Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency
Kingsbridge Augst 20th 1776

I have the Pleasure to Inform you, that we have taken out of the wreck of the Tender lately burnt up the north River, The following Cannon Vizt One Six Pounder, Two Three Do One Two Do and Ten Swivels, One Cabooses and Apron, Two Cutlasses, Two Gun Barrels, One Crow bar and 4 Gapp[l]in[g]s and Chains, Lieut. Landon of Colo. Nicolls Regiment with Two of the Company to Which he belongs went off and Towed the Wreck on Shore Under the Fire of the Cannon of the Ships, a Cannon Ball Passing within a few Inches of his Head, He is an Undaunted officer, and with great Fatigue Has Taken these Cannon out of the water, I therefore beg leave to recommend this Service in Particular to your Excellency notice and if you Should think Some Reward Proper to be Given, it will be gratefully received by the Adventurers and Perhaps Prompt Others to daring Actions. I have the Honor to be with great respect your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: General Orders, 21 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 21st 1776.
Kingsbridge.Jersey.

Adjutant Taylor to do the duty of Brigade Major to General McDougall’s Brigade during Major Platts illness; he is to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
Lieut: Hobby of Capt: Hyatts Company, Regiment late General McDougalls, tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Wyllys was president for misbehaviour in leaving one of the Hulks in the North River; was acquitted and the complaint reported groundless—Ordered that he be discharged from his arrest.

A Court of inquiry to sit on Friday at Mrs Montagnies, upon Capt: McCleave, Stanton and Tinker, charged with backwardness in duty, up the North River last week, and misbehaviour on Sunday last when the Men of war came down the river—Court to consist of the following persons, & meet at ten O’Clock—General McDougall President. Col. Malcom. Lt Col. Shepard. Lt Col. Wesson[.] Major Brooks. Capt. Peters[.] Capt: Van Dyck. Members. The Judge Advocate to attend and all witnesses.
Fifty men properly officered to parade every morning at six O’Clock at General Putnam’s; there to take Orders from him; Not to bring arms—These to be continued every day till further orders.
Fifty men also for fatigue to parade to morrow morning properly officered on the Grand parade without Arms—take orders from Capt: Post.
Ten Men with one Subaltern, who have been used to the Sea, to parade at General Putnams this afternoon, two OClock, to proceed to Kingsbridge, up the North River—take three days provision.
The like number for the same service, to parade to morrow morning, Six o’Clock, at General Putnam’s quarters—take three days provision; both parties parade without arms.
Twenty men, with a Subaltern, to parade for fatigue, to morrow morning without Arms, on the Grand parade to proceed to Bayard hill, and work upon the well—take orders from the person who has the direction of digging the well.


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

Head Quarters New York 21st Augt 17768 OClock P.M.
Sir

Inclosed I transmit you Copy of a Letter which I have this Moment recd from Genl Livingston at Elizabeth Town. You will perceive by it that the Enemy are upon the point of striking the long expected Stroke, and as part of the Information seems to intimate that the Attack may be up the North River as well as at the lower posts, I have only to recommend to you to be as well prepared as possible for this important Event. Should any other Intelligence of Moment come to hand you may depend it shall be immediately communicated to you by Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Livingston, 21 August 1776
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Elizabeth Town [N.J.]Augt 21st 1776
May it please Your Excy

In the utmost Haste, I must inform you that very providentially, I sent a Spy last Night on Staten Island to obtain Intelligence of the movements of the Enemy, as many Things apparently new was seen from our Lines—He has this Moment returned in safety—The Substance of his Information I must give you in short—He went on the Island about Midnight and got undiscovered to the House of the Person to whom he was sent, who informed him—That the whole Force of the Enemy

of every kind was 35000 Men, 15000 of whom were left on the Island, but all the rest Embarqued.
That they expected to attack every Hour, he thinks this Night at farthest—It was to be on Long Island, & up the North River—That the 15000 Men were to land & attack at Bergen Point, Elizabeth Town Point and at Amboy.
He has heard the Orders read & heard the Generals talk of it—The Waggons are all laid out & ready—That they appear very determined & will put all to the Sword—They are in great want of Provision—Pork tolerably good but flour exceedingly bad—They have eat up all the Cattle and are now killing & barrelling up all the Horses they meet with.
All the field Pieces are taken on Board except two—The Informant may be depended on, being employed by the General and carries his Baggage—He has been employed in purchasing Cattle—He has given £10 for a Cow and 10 Dollars for a Sheep—That the Tories on the Island are very illy treated lately, so that the Inhabitants who at first were so pleased, would now be willing to poison them all—They take from them every Thing they choose, and no one has any Thing they can call their own. I am with great respect Your Excellencies Most Hble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 21 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

New York Augt 21. 1776.

On Monday I received your Favor of the 16th inst. with Its several Inclosures. The Time You were in Treaty I can readily conceive, was sufficiently irksome & disagreeable. However, If the Good Consequences Which You meant should be produced from It, You will think It was extremely well spent.
General Carlton’s Orders for their Indecent, Illiberal Scurrility, are equal If not superior to any Thing I have seem, & are such as I could not have expected from a Person of his High Rank. He holds forth a Language very different from General

Howe as You would perceive by the Copy of his Letter I transmitted You. The Assassination of General Gordon, is a Matter entirely new—having Never heard of It before. The Paper made up as a Letter & directed to me, Which Major Bigelow brought with him, Only Contained a Copy of the Orders.
I am Glad the Works at Fort Stanwix are Going on so well & that they have so Much Provision in Store. In a little Time I hope they will be strong & Compleat.
By a Letter from Governor Trumbull he informs Me, that a Captn Van Buren had procured a sufficient Quantity of Sail Cloth & a part of the Cordage wanted for the Gallies, in Connecticut, & that the Rest of the Cordage would be probably Obtained there. Upon the whole I hope Necessaries to fit them Out, will be Obtained one Way or Other.
The inclosed Letter from Colo. Stark was transmitted and referred to Me by General Gates in Order that I might determine upon the Subject of It. I should suppose the Value of Rations should be sett[l]ed with the Commissary Or Submitted to Congress for their Decision. I do not con-ceive It with me, to give any Direction in this Instance, & therefore thought It right, to give Notice of It by this the first Opportunity.
Since my last of the 13th Nothing worthy of Mention has occurred in this Quarter, Unless the Ships of War having left their Stations up the North River & Joined the Fleet again is considered as such. On Sunday Morning they came down with their remaining Tenders. It is more than probable, that an Attempt by two of our Fire Vessels to destroy them a Night or two before contributed to their Departure. The Enterprize tho’ conducted with spirit & Resolution did not succeed to our Wishes, Only One Tender having been destroyed. The Phœnix was Grapled for some Minutes but cleared herself without Damage. I am Dr Sir, Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 22 August 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 22d Augst 1776

Congress not having Come to a full Determination upon the Subject of your Letter by the Express, he is still Detain’d, I shall so soon as the Resolutions are perfected Dispatch him with them—Your favr of 20th I have rec’d, & is before Congress with its Inclosures.
I have now only to Inclose you several Resolves pass’d yesterday in Congress, to which beg Leave to Refer you. I have the honour to be with all possible respect Sir Your most Obedt servt

John Hancock Presidt

The three Gentln who Came from Virginia, for the Apprehending of whom you issued a Warrant, were taken at Eliza.

Town, & deliver’d me yesterday by a party of the Light horse, and are now under Guard, will be Examin’d this Day.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dr Sir,
New York Augt 22d 1776.

As the Enemy must pass this place before they can attempt the Posts above, and as your Troops there, are new augmented, I would have you pick out a body of about Eight hundred or a thousand light active men, and good Marksmen (Including the light Infantry and Riflemen) ready to move this way upon the appearance of the Shipping coming up, or upon the commencement of the Canonade of any of our Works.
By the time these Troops get in to the flat grounds of Harlem they will be able (especially if you send a Horseman or two on before for Intelligence which will be proper) to determine

whether the Ships Intend higher up than this Neighbourhood and regulate themselves accordingly.
There is a road out of the Harlem flat Lands that leads up to the Hills & continues down the North River by Bloomingdale—Delancys &ca which road I would have them March as they will keep the River in sight and pass a tolerable Landing place for Troops in the Neighbourhood of Bloomingdale. this Detachment should bring a couple of light field Pieces.
I think two, or even four pieces of Cannon might be spared from Fort Washington to the Post ovr the Bridge—But query whether it might not do to run them from thence when occasion shall seem to require it as that Post never can be attacked without sufficient notice to do this—Colo. Knox will have four Carriages ready for that place immediately if we have not other Imployment upon hand—which General Putnam who is this Instant come In seems to think we assuredly shall this day as there is a considerable Imbarkation on board of the Enemy’s Boats. I shall therefore only add that you should delay no time in forming your Detachment for our Aid—or your own Defence as Circumstances may require. Yrs &ca in haste

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kingsbridge Augt 22nd 1776half Past 2 oClock A:M.

I have the Honor this moment to receive yours of the last Evening Inclosing Copy of a Letter from Genl Livingston.
I can Assure your Excellency that every thing in my Power

shall be Done to be in Readiness, either to receive the Enemy here or to afford you Aid, Fort Washington is in Good order, but our works here are not yet Compleated, and we are as yet Entirely without any Cannon mounted—General Mifflen Seems Unwilling, that any Should be removed from Mount Washington but I think to order up at least Two this Day we have 15 or 1600 men here, who are Excellent marksmen, and nature has Given us Proper Ground for them, we have received a number of Boards, and shall Put up sheds Immediately in order to Draw our men together being at present much Scattered. I have the Honor to be with great respects your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath

General Clinton is gone Down to view the most Important Posts and to Raise a sufficient number of militia to defend them if Such a number Can be Mustered, and give orders for Securing the Stocks &c.
P.S. I have this moment seen the Orders from the Adjt Genl to Genl Mifflin The Detachment will march immediately but Your Excellency will consider our Situation. W.H.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kingsbridge Aug: 22nd 17762 O’Clock P.M.

I have the honor this moment to receive your Orders for augmenting the Detachment designed for your Aid—Genl Mifflin, Clinton & myself an Hour or Two Ago had determined upon the same Plan, and think our Selves happy in having the same order’d by your Excellency—The Detachment shall be got ready with all Expedition, & Officer’d with the best Officers which we have, Genl Mifflin will command them—If the Commissary Genl has a Quantity of hard biscuit on hand I cou’d wish to have some sent here immediately, if he has not that a Quantity may be baked for us if possible—As we have not Ovens as yet

built in Genl Clinton’s Brigade, and the Men with great Difficulty obtain their bread from day to day we are about building Ovens as fast as the materials can be procured. I have the honor to be With great Respect Your Excellency’s most Humble Servt

W: Heath


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 22 August 1776
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir.
War Office [Philadelphia] Augt 22d 1776

I have put under the Care of the Bearer’s, Part of the Philadelphia Light Horse, five hundred thousand Dollars to be sent to Ticonderoga for the Use of the Northern Army. As it might save Expence & be more expeditious, I have desired the Gentlemen, to call at Head Quarters & take your Excellency’s Opinion & Directions as to the Propriety of sending the Money by Water; the River being now cleared of the Enemy’s Ships. Should you think it best to send their Charge by Water, the Gentlemen will either accompany it themselves, or submit to your Excellency’s Appointment of another Guard with Pleasure, as some of them are desirous of returning tho’ two are inclinable to proceed the whole Way. I have troubled you on this Head by the Advice of the Board of War & have the Honour to be with great Esteem & Respect your very obedt & most hble Servt

Richard Peters Secy


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 22 August 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 22 August 1776

Your Excellency’s letter of the thirteenth Instant came to hand last Evening; and agreeable to your Directions I shall order Capt. Burbeck with his Company of Artillery, and the Company of Artificers, to march as soon as possible for Norwich and from thence to go by water to Norwalk, and New york. I am Your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward

Postscript: Major Wadsworth, was appointed Major of Brigade to this Division of the Army the 22 Day of April, and when the Continental Regiments were ordered to New york, and Ticonderoga, as the Brigade was divided, I directed him to do duty as Brigade Major to the Regiments that are ordered in to take the place of the Continental Regiments, until further Orders.


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Yates, Jr., 22 August 1776
From: Yates, Abraham Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Convention of the Representatives of theState of New York Haerlem August 22d 1776

The Convention of this State have received Information from one of the Deputies of the City and County of New York, of a Report Prevailing amongst the Army, “that if the fortune of War should oblige our Troops to abandon that City, it should be immediately burnt by the retreating Soldiery, and that any Man is authorized to set it on fire.”
The Convention will chearfully submit to the fatal Necessity of destroying that Valuable City whenever Your Excellency shall deem it essential to the Safety of this State or the general Interest of America—Yet the Duty which they owe to their Constituents obliges them to take every possible Precaution that Twenty thousand Inhabitants may not be reduced to Misery by the wanton Act of an Individual.
They therefore entreat the favor of Your Excellency to take such Measures in preventing the evil Tendency of such a Report as You shall deem most expedient. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedient and very humble servt

By Order.
Abm Yates Junr President


Title: General Orders, 23 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 23rd 1776.
Charlestown.Lee.

The Commissary General is directed to have five days Bread baked, and ready to be delivered: If the Commissary should apply to the commanding officers of regiments, for any Bakers, they are to furnish them without waiting for a special order.
The General was sorry yesterday to find, that when some troops were ordered to march, they had no provisions, notwithstanding the Orders that have been issued. The men must march, if the service requires it, and will suffer very much if not provided: The General therefore directs, all the Troops to have two days hard Bread, and Pork, ready by them; and desires the officers will go through the encampment, and quarters, to see that it be got and kept.
The General would be obliged to any officer, to recommend to him, a careful, sober person who understands taking care of Horses and waiting occasionally. Such person being a Soldier will have his pay continued, and receive additional wages of twenty Shillings ⅌ Month—He must be neat in his person, and to be depended on for his honesty and sobriety.
The officers of the militia are informed, that twenty-four Rounds are allowed to a man, and two Flints; that the Captains of each Company should see that the Cartridges fit the bore of the gun; they then are to be put up in small Bundles; All the Cartridges except six; writing each mans name on his bundle, and keep them safely ’till the Alarm is given, then deliver to each man his bundle; the other six to be kept for common use. In drawing for ammunition, the commanding officers should, upon the regimental parade, examine the state of their regiments, and then draw for Cartridges, and Flints, agreeable to the above regulation. Capt: Tilton will assist them in their business, and unless in case of alarm, they are desired not to draw for every small number of men, who may be coming in.
The Enemy have now landed on Long Island, and the hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty—that slavery will be your portion, and that

of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men: Remember how your Courage and Spirit have been dispised, and traduced by your cruel invaders; though they have found by dear experience at Boston, Charlestown and other places, what a few brave men contending in their own land, and in the best of causes can do, against base hirelings and mercenaries—Be cool, but determined; do not fire at a distance, but wait for orders from your officers—It is the General’s express orders that if any man attempt to skulk, lay down, or retreat without Orders he be instantly shot down as an example, he hopes no such Scoundrel will be found in this army; but on the contrary, every one for himself resolving to conquer, or die, and trusting to the smiles of heaven upon so just a cause, will behave with Bravery and Resolution: Those who are distinguished for their Gallantry, and good Conduct, may depend upon being honorably noticed, and suitably rewarded: And if this Army will but emulate, and imitate their brave Countrymen, in other parts of America, he has no doubt they will, by a glorious Victory, save their Country, and acquire to themselves immortal Honor.
The Brigade Majors are immediately to relieve the Guards out of the regiments order’d to Long Island, from other regiments of the brigade, and forward such Guards to the regiments.
Major Newbury’s Col. Hinmans, Major Smiths, Col. Cook’s, Col. Talcots, Col. Baldwin’s and Major Strong’s Regiments of Connecticut Militia to parade this evening precisely at five OClock on the Grand parade—Major Henly will attend and shew them their alarm posts, and direct them in manning the lines.
When any of the Field Officers for Picquet, or Main Guard, are sick, or otherwise incapable of the duty, they are immediately to signify it to their Brigade Major—but the General hopes that triffling excuses will not be made, as there is too much reason to believe has been the case.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt 23. 1776

I beg leave to inform Congress that Yesterday morning & in the course of the preceeding night, a considerable body of the Enemy amounting by report to Eight or Nine thousand, and these all British, landed from the Transport Ships mentioned in my Last at Gravesend Bay on Long Island, and have approached within three miles of our Lines, having marched across the Low, cleared Grounds, near the Woods at Flat Bush where they are halted from my last Intelligence.
I have detached from hence, Six Battallions as a reinforcement to our Troops there, which are all that I can spare at this Time, not knowing but the Fleet may move up with the Remainder of their Army and make an Attack here on the next Flud Tide. If they do not, I shall send a further reinforcment should It be necessary, and have ordered five Battallions more to be in readiness for that purpose. I have no doubt, but a little Time will produce some Important events. I hope they will be happy—The Reinforcement detached yesterday went off in high spirits, and I have the pleasure to Inform you that the whole of the Army, that are effective & capable of duty, discover the same and great chearfulness. I have been Obliged to appoint Major Genl Sullivan to the command on the Island, owing to Genl Green’s Indisposition, he has been extremely Ill for several days and still continues bad.

By Wednesday Evening’s post, I received a Letter from Genl Ward Inclosing a Copy of the Invoice of the Ordinance Stores taken by Captn Manly with the appraisemt of the same made in pursuance of my direction founded on the Order of Congress which I do myself the Honor of transmitting.
You will also receive the Treaty between the Commissioners and the Indians of the Six Nations and Others, at the German Flats, which Genl Schuyler requested me to forward by his Letter of the 18 Instt. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Sir
Head Quarters New York 23d Augt 1776

Yesterday Morning the Enemy landed at Gravesend Bay upon Long Island, from the best Information I can obtain, to the Number of about Eight Thousand. Colo. Hand retreated before them, burning as he came along, several parcels of Wheat, and such other Matters as he judged would fall into the Enemy’s Hands. Our first Accounts were, that they intended, by a forced March, to surprize Genl Sullivan’s (who commands during the Illness of Genl Green) Lines, whereupon I immediately reinforced that post with Six Regiments. But they halted last Night at Flat-Bush. If they should attack General Sullivan this day, and should shew no Disposition to attack me likewise, at the making of the next Flood, I shall send such further Reinforcements to Long Island as I may judge expedient, not chusing to weaken this post too much, before I am certain that the Enemy are not making a Feint upon Long Island to draw our Force to that Quarter when their real Design may perhaps be upon this. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

The Flood Tide will begin to make about Eleven Oclock, at which time, if the Detatchment ordered yesterday, were to move to the high, and open Grounds about Mr O. Delancy & Bloomingdale, they would be ready to come forward, or return back, as occasion should require it will give them a little Exercise—and shew them wherein they are wanting in any matter.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Kingsbridge Augst 23rd 1776 half past One oClock P:M.
Dear General

I am so unhappy as not to receive your Letter Untill this moment, having been all this forenoon with the Engineers viewing the Ground & laying out the works, But upon Sight of your Letter I have ordered the Detachment Here to Parade and

march for Mount Washington as Soon as Possable, And the Detachment at that place which Consists of near Eight Hundred to march forward agreable to your Excellency’s Direction.
I hope Soon to hear Good News from Long Island, I have never been afraid of the force of the Enemy, I am more So of their Arts, They must be well watched, They like the Frenchman look one way and Row the other, However I trust that they will not find Americans deficient either in fortitude or Policy—A floating Bridge or number of Boats Seems to be highly necessary for a Communication on Harlem River I submit to your Excellency’s Consideration whether Some of the Fire rafts (as they are Called) might not be Employd to advantage for this Purpose. I have the Honor to be with great respect your Excellencys Hbl. Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 23 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Convention

Gentlemen
Head Quarters New York 23d Augt 1776

I am favoured with yours of the 22d acquainting me with a Report now circulating “that if the American Army should be obliged to retreat from this City, any Individual may set it on fire.”
I can assure you Gentlemen, this Report is not founded upon the least Authority from me. On the contrary I am so sensible of the Value of such a City and the Consequences of its Destruction to many worthy Citizens & their Families that nothing but the last Necessity and that such as should justify me to the whole World, would induce me to give Orders for that purpose.

The unwillingness shewn by many Families to remove notwithstanding your and my Recommendation may perhaps have led some persons to propagate the Report with honest and innocent Intentions. But as your Letter first informed me of it, I cannot pretend to say by whom or for what purpose it has been done.
As my Views with Regard to the Removal of the Women and Children have happily coincided with your Sentiments and a Committee appointed to carry them into Execution, I submit it to your Judgment whether it would not be proper for the Committee to meet immediately in this City and give Notice of their Attendance on this Business. There are many who anxiously wish to remove but have not the means. I am with much Respect & Regard Gentn yrs &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 23 August 1776
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dr Genll
Long-Island Augt 23d 1776.

This Afternoon the Enemy formed & attempted to pass the Road by Bedford a smart fire between them and the Rifle Men ensued, the Officer sent off for a Reinforcement which I ordered down Immediately, a number of Musketry came up to the Assistance of the Rifle Men whose fire with that of our field peices caused a Retreat of the Enemy our Men followed them to the House of Judge Lefferds, where a number of them had taken Lodgings drove them out and Burnt the House and a number of other Buildings Contiguous, they think they kill’d a number & as Evidence of it they produce three Officers Hangers a Carbine & one Dead Body with a considerable Sum of Money in Pocket, I have ordered a party out for Prisoners to night—

we have driven them half a Mile from their former Station, these things argue well for Us and I hope are so many preludes to a General Victory. Dr Genl I am wt. much Esteem Yr Very Huml. Servt

Jno: Sullivan


Title: General Orders, 24 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 24th 1776.
Jamaica.London.

All the intrenching tools are to be collected, and delivered in to the store. Officers who have given receipts will be called upon, as they are answerable for them if there should be any deficiency.
The General has appointed William Grayson Esqr. one of his Aide-du-Camps; he is to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
In Case of action, any orders delivered by Col. Moylan Quarter Master General, as from the General, to be considered as coming from him, or as delivered by an Aide-du-Camp.
The Adjutants of the Connecticut Militia, are directed to make themselves acquainted, with parapet firing; and the other officers of those Corps would do well to attend to it, and practice their men every day: Their Honor and Safety will much depend upon their avoiding any confusion in manning the lines.
The Court Martial of which Col. Wyllys was President is dissolved.

The Brigade Majors, in forming the new one, to be careful to have it full; and officers, who can attend.
The Court Martial to proceed at their first sitting to the tryal of Adjutant Brice of Col. Smallwoods Battalion, charged with “Disobedience of orders.”
The changing of the regiments occasioning some difficulties in the duty—The Brigade Majors are to send, by the Orderly Serjeant, every morning, a duty return of the officers and men in their respective brigades.
The passage of the East-River being obstructed in such a manner, with Chevaux-de-Frizes &c., as to render it dangerous for any Vessels to attempt to pass, The Sentinels along the river, contigious to where the obstructions are placed, are to hail and prevent any Vessels attempting to pass, otherways than between the Albany Pier, and a Mast in the river, which appears above water nearly opposite.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
New York Augt 24th 1776.

The irregularity of the Post prevents your receiving the early and constant Intelligence it is my Wish to communicate. This is the third Letter which you will, probably, receive from me by the same Post. The first was of little or no consequence, but that of yesterday gave you the best Information I had been able to obtain of the Enemy’s Landing, and movements upon Long Island. Having occasion to go over thither yesterday, I sent my Letter to the Post Office at the usual hour (being informed that the Rider was expected every moment and wou’d go out again directly) but in the Evening, when I sent to enquire, none had come in.
I now Inclose you a report made to me by Genl Sullivan after I left Long Island Yesterday. I do not conceive that the Enemys whole Force was in motion, but a detach’d Party rather—I have sent over four more Regiments with Boats, to be ready, either to reinforce the Troops under General Sullivan, or to return to this place if the remainder of the Fleet at the Watering place

should push up to the City, which hitherto (I mean since the Landing upon Long Island) they have not had in their power to do on Acct of the Wind, which has either been a head, or too small, when the Tide has served. I have nothing further to trouble the Congress with at present than that I am theirs, and your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 24 August 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada August 24th 1776

The late Conduct of Lord Drummond is as extraordinary, as his Motives are dark and mysterious. To judge the most favourably of his Intentions, it should seem, that an overweening Vanity has betrayed him into a criminal Breach of Honour. But whether his Views were upright, or intended only to mislead and deceive, cannot at present be a Matter of any Importance. In the mean Time, I have the Pleasure to acquaint you, that Congress highly approve of the Manner in which you have checked the officious & intemperate Zeal of his Lordship. Whether his Designs were hostile, or friendly, he equally merited the Reproof you have given him; and I hope for the future he will be convinced, that it is higly imprudent to attract the Attention of the Public to a Character, which will only pass without Censure, when it passes without Notice.
The Congress having considered the Matter thoroughly are of Opinion to decline taking any public or farther Notice of his Lordship, or his Letters; and particularly as you have so fully expressed their Sentiments on the Subject in your Letter to him. It was the Consideration of this point that induced Congress to detain the Express till now. I have the Honour to be with perfect Esteem and Regard Sir your most obedt and very hble Sert

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 24 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York Augt 24th 1776.

I received Your Favor of the 18th with its several Inclosures on Thursday by Mr Allen.
My Letter of the 13th does not, nor was It meant to contain the most distant Hint of Your Entertaining Doubts or Suspicions of my Not having communicated to Congress, such Parts of your Letters as were Material. It was only designed to answer Yours, where You say, since my Arrival here, You had not written to them on Military Affairs, supposing Whatever Information You might Give & Which was Necessary for them to know would be communicated by me. My Request to be advised of the Information You might Give Congress of any Matters Whereof You wrote me at the same Time, was to prevent my sending them unnecessary Intelligence & the Trouble of sending Needless Copies & Extracts made out.
I am in Hopes the Articles mentioned in the Letter to Captn Varrick, will have come to Hand before this—Also those contained in the inclosed List, shipped on Board the Schooner Union, Philo Sandford, Master the 19th instt as the Qr Mastr Genl has reported to Me.
The Treaty with the Indians agreeable to Your Request, I have transmitted to Congress.
It Gives me Pleasure to find the Vessles for the Lakes are in such Forwardness & Going on with such Industry. I Yet hope we shall have a Navy there, equal to Every Exigency & that will be superior to those the Enemy can build. Captns Hawley & Chappel are now here with Permission from Govr Trumbull & Myself to inlist, If they can, Two hundred Seamen out of the Militia just sent from the State of Connecticut. How they will succeed, I cannot determine.
I wish You had proceeded in such Way, as Your own Judgment & Inclination led, in the Case referred to Me for my Advice respecting Colo. Dayton’s Officers. I am sorry that Persons of their Rank & of their Connections, should have Given into such dishonorable & disgraceful Practices, & feel Myself a Good Deal concerned, for themselves, & their Friends. But as the Matter is with Me to determine. As the Making Concessions at the Head of the Regiment, would not answer any purpose, but that of

Rendering them Objects of Ridicule & Contempt—As they could never after Claim & support that Authority Over their Inferiors, that is necessary to Good Governmt & Discipline—As Public Justice and a Regard to our Military Character requires That Matters of this Nature should meet with Every possible Discouragement. As My Conduct might Otherwise be deemed reprehensible & to deter Others from a Conduct Which is but too prevalent I cannot but advise that the several Persons concerned, be subjected to the Trial of a Court-Martial. If the Court should think they ought to be broke & dismissed the Service, Colo. Dayton, his Major & Other Officers, will recommend such as will be proper Persons to fill the Vacancies Occasioned by their Removal.
On Wednesday Night & Thursday Morning a Considerable Body of the Enemy said to be Eight or Nine thousand, landed at Gravesend Bay on Long Island. They have approached within about three Miles of our Lines & Yesterday there was some Skirmishing, between a Detachment from theirs & a Party from our Troops. Their Detachment were obliged to Give Ground, and were pursued as far as where they had a Post at Judge Leffords, His House & Outhouses served as Quarters for them & were burnt by our People. We sustained no Loss in this Action, that I have heard, Except, having two Men slightly wounded. Our People say the Enemy met with More. they found one dead Body in the Habit of a Soldier, with a Good Deal of Money in his Pocket, & Got three Hangers & a Fuzee. I am Dr Sir, Your Humble servt

Go. Washington.

P.S. Our Party threw a Shell from a Howitz Which fell on & bursted in a House, where several of them were; Whether they were injured by It We have not learned. A Firing has been heard this Morning, but know Nothing of the Event.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York Augt 24th 1776

On thursday last the Enemy landed a body of Troops supposed to amount, from the best accounts I have been able to obtain, to eight or nine thousand men at Gravesend Bay on Long Island, ten miles distant from our works on the Island, and immediately marched through the level and open lands to Flat-Bush where they are now incamped. They are distant about three miles from our Lines, and have woods and broken grounds to pass, which we have lined, before they can get to them—Some skirmishings have happened between their advanced Parties and ours in which we have always obtained an advantage—What the real designs of the Enemy are I am not yet able to determine; my opinion of the matter is, that they mean to attack our works on the Island and this City at the same time; and that the Troops at Flat Bush are waiting in those plains till the wind and tide, which have not yet served together, will favor the movement of the Shipping to this place—Others think they will bend their principal force against our Lines on the Island; which, if carried, will greatly facilitate their designs upon the City—This also being very probable, I have thrown what force I can over, without leaving myself too much exposed here; for our whole numbers, if the intelligence we get from Deserters be true, falls short of that of the Enemy, [consequently, the Defence of our own Works, and the Approaches to them is all we can aim at. This then in a Manner leaves the whole Island in possession of the Enemy,] and of course, of the supplies it is capable of affording them.
Under these circumstances would it be practicable for your Government to throw a body of about one thousand, or more, men across the sound to harrass the Enemy in their rear or upon their flank? This would annoy them exceedingly, at the same time that a valuable end, to wit, that of preventing their

parties securing the Stocks of Cattle &c. would be answered by it. The Cattle to be removed or killed.
The knowledge I have of the extraordinary exertions of your State, upon all occasions, does not permit me to require this, not knowing how far it is practicable, I only offer it therefore as a matter for consideration, and of great public utility if it can be accomplished—The Enemy, if my intelligence from Staten Island be true, are at this time rather distressed on account of provisions: if then we can deprive them of what the Island affords much good will follow from it.
The Foreigners are yet upon Staten Island—The British Troops are upon Long Island, and on Ship board. With very great Respect and Esteem I remain Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: Orders to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

[Headquarters, New York, 25 August 1776]

It was with no small degree of concern I percieved yesterday a scattering, unmeaning & wasteful fire, from our people at the enemy, a kind of fire that tended to disgrace our own men as soldiers, and to render our defence contemptible in the eyes of the enemy; no one good consequence can attend such irregularities, but several bad ones will inevitably follow on it; Had it not been for this unsoldierlike and disorderly practice, we have the greatest reason imaginable to believe, that numbers of deserters would have left the enemys army, last year, but fear prevented them from approaching our Lines then, and must forever continue to operate in like manner whilst every soldier concieves himself at liberty to fire when & at what he pleases. This is not the only nor the greatest evil resulting from the practice; for as we do not know the hour of the enemy’s approach to our lines but have every reason to apprehend that it will be sudden & violent, whenever attempted; we shall have our men so scattered & (more than probable) without ammunition, that the consequences must prove fatal to us: besides this there will be no possibility of distinguishing between a real and false alarm.
I must therefore Sir, in earnest terms, desire you to call the Colonels & commanding officers of corps, (without loss of time) before you; and let them afterwards do the same by their respective officers, and charge them, in express & positive terms, to stop these irregularities, as they value the good of the service, their own honor, and the safety of the army; which under God, depends wholly upon the good order & government that is observed in it.
At the same time, I would have you form a proper line of defence, round your incampment and works, on the most advantageous grounds; Your guards which compose this are to be particularly instructed in their duty; & a Brigadier of the day to remain constantly upon the lines, that he may be upon the spot to command, & see that orders are executed. Field officers should also be appointed to go the rounds & report the situation of the guards; no person to be allowed to pass beyond the guards without special orders in writing.
By restraining the loose, disorderly & unsoldierlike firing before

mentioned, I do not mean to discourage Partizan & scouting parties; on the contrary I wish to see a spirit of this sort prevailing, under proper regulation & officers either comm[issione]d or non comm[issione]d (as cases shall require) to be directed by yourself or licens’d by the Brigadier of the day, upon the spot, to be sent upon this service. Such skirmishing as may be effected in this manner will be agreable to the rules of propriety, & may be attended with salutary effects; inasmuch as it will inure the troops to fatigue & danger; will harrass the enemy, may make prisoners & prevent their parties from getting the horses & cattle from the interior parts of the island, which are objects of infinite importance to us, especially the two last.
All the men not upon duty, are to be compelled to remain in, or near their respective camps or quarters, that they may turn out at a moments warning; nothing being more probable than that the enemy will allow little enough time to prepare for the attack: The Officers also, are to exert themselves to the utmost to prevent every kind of abuse to private property, or to bring every offender, to the punishment he deserves; shameful it is to find that those men, who have come hither, in defense of the rights of mankind, should turn invaders of it by destroying the substance of their friends.
The burning of houses, where the apparent good of the service is not promoted by it; & the pillaging of them, at all times, & upon all occasions, is to be discountenanced and punished with the utmost severity; In short it is to be hoped, that men who have property of their own, & a reguard for the rights of others, will shudder at the thought of rendering any man’s situation, to whose protection he had come, more insufferable than his open and avowed Enemy would make it, when by duty & every rule of humanity they ought to aid, & not oppress, the distress’d in their habitations.
The distinction between a well regulated army, & a mob, is the good order & discipline of the first, & the licentious & disorderly behaviour of the latter; Men, therefore, who are not employed, as mere hirelings, but have step’d forth in defence of every thing that is dear & valuable, not only to themselves but to posterity, should take uncommon pains to conduct themselves with uncommon propriety & good order; as their honor reputation &c. call loudly upon them for it.

The wood next red hooks should be well attended to; put some of the most disorderly rifle men into it; The militia or most indifferent troops (those I mean which are least tutored & seen least service) will do for the interior works, whilst your best men should at all hazards prevent the enemy’s passing the wood; & approaching your works; The woods should be secured by abatties &c. where necessary to make the enemys approach, as difficult as possible; Traps & ambuscades should be laid for their parties if you find they are sent out after cattle &c. Given under my hand at Head Quarters this 25th day of Augt 1776.

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 26 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 26th 1776
Newcastle.Paris.

Six hundred men properly officered, from General Wolcot’s Brigade, to parade to morrow morning, at six o’clock, on the Grand Parade, without arms for fatigue: Four hundred to take directions from General McDougall, and two hundred from Lieutt Fish; and the same number to be continued ’till the works are completed; to leave work at young flood, and go on again at the ebb.
The General is very anxious for the state of the arms and ammunition, the frequent rains giving too much reason to fear they may suffer; He therefore earnestly enjoins officers and men to be particularly attentive to it and have them in the best order.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Edwards, 26 August 1776
From: Edwards, Timothy
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Stockbridge [Mass.] Augt 26. 1776

Upon my return home from the treaty at the German-Flatts, the 17 Inst., I communicated the contents of your letters, of the 7th & 10 Inst., to the Indians of this place, then at hand—On the 23 Inst:, being generally collected from their various dispersions, they resolved to join the army under Major Genl Schuyler—The main body of them propose to march tomorrow—As some are yet at their hunting and fishing grounds the number that will engage, cannot be ascertained—Genl Schuyler has doubtless informed your Excellency, That as you had been silent about the terms and mode of engaging them he advised to execute the plan adopted by the Commissioners of Indian affairs for this department, in June last: A copy of what was then sent you—This I have followed—Any services which I can execute you may be assured shall be undertaken with alacrity. I am Your Exellencies most respectful, obedient humble Servant

Timth. Edwards


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 26 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt 26th 1776

I have been duly honoured with your favors of the 20th & 24th and am happy to find my Answer to Ld Drummond has met the approbation of Congress. whatever his views were, most certainly his conduct respecting his parole is highly reprehensible.
Since my Letter of the 24th, All most the whole of the Enemies fleet have fallen down to the Narrows, and from this circumstance—the Striking of their Tents at their Several Encampments on Staten Island from time to time previous to the departure of the Ships from thence, we are led to think, they mean to land the Main Body of their Army on Long Island and to make their Grand push there. I have ordered over considerable reinforcements to our Troops there, and shall continue to send more

as circumstances may require. There has been a little skirmishing & Irregular firing kept up between their and our advanced Guards, in which Colo. Martin of the Jersey Levies has received a Wound in his Breast which It is apprehended will prove mortal—A private has had his Leg broke by a Cannon Ball, and Another has received a Shot in the Groin from their Musquetry—This is all the damage they have yet done us—What they have sustained is not known.
The Shifting & changing, the Regiments have undergone of late, has prevented their making proper returns, and of course put it out of my power to Transmit a Genl One of the Army—However I beleive, our Strength is much the same that It was when the last was made, with the addition of Nine Militia Regiments more from the State of Connecticut averaging about 350 Men each these are Nine of the Fourteen Regiments mentioned in my Letter of the 19th Our people still continue to be very sickly.
The papers designed for the Foreign Troops have been put into several Channels in order that they might be conveyed to ’em, and from the Information I had yesterday, I have reason to beleive many have fallen into their Hands.
I have Inclosed a Copy of Lord Drummond’s Second Letter in answer to mine, which I received since I transmitted his First & which I have thought necessary to lay before Congress that they may possess the whole of the Correspondence between us, and see how far he has exculpated himself from the charge alleged against him—The Log Book he mentions to have sent Colo. Moylan, proves nothing in his favor. That shews he had been at Bermuda, & from thence to some other Island & on his passage from which to this place the Vessel he was in was boarded by a pilot who brought Her into the Hook, where he found the British Fleet, which his Lordship avers he did not expect were there, having understood their destination was to the Southward. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dr Sir
Head Quarters New York Aug. 26th 1776

I have now before me your letters of the 23rd & 24th of this Inst.; with respect to the detachment I directed on the 23rd, I concieve it to be highly expedient that they be kept in the most perfect readiness to act as the circumstances of affairs may render necessary; the present appearance of things seems to indicate an intention in the enemy to make their capital impression on the side of Long Island; but this may possibly be only a feint, to draw over our troops to that quarter, in order to weaken us here; As to the floating bridge you have mentioned for keeping Open the communication on Harlem river, I entirely approve of the Application of the fire rafts to that purpose provided they will Answer the design, to which you intend to convert them; I should think that a General or Garrisson Court martial at your quarters for the tryal of offenders (in cases not capital) would be useful and proper; The Qur M. Genl informs me he has sent up a person last week for the purpose of securing the sails and rigging taken from the vessels lately sunk near Mount Washington.
I have spoke to some gentlemen on the subject of Hardenburgh’s death who (I make no doubt) will convey the account to his brother. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kingsbridge Aug: 26th 1776

I have just had the Honor to receive your’s of this day’s Date, & shall continue in the most perfect readiness, the Detachment designed for your Aid if Occasion should require it—I will

further confer with the Brigadier Generals & Engineers, on the Probability of the Fire Rafts answering the Purpose of a floating Bridge, It is my own, as well as Genl Clinton’s Opinion that they will, and it was also the Opinion of Col: Putnam on Saturday last that they cannot be employed to better purpose.
Our Works are going on briskly, but we are rather weak in Teams, I have this day sent down Boats to bring up the Gun Carriages—Monsieur St Martin our Engineer conducts very well, he is knowing & useful in his Department.
I have been Yesterday & this day, much unwell, Pain in my Side & Head, & something feaverish I hope it will pass off, I am determined to shake it off if possible. I have the honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most humble Servt

W. Heath

P.S. Col. Thomas this moment comes in, & says he hears that One Ship & Two Frigates have entered the Sound, & that an Express is gone to the Congress of New York—doubtless by this Your Excellency has an Acct of it.

W.H.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 26 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Dear Lund,
New York Augt 26th 1776.

Your Letter of the 14th is now before me—You are fully acquainted with my unwillingness to be concerned in Vessels, but if you cannot dispose of my Flour in the Country (which I should much prefer) you must then do the best you can with it, without waiting for particular Instructions from me, as the distance is too great to do this; and you know I shall not disapprove of any thing you do (although it should not turn out well) as I am perswaded you mean to do for the best.
If the Freight of Flour to Hispaniola is 20/ pr Barrl it will certainly be Cheaper to take a part of the Vessel than give this, as the Vessel might, if thought necessary, be Insured with the Cargo. You can best judge how you will be able to pay the £300 and comply with other Ingagements—In short I leave the whole

matter to you, and had rather you would act in these matters as you shall from your own judgment, and the advise of those you can rely on, think best than refer things to me as the time which it takes to write & obtain an answer may, and often will, disconcert a good Scheme.
If the Flour was not in danger of Spoiling, I should think the keeping of it longer might be no disadvantage as it may, probably, be more Saleable sometime hence & can be Ship’d in greater safety in the course of the Winter than Now—But apropos! is there not an Imbargo upon Provisions of all kinds? It runs in my head that there is; if so how can you Ship Flour? Upon the whole, I again repeat, do as you please with respect to the purchasing of a fifth of Harpers Vessel as also in the disposition of the Flour and Corn—as well as other things—The first part of the Summer has been very dry at this place but for the last Fortnight we have had scarce any thing but Rain.
I wish most ardently you could get the North end of the House covered in this fall, if you should be obliged to send all over Virginia, Maryland, & Pensylvania for Nails to do it with. Unless this is done it will throw every thing exceedingly backward—retard the design of Planting Trees as mentioned in my last, & perhaps be the means of spoiling another Frame; besides keeping the House in a disagreeable littered Situation. It is equally my Wish to have the Chimneys run up—In short I would wish to have the whole closed in [(]if you were even to hire many Workmen of different kinds to accomplish it).
The Enemy on Wednesday night, and thursday last, landed a pretty considerable part of their Force on long Island; at a place called Graves end bay about Ten Miles from our Works on the Island; and Marched through the Flat & level Land, which is quite free of Wood, till they (or part of them) got within abt three Miles of our Lines, where they are now Incampd; A Wood & broken ground lying between Us. What there real design is I know not; whether they think our Works round this City are too strong, and have a Mind to bend their whole force that way—or whether it is intended as a feint—or is to form part of their Attack, we cannot as yet tell—however I have strengthend the Post as much as I can, to prevent a Surprize, and have lined the Wood between them and Us, from whence some Skirmishes have ensued and lives lost on both sides. A few days more

I should think will bring matters to an Issue one way or other or else the Season for Action will leave them as we [are] verging close upon September.
I am not at all surprized that our Numbers should be so much magnified with you, when in the very Neighbourhood they are thought to be double what they really are—but this you may be assured of, that our numbers are a good deal short of those of the Enemy, who have this further great advantage of us that by knowing their own points of Attack, they can regulate matters accordingly, where as we are obliged, as far as we are able, to be prepared at all points. Our Officers and Men (such as are fit for duty) seem to be in good Spirits, but we are exceedingly Sickly, more so than the Army has been at any one time since I have Commanded it. I have no doubt however, at least I am flattered into a belief, that Victory, if unfortunately it should decide in favour of the Enemy will not be purchased at a very easy rate.
I, in behalf of the Noble cause we are Ingaged in, and myself, thank with a grateful Heart all those who supplicate the throne of grace for success to the one & preservation of the other. That being from whom nothing can be hid will, I doubt not, listen to our Prayers, and protect our Cause and the supporters of it, as far as we merit his favour and Assistance. If I did not think our struggle just, I am sure it would meet with no assistance from me—and sure I am that no pecuniary Satisfaction upon Earth can compensate the loss of all my domestick happiness and requite me for the load of business which constantly presses upon and deprives me of every enjoyment.
Remember me kindly to all friends, & to Milly Posey, and be assured that I am sincerely and truly Dr Sir Yr Most Affecte

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Wentworth, 26 August 1776
From: Wentworth, Joshua
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Portsmouth [N.H.] Augt 26. 1776

I have the pleasure to advise the arrival at this Port a Prize Ship named the Nelly Frigate, (Lyonel Bradstreet mastr) from the Bay of Honduras, for London, Lading with a Cargo, of 120,000 feet Mahogany Logs and Forty Tons chip’t & unchipt Logwood, sent in by the Hancock Capn Tucker & the Franklyn Capt. Skimmer, in the Service of the United Colonies the Vessel & Cargo the property of Inhabitants of Great Brittian, I have Libled her & shall persue to Trial &ca.
The Trial on the recapture of the Brigt. Elizabeth, taken by Comr Manly & others in the service of the Continent & bound for Halifax, ended the 22d Inst. The Jury acquited her & Cargo, which appearing so directly Contarary to the resolves of Congress & the Law of this Colony; That I conceiv’d it my Duty to appeal; in Justice to the Continent & Captors, which I hope Your Excellency will approbate, part of the Claimants (notwithstanding the verdict is in their favor) are desireous of compromiseing with the Captors, and offer them their full Quota, of Salvage Which is, the one third of half the Value of Vessel & Cargo, we havg establish’d that the Enemy were in Possession more than ninty six hours, but the flagrant error in the Jury, forbid my conceedg to any compromise, for the Captors, as in that Case I must have surrender’d the Just Claim of the Continents, added to which there was taken with the said Brigt. a Mr Jackson, a Mr Keighley & Mr Newton, passengers, with their Effects, & Those Effects are Intended, (as the resolves of Congress expressd) to supply the enemy, & become forfited—yet they were releas’d with the rest of the Cargo. Each Claim is seperate, shou’d Your Excellency recommend my compromissg with those Claimants who are Esteem’d friendly, I shall Comport with it, but as your last favor desired my persuing the line of Duty pointed out by the Laws of the Continent, I shall steedily attend toe them, unless otherways directed—From a principle of Humanity I cou’d wish the suffering Claimants cou’d be releived, but I think it out of the line of my Duty to help them—In a few days I shall forward the appeal to the Secretary of Congress and fully advise him thereon, and shou’d he think it necessary

Shall attend the Trial at Philadelphia or elswhere that may be appointed.
The Nelly Frigate, is a Ship of 305 Tons mounts 2 three pounders & 4 Two pounders.
This Eastern Country are anxiously concern’d for Your Excellencys Success in the Important Battle, expected to have taken place ’ere this; which God Grant has Terminated in favor of this Distress’d Country. remain’g with due respect Yr Excellencys Most obt & Very hume Servt

Josh. Wentworth

I shd not have troubled your Excellency wt. this business, cou’d I devine where my friend Mr Moylans residence is, un’til wch Yr Excellency will excuse me.


Title: General Orders, 27 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 27th 1776.
 [  ].[  ].


Title: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison to John Hancock, 27 August 1776
From: Harrison, Robert Hanson
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt 27. 1776 Eight OClock. P.M.

I this minute returned from our Lines on Long Island where I left his Excellency the General. From him I have It in command to Inform Congress that Yesterday he went there & continued till Evening when from the Enemy’s having landed a considerable part of their Forces and many of their Movements, there was reason to apprehend they would make in a little time a Genl Attack. As they would have a Wood to pass through before they could approach the Lines, It was thought expedient to place a number of Men there on the different Roads leading from whence they were stationed in order to harrass and annoy them in their March—This being done, early this Morning a

Smart engagement ensued between the Enemy and our Detachments, which being unequal to the force they had to contend with, have sustained a pretty considerable loss—At least many of our Men are missing, among those that have not returnd are Genls Sullivan & Lord Stirling—The Enemy’s loss is not known certainly, but we are told by such of our Troops that were in the Engagement and that have come in, that they had many killed and wounded—Our party brought off a Lieutt, Sergt, and Corporal with 20 privates prisoners. While These Detachments were engaged, a Column of the Enemy descended from the Woods and marched towards the Center of our Lines with a design to make an Impression, but were repulsed—This Evening they appeared very numerous about the Skirts of the Woods where they have pitched Several Tents, and his Excellency Inclines to think they mean to attack and force us from our Lines by way of regular approaches rather than in any other manner.
Today Five Ships of the Line came up towards the Town where they seemed desirous of getting, as they turned a long time against an unfavourable Wind, and on my return this Evening I found a Deserter from the 23d Regmt, who Informed me that they design as soon as the Wind will permit ’em to come up, to give us a Severe Cannonade and to Silence our Batteries, If possible. I have the Honor to be in great Haste Sir Your Most Obedt

Rob. H. Harrison.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 27 August 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Tuesday 6 oClock P.M. Philada 27 Augst 1776

I am this moment favd with yours of yesterday’s Date, which I shall in the Morng Communicate to Congress.
I inclose sundry Resolves of Congress to which beg leave to Refer you, & am with much Respect, Sir Your most obed. srt

John Hancock Prest


Title: General Orders, 28 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 28th 1776
Sullivan.Stirling.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 28 August 1776
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Tyconderoga August 28th 1776.

Yesterday I had the Honour to receive your Excellencies Letter of the 14 Instant which is all I have been favoured with since that of the 19th of July. I have at length the Satisfaction to send a pretty correct General Return of the Army in this Part of the Northern District of America; a Copy of my last Letter to General Schuyler, which is in the Packet, will explain the Return to your Excellency. I also enclose my Orders and Instructions to Lieutenant Whitcomb who went from hence the  Instant upon a Scout towards St Johns Chamble &c. The Report of his last Scout, which General Sullivan sent him upon has already been sent to General Schuler, who has doubtless transmitted it to your Excellency. As the Small-Pox is now perfectly removed from the Army, I shall in consequence of the Intelligence received of the Motions of the Enemy immediately assemble my principal Strength to maintain this Important Pass, and hope General Waterbury, in a Week at farthest, will be able to come with the three Row-Gallies to Tyconderoga, and proceed the Instant they arrive and are fitted to join General Arnold upon the Lake. In the mean Time, we are exerting our utmost Industry to Fortify this Post, a Plan of which is Inclosed. The Weather of Late has been so uncommonly Wet and Stormy for the Season, that we are much retarded in our Works. As the Enemy feel alike the Inclemency of the Season, I hope we shall be prepared for them when they come. My Orders to Brigadier General Arnold your Excellency will find in the Packet; he read and entirely approved them before he left Tyconderoga. I hope they are the Sentiments of your Excellency and the most Honourable the Congress upon that Momentous Command.

As the Newhampshire, and Connecticut Militia have come without Tents much Time is Lost by those Regiments in covering themselves. It happens very Fortunately, that Mount Independence affords an Ample Supply of Materials for Huts, otherwise those Corps must soon have felt great distress—The Massachusetts Militia are arrived, well supplied with excellent Tents, and a Sufficiency of good Camp Utensils. This in our present Circumstances is a great Help to us; and does that Province much Honour.
Governour Trumbull acquaints me he has forwarded 1000 falling Axes and two Loads of Cloathing. His Excellency has, from the beginning of the Misfortunes of this Army, done every thing in his Power to reestablish it in Health and Power. Too much cannot be said in his Praise. Your Excellency must long ere this, have received from General Schuyler the Report of Major Biggelow, who returned with the Flag of Truce from Isle-Aux-Noix. As I constantly Report every extraordinary Occurrence to General Schuyler, I take it for granted there is no Delay with him in forwarding them to your Excellency and the Congress. I have ordered Commissary Avery to forward to Colonel Trumbull the Returns and Reports that are proper to be made in his Department and Doctor Morgan has, before this, shewn your Excellency my letter to him of the 22nd Instant.
I am pleased at the Account General Schuyler gives me of 513 Thousand Dollars being arrived at Albany, from Philadelphia, it is much wanted both there, and here, as The Militia were promised their Mileage and Billetting-Money at Number Four but no Money was sent there to pay them. This neglect caused much murmuring amongst them, and was very near stopping their March from Thence. I wish good Care was taken not to make any Promises to Troops, but such as are punctually performed. I apprehend this Promise was made by the Legislature at Water-Town. I have the Honour to be Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Yates, Jr., 28 August 1776
From: Yates, Abraham Jr.
To: Washington, George

In Convention of the Representatives of theState of New York at Harlem Augt 28th 1776
Sir

I am commanded by the Convention to enclose to Your Excellency the Copy of a Letter they received last Evening from General Woodhull[.] The Convention are of Opinion that the Enemy may be prevented from getting the Stock and Grain on Long Island, if the Regiments under the Command of Colo. Smith and Colo. Remsen be sent to join General Woodhull. That this Junction may be effected and how Major Lawrence (who is a Member of this Convention and the bearer hereof) will inform Your Excellency. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient & most humble servant

By Order.
Abm Yates Junr President


Title: From George Washington to Abraham Yates, Jr., 28 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Yates, Abraham Jr.

Sir
Long Island Augst 28th 1776

I was just now honored with your favor of this date with Genl Woodhulls Letter & should esteem myself happy were it in my power to afford the assistance required; but the enemy having landed a considerable part of their force here & at the same time may have reserved Some to attack New York, it is the opinion not only of myself but of all my General Officers I have had an opportunity of consulting with that the men we have are not more than competent to the defence of these Lines & the Several posts which must be defended—This reason & this only prevents my complying with your request—I Shall beg leave to mention in confidence that a few days ago upon the Enemys first landing here, I wrote to Governor Trumbull recommending him to throw over a body of a 1000 men on the Island to annoy the enemy in their rear If the state of the Colony would admit of it—Whether it will be done I cannot determine, that Colony having furnished a large proportion of men I was & Still am doubtfull whether it could be done—If it could I am Satisfied it would from the zeal & readiness they have ever shewn to give every possible Succour—I am hopefull they will be in a condition to do it, & if they are[,] those troops I doubt not will be ready & Willing to give Genl Woodhull any assistance he may want—But cannot the Militia effect what he wishes to do? They I believe must be depended on in the present instance for relief. I have the honor to be Yours &c.

Go. Washington


Title: General Orders, 29 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 29th 1776
 [  ][  ].

One Orderly Serjeant from each regiment in General Wadsworths, General Wolcot’s and General Fellows’s Brigades, and

one from Col. Knox’s Command, to attend daily at Head Quarters until further orders.
The commanding officers of each company, in the several regiments in this post, are strictly required to attend, to the orders that have been given, by the Commander in Chief, from time to time, to see that their respective Rolls are looked over, and the orders of the day published to their whole company. And as it is the pleasure of the Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces, that all Soldiers that pass from Long Island here without passes, should immediately be sent back. All the Guards especially, and all others, belonging to the Army in this post, are required to take up all soldiers coming from Long Island without passes signed by a proper officer, and send them immediately back to Long Island.
The Colonels or commanding Officers of each regiment must take care that the arms and ammunition of each soldier be in good order; that they be equipped and constantly ready for action. They must be particularly attentive to see that the Cartridges suit their peices.
All the guards, and also all others belonging to the Army, are to be vigilant in taking up, and confining, all persons guilty of disorderly firing, or firing without leave. All the guards supplied by general detail, are to be punctually on the Grand Parade by eight o’clock in the morning, and in case any Brigade Major does not punctually bring on the men, he is to furnish, the Brigadier of the day is to report him immediately, and if such Brigade Major is delayed by the negligence of an Adjutant, he is to put such Adjutant immediately under an arrest.
It is hoped that every officer and soldier, in this post, will exert himself for the good of the service, to the utmost; and as there are many intrenchments, now begun that are unfinished, that necessity requires should be immediately completed; it is justly expected, that every brave man will exert himself to complete every needful fortification.


Title: Council of War, 29 August 1776
From: Council of War
To:

[Long Island, 29 August 1776]

At a Council of War held at Long Island, Augt 29. 1776. Present His Excellency, The Comander in Cheif[.] Majors General Putnam[,] Spencer. Brigrs Genls Mifflin[,] McDougall[,] Parsons[,] Scott[,] Wadsworth[,] Fellows.
It was submitted to the consideration of the Council whether under all circumstances It would not be Eligable to Leave Long Island & Its Dependencies & remove the Army to New York—Unanimously agreed in the Affirmative for the following reasons.
1st Because Our advanced party had met with a defeat & the Wood was lost where we expected to make a principal Stand.
2d The great Loss sustained in the death or Captivity of Several valuable Officers and their Battallions or a Large part of them had occasioned great confusion and discouragement among the Troops.
3d The Heavy rains which fell Two days & Nights with but Little Intermission had Injured the Arms & Spoiled a great part of the Ammunition, and the Soldiery being without Cover & Obliged to lay in the Lines were worn out and It was to be feared would not be retained in them by any Order.
4 From the Time the Enemy moved from Flatbush, Several large Ships had attempted to get up as supposed into the East River to cut off our Communication, by which the whole Army would have been destroyed, But the Wind being N.E. could not affect It.
5th Upon consulting with persons of knowledge of the Harbour they were of Opinion that Small Ships might come between Long Island & Governors Island where there are no Obstructions and which would cut off the communication effectually, and who were also of Opinion the Hulks sunk between Governors Island & the City of New York were no sufficient Security for Obstructing that passage.
6. Through our Lines were fortified with some strong Redoubts, yet a Great part of them were weak being only abbattied with Brush and affording no strong cover, so that there was reason to apprehend they might be forced, which would have put

our Troops in confusion & havg no retreat, they must have been cut to peices or made prisoners.
7. The Divided state of the Troops rendered our defence very precarious, and the duty of defending long and extensive Lines at so many different places without proper conveniences & cover so very fatiguing that the Troops had become despirited by their Incessant duty and watching.
8 Because the Enemy had sent several Ships of War, into the sound, to a place called flushing bay, and from the information recieved that a part of their troops were moving across Long Island, that way, there was reason to apprehend, they meant to pass overland, & form an encampment above Kings bridge, in order to cut off & prevent all communication between our army, & the country beyond them or to get in our rear.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 29 August 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany August 29th 1776

Yesterday I was honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 24th Instant.
The Articles mentioned in your Letter to Captain Varick are arrived and forwarded to Tyonderoga—Those sent by Philo Sentford are not yet arrived, detained I suppose by Northerly Winds which have prevailed for some Days.
Our Carpenters at Skenesborough sicken very fast—Captain Titcomb’s Company from the Massachusetts Bay consisting of fifty had only ten at Work on the 25th Instant and many of the others were also incapable of Duty—We have however got so far a Head of the Enemy in our Naval Force that I hope they will

not be able to equal it this Campaign, notwithstanding the Indisposition of our Carpenters.
The Reasons your Excellency assigns for proceeding against the Officers of Colonel Dayton’s Regiment by Court Martial are incontrovertable.
I am happy to learn that our Troops had the Advantage in the Skirmish on Long Island—Indecisive as these little Rencounters are, they are however attended with good Consequences—The Express advises us that before he left New York and after he had received the Letter for me Accounts arrived that we had killed and taken sixty of the Enemy with six Field pieces—I hope it may be confirmed.
Congress have ordered me to make Enquiry of and to bring to Tryal the persons concerned in the plunder of General prescott’s and Captain Anstruther’s Baggage—I am informed by Lieut: Colonel Brown that Lieutenant Johnson last Year of Captain Lamb’s Artillery Company and now in some Corps at New York was principally concerned in taking Anstruther’s.
As the Evidences are in this Quarter, your Excellency will judge of the propriety of sending Johnson up, or ordering the Witnesses down.
Most of the Stockbridge Indians inclined to go to New York—I ordered them provisions and I believe they are now on their passage.
The Committee of this place did not chuse to send the Boards Mr Hughes wrote for on their Risk—They informed me of this, and I did not hesitate to assure them that they would be considered as shipped on the public Account—This Day they informed me, that not more than ten thousand Boards were as yet gone and that they could not prevail on any more Masters of Sloops to carry them further than peek’s Kill—Apprehensive that you would be greatly distressed for Shelter for the Men, I have requested them, if they cannot do otherwise to send them to peek’s Kill, and to advise Colonel Moylan, of the Number that will be landed there, by this Express.
I perceive that Congress has resolved on inlisting Men to serve three Years—I fear very few Recruits will be obtained in the Country at this Time, and very few out of the Army, if the Inlistments are not attempted until the Time of those now engaged is nearly expired—Would it not be well immediately to

appoint recruiting Officers in every Corps to enlist those for three Years, who are now engaged until the Fall or Winter only—In the Course of three Months an alert Officer will have it in his power with the Bounty he may be authorized to give to engage a good Number—The Home-Sickness begins to prevail about the Middle of October, and when that unconquerable Distemper once takes place every Consideration gives Way to it—I shall communicate my Ideas on this Subject to Congress in a Letter I have occasion to write them to Day. I am Dr Sir with Every Affectionate wish Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Lord Stirling, 29 August 1776
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Eagle, August 29th 1776.

I have now an Oppertunity of informing you of what has happened to me Since I had last the pleasure of Seeing you; about 3 oClock in the morning of 27th I was Called up and Informed by General Putnam that the Enemy were advanceing by the Road from flat Bush to the Red Lyon, and ordered me to March with the two Regiments nearest at hand to Meet them; these happend to be Haslets & Smallwoods, with which I accordingly Marched, and was on the Road to the Narrows Just as the day light began to appear, we proceeded to within about half a Mile of the Red Lyon and there met Col: Atlee with his Regiment who Informed me, that the Enemy were in Sight, indeed I then Saw their front between us and the Red Lyon, I desired

Colonel Atlee to place his Regiment on the left of the Road and to wait their Comeing up, while I went to form the two Regiments I had brought with me, along a Ridge from the Road up to a peice of wood on the Top of the Hill, this was done Instantly on very Advantageous ground. Our Opponents advanced and were fired upon in the Road by Atlee’s, who after two or three Rounds retreated to the wood on my left and there formed, by this time Kichline’s Rifle Men arrived, part of them I placed along a hedge under the front of the Hill, and the rest in the front of the wood. The troops opposed to me were two Brigades of four Regiments Each under the Command of General Grant; who advanced their light Troops to within 150 yards of our Right front, and took possession of an Orchard there & some hedges which extended towards our left; this brought on an Exchange of fire between those troops and Our Rifle Men which Continued for about two hours and the[n] Ceased by those light troops retireing to their Main Body. In the Meantime Capt. Carpenter brought up two feild peices which were placed on the side of the Hill, so as to Command the Road and the Only Approach for some hundred Yards; on the part of General Grant there were two feild peices one Howitz advanced to within three Hundred yards of the front of our Right and alike detachment of Artillery to the front of our left on a riseing Ground, at About 600 yards distance, one of their Brigades, formed in two lines opposite to our Right and the other Extended in one line to top of the Hills in the front of our left, in this possition we stood Cannonadeing each other ’till Near Eleven oClock, when I found that General Howe with the Main Body [of] the Army was between me and Our Lines, and saw that [the] only Chance of Escapeing being all made prisoners, was to pass the Creek near the Yellow Mills, and in order to render this the more practicable I found it Absolutely Necessary to Attack a Body of Troops Commanded by Lord Cornwallis posted at the House near the Upper Mills; this I Instantly did, with about half of smallwoods first ordering all the other troops to make the best of their way thro’ the Creek, we Continued the Attack a Considerable time the Men haveing been rallied and the Attack renewed five or Six Several times, and were on the point of driveing Lord Cornwallis from his Station, but large [Succours] arriveing rendered it impossible to do more than to provide for Safety, I endeavoured

to get in between that House and fort Box, but on Attempting it I found a Considerable body of Troops in my Front, and Several in pursuit of me on the Right & left & a Constant fireing on me, I immediately Turned the point of a Hill which Covered me from their fire, and I was soon out of the Reach of my pursuers; I soon found that it would be in Vain to Attempt to make my Escape, and therefore went to Surrender my self to General De Heister Commander in Cheif of the Hessians.


Title: General Orders, 30 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New york, August 30th 1776.
Liberty.Hancock.

All commanding Officers of regiments are to parade on their regimental parade, this evening at five o’Clock, examine the state of their men’s ammunition and arms, get them in the best Order—All damaged Cartridges are to be returned and in this case fresh ones drawn without farther order. The Returns of the

regiments are to be made as soon, and as exact as possible. No Arguments can be necessary at such a time as this, to induce all officers to a strict attention to this duty.
The constant firing in the Camp, notwithstanding repeated Orders to the contrary, is very scandalous, and seldom a day passes but some persons are shot by their friends—Once more therefore the General entreats the officers to prevent it, and calls upon the Soldiers to forbear this practice—Peices that cannot be drawn are to be discharged in a Volley, at Retreat Beating, and not otherwise, and then by command of the officer.
The loss of two General Officers by the late Action having occasioned a necessary change in the brigades; the Brigade Majors are to attend ten OClock to morrow to receive a new arrangement.
As the Tents are wet, and Weather unfavorable, the troops are to remain in the City till further Orders; those not supplied with Barracks, to apply to Mr Roorbach, Barrack Master: Officers and Men are charged to see, as little damage as possible, done to houses where they are quartered.
General Wadsworth to send two Regiments from his Brigade, to reinforce Col. Sergeant at Horns hook, as soon as possible.
In case of an Alarm this evening, which may be expected from the nearness of the enemy, and their expectation of taking advantage of the late rains, and last nights fatigue; the following disposition is to take place and the regiments are to parade accordingly—General Mifflin’s to parade on the Grand Parade, they are then to join the regiments lately composing Lord Stirlings Brigade, and the whole to parade on the parade lately assigned by him to them; these are to act under General Mifflin as a Reserve Corps. The regiments of General Nixon’s Brigade are to join General Spencer’s division who will assign them their alarm posts—The Jersey Troops to join General McDougall’s Brigade, and parade at, or near, said ground.


Title: To George Washington from William Duer, 30 August 1776
From: Duer, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Committee of Safety Harlem Augt 30th 1776

By Order of the Committee of Safety of this State I transmit to your Excellency the Examination of Daniel Redfeild in order that such Measures may be pursued for baffling the Enemy’s Operations, as your Prudence shall dictate—I have likewise to inform your Excellency that on Yesterday Morng one Lounsbery in Westchester County who had headed a Body of about 14 Tories was kill’d by an Officer nam’d Flood, on his Refusal to Surrender himself Prisoner—That in his Pocket Book was found a Commission sign’d by Genl Howe to Major Rogers empowering him to raise a Battalion of Rangers with the Rank of Lt Colo. Commandant; That annext to this was a Warrant to this Lounsberry sign’d by Major Rogers appointing him a Captain of one of these Companies.
Likewise a Muster Roll of the Men already enlisted—The Committee of Safety will transmit to your Excellency certified Copies of all these Papers, as early as possible. I am sir by Order Your most Obedt Hble Servt

Wm: Duer


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

New York, 30 August 1776. “As Numbers of the Militia are going off without Licence, I desire you will stop all such at Kings bridge, as are not furnished with regular Discharges.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kingsbridge Augst 30th 1776

A Sloop from Red Hook (up the North River) has Just Come to Anchor near this Place, having on Board about 4 Tons & half of Gun Powder made at Livingstons Mills which was to be Deliver’d to your Excellency at New York, but the master has Stoped here Untill He Knows your Pleasure where to Land it.
A very Extraordinary Report has Just Spread here, that whether True or false we are as yet uncertain That Long-Island is Evacuated by Our Troops.
The Ships in the East River fall Down yesterday afternoon to Hunts Point, where they now lie at anchor.
I have just Sent the Prisoners Taken on the 27th Instant to Connecticut.
I am in Anxiety Untill I hear from you and am with great respect your Excellencys most Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Abraham Yates, Jr., 30 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Yates, Abraham Jr.

Sir
New York Augt 30th 1776

Your favr of this date is just come to hand. Circumstanced as this Army was in respect to Situation Strength &c., it was the unanimous advice of a Council of General Officers to give up Long-Island, and not by divideing our Force be unable to resist the Enemy in any one point of Attack, this reason added to some others, particularly the fear of haveing our Communication cut of from the Main (of which there seemed to be no Small probability) and the extreame fatigue our Troops were laid under in guarding such extensive Lines, without proper Shelter from the weather, induced the above Resolution.
It is the most intricate thing in the World Sir to know in what manner to conduct ones self with Respect to the Militia, if you do not begin many days before they are wanted to raise them, you cannot have them in time, if you do they get tired and return, besides being under very little Order or Government whilst in Service—However if the Enemy have a design of serveing of Us at this place as we apprehended they meant to do on Long-Island—it might not be improper to have a body in readiness to prevent or retard a Landing of them on the East of Harlem River, if need be—In haste & not a little fatigued, I

remain with great Respect & Esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Hume sert

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt 31st 1776

Inclination as well as duty would have Induced me to give Congress the earliest Information of my removal and that of the Troops from Long Island & Its dependencies to this City the night before last, But the extreme fatigue whic⟨h⟩ myself and Family have undergone as much from the Weather since the Engagement on the 27th rendered me & them entirely unfit to take pen in hand—Since Monday scarce any of us have been out of the Lines till our passage across the East River was effected Yesterday morning & for Forty Eight Hours preceding that I had hardly been of[f] my Horse and never closed my Eyes so that I was quite unfit to write or dictate till this Morning.
Our Retreat was made without any Loss of Men or Ammunition and in better order than I expected from Troops in the situation ours were—We brought off all our Cannon & Stores, except a few heavy peices, which in the condition the earth was by a long continued rain, we found upon Trial impracticable—The Wheels of the Carriages sinking up to the Hobs, rendered it impossible for our whole force to drag them—We left but little provisions on the Island except some Cattle which had been driven within our Lines and which after many attempts to force across the Water we found Impossible to effect, circumstanced as we were—I have Inclosed a Copy of the Council of War held previous to the Retreat, to which I beg leave to refer Congress for the Reasons or many of them, that led to the adoption of that measure. Yesterday Evening and Last night a party of our Men were employed in bringing Our Stores, Cannon, Tents &ca from Governors Island, which they nearly compleated—Some of the Heavy Cannon remain there still, but I expect will be got away to day.
In the Engagement on the 27th Generals Sullivan & Stirling

were made prisoners; The former has been permitted on his parole to return for a little time—From My Lord Stirling I had a Letter by Genl Sullivan a Copy of which I have the Honor to transmit—That contains his Information of the Engagement with his Brigade—It is not so full and certain as I could wish; he was hurried most probably as his Letter was unfinished—Nor have I been yet able to obtain an exact account of Our Loss, we suppose It from 700 to a Thousand, killed & taken—Genl Sullivan says Lord Howe is extremely desirous of seeing some of the Members of Congress for which purpose he was allowed to come out & to communicate to them what was passed between him & his Lordship—I have consented to his going to Philadelphia, as I do not mean or conceive It right to withold or prevent him from giving such information as he possesses in this Instance.
I am much hurried & Engaged in Arranging and making new Dispositions of our Forces, The Movements of the Enemy requiring them to be immediately had, and therefore have only time to add that I am with my best regards to Congress Their & Your Most Obedt He Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kingsbridge, Augst: 31st 1776

What Fatality Attends the Sinking of the Chevaux De Frise I cannot tell, I was Extremely Uneasy yesterday at the Delay, I went to the Place, Called Capt. Cooke on Shore, told him every moment was precious, and that if any Benifit was ever to be reaped from them it would Probably be Soon, He told me that they met with many & Great Dificulties, that the night before last one of the Vessells which was fitted for Sinking, Drove with her Anchors nearly Down to the Glass House, I have Just this moment Received the Inclosed from Colo. Hutchinson, How the Rapidity of the Current Should be but Just now discovered I cannot tell[.] I wish Colo. Putnam if he Can be Spared may Still Superinte[n]d this Business, or Such other Order be Taken as your Excellency shall think Proper—Judge Morris this moment Informs me that Troops have been Seen at New Town. I have the Honor to be with great respect your Excellency most Humble Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Aug: 31st 1776

Since Enclosing—Col. Remsen’s Regiment are here, they say their Time of Engagement is up this Day many of them are desirous, to go over and if possible save their Families & Effects, Should be glad to know your Excellency’s Pleasure in this respect—They say they mean to return, I cannot answer for them—I suppose the like Applications will be made by many of Col. Smith’s Men—I beg an immediate Answer to this particular if your Excellency pleases—Numbers of Sick are also moving this Way, should be glad also to know if they who are really so are to pass, & whether passes from Colonels are to be valid, not knowing in this time of hurry to whom your Excellency, has deligated that power in every Condition. Your’s as before

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Kingsbridge Augst 31st 1776 7 oClock in the Evening

I have this moment received Information that a Large Body of the Enemy appeared Opposite to Hunts Point Just before Sun Sit and Pitched their Tents on an Hill to the number of 100 or more[.] it is also Said that numbers of men have been Put on Board the Ships, this Day, I have Ordered the Regiments to lie

on their Arms &c. I have the Honor to be &c. with great respect your Excellencys most Humb. Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 31 August 1776
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
South Hold [N.Y.] 31st August 1776

I have since I wrote to You Yesterday received by Express an Account which may be depended upon that General Woodhull was taken a Prisoner by our Enemies on wednesday Last. Their Troop of Horse is considerd by the Inhabitants to the westward of Huntington as an insurmountable Obstacle to their ever Obtaining their freedom independant of Great Brittain, many have been prevaild with by the Disaffected to us to solicit Pardons from Lord Howe, and they are circulateing at a Great rate. Our Communication is cut Off from New York by Land and there are 3 Ships a Brig and a Sloop that endeavour to intercept it by water, So many reports daily Circulate here with respect to the Strength & advantageous Situation of our Enemies that it is very dificult to give Your Excellency a distinct account[.] they are now possesed of Hemstead-Plains their Horse are Continually employd in disarming the Inhabitants but do them no other Injury General Woodhull was taken a Prisoner by them and Treated Cruelly by them After he was taken he received a wound in his Head and much uncivil Language and Finally Committed Close Prisoner to Jamaica Goal—Our Enemies are plentifully supplied with fresh Provisions which togather with the precarious Situation I am in has induced me to March My Detachment to the westward in Order to Harrass their forageing Parties I have endeavourd to prevail upon the Comittees of the Different Towns to raise their Malitia and have Also sent an Express to Governor Trumbull requesting his Aid: for if some encouragement is not Given to the Country People they will be intirely passive. I am Your Excellencies Most Obt Servt

Henry B: Livingston

I expect to be at Huntington in about three Days. we begin Our March tomorrow Morning I hope for Your Excellences Approbation.


Title: To George Washington from the New York Committee of Safety, 31 August 1776
From: New York Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philipse’s Manor Augt 31st 1776 In Committee of Safety for the State of New York

We had the Honor of your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday, And see the Weight of the Reasons which induced You to quit the Lines on Long Island. We acknowledge the difficulty of managing the Militia so as to render them Usefull, which is in some Measure owing to their being ill appointed and unused to Camps and of Consequence suffering more than those who have got into a regular way of providing against Inconveniences.
We are so fully satisfied of the Enemies Design to land above New York and of the Mischiefs that will result therefrom, that we cannot by any Means advise Your Excellency to trust for its prevention to any Militia, which we can at this time call out—who after the great Drafts we have already made cannot be expeditiously collected[,] will be ill Armed and we fear some of them not so well affected as we would wish—We Know no Country so capable of being defended as that above the Bridge; should the Enemy once occupy it we have Reason to dread the Consequences. We take the Liberty to hint these Things to Your Excellency, tho’ we are pursuaded they have not escaped Your Observation in Order to convince our Constituents and the rest of the Continent engaged in the same Cause that we are willing to make any Sacrifices which the general Interest demands.
We enclose a Resolution for the removal of the Cattle from the Island of New York which Your Excellency will cause to be executed if You think it necessary as we have no force that we

can trust with it’s execution—We cannot but hope that the Commissary will give every relief to the Inhabitants by purchasing from them all the Stock that are fit for the use of the Army.
We have directed Colo. Smith to go to long Island in Order to destroy the Cattle which will otherwise serve as a Supply to the Enemy. If by calling in the out Posts the force of our Army is so much concentred, that any part of them could safely be spared. We are fully persuaded that three thousand Rangers would be very usefully employed on long Island and not only harrass the Enemy but prevent their foraging Parties from ever getting beyond the Plains which extend quite across the Island and by that means save at least two thirds of it from the Enemy.
Your Excellency knows how to pardon on the Score of our Anxiety for the general Welfare—our stepping somewhat out of the regular Line and suggesting such Ideas as our knowledge of the Country induces us to believe useful. We have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedient and very humble servants

By Order
Abm Yates Junr President