Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 31 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia July 31st 1776.

The enclosed Resolves, which I do myself the Honour of transmitting, are so explicit, that I need only refer your Attention to them.
You will please to give such Orders, with Regard to building Boats for the Service of the Flying Camp, as you shall judge necessary. A Copy of Genl Mercer’s Letter to Congress on this Subject, you have enclosed.
I have wrote to the Council of Safety of this State to forward to Genl Mercer ten six Pounders, and an equal Number of four Pounders, with the greatest Expedition.
Your Favour of the 29th came safe to Hand, and was immediately laid before Congress. I have forwarded to Generals Schuyler and Mercer a Copy of the enclosed Resolves, as far as they relate to their respective Departments. I have the Honour to be with Sentiments of the greatest Respect & Esteem Sir your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt

P.S. Upon conversing with Genl Sullivan, and stating to him the Reasons of Congress promoting Genl Gates over him, he desired Me to move for Leave to withdraw his Application to resign—in which the Congress have acquiesced. He has now

Orders to repair to New York, where you will please to assign him such Post of Duty as you shall think proper.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 31 July 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Perth Amboy [N.J.] 31 July 1776

This morning two Negros were brought to me, who made their Escape last night from Staten Island—and were taken up by our Guards at So. Amboy—Their Examination contains nothing new but is sent enclosd for your perusal—By the Report of the Commanding Officer At the above mentioned Post it appears that Thirty Nine sail of Square riggd Vessels, three of them men of War have come in from Sea within these three days. I have the honour to be Sir Your Excellencys most obedt Servt

Hugh Mercer


Title: To George Washington from the Regimental Surgeons at New York, 31 July 1776
From: Regimental Surgeons at New York
To: Washington, George

New York July 31st 1776

The Regimental Surgeons of the Army, stationed at New York, commanded by your Excellency, considering themselves aggreived by the regulations issued by your Excellency on the 28th of July: and having the strongest assurances, that your ear

is ever open to the just complaints; and that you are ever ready to redress the injuries, of those under your command, beg leave, with the utmost respect to remonstrate.
That by those orders the sole right of judging and determining of the fitness of removing a Patient from the Regimental to the General Hospital is vested in the Surgeon of the Hospital, to the exclusion of the Regimental Surgeon, who must be supposed to be under equal, if not superior advantages to determine with regard to his own patient of the propriety of doing it.
That we concieve the orders are expressed in such terms (and are in fact so understood by the officers of the respective Regiments to which we belong) as represent your Remonstrants in a very contemptible light; and their services of less importance in the Army, than we humbly concieve they deserve. While your Remonstrants reflect on their assiduity and constant attendance on the Sick, the great numbers they have had under their care, in proportion to those admitted into the General Hospital and the allmost inconceiveable disadvantages which they have laboured under ’til the present period, being allmost wholly destitute of suitable supplies: they cannot on the present occasion see themselves considered by the public, and especially by your Excellency, in so disagreeable a point of light, without feeling [it] in the most sensible manner.
While we complain to your Excellency on a very tender point; a point in which we think our usefullness and honour are deeply concerned, we beg leave to inform that we shall with the greatest cheerfullness submit ourselves, our Hospitals, the whole of our conduct, as it respects the good of the Army to the inspection and regulation of the Director General.
Confiding in your justice and equity for a redress of our greiveances, we willingly leave it to your Excellency to remedy our complaints; and your Remonstrants as in duty bound shall ever pray

            James Cogswell
            John Hart
            Sam[u]el Richards

            Percival Hall
            David Jones
            William Adams

            Elisha Story
            Lemuel Cushing
            Samuel Tenny

            Jared Potter
            John Conduit
            John Crocker

            Thomas Ewing
            John Crocker Junr
            Elisha Eley

            Gibbons Jewett
            Josiah Hart
            Ithurl Pell

            Benja. Putnam
            John Waldo


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 31 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York July the 31st 1776

Your Favors of the 14th 17. 20 & 24th have been duly received, & I am extremely happy to find that You have discovered & apprehended some of the Ring leaders of a dangerous Plot, You say, was forming in the Neighbourhood of Albany. Nor do I hear with little Pleasure of the Harmony & Good Agreement between You & General Gates, knowing how Essential they are to the Service.
Agreeable to Your Request, I communicated to Mr Trumbull that Part of Your Letter, respecting Mr Livingston & Your Apprehensions of his Resignation, in Case any Person should be appointed to act independant of him in the Buisiness, he usually managed. Upon this Occasion I must Observe, That as Mr Trumbull has the Supreme Direction of supplying the Northern Army, & is the Person to be Accountable, If It is not done in a proper Manner, that his Appointments should & must be regarded, or Things in this Instance, will never proceed in a Regular Channel & fatal Consequences will Otherwise arise. Mr

Trumbull I believe has wrote Mr Livingston on the Subject & I presume has mentioned in What Manner he would have him to act, & also given Necessary Instructions to his Deputy.
It gives Me Great Satisfaction to hear, That taking Post at Fort Stanwix, has not Given Umbrage to the Indians, and also that those that were at Philadelphia & this Place, have returned with such favorable Ideas of our Strength & Resources, to their several Nations. From this Circumstance, I am hopeful, You will be able to Engage them in our Interest, & with the Assistance of the Reward allowed by Congress, to excite their Efforts to make Prisoners of our Enemies. I would have You press the Matter strongly in both Instances, & tho’ You shoud not succeed, I flatter Myself, You will secure their Neutrality. That will be an Important point to gain.
I conceive It will not only be proper, but Absolutely Necessary to request General Burgoyne, to deliver the Officers who regardless of their Paroles, have Escaped from Pensylvania, And all Others that have acted in the same Manner; Pointing out the Impropriety of such Conduct & the Difficulty It lays us Under, as to the Line of Treatment to be Observed to Others. In a Conversation with the Adjutant General of the Kings Army, I touched upon this Subject, & he assured Me, all Complaints of this Nature would be strictly Attended to by General Howe, & those who Gave Rise to them be handled with Much Severity. Lord Howe too I am confidently Informed has expressed his Great Disapprobation of such Behaviour & said that those that were Guilty of It, should be severely Noticed, If they came into his Hands. Every thinking & sensible Person, must see the Impropriety of It, & the Consequences that must attend It. I should suppose the Requisition will claim General Burgoy[n]e’s Attention, & be readily complied with.
The Swivels You mention cannot be had, but if the Experiments of a Person who has undertaken to Cast some Three pounders should succeed, Perhaps after some Time You may be furnished in Part with a Quantity of these. Colo. Knox seems to think they will be far superior to Swivels. The Man supposes after he begins, that he will be able to Compleat twenty Every Week. Neither are there any Hand Granadoes. We have a large Number of 4½ Inch Shells Which might be a Good substitute,

But I do not know how Things of this sort can be forwarded to You, as the Water Communication with Albany is entirely cutt off. The Difficulty will be Great, If not almost insuperable.
I Observe Your Reasons for Quitting Crown Point & preferring the Post opposite to Tyconderoga. My Knowledge of the Importance of the former was not properly my Own, It arose from the Information I had from Gentlemen & persons who were, or said they were well acquainted with It, & the Situation of the Country about It. Being founded on that, I cannot say any Thing myself upon the subject. Your Representation of It, most Certainly lessens Its Consequences in a Capital Degree. However I am fearful the Observation of the Field Officers, That the New England Governments &ca will be thereby exposed to the Incursions of our Cruel & savage Enemies will be but too well Verified. If that Post could not be maintained this Evil must have happened with Greater Ones.
In Respect to the Priviledge You have Given the Officers who held double Commissions to retain which they choose, I cannot Object. If the Authority Giving them was the same & such as was Exercised usually & approved, I see no Cause for It, & suppose the Officers have that Right. As to Lieut. Colo: Buell’s Case, I cannot give any Direction about It, not having Authority to appoint Officers Generally.
It is not in my Power to spare You any Money from hence. Our Chest is all but Empty. Congress would be informed by Your Letters of Your Situation doubtless. I mentioned It in Mine, & have suggested, as I often have, the Expediency—Nay the Necessity of Keeping Regular Supplies. Nothing of Moment has occurred here lately. The Enemy are Growing stronger, for some Days past, Ships &ca have been Coming in to them more or less. At the Eastward Accounts say, Three or four Captures have been made lately among ’em a Provision Vessel from Ireland, Which of Herself came into Boston Harbour. In the Southern Department we have been still more lucky. Sir Peter Parker & his Fleet Got a severe Drubbing in an Attack made against our Works on Sullivan’s Island, Just by Charles Town, South Carolina. A Part of their Troops at the same Time attempting to Land were repulsed. The Papers I presume have reached You, Announcing this fortunate Event, Where You will

see the particulars as transmitted by General Lee to Congress. I am Dear Sir, Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, July 1776
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Long Island, July 1776]

The inclosed is a true State of the three detatched Companies of Colonel Clintons Regiment Stationed at the East End of Long Island we have two Feild Peices Mounted on Feild Carriages but no Ammunition for them If we had a supply of that Article also Ladles Rammers and Worms for them I fancy they would be of Service to us if the Enemy Should ever take it in their Heads to visit us. the Committee have fitted up these two Peices and requested me to write to Your Excellency for a Supply of Amunition for them I have with much dificulty prevaild on them to remove the Cattle from some of the Islands and to prepare Boats to remove them from Shelter Island as soon as a Fleet Shall appear in sight they have furnished us with 5 whale Boats since my Arrival and promise to procure a Sufficiency for us which will be a Great Advantage to us as the companies can much more expeditiously asist each Other by Water than by Land. There are a prodigious Number of Cattle here more than three Companies Can possibly protect Montauk Point or Neck—about 18 Miles in Length and 2 in Breath Contains 16 Hundred Head of Horned Cattle 500 Horses and 10,000 Sheep, Should the Communication be cut off between this Neck

and the Country it would be a fine Supply for Our Enemies. I remain Your Excellencies Most Obt Humble Servt

Henry B. Livingston

P.S. one of the Companies is Stationed on Mauntauk Point another on Shelter Island about 20 Miles from Mauntauk another at Oyster Pond Point about 7 Miles from Shelter Island and 24 Miles from Mauntauk.


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

Head Quarters, New York, August 1st 1776.
Paris.Reading.

It is with great concern, the General understands, that Jealousies &c: are arisen among the troops from the different Provinces, of reflections frequently thrown out, which can only tend to irritate each other, and injure the noble cause in which we are engaged, and which we ought to support with one hand and one heart. The General most earnestly entreats the officers, and soldiers, to consider the consequences; that they can no way assist our cruel enemies more effectually, than making division among ourselves; That the Honor and Success of the army, and the safety of our bleeding Country, depends upon harmony and good agreement with each other; That the Provinces are all United to oppose the common enemy, and all distinctions sunk in the name of an American; to make this honorable, and preserve the Liberty of our Country, ought to be our only emulation, and he will be the best Soldier, and the best Patriot, who contributes most to this glorious work, whatever his Station, or from whatever part of the Continent, he may come: Let all distinctions of Nations, Countries, and Provinces, therefore be lost in the generous contest, who shall behave with the most Courage against the enemy, and the most kindness and good humour to each other—If there are any officers, or soldiers, so lost to virtue and a love of their Country as to continue in such

practices after this order; The General assures them, and is directed by Congress to declare, to the whole Army, that such persons shall be severely punished and dismissed the service with disgrace.


Title: To George Washington from the Continental Congress Secret Committee, 1 August 1776
From: Continental Congress Secret Committee
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Secret Committee Philada August 1st 1776

We have the honor to transmit you five Tons of Musquet Powder by the bearer hereof agreable to an order of Congress passed yesterday and as our Stock here is not considerable We beg to remind you, that three Powder Mills are now employed in making Continental Powder near New York, Vizt Mr Livingston & Mr Wisners Mills in N. York Government and Colo. Fords in the Jerseys from whence this supply might have been drawn and when more is wanted it will be found there. By order of the Secret Committee I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Obedt hble servt

Robt Morris, Chair Man


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp on Long Island Augt 1. 1776

Colo. Hand Reports thirty Sail of Ships standing in for the Hook. Perhaps this may be part of the foreign Troops.
I detacht for the Galleys between forty & fifty men yesterday. Two Companies that have been with Col. Foremans Regiment

are gone from this post to Join their Regiment under General Heard. The Troops in general are exceeding Sickly, great numbers taken down every day. If the state of the Army will admit of a Reinforcement at this Post perhaps it may be prudent. If it does not, I will do the best I can with what I have got. I am with all due respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt

N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp on Long Island Augt 1. 1776 4 O’Clock P.M.

The fleet reported coming in this morning consists of about forty Sail, Tenders and all, they are now off new Uttrich Shore—pilots have gone down to bring them up—The dispute subsisting between an Officer in Col. Littles Regt & Col. Varnums I hope is in a fair way to be Accomodateed. In to days Orders a Regt of General Wadsworths Brigade is orderd on this Island. if they can have Tents it will be much ⟨th⟩e best. I am with all due respect your Excellency most Obedient Servt

N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Howe, 1 August 1776
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Head Quarters Staten Island 1st Augt 1776

I have receiv’d the Favor of your Letter of the 30th of July and shall accordingly direct that Mr Lovell who is now at Halifax, be brought to this Port, of which I shall have the Honor of advising you, that the proposed Exchange between him and Governor Skene may take Place.
The Extent of my Command having no Relation to Canada, it is not in my Power to give you the Satisfaction I could wish respecting the Enlargement of Coll Allen; it must therefore depend upon General Carleton’s Determination: But wishing sincerely to give Relief to the Disstresses of all Prisoners, I shall readily consent to the Mode of Exchange You are pleased to propose, Viz. Officers for those of equal Rank, Soldier for Soldier, Citizen for Citizen: the Choice to be made by the Respective Commanders, for their own Officers and Men: You must be sensible Deserters cannot be included in this Arrangement: and for the Mode of Exchange in the Naval Line, I beg Leave to refer you to the Admiral.
I cannot close this Letter without expressing the deepest Concern that the unhappy State of the Colonies, so different

from what I had the Honor of experiencing in the Course of the last War, deprives me of the Pleasure I should otherwise have had in a more personal Communication. I am with due Respect Sir Your most Obedt Servt

W. Howe


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 1 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, Hugh

Letter not found: to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 1 Aug. 1776. In a letter to GW of 5 Aug., Mercer refers to “your Letter of the 1st Inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 1 August 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
German Flatts [N.Y.] August 1st 1776

General Arnold in a Letter of the 24th Ultimo from Tyonderoga advises me of the Necessity of sending ten or twelve Gunners, and as many Gunners Mates for our armed Vessels—As none can be spared from the Artillery; they are not to be had at Albany or its Vicinity and I know not of any place nearer than New York where they can be procured, will your Excellency be so good as to order them up with all possible Dispatch?
I have wrote to Governor Trumbull for Seamen, as only seventy are to be got out of the Army & three hundred are wanted—As it will not be possible to procure them on the Continental Allowance for Seamen, there being no prospect of making prizes, I have ventured to desire the Governor to engage them on the best Terms he can—I hope this will meet with your Excellency’s Approbation.
Part of the Cayuga Indians arrived Yesterday: the Remainder are expected to Day: and the Senecas to Morrow and we are in Hopes of opening the Treaty on the next Day.
We have Advice by Indians returned from Canada that the Enemy are employed in erecting a large & strong Fortification at St. John’s. I can learn Nothing from them about any Vessels building there.
Fort Stanwix is repairing and is already so far advanced as to be defensible against light Artillery. It would already have been

furnished with six Months provision, if the necessary Supply of the Indians had not prevented—These people consume an amazing Quantity of provision at least better than twice as much as so many Troops. They now consist of about 1200 including Women & Children. I am Dr Sir with the greatest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., 1 August 1776
From: Shaw, Nathaniel Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
New London [Conn.] Augst 1st 1776

The bearer Doctor Wolcott will deliver you a Turtle wich was taken in a Ship bound from Jamaica to London by Capt. Biddle in the Brigg Andrew Doria, & was Sent into this Port but Unfortunately was Lost on the Rocks of Fishe[r]s Island, being Chas’d by a Man of Warr, we Sav’d About Ninety Puncheons of Rum, the Sugar 250 hhds all Lost & the Ship—and as the Turtle was Intended for the Support of our Enemys, we thought best to Send him to head Quarters, to be Dealt with—I am Sir Your very hum. Servt

Nathl Shaw Junr


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 1 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York Augt 1st 1776

Congress having been pleased to empower me to order Colo. Ward’s regiment wherever I might think it necessary, I take the liberty of requesting you to direct him to march it immediately to this place, where, I am of opinion, the service requires it, &

their aid may be extremely material, especially as the Levies come in but slowly.
Since my last nothing of importance has occurred; or that is worthy of notice except an augmentation of about twenty nine Ships and Brigs with seven or eight smaller vessels to the Enemy’s Fleet—I have not yet learned what they bring, certainly—However, some Troops were seen landing from them yesterday, which the General who observed them took to be Artillery Men. It is not improbable that they may be some of the Guards whose dress is pretty much like that of the Artillery. I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir Your most Obedient Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. The three Galleys you were so kind as to order have safely arrived, also two from Rhode Island. With these and one that is finished here we are preparing to attempt something against the Ships above.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., and Colonel Samuel Elmore, 1 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.,Elmore, Samuel

Sir
New York [1] Augt 1776

Having just received from Congress a return of Colo. Elmore’s Regiment now in your State, with directions that it shall join this Army, I request the favor of you to order him to march immediately to this place—They have appointed John Brown Esqr. Lieut. Colo. of it, and Robert Cocke Esqr. Major. Commissions for such Officers as appear with their respective Companies I am to fill up. I have the honor to be Sir with great respect Sir Your most obedient Servant

G. Washington

P.S. ½ after 12. I this minute recived a report from General Greene that thirty Ships are coming in to the Hook. Do hurry the Troops on, my good Sir.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General George Clinton, 2 August 1776
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fort-Montgomery [N.Y.] 2d August 1776.

I take this Opportunity by my Brother (now on his Way to Newyork to settle some Affairs of his Regimt) to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency’s Favour of the 26th Ulto & of informing you of our present Situation & that of the Enemy—On Thursday last the Shipping & Tenders fell down to the Mouth of Croton’s River where they have since continued at Anchor near the East Shore—Since which they have made one Attempt to land on this Side the River with their Barge; but

were repulsed by our Militia—On Saturday last the 300 New England Militia left Peeks Kill &ca and returned Home without giving me the least Notice of it, tho I believe they had the Consent of the Committee of Congress who expected in the New Levies from West Chester & Dutchess Counties to supply their Place—They did not arive. The Shore of Course was unguarded & the very same Evening the Enemy came up the Rive⟨r⟩ on their Barge above Six Miles from where their Shipping lay went upwards of a Mile in the Country and took off a Yoke of Oxen a Steer a Cow & 10 Sheep from the Farm of one Baily a noted Tory who it is said is on Board the Phœnix and I suppose was their Guide On Receiving this Account I thought it my Duty to send a Part of our Men to protect that Shore until the New Levies in those Counties can be raised to relieve them, and have done so accordingly tho contrary to the Resolves of Provincial Congress which fixes their Stations on this Side the River; But Trust the Necessity of the Case will justify my Conduct in this; As to leave that Side without Protection woud in a great Degree render our Care on this useless & Idle—I have taken Possession of the Hill mentioned in my last and the proper Works are laid out there by Mr Machin which shall be executed with the greatest Dispatch & Oeconomy—The Fire Rafts are not yet compleated—The Difficulty in procuring the necessary Materials has occassioned much Delay: They are however in such forwardness as to be used to some Advantage should the Shipping attempt passing us. The Gentleman from Philadelphia to assist our Secret Committee was here Yesterday & is gone forward to Poughkeepsie. I think it not best to proceed on the Rafts till he returns here as he dont altogether approve the Method we have taken of fixing the Combustible Matter in them—The Mode directed by your Excellency for drawing the Artificer’s Pay &ca (with which I was entirely unacquainted) will prevent any future uneasiness on their Account and Answer better than Money here. I am with the highest Esteem Your Most Obedt Servt

Geo. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Richard Derby, Jr., 2 August 1776
From: Derby, Richard Jr.
To: Washington, George

Watertown [Mass.] 2 August 1776.

“The Inclosed letter I have this day laid before the Council of this State, who have directed me to inclose it to your Excellency, desiring (if you think proper) when a convenient opportunity offers it may be forwarded agreeable to its directions.”


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Greenleaf, 2–5 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Greenleaf, Benjamin

Sir.
Head-Quarters New York 2d[—5] Augt 1776

Your letter of the 16th Ultmo in behalf of the Council of Massachusetts is duly Received, the Contents have been attended to, and I have the pleasure to inform you there is a prospect of an early exchange of the Prisoners taken in the Yanke-Hero Privateer—As Mr Tracy negociated this matter and had an interview with Lord Howe on Board the Eagle Man of War I must refer you to him for particulars, Congress authorised Me to comply with General Howe’s request of giveing Gove[r]nor Skeene for Mr Lovell, I have wrote informing General Howe thereof, and expect soon to have Mr Lovell sent to some part of the Continent.
Assure the Members of your Honorable Body it gives me particular pleasure, that I have it in my power to release one of their Cityzens from a long and tedious Imprisonment, and shall esteem myself happy in complying with any request they may make consistant with the Important Duties of my Office. I have the Honor to be with Great Esteem their & Your Most Obedient & Very Hume Servt

Go: Washington

August 5th 1776. P.S. On the 11th Ulto I wrote your Honorable Body respecting the St. Johns Novia Scotia & Penobscott In⟨dians⟩ since which I have heard nothing from them, i⟨t is⟩ a matter of the greatest Consequence, must therefore beg an Answer, acquainting Me what Steps they have taken by the first Post, Since the above I have a letter from General Howe acquainting me he has sent for Mr Lovell for the proposed Exchange, I am sir Yours &c.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York August the 2d 1776

Your favor of the 30th Ulto with Its several Inclosures, I was honoured with by Wednesdays post.
Congress having been pleased to leave with me the direction of Colo. Wards Regiment, I have wrote to Govr Trumbull and requested him to order their March to this place, being fully satisfied that the Enemy mean to make their Grand push in this Quarter, and that the Good of the service requires every aid here that can be obtained. I have also wrote Colo. Elmore and directed him to repair hither with his Regiment; when It comes I shall fill up Commissions for such Officers as appear with their respective Companies.

Colo. Holman with a Regimt from the Massachusetts State is arrived. Colo. Cary from thence is also here waiting the arrival of his Regiment which he hourly expects. he adds when he left New London, he heard that the Third Regiment from the Massachusetts was almost ready and would soon be in motion.
The Enemy’s Force is daily augmenting & becoming stronger by new arrivals—Yesterday Genl Greene reports that about Forty sail including Tenders came into the Hook. What they are, or what those have brought that have lately got in, I remain uninformed—However I think It probable they are part of Lord How’s Fleet with the Hessian Troops. It is time to look for ’em. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I am extremely sorry to Inform Congress our Troops are very sickly.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 2 August 1776
From: Hay, Ann Hawkes
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Haverstraw [N.Y.] August 2d 1776

I find my own apprehensions that the Banks of Hudson’s River would become the Chief Theatre of the War, confirmed by the Opinion of the Congress; and I feel therefore vast Satisfaction in the Provision they are making for a proper Defence on this great Line of Communication, as well as in the Report, that your Excellency is at the same Time concerting Measures, totally to obstruct the Navigation below the Capital.
The Vessels under Capt. Parker’s Command on their Departure from our Bay, brought to in an Hour after my last Letter was dispatched between Teller’s Point and the Verdritige Hook; where they still continue, and have since they changed their Ground, received some supplies from the West Chester Shore. On this Side our Watch is so strictly kept up, that they have had Nothing from us, since the Day on which they distroyed Halsteed’s House.
By the late Act of our Congress for establishing River Guards, I observe that the appointment of the Deputy Commissaries is left to your Excellency; & if the Burden of the Service will not fall too heavy upon the Undertaker, I stand ready to perform it on this Side of the River; and being conveniently situated & having an extensive Acquaintance in the surrounding Country for the facilitating the Necessary supplies, I now offer myself for that Trust, with hopes of your Favor and Approbation. The Bearer will wait for your Excellency’s Answer, for I propose upon his return & your Acceptance of my Services, instantly to wait upon you, for your further Commands. The obstruction of all Intercourse by Water between the High Land Forts, & Head Quarters renders it so difficult to give & procure Intelligence, which may be of the utmost moment to the Inhabitants on the Borders of the River, that I beg Leave in Compliance with their Wishes, to intreat your Excellency’s attention to the Proposal of setting up a Post to ride once or twice in a Week between these

Stages. I think I could procure a Rider at thirty or Forty Shillings a Trip & that the Letters & Carriage of small Articles wanted from the Capital, all along the Road, and now not to be obtained by Water, would pay if not Overbalance the Expence. I have the Honor to be, Sir, your Excellency’s most Obedt Humble servt

A. Hawkes Hay


Title: General Orders, 3 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 3rd 1776.
Uxbridge.Virginia

That the Troops may have an opportunity of attending public worship, as well as take some rest after the great fatigue they have gone through; The General in future excuses them from fatigue duty on Sundays (except at the Ship Yards, or special occasions) until further orders. The General is sorry to be informed that the foolish, and wicked practice, of profane cursing and swearing (a Vice heretofore little known in an American Army) is growing into fashion; he hopes the officers will, by example, as well as influence, endeavour to check it, and that both they, and the men will reflect, that we can have little hopes of the blessing of Heaven on our Arms, if we insult it by our impiety, and folly; added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense, and character, detests and despises it.
Clarkson and Chase under confinement for Desertion, and reinlistment into the Artillery, from another Corps, to return to Capt: Bauman’s Company until Col. Ellmores Regiment, wh. claims them, comes into camp.


Title: To George Washington from Elbridge Gerry, 3 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Elbridge Gerry, 3 Aug. 1776. On 16 Aug. GW wrote to Gerry: “Your favours of the 3d & 6th have come duly to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Mifflin, 3 August 1776
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

My dear general
8 OClock Mount Washington [N.Y.]August 3rd 1776.

By an Express from Col. Tupper I am informd that two of his Captains have been up to reconnoitre the Ships. The Phœnix is fast aground—The Rose ¾ of a Mile on this Side of her—The Gallies are under Way & will probably begin their Attack at 11 OClock as the Ships are not more than 12 Miles from them. I am Sir your Servt

Tho. Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from Pierre Penet, 3 August 1776
From: Penet, Pierre
To: Washington, George

My General
Nants [France] 3d Augt 1776

I am pleased to present you my Respects, and to inform you of the Success of my Operations in France. I can assure you you need not fear the want of Amunition, I have found the Means to furnish your Armies, and to provide your Garrisons. There will go to you immediately four Subjects, two of which are of Distinction and great Merit, and who will deliver into proper hands the political State of France[,] England, Spain & Portugal. We wish every Success to your Arms, and also if possible that we may lend a hand. The Letter which will be sent to you by one of these Gentlemen, will inform you well of interesting and advantagious Circumstances which I cannot communicate to you but by them.

I have, my General a demand to make of you for a favor which I desire to obtain, and which I hope to merit; I have wrote concerning it to Docr Franklin, it is that you would grant me the Honour of the Title of your first Aid de Camp and that you would permit me to wear the Uniform and also the Ribbon. I ask no Pay, but the honour only of being in your Service, I hope you will grant me that favour in Consideration of my Attachment, and the desire I have to serve with Fidelity the Nation of the thirteen united Colonies of North America. I shall make my Residence in Nants, and dont intend to return to the Continent before the End of the War, my presence being necessary for your Operations and not being able to trust such secret Affairs but to myself[.] If I can be so happy as to be of any use to you, I am intirely at your Disposal. Doct. Franklin can forward your Letters to me, and also the Brevet of Aid de Camp which I hope you will not refuse me, and which I shall receive with the greatest pleasure. I beg my best Respects to Mad: Washington, and assure her that I have the honor to be my Genl her and your most hble Servt

P. Penet & Co.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper, 3 August 1776
From: Tupper, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Dobbs’s Ferry [N.Y.] 5. Afternoon 3d August [1776]

I am now to inform your Excellency that my Flag being hoisted on board of the Washington I came up with the Ships & attacked at ¼ past One this Afternoon—The Pheonix fired the first Gun which was return’d by the Lady Washington whose

Shot went thro the Pheonix—Upon my Orders the Lady Washington put about to form a Line the tide was such that the Washington & Spit fire was exposed to the Broad Sides of the Ships for ½ of an hour without Suffering mutch Damage, we engaged them an hour & a half and then we thought to retreat to Dobbs’s Ferry about 4 miles below the Ships[.] The Damages we Sustaind is as follows Viz.
Washington 4 Slightly wounded Sail & riging mutch Damaged 13 Shot in her hull.
Lady Washington Crackt her 32 Pounder no other Damage Spit fire one killed 2 badly wounded hull & riging mutch Damaged.
Shark none killd or wounded hull’d four times, The Whiting one Man lost both Leggs and 4 more wounded riging mutch Damaged Two Men wounded one of them mortally, it is thought of but not yet determin’d whether we shall retreat to Spiking Devil or not we wish to give them another Drubing we Saw many Splinters drifting down. I am Your Excellency’s most obedient Humble Servant

Benj. Tupper Lt Colo. and Commander


Title: General Orders, 4 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 4th 1776
WestonYarmouth.

Passes signed by the Quarter Master-General, or his Assistant Mr Hughes for persons in that department to cross the Ferries to be admitted as sufficient.
Thomas Herbert of Capt. Wyllys’s Company, Col. Sergents Regiment, tried by a regimental Court Martial and convicted of “Theft” was sentenced to receive Thirty-nine Lashes; but having appealed to a General Court Martial whereof Col. Webb was president the sentence of the Regimental Court was revised and the prisoner acquitted—The General approves the acquital, and orders him to be discharged.
Daniel McGuire of Capt: Scotts Company, Colo. Sergeants Regiment—Samuel Weaver of Capt: Farringtons Company, same Regiment; both tried by the same Court Martial and convicted McGuire, of Desertion and inlisting into another Company taking a second bounty, sentenced to receive Thirty-nine Lashes: Weaver of Desertion only, sentenced to receive Thirty Lashes.
William McIlvaine of Capt. Wyllys’s Company, & the above regiment tried by the same Court Martial, and convicted of Desertion and sentenced to receive Thirty Lashes.
William Diggs of Capt. Woods Company, Col. Baldwins Regiment, tried by the same Court Martial, and convicted of Desertion; sentenced to receive Twenty Lashes.
The General approves each of the above Sentences, and orders them to be put in execution, at the usual time and place.
The Court Martial to sit to morrow, for the tryal of Lieut: Hobby of Col. McDougall’s Regiment, now under Arrest for

“Misconduct in leaving the Vessels under his care, on the East River on Friday Evening”—Witnesses to attend.
All persons are strictly forbid medling with the flat bottomed Boats, without leave from General Putnam, or unless sent on some special service; and those parties who have any of them are to be careful in returning them safely—The Guards at the wharves to attend to this order.


Title: To George Washington from Comte d’Ennery, 4 August 1776
From: Ennery, Victor-Thérèse Charpentier, comte d’
To: Washington, George

Sir
St: Domingo 4th Augt 1776

Although I have not the Honor to be known to your Excellency, I hope you will be good enough to release a French Officer, who like an inconsiderate Man, was taken in Canada, serving in the English Army against your Troops. I entreat you to set him at Liberty and suffer him to embark in some Vessel bound to the French Colonies, from whence he may get a Passage to France and rejoin his Regiment. He is called the Sieur D’Chambeau and is an Officer in a Regiment of Infantry in the Service of his Crown.
Altho’ this Officer has fallen into an Error, by taking part in a Quarrel, in which he ought by all Means to have been a Neuter, either considered as an Officer of France or a Canadian, I could not, seeing he had wrote to me, refuse to use my Interest with your Excellency, to suffer him, by an Act of Generosity, to regain his Liberty and join his Regiment in Europe. I hope your Excellency will not think my demand impertinent, and that you will pay regard to it. I took the earliest Opportunity to assure you that I esteem myself happy in having it in my Power to prove the high Esteem with which your Reputation has inspired me. I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect yr Excellency’s most hble and most obt Servt

Compte D’EmeryGovr Genl of the French part of St: Domingo


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 4 August 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp on Long Island Augt 4[1776]

Col. Hand Reports 21 Sail seen off last Evening, Eight arrivd at the Hook this morning and thirteen coming in.
The Enemies Guard Boats pattroled much higher up the Bay than usual last Night.
I apprehend a couple of Guard Boats are necessary to Pattrole from Red to Yellow Hook across the Bay leading to Rappelyeas Mills, providing there are Boats to spare.
Inclosd is a return of the Officers of Col. Hands Riffle Regiment. as the return made me by Col. Hand is not as intelligible as I could wish I shall send and get another as soon as may be. I must beg your Excellencys Pardon for suffering the return to escape my memory, and neglecting makeing it agreeable to your Orders some days past.
I shall send in a list of the Names in a few hours of the persons proper to be takeen up on this Island. I am with respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 4 August 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp on Long IslandSunday [4 Aug. 1776] 11 OClock

Inclosd is a list of the principal Tories in the different Towns, given by one Mr Skinner a Young Gentleman bred to the practice of the Law, and perfectly acquainted with all most all the political Charactors in the Province—Your Excellency will please to examin it, and if it meets your Approbation, signify the time youl have the execution take place, by give [giving] your orders on the back of the List. I have the honnor to be your Obedient Servant

N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 4 August 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 4 August 1776.

I have the honour of your Letter of the 29th of July. I am much surprised to hear that the Carbines are not all yet arrived at New york, I forwarded them all agreeable to Your directions, and the last two hundred went from this place the fourth of July for Norwich to the care of Mr Huntington, to whom I wrote every time I sent Arms, or other Articles which were ordered to New york, to forward them with the greatest expedition. With regard to the Arms taken in the Scotch Ships, I wrote your Excellency the eleventh and twentyninth of July, and it has not yet been in my power to send any more than those I have forwarded.

Agreeable to Your directions of the seventh of July to “forward from three to four hundred Barrels of powder to Norwich,” I sent off four hundred Barrels the thirtieth of July, to the care of Mr Huntington to be stored there in some safe place, until he should receive your orders respecting the same. It would have been sent sooner had not the interuption of business by the small pox prevented. I shall forward as soon as possible one hundred Barrels of powder more to Norwich, to compleat the five hundred, agreeable to your directions of the nineteenth of July. This Letter I did not receive until the thirty first of July.
The Deputy Commissary Mr Miller informs me he has particular directions from the Commissary General to secure all the salt provisions he can for the use of the Army, and I have given him directions respecting the pork brought in here from Ireland, agreeable to your orders.
Your Excellency mentions your want of more Artillery Men, and that Capt. Burbeck with his company must be sent to New york if we could by any means spare him; I do not at present conceive how he can be spared, as the Continental armed Vessels depend on his company to prepare and fix Ammunition for them, new supplies of which they frequently want; they are also wanted to prepare ammunition for the Forts, and for many other important purposes; but if your Excellency should judge the want of Artillerymen at New york is so great as to outweigh these considerations, I will send the company forward as soon as your pleasure shall be known.
The two regiments here are generally recovered of the small pox, I shall take the utmost care to have them thoroughly cleansed, and, agreeable to your orders of the nineteenth of July, shall order them to march this week for Ticonderoga.
I am informed by the Council of this State, that they are bringing in between two and three thousand men to defend these Lines, in the room of the Continental Regiments ordered from hence, the Council expect, agreeable to the resolve of Congress, that these troops will be supplied with provisions and ammunition and paid, by the Continent; but there being no Continental officer (when I retire, which I intend to do very soon) to take the direction and oversight of these and many other matters interesting to the United States, such as commanding the Men in Continental pay, giving orders to the Assistant

Q.M. Genl, Deputy Commissary of Artillery, and Commissary of provisions—making Returns of the Stores, and Men in the Continental pay, and giving Warrants for the payment of the Men in the Service of the United States, supplying the armed Vessels, &c. I conceive the publick must greatly suffer unless these matters are comitted to the care and direction of some person who is well acquainted with them. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient and very Humble Servant

Artemas Ward

Postscript. I have sent for Capt. Eayrs who has the care of the Company of Artificers and acquainted him with your Excellency’s orders respecting his Company; he informs me that his men cannot go to New york unless their pay is increased to six pounds per month, and that he informed your Excellency of this before the Army left Cambridge last Spring, and that he expected their pay would have been thus established before he was sent for; that he is willing to march immediately, but as his men are not engaged for any particular time, he cannot induce them to march until the Establishment is made. If your Excellency should think proper to make such an Establishment, and order them to New york, Capt. Eayrs desires that he may receive directions whether he is to carry his tools with him. The Company in the mean time will be fully employed in making Carriages and other necessary work; and if they were not wanted at New york might be still employed here to great advantage. I am your Excellency’s Obedient Humbl. Servant

Artemas Ward


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

Head Quarters, New York, Augt 5th 1776.
Amboy.Bradford.

The General has nothing more at heart, than the Health of the Troops; and as the change of encampment has been found very salutary by such Regiments, as have shifted their ground, it is recommended to the several Brigadier Generals to have it more generally adopted; And the General once more calls upon the officers, and men, who are quartered in Houses, to have them kept clean and wholesome.
Brigadier General Scotts having informed the General, that some dissatisfaction had arisen in his Brigade, on account of the 1st Battalion who had received some assurances from the Committee of the Convention, of this State, that they should not be removed out of Town, unless the Army moved generally: The General at the same time being of opinion that from their knowledge of the City, they can be more serviceable than any other equal number of men who are strangers, orders that on Wednesday General Scott’s Brigade move into the City, and General Fellows with his Brigade, take their places: He also directs that no officers, or soldiers of General Fellows Brigade, take up their quarters, in the dwelling Houses, in or near their encampment except they are placed there by the Quarter Master General.
The General cannot dismiss this matter, without assuring the 1st Battalion of General Scotts Brigade, that he will have the grounds of their claim, particularly inquired into, of the Provincial Congress, of the State of New York; as well because they may rest assured that at the same time public faith is preserved with them, he expects, and will require, that they observe their engagement to the public.
The arrival of new troops requiring some Change in the arrangement, and particularly with respect to the Alarm Posts—

Major General Putnam, with the several Brigadiers, are desired to meet to morrow at ten O’Clock, at the City Hall, to consider thereof and make report to the General—The Adjutant General will attend at the same time.


Title: From George Washington to John Bradford, 5 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Bradford, John

Sir.
Head Quarters N. York Augt 5th 1776.

Yours of the 29th Ultmo is duly Received—for the future I must desire all Warlike Stores and Necessaries for an Army taken by the Armed Vessels in public Service may be safely stored under care of the different Agents till they receive Orders from proper Authority. you will please to enjoin it upon the different Commanders of the Continental Cruisers to be particularly carefull that no embezelment is made by their Crew or others. I am sir, Your Most Humle Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 5 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir
New York Augt 5th 1776

I have been duly honoured with your two favors of the 20 & 29 Ulto and wish your acceptance of my thanks for your kind & ready compliance with my requisition for the Gallies and the matters of Intelligence transmitted in the last. The Account given Capn Bucklin on whose success I congratulate you, by Capn Bell of the Portuguese seizing our Vessels—I fear is too true—their dependance on the British Crown for protection and aid agt their Spanish Neighbours obliges them to comply with every thing required of them—Capn Bucklins Information of the fleet he saw I daresay is not to be doubted—It is probable they arrived Yesterday, for Twenty five Ships then came into the Hook—These make from 90 to 100 that have come in since Thursday Sennight.

Our Gallies on Saturday Evening had a Smart engagemt with the Ships up the River—The Inclosed Copy of a Letter from Colo. Tupper under whose Genl command they were, will give you the particulars—Tho they did not take the ships nor is It certain what damage they sustained, I have the pleasure to Inform you, Our Officers & Men behaved with the greatest spirit & Resolution. the injury their little Fleet sustaind Testifies their Courage. It tis said the Ships were several times Hulled by our Shot, they still remain up the river. The Gallies must be a little repaired before any thing further can be attempted provided It should be thought advisable.
By a Letter from Colo. Hancock of the 31st Ulto, I am authorized to say, that a Continental Ship had arrived at Chester not far below Philadelphia with 366 pigs of Lead—54 Boxes of Musquet Ball 1000 Stand of Arms, with Bayonets—1 Barrel Flints & 193 whole Barrells of Gun powder—he also adds that a privateer had sent in a West India man having on board besides produce 1100 Joans. & 700 Guineas—I wish the Ship Capn Bucklin saw may get in safe. I have the Honor &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Lewis Duboys, 5 August 1776
From: Duboys, Lewis
To: Washington, George

May it Please Your Excllency
Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] Augt 5 1776

We are as Induistrious as Possible Recruiting men for my Rigiment but we find it Very Difficult Inlisting men now as the one fourth part of the Millitia is to turn Out and such Large Bounty Given for a bout 4 or 5 Months though we Com as Good speed as I Cold Exspect I Wold have sent a Return of the Men Already Inlisted by my Brother only I have been Very unwell for som time but am Now Getting Better and as soon as I am able to Ride I Intend Going Down to New York when I shall Bring ⟨a⟩ Return of them with me—we are purchasing Arms for those we Inlist and wold be Glad to Know where to send them as fast as we

Raise them—As my Regiment is to be Enlisted During the war Perhaps your Excellency may allow me to Raise men out of the Millitia if so I think I Cold soon fill my Rigt and go into Imediate service which wold be very agreable to me I wold be Glad if your Excellency wold send By my Brother the Bearer some Money for Recruiting as with out that we Can do but Little. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedt Huml. Servent

Lewis Duboys Coll


Title: To George Washington from Major Christopher French, 5 August 1776
From: French, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hartford [Conn.] 5th August 1776.

Notwithstanding I claim’d my release, in a Letter I did myself the honor to write you a fortnight past, as consonant with the tennor of my Parole, yet I shall wave the pretensions arising from that Circumstance, in favor of Major Meggs, who I am inform’d is desirous to be exchang’d for me, as it will mutually serve us, I hope you will have no objection should Genl Howe, on his part agree, since in restoring him to his Family, it would also procure me the satisfaction to see my Son—Col. Allen is also mention’d in the Papers to be design’d for Exchange for any Col. or Officer of inferior Rank, Should therefore the propos’d one with Major Meggs prove abortive I flatter myself you will not object to my being exchang’d for him, as I have been longer a Prisoner than any of His Majesty’s Officers of my Rank, so I think I stand in priority of Claim, But should not either of these take place from any unforeseen Circumstances, I assure myself you will grant me the same indulgence given by General Carlton to Major Meggs, when I shall readily sign a Parole

similar to his. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedt hume Servant

Chris. French


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York Augt 5th 1776

I was honoured with your favor of the 31st Ulto on Friday with Its several Inclosures, and return you my thanks for the agreable Intelligence you were pleased to communicate of the arrival of One of our Ships with such valuable Articles as Arms & Ammunition: also of the Capture made by a privateer.
The mode for the Exchange of Prisoners resolved on by Congress, is acceded to by Genl Howe so far as It comes within his Command. A Copy of my Letter and his Answer upon the Subject, I have the honor to inclose you and to which I beg leave to refer Congress.
The Inclosed Copy of a Letter from Colo. Tupper who had the Genl command of the Gallies here, will inform Congress of the Engagemt between them and the Ships of War up the North River on Saturday Evening, and of the damage we sustained. What Injury was done to the Ships I can not ascertain. It is said they were Hulled several times by our Shot. All accounts agree that our Officers and Men during the whole of the affair behaved with great spirit and bravery. The damage done the Gallies shews beyond question that they had a warm time of It. the Ships still remain up the River and before any thing further can be attempted against them, should It be thought advisable, the Gallies must be repaired.
I have also transmitted Congress a Copy of a Letter I received by Saturdays post from Govr Cooke, to which I refer them for the Intelligence It contains. The Seizure of our Vessels by the portuguese, is I fear, an event too true. their dependance upon the British Crown for aid against the Spaniards must force them to comply with everything required of them. I wish the Morris may get in safe with her Cargoe. As to the Ships Capn Bucklin

saw on the 25 Ulto, they are probably arrived—For Yesterday Twenty five Sail came into the Hook.
By a Letter from Genl Ward of the 29 Ulto he informs me that Two of our Armed Vessells the day before had brought into Marble head a Ship bound from Hallifax to Staten Island. she had in about 1509£ Cost of British Goods, besides a good many belonging to Tories—A Hallifax paper found on board her I have inclosed, as also an account sent me by Mr Hazard, transmitted him by some of his Friends as given by the Tories taken in her. their Intelligence I dare say is true respecting the arrival of part of the Hessian Troops. Genl Ward in his Letter mentions the day this prize was taken, Capn Burke in another of our Armed Vessels had an Engagemt with a Ship & a Schooner which he thought were Transports & would have taken them, had It not been for an unlucky accident in having his Quarter deck blown up. Two of his Men were killed & Several more were wounded.
The Hulks & Chivaux de frize that have been preparing to obstruct the Channell, have got up to the place they are Intended for, and will be sunk as soon as possible.
I have Transmitted Congress a Genl Return of the Army in and about this place on the third Inst. by which they will perceive the amount of our force.
Before I conclude I would beg leave to remind Congress of the necessity there is of having some Major Generals appointed for this Army—the duties of which are great—extensive and impossible to be discharged as they ought and the good of the Service requires, without a Competent number of Officers of this Rank. I mean to write more fully upon the Subject, and as things are drawing fast to an Issue and It is necessary to make every proper disposition and arrangement that we possibly can, I pray that this matter may be taken into consideration & claim their early attention. I well know what has prevented appointmts of this sort for some time past, but the situation of our Affairs will not Justify longer delays in this Instance—by the first Opportunity I shall take the liberty of giving you my sentiments more at large upon the propriety and necessity of the measure. I have the Honor to be with every Sentimt of respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 5 August 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Eliza. Town [N.J.] 5 Augt 1776

In consequence of your Letter of the 1st Inst. which I did not receive till the Evening of the 3d I came here yesterday to have an Interview with Genl Livingstone & Col. Dickinson.
By the Return of the Troops on duty here your Excellency will see that the whole force of the Flying Camp is as yet only Two

hundred and Seventy four Rank & file. I understood that the Pensyl. Militia were to remain on Duty here untill Troops had Assembled to form the flying Camp ⟨bu⟩t of Late they have become, many of them clamorous, to return home—Col. Matlock is gone to Philada to represent the Temper of the Association to the Convention—that some Speedy method by bounty or otherwise may be adopted to facilitate the Recruiting business. I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt

Hugh Mercer


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., 5 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Shaw, Nathaniel Jr.

Sir
Head Qrs New York 5th Aug. 1776

This will be accompanied by four french Gentn from the Island of Guadaloup, who arrived from thence at Newburypt with a view of engaging in the Continental Service. they came to this place about 6 Weeks since, and delivered me a letter from Genl Ward at Boston, which I inclosed to the President of the Congress intending to forward it by them, that it might serve as some sort of introduction—but it seems that for want of proper Credentials added to the unsuccessfullness of some of their Countrymen on that same Accot, they declined applying to Congress—and as it appears they are quite destitute of Money I am obliged to pay their Expences here & to send them to New London to enable them to procure a passage Home—I have therefore addressed them to your Care, requesting you will assist in providing them a passage as soon as possible.
I suppose it will not be long before an Opportunity offers as I understand there are Vessells with you bound to the West Indies. You will please to furnish them with convenient and cheap Lodgings when they get to N. London, and I will reimburse you what you may be in advance therefor.
You are to observe tho, that I do not mean to be at the expence of supporting them in your place more than Eight or ten days at farthest—neither do I mean to be at the expence of their passages Home—they must make the best terms for themselves they can with the Master of the Vessell, as I don’t determine to burthen the Continent any more on their Accot or any of their Countrymen. I am with due Regard Sir Your very humble servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Richard Varick, 5 August 1776
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany Augt 5. 1776.

I have Directions from General Schuyler, in Order to prevent Delays in forwarding the Stores & Other Necessaries for the Army, in his Absence, to open any Letters that shall be directed to him from the General Officers & Commanders of Posts in this Department & to Comply with their Requisitions in procuring &

forwarding such Articles, as May be wanted and can be procured by Me, & to send for such Articles as cannot be had At this Place, to New York or such Other Place, as they may be had in Without Waiting his Orders, at the Great Distance he is from this Place.
I do therefore do Myself the Honor to enclose Your Excellency Copy of a Letter from General Arnold to General Schuyler (recd this Day) with a Copy of a Return of Ordinance & Ordinance stores wanted for the Public Service.
Of the Many Articles wanted, Hands⟨pi⟩kes, Round Shot, Rammers, spunges, Worms, priming Horns[,] priming Wires & Tube Boxes, are the Only ones that Can possibly be procured or made at or near this Place & No Copper, Lead or Tin is to be had between this Place & New York.
I must therefore request Your Excellency in General Schuylers Name to Order the several Articles which are wanted & Not to be procured here, to be sent to this Place without the least Delay.
In mine of the 3d by the Express I forgot to inform Your Excellency that I had sent for the Anchors to Colonel Robert Livingston. I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Most Humble servt

Richd Varick secy to M. Genl Schuyler


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

Head Quarters, New York, August 6th 1776.
Canterbury.Durham.

One hundred and fifty Men, with a Field Officer, three Captains, six Subs. six Serjeants, six Corporals and six Drums and Fifes, to Proceed to Burdett’s Ferry, opposite Mount Washington, to relieve the party now there; for this purpose to parade to morrow with Arms on the Grand-parade, at seven o’Clock, apply to General Putnam for Boats, and attend to the tide.
Every commanding Officer of a Regiment or Corps in future is to account on the back, or at the bottom, of his return for all the officers and men returned to be on Command, expressing the place and service in which they are engaged.
Notwithstanding the orders issued, and the interest the

troops have in it; Complaints are made of the bad behaviour of the troops to people at market; taking and destroying their things. The General declares for the last time, that he will punish such offenders most severely; and in order that they may be detected, an officer from each of the guards, nearest to those Markets where the Country People is, to attend from sunrise till twelve O’Clock, and he is strictly enjoined to prevent any abuses of this kind; to seize any offender and send him immediately to the Guard house, reporting him also at Head Quarters—The officers of guards in future will be answerable if there are any more Complaints unless they apprehend the offender—A Copy of this order to be put up in every Guard House in the City.
James McCormick of Capt. Farrington’s Company, Col. Sergeants Regiment; Thomas Williams of Capt: Barns’s Company, and the same regiment: Peter Burke of Capt. Ledyards Company; John Green of Capt: Johnson’s Company, both of Col. McDougall’s Regiment; all tried by a General Court Martial of which Col. Webb was President, and convicted of “Desertion”; were sentenced to receive Thirty-nine Lashes each—The General approves the sentences and orders them to be put in execution at the usual times and places.
Hugh Lacey of Capt: Stewarts Company of Highlanders, tried by the same Court Martial, and found guilty of “Impudence and Disobedience to the orders of his Captain,” was sentenced to receive Twenty Lashes.
The General is pleased to pardon him on Condition that he makes a suitable acknowledgement of his fault to his Captain.
Hendrick Lent, Jacob Lent, Elias Lent, Peter Brewer, Jeremiah Hewson, Oronimus Ackerman; all of Capt. Hyatts Company and Col. McDougall’s Regiment, having been confined for some time for “Desertion”; and no evidence appearing against them, they are ordered to be discharged for want of prosecution.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Drake and Lieutenant Colonel Johannes Hardenbergh, 6 August 1776
From: Drake, Samuel,Hardenbergh, Johannes
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Camp at Greenwich [N.Y.]6th August 1776

It is with Reluctance we presume to Approach your Excellency with Complaints at this Critical period. Nevertheless our duty to the men under our care & Command Compell us to that Measure. We Observe with much concern the Order of Yesterday for the March of our Brigade into the City but we have much Reason to believe that Misinformation as well as Misrepresentations made to your Excellency has Occasiond that Order, which Order (if Consistant with the Good of the Service) we wou’d wish to have Suspended, at the Same time we can Assure your Excellency that we allways mean to Obey your Orders with Chearfullness but from a tender regard to the health of the Troops under our Command & the Inconvienience it will Subject them to, by being Again Crouded into Houses in Town which we are Sensible has been very predjiducial to their Health. your Excellency must be Sensible that when we march’d to the Incampment We found it in Exceeding bad Order but by the Industry of the men they have now provided Comfortable

Quarters for the Season, are Satisfy’d with their Situation, & the Sick are daily turning out from the Hospital for Duty, However as they have entirely Devoted themselves to the Cause of their Country, they are Resolv’d to Submitt unless your Excelly Shall think propper to Suspend the Order, with regard to the two Regiments who are Intirely Composd of People from the Country (but if it be Consistant) that we may be Continued on the Ground & our places Supplyd by Some Other Regts now in Quarters in Town which we shall ever Esteem a favour Confered on your Excellencys Most Obedt & verry Hble Servts in Behalf of the Off[i]cers

Saml Drake Colo
Johs Hardenbergh Lt Col.


Title: To George Washington from Elbridge Gerry, 6 August 1776 [letter not found]
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Elbridge Gerry, 6 Aug. 1776. On 16 Aug. GW wrote to Gerry: “Your favours of the 3d & 6th have come duly to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas McKean, 6 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: McKean, Thomas

Sir
New York Augt 6th 1776

The French Gentleman whom you may recollect was at Philadelphia when I was there, in the character of the Baron de Calbiact, & who was waiting on Congress for some promotion in the Military line, is now here, and Complains of the hardship he labours under in being refused an appointment and also in having his papers & Credentials kept from him. he informs me they are in your hands, and as he seems sollicitous about them and desirous of having ’em again, I request the favor of you to

transmit them to me by the earliest Opportunity, that I may deliver them to him and thereby remove every protest of affected uneasiness on this head. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Mifflin, 6 August 1776
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Mount Washington [N.Y.] August 6. 1776

Agreeable to your Order, by Col. Reeds Letter, I have directed Col. Holden to march with his 3 Companies this Evening to Kings Bridge.
I shall in Consequence of that Order be under the Necessity of totally neglecting the point Battery untill Men are sent up to work on it—Our two Battalions being employed in raising part of our parapet, covering the large Magazine, cutting & forming the Abbatis, diging Wells &ca. That Magazine will be prepared to receve the Powder this Evening. The Magazine within the Fort will be compleated in Two days.
We have so many sick & on Guard that I have been obliged to give up the Outworks for the present.
As I had no Orders respecting the Naveax de frize and as the Artists appeard willing to take their own Way I did not presume to interfere—In future I will watch & direct their Movements But as Col. putnam is absent with the Soundings & as the Vessels are sent up without persons who are acqua[i]nted with the Depth of Water for which they were calculated I shall be at a Loss to sink them—The Sloops which came up this Morning being small must in my Opinion be sunk to the Westward of the Brigs. If Col. putnum had another Destination for them I beg to be favord wi[t]h Directions where to place them.
In future it will be best to send up single Vessels it being the most abstruse problem in Hydraulics to determine of what Size the sevral ports or Holes should be in Vessels of different Tonnage & Construction in Order to their sinking at the same time—If one sinks before the other We risque as Yesterday.

I believe that Vessels above 90 Tons without Frize Work will answer Very well—No Ship will attempt to pass over them even if they were 18 Feet below the Surface. If 5 or 6 Vessels of 100 Tons each could be sent up I shall apprehend no danger of Ships of War passing them—It will be the most expeditious & the most frugal Scheme. The Colossus is now at Anchor a little to the Westward of her port—The Buoy fix’d by Col. putnam appears to be too distant from the Shore: possibly it may have been carried ⟨there by⟩ the Wind & Current. She shall be ⟨removed⟩ this Night if possible. The Brigs this Afternoon.
The Enemy may probably attempt to weigh some of the Vessels: it will therefore be necessary to fix some Guns on the Battery—If I can obtain no heavy I will send down our 4 Twelve pounders, the Howitzer, & fight them en Berbette. I am with Zeal & Attact Yur Excelly Obb. St

Tho. Mifflin

   Detachments do us no Service I cannot manage them—Those sent up formerly I was obliged to chace from Tree to Tree to prevent their ⟨lounging⟩.


Title: To George Washington from Chevalier d’Orillac, Vidal, and Fargues, 6 August 1776
From: Orillac, chevalier d’,Vidal, ——,Fargues, ——
To: Washington, George

Mon General
Lundy—6e aout 1776.

D’aprés la parole que vous nous avés donnée, Et la maniere honnéte avec laquélle vous nous avez reçu la derniere fois que nous avons eu L’honneur de vous saluer; nous avons lieu d’etre Bien surpris des Bruits désavantageux qui se repandent dans le public sur notre Compte, nous ignorons qu’els en sont les auteurs, Et ne Cherchons même pas á les Connoitre; mais il nous paroit bien dur que l’on Agisse de cette façon á notre Egard, aprés les sacrifices que nous avons faits pour venir vous offrir nos services; il nous paroit assez naturel, Et nous vous Croyons trop Justes, pour nous le refuser, qu’on nous rembourse au moins la moitié des frais que nous avons faits; Puisque sous des fausses apparrences, on nous á tiré du sein de notre patrie, pour nous exposer, nón seulement á la plus grand misere; mais même aux affronts, et aux humiliations les plus outrageants; l’on dit hautement dans la Ville que votre Excellence use de son autorité, pour nous faire Embarquer, et nous avons lieu d’apprehender que cela soit inséré dans les papiers publics, sous les

Couleurs les plus noires, Voilá donc a quoi sont Exposés des françois, qui n’etoient venus dans votre païs qu’avec des bonnes intentions, Et Bien Recommandés, que pouvoit penser la nation françoise qui est toute portée pour vous, d’apprendre par cette voye que l’on a violé les droits des gens; dans la personne de quatre de ses Compatriotes, vous nous permettrés donc s’il vous plait mon General de jouir de la Liberté que les honnêtes Gens ont dans tout le païs du monde, Et de rester dans cette ville le tems que nous jugerons Convenable pour détruire le préjugé du public; nous supplions votre Excellence de vouloir Bien Considerer le tout, Et nous honnorer de sa Reponce. Nous sommes avec Respect, de votre Excellence Les trés humbles Et trés obeissants serviteurs

Le chevalier D’Orillac
vidal  fargues


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 6 August 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
German Flatts [N.Y.] August 6th 1776

Your Excellency’s Favor of the 31st of July, I had the pleasure to receive this Morning.
I am well aware that every person in the Commissary General’s Department should strictly abide by, and obey his Orders, and that more than one Head to any Department must be introductory to Confusion—This Sentiment I have strongly held up to Congress in some of my Letters in the Course of last Campaign, and as soon as Mr Trumbul arrived in the Northern Department, I conceived that he became the principal of the Commissary Department, and have accordingly always directed Mr Livingston to obey his Orders, in Terms which I trust will do me Honor as a Soldier, and a Citizen, whose first Wish is the Weal of the Cause he is engaged in—Nor do I know of an Instance in which Mr Trumbul’s Appointments have not been regarded—The Case of Mr Avery is surely not one, he was particularly appointed for Canada, soon after that Country was

put into a seperate military Department, and his appointment therefore did no more extend to this Department than it did to South Carolina—But as the Army was returned from Canada; and as more Commissaries were wanted than what were then employed, I made a temporary appointment of Mr Avery to superintend the Issues, for which Business he was designed in Canada, as your Excellency will percieve, by calling for the Orders Mr Trumbull gave him.
Our Emissaries amongst the Indians all agree that it would be extremely imprudent to request the Indians to take an active part with us, as they think it would effectually militate the contrary Way. The Conferences begin to Morrow—From their Answer to our first Speech, we shall I hope be able to discover their Temper and Intentions, and should we have a prospect of engaging them in our Favor, we will improve it in the best Manner we can—Their Number now here, including their Women & Children, is seventeen hundred and eighteen.
As your Excellency conceives it will be proper & even necessary to request General Burgoyne to deliver the Officers who have slighted their paroles and are now with him, I will write to General Gates and desire him to send a Flag for the purpose. I have sent to Salisbury Furnace to get Swivels cast for the Navy—The Difficulty of procuring the Articles necessary for the Navy are almost insuperable—persons are gone Express to every Quarter of the Country, and some as far as New-London to purchase whatever can be got, but I still fear we shall fall short in many Articles.
In mine of the 24th I pointed out the Situation of Crown point, with Respect to the Distance from the Southern and Northern Extremes of the Lake—It is evident that it cannot command an Inch of Country North of the Fort further than Cannon Shot will reach, and that if a General has a Mind to land an Army on any part of the Banks of Lake Champlain North of Crown point, Nothing but a superior Naval Force can prevent him perhaps not even that—If then an Attempt was made to penetrate into the New England Colonies from any place between two Miles beyond Crown point and the North End of the Lake—What will be the Difference in bringing our Army to oppose them? Why fifteen Miles, and no more, by Land or by Water as we may chuse to go, but I really have no Idea of the

possibility of an Army penetrating into the well inhabited part of any of the New England Colonies—If I commanded an Army at Crown point and was certain that by removing it from thence, the Enemy would undertake to march across the Green Mountains (for that is the only Rout, when they are not suffered to go by the way of Tionderoga) into the New England Colonies, I would immediately remove the Obstacle, nor would I attempt to follow them, until they had got at least twenty five Miles from the Lake, conscious that if indeed they were not followed at all, and a Body of light Troops only sent to harrass them on their Arrival in the Green Mountains very few would ever return and none penetrate—General Arnold with all his Activity with picked Men, with a Small Body suffered greatly before he got an hundred Miles from his Batteaus—What would an Army so numerous as to be capable of effecting any thing of Consequence, if they did penetrate suffer in such a March and thro’ Mountains hardly passable for a Carriage with the best of Drivers and a good Team. How an Army at Crown point should prevent Savages from penetrating into the Country East of Lake Champlain I cannot possibly concieve—Can an Army at New York prevent a Man going into a Batteau at New London crossing the Sound to the East End of Long Island, or to any other part of it between New York and the East End, landing there, crossing the Island and committing a Depredation on the South Side? Surely not, and yet the Case is nearly similar and would be quite so if the North Side of Long Island was as thinly inhabited as the East Shore of Lake Champlain.
Inclose you an Extract of a Letter dated the 4th Inst. from Captain Varick my Secretary at Albany—You will percieve what Difficulties we have to encounter for Want of Money—I can easily foresee that unless a Supply is soon sent, it will be impossible to keep the Army where it is; for without Carriages it cannot be supplyed and your Excellency is informed how many are daily wanted for provisions only when a full Number of Batteaus are employed and Carriages can no longer be procured without Money.
Since your Excellency’s Arrival in New York, I have not written to Congress on Military Affairs, otherwise than in Answer to Letters received from them (in some of these, I have urged the Necessity of a Supply of Cash) supposing that whatever Information

I might give, and which might be necessary for Congress to know, would be, as I doubt not it has been, communicated to them.
I am informed that a Council of Officers convened at New York (whether of their own Accord or by your Excellency’s order I am not advised) had decided that the Council of General Officers lately held at Crown point had acted reprehensibly—In Justice to myself and the other General Officers, who compose that Council, I cannot pass by this extraordinary Mode of proceeding, without animadverting on it, for altho’ I should grant, that every Officer that composed the Council at New York had the most perfect Knowledge of the Country, that they were seperately endowed with Abilities vastly superior to those of the Generals in this Quarter taken in the agregate—yet to assume a power of censuring us, even if we were their inferiors in Rank, if convened as a Court Martial for the purpose of trying us, without hearing what we could say in Support of our Decision, is so injurious, so unjust, so extra-judicial, that I have not the least Doubt but that every Man of Candour will join us in deprecating the Outrage—For altho’ every Individual in the Community has a Right to give his Opinion on the Conduct of the Servants of the public, and altho’ a superior Officer has a Right, nay, ought to direct a Change of Measures when he believes those adopted will be attended with dangerous Consequences, and altho’ a Council may give their Opinion on the propriety or Impropriety of a Measure referred to them for Consideration, yet the superior Officer in directing a Change of Measures, or a Council, in deciding that a Measure was improper, ought not to convey an Idea which supposes Guilt until Guilt is proved, and not even then, unless they had been constituted a Tribunal for the purpose of deciding on the Guilt or Innocence of the party to be tryed, and that the party supposed Guilty had had an Oppertunity given him of being heard in his own Defence; this we have not had, and yet our Conduct is said to be reprehensible—I feel myself so deeply chagrined at this Conduct, that if my Information is true (which your Excellency can determine, and which I entreat you to do the soonest possible) I cannot consistent with my Honor remain in the Army, unless the Council at New York are censured for the Assertion by Congress or by your Excellency, or unless conscious of the Impropriety of their Conduct

towards us, they make a candid and full Acknowledgement thereof and permit me to beg you to lay Copy of this Letter with Copy of mine of the 24th Ult: before Congress, that they may see on what I founded my Opinion for the Removal of the Army to Tionderoga, and what Idea I have of the Injury the General Officers Who Composed the Council at Crown point have sustained.
The Account of General Lee’s Success reached us a few Days ago, as also that of the Captures to the Eastward. May we soon hear that the Enemy meets with other Checks so decisive as to cause them to forbear any further Attempts this Campaign.
It has several Times been reported by the Indians that part of Burgoyne’s Army, joined by a Body of Indians will attempt to penetrate by the Way of Oswego[.] should this Information be true, as I believe it to be, a greater Force will be necessary in this Quarter—I think it will be prudent to post Colo: Nicholson’s Regiment, which consists, by his own Account, of about 150 privates on some part of the Mohawk River, but if Time will permit I shall want your Excellency’s Order, before I make this Movement. I am Dr Sir most respectfully Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Thomas, 6 August 1776
From: Thomas, Thomas
To: Washington, George

may it please your Excellency
Tarry Town [N.Y.] 6th Augt 1776

from the scituation of the Men of Warr and Tenders now Opposite this place in Hudson’s River think it my duty as Commanding officer here to Inform your Excellency of the Advantageous scituation of the Ground here for placing some Cannon to play upon the shipping whilst Attacked by our Gallies; the Cannon may be placed upon an Eminence within near half a Mile of the shipping and if your Excellency should think the above plan Expedient, an Engineer might be Necessary to form a breast work for three or four peices of Cannon which I beg your Excellency in that case will Order up with the Necessary Apparatus and Intrenching Tools—I Conceive shall be able to collect a sufficient Number of men with those allready under my Command here to throw up a breast work in a very short time in an Evening after planned by an Engineer.
should your Excellency think this Advisable it may be Necessary to Order the Commodore of the Gallies to postpone an Attack upon the shipping untill a proper breast work is thrown up, in case his Orders should Oblige an Attack sooner—I dont pretend to dictate to your Excellency but only take the Liberty of Stating the above for your Excellency’s Consideration with which I would wish your Excellency’s Indulgence.
Capt. Townsend who brings this will be able to Inform a true State of the Ground from a View thereof; I shall wait Orders, and am your Excellency’s most Obt Hble Servt

Thomas Thomas


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Woodhull, 6 August 1776
From: Woodhull, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir:
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York at Harlem August 6th 1776.

I am directed by the Convention to make their Appology to Your Excellency for not sooner expressing their Approbation of the Appointment which You have made to the command on Hudsons River. It gives them great Pleasure to find that Your Excellency hath chosen for this important Post a Gentleman whose good Sense and tried Resolution do Honor to the Choice; which, united with his intimate Knowledge of the Country cannot fail of rendering him usefull to the Public. They have however some Reason to fear that either from Delay or Misapprehension General Clinton hath not that Evidence of his Authority which he ought to have, or else that he doth not conceive of it in it’s full Latitude. The Convention would therefore esteem it a particular favor if, Sir, You would transmit to him his Appointment with the Resolution which subjects the Levies on both sides the River to his Command.

By the removal of General Clinton from the Fortifications in the high Lands, the Command of one of these Forts hath devolved on Major Schuyler a very Young Officer and new to the Service. Your Excellency will best be able to determine whether the Post is of such a Nature as to be entrusted with this Young Gentleman alone or whether it would be proper to send thither a more experienced Officer.
The Convention beg leave to inform Your Excellency that till Commissaries are appointed, the Convention are deprived of two of their Members who are directed to supply this Post till Your Excellency shall send proper Officers to take their Place which they flatter themselves will be done as early as possible.
Upon a Suggestion that the Telescope belonging to Kings College would be of Use in Discovering the Arrangments and Operations of the Enemy, the Convention have made an Order for delivering it to Your Excellency of which I am also directed to enclose You a Copy and hope that it may in some Measure contribute to the furthering Your Designs.
The Convention have further directed me to inform Your Excellency that their own Members and Persons employed by them in the public Service having frequent Occasion to pass and repass where Guards are placed are often impeded. They do therefore submit to Your Excellency’s Consideration whether it would not be proper to give Orders that these Persons who shall appear to be Members of the Convention and those who shall have Permissions signed by the President be suffered to pass without Interruption; At the same Time that no impositions may happen I take leave to enclose the Copy of a Resolution restricting the Issuing of all such Permissions except to those who are actually engaged in the public Service. And lest Mistakes should arise with Respect to Members it is intended that each one shall have a Certificate thereof signed by the President. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient and humble servant

By Order
Nathll Woodhull President


Title: General Orders, 7 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, August 7th 1776.
Essex.Fairfield.

The Order of the 28th of July, respecting the removal of the sick from the Regimental to the General Hospital having been misunderstood by some; The General directs that it be taken with the following explanation. The regimental Surgeons are to send at any time, with the usual Ticket, any patient to the General Hospital whose case requires it (putrid, & infectious disorders always excepted)—Whenever the Director General, or any Surgeon of the Hospital, by his direction, visits the regimental Hospitals, they are to direct what patients are proper to be removed, but it is expected that when any Surgeon visits the regimental Surgeon, and if they should differ in opinion, they will refer it to the Director General, who has by the Resolutions

of Congress, a superintendency over the whole. The General most earnestly recommends to the Gentlemen in both departments, to cultivate harmony and good agreement with each other, as conducive to their own Honor, and the good of the service.
A Sub: and twenty Men to be placed at Hoebuck Ferry, for examination of passengers. The officer to receive his Orders from the Adjutant General at Head Quarters.
The Pay Master having received a supply of Cash; The Colonels or commanding Officers of Regiments, are to apply for their June Pay; and make up Pay-Rolls for July, and deliver them to their respective Brigadiers for examination.
As many Soldiers discharge their Peices, under pretence of Ignorance, of General Orders, and others having leave to do so from their officers, because they cannot draw the Charge: The General directs, that the Colonel of the Regiment, or commanding officer cause a daily inspection to be made of the state of the Arms; and when any are found loaded which cannot be drawn, they are to cause such men to assemble on the regimental parade, or some other convenient place, but at the same time, viz: Retreat Beating, and then discharge those peices. No alarm will then be given and the officers will see there is no unnecessary firing. It is the duty of the Colonel, and the reputation of his regiment so much depends upon the good order of the arms, that the General hopes he, as well as every other officer, and the men, will pay a special attention to it.
John Palsgrave Wyllys Esqr. is appointed Brigade Major to General Wadsworth—Mark Hopkins Esqr. to Genl Fellows; they are to be obeyed and respected accordingly.


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Edwards, 7 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Edwards, Timothy

Sir
New York August 7th 1776

The Inclosed Copy of a Resolution of Congress entered into the 2d Instant will discover to you their Sentiments upon the Subject of Employing the Stockbridge Indians in the Service of the United States.
It is certain they differed some time ago from the Commissioners of Indian Affairs and put a Stop to their proceedings in this Instance; But finding that our Enemies are prosecuting the War with unexampled Severity and Industry, and that these Indians are anxious to take a part in our favour, they have Instructed me to imploy in the service of the American States, as many of them as I may think proper: I therefore take the liberty to request your friendly exertions upon this occasion, and that you will Engage in the Service as great a number of them as you

possibly can. I would wish you to give the whole of them or any part that may chuse It, the liberty of Joining either this Army, or that in the Northern Department under Genl Schuyler. I do not think It will be proper as they are so desirous of becoming a part of the Army, that they should be constrained to Join where they have not an Inclination to go, and therefore recommend that they should be Indulged in what ever way their fancy may lead them as to Joining either the One or the Other Army, partially or wholy.
The situation of our Affairs will readily suggest to you the necessity of dispatch, at the same time that It will point out the expediency of engaging as many of them as you can. The business may be attended with a degree of trouble which I could wish not to happen, but Yet I am persuaded will be undertaken with alacrity. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Elmore, 7 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Elmore, Samuel

Sir
Head Quarters New York Augt 7th 1776

On the 1st Inst: I wrote you and directed you to mar[c]h immediately with your Regiment to Joine the Army here. When I gave this Order I supposed you and your Regiment to be in Connecticut, But understanding that you have got to Albany with It, or near that place, I have thought proper to countermand the Orders then given and desire that you will put yourself under the command of General Schuyler and comply with such directions as you may receive from him, being satisfi’d that you cannot be here in time to give the least assistance. I am Sr Your Hble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Major Christopher French, 7 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: French, Christopher

Sir
Head Quarters New York Augt 7. 76

I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your favour of the [22] July int[i]mating your Expectation of Release on the 12th of this Month.
I have considered your Parole, advised with those whose Knowledge & Experience give Weight to their Opinion & otherwise endeavoured to inform myself how far your Construction of it is founded upon Justice, Reason or Usage—I do not find it warranted by either, My Duty therefore obliges me to over rule your Claim as a Matter of right. As a matter of favour, Indulgence is not in my Power, even if your General Line of Conduct as a Prisoner had been unexceptionable.
I have therefore wrote to the Committee of Hartford, sent them a Copy of this Letter & hope you will without Difficulty conform to the Regulations already made with Respect to Prisoners by the General Congress.
It is probable a general Exchange of Prisoners will soon take place, it will then be a Pleasing Part of my Duty to facilitate your Return to your Friends & Connections, as I assure you it is now a painfull one to disappoint you in an Expectation which you seem to have formed in a full Persuasion of being right and in whic⟨h⟩ on Mature Deleberation, I am so unhappy as totally to Differ from You. I am Sir your Most Obedt Humble Sert


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 August 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York August 7th 1776

In my Letter of the 5th which I had the honor of addressing you, I begged leave to recall the attention of Congress to the absolute necessity there is for appointing more Genl Officers, promising at the same time by the first Opportunity to give my Sentiments more at large upon the Subject.
Confident I am that the postponing this measure, has not proceeded from motives of frugality, otherwise I should take the liberty of attempting to prove that we put too much to the hazard by such a Saving. I am but too well apprized of the difficulties that occur in the choice. they are, I acknowledge, great, but at the same time it must be allowed they are of such a nature as to present themselves when ever the Subject is thought of. Time on the one hand does not remove them—on the other, delay may be productive of fatal consequences. This Army tho far short as yet of the numbers intended by Congress, is by much too unweildy for the command of any One man without Several Major Generals to assist. For It is to be observed that a Brigadier General at the head of his Brigade is no more than a Colo. at the head of a Regiment, except that he acts upon a larger Scale. Officers of more Genl command are at all times wanted for the good order & Government of an Army, especially when the Army is compos’d cheifly of Raw Troops, but in an Action they are indispensibly necessary. At present there is but One Major Genl for this whole department and the Flying

Camp, whereas at this place alone, less than three cannot discharge the duties with that regularity they ought to be: If these Major Genls are appointed as undoubtedly they will, out of the present Brigadiers you will want for this place three Brigadiers at least—The Northern department will require One, if not two, as Genl Thompson is a prisoner & the Baron Woodke reported to be dead, or in a state not much better, there being at present only One Brigadr (Arnold) in all that department. For the Eastern Governments there ought to be One or a Major General to superintend the Regiments there and to prevent Impositions that might otherwise be practised. These make the number wanted to be Six or Seven, and who are to be appointed Congress can best Judge—To make Brigadrs of the oldest Colos. would be the least exceptionable way, but It is much to be questioned whether by that mode the ablest Men would be appointed to Office; and I would observe, tho the Rank of the Cols. of the Eastern Governments were settled at Cambridge last year, It only respected themselves, and is still open as to Officers of other Governments. To pick a Colo. here, and a Colo. there through the Army according to the opinion entertained of their abilities would no doubt be the means of making a better choice and nominating the Fittest persons, But then the Senior Officers would get disgusted and more than probable with their connexions quit the Service—That might prove fatal at this time. To appoint Gent. as Brigadrs that had not served in the Army, (in this part of It at least) would not wound any one in particular but hurt the whole equally and must be considered in a very discouraging light by every Officer of merit—view the matter therefore in any point of light you will there are Inconveniences on the one hand & difficulties on the other which ought to be avoided. Would they be remedied by appointing the oldest Colos. from each State? If this mode should be thought expedient, the Inclosed List gives the Names of the Cols. from New-Hampshire to Pensylvania Inclusive, specifying those who Rank first as I am told in the Several Colony Lists.
I have transmitted a Copy of a Letter from Mr John Glover setting forth the nature and Grounds of a dispute between him and a Mr Bradford respecting their agency. Not conceiving myself authorized nor having the smallest Inclination to Interfere in any degree in the matter, It is referred to Congress who

will determine and give direction upon It in such manner as they shall Judge best. I will only observe that Mr Glover was recommended to me as a proper person for an Agent when we first fitted out Armed Vessels and was accordingly appointed One, and so far as I know discharged his Office with fidelity and Industry.
I received Yesterday Evening a Letter from Genl Schuyler containing Lt McMichel’s report who had been sent a Scout to Oswego. A Copy of the Report I have Inclosed for the information of Congress, lest Genl Schuyler should have omitted It in his Letter which accompanies this. he was at the German Flatts when he wrote which was the 2d Instt and the Treaty with the Indians not begun, nor had the whole expected then arrived, but of these things he will have advised you more fully I make no doubt.
The pay master Informs me he received a Supply of Money Yesterday—It came very seasonably, for the Applications and Clamours of the Troops had become Incessant and distressing beyond measure. There is now Two Months pay due ’em. I have the Honor to be with great esteem Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington