Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 20 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir,
Cambridge 20th Decr 1775.

The Letter accompanying of this was wrote before your favour of the 19th pr Express came to hand. Under my present Instruction’s and more especially, in my present Situation, I could not justify the sending of a Regiment from these Lines to you unless there was an apparent design of Landing a body of Ministerial Troops on Rhode Island; at present, I do not think this is to be apprehended, as a Deserter out of Boston—since my last—is particular in declaring, that only four Companies of the 65 Regiment (amounting to little more than 100 Men) Imbark’d, as was said, for Hallifax; agreeing with others that Invalids, & the Officers of the 18th & 59 Regiments (who are going home to recruit) had Saild for England.
The Intention of my last, containing the Information as it was receivd, was only designed to put you upon your guard, not that I expected a visit was intended you. If any small body of Troops move from hence, Southerly, I have no expectation of their stopping short of Virginia, unless it should be on a Pillaging Party.
To conclude Sir, when I inform you that I have been obliged to call in 5000 Militia to supply the difficiency of the Connecticut Regiments & those absent upon Furlow, you will do me the justice to believe, that not the want of Inclination, but want of Ability prevents me from complying with your request; unless, as is before observed, I had some obvious reasons to believe, the visit (of more Men than we are now well assured are Imbark’d) was intended for your Government. I am with very great respect and esteem—Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Howe, 21 December 1775
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston. December the 21st 1775.

In answer to your letter of the 18th inst. I am to acquaint you that my command does not Extend to Canada, nor having received any Accounts wherein the name of Allen is mentioned, I cannot give you the Smallest Satisfaction upon the Subject of your letter; But trusting Major General Carleton’s conduct will never incur censure upon any occasion, I am to conclude in the instance of your Enquiry that he has not forfeited his past pretensions to decency & humanity.
It is with regret, considering the character you have always maintained among your friends as a Gentleman of the strictest honor & delicacy, that I find cause to resent a sentence in the conclusion of your letter big with Invective against my Superiors, and insulting to myself, which Should obstruct any farther intercourse between us. I am Sir With due Respect Yr Most Obedt Sevt

W. Howe


Title: To George Washington from Ebenezer Richmond, 21 December 1775
From: Richmond, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

May it please yr Excellency
Decembr 21. 1775

The following is an exact Representation of the Facts which Your Excellen[c]y on the 19 Inst. directed Me to draw up & present.
I was by the genl Assembly of Rhodeisland appointed Surgeon to the Regiment under the Command of Colo. Hitchcock. at the Solicitation of some of his Friends I consented that Doctr

Fisk should come in as joint Surgeon with Me; and gave up to Him some Part of my Wages. accordingly by the Direction of the Colo. the Secretary gave Him a Warrant similar to mine. Colo. Church’s Regiment becoming destitute of a Surgeon by the Surgeon & Mate both attending the Detachment under Colo. Arnold, I was desired by the Colo. to enter his Regiment. Col. Hitchcock consenting, (as there were two Surgeons in his Regiment) I was appointed on the 21 of Septr last, by the Directr genl of the Hospital; Who affirmed to Colo. Church & Myself that the power of appointing to all Vacancies in the medical Department, was vested solely in Him, by the continental Congress. Under this Warrant I acted without suspecting its Validity, till some Time after the late Directr Genl’s Confinement; when, some Doubts arising, Colo. Church wrote to your Excellency desiring your Determination; and requesting, if it should be adjudged to be invalid, that your Excellency would grant Me a new Warrant. This Letter with my Warrant was laid before yr Excellency by Mr Randolph; Who informed Me that yr Excellency could then give no Determination upon the Matter, and I was directed to call again; which after some Time I did; and was informed by Mr Randolph that yr Excellency would not undertake to determine the Point, till You was acquainted with the Resolutions of the Congress concerning It; that in the mean Time I should continue to act as Surgeon to Colo. Church’s Regiment, and that I might rely upon It, that when the Matter could be determined, if my Warrant from the Director was invalid, I should recieve One which should empower Me to act, & recieve Wages as Surgeon to that Regiment during the Absence of the Surgeon with Colo. Arnold.
Your Excellency will I doubt not be of Opinion that it is highly reasonable I should recieve Pay for my Services in the Army. and as from the above mentiond Circumstances I cannot draw Pay either in Colo. Hitchcock’s or Church’s Regiment, without your Excellency’s Express Orders. I take the Liberty to request yr Excellency to grant me my Pay, by giving leave to Colo. Church to draw for Me, in his Abstract, by a particular Order from yr Excellency, or by any other Method, your Excellency shall think proper. I am sorry to be oblidged to take of yr Excellency’s Attention From the important Duties of your exalted Station; but to Me the Matter is interesting, not so much

from pecuniary Considerations, (’tho such are my Circumstances as render these of Consequence) as from the disgraceful Circumstances which would attend a Refusal, and especially from the great Pain I must feel to be oblidged to leave the Army with the least Reason to complain of Injustice or hard Usage. to Yr Excellency, Therefore, as to the Fountain of Justice to the american Army, I appeal; and rely with perfect Security upon your Excellency’s known Character for Benevolence, Justice and Humanity, that I shall not be denied the (as it appears to Me) most reasonable Request above made. I am, with the greatest Respect and Esteem, Yr Excellency’s most obedient humb. Servt

Ebenr Richmond


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 21 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Major General Artemas Ward, 21 Dec. 1775. On this date Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Ward: “His Excellency has commanded me to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of this date.”


Title: General Orders, 22 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 22nd 1775
Parole Wilks.Counter-sign Newnham.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 22 December 1775
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Decr 22d 1775.

Your letters of the 30th of November and of the 4th 7th & 11 of December being duly received were laid before Congress. To prevent the ill consequences, that might ensue from the backwardness of the men in the present service to reinlist, the Congress, as I informed you in my last, have written to the governors of Connecticut & Rhode-island, the council of Massachusetts bay and the president of the convention of New Hampshire; In consequence of which letters they have strong hopes & confidence, that measures will be taken to compleat your army. As to the article of butter, the Congress desirous to obviate whatever may have a “tendency to give the soldiery room for complaint” have instructed me to inform you, that the same may be continued, until further order.
The Congress receive, with great satisfaction, your congratulations on the success of Capt. Manly. By the enclosed resolves you will perceive their determination on the captures already made, as well as those which may be made hereafter. It is expected the several colonies will erect courts of admiralty, and that the judges in those courts will regulate their decisions by the law of nations, except where it is relaxed by the enclosed resolutions.
I am further directed to inform you, that the Congress approve your taking such of the articles found on board the Concord, as are necessary for the army. The necessity of the case will, they apprehend, justify the measure, even though the vessel, upon trial, should, contrary to their expectation, be acquitted.
I am Authorized to inform you that it is the pleasure of Congress that Mr Mifflin the Quarter Master General hold the Rank of Colonell in the Army of the United Colonies, and that you Establish his Rank accordingly.
I must Beg leave to Refer you to the Inclos’d Resolutions of Congress for your future proceedings, which I am Directed to Transmitt you—You will Notice the last Resolution Relative to an Attack upon Boston, this pass’d after a most serious Debate in a Committee of the whole house, and the Execution Referr’d

to you, and may God Crown your Attempt with Success, I most heartily wish it, tho’ individually I may be the greatest sufferer.
I have paid Mr Fessenden the Express in full for his three Journies as Express to Philadelphia, Deducting only Sixty Dollars, which he Says, yo⟨u⟩ order’d him, that there will be no pay due to him for Services perform’d heretofore, only for his Expences now from this place to you, if this Adjustment be not Right, please to inform me. I have the Honour to be with sincere sentiments of Esteem, Sir Your most Obedt hume sevt

John Hancock Presidt

Fessenden being indispos’d, I have Sent a special Express, as Congress were Anxious their Resolves should Reach you as quick as possible.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge, 22 December 1775
From: Woodbridge, Benjamin Ruggles
To: Washington, George

Cambridge, 22 December 1775. Certifies “that Sergt Joseph Foster ... should be dischargd from the Army On account of the Sickness & Distress of his Family.”


Title: Circular to the New England Governments, 23 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: New England Governments

Sir
Cambridge Decr 23. 1775

Notwithstanding the great pains taken by the Quarter Master General, to procure Blanketts for the Army, he finds it impossible to procure a Number Sufficient—he has tryed the different places to the Southward without Success, as what were there are engaged to Supply the wants of the Troops in each place.

Our Soldiers are in great distress & I know of no way to remedy the evil than applying to you, cannot some be got from the different Towns? Most Houses could spare One, some of them many—If your Honorable House will please to take this affair under your Immediate consideration & by some means or other, procure as many as can be spared from the Housekeepers, you will do Infinite Service to this Army & very much oblige Yr H. S.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 23 December 1775
From: Massachusetts Council
To:

[Watertown, Mass.] 23 December 1775. Recommends for commissions several officers named in an enclosed letter from Col. Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 23 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 23 Dec. 1775. On 4 Jan. 1776 GW wrote to Reed: “I have recd your obliging favours of the 19th & 23d Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Phillips Callbeck, 24 December 1775
From: Callbeck, Phillips
To: Washington, George

Winter Harbor, District of Maine 24 December. “I should but ill deserve the generous treatment Your Excellency has been pleased to shew me had I not gratitude to acknowledge so great a favor. . . . Fearfull I should encroach on Your Excellency’s time I have declined giving You a detail of the continued distress and persecution that has attended me since I had the Honor of taking my leave—I have made my Friend Major Frazer partly acquainted with it and requested him to watch a convenient opportunity.”


Title: To George Washington from James Lyon, 25 December 1775
From: Lyon, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Mechias [District of Maine] Dec. 25. 1775

You doubtless remember to have seen an application from the committee of safety in this place, for leave to go against Nova Scotia, which might probably have been taken then with very little difficulty: But we were informed, that such an expedition could not be carried on at that time, with proper secrecy; & that there was imminent danger from the Kings ships. The same difficulties may, possibly, lie in the way now, if any troops are collected, & sent from any part near the Head Quarters. I apprehend, that secrecy is as necessary now as ever it was, & if only one proper person, at a suitable place, be ordered to conduct the whole affair, it will probably succeed.
There have been many applications, I dare say from many persons & places, but, were I to point out a suitable place, I should mention this, as it is near to Nova Scotia. I should be more at a loss for a proper person to conduct the enterprize. I know of fitter persons, than myself in many respects, but they are strangers to the Province & people. But I have dwelt there for years, & have a personal acquaintance with almost all the principal men, & know the country well. I should rejoice, therefore, in the appointment to this necessary business; & if your excellency

together with those only, who must necessarily be acquainted with the appointment, for I choose none but they should know any thing of the matter, in your great wisdom, should see fit to appoint me, I will conduct the expedition, with the utmost secrecy & (deo. adj.) will add to the dominions of the Continental Congress another Province, before our enemies are able to defend it. All I require is sufficient authority to collect as many troops, as I see fit in this eastern country, not exceeding 1000 men, & vessels to convey them to the place of action, & blank commissions for the necessary officers of a thousand more, to be filled up, as I shall find expedient, in Nova Scotia, where the men are to be raised, put into the Continental pay, & left there to defend the country when taken: And farther, that a sufficient quantity of provision, amunition, arms &c. be sent here about the middle of March.
Your Excellency may enquire as much about me, as you please, of Benjn Foster Esqr. Capt. Stephen Smith, Capt. Obrian, & Mr Shannon, for these Gentn I should choose to have as companions, but do not choose, that they, or any other persons living should know any thing of the design, if this petition if granted, till it is time to embark, except those persons only, who have authority to appoint. The above mentioned Gentn know nothing of this application.
The reduction of Nova Scotia is a matter of great importance, & lies near my heart, on account of my many suffering friends in that Province, & on account of the many advantages, that would arise from it, to this Colony, & to this place, in particular: But should the Government appoint another person to conduct the expedition, I shall cordially acquiesce, & pray for his success, as I ever do, that God may smile on all the American arms, till all our enemies are subdued before us.
Your Excellency will not take amiss, what my zeal for the honor & safety of my country constrained me to write. I am, most respectfully, your Excellency’s very humble and obedient Servant

Jas Lyon


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 25 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir
Cambridge 25th Decr 1775.

Since my last your favours of the 7th, & 11th as also the 8th are come to hand—the first last Night—the 2d by Wednesdays Post; for the several pieces of information therein contain’d I thank you.
Nothing new has happened in this Quarter since my last, except the setting in of a severe spell of cold Weather & considerable fall of Snow; which, together, have interrupted our work on Litchmeres Point; which otherwise, would have been compleated before this. At first we only intended a Bomb Battery there, but afterwards, constructed two Redoubts, in one of which a Mortar will be placed at a proper Season—a line of communication extends from the point of Wood this side the

Causey leading on to Litchmeres point quite up to the Redoubt; From Boston & Bunkers Hill both, We have receivd (without injury, except from the first case Shott) an irregular Fire from Cannon & Morters ever since the 17th but have returnd none except upon the Ship; which we soon obliged to move of—At the sametime that I thank you for stopping visitors in search of preferment, it will give me pleasure to shew Civilities to others of your recommendation—Indeed no Gentleman that is not well known, ought to come here with out Letters of Introduction, as it puts me in an aukward Situation with respect to my Conduct towards them.
I do not very well understand a paragraph in your Letter which seems to be taken from mine to Colo. Hancock, expressive of the unwillingness of the Connecticut Troops to be deemed Continental. If you did not misconceive what Colo. Hencock read—he read what I never wrote; as there is no expression in any of my Letters that I can either recollect, or find, that has a tendency that way; further than their unwillingness to have Officers of other Governments mixed in their Corps, in which they are not singular, as the same partiality runs through the whole. I have, in some measure, anticipated the desires of the Connecticut Delegates by a kind of Representation to each of the New England Governments of the impracticability (in my eye) of raising our Compliment of Men by Voluntary Inlistment, & submitting it to their consideration, whether (if the powers of Government were sufficiently Coercive) each Town should not be called upon for a proportionate number of Recruits; What they will do in the matter remains to be known. The Militia wch have supplied the places of the Connecticut Regiments behave much better than I expected under our wants of Wood—Barracks (for they are not yet done)—Blankets &ca—with these & such men as are Re-Inlisted, I shall hope, if they will be vigilant & spirited, to give the Enemy a warm reception if they think proper to come out. Our want of Powder is inconceivable—a daily waste, & no Supply, administers a gloomy prospect.
I fear the destination of the Vessels from your Port is so generally known as to defeat the end. two Men of War (40 Guns) it is said, put into New York the other day, & were instantly orderd out—supposed to be for Virginia.

I am so much indebted for the Civilities shewn Mrs Washington on her journey hither that I hardly know how to go about to acknowledge them. Some of the Inclosed (all of which I beg the favour of you to put into the Post Office) are directed to that end, & I shall be obliged to you for presenting my thanks to the Commanding Officers of the two Battalions of Phila. for the honours done her & me—as also to any others equally entitled. I very sincerely offer you the Compliments of the Season & wish you, Mrs Reed, & your Fire side, the happy return of a great many of them, being Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Henry Edwin Stanhope, 25 December 1775
From: Stanhope, Henry Edwin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Northampton [Mass.] Decr 25. 1775

Yr Excellency will no doubt be much surprised at being troubled by one, who is an entire Stranger to You; neither should I have been prompted to it but by the Desire of my enlargement, which I dont doubt but yr Excellency will grant, when the Circumstances are made known, viz. (that Captn Wallace offered some Prisonners in Exchange for me).
The Respect with which I have ever heard yr Excellency mention’d, in this particular, encourages me to flatter myself with Hopes of obtaining, your order to Governour Cooke of Providence, who from his genteel Behaviour to me, I am inclined

to think will readily be instrumental, in my Exchange, as far as is consistant with Prudence, in the present melancholy Situation of Affairs, & I believe, if I had an Opportunity of waiting on yr Excellency, you would be more ready to relieve me. I am Yr Excellency’s most Obedient humble Servant

H. E. Stanhope


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 25 December 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 25 Dec. 1775. On 17 Jan. 1776 Lund Washington wrote to GW: “Your Letter of the 25th Dembr I have got.”


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 26 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 26th Decr 1775

Your favour of the 6th Instt did not reach this place till Saturday Afternoon. the Money which accompanied it, came seasonably, but not (as it was so long delayed) in quantum Sufficit—our demands at this time being peculiarly great for pay, and advance to the Troops—pay for their Arms—Blanketting &ca Independant of the demands of the Commissary & Quarter Master General.

Lord Dunmores Letters to General Howe &ca wch very fortunately fell into my hands, & Inclosed by me to Congress, will let you pretty fully into his diabolical Schemes—If my Dear Sir that Man is not crushed before Spring, he will become the most formidable Enemy America has—his strength will Increase as a Snow ball by Rolling; and faster, if some expedient cannot be hit upon to convince the Slaves and Servants of the Impotency of His designs. You will see by his Letters what pains he is taking to invite a Reinforcement at all event⟨s⟩ there, & to transplant the War to the Southern Colonies. I do not think that forcing his Lordship on Ship board is sufficient; nothing less than depriving him of life or liberty will secure peace to Virginia; as motives of Resentment actuates his conduct to a degree equal to the total destruction of the Colony. I fear the destination of the Naval Armament at P—is too well known to answr the design. I have heard it spoke of in common conversation, at this place near a fortnight ago—and the other day was told, that two Men of War going into the harbour at New York (supposd to be those intended for the relief of the Asia) were order’d, & accordingly Sailed immediately out, & as it is immagined, for Virginia.
My Letters to Congress will give you the occurrances of this place; I need not repeat them therefore in this place; but I must beg of you my good Sir to use your Influence in having a Court of Admiralty, or some power appointed, to hear and determine all matters relative to Captures—You cannot conceive how I am plagud on this head, and how impossible it is for me to hear and determine upon matters of this sort when the Facts, perhaps, are only to be ascertaind at Ports 40, 50, or more Miles distant without bringing the Parties hither at great trouble & expence. at any rate my time will not allow me to be a competent judge of this business—I must also beg the favour of you to urge the necessity of appointing a Brigadier Genl to the vacant Brigade in this Army—the Inconvenience we daily experience for want of one is very great—much more than the want of a Colo. to a Regiment—for there the next Officer in Command does the duty; in a Brigade this may not with propriety happen and seldom or ever is done with any kind of regularity—perfectly indifferent is it to me who the Congress shall please to

appoint to these Offices, I only want it done that business may go regularly on.
I thank you for the Letter Inclosed (from Colo. Pendleton) but the Gentlemen were so long on the Road that I had got more particular Accts of the transactions in Virginia before it came to hand.
My best respects to the good Family you are in—& to your Brothers of the Delegation—and be assurd that I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington

When will the Expresses between Phila. & this Camp be Established? Is it expected that Letters to and from me, by the Continental Post are to pay Postage?
The Information respecting Connelly’s Instructions being conceald in the tree of his Saddle may be relied on—it came to me from Mr Atkinson the Midshipman who Commanded the Sloop coming to Boston & taken by us & who was Eye Witness to the device which he says was so well done that he should not have been able to have discover’d the place himself wherein the Instructions were secreted without pulling the whole to pieces. He wishes that no use may be made of his name. I believe the Intelligence was rather inadvertently communicated by Atkinson to Captn Matthews who acquainted me of it yesterday.


Title: General Orders, 27 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 27th 1775
Parole Annapolis.Countersign Chace.

The Regimental Quarter Masters are forthwith to settle with and give receipts to the Commissary General, or his deputies, the day they next draw, they are to take the whole of the Provision & weekly allowance, then due.
The Colonels, who have purchased Cloathing at the Qr Mr General’s Store, for the Use of their Men, are directed to discharge their respective Debts, out of the Monies they are about to receive, in behalf of their respective Corps.
The Colonels of the New established Regiments, to order their recruiting Officers to send all the Recruits, they have raised, to their respective Regiments at Roxbury, and Cambridge, by the first day of January next.


Title: To George Washington from Matthew Thornton, 27 December 1775
From: Thornton, Matthew
To: Washington, George

Exeter [N.H.] December 27th 1775
May it please Your Excellency

Your favour of the 23d Instant Respecting the Great want of Blankets for the Army, I Receeiv’d this Day; & Communicated the Same to the Congress now Setting, Who Immediately went into the Consideration, And Resolv’d to take the Most speedy and effectual method, in order to purchase all that Can be Spared within this Colony; tho’ we are fearful whether any

Considerable Number can be Obtaind: Yet we do not despair of procuring some, which will be forwarded to Your Excellency with all Possible Dispatch. I am with Great Respect your Excellys most Hble Servt

Matthew Thornton Prest


Title: General Orders, 28 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 28th 1775
Parole JamaicaCounter-sign Price

As the time is just at hand, when the Massachusetts, New Hampshire & Rhode Island Troops (not again inlisted) will be released from their present Engagement, the General recommends to them to consider, what may be the Consequence of their abrupt departure from the lines; should any Accident happen to them, before the New Army gets greater Strenght, they not only fix eternal disgrace upon themselves as Soldiers, but inevitable Ruin perhaps upon their Country & families.
It is from no dislike to the Conduct of the Officers that the General requests the Men to stay without them, but in the first place, because it is unnecessary to burthen the Continent with a greater number of Officers than are requisite to the men; and in the next, because it retards the forming and the proper Government of the new-regiments. Those Non-Commissioned Officers & Soldiers therefore, who have their Country’s welfare so much at heart, as to stay ’till the last of January, if necessary, may join any Company in any of the new established Regiments they please, provided they do not increase the Number of Rank &

File in such Company, to more than Seventy-six Men, more than which no Company is to exceed—All the Officers & Soldiers at present of other regiments, but appointed to, or inlisted in Cols. Learned’s, Parsons, Joseph Reads, Huntingtons, Wards, Wyllys & Bailey’s Regiments, are to join them to morrow, at which time any Officer or Soldier, in either of those regiments which belongeth to other Regiments under the new Establishment are to join: In like manner all the Officers & Soldiers (under the new-establishment) who belong to Colonels, Prescot, Glover’s, Patterson’s, Sergeants, Phinney’s, Arnolds, Greatons & Baldwin’s Regiments, are to join on Saturday next; when any Officers, or Soldiers, in either of those Regiments, belonging to other Regiments, are also to remove to them—On Sunday the same Change is to take place with respect to Colonels, James Read, Nixon’s, Stark’s, Whitcomb’s, Poors, Varnum’s, Hitchcocks, Littles, Webbs, Bonds, and Huchinson’s regiment.
It is recommended to the Colonels of each of the above nam’d Regiments, to send Officers at the time appointed, to receive and march the Men from the Regiments they are inlisted out of, to those they are to join, that it may be effected with more regularity and ease, and the change made with as little confusion as possible.
It is expected of such Men as are determin’d not to continue in the Service, another Campaign, that they will sell their Blankets to those who do, and are in want of them, the same thing is also recommended of the Militia.
In appraising the Arms, the General expects, that they be number’d and mark’d, in such manner, as the Owners of them and the prices, may at any time be ascertain’d upon the delivery of them by the Commissary of the Stores—All Arms thus appraised, and taken for the Use of the Public, must be delivered into the Care of the Commissary of the Ordnance Stores; but may be redrawn immediately, if the Colonel will pass his Receipt for them and account for the delivery to his men.


Title: General Orders, 29 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Dec: 29th 1775.
Parole Providence.Countersign Salem.

The Commissary General having estimated the value of the different Species of Provisions, which constitute a Ration under the Continental Allowance, and finding it to amount to seven pence, half-penny lawful money—The General having seen the said Estimate, approves of it, and orders that they be settled with accordingly.
The General was in great hopes that a sufficient Sum of money, would have been sent from Philadelphia, to have paid the troops for the Month of October, November & December, but is sorry to inform them, that there is no more yet arrived than will allow one Months pay—The advanced-pay to the New Army and Blanket Money—furnishing at the same time the Commissary & Qr Mr Generals, with such sums as are necessary for conducting business—The General has already wrote express to Congress for more money, and hopes speedily to be furnish’d with a sufficient Sum to pay them in full.
Particular Care is to be taken, by the Colonels & commanding Officers of Corps, not to suffer any Ammunition to be carried off, by the discharged Men, but that the same be collected and delivered, to the new Recruits if necessary, if not, to the Commissary of stores.


Title: To George Washington from the Gloucester Committee of Safety, 29 December 1775
From: Gloucester Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

Glocester [Mass.] December 29 1775
May it Please your Excellency

At the request of Mesr Jacob Green & Co. owners of the

Sloop Speedwell  Cory Master lately taken by Capt. Broughton and sent into this Harbour we have, maturely considered the within Inclo. Accot so farr as its carried out and are of opinion that the Charges are reasonable and that the Losses were sustained And are further of opinion that the Captors in Justice should pay it with the remainder of the account when the same can be assertained—And we do recommend to your Excelly the Same hopeing you’l order that Justice may be done to the sufferers and beg leave to subscribe ourselves Your Excy Most Obedet Hume sert

Winthrop Sargent
Chearman of the Commitey of Safty


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 29 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts General Court

Gentn
Cambridge 29 Decr 1775

Having never considered the four Independant Companies, which have been doing duty at Braintree, Weymouth & Hingham in the same point of view, as the rest of the army, Altho some Orders may have gone to or for them, Thro the hurry of business, nor Included them in my returns to Congress, according to the Brigade Majors report from Roxbury, I do not think myself Authorized to direct pay for them, without first laying the matter before Congress, which I shall do by inclosing an exact Transcript of your representation of the case, with this Single remark, that as they were not Regimented, & were doing duty at some distance from these Camps, I did not know whether

to consider them as part of the Continental Army, & therefore had not Ordered them payment heretofore.
With respect to the other requisition contained in your Resolve of the 20, I do not think myself at liberty to Extend the Guards of this Camp beyond Squantum & Chelsea, both fit places for Observation—This was my sentiment of the matter, when the Committee did me the honour to call yesterday, But as It appeared to be of some importance to this Government, I did not care to determine upon it without asking the opinion of some of the principal Officers in this Army, whose sentiments I am happy to find, coincide with my own.
This might be assigned as one, among other reasons to shew, that I did not consider these four Companies as part of the Continental Troops, That there were times in the course of the past summer when I should not have Suffered them to have remained at the places they were posted, If I had conceived myself vested with power to have withdrawn them.
I would not have It inferred from hence that I do not think it my duty & with the greatest chearfulness shall Undertake to March Troops, If these lines are not to be exposd by it, to any place in this or the Neighbouring Governments, to oppose an Invasion; But whilst the body of the ministerial Troops continue in Boston, and the circumstances of this army remain as they are, It must be my first Object to Guard these Lines. I am with great respect Gentn &c.

G.W.


Title: General Orders, 30 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Decr 30th 1775
Parole Marblehead.Countersign Manly.

As the want of a timely supply of Cash, has prevented the discharged Men, from receiving more than one Months pay at this time, the Qr Mr General may withold his Accounts until the next payment, when his Charges against the several Regiments must be paid.
The Commissary General is to serve provisions, or the Value thereof; to the discharged Men to carry them home, allowing one Ration for every twenty-Miles, they have to march.
As the General is informed, that Numbers of Free Negroes are desirous of inlisting, he gives leave to the recruiting Officers, to entertain them, and promises to lay the matter before the Congress, who he doubts not will approve of it.
The Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New-Hampshire Regiments upon the old establishment, to parade to morrow morning at ten OClock upon their respective regimental parades, where they will hear & receive the Commander in Chief’s directions.
Such of the Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers, who presume to carry off their Arms, contrary to the express Orders of the General, and to the most pressing demand of their Country, may depend upon it they will be mulcted all the pay and Ration Money now due to them.


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 30 December 1775
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon, Dec[e]mbr 30th 1775

Your Letter of the 11th Inst. I have recieved, tho too late to

prevent my writeg to Mr Mercer, that I woud in consequence of Colo. Tayloe’s Instruction diliver the Bonds to him, which I did by Post, The Post from the Northward did not come until after the Southward Post set out owing to the Ice in the River—I will again write by Post on monday to Mr Mercer, not to send for the Bonds, for that I shall diliver them to none but Colo. Tayloe himself—I sent Colo. Tayloes Letter immediately to Mr Lawson & wrote to Colo. Tayloe myself informg him that I had promise’d to give the Bonds to Mr Mercer, but now shoud not diliver them. I wrote to Mr Bayley some time past about Collectg your Rents but have never got an answer from him—I shall write to him again—but from the Accounts I have from Loudon Prince William, & some other Countys, there is very little hopes of Collectg money from Tenants, they say it is Cruel in the Land Holders to expect their Rents when there is no market for the produce of the Land—& if there shoud be no market before the present Crop spoils upon there hands, it woud be the height of Injustice ever to expect to be paid for that years Rent. I am told some of the Leadg men in Loudon who were the first promoters of the above way of thinkg are cited to appear before the Committee—& it is said they are not at all Intimidated at it, but say they will turn the Committee out of the House & Punish the First officer that dare destrain for Rent—but I dont believe them, I expect they will behave as all transgressers of the peace do, Dasterd[l]y.
If the Flour knots in the Garden are to be leveld & soded, what is to be come of the many Flour Shrubs that now grew there, to be desposed of as Bateman thinks proper, in other parts of the Gardon I suppose, as you have given no direction about them—I will have gravel Carted for the walks. One of the men that went out with James Cleveland left him when he found they were likely to suffer.


Title: General Orders, 31 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Decr 31st 1775. (Cambridge)
Parole Baker.Countersign London.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 December 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge 31st December 1775

I wrote you the 25th instant, Since which I am not honoured with any of your favours—the estimate I then inclosed you, was Calculated to pay the troops &a up to the first of January—that Cannot be done for want of funds in the Paymaster General’s hands—which Causes a great murmuring amongst those, who are going of.
the monthly expences of this Army amt to near 275,000 Dollars, which I take the Liberty of reccommending to the observation of Congress that their future remittences may be governed thereby.
it Sometimes happens, that persons woud wish to deposit money in the hands of the Paymaster General, for his bills on the Treasury at Philadelphia—he has hitherto declined Such offers—not haveing authority from Congress to draw—woud it not be proper to give this power? if it Should be approved of—you will please to point out the mode, that the Congress woud chuse to have it done in.
the clothing Sent to the Quarter master Genl is Not Sufficient to put halfe our Army into Regimentals, nor is there a possibility of getting any quantity here. I have wrote to General Schuyler, that I wish what was Lodged at Albany, Coud be Spared for these troops—as General Montgomery woud cloath the men under his Command at Montreal, if this Can be done, it will be of infinit Service, & no time shou’d be Lost in forwarding them to this Camp.
In forming the Regiments for the new establishment—I thought it but justice, to appoint the Officers detached under Colonel Arnold, to Commissions in them—their absence at present is of very great detriment to the Service, especially in recruiting—I woud therefore wish, if the Congress intend

raiseing troops in or for Canada that they Coud be taken in there—the Sooner I have their oppinion of this matter, the better—that if they Can be Commissioned in Canada, I may appoint Officers here to replace them.
Inclosed you have Copy of a Representation Sent to me by the Legislative Body of this Province respecting four Companies Stationed at Braintree Weymouth & Hingham—as they were never Regimented and were doing duty at a distance from the rest of the Army, I did not Know whether to Consider them as a part of it—nor do I think myselfe authorized to direct payment for them, without the approbation of Congress.
it has been represented to me that the free negroes who have Served in this Army, are very much disatisfied at being discarded—as it is to be apprehended, that they may Seek employ in the ministerial Army—I have presumed to depart from the Resolution respecting them, & have given Licence for their being enlisted, if this is disapproved of by Congress, I will put a Stop to it.
I believe Colonel Gridley expects to be Continued as Chief Engineer in this Army—it is very Certain, that we have no one here, better qualifyed, he has don very little hitherto in that department—but if the Congress chuse to appoint him—I will take Care that he pays a proper attention to it—before I quit this Subject I must remark, that the pay of the Assistant Engineers is So very Small, that we Cannot expect men of Science will engage in it—those Gentlemen who are in that Station, remaind under the expectation, that an additional allowance woud be made them, by the respective Provinces, in which they were appointed, to that, allowed by the Congress.
Captain Freeman, arrived this day at Camp from Canada, he Left Quebec the 24th ultmo in Consequence of General Carletons proclomation, which I have the honor to Send you herewith—he Saw Col. Arnold the 26th—and Says that he was joind at Point au Tremble by General Montgomery the 1st instant that they were about 2000 Strong & were Makeing every preparation for attacking Quebec, that General Carleton had with him about 1200 men, the majority of whom are Sailors, that it was his oppinion, the French woud give up the place, if they get the Same Conditions granted to the Inhabitants of Montreal.

Captain Adams, of the Warren armed Schooner Sent into Marblehead the sloop Sally, bound from Lisbon to Newyork Laden with 2 pipes and 126 Qr Casks of wine—this sloop was made a prize of by the Niger man of War, Somewhere near Bermudas, the Captain of whom put his Mate & five hands on board with orders to proceed with her to Boston, the sloop & Cargo belongs to Mr Peter Barberie of Perth Amboy in newjersey.
Captains Semple & Harbeson take under their Care Mr Kirkland who appears to be a much more illiterate & Simple man, than his Strong reccommendations bespake him—Captain Mathis & Mr Robinson will accompany them—the two Later were prisoners taken by Lord Dunmore who was Sending them to Boston, from whence there is Little doubt, but that they would be forwarded to England, to which place, I am Credibly informed, Captain Martindale & the Crew of the Washington are Sent, allso Colonel Allen & the Prisoners taken with him in Canada, this may account for General Howes Silence on the Subject of an Exchange of Prisoners, mentioned in my Letter to him.
General Lee is just returned from his excursion to Rhode Island, he has pointed out the best method, the Island woud admit of, for its defence—he has endeavourd all in his power, to make freinds of those that were our enemies, you have inclosed a Specimen of his abilities in that way, for your perusal, I am of oppinion, that if the Same plan was pursued thorough every Province, it would have a very good effect.
I have Long had it on my mind to mention to Congress, that frequent applications had been made to me, respecting the Chaplains pay—which is too Small to encourage men of Abilities—Some of them who have Left their flocks, are obliged to pay the parson acting for them, more than they receive—I need not point out the great utility of Gentlemen whose Lives & Conversation are unexceptionable, being employed for that Service, in this Army, there are two ways of makeing it worth the attention of Such—one is, an advancement of their pay, the other, that one Chaplain be appointed to two Regiments, this Last I think may be done without inconvenience I beg Leave to reccommend this matter to Congress whose Sentiments hereon, I Shall impatiently expect.

upon a further Conversation with Captain Freeman—he is of opinion that General Montgomery has with him near 3000 men Includeing Col. Arnolds—he Says that Lord Pit, had received repeated orders from his father to return home—in Consequence of which he had embarked Sometime in October, with a Captain Green who was Master of a vessell, belonging to Philadelphia.
By a number of Salutes in Boston Harbour yesterday I fancy Admiral Shuldam is arrived two Large ships were Seen Comeing in.
Our Inlistments now amount to 9650.
Those Gentlemen who were made prisoners of by Lord Dunmore being Left destitute of money & necessarys I have advanced them One hundred pounds Lawfull money belonging to the publick, for which I have taken Capt. Mathews draft on the Treasury of Virginia, which goes inclosed—I have the honour to be Sir Your Most Obedt H. St

Go: Washington

P.S. you have inclosed the Returns of the Army.


Title: To George Washington from Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers of Captains Thomas William’s and Jonas Hubbard’s Companies, December 1775
From: Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers of Captains Thomas William’s and Jonas Hubbard’s Companies
To: Washington, George

[December 1775]. Petition for reimbursement of damages sustained on the Quebec expedition. “Some of your Pettitioners By Reason of the Badness of the Weather, at the Cold Season of the Year, Suffered Considerable Losses, by going up the River; and others by being Destitude of Provisions were obliged to Leave the Detachment and Return back from Sd Expedition; were at Considerable Expence in traviling, and

not heaving Any Allowance of Provision, were obliged to Bare our own Expences.”


Title: To George Washington from William White, December 1775
From: White, William
To: Washington, George

[December 1775]. Declines appointment as an ensign in “Capt. Peters Company in Colono. Larnerds Regiment” and gives his reasons.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 1775
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
[1775]

Convinced of the utility, the necessity, at all times, of a well disciplined militia, to every free state; when the united wisdom of the continent, referring to the contest with the parent kingdom, called on every colony to prepare for the most unhappy events; and the more immediate recommendations of our provincial congress demanded a diligent application to the military

art; deeming the plans of discipline then extant, inadequate to the instruction of men unused to this kind of study, & destitute of living instructors: I gladly embraced the opportunity which then presented, of applying to the service of my country the little knowledge & experience an office in the militia had led me to acquire, by writing the following plain rudiments of the military art. They were designed, as their title imports, merely for the militia; & chiefly written before the predicted unhappy events had called my fellow citizens to arms. This call, & the various avocations & interruptions consequent thereon, greatly retarded the completion of the work; & perhaps have rendered it less useful than it might otherwise have been: Some parts of it, & those perhaps the most essential, I imagine may well prove advantageous in an army hastily assembled, & frequently called from the exercise of arms to the other equally necessary but more laborious occupations of war. This army being, to the joy of every American, committed to your excellency’s care & direction, both duty & inclination lead me to present you the ensuing plan of discipline for a militia, & to Submit to your decision the expediency of recommending or permitting its use among the officers & soldiers under your command. I am, your Excellencys most obedient & humble Servant

Tm. Pickering jr


Title: General Orders, 1 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, January 1st 1776
Parole The Congress.Countersign, America.

This day giving commencement to the new-army, which, in every point of View is entirely Continental; The General flatters himself, that a laudable Spirit of emulation, will now take place, and pervade the whole of it; without such a Spirit, few Officers have ever arrived to any degree of Reputation, nor did any Army ever become formidable: His Excellency hopes that the Importance of the great Cause we are engaged in, will be deeply impressed upon every Man’s mind, and wishes it to be considered, that an Army without Order, Regularity & Discipline, is no better than a Commission’d Mob; Let us therefore, when every thing dear and valuable to Freemen is at stake; when our unnatural Parent is threat’ning of us with destruction from every quarter, endeavour by all the Skill and Discipline in our power, to acquire that knowledge, and conduct, which is necessary in War—Our men are brave and good; Men who with pleasure it is observed, are addicted to fewer Vices than are commonly found in Armies; but it is Subordination & Discipline (the Life and Soul of an Army) which next under providence, is to make us formidable to our enemies, honorable in ourselves, and respected in the world; and herein is to be shewn the Goodness of the Officer.
In vain is it for a General to issue Orders, if Orders are not attended to, equally vain is it for a few Officers to exert themselves, if the same spirit does not animate the whole; it is therefore expected, (it is not insisted upon) that each Brigadier, will be attentive to the discipline of his Brigade, to the exercise of, and the Conduct observed in it, calling the Colonels, and Field Officers of every regiment, to severe Account for Neglect, or Disobedience of orders—The same attention is to be paid by the Field Officers to the respective Companies of their regiments—by the Captains to their Subalterns, and so on: And that the plea of Ignorance, which is no excuse for the Neglect of Orders (but rather an Aggravation) may not be offer’d, It is

order’d, and directed, that not only every regiment, but every Company, do keep an Orderly-book, to which frequent recourse is to be had, it being expected that all standing orders be rigidly obeyed, until alter’d or countermanded—It is also expected, that all Orders which are necessary to be communicated to the Men, be regularly read, and carefully explained to them. As it is the first wish of the General to have the business of the Army conducted without punishment, to accomplish which, he assures every Officer, & Soldier, that as far as it is in his power, he will reward such as particularly distinguish themselves; at the same time, he declares that he will punish every kind of neglect, or misbehaviour, in an exemplary mannor.
As the great Variety of occurrences, and the multiplicity of business, in which the General is necessarily engaged, may withdraw his attention from many objects & things, which might be improved to Advantage; He takes this Opportunity of declaring, that he will thank any Officer, of whatsoever Rank, for any useful hints, or profitable Informations, but to avoid trivial matters; as his time is very much engrossed, he requires that it may be introduced through the channel of a General Officer, who is to weigh the importance before he communicates it.
All standing Orders heretofore issued for the Government of the late Army, of which every Regiment has, or ought to have Copies; are to be strictly complied with, until changed, or countermanded.
Every Regiment now upon the new establishment, is to give in signed by the Colonel, or commanding Officer, an exact List of the Commissioned Officers, in order that they may receive Commissions—particular Care to be taken that no person is included as an Officer, but such as have been appointed by proper authority; any Attempt of that kind in the new-Army, will bring severe punishment upon the author: The General will, upon any Vacancies that may happen, receive recommendations, and give them proper Consideration, but the Congress alone are competent to the appointment.
An exact Return of the strenght of each Regiment, is to be given in, as soon as possible, distinguishing the Number of militia, and such of the old Regiments, as have joined for a Month only, from the established men of the regiment.

This being the day of the Commencement of the new-establishment, The General pardons all the Offences of the old, and commands all Prisoners (except Prisoners of war) to be immediately released.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 1 January 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence January 1st 1776

Upon Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 23d ulto I employed Two Persons to apply to the Housekeepers in this Town individually for Blankets for the Army. They have collected about 180 which will be sent forward this Day. It is full as large a Number as I expected to procure considering how we have been exhausted by Supplies to various Parts of the Service. I shall immediately take Measures for collecting more from the Country Towns.
I refer your Excellency to General Lee for the Particulars of his Expedition to Rhode Island; which I hope will be attended with beneficial Consequences to the Colony.
I received yours upon the Subject of reinlisting the Army, but from the distressed State of the Colony, and the Multiplicity of Business pressing me was incapable of giving you a satisfactory Answer. Nor can I at present do any thing more than renew

my Assurances of giving every Assistance in my Power to the Service. I am with great Truth and Esteem Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant

Nichls Cooke

P.S. You will receive by Mr Coomer Hale who carries the Blankets, an Account of the Cost of them. I shall be obliged to your Excellency for giving Orders for the Payment of it to him. By the same Conveyance I send you a Box and a Basket left for your Excellency by Mr Penet, and the other French Gentleman who accompanied him.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 1 January 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 1st January 1776

I received the 20th of last month your Excellency’s Favour of the 15th enclosing a list of the Officers & Companies under the New Arrangment with the No. of men inlisted—and at the same time another of the 17th with the information from several persons, who then had lately came out of Boston—I return my thanks for both—by Accounts received from the various parts of the Colony, the recruiting Officers for the Continental Service have good Success in inlisting men.
The Assembly have granted Chaplains the same pay given last Campaign, with the Addition of 40s/⅌ Mo. Each to enable them to supply their Pulpits—Brigadier Genl Prescot is not arrived—shall give particular directions to prevent his Escape if he comes into this Colony.
The 23d yours of the 14th of Decemr came to hand ⅌ monsieurs Penet and Depliarne—every necessary Assistance for Expaditing their Journey was afforded without Delay—they set out the Next morning—You shall be made acquainted with the Expence incurrd on their Account—when the same is known.
The 28th instant at Evening Our General Assembly adjourned there is great Unaninity in our Common Cause, Among others they passed an Act for raising & equipping, one fourth part of the militia of this Colony, to be forthwith selected by Voluntary inlistment with as many other able bodied effective men, not included in any militia Roll, as are inclined to inlist, to stand in readiness as minute men for the Defence of this and the rest of the United Colonies—with proper Encouragements—another Act for restraining & punishing persons who

are inimical to the liberties of this and the rest of the United Colonies, and for directing proceedings therein.
No Person to Supply the ministerial Army or Navy—to give intelligence, to inlist or procure others to inlist in their Service to undertake to pilot any of their Vessels, or any other ways to aid or Assist them—On the penalty of forfeiting all his Estate and imprisonment in any of the Goals in this Colony, not exceeding three Years—no one to Speak, write &c. against the Doings of the Honble General Congress, or Acts of our Assembly, On the penalty of being disarmed—and rendered incapable to hold or serve in any Office Civil or military—and be further punished either by fine Imprisonment, Disfranchisement or to find Surety of the Peace and good Behaviour.
Any Person or Persons who put or shall continue to hold or screen themselves under the protection of the ministerial Army or Navy or aid or Assist in carrying into Execution the present ministerial measures agt America their Estates to be Seized for the use of ⟨the⟩ Colony—A Resolve to provide so that we shall have two Armed Vessels—One of 16 Carriage Guns, the other 14—with a Schooner called the Spy of 4 carriage Guns—and four Row Galleys.
An Act to Exempt the Polls of Soldiers from Taxes for the last and Ensuing Campaigns.
Another Act for incouraging the manufacturies of Salt Petre & Gun Powder—Hope to collect Salt Petre, & manufacture a considerable quantity of Gun Powder—Early in the Spring.
The Furnace at middletown is smelting Lead, & likely to turn out 20 or 30 Tons; Ore is plenty—please to favour me with an Account of the quantity of Lead, received from Crown Point—from thence I received 180 old Gun barrels—which are fitting up here, & will make, 150 Stands of Good Arms. we are put to difficulty for Gun Locks, hearing that those Stands taken in the Ordnance store Ship, had each a Spare Lock thought proper to mention to you, that if it be so, whether it may not be well to furnish a number for the Arms fitting here?
On the 29th at Evening I met at Hartford on my returning from the General Assembly—yours of the 23d December and immediately sent to Capt. Wadsworth a person employed by the Commissary General, and much acquainted, to see if any Blankets could be purchased—and found there are none—

many of our New inlisted men I am told will bring Blankets with them which they get from private Families—those lost at the Bunker Hill Fight were furnished in that manner—and our Minute men will supply themselves in that way, that I am very doubtfull of success if attempted—Lieut. Colo. Durkee this Day mentioned to me, your direction to him on this Head—shall lay the same before the Comtee at our next meeting.
Inclosed is Copy of an Act impowering the Commander in Chief &c. to Administer an Oath—Also minutes of th⟨e⟩ Ordnance taken from the Ministerial Troops at the Severa⟨l⟩ Northern Posts from the 1st of may to the 13th Novr 1775. I remain with Great Truth and Regard, and with the proper Salutations of this day Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull

P.S. enclosed is a Copy of a Letter from President Wheelock at Dartmo. College.


Title: General Orders, 2 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 2nd 1776.
Parole Holland.Countersign William.

That every Officer may be perfectly well acquainted with the establishment of the present Army, in Order that they may be govern’d by it, and make the Returns agreeable thereto—The General informs them, that each Regiment is to consist of a Colonel, a Lieut. Colonel, a Major, eight Companies, an Adjutant, a Quarter Master, Surgeon and a Surgeon’s Mate; whether a Chaplain will be allowed to each regiment, or one to two Regiments is yet to be determined; each Company is to consist of a Captain, a first and Second Lieutenant, an Ensign, four Serjeants, four Corporals, a Drummer and Fifer, and seventy-six Privates, and no more, under any pretence, or plea whatsoever.
As the weekly Returns which are order’d to be given in every Saturday are very irregularly made, oftentimes, not before Monday, the General desires that the Commanding Officer of every Corps, will be exact in delivering them to the respective Brigade Major, every Saturday at Orderly time, who is to be answerable to the Adjutant General for any neglect, or breach of this Order—For the last time it is strongly recommended to those Officers, to examine the Returns thoroughly before they sign, and deliver them to the Major of Brigade, whether Pay

Rolls, Muster Rolls, Weekly Returns, or Returns of any other kind, that are demanded; as Negligences will not be overlooked, and false Returns punished with the utmost severity.
The General is apprehensive, that more Men are absent upon Furlough, than are allowed by the General Orders, if so, he desires the Colonels, and commanding Officers, of such Regiments, to rectify the mistake without Loss of time, and for a due Regulation of this matter, in future no Soldier is to be absent without leave in writing, signed by the Commanding Officer of the Regiment he belongs to, and a Register thereof made in the Regimental Book, which Furlough is to be delivered to the said Commanding Officer, so soon as he returns; and if it should appear that any Soldier has overstay’d his time, without just Reason, a Note thereof is to be made in said book, and a Furlough denied him upon a future application, besides suffering such punishment, as may by a Regimental Court Martial be inflicted.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 2 January 1776
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Newyork Jany 2d 1776

I was honored with your favor of the 4th Ultimo, on the Subject of the Cannon. I should not have been So long Silent on this matter, but that none of the brass cannon were finished, till a few days ago, and the Convention were So much out of temper, by the powder lent to the Continental army not being repaid, which they greatly wanted for their own defence, that I thought it most expedient to defer the application, till the adjournment, and then make it, to the Committee of Safety, who I knew would be empowered to grant the request of any of the Continental Generals, if it Should be compatible with the Security

of the Colony. The Convention adjourned twelve days ago, but the Committee have not yet made a Board, I expect they will make one to morrow. If Mr Knox has not Supplied himself with Small Cannon of those taken at St John’s, I am very confident I shall be able to prevail on the Committee to Spare you the Iron Cannon. Altho the Colony has already lent Connecticut, Sixty or Seventy pieces; and a great many will be wanted, for their own defence, from the many Posts necessary to be forfeited. But as there is no metal now to be had near us, I fear they will not easily part with the brass one’s. I shall press for a determination, without delay, and if it should be favourable, the Cannon will be forwarded with the utmost dispatch. Mr Knox has wrote me to forward a quantity of Shells, as per list at foot. If these are Still wanted, I should be glad to have your Excellency’s orders, which will be executed as Speedy as Posible, by sir Your very Humble Servt

Alexr McDougall

500, 13 Inch shells
200, 5 7/10 do do
400, 4½ do do


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 2 January 1776 [letter not found]
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Major General Artemas Ward, 2 Jan. 1776. On 2 Jan. Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Ward: “In Answer to yours of this date by Mr Pope, I am to inform you by his Excellencys command, that he desires you to send a Captn, Two Subaltern & fifty men to take Charge of the Military Stores, provisions &c. at Squantum & to remain there till further orders” (DLC:GW).


Title: Circular to Jonathan Glover, William Bartlett, and William Watson, 3 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Glover, Jonathan,Bartlett, William,Watson, William

Sir
Cambridge 3rd January 1776

You have annex’d a Copy of the Resolves of the Continental Congress respecting Captures made, or to be made, by Armed Vessels fitted out at the Charge of the united Colonies & others in Compliance With the Resolution of the 20th Ultimo you must on receipt hereof Libel such Vessels as have been taken by the Lee Shooner or any other of the Contineltal Arm’d Vessels, which may be now under your Care, in the Court of Admiralty established in this Colony, you mus[t] use all your diligence that the trial be brought to as Speedy an issue, as possible, in order that a distribution be made to the Captors, Conformable to the Resolution of the 30 of Novembr.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Glover, 3 January 1776
From: Glover, John
To: Washington, George

Sir;
Beverly [Mass.] Jany 3 1776

I am to informe your Exellencey, that John Thorner, (Stuward) willi⟨am⟩ Clark, wm Wallis, & thos Gerthrop, Seamen, of the Ship Janney Capt. Foster: made an attem[p]t to Desert from

Said Ship, & to Go on board His Majestys Ship Foye, (now at ancor before this Harbour) but was Discoverd, & prevented by information of andrew Rogers Second Mate, & John Roberson, Cabin boy of Said Ship, whom I have Sent as Evidences against them.
I would Observe to your Exellencey, that these persons, have ben Treatted with Grate kindness, & permitted to Go at Large, which in my Opinion, they have much abused, in attem[pt]ing to Desert to the Enemy. I have therefor Sent them to Head Quarters, to be Delt with as your Exellencey Shall think Proper.
I am now indeavouring to man the Armd Vesels, which at present is Very Difficult, on Acct of the mens not being paid off for their past Services, which is the only Objection they have. Could that be Don, I apprehend they would redely ingage again, however hope, to man one, or two, of them; in a few Days, which nothing on my part Shall be Wanting to effect. I am Respectfully your Exellenceys Most Obedient Sert

John Glover


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 3 January 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp at Roxbury Jan: 3d 1776

Capt. Kellog applies for Leave to take the Command of Capt. Hubbard’s Compy who is now in Canada. Capt. Kellog has behaved like a good Officer the past Campaign & is desirous of the above Favor only upon this Account: he imagines he can be very serviceable in gitting the Compy fill’d up; & is willing to resign the Command to Capt. Hubard when he returns from the Northward; if he desires to take it The Subaltern Officers are consenting to it—I doubt not your Excellency will order that which is for the best. I am Your Excellency’s most obedient Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 4 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Cambridge January 4. 1776

Since my last of the 31st Ulto I have been honoured with your favour of the 22d, Inclosing sundry resolves, which shall, in matters they respect, be made the rule of my conduct.

The resolution relative to the Troops in Boston, I beg the favour of you Sir, to assure Congress, shall be attempted to be put in execution, the first moment I see a probability of success, and in such a way, as a Council of Officers shall think most likely to produce it; but if this should not happen as soon as you may expect, or my wishes prompt to, I request that Congress will be pleased to Advert to my situation, and do me the justice to beleive, that circumstances, & not want of inclination, are the cause of delay.
It is not in the pages of History perhaps, to furnish a case like ours; to maintain a post within Musket Shot of the Enemy for Six months together, without—and at the same time to disband one Army and recruit another, within that distance, of Twenty odd British regiments, is more probably than ever was attempted; But if we succeed as well in the last, as we have heretofore in the first, I shall think it the most fortunate event of my whole life.
By a very Intelligent Gentleman, a Mr Hutchinson from Boston, I learn that it was Admiral Shuldhum that came into the harbour on Saturday last—that two of the five regiments from Cork are arrived at Hallifax; two others had sailed for Quebec (but what was become of them could not be told), and the other, the 55th, has just got into Boston—Certain it is also, that the greatest part of the 17[th] Regiment is arrived there, whether we are to conclude from hence, that more than five Regiments have been sent out, or that the Companies of the 17[th] arrived at Boston, are part of the Regiments destined for Hallifax & Quebec, I know not—We also learn from this Gentleman & others, that the Troops embarked for Hallifax, as mentioned in my Letter of the 16—were really designed for that place, but recalled from Nantasket road, upon advice being received, of the arrival of the above Regiments there—I am also Informed of a Fleet now getting ready under the Convoy of the Scarborough & Fowey Men of War, consisting of 5 Transports & 2 Bomb Vessels, with about 300 marines & Several Flat bottom’d Boats—It is whispered that they are designed for Newport, but generally thought in Boston, that it is meant for Long-Island; and It is probable It will be followed by more Troops, as the other Transports are taking in Water, to

lye as others say, in Nantasket road, to be out of the Ice—a large quantity of Biscuit is also baking.
As the real design cannot with certainty be known, I submit it with all due deference to the superior Judgement of Congress, Whether It would not be consistent with prudence, to have some of the Jersey Troops thrown into New York, to prevent an evil, which may be almost irremediable, should It happen: I mean the landing of Troops at that place, or upon Long Island near it.
As It is possible your may not yet have received his majesties most gracious speech, I do myself the honour to Inclose one, of many, which were sent out of Boston yesterday. It is full of rancour & resentment, and explicitly holds forth his Royal will to be, that vigorous measures must be pursued to deprive us of our constitutional rights & liberties—These measures, whatever they be, I hope will be opposed by more vigorous ones, and rendered unavailing and fruitless, tho santified and authorized by the name of majesty; a name which ought to promote the blessings of his people & not their oppression. I am Sir with the greatest respect & regard Your Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt


Title: To George Washington from the New Hampshire Provincial Congress, 4 January 1776
From: New Hampshire Provincial Congress
To: Washington, George

[Exeter, N.H., 4 January 1776]

Sir—A complaint being made to the Congress of this Colony by our pay-master Col. Saml Hobart Esq. residing at Medford that he has within a few Days past been extremely ill treated by a party of Colo Stark’s Regiment without any apparent just cause, By which means a sum of money to the amot of Two hundred & sixty pounds has been pilfer’d from him, and at the same time the Honour of the Colony was highly reflected upon.
We must beg leave to lay before your Excellency a Copy of Mr. Hobart’s letter in wch he particularly relates his case, being the only Evidence we have at present, and to request that an

immediate Inquiry be made into the matter by such means as your Excellency may think most proper—that the persons who may be found culpable, receive the Punishment their ill behaviour may merit—that this Colony may not sustain so great a loss of money, & those illiberal Reflections be wiped out by suitable acknowledgments.
We are sorry to trouble you with these complaints at this critical time when your mind must be fully employ’d upon affairs of the greatest moment, but the abuse which Mr. Hobart as an officer of this Colony appears to have suffer’d claims some notice and We trust will plead our Excuse.
In behalf of the Congress I am with all due Respect,
    Your Excellency’s
 Most obt humb servt
 M. T., Prest
    Colony of New Hampr
    Exeter 4th Jany, 1776.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 4 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 4th Jany 177[6]

Since my last, I have recd your obliging favours of the 19th & 23d Ulto & thank you for the Articles of Intelligence therein containd; as I also do for the Buttons which accompanied the last Letter, althô I had got a sett, better I think, made at Concord.
I am exceeding glad to find, that things wear a better face in Virginia than they did sometime ago; but I do not think that any thing less than the life, or liberty, will free the Colony from the effects, of Lord Dunmores Resentments and Villainies.
We are at length favourd with a sight of his Majesty’s most gracious Speech, breathing sentiments of tenderness & compassion for his deluded American Subjects; the Eccho is not yet come to hand; but we know what it must be; and as Lord North

said, & we ought to have believed (& acted accordingly) we now know the ultimatum of British Justice. the Speech I send you—a volume of them was sent out by the Boston Gentry—And, farcical enough, we gave great Joy to them (the red Coats I mean) without knowing or intending it, for on that day, the day which gave being to the New Army (but before the Proclamation came to hand) we had hoisted the Union Flag in compliment to the United Colonies, but behold! it was receivd in Boston as a token of the deep Impression the Speech had made upon Us, and as a signal of Submission—so we learn by a person out of Boston last Night—by this time I presume they begin to think it strange that we have not made a formal surrender of our Lines. Admiral Shuldam is arrivd at Boston. the 55th and greatest part, if not all, the 17th Regiment, are also got in there—the rest of the 5 Regiments from Ireland were intended for Hallifax & Quebec; those for the first are arrived there, the others we know not where they are got to.
It is easier to conceive, than to describe the Situation of My Mind for sometime past, & my feelings under our present Circumstances; search the vast volumes of history through, & I much question whether a case similar to ours is to be found. to wit, to maintain a Post against the flower of the British Troops for Six Months together without—and at the end of them to have one Army disbanded and another to raise within the same distance of a Reinforced Enemy—it is too much to attempt—what may be the final Issue of the last Manouvre time only can tell—I wish this Month was well over our heads—The same desire of retiring into a Chimney Corner siez’d the Troops of New Hampshire, Rhode Island, & Massachusets (so soon as their time expired) as had Work’d upon those of Connecticut, notwithstanding many of them made a tender of their Services to continue till the Lines could be sufficiently strengthned—We are now left with a good deal less than half rais’d Regiments, and about 5000 Militia who only stand Ingaged to the middle of this Month; when, according to custom, they will depart, let the necessity of their stay be never so urgent. thus it is that for more than two Months past I have scarcely immerged from one difficulty before I have plunged into another—how it will end God in his great goodness will direct, I am thankful for his protection to this time. We are told that we shall soon get the Army

compleated, but I have been told so many things which have never come to pass, that I distrust every thing.
I fear your Fleet has been so long in Fitting, and the destination of it so well known, that the end will be defeated, if the Vessels escape. how is the arrival of French Troops in the west Indies, & the hostile appearance there, to be reconciled with that part of the Kings Speech wherein he assures Parliament, “that, as well from the Assurances I have receivd, as from the general appearance of Affair⟨s⟩ in Europe, I see no probability that the Measures which you may adopt will be interrupted by disputes with any foreign Power.”
I hope the Congress will not think of adjourning at so Important, & critical a Juncture as this. I wish they would keep a watchful eye to New York—from Captn Searss Acct (now here) much is to be apprehended from that Quarter. A Fleet is now fitting out at Boston consisting of 5 Transports & two Bomb Vessels under Convoy of the Scarborough & Fowey Men of War—300 some say, others more, Troops are on board, with Flat bottom’d Boats—It is whisperd, as if designedly, that they are intended for New Port, but it is generally beleiv’d that they are bound either to long Island, or Virginia—the other Transports are taking In Water & a good deal of Bisquet is Baking—some say for the Shipping to lay in Nantasket Road to be out of the way of Ice, whilst others think a more Important move is in Agitation—all however is conjecture—I heartily wish you, Mrs Reed & Family the Complts of the Season, in wch the Ladies here, & Family, join—Be assured that I am with Sincere Affecte & Regard


Title: General Orders, 5 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 5th 1776
Parole Hancock.Countersign Adams.

The Majors of Brigade, to order the Adjutants to be exact, and punctual, in making their Weekly Returns of the Strenght of each regiment; Also a seperate Return of the Numbers inlisted in the course of last week, at Orderly time to morrow—The weekly Returns to be according to the Form lately sent by the Adjutant General.
The Regimentals, which have been made up, and drawn for, may be delivered to the respective Colonels by the Qr Mr General, to the Order of those Colonels, who drew them at such prices, as they have cost the Continent, which is much cheaper than could otherwise be obtained—As nothing adds more to the Appearance of a man, than dress, and a proper degree of cleanliness in his person; the General hopes and expects, that each Regiment will contend for the most Soldierlike appearance: He is also very desirous of having the Men instructed, as speedily as possible in all parts of their duty, & recommends it to all the Colonels, to be very careful in the choice of their Non-Commissioned Officers; and to their Captains, to divide their Companies into small squads, appointing a Serjeant and Corporal

to each, from whom the utmost diligence is expected—Those Serjeants and Corporals are by no means to suffer the Arms, and Accoutrements of any man in their Squads, to be dirty, or unfit for use, and as far as in them lies, to make the men appear neat, clean, and soldier-like—Neglect of duty in these Instances, they may rely upon it will reduce them to the ranks—These Orders are not intended to exempt the commissioned Officers of the Companies, from the strictest attention to these things; on the contrary, as it serves to shew the General’s sollicitude in having the men, and their Arms appear in the best order, it is hoped they will double their diligence.
If Col. Brewer inclines to accept the appointment of Barrack-master, he is to proceed directly to discharge the duty of that Office; and as the first business to be done in an Army, is with the Quarter Master of each Regiment, he is to see that the number of men, for which each Barrack was designed; are immediately quartered therein, keeping the regiments together as much as possible, that every Tent may be delivered into the Quarter Master General’s store.
The Regimental Quarter Masters, and their Serjeants, are to cause proper Necessarys to be erected at convenient distances from the Barracks, in which their men are lodged, and see that those necessarys are frequently filled up, any person who shall be discovered easing himself elsewhere, is to be instantly confined and brought before a Regimental Court martial—They are to cause also the Filth, and Garbage, about the Barracks, to be removed and buried, In short, it is in a particular manner the duty of the Quarter Master, to see that the Barracks are kept clean and sweet; the Victuals properly prepared &c.—and although it is the particular business of the Qr Masters, and their Serjeants, to see this done, it is equally necessary, and the duty of the other Officers, to look into this business, as too much care cannot be used in a matter, where the health of the men so much depends upon it.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Knox, 5 January 1776
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany Jany 5 1776

I did myself the honor to address your Excellncy from Fort George on the 17 Ult.—I then was in hopes that we should have been able to have had the Cannon at Cambridge by this time the want of Snow detain’d us some days & now a cruel thaw, hinders from Crossing Hudsons River which we are oblig’d to do four times from Lake George to this Town—the first severe night will make the Ice on the river sufficiently strong ’till that happens the Cannon & mortars must remain where they are most of them at the different crossing places & some few here—these inevitable delays pain Me exceedingly as my mind is fully sensible of the importance of the greatest expedition in this Case—In eight or nine days after the first severe frost they will be at Springfield from which place we can get them easily transported Altho there should be no snow—but to that the roads are So excessively bad Snow will be necessary—We got over 4 more dble fortified 12 pounders after my last to your excellency—I send a duplicate of the List for fear of miscarriage of the other List, General Schuyler has been exceedingly assidious In this matter, as to myself my utmost endevers have been & still shall be use[d] to forward them with the utmost dispatch. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most Obdt Hble Servt

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 5 January 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dr General
January the 5th [1776]

The consequences of the Enemy’s possessing themselves of New York have appear’d to me so terrible that I have scarcely been able to sleep from apprehensions on the subject—these apprehensions daily increase—You have it in your power at present to prevent this dreadfull event—if I do not mistake, the Congress have given you authority to take any step in that place as well as here which you shall think necessary for the public service, but if They have not given you expressly and literally authority with respect to the City of New York, I am confident that any measure You think right to plan and put in execution will be approv’d of—I have the greatest reason to believe from the most authentick intelligence that the best members of the Congress expect that You wou’d take much upon yourself, as referring evry matter of importance to them is in fact defeating the project—We have an instance of this in the fate of the motion for seizing the Person of Mr Tryon—To You They look up for decision, by your Conduct They are to be inspir’d with decision—in fact your situation is such that the salvation of the whole depends on your striking at certain crises, vigorous strokes without previously communicating your intention—on this principle I venture to propose the following scheme and to offer myself for the execution—New York must be securd but it will never I am afraid be secur’d by direct order of the Congress for obvious reasons—They find themselves awkwardly situated on this head—You must step in to their relief—I am sensible that no men can be spar’d from the lines in our present circumstances—but I wou’d propose that You shou’d detach me into Connecticut and lend your name for collecting a body of Volunteers—I am assur’d that I shall find no difficulty in assembling a sufficient number for the purposes wanted. this body in conjunction (if there shou’d appear occasion to summon them) with the Jersey Regiment under the Command of Lord

Stirling now at Elizabeth Town, will effect the security of New York—and the expulsion or suppression of that dangerous banditti of Tories who have appe⟨ared⟩ in Long Island with the profess’d intention of acting against the authority of the Congress—not to crush these Serpents before their rattles are grown wou’d be ruinous—I am assur’d likewise that the Connecticut Volunteers who will offer themselves for the service will expect no pay, but at most, the expences of their provisions and perhaps of carriages for the Conveyance of their baggage—When once We have secur’d the place with street fortifications, and engag’d the Friends of Liberty so far that They cannot recede—purg’d the City and Long Island of the leading Tories—the residence of these Connecticut Volunteers will be no longer necessary, for there is no reason to doubt that the Congress will detach Troops from Pensylvania to garrison the place although from reasons hinted at They may not chuse to commence the operation—this manauvre I not only think prudent and right but absolutely necessary to our salvation, and if it meets, as I ardently hope it will, with your approbation the sooner it is enter’d upon, the better—indeed the delay of a single day may be fatal. I am, Dr General Yours—most respectfully

C. Lee


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 5–7 January 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Albany Friday January 5th[-7] 1776

I do not hesitate a Moment to answer My Dear General’s Question in the Affirmative, by declaring that now or never, is the Time for Every Virtuous American to exert himself in the Cause of Liberty & his Country, and that it is become a Duty, cheerfully to sacrafice the Sweets of domestic Felicity to attain the Honest & Glorious End, America has in View, & I can with a good Conscience declare, that I have devoted Myself to the Service of my Country, in the firmest Resolution to sink or swim with It, unanxious how I quit the Stage of Life, provided that I leave to my Posterity, the happy Reflection that their Ancestor, was an honest American.
Here, my Dear Sir, You will ask why then Do You wish to retire from a Public Office? Not because I am deterred by any Difficulties I have experienced or any that might hereafter present themselves, for I have had repeated Experience in the Course of Life, that what the greater Part of Man kind deem Impossibilities exist only in Idea & are surmountable by a steady Perseverance: But because I think I should Prejudice My Country, by continuing any longer in this Command, the favorable Opinion that You are pleased to entertain of Me, obliges me to an Explanation, which I shall give You in Confidence; I have already informed You of the disagreeable Situation I have been in during the Campaign, but I would wave that, were It not that It has chiefly arisen from Prejudice & Jealousy, For I could point out particular Persons of Rank in the Army, who have frequently declared that the General Commanding in this Quarter ought to be of the Colony from whence the Majority of the Troops came, but It is not from the Opinions or Principles of Individuals that I ha⟨ve⟩ drawn the following Conclusion, that Troops fr⟨om⟩ the Colony of Connecticut will not bear with a General from another Colony; It is from the daily & Common Conversation of all Ranks of People from that Colony, both in & out of the Army, And I assure You that I sincerely lament, that a People of so much Public Virtue, should be actuated by such an Unbecoming Jealousy founded on such a Narrow Principle, a Principle extremely unfriendly to our Righteous Cause, as It tends to alienate the Affections of Numbers in this Colony, in

Spight of the most favourable Constructions, that prudent Men & Real Americans amongst Us, attempt to put upon It. And Altho’ I frankly avow that I feel a Resentment, Yet I shall continue to sacrafice It to a Nobler Object, the Weal of that Country, in which I have drawn the Breath of Life, Resolved ever to seek with unwearied Assiduity for opportunities to fulfill my Duty to it.
I shall to Morrow write to General Montgomery to collect the Evidence in Support of the Charge against Prescott & entreat him to be very particular, As the Prisoners taken on Board the Vessels in the St Lawrence are not yet passed It is probable, That I may be their Means be able to furnish Your Excellency with some Accounts of the Usage Allen received.
Since the Receipt of Your Excellency’s of the 18th Major Rogers is come to this Town. I sent to him & amongst a Variety of Passes he produced a late one from the Committee of New Hampshire to pass unmolested to New York, for which Place he sets out to Day. I believe there is no Truth in the Intelligence sent by Mr Wheelock, for I find upon Enquiry, that Rogers arrived at this Place after St Johns was invested & that he went from hence to New England; I shall however make farther Enquiries.
I shall forward the Account against Capt. Morgan to Colo: Arnold by next Post.
You will perceive by the inclosed that the Junction of General Montgomery & Colo: Arnold has taken Place, but their Force is so small, & the Weather has been so severe that I fear they have not been able to possess themselves of Quebec, should an Attempt have been made to storm It, & have proved fruitless & Accidents have happened to Montgomery & Arnold, I tremble least Canada should be lost, If I could procure any Men, I would send them to Canada immediately, but I know Not where to get any; Even Tyonderoga & Fort George are by this Time I fear left to the Care of the Commissary of Provisions & Conducter of Artillery, the Officers to whom I had issued Warrants to raise four Companies meet with no Success.
The first of the Cannon arrived here on Wednesday & the whole is on Its Way, but detained by the Weakness of the Ice in Hudsons River, occasioned by the uncommon Mildness of the Weather for several Days past, one frosty Night if not deferred

too long will however put Every Thing in Order, & I hope You will soon have the Pleasure of seei⟨ng⟩ all at Cambridge.
To morrow thirteen of the Caghnawaga Tribe, under the Care of Major Wales, will set out for Cambridge on a Visit.
Your Letter to General Howe gave me great Pleasure, & his Answer must convince Mankind of Your Superiority, his Affectation is trifling & Unbecoming a Gentleman, his Letter I believe will Eventually be a Censure on General Carlton.
I shall immediately forward to Your Excellency what Clothing can be spared from here, great Part of It is not Yet made up.
Sunday Jany 7th 1776. Yesterday a Frost came on & this Morning I had the satisfaction to see the first Division of Sleds with Cannon cross the River, should there be Snow all the Way to Cambridge, they will probably arrive there about this Day Week.
A Mr Gamble who was made Prisoner with Brigadier Prescott and who was a Deputy Quarter Master General in Canada, has entreated me to Intercede with Your Excellency to get him exchanged, he Urges that he must be ruined unless he can get back to Canada, Altho’ I by no Means wish to prejudice an Individual, Yet I do not think It prudent that he should go to Quebec, Unless It is in our Possession, When that happens I can see no Inconveniency in Exchanging him or permitting him to go & shall esteem It as a Favor If he can then procure your Leave, and If You can get him Exchanged, that he may not loose his Office, he writes to General Lee on the Subject, I have expressly informed him, that I did not think he could be permitted to go to Quebec until after Its Reduction.
Be pleased to accept the Compliments of the Season & my best Wishes. I have the Honor to be with unfeigned Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedt & most Humble Servant.

Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 6 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 6th 1776
Parole, Gerry.Countersign, Chace

The General is informed, that a Custom hath prevailed, at the Main Guard, in Cambridge, of permitting prisoners to be absent, upon their parole; he therefore orders a total stop be put to this practice for the future; Any Officer offending herein, will be immediately put in Arrest, and tried for disobedience of orders.
The frequent application for Flags at Roxbury, having been found troublesome, and at the same time attended with Inconveniencies; Major Genl Ward is requested to suffer, no more than one a week to go in, unless it be on special Occasions; and this to happen on Tuesdays; at which time he will appoint a proper Officer always to attend.


Title: To George Washington from William Bartlett, 6 January 1776
From: Bartlett, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Beverly [Mass.] 6 Jany 1776

After Receiving yours ⅌ Yesterday togeather with The Resolve of Congress inclos’d I find by Examining there appears to me to be a Contr[a]diction in this parragraft which I now inclose a Coppy which please to inform me.
Resolved that all Transport Vessels having on board any Troops Arms Ammunition Cloathing provissions or Military or Naval Stores of what kind Soever, and all Vessels to whomsoever belonging that Shall be employ’d in Carrying provisions or Other Necesaries, to the British Army or Armies or Navy—that Now are or Shall hereafter be within any of the United Colonies shall be Liable to forfeiture and Confiscation, unless the said Vessells so Employ’d belong to an inhabitant or inhabitants of these United Colonies—in which case the said Vessel or Vessels togeather with her or their Cargoes shall be Liable to Confiscation. I am Sir Your most Obedt Hum. Sert

William Bartlett


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 6 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Cambridge January 6. 1776

I received your favour of the 1 Instt and return you my thanks for the Blankets, and your promise of having more procured, as they are much wanted: I did not see Mr Hale who brought them, nor the Account, or the Money should have been Transmitted you by his return—You will please to draw on the Quarter Master General and It shall be immediately paid.
I have seen General Lee since his expedition, & hope that Rhode Island will derive some advantage from It.
I am told that Captn Wallace’s ships have been supplied for some time with provisions by the Town of Newport, on certain conditions stipulated between him and the Committee—When this Treaty first Obtained, perhaps it was right, then there might have been some hopes of an accomodation taking place; But now, when every prospect of it, seems to be cut off by his Majesties late Speech; when the Throne from which we had supplicated redress, breaths forth vengeance & indignation, & a firm determination, to remain unalterable in its purposes, & to prosecute the system & plan of ruin formed by the Ministry against us, should not an end be put to it, & every possible method be fallen upon, to prevent their getting necessaries of any kind? we need not expect to conquer our Enemies by good offices, and I know not what pernicious consequences may result from a precedent of this sort; other places circumstanced as Newport is, may follow the example, and by that means their whole fleet and Army will be furnished with what, It highly concerns us to keep them from; this however, with all deference, I leave to your consideration.
I received a Letter from Governor Trumbull of the 1st Instt by which I am informed, that the Connecticut Assembly are very unamimous in the Common cause & among others, have passed an Act for raising & equipping a fourth of their Militia, to be immediately selected by voluntary Inlistments, with such other able, effective men, as are not Included in their Militia

Rolls, who Incline to Enlist, to act as Minute men for their own or the defence of any of the United Colonies, & this under proper encou[ra]gements—Another Act for restraing & punishing persons Inimical to us & directing proceedings therein—No person to Supply the Minis[teria]l Army or Navy—to give them Intelligence, to Inlist or procure others to Inlist in their Service—to pilot their Vessels or in any way Assist them—under pain of forfeitg his estate & an Impriso[n]m[en]t not exceedg three years—None to write, speak, or Act agt the proceedings of Congress, or their Acts of Assembly, under penalty of being disarmed, & disqualifd from holdg any office—& be further punished by Imprisont &c.—For Seizing & confiscatg for the use of the Colony, the Estates of those, who put or continue to shelter themselves under the protection of the Ministerial fleet or Army, or Assist in carrying on their measures against us—A Resolve to provide 2 Armed Vessells, of 16 & 14 Guns—with a Spy Schooner of 4 & four Row Galleys—An Act exempting the polls of Soldiers from Taxes for the last & ensuing Campaign—Another for Encouragg the making of Salt petre & Gun powder—a Considerable Quantity of both Mr Trumbull hopes to make early in the Spring—he says the Furnace at Middletown is smelting lead & likely to turn out 20 or 30 Tons, & that Ore is plenty—They have also passed an Act, Impowering the Commander in Cheif of the Continentl Army or officers commanding a Detachment or out posts to Administer an Oath & Swear any person or persons to the truth of any matters concerning & relative to the publick Service. The situation of our Affairs seems to call for Regulations like these, & I should think the other Colonies ought to adopt similar ones, or such of them as they have not already made; vigorous Measures & such as at another time would appear extraordinary, are now become absolutely necessary for preserving our Country, against the strides of Tyranny making against us.
Gove[r]nor Trumbull in his List, has not mentioned an Act for Impressing Carriages &c. agreable to the recommendation of Congress, this I hope they have not forgot, It is highly necessary that such an authority should be given under proper restrictions, or we shall be greatly embarrassed when ever the Army or any detachment from it, should find It necessary to

March from hence. I am Sir with very great esteem Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have received certain Intelligence of the fitting out of a Fleet at Boston, & of the Embarkation of some Troops, & that all the Ships that were in Nantasket road are gone, except two men of War, their destination is not known, but I am persuaded that it is for the Southward, I think for Long Island or New York.