Title: From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters Hopewell [N.J.] 24th June 1778.

                    As the several detachments of continental troops employed in harrassing the enemy on their march, will have the greatest need of intelligent guides, not only for their own safety, but to enable them to direct their offensive operations with greater precision—it will be necessary that among the Militia which you shall think proper to annex to each party there may be persons perfectly acquainted with the Roads and Communications which it is most interesting to the different commanding officers to know—The disposition for these detachments is as follows—Morgans corps, to gain the enemys right flank—Maxwells brigade hang on their left—Brigadier Genl Scott is now marching with a very respectable detachment destined to gall the enemys left flank and rear—Two or three hundred Continentals and such Volunteers as Genl Cadwallader has been able to collect have crossed the delaware, and are now marching to the enemys rear—Col. Whites detachment of horse is to join Genl Scott.
                    Inclosed is a Letter for Col. Morgan which you will forward. ⟨I am &ca.⟩


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

                        Dr Sir
                        John Hunts [Hopewell, N.J.] near the Baptist meeting HouseJune 24th 1778 ½ after 4 A.M.

                    At four OClock this morning I received your favor of yesterday dated ½ after 11 P.M. If Genl Clinton’s intention is what you supposed it to be, it will be extremely difficult to account for his conduct. It is likely his movements in a little time or his delays will place his views out of doubt with all. I am Dr Sir.

                        P.s. I wish to know the whole number of Militia you have collected—how they are disposed & the particular objects of each division. These are points material for me to know. I also wish to know where Colo. Morgan and his Corps are.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dr Sir
                        Trenton [N.J.] 24th June 1778½ past 6, OClock [a.m.]

                    I am this moment returned from the Drawbridge, & saw the rear of the Enemy march of[f], from their encampment—a few Videts still continue on the Hill.
                    I believe they have filed off towards Allentown, & Crosswicks, & suppose they will continue their march for Cranberry—Col: Morgan marches in the Afternoon, for Allentown, as tis most agreable to him, to fall on their rear—I shall order about three hundred Militia who are now collected there, to join him—Col: White with forty Lt Horse, have march’d for the same purpose—the remainder of the Militia, except those in front, & a few on the right flank, with Gen. Maxwells Brigade, will continue on the left flank—as the latter have been much fatigued last Night, it will be very late in the day, before they march I forgot to inform your Excellency, that Genl Maxwell has two Company’s in the rear.
                    The Enemy hung a Man near the Black horse, & have burnt several Houses. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Ob. St

                        Philemon Dickinson

                        P.S. your Excellency will excuse this blotted scrawl, as I am rather sleepy.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Trenton [N.J.] 24th June 1778½ past 9, OClock P.M.

                    A Detachment of the Enemy, continued at Lewis’s Mill, till late this Afternoon—this, together with the fatigue the men underwent last  Evening, delay’d their march, till very late—Col: Morgan marched this afternoon, for the Enemy’s rear, I have forwarded your Excellency’s letter to him, & shall detach a Number of Militia to him, in the Morning—Genl Maxwells Brigade, is now on the left flank, & I intended to have kept up a communication between Maxwells Brigade, which is advanced, & Morgan’s Corps in the rear, by a large body of Militia thrown in between them, on the left flank—your Excellency’s disposition, shall be instantly complied with—I believe our Militia, will be increased to two thousand Rank & file, by to’morrow Evening—but I was this Day, obliged to indulge two small Regiments, with a Day’s absence, to secure their Effects, as they lay on the road, the Enemy will certainly march.
                    I shall go down to the lines early in the morng. I shall allways be found on the Enemy’s left flank, unless your Excellency should think proper, to order the main body of our Militia, to change their position.
                    I have kept a small Guard at Burlington, to encourage desertion, to which, a great number came, within a few Day’s past—this Day a Hessian Lieutenant came in, & two British Grenadiers, who were order’d as a Guard, to one of our Militia, that was taken, whom they brought off with them. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St

                        Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dr Sir
                        Trenton [N.J.] June 24th [1778]10 OClock P.M.

                    I have sent under Guard to your Excellency, a British Sergeant, who was some time ago a Prisoner, & now pretends to be a Deserter—he appears very suspicious, his Companion has made his escape—I believe from circumstances he is a Spy—two British Grenadiers just came in, the main body of the Enemy, lay at Allentown this day—they deserted at 3, OClock P.M.—they say, the direction of the flying Army is for South Amboy. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St

                        Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 24 June 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        Peeks Kill [N.Y.] 24th June 1778.Two oClock—p.M.

                    In a Letter I have lately received from Colonel Hughes, is the following paragraph.

                    “I am to acquaint You that a Regiment of Foreigners are stationed at Springfield, by Order of General Heath. They are Commanded by a French Colonel; but I cannot help thinking them very dangerous at that post, as most, if not all of them, were lately under General Burgoyne.”
                    I imagine this must be Colonel Armand’s Corps. Does your Excellency please they should Continue at Springfield?
                    This moment Your Excellency’s Letter of the 21st Instant, is put into my Hands, dated from Your Head Quarters in Jersey, near Coryell’s Ferry; but the hour it left Your Excellency is not mentioned; at any rate, the delay of the Riders, (who are Stationed,) is evident, as Forty Eight Hours is more than sufficient time for Riding One Hundred Miles.
                    From Coryell’s Ferry, to my Quarters at peeks-Kill, is 103 Miles. The last Express, who left Cakaat this Morning at Eight o’Clock, says, James pitney from Troy, put Your Excellency’s Dispatch into his Hands at that Hour.
                    I every moment expect the return of Lieut: Colonel Willet; who, I am certain, will not be more than a day and a half, coming the same distance, which the Station’d Riders have been four Days performing.
                    I urge not any reinforcement from Your Excellency, until You in Your Judgment shall think it necessary to Send one: I do not perceive any Immediate necessity for that, especially as Your Excellency’s Army is Advancing through the Jerseys. I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hume Servt

                        Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        [Hopewell, N.J., 24 June 1778]

                    The delicate situation I am in prevents my speaking in councels of war with that openness I should if I was to take a part in the command. I must confess the opinion I subscribed to if it is to be considerd in confind sense does not perfectly coincide with my Sentiments I am not for hazzarding a general action unnecessarily but I am clearly of opinion for makeing a serious impression with the light Troops—and for haveing the Army in supporting distance. As I said today in Councel I would have two Brigades to support the light troops and the whole Army should be at hand to support them. The attack should be made upon the enemies flank & rear.

                    If we suffer the enemy to pass through the Jerseys without attempting any thing upon them I think we shall ever regret it. I cannot help thinking we magnify our difficulties beyound reallities. We are now in the most awkward situation in the World—we have come with great rapidity until we got near the Enemy and then our courage faild us and we halted without attempting to do the enemy the least injury. Your Excellency may remember I mentiond this matter at Buckingham—People expects something from us & our strength demands it. I am by no means for rash measures but we must preserve our reputation.
                    I think we can make a very serious impression with out any great risque and if it should amount to a general action I think the chance is greatly in our favor. How ever I think we can make a partial attack without suffering them to bring us to a general action. I am your Excellencys obedient Servt

                        Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Captain John Heard, 24 June 1778
From: Heard, John
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Cramberry [N.J., 24 June 1778] three Oclock

                    Received intelligence from a Melitia officer Who had his intelligence from Major Nixson Who says he Left the Enimies Advance gard about two Miles this Side of Allentown on the Cramberry Road When He Left them they had Halted, I Shall go on Emedeate⟨ly⟩ With Some of my best Horses to View them I am Yr Hume St

                        John Heard Capt.


Title: To George Washington from Captain John Heard, 24 June 1778
From: Heard, John
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Hights town [N.J., 24 June 1778]Wensday Night ten oClock

                    The Enimy is advanc’d five mile on the Monmouth Road toward Shrewbury, Genl Neppauson Lays at Emblens Town & the Light Infantry lays on the Hight towards Mounmouth Court house, the Baggage Lays on the road betwen Allentown and Emblens Town Genl Clinton With the left Collumn Lays about Allentown they march in two Collums I have taken three prisoners & Killd one about two miles North East of Emblenstown this intelligence you may Rely on it I was  Near their in Campttment the Prisoners informd that they were to March at three Oclock in the morning. I am Yr Hume St

                        John Heard Cap⟨t.⟩


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Jackson, 24 June 1778
From: Jackson, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        May it Please your Excellency
                        Black Horse Tave[r]n [N.J.]June 24th 1778

                    On the 22d In the Eveng I recd Orders from Genl Arnold to march the detachments under my Command and follow the Route of the Enimy—Their Rear move’d about 9 O.C. this Morg from Rechleys Town— they march’d in two divisions. the right towards Walls Mill & the Left towards Allen Town—I have in my detachments 240 Men—Colo. White is here with about 50 Light Dragoons—about two Miles in my front is 3 Companys of Continental Soldiers—these are all the Troops that are in their Rear—the Militia do not turn out at all—I shall move on immediately after my men are ⟨mutilated⟩ refreshd, your Excelly will please to send me orders in what manner I am to proceed. I am with the grestest respect your Excellencys most obet & humble sevt

                        Henry Jackson Colo.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 24 June 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                        dear general
                        [Hopewell, N.J., 24 June 1778]

                    I have Sign’d the paper because I have been told I schould Sign it, and because almost all the others who were of the same opinion as I am have also sign’d—for, Sir, I will easely schow you that there were Six gentlemen for more than fifteen hundred and only six for fifteen hundred. they are as follows.

                            general lee
                            baron de Stueben
                            Some of the Second  column were for  2500, but would  like much better  2000 than 1500, as  they have a notion  of attaking, and the  others only a notion  of scouting

                            lord Stirling
                            general portaïl

                            general woodfort
                            general waïne

                            general Scot
                            general patterson

                            general knox
                            general greene

                            general poor
                            general Lafayette

                    Now, my dear general, I beg leave to tell some few words about my opinion—it is that morgan be directed towards the Rear of the Right flank, and in a word the militia be directed to act about as it has been told and as I will not Repeat, for indeed I did not like theyr motions to be So minutely dictated by the council.
                    but for what Regard the detachement from this army I am Clearly of the opinion, that a choosen corps of two thousand five hundred or at least two thousand Selected men ought to have been Sent or are to be Compleated towards the ennemy’s left flank or rear—not to Scout as  Some Say, but to attak any part of the english army or of theyr baggage as will furnish a proper opportunity—Some Certainly may be depend upon for Many Reasons too long to mention and very obvious for any body who knows how an army marches.
                    I would want the column of the main army to be at a proper distance along the left flank of the ennemy—I wish’d however our army would be rather towards the rear, that it would never run risk to be turn’d by the Right, which may be easely avoided—if by a chance the Corps would put such confusion among the ennemy, that a general attak might be advantageous, then I would not think that with ten thousand men it is not proper to attak ten thousand english—but let us only speack of what is likely to happen.
                    I do’nt doubt but a detachement of 2000 or 2500 Selected men will find an occasion of attaking Some part of the ennemy with advantage—of even beating those tremendous grenadiers if they fight with them—in a word I would lay my fortune, all what I possess in the world that if Such a detachement is Sent in proper time, some good effect, and no harm schall arise of it.
                    the other five gentlemen are of my opinion but principally general portaïl and baron de stueben have begg’d me if the matter was yet spoken off to explain you an english how sorry, how distressed they we[re] to See that we were going to loose an occasion which may be reputed as one of the finest ever offered.
                    in a word I think the measure consistent with prudence, military principles, with the honor of the american army and every one in it, and I am very far from entertaining the Same opinion of this we are going to take—I have perceiv’d my dear general, that you were rather inclin’d to follow the same way I so ardently wish for, and I would a council of war would never have been call’d.
                    Such a council is a school of logic, it may come an occasion of disputes for these gentlemen May come personal, it will never be a mean of doing what is consistent with the good of the Service, the advantage of the occasion, and indeed the authority of the commander in chief.
                    but I forget that I write to the general, and I was ready to speack freely to my friend—I will finish in begging leave to add a word of protestation to my signature if you think that signature of mine may engage to believe that I did approuve of the project.

                        The Marquis de lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 24 June 1778
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        York [Pa.] the 24th of June 1778

                    I should long since have answered your favor of the 25th of May had it been worth while for any thing I had to communicate, to interrupt your attention from the important affairs with which you are surrounded. It is indeed more from motives of complaisance than any thing else that I now write—But I cannot help congratulating you Sir on the enemies abandoning Philadelphia, because, let their motives be what they may, this step evidently proves their prospect of conquest here is vanished. I fancy Gen. Clintons future operations depend much upon the Chapter of Accidents. A french war being avoided, efforts will continue to be exerted for some time against us, but a foreign War must of necessity carry this Army to secure the now defenceless Islands of G.B. in the W.I. A war with France, in the better days of England, would instantly have followed the Message of Marquis de Noailles, but the mean & wicked determination to enslave America, removes all thoughts of every thing but the accomplishment of their favorite object. The British Kings message to his Parliament, altho it shews mortified pride, and strong sence of insult, yet it clearly marks indecision, and doubt about the propriety of resenting the affront. We see by a publication of the enemy in the Newport paper that there is a great probability of Spain having acknowledged the Independence of these States, & joined in our Alliance, The Ambassaders of Spain & of G.B. were on the point of returning each to his respective Country. Of this event taking place, I had no doubt, so soon as the plate fleet should have reached old Spain. Should G.B. be engaged in war with the Bourbon family it furnish us an oppertunity of pushing the former quite off this Northern Continent, which will secure to us peace for a Century, insted of War in 7 years, which the British possession of Canada, N. Sco. & the Floridas will inevitably produce. You have no doubt heard Sir that our last Assembly have voted 2000 Infantry to join the Army & a sum of money to forward Gen. Nelsons Cavalry—The latter may soon be expected at Head Quarters—I am with sincere esteem dear Sir your most affet. & obedient servant

                        R.H. Lee


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 24 June 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Maiden Head [N.J.] 24th June 1778 8 oclock A.M.

                    I Received a Message from General Dickenson last night to return to Trenton again that the Enemy was in force in the other side of the Drawbridge and attempted to lay it but He had beat them off I could not go then as my People had been Marching all day with out Provisions besides I informed him I thought it was a faint of the Enemy & I would wait his further Intiligence of this Morning which I now Inclose to Your Excellency I have given orders for Marching Immediately towards allen Town if I cannot get sooner on their left flank I am Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

                        Wm Maxwell


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 24 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, Daniel

                        Sir.
                        Head Quarters 24th June 1778.Hopewell Township [N.J.]

                    You are upon receipt of this, to take the most effectual means for gaining the enemys right flank, and giving them as much annoyance as possible in that quarter—Among the Militia annexed to your Corps, General Dickinson will take care that there are persons perfectly acquainted with the country and roads—so as to prevent every delay and danger which might arise from the want of intelligent guides. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major Jacob Morris, 24 June 1778
From: Morris, Jacob
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        24th June 1778Two miles above Black Horse Tavern [N.J.]

                    Coll White being much ingaged, desires me to communicate the following intelligence to your Excellency.
                    Agreeable to instructions he recd yesterday he came up with the enemy’s rear this morning about 10 oClock at Crosswicks Bridge, & found them distroying it. he immediately ordered Captn Ross of Dayton’s Regiment who was near at hand with his Company, & detachment of militia to go down, & commence a s[k]irmish with the enemy, which he did, & continued it with spirit until they brought up some cannon, & obliged him to retire.
                    Coll White found & made prisoners in Crosswicks by parole Captn Stevenson of the Queens rangers who was shot thro’ the Body in the skirmish yesterday morning at the Bridge Doctr Ardin a mate in the Genl Hospital, & two private Soldiers to attend him—The inclosed note was handed him by the Doctr who the Coll thought proper to oblige to sign the inclosed parole. The Captn not being able to sign one gave it verbally, Coll White wou’d be glad to hear from your Excellency as soon as possible whether the Doctr & the two privates are to be considered as P[r]isonirs of war.
                    Coll White sent off an officer early in the morning to reconnoitre the rear of the enemy between Wriggles Town, & Wall’s Mills, who informed  him that a strong Column were marching on that road towards Imlay Town.
                    From the accts recd per Deserters & what the Inhabitants say, the Column upon the right to proceed by way of Walls Mills, & that on the Left by way of allentown, seperated at wriggles town from each other & are to form a junction at Imlay town this evening.
                    Coll Jackson with his Corps are now at the Black Horse with whose assistance Coll White expects tomorrow by harrassing their rear, much to retard their march.
                    Since writing the above the Coll is informed that the enemy’s rear have Left the Bridge at Crosswicks.
                    Coll White intends to hang upon the enemy’s rear tonight & will give your Excelly the earliest accts of occurences in this Quarter. I am Sir your Excellencys Most ob: humble Servant

                        Jacob Morris


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 24 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

                        Sir.
                        Hd Qurs Hopewell Township [N.J.] June 24. 1778

                    Captn Welpper of the invalid corps has lodged a complaint of a very serious nature against the conduct of some of the soldiers under your  command He informs me that they have abused a sergeant of a guard and a prisoner under his care—countenanced by a Mr Copetch—I desire that this mutinous disposition may be immediately inquired into—and if as represented, properly punished, and measures taken to prevent such behaviour in future. I am Sir your very hble se[rvan]t

                        Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 24 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Charles

                        Sir,
                        [Hopewell, N.J., 24 June 1778]

                    You are immediately to march with the detachment, under your command towards Allen Town, in order to fall in with the enemy’s left flank and rear, and give them all the annoyance in your power. You will carefully collect intelligence as you advance and govern your motions accordingly; and you will take every precaution for the security of your detachment consistent with the objects it is intended to promote. You will cooperate as far as may be proper with the other troops in the neighbourhood of the enemy. You will keep me continually and punctually advised of every occurrence, that happens, either with respect to the enemy, or yourself. Given at Head Quarters Hopewell Township in Jersey’s June 24th 1778.

                        Go: Washington

                        Lt Col: White is ordered to join you with the detachment of Cavalry under his command.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 June 1778
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

                        sir
                        Hopewell [N.J.] 24th June 1778

                    The purport of the Questions Offered by your Excellency this morning to the Consideration of the General Officers were

                        first Whether it would be prudent, or advisable to Risque a General Action at present—Considering our own State—and the State of Affairs in Europe at this Juncture.
                        second What will be the most Eligible mode of Conduct for us to pursue in Annoying and Distressing the Enemy during their march thro’ the Jersey.

                    As to the first I am not for Risquing a General Action with them—unless Circumstances should Render Success Certain—or at least such as not to leave you in a Worse Condition or Situation if Unfortunate, than you would have been if you had not Attacked.
                    And in Answer to the Second—I am (with all due Deference to Other Opinions) for Selecting Corps of Field & Other Officers with twenty five Hundred or Three Thousand Rank & file, to be Commanded by a Major & two Brigr Generals, (or as many as may be thought Advisable) to be Immediately Drafted—and March to gain the Rear of the left flank of the Enemy—where they should take the first favourable Oppertunity of Attempting an Impression in force—favoured by Sundry Attacks at the same time on Different parts of the Enemy—by Maxwell, Morgan the Jersy Militia, Cadwalader and Jacksons Corps—in Order to Confuse and Distract the Enemies Attention.
                    I would also wish the main Body of your Army to follow and keep such a position on the left of their Rear—so as to be Ready to act Occationally—but not to be Necessitated to Engage Contrary to your own Desire.
                    A Disposition of this or a Similar Nature would give Confidence to your Detatchments, and terror to your Enemy—who dare not pursue Success—least their Baggage should be exposed—and they themselves drawn into some Difficulty from which it might not be easy to Recover.
                    As I could not meet the Other Gentlemen so fully in Opinion as to Sign theirs with freedom, I beg your Excelliencies Indulgence for this Liberty which you will have goodness Enough to Pardon & believe me with every Sentiment of Esteem Your Most Obt & very Hume Sert

                        Anty Wayne B.G.


Title: From George Washington to Captain John David Woelpper, 24 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Woelpper, John David

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters—Hopewell Township [N.J.]June 24—1778

                    I recd your letter of the 22 Inst. and have written Count Pulaski or the officer commanding in his absence to pay a proper attention to  the behavior of his soldiers—to have the offence enquired into, and punished—and to prevent all such abuse of good order and subordination in future. I am Sir &c.

                        Go. Washington


Title: General Orders, 25 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

                        Head-Quarters Kingstown [N.J.] Thursday June 25th 78.
                        Parole Monmouth—CSigns Minden. Mexico.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 25 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

                        Dr Sir.
                        Head Quarters Kingston [N.J.] 25th June 1778.

                    I have received your favor of yesterdays date.
                    Major General the Marquis de la fayette is preparing to march with  a reinforcement to the light troops already detached under the command of General Scott—it is my desire that he should have a general command over the several detachements as well continental as militia that are employed immediately to intterrupt the enemys march—in order that they may more effectually answer the objects for which they are designed, by cooperating on one common Plan. I am Dr Sir Your most obedt Sert.

                        you will communicate to Genl Maxwell the marquis’s approach and what relates to his command.
                        Since writing as above I have received yr favor of this date inclosing your disposition for the Militia which I highly approve of.


Title: To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 25 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                    Letter not found: from Philemon Dickinson, 25 June 1778. In his other letter of this date to GW, written at 8:00 p.m., Dickinson indicates that “I wrote your Excellency to day at one OClock”; see also GW to Dickinson, this date.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 25 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Allentown [N.J.] June 25th 17788, OClock P.M.

                    I wrote your Excellency to day at one OClock, since which, I came to this Place, with the advanced party—the rear of the Enemy, lays six miles distant from this—their baggage is on the right, with three Brigades of British, & the same numbers of Hessians—several Deserters came in—I imagine, desertion will be great, as we are now so near them.
                    Their rout is certainly thro’ Monmouth, tis generally thought, they will embark at the Watering-place—Col: Morgan left this place an hour ago, for the right flank—I am told, Genl Scott is just marching in—The Enemy ha⟨s mar⟩ched sixteen Miles this Day, which is double, their usu⟨al dista⟩nce—they have collected a great number of Cattle. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St

                        Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Captain John Heard, 25 June 1778
From: Heard, John
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        [25 June 1778]

                    The Enimy Advance gard is incampt about A Mile & three Quarters from Allentown on the Cramberry Road this you may Depend on I am agoing over to the Monmouth Road to see Weather they are Advanced on that Road as Soon as I return I Will Despatch A Horse man immediately to Inform you. I am yr Hume St

                        John Heard Capt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 25 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                        Sir
                        [Kingston, N.J., 25 June 1778]

                    You are immediately to proceed with the detachment commanded by Genl Poor and form a junction as expeditiously as possible with that under the commanded of Genl Scott. You are to use the most effectual means for gaining the enemys left flank and rear, and giving them every degree of annoyance—all continental parties that are already on the lines will be under your command and you will take such measures in concert with Genl Dickinson as will cause the enemy most impediment & loss in their march—for these purposes you will attack them as occasion may require by detachment, and if a proper opening shd be given by operating against them with the whole force of your command.
                    You will naturally take such precautions as will secure you against surprise—and maintain your communication with this army. Given at Kingston this 25th June 1778.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 25 June 1778
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

                        Dr General
                        Camp at Kingston [N.J.] June the 25th [1778]

                    When I first assented to the Marquis of Fayette’s taking the command of the present detachment, I confess I viewd it in a very different light than I do at present I considerd it as a more proper busyness of a Young Volunteering General than of the Second in command in the Army—but I find that it is considerd in a different manner; They say that a Corps consisting of six thoushand Men, the greater part chosen, is undoubtedly the most honourable command next to the Commander in Chief, that my ceding it woud of course have an odd appearance I must intreat therefore, (after making a thoushand apologies for the trouble my rash assent has occasion’d to you) that if this detachment does march that I may have the command of it—so far personally, but  to speak as an Officer—I do not think that this detachment ought to march at all, untill at least the head of the Enemy’s right column has pass’d Cranbury—then if it is necessary to march the whole Army, I cannot see any impropriety in the Marquis’s commanding this detachment or a greater as advance Guard of the Army—but if this detachment with Maxwells Corps Scotts, Morgans and Jacksons are to be considerd as a seperate chosen active Corps and put under the Marquis’s Command until the Enemy leave the Jerseys—both Myself and Lord Steuben will be disgrac’d. I am, Dr General Yours

                        C. Lee


Title: To George Washington from Majors James Moore, Jr., and Francis Nichols, 25 June 1778
From: Moore, James Jr.,Nichols, Francis
To: Washington, George

                        May it Please your Excelency
                        English town thursday [N.J., 25 June 1778]9 OClock in the Evening

                    We are Just Lit at English town—& have the Pleasure to Inform your Excelency that the advance Guard of the Enemy have Encamped at the Brick house about three Miles from Munmouth Court house on the Direct Course to sandy hook.
                    We shall Remain Near them to Night & hopes to Give you the Earliest Inteligence of their March. We have the Honour to be Your Excelencys Most Obdt Hbl. Sert

                        J: Moore MajorFrancs Nichols Majr


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 25 June 1778
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                        sir
                        Crosswick bridg [N.J.] 25th June [1778]5 oClock morng

                    I recd your orders last evening by the dragoon—to gain the enemies right flank, and annoy them as much as Possible—I am trying to put your order in execution, but as crosswick Creek runs perlell with the road as far as allen town, and at times runs Very Near it, cant gain thair  right till we pass that place, except we cross the creek, and that would be a barier between us—the enemy encampd some part of them at Allen town last night I have had no intelligence from them this morning—you may depend I will do every thing in my power to gall them as much as possible. I am your Hbl. servt

                        Dan. Morgan


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 25 June 1778
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                        sir
                        Allen Town [N.J.] 25th [1778] 11 oClock

                    I proceed from Crosswick to this place, whare I fell in with the enemies rear—we exchangd a few shot—no harm done—thay drew up on one side of the Creek and we on the other—I sent some parties to scarmish with them when the[y] emmediatly made off—took the Right hand road toward shrewsberry—I moved my whole party after them about A mile, and then filed of[f] to thair right, I intend to gain thair right this evening if possible I am afraid I shant be able to do them much damage, thay encamp in a body so compact that it is empossible to get any advantage of them—except we ware able to beat thair rear gard which is pretty strong.
                    I am refreshing the men—intend to March in three hours—I have had six deserters since last evening we took one prisoner. I have the honor to [be] your obedient servt

                        Danl Morgan

                        N.B. I think a strong party in th⟨e⟩ rear would be of service—Colo. jackson is at Crosswick bridg I have wrote to him to advance on.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 25 June 1778
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To: Washington, George

                        sir
                        ⟨Sand⟩ Pink 6 Miles from Allens Town [N.J.][25 June 1778] Twelve oClock

                    I arrived here this morning and found Genl Scott waiting intelligence, which has since arrived that the Enemy lay last night in two Columns one at Allens Town the other at Imlays Town, this morning about Eight oClock the Column from Imlays Town moved & took the Road to Monmouth Court House, we have not yet received any intelligence of the Column at Allens Town—Colo. Moylan has just arrived here, with him I intend to set off immediately towards Cranberry & make no doubt in a few Hours to inform your Excellency with Certainty what Rout the Enemy have taken. I am sir your Excellencys most Obed. hum. Servt

                        Steuben M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 26 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dr Sir
                        Penolopon [N.J.]June 26th 1778—½ past 7, oClock P.M.

                    I took post at this Place an hour ago, since which, nine Prisoners have been brought in—& five more on their way—the Enemy’s rear,  halted four miles from Monmouth Court-house which is three miles distance from this—I shall execute any order, I may recieve from the Marquis—have been with him the greater part of the day. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most Ob. St

                        Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 26 June 1778
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        Robins Tavern 8 Miles from Allen Town [N.J.]12 OClock [26 June 1778]

                    We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this (that is their rear) and had passed the road which turns off towards South Amboy, which determines their rout towards Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting is the extreme distress of the troops for want of provisions—General Wayne’s detachment is almost starving—and seem both unwilling and unable to march further, ’till they are supplied—If we do not receive an immediate supply, the whole purpose of our detachment must be frustrated.
                    This morning we missed doing any thing from a deficiency of intelligence—On my arrival at Cranbury yester-evening, I proceeded by Desire of the Marquis immediately to Hides Town and Allen Town—to take measures for cooperating with the different parts of the detachment, and to find what was doing to procure intelligence. I found every precaution was neglected—no horse was near the enemy, or could be heard of ’till late in the morning; so that before we could send out parties and get the necessary information, they were in full march—and as they have marched pretty expeditiously we should not be able to come up with them during the march of the day; if we did not suffer the impediment we do on the score of provisions—We are intirely at a loss where the army is, which is no inconsiderable check to our entreprise, if the army is wholly out of supporting distance, we risk the total loss of the detachment in making an attack.
                    If the army will countenance us we may do something clever. We feel our personal honor as well as the honor of the army and the good of the service interested and are heartily desirous to attempt whatever the disposition of our men will second and prudence authorise. It is evident the enemy wish to avoid not to engage us.
                    Desertions I imagine have been pretty considerable to day; I have  seen 8 or 10 deserters and have heard of many more—We have had some little skirmishing by detached parties—one attacked their rear guard with a degree of success killed a few and took seven prisoners. I am with great respect & regard Sir Yr Obedt ser.

                        A. Hamilton

                        Marquis & Gen. Dickenson send their compliments—My writing makes theirs unnecessary.
                        An officer just comes in who informs that [he] left the enemy’s rear five miles off, still in march about half an hour ago—To ascertain still more fully their route I have ordered a fresh party on their left towards the head of their column. They have three Brigades in rear of their baggage.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Michael de Kowats, 26 June 1778
From: Kowats, Michael de
To: Washington, George

                        Sir.
                        Easton [Pa.] June 26. 1778.

                    By Your Excellency’s Favour of the 24th inst. I find, that Capt. Welpner of the Invalids hath lodged a Complaint against the Men under my Command, as if they had abused the Guard and ill treated one of the Serjeants.
                    I could refute this Accusation, as intierly without Foundation or Truth, by the Testimony of the most creditable Inhabitants of this  Place; but as it would be too tedious, I do myself the Honour, to lay the whole Species Facti before Your Excellency.
                    When General Count Pulasky went to Baltimore he left me here for to exercise the Recruits and provide Cloathing for them; but in this time, when I was doing my Duty, my Men were treated in the most cruel Manner, by the Invalids.
                    “One of my Recruits (an Irishman) whose Name is Coreyd, had not appeared at the Roll Call for several Days, for which I send an Under-Officer to bring him under Guard. But the Fellow opposing my Guard, they were obliged to call the Guard of the Invalids for Assistance, who were all drunck, and to whom, as soon as they came, my Prisoner spoke a few Words in English, which my Men did not sufficiently understand, whereupon the Guard of the Invalids, took my Guard (who had no Arms) under Arrest. My Men followed patiently, and I, receiving Notice of it, went to the Prison to enquire the Reason of it. But Capt. Craig of the Invalids treated me in the rudest Manner and in the mean time set my Men at Liberty, as he could not find Cause to detain them any longer. I then requested Capt. Craig to keep the said Coreyd under Guard, untill he should receive his Punishment.
                    But I hardly was returned to my Quarters, when I was informed that the Prisoner (who had already received Clothing, Bounty, Shirt, Shoes &c.) had deserted from the Guard and that the Invalids had aided and assisted him in doing so, which I can prove by creditable Witnesses. Upon this I immediately sent out my Men to search for the Prisoner in our Quarters; but my Under-Officer was attacked in the open Street by the Invalids, who beat him with Sticks, and upon the Arrival of a Serjeant and a Dragoon, who came to make Peace, two of my Men were stabbed thro’ their Bellies, with Bajonets and one shot thro’ the Hat, and that by Order of the Serjeant of the Invalids. Both these Men are dangerously ill at present, and I don’t know if one of them will recover.”
                    It is surely cruel, when Men, who come here from foreign Countries for to live and to die for the Liberty of this Country, are treated in such a barbarous Manner by our Friends, and it is still harder for me as an old Officer, who hath been in Military Service for many Years, to hear our whole Corps branded with the Epithets of Thieves and Robbers, by an unexperienced Capitain of the Invalids, when at the same time I can prove the Contrary by a Certificat, which I take the Liberty to subjoin sub. A. and by a Testimony of all the Inhabitants sub. B, that my Men have allways behaved as brave and honest Soldiers.
                    I have reported the whole Affair to General Count Pulasky and begd him to acquaint Your Excellency with it, being desirous not to trouble or detain You from other weightier Business. But now I must take Liberty to pray Your Excellency to give Orders for examining this Affair,  and to procure me such Satisfaction of Capitain Welpner as his bad Behaviour shall merit.
                    Hoping for a favourable Resolution, I am Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

                        Michael de Kowats Coll


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                        dear general
                        At Cranburry, [N.J.] 26 june [1778]at five o’clock [a.m.]

                    I have Receiv’d your orders for marching as fast as I Could and I have march’d without waiting for the provisions tho’ we want them extremely—general forman and Clel hamilton Sat out last night for to meet the other troops and we schall be toGether at hides town or some what lower—general forman is firmly of opinion that we may overtake the ennemy—for my part I am not So quick upon the Subject as he is, but his sentiment is of a great weight on account of his knowledge of the country—it is highly pleasant for me to be followed and countenanced by the army that if we Stop the ennemy and meet with some advantage they may push it with vigour—I have no doubt but if we overtake them we possess a very happy chance—however I would not have the army quite So near as not to be Quite masters of its motions, but a very little distance may do it—I have heard nothing of the ennemy this morning—an officer of militia Says that after they had pitch’d theyr  tents yesterday night they Struk them again—but I am inclined to believe they did not go farther and that the man who brought the intelligence was mistaken—I expect Some at hides town which I will immediately forward to you—I beg when your excellency will write to me that you could let me know the place you have Reach’d that I might govern myself accordingly. with the highest Respect I have the honor to be dear General Your most obedient Servant

                        the marquis de lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                        dear general
                        hice town [N.J.] at a quarter after Seven [a.m.][26 June 1778]

                    I hope you have receiv’d my letter from Cramberry where I aquaint you that I am going to hice town tho’ we are schort of provisions—when I got there I was very sorry to hear that Mister hamilton who had been riding all the night had not been able to find any body who could give him certain intelligences—but by a party who comes back I hear the ennemy are in motion, and theyr Rear about one Mile of the place that Rear had occupied last night Which is 7 or eight miles from here—I immediately put generals Maxwell’s and wayne’s brigades in motion, and I will fall lower down with general Scot’s, with jackson’s regiment and Some militia—I would be very happy if we could attak them before they halt for I have no notion of taking one other moment but this off the march—if I Can not overtake them we could lay at some distance and attak to morrow Morning provided they do’nt escape in the night which I much fear as our intelligences are not the best ones; I have sent Some partys out and I will get some more light by them.
                    I fancy your excellency will move down with the army, and if we are at a Convenient distance from you I have nothing to fear in striking a blow if opportunity is offered, I believe that in our present strength provided they do’nt escape we may do Some thing.
                    general formon Says that on account of the nature of the Country it is impossible for me to be turn’d by the Right or left—but that I schall not quite depend upon.
                    an officer just from the lines confirms me the account of the ennemy moving—An intelligence from general dikenson Says that they hear a very heavy fire in the front of the ennemy’s column—I aprehend it is Morgan who had not Receiv’d my letter, but it will have the good effect of Stopping them, and if we attak he may begin again.

                    Sir, I want to repeat you in writing what I have told to you, which is that if you believe it, or if it is believed necessary or useful to the good of the Service and the honor of General lee to Send him down with a couple of thousand men or any force more, I will chearfully obey and Serve him not only out of duty but out of what I owe to that gentleman’s character.
                    I hope to receive Soon your orders for what I am to do this day or tomorrow, to know where you are, and what you intend, and would be very happy to furnish you with the opportunity of compleating Some little advantage of ours. I have the honor be Your most obedient Servant

                        The Marquis de lafayette

                        The Road I understand the ennemy are moving by is the Straight road to montmouth.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                        Dr Marquiss
                        June 26: 1778  OClock

                    I received your favors of last night and this morning. I have given the most positive & pointed orders for provisions for your Detachment and am sorry that they have not arrived.
                    In order that the Troops may be supplied, I wish you would always send up, an Active Officer in time to the Commissary, who might never leave him till he obtained the necessary supplies. This will be attended with more certain relief than by writing by common expresses. Though giving the Enemy a stroke is a very desireable event, yet I would not wish you to be too precipitate in the measure or to distress your men by an over hasty march. The Weather is extremely warm and by a too great exertion in pushing the Troops many of em will fall sick and be rendered entirely unfit for service. I am Dr Marquiss &.
                    Cranbury [N.J.] 45 m. past 9 OClock A.M. I am now arrived here with the Head of our line. I must repeat again my wish that you do not push on with too much rapidity. You may be, in case of Action, at too great a distance to receive succour and exposed from thence to great Hazard. The Troops here are suffering for want of provision, as well as those  with you, and are under the necessity of halting, till they are refreshed. Had this unfortunate circumstance not intervened, the severe rain now falling would compel ’em to delay their march for the present. Your provision is on the Road. I am My Dr Marquiss Yr Most Obedt sert

                        G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                        dear General
                        At robins’s tavern [N.J.]half past four [p.m., 26 June 1778]

                    I have Receiv’d your excellency’s favor notifying your arrival at cramberry and am glad to have anticipated your orders in not going too far—I have felt the unhappy effects of the want of provisions for I dare say if we had not been Stopp’d by it, as we were already within three miles of the ennemy’s rear, we would very easely have overtaken them, and fouht with advantage.
                    I have Consulted the general officers of the detachement, and the general opinion Seems to be that I schould march in the night near them so as to attak the rear guard when on the march—we have also spoken of a night’s attak—the latter Seems dangerous—the former will perhaps give them time of escaping as it is impossible I would move quite close by them, at least nearer than three miles—Clel Morgan is towards the right flank, general dikenson is a little upon the left, generals Scot and maxwel have insisted upon going farther down than we are now. for wayne’s and jackson’s corps they have not had provisions at all but will be able to march in the night—I beg you would let me know Your intention and your opinion of the matter—my motions depend much upon what the army will do for countenancing them—I beg you would be very particular upon what you think proper to be done and what your excellency will do—I wish indeed you would be so good as to anticipate the different cases which may happen According to the place where the ennemy lays—general wayne, Clel hamilton and Several officers have Gone to recconnoitre it—I fancy they will lay about seven or eight miles from here—your excellency knows that by the direct road you are only three miles farther from montmouth than we are in this place.
                    the ennemy is Said to march since this morning with a great confusion and fright—Some prisonners have been made, and desertors come amasingly fast—I believe an happy blow would have the happiest efect, and I’ll alwaïs regret the time we have lost by want of provisions.

                    I beg you would answer to me immediately and with the highest respect I have the honor to be dear general Your most obedient Servant

                        the Marquis de lafayette


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 26 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                    Letter not found: to Lafayette, 26 June 1778. GW apparently wrote four letters to Lafayette on this date. The first, written in the morning; the second, written around 6:30 p.m., has not been found. In his third letter to Lafayette of this date, docketed 8:30 p.m., GW refers to “my Letter written about two Hours ago,” ordering Lafayette to march on Englishtown.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                        My dear Marquis,
                        cranbury [N.J.] June 26: 1778

                    General Lee’s uneasiness on account of yesterday’s transaction rather increasing than abating, and your politeness in wishing to ease him of it, has induced me to detach him from this Army, with a part of it, to reinforce, or at least cover, the several detachments under your command, at present. At the same time that I felt for General Lee’s distress of mind, I have had an eye to your wishes, and the delicacy of your situation; and have, therefore, obtained a promise from him, that when he gives you notice of his approach and command, he will request you to prosecute any plan you may have already concerted for the purpose of attacking or otherwise annoying the Enemy. This is the only expedient I could think of to answer both your views. General Lee seems satisfied with the measure, and I wish it may prove agreable to you, as I am with the warmest wishes for your honor & glory, and with the sincerest esteem & affection Yours

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                        dear general
                        [26 June 1778] at half past ten [p.m.]

                    Your orders have reach’d me so late, and found me in such a situation that it will be impossible to follow them as soon as I could wish—it is not on account of any other motive than the impossibility of moving the troops and making Such a march immediately for in receiving your letter I have given up the project of attaking the ennemy, and I only wish to join general lee—I was even going to set out but all the brigadiers, officers, &c. have represented that there was a phisikal impossibility of moving troops in the situation where ours find themselves—I do not believe general lee is to make any attak to morrow for then I would have been directed to fall immediately upon them without making 11 miles entirely out of the way. I am here as near as I will be at english town—to morrow at two o clock I will set of for that place.
                    I do not know if Morgan’s Corps, the militia &c. must be brought along with the other part of the detachement general forman who do’nt appruve much of that motion, Says that our right flank must be Secur’d, unless to incur the most fatal consequences for the whole army.
                    I beg your pardon, Sir, if my letter is so badly writen, but I want to  Send it Soon, and to rest one or two hours. I have the honor to be Your excellency’s the most Obedient Servt

                        the Marquis de lafayette

                        be so good as to Send a speedy answer of what You thingk proper to order me.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 26 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

                        Dear Sir
                        Cranbury [N.J.] June 26 1778

                    Your uneasiness, on account of the command of yesterday’s detachment, fills me with concern, as it is not in my power, fully, to remove it without wounding the feelings of the Marquiss de la Fayette—I have thought of an expedient, which though not quite equal to either of your views, may in some measure answer both; and that is to make another detachment from this Army for the purpose of aiding and supporting the several detachments now under the command of the Marquiss & giving you the command of the whole, under certain restrictions; which, circumstances, arising from your own conduct yesterday, render almost unavoidable. The expedient which I would propose is, for you to march towards the Marquiss with Scot’s & Varnum’s Brigades. Give him notice that you are advancing to support him—that you are to have the command of the whole advanced body; but as he may have formed some enterprize with the advice of the Officers commanding the several Corps under his command, which will not admit of delay or alteration, you will desire him to proceed as if no change had happened, and you will give him every assistance and countenance in your power. This, as I observed before, is not quite the thing; but may possibly answer, in some degree, the views of both. That it may do so, and the public service receive benefit from the measure, is the sincere wish of Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affect. Servant

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain James Morgan, 26 June 1778
From: Morgan, James
To: Washington, George

                        South Amboy [N.J.] Jun 26th 1778.

                    Sir this Coms to in form you that the Shipin and Smal Bots is Comin to Sholharber and the Enemy is advensin tords middel Town I am out of Horses to Send Entligenc from your Humbel Sarvent

                            James morgan Capt.


Title: To George Washington from Captain James Morgan, 26 June 1778
From: Morgan, James
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        South Amboy [N.J.] Jun 26th 1778

                    According to you order I have Cut dwon all the Bridges and this morning Was on the Shouer and Cant See anny Shiping or Bots Of mor then yesorday But a Hors man from frehold informs me the Enemey is thare and in ful Body So no move But Remain your Exelency most Humbel Servent

                        James morgan Capt.

                        Post Crep I have no Hors men makes it Difecul to send you the Exspris.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Neilson, 26 June 1778
From: Neilson, John
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Inglish Town within 6 Miles of Monmouth Courtho⟨use⟩26 June 1778 1 OClock P. M.

                    By order of Major Genel Dickinson I marcht a small Detachment of Militia consisting of about 200 Men on this Road to Endeavour to gain the Front of the Enemy to throw what Obstructions we could in their way, I got to this Place About one hour Since, and by the best Intelligence I can get am Inform’d the Main body of them are at Monmouth Courthouse and cant find that they are Advanced beyound that, So that we are at a Loss to know what Rout to take have horsemen out to Observe their March, if they take the Middletown Road I shall be able to gain their front, if they take the Shrewsbury Road I shall not, in this Situation shall be glad of your Excellency’s Directions I am informed About 100 Monmouth Militia are on their March within a small Distance  of this Place who have left their Quarters at T[r]enton falls in Shrewsbury not knowing the Situation of Our Army, your Directions to them shall be Imediately Executed—your most obedt Servt

                        John Neilson Coll 2d Bat. Midl. Mil.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel John Neilson, 26 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Neilson, John

                        Sir.
                        Head Quarters Cranbury [N.J.] 26th June 1778.

                    I have received your favor of this date and thank you for the intelligence contained in it—various and uncertain information relat⟨ive⟩ to the enemy’s movements, has made it diffi⟨cult⟩ to determine the part to be taken by this army—I shall rely upon you to advise me constantly of their situation—it is essential for me to know where they encamp each night, and the extent of their encampment—at what hour they march—the length of their line—their halting places—in fine every minute particular that may assist me in forming my plans—above all a frequency of distinct intelligence—whether the enemy change their position or remain stationary, will be of the greatest importance to me.
                    With respect to your own operations, if you find it impracticable to gain the enemy⟨s⟩ front as was intended—the next best thing is to fall on one of their flanks or rear as opportunity may offer and give all the annoyance in your power—The Monmouthshire mili⟨tia⟩ may be of very great service by attaching themselves to one of the continental detachments that are near the enemy—it will be best for them to cooperate with that, which they can most readily join. I am Sir Your most obedt Se⟨rvt⟩

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major Francis Nichols, 26 June 1778
From: Nichols, Francis
To: Washington, George

                        May it Please your Excellencey
                        [26 June 1778]Friday 10 Oclock A:M.

                    I have the Pleasure to inform you that the front of the Enimy moved of[f] this morning at foure oclock—at Half after Seven I precured a  guide and went under civer into thire incampment and found all the army moved But the Rear Guard—on our Return we fell in with two British Solders Neare thire incampment (who say they are Disarters) they inform us that the Enimy Moved as above Mentioned and is to Halt at Monmouth Court house this I Send you By Express the Disarters I Send you under Guard—prabley they may Give you Some information which may Be of Importance.
                    we are Just Gowing to fall in the Rear of this army to precure further inteligence. I have the Honour to Be your Excellencys Most Humble Servant

                        Frans Nichols Majr


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White, 26 June 1778
From: White, Anthony Walton
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        Robins Tavern [N.J.] 12 oClock [26 June 1778]

                    I received a letter this morning from Col: Harrison—with your Excellencys directions respecting the Mate, & two Privates left with Capt. Stevenson, & have inclosed his Promise which contains his, & the Privates Names. Col: Hamilton has ordered me to ⟨put⟩ my detatchment under the Command of the Marquis De la Fayett—as every inteligence will be given to him, I suppose he send to your Excellency as occasion may require, I should be glad Col: Moylan may be informed of my detachment being with the Marquis, & Major Clows with Genl Scott, I am your Excellency’s Most obedt H: Servt

                        Anthy W: WhiteD.C.L.D


Title: General Orders, 27 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

                        Head-Quarters Penolopen [N.J.] Saturday June 27th 1778.
                        ParoleC. Signs

                    As we are now nigh the Enemy and of consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary, the Commander in Chief desires and enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and march at a moments warning as circumstances may require.


Title: From George Washington to Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

                    Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778. Dickinson wrote to GW on this date: “I this moment, am favor’d with your Excellencys of this Day.”


Title: To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                    Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778. In another letter to GW of this date, Dickinson writes that “I wrote your Excellency a few hours ago by Express.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 27 June 1778
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

                        Dr General
                        Near English Town [N.J.]June the 27th [1778] 7 o clock

                    I did not receive your order to halt until the head of the Detachment was within a mile of English Town Creek—I immediately halted on the receipt—indeed it was not my intention to proceed further than the first brook or Water—I have taken a tolerable strong Post in the wood where I shall wait for further orders—unless the expediency of making some movement is so forcible as to oblige me—I the Enemy certainly lay at Monmouth last night at least the rear of e’m, but whether They mov’d or no this morning is uncertain—The People here are inconceivable Stupid—I have sent two lively young foot men (for They have no horses) to reconnoitre. I am, Dr Sir, Yours

                        C. Lee

                        P.S. I wish Your Excellc’y woud order me some axes—a little spirits for the Men and two or three (if They can be spared) active well-mounted light Horse Men.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 27 June 1778
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Squan swamp [N.J.]27th June 78 2 oClock

                    I arrived at this place Yesterday encamp’d in the woods—sent out small parties—capt. Leong fell in with fifteen Granadeers and made them prisoners—deserters are continually comeng in—I have several parties out—whom I expect something from—I shall continue on the enemies Right till I have orders to the contrary—Thay keep in so compact a body that it is impossible to do them much damage—However I will annoy them as much as possible. I Have the Honor to be your obedient servt

                        Dan. Morgan


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 27 June 1778
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Longstreets [Hill, N.J.]27th June 1778 half past 11 ôclock

                    every thing looks in the Same Situation as yesterday at Freehold, we took three prisoners whom I send to your Excellency, they Say it is the opinion which prevails in their Camp, that they will march to morrow morning for So. Amboy. I saw a man yesterday from Middletown point, who Says there were no vessels of any Consequence in the Bay, that there was no collection of boats at Princes Bay—I expect an officer in Soon from the Shrewsbury road, allso the great midleton there is one road to the Later place which passes near the post I now write from, I have the Honor to be Sir Your Most H: & Ob. St

                        Stephen Moylan


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 27 June 1778
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        scotch meetinghouse [N.J.]nine ôclock P.M. 27th June 1778

                    I am just come from Longstreets hill. I sent an officer Since sunset close in to the Lines and from his report, with my own observation there was no appearance of a movement, I sent an officer on the Middletown & Shrewsbury roads, who makes the Same report, I will be out before the Sun, & if any thing new you will hear it from Sir your most ob. H: St

                        Stephen Moylan


Title: To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 27 June 1778
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        about 2 Mile on the left of the Court house [N.J.]27 June [1778] ½ pst 12 oClock

                    We arrived here this morning & it being the best position we can find to observe the motions of the Enemy—have remain’d—we have advanced our parties so near as to fire a Pistol at their Horsemen whilst feeding their Horses—They now lay encamped one Line on the main Road by the Court House & another Line extended on their left from the head of their Column which is not advanced One hundred & fifty paces beyond the Court house—having sent a man there to discover—they have Some Tents pitched & their Horses are at pasture & have not the least appearance of moving.
                    When we first arrived here they had a Party of Infantry posted in a Wood on their left & about 500 paces in our front from which we could discover several Detachments go to the adjacent Houses two of which they have burnt viz. Colo. Henderson & Mr Wikoff—So soon as they move I shall endeavour to discover their Rout & immediately acquaint you & in mean time am with great respect Your Excellencys most Obed. Servt

                        Steuben M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

                        My Lord
                        English Town [N.J.] 27th June 1778

                    Altho Col. Meade has already signified to you my desire that our present Camp should be minutely reconnoitred—it is a matter of such  serious importance that I cannot forbear repeating to you my wish that yourself aided by General du Portail and some other officers would critically examine the position, all it’s avenues, and the adjacent ground—that in case we should have occasion to make use of it, we may be prepared to avail ourselves of its advantages, and apply the best possible remedy to its defects. I am with great regard Your Lordships most obedt Servt

                        Go: Washington

                        ⟨You will na⟩turally determine the proper places for pickets.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Winds, 27 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Winds, William

                        Sir
                        Englishtown [N.J.] ¼ after 1 OClk P.M.June 27: 1778

                    I this morning received your Letter of Yesterday and was much concerned to find that you had declined advancing to join this Army or to act in this Quarter. Your aid I deem of great importance, and if you are not too far beyond Brunswic when this reaches you, I must request that you will immediately face about and proceed as expeditiously as you can with the Troops under you, to Spotswood, from whence or a little before you get there you will inform me by Express. You will not halt at Spotswood but direct your course towards Middletown point. I will write you immediately on receipt of your Letter. Your services may be of infinite advantage, & I doubt not if you are not too far returned, that I shall presently be reinforced with your command. I am told the Bridges at Spotswood & South River are not cut up & if they are that your passage neverless will not be obstructed. I am

                        G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 28 June–6 July 1778
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir,
                        Baskinridge [N.J.] June 28[–6 July] 1778.

                    Agreeable to yr Excs. Orders in Company with Major Beatty, I met Mr Loring Commy of Prisrs for the Brit. Army at German Town on Saturday the 6th June Inst. when among many other things, he represented to me that the English army would soon evacuate, the City of Philadelphia, and that Sir Henry Clinton was exceedingly averse to the removing of our Prisoners from Philadelphia with his army, as it wd be an Act of Cruelty to those unhappy Men, for by confining them on board of Ships many of them must inevitably perish—that he wished to exchange all of them without delay.
                    To this I answered, that we were ready to exchange all the Privates in the most expeditious manner possible—That the only Objection to an immediate exchange of the Officers in Philadelphia was that it would be preferring those Gentn who were lately taken to those on Long Island, who had been long in Captivity, which I could not justify to my own feelings, and it was also directly contrary to my orders from yr Excy—Mr Loring acquiesced in the justice of the Objection, and informed me that if the dispute wch had so long subsisted concerning the 1821 Prisrs sent out of New York in the fall of 1776 & winter of 1777 was adjusted he had not the least Doubt but Genl Clinton would permit all the officers in Philadelphia to remain there on their Parole, when he left the City, & suffer them to be exchanged in their turn. I objected my want of Instructions on this Head, and he urged the distress of our officers in such a Manner, and the certainty of their relief if this was settled, which he assured me of from his knowledge of Genl Clinton’s Sentiments relative to them, that I proposed returning to yr  Excy for further Orders on this Subject, and agreed to meet him again on the Monday following, having previously reduced our Agreement, as far as it went, to writing as p. No. 2 herewith. On Monday the 8 June inst. we again met, when after many warm debates on the disagreeable Subject of the cruel Treatment of our Prisrs in New York in 1776 & 1777 Mr Loring offered a Compromise, by accepting of 1200 Men in full of the 1821. To this I could by no means consent, but after reading to him a number of affidavits on this melancholy subject, we finally agreed, I to give & he to accept of 900 Men in full discharge of the whole demand. What prevailed with me to rise so high as this number was Mr Loring’s solemn assurance of Genl Clinton’s intentions, in case of this settlement, to leave all our Prisrs both officers & Privates in Philadelphia whenever he left the City, by which the lives of many would be saved & the sufferings of all—and I was also fully convinced that Mr Loring’s instructions made this the lowest Number to which he could agree—And he repeatedly assured me that if we did not settle it now, that Genl Clintn however averse he was to the measure, would be obliged to send every Man, both Officers & Privates on board of the Transports to Sea—That however cruel this would be, that it would lay at our door—That he himself was exceedingly distressed at the Idea, and thought it very unreasonable that Men who had suffered so much, should have those sufferings unnecessarily increased, by their own People—That he knew Genl Clinton’s Statements, & that it was his wish to Leave all the Officers in Parole, and that as he had just arrived at the Chief Command, he hoped all former difficulties would be forgot, and that he might begin his Command free from unnecessary Contention; and that for the future the affairs of Prisrs might be carried on in a more easy manner for both Parties—These Arguments & many more of a similar Nature being urged with great warmth prevailed on me, and we entered into the written Agreement No. 3 herewith—I also promised to forward on without the least delay all the british & Hessian Prisrs that could be come at in time, and he was to send out our Privates as they arrived tho’ it shd be previous to the evacuation of the City—but if they should speedily leave the City, then our Prisrs were to be left, and I was to send theirs on to Amboy without delay—That I should send in all their Officers without distinction wherever quartered, for whom the oldest in Captivity of ours should be exchanged whereever they were.
                    Immediately on my return to Camp & receiving yr Excy approbation of what I had done, Expresses were dispatched to every Quarter where Prisrs were Kept, with orders to hurry them in to difft Posts of the Enemy as fast as possible—Those from Reading & Easton came down & were sent onto Philadelphia; but the Hessians being greatly scattered  in Lancaster County, and expressing great aversion to an exchange, it was necessary to collect a large Guard of Militia to force & guard them down. They did not arrive till the second day after the Enemy’s leaving the City.
                    I attended at German Town with the Prisrs from Reading & Easton on the 16th Instt where I met Mr Loring, to whom I explained the difficulties attending the collecting the Hessians & shew him my deputy’s Letters on the subject, and also informed him of the Day they would be down—He thought they would be too late, but begged they might be pushed on to Amboy, which I promised to do—He then told me that Genl Clinton was rather Jealous of the delay, not Knowing our particular Situation, and that in Consequence he had ordered our Officers to be embarqued, but that they were very comfortable on board the Transports—I objected with warmth to this Measure, and assured him that it would be considered as a breach of our Agreement—That no Endeavours of mine had been wanting to get them down, and that the difficulty was owing to their hurry & not to any fault in us—He used many Arguments to prevent this Consequence, and promised to return to Genl Clinton & to meet me the next Day—The next Morning I was greatly surprised at Intelligence recd & by the Letter No. 4 from Mr Loring that the Privates were also embarqued. I immediately rode down to the Lines & wrote the Lett. No. 5 & sent it to Mr Loring. Instead of an Answer from him Genl Robertson & his Aid met me on the Lines when I laid the whole Matter before him, & remonstrated against so manifest & unprovoked a breach of so solemn an Agreement, assuring him at the same time of our determination to comply with every Tittle of it, unless prevented by their misconduct. He was pleased to express himself as fully convinced, and directed his Aid to reduce his Sentiments to writing to be laid before Genl Clinton, and desired me also to reduce my proposals to writing for the same Purpose, which I did as in No. 6. This Genl Robertson approved of, and said he believed would be complied with, and he hoped the Officers & Privates would all be disembarqued. In the Evening I recd the Letter No. 8. & immediately sent the Answer No. 8.
                    On Thursday the Enemy evacuated the City and took with their ffleet all our officers as well as privates. Hearing that the Hessians were on the Road from Lancaster I sent down to New Castle in hopes that our Prisoners were landed there, but found that all the Vessells had fell down the River previous to ffriday Noon, notwithstanding the promise from Genl Robertson—The Hessians arrived & were lodged in the New Goal, on which I sent a deputy down to the Capes by Water, in hopes of overtaking them before they got out to Sea—His report your Excellency will see in No. 9.

                        July 6 I must beg your Excys pardon for the length of this report—I thought it necessary to be very minute in this Transaction, that you might determine with Propriety, whether the Agreement thus violated should be farther Carried into Execution or not—For the more full understanding of this matter, I add the agreement made with mr Loring by Coll Hamilton before I came into Camp & previous to any of the above particulars—as p. No. 1. I have the Honor to be with very great respect & Esteem Your Excy’s most obt & Hble Serv.

                        Elias BoudinotComy Genl of Prisr.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dr Sir
                        ¼ past 4, OClock A.M.June 28th 1778 [Monmouth, N.J.]

                    A Major who was on Duty on the Lines last Night, this moment informs me, that the Enemy are in Motion—marching off—my Picket at the Mill drove the Enemy of[f] last Eveng & kept the Ground. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St

                        Philemon Dickinson

                        I am moving down two or three hundred Men to amuse & detain them—& have parties out to gain Intelligence—shall take down the whole of my troops, as soon, as they can be collected—a second Express from the Mill Picket informs me, they moved as early as 4, OClock.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dr Sir
                        Freehold [N.J.] 1½ mile from Monmouth Court House,[28 June 1778] ½ past 10, OClock A.M.

                    By Intelligence this moment received, which may be depended on The Enemy’s front, three hours ago, was within two Miles of the heights,  beyond Van marters Mills, moving with a quick pace—Col: Lawrence say’s, tis now beyond a doubt, they intend for the Watering-place—& that this Eveng, they will get into perfect security—The Enemy have left the Court House, I am just informed by Express. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most Ob. St

                        P. Dickinson

                        I am ⟨expectg⟩ the troops to march on the ⟨illegible⟩.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Meeting House [Monmouth, N.J., 28 June 1778]½ past 5, OClock P.M.

                    By Intelligence this moment received, from a Person, who was within three miles of the Court House, the Enemy had not advanced upon the Middle town road, further than two Miles—& that no Baggage, has been sent down that road. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St

                        Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Colonel David Forman, 28 June 1778
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        [Near Monmouth, N.J., 28 June 1778]Sunday Morning ¼ past Six O Clock

                    I am directed by Genl Lee to Inform your Excely That The Enemy’s Front have advanced One and a half Miles On The road leading to Middle Town and South Amboy.
                    When The Express Come off They ware at The fork of the ⟨rode⟩ one leading towards Middle Town The Other to South Amboy.
                    I have no doubt of Middle Town being Their distination, as Amboy would Expose There Left flank to your Excelys Army. I have The Honr to be Your Excelys obdt Servt

                        David Forman


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 28 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

                        Sir
                        English town 6 miles from Monmouth [N.J.]June 28: [1778] ½ after 11 A.M.

                    I was duly honored with your favor of the 20th Instant, with the report to which it referred, and trust my situation will apol[og]ize for my not answering it before.
                    I am now here with the main body of the Army and pressing hard to come up with the Enemy. They encamped yesterday at Monmouth Court House, having almost the whole of their front, particularly their left wing, secured by a Marsh and thick wood & their rear by a difficult defile, from whence they moved very early this morning. Our advance, from the rainy weather and the intense heat, when it was fair (though these may have been equally disadvantageous to them) has been greatly delayed. Several of our men have fallen sick from these causes, and a few unfortunately have fainted and died in a little time after. We have a select and strong detachment more forward under the general command of Major Genl Lee, with orders to attack their rear if possible. Whether the Detachment will be able to come up with it is a matter of question, especially before they get into strong grounds. Besides this, Morgan with his Corps and some bodies of Militia are on their flanks. I cannot determine yet, at what place they intend to embark. Some think they will push for Sandy Hook—whilst others suppose they mean to go to Shoal Harbour. The latter opinion seems to be founded in the greater probability, as, from intelligence, Several Vessels and Craft are lying off that place. We have made a few prisoners, and they have lost  a good many men by desertion. I cannot ascertain their number, as they came into our advanced parties & pushed immediately into the Country; I think five or Six Hundred is the least number that have come in, in the whole. They are chiefly foreigners. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

                        G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Laurens, 28 June 1778
From: Laurens, John
To: Washington, George

                    Letter not found: from John Laurens, c.28 June 1778. Laurens’s other letter to GW of this date begins with the words “Since I wrote Your Excellency,” implying that he had sent an intelligence report to GW earlier on the same day or perhaps late on 27 June.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 28 June 1778
From: Laurens, John
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        [28 June 1778] Half after nine oClock—on my return to the same spot from whence I had retired before—near Monmouth Court house [N.J.]

                    Since I wrote Your Excellency the two columns of the enemy which were only as I apprehend two Regiments marching by files, to envelop the party of Cavalry with which I was reconnoitring—have retired from the woods into which they were gliding on our right and left—their advanced videts have been withdrawn, and the whole appears to be moving off. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obedt Servt

                        John Laurens Aide de Camp.

                        Genl Wayne is now advancing through the woods to their Rear—he had been recalled before in consequence of wrong intelligence.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 28 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

                    Letter not found: to William Livingston, c.28 June 1778. GW wrote Livingston on 4 July: “I had the honour to inform you on the ground of action of the advantage  over the enemy on the 28th Ult. … Not knowing where to find you the letter alluded to above could not be sent. I have now the honor to inclose it.”


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 28 June 1778
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                    Letter not found: from Daniel Morgan, 28 June 1778. GW wrote Morgan on this date: “I have just received your Letter by the Dragoon.”


Title: To George Washington from Captain James Morgan, 28 June 1778
From: Morgan, James
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        South Amboy [N.J.] Jun 28th 1778Sunday afternoon

                    Thes Comes to inform you that thare is three or four Ships now at the Huck I think Very ner the Shouer with repord, of forty Sale of Slups and Squeners Liing in the Hosshue I am in formed that thare is a grat maney flatbotom bots on the Est Side of Stat Island this morning I had aman in middeltown he in formed me thar was no Enmey thar yet on the South Side of the Island thare is But one armed Squener and Two Small Bots. The Wesels from The Hook Ceeps Passing and Repassin Very Much Sir i am your most Humble Sarvent

                        James morgan Capt.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 28 June 1778
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        [Near Monmouth Court House, N.J., 28 June 1778]½ past two sunday

                    at twelve ô clock the enemy were halted, at Polhemos hill which is on, what is calld, the fifteen hundred acres, they are now again in motion & seem to bend their course towards Midletown, thro’ bye roads which were not suspected to be passable, but there are So many intersections in the roads, that it is impossible to judge whether they will go to Midleton or go on to the falls. I have them full in view, and must move as a party is endeavoring to Surround me. I am yrs

                        S. Moylan


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel David Rhea, 28 June 1778
From: Rhea, David
To: Washington, George

                        Dear General
                        [Near Monmouth, N.J., 28 June 1778]

                    There is A strong party by your Order posted at the pass I mentione⟨d⟩ and will in A few Moments open four pieces of Artillery upon their left flank hoping soon to silence them near your Senter—Videts are posted all the way to Shrewsbury Road where their Rear lay this Morning—they must go near five Miles round before they can flank us. your Very Hon. sert

                        David Rhea Lieutenant Colonel


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, 28 June 1778
From: Van Cortlandt, Philip
To: Washington, George

                        Dear General
                        Valley Forge June 28th 1778

                    This by Lieut: Arthur Lind who I send to the Adjut: General with a return of the Sick left in Camp when the Army march’d, have not Recd the Returns from the Yellow Springs or should have sent them also Major Grier informd me that he found upon his Arrival but two Officers to Assist him in Makeing out the Returns & applyd to me for one to each Hospital which I have orderd.
                    I have sent One Hundred Men properly Officerd to Philada by order of Major Genl Arnold and have sent to the Army near 450 Men and by the latter end of the Week upwards of Five Hundred more will be ready to March which I shall send off as soon as Possible, all the Bad Cases are remov’d to Hospitals. Doctor Hutchinson has been most Indefatigable in procureing Waggons and Sending off the Sick.
                    When the Army moved there was not one Waggon left and it was some Days before the Publick Stores were Collected I had Guards placed and orderd the Officers to stop Persons from plundering & to press the Waggons that Came for that Purpose & oblige them to take the Sick to Hospitals by which means we were furnish’d with Several Good Waggons which have since been released, I could mention many Circumstances That have hapened Since your Excellencys Departure which I shall omit at this time being assured that Business of greater Importance must Engross most of your Time must therefore beg your Excellency to Accept of my hearty well wishes for your safety and Success hopeing that it may soon please your Excellency to have him releived  who begs to Subscribe himself with all respect. Yr most Obedt Huml: Servt

                        Philip Cortlandt.


Title: From George Washington to William Winds, 28 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Winds, William

                        28 June 1778.

                    Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. William Winds, 28 June 1778. On 30 June, Winds wrote GW: “Your favour of the 28th has stopp’d My Moving again towards you.”


Title: General Orders, 29 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

                        Head-Quarters Freehold (Monmouth County) June 29th 1778
                        Parole Monckton—C. Signs Bonner. Dickason.

                    The Commander in Chief congratulates the Army on the Victory obtained over the Arms of his Britanick Majesty yesterday and thanks most sincerely the gallant officers and men who distinguished themselves upon the occasion and such others as by their good order & coolness gave the happiest presages of what might have been expected had they come to Action.
                    General Dickinson and the Militia of this State are also thanked for the noble Spirit which they have shewn in opposing the Enemy on their march from Philadelphia and for the Aid which they have given by harrassing and impeding their Motions so as to allow the Continental Troops time to come up with them. A Party consisting of two hundred men to parade immediately to bury the slain of both Armies—Genl Woodford’s Brigade is to cover this Party.
                    The Officers of the American Army are to be buried with military honors due to men who have nobly fought and died in the Cause of Liberty and their Country. Doctor Cochran will direct what is to be done with the wounded & sick—He is to apply to the Quarter Master & Adjutant Genl’s for necessary Assistance—The several detachments (except those under Coll Morgan) are to join their respective Brigades immediately and the lines to be formed agreeable to the order of 22nd instant—The Army is to march from the Left, the Second Line in front; the Cavalry in the Rear—The march to begin at five oClock this afternoon.

                    A Serjeant Corporal and 12 men from General Maxwell’s Brigade to parade immediately to guard the sick to Princetown Hospitals—Doctr Craik will give directions to the guard.
                    Coll Martin is appointed to superintend collecting the sick and wounded on the Army’s route through Jersey between Coryell’s and Monmouth and send them to Princetown Hospitals—he will call immediately at the orderly Office for further orders.
                    It is with peculiar Pleasure in addition to the above that the Commander in Chief can inform General Knox and the Officers of Artillery that the Enemy have done them the Justice to acknowledge that no Artillery could be better served than ours.


Title: From George Washington to Benedict Arnold, 29 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

                        29 June 1778.

                    Letter not found: to Benedict Arnold, 29 June 1778. On 30 June Arnold wrote GW: “I received your Excellency’s Favour of yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 29 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Near the Meeting House [Monmouth, N.J.]29th June 1778 ½ past 3, OClock P.M.

                    I am under the disagreable necessity of informing your Excellency, that on my return to this place, I found the number of my Militia greatly reduced, & lessening hourly—there is a universal murmur amongst them, on account their Grass, corn, &c., &c., which they say, will be ruined in a few days, as no Persons can be employed to secure them—as those People, will frequently take it into their Heads, to determine the propriety of movements, they think themselves too far in the rear, (in this warm weather) to come up with the Enemy, being as they say, exceedingly fatigued—I have consulted with all the Field Officers, who are unanimously of opinion, that if they move from this Place, we shall not have one hundred Men in the Morning.
                    I am extremely sorry, to communicate this disagreable intelligence, to your Excellency, as I should upon every occasion, execute your Orders with Pleasure, when in my Power.
                    I have said every thing proper upon the present occasion, but to no purpose, your Excellency knows the nature of Militia, I was in great hopes ours, would have continued, untill the Enemy had left the State.

                    This moment the inclosed came from Col: Neilson, who has about one hundred & fifty men with him, perhaps they may continue till to’morrow or next day. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Ob. St

                        Philemon Dickinson

                        I have Endeavour’d to prevail with most of them, to wait untill they are discharged, that they may return with credit.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 29 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

                        Head Qrs—Fairfield Township near Monmouth Court house [N.J.]29 June 1778 6 O’clock P.M.

                    I received your favor of this instant dated at 3 O’clock P.M. with its inclosure.
                    I am sorry to find the disposition of the militia so unfavourable to the safety of the State—or that those who have behaved heretofore so well in obstructing the progress and preventing the depradations of the enemy should think of leaving their duty when it is so near finished. For their own honor I would wish them to see the enemy fairly out of the State before they think of returning home. A few days perhaps a few hours will terminate the matter. In the mean time Many advantages may be derived from their presence—They will prevent mauroding parties—distress the rear & flanks—lay hold of favourable  conjunctures and be a defence to private property till the enemy get a ship board—When so many valuable purposes may be answered by their longer stay—with so little inconvenience to themselves I am persuaded that on proper consideration they will give up their design for the present. You will use your further endeavours to answer this end. I am Sir &c.

                        G.W.