Title: From George Washington to Colonel John Cadwalader, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Cadwalader, John

Dear Sir,
Morris Town. 3d March 1777

The satisfaction I received in perceiving your name on the List of Brigadiers of Continental Appointment, met with some little Alloy upon recollecting a Conversation had with You at this place upon that subject, in which You seemed to have doubts, which, I wish most ardently, to hear are removed.

Let me beseech You, my good Sir, to reflect, that the Period is now arrived when our most vigorous Exertions are wanted; when it is highly and indispensably necessary for Gentlemen of Abilities and Influence to step forth; and do not suffer any small Punctilios to withhold your services in the Continental line. The Cause requires your Aid—your Friends wish it; none of whom more sincerely than I do.
If You incline to accept the Appointment, I have to request that You will take the Command of the Troops at Philadelphia ’till further Orders, as I have desired Genl Gates (in case he complies with the wishes of Congress to re-assume his old Office of Adjutant General) to repair immediately to this place.
In the discharge of the duties of your Command at that place, let me entreat You to see that Innoculation is pushed forward as fast as possible—that the Officers belonging to the Twelve Battalions of your State and within your reach, are diligently employed in recruiting to complete their Regiments—that no time to be lost in cloathing and equipping them—that the Council of Safety use every possible Means to recover, out of the hands of the Militia, the Arms which they have carried away belonging to the Public; in doing this not a moment’s time is to be lost—that a list of the Officers, and of the Vacancies, in the twelve Regiments may be completed, in the mean time to be made as perfect as they can; proper persons to be recommended to fill the Vacancies; in doing which Attention to be paid to Merit, and the just Claims of the Officers in service, that as little discord (as possible) may be introduced.
I have great reason, as well from other Circumstances, as from the most unheard of returns of Desertions, to suspect That the infamous practise of Peculation has found its way into the recruiting service, and that much Money is received for Deserters that never were inlisted. Do, my dear Sir, let this be an Object of particular Attention. If an example could be made of one or two Culprits it might put an End to a Practice so base and scandalous, and be attended with happy Consequences. At present I shall only add That I am with great Regard Dr Sir, Yr most Obdt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
Head Qrs Morristown March 3th 1777.

I was yesterday honoured with your Letter of the 9th Ulto.
The Extracts you have been pleased to favour me with, shew, that the Two Regiments of foot & that of Artillery were established on a plan more extensive & generous, than that of mere, local defence, and the Objections formerly made are almost wholly done away, by the Order permitting the Men to be enlisted into the Continental Regiments. Indeed the peculiar circumstances of R. Island, under an Invasion, would furnish many apologies for the measure.
I am much Obliged by your exertions to raise your Quota of Troops. (The situation of our Affairs, requires every nerve to be strained to accomplish the Work in the different States, and no pains should be spared to provide the Men with Arms & every Other necessary. Our want of the former, is a matter of concern to me, and it is to be regretted, that the States individually have paid too little attention to the obtaining Supplies themselves.)
I cannot give a decisive answer respecting Col. Green’s discharge. In a few days there will be a further Negotiation upon the Subject of prisoners, after which, It may be in my power to inform you with more certainty. At present there is an impediment. As he is the first Lieutt Colo., and conducted himself with bravery & to good acceptance in the Canada expedition, I would advise, that the matter of Command should lie over a little longer; after the negotiation I may be able to satisfye you.
I wish regular Lists of the Prisoners returned to the Enemy, had

been transmitted, specifying the Names—rank & Corps of the Officers & number of privates—A Receipt similar to the one sent me does not answer the purpose. It appears by a Letter from Genl Arnold that the prisoners from New Hampshire had also gone in, & that some Exchange had been made. So far as this was of Continental prisoners, ’twas wrong. Unless some regular mode is observed & under the direction of One Head, the business can never be conducted with propriety nor the state of matters in this instance be ever known. It is necessary for me to know what Officers are sent in by us, & what are returned. I would also wish to be furnished with regular Accounts or as much so as possible, of the Expences incurred by you in supporting the prisoners taken by Continental Arms in the Land service, also of those in the Marine line—They should be separate. Accounts are kept on the part of the Enemy of all Rations, disbursements & Cloathing and we should have ours ready for a Settlement. In future, I hope, the Management of prisoners will be better understood, & that the most perfect & accurate Accounts will be kept on our part of every charge incident to their support &c. I have the Honor to be with great esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Dear Sir,
Morris Town. Mar. 3d 1777

A Letter just come to hand from Congress contains a resolve in the Words following “That the President write to Genl Gates, and inform him, it is the earnest desire of Congress he should resume the Office of Adjutant General, and that his present Rank and pay shall be continued to him” to this resolve of Congress, Mr Hancock in his Letter, adds—“I have wrote to Genl Gates requesting him to assume the Office of Adjutant Genl, nor have I any doubt of his Compliance” I have therefore to wish, that the desires of Congress may be gratified; and, in that case, that you will repair to this place immediately, as there never was a time when a good Adjutant Genl was more wanted.
To this, I have another reason for wishing to see you here immediately, and that is, to aid us with your advice in settling a proper Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners, & other Matters which are to be finally adjusted on Monday next the 10th Instt between Mr Harrison on our part, and Lieutt Colo. Wolcot on that of the Enemy—your thoughts before then, may be serviceable to us on many points.
I have desired Brigadier Genl Cadwallader (who I hope will accept

of his Appointment) to take the Command of the Troops in and about Philadelp., and other matters appertaining thereto, till further Orders—Let him know what you have done, or were about to do in consequence of any Instructions from me. I am Dr Sir, Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Sir
Morris Town March 3d 1777

Having been desired by Congress to place some other in the room of General Ward, I have to request you will receive the command from him and hold it till further orders. I have accordingly desired him to resign it to you. I am Sir Your most Obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to General William Howe, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Head Qrs Morris Town March 3d 1777.

On the 1st Instt I received the favor of your Letter of the 27th Ulto. I had heard the day before of Lt Colo. Campbell’s confinement and wrote him and the president of the Council of the Massachussets State respecting it, and I trust his situation will be made more agreeable, it being my wish that every reasonable indulgence and act of Humanity should be done to those whom the fortune of War has or may put into our hands.
Lt Colo. Harrison will meet Lt Colo. Walcot on Monday the 10 Inst. at 12 OClock at the place of their former interview, when he will be vested with powers to negotiate the business proposed.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Andrew Lewis, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Andrew

Dear Sir,
Head quarters. Morris Town. 3d March 1777.

I was much disappointed at not perceiving your name in the list of Major Generals lately made by the Congress: And most sincerely wish that the neglect may not induce You to abandon the service. Let me beseech You to reflect That the period is now arrived, when our most vigorous Exertions are wanted—when it is highly and indispensably necessary for Gentlemen of Abilities in any Line, but more especially the Military one, not to Withold themselves from public Employment, or Suffer any small Punctilio to persuade them to retire from their Country’s service. The Cause requires your Aid—No one more sincerely wishes it than I do.
A candid Reflection on the rank You held in the last War, added to a decent respect for the Congress’ Resolve “not to be confined, in making or promoting Gen⟨eral⟩ Officers, to any regular Line”, (to the propriety of which all America submitted[)], may remove any Uneasiness arising in your mind on the score of Neglect: Upon my Honour, I think it ought.
A steady perseverance in promoting the public Good, and regular discharge of the duties of your Office (which in my Opinion you can eminently perform) must and will, in the course of the approaching Campaign, secure to You the unfeigned thanks of all good Men, and obtain from Congress that Rank which perhaps You may think is now your undoubted right.
The present Exigency requiring all the Continental Troops, at, & near to, this place, and consequently a number of General Officers to command them: You will please to repair hither so soon as You can possibly make it convenient.
I acknowledge the receipt of several favours from You the last Campaign. The multiplicity of Business, engaging my whole Attention, as it prevented my answering them, must plead my Excuse. In hopes of seeing You soon I am, Dear Sir, Yr most Obdt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir.
Head quarters. Morris Town. 3d March 1777.

The honour of receiving your favours 20th & 22d Ulto I am now to acknowledge.

Some time past Colo. Shreve had my peremptory Order to march with such of his Battalion as was then inlisted: I therefore expected him every day ’till your Letter of the 20th informed me that he was then at Burlington. He has my Order repeated to march immediately to Princeton, there to remain under General Putnam ’till he hears farther from me. Your Opinion of him is perhaps too well founded.
I fear it is not in my power to give so full and satisfactory an Answer to your request “to explain the Nature of the Oath administered by Virtue of my Proclamation” as You may expect. What the Stile of it was, as administered by the Generals to whom that business was chiefly assigned, I can not precisely tell. My Instructions to them were, to insist on nothing more than an Obligation “in no manner to injure the States”; without adverting to the Form prescribed by any Law of this: Had I known of any particular Form adapted to the Circumstances of its Inhabitants, I would most certainly have ordered it.
To remedy the Abuses which frequent Complaints had informed me were practised by the Troops Stationed at the Ferries upon Delaware, I have some time since ordered all the Boats from Trenton upwards to be collected at Coriell’s ferry, & placed under an Officer of approved Character with a strong Guard; whose Orders are such as will render the passage of the Inhabitants easy & expeditious, and at the same time Secure the Boats from the possibility of falling into the Enemy’s hands. Orders Similar to these Genl Gates has, respecting those below. An obedience to these Orders will, I hope, answer every good purpose: But should it not, I will adopt any other Mode which you shall think will answer the purpose.
Robert Combs, a Tavernkeeper in Pennytown, can inform you of a Rape committed on the Wife & Daughter of one Jno. Christopher by the Enemy while they lay there. Philip Parmer’s daughter was also ravished by six soldiers in that Neighbourhood—Thomas Keynes daughter was treated in the same manner. Those facts I did not particularly recollect at the time of writing You on the subject of the Enemy’s brutality—I have since found the Memorandm that was taken when our Army lay on the other side of the Delaware.
The Enemy remain much in the same situation they did when I wrote you last—From a number of concurring Circumstances & corresponding Accts I am led to believe that the Enemy’s loss in killed & wounded on the 23d Ulto can not be less than 100—At the same time 7 prisoners were made—Capt. Thruston with the 3 Volunteer Companies from Virginia & some Maryland Militia had an Engagement near Piscataway on the 1st Instt. The effect has not yet reached me. The Captn was much wounded in the Arm, 3 of his party killed & 7 wounded.

Our innoculated Soldiers have the disorder much lighter than could be reasonably expected: From present appearances We shall not loose a Man. I have the Honour to be with great sincerity Yr most Obdt Hble Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 3 March 1777
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Haddonfield [N.J.] 3d March 1777

I have had the Honour of receiving your Excellency’s Favour of the 22d of february, & find myself extremely happy in your concurring with me in opinion against extorting Fines from the Militia; but alas that I fear will be our only chance of obliging some of the poorer sort to turn out at last; for our long expected Militia Bill in its present form, and as it will undoubtedly pass respecting that article, admits of a composition for actual Service from £3 to £20. In this Situation of things, I dispair of being able to execute the Requisition of Congress resolved this day, of calling out the Militia to join the Army under your Command. I cannot make our Assembly sensible of the Importance of an

effectual Militia Law; or if they be, they are so unduly influenced by the Fear of disobliging their Constituents, that they dare not exert themselves with the requisite Spirit for the Exigencies of War. Add to this that so few of our Militia, (comparatively speaking) are armed, that I fear the Expectations of Congress will be greatly disappointed. Now indeed would be the time to ruin General Howes Army, if a competent force could be mustered. In the Name of Wonder, what is become of Connecticut, & where is General Heath? Please to accept of the inclosed & believe me to be with great Sincerity & Respect your most obedt Servt

Wil: Livingston

P.S. I have reason to think that there is a constant Communication carried on between the County of Bergen & the City of New York, & that the latter are supplied with Provisions by the former.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 3 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Livingston, 3 Mar. 1777. GW wrote to Livingston on 8 Mar. that “I this Moment had the Honour to receive your two favours of the 3d Inst.” The missing second letter apparently contained a brief request for GW to forward a letter of the same date to John Jay.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier Generals Enoch Poor, John Paterson, and John Glover, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Poor, Enoch,Paterson, John,Glover, John

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 3d Mar. 1777

By a Resolve of the Honble the continental Congress pass’d the 21st Ulto you are promoted to the Rank of Brigr Genl upon which I sincerely congratulate you. It is my earnest Desire that you do every thing in your power to Expedite the raising & Equiping The Troops of your State, & as soon as ready March with them to Ticonderoga. I have given similar Instructions to Genls Glover & Patterson who are also

promoted—Your Commissions are not yet come to hand when they do shall forward them without Delay—I am apprehensive that your Promotion will cause Colo. Starke to resign, should you find this to be the case, let the oldest Lieutenant Colo. in the Line of your State, be appoint’d to the Command of his Regimt, to whom I will send a Commission as soon as it is notified to me, this should not be mention’d if my doubts prove groundless. I am &C.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Spencer, Joseph

Sir
Morris Town March 3d 1777

I have received your favour of the 16th Ultimo. With regard to the want of money of which you speak, I imagine your difficulties will be shortly removed, as a sum of money has lately passed through, for each of the eastern states, which is no doubt to be principally applied to the purposes of the army and to the carrying on those operations, which are in contemplation.

The enterprize you have in view is of very great importance, and must be not a little hazardous; and as it may be productive of consequences importantly beneficial; so it may be attended with effects the most importantly injurious. It ought to be well considered before it is undertaken, and, unless after a deliberate survey of circumstances, there appears to be a moral certainty of success, I should wish the project might be abandoned and that you would content yourself with confining them within their present limits. I have given you my sentiments fully on this subject, in a former letter to which I refer you. I have written to Massachusetts and New Hampshire, desiring them to forward their troops with all speed to Ticonderoga; and to have them innoculated there, and I have also desired that Rhode Island & Connecticut might have theirs innoculated, as they are inlisted, & in all respects got ready as soon as possible for the field. In case you should adopt the defensive plan, you will please to forward this purpose, by having the same thing done with those, which are or shall be collected under your command in the most prudent and convenient manner: I mean such as are Continental troops. I am sir Your most humble servant.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Morris Town 3d March 1777.

I am to acknowledge the receipt of your several favors of the 21st 24th 25th and 26th February which came to hand yesterday—It gives me pleasure to hear that your State has come to the resolution of granting the Colonial Bounty to Colo. Webbs additional Regiment; and if the other States will do the same, it will in a great measure obviate the objection which I made to their granting a higher bounty than was allowed by the Resolves of Congress—The Reasons which you gave for a deviation from the Resolve, carry weight with them, but I assure you you are mistaken when you think that the necessaries of life are cheaper to the Southard than the Northward—It is true that less Cloathing is sufficient for them, but as they manufacture little among themselves, they are obliged to pay most extravagantly for what they wear.
I have ordered the Cloathier General to supply each State with their proportion of what Cloathing, of different kinds, are in the Public Stores; but you must be sensible that a very full proportion of the

Cloathing purchased for the use of the Continent out of the Prize Vessels, must be brought on for the use of the Southern Continental Troops, as the Country from whence they come furnishes scarce any woolen Goods—To prevent confusion and disappointment in future, I beg that no Cloathing may be stopped upon the way without a particular order from the Cloathier General or myself.
I am glad to hear that the sum of money lately sent to you, with the assistance of the Loan Office, is like to answer your wants; and I hope, that, as the obstructions which before retarded the recruiting Service are now removed, that business will go on briskly.
Innoculation at Philadelphia and in this Neighbourhood, has been attended with amazing success; and I have not the least doubt but your Troops will meet the same.
As I have, in many of my late letters, mentioned the distress, that the Continent in general is under for the want of arms, I need only repeat to you the necessity that there is for making a strict collection of the public Arms, and purchasing such as can be obtained from private persons—Sometime ago General Schuyler wrote to me and informed me, that there were a great number of Arms returned into the Stores at Albany, wanting repair—I directed that they should be sent down to the most convenient place for that purpose; but perhaps that may not yet be done—You will therefore please to make enquiry into the matter, and if they remain there, have them repaired and put into the Hands of the Troops.
All the Arms fit for the Field have been constantly repaired as fast as it could be done. What I call useless are such as are so light and thin in the barrel, that they would not bear a charge with safety, at the best, much less after being eat up with rust.
All the officers taken at Princetown, having been ordered to be sent in, Capt. Luke will go in of course and Majr Wyllys will be thereby released from his Parole.
As I am about endeavouring to make a settlement with General Howe for the expences heretofore incurred on account of the Prisoners on both sides, I beg you will furnish me with an account of what has been disbursed by your State towards, the maintenance of the British Prisoners that have been at different times sent to be quartered among you—And I wish that in future, a very regular account may be kept. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 3 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

Dear Sir,
Morris Town 3d March 1777

By some Resolves of Congress, just come to my hands, I find as I hoped and expected, your name in the new appointment of Brigadiers; but perceivd at the same time, that you were named after

Muhlenberg and Weedon—the reason assign’d for this—your having resign’d your former Rank in the Service of the Continent.
You may well recollect my dear Sir, that I strongly advised you against this resignation—I now as strongly recommend your acceptance of the present Appointment—You may feel somewhat hurt, in having two Officers placed before you (tho perhaps never to command you) who once were inferior in point of Rank to you; but remember, that this is a consequence of your own Act. and—consider what a stake we are contending for—Trifling punctilios should have no Influence upon a Mans conduct in such a Cause; and at Such a time as this—If Smaller matters do not yield to greater; If trifles, light as Air, in comparison of what we are contending for, can withdraw, or withold Gentlemen from Service, when our All is at Stake, and a single cast of the Die may turn the Tables, what are we to expect—It is not a common Contest we are Ingaged In—every thing valuable to us depends upon the Success of it—and the success upon a speedy, & vigorous Exertion. consider twice therefore, before you refuse.
In case of acceptance which I wish and expect, I have to desire that you will repair immediately to head Quarters, as Genl Officers are exceedingly wanting to assist in arranging of the New Army—at all events, let me hear from you as speedily as possible. With great Sincerity & truth I am Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 4 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 4th 1777.
Boston.Charlestown.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Bartholomew Burke, 4 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Burke, Bartholomew

Sir,
[4 March 1777]

You are hereby authoriz’d to raise a Company of Men in the Service of the United States to Consist of 68 Rank & file Four Serjeants & a Drum & Fife, according to the Recruiting Instructions herewith deliver’d you.
As you will in a great Measure be Answerable for the Behaviour of your Company I leave the Nomenation of your Subaltern Officers to yourself, only reserving a Negative in Case I should not approve of them.
As Desertion has been very Prevalent to the great Detriment of the Recruiting Service, I think you had better advance as little of the Bounty as possible ’till your Company is compleat.
You will from time to time transmit an Accot of your proceedings to me & let me know when there will be a probability of your being fit to take the Field. I am &C.

G.W.


Title: Orders to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison, 4 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Robert Hanson

[Morristown, 4 March 1777]

Differences in opinion having arisen, between General Howe and myself, respecting the construction of a proposition, made the 30th of July and acceded to the 1st of August last, for the exchange of prisoners, whereby it was stipulated, that officers should be given for officers of equal rank, soldier for soldier, and citizen for citizen; for the accommodation of these differences, and to remove every just cause of complaint on the part of the enemy, if such there be; You are to meet any officer, not of inferior rank to yourself, who shall come properly authorized to treat upon the subject; and to adopt such measures as you shall deem adequate to that end.
Experience having also shewn, that the agreement above recited is not sufficiently definite to answer all the salutary purposes intended by it, nor sufficiently comprehensive to include the various cases incident ⟨to⟩ the state of prisoners, You are hereby vested with full power and authority to devise and conclude upon such improvements, in aid

of the same, as shall appear necessary, for establishing a more regular and explicit mode of Exchange, as well with respect to the Prisoners who have been as those who shall be hereafter taken; making mutual provision for such an allowance of pay and necessaries as their comfort and welfare, during their captivity, may require; And finally to treat, determine and agree upon all matters whatsoever relative to Prisoners of War, on the principles of justice and humanity, and conformable to the most civilized customs and usages for the greater ease, convenience and security of all captives belonging to the armies under our respective command: For all which, this shall be your sufficient warrant; and your engagements, being mutually interchanged, shall be ratified and confirmed by me. Given under my Hand and Seal at Head Quarters in Morris Town this 4th day of March 1777

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John McKinly, 4 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: McKinly, John

Sir
Head Qrs Morris town March 4th 1777.

I was this day honoured with your favor of the 28th Ulto. The polite attention of your Assembly to my Letter, demands my Acknowledgements, & I would fain hope, the measures they have adopted will be attended with many Salutary consequences & prevent in some degree the scandalous practice of desertion, but too prevalent of late in our Army.
I confess I am much surprized to be informed at this time of the refusal of Colo. Bedford and Majr McDonagh. I expected, that they had accepted their Commissions & were nearly ready to take the Feild with their Regiment. Not hearing from them, I could conclude nothing else. As they declined they should most surely have given me the earliest notice of it. The Rules of propriety required it and a regard to the service demanded it. Being unacquainted with the Gentn of your State, I cannot nominate such as will be either agreable or qualified to fill their places. Under these circumstances, I must take the liberty to request, that you & your Assembly or those you may think proper to consult upon the occasion, will appoint such Gentn to those commands and the Other vacancies in the Regiment as you esteem suitable and likely to answer the interest & expectations of the public. At the

same time I would request that every exertion be employed, to compleat & march the Corps with all possible expedition. The situation of our Affairs makes every aid necessary, & I am persuaded Nothing on your part will be wanted to effect it. No pains should be spared to arm & equip the men as far as possible, previous to their marching the Stores at Philadelphia being greatly exhausted by the Supplies already drawn from them. The sickly condition of our Troops the last Campaign, especially towards the close of it was rather discouraging to the Men to reinlist, but I trust, it will not be the case again, & that the prejudices on that Head are now done away—They should consider the moving disordered state of the Army whilst in Jersey & on the Banks of the Delaware as the principal cause of their not being paid for the whole of their service. Whatever Wages were due ’em might have been received since had a Proper Abstract been presented for that purpose. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt St

P.S. When the several Vacancies in the Regiment are filled up, the Officers shall receive Commissions on a proper list being transmitted of their Names—Rank & the dates of their respective appointments.


Title: Orders to James Mease, 4 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Sir,
[Morristown, 4 March 1777]

The Congress having, by a Resolve passed the 27th decemr last, empowered me to appoint a Cloathier General to the Army of the united States, and to fix a Salary to the same—I hereby nominate and appoint you to the said Office, with a Salary of 150 dollars ⅌ Month free of official Charges.
By Virtue of your Commission you are authorized to appoint Agents in each of the States to purchase, all such Articles of Cloathing necessary and proper for the Soldiery, as may occasionally fall in their way, for which they shall be allowed such a Commn as shall be deemed adequate to the Trouble. You are also to be allowed, as many Clerks and Storekeepers, as are necessary to carry on the business, agreeing with them on the most moderate terms you can. To enable you to make the necessary purchases you shall be from time to time furnished with sufficient Sums of Money, either by a draft from me on the Pay master General, or the Continental Treasurer, or such mode as the Congress may think fit to direct for the Payment of such Sums. For which you shall account, when called upon so to do to the Commissioners for settling public Accounts or any Persons properly authorized.

As many of the different States had, previous to the appointment of a Cloathier General, employed Agents to purchase Cloathing for their Troops, it will be necessary for you, to Write to the different States and inform them of your Appointment, and at the same time desire to know what progress their Agents have made in providing Cloathing for their respective quotas of Men and what quantity it will take to compleat them.
If you find upon enquiry that the Agents who have been already employed by the different States in the purchase of Cloathing, are persons capable of transacting the Business, and in whom trust can be reposed it [will] be better to continue them in their Offices.
As it will be improper to depend upon the precarious supply of Cloathing by Capture or by the importations of private Adventurers, it will be necessary for you as early as possible, to lay before the private Committee of Congress an Estimate of the Cloathing of different kinds necessary for the next Campaign, with the Colours of the Cloths proper to put the Troops into distinct Uniforms which is a thing that cannot possibly be done this Year.
As many of the Continental Regiments have already fixed upon a Uniform and the Officers have in Consequence thereof provided themselves with Regimentals suitable thereto, it would be proper to make yourself acquainted with the Regiments that have fixed their Uniforms, and in your arrangement of dress, take Care to continue them in the same, otherwise the Stock of Cloathing that the Officers have provided for themselves will be useless to them, or different from their Corps, which should be avoided by all Means.
As a quantity of Cloathing must necessarily attend the Army, you are hereby authorized to apply to the Qr Master General or Waggon Master Genl when one is appointed, to supply as many Waggons as will be sufficient to transport such Cloathing.
I[t] appears from every account that there is a sufficiency of Cloathing in the Northern States for their Quota of Troops. But, as all the States from Jersey to North Carolina, look up to you for their Cloathing, very little I fear having been provided by them (except the province of Maryland which I am informed has a Stock, but of this you should inquire) it will behove you to exert yourself as much as possible, and endeavour to get a sufficiency made up for the Troops of the above mentioned States, many of whom may be expected in Philada every day. Given under my hand at Head Quars. at Morris town this 4th day of March 1777

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 4 March 1777
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany [N.Y.] March 4th 1777.

I was Yesterday honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 23d Ultimo.
As the Season is so far advanced and Lake Champlain is not yet frozen over it is almost certain that General Carlton will not venture across, even if the Lake should close—I am however led to believe that he will make an attempt in the Spring, for unless that is his Intention I cannot concieve why he should continue to construct so many Batteaus as Guillot & others inform me he does.


Title: General Orders, 5 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown March 5th 1777.
Randolph.Delaware.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Armstrong, 5 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Armstrong, John

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris town 5th March 1777

I have your favr of the 22d Feby from Carlisle, and hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing you at this place. I cannot conceive upon what principle the Baltimore Militia were stopped, they ought to have been here in time to have releived Genl Johnstons Brigade, the last of whom go home this day. But as I lately wrote most pressingly for a Reinforcement, I imagine Genl Buchanan is by this time upon his march. I recommended, what you very Judiciously advised, that they should bring as many Arms & Accoutrements as possible from home and not drain the public Stores at Philada which should be kept for the use of the Continental Troops.
I am informed that some of the Southern States have already passed Acts prohibiting the distilling of unreasonable Quantities of Wheat and other Grain into Whisky and I hope Pennsylvania will do the same.
Magazines are already established and establishing at Downings or Mill Town upon the Lancaster Road which will be very conveniently situated in the Rear of the Army, should there be a necessity of forming one at or near Wilmington.
I expected you would have appointed your younger Son to the command of one of the four Companies that are at your disposal, and if

you have not already filled up all the Commissions, it will give me pleasure to see it yet done. The Doctor will undoubtedly find a place in the new Hospital suitable to his Merit and Abilities, as it is proposed to have the new Arrangement upon a very extensive plan. As Doctor Shippen will probably be at the Head of the Medical department your Son had better apply to him in time.
I can say nothing to Colo. Buchanans plan for procuring provisions &ca. It is a mixture of the Business belonging to the Qr Master & Commissary Genl and will be provided for by them.
I very much fear, that by the inattention of the Colonels, or some other Cause, there are most scandalous abuses in the recruiting Service in pennsylvania. The Returns of Desertion are so much beyond what I ever heard of before, or what I can conceive to be possible, that I am inclined to think, the Officers pocket the Bounty and return Men deserted, who were never inlisted, to make up the deficiency. Regiments that I expected were nearly compleated, by the accounts I recd from some of the Colonels as far back as December, upon being called upon for actual Returns, have only from fifty to one hundred Men. I have wrote to Genl Gates, who entertains the same suspicion that peculation is at the Bottom, and have desired him to try by all the means in his power to unravel so mysterious a piece of Business, that I may, if any thing can be proved make most severe examples of any Officers who shall be found guilty of so scandalous a Crime.
I have repeatedly called upon the different Colonels to send in what men they have already raised with Officers in proportion to their Numbers, and I desire you will call upon all within your reach and press and even insist upon their doing it. Nothing will have a greater effect upon stopping the infamous practice of desertion than getting the Recruits into service, where they will be employed, instead of loitering away their times in Taverns, and running from one Officer to the other and receiving the Bounty over and over again—Except a Company is marched up full, an Officer should be left to compleat it. I am &ca.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 5 March 1777
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
[Jamaica Plain, Mass., 5 March 1777]

The movements of the Post not having gained a thorough establishment, notwithstanding Mr Hazard’s having been employed in regulating

them, your very obliging favour of Jany was not received in due time. I should be wanting as a friend, a member of the community, a son of liberty, & a disciple of Jesus, was I not to be constantly mindful of your Excellency. What can I do less than remember you, amidst all the comforts of a settled & composed life, while You are exposing yourself to hardships & dangers, partly on my behalf!
When we reflect what would have been the situation of publick affairs, had matters in certain cases been differently conducted, we are apt to be over much displeased that they have not been managed better: but we should recollect, that there is a providence in suffering things to be mis-managed no less than in blessing & succeeding them when well managed. Not that this will justify misconduct, or exempt from censure; but Heaven may leave men to blunder, that the positive interposition of Providence in extricating us out of our difficulties may be the more conspicuous. I promise myself that your Excellency will have your patience & courage no more tried by either of those evils that have uniformly attended you since the commencement of the war. We may say upon account of them, that your firmness, intrepidity, & abilities have been tried by both friends & enemies, the former will love & rely upon you more than ever, & the latter dread you; but the desertions of the one & the activity of the other had nearly sacrificed you. The sudden & great turn of our affairs calls for particular acknowledgments. May they be made, & continue to be made with glowing ardour! The time of writing, March 5th, reminds me of what God wrought for us a twelve month back. How should I rejoice was He to use your Excellency as an instrument of rendering the present March as memorable an æra in the history of America as was the last. Which leads me to thank you, my Dear Sir, for the renewal of your promise; but besides the assistance I may receive from your papers, I must request, I find, further assistance; for you declined mentioning your having discovered the ford, & ordered the fires to be left well lighted up to deceive the enemy, when you was preparing for that extraordinary manœuvre; neither did You hint at the uneasiness you occasioned for near an hour to many of the officers by your personal bravery while cutting the three regiments to pieces on your march. You may not desire that such like particulars should be recorded. Tis true they are trifles compared with your taking the lead in the present glorious struggle; but they are of great influence in carrying on the contest, may be of use in future times, & ought therefore to be recorded tho’ they added not to your honour.
I was glad to learn from the papers that a Committee of Congress was appointed to collect authentick accounts of the barbarities & cruelties committed by the enemy, upon officers soldiers & in the Jerseys.

I wish I could increase your happiness by informing you, that the regiment you propose to be officered out of the Cadet Company, was likely to be raised soon: but the method given into by the General Court of allowing such a bounty, leaves no hopes of its being done for some considerable time. I should have more pleasure in writing to your Excellency, did affairs go to my mind in this quarter: not that I am afraid, as I believe God will save us in the end for his own names sake; but I am troubled at the selfishness & sluggishness of men. It is now near a year since the enemy fled from Boston; & we might have been in such a state of defence I apprehend as to have bid defiance to any common force that could have been sent against us. Whereas I think if I was an enemy I would undertake at the hazard of my head to reduce Boston & to possess myself of all the hills round about with five thousand troops & a suitable number of shipping. The main spring in the machine has lost its elasticity if it ever had any & all the wheels do necessarily move slow of course. Can’t you, my Dear Sir, put it aside & clap in another that is unusually strong & will pull all the works round apace? The present spring is really defective, & you may wind it up to the highest pitch it is capable of, you can never make it draw well. That is more than a masterpiece for your Excellency. If nothing is to be done, & a better cannot be spared, then indeed it is of no great signification, other than as the subordinate wheels will acquire a slothful habit, & be very unfit for use when a quick motion is wanted.
Was I a New England officer I should be mortified; yea, was I the general Court I should be mortified, at your Excellency’s having ordered all the Bay troops into garrison, at a distance from those active scenes where the art of war is to be lea⟨rned,⟩ yet what could you do? I commend your prudence & judgment, but I feel the consequence. You ⟨had no oth⟩er way of effectually preventing those bickerings that must otherwise have taken place be⟨tween mutilated⟩ owing to the bounties given by this state & the towns thereof. In a few months he that received much will be as he that received little, & when the pockets of both are alike empty they will agree together should the service require their being in the same camp.
The Revd Mr Kirkland has accompanied down six Indian warriors of the Tusceraro & Oneida nations. They came to examine into the truth of contrary reports propogated among them by friends & foes. Had been told, that we could make no great guns, or great canoes &c. They have been to Portsmouth. Took Andover powder mills in the way. Passed by yesterday afternoon on their rout to Providence. Mr Kirkland told me they were prodigiously pleased. They will go near to be at Head Quarters within a few days of this letter.

I shall enclose a letter to our friend Gates, which I pray you to forward, unless he should be on his way to you, & be more secure of receiving it by your detaining it.
Mrs Gordon, Miss Tyler, & others join in the most respectful remembrance to you. I had nearly omitted mentioning that I congratulate you upon the Congress’s having intrusted you with much larger powers than at first. I know of no man upon earth with whom they could have intrusted such powers with greater safety, to the rights of the publick, & yet having these powers, you will be the more narrowly watched by men & concealed foes, & every action that cannot be justified will be remarked upon; tho’ otherwise it might have passed unnoticed. That you may baffle & conquer them all by your courage, your prudence, your equity & humanity, & make them all love & admire you, is the sincere wish of my Dear Sir, Your Excellency’s most humble servant, faithful & affectionate friend,

William Gordon

Respects to those of your family I have the honour of knowing. Whenever You write to your Lady pray remember me to her.
Have mentioned the date in the body of my letter, but as it is natural to look for that next to the name shall repeat it, March 5th 1777 Jamaica Plain.


Title: General Orders, 6 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 6th 1777.
Newport.Providence.


Title: From George Washington to William Duer, 6 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Duer, William

Dr Sir
Head Qrs Morris town March 6th 1777

On Tuesday Evening I was favoured with your Letter of the 2d Instt. The slow progress in the recruiting service gives me much concern, as the situation of our Affairs requires, the most early Succours. I was always sensible the bounty given by the Eastern States, would prove extremely injurious and remonstrated against it as soon as it came to my knowledge.
I am sorry the securing & removal of the forage has been attended with so many difficulties. It is a matter of infinite importance, & I yet trust that by your exertions, & the Committee with you that it will be accomplished. If the whole cannot be got away, the part remaing, had better be destroyed than suffered to fall into the Enemies Hands. driving off the Stock, is also of considerable moment, and none should be left within their reach.
The disposition recommended of the Troops under General Wooster, seems to have been well calculated for the ends in view and I heartily wish they had maintained their Post. Their departure, I am satisfied, would be attended with bad consequences & it would disagreeably affect the minds of the Wavering & the timid. It is only to be lamented, that we have not Troops raised upon a different footing who could & would afford protection to the Inhabitants & firmly fix ’em in our interest. I know no way to effect this, but by calling some of the Militia as you propose to secure them & their property from the ravages & depredations of the Rangers.
We have been long satisfied that the Enemy were drawing nearly the whole or at least the Main body of their force into Jersey and I think they will make a push for Philadelphia as soon as the Roads will allow ’em to move. They may mean a feint as you suggest, however it is more likely that the Other is their Object. It will be happy for us if we can be prepared for either event. Lest your apprehensions should prove true, the Wheat & flour contiguous to the Water Should be secured and removed into the more interior part of the State. The Holders of it should not demand an unreasonable price and it will be worthy the

attention of the Conventn to examine the matter and give the Commissary & his Agents every aid in their power.
I have maturely weighed the proposed expedition to Long Island and should be happy if the execution was as practicable as it appears to be eligible. I am well assured many important advantages would be derived from it, But the Enemy’s Force now collected in this Quarter, calling for every possible aid, it cannot be attempted. However I should think, it will be extremely proper for an Idea of the sort to be spread with some address & management, which will be greatly favoured if a requisitn I have made of Goverr Trumbull for Two Thousand Militia can be complied with. This I mention to you in confidence that the hint may be improved as far as your prudence & discretion direct.
I am glad Mr. S. plan is nearly compleated and I am persuaded the benefits resultg from it will be great. The sooner it can be executed the more beneficial it will be.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Christian Febiger, 6 March 1777
From: Febiger, Christian
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
Philadelphia 6th of March 1777.

After returning Your Excellency the most sincere Thanks of Colonel Morgan, Major Heth and myself for your particular Favour in getting us exchangd and restord to the Service of our Country—I have the honor of informing your Excellency of my Arrival in this City with the first Company of our Regiment, two Companies more being on their March and hourly expected, those men, who are in Town are under Inoculation and recovering fast, as soon as they can be cloathed and arm’d, I shall march them to Camp, which is the Directions I have receiv’d from Generall Gates. Unfortunately the Government of Virginia have appointed to serve under us the 5 Companies, that formerly belongd to Colol Rawlin’s Battallion, of which only one Commanded by Captn Wm Blackwell now in this City is existing, Captn Sheppards, Wests & Longs being chiefly taken at Fort Washington, and Captn Brady is gone to Berkeley on what Business or for what Purpose I Know not. There are two Captains who have receiv’d Recruiting Instructions from your Excellency. Viz: Captn John Paul Schott and

James Calderwood, who both are very desirous of serving in our Regiment, and have desir’d me to request the Favour of your Excellency to permitt them to join us in Room of two of those Companies that are taken. If your Excellency should think proper so to do, I should be extremely happy in receiving your Commands relative to them, as I might perhaps be of some Service to Captn Calderwood, who is now here recruiting.
of the 5 new Companies allotted to us by the Government of Virginia, Captn Bruin of Frederick and Gallihue of Prince William are hourly expected with full Companies, having been some Time on their March. Captains Wm Johnson and Smith of Loudon will come in a Short Time under the Major and Colonel Morgan will come with the last whom I don’t Know, as it was not determin’d whether we should have the Forquair or Dunmore Company, when I left Winchester.
Colonel Crawford desir’d me to inform Your Excellency, that his men should be immediately inoculated, and as soon as they recover’d, he would March them directly for Camp, he likewise told me, that his Regiment would be compleat.
In Expectation of Your Excellency’s further Commands I have the honor to be May it please your Excellency Your most obedient and most humble Servant.

Christian Febiger

P.S. Captn Calderwood is gone in the Country recruiting and has left a Subaltern here with his Recruits. I Shal give him all Assistance in my power.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 6 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir,
Morristown Mar. 6th 1777.

I am anxious to know whether Genl Arnolds non promotion was owing to Accident or design—& the cause of it. Surely a more active—a more spirited, and Sensible Officer fills no department in your Army—Not seeing him then in the list of Majr Genls, and no mention made of him, has given me uneasiness, as it is not to be presumed (being the oldest Brigadr) that he will continue in Service under such a slight. I imagine you will loose two or three other very good Officers by promoting younger ones over them—My public Letters will give you a state of matters in this Quarter, & my anxiety to be informd of the Reason of Arnolds non-promotion gives you the trouble of this Letter. being very sincerely Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affect.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 6 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris town 6th March 1777

I recd yours of the 19th Feby accompanied by one from Mr Jonathan Welles in behalf of his Nephew Major Welles who was made prisoner on Long Island. I am obliged to give the same Answer to this request that I have given to many others of the same Nature and that is, that I have endeavoured to avoid all imputations of partiality in negotiating the Exchange of prisoners, and therefore constantly directed Mr Loring the Commy of Prisoners in New York to give a preference to those who had been longest in Captivity. By this Rule Majr Welles will be intitled to an exchange whenever an Officer of equal rank is sent in by us, but when that will be I cannot tell, as you must have heard, that by a late Resolve of Congress, the Feild Officers taken at Trenton, are to be detained a while longer for a particular purpose. By the terms of the Cartel, Major Welles would not have been given up for Capt. Luke, being an officer of superior Rank. I dont know how to advise in regard to inlisting the privates who were sent out upon parole. If their Officers engaged that they should not serve till they were regularly released, some severities might be inflicted upon them, should Genl Howe hear that the prisoners were in Arms again. Much depends on the Terms on which they were released. If their Officers did not pledge themselves for them, I should suppose Genl Howe dismiss’d them for his own convenience, and that they had as good a right to enter the Service again, as Genl Howe had to force our Men into his by ill usage.
The Necessity that I am under for Troops obliges me to call upon you in the most pressing Manner to send forward those Men who have had the small pox with all possible expedition, it would be better if the Regiments could be compleated and brought intire into the Feild, but circumstanced as we now are we cannot wait. Colo. Charles Webb got an order a few days ago for four hundred Arms, and his Son told me

he had as many Men, I am informed that Colo. Wyllis’s Regt is likewise very forward. I dont know the State of any of the others, but I beg you will call for an immediate Return and intreat all the Colonels to exert themselves and try to get me some part of their Regiments immediately here. If any of the Companies march before they are compleat, an Officer should be left behind to make up the deficiency and bring the recruits after. I have wrote to every Quarter in the same terms, and if each Regiment would only send one hundred Men immediately, they would altogether amount to a respectable Number.
Be pleased to communicate the first part of this Letter to Mr Welles. Since writing which, I find I am under a Mistake of Names. Upon enquiry I find that the person meant is Capt. Welles of Colo. Gays Regiment taken upon York Island the 15th of Septemr. The Reason therefore of his not being preferred operates more strongly against him, as there are yet Officers of his Rank taken upon long Island and not exchanged.
To induce you to exert yourself more forcibly in forwardg on the Continental Troops, I communicate our Situation to you in Confidence. When Genl Lincolns Militia leave us, we shall only have the remains of the five Virginia Regiments, who do not amount altogether to more than five or six hundred Men, and two or three other Continental Battalions very weak. The Rest of our Army is composed of small parties of Militia from this State and Pennsylvania. If the Enemy do not move it will be a Miracle, nothing but Ignorance of our Numbers and Situation can protect us. I have wrote to Govr Trumbull to endeavour to send two thousand Militia immediately to peekskill, and I beg you will use your Influence to obtain this Reinforcement.
I have been so much misinformed as to the State of the new raised Regs. that I desire you will insist upon the Colonels making you actual Returns and transmit them to me. I am Dear Sir.


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 6 March 1777
From: Pennsylvania Council of Safety
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council of Safety Philada 6th March 1777

Lieutenant Colonel Boehm of Colonel Geiger’s Batallion of Militia of Northampton Coty now in Camp, informs me that they are uneasy under an apprehension that it is intended to keep them in service more than the allotted time for the Militia, on account of some of the said Batallion deserting from this City when they were under marching Orders—at the particular request of Lieutenant Colonel Boehm made in behalf of the said Militia, and in justice to them we take the Liberty to inform your Excellency that they have been very active Suppressing the Tories in their County and the principle support of the cause, in that part of the Country; and that by the artifices of designing men amongst us who infused into their minds unjustifiable suspicions against the persons in power—they were induced them to leave the service in that shamefull manner—we would therefore beg leave to intercede for them with your Excellency that they may be discharged when they have been 6 Weeks in Camp—as we are inclined to believe

that they are sufficiently mortified at their late conduct and will in future manifest a chearful obedience to authority.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 6 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sr
Head Quarters Morris Town 6th March 1777

I flattered myself that I should never again be under the necessity of trespassing upon the public spirit of your State by calling for another supply of Militia; but such has been the unaccountable delay in the recruiting of the Continental Battalions, chiefly owing to the long time that unhappily elapsed before the Officers were appointed, that I see no prospect of keeping the Field, till the new Levies can be brought into it, but by a reinforcement of Militia—For want of proper Laws in the Southern Governments, their Militia never were well regulated, and since the present troubles, in which the old Governments have been unhinged, and new ones not yet firmly established, the people have adopted a mode of thinking & acting for themselves—It is owing to this, that when a summons is issued for Militia, those only turn out who are willing, and they for what time they please, by which means, they sometimes return home in a few days after they join the Army.
From this State of facts you will perceive, that I put no great dependance upon the Militia from the Southward, and I must therefore once more intreat you, to endeavour to prevail upon two thousand of the Militia of your State to march immediately to Peekskill, & there wait further orders—Their Time of service to continue at least six weeks after they arrive there—I am persuaded, from the readiness with which you have ever complied with all my demands, that you would exert yourself in forwarding the aforementioned number of men, upon my bare request—But I hope you will be convinced of the necessity of the demands, when I tell you, in confidence, that after the 15th of this month when the time of General Lincoln’s Militia expires, I shall be left with the remains of five Virginia Regiments, not amounting to more than as many hundred Men, and parts of two or three more Continental Battalions—all very weak—The remainder of the Army will be composed of small parties of Militia from this State and Pennsylvania, on whom little dependence can be put, as they come and go When they please.
I have issued peremptory orders to every Colonel in the Regular Service, to send in what men he has recruited, even if they amount to but one hundred, to a Regiment—If they would do this, it would make a considerable Force upon the whole.
The Enemy must be ignorant of our numbers and situation, or they would never suffer us to remain unmolested, and I almost tax myself with imprudence in committing the secret to paper, not that I distrust, you of whose inviolable attachment I have had so many proofs, but for

fear that the letter should by any accident, fall into other hands than those for whom it is intended.
If your Militia should make any objections to coming this way on account of the Small Pox, you may assure them, that if there is the least danger of taking that disorder here, they shall come no farther than Peekskill (I mean those that have not had it) where they may take the places of the Continental Yorkers, who I am obliged to keep in Garrison there, having no other Troops to secure the Forts and passages upon the North River. I have the Honor to be with highest Regard Sir Your most obedient Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 6 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

Sir,
Head quarters. Morris Town 6. March 1777.

The necessity I am under for Troops obliges me to desire You to call upon the several Continental Colonels in your State in the most peremptory manner to make Returns of the Men they have inlisted, and to march all those that have had the Small pox immediately to join the Army here. If any of their Companies are not complete, proper Officers must be left behind to make up the deficiency, and bring the Recruits after them.
I know the Inconveniences that must attend the marching Regiments by parts, and wished most heartily not to have encountered them; But they must all submit to the necessity of the Measure—’Tis not possible that We shall be permitted to remain long in our present situation. The Enemy must move soon, and We must prepare to dispute every Inch of Ground they may attempt to march over. I must insist therefore, that every possible Exertion be instantly made to comply with this Order, and expect to see some of the Continental Troops here in a very short time—Nevertheless I would not have a Check put to Innoculation; let that be carried on with all imaginable Activity, and the Troops, as soon as they pass thro’ it, sent on. I am Yr most Obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 7 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 7th 1777.
Carolina.Newburn.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 7 March 1777
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
philadelphia 7th March 1777.

General Cadwallader having Absolutely declined accepting his Commission as Continental Brigadier, I laid your Excellencys Letter respecting the Militia of this City, before Messieurs Morris, & Clymer, two of the Committee of Congress—It is more than Ten days ago since I wrote to General De Haas desiring His attendance in this City. Your Excellencys last Letter to him went Yesterday, If he is not detain’d at home by the Gout, or does not Decline the Acceptance of his Brigadiers Commission, I take it for granted he will come to Town Directly—Upon my first hearing of the intended Interview with Lieut: Col: Wallcot, I search’d for one of the Cartels made the last War between France & England; Colonel Walton, & myself, examin’d every Library as well public as private, where it was likely it could be deposited, but in Vain; I have no remembrances worth mentioning, of the Articles particularly necessary to be known upon this Occasion—hard Money Fix’d a Standard Value upon every prisoner, but the particular Sum I have quite Forgot.
Just before I received Your Excellencys Letter of the 4th Instant, I had that you mention from Mr Hancock. I own I was much Surprized at the Contents, & the more so, as it was not preceeded by One upon the same Subject from Your Excellency; Unless it is your Earnest desire such a Measure should directly take place, I would by no means consent

to it. I desire not to break in upon any Arrangement made by Your Excellency, & having Commanded all the last Campaign in the Second post upon this Continent, it is not likely I should now Sollicit the Office of Adjutant General—I gave Mr Hancock an Immediate Answer to His Letter, & if his Reply is conceived in the manner I expect, & proves to me, that it is Your Excellencys request I should resume my Former Office, I shall with Cheerfullness, & Alacrity, proceed to Head Quarters. with Great Respect, & Esteem, I am Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 7 March 1777
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

May It Please your Excellency
Fish kills [N.Y.] 7th [March] 1777

I had the Honour of yours of the 20th Feby Just now, on my Return from Esopus where I have been Labouring the Appointment of Officers to fill up the Vacancies in the Regt I am Honour’d with, but have not had influence enough to get a Single officer Appoint’d; A Majority of the Committee of Arangement not being present. Your Excellencies letter to Convention was Transmitted as soon as it Come to hand, I am Extreamly Oblidg’d to you for it and Cannot help flattering myself that it will have they desired Effect, I enclose you a return of my Regt we are as yet very dimunitive Oweing in a great Measure to the great Bounty given by our Eastern Friends and the disadvantage of having Most of the Militia of this State Employ’d for two & three Months at a Time the Bounty that is given for that Short service much more Advantageous than the Contitental Bounty; these things are very Discourageing to those already inlisted and has been the Means of Many desertions.
however if we Can be of any Service I shall be Extreamly happy to be employ’d as soon as possible A Partisan in the Country near New York Immagine might be very Serviceable. I am Sir with the greatest respect Your Obt Servt

Henry B. Livingston Col:

P.S. By General McDougals Orders I march on sunday Morn. for west Chesster I would rather it had been for Jersey.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Gold Selleck Silliman, 7 March 1777
From: Silliman, Gold Selleck
To: Washington, George

Sr
Fairfield [Conn.] March 7th 1777.

By Colo. Chester the Bearer I think it my Duty to acquaint Your Excellency, that for about 6 Weekes back the Enemy’s Ships of Warr & Tenders have been, and still are cruissing along the Sound Near Connecticutt Shores, and at this Time a Fleet of 11 Sail of Ships &c. are under Sail opposite to my House, passing Westward; last Monday 7 Sail went by us to the Eastward; Tuesday Morning this Town were alarmed at Day Light with the Appearance of Two Men of Warr & 4 Tenders at Anchor in a fine Bay about 2 Miles Westward of the Town; the Militia that could be called in at so short a Warning came, & were posted at those Places where it was most likely the Enemy would attempt to land as it was apprehended they intended to do; on this the Enemy contented themselves with throwing a few Shot at us without Effect, and about 11. oClock A.M. they made Sail off into the Sound,

and were soon joined by 10 Sail more, 7 of which passed to the Eastward; the Rest soon put about and went away to the Westward; after they were gone, we found five of their Boats in different Places along the Bay; whether they were sent ashore with Parties that are now secreted among our Tories or whether they broke loose in the Storm I cant tell, for there was a violent Gale of Wind that Night, which I beleive was the Means of preventing their destroying the Town in the Night; However last Wensday Morning the same two Men of Warr & 4 Tenders came into the Bay again and came to an Anchor within abt a Mile of the Shore upon this a reconnoitreing Party Were sent down to the Bay, and about 200 Militia were soon called in; while this was doing, the Ships manned 13 Boats and made for the Shore, and when within about 20 Rods of the Shore they stopt and lay on their Oars for some time as if looking out for something, and then put about & went on Board again. These Ships remained there till this Morning and they are now out of Sight. while they lay there the Militia haveing Two Iron Six Pounders badly mounted on travelling Carriages, with One of them made the Ships so uneasy—that one of them & the Tenders pushed out a little Way the Night before last, to get out of the reach of that Gun, but returned again Yesterday Morning; That the Enemy do meditate a Descent on this Town by the Intelligence we have I think is beyond a Doubt, and our Intelligence is that the Plunder of the Town is to be given to our Tory Enemies that are in their Service; Three Hundred Militia are ordered in here to serve as a Guard but this will by no Means be sufficient to defend the Town; and a finer Place for the Enemy to possess themselves of to make a fortified Post upon I know of none any where, than a Hill adjoining to this Bay which the Bearer will describe to You and will give You further Particulars. On the whole I beg Your Excellency’s Attention to this Matter and that some Troops with some Artillery & Stores may be ordered here forthwith for our Defence, I beg the Favour of Your Excellency’s Answer to this by the Bearer. I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most Humle Servt

G. Selleck Silliman


Title: General Orders, 8 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 8th 1777.
Norfolk.Portsmouth.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 8 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir,
[Morristown, 8 March 1777]

I this Moment had the Honour to receive your two favours of the 3d Inst. With pleasure I will forward your Letters to Mr Jay by the first Opportunity. How can an Assembly of Gentlemen, Eyewitnesses to the distresses & Inconveniences that have their principal source in the Want of a well regulated Militia, hesitate to adopt the only remedy that can remove them! And stranger still, think of a Law that must necessarily add to the accumulated Load of Confusion—For Heaven’s sake, entreat them to lay aside their present Opinions; & waving every other Consideration, let the Public Good be singularly attended to—The Ease they design their Constituents by Composition must be delusive—Every injurious distinction between the Rich and the Poor ought to be laid aside now—The Enemy can not remain much longer in their present situation—Their Peace for some days past indicates Preparations to move—When they do, Your Assembly may Perhaps wish that their Militia were in the Field—I have endeavoured to cut off the Communication between Bergen & New York, having received Intelligence of it a few days ago. I have the Honour to be Yr most Obt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 8 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Livingston, 8 Mar. 1777. GW’s secretary Tench Tilghman writes in reply to Livingston on 11 Mar.: “His Excellency being much indisposed commands me to acknowledge the honor of yours of the 8th Currt. Many frauds will undoubtedly arise upon the irregular Mode in which we shall be obliged to settle the accounts of the Flying Camp men of this State. Under the present Circumstances the Officers must qualify to their Pay Rolls, which if possible should be made up regimentally, but as the Colonels and Captains are very much scattered it suppose it will not be practicable to follow this mode. They shall be paid when they are brought in” (MHi: Livingston Papers).


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 8 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Sir
Morris Town March 8th 1777

The present weak state of our army, and the appearance of a speedy movement being intended by the ennemy make it necessary that I should use every resource to augment our numbers in the most expeditious manner possible. You will therefore immediately call upon the commanding officers of all the regiments of yr state, and order them without delay to repair to camp, with such men as they have already collected; leaving a proper number of officers to prosecute the business of recruiting, which must not by any means be impeded or retarded. I am sensible, that the drawing troops into real service, before the regiments are properly completed and arranged, is injurious in many respects, but the exigency of our affairs makes it at this time indispensible; and I must urge it upon you to take every method in your power to hasten their coming forward. I must also request you will send me forthwith exact returns of the number of men now raised in your state. I am Sir Yr most hum. servt.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 8 March 1777
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 8th March 1777

I trouble you with the inclosed Papers lately sent to me—respecting Prisoners sentenced by Court Martial to Confinement in Simsbury Mines in this State & sent thither agreable to you[r] Excellency’s Order—with an Account of Expences incurred for their Support &Ca I shall take it as a Favour in Behalf of the Comtee of P. Town if the Necessary Orders are given for the Refunding the Expences they have Occasioned—& am with every Sentiment of Esteem & Regard Your Excellency’s most Obedient hble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General George Weedon, 8 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Weedon, George

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morris town 8th March 1777

You are so well acquainted with our Circumstances and Situation that I need not assign any Reason for desiring you to call upon every Colonel within your reach and order him to march whatever Men he may have raised to join the Army immediately. Let a good Officer be sent forward with the first party who may receive and take Care of the Men of his Regiment as they come up. Endeavour to procure me the Returns all of the Regiments, that I may form some Judgment of the time in which a force may be drawn together, a Matter that I am present entirely ignorant of.
Be pleased to forward the inclosed to Genal Lewis as quick as possible, it being on the same subject as yours. I am Dear Sir Yr.


Title: General Orders, 9 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 9th 1777.
Rockingham.Newtown.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir,
[Morristown, 9 March 1777]

The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania has done me the honour to communicate to [me a] piece of Intelligence of Importance, which they received from Colo. Gurney: A Copy of which is inclosed. I wish it may rouse the Gentlemen of your Assembly to prepare for the worst Event—In my Opinion the present Time is of infinitely greater Worth than is generally supposed.
Vain and useless will all our Civil Institutions, however wise, prove, unless the State of Independence, in which alone they can operate, is secured. And as this must necessarily depend on the success of our Arms, Military preparations should possess an eminent degree of our Deliberations and Care.
Altho’ the Enemy may not move as Colo. Gurney thinks, Yet common prudence must dictate the necessity of making an instant Attempt to deprive them of such Articles, lying in the Country thro’ which they may march, as can be of Use to them. For which purpose, I have directed

Genl Putnam to afford all the Aid in his power to any measures which your Assembly may think will be productive of the End designed. I have the honor to be with great Respect Yr most Obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Thomas Mifflin, 9 March 1777
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Reading [Pa.] 9th March 1777

I had the Honor to write to you by General Gates and since that Time by Express—My last enclosed some Sketches of Regulations in the Q.M. Gs. Department, which requird your Excellencys Examination; and, if approvd, some fixd Time for being set in Motion. I have not heard of the Receipt of either Letter.
By Order of Congress I have receivd 450,000 Dlrs towards the Purchase of Horses Wagons & Forage; all which Articles are now providing with as much Haste as possible. Agreeable to your Orders I writ to Mr Snickers for 50 Wagons wth 4 Horses each but gave him no Direction to purchase Forage as I had some Time before the Receipt of your Excellencys Letter employd a Gentlemen in that Quarter to purchase for me.
I sent, three Days ago, from this place 12 fine Teems & shall dispatch 16 more in a Day or two for your Camp. At Lancaster I find some Difficulty to procure any Horses or Wagons; the purchase of Horses for the Troops by many different Hands without Limitation or Discretion has almost ruind us. I do not wish to find Fault with any Gentlemens Conduct nor do I mean to do it: but most certainly there has been very great Mismanagement in the purchase of the Light Horse. Horses have risen near 50 P. Cent in One Month.
I have receivd many Complaints from Trenton Bordentown & Burlington against Mr Francis Wade & Co. who recvd Orders from your Excellency at Morris Town to purchase Forage & provisions in these

places. I am well informd that his Conduct is very exceptionable & injurious to the Service; but have had no Opportunity of examining into the several Complaints against him—perhaps a Letter from your Excellency to him directing the most moderate Behaviour in future may be of Use—he is an active industrious Man but I fear wants Discretion.
Last Night two of my Clerks arrivd here from Morris Town in Order to settle my Accounts which I shall immediately set about—I will lose no Time in finishing them & in compleating all my Buisiness & shall wait on you as soon as I possibly can for futher Orders.
I have Intrenching Tools already finishd Sufficient for the next Campaign—The Tomhawks or Hatchets go on well—20,000 are now ready to be deliverd. The Ammunition Wagons come in fast and I hope we may have three Weeks longer to prepare for Mr Howes Reception—In that Time I am confident the severall Articles requird in the Q.M.G. Department will be ready.
I have sent 50000 Dls. to Mr Wadsworth 50000 to Mr Hughes, 50000 to Mr Biddle & 50000 to Major Abeel which will enable those Gentlemen to go on for some Time with their Buisiness. I am with much Attachment Your Excellencys Ob. Friend & Obt Ser.

Tho. Mifflin

Congress, very unexpected, have honord me with Advance of Rank. I wish I may have it in my power to make my Exertions keep pace with their Honors.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 9 March 1777
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Peaks Kills [N.Y.] March 9th 1777.

I have called on General McDougle & Informed him Confidentially of the State of Our Army he Says there is about 600 Continental Troops here with two Massa. Militia Regts he is of opinion that The Continental Troops here Should be Sent forward & that the State Should Garrison this post; for which purpose he will call on Mr Jay, and consult with him upon the most Effectual Measures to bring it About.
Dr Genl Since I Left the Army I have been Informed that Genl St Clair is to take the Command at Ticondaroga the Ensueing Campaign. Though I Never Wish to Complain I cant help The Disagreeable feelings So Common to mankind when they find themselves Slighted & Neglected. When I had Compleated the Disagreeable retreat from Canada I was Superseaded with Circumstances of Indignity Since which & before Every Major General Except myself have had the Honor of Commanding posts Separated from the Main Army. Genl Putnam has Commanded at New york and Philadelphia. Genl Gates at Tycondaroga & Philadelphia. Genl Greene in the Jersies when the Army was at New york. Genl Spenser at Rhode Island & Genl Heath The Forces in this State. I have Never yet been Thought Worthy to Entrust with the Command of a Separate post. I have felt those things most Sensibly & Wish to know to what it is owing. If it be to my want of prudence, Resolution, or whatever other cause, I wish to know it That I may Rid the Continent of an officer who is unworthy to Trust with command. I once had the command in Canada by an Act of Providence & Even Malice itself cannot Censure my conduct. I was Soon Deprived of the Command & Rewarded with Disgrace for Saving the Army & Stores in that Country. I know that Ticondaroga will become an Important object with the Enemy. They must Try for it & therefore he that has the Command there will have the Post of Honor—I do therefore Humbly claim it as my Right & as the first Seperate post Entrusted to my care—And cannot Think of the Command being given to a younger officer without Conceiving myself a Second Time Treated with neglect which I well know my conduct has not Deserved.
I wish your Excellency to forward me a Line by the Post upon this Subject which will be gratefully Acknowledged by yr Excellenceys most obedt Servant

Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 10 March 1777
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 10th March 1777

I acknowlege the Receipt of your Favr of the 3d inst. & obse[r]ve the Contents. I have wrote the Cloathr Genll by this Express & have stated what I understand to be our Condition relative to the Cloaths for our Nine & a Part of Battalions raising in this State & shall wait his Approbation & further Orders as mentioned in mine to him. The Stopping the Prize Cloathg passing thro this State, was done by Colo. Webb—as I was told agreable to your Orders—I have not interposed in the Matter.
Our new Inlisted Soldiers are under Inoculation—have heard of nothing unsuccessfull among them—I hope our Quota will be in a good Measure raised answerable to your Expectations—the Openings of the Spring & Beginning the necessary Business of it, will bring Them to a Choice—& I believe the old Soldiers will enter the Service with Alacrity.
I have this Day wrote to Genll Schuyler on the Paragraph relative to old Arms in the Stores abt Albany—hope some Relief from him on that Score—Have instructed a person in the Commissary General’s Employ now in Massachusetts State to purchase a Supply for Four Regts, if to be had—shall send out others in this State to purchase whatever Number can be Obtained—Indeed great Attention hath been had to that Article in this State, & no endeavours are wanting on our part.
Expect to give the necessary Orders to morrow to send in Capt. Luke and the Officers with him—and ’tis with pleasure I can inform major Wyllys, that his Parole will be released on the going in of Capt. Luke—I think it may be Best to send those Officers to New York—and shall send you the Captains Receipt when Obtained.

Enclosed are extracts from two Letters very surprisingly bro’t to Light—One from Govr Wentworth to his Sister Fisher the other from Jno. Cockran to his wife.
The Originals with Several Others I sent last week to the President of the Council at New Hampshire the Eight other Letters mentioned are not come to hand.
Eleven Ships lately appeared off the Harbour of New-London it was at first tho’t their intention was to pass up the Sound—Yesterday they hauled in between Fishers Island and the Main, are landing some Troops, and sitting up the Tents on the Island—One of the Ships is a large man of Warr & two Others Smaller—It may be their Design to take hold of New London & Secure to themselves that Harbour—Or else to get Wood & fresh provisions, possibly from the Main, hope they will be prevented.
Brigr Genl Knox’s Receipt for twenty thousand Dollars sent & paid to him agreable to your Request of the 11th Feby last—is inclosed—& youll replace the same in the Way which suits best. I am with Esteem And Regard sir Your most Obedient humble Servant

Jonth; Trumbull


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 11th 1777.
Ticonderoga.Champlain.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 11 March 1777
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Providence 11th March 1777

I am now to acknowledge Your Excellency’s favours of the 6th & 20th Ulto & 3d Inst.—On Receit of the former, I was Ordered to Boston with a View of Collecting, four, or five, Continental Battallions, for our intended Attack, On my return Genl Spencer thought It necessary for me to go to Pt Judah from whence I returned last night, & was then presented with your Excellency’s favours of the last date—prior to the receit of which, we have laid a side all thoughts of makeing a General attack on Rhode Island. The New levies of the Massachusets

Bay being all Ordered to Tyonderoga, & those of Connecticut Innoculated for the small Pox, deprives us of the aid of Continental Troops, on whom we had placed our cheif dependence.
When the attack was first proposed, we had reason to think your Excellency had a Force Superior to the Enemy in The Jersey’s, I am sorry to say we now have reason to think the Case is altered, after duly weighing the Matter, & considering the difaculties, & Risque of Attacking, and makeing good a retreat, and the fatal Consequences Attending a failure of success, I was dubious of the propriety of the Attack, as the Enemy Now rest secure & easy in their quarters, I am fully of Opinion it will be imprudent to force them to Action, untill our new levies are in a manner compleat, from our strength & numbers who do not exceed four thousand raw Militia, we have no reasonable prospect of succeeding against Four thousand, well disciplined Troops, notwithstanding The Assembly of this state have, lately requested General Spencer to make an Attack on the Enemy on Rhode Island, which He seems Inclined to do & the Militia are collecting for the purpose. It is proposed to Attack the No. End of the Island with Three thousand Men, I am much averse to this plan, as I am fearfull it will bring on a general Action, & end in our disgrace, or cause the Troops In New Port to embark, both of which I wish to Avoid at this Critical Juncture. From, some of Our own People, & several deserters from the Enemy, We are Informed they are near four thousand strong, it is said Two thousand have lately Arived at New Port from New York, I am rather Inclined to think they are a body of Men lately sent to Martha’s Vineyard, for stock. Ten Transports passed Pt Judah this day week to the Westward, & appeared full of Troops, Twenty Odd Sail are gone to England, & Fifty Sail remain at New Port.
I am greatly obliged to your Excellency for interesting Yourself so much in my behalf in respect to my Appointment, which I have had no Advice of, & know not by what means it was anounc’d In the Papers. I beleive none but the Printer has a mistake to rectify, Congress have doubtless a right of promoting, those, who from their ability, their long, & Arduous Services they esteem most deserveing. Their promoting Junior Officers to the Rank of Major Generals, I view as a very Civil way of requesting my resignation, as unqualified for the Office I hold. my Commission was Confered unsolicited, received with pleasure Only as a means of serveing my Country, with equal pleasure I resign it, when I can no longer serve my Country with honour. The Person who void Of the nice feelings of honour will tamely Condecend to give up his right, & hold a Commission at the Expence of his reputation, I hold as a disgrace to the Army & unworthy of the Glorious Cause in which we are engaged. When I entered the Service of my

Country, my Character was unimpeach’d, I have sacrafised my Interest, ease, & hapyness in her Cause, It is rather a misfortune than fault, that my exertions have Not been Crown’d with success, I am Concious of the rectitude of my Intentions, in Justice therefore to my Own Character & for the satisfaction of my Freinds, I must request a Court of Inquiry into my Conduct, & tho I sensibly feel the Ingratitude of my Countrymen, every Personal Injury shall be buried in my zeal for the safety & happyness of my Country, in whose Cause I have repeatedly Fought, & bled, & am ready at all times to risque my life. I shall Cautiously avoid any hasty Step (in Consequence of the Appointments that have taken place) that may tend to Injure my Country.
Particular Attention shall be paid to Your Excellency’s Commands respectg the Prisoners. I have the honour to be with very great Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys most Obedt & very Humble Servant

Bt Arnold


Title: From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 11 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Morristown 11th March 1777

I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you since yours of the 13 Feby inclosing a Number of Regulations for the Quarter Master Generals department, which, from the multiplicity of Business, I have not been able yet to attend to. What I would principally recommend to you, is the having the Amunition Waggons and those for carrying Tools got ready as soon as possible. But I think you should turn your attention particularly to providing Tents, because Genl Howe will certainly take the Feild as soon as the Weather and Roads will permit, and it will never do for our Army to follow him in a scattered Manner, for want of covering to enable us to keep together.
A Brother of Genl Green’s informed me, that he had got a quantity of Duck belonging to the Continent, which he had several times wrote to Congress about, but could not obtain an answer. I desired him to have it made up immediately into Tents, of which Article, we cannot have too many, for our Army suffered extremely last Campaign for want of Shelter from both heat and cold. I shall be glad to hear what fordwardness things are in, in your department, and what are your prospects. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 11 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Spencer, Joseph

Sir,
Head Quarters [Morristown] 11th March 1777

I have yours of the 2d instant, by which I am sorry to find, that from a Number of unfortunate Circumstances, your intended descent upon Rhode Island had failed. I however think you were right in not putting any thing to the risque of a miscarriage, for untill we get our new army properly established, it is our Business to play a certain game, and not depend upon Militia for any thing capital. The Enemy having drawn almost the whole of their Force from New York into Jersey, with a design to take the field as soon as the Weather and Roads will permit, has obliged me to order all the Continental Troops of Connecticut that have had the small Pox to march immediately, and join me and all those that have not to be innoculated, for the Country is so full of that disorder, that there is no other way of preserving the lives of the Soldiery. I hope you will be able to keep the Enemy from penetrating the Country with Militia only, and should they draw off any more of their Men and thereby reduce their numbers in any considerable manner,

perhaps, as you have Boats and every thing ready, you may be able by dint of superior force to give them a Blow, tho’ you have only Militia. But I recommend caution to you as I have done before. I am.


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 12th 1777.
Detroit.Ontario.

Richard Kidder Meade Esqr: appointed Aide-De-Camp to the Commander in Chief, and is to be respected and obeyed as such.


Title: Circular to the Colonels of Various Continental Regiments, 12 March 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Colonels of Various Continental Regiments

Sir
Head Quarters Morristown 12th March 1777

You are hereby required immediately to send me an exact return of the state of your Regiment, and to march all the Recruits you have to Philadelphia, where they will be innoculated, and receive further orders from the Commanding Officer in that City—No plea’s for delay, drawn from the dispersion of the Officers and Men, can be admitted. Every Commanding Officer should know where his inferior Officers, and those where their Recruits, are; and shou’d be able to collect them in the most expeditious manner—You and the Major must come on with the Regiment, leaving behind a sufficient number of proper Officers to carry on the Recruiting Service; Also the Lieut. Colo. to direct and hurry them on as fast as they get the compliment of men respectively assign’d to them. I am Sir Your Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 March 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Letter not found: to John Hancock, 12 Mar. 1777. Hancock’s letter to GW of 25 Feb. is docketed in part “Ansd 12 March.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 12 March 1777
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Peaks Kill [N.Y.] 12th March 1777

It is now near five Months since my appointment to a Regiment Both Officers and Soldiers are begining to feel the Inconvenience attending the want of Money the Pay Abstracts would have been sent in but I have thought Proper to wait a General Order for that Purpose in Compliance with Your Excellencies Commands, I am Extreemly desirous wether the same Method is still in use and wether Your Excellency has as Yet thought Proper to issue any Orders that respect the Payment of the Troops on the new Establishment. I am with Esteem Your Excellencies Most Obedient Servant

Henry B. Livingston


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

Sir
Pecks Kill [N.Y.] March 12th 1777

I have been honored with the Receipt of your Favor, of the 6th Instant. The several Matters ordered therein will be strictly attended to, and diligently pursued.
Since my last, Colonel Livingston’s Regiment arrived here, after your Commands reached me; to assemble the troops of this State at Pecks Kill. I did not therefore send him down to the lower part of this County, as I intended. The Strength of his Corps is inclos’d. I have ordered all the Officers of the Corps not gone to Ticonderoga, and the Recruits to join their respective Regiments, that we may have a proper Return of their Strength. When this is done such Officers as are proper for the recruiting Service will be sent on it.
I have directed and pressed with every Motive, the Colonels of the Regiments, to have the men of each Company call’d over by their respective Rolls, in their Presence, before they make up the Returns, to prevent any Desertion, and to give no Furloughs till further Orders; and to draw the Bounty and Clothes for their Corps, to prevent any Pretext to desert.
Colonel Cortlandt’s Regiment is ordered to be here to Morrow: and what is of Ganservorts at Fish Kills, to relieve the Garrison at Fort-Constitution, whose time of Service is expired. I was induced to this, to keep up the Appearance of a Garrison there; the want of which

would be a Demonstration to the Enemy of our weakness; and because they will be ready there in case of Necessity, to cross the River by the Time the other two Regiments have pass’d.
The former Consideration determined me to leave Colonel Dubois’s at Fort Montgomery; and as it will as soon join the Army, as if it marched from this Post. For as I have no other Troops to garrison those Forts, I could not think it justifyable in me, to evacuate them without an express Order, altho’ the Troops were ordered to assemble at this Post, without any Directions how, or by whom, the Forts should be garrisoned. Your Silence on this important matter, I ascrib’d to the great Hurry of Business, which is continually at Head Quarters. I could not imagine, that you intended those Forts should be abandoned, without mentioning it; but if I have unhappily missed your Intention, I beg to be advised of it.
It is high time the Gallies should be put into a Condition for Service; they may be useful in keeping the Enemies small Craft from stopping the Navigation, unless they should be covered by the Frigates. The marine Committee of Congress should equip, or some person should be authorized to do it. If any Person here, should be envested with Power, he should be instructed what Wages to give the Officers, and men, and provided with money to discharge the necessary Charge of fitting them.
General Sullivan has communicated to me, what you gave him in Charge. I sent for Mr Jay and communicated it to him; we were both of Opinion, that Draughts must immediately be made out of the Militia, to fill up the Regiments. He is gone to Convention, to endeavour to accomplish it. I think he will effect it.
Connecticut giving so large a Bounty, carries off a great Number of young men of our State on it’s Borders which retards our recruiting, and renders it impracticable to fill up our Regiments, in any other way, than that above mentioned.
Major Edmonstone came yestarday from New-York with the inclosed, in his way to Albany. As the negotiation with General Howe, or his Commissary of Prisoners originated from you, I should have thought it my Duty, to have sent him to Head Quarters or back again to New York, ’till he or the General should address you on the Subject Matter of his Business. But for Reasons too obvious to be mentioned, I shall permit him to pass to General Schuyler; and if I can, by water to Fish Kill, and not thro’ the Mountains. In the mean time, your Excellency’s Determination on General Howe’s Proposal may meet the Major at General Schuyler’s. I have the Honor to be, with great Truth & Regard, your Excellency’s very humble Servant

Alexr McDougall

P.S. The inclosed Letter to me from a Committee of convention who have been down in the lower part of the County of west Chester for time to Collect Foder demands attention; and such an answer, which I have not power to give.


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

Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 13th 1777.
Montreal.Chamblee.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 13 March 1777
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mr Bells Farm Rariton [N.J.] 13th March 1777

Agreable to your Excellency’s Orders, I shall this Day send down to Boundbrook, 300 men.
The Person I mentioned to your Excellency, is just returned from Brunswick, & brings the following Intelligence.
Genl Howe, went to New York, 10 Days ago, the Troops much in the same Situation they were, no Boats building; the Hessians very sickly, & die fast; many English Troops begin to sicken, Skinners Brigade, all order’d off to Long-Island to recruit, being in very bad Health.
Skinner says, the moment the roads will permit, they are determined to march to Morris Town, rout your Excellency. They have a report, that all the Field pieces are sent off, from that Post, & that our Numbers are small—the Person sent in, was told as a very great Truth, that our Numbers at the different Posts only amounted to 21,500—he seemed a little surprized, as he thought they had not exceeded 12,000, altho’ many People imagined, they were about 30,000; Skinner seemed a little startled at our Strength. He is possitive, that Morris Town, is their Object.
I have proportioned the Field & other Officers in my Brigade, to the Number of men agreable to your Excellency’s Request. Sincerely wishing, the perfect recovery of your Excellency’s Health, I am, Your most Ob. Servt

Philemon Dickinson