gone through would be any argument for the remiting these things mentioned, we would have no doubt of their being excluded, we will Freely submit it to your Excellency and General Gates. And are Your Excellencies most Obedient and Very hume Servts

Jos. Brarly Capt. in behalf of the whole


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 20 December 1776
From: Pennsylvania Council of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council of Safety Philadelphia December 20 1776

The pressing Necessities of our Troops induced the Council to send persons round the City of Philadelphia to demand Blankets and Stockings for their Use with Authority to take them when refused, paying a reasonable price for the Same—should your Excellency approve of the Measure, we would recommend it to you to send out detachments through the Counties of Bucks and Philadelphia and take Blankets, Stocking⟨s⟩ and such other Necessaries as the Inhabitants can spare on the same terms, by these Means Many Articles of Immediate necessity may doubtless be procured in the Neighbourhood of the Army without distressing the Inhabitants in the least.
The Militia comes in very fast and the Council find it difficult to supply them with Arms[.] we would be glad to know whether there are any at Camp which they can be furnished with.
We have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that a Sloop is arrived at Chester with upwards of nine Hundred Stand of Arms and a large Quantity of Blankets and other Woolens on account of Congress.
We shall apply to the Committee of Congress in this City to have the Cloathing forwarded to Head Quarters Immediately.
At the request of Congress for a number of Waggons to remove the public Stores and at a time when the Inhabitants of the City were distressed for want of Means to remove their Families, this board gave a General Invitation for Waggons to come in from the Country, in consequence whereof many more attend at present than can be Immediately employed. Your Excellency will be pleased to let us know whether Waggons are wanted for the Use of the Army at present and what number, that so many may be retained as are necessary and the rest discharged. By order of the Council I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant

Owen Biddle Chairman


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 21 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Camp above Trenton Falls Decemr the 21st 1776

I have been honoured with your favor of the 8th Instt. The loss of the Island of Rhode Island gives me much concern, though an event that could not be well guarded against. I am happy that most of the Stock had been removed and wish the Cannon had been also brought away, our want of ’em by reason of our late losses, being great. Nothwithstanding this descent and the intelligence of more Ships going down the Sound, I incline to think, the Enemy will not attempt any thing capital upon the main; they will most probably confine themselves to the Island; but if they have other views, I trust that the Succours from the Two neighbouring States with your own force, will be

able to baffle them & prevent the progress of their Arms & their most vigorous efforts. It would give me infinite pleasure, if the situation of our Affairs in this Quarter, would allow me to afford you the assistance I could wish, but it will not. All in my power to do, I have done. Upon the first intelligence that a fleet was going down the Sound with Troops on board, I wrote to Generals Spencer & Arnold to repair to the Eastward and to pursue such measures as circumstances should seem to require. My Lett⟨er⟩ to General Arnold did not get to hand owing to the incertainty of his Route till he had almost rea⟨ched⟩ this. he sits out to morrow morning and I doubt n⟨ot⟩ these two Gentlemen will render you many esse⟨ntial⟩ services. Other aid, I cannot give you. The Delaware now only divides our small force from a large part of Genl How’s Army cantoned in the neighbouring Towns, and which from appeara⟨nces⟩ and many concurring reports is only waiting an Opportunity to pass. As soon as the Ice is formed, they will try to effect it. Genl How’s object be⟨yond⟩ all doubt, is to possess Philadelphia, and I co⟨uld⟩ wish, there was not too much ground for some disagreeable apprehensions on that Head. Without more vigorous exertions on the part of the People than what have appeared of ⟨late⟩ I see but little to prevent him from accomplis⟨hing⟩ his purposes. In the course of a few d⟨ays,⟩ the last of this month, the force I now have (⟨by⟩ no means equal to his) will by the impolicy and fatal system of Short inlistments, be reduced ⟨to⟩ a mere handfull, unless the Militia can ⟨be⟩ prevailed on, to give their aid. As yet ⟨but⟩ very few, those of the City excepted, and who h⟨ave⟩ turned out in a spirited manner, have got in motion, notwithstanding the most pressing sollicitations & apparent intention of the En⟨emy⟩ to invade their State & Seize their Capitol⟨.⟩ How things will turn out, the event must determine, at present the prospect is glo⟨omy⟩.
The distresses of our Prisoners in the hands of the Enemy give me much concern. ever since a Cartel was settled between Genl Howe & myself, I have been endeavouring to effect an exchange, as far as circumstances would admit of; but my attempts on this head, have not been attended with but little success. For the Prisoners belonging to the British Army and who have been sent in, from Jersey, Pensylvania & Maryland, Genl Howe or rather his Commissary, has undertaken of his mere motion, and contrary to my express requisition, to return a number belonging to us, who were not called for, & whose releasement should have been postponed, till after that of many Others. I have wrote to Genl Howe upon the Subject, and presume in future, that none will be sent out but those who are named by me. That this Business may not remain an Object of further delay, I would take the liberty of recommending, that all the Prisoners in your State

be immediately sent in to the Commanding Officer of the British Troops on Rhode Island, taking two exact Lists of the Names, Corps & Ranks of the Officers and the number of Privates, signed by the Officer of the highest rank, One to be sent in with him accompanied by a Line to Genl Howe, that the particular prisoners belonging to us & to be received in exchange will be required by me; The Other List, you w⟨ill⟩ transmit me immediately, that I may make the requisition. I have the Honor to ⟨be⟩ with much resp⟨ect⟩ Sir Yr Most Obedt Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 21 December 1776
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Yardly’s Farm [Bucks County, Pa.] 21 Decemr 1776

Two Persons returned Yesterday from the Jerseys, who inform me, that there is a very great body of the Enemy in, & around Brunswick, but they could not ascertain the Number—one of them say’s, they were sending off Provisions &c., towards N. York. They made strict enquiry about Boats, but could not hear, of any preparations of the kind.
Another Person from Crosswicks informs me, that he saw a Scow & 4 Batteaus above the Bridge, belonging to Lewis’s Mill, which he should have brought off with a small party, but there was a Guard of 100 Hessians posted at the Bridge: he is of Opinion, those Boats were not collected by the Enemy, but accidentally left there—A Negro fellow whose master lives in Trenton, whom I have just seen, informs me they are building Boats at Henry’s Mills, a mile from Town, & that he was told by the Soldiers there were many boats coming from Brunswick; what degree of credibility is to be given to this information, I will not determine. I have endeavour’d to prevail wth some intelligent Person, to go down into Trenton, but hitherto without success; if tis agreable to your Excellency, I will offer 15, or 20, Dollars, to a good hand who will undertake it, if such a one can be found; People here, are extremely fearfull of the Inhabitants at Trenton betrayg them—I have deliver’d your Excellency’s message, (communicated to me, by Col. Cary), to the officers & men within my Department, & hope it will have the desired effect.
Capt. Anderson with his Party returned Yesterday, with the loss of one man taken, & two or three missing, nothing material; The Snow hasten’d his return. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s, most ob. Servt

Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Azariah Dunham, 21 December 1776
From: Dunham, Azariah
To: Washington, George

21 December 1776. Gives a detailed account of his service since 12 June 1776 as a deputy commissary general in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and he complains of having “been put to unnecessary Dificulties” by a shortage of funds. “I am nearly £6000 in advance for Supplying the Army from the best estimate I can now make a very trifle in hand have no oppertunity of communicating my case to the Commissary General and should not have given your Excellency the Trouble of this Detail but was told by Coll Wharton Yesterday he was Determined to resign at New Year & had wrote so to Mr Hancock and was going to your excellency with the same Determination he also tells me flour is not to be had as the Millers will not grind and the Inhabitants of this State will not Sell their wheat for Continental money the provisions we had in new Jersey have fallen into the hands of the enemy in general I have by being kept out of Cash as above been prevented laying in Stock here & Depended on those gentlemen who had and am much Surprised to hear that a this Critical Juncture Conll Lowry has resigned and that Coll Wharton is Determined so Speedily to resign as he says his health will not admit of his continuance the Conversation he and I have heretofore had on the Subject was very Different that he was Determined not to act in partnership and would have all or none and Doubted not of obtaining such an Appointment as he had wrote so to the Commissary General & was much in favor with the General & field officers—whatever unfavorable representations may have been made against me I know not but have the Satisfaction to know I have allways purchased & furnished good provisions when in my power have without parade or noise attended at all times to my business am Still willing to exert my self & Do all I can to give a Supply and am much concernd at our present Situation with respect to flour will if I can be Supplyed with money endeavour to redress that Complaint I have left all my real estate & much of my personal has fallen into the hands of the enemy & myself & four sons are & have been almost constantly engaged in public Service I do Intreat that no unfavorable Impressions may be receivd by your excellency with out being well attested I submit my General Character to the Strictest enquiry.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Qrs at Keiths Decr 21st 1776

I have been favoured with yours of the 13th Instt and wish you may have succeeded in your intended scheme to dislodge the Enemy from Heckensec bridge.
In my Letter of the 18th I transmitted you a Copy of a Letter from the Council of the Massachusets Bay advising that 6000 men were coming from that State under Genl Lincoln to supply the place of the militia which had returned Home and of their Troops, whose time of service will soon expire. At the time of writing, I thought it probable, that this reinforcement might be ordered to the State of Rhode Island in case of an invasion & which I find has actually taken place, and therefore, did not so strenuously urge that it should be sent here; Indeed I had then hopes from the information I had received, that a large proportion of the Eastern Troops who were marching to Join me, had reinlisted: But to my great distress and mortification, I find the report to have been without the least foundation, and that in the course of a few days, I am to be left with a handfull of men. I therefore request, that if these Troops have come on to Pecks Kills and also the four Battallions, which I am advised by Govr Trumbull have been raised in Connecticut to serve till the 15th of March next, that after securing the passes and fortifications in the Highlands with a sufficient number, which I should immagine need not exceed 12 or Fifteen hundred at farthest besides the force which I apprehend will be provided for the purpose by the Convention of New York, you will forward on all the rest with the utmost expedition to Join such Troops as I may be able to collect for the defence of Philadelphia. That City is now the Object of the Enemy’s designs. Let me intreat you to impress the Officers & Men with a due sense of its importance in the present contest for our Liberty, and that without their speedy and early arrival it may be lost. I am persuaded these considerations will be duly regarded and urge them on to every possible exertion. As yet but few succours belonging to this State have come in, nor do I hear that many are in

motion. When they hear that other States are applied to, & pushing in Aids for their defence, perhaps they will arouse from the lethargy which now keeps them back against the most pressing calls of Interest. In a word Sir, my situation and that of our Cause is critical & truly alarming, without vigorous exertions & early succours, I do not see what reasonable hope there will be to preserve Philadelphia from falling into the Enemys hands. They will attempt to possess it as soon as the Delaware is so frozen as to admit of their passage; Appearances and many concurring reports agree in this.
I have received yours of the 15th and am happy to hear of your success at Heckenseck. The Stores you got will be of great service.
By a Letter just received from Genl McDougal, I find he has been much indisposed and is now at Morris tow⟨n. I⟩ intend to write him to return to Pe⟨cks Kills⟩ to conduct matters in that department with Genl George Clinton, requesting you and Genl Jams Clinton to come on with the Eastern Troops which I have mentioned if they have arrived at Pecks Kills and It should be necessary for him to come. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obdt St

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 December 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Paramus [N.J.] Decr 21th 1776

I have received the Honor of yours of the 16th & 18th Instant.
I have the Pleasure to acquaint your Excellency that on the 19th Instant a Detachment of our Troops Consisting Partly of Continental Troops and Partly of the Militia of Orange and Ulster Counties, having marched Down to the English Neighbourhood in the night Deceived the Sentinel and Surprised the Out Guard of Colonel Buskirks Regiment of new raised Troops took a Sarjeant and 17 men Prisoners and 16 new Kings Muskets which have been brought Safely to this Place—after which they repulsed their main Guard—we lost one man and

the Enemy are Supposed to have lost four I shall order these Rascally Prisoners under Close Confinement.
The Same Evening one mr Honeywell of Philipsburgh who was lately Taken Prisoner by the Enemy Came from New York He is a Gentleman of Credit and one of the Committee of the Town, He Informs us that General How is lately returned to New York, as are the Hessians who Lately went to Rhode-Island, But that the British Troops are Still there, That there are a great many Troops now in the City That an Embarkation of a Body of them is soon to take Place and that it was Suppos’d that General How was returned on that account That they talked of making a movment to Courtlands Manor, and PeeksKills This Corresponds with a Line which I lately received, which I take the Liberty to Enclose.
I am very glad that your Excellency has thought fit to order Colonel Vose to remain in the Neighbourhood of Chatham it was highly necessary—a Body of the Enemy are at Aquackanuck Said to be from 250 to 400 with Two Pieces of Cannon.
I shall march for Peeks-Kill to morrow morning General George Clinton with about 1000 of the militia of Orange & Ulster Counties ordered out by the Convention of the State of New York is to Guard for the Present this Post and the Passes of the Highlands on this Side of Hudsons River—The Brigt. which I mentioned in my last to have Sailed from the Dock at Hackensack Came to anchor about Seven Miles below the Town, a Party of our men went Down and Boarded her and attempted to bring her up but the wind being fresh it could not be Effected, they then began to unload her into the Boats, Seven firkins of Butter one or two Trunks Some Wine &c. were Brought off and upon return of the Boats a Body of the Enemy Came Down Fired upon & Drove our People off and Took Possession of the Vessel we took three or four Seamen, I had Given orders to the Officer in Case of necessity to Set Her on Fire, but in the Hurry & Confusion He Did not do it, She Had on Board a Great variety of Furniture Hay &c. On opening One of the Trunks we find it to Contain Sundry articles of Plate, Inventory of which is Inclosed, It is said to belong to one mr Yates and that He is Friendly, The Same is Said as to the Effects which were on Board the other vessells—But it Seems a Little Extraordinary that our Friends should Convey their Treasure into the Hands of our Enemies—I Did not Encumber myself with the “Furniture” as we Had not waggons to fetch it away, But the Provisions and Liquors I have Secured, and the Sails and Cordage of the vessells, The Plate I shall Deliver into the Hands of the Assistant Q.M.G., I Sollicit your Excellencys Opinion & Direction respecting it I also found of Continental Property Scattered in Divers Houses (and at a Store where it was Deposited

as I was Informed for the Enemy) about 160 bbls of Flour, in another Store 21 bbls of Pork, and in another about 30 Hhhds of Rum Gin &c. The Last two articles is Said to be private Property I have Brought off about one Half of it, There are Three or Four Claimers, one of whom we have in Custody, But be the Property whose it may I thought it my Duty to Secure it The remainder I fear will fall into the Hands of the Enemy as we have not Teams to Secure it I have Sent the Flour & Pork to Ramapaugh.
The Colonels of the Regiments Here are uneasy on account of the Pay of their Regiments as the Hazard of geting their abstracts to your Excellency (one of which has been already taken) and the money back from the Paymaster is very great, they request me to lay the matter before your Excellency and Crave Some mode of relief.
upon my arrival at Peeks Kill I shall endeavour to make Such a Disposition of the Troops which I may have the Honor to Command, as may appear most Expedient to answer the Purposes which your Excellency is pleased to Point out, and Hope it will be Such as may be approved by you, I shall Chearfully Consult and Cooperate with General Lincoln in all matters of Importance.
Mr Honywell further Informs That the Talk in New York was that Russia, Hanover, & Portugal would aid Great Britain, But that they were very Doubtfull of France, That they thought they should greatly Distress but never Subdue America—That the Great numbers of Prisoners in the City & their Extreme Sufferings will induce your Excellency to Submit to Terms of accommodation, That Three Rooms in the Old City Hall are fiting up for General Lee with Locks & Barrs &c. I have the Honor to be with great respect & Esteem your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] 21st Decr 1776

I am this Evening favoured with yours of the 19th from Chatham. I not only approve of the disposition you made of the three Regiments under Colo. Vose, because I think it was a very judicious one, but I had, previous to the Receit of your Letter, determined upon exactly the same plan, and had sent Orders to Colo. Vose to halt at Morris Town, that he might afford protection to the well affected in that Neighbourhood, and give Spirits to the Militia. If you find your health such, that you cannot take an active part where you are, or stay there without further prejudice to yourself, I would have you return to Peekskill and there in conjunction with Genl Geo. Clinton take charge of that department, as I have ordered Genl Heath to join me, with as many of the Connecticut and Massachusets Militia as can be spared.
I think with you, that tho’ your State of Health may require a Resignation, that this is not a proper time to make it; our Enemies would probably attribute it to the late unfavorable Aspect of our Affairs, and therefore I would advise you to try whether a little Rest might not contribute to the Cure of a Disorder which is generally brought on by Colds and Fatigue. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Orders to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 21 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Sir,
[Bucks County, Pa., 21 December 1776]

Having countermanded the March of the three Eastern Regiments under the Command of Lieutt Colo. Vose and directed them to Halt at Morris Town in the Jerseys where I am informd that Colo. Ford at the head of a body of Militia has taken Post.
You are to repair immediately to that place & take upon you the Command, not only of the above Regiments, but of the Militia also, and therewith to give all the protection you can to the Country, and distress to the Enemy by harrassing of them in their Quarters & cutting of their Convoys.
You are to be extreamely vigilant & watchful to guard against surprizes, & to use every means in your power to obtain a knowledge of the Enemys Numbers—Situation—and designs. If at any time you should discover that they are moving from Brunswick and that Quarter towards Trenton, or the Delaware in other parts, endeavour, if it can be attempted with a probability of success, to fall upon their Rear, & if nothing more can be done, annoy them in their March.
Every piece of Intelligence wch you may think of Importance for me to know, communicate it without loss of time.
Keep up the Spirits of the Militia as much as possible; & use your Influence with the Eastern Regiments to continue in Service after the term for which they stand ingaged expires—if in this you should fail, still keep the Militia together, and render what service you can with them. prevent all you can from joining the Enemy, & receiving protections from them, which, from experience, have been found to afford no relief from the rapacious plundering ravishing Soldier.
Give every Incouragement and Aid to the Recruiting Service. let all those who are ingaged in that business above the Road leading from Trenton to Brunswick make your head Quarters their place of Rendezvous—& that Men may be raised as soon as possible—besides the Officers appointed by the State of New Jersey for the Established Regiments, if you can meet with active sprightly men who you think could raise Companies, & are fit to Command them afterwards, you may authorize them to Ingage Men upon the same terms, & for the same time, the Continental Regiments are raised; but then I cannot agree

to take them into pay, or be at any expence till they have got at least Fifty privates besides Non-commissioned Officers Inlisted, when this happens, & a certificate of it produced to me from you, the bounty shall be drawn, & the pay of Officers & Men commence.
To encourage the Captains in this business they shall have the nominating of their own Subalterns, subject however to my negative, if I find they have made an improper choice from local attachments & connexions rather than public good. they will be allowed a Dollar & one third for every Recruit for whom Certificates are ob[taine]d.
Fix with the Commissary and Quarter Master upon the Modes of supplying your Troops with Provisions & necessaries before you go. Given at Head Quarters in Bucks County this 21st day of Decr 1776.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 21 December 1776
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada Decemr 21st 1776

Notwithstanding there are several British Men of War cruising in our Bay, the Continental Sloop Independance Commanded by Lieutt Robinson has pushed through & got up here yesterday afternoon There is onboard 856 Blankets which were intended with many others now expected in, for the use of the new enlistments, but the inclement weather and the severe duty the Troops now under your Command have to perform Induces me to think, these Blankets shou’d be applyed to their use in this matter however you will please to Judge & act as you see fit, for I shall send them to the Camp for your orders so soon as the Weather will permit them to be landed. there is also arrived in this Sloop a quantity of Cloths which I shall put into the hands of Mr Mease Commissary to have made up immediately. there is also 919 Muskets onboard these I suppose you do not want, and I will send them out of Town to the other Stores unless you signify a desire for any other application of them. I have the pleasure to inform you that Mr Deane in his letters of the 30th Septr recd by this Sloop, says he looks upon a French War as inevitable. He expects to furnish us with ample supplys for 30 thousand Men & a Noble train of Artillery Mortars &c. so that, if you can but drive our Enemies back to New York for this Winter, we may hope for much better things next Spring than we have experienced of late.
I find my presence so necessary here in several departments that I shall stay as long as I can with safety, but as I am possessed of Publick

papers that must never fall into the hands of the Enemy I shou’d be glad of a line from you whenever you think it wou’d be best for me to retire, and if you have any Commands here in which I can be serviceable, be assured of my ready attention, your several dispatches to Congress have passed through my hands & I have informed them fully of such things as have come to my knowledge respecting Publick matters.
Poor Lee, I pity him exceedingly & feel much for the Publick loss in him, Shou’d you hear any thing of the Treatment he meets with I shou’d thank you or Mr Tilghman for a line on that Subject, I fear he will meet with insupportable Insults & if so his situation must be worse than that of the Damn’d. I have been told to day that you are preparing to Cross into the Jerseys I hope it may be true & promise myself Joyfull tidings from Your expedition, You have my sincere prayers for Success as nothing wou’d give me greater pleasure than to hear of such ocurrences as your exalted merit deserves. I have the honor to remain Your Excellencys Most obedt hble servt

Robt Morris


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Qrs at Keiths Decr 21st 1776

I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt. The remissness of the Inhabitants remaining in the City, to turn out at this alarming crisis, to erect Works for their own defence, is astonishing to the last degree. It surprizes me much, that any set of men can be so regardless of their own interests and security. They may flatter themselves, that this conduct will profit ’em much, in case the British Army should possess the City, but they will find themselves entirely deceived. In that instance, there will be no discrimination of property, nor any inquiry, whether this or that article belongs to Whig or Tory. their ravages & plunder through the Jersey without distinction, but in a very few cases, justifye the assertion. In that State, many of the fastest friends to Government and those who had obtained Protections, have experienced the most wanton insults and depredations. If the Protections were in some instances respected by the British Soldiery, they were disregarded by the Hessians, and considered of no validity. Why should any in Philadelphia, expect a better treatment? Intreat, exhort and use every exertion, to induce the people to act for their own preservation. Strain every Nerve for carrying on the necessary Works—without them, we shall have but little to hope for—nor will the Troops that we have & may collect, be equal to defend the City & repel the Enemy in case of an Attack—Such as are most essential, you will attend to first. The Militia that come in, I would wish you to employ in this important business rather than to send ’em here.
The conduct of the new recruits, is highly reprehensible, and the utmost care and vigilance, should be observed by the officers to prevent it. The abuse cannot be totally suppressed, but it may perhaps be checked in some degree.
By the information of an Officer, who with a Scouting party, was reconoitring between Prince[ton] & Trenton on thursday, Three Battallions of British Troops were marching from the former to the latter, and from a variety of accounts & concurring circumstances, there seems to be the strongest reason to beleive the Enemy will attempt to pass the river, as soon as the Ice is sufficiently formed for that purpose. I am Dr Sir with much esteem Yr Affecte & Obligd Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I should be glad if you would let Mr Burr or one of your Family enquire every Monday at the Post Office for Letters from the Southward for me, & my Family, and have them sent on as occasion and oppertunity offers. Make a point, to get the most exact returns possible

of the Strength you have in Philadelphia—this should be done every day as the Militia are constantly changing—I want to know with certainty your Numbers that I may form my measures accordingly for between you and me, I see no other chance to oppose the Enemy but with the Militia, and the few reduc’d Regiments from Virginia (not averaging 150 Men fit for duty) after the last of this Month. do not send on Tents unless ordered. I rather wish them to be forwarded towards Lancaster. Christeen Bridge in my judgment is not a fit place for our Stores. they ought to be rather back in the Country. I do not think any Stores not wanted for present use should be retained in the City for Reasons before mentioned.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 22 December 1776
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Morris Town [N.J.] 22d Decr 1776

I was happy to find that your favor to Col. Vose directed him to Stay in this State.
But I am extreamly Chagrined, that the object of that order is not likely to be Effected. This State is totally deranged, without Government, or officers civil or military in it that will act with any Spirit. Many of them have gone to the Enemy for Protection, others are out of the State, and the few that remain are mostly indecisive in their Conduct. The Militia are without leaders and many of them not in the Power of the enemy are dispirited. Besides they have numerous and active enemies and false friends among them. Those under Col. Ford, since the late Skirmish, have decreased to about 200. In this deplorable State, I have received intelligence different ways that the Enemy have it in design to March to this Town, from three different routs, vizt from Brunswick Via of Baskinridge, from Elizabeth Town Via of C[h]atham, & from Newark another. The Force of the Enemy at those Posts and between them cannot upon the lowest computation on good advice be less than 3900 men. Last Night I called a Council of the Principal Gentlemen, & Officers of the Militia to determine what was Proper to be done in the Present exegincey of our affairs. They were clearly of opinion, that all the militia which could be raised would fall far short with the Continental Troops of the Strength of the Enemy. I then represented to them the inutility of exposing Col. Vose’s corps to fall into the Hands of the Enemy, which would retard the new levies, and be a loss to the Cause in General without any prospect of affording Support to a People who would not aid in it themselves. Upon the whole, to Satisfy some of the Council the most sanguine: it was determined to keep the Continental Troops for a day or two, till we should be informed whether your motions after the Enemy were likely to

work releif by diversion, or whether you could Spare any Support as the Enemy was retiring. But as my retreat was in danger of being cut off, if the enemy moved to Morris Town as was apprehended I have withdrawn the Troops to this Town, to keep my Communication open with the Country; and left Guards below to watch the motions of the Enemy. If the Militia do not Collect in a day or two, (as Summonds are gone out for that purpose) I shall be obliged if the Enemy move towards this to carry off the Troops to join General Heath, as I shall not be able to procure Provisions Sufficient to join you; indeed it will be difficult to get enough for their march to Kings ferry. The warrants are not Issued to raise the Continental Troops, nor are there any Steps taken, to raise the Levis which were to Serve to the first of april. If some releif is not afforded to them (And I am at a loss to know from whence it can come) more than I have in my Power, they will fall an easy prey to the Enemy. when I anticipate the bad Consequences that will result to the Common Cause from the Submission of this State, it renders me almost unfit for any business. The Northern expedition of last year Cost me my E[l]dest son, and the Captivity of the other, who is now a Prisoner on his Parole to General Charlton. As he was at the taking of St John’s and Chamble I cannot but be of opinion, that he is entituled to the benefit of one of the officers taken at those Posts for his release. He was A Prisoner longer than any taken to the South[w]ard; and in this View a Claim to be released before them. His name is Ranald Stephen McDougall was Second Lieutenant in my old Regiment. If the General has the naming the officers who are to be exchanged for those taken, at St Johns and Chamble I beg this Youth may be one of them. Frequent interruptions I hope will excuse the incorrectness of this, as well as apologize for not Copying it. I have the Honor to be with Great Truth and regard Your Excellency’s very Humble servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 22 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

Dear Sir
Camp above the Falls at Trenton Decr 22d 1776.

Your favour of yesterday came duely to hand, and I thank you for the several agreeable Articles of Intelligence therein contain’d. for godsake hurry Mr Mease with the Cloathing as nothing will contribute more to facilitate the recruiting Service than warm & comfortable Cloathing to those who engage. Muskets are not wanted at this place, nor should they, or any other valuable Stores (in my judgment) be kept in Philadelphia, for sorry I am to inform you, my dear Sir, that unless the Militia repair to the City for defence of it, I see no Earthly prospect of saving of it after the last of this Instant; as that fatal vote of Congress respecting the appointment of new Officers has put the Recruiting business upon such a footing, and introduced so much confusion into the old Regiments, that I see no chance of raising Men out of them; by the first of next Month then, we shall be left with five Regiments of Virginia, one of Maryland—Colo. Hands and the remains of Miles’; Reduced so much by Sickness, fatiegue &ca, as in the whole not to exceed, but fall short of, 1200 Men. Upon these and the Militia, is all our dependance for you may as well attempt to stop the Winds, from blowing, or the Sun in its diurnal, as the Regiments from going when their term is expired.
I think with you Sir (that however missed you may be in Congress) your presence in the City cannot be dispensed with—I will give you the earliest information in my power of immediate danger; in the meantime, I advise for the reasons before mentiond that you detain no Papers you can possibly do without—for I am satisfied the Enemy wait for two events only to begin their operations upon Philadelphia. Ice for a Passage, and the dissolution of the poor remains of our debilitated Army.
Genl Sullivan is just come up with the Troops under Genl Lee, about 2000 Men—Genl Gates is here, and a small division under him of about 600 expected to day; this with about four or five and twenty hundred at most, here before, composes the strength of my Army (the City Militia excepted) but this under the rose.
Alas poor Lee! taken by his own Imprudence! We have no distinct accts of him, if any should arrive, Mr Tilghman or I, will communicate them to you—Insults accompanied the taking of him, since that I have heard that he was treated well by Lord Cornwallis to whom he was first Carried.
The Commissary (Mr Wharton) informs me that, he cannot prevail on the Millers to grind; & that the Troops in consequence, are like to suffer for want of Flour—this if I understand him proceeds either

from disaffection or an unwillingness to take Continental Money in pay, which in fact is the same thing—this must be remedied by fair, or other means. With sincere regard & esteem I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Joseph Reed, 22 December 1776
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Bristol [Pa.] Decem. 22. 1776

Pomroy whom I sent by your Order to go to Amboy & so through the Jersey & round by Princeton to you returned to Burlington yesterday—he went to South Amboy but was not able to get over—upon which he came up to Brunswick pass’d on to Princeton—& was prevented going to Pennington—upon which he returned to Burlington by Way of Cranberry.
His Intelligence is that he saw no Troops, Baggage Waggons or Artillery going to New York except about 8 Waggons which he understood had the Baggage of some of the light Horse who had been relieved & were going into Quarters—At Cranberry he saw 16 Waggons going down to South Amboy for the Baggage of about 500 Men who were to quarter about Cranberry—inlisted Tories commanded by one

Lawrence—at Brunswick he saw 4 peices of Cannon—the Number of Men he could not learn but they did not exceed 600 or 800—Princeton he says was called Head Quarters and there he saw a very considerable Body of Troops coming out of the College, Meeting House & other Places where they quartered. He understood they were settled in their Winter Quarters & had given over farther Operations till the Spring.
In Burlington County he found them scattered thro all the Farmers Houses, 8, 10, 12 & 15 in a House & rambling over the whole Country.
Col. Griffin has advanced up the Jerseys with 600 Men as far as Mount Holly within 7 Miles of Their Head Quarters at the Black Horse—he has wrote over here for 2 peices of Artilly & 2 or 300 Volunteers as he expected an Attack very soon. The Spirits of the Militia here are very high—they are all for supporting him—Col. Cadwallader & the Gentlemen here all agree that they should be indulged—we can either give him a strong Reinforcement—or make a separate Attack—the latter bids fairest for producing the greatest & best Effects—it is therefore determined to make all possible Preparation to day & no Event happening to change our Measures the main Body here will cross the River tomorrow Morning & attack their Post between this & the Black Horse, proceeding from thence either to the Black Horse or the Square where about 200 Men are posted as Things shall turn out with Griffin. If they should not attack Griffin as he expects it is probable both our Parties may advance to the Black Horse if Success attends the intermediate Attempt. If they should collect their Force & march against Griffin our Attack will have the best Effects in preventing their sending Troops on that Errand, or breaking up their Quarters & coming in upon their Rear which we must endeavour to do in order to save Griffin.
We are all of Opinion my dear General that something must be attempted to revive our expiring Credit give our Cause some Degree of Reputation & prevent a total Depreciation of the Continental Money which is coming on very fast—that even a Failure cannot be more fatal than to remain in our present Situation in short some Enterprize must be undertaken in our present Circumstances or we must give up the Cause—In a little Time the Continental Army is dissolved the Militia must be taken before their Spirits & Patience are exhausted & the scattered divided State of the Enemy affords us a fair Oppy of trying what our Men will do when called to an offensive Attack—Will it not be possible my dear Genl for your Troops or such Part of them as can act with Advantage to make a Diversion or something more at or about Trenton—the greater the Alarm the more likely Success will attend the Attacks—If we could possess ourselves again of New Jersey or any

considerable Part of it the Effects would be greater than if we had never left it—Allow me to hope that you will consult your own good Judgment & Spirit, & not let the Goodness of your Heart subject you to the Influence of Opinions from Men in every Respect your Inferiours. Something must be attempted before the 60 Days expires which the Commissioners have allowed—for however many affect to despise it—it is very evident that a very serious Attention is paid to it—& I am confident that unless some more favourable Appearance attends our Arms & Cause before that Time a very great Number of the Militia Officers here will follow the Example of those of Jersey, & take Benefit from it.
I will not disguise my own Sentiments that our Cause is desperate & hopeless if we do not take the Oppy of the Collection of Troops at present to strike some Stroke. Our Affairs are hasting fast to Ruin if we do not retrieve them by some happy Event. Delay with us is now equal to a total Defeat.
Be not deceived my dear General with small flatterg Appearances, we must not suffer our selves to be lulld into Security & Inacti[o]n because the Enemy does not cross the River—It is but a Reprieve the Execution is the more certain for I am very clear that they can & will cross the River in Spite of any Opposition we can give them.
Pardon the Freedom I have used, the Love of my Country, a Wife & 4 Children in the Enemys Hands, the Respect & Attachment I have to you—the Ruin & Poverty that must attend me & thousands of others will plead my Excuse for so much Freedom. I am with the greatest Respect & Regard D. Sir Your Obed. & Affect. Hbble Servt

J. Reed


Title: From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 22 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Spencer, Joseph

Sir
Camp above the Falls of Trenton Decembr 22nd 1776

When I wrote to you on the 14th Instant, I had little doubt of receiving considerable support from the Militia of this State, and was taught to believe that a large part of the old Troops (coming on with General Lee) had reinlisted—In the first, I have every reason in the world to fear a disappointment—In the latter, I find myself woefully deceiv’d—It is easier therefore to conceive, than describe the situation I am In—left or shall be, in a very few day’s, with only a very few Southern Regiments (reduced almost to nothing) to oppose Howes Main Army, already posted in such a manner as to pour in his whole Force upon us, so soon as the Frost affords him a passage over the Delaware, and our numbers such, as to give no effectual opposition.
Thus circumstanced, it is a matter of concern to me, that in my last I directed you to take back any of the Militia designed for the support of the Army under my Command; and have to request that, instead of Ordering the return of any of those that were destined for this department (by order of their respective States) that you will hasten them on with all possible expedition, as I see no other chance of saving Philadelphia; and preventing a fatal blow to America in the loss of a City from whence so much of our Resources are drawn.
With respect to yourself, you will proceed agreeably to the directions in my former. It is not possible for me at this distance to lay down any particular Rule for your conduct. Circumstances and the advice of your Officers must Govern you particularly that of Gen. Arnold, who comes on to your assistance. I am with Esteem and respect Sir Yr most Obedt Ser.

P.S. Let me hear from you regularly.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 23 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Dr Sir,
Head Quarters [Bucks County, Pa.] 23d Decr 1776

I shall not object to yr going to Philadelphia on Acct of your Health, but wish it would have permitted you to have gone to Bristol rather, in order to have conducted matters there in cooperation with what I hinted to you as having in view here.
I fear their may be some little uneasiness about Command there, as some of the Continental Colonels have gone down with the Brigade that Marchd last. If you could only stay there two or three days to concert with Colonels Read & Cadwallader a Plan, & direct in what manner it is to be conducted I should be glad of it—I am Dr Sir Yrs &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 23–24 December 1776
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
 Philada Decr 23d[–24] 1776

I had the honor to receive your obliging favour of Yesterday by Colo. Moylan, the Contents give a most mellancholly aspect to our affairs and I wish to Heaven it may be in our power to retrieve them, it is useless at this period to examine into the causes of our present unhappy situation, unless that examination wou’d be productive of a cure for the evils that surround us, in fact those causes have long been known to such as wou’d open their Eyes, the very consequences of them was often foretold, & the measures execrated by some of the best Friends of America; but in vain, an obstinate partiality to the habits & Customs of one part of this Continent has predominated in the Publick Councils, and too little attention been paid to others. To Criminate the Authors of our errors wou’d not avail, but we cannot see ruin Staring us in the Face without thinking of them—It has been my fate to make an ineffectual opposition to all short enlistments[,] to Colonial appointment of Officers and to many other measures that I thought pregnant with mischiefs, but these things, either suited the genius & habbits or Squared with the interests of some States that had sufficient influence to prevail, and nothing is now left, but to extricate ourselves from the difficulties in which we are involved if we can, let us try our utmost, man can do no more. I shall Urge Mr Mease to go on as briskly as possible with the Cloathing, but its impossible for him to make much progress as most of the Taylors are at the Camp. the Muskets & other Stores shall be sent out of the City, and such papers as I can spare shall be sent away. The Fleet has always been my particular care & at this time I am exceedingly anxious for its safety, but the difficulty of getting anything done is inconceivable most of the Tradesmen, necessary to finish the Delaware are at Camp I have applyed to the Council of Safety to order some few of them down & altho they wish yet they fear

to do it, least the rest shou’d follow—I have now under my care, the Randolph & Delaware Frigates, the Brigt. Andrew Doria, Sloops Hornet, Independance & Fly & Schooner Mosquito all Continental Armed Vessels beside several Valueable Merchantment all which I wish to get out to Sea & think it might be effected if every man Concerned wou’d exert himself in his department, I try to give them Spirits & invigorate their exertions all in my power—The Enemy have Six Sail Cruizing about our Capes and keep a special look out, notwithstanding this, The Brigt. Andrew Doria Capt. Isaiah Robison passed through them & got safe up this day, she left St Eustatia the beginning of this Month & on the passage took a Sloop of Twelve Guns fitted out by Admiral Gayton at Jamaica agreable to orders of the Lords of the Admiralty, she also took a Snow from Jam[aic]a & ordered both Prizes in here, but its most likely they will be retaken, before I quit this Subject, permit me to observe that there is a Lieutt Josiah of our Navy Prisoner & now at New York, and we have Prisoner at York Town in this State a Lieutt Boger of their Navy, I cou’d wish an exchange between them cou’d be effected. There is also a Doctr Hodge Surgeon to Colo. Cadwalladers Battalion of Pensylvanians now Prisoner in New York a Young Man of much Merit & his abilities in his Profession wou’d render him very usefull cou’d he be exchanged.
The Sloop taken by the Andw Doria was commanded by a Mr Jones who has the Kings Commission as master & Commander he behaved bravely & I am told he says Ld Howe will be desirous to redeem him, I suppose his Rank to be equal to a Major or Lt Colo. which I mention that your Excellency may advert to it, if you wish for an Exchange of any particular Officer of Merit of that Rank. This Brigt. was sent by the Secret Committee for Cloathing & Stores & has brought in the following cargo—208 Dozen pair of Woolen Stockings[,] 106 Dozen pair of Worsted do[,] 215 Sailors Jackets[,] 23 Great Coats[,] 50 ps. Dutch plains[,] 30 ps. 900 Yds Flannell[,] 45 ps. blue, brown & white Cloth[,] 463 Blankets[,] 218 ps. ⅞ Linen[,] 496 Muskets[,] 326 pair Pistols[,] 200 half barrells Powder[,] 14101 lb. Lead. I have enumerated these Articles that you may judge what part is wanted for your Army and your orders shall be complied with I shall only observe these Imports were intended for the new Levies but circumstanced as you are I think you shou’d judge solely of the propriety of applying them to our present exigencys, The Brigt. Lexington and Sloop Sachem may be hourly looked for with further supplys also sundry Merchantmen—but I dread their approach to our Capes, they took a French snow in sight of the Andrew Doria who protected her as long as it was possible.
I am fearfull Genl Lee may suffer for want of Money if the resentment

of British officers runs as high as they have threatned—therefore to prevent present distress I enclose herein a set of Exchange drawn by the late Governor Edens Secretary Mr Smith on Messrs Thos Eden & Co. for One hundred Pounds Sterling which I beg you will Convey by a Flag to Genl Lee with an assurance of a further supply whenever he wants it, I have endorsed the bills & flatter myself that many Gentlemen now in New York to whom I am known will advance the General the Money upon them. I have no doubt but this matter may be so managed as that Genl Lee will certainly get these bills & the Money for them without putting you to much inconvenience & with the utmost esteem I remain Dear sir Your most Obedient servt

Robt Morris

P.S. having sent my Stores out of Town, this is the best paper I can Command at present.
Decr 24th. not meeting any Conveyance for this letter yesterday, I have since obtained the enclosed bill drawn by Capt. Duncan McNicol & Hugh Fraser Lieutt of the Royal Highland Emigrants for £116.9.3 Sterling in favr of Alexr Inglis Esqr. for amot of supplys to them in Charles Town it is drawn on Major Small & I dare say will be paid, therefore I think it a preferable remittance to Genl Lee than bills on London and hope you will Convey it to him immediately.

R.M.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Reed, 23 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dr Sir,
Camp above Trenton Falls 23d December 1776.

The bearer is sent down to know whether your plan was attempted last Night—and if not, to inform you that Christmas day at Night, one hour before day is the time fixed upon for our Attempt on Trenton. For heaven’s sake keep this to yourself, as the discovery of it may prove fatal to us, our numbers, sorry I am to say, being less than I had any conception of—but necessity, dire necessity will—nay must justify any ⟨Attempt.⟩ Prepare, & in concert with Gri⟨ffin at⟩tack as many of their Posts as you ⟨pos⟩sibly can with a prospect of success. the more we can attack, at the same Instant, the more confusion we shall spread and greater good will result from it.
If I had not been fully convinced before of the Enemys designs I have now ample testimony of their Intentions to attack Philadelphia so soon as the Ice will afford the means of conveyance.
As the Colonels of the Continental Regiments might kick up some dust about Command (unless Cadwallader is consider’d by them, in the light of a Brigadier, which I wish him to be,[)] I desired Genl Gates, who is unwell, & applied for leave to go to Philadelphia, to endeavour if his health would permit him to call and stay two or three days at Bristol in his way.
I shall not be particular—we could not ripen matters for our attack, before the time mentioned in the first part of this Letter—so much out of sorts, & so much in want of every thing, are the Troops under

Sullivan &ca—Let me know by a careful express the Plan you are to pursue. The Letter herewith sent[,] forward on to Philadelphia—I could wish it to be in, in time for the Southern Post’s departure which will be, I believe by 11 Oclock to morrow. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obt St

Go: Washington

P.S. I have orderd our Men to be provided with three days Provisions ready Cook’d; with which, and their Blankets they are to March, for if we are successful which heaven grant & other Circumstances favour we may push on. I shall direct every Ferry & Ford to be well Guarded & not a Soul sufferd to pass without an officers going down with the permit. do the same with you.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Artemas Ward, 23 December 1776 [letter not found]
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Artemas Ward, 23 Dec. 1776. GW wrote Ward on 20 Feb. 1777: “I acknowledge the receipt of yr two favours of the 23d Decr & 17th January.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel John Cadwalader, 24 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cadwalader, John

Head Quarters [Bucks County, Pa.] 24th December 1776.
Sir,

Fix with Colo. Griffin on your Points of Attack—In this, as circumstances must govern, I shall not interfere; but let the hour of attack be the 26th, and one hour before day (of that Morning.)
I have wrote to Colo. Hitchcock to join his Brigade to yours, and cooperate therewith. If you should be successful (of which I have the highest hopes) move forward if possible, so as to form a junction with me, if the like good fortune should attend our Enterprize, either at Trenton or Princeton.
Let your Men be provided with Blankets and three days Provisions ready Cooked. Most ardently wishing you Success I am Yr Most Obedt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Col. John Cadwalader, 24 December 1776 [letter not found]
From: Cadwalader, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. John Cadwalader, 24 Dec. 1776. GW wrote in his first letter to Cadwalader of 25 Dec.: “I have yours of Yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to the Commanders of the Connecticut and Massachusetts Militias Marching to Peekskill, 24 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Commanders of the Connecticut and Massachusetts Militias Marching to Peekskill

Sir
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] 24th Decemr 1776.

The Necessity of collecting a Body of Troops to supply the places of those whose term of Inlistment expires on the first of next Month, obliges me to press you to march forward with as much expedition as possible to this place or wherever my Head Quarters may be, with such part of the Troops under your command as may be judged expedient, and agreeable to the Orders I have already lodged with Generals Heath and Spencer. I am Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dallam, 24 December 1776
From: Dallam, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir.
New Town [Pa.] December 24th 1776

The time of the Flying Camp will be up in a few days (for which Department I was at first Perticularly appointd for.) As I expect they will immediatly go off for Philadelphia and Apply for their pay to the Treasurer, I think it necessary I should be their to settle their Accounts As sums of money have been paid on Account to Many of the Officers & Men, I think it my Duty to Mention this to your Excellency because those that were discharged on first December applyd to Congress for payment and received orders on the pay Master their altho they had receivd large sums of Money before which is like to cause a Confution in Our Accounts that We shall not easily settle.

I have on hand One hundred and Sixty thousand Dollars as about fifty thousand will do for my Department If your Excellency thinks proper I should go to philadelphia—I can leave the remainder with Colo. Palfrey the pay Master General. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedient Hum. Servt

Richard Dallam Dy pay Master Genl


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 24 December 1776
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Yardly’s Farm [Bucks County, Pa.] 24 Decr 1776

I have this moment dispatch’d a proper Person over the river, to make the followg enquires, (& to return tomorrow morng, at which time a Horse will be provided for him, to wait upon your Excellency, with such Information as he may obtain) Viz: what Guards are posted upon the different roads leading into Trenton, the number on the Mill-bridge, where the Cannon lay & what number; to ascertain the number of the Enemy in Trenton, & whether any reinforcements have lately arrived, or any Troops march’d out, & such other Intelligence as he can possibly procure.
By a Person just returned from Jersey, I am informed that a certain Benj: Combes whom your Excellency lately released, went immediately to Amboy, has since returned, & now acts as Commissary to Genl Howe at Penny town, where he is giving out a large quantity of Continental Pork, to the Poor & protected Inhabitants of that State; The Person who gives this Information, made application for some Pork, but was refused, because he had not taken Protection. I am allso informed that the number of the Enemy now in Trenton, amounts to 2,000 men, all Hessians, except a few British Troops. I have order’d a Capt. & 25 men to Genl Stevens’s Quarters, agreable to Genl Green’s request, there to wait your Excellency’s Orders—The Bearers Capt. Mott with a few others, now waits upon my Lord Sterling to give him some Information about certain roads, agreable to his Lordships requests—Capt. Mott is a man that may be relied upon in every respect. I am extremely sorry for the occasion of my Absence at present, have been detained till near 1 OClock to compleat the above orders, hope to meet with my Mother in Philada & to return immediately. I have the honor to be, Your Excellencys, Most Ob. Servt

Philemon Dickinson

A Man from Jersy this moment came in, who crossed at McConkys ferry, he say’s, the Hesians shot one of our People there this morng

that they heard Waggon’s going all night, & tis imagined the Enemy have had notice of the Boats being brought down to McConkys, & conjecture those waggons or Carriages carried up Field Pieces—a Party of Hessians were seen this morng very early at Howells Ferry, opposite to this Post, whch is unusual, they certainly have had some Information; at least it appears so from those circumstances, they are informed of our every movement I beleive. I recd this instant a few lines from Genl Mercer about a certain B. Greene, I refer your Excellency to Capt. Mott to give his Character, & if you think proper to have him secured, your Orders by Colo. Smith shall be instantly complied with.

P.D.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Griffin, 24 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Griffin, Samuel

Dear Sir
Camp above Trenton Falls 24th Decr 1776

The unfortunate mode adopted by Congress for the appointment of Officers under the New Establishment, has been big with every evil—& among others with the most shamefull delays—In short, so much confusion & uncertainty attend the appointments, for want of an arrangement of the Officers, that I do not see whether we are like ever to recover from it—this has determined me in the present exigency of our Affairs, to encourage, by every means in my power, the raising of Men for Continental service; and as your Camp may be a proper place to set a Work of this sort on foot, I wish you would select such persons as you shall judge fit to command Companies in the first place and

likely to raise them in the next, and promise them in my name, that if they can raise Companies upon the Continental terms, and establishment, or even if they can engage Fifty privates, I will immediately, upon a certificate thereof from you, take both Officers and Men into pay—allow the Officers a Dollar & a third for every man they inlist and the Men their Bounty of Twenty Dollars &ca.
You will observe—I do not mean to take either Officers or Men into pay till at least fifty are engaged to a Company, and a certificate obtained of it, because as I intend these in aid of the 88 Battallions voted by Congress, I cannot consent to burthen the Continent with the expence of an additional number of Officers unless they are accompanied with Men—These companies are to be raised upon the same terms & for the same time of the other Battallions, and will as they are raised, be regimented. As an encouragement to the Captains, they may nominate their own Subalterns, but then, I will reserve the right of negativing them, in case I find their choice falls upon improper persons from local attachments, rather than the public good. If you can set Eight Companies of this kind on foot, and will facil[it]ate the recruiting of them, I think I can undertake to engage you the Regiment and a principal share in the nomination of the Field Officers. In this work, you are to recollect, that no Officers already appointed on the New establishment are to be withdrawn from it, least confusion should be thereby introduced, and that my wish & desire is, that these Companies may be raised as far as possible in the Jerseys. At present I shall only add that I am with great esteem D. Sr Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the New York Committee of Safety, 24 December 1776
From: New York Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

⟨In Committee of Safety for the State of New-York, Fishkills, December 24th, 1776.⟩

⟨Sir: We were honoured with your Excellency’s favour of the 15th instant,⟩ and most readily ac⟨cept your apology for not answering ours of last⟩ month, since we are not ignorant of ⟨the straits into which our temporary inlistments⟩ have thrown you, and have found in the dif⟨ficulties which your Excellency had to contend⟩ with, no small addition to those under which we ⟨labour. You will see by the enclosed⟩ Resolve that we have agreeable to your Excellencys ⟨request, called out great part of our⟩ Militia besides those that are on the west side of ⟨Hudson’s river, under the command of⟩ Brigadier General Clinton, with a View to supply the ⟨place of the troops who are shortly⟩ to leave us, But Sir we cannot but help Observing that ⟨we do not put too much con⟩fidence in our endeavours for reasons that will be explained to yo⟨ur Excellency by Mr.⟩ Benson the Bearer hereof, we have had frequent intimations t⟨hat the enemy design⟩ shortly to make a push for this place and some of them so well fo⟨unded, as to convince⟩ us that nothing but our being in a proper state of defence will fru⟨strate the design⟩.
As the difficulties under which we labour have not esc⟨aped your attention,⟩ we persuade ourselves that your Excellency will contribute ⟨so far as is consistent⟩ with the general welfare to remove them. this we conceive ⟨can be in no way so effectually⟩ done as by sending some of the new raised regiments, ⟨if any are completed, to secure⟩ the defiles in the highlands; this we know must ⟨be regulated by circumstances,⟩ of which your Excellency is the only proper Judge a⟨nd to your decision, after hav⟩ing barely hinted it we most chearfully submit, The ⟨necessity of the troops⟩ Sent to the Northward are inconceivably great, and ⟨unless speedily supplied must ren⟩der the forces we raise intirely useless, we ha⟨ve directed Mr. Benson to pre⟩ss the Congress to

fall upon some mea⟨ns of furnishing us out of the stores⟩ they have purchased in the Eas⟨tern States. Perhaps our request, if backed by your Excellency’s recommendation, would be more speedily complied with. I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient and⟩ very humble Servant

⟨By⟩ order
Abm Ten Broeck, President


Title: From George Washington to the Chiefs of the Passamaquoddy Indians, 24 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Chiefs of the Passamaquoddy Indians

Brothers of Passamaquodia
[Bucks County, Pa., 24 December 1776]

I am glad to hear by Major Shaw, that You Accepted of the Chain of Freindship which I sent you last February from Cambridge, & that you are determined to keep it bright and unbroken.
When I first heard that you refused to send any of your Warriours to my Assistance when called upon by our Brothers of St Johns I did not know what to think; I was Afraid that some Enemy had turned your Hearts Against Me. But I am since informed that all your young Men were employed in Hunting, which was the reason of their not coming; This has Made my Mind easy, and I hope you will allways in future join with your Brothers of St Johns & Penobscott when required.
I have desired My Brother the Governr of Massachusetts Bay to pay you the Money which Capt. Smith promised you for Sending My Letters to the Micmack Indians.
Brothers—I have a peice of News to tell you which I hope you will Attend to.
Our Enemy the King of Great Britain endeavoured to Stir up all the Indians from Canada to South Carolina Against Us, But our Bretheren of the Six Nations and their Allies the Shawanese and Delewares would not hearken to the Advice of the Messengers sent among them but kept fast hold of our Ancient Covenant Chain; The Cherokees and the Southern Tribes were foolish enough to listen to them, and to take up the Hatchet Against us, Upon this our Warriours went into their

Country, burnt their Houses, destroyed their Corn, and Oblidged them to sue for peace and give Hostages for their future Good Behaviour.
Now Brothers never lett the Kings Wicked Councellors turn your Hearts Against Me and your Bretheren of this Country, but bear in Mind what I told you last February and what I tell you now. In token of my Freindship I send you this from my Army on the Banks of the great River Delaware this 24th Day of December 1776.

George Washington


Title: General Orders, 25 December 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

[Bucks County, Pa., 25 December 1776]

Each Brigade to be furnish’d with two good Guides.
General Stevenss Brigade to form the advanced party & to have with them a detachment of the Artillery without Cannon provided with Spikes and Hamners to Spike up the enemies Cannon in case of necesity or to bring them off if it can be effected. the party to be provided with drag ropes for the purpose of dragging off the Cannon. General Stevens is to attack and force the enemies Guards and seize such posts as may prevent them from forming in the streets and in case they are annoy’d from the houses to set them on fire. The Brigades of Mercer & Lord Stirling under the Command of Major General Greene to support General Stevens, this is the second division or left wing of the Army and to march by the way of the Pennington Road.

St Clairs Glovers & Sargents Brigades under Major General Sullivan to march by the river road, this is the first division of the Army and to form the right wing. Lord Stirlings Brigade to form the reserve of the left wing and General St Clairs Brigade the reserve of the right wing. These reserves to form a second line in Conjunction or a second Line to each division as circumstances may require—Each Brigadier to make the Colonels acquainted with the posts of their respective Regiments in the Brigade and the Major Generals will inform them of the posts of their Brigades in the Line.
Four peices of artillery to march at the head of each Column, three peices at the head of the second Brigade of each Division and two peices with each of the Reserves. The troops to be assembled one Miles back of McKonkeys ferry and as soon as it begins to grow dark the troops to be March’d to McKonkeys ferry and embark onboard the boats in following order under the direction of Colonel Knox.
General Stevens Brigade with the detachment of Artillery men to embark first General Mercers next; Lord Stirlings next, Genl Fermoys next who will march in the rear of the Second Division and file off from the Penington to the Princeton Road in such direction that he can with the greatest ease & safety secure the passes between Princeton & Trenton. the Guides will be the best judges of this. he is to take two peices of artille[r]y with him.
St Clair Glover & Sargents Brigades to embark in order. Immediately upon their debarkation the whole to form & march in Subdivisions from the Right.
The Commanding Officers of Regiments to observe that the Divisions be equal & that proper officers be appointed to each—a profound silence to be enjoyn’d & no man to quit his Ranks on the pain of Death—each Brigadier to appoint flanking parties—the reserve Brigades to appoint the rear Guards of the Columns—The heads of the Columns to be appointed to arrive at Trenton at five oClock.
Capt. Washington & Capt. Flahaven with a party of 40 men each to march before the Divisions & post themselves on the road about three miles from Trenton & make prisoners of all going in or coming out of Town.
General Stevens will appoint a Guard to form a chain of centries round the landing place at a sufficient distance from the river to permit the troops to form This Guard not to suffer any person to go in or come out—but to detain all persons who attempts either this Guard to join their Brigade when the troops are all over.