Title: To George Washington from Major John Grizzage Frazer, 14 April 1776
From: Frazer, John Grizzage
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston April 14th 1776:

I now enclose you a more particular Accot of the Vessels, left by the Enemy at Boston; also an Inventory of the Ordnance and Ordnance stores. I have not included those that are at the Castle-Island, because General Ward informs me, that the Province claim the whole of them. we have found within this week, Anchors and Cables, worth at least £3,000 Sterling. they weigh from 35 hundred weight, down to 500 Wtt (meaning the Anchors.) taken out in three or four fathom water, at low tide. I hope the Continental Congress, will allow us, salvage, upon these as well as other things, which we have secured. I have had only 12 Men employed constantly, in clearing the Docks &cc., which do not belong to the Army. On thursday last, the people at Cohassett observing a Brigg coming up the Bay, armed themselves, and mann’d three or four whale-boats, went off and found her to be a merchant-man, boarded and took her. she was from the West-Indies, laden with Rum & Sugar, Rum 300 Hhds, for General Howe’s army, which they expected to find here. On friday morning last, ran away from the Renown, ship of war now lying in Nantasket-Road, 8 british seamen, that belonged to her; who brought off the Cutter, & landed at Point-Shirley, and are now in this town. Commodore Manly’s crew, that he took in the last rich prize, are in close prison in this Town. Mr Jackson, Brush and 3 others, were examined by the

General Court, who were all committed to prison, Yesterday, Brush in Irons. I expect to settle all my Accots and finish all matters in my late Department this Week; and shall be much obliged to you, to give me leave to come to New York, to have a final settlement with Colo. Mifflin, and deliver up the Books &cc. Mr James Gray who did the Business in my department, before my appointment, has liv’d with me ever since, and think he is the most proper person to succeed me now, as he is very capable, and understands the nature of the business very well, and I hope your Excellency will be pleased to appoint him, which will infinitely oblige me, as he will be left entirely without business, when I give up the place, and he has been in the American Army as long as any in it. Colo: Mifflin knows him very well, and has very good opinion of him. Major Parke tells me he proposes to set out for New York on Wednesday next; if he does, he will leave a vast number of Accots unsettled, and other affairs unfinish’d—the General Court of this province, want some of the Barracks upon Winter Hill, to cover 1000 men which are to be raised immediately, and stationed at Noddles Island. I hope your Excellency & Lady had a pleasant Journey to New York—and am Sir your most Obedient Humble Servt

John G. Frazer


Title: Enclosure: Inventory of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores Found in Boston, 14 April 1776
From: Frazer, John Grizzage
To:

Boston, April 14th 1776

Inventory of Ordinance and Ordinance Stores Found in Boston—Vizt:

North Battery: 7 Cannon 12 pdrs, 2 Do 9 Do, 4 Do 6 Do, [all] useless.
Cops Hill: 3 Cannon 28 pdrs, 178 Shott, 18 Inch Shell, 273 Wadds, 2 Handcrow Leavers, 2 Drag Ropes.
Maga[zine] Battery West Boston: 3 Cannon 32 pdrs, 39 Shott, 20 13 Inch Shells, 113 Inch Mortar & Bed, 154 Wadds, 1 large Chain.
Bacon Hill: 2 Cannon 12 pdrs, 23 Shott, 23 Wadds.
Haymarkett Battery: 3 Cannon 24 pdrs.
att Fortifycation: 1 Cannon 24 pdr, 2 Do 4½ Inch Bore, 6 Do 4¼ Do Do, 3 Do 3½ Do Do, 1 Do 6½ Do Do, 1 Do 2¾ Do useless.
Without the Neck: 3 Cannon 24 pdrs, 3 Do 32 Do.
Hatches Wharf: 3 Cannon 12 pdrs, A Number of Shott & Shells in the Dock.
South Battery & Rowes Wharf: A Number of Cannon Useless, & a large Quantity of Shott in the Dock also a large Number of Chains.
Labitory: 52 Cannon Trunnions off, Ball & Empty Shells.
Wheelwrights Wharf, taken out the Dock: 22 Iron Carrage Wheels, 1 Cannon 4 pdr, 113 Inch Mortar & Iron Bed, 3 13 Do Shells.
Tilestons Wharf taken out the Docks: 10 Swivell Gunns, 135 Do Shott, 200 Shott, 8 Barr Shott, 500 Wadds, 95 24 lb Shott, 13 Gunns.
Long Wharf Taken out the Docks: 68 Iron Carrage Wheels, 1 24 lb. Do, 278 24 lb. Shott, 645 12 Lb. Do., 113 Inch Shell, 29

Do Do, 456 Do Do, 74 Do Do, 5 Handgrenards, 2 Cowhorns, 4 Swivills, 40 Artillery Wheels, Part of 4 Carrages.
Minots T.: 2 Cask partly full of Muskett Balls.
Tilestons Wharf Taken out the Dock: 136 & 4 pdrs Cannon, 1 Gunn Carrage & 4 Wheels, 2 Chains for Carrages.

Jno. G: Frazer A.Q.M.G.


Title: General Orders, 15 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New-York, April 15th 1776
Parole Philadelphia.Countersign Norfolk.

The Quarter Master General is immediately to provide Transports to convey four Regiments to Albany. Poor’s, Patterson’s, Greaton’s, and Bonds Regiments, are to hold themselves in readiness to embark, at an hours warning—They are to take with them their Camp-Equipage, which the Quarter Master General will furnish; taking the Colonels, or commanding Officer’s receipt, for the Tents &c. supplied to each Corps.
An exact Return to be made this evening by the Majors of brigade of all the Guards, where mounted, and number of Sentries furnish’d by each guard.
The Qr Mr General is immediately to provide Six Whaleboats for the public Service—He will report when they are ready to be employed.
The Majors of Brigade, are to attend at the Adjutant General’s Office, near Head Quarters, at eleven every forenoon, to receive the General Orders of the day—Such Brigade Majors as are at a remote distance from the Town, may send an orderly Adjutant to act for them.
Brigadier General Thompson is to command the Brigade

going to Albany; he will receive his Orders as soon as the Troops are embarked.
As the Army at this place is lately strongly reinforced, and more of the Continental establish’d Regiments hourly expected, it is no longer necessary to detain any of the Militia; therefore Col. Martin, with 4 Companies of Militia from Sussex County, in New-Jersey, are dismissed with the General’s thanks, for the Spirit with which they stepp’d forward in the service of their Country on this occasion, and for their good Behaviour and service since they joined the army.
The Officers and Soldiers of Poor’s, Patterson’s, Greaton’s and Bond’s Regiments, to be immediately taken off duty.
Lieut. Dallice of Col. Winds regiment, together with the Non-Commission’d Officers and Men of that Corps, who were lately employ’d at the Laboratory in making Car[tr]idges, are immediately to return to that duty.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Jacob Bayley, 15 April 1776
From: Bayley, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sr
Newbury [Vt.] April 15th 1776

Colo. Bedel on his March Sent to me to Provide Some Trusty Persons to Pilot Soldiers by way of Massesisque to St Johns who were to make return of that rout to your Excelency they were to wait for Colo. Bedels arivel at St Johns or Montreal but they found the Lake So broken that they must Stay too long for him. two of the five I Sent returned the fifteenth Day, the other three went forward, with the Soldiers to Quebeck, as I had no actual Survey of the Country from Massasisque to St Johns I Sent to Mr Metcalf for a Plan of that Part, who has Sent the Plan Inclosed which he Informs is done from actual Survey, which agrees nearly with my representation. I also Send the Journal of Capt. Thomas Johnson as also the true Distance of Sundry Places to St Johns by Massassisque and from the same Places by Chareston & Crown Point and by Albany which may

be Examined by the Post roads and maps and if found True it will appear that the Cost of Makeing the road will be Saved in the Soldiers Marching home from Canada at the Close of the Present Campaign as it will Save Six days Pay and Provition for all that live Eastward of Conecticut river, we have here Provitions to Supply all that may Pass this way I also Inform that thier is good water Carriage from this Place to St Johns Except forty three miles—Mr Johnson Informs me that the Lakes are So broken that the Soldiers are Detained at Crown Point that the French are fearfull as Troops do not arive as Expected.
if I can be of any Servise to the American Cause in Cuting the Purposed road or any other way am ready.
I Should think one Hundred Pick’d men from the army or Elce where will be Enogth to be Imployed in that bussiness no officer higher than a Serjeant I will Provide a Surveyer Pilot & Overseers none of my Providing Shall have more wages than they Merrit by thier behaviour and if I am Imployed to See the road Compleated Shall Expect no more than the Congress or any of the Congresses or Courts In the Colonys may think I Deserve after the whole is Compleated I Say this Because I will never receive any thing for any thing I do in the Continental Servise unless it is thot to be really Servisable to the Common Cause nothing new from Canada to be Depended on they had reports of Consider⟨able⟩ advantage our army at Quebeck got over the ministerial troops Killing and takeing about three hundred hope it is true these you will Receive from a Hearty Friend to the American Cause and Your very Humble Servt

Jacob Bayley

P.S. Good men for the Business proposed Deserve good wages but Bad ones Deserve none. Colo. Little is a good Judge what men will do for the road.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York April 15. 1776

I am now to Inform you that on the 4th Instant I set out from Cambridge and arrived here on Saturday last—I came thro Providence, Norwich and New London in order to see and expedite the embarkation of the Troops—The third Brigade under the command of General Green was at New London when I left It, where there was a sufficient number of Transports to embark them, and most probably wou’d have arrived here before this, had It not been for a Severe Storm which happened the night they sailed which dispersed them, and I fear has done them some Injury.
General Spencer with the last Brigade marched from Roxbury the day I left Cambridge and would be at New London ready to embark in the return Transports which brought General Sullivans division to this place—The whole of the Troops may be reasonably expected here in the course of this Week—The badness of the Roads & difficulty of procuring Teams for bringing the Stores, baggage &c. have greatly prolonged their arrival at this place.
I have not had time since I came to look fully about me, but find many Works of defence begun & some finished—The

Troops are much dispersed, some on Long Island, Others on Staten Island &c.
I have ordered four Batallions from hence to Canada and am taking measures to have them forwarded to Albany by Water with all possible expedition—this will greatly expedite their arrival and ease the men of much fatigue—I have wrote General Schuyler of their coming that he may have necessary measures taken to hurry their march to General Thomas.
I am informed by General Putnam that the Militia that were called in for the support of this Town in case the Ministerial Army had arrived before our Troops, are all discharged, It being unnecessary to keep them longer.
All the Ships of War besides the Asia moved out of this Harbour on Saturday, and the Asia Yesterday, some of which are now below the Narrows and the rest gone to Sea.
Your favour of the 10th Instant by Major Sherburne, directed to General Putnam or the Commanding Officer here, came to hand on Saturday evening with three Boxes of Money which I shall deliver the Paymaster as soon as he arrives and Transmit you his Receipt for the same.
Having received Information from hence before my departure from Cambridge that Thirty peices of Heavy Cannon were wanting and essentially necessary for the defence of this place in addition to those already here, I took the liberty of applying to Adml Hopkins, whom I saw at New London, for that Number with the Mortars & Stores he brought from Providence, a List of which he had Transmitted you. he told me that as many were wanting for the defence of Providence river & the harbour at New London It was uncertain whether I cou’d have all I wanted, But that he wou’d send me all that could be spared.
I have not been able to get a Return of the Troops since I came as soon as I do, I will send It you. I am Sir with great respect and esteem Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 15 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

My dear Sir
New York April 15th 1776

Your favour of the 13th was this Instt put into my hands—scarce time enough to acknowledge, the receipt of it (by this Post) and to thank you for your great care and attention in providing my Camp Equipage—whatever the list you sent, may fall short of your Intention of Providing, can be got here; and may be delayed; as the want, or not of them, will depend upon Circumstances.
I am exceedingly concern’d to hear of the divisions & Parties which prevail with you, and in the Southern Colonies on the Score of Independance &ca—these are the Shelves we have to avoid, or Our Bark will split & tumble to pieces—here lays our great danger, and I almost tremble when I think of this Rock. nothing but a disunion can hurt our cause—this will Ruin it, if great prudence, temper, and Moderation is not mixed in our

Councils, & made the governing principles of the Contending Parties.
When my good Sir will you be with me? I fear I shall have a difficult card to play in this Government, & could wish for your Assistance and advice to manage it. I have not time to add more except that with great sincerity & truth I am, Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Mrs Washington &ca came the Harford Road & not yet arrived—detaind by the Illness (on the Road) of poor Mr Custis who is now better & coming on.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Head Quarters New York April 15th 1776

Previous to the Receipt of Your Favor of the 7th Instant I had been directed by the Honorable Congress to detach four Regiments to Quebec. If they could be spared from the Service here. I am very sensible of the Great Necessity of sending a reputable Body of Troops immediately into that Country, & have Accordingly Ordered four of the strongest Regiments to hold themselves in Readiness, & am providing Vessels to transport them to Albany.
You may depend they shall be forwarded with all possible Dispatch, In the Mean Time I beg You would make the Necessary Preparations for their Subsistance, there will be about 2000 Men Exclusive of Officers in the five Regiments.
I beg You will forward the enclosed Letter to General Thomas & am very respectfully, Dr Sir, Your most Obedt Humble servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 16 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New-York, April 16th 1776.
Parole New-Hampshire.Countersign Falmouth.

If the British Troops which evacuated Boston, or any part of them, are destined for this place, their Arrival may be very soon expected—The Engineers and Overseers of the works, are therefore to use every possible dispatch in compleating them—To this end, the Engineers are to apply to the Adjutant General, for as many Men as can usefully be employed, and he will give orders accordingly.
Col. Prescot’s Regiment is to encamp on Governors-Island, as soon as the weather clears, they are to give every assistance in

their power, to facilitate the works erecting thereon—The Qr Mr General will furnish Straw for the Tents, and Firewood.
As some Inconvenience have arisen to the Citizens of this place, by having the Countersign demanded of them, so early as Nine-O’Clock—The General orders that Taptoo-beating be delayed for the future ’til Ten, flattering himself (as there is no distinguishing Citizens from Soldiers, nor no other possible method of keeping the latter to their quarters, and of consequence, from rioting and disorderly behaviour) that it will be found less Inconvenient to the Inhabitants (to say nothing of the security which is to be derived from it) to give the Countersign at that hour, than submit to the greater Inconveniencies, which may arise out of the neglect of it. After this Hour, it is strictly enjoined upon the Officers to see that their Rolls are called and that the Men are in quarters.
General Thompson will hasten the embarkation of the regiments for Albany, as fast as possible, and is to fix with the Muster Master General Mr Moylan, upon a time and place for mustering of them—These Regiments may be embark’d and sent off one at a time, or otherwise as it can be done quickest—The General to set out with the last—The Colonels to prepare their Muster-Rolls immediately.
All Persons having business with the Adjutant General, are to repair to his own Office, and not to Head Quarters to transact it.
The General Court Martial of which Col. Stark was President is dissolved.
A General Court Martial to sit to morrow Morning, at Mr Frances’s Tavern, at ten O’clock—All Evidences and Persons concern’d, to attend the court.


Title: General Orders, 17 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New-York, April 17th 1776
Parole Boston.Countersign Charlestown.

The General being informed that many of the Houses taken up for barracks, are much abused by the Soldiers, which is a Grievance that might be prevented, by the Officers paying a proper attention to their duty, and more carefully observing the Conduct, and Behaviour of their men—The Barrack Master is therefore order’d to place a proper proportion of Officers, in the same Houses with the Soldiers, who, are to be answerable for any mischief done, to prevent any Wood being cut upon the Floors, or any Water, or Filth, thrown out of the Windows; As all Damages wantonly committed must be paid for, out of the pay of the Men quarter’d in the House where such Damage is done—The Offenders must also expect to suffer a severe corporal punishment for any breach of these orders. The Officers are moreover expressly order’d to see, that the Mens Barracks are kept clean, and the General again urges the Necessity of the same Cleanliness being observ’d in the persons of the soldiers.
The Colonels, and commanding Officers of Regiments, are to exert their utmost endeavours, to compleat their Companies to the establishment.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 17 April 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 17th Aprl 1776

I have it in Charge from the Congress to Direct that Two Companies of Colonell Dayton’s Battalion of New Jersey Troops be Station’d at Cape May, for the protection of the Property and Navigation in that Quarter, and you will please to Issue the necessary Directions accordingly. I am Sir Your very hume servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to the New York Committee of Safety, 17 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Committee of Safety

Gentlemen
Head Quarters [New York] 17 April 1776

There is nothing that could add more to my happiness than to go hand in hand with the Civil Authority of this, or any other Government to which it may be my Lot to be ordered, and if in the prosecution of such measures as shall appear to me to have a manifest tendency to promote the Interest of the great American Cause I shall encounter the local convenience of individuals, or even of a whole Colony, I beg it may be believed that I shall do it with reluctance and pain, but in the present important Contest the least of two Evils must be preferred.
That a continuance of the intercourse which has hitherto subsisted between the Inhabitants of this Colony, and the Enemy on board the Ships of War, is injurious to the common Cause, requires no extraordinary abilities to prove. A moment’s reflection not only evinces this truth, but points out the glaring absurdity of such procedure—We are to consider ourselves either in a state of Peace or War with Great Britain. If the former why are our Ports shut up—Our Trade destroyed—Our property siezed—Our Towns burnt, and our worthy and valuable Citizens led into Captivity & suffering the most cruel hardships? If the latter, my imagination is not fertile enough to suggest a reason in support of the intercourse.
In the weak and defenceless state in which this City was some time ago—political prudence might justify the Correspondence that subsisted between the Country and the Enemy’s Ships of War but as the largest part of the Continental Troops is now here—As many strong Works are erected and erecting for the

defence of the City and harbour, those Motives no longer exist, but are absorbed in others of a more important Nature. To tell you Gentlemen, that the advantages of an intercourse of this kind are altogether on the side of the Enemy, whilst we derive not the smallest benefit from it would be telling what must be obvious to everyone. It is indeed so glaring that even the Enemy themselves must despise us for suffering it to be continued, for besides their obtaining Supplies of every kind by which they are enabled to continue in your harbours, it also opens a regular Channel of intelligence, by which they are from time to time made acquainted with the number and extent of our Works—Our Strength and all our Movements, by which they are enabled to regulate their own plans to our great disadvantage and Injury—for the truth of this I could produce instances, but as it may be the Subject of future discussion I shall decline it at present. It would Gentlemen, be taking up too much of your time to use further Arguments in proof of the necessity of putting an immediate and total Stop to all future Correspondence with the Enemy—It is my incumbent duty to effect this, convinced as I am of the disadvantages resulting from it, and it cannot be thought strange or hard, that under such Conviction, I should be anxious to remove an Evil which may contribute not a little to the ruin of the great Cause we are engaged in, and may in its Effects prove highly detrimental to this Colony in particular.
In effecting the Salutary purposes abovementiond I could wish for the concurrence and support of your honorable Body. It will certainly add great weight to the measures adopted when the Civil Authority Co-operates with the Military to carry them into Execution—It will also redound much to the honor of the Government, and of your Committee in particular, for the World is apt to judge from appearances, and while such Correspondence exists the reputation of the whole Colony will suffer in the Eyes of their American Bretheren.
It is therefore Gentlemen that I have taken the Liberty to address you on this important Subject, relying upon your Zeal and attachment to the Cause of American Liberty for your assistance in putting a Stop to this Evil, and that you will cooperate with me in such measures as shall be effectual, either to prevent any future Correspondence with the Enemy, or in

bringing to Condign punishment such Persons as may be hardy and wicked enough to carry it on, otherwise than by a prescribed mode, if any Case can possibly arise to require it. I have the honor to be with the utmost respect Gentlemen Your most obedt hble Servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from the New York Committee of Safety, 17 April 1776
From: New York Committee of Safety
To: Washington, George

New York, 17 April 1776. Request GW “to obtain a release of Seven Citizens, now detained on board the ships Pheonix and Asia, as prisoners. They are well informed an exchange may be effected, if your Excellency would be pleased to give them the benefit of a number of your Prisoners, of equal rank.”


Title: General Orders, 18 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New-York, April 18th 1776
Parole Rhode-Island.Countersign Hopkins.

The Honorable the Continental Congress have been pleased to direct the Thanks of the United Colonies to be presented to the Officers, and Soldiers of their Army; who with unremitted Courage, and Perseverance, surmounted every Effort of the enemy, and every Obstacle of that severe Climate, in persisting for eleven Months, in the Blockade, and Seige of Boston, and finally forcing their Enemies to make a shameful and precipitate Retreat, from that once devoted town. This honorable Mark of the approbation of the Congress, would have been inserted sooner in the General Orders, had not their Express gone to the Eastward, while the Army was upon the march, and arrived only last evening from Boston.


Title: To George Washington from the New York Committee of Safety, 18 April 1776
From: Unknown
To:

Sir.
In Committee of Safety New York April 18th 1776

Your recommendation of Yesterday we took into consideration immediately on receipt of it. And thereupon framed the enclosed Resolves and Orders. We cannot sufficiently thank Your Excellency for Your most delicate Attention to the civil Government of this Colony; and beg leave to give You the strongest Assurances that we most eagerly embrace this as we shall every other oppertunity of cooperating with You in every Measure which shall come recommended to us with the Argument of public Utility. We are Sir with the greatest respect Your most obedient humble Servants

By Order of the Committee
William Paulding Chairman


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 18 April 1776 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 18 April 1776. In a letter to Reed of 23 April, GW refers to “your Letter of the 18th.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 18 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Sir
Newyork 18th April 1776

I received your favor of the 11th Instant in answer to Colonel Glovers application to you, I am of opinion that all accounts respecting the Armed vessels, shoud be paid by the Agents only, and as the trial of the prizes Cannot be much Longer defferd, they will have Cash for the goods which may be Condemnd, in their hands, much more than Sufficient, to answer the demands upon them—if there is not a probability of this, you will be pleasd to give a Warrant for as much as will pay the wages due to the Men.
the Ship Jenny & the Brigantine ⟨  ⟩ both taken by Comodore Manly, the former from London, the Later from Antigua bound to Boston, are, by what I can Learn proper vessels to be fitted out as Cruizers you will therefore Sir, have a person of Knowledge & trust Sent on board to examine them if the report of them is Such, as they have been represented to me, you must have them purchasd for account of the United Colonies if Comodore Manly is in your Neighbourhood his opinion of them must have weight, & if they are fit for the purpose, he will of Course have his Choice of them, & attend the fixing one of them out, his first Lieutenant, Can Command the Hancock in the mean time, the Sooner this is put in execution the better.
there is nothing Material to inform you of from hence, I am Sir Your Most H. St

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thaddeus Burr, 19 April 1776
From: Burr, Thaddeus
To: Washington, George

Fairfield [Conn.] 19 April 1776. Requests GW’s directions regarding Benjamin Gale, who, by General Lee’s order, “was taken up as a Tory” and “has been confined to my Goal, till within a Day or two, when I recd the inclosed resolution of N. York Congress: He is now out upon his Parole of honor. You will observe that the resolve of Congress is directed to the Chairman of our Committee, who think they have nothing to do with it, and will not act upon it.”


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Ford, Jr., 19 April 1776
From: Ford, Jacob Jr.
To: Washington, George

New York, 19 April 1776. Wishes GW “to point out some Ways & Means” of speedily paying £289 to a detachment of 150 Morris County militiamen for eighteen days of Continental service at New York. The detachment marched to New York under Major Doughty in response to a request for aid made to the county committee of safety by Lord Stirling when he was Continental commander in the city. Although Stirling promised that the militia would receive “the same Provision & Pay with the Continental Troops in the Middle Department . . . much Jealousy subsisted in the Minds of the above Men upon marching, as to the Propriety of the Application from his Lordship to the County Committe, & thence many hastily concluded, that the Application being improper, the Pay & Subsistence might be uncertain. Your Memorialist, fearfull of any Delay, & anxtious to remove every Doubt in the Minds of his Men, became Surety & pledged his

Faith, that the Men should be paid at some short Day after discharged from the Service or become Pay Master himself.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York 19th April 1776

I have this moment received a Letter from General Schuyler containing inclosures of a very important nature, Copies of which I imagine are contained in the inclosed Letter to you, & which I thought it my duty immediately to forward by Express, that they may be laid before the honorable Congress and proper measures pursued to prevent the fatal effects which are therein apprehended. For my own part I have done my utmost to forward the four Regiments ordered by Congress, but a variety of incidents have hitherto conspired to prevent their embarkation. The Men had scarcely recovered themselves from the fatigues of their march from Boston, and are quite unprovided with necessaries. The Colonels of the Regiments, though repeatedly called upon for that purpose, had neglected making out the abstracts for their pay. All Obstacles however are now removed, and I hope to begin the embarkation this day—Indeed it would have been best in my opinion, to have sent the Regiments rais’d in this Province and New Jersey upon that Service, had not the peculiar Circumstances under which they were rais’d prevented it, by the terms of their inlistment they are to serve during the War, and at five dollars ⅌ Month, on Condition (as I am inform’d) that they shall not be sent out of those Provinces—Besides, they are very ill provided with Arms, some Companies not having any. It must be a great Burthen upon the Continent to keep such a number of useless men in pay, and yet if they should be dismissed, and an unexpected

Supply of Arms should arrive it may be found very difficult to replace them.
The Officers of the several Corps that have arrived here have been so busily employed in fixing their Men in Quarters that I have not yet been able to procure an exact return of their numbers, some are yet behind; as soon as the whole are collected I shall order the proper returns and transmit them to Congress.
You will please to notice what Colonel Hazzen says of the disposition of the Indians. In my opinion it will be impossible to keep them in a state of Neutrality—they must, and no doubt soon will, take an Active part, either for or against us, and I submit it to the consideration of Congress whether it would not be best immediately to engage them on our side, and to use our utmost endeavours to prevent their minds being poison’d by Ministerial Emmissaries, which will ever be the Case while a King’s Garrison is suffered to remain in their Country. Would it not therefore be advisable to send a sufficient Force from the back Counties of Pennsylvania to take possession of the Garrisons of Niagara and Detroit? This I think might easily be effected, and would answer the most Salutary purposes. The Seneca Indians, who have hitherto appear’d friendly to us, might be usefully employed in this business.
I am in hopes most of the difficulties mentioned in Colo. Hazzen’s Letter will be obviated by the appearance of the respectable Committee of Congress in Canada, and the Forces that have been, and will be sent there. The Security of that Country is of the utmost importance to us, this cannot be done so effectually by conquest as by taking stronghold of the affections and confidence of the Inhabitants. It is to be lamented that any Conduct of the Continental Troops should tend to alienate their Affections from us.
The Honorable Congress will be able to judge from the Papers sent them by General Schuyler, and the information they may receive of the designs of the Enemy, whether it is expedient to send a further reinforcement to Canada. If such should be their determination, I stand ready to execute their Orders, and am with respect Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

Go: Washington

Inclos’d is a return of the four Regiments ordered to Canada, besides which there will be two Rifle Companies a Company of Artificers and two Artillery Men, all under the Command of Brigadier General Thompson.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 19 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York 19th April 1776.

Yours of the 12th Instant from Fort George was delivered me, (with the Inclosures) Yesterday by Express. I agree with

You that the Intelligence is very Allarming & requires the strictest Attention. The four Regiments ordered from hence are now Embarking & I hope will soon be with You. I need not urge the Necessity of forwarding them from Albany with all possible Dispatch. You will have with the Troops five Hundred Barrels of Provisions. The Commissary General expects every Moment a large Quantity from Connecticut, and what can be spared of It, shall be sent to You in the same Bottoms without Delay. What Genl Lee Contracted for, is not Yet deliverd, his Sudden & unexpected Departure to the Southward, left the Contractors at a Loss where to deliver the Provisions & apply for the Pay. The Commissary General has since renewed the Contract & Ordered them to send the Provisions here.
I have Ordered a Return to be made of the State of our Magazine, And if the Powder You request can possibly be spared, You shall have It, I have wrote to Congress whether they would incline to send You a further Reinforcement of Men, But we are Yet in a Very uncertain Situation, Not knowing where the Enemy may bend their Force, & constant Applications from all Quarters of the Sea Coast for a supply of Men & Ammunition. The Recruits that have been lately raised here are totally unfurnished with Arms, & What is still worse, We do not know where to procure them.
You, who know the Temper & Disposition of the Savages will, I doubt not, think with Me that It will be Impossible to keep them in a State of Neutrality. I have urged to Congress the Necessity of Engaging them on our Side, to prevent their taking an Active Part against Us, which would be a Most fatal stroke under our present Circumstances. The Commotions among the Canadians is really allarming, I am afraid proper Measures have not been taken to Conciliate their Affections, but rather that they have been insulted & Injured, than which Nothing could have a Greater Tendency to ruin our Cause in that Country, For Human Nature is such, that It will adhere to the Side from whence the best Treatment is received. I therefore Conjure You Sir, to recommend to the Officers & soldiers in the strongest Terms to treat all the Inhabitants, Canadians English & savages with Tenderness & Respect, paying them punctually for what they receive, or giving them such Certificates, as will Enable them to receive their Pay.

As You are perfectly well acquainted with the Country & Its Inhabitants in & about Albany; I think It would be best for You to remain there, at least until the Troops & all the Supplies are forwarded from thence to Canada. Besides the four Regiments ordered for that Service, I shall send a Company of Riflemen, a Company of Artificers & two Engineers.
I beg You would Continue to furnish me with Intelligence of Every Interresting Occurrence, & believe me most Affectionately Your Obedient Humble servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Trumbull, 19 April 1776
From: Trumbull, Joseph
To: Washington, George

New York 19th April 1776

Comissary Trumbull’s best Respects, to Genl Washington, & Informs—That The Rations of Provision supplied by him to the Troops, at & near Cambridge, ⅌ Genl Orders were & are

18 oz. Salted Pork—or 24 oz. Salted or Fresh Beef—Or 16 oz. Salted Fish ⅌ man ⅌ diem.
1 lb. Flour or Bread ⅌ man ⅌ diem.
1 qt Beer ⅌ man ⅌ diem—Or 9 gallns Molosses ⅌ 100 men ⅌ week.
3 pts Pease or Beans ⅌ man ⅌ week.
6 oz. Butter ⅌ man ⅌ week.
½ pt Rice—or 1 pt In[dian] Meal ⅌ man ⅌ week.
6 lb. Candles ⅌ 100 men ⅌ week.
24 lb. Soft or 8 lb. hard Soap ⅌ 100 men ⅌ week.

That he paid the Officers, their Rations at & after the rate of 7½d. lawfull money of New England ⅌ ration—In which computation the fractions were given in favr of the Officer—Pork was Computed at 77/6 ⅌ bl—Flour at 22/6 ⅌ Ct. Beer was not to be had at Cambridge & Molasses was generally given at 2/ & 2/4 ⅌ galln—That he now Supplies the Same Rations in New York, Pork now Costs 66/ ⅌ bl—Flour 12/ ⅌C[t] & Beer, which can be had, & Molosses cannot—the Beer Costs 7/6 ⅌ bl—& all

other Articles as Cheap, & the most a little Cheaper here than at Cambridge, The difference, arises from the difference between Land & Water transportation; so that there is nearly 1½d. difference in each Ration of Bread or Flour—& nearly ½d. in the Pork—So that he Judges, a Ration here will not ex[c]eed Six pence, or 6½d. Lawfull Money of New England—equal to 8d. or 8⅓d. Currency of New York.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 19 April 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 19 April 1776

This day I received a letter from the Paymaster Genl informing me that he cannot without an immediate supply of money pay the drafts that must soon be made upon him. The Commissary & Quartermaster having drawn such large sums, with what has been drawn to pay the men on board the Continental Privateers, &c. that the Treasury is nearly exhausted: And unless there should be an immediate suply, we shall be reduced to great difficulties. I therefore hope your Excellency will be pleased to direct that the Paymaster Genl be supplied with a sufficient sum as soon as possible. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

A[r]temas Ward


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Allen, 20 April 1776
From: Allen, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Cambridge, 20 April 1776. Requests payment for service as a chaplain in the Continental army. “I left my congregation 200 miles without a single dollar for my support . . . I laboured near 4 months without provision or pay but charge but three being ill some part of the time. . . . I deliver’d in my Bill to General Sulivan, who promis’d to deliver it to Your Excellency but by his sudden march for New York, I presume he forgot it—For the payment of this small pittance I presented two petitions to your Excellency by the hand of Squire Mayland who return’d me for answer that your Excellency could not grant an Order without the Names of the Col. or Colo’s. to the Bill.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Bond, 20 April 1776
From: Bond, William
To: Washington, George

New York, 20 April 1776. Recommends various officers for promotion to fill vacancies in his regiment created by Lt. Col. Nathaniel Cudworth’s discharge.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 20 April 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 20th 1776

Your several Letters of the 24th and 27th of March, the 1t 4th and 15th Inst. I had the Honour of receiving in the Order of their Dates, by the last of which, I learn with Pleasure, that

you had safely arrived at New York. The Dispositions you made to expedite the Embarkation of the Troops, were highly proper and judicious.
Too much Dispatch cannot be used in sending the Battalions to Quebec; as it frequently happens in conducting such important affairs, that a Week, a Day, even an Hour, proves decisive, and the greatest Advantages are thereby either gained or lossed for Ever.
The Resolutions of Congress as far as they relate to yourself, or those Parts of your Letters that have hitherto come under their Consideration, I do myself the Honour to transmit herewith and am, Sir with every Sentiment of Esteem & Regard your most obed. and very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 20 April 1776
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Morrissania 20th April 1776

I take the Liberty of addressing your Excellency upon a Subject so much out of my own Line, that I must be entirely in your Equity, as to the Charge of Impertinence. I hope to be acquitted.
The Committee of Safety have ordered, that the sick Soldiery should be transported to an Island called little Barn Island; which was, and perhaps still is, the Property of Captn John Montresor, an Engineer in the ministerial Army. The choice of this particular Spot for that Purpose, induces me to suspect, that they were actuated in some Measure by those illiberal Prejudices, which have great Weight in little Souls. For certainly it must be rather inconvenient, to place the Sick upon an Island, at nine Miles Distance from the Army. It seems to be rather more rational, to erect Buildings for their Reception, on the high Grounds near Hudson’s River to the Westward of Harlem; a Situation at once healthy and easy of Access. Or if an insular Position is indispensibly necessary; then Behenna’s, and

especially Blackwell’s Island, will be found much better adapted to the Purpose, being nearer to the City, and a convenient Ferriage to either from the Fort at Hoerns Hook. And the Proprietors of those Islands, would I beleive gladly let any Houses they can spare for that Use.
My Reason for troubling your Excellency on this Occasion is, that when Mr Montresor went to Boston, the Island was put in the Possession of (I beleive conveyed to) John Tudor Esqr., and of his Majesty’s Council for the Bermuda Islands, who came hither in the Pursuit of Health. He has found it where he now is, and thinks it inhospitable to the Stranger, to turn him out instead of taking him in—The lower Orders of Mankind, blessed in the Bluntness of their Perceptions, may receive a pecuniary Compensation for any Inconvenience, but your Excellency best knows, how precious are the Feelings of a Gentleman: public Money can neither purchase or alleviate them. If we banish this pauvre Maladé, it is worth while to consider how much his Tale will be repeated against us. The uncharitable will say it was a Pique, because he holds a Feather under the King. The mildest Judges will discover some harsh Features in the Piece.
I trespass too much Sir upon your Patience—I have no other Excuse, but that Mr Tudor requested me to mention this Matter to your Excellency; let me add that I receive Pleasure in furnishing the Occasion for that Happiness which you receive in doing Good. With the greatest Respect I have the Honor to be your Excellency’s most obedient and humble Servant

Gouvr Morris


Title: From George Washington to the New York Committee of Safety, 20 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Committee of Safety

⟨Gentlemen
[New York] April 20–1776

I thank you for the polite and ready Attention you paid to my requisition of the 17th Instant. When the Civil & Military Powers Co-⟩operate, and af⟨ford⟩ mutua⟨l Aid to each other there can be little doubt⟩ of things going well. I have ⟨now to request the favor of your info⟩rmation, in what manner, and in wh⟨at time a Body of 2000 or 2⟩500 Militia might be collected from this ⟨Colony for actual Service⟩ upon any sudden Emergency.
Although we may ⟨not, and I trust in God⟩ shall not have occasion for their Aid, common p⟨rudence does nevertheless⟩ dictate the expediency of a preconcerted Plan for ⟨calling them in,⟩ that in Case of necessity they may be drawn tog⟨ether in proper Corps⟩ without tumult or disorder, and at the same tim⟨e with the utmost⟩ Expedition. This will not be the Case if

men are n⟨ot regularly embodied⟩ and notified that they are to step forth at a moments ⟨warning⟩.
The Idea that strikes me as ⟨the properest⟩ to be pursued at present, is, to establish out of the Con⟨tinental Forces,⟩ good lookouts on the heighths and Head Lands at the ⟨Entrance of the⟩ Harbour, who, upon the appearance of a Fleet shall ⟨make such signals⟩ as being answered from place to place, shall convey the earliest ⟨intelligence to⟩ Head Quarters of the Strength and approach of the E⟨nemy. These⟩ Signals, for greater certainty to be followed by Expres⟨ses, and then, in Case a⟩ny thing formidable should appear, for the ⟨Committee of Safety if sitting⟩, if not, those to whom the power shall ⟨be delegated, upon application⟩ from the Commanding Off⟨icer of the Continental Forces to Order⟩ in two or ⟨more Battallions as the exigency of the Case may require or for greater dispatch such Militia or part of them as shall be allotted to this Service by the Committee might be assembled (if in the Town or Vicinity[)] by Signals to be agreed on.
A mode of proceeding of a similar kind, concerted with Jersey would bring in a reinforcement speedily and without those irregularities and unnecessary Expences which but too frequently attend the movement of Militia.
Thus Gent⟩lemen I have expressed my Sentim⟨ents to you upon the occas⟩ion—Your Prudence will suggest to yo⟨u the necessity of adopt⟩ing these, or other Methods of a like natu⟨re and your wisdom⟩ will point out the most effectual and ⟨expeditious mann⟩er of carrying them into Execution—⟨I therefore submit⟩ them to your Consideration and am with ⟨great respect⟩ Gentlemen Your most obedient & very hu⟨mble⟩ Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 20 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York 20th April 1776

By the returns, just delivered me, of the state of our Ammunition, I find we are greatly deficient in the article of Ball, and as I understand a large quantity of Lead has been manufactured at Middletown in your Government, I must beg the favor of you to forward as much as you can spare to me, as soon as possible. I am very respectfully Sir your most obedient humble Servant

G. Washington

P.S. As the quantity of powder here is much smaller than I expected, and the demand from Canada greater, I should be obliged to you if you would inform me how that has been disposed of which was said to be imported lately into your Government on Continental Account.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Knox, 21 April 1776
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Norwich [Conn.] April 21, 1776

Agreable to your Excellencys Instructions I tarried at Cambridge ’till all the Ordnance & Stores in my department were on the way to this place, which to my great mortification was not till the 14th instant—The detention was owing to the Zeal of the General Assembly which promis’d more than their activity could perform—In my passing thro’ Providence Governor Cook & a number of the principal people were very pressing

for me to take Newport in my way, in order to mark out some works of Defence for that place. The spirited Conduct of the Colony troops posted there in driving away the Kings Ships alarm’d the whole Colony for the safety of Its Capital[.] Knowing your Excellencys anxiety for the preservation of every part of the Continent I conceiv’d it to be my duty to act in conformity to your wishes, especially as I could get to Norwich as soon as the stores which sat out for norwich on the 14th: Accordingly I went to Newport and mark’d out five Batteries which from the advantageous situation of the Ground must when executed render the harbour exceedingly secure—In this I humbly hope for your Excellencys approbation.
Mr Cheever as expected is this day arrivd In with the powder & some Stores being the last division which I shall endevor to get away as soon as possible & if the Wind shall be fair I propose going by water, if not by Land—Lt Colo. Burbeck declin’d complying with your Excellencys orders alledging that the province had settl’d on him 4/ Sterlg ⅌ day during Life after the war was over, which if he went out of the Province he might perhaps lose—Lt Colo. Mason who came with the Ordnance to this Town being in ill health I have permit to go by Land—I am going down to Admiral Hopk⟨ins⟩ to receive his directions concerning the safety of sending out the stores, as some of the Kings Ship’s Yesterday chas’d in A Vessell to New London—and also to endevor to get the brass mortars which he brought from [New] Providence if not particularly appropriated. I sincerely wish Your Excellency every earthly blessing and am with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most ObDt & Most Humble Servant

Henry Knox


Title: General Orders, 22 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New-York, April 22nd 1776.
Parole Richmond.Countersign Conway.

For the future all Prisoners confin’d for Crimes, for which they are to be tried by a General Court Martial, are to be sent to the Provost Marshal Capt. Moroney, who has a Guard appointed to secure them, and all Prisoners, confin’d in any Guard, for offences that come under the Cognizance of a Regimental Court Martial, are to be sent to the Barrack Guard of the Regiment they belong to.


Title: From George Washington to the Continental Congress Committee on Fortifying Ports, 22 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Continental Congress Committee on Fortifying Ports

Gentn
New York April 22d 1776

I received your favour of the 14 Instt, and Judgg Colo. Richard Gridley & Colo. Hy Knox to be as proper persons as any I was acquainted with, have wrote the former to view the Harbour Fortifications &c. at Cape Ann, the Latter, those of New London, If not come from thence; Inclosg each a Copy of your Letter for their Instructions & enjoining a clear and full report to be made me, which I shall do myself the honor of Transmitting you, as soon as It comes to hand.
I return you my thanks for your polite congratulations on my safe arrival here, & am very respectfully Yr &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from John Morgan, 22 April 1776
From: Morgan, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Cambridge April 22. 1776

I take this Opportunity to inform Your Excellency that I am constantly employ’d in collecting & forwarding the Hospital Stores to N: York, & in executing your Orders relative to the Drugs & Medicines &c., left in the ministerial Hospital & Messrs Perkins & Gardners Shops at Boston, of wch I have given a more minute detail in my Letters to Genl Gates, that I might not be troublesome in taking up more of Your Excellencys Time than necessary.
I have, & am collecting a Noble Store of Medicines &c. for the ensuing Campaign, & I hope to leave no room for complaint of any scarcity or Want of either Medicines, Beds, Blankets, or other Hospital Stores for the Army—Having got a sufficient supply, (except of a few capital Articles which I hope to procure from Philada) of Medicines, for a Year to come, or more, with 1500 additional Blanketts & Rugs, as many Beds & Pillows &c., by the Care & Attention of my Steward & Qr Master of the Hospital Mr Carnes, who has spared no pains in executing my orders in collecting them from Boston, in washing & fitting them for Use.
The Sick in the several Hospitals are reduced to about 80. I

hope in 10 or 12 days, or at least within a fortnight, to have managed in such a Manner, as to discharge them all, & to break up the Hospitals entirely. I have sent off about 26 Waggons already for N. York with Hospital Stores, always accompanied with some of the Mates of the Hospital to take charge of them. I flatter myself with the Number allready gone, Dr Foster will be capable of managing the concerns of the Hospital at N. York so well that the sick will not suffer, The rest of the Gentlemen in this Department will shortly follow with the rest of the Stores & I expect in a few days after to join them. Tomorrow I purpose to set out for Portsmouth to learn whether there are any Tidings of the 10 packages of Medicines formerly mentioned to be in the Prize carried in there, that Nothing of so great value may be lost for want of looking After. If, on my Way to N. York Your excellency has any Orders for me I shall, agreeable to my Instructions expect to meet them at Norwich. From a Sense of my Duty I have troubled your excellency with an Acct of my Proceeding⟨s⟩ & remain Your Excellencys most obedient & very humble Servant

John Morgan


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 22 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York April 22d 1776

When I had the honor of seeing you at Norwich you gave me some encouragements to hope you would spare me a number of Arms, which you said were then repairing—The great deficiency of Arms in the Regiments raised in this Province and the Jerseys (some being totally unprovided) obliges me to request the favor of you to forward all that are finished to me by the first convenient opportunity—I am extremely sorry to trouble you so often with requisitions, but I doubt not you will readily

excuse me when you consider that the good of the Service makes it necessary. I am most respectfully Sir Your obedient humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 23 April 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence April 23d 1776.

I did myself the Honor in my Letter of Jany 21st to inclose to your Excellency a Copy of a Memorial from the General Assembly to the Hon’ble Continental Congress, to which I beg Leave to refer you; and when I had the Pleasure of seeing you here I laid before you very fully the distressed Situation of the Colony, and the enormous Expences we were necessarily put to in defending such an extensive Line of Sea-Coast, which I thought you very well convinced it was impossible for the Colony to support.
I prevailed upon Col. Knox, who passed through this Town in his Way to Norwich, to take a View of Newport, and to direct such Works to be thrown up as he should think necessary for the Defence of the Place. He is clearly of Opinion that the Town of Newport may be secured, and hath left some Directions which I have ordered to be carried into Execution. They have begun the Works and I believe will this Day complete a Battery which commands the North Entrance of the Harbor. Tomorrow they begin the Fortifications upon Fort Island. And if it be in our

Power to complete the Works I have no Doubt it will put a total End to Toryism in this Colony. As Col. Knox’s Stay was very short his Plans are not particular nor exact. If it were possible for your Excellency to spare from your Army some Person acquainted with Fortification to assist, were it only for a few Days, you would do us a particular Favour, and a most essential Service to the common Cause.
Col. Babcock hath given such incontestible Proofs of Insanity that his Officers were obliged to put him under an Arrest, and send him under a Guard to Providence. The General Committee have continued the Arrest, and referred the Matter until the next Week when the Assembly meets, who will most certainly dismiss him.
I beg the Favor of your Excellency to represent the State of the Colony to Congress, and to recommend to them the taking our Brigade (which is inlisted to serve in any of the United Colonies) into Continental Pay; and to establish a Force here for the Defence of the Colony. I am with great Truth and Esteem, Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant

Nichs Cooke


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Lundin, Lord Drummond, 23 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Drummond, Thomas Lundin (Lord)

My Lord,
New York april 23d 1776.

Understanding that the Committee of Safety, for this Colony, have given your Lordship permission to visit Bermuda for the benefit of your health, I take the liberty of wishing you a pleasant Voyage, and a speedy and perfect restoration of it—with respect, I have the honour to be Yr Lordships Most Obedt, & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


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

Sir,
New York 23d April 1776.

In a Letter which I had the honour to receive from Congress some considerable time ago, they were pleased to ask what Rank aid de Camps bore in the army—from whence I concluded that they had adverted to the extraordinary trouble and confinement of these Gentlemen with a view to make them an adequate allowance; but nothing being since done, or said of the matter, I take the liberty unsollicited by, and unknown to my aid de Camps to inform your Honble body that their pay is not, by any means, equal to their trouble and confinement.
No person wishes more to save money to the public than I do—nor no person has aim’d more at it—but there are some cases in which parsimony may be ill placed; and this I take to be one. Aid de Camps are person’s in whom entire Confidence must be placed—It requires Men of abilities to execute the duties with propriety and dispatch where there is such a multiplicity of business as must attend the Commander in chief of such an army as our’s; and perswaded I am that nothing but the zeal of those Gentlemen who live with me and act in this capacity for the great American Cause and personal attachment to me, has induced them to undergo the trouble and confinement they have experienced since they have become Members of my Family.
I give into no kind of amusements myself, consequently those about me can have none, but are confined from morn till Eve hearing, and answering the applications and Letters of one and another; which will now, I expect, receive a pretty considerable addition as the business of the Northern and Eastern departments (if I continue here) must, I suppose, pass through my hands—If these Gentlemen had the same relaxation from duty

as other Officers have in their common Rotine, there would not be so much in it, but to have the Mind always upon the stretch—scarce ever unbent—and no hours for recreation, makes a material odds—knowing this, and at the sametime how inadequate the pay is, I can scarce find Inclination to impose the necessary duties of their Office upon them—to what I have here said, this further remark may be made, and is a matter of no small concernment to me, and, in its consequences to the publick, and that is, that while the duty is hard and the pay small it is not to be wonderd at if there should be found a promptness in them to seek preferment or in me to do justice to them by facilitating their views, by which means I must loose their aid when they have it most in their power to assist me. Influenced by these motives I have taken the liberty of laying the matter fully, and with all due deference before your Honble body not doubting its meeting with a patient hearing. I am Sir with the greatest respect Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


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

Sir,
New York April 23d 1776.

That I might be in readiness to take the Field in the Spring, and prepared for any Service Congress should think proper to send me upon this Campaign, I desired Colo. Reed when he left Cambridge in the Fall to get me a Sett of Camp Equipage—Tents—and a Baggage Waggon made at Philadelphia under his own Inspection and sent to me. this he informs me is now done & ready to come on—I have therefore to beg the favour of Congress through you to Order payment of them from the Treasury, as it will save the expence & hazard of a remittance

from hence where we stand much in need of every farthing we have. I have the honour to be with great respect and esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 23 April 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 23d 1776.

I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favour of the 19th of April enclosing several Papers: all which were immediately laid before Congress.
The important Intelligence they contain, makes it necessary that the most vigorous Measures should be adopted, as well to defend our Troops against the Canadians themselves, as to ensure Success to the Expedition. The Congress being determined on the Reduction of Quebec and the Security of that Country, for Reasons too obvious to be mentioned, have left Nothing undone, which can any Ways contribute to that End. Whatever may be the Causes of the late Insurrection, good Policy requires, that while we endeavour to prevent every Thing of the Kind for the future, we should also make Provision, in Case it should happen. Accordingly Congress have come into sundry Resolutions calculated to quiet the Minds of the Canadians and to remove the Sources of their Uneasiness & Discontent. They have likewise ordered six more Battalions to be sent into Canada from the Army at New York as you will see by the enclosed Resolve. Whether any further additional Forces will be wanted there is a Matter of some Uncertainty with Congress. Should you, from your Knowledge of Facts, the State of Canada, the Possibility that Genl Howe will attempt to relieve Genl Carlton, and comparing the Circumstances together, be of Opinion, that an additional Force is still necessary, you will please to signify it to Congress; and at the same Time inform them whether in

that Case, such additional Force can be spared from the Army now at New York.
I transmit herewith sundry Resolves of Congress for your Direction, and have the Honour to be Sir, your most obedt and very hble Serv.

John Hancock Presid⟨t⟩

The Inclos’d Letter for Commodore Hopkins, I leave unseal’d for your perusal only, after which I beg the favour of you to Seal & forward by Fessenden, or a fresh Express.
I have paid Mr Fessenden Twelve Dollars, which you will please to Note on Settlement with him.

J.H.


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

Head Quarters, New York, April 24th 1776
Parole Saville.Countersign Thanet.

The Regiments are ordered to be brigaded as follows. First Brigade under the Command of Brigdr Genl Heath[.] Learnard’s. Read’s. Prescot’s. Bailey’s and Baldwins.
Second Brigade under the Command of Brigd. Genl Spencer. Parsons’s. Huntington’s. Arnold’s. Ward’s. and Wyllys.
Third Brigade under the Command of Brig: Genl Sullivan. Hand’s. Reads. Nixon’s. Stark’s. and Webb’s.
Fourth Brigade under the Command of Brig: Genl Green. Varnum’s. Hitchcock’s. Little’s. Wayne’s. and Irvine.
Fifth Brigade under the Command of Brig: Genl The Earl of Stirling. Ritzema’s. McDougall’s. Dayton’s. and Wind’s.
A clean, well dress’d orderly Serjeant, from each Brigade, to attend in the General’s Guard Room, near Head Quarters, from Six in the morning until they are dismissed in the evening; they are to bring their Provisions with them, and to be relieved every morning.
The Commanding Officer of the Artillery, is immediately to examine, and report, the quantity of Case, and Grape Shot, in Store and see that a sufficiency of each, is immediately provided.
The Rifle-Men in Col. Irvine’s Regiment, have Liberty to fire their Rifles to morrow at Ten in the forenoon, at such place as Lieut. Col. Hartley shall appoint—This is mentioned, as no Person is to presume to fire without leave.
Felix Micklehenny, Corporal, James Milliken, Corporal, John McGee, John McBride, George Connor, Privates, belonging to the 6th Battalion of Pennsylvanian Troops, tried at a late General Court Martial, whereof Col. Baldwin was President for “Mutiny and Disobedience of orders”—The Court are of Opinion that the Prisoners Corporal Milliken and Jno. McBride, are not guilty, but that the Prisoners Corporal Micklehenny, Jno. McGee, and George Connor are guilty of the charge against them, and do therefore sentence Corporal Micklehenny to be reduced to a Private, and that Jno. McGee be confin’d four days, and George Connor seven days both on Bread and Water.
The General approves the Sentence of the above Court Martial,

upon Corporal Micklehenny, Jno. McGee and George Connor, and orders it to take place immediately.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Knox, 24 April 1776
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
New London [Conn.] April 24 1776

In consequence of your Excellencys directions I am employ’d in looking at and getting the necessary information Respecting this harbour in which I shall Spare no pains. I mention’d to Your Excellency Newport Harbour, which in Conjunction with this will when fortified afford a safe retreat to the American Navy or their prizes in any Wind that blows; they are equally convenient for Ships coming from Sea; & if the wind is not fair to go into one harbour they may into the other.
The Artillery and Stores are all embark’d together with the remaining Company of my Regt and have been waiting for a fair wind two days.
Admiral Hopkins is still in this Harbour and I beleive will be oblig’d to continue here some time: he this day has received intelligence that four Ships & two brigs are off Montaug point & block Island station’d in such a manner that but one appears at

a time and each able to come up to the assistance of the others—The Captain of the Cerberus was on block Island Yesterday & told a man there that he was waiting for Admiral Hopkins & Expected in four days to be join’d by Capt. Wallace & his Squadron—I have the honour to be with the Utmost Respect Your Excellencys Most ObDt & most Humble Servt

Henry KnoxColl Regt Artillery

P.S. I am in hopes to be able to set out for New York on the 28th instant.


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

Sir
New York 24th April 1776.

I have this Day Granted a Warrant unto Captain Jacobus Wynkoop for two hundred seventy Six & two thirds Dollars, being for a Months Advance to him his Officers & Men who are to serve on the Lakes, at the Rates following.

            Captain
            32 Dollars
            32

            three Mates
            15 Do
            45

            One Boatswain
            do
            15

            Two Boatswains Mates
            @ 9⅓
            18⅔

            Twenty Seamen
            @ 8
            160

            One Do
            @ 6
            6

            276⅔
            Dollars

Which You will please to take Notice of in adjusting the Accounts of this Captain & his Crews.

Brigadier General Thompson, with four Battallions, & one Company Sailed from hence last Sunday, I hope they will have reached Albany long before this, & doubt not Your forwarding them on with all possible Expedition, We have Accounts of the British Troops under General Howe being arrived at Hallifax, a part of them if Not the whole, will probably attempt the Relief

of Quebec, as soon as the Navigation up the St Lawrence is practicable. I am with Great Esteem Dr Sir, Your Most Assured Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Tucker, 24 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Tucker, Samuel

Sir
New York April 24th 1776

The Readiness shewn by the Committee of safety for the Province of New Jersey to succour this Place with their Millitia on a late Occasion when they were at my Request called upon by Brigadier General The Earl of Stirling and the Alacrity with which I am Informed the Millitia then stepped forward in Defence of their Country are Sufficient Proofs of the Important Service the province of New Jersey is capable of rendering in Support of the Great cause of American Liberty especially if the Millitia of that Province be put under such Regulations, as

will enable them to give their Aid at the very time it may be wanted and without the least Delay possible. what renders such a regulation the more Necessary is that in the Present Situation of Affairs, it is more than probable that the approach of the Enemy will be sudden and without our having long Notice of their being on the Coast, Late Experience has taught us that under the present Regulation it will take at least a fortnight (after the necessity of the requisition is seen) to Assemble and embody any Considerable Detachment of the Millitia, whereof it seems Absolutely Necessary that there be a resolution of your Congress or Committee of Safety for Alloting a perticular number of your Millitia to March on the First Notice of the approach of the Enemy. the Detachment from each Regiment should be fixed upon who should March to Certain Places of Rendevous on the first Alarm by regulated signals a Regulation of such Signals was lately made by Lord Stirling for the Highlands of Neversinks and Staten Island a Copy of which with some Alteration I now send you and which I think are very proper for the purpose the two last of which Should be Repeated at a number of Eminences in your Province—And if on the Signal of the Appearance of a large Fleet the Detachments of your Millitia were Orderd to Rendevous at Brunswick[,] Amboy, Woodbridge, Raway, Elizabeth Town, Newark and Bergen they might be Ready in a day or two to march to such Place either in your Province or in this as would be found to stand most in need of their Assi[s]tance, and in Order to Avoid the Inconveniencies which may arise from the Absence of your Provincial Generals from that Part of the Country w[h]ere the Troops may Assemble, it will be necessary that the Colonels and Commanding Officers of every Corps or Detachment be Directed Strictly to Obey, the Orders they may Receive from the Continental General to whom that Department may be Allotted. With Respect I am Sir Your most Obbed. Humbe Servt

G.W.


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

Head Quarters, New-York, April 25th 1776.
Parole Johnstone.Countersign Lutterell.

Complaints having been made to the General, of Injuries done to the Farmers, in their Crops, and Fields, by the Soldiers passing over, and trampling upon the young Growth, in a wanton and disorderly manner—he expressly orders the Officers commanding, either upon duty, or in quarters in the Country, to take especial Care to put a Stop to such practices, and endeavour to convince their Men, that we come to protect; not to injure the property of any man.
The Quarter Master General, assisted by Col. Putnam, Chief Engineer; the Quarter Master, Quarter Mastr Serjeant, and two Men from each Regiment, of the 1st 2nd 4th & 5th Brigades, to assemble at Sun-rise, to morrow morning, at the Redoubt upon Bayard’s-hill, to mark out the Encampment for the four Brigades abovementioned—The Qr Mr General will report to the Commander in Chief when he has fulfilled this order. The Encampment of the 3rd Brigade, to be marked out in like manner, upon Long-Island, on Saturday morning—The Chief Engineer, with the Quarter Masters &c., from each Regiment, to assist the Qr Mr General in that service.
As soon as the General has approved of the Encampments mark’d out, the Troops will be ordered to encamp, until then, they are all to remain in their present quarters.
James Gray of Capt. Mighell’s Company, in Colo. Baldwins Regiment, tried at a late General Court Martial, whereof Col. Baldwin was Presdt, for “Desertion”—The Court finding the Prisoner guilty of the charge, do sentence him to be whipped Thirty-nine Lashes, upon his bare back.

Joseph Leverett of Capt. Wheelers Company in Colo. Nixons Regt tried at the above Genl Court Martial, for “absenting himself from his Guard without permission, and being intoxicated with liquor”; is found guilty by the Court and sentenced to receive Twenty-five Lashes on his bare back.
Joseph Smith of Capt. Winships Company, in Col. Nixons Regiment, tried at the above General Court Martial, for “quitting his post when on Sentry,[”] is acquitted by the court.
The General approves of the foregoing Sentences, and orders them to be put in execution to morrow morning at Guard mounting.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 25 April 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 25th April 1776

I have Deliver’d in Charge to Mr Hanson & Cox Three Hundred Thousand Dollars for the Service of the Army in Canada, & have directed them by order of Congress to Deliver the same to you, and am to Request you will please to order it to be Sent to General Schuyler at Albany under the Care of an Officer & some of the Troops destin’d for Canada to be Deliver’d General Schuyler.
Your favrs of 22d & 23d Inst. I last Night Rec’d by Major Palfrey & are now under the Consideration of a Committee.
I Beg leave to Recommend Mr Hanson & Cox to your Notice, & am with Esteem, Sir Your very hume Servt

John Hancock Presidt

The 300,000 Dollars are Pack’d in three Boxes.


Title: From George Washington to Commodore Esek Hopkins, 25 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hopkins, Esek

Sir
New York 25th April 1776

I wrote you the 14th instant giving Information of the sailing from this harbour of the Phenix Savage & Nautilus Men of war which I Apprehended were Design’d to Join Wallace in Order to Block up the fleet under your Command the latter part I since find to be groundless as they have returned & I find that they make a practice of Streetching off from & soon returning to this port—This Convinces me that they are in expectation of a Fleet & I am preparing for their Reception—I expected to have met here a force much Superior to what I have found it I was Obblig’d to Lessen it by Detaching four of our Strongest Battalions to Canada which lays me Under the Necessity of Requesting you to Dispatch to this place as soon as possible the 200 men lent you from this Army that they may join their Respective

Corps which are much weakene’d by their Absence. I am sir, Your most Obbt & Humbe Servt

G.W.

P.S. Inclosed is a Copy of 2 Resolves of Congress respectg the Cannon & Stores &c.


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

Headquarters, New York, April 26th 1776
Parole Abington.Countersign Hartley.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Irvine, 26 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Irvine, William

Sir
New York 26th Apl 1776

imediatly upon receipt of this Letter you are desired to march the remainder of your Battalion Directly to this City in order to embark for Albany on your Rout to Canada.
the Congress have been pleasd to order that upon Your march or Imbarkation from hence for Canada, the pay of your men, Shall be the Same as those of other Regiments employd in the Same Service to wit 6⅔ds. dollars ⅌ month of this you will please to inform them—I shall depend upon your making dispatch & am Sir yrs

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 26 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York April 26th 1776

When you did me the honor of a visit at Norwich in my way to this place, I communicated to you the recommendation I had received from Congress for sending four Battalions from hence to reinforce our Troops in Canada. I now beg leave to inform you that, in compliance therewith, on Saturday and Sunday last, I detached four Regiments thence under the command of Brigadier General Thompson, and by an Express received last night am ordered by Congress, in addition to those already gone, to send immediately six more—Our Regiments being incomplete and much wanting in numbers, I need not add, that the Army here felt a sensible diminution from this first detachment, and when the second is gone will be weak indeed, considering the importance of this place and the many extensive Posts which must be guarded for its defence, add to this almost the whole of our valuable Ordnance, Stores and Magazines will be deposited here. For these reasons it appears expedient that some mode should be adopted without loss of time, by this your and the Jersey Governments for throwing in immediate succours upon the appearance of the Enemy or any case of emergency. I have wrote to the Congress of New Jersey upon the Subject, praying that such regulations should be formed respecting their Militia (as they are the only resource we have) that assistance may be had on the earliest notice of an approach by the Enemy, for preventing those fatal and alarming consequences which might result from the common and slow method generally used for obtaining their aid; and would take the liberty of mentioning, that, if something of this sort should be done by you and your Honorable Council respecting your Militia or such part of them as are most contiguous to this place, the most salutary ends might be derived therefrom—The benefits flowing from a timely succour being too obvious for repetition, I shall propose, with all possible deference, for your consideration, whether it will not be advisable to have some select Corps of Men appointed under proper Officers in the Western parts of your Government to repair hither, on notice from the General here, of the appearance of an Enemy—

If it should be thought necessary upon an emergency, in the first instance to resort to you before any succour could be ordered in, it is to be feared that the relief would be too late to answer any good purposes. This however I shall submit to you, in full confidence of your most ready assistance upon every occasion, and that such measures as appear to you most likely to advance the Public Good in this and every other instance will be most chearfully adopted. I am Sir with much esteem Your most Humble Servant

G. Washington


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

Head Quarters, New York, April 27th 1776
Parole Camden.Countersign Chatham.

The riotous Behaviour of some Soldiers of the Continental Army, yesterday, and the Evening before, has filled the General with much regret, and concern; and lays him under the disagreeable necessity of declaring, that if the like behaviour should be practiced again, the Authors will be brought to the severest punishment if taken, or treated as a common Enemy, if they dare to resist—Men are not to carve out Remedies for themselves—If they are injured in any respect, there are legal Modes to obtain relief; and just Complaints will always be attended

to, and redressed. It should be the pride of a Soldier, to conduct himself in such a manner, as to obtain the Applause, and not the reproach of a people, he is sent to defend; and it should be the business, as it is the duty of an Officer to inculcate and enforce this doctrine.
The Honorable the Continental Congress having been pleased to order a Brigadier General, and six more Battalions to be immediately sent to Canada; His Excellency directs the Colonels, or commanding Officers of the Regiments of Stark, [James] Reed, Wayne, Irvine, Dayton and Winds, to prepare their Corps for immediate embarkation: The Qr Mr General will forthwith provide Vessels; and the Commissary General, Provisions; and General Sullivan will order every Regiment to embark, and sail, with all convenient expedition.
The Honorable the Continental Congress, in consideration of the four last named Regiments, being order’d out of the middle Colonies, are pleased to direct them to be put upon the same pay with those already upon more remote service—which Pay is to commence, from the first day of May next.
Col. Stark’s, and Col. Read’s Regiments, to be ready to be mustered to morrow morning, at eight O’Clock, upon the Common near the Park of Artillery.
All Officers, non-Commission’d Officers, and Soldiers, at present absent from the Regiments, commanded by the Colonels, Wayne, Irvine, Dayton, and Winds, are forthwith order’d to join their respective Corps.
Col. McDougall, and Col. Ritzema’s Regiments, to parade on Monday Morning at Ten o’Clock, upon the Common to be reviewed.
William Hains of Capt. Dentons Company, in Col. Ritzema’s Regiment, tried at a late General Court Martial whereof Col. Baldwin was President, for “Desertion”—The Court finding the Prisoner guilty of the Charge, do sentence him to be whipped Twenty-five Lashes on his bare back. The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be put in execution on Monday Morning, at the Head of the regiment.


Title: To George Washington from Stephen Brown, 27 April 1776
From: Brown, Stephen
To: Washington, George

Boston, 27 April 1776. Submits accounts against the Continental army for services as a physician to Benedict Arnold’s expeditionary force. “On the twenty third of Septr [I] was passing up Kennebeck River & was call’d upon by Mr Joseph Farnsworth Commissary of the Preventials (bound on an Expedition to Quebeck) to attend all the Sick that came within the Sphere of my Visiting up & down the River . . . I according to his Desire attend’d all that came within the compass of my Practice & travell’d even to the Distance of fifty Miles up River above Fort Hallifax & twenty Miles down River at Brumswick Fort with the utmost Fatigue the Roads being bad & difficult to find.”


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

Sir,
Philadelphia April 27th 1776.

The enclosed Resolve of Congress respecting the Rifle Battalions and independant Rifle Companies, would have been transmitted sooner, had it not been omitted through a Mistake.
I do myself the Pleasure of forwarding at this Time several Resolves of Congress relative to such Parts of your Letters as have hitherto come under Consideration.
I propose writing more fully by Mr Palfrey who will set out for New York on Monday. In the mean Time, I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedt & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to the New York Committee of Safety, 27 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Committee of Safety

Gentn
New York April 27th 1776.

In answer to your favour of the 25th, delivered to me yesterday, I shall beg leave to inform you, that it was my design to have included the Militia of this City in the 2000 or 2500 Men which I thought might be wanted upon an emergency but whether common prudence may not dictate the expediency of extending your views to a greater number in case of necessity is submitted to the wisdom of your Board.
The Signals which I intended should convey the first notice of the approach of an Enemy’s Fleet you will find in the Inclosed Paper, but if you will please to appoint a Comee of your body I will desire the Brigadiers Sullivan, Green, & Lord Sterling to meet them and adopt a better, if a better can be thought of. New Jersey is already advertized of these signals.
If the four Battalions which were directed to be raised under the Command of the Colonels McDougall, Clinton, Ritzema, and Wynkoop are placed under the immediate care of the Comee of safety for this Colony, by Congress, I should be glad to know how far it is conceived that my powers over them extend, or whether I have any at all—Sure I am that they cannot be subjected to the direction of both, and I shall have no small reluctance in assuming an authority I am not vested with powers to execute, nor will my Sollicitude (further than as a well wisher to the cause) on Acct of Arms for, and returns of these Regiments continue if they are not considered as within the line of my Command. It becomes therefore my Indispensable duty to be ascertaind of this matter and to know whether these Regiments

cannot be ordered out of the Colony—for Instance to New Jersey—if necessity should require it.
It would give me singular pleasure to advance you the Sum askd for, but the low state of our Cash, and heavy demands upon the Paymaster renders it altogether impracticable at this time—The Quarter Master & Commissary are both wanting Money & cannot be supplied nor can Genl Ward get what he has sent for to pay the five Regiments to the Eastward till a fresh Supply arrives of which Congress is informed. General Heath since my arrival here, has obtaind a Warrt upon the Paymaster for money to replace the Sum Which your Comee kindly lent him—and to the best of my recollection Genl Thompson told me that he also meant to do the same. these matters shall be enquired into. With great respect I remain Gentn Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier Generals John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, and Lord Stirling, 27 April 1776
From: Sullivan, John,Greene, Nathanael,Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
[New York, c. 27 April 1776]

In obedience to the orders given us we have met & deliberated upon the several matters referred to us by your Excellency & beg leave to report, That the following signals be given upon the approach of any number of Ships toward this Port Viz. Upon the appearance of any number of Ships by day from one to six a large flag is to be hoisted on the Highlands of Never sink, upon the appearance of any number from six to twenty, two flags & for any greater number, three flags—Those flags to be hoisted upon flag staffs arranged there from East to West at twenty yards distance from each other The signals by night to be given by an equal number of Fires arranged in the same order and at the same places—These signals to be repeated both by day & night on the heights of Staten Island by Flags & fires arranged in the same manner—The Commanding Officer

in each of those Departments to see that a good look out be kept for Ships both by day & night. And upon their appearance he is not only to give the signals before mentioned but is as soon as possible to give intelligence by express to the Commander in Chief.
We recommend that the day signal be given by large Ensigns with broad stripes of red & white & that upon the appearance of three flags by day or three fires by night The country is to take the alarm & communicate it as soon as possible for the purpose of calling in the Militia.

Jno. Sullivan
Nathaniel Greene
Sterling


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 April 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fort George [N.Y.] April 27th 1776

I had the Honor to receive your Favor of the 15th Instant at Tyconderoga on the 25th, on which Day the Remainder of Maxwell’s, De Haas’s and Burrel’s Regiments moved from thence—I stayed to see St Clair’s and their Baggage across the portage and embarked, and at six in the Evening set out for this place, which I reached at five Yesterday Morning.
Being restricted by Congress to build no more than one hundred Batteaus, and eighty of these being occupied by the Troops above mentioned, General Thomas[,] the Commissioners, the Artillery and Stores, provisions & Captain Stevens’s Company with the Mortars & Shells, I have only twenty new ones left, and thirty seven of those built last Year—the whole of which will carry no more than fifteen hundred—I have however ventured to construct an additional Number; and such a Number of Carpenters are now employed as will daily build for the Conveyance of fifty Men; hence I hope no considerable Delay will be experienced: but I fear the Troops in Canada, when joined by those coming up will be in want of pork before a Supply can be thrown in as we have not 150 Barrels of pork

left at this place and Tyconderoga, and those that are gone on could not take more than 100 Barrels exclusive of ten Days provision which was issued to them at Tyconderoga.
Yesterday Afternoon Bennet delivered me your Excellency’s Letter of the 19th—I find the Troops are arrived at Albany, and I fear they will be much retarded in their March to Skenesborough for want of Carriage, as all the Forage in this Country is expended and the Grass only begins to peep—The Season has been remarkably severe: the Ice had not left the Lake on Friday last when we crossed, so that we were obliged to break thro’ the Ice for many Miles.
Inclose you Copy of a Letter received on the 25th from General Arnold, together with a Return of the Troops before Quebec—the first I have had from Canada.
I am perfectly in Sentiment with you my dear General that we ought to engage the Indians to co-operate with us; but I fear it will be a difficult, if not an impossible Task to accomplish, unless Canada should be entirely in our possession—You will be able to form an Idea of their present Temper and Disposition from the inclosed Copy of a Journal of Mr Dean the Interpreter.
I have written to Mr Wisner for powder, and hope he will send some; there is much too little in Canada. The Licentiousness of our Troops both in Canada and in this Quarter is not easily to be described nor have all my Efforts been able to put a Stop to those scandalous Excesses—I shall however continue to give the most pointed Orders, and shall hope for a more becoming Conduct in Future.
I have Reason to think General Thomas, who left Tyconderoga on Sunday will reach Quebec to Day or to Morrow, and that the Commissioners will arrive about the same Time at Montreal—They parted with me on Wednesday with a fair Wind.
Our Military Chest is exhausted, and we are deeply involved in Debt—Ten Thousand pounds will hardly pay what I am personally bound for on the public Account: Should it be replenished by Congress how is it to be drawn out for the Currant Expence of the Day? as I cannot be justified in granting Warrants whilst I have the Happiness to find your Excellency in this Department, without your Leave and approbation; and yet the

Force of Necessity will oblige me to tresspass before I can be honored with your Commands on this Head.
the Vessels on Lake Champlain are sufficient to convey five hundred Men to St John’s, but no Sailors are yet arrived—The Convention of New York have been wrote to long since to send them.
A vile Ague seized me some Days Ago, but Dr Franklin and the other Gentlemen administered such a Number of Doses of peruvian Bark, that it has left me, and hope that I shall last at least this Campaign.
I shall not fail to advise you of every Occurrence in this Quarter.
Before I heard of your Arrival at New York, I ordered all Colo: Clinton’s Regiment, which is levying in the Vicinity of Albany to this place and Ticonderoga excepting two Companies, which I judged it prudent to leave in Tryon County—I also directed Colonel Wyncoop with three Companies of his, to repair to Ticonderoga⟨,⟩ those will be barely sufficient to send on the provisions and Stores for Canada, and open a Communication by the Way of Wood Creek to Lake Champlain, which Congress has ordered me to do; but I fear those Troops will not come up, as I find General Putnam had already ordered them to New York—I shall be under the disagreeable Necessity of detaining Van Schaick’s Regiment, (which is also raising in the Neighbourhood of Albany and is destined for Canada) at these posts, until relieved by those I have mentioned or some other.
If half of those to be employed on the Communication to Canada are supplied with Arms it will suffice, as four fifths of them must be constantly at some Kind of Labour. I am with the most affectionate and respectful Sentiments Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 April 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 27th April 1776

I am favoured with your two Letters of 20th & 22d Instant. Of the Lead Ore which is raising at Middletown in this Colony but small Quantity is yet smelted—the Work is going on & hope you may be supplied with Lead from thence e’er long—We are not furnished with experienced Workmen as we could Wish—the only Workman whose Experience may be depended on is at present unfit for Duty.
Some Arms are wanted to furnish our Troops at N. London[.] We have nearly sufficient for that Purpose—When these are supplied hope we shall be able to furnish some for Continental Service—Our Assembly is near sitting—shall consult them on the Subject of your Requests.
The Quantity of Powder arrived in this Colony on Continental Account is not so large as was represented—this Colony have Powder arrived in Philadelphia, which is proposed to be exchanged for what is here—whether this will take Place am not yet acquainted—I promise myself that this Colony will be refunded the Quantity mentioned in mine of 16th feby last—

which was lent for Continental Service—the Security of this Colony renders it absolutely necessary.
The Acco. I mentioned to you at Norwich I have desired the Comissary General to receive the Money for—the Vouchers are already transmitted & I suppose are in your Hands. I am with great Esteem & Respect Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 27 April 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 27 April 1776

I have the Honour of your Excellency’s Letter of the 18th Instant, and immediately took measures for carrying your designs respecting the Vessels into execution.
I have inclosed a Letter containing Accounts &c. from Doctr Brown, and an Account from Mr Singletary; and wait your Directions respecting them. There are several accounts similar to Mr Singletary’s yet unsettled. Should your Excellency approve those accounts, they cannot be paid until the arrival of more money. I am Sir Your Excellencys Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


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

Head Quarters, New-York, April 28th 1776
Parole Manchester.Countersign Ponsonby.

The Commanding Officers of Regiments, and Corps, are to be careful, that the Men are made perfectly well acquainted, with all Orders, that issue for the Government of the Army, and are not to be less diligent, in enforcing Obedience thereto. Yesterday a number of Col. Irvine’s Regiment, were found in different places, firing their Pieces, and wasting their Ammunition, under pretence of not knowing they were acting contrary to orders.
The Articles of war are to be read, at least once a week, to every Company in the Army, that neither Men nor Officers may plead Ignorance against any of the Rules, and Regulations therein contained.
Col. Winds and Col. Dayton’s Regiments, to be mustered on Tuesday Morning at Eight O’Clock, upon the Common, where the Commissary General of Musters will attend. The Muster Rolls of those Regiments to be prepared immediately.


Title: To George Washington from Sarah Bomford, 28 April 1776
From: Bomford, Sarah
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Dublin April 28th 1776

I have a melloncholly circumstance to relate relative to your trust in Ireland, the unhappy Mrs Savage is absolutely undone

if, by your weight and consequence you do not endeavor to procure for her a morsell of bread out of her just demand in America, my state of health makes it necessary for me to break up House, and for some time to settle at Bath in England, I cannot afford to maintain this unfortunate Woman from under my own roof, these four Years past I neither expected nor received one shilling from her as her affairs were undetermined, she has by this means a few pounds yet remaining out of your noble bounty, but as hereafter she will be oblig’d to provide herself in meat, drink, washing and Lodging, as also apparell, judge you Sir, how long a small Sum will last to answer all those necessary articles, and indeed ’tis more than probable that sum will be exhausted before this Letter can get safe to your hands, from the conception I have of General Washingtons great and noble mind, I can not avoid addressing him in the stile of an affectionate friend, do, worthy Sir, consider age and poverty, and don’t suffer oppression to reduce your old acquaintance to seek the charity of the publick in the streets, for my part I knew her not, but esteem it as the happiest occasion of my past Life that Providence put it in my power to preserve my fellow Creature so long from Death and destruction, was I hereafter to continue in Ireland she never shoud want an hospitable reception in my Family, my Life is of the utmost consequence to an only Child, a girl about seven years of age, beside length of Days is a blessing every individual wishes for, and more desirable, if God Almighty is so good to give us Grace to make a proper use of our time, it therefore can not be supposed I cou’d forgoe the pursuit of that happiness on any account, by my fatal loss of Health, Mrs Savage is set adrift, if not preserved by your most uncommon way of thinking, for in truth it seldom happens that a person in prosperity remembers a friend in adversity, how to convey this Letter to you I can not tell, but hope Mr Dixon will (out of compassion) endeavor to transmit it to Verginia by the way [of] Whitehaven, be so good Sir, to direct the answer as usual to Mr Bomford, he will forward it to me, I shall leave Dublin immediately after the first of next May, Mrs Savage Sets by me as I write, and you Sir, may easily conceive her distress upon the present appearance of her situation, but Mrs Savage ever rests upon the mercy of God Almighty, and the protection

of Mr Washington and Mr Brian Fairfax. I am dear Sir, with great Respect, and sincerety, Your Obedient, Humble Servant,

Sarah Bomford

P.S. Mrs Savage has not heard one single word (that she can depend on) either from her Husband or of him for four Years past.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Richard Gridley, 28 April 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Gridley, Richard

Sir
New York 28th April 1776

It gives me much Concern to hear from every one that comes from Boston that those works that were laid out for its defence, are in little more forwardness than they were when I left that town, who am I to blame for this shamefull neglect, but you Sir, who was to have them executed. it is not an agreable task to be under the necessity of putting any Gentleman in mind of his duty, but it is what I owe to the public, I expect and desire Sir that you will exert yourself in Completing the works, with all possible dispatch, & do not lay me under the disagreable necessity of writing to you again upon this Subject.

G.W.