Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Morris town April the 10th 1777

I was just now honored with your Letter of the 9th Instant, covering Sundry Resolutions of Congress. Those for regulating the Hospital and medical department, I trust, will prove of the most salutary consequences. It is only to be regretted, that this necessary and liberal institution had not been gone into and compleated at an earlier period.
The Honors Congress have decreed to the memory of Generals Warren and Mercer, afford me the highest pleasure. Their character and merit had a just claim to every mark of respect, and I heartily wish, that every Officer of the United States, emulating their virtues, may by their Actions secure to themselves, the same right to the grateful Tributes of their Country.

Since writing to you Yesterday, I have received further intelligence of the Enemy’s preparations in York indicating a movement before long. It is contained in the inclosed Letter No. 1 and corroborates the Opinion I have long entertained, that they would make a push against Philadelphia. The Tory Regiments mentioned, we are told, are at Heckensec & are about Five Hundred strong, exclusive of a Company of Highlanders which is with them.
The inclosed Letter from Le Chevalier Count of Vrecourt came to hand this morning, and which I have thought proper to transmit to Congress that they may consider his case and adopt such measures respecting him, as his character & testimonials deserve. I never heard of him before, but if he is a skilful Engineer, he will be extremely usefull and should be employed, though he may not understand our Language. At this time we have not One with the army, nor One to join it of the least reputation or pretensions to skill. If this Gentleman came in consequence of an Agreement with Dr Franklin and brought credentials from him, I should suppose him to be acquainted with what he was recommended for.
The Cartel proposed to be settled & so long in Agitation, is not accomplished yet. The last meeting, on that business, was the 2 Instant, when nothing was done—nor is a further interview appointed respecting it. I have transmitted a Copy of Lord Cornwallis’s Letter which came out the next day with that of the paper alluded to by him, which Mr Harrison refused to receive from Colo. Walcot, and of my Answer to the latter in a Letter to Genl Howe. The Objections or Articles mentioned by Colo. Walcot were those Genl Greene had with him & which he left when he came from Philadelphia. The Original I have by me. Those points were insisted on again and rejected, and a tender made of the paper by Colo. Walcot which he brought with him prepared.
I have appointed John Wilkens, John Steel, Mathew Irvine & Samuel Kersley, Esqrs. Captains of Companies to be raised by them in consequence of the recommendation of Genl Armstrong. As the Interest of those Gentlemen lies in Pensylvania cheifly, and it would be drawing money from the pay master here to carry to Philadelphia, supposing there was a Supply in the Chest, which is not the case, I shall be obliged by Congress’s ordering Six hundred Dollars to be advanced to each of them on account of the recruiting service, the first of whom I immagine is in Philadelphia. If this requisition can be complied with, he I presume will give notice to the rest, or if Genl Armstrong is informed of it, he will do it. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 10 April 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 10th April 1777.

Your favr of yesterday’s Date I have just Rec’d by the Return Express and shall be laid before Congress to morrow morning.
I have only time to Inclose you sundry Resolutions pass’d in Congress since my last, to which I Request your Attention, I also inclose you a Letter from the Come of Congress. I have the Honour to be with Esteem, Sir Your most Obedt Servt

John Hancock Presidt

I have Sent four Bundles of printed Resolves, which you will please to order to be distributed among the Officers.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Morris Town April 10th 1777

I have, within these few days, received an application from the honorable Messrs Sever and Cushing, for arms and blankets, for the use of the Massachusetts regiments, destined for Ticonderoga. Surely those troops are not, at this day, to begin their march, for that post! And sorry I am to observe, that nothing now will content that government, but the new arms lately arrived there, which will be greatly wanted for troops, that cannot otherwise be provided, when I have abundant reason to believe, that no State upon the Continent has it so much in her power to furnish these articles, as that of Massachusetts-Bay. Indeed, I am informed, that arms and other military stores are hoarding up, in that government, which makes everything of the kind exceedingly difficult to be had for Continental use, and has the appearance of a separate provision.
That no delay however may happen, I have informed those Gentlemen, that you would be instructed to issue orders, for such a number of arms, as shall appear to you absolutely necessary; and this power I now give you, requesting at the same time, that it may be used with a regard to the general good. The means of procuring them, through other channels, should still be persued.
With respect to the blankets, The Clothier General, to whom I have written, must direct, as I do not care to interfere in his department.
These Gentlemen have also written to me concerning some powder, due from the Continent to the State of Massachusetts, about fifteen tons, they say. I really thought, this demand had been satisfied long ago, out of the 75 tons taken nearly at this time last year. If it has not, I have no objection to returning what has been had for the use of the army, but with respect to that lent to the armed vessels, if it happened since my departure from Boston, I can give no order, as it is not within my department, but comes properly before that of the marine. You must therefore discriminate; and as I think General Ward was instructed to repay the powder, borrowed from the Massachusetts-Bay, I wish you to inquire of him and the Commissary of Stores, by what means it was neglected.
Let me have the names of the several Colonels commanding the 15 regiments, from the state of Massachusetts. Mention them in their order of seniority, and whether the regiments are numbered from the

rank of the officers commanding them, or not: Also inform me, which regiments come this way and which go to Ticonderoga. If it does not break in upon any disposition already made, I would have Glover and Patterson come forward with the eight regiments to Peeks-Kill.
The Brigade Majors, for these new corps, are not to be appointed ’till there is duty for them to perform: Then, if the Brigadiers will make choice of officers properly qualified, I will confirm them in office; if they do not, I shall exert the powers given me by Congress, “to appoint all officers, under the rank of Brigadier,” to put in such as are; as I will not have any Gentleman introduced from Family-connexions or local attachments, to the prejudice of the service. Of this you will please, without loss of time, to give each Brigadier of your state, notice. They will excuse me for this intimation, which may imply a reflection, when I add, that some very improper choices were made last year, and when it is evident to every Gentleman in the smallest degree acquainted with service, that nothing can contribute more to order and regularity, in an army, than having Brigade-Majors of knowledge, activity and diligence.
I cannot conclude, without again urging you, in explicit and positive terms, to hasten the troops to the several posts assigned them. The delay in marching may prove as fatal as not inlisting the men. We have every reason from information and observation, to believe that General Howe is upon the point of taking the field; and the troops, with which he is to be opposed, are yet in their respective States. I am, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Capt. John Hunter, 10 April 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Hunter, John

Letter not found: to Capt. John Hunter, 10 April 1777. In his letter to GW of 23 April, Hunter refers to “the Instructions I received from your Excellency on the 10th Inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 10 April 1777
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Philadelphia 10 April 1777

The resolves of Congress, that you will receive by this Messenger, you may be assured, are not intended, by any means, to obstruct your views a single moment. If your judgement should incline you to think that the Troops had better march on to Head Quarters quick as possible, you have only so to order it, and it will give pleasure to every good man here. The business of speedily reenforcing you will not be obstructed, but accelilated, because they now enter the City, where every days stay is 30 days injury to the great purpose of strengthening your hands. And should the enemy destine here, something like a Military collection, may produce a greater resort—If you will indulge my conjecture, I think they cannot purpose coming here, because the water securities ageinst such a plan are realy formidable, and the situation of the land, where the water obstructions are fixed, is such, that great delay, and probable ruin forbids the enterprize, as they cannot so fix land Batteries as to remove the strong Vessels that protect the Cheveaux de Frise, added to the numerous fire rafts & Fire Ships that in a narrow water with strong current may destroy their Fleet.
Your Army Sir feeble as it is, and the North river, are more tempting Objects, because they are not strong, and because the defeat of the one, or the acquisition of the other, would avail our enemies greatly.
My wishes are Sir, and I think they correspond with the true interest of America, that you should quickly be possessed of a strong Army, that your powers might be such as to gratify your wishes of crushing of our enemies before an addition of strength to them may render the business more difficult & uncertain. I think I well know your situation, and from your excellent disposition, I know your feelings, and I do

most ardently wish to make the former good, and to render the latter agreable, and therefore, whenever I can know either from yourself, all the powers I possess shall be exerted to accomplish both—The Troops of Maryland are now under inoculation, and so are about 1000 Virginians from Baltimore to Wilmington inclusive—Here, we suppose, may be near a thousand of all kinds, who by the now [new] plan of encampment, will be in Tents as quickly as the Physicians can discharge them, or the Officers collect them from this attractive Scene of debauch and amusement. With every hearty wish for your health and prosperity I remain dear Sir Most affectionately yours

Richard Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 10 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear sir
Morris Town Aprill 10th 1777

Inclosed you have an Information which was given in Yesterday, by a Man who was in Newyork on Monday last, & which from a variety of Circumstances, I believe to be in a great measure true; therefore transmit it to you, that you may be prepar’d in case their Destination should be up North River, which at this time is not generally expect’d—I could wish you would give a Copy of this to Genl Clinton that he may also exert himself to render his post as Defensible as time will permit. I shall expect you to do every thing in your power to hasten in the Troops & let me know frequently the State of things in that Quarter. I am Dear Sir Your mo. Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 10 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 10th April 1777

Application has been made to me, by the State of Massachusets for part of the Blankets lately arrived at portsmouth from France. As I

did not know, how you might have disposed of them, I thought my interfering in the Matter might occasion some confusion, and therefore desired them to apply to your Agents in Boston, to whom I beg you will give orders to deliver them such a proportion as you think them entitled to. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Sever and Thomas Cushing, 10 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sever, William,Cushing, Thomas

Gentlemen
Head Quarters Morris Town. 10th April 1777

I am favoured with yours of the 20th last month, in which you make a request for five thousand of the Arms, lately arrived from France, for the use of the Troops of your State. As your letter went on to Philadelphia it only reached my hands a few days ago.
I cannot conceive that such a number could be wanting, had proper pains been taken to collect the public Arms, and to purchase all that

could be procured from private persons, but I have however given orders to Genl Heath to draw as many as are absolutely necessary to arm the Men that are raised and ready to march. You must apply to the deputy Cloathiers in your State for your proportion of Blankets.
I must entreat you Gentlemen still to persist in the collection of the public Arms, and have them properly repaired and deposited in Arsenals that will be built for the Reception of military Stores. Altho’ our late supplies are seemingly large, they are small when compared to our present wants, and the allowance that must be made for loss and waste. And I am very fearful that the States, taking it for granted that they will be fully supplied with the Arms lately arrived at Philadelphia and at portsmouth, will neglect to go on with the Collection of those that have been lent to the Militia and which have never been returned.
Genl Knox thinks that part of the powder borrowed from your State, was repaid out of that taken by Mugford, he has wrote to Mr Barber, to know certainly whether it is so. Genl Heath will have directions to deliver whatever is still due. I have the Honor to be Gentn Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 10 April 1777 [letter not found]
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Major General Stirling, 10 April 1777. Stirling wrote Alexander Hamilton on 12 April: “I wrote to his Excellency on Thursday last about the Appointment of Wilcocks” (DLC: Hamilton Papers).


Title: General Orders, 11 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Morristown April 11th 1777.
Amboy.Brunswick.

Brigadier Genl Muhlenberg will take the trouble of inquiring into the Rank, and Claims for promotion of the Subalterns of the 1st 3rd 4th 5th 6th & 9th Virginia Battalions; determine the disputes, and make report; that no time may be left [lost] in filling up the vacancies.

The commanding Officers of detachments and parties, as they arrive, must make Returns to the Adjutant General without delay.
The commanding Officer of every Regiment and Corps, is to take especial care to prevent his men from straggling, and to see that every thing is in such order as to move at an hour’s warning. All officers are to pay particular attention to this order, and not to absent themselves from camp. The Rolls to be called twice a day (Morning and Evening) regularly.
The commanding Officer of each Corps, is also to take care, that a parade, convenient to the quarters of his men, is fixed upon to repair to, for the purpose of calling over the rolls; at which the officers are regularly to attend, and see that none, but good and sufficient excuses are admitted for the non-attendance of the non-commissioned officers and privates.
At these Roll-Callings the state and condition of the men’s Arms and Ammunition is to be accurately inspected into, and the soldiers made to account satisfactorily for any deficiency of the latter, or pay for it.
An Alarm will be announced by the firing of 3 Field Pieces, upon which each Corps in that division of the Army, in and near Morristown is first to assemble and form upon its own parade, and then march to a General-Parade to be shewn by the Adjutant General at Morristown, and there wait orders. The other divisions of the Army are to assemble in such places, and in such manner as the General Officers respectively commanding, shall order and direct.
The General Parade to which the different Corps are to repair (after they have assembled and formed on their respective parades) is in the main street, from the Artillery Guard House, opposite the Meeting, to Mr Magee’s house.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 11 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Sir,
Head quarters Morris Town. 11th April 1777.

The latest Accounts received respecting the Enemy, (rendered probable by a Variety of Circumstances) inform Us, That they are very busily engaged in fitting up their Transports at Amboy for the Accomodation of Troops, That they have completed their Bridge and are determined to make their first push at Philadelphia.
The Campaign is therefore opening, and our present situation, weaker than when you left Us, forces me to entreat your utmost Attention to the raising & equipping the Continental Troops alotted to be raised in your state—I have waited in painfull Expectation of a Reinforcement; such an one as would probably have ensured an happy Issue to any Attack I might have determined upon, and such as I had a right to expect, had the Officers faithfully discharged their duty—But that time is past, and I must content myself with improving on the future Chances of War—Even this can not be done, unless the Officers can be persuaded to abandon their comfortable Quarters, and take the Field—Let me therefore, in the most earnest terms, beg that they may be forwarded to the Army without loss of Time.
I have also to ask the favour of you to transmit to me a List of the Field-Officers of your Battalions, and their Rank, with the number of their respective Battalions.
Since writing the above, I have the disagreeable information That Disputes still prevail in your State about the rank of your officers, and that the recruiting service is exceedingly injured by them.
Shall the general Cause be injured by such illtimed & ineffectual Jarrings among them? I have inclosed two Resolves of Congress, warmly hoping that the Knowledge of them may tend to an honourable and necessary Accomodation—No settlement which they can make & Submit to among themselves, will affect the Army at large—I have long since determined to refer the adjusting of Rank to a Board of General Officers, which will proceed upon the business so soon as the Army collects & Circumstances will admit. I have the honour to be with great Respect Yr most Obdt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 12 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 12th 1777.
Kildair.Dublin.

All the troops in Morristown, except the Guards, are to attend divine worship to morrow morning at the second Bell; the officers commanding Corps, are to take especial care, that their men appear clean, and decent, and that they are to march in proper order to the place of worship.


Title: From George Washington to a Committee of the Continental Congress, 12 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Committee of the Continental Congress

Gentlemen
Head Quarters Morris Town April 12th 1777

I was, late last Evening, honored with your favour of the 10th, and perfectly agree with you upon the propriety of forming an army on the West-side of Delaware—I can only regret, that the situation of our affairs at present is such, that not a man of the Continental army, can yet be suffered to remain there, without endangering the small part, that is already collected here. But this is no objection to making Bristol the place of rendezvous, from whence, the troops may be drawn to the army on this side the River, ’till we are made too formidable to be attacked, without danger, and at same time strong enough to fall upon the enemy, with advantage, should they move forward. I am myself pretty well convinced, from the concurrence of all our late intelligence, that Philadelphia is the object; but should too much of our attention be drawn to that quarter, a watchful enemy, taking advantage of the remote situation of our main force, might suddenly shift their ostensible plan of operations, and fall upon a quarter, though not so valuable, yet not far behind Philadelphia, if considered in point of convenience. By this I mean, the passes upon the North River, the occupancy of

which, would not only cut off the communication, between the Eastern and Southern states, but would also render the support of Ticonderoga impracticable. Again, another objection, which I have to forming an army in Pensylvania, before I am considerably reinforced in this state, is, that it would, in all probability, give the enemy an opportunity of dislodging me from the posts which I at present occupy; and which are so advantageously situated, that, if held, they effectually hinder the enemy from extending themselves, and getting access to a Country ready and willing to furnish themselves with supplies of horses, cattle, provision and even men, all of which they steal in, as often as they have opportunities. These advantages, to an enemy, who has been shut up the whole Winter, and reduced to the greatest streights for want of many necessaries, forage and fresh provision, particularly, would be inestimable, and put them again, into a hearty and flourishing condition. From the above arguments, I think it is plain, that we must establish a very respectable force, where we now are, as the most convenient point from whence we can give opposition to the enemy, should their design be either Northward, or Southward. When that is done, an army, which I will call a reserve, will be properly stationed upon the West-side of Delaware; though I am totally averse from dividing the army at all, except in cases of the greatest emergency. We shall eternally be beaten in small detachments.
I am therefore clearly of opinion, that the troops should be hurried on from Philadelphia, as quick as possible; and Bristol I think the properest place for their rendezvous; because there is sufficient covering, for near, if not quite, two thousand men at a time. You mention the immediate formation of a Camp, but it is yet too early for that, especially for men who have, most of them, just come out of small pox hospitals. If the state of Pensylvania can furnish 3000 Militia to take post somewhere on the West-side of the Delaware, they will be a valuable acquisition, but if they come into the field, I beg, that they may be at some distance from the Continental troops, I mean till there is occasion for their coming to action. The unavoidable necessity, there is, of being relaxed in your discipline, towards them, spreads the seeds of licentiousness among the regulars, who naturally fall into the same excesses, of which they see their neighbours guilty; and it is impossible, without evident partiality, to inflict punishment on the one, for the same crime, which the other commits, with impunity.
I have so often mentioned the expediency of removing the superfluous stores from Philadelphia, that I would fain hope few are left. Salt is an article the most valuable of any to us, and the most difficult of removal; I would recommend the security of it as a principal object of attention. The chance of war is uncertain; and, in spite of opposition,

Philadelphia may fall into the hands of the enemy; but let us endeavour, in case of an accident of that kind, to leave them nothing but the bare walls. With magazines well fitted, our resources are endless.
I thank you for the deference, which you pay to my judgment and opinions, which, I am happy to find, coincide so nearly with yours, upon this occasion. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Gentlemen Your most obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Col. William Grayson, 12 April 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Grayson, William

Letter not found: to Col. William Grayson, 12 April 1777. Tench Tilghman docketed Grayson’s letter to GW of 1 April in part: “Ansd 12th April.”


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel James Hendricks, 12 April 1777
From: Hendricks, James (Lieutenant Colonel)
To: Washington, George

Lines (Near Bonam Town [N.J.]) 12th April 1777
Please your Excellency

I this moment received yours respecting the Situation of 6th Virga regiment, which imply’s a Censure I think I by no means deserve, it gives me much pain sr to think a regiment of which I had in Some measure the regulation of, Shou’d be more Neglected than others from the Same State, and much more if I was conscious any part of the neglect happen’d with me, Early in February I had the promised indulgence from your Excellency of retiring for Some time Amongst my friends for the recovery of my health, but on hearing of the removal of Colo. Buckner from the regiment, I thought it my duty (tho not perfectly recover’d from my illness) to attend to the cares of the regiment which I found on my arrival at Chatham in a distrest Situation enough, both for want of money and Cloathing, on which I waited on you sr for and order for Some money for them, but unluckily found none to be had, however on the first day of its arrival, I drew the Sum ordered, and (as no paymaster was with the regt) distributed the Sum drew, amongst the officers of Companies, paying with my own hand the remains of four Company’s whose officers were all absent, Sending money to Trenton for the use of the Sick at that place, to Willmington for the Same purpose &c., all of which I conceived much at my own risk, after which I was order’d on detachment, with part of 1st 3rd 4th 5th 6th Virga and Colo. Rallings’s regiment, (with which I am now Station’d on the lines) all of which appears to me in as Miserable a Condition (and Some worse) than the 6th Regt—I wou’d likewise observe to your Excellency that in the Course of my being at Chatham, I drew an order to the Store at Morris Town for Some Cloathing for a Soldier who was in much want, which was refused and the reasons for Such refusal was that a return must be made out for the whole regiment, without which I cou’d get no Cloathing, upon which I meant to have Immediately waited on your Excellency in order to point out the Impossibility of procuring Such return, but before I had time was order’d on this Service I now am—The Sixth regt are now at Whippany, Chatham, New Ark, Elizabeth Town, Pesaick and here without any field officer but myself, and me fix’d here, which I mention to point out the impossibility of executing your order without I can have liberty to be absent from the lines a sufficient time for the purpose mention’d—Your Excellency observes that the Sixth regt are barer and unfitter to take the field than others, I can assure you (and wou’d wish to have the matter Enquired into) that I can produce more men and in as good order than the 1st 3d 4th or 5th Virga regiments, notwithstanding

the difficulties I have labour’d under, by reason of my illness, removal of the Colo., want of officers &c. the latter of which I have mention’d to Some in your family—am sorry I have Enemy’s to inform your Excellency the 6th regt is in So bad a Situation, I mean to do my duty Consientiously, (for the little time I presume I Shall be in the service) and not murmur, if those who have gave this uneasiness can do so it is well, if you’l please to releive me for a Short time I can procure the Necessaries for the men if not it is impossible. I am with much respect Yr Most Obedt Servt

James Hendricks


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 12 April 1777
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Peekskill [N.Y.] April 12th 1777

I was honor’d with your favour of the 2nd Inst. I am happy in your good Opinion of my conduct. Since I came to this Post, I caution’d the Asst Commissary against increasing the Stores at this Place, which I believe he has observ’d; a few Days, as I wrote you, would have greatly reduced them. The loss of the Rum, Wine, Sugar and Candles is much to be regreted for the reasons you mention. I take the Liberty to inclose you the Commissarys account of the particulars of our Loss in that Department. The Committee of Safety inclosed to me, a short time before the Time of Service of the Bay Militia expir’d, a Copy of your Letter on the Subject of Innoculation, and appointed two Persons to consult with me on the Arangement necessary to carry it into execution; but they did not come near me, but once Transiently; they had too much other Business to give any attention to that. I had therefore no other Assistance but Doctor Adams. In a Consultation with him, he was of Opinion it had best be executed at the Barracks at Fish Kill, as the necessary diet could not be easily procur’d here.
The force I had after the 15th March I Judg’d too small to attempt it, considering the different Posts I had to maintain. Doctor Foster in a Letter to me of the 31st Ultimo informs me, that Doctor Warren had advis’d him, that the Innoculation of the Forces at Fish Kill was countermanded. If he has authority for this, I wish to be advised of it, as I shall begin the Innoculation whenever 500 of the Connecticut Militia arrives.
I have not heard of the March of the Eight Continental Regiments from the Bay, which the General advised me were Order’d here. The usefulness of a Regiment depends on Regimental Spirit or Pride, without this it will never have that emulation, which is the life and Soul of a Corps. For these reasons I submit it to your Consideration whether Gansevoort’s detachments should not be collected and joined? If it should be your Orders that the detachment at Fort Constitution is to join that to the Northward, shall the former carry their Arms and Accoutriments with them? As many of the Continental Troops of this State want Arms, owing to the Arms at Fish-Kill being unfit for Service, and the repairs going very slow for want of Hands. These should have been procured last Atumn to put the Arms in Order, as fast as they were delivered in. By a late return from Commissary Chever, there are 1292 Arms bad, one half of which he says are worth repairing; and 200 which may be made fit with some small repairs. Those are all the Arms in the Stores, and from the condition of the greatest number of them, it will be some time before they can be used. I have had frequent Application

from Connecticut for that Article. But have confined myself in issuing it, on the principal mentioned in mine to General Parsons, a copy of which I inclose for the General’s information. The loss of Public Arms thro’ the neglect of Officers and the wickedness of the Men, and the plunder of Citizens, call for some expedient to designate them, in Order that they may be discovered and taken. The want of this enabled many of the Men to carry off some of our best Arms, under pretence of being their Own. To prevent these evils, there should be a Brand with some device on it, expressive of the Public property, with which the Arms of the Continent should be branded, and to this may be added, a Stamp capable of making an impression by a Stroke on the Barrel, and a number of these should be at every Post, to Brand and Stamp all the Continental Arms. a number might soon be made at Boston, or Philadelphia. This being done, it wou’d not be easy for Villains to rob the Public. We could then seize the Arms wherever we find them. As I understand we have had an arrival lately of many new Arms, some means should be devis’d to secure them for the Continent against plunderers. The Enemy by some of Rodgers Rangers, inlisted out of this County, who come up privately, carry off a number of Horses and Cattle, thro’ by Roads, inspite of the Vigilance of our small Guards. The former to supply their Wagons, and the latter to refresh their Troops. Parties of light Horse, assisted by a few light Troops, would effectually put a Stop to this intercourse. I therefore wish that such of the Horse raised in Connecticut, as are fit for Service, might be Ordered on to this Post.
In my present condition, if I receive intelligence of a number of those Robers, being 12 or 16 Miles off, before a Party can be Paraded, and get to the place, the Enemy have advice and fly. But if I had Horse they would be upon them, or be able to pursue them with success for many Miles. There are in Store 13 Carbines, 51 Pistols, 15 Swords & 11 Cartouch Boxes for Horse, where shall they be sent? to Philadelphia or Hartford. And 41 Scotch Swords, which might make a shift for Horse till better cou’d be procured.
The weak State of my Artillery Corps, and other Troops, has induced me to order the Brass 24 Pounder, Mortars, Howitzers, and all their Fix’d Ammunition, two thirds of the Grain Powder, and 12 Barrels of Flints to be removed from Fish Kill, to Fredricksburgh, Twenty Miles from thence. The other Stores worth removing to be in readiness to load. I have not yet ordered the Field Train from thence, as they are light, and as I expect a Company of Artillery in a few days from Stanford.
Major Fish of the 2nd Regt of New York Forces, commands at Wards, with 80 of the Militia of this State. I have sent him a reinforcement

of a good Company of the Connecticut Militia. There is another small Corps of our Militia near Saw Mill River road, below Dobbs Ferry, so as to send parties to the North River road and the former. Four days ago I sent out a Scout of a Captains command of Volunteers of the Connecticut Militia to be out a Week, with a good Guide. They were Ordered to go down the Tarry Town Road, as low as Philips’s, from thence to cross over to East Chester or New Rochelle, as they shou’d on information be most useful; and at the expiration of a Week to return by the Plains and North Castle, and to remain but one Night at a Post. When they return another Scout will be sent out. 400 Rank & File of the Connecticut Militia have only come on. I have been informed there are about four Companies of Connecticut Continental Troops, come on to Danbury, where they are geting their Cloaths. If they do not appear to day, I shall send for them.
The detachment of the standing Army at Wrights Mills I have had here for some Days. The return of the Strength of the three Regiments of York Troops I have inclosed, 284 of them have not had the small Pox. The late resolve of Convention exempting persons from Militia duty, who shall furnish a Man for the Standing Army, will expidite the filling of the Regiments; as many of the disaffected will embrace it, to get freed from that Duty. They have ordered the third Man to be draughted out of the middle Counties, which I imagine will raise about 1500, to serve to the first of August: for the purpose of Guarding the Shores; and to cover West Chester County. I thank your Excellency for the intelligence communicated in your favor of the 10th, nothing in my power shall be omitted. If the Enemy retain the Idea of Conquering the Country (which I am inclined to believe the sensible among them do not) they will not come up the River to attempt a jun[c]tion with General Charlton. I know of but one fact, that points out their design to be for this River, which is their not Stationing some of their Ships of War, at Kings Ferry, to intercept the passing of the Troops to reinforce you. This measure wou’d at least create delays in their favor, if they intended for Philadelphia. But if they do not, it is prudent in them to give no interuption to the passage of the Troops, to have them in a Quarter they do not intend to Attack. On the other Hand, if they design for that City, perhaps they decline posting the Ships there, least they might serve as Beacons to us of their intention for that place. Probably they may be sent up with Troops, to make a diversion, about the time they move to the Southward. It is extreamly difficult, if not impossible to penetrate the particular design of an Enemy who has the Command of the Water. of this we had many instances: General Wolf’s Landing on Montcalm; and other movements which fell under our own observation the last Campaign. If we consider

the State and Quality of our own Troops and those of the Enemy, he will push to the Southward where his Regulars can act with more advantage, against new rais’d Troops, than in ruff strong Ground. Besides when Hannibal waged War against the Romans he went to Rome. The sensible among them have given over the Idea of conquering the Country; this and the reasons above mentioned, perswade me General Howe intends for Rome, in hopes if he gets possession of it, in the Panic created by it, to bring America to a Negociation, as he cannot conquer. I sincerly wish all the Public Stores were out of that City. The Vesseau de Frize may be some security against Ships, but none against Troops. I am informed they are in a State of Security. In the hurry of an Alarm, I fear the Stores will be neglected. Accept of my grateful acknowledgments for your attention to my Boys. There is so little prospect of success in recruiting, that I do not incline to push Mr McDougall an useless Pensi⟨oner⟩ on the Continent. I keep him attentive to Briga⟨de⟩ duty, and reading. Something may cast up in which he may be serviceable. My Brigade Major mentioned to me, the Pay of Adjutants being greater than that of Brigade Major’s, I confess it never struck me before. I think there is an impropriety in this Arrangment, which Congress did not advert to. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Obedient humble Servant

Alexr McDougall

Col. Reneau is appointed agreeable to your wish.


Title: To George Washington from James Mease, 12 April 1777
From: Mease, James
To: Washington, George

sir
Philada April 12 1777

I have the honor of your Excellencies letter of 10 Int. informing of an application from the State of Massachusetts for a share of the Blankets arrived at Portsmouth from France.
I have not yet given any directions respecting any distribution of those goods further than the general orders to the Agents to forward all the supplies they possibly can to Head Quarters. There is no invoice of the goods yet come & therefore cannot learn the Quantity or species of things which are arrived, but in obedience to your Excellency I shall immediately direct the Agents to appropriate ⅙ part of the blankets for the use of the troops of Massachusets, which exceeds their exact proportion This Article we are in the greatest need of, & have no resource but the arrival of supplies from France & some other parts of Europe wh. is become very dangerous just now as two or three men of war are constantly cruizing off our capes.
Mr Young informs me your Excellency has given two colonels orders to receive the Brittish clothing for their Regmts as almost all the troops from the southern States pass through this place & are dependant on it for Clothing I had ordered all the parcel of clothing lately sent by the Agents from Boston to be forwarded to this place in order to have some stock beforehand to answer sudden emergencies. Col. Moylan depends on the clothing of the 21 for his regmt wh. is now in good forwardness & I have promised to get it for him if possible a long time ago wh. I hope will not be disagreeable to your Excellency as to the rest any direction Excellency may think proper to give will no way materially interfere as no other appropriation has been made of

any part of them Two vessels on Continental Account from France have lately falen into the enemies hands & all our clothing Materials are nearly worked up & in hand wh. may amount to enough for about 2000 men so that I fear we shall soon be at a stand—Capt. Lewis has recived all the necessaries in my department that he wants & is indeed very handsomly equipt he proposes in a few days to set out for Head Quarters if no disapointment happens. I Am with all possible respect your Excellencies most obdt & most Hbl. Servt

James Mease


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Price, 12 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Price, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 12th April 1777

I have yours of the 4th instant inclosing a Return of your Regt which I am sorry to find, so far below my expectation. I have wrote to Governor Johnson, entreating him to endeavour to settle the unhappy dispute that has hitherto subsisted in your State respecting Rank; and I hope it may be effected.
I desire you will immediately upon the Receipt of this order your Lieut. Colonel to march to this place with every Man that is fit for duty, and that you send on your Major with the next detatchment. You had better remain awhile longer to see that the Officers, left behind to recruit, perform their duty, and that the Men in the Hospitals are forwarded as soon as the State of their Health will permit. I depend upon

your exerting yourself to make up for the time that has been heretofore lost, as not only the public Service but the Credit of your State depends upon it—I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to the Justices of the Peace of Sussex County, New Jersey, 12 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Justices of the Peace of Sussex County, New Jersey

Gentlemen
Head Quarters Morris Town 12th April 1777.

It has been represented to me by Capt. Kinney, that there are many people in the County of Sussex, who are really innocent of any Crime or evil design against their Country, but having been seen in Company with some notoriously disaffected, who have been tampering with them, they fear they will be considered of their party, and have therefore fled. Capt. Kinney says he is informed, that if they were certain of being well received, they would return to their homes, give any kind of security for their future good Behaviour, and become peacable Inhabitants of the County and State. I therefore think you had better make the Offer of Pardon to such as you think deserve it, and invite them to return. Perhaps by this kind treatment they may be induced to make some discoveries. I thank you for the Care and Attention which I am informed you have paid to the public Business in your County And am Gentn Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 12 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Morris Town April 12th 1777

As Mr Fornandez an Officer just released from Captivity by an exchange, informs me, that large and weekly supplies of fresh provision are brought into York, which, he was informed by a Friend of ours, came from Connecticut, but whether by Water or by Land he does not

know—This information I have thought proper to transmit to your Honor by the earliest opportunity, that you may adopt such measures as its importance demands, and which shall seem most likely to prevent a practice so wicked, and so injurious in its consequences—It is probable the most common mode of conveyance is by water, and that the Supplies are from those who live on the Sound. However, it will be well to have the disaffected bordering on the State of York, watched with a scrupulous care, as well as those continguous to the Sound.
Mr Fornandez adds, that Colo. Rogers and other Officers, whose names he does not recollect, have left York on the recruiting Service and gone into Connecticut, as he was advised—It is also said by a Mr Deputy Commissary Frink who has been just exchanged too, that Selleck of Stamford is frequently in the City of York, and that one John Hart is gone to Rhode Island to pass Counterfeit Money—It highly imports us to detect and apprehend these Villains whose Crimes are of great enormity, and I should hope, if this intelligence is communicated to some of our prudent—trusty Freinds in different parts of the State, in those most favorable to their views, that it might be effected—Rogers is an active instrument in the Enemy’s hands, and his conduct has a peculiar claim to our notice.
I have nothing special to mention respecting the Enemy—As yet they have made no movement, but from our advices of their preparations, there are strong reasons to beleive, that they are upon the eve of doing it; and from a variety of combining circumstances it appears, that Philadelphia will be the first object of their attention. I only regret that I have not the means, the exigency of our Affairs requires, and that a strange unaccountable languor seems but too generally to prevail at a time, when the preservation of our Rights and of all that is dear, calls loudly for the most vigorous and active exertions. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 12 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

Sir
Morristown April the 12th 1777.

As you are appointed in the Arrangement of the Army to command a Brigade of Pensylvania Troops, I desire, that you will hold yourself in readiness and repair to my Head Quarters, as soon, as a General Officer arrives at the post where you now command. Your presence here, will be materially wanted, and I persuade myself, you will lose no time in complying with my requisition, when the circumstance, I have mentioned, puts it in your power. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 13 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Morristown, April 13th 1777.
BoundbrookGreen.

William Wilcocks Esqr. is appointed Aide-De-Camp to Major Genl Lord Stirling, and to be obeyed as such.


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 13 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

Sir
Morristown April the 13th 1777

I yesterday Evening had the honor to receive the favor of your Letter of the 29th Ulto.
It gives me much concern to hear, the recruiting service proceeds so slowly in most of the States; That it is the case in Virginia affects me in a peculiar manner. I feel myself much obliged by the polite respect your Honorable Board of Council are pleased to shew to my Opinion,

& am under the necessity of observing, that the Volunteer plan, which you mention, will never answer any valuable purposes and that I cannot but disapprove the measure. To the short engagements of our Troops, may be fairly and justly ascribed, almost every misfortune that we have experienced—to that cause and that alone, have the liberties of our Country been put in question and the most obvious advantages lost. This I speak from painful experience, and assured of the facts, I can not countenance in the smallest degree, what I know to be pernicious in the Extreme. Short inlistments when founded on the best plan, are repugnant to order and subversive of discipline, and Men held upon such terms, will never be equal to the important ends of War; but when they are of the Volunteer kind, they are still more destructive. Those who engage in Arms under that denomination, let them agree upon what conditions they may, are uneasy—impatient of Command—ungovernable and claiming to themselves a sort of superior merit generally assume not only the privilege of thinking, but do as they please. added to these considerations, such Corps are long in forming and half their time is taken up in marching to & from Camp at a most amazing expence; Nor are the injuries to which a Country is exposed by the frequent marching & countermarching men to be disregarded. Further whilst they are in service, the States to which they belong, have but little, if any, chance to engage them for a longer term; When that is out, they will return, though the Exigency of Affairs should be never so pressing, and though you should be on the point of Action or perhaps of Grasping a Victory. their departure has a most baneful and unhappy influence on those who remain, who consider themselves, notwithstanding their Engagements, as subjected to peculiar hardships—become uneasy & discontented, and many desert. their return too, having seen only service sufficient to create disgust and experienced in the course of it a few difficulties, produces the same disposition, through the circle of their Connections. In a Word Sir, I cannot advise the Volunteer plan, as I conceive the adoption of it would have the most fatal and pernicious tendency, and in my Opinion the Interest of the States will be more advanced by regular inlistments during the War, though it should take a considerable time to compleat them.
The Apologies you offer for your deficiency of Troops are not without some Weight. I am induced to beleive, that the apprehensions of the Small pox & its calamitous consequences, have greatly retarded the Inlistments; but may not those Objections be easily done away by introducing Innoculation into the State—Or shall we adhere to a regulation preventing it, reprobated at this time not only by the consent & usage of the greater part of the civilized World but by our Interest &

own experience of its Utility? You will pardon my Observations upon the Small pox, because I know it is more destructive to an Army in the Natural way, than the Enemy’s Sword, and because I shudder when ever I reflect upon the difficulties of keeping it out, and that in the vicissitudes of War, the Scene may be transferred to some Southern State should it not be the case their Quota of Men must come to the Feild.
I have nothing in particular to mention respecting the Enemy. As yet they have made no movement, but from our advices of their preparations, there are strong reasons to beleive, that they are upon the Eve of doing it; and from a variety of combinining circumstances, it appears that Philadelphia will be the first Object of their attention. I only regret that I have not the means the exigency of our Affairs requires, and that a strange—unaccountable languor seems but too generally to prevail at a time, when the preservation of our rights and all that is dear, calls loudly for the most vigorous & active exertions.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 13 April 1777 [letter not found]
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 13 April 1777. In his letter to Hancock of 12–13 April, GW writes: “13th I have this Moment recd a line from Genl Lincoln informing me that the Enemy attempted to surprize him, early this morning, at his post at Bound Brook, but he made good his Retreat to the pass of the Mountains just in his Rear, with trifling Loss.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 13 April 1777
From: McIntosh, Lachlan
To: Washington, George

sir,
savannah [Ga.] 13th April 1777.

Altho’ I am just going off for East Florida with our Troops, & have not any Returns by me now, as I have hitherto regularly Sent th[e]m to General Lee, & Since his departure to Brigr General Howe in Charles town, I cannot avoid this opportunity of giving you some account of our present Situation & Circumstances in this state. Our present Military Force is between Seven & Eight hundred Men. the first Regiment of Infantry were Inlisted chiefly for twelve Months, are mostly discharg’d & have about 200. Men. the Second Regiment have been recruiting in Virginia Since July last & said to have 400. Men, about 250 of whom are very lately arrived here. the third Regiment I am informed are near the Same strength, & upon their March, but not above twelve of them come in Yet.
As we cannot expect many Men this Side of Virginia or North Carolina, the distance & other Inconveniencys are so great that it makes the recruiting Service extremely Tedious. Officers were appointed the last session of our Convention for a Fourth Regiment of Foot, but God knows when they can be raised.
Our Light Horse were originaly Independent Companys upon provincial Establishment, under very bad Regulations, & Since they were under my Command after they were made Continentals, & Regimented I find much trouble to get them in any degree of order, or proper Returns of them, tho’ I have tryed almost every Method, as they are detached at different posts around the state to protect our out Settlements, & the little disciplin they were used to, they are now between three & four hundred Men but very badly Horsed, which are hard to be got here, very ordinary, & their price as well as every thing else so extravagantly high, that the pay of twelve Dollars ⅌ Month will not afford to purchase Good Horses & Ration them.
The 17th Feby last Colo. Fuser with 150. regulars & 120 Horsemen & abot 60 Indians under the Command of Colo. Brown from Augustine took one of our out posts upon the River sattilla, to the so. ward, with 70 Men, as their provisions & Amunition were exausted, and partys of the Enemy advanced to the River Alatamaha 25 Miles farther North, where I met them with the remains of the first Battalion (as non of the Second had then arrived) & prevented their crossing that River, & entering or doing any Mischeif in our Settlements, with the Loss of only twelve Men.
I am just cured of a wound I received there, & ready to march into East Florida at the desire of our Council to retaliate, & endevour to distress the Castle of Augustine if possible, which is said to be Garrisond

by about 1000 Men, tho’ I doubt our Force will be too Small, as most of our Light Horse are wanted at their several stations, to protect our out settlements from the Insults of the Savages, who have been very troublesome, & killed Several people in different parts of the state within this Six Months past. We are under great apprehensions this Summer, of a General Warr with the Indian[s] through the Instigation & Encouragement given them by our Enemys in East & West Florida. & if the Several Tribes Unite, our Commissy Mr Galphin Says they will make near 20,000 Gun Men. for further particulars in these & other Matters in our state I must begg Leave to refer you to the bearers, Doctor Houstoun Surgeon of our first Battalion, going for his health, & Raymond Demeré Esqr. who acted a short time as my Brigade Major, & is going to see Some Service in your Camp both of whom I take the Liberty to recommend to your Notice and are particularly acquainted with every Civil & Military Matter here. I should be glad to have your Commands & directions when Convenient, & have many things to Mention respecting the Service which I must refer to another Opportunity. I have the Honor to be respectfully & truly, Your Excellencys most obt Hble servt

Lachn McIntosh
Brigr Genl Georgia


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 13 April 1777
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

Sir
Weathersfield [Conn.] 13th April 1777

On my arrival here, I met Major Blackden Who informed me that the Saddlery for the Regiment is nearly compleated, that Carbines for 4 Troops are ingaged to be made, that Pistols Could not be made, Wherefore he is endeavouring to buy up a number through the Country, that he has procured Steel for the Sword Blades & with the Hilts they are making.
As to men & Horses we are nearly Compleat, I beg pardon for troubling your Excellency with matters that I know Should not interfere with Affairs of much more importance, but I find myself under a necessity of making the proper excuse for the delay. The different manufacturers employed in their business, being intirely new, added to the plenty of money, which is no longer a Spur to industry, makes them move very Slowly.
The extraordinary prices which we are Obliged to pay for every thing, makes it necessary for me to Apply to your Excellency for more money then I expected—I therefore beg your Excellency will please to give the necessary Orders for furnishing me with the Sum of £4500 (there being no money in Connectt Treasury or Loan Office) for discharging the Accots Of the Regiment—I am very impatient to be acquiped and Join the Army—and I hope your Excellency will believe that on our part, to forward the Service no Attention or industry is Wantting. I am With great Respect Sir Your Very Humbe Sert

Elisha Sheldon


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 13 April 1777
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence April 13th 1777.

The 5th Instant I received your Excellency’s Favor of the 12th Ulto; As I had previous thereto virtually comply’d with the Contents, can now only say, I delivered the inclosed Orders to Colonels Crary &

Angell. From the first of January last, to the Rect of your Favor of the sixth, of March, the particular Command of the Post at Howland’s Ferry, Tiverton, devolved upon me by Order of General Spencer. The strict Attention necessary to be paid to that important Station, thirty two Miles Southeast from Providence, prevented me from knowing it was your Excellency’s Pleasure the Troops raising here should receive the small Pox by Innoculation. I never heard it mentioned ’till the Eighteenth Ulto, when I was honored with your first Favor. Upon the Receipt of it, I immediately left my Post, repaired to Providence, laid it before General Spencer, & the Governor & Council of War. It was not a positive Order; It was a Recommendation: It was not in my Power to act therefore, without the Approbation of those Gentlemen. They did not consent to the Measure at that Time, as they deemed the Troops essentially wanted for another Purpose. The Shores, in two or three Days after that, were almost destitute of Men, wch still delay’d the Innoculation. Genl Spencer daily expected Troops from Connecticutt; They did not arrive ’till about the Twenty eighth of March, when I recd your Order of the sixth, wch was the first absolute Order for my proceeding at all Events. Your Excellency has Seen by this Time, I presume, that your Orders of the sixth have been fully comply’d with. The Rout by me ordered was by Fish Kill, & so to Morristown. It is impossible therefore literally to comply with your Orders of the third instant, wch were this Evening received, I having just returned from the Hospitals, fourteen Miles from this Place. I should not have troubled your Excellency with this long Narrative of Facts, was it not to convince you, beyond a Doubt, that I have not been guilty of any, the least kind of Delay, wch needs an Excuse. Nothing could give me more disagreeable Pain, than your Excellency’s severe Censures, but a Consciousness of deserving them. Being perfectly free however from the latter, and as a full Knowledge of all the Circumstances will be sufficient to obliterate the former, I feel no Uneasiness about the Event, so far as it may respect me personally. I hope your Excellency will recollect your last Letter. Was I not convinced that the Contents originated from a Misapprehension of the Times when your Orders came to me, I should have esteemed them cruel beyond Expression. However, the common Maxim “Humanum est errare” may in some Degree apply to the first Character upon the Continent, as well as to that of a private Gentleman. Sir, I have no Commission from the Continent. Ever since my leaving Pumpton on the seventh of December, by Order of General Lee, I have not spent an Idle Hour, but in my sleeping Moments. My Command has been complicated, difficult and troublesome. In short, I have not had Leisure enough to correspond with a single Officer in the Western Army. And whatever Opinion your Excellency may form

of me, I am positive that the Recruits have been forwarded and sent into Hospitals one Week sooner on Account of my particular Exertions. I can, with unremitted Attention, get e[ve]rything prepared for the March of the next Detachment, by the Time they will get thro’ the small Pox. No other Person here can effect it. The two Colonels are now in Hospital; Lt Colo. Comstock is unfit for Duty by means of having the small Pox severely; And Lt Colo. Olney Commands the Detachment sent forward—Your Excellency will consequently Judge, how necessary my Application to Business here may be. The General Assembly will set next Thursday; My Solicitations with them will possibly be attended with Advantage to the Service. Had not the Detachment marched a considerable Distance, I shoud proceed immediately to overtake them and alter their Rout; But as I am not order’d to proceed to Peeks Kill, I presume your Excellency will justify me in remaining where I am. General Spencer & the Governor, I conclude, will justify my past Conduct. If your Excellency should be satisfied, I shall be happy in religiously obeying your future Orders; If not, I can serve my Country in some other Way, as I imagine it is in your Power to withhold a Commission you may think me unworthy of. The next Detachment will consist of near two Hundred & fifty. Should any small Parties fall in, that have had the small Pox, previous to the March of Party now in Hospital, they shall be immediately sent forward. Since the Returns wch I inclosed Your Excellency, about forty Men have been recruited. I shall inclose Weekly Regimental Returns, as soon as I can procure them. Just as I am finishing this, your Excellency’s Favor of the Twenty ninth Ulto comes to Hand, upon perusing wch I find Nothing but what is answered in the foregoing, except your Directions concerning a Brigade Major. I have with me a worthy Young Gentleman, Major Sterry, who hath, with Reputation & Judgement acted in that Character in the State Service, the Winter past. I have the Honor to be your Excellency’s most obdt most humble Servt

J. M. Varnum


Title: General Orders, 14 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Morristown April 14th 1777.
CarlisleYork.

The General Court Martial of which Major Harmar is President, is to sit to morrow, at 9 o’clock, to try Lieut: Francis Costigan of Col. Ogden’s Regt and such other prisoners, as may be brought before them. All Evidences are to attend—Col. Biddle will furnish the evidence against Lieut. Corstagan.


Title: From George Washington to Owen Biddle, 14 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Owen

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 14th April 1777

I was this morning favd with yours of yesterday, inclosing Copy of a letter from Mr Henry Fisher of Lewis Town. The Ships therein mentioned are certainly meant for no other purpose than to distress and cut off the Trade in Delaware Bay, you may depend, that when an Attack upon the Works below the Town is really intended, there will be a co-operation of their land and sea Forces. I would notwithstanding have sent down the detatchment of your Artillery under the command of Lt Colo. Stroboch, could they have possibly been spared at

this Juncture, but as we have not a Man of the Continental Artillery yet arrived, I am obliged to keep them a little while longer. Genl Knox tells me that he expects part of Colo. Cranes Regt in ten days from this time. The moment they arrive Colo. Stroboch shall be releived. Lieut. Robb with the small detatchment of the pennsylvania Regt goes off tomorrow, I shall send down Collin’s under his Guard.
The Enemy came out early yesterday Morning from Brunswk with an intent to surprise Genl Lincoln at Bound Brook, and had like to have effected their design by the Carelessness of a Militia Guard at one of the fords upon Rariton. But the Genl got notice of their Approach time enough to withdraw himself and most of his Men to the Mountain just in the Rear of the Town. Our chief and almost only loss was two peices of Artillery and with them Lieutenants Ferguson and Turnbull with about twenty Men of Colo. proctors Regt. A party of Horse was pushed so suddenly upon them that they could not possibly get off. The Enemy staid about an hour and an half and then went back to Brunswic. Genl Lincoln took his Post again with a Reinforcement.
I am afraid from the Situation of Billingsport that the Works which you are constructing there, cannot be Supported, if an attack is made upon it by land, and I should therefore think, that a small Work with a few peices of heavy cannon, would be all that would be necessary. You may depend that no Attack will ever be made by shipping alone, and as you must ever count upon losing so remote a post if attacked by land, the fewer Number of Men and Stores that are risqued the better. As I have never seen a plan of the Works, I only speak from information. But I would recommend a compact work to contain about three hundred Men in preference to a larger. If there were but a few Cannon, they might possibly be removed, if there should be a necessity of evacuating. You will oblige me by putting the inclosed Letters in the post Office. I have the honor to be Sir Yr.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 14 April 1777
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Borden Town [N.J.] 14 April 1777

Collo. Duyckinck has preferred a Petition to the Governor & Council of Safety of this State for a hearing being under terrible apprehensions of the approaching warm Season of the year in the place of his Confinement—As the Judicature he has addressed, is competent to release him from confinemt or order his Imprisonment in this State, for an Offence against the municipal Laws, it is on the one hand a pity he should complain for want of Redress; & on the other improper to discharge him as he may have been so guilty, as to render himself properly a Prisoner of War, & to be dealt with by the military; I beg the Favour of your Excellency to furnish me with the Charges upon which he was ordered to Philadelphia, that we may either take cognizance of his Case, or convince him of the fruitlesness of his farther Importunity. I am with great Respect your most humble & most obdt Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 14 April 1777
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Philadelphia 14th April 1777

On receipt of your Kind favour of the 8th instant, I had fixt on this day, for my Setting out for Maryland, but the hostile appearances in this Bay are Such, that I have given up the thought of going there, and

have wrote to Major Washington to repair to Baltimore, and take the part of the Regiment raiseing there under his Command, I have reccommended him to push them forward as Soon as possible, which I dare Say he will be as anxious in doing as I Shall be.
Considering the circumstances of not having a place to train either men or horses, dureing the bad weather, I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that the part of the Regiment here are pretty forward in their exercise, I have them out every day, and if the enemy will give us time to have them properly equipd, I flatter myself with the thought, that the Regiment will not disgrace our Arms, Mr Mease promisd me the Regimentals of one of those that were taken, from the enemy he now tells me, there have been So many applying that if I have not your Sanction, he doubts much whether I Shall be able to get it give me Leave Sir to add this, to the many obligations you have Conferd on Dear Sir Your very affectionate and obliged Humble Servt

Stephen Moylan


Title: From George Washington to Colonel John Patton, 14 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Patton, John

Sir
Morris Town 14th Aprill 1777

Your favor of 7th Instt with a Return of your Regiment came to hand two days ago, & am sorry to find that your Officers are so slow in the Recruiting Service—The Company you intend to March in a few days you will order directly to head Quarters, unless countermanded.
The Expences that necessarily arise to recruiting Officers I believe is much increas’d, but at same time cant help remarking, that (by every Information I receive) they spend a great part of their time in Idleness & Dissipation, to the great detriment of the Service & increase of Expence.
I by no means intend to charge your Officers with these Crimes, but request you will be attentive that they account in a Satisfactory manner for the Public money you supply them with.
As to the additional allowance for recruiting I can do nothing in it, as I am intirely govern’d by a Resolve of Congress on that head, If the Board of War upon application to them will allow it, I am perfectly Satisfied. I am Sir Yr mo. Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 14 April 1777
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Salem [Mass.] April 14. 1777.

I sent by the express an answer to your letter respecting the office of adjutant general, & gave what appeared to me sufficient reasons to excuse my declining to accept it; but have since been uneasy, lest you should deem them otherwise; & that I was too willing, under the civil offices I sustain, to shelter myself from the dangers & fatigues of war. An opinion which, if it has taken place, I wish to remove. The case was this—I had concluded to accept the office; but meeting with a number of unavoidable interruptions in the way of business, was unable to give my answer to the express till the evening, at 8 o’clock, at which time I had directed him to call; and it was then in fact sealed up, and ready to be delivered—the same which I now inclose to your Excellency. But the express delaying his coming a full hour, I of course continued to revolve the matter in my mind; & upon a review of the reasons on both sides of the question, those against my accepting the post (increased with the suggestions of my nearest friend, whose happiness & tranquility of mind lay near my heart) preponderated, and occasioned the answer your Excellency has already received. Besides the reasons there given, others weighed with me which I had not time to mention. The civil offices I sustain yield me an income that contents me; and in a time of peace would maintain my family. These I must have relinquished, without an expectation of reassuming them. Consequently, had I taken the post of adjutant general, & some cause had arisen (an event far from impossible) rendering it expedient for ⟨me⟩ to quit the camp, I should have returned divested of the principal means of supporting my family. Whenever I thought of a military employment, the condition of my eyes was no small discouragement to me. I am so nearsighted that I, altho’ placed in the best situation, can not, with any degree of accuracy, discern the position of a body of men beyond the

size of a single regiment. ’Tis true, in viewing distant objects, my spectacles help me to see nearly as well as people in general do with the naked eye; but they are frail things; and rain or snow beating against them (I found in the Winter’s campaign) so obstruct the vision, as to render them almost useless. My business as register of deeds had by my absence got behind-hand; it seemed to be daily increasing; and my office was not in such order as I wished to leave it in to a successor. These, with the reasons mentioned in my former letter, & many others of lesser moment, determined my answer in the negative. I regretted that the proposal could not have been made me while at Head Quarters, where I could have enquired particularly into the nature & extent of the office of adjt general & thence judged more certainly whether or not I was able to discharge the duties of it. The want of such information left doubts on my mind that were no small obstacle to my accepting it. On the other hand, I am sensible that to support the army is of essential importance; that on the failure of it, besides the general calamity of my country, every prospect of advantage or enjoyment to me must vanish. I have therefore been ever ready to serve the public to the utmost of my power. But perhaps the comforts of civil life, the love of ease, the enjoyment of my friends, & the powerful allurements springing from the nearest connection on earth, have led me to mistake the object. From a sacred regard, therefore, to the interests of my country—from the ardent desire I have to approve myself to your Excellency—& from the pain it has given me to deny the request of the last of men to whom I would refuse any thing—I submit the whole matter to your Excellency’s determination. If upon a view of all circumstances you judge it my duty to a⟨bando⟩n the civil for a military life, I will do it. And then should the office of adjt genl (for, from what conceptions I have of it, none would be more agreeable) be once more vacant; or any other post or employment present to which you shall deem me competent; I will not again confer with flesh & blood, but instantly obey your Excellency’s command.
I beg your Excellency’s pardon for imposing on your patience this second long letter. But I feared lest by my backwardness I might have offended. And I was led to make the above tender of my services because your Excellency’s good opinion of me, & the urgency of your request, have raised me to some importance with myself. I am, with the highest veneration & esteem for your Excellency, your Excellency’s most obedient & most h’ble servant

Timothy Pickering junr


Title: To George Washington from Major General Joseph Spencer, 14 April 1777
From: Spencer, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence 14th April 1777

I have rec’d your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d of April instant, and in Answer thereto take Liberty to observe, that by the late Appearances there is no probability that the Enemy will soon evacuate Rhode Island, as your Excellency has apprehended and as we have heretofore generally expected in these parts: the Ships that were haul’d off when I wrote last, being thirty three Square rigg’d Vessels and three Tenders all sail’d from New Port Harbour last Wednesday, and stood westward, but on Saturday lay between Tower Hill and Long Island: there is no Troops gone in those Ships from the Island, except a few Artillery Men, and some promoted Officers, as appears by the undoubted Intelligence of a Number of the Inhabitants and others, who have made their Escape from the Island, since the Departure of the above Ships: who say that the general Opinion at New Port is, that the Enemy design to keep their Possession at that Place; the Officers in general are making every Preparation for Gardening &c. and I think their Troops not embarking in their Ships argues much in Support of that Opinion.
At the Desire of Genl Varnum, I acquaint your Excellency, that on the 9th of March ulto there being some Prospect of collecting a Number of Volunteers sufficient together with our other Troops to have afforded a great Probability of Success, in making an Attempt to sweap the North End of Rhode Island, and then to return without attempting to carry the whole Island. I then gave Orders to the two Commanders of the Continental Regiments of this State (supposing myself authorised by previous Directions received from your Excellency) without Delay to assemble all under their respective Commands, and appear with them at this Place; they accordingly applyed themselves to the Business of collecting their Men, mustering & equipping

them for Service, and on the 17th made Return, and were ready for the first Time for Duty: we failed of having such a Number of Volunteers collected as gave sufficient Encouragement for the proposed Attempt; I should therefore, have immediately released the Continental Troops from Duty in this Army (who were called in meerly to assist in the proposed Enterprize) but it so happened that about this Time, the Militia from the States of the Massachusetts and Connecticut were almost all returning Home, (the Times of their Engagements being terminated) in Consequence of which this Army was then so exceeding weak, that it was thought absolutely necessary to keep all in our Power for Defence, untill we should have some Troops come in from Connecticut, which I then was encouraged we should have very soon: Genl Varnum came to my Quarters on the 18th ulto while this Army was in this dangerous Situation and shew’d me some Directions he then had lately received from your Excellency, relative to Inoculating the Continental Troops; I then told him, I thought that those Troops must not be taken from this Army, untill the Troops from Connecticut came in, which I then expected very soon; and in the mean Time I desired him to prepare necessary Hospitals for the Troops, and have all things ready to proceed in that Business as soon as they could be spared; he then left me and went upon that Business; and I understand met with some Trouble in obtaining proper Houses; after this Conversation with Genl Varnum, I did not again see him untill after the 28th March when he rec’d your Excellency’s further and more positive Order to hasten the Inoculation of those who had not had the Small Pox and Send forward those who had had it to the Westward; and on receiving the last Order, the General had, previous to my seeing him, also given Orders accordingly to those Regiments; and when it came to my Knowledge, I did every thing in my Power to hasten them forward; I ordered a Number of Horses which we much wanted here to carry their Baggage, and they moved two or three Days before I rec’d your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d Instant, and were ordered by Genl Varnum to the Fish Kills. A part of the Connecticut Troops arrived before the Continental Troops left the Army, but great part that were designed here, I am informed were sent Westward.
We are here at present in a most dangerous and lamentable Situation, there are only three hundred & Eighty two Rank and File in this Army from Connecticut, and not one from the Massachusetts Bay nor New Hampshire; and this State has failed much in keeping up the Number, lately, which they usually have done; many of those escaped from the Island tell us that the Enemy will undoubtedly send some ravaging Partys soon upon our Shores, and I think there is much Reason to expect it.

I have from Time to Time acquainted the several New England States of their respective Deficiencys in Point of sending Troops according to their several Quotas they agreed upon; and also have desired Succours from them to strengthen this Army agreable to their said Quotas, and especially of late; which I think ought to excuse me from Blame, in Case any Disaster should happen in these Parts, mearly for Want of Men in this Army; but yet considering that the Character of a Commander in the Opinion of the publick, generally rises or falls according to the Success of the Army wc. he commands, I am not a little Exercised with my present Situation. I have the Honr to be with great Respect and Esteem, your Excellencys most obedient and humble Servant

Jo: Spencer


Title: To George Washington from Major General Adam Stephen, 14 April 1777
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Chatham [N.J.] 14h April ’77

Inclosd I send your Excellency a Return of the men of my division, exclusive of General Maxwells Brigade, of which I have got no return yet.
I go on the Out posts to day, and do not approve of the mens being so dispersd as not be Able to support one Another—The troops at Quibble town were kept in Awe by Appearances yesterday; had they happily reinforcd their pickets a little; or Shou’d some men dispersd behind them, here & there; & marched wt. the Rest to Bound Brook—Their appearance would probably have occasiond a precipitate Retreat of the Enemy.
There is a Certain Capt. Russel who commanded a Company raisd in Loudon County for a Year only—He is now come up to this place; & has been in Pennylva Since we arrivd in October, but never joind us before, nor has he done a days duty, these Six months—Has no Company The men have all gone home, except a few which are inlisted into other Companies—His Lt Mucklehanny is likewise here—he has been all the Winter wt. the Sick at Wilmington—I would be glad to have

your Excellency Orders about them—Col. Johnston knows the Gentl. Men—They never applyd for Orders to go Recruiting, & the time of their Companie’s Service expird in February, and I dare say many of them Stragled home without being paid Which hurts the recruting greatly.
I expect Some intelligence from York—Paulus Hook, Bergen, & Staaten Island; & have the honour to be Sir, Your most Obt Ser.,

Adam Stephen

p.s. Our people Catchd another of the Wretches in Cedar Swamp. If your Excellency has no particular Commands at present, I think it best that General Mulhenberg should go on the Lines get acquainted with the Country, & a habit of looking at the Enemy.


Title: From George Washington to Landon Carter, 15 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Carter, Landon

Dear Sir,
Morris Town in New Jersey April 15th 1777.

Your favour of the 22d of Feby I have had the pleasure to receive; but the other Letters alluded to, have never got to hand; and may be

adduced among many other proofs of the villainy you suspect in the Post Offices.
I should have been very happy in seeing your Grandson inlisted under the Banners of his Country and under the care of so good, and brave a Man as Baylor—But a Mothers tenderness and Fears too often interpose, & check the ardour of our Youth.
High as the Militia Accts will run, I have had but few Men with me all Winter—with these however we have greatly harrassed, & distressed the Enemy, by continually skirmishing with their Foraging Parties, and attacking their Picquet Guards; But if I am to judge from the present appearance of things the Campaign will be opened by General Howe before we shall be in any condition to oppose him. No Men have yet joined me from the Eastward; and but a small number from the Southward whilst the hard and fatieguing duties of a Winters Campaign has reduced the few old Regiments which remain’d after the dissolution of the Army in January to a mere nothing.
The designs of the Enemy are not, as yet, clearly unfolded; but Philadelphia I conceive, is the object in view—however, this may, or may not be the case, as the North River must also be an object of very great Importance to them, whilst they have an Army in Canada, and desirous of a junction with it—their operations therefore will, in a great measure, be govern’d by our preparations for defence.
They are very busily employed in building a Bridge, to be supported by Flat bottom’d Boats; which Boats are to be transported by Land, on Carriages; and designed, it is imagined, to pass the Delaware on—They are also preparing Transports for the reception of Men, whom it is supposed will be sent round by Water, to Philadelphia to co-operate with those which may March from Brunswick—but these are mere guesses in the field of conjecture.
Your friendly and Affectionate wishes for my health and success has a claim to my most grateful acknowledgements. That the God of Armies may Incline the Hearts of my American Brethren to support, and bestow sufficient Abilities on me to bring, the present contest to a speedy and happy conclusion, thereby enabling me to sink into sweet retirement, and the full enjoyment of that Peace & happiness wch will accompany a domestick Life is the first wish, & most fervent prayer of my Soul.
My best respects await your good Family, and Neighbours at Mount Airy; as also any other enquiring friends. with every wish for your health and happiness I remain Dr Sir Yr Most Obt & Oblig’d

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Jedediah Huntington, 15 April 1777
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excllency,
Norwich [Conn.] 15 April 1777

I am favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d inst. & observe your Desire that I march my Men fit for Duty immediately to Peek’s Kill.
Since the Date of your Letter, the Governor & Council have resolved forthwith to make a Draft of Men to fill up the continintal Battalions, upon which I think my Stay here very necessary & shall therefore presume it to be your Pleasure untill further Orders from your Excellency or some my superiour Officer—the equiping the Men is attended with the utmost Difficulty, with Blankets in particular—praying & paying hardly prevail with Families to spare from their already exhausted Stores—I shall send on my Men as fast as possible & urge the recruiting Service every Way in my Power.
Three Thousand French Arms (without Cartge Boxes) came in here this Day from Portsmouth, I am sending them on to New Haven by Genl Parson’s Order. I am, with Affection, Respect & Esteem, Your Excellency’s most obedient Servant

Jed. Huntington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 April 1777
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lyme [Conn.] 15th April 1777

Two detachments from the Regiments of this State have marchd for head Quarters, another will march this Week; I hope some time next week a Considerable Body may be ready to leave the Colony; the Small Pox has been very heavy upon them, they are much reducd by it, & about Twenty have faild; this is one Reason of the Delay—About 150 from Rhode Island and some from Massechusetts Bay are on their March to Join your Excellency. The Languor which had seized allmost all Ranks of People, has Inducd me to apply again to the Govnr & Council of this state, for adopting some measures, which would furnish our Quota for the present, when I am Sensible Men were never more wanted; and have procured the Order contained in the Inclosd Proclamation; I think this must have the effect to fill our Regiments till Janry, & I believe will nearly fill up the I[n]listments for the war. The Quotas assignd Each Town include the Nine & one half Battalions tho

the Expression in the Proclamation extends Only to the eight, but tis the Intention of the Council that the Draft shall be Sufft to fill all; They had their particular Reasons for wording the Order as they have—a Doubt arrises with me about Cloathing any of the Troops which ingage till Jany only; if the Year is suppos’d to expire, by that Time, & the Army are again to receive 20 Dollars in Cloathing, perhaps it may be as reasonable to give the Clothing to these Soldiers as Others, if not, shall they have such proportion of the Cloaths as their Service will bear to the year? Arms I suppose will be Deliver’d to them indiscrimenately with Others.
I have Orderd all the Recruits lately Inlisted, who have not had the small pox, to Danbury where I shall Order those who are Detachd in pursuance of the Inclosd proclamation & resolve; as I suppose a Hospital opend in that Neighbourhood Will be Sufft to innoculate those who Chuse to Receive the small pox, & the Convaliscents will be a Security to our Magazine of Provisions, which is at present unguarded. On the Desire of the Govr & Council I have sent for 3000 Stands of Arms from Portsmouth which I suppose are Arrivd at Norwich, these with about 800 arms Recd at Peekskill, & what can be furnishd in this state I hope will arm our Troops; As these arms arrivd since yr Excellency’s Directions to me to receive the State’s proportion of the publix Arms which were not forwarded to Camp, I entertained some Doubt about my Right to Order them; however as they are of absolute necessity for the troops and Ordering them here would be on their way to Camp, if not put into the hands of our Troops, I Ventured on the advice of the Council to give the Order, if your excellency directs that any part of them shall be sent, I shall immediately Order them on; but if our troops are raisd (which I think will be nearly decided next week) we cannot possibly arm them without these are detain’d for that use. The Soldiers who were prisoners in N. York are many of them in distress, for their wage and the Freind’s of the deceasd Soldiers are calling for their pay; it will be attended with Difficulty in every Instance, to assertain the time of their Death; and perhaps an abstract of the pay of all the prisoners, who are come out, or Dead, cannot be made at one time; with any certainty; would it not be best either to send a Sum of Money to the Several States for the payment of those Debts, or that the several States should pay of those Soldiers belonging to their own State & be Reimbursd the sums they advance? Some of the privates who came out on parole are still scrupulous about ingaging in the Service, untill they are Dischargd. I understand there are confin’d in this State, a number of Inlisted Tories, taken at Hackensack, & Other places if they or any other Soldiers could be sent into N. York, in exchange for those of our Men who are out on parole & will Inlist again

I cant but Think it would be preferable to Shuting out those from our own Service who by their Sufferings, are prepar’d to be the bravest, & best Soldiers—Some few of the Recruits decline having the small pox, by Innoculation, These I have sent forward as I suppose it is not your excellency’s Intention to compell any against their will to receve that disease.
I have yet had no Return from Coln. C. Webb’s, or Chandler’s, Regts the number’s by the last Return’s from the Other Regts are anex’d

            Huntington’s
            301

            Wylly’s
            200

            Durkee
            170

            Bradley
            320

            Doughlass
            290

            Swift
            270

            S. Webb
            134

            Lt Col. Meig’s
            71

            Col. Webb
            no Return

            Col. Chandler
            no Return

            1756

            Webbs & Chandler Say
            200

            1956

Inclosd are two sentences of a Genll C. Martial; the lenity shewn by our Officers, I fear will prove of Pernicious effect, I am Informd the Court were very far from being unanimous in their Opinion. monies for the purchase of arms; for the Hospital; & many other purposes; is much wanted; if your Excellency, would Order 2000 or 3000 Dollars to me for those purposes, it would ennable me to furnish those persons, imployd in a more Satisfactory manner, I am Informed forty one Sail of Ships, 1 Snow, & 3 brig’s, passd by for N. York the Day before Yesterday. I am with Esteem yr Excellcys most Obt H. Servt

Samll H. Parsons


Title: General Orders, 16 April 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 16th 1777.
StephensChatham.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 16 April 1777
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada April 16th 1777.

The enclosed Resolves will convey to you such Information of the Proceedings of Congress as may be necessary for your Direction and future Conduct touching the same.
In the present Situation of the British Army, it is extremely to be wished, that an Attack could be made upon their Troops in Rhode Island, which, tho’ it should not prove successful, would, in all Probability, cause a Diversion of their Forces in New Jersey or elsewhere. The Congress therefore have strongly recommended to the State of Rhode Island to make the Attack, and to the States of Massachussetts Bay and Connecticut to afford them all the Assistance in their Power in executing this important Service. I have wrote to these States on the Subject.
The printed Resolves herewith transmitted, being of the utmost Consequence, I beg Leave to refer your Attention to them. Should they fail of procuring the several Quotas to be raised by the respective States, it is the Intention of Congress, that after the first of May, Draughts should be made from the Militia.
Your Favour of the 12th Inst. I was duely honoured with, and immediately communicated the same to Congress. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Esteem & Respect, Sir, your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock, Prest


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 16 April 1777
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

[16 April 1777]

Your letter to the Committee was immediately laid before Congress, and in consequence thereof, Gen. Schuyler was ordered to carry your ideas into execution with all possible dispatch. The Troops are therefore ordered to Bristol without delay, and thither will go all such as come from the Southward. You have only to order them from Bristol to Head Quarters at your pleasure. The inclosures now sent are from France by the last Ship. The Memoir is written by one of the first Generals in France, or in Europe, purely from views of serving the American cause, which the Mareshal appears to love. The accounts from Nantes, are taken from a letter of Doctr Lee to the Secret Committee in his way from Paris to the Court of Madrid. I thought it might avail you to have the general idea therein given of the enemies views and designs the ensuing Campaign. In the letter signed by all the Commissioners, we learn that the capital operations will certainly be against New England; the exterpation of which is proposed, whilst military government & slavery is (as they think the milder punishment) intended for the middle and southern States. Conversing lately with

Mr James Hunter of Fredericksburg, whose labors have benefitted the public greatly, I find that the indispensable article of iron has been greatly affected, and its production injured, by the constant practise of inlisting the Laborers in those works, and pressing the Teams belonging to them. There are few things more capable of throwing distress among the people, and injuring the public affairs, than such a proceedure. I would therefore submit it to your consideration Sir, whether (until the Legislatures can provide compitent laws) it will not greatly remedy the evil, if you were, by order published in all the papers, [to] forbid all Continental Officers from inlisting persons engaged with, and actually serving in any iron works within the United States, or from pressing any horses, teams, or Carriages of any kind belonging to such works. I believe that this would in great degree remedy the evil, if not totally remove it. I am, with great affection and esteem, dear Sir your most obedient and very humble servant

Richard Henry Lee


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 16 April 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia April 16th 1777.

On the Intelligence received by Congress that nine of the Enemies Ships of War had got into Deleware Bay, and that a Number of Transports were seen in the offing, the Continental Troops in this City amounting to 563 Rank and File were ordered to Fort Island to assist in compleating the Fortifications there, which are in a very defenceless State, and to throw up a Work on Red Bank to prevent the Enemies taking possession and thereby forcing the Vessels and Floating Batteries designed for the protection of the Chevaux de Frise from their Station—Your Excellency’s Letter of the  Instant was received this Morning and refered to me with an Order to carry your Intentions into Execution—In Obedience thereto I have ordered the Troops immediately to move to Bristol, where they will be joined by 250 Virginians just arrived.
All the Military Stores belonging to the Public are ordered out of Town and the Quantity now left in it is very inconsiderable.
I advised Congress that I had been informed that very considerable Quantities of provisions and other Stores that might be greatly serviceable to the Enemy were collected by private persons, in Consequence of which persons are appointed by the Board of War of this State to take an exact Account of them—Considerable progress has been made in the Business and the Result has shewn that the Information was just, and Matters are put in such a Train as that we shall to Morrow Morning begin to move those Stores.
Directions are given for building the Boats your Excellency mentions.
Be assured Sir that whilst I remain here no Exertions of mine shall be wanting to promote the public Service. I am Dear Sir with the Greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hue Servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 16 April 1777
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 16th April 1777

I am favourd with your Excellencys Letter of the 23d ulto—also with those of 29th & 31st of same Month which came safe to Hand—Yesterday received your Proclamation relative to Deserters—& have sent it to the Printers—In mine of 21st March I informed you of the Order given for marchg 2,000 Militia to Peekskill agreable to your Request & that Brig: Genll Wadsworth would take the Command—Want of Health prevented Genll Wadsworth from engaging in that Service—Brigr Genll Erastus Wolcott supplies his Place—& is before this att the Place of his Destination—as I hope are also the full Compliment of his Command.
Before the Receipt of your Favr of 23d of Mar: I had assigned to each Town in this State their several Quotas of the Continental Troops raising in the same—& issued a Proclamation which accompanied the Assignment most earnestly recommending the imediate filling up their respective Numbers—this not fulfilling my Wishes—another Proclamation & Order is gone forth from the Governor & Council of Safety (Copy of which you have herewith) requiring the several Militia Companies forthwith to furnish their respective Deficiencies by Draft—unless their Quotas are filled up by Voluntary Inlistments—the Drafted Men to be held in Service untill the first of Jany next—unless sooner discharged by the Inlistment of others in their Room into the Continental Army—the Drafts to join the Continental Companies under Continental Officers—& march to Service as soon as they have passed Inoculation for the Small Pox—This Measure I have great Reason to hope will prove effectual—& I trust shall have the Pleasure soon to aford your Excellency the full Compliment of Men from this State for this Campaign—The strange Delay of raising & compleatg the standg Continental Army has been very unhappy—I wish this Substitute may prove agreable—wish to have your Excellency’s Sentiments upon it—If this States Proportion of the permanent Army should not be compleated by the Expiration of the Term for which the Drafts are taken—the like Measure (if agreable) will probably be repeated, untill that desirable Object can be attained.
Particular Note is made of that Part of your Letter of 23d Mar: respecting Govr Franklin & Mr Shaylor—sundry Letters written by the former to his Friends in N. York—have been intercepted & handed me—also one Protection of his given to a certain Mr Ketchum of Norwalk—a carefull Watch is & will be kept upon their Conduct for further Discoveries—the intercepted Letters are written to Govr Skeene

Mr Hugh Wallace—Colo. Fanning & Rev’d Mr Jona. Odell & Revd Mr Bowden—that to Mr Odell is most worthy of Notice.
A Fleet of the Enemy, 40 Sail or more, passed N. London Westward the 13th instant—they are from Newport—whether with Troops is uncertain—tis given out they have none. I am, with great Esteem & Regard Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull