Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 11 July 1779
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

          Dr Genl
          Wilton [Conn.] 11th July 79

        In my last, I informd that the Enemy landed last Night: at four this Morning the Enemy on their Advance were met by the Militia & some Skirmishing insued, but without any considerable Effect on either Side; at about Six o’Clock the Troops under Genl Wolcott, & my Small Detachment of 150 Conl Troops were joind & took possession of an Emminece the North End of the Town. the Enemy advanced in our Front & on our left Flank until about 9 o’Clock when they were checkd in their Progress by the Vigorous Exertions of the Parties of Militia & Conl Troops sent out to oppose them; and in Turn were compeld to retire from Hill to Hill at some Times in great Disorder; we continued to advance upon them until near 11 o’Clock when a Column having nearly gaind our Right Flank; the Militia in the Center gave Way & retreated in Disorder; this gave the Enemy Possession of our Ground. Genl Wolcott who commanded exerted himself on this Occasion to raly the Troops & bring them to Order again; but without Effect until they had retird about Two Miles when some Troops being again formd returnd to the Aid of the Right & left Wings who had retird but a Small Distance & in Order with these the Enemy were pursued again and retreated with Precipitation to their ships. I have the Pleasure to assure your Excellency the Conl Troops without Exception, they being all ingagd behavd with the greatest Bravery. Capt. Betts who was the first engaged with the Enemy & who continued longest in Action deserves Particular Notice for his great Fortitude & prudent Conduct in the Battle, he continued Advancing on the Enemy until the Center of the main Body gave way & he with his Party advancd near a Mile at the Time by his Prudence were able to effect a regular Retreat without any considerable Loss, Capt. Eells on the Right & Cpt. Sherman on the Left were also ingagd & when obliged to retire kept their Order & retreated with Regularity. A Body of the Militia I think they were commanded by Major Porter & another Considerable Detachment deserve honorable mention to be made of them. I am not yet able to assertain our own or the Enemy’s Loss but in my next shall be able to give a more particular Account. in my handful of Conl Troops, I have lost five Men kild; Lieut. Gibbs & Six Privates Wounded. I don’t know of any missing; some Loss the Militia have sustain’d. I am satisfied the Loss of the Enemy must have

been considerable. About Twenty Boats landed on the West Side the Harbour at five o’clock & immediately began to set fire to the Buildings, they compleated burning the Town at about twelve o’Clock; this appears to have been their sole Business as they ⟨did⟩ not stay to carry off any Plunder of con⟨side⟩rable Value A few Tory Houses are left which I hope our People will burn, as the Owners are here and have committed no Act by which the public can seise them: I imagine Stamford will be the next object to wreck their hellish Malice upon, to that Place I shall repair to Morrow. I am fully persuaded that five Hundred more Men such as the brave Militia I have before mentiond & the 150 Conl Troops would have given the Enemy a total defeat. the Numbers of the Enemy were about 2000. our Numbers between 900 & 1100. I am Dr Genl yr Obedt Servt

          Saml H. Parsons


Title: General Orders, 12 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters New-Windsor Monday July 12th 1779.
          Parole Manilla—C. Signs Canton. Cam.


Title: From George Washington to John Beatty, 12 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Beatty, John

          Sir
          Hd Qrs [New Windsor] July 12th 1779

        A copy of the proceedings of a Board of General officers on the subject of paroled prisoners accompanies this—You will find they have determined the following persons to be breakers of parole.
        Col. John Hannum
        Lt Robert Cammell
        Col. Swoop
        Lt Col. Fredrick Bellenger
        Lt Col. Nicholas Luz
        Lt William Colhoon
        Lt Henry Jaans

        Lt Peter Wiser
        Lt Samuel Wilcox
        Ensign John Spoor
        Lt William Brentnal
        The two first made their escape from the enemy—the nine last were permitted to come out on parole and have not obeyed the summons to return, nor have given any satisfactory reasons for their delay.
        You are to inform the enemy that we consider these persons with such others who are clearly military prisoners & breakers of parole—whose cases were not submitted to the Board—as violators of their parole and are willing to account for such of them as we cannot oblige immediately to return on the following terms.
        By an exchange in the common order of capture, in the same manner as if they had not violated their paroles; and in the mean time by releasing an equal number of their officers of equal rank to be held on parole ’till the time of exchange comes about on the forementioned principles.
        You will immediately publish a summons in positive but general terms to all those who have either deserted their paroles in the first instance, or delayed complying with the summons to return without assigning sufficient reasons for the delay enjoyning them instantly to return, and informing them that in case of refusal effectual measures will be taken to inforce a compliance and if they are not to be found, their names will be published in all the papers as men who are insensible to the obligations of honor or the sufferings of their associates in captivity which their misconduct tends to increase.
        Such as may be within your reach, you will oblige at once to return.
        The following Gentlemen on parole are reported as not having complied with their summons, but as having assigned satisfactory reasons for their delay. These you will explain to the British commissary. Till their situation will permit their return, you will indulge a like number of their officers to go within their lines on parole—Major William Ellis Captain John Spotswood Solomon Bush D.A.G. of Militia & Daniel Kanady Adjutant.
        You will make the necessary inquiry without delay into the case of Mr Bowne to ascertain whether he was an officer or not—You will endeavour also to gain information respecting Mr Brown surgeon, and respecting Mr Hitchcock—that we may know what to determine in their cases.
        Endeavour to find out indirectly what are the ideas of the enemy in the case of Lt Forrest.
        You will make a representation of the cases of John McClure, James

Fletcher, Jonathan Rogers and Holderby Lankford to the Marine Committee and obtain their instructions—It having been determined that Col. Thomas’s escape was unjustifiable it remains to be ascertayned whether he is to be considered as a military prisoner. I shall make inquiry on the subject and I wish you to do the same.
        You will inform the enemy that there may be several other persons who have violated their paroles; that were either not officers at all, or did not belong to the army or to the militia in actual service; who are therefore considered by us as mere citizens and not to be accounted for in military exchanges.
        As to such others who were officers of the army or of the militia in actual service at the time of capture who are alleged by the enemy to have broken their paroles, and are judged by us to have made their escape in a justifiable manner, you will inform the British Commissary of their names, the light in which we consider them, and the reasons for which we do it; at the same time assuring them that we are ready to hear and consider any facts they may have to produce in support of a different interpretation.
        Inclosed you will receive a list of Militia Prisoners taken at Crompond 24th of June 1779—You will endeavour to get the privates of these exchanged for an equal number of those privates which the enemy are in arrears to us and have not yet accounted for.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Gamaliel Bradford, 12 July 1779
From: Bradford, Gamaliel
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Westpoint July 12th 1779.

        As the Officers & Soldiers of my Regiment are in great want of the gratuity, granted to them by the Massachusetts State, They are very desirous that Lieutt Peterson should go for that purpose to Boston. If your Excellency thinks it consistent, I would humbly request, that Lieutt Peterson might be granted leave of absence for four Weeks, for the above purpose. I am your Excellency’s most Obedt & very hble Servt

          Gaml Bradford Colo.


Title: To George Washington from William Crawford, 12 July 1779
From: Crawford, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Fort Pitt [Pa.] July the 12th 1779

        Som time Last Summer I wrot you in regard to my being Left out of the Virga Line as it put it out of my Power to Serve as an Officer with the Continantall Army with my proper rank but I do not know wheather my Letter cam to your hands or not.
        when General McIntosh went to head Quarters this Spring he told me he would Aquint you with my case, General McIntosh give me for answear that I must attend at head Quarters my self or I co[u]ld not have the matter Setled but that I might Stay Som time to have my matters Som way Setled.
        which I must beg leave to do there being a way of having them now don, Congrass having Sent an Odetor to this Department for the porpose of Setling Accts of the Army.
        Colo. Clarks Afairs has Changed the dispo[si]tion of the Endiens much, They have don very Litle mischef this Summer and in pertiqualor Sence the People from down the river burnt the Shawnee town or part of it and Killd three of there Chief men a very Litle Trouble would distroy the hole Shawnee Towns by Sending a party of about 600 men to the Mouth Licking Creek below the Siothe. from thence it is no more then 50 Miles as I am informd by those that was in the Action and a good road the Hole way being no hills or Defils

to pravent us from Carying of two field peaces 4 or 6 pounders that would Bater down Block houses which the Shawnees has Built to defend themselves in there towns the Poeople at Kantock and at the falls would be Glad as they have informd me to Joyn a party from this place for that porpose when the Corn was in rosting Years would be a good time for that porpose.
        I only Mention this Sir for your consideration in Case Matters Should not be other ways Setled.
        Colo. Broadhead has spooke to me to Joyn him with som of the Militia of Virga to go on a Short Campain against a Mingo town up they Alegania which I have agreed to, as I would not wish to hurt the Service or leve it in the power of him to Say I should not do Every thing in my Power to Serve my Country the only motive I have for Serving one moment, as soon as that is done and my Accounts is Setled I will Attend at head Quarters unless you Should order me Other ways.
        As soon as Fort Randolph at the Mouth of the Canaway was avaquated the Endiens burt it.
        Agreeable to my Promise I advertisaed your Land on Millers run forwarning all Person from Purchessing any part of it as som was proposseing Seling it and I Shall do it again as the Land Office is now open for Patanting Lands in the new Purchasess.
        I hop Sir you will Excuse my troubling you with this Long Letter I am sir with Sinsear Esteem your most Obedent Hume Servt

          W: Crawford


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 July 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Amewalk [N.Y.] July 12. 1779

        I send, to be disposed of as your Excellency may think proper, one John Hodge an Inhabitant of New york, who is Suspected of being a Spy.
        Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter just received from General Parsons, by which you will perceive that the Militia are destitute of Ammunition.
        If it be your pleasure that they be Supplied Let me request an order from your Excellency for a quantity to be immediately forwarded by the commanding officer of Artillery. It seems by General Parsons’s Letter, that he had written another which I have not yet received.
        perhaps it Contain’d occurrencies of importance. The Intelligence I have been able to obtain by report & which I think may be depended on is, that Yesterday the Enemy burnt Norwalk except a very few Houses. they also burnt Bedford. There was an action at Norwalk in which a few were kill’d on both sides.
        I Shall push on the Troops with the utmost dispatch. the Severe rain on Yesterday deprived us of Nearly a days march. It is said the Enemys principal force is in the Neighborhood of Byrom Bridge.
        My Intelligence as I approach nearer will be better. Such as is of consequence Shall be immmediately transmitted. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt

          W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 12 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters New Windsor July 12th 1779

        I perceive by the last returns, that there is still a number of men wanting Arms—In addition to this, I am informed we may shortly expect some new levies from Massachusetts and Connecticut particularly the latter. The men without arms will be rather an incumberance—than a benifit I request you will take every measure in your power to have a supply ready. For this purpose, you will hasten to the Army all such as are any where under your direction; and will write in urgent terms to the Board of War for a further supply if to be had. I wish you to make this an object of particular attention.
        I shall be glad to hear how Mrs Knox is, to whom I beg my

respectfull Compliments and best wishes for her health. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. Since writing the above I have received Information that the Massachusetts levies are Assembling at Springfield & may soon be expected on.

            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 12 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Dr Sir,
          Head Quarters—New Windsor July 12th 1779

        In mine to you of the 5th—I requested you to attend to the movements of the enemy on the river below and for this purpose to engage the country people as look outs along the River—I would wish you to have such persons on whose fidelity and vigilance you can rely stationed at different places as low as fort Lee, that we may have the earliest intelligence of any collection of vessels or boats or embarkation of troops on the opposite side. The enemy are now manœuvring to the Eastward—it may be to divert a part of our force that way—then to make a rapid movement back embark—and proceed up to the forts—We must give a certain degree of protection and cover to the country, which will occasion a detachment of our force; and this makes it the more essential that we should be upon our watch this way. Your activity and care I rely upon. I am Dr Sir Your obedt servant.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 12 July 1779
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Wilton [Conn.] 12th July 1779

        the day on which I last addressd myself to your Excellency General Parsons orderd the Infantry which were under my Command at Bedford, to march to Norwalk, finding my small party of Horse woud be of little Consequence in that quarter, I marchd them allso to Norwalk where I arrived yesterday morning just at the time the enemy had made their Landing good & an engagement very Soon Commenced, and a vast deal of Ammunition wasted to very little purpose, as in general our Militia Kept at awfull distance, the few men 150 in Number of the Infantry behaved exceeding well maintaind their post with the greatest bravery. they were deserted by the Militia, and orderd to withdraw, which they did without the least appearance of Confusion the town was Shortly in ashes, and now remains a monument of Brittish barbarity—they reimbarked under Cover of the Smoke, which was right in our faces and I suppose Stamford will next feell the Cruel effects of their rage—it was a fortunate circumstance for me that I Left my Qrs on Saturday evening, for four hundred of the enemies horse, Came up to Bedford the next morning and as I am informd burnt it, they did not proceed further as they probably were informd of my departure.
        I orderd Colonel White who Commanded the Horse which were watching the army near Rye to join me at this place which he effected Last evening. Mr Gill a Lt in my Regiment took four of the enemy prisoners one is So badly wounded that I believe he cannot recover he had Some Conversation with Sir Harry Clinton, without knowing who he was, until told by the prisoners, one of whom I shoud inform your Excellency is of that Corps who receive no pay, but are Supported by plundering the inhabitants, I wish he had been Cut down, but I believe he will meet with his desert, as I intend to Send him to Governor Clinton, to whom I find he is well known, both Regiments are now very Much fatigued, I will keep as many with me as are best able to bear the hardships of this rough Country and Send the remainder to Some place where they Can rest in Some kind of Security, which I assure you Sir is difficult in any place near Bedford without a body of Infantry to Support them the enemy being So vastly Superior to us in Cavalry, my reason for Staying here is to give Countenance to the Militia, who Seem to place Some Confidence in me, by doing my duty yesterday.
        I am very Confident that General Clintons movement to Rye and that Quarter was intended to draw your Army or part thereof away

from the Fort which I have little doubt is the main object with him of this Campaign.
        Your Excellencys Letter of the 10th is just Come to hand, and allso a Letter from General Heath mentioning his advance towards Bedford with a Division of the Army. he orders me to move forward, with the Cavalry and Infantry under my Command to join him at Hoits, I am Sorry to quit this neighborhood where I Know I shoud be of Some Service in Keeping the Militia together, but his order shall be obeyed. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most obliged H. St

          Stephen Moylan


Title: To George Washington from John Penn, 12 July 1779
From: Penn, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philada July 12th 1779

        From some expressions contained in a letter I this day received from Major Taylor, I am induced to believe that he is sorry for having left the Army. I do not know that he could with propriety think of rejoyning his Regiment after having been absent so long, However as I always wished that the Major should continue in the Army; I have taken the liberty to mention the above, if your Excellency should be of opinion that it will not be improper for the Major to have his Commission again, I will inform him of it, if otherwise I have only to beg your forgiveness for this trouble. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt

          John Penn


Title: General Orders, 13 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters New-Windsor Tuesday July 13th 1779.
            Parole Tartary—C. Signs Ostend Siam.

          Captain Selman of the 4th Maryland regiment is appointed to do the duty of Brigade Major in the 2nd Maryland brigade ’till further orders vice, Captain Hardman who declines that duty at present.
          The General is surprised to be informed that the order of the 30th of June respecting Masons has been very partially complied with: As it is of great importance to the public service that a sufficient number should be furnished without delay, the commanding officers of brigades are requested to pay immediate and particular attention to the execution of the forementioned order.

          After Orders July 13th—
          The Light troops commanded by Colonel Meigs & Majors Hull and Murphy are to join those under the immediate command of General Wayne and the whole to be form’d and exercised under the direction of that officer.
          General Nixon will move his brigade tomorrow to the Gorge of the Mountain near the Continental Village and supply the place of the Light Troops and others which have been withdrawn from that post.


Title: From George Washington to John Armstrong, 13 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Armstrong, John

          Dear sir
          Head Qrs New Windsor July 13th 1779

        I have been favoured with your Letter of the 7th Instant. From the character of Major Nichols as a good Officer I should have been happy—if he had remained in service—but he could not be reintroduced now even with his former rank as the vacancy occasioned by his resignation has been filled and sundry consequent arrangements made much less with the rank he requires. I have no power to appoint Officers—either by giving an Actual command or by conferring Brevets. And if I had, I should not think myself at liberty, after the decision of so respectable and disinterested a Board as the One which determined in his case to comply with his wishes. I am persuaded it would occasion great uneasiness and such as policy—to say nothing of the justice or injustice of the measure, forbids us to excite. Brevets, altho they do not give an actual and immediate command—yet they give rank, which must dissatisfy those whose interests are affected by them. I am sorry to add that Captain Kearsley’s readmission is also impracticable. I had written him to this effect, previous to the receipt of your Letter, having found that his appearance at Wyoming and the apprehension of his resuming his command, after his resignation and the arrangements in consequence, had thrown the Officers into the greatest confusion. It is a matter of concern that good Officers should adopt hasty resolutions to put themselves out of the service.
        I have seen the Charles Town papers of the 29th of May & 4th of June containing accounts of the operations in that quarter.
        My Official Letter to Congress will give you all the public intelligence I have—and will inform you of the wanton and unprecedented devastations of the Enemy, at least since the times of modern— civilized War. I am Dr sir with great truth Yr Affect. & Obligd Hb. st

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 13 July 1779
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Philadelphia July 13th 1779

        I have been anxiously waiting a long time in expectation that the situation of the Army would admit the Court Martial to proceed on my Trial, as a part of the British Army are gone down the North River, I hope the time is now arived; If it can be done without prejudice to the service I beg your Excellency to appoint as early a day as posible, the Cruel situation I am in will apologize for my pressing the Matter; my wounds are so far recovered that I can walk with ease, and expect soon to be able to ride on Horse back. If there is no probibility of the Courts meeting soon I must request the Favor to know, in which Case I shall beg of Congress a few Months absence on my private Affairs. I have the honor to be with great respect and Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servt

          B. Arnold


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, 13 July 1779
From: Brooks, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          West Point 13th July 1779.

        As I think myself injured by the present arrangement of the Lieutenant Colonels in the Massachusetts Line, I must request your Excellency to appoint a Committee to investigae the Rank of those I shall dispute and my own. I am your Excellency’s most obedt humle Servt

          J. Brooks Lt Colo.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 13 July 1779
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Poukeepsie [N.Y.] 13th July 1779.

        I take the Liberty of transmitting to your Excellency a Copy of a Letter I this Moment received from my Brother as I have Reason to beleive he has not been able to write to your Excellency by the Person who delivered me his Letter—I am with the Most perfect Esteem & Respects Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt

          Geo: Clinton


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 13 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

            Sir
            New Windsor July the 13th 1779

          In my Letter of the 9th which I had the honor of addressing to Your Excellency, I informed you of the proceedings and ravages of the Enemy on the Sound till that time, as far as I had been advised. I now take the liberty to transmit an Extract of a Letter of the 10th (No. 1) from Governor Trumbull—and of the same date (No. 2) from General parsons, by which Your Excellency will find, that they have burnt Fairfield. I also transmit Sr George Colliers & Major General Tryon’s address to the Inhabitants of Connecticut delivered at the time and a Copy of Colo. Whitings Answer. The Enemy’s devastations do not stop here—as you will perceive by the Inclosure No. 3 (an Extract of a Letter from Genl parsons of the 11th) announcing the destruction of Norwalk. In the several descents made by the Enemy, the Militia from the Accounts I have received considering their number and the sudden manner in which they assembled, acquitted themselves with great spirit.
          Besides the measures taken with respect to Glover’s Brigade, of which I advised Your Excellency—on the 10th as soon as I heard that a body of the Enemy were moving towards Horseneck, I sent orders to Major General Heath, who lay in the Highlands on the East side of the River, to march that way, as early as possible the next morning with the Two Connecticut Brigades, on the route by Crompond, Bedford or Ridgefield as circumstances might point out; and to give every aid and countenance, consistent with prudence, to the Militia to repress their depredations. I have requested General parsons to fix their extent with as much precision as he can. If it is practicable, it seems to me, high time to retaliate by destroying some of their Towns.
          I must take the liberty to request that an early supply of money may be sent to the Deputy pay master General, for paying the gratuity of 100 Dollars to the Soldiers. From the great uneasiness prevailing among many of the pensylvania Troops and frequent desertions, occasioned in great measure by the exorbitant bounties given by some of the States for short and temporary services—and which must encrease with the practice, I have been obliged to draw on the Military chest for a very large sum to pay the gratuity in hopes that it might have a favourable influence. This may occasion some deficiency of money even for discharging ⟨the Reg⟩imental demands to the last of ⟨May—⟩the latest period to which any Warrants have been drawn; and possibly delaying the gratuity from other parts of the Army, entitled

to it, may excite some degree of uneasiness. I cannot tell at this time, for what number of Men to estimate the supply that will be necessary; but no inconvenience will result from a more than ample provision, as the balance in such case will answer other purposes. It may be pretty well ascertained from the Muster Rolls, which, I believe, are deposited with the Treasury Board.

          ½ past 9 OClock P.M.
          I this minute returned from the Fort and the posts below, when I had the Honor to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 9th with the papers to which it refers. I have also to inform you, that by a Letter from Genl Heath of the 12th just come to hand—the Enemy have burnt Bedford. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Yr Excelleny’s Most Obedt sert

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Rufus Putnam, 13 July 1779
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Washington, George

          Constitution Island [N.Y.] July 13th 1779

        Report of observations made at Verrplanks Point taken this Morning.
        The Roof of the Block House in Fort De La Fyatte taken off Proverbelly with a desiyne to add another Story of Timber work—the Block house on Stonney hill quite inclosed with a parrapet, or New flush or Redan in a line of there other works Next the Block house on the North River a New work on the old Barbitt battery built by the americans Enlarged and Eambresure made which Rake the beach and flats towards the bridge. The abbette in front of there works continued down the bank and across the beach to Low warter marke.
        from the Bridge across the Marsh towards the Stone house is about Eighty Rod. the Beach here at low warter is about three Rod wide, Nearly on a levil with the Marsh where was a Small fier, where I apprehend a night Picket is posted after you leave the Marsh between the high bank and the warter the beach is not Quite So wide the distance to march here before you are in the Rear of their line of works is also about Eighty Rod directly in front and under the Rake of the afore

Said american battery which is Return’d from there line of Works and is built on a part of the Point that projects more in to the bay and servs as a kind of flank and in front of which there Encampment must be entered.
        I had in my party a Number of inteligent Soldiers of Colo. Nixons Regiment who were Stationed in the Spring, of last years; and this, at the Stone house I proposed to them last eving to pilate me across the crick below the bridge in order as I pretended to take of[f] Some of the out guards they told me about three Rod from the bridge they could take me across where the warter at low tide was Not more then knee deep I wished them to carry me further off as in ordor to avoide a Sentry which I apprehended might be posted at the bridge they told me they could not I asked them why they Said the flats was the mins. knee deep in general and Some placs much deeper I asked them if they were Sure of it they Said yes they had often waided in upon them and Some of [them] had on a bar that Run out ben Quite to the Island I asked them if there was no giting to the Beach in Rear of the bridge from the Island they Said no. I asked than if there was no waidering place up the crick in the Marsh they Said there was Nearly opposit the block house but the[y] did not know if they could find it in the night and aded the Crick was very winding Runing Quite across the Marsh Several times and they knew of but one place that it was fordable. I asked them if this crick had communication with the other above the point they Said they beleived not, they had gon from the grate Rode by a Sertain log house (which they descr[i]bed) to the Stone house on the Point in a foot path in which they crossed only a Very Small Runn and that it was hard ground in general.
        the bridge over the crick at the upper end of the point is not only Striped of the plank but the Strung peices are most of them gone the butment only Remain good—I took my Stand this morning before light a few Rods from the old church the morning was not So favorable as I could have wished but I had Several fair observation as the Sun passed through the openings of the clouds I could See very little of the works on Stonney Point Nowthing to contradict my observation made from the hill on the west Sid the River—on the beach South of the crick that Sepperates Stonney point an Island from the main I discovered a Small guard Round a fire—and on Verrplanks Point Neare the edge of the hill coming on to the Marsh from the Stone house towards the bridge was also a fier where I conclude they had a picket in the night and from which a Sentry it is most provable is posted on the beach at or neare the Bridge haveing made all the observations in my power and being determined to come Immediately to camp I marched my party which consisted of fifty (Rank & file) and paraded

there in open Vew Near the church they maned there works and the gua⟨r⟩d at the Stone house Turned out which Consisted of one officer and about 20 men. The Emission [of] Rain while I was out prevented my being abel to perform the Service Sooner. I am Sir your Humble Servt.
        there is no posability of carrying artillery from peaks kill to the brick House or church without passing the common Rode in that part opposit the upper end of the Point.
        Sence I Saw your Exelency[,] in conversation with Lt Colo. Smith and Major Thompson they Informed me that when a part of Colo. Nixons Regiment was Stationed in Forte De La Fyette, they Examined the foot path (Spoken of by the Soldiers) leading off between the two cricks in order to make there Retreat that way in case the Enemy took possestion of the two Bridges. Colo. Smith and Major Thomson gave the Same account as mentioned by the Soldiers and add that at present no carrages can pass that way but it may be made a Tollarable Rode. when I had determind to Return I Shew my party neare the church they maned there works and an officer guard of about 20 paraded by the Stone House which Remains only Inclosed with an abbettee.
        the bridge over Peeks kill below Contintl village was brook up when our people left that Quartr.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 13 July 1779
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Smiths Clove [N.Y.] July 13th 1779

        Colonell Craig waits upon your Excellency to solicit leave of Absence for some Time for the Recovery of his Health—He has been for a considerable Time afflicted with the Scurvy and the Physicians advise him to go to the warm Springs in Virginia and he has requested me to signify to Your Excellency my Approbation of his Application. I cannot have any Objection to it as I am certain nothing but Necessity would oblige him to make it at this time. I have the Honour to be Sir Your Excellencys most obedient Servant

          Ar. St Clair


Title: General Orders, 14 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters New-Windsor Wednesday July 14th 79.
            Parole Piedmont—C. Signs Perth. Pool.

          Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolve.

          In Congress 6th of July 1779.
          Resolved—That in consideration of their extra-duties and service, the officers in the Army of these States, serving as Sub and Brigade Inspectors be allowed, the former three rations a day and forage for three horses and the latter two rations a day and forage for two horses, in lieu of all former rations and forage both as officers in the line and as Inspectors—Their subsistence money as officers in the line to remain as heretofore.
          The General is surprised to find by the Weekly returns that a number of men are continually reported unfit for duty for want of Clothes, when there is clothing in the public Stores and a mode pointed out by which they are to be drawn—He trusts this business will not be delayed any longer and that the commanding officers of corps will see that the deficient Arms are immediately supplied in a manner heretofore directed.
          The small Parties which have been sent from the brigades at West-Point for the purpose of apprehending robbers and other disorderly people in and near Smith’s-Clove are to join their respective regiments.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

          Dr Sir
          New Windsor July the 14: 1779

        I yesterday evening received Your favor of the 13th and thank you for transmitting me a copy of Your Brother’s Letter. I am happy to find the Troops are in such health and Spirits.
        Major Gibbs inclosed you Yesterday the Charles Town papers of the 29th of May and 4th of June, which would shew Your Excellency all the operations in that quarter to those dates; and that matters are far short of the successes, of which we had heard.
        In consequence of the movements of the Enemy up the Sound and a body of them towards Horseneck—I detached General Heath with the Brigades of Connecticut on the route by Crompond—and Bedford or Ridgefield as circumstances might require in order to aid & countenance the Militia.
        The Enemy seem determined to prosecute the system of War threatned by the Commissioners in their manifesto. They have burnt Fairfield Norwalk & Bedford—and some Houses in New Haven

& East Haven—and all the parish of Greens farm. It is high time to retaliate, by burning their Towns if it is practicable. I have the Honor to be with great regard & esteem Dr sir Yr Most Obedt sert

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dr Sir,
          New Windsor July 14th 1779

        I have received your favor of the 12th dated at Amewalk and on account of the pressing situation of affairs, have written to Col. Lamb at Fish kill, to send to your care 25,000 Cartridges—which you will distribute among the Militia if there is really a necessity for it. I cannot send more. The respective States in general, as I have been informed have good supplies of Military stores of their own—& the Militia must be furnished by them. If large or frequent drafts are made upon our stock—we shall want ourselves.
        I inclose you a letter from his Excellency the President of Congress, which came to hand last night. I am Dr Sir With great regard Yr Most, Obet servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. I am much at a loss to know where Genl Clinton and the main body of his forces are. It is a matter of importance that I should be advised of their situation and movements. You will endeavour to have a good watch kept—and will acquaint me with them in your correspondencies. The Militia should be cautioned to make good use of their amunition—Firing at a great distance answers no purpose, which it is said by some accounts was too much the case at Norwalk.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

          Sir,
          Head Quarters New Windsor July 14th 1779

        The arrangement you have made with respect to the detachment from Nixon’s brigade is agreeable to me. But I would have Major Hulls light infantry to join General Wayne, at all events, this evening or tomorrow morning early—Orders have been given for the execution of the enterprise tomorrow night; and though the want of tents is an objection to those with you going down, I have several reasons that make me averse to delay. An idea may be thrown out, that I am anxious to have the whole infantry organized as soon as possible; and that tents will follow in a day or two. I should hope this circumstance if it is passed lightly over will have no ill effect. I am Dr Sr Yr Most Obedt ser.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Nixon, 14 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Nixon, Thomas

          sir
          Head Quarters New Windsor July the 14: 1779

        It will be necessary that the Recruits coming from the Massachusett’s State should be completely armed and accoutered at Springfield—or at least as far as the supplies there will admit. For this purpose I inclose you a Letter for the Commissary of Military Stores. I also inclose you a Copy, by which you will see he is directed to deliver such supplies of Arms & Accoutrements as you may find necessary according to the number of men. I am sir with regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt st

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 14 July 1779
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

          Dr General
          Stamford [Conn.] 14th July 1779

        your Excellency’s Letter of the 13th I receivd this Morning and shall pay a particular Attention to procure an exact detail of the Mischiefs done by the Enemy at the different Places both on the Persons & Property of the Inhabitants, the Movments of the Enemy and the apparent Prospects of a speedy Descent upon Stamford has hitherto so far ingagd my Attention as to prevent my paying that Attention which is necessary to assertaining the Depredations committed by the Enemy in their various Descents on our Coast, but shall to Day take Measures for the Purpose.
        By my Information Yesterday it appeard the Enemy were again Advancing toward Horseneck, about 200 Infantry & as many Horse were upon Kniffin’s Hill near Sawpitts, this was Supposd To be the advancd Guard. Genl Clinton was at Maroneck Bridge; inclosd is an Account of the various Corps with him with their Numbers as far as I have been able to collect them. the Fleet are now at Huntington, by the Motion of the Fleet last Night I expected they would have made another Attempt probably in Conjunction with the Troops advancing toward Horsneck but at Present they remain quiet. I am Still of Opinion the capital Object of the Enemy is so to weaken the Post on Hudson’s River as to render an Attack upon the Fort successful; as many Troops as can be spard without indangering the Post are of absolute Necessity here, but tis better to suffer the Loss of all our Towns than that Fort should fall into their Hands. the Enemy do not incline to advance into the Country so as to indanger a Retreat to their Ships, and their easy Movments by Water from One Place to another renders it impossible for Us to prevent the Destruction of our Towns; they ⟨mutilated⟩ no Inclination to fight Us, their precipitate ⟨mutilated⟩ on Shipboard the 11th sufficiently shews their guilty Fears operated powerfully Upon them and they were sufficiently convincd they can make no Attempt to desolate our Dwellings but where they will meet an Opposition and any considerable Stay in the Country will render that Oposition formidable, this answers valuable Purposes even though our Opposition should fail to preserve our Towns in every Instance. the Loss of the Enemy cannot be assertaind with any considerable

Degree of certainty, the Inhabitants say they began to carry back their dead & wounded in the first Skirmish and continued it till they themselves retreated immediately on the Close of the Action; by their Accounts there cannot have been less than 100 kild & wounded.
        We are in great Want of Cartridges I beg your Excellency to direct some to be forwarded to this Part of the Country.
        One Peice of Savage Barbarity at Fairfield I have heard so often & so credibly that I should give full Credit to it; did not the Act exceed almost a possibility of being committed by the most depravd & brutal Wretch that exists in Earth or Hell The Account is this. That a Man was left in Town & chargd with the Care of his Master’s Goods. upon the Enemy’s gaining the Town, they ripd open his Bowells fild the Trunk of the Body with Rum, dipd a Sheet in Spirits in which they wrapd him & sett fire to the Sheet & in that Way put an End to his miserable Existence. Old Men from 80 to 90 were inhumanely butcherd, Women abusd in the most scandalous Manner & no bounds set to the most wanton Acts of Barbarity, I shall as soon as possible reduce these Relations to a Certainty & transmit them. inclosd is One of Tryon’s Proclamations, another from Clinton to the Negroe’s I had but have mislaid it. I am with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt

          Saml H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 14 July 1779
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          In Council Philadelphia July 14th 1779

        Your Excellencys favour of the fifth instant was duly received, and tho it was and is the universal opinion that the number of Men under General Sullivan is greater than can be fed when he proceeds a little farther on the expedition yet we gave early and preremptory orders to the companies of rangers to join as soon as they were completed to any tolerable number, we also directed the militia of the adjoining counties to give all possible aid, as we were resolved that should the expedition fail of success no imputation should justly fall upon the state of Pennsylvania.
        Our prospects of raising these men were very flattering, the success in recruiting for a little time having equalled or rather exceeded our expectations, but the Quarter Masters department having occasion for a number of batteaumen and offering forty five pounds per month, and a ration and a half per day were terms so superior to what we had to offer that the service has languished ever since and it is very doubtful whether they will ever be completed. It is a general opinion that the boat men might have been procured upon more favourable terms, but as it was a necessary service and well meant we can only wish better information had been had. Every state and country is limitted in its powers and if its resources are drawn off in one service they cannot be had in another. Five hundred are engaged in this boat service all of this state besides which the number of deputies assistants and helpers amount to a great number—we would not infer from this that they are unnecessary, but to account for the deficiencies of these companies which otherwise would have been very complete.
        We beg leave to refer your Excellency to the enclosed letter which will shew that no orders have been wanting on our part and that there is every disposition in the Officers under us to execute as far as they can.
        It is much to be wished that instead of troubling your Excellency with this circuitous mode of application, General Sullivan would address himself directly to us, we have assured him that we will endeavour to give him every aid and assistance in our power, and when it cannot be done we shall at least be able to give him sufficient

reasons. We have not had a line from him since he left Easton and tho we knew from other advices that these companies had not joined we had not an information on the subject from the General himself.
        We are very sensible sir, that this expedition has received all possible aid from you, it has also been fostered and cherished by this state, we have drawn off our Waggons at four pounds ten shillings per day which will not pay the driver and shoe the horses. We have stopp’d a great number of ploughs. The encouragment of one hundred dollars by Congress was so small that the state added shoes, shirts leggins blankets and arms amounting to treble the sum. Our order and measures since would shew your Excellency our anxiety on this subject in so striking a view as to exclude every supposition that any thing is omitted in our power to procure the desired success. But we cannot change the course of things and order of providence to advance General Sullivans ⟨Vie⟩ws be they ever so salutary—and we hope his r⟨eco⟩llection of past periods wherein he has seen you rise superior to disappointments and deficiencies far more important, will strengthen his mind to obviate those which may occur to him. With perfect esteem and respect I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most obedient and very humble servant

          Jos: Reed President


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          Dr Sir,
          Head Quarters New Windsor July 14th 1779

        I have reflected on the advantages and disadvantages of delaying the proposed attempt, and I do not know but the latter preponderate. You will therefore carry it into execution tomorrow night as you desire, unless some new motive or better information should induce you to think it best to defer it. You are at liberty to choose between the different plans on which we have conversed. But as it is important to have every information we can procure, if you could manage, in the mean time to see Major Lee, it might be useful. He has been so long near the spot and has taken so much pains to inform himself critically concerning the post, that I imagine he may be able to make you acquainted with some further details. Your interview must be managed with caution or it may possibly raise suspicion. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 July 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] 14th July 1779

        I am this moment honored with your’s of this day & note the Contents—I shall effect the Interview you wish in the least Suspicious manner possible.
        every thing will be in readiness at the time you mention—I shall do myself the Honor to enclose you the plan & Disposition tomorrow. Interim I am Your Excellencies Most Obt Huml. Sert

          Anty Wayne


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 15 July 1779
From: Glover, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Ridgefield [Conn.] 15th July 1779

        At Govr Trumbull’s request I came on to Stamford, (myself, leaveing the Troops to follow) to assist Genl Walcott in a⟨rr⟩anging & posting the Militia for the Defence of that place—When I had the Honor of receiving your Excellency’s Letter of the 9th with a Duplicate of

the same, inclos’d in one from Govr Trumbull a Copy of which I herewith af Transmit.
        I immediately sent of an Express to Col: Shepard, order’d him to halt the Brigade at New Haven, till I could Consult Genl Parsons (at which time did not know Genl Heath was on the Ground) who approv’d of the Orders I had given, but told me it would be best to see Genl Heath who was at Salem Church, who also approv’d of their halting till your Excellency’s pleasure should be known. Your Excellency’s Letter (I have forgot the date, my papers being back with my Baggage) inclosing the Arrangments of the Regiments of my Brigade, has been duly Receiv’d—I have not been able to Compleat the Arrangements, owing to a difficulty in Col. Bigelows Regt which hope to settle soon; when done shall immediately Transmit to your Excellency.
        I take this Opportunity to return your Excellency my sincere thanks for the Attention paid to my Commission, which was forwarded by my good Friend Col. Harrison, inclos’d in his favour of the 10th Inst. I have the Honor to be, Your Excellencys, most Obed. sert

          John Glover B. General


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 July 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Ridgfield [Conn.]July 15. 1779 6 oClock P.M.

        General Glover has this moment arrived at my quarters. His Brigade is at New haven. This morning I wrote him to come forward to this Neighborhood but the express missed him on the road. I find the people who live on the Sound desirous to have the Army near

them, and those who live back equally anxious for protection. Governor Trumbull seems desirous that General Glover should return to Saybrook.
        In this view of circumstances, I have consented to the Brigade’s remaining at New Haven, untill your Excellencys pleasure can be express’d on the matter. for my own part, I should be fond of being on the Sea shore with all the Troops in this quarter did I not apprehend the Service would be much more promoted by taking a different position.
        If your Excellency Should recommend a principal attention to the Sea port Towns with the regular Troops it shall be done, but, if the hanging as near as may be prudent on the flank of the Enemy, & keeping open the communication with the Army in the Highlands be a more important object at this juncture, a considerable force Should be kept together, or their manœuvres, or any post they can take will be little regarded by the Enemy.
        I am informed that there are a Number of Vessells in the Harbour of New London, only three companies of Militia at the post, & apprehensions that the Enemy mean to pay them a Visit. I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Excellencys Most obed. Servt

          W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 15 July 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Philadelphia 15th July 1779

        I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 9th Inst. with the papers referred to in it—They were immediately committed.
        In a late letter I informed Your Excellency that Peter Wikoff Esqr. had been appointed Cloathier-General; That Gentleman not approving the terms of the appointment has declined it, & Lieut. Colonel Percifer Frazer was yesterday elected.
        Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed a copy of an Act of Congress of the 13th Inst., for forming Captain McClane’s Company & the dismounted Dragoons of Major Lee’s Corps into a fourth troop

to be added to that Corps. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obed. Servt.


Title: To George Washington from James Johnston and Joseph Howell, Jr., 15 July 1779
From: Johnston, James,Howell, Joseph Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Auditors Office July 15: 1779

        We delivered a letter from Col: Harrison to Capt. Baldesqui who shewed it to us, by which observe he is detained untill he can settle his accounts—by the Instructions received from John Gibson Audr Genl we are order’d to finish the settlement of Count Pulaskie and Capt. Baldesqui accots pursuant to the direction of Congress—but as Capt. Baldesqui can produce no more vouchers than he did before—we can do nothing further with them—and his staying here will be of no use—therefore if your Excellency thinks proper you will please to permit him to go to Philada and lay his case before the Board of Treasury. We are with much esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble servants

          Jas JohnstonJoseph Howell JunrAudrs Accounts Main Army


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 15 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Muhlenberg, Peter

          Sir,
          Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] 15th July 1779

        This day Genl Wayne marched down towards stoney point to take a view of the enemy & if an opportunity offered to attempt something serious; I therefore wish you to put your Brigade in motion about midnight & march that way in order to act as his situation may make it necessary—You will make your movement as secret as possible & march perfectly light, taking such of your guards as may be in your route with you. One days provision will be necessary for the men to have with them, & the rest that may be at the post, you will have in readiness to follow should circumstances require it.
        You shall hear from me when you are to return unless the enterprise should prove unsuccessfull, in which case you will return to your present post. I am Yrs &c.

          G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 15 July 1779
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Philad. July 15. 1779.

          I should not trouble you with the inclosed Paper if I did not know that you can look down with Contempt on these feeble Efforts of Malevolence & Resentment, and that I am introduced into it to bear false Witness. I have addressed a Peice to the Printer wherein I have made such Remarks & taken such Notice of this Attempt as I thought a Respect to my own Character required. I have also the Pleasure of assuring you that the Performance has met with the most general Detestation & Resentmt involving the Printer & all concerned in a most disagreeable Dilemma. This is so true a Criterion of the Sense of the publick that I cannot help congratulating you on this genuine Mark of publick Affection.
          The Publick Papers convey a tolerable Idea of our publick Affairs: There seems to be a general Wish for Attention to our Finances & a Revival of that Spirit of Patriotism which mark’d our early Efforts. This if properly cherished may produce happy Effects—if suffered to languish & expire will carry publick Credit with it. I am fully convinced this is the Oppy & if lost or neglected will never be recovered. It would be too tedious & improper an Interruption for me to enter into any Detail, and perhaps I am not sufficiently impartial. Great Events are certainly comprized in the next Six Months. God grant they may be favourable to America. I verily believe Spain has declared for us by this Time tho there is no certain Account of it.

          I dare not presume to wish you a shining or a pleasant Campaign, the State of the Country where you are forbids the one & I fear the State of your Army forbids the other. But I may & do most sincerely wish you Health & at least a safe Campaign—in some Sense Safety to us is Victory. I am with the most sincere Regard Dr Sir Your Obed. & Affect. Hbble Serv.

            Jos: Reed


Title: Enclosure: Newspaper Publication, 1779
From:
To:

          Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)—, 1779.
          >Some QUERIES, political and military, humbly offered to the consideration of the Public.

            I. WHETHER George the First did not, on his accession to the Throne of Great-Britain, by making himself King of a party, instead of the whole nation, sow the seeds not only of the subversion of the liberties of the People, but of the ruin of the whole empire?
            II. Whether, by proscribing that class of men to which his Ministry were pleased to give the appellation of Tories, he did not, in the end, make them not only real Tories, but even Jacobites?

            III. Whether the consequence of this distinction, now become real, was not two rebellions—and whether the fruit of those rebellions, although defeated, were not septennial Parliaments, a large standing army, an enormous additional weight and pecuniary influence thrown into the scale of the Crown, which in a few years have born down not only the substance, but almost the form of liberty, all sense of patriotism, the morals of the people, and, in the end, overturned the mighty fabric of the British Empire?
            IV. Whether the present men in power, in this State, do not tread exactly in the steps of this pernicious Ministry, by proscribing and disfranchising so large a proportion of citizens as those men whom they find it their interest to brand with the denomination of Tories?
            V. Whether liberty, to be durable, should not be constructed on as broad a basis as possible?—and whether the same causes, in all ages, and in all countries, do not produce the same effects?
            VI. Whether it is not natural, and even justifiable, for that class of people (let the pretext be ever so plausible) who have been stripped of their rights as men, by the hard hand of power, to wish for and endeavour to bring about, by any means whatever, a revolution in that State, which they cannot but consider as an usurpation and tyranny?
            VII. Whether a subject of Morocco is not (when we consider human nature) a happier mortal than a disfranchised citizen of Pennsylvania, as the former has the comfort of seeing all about him in the same predicament with himself; the latter, the misery of being a slave in the specious bosom of Liberty—the former drinks the cup, but the latter alone can taste the bitterness of it?
            VIII. Whether an enlightened member of a French Parliament is not a thousand times more wretched than a Russian cirf or peasant— as to the former, the chains, from his sensibility, must be extremely galling; and on the latter, they fit as easy as the skin of his back?
            IX. Whether it is salutary or dangerous, consistent with, or abhorrent from, the principles and spirit of Liberty and Republicanism, to inculcate and encourage in the people an idea, that their welfare, safety and glory depend on one man? Whether they really do depend on one man?
            X. Whether, amongst the late warm, or rather loyal addresses, in this city, to his Excellency General Washington, there was a single mortal, one Gentleman excepted, who could possibly be acquainted with his merits?
            XI. Whether this Gentleman excepted, does really think his Excellency a great man, or whether evidences could not be produced of his sentiments being quite the reverse?

            XII. Whether the armies under Gates and Arnold, and the detachment under Stark, to the Northward, or that immediately under his Excellency, in Pennsylvania, gave the decisive turn to the fortune of war?
            XIII. Whether, therefore, when Mons. Gerard, and Don Juan de Miralles, sent over to their respective Courts the pictures of his Excellency General Washington at full length, by Mr. Peale, there would have been any impropriety in sending over, at the same time, at least a couple of little heads of Gates and Arnold, by M. de Simitierre.
            XIV. On what principle was it, that Congress, in the year 1776, sent for General Lee quite from Georgia, with injuctions to join the army under General Washington, then in York-Island, without loss of time?
            XV. Whether Congress had reason to be satisfied or dissatisfied with this their recall of General Lee, from what subsequently happened on York-Island, and at the White-Plains?
            XVI. Whether Fort-Washington was or was not tenable? Whether there were barracks, casemates, fuel, or water, within the body of the place? Whether, in the outworks, the defences were in any decent order? And whether there were even platforms for the guns?
            XVII. Whether, if it had been tenable, it cou’d have answered any one single purpose? Did it cover, did it protect a valuable country? Did it prevent the enemy’s ships from passing or repassing, with impunity.
            XVII. Whether, if General Howe manifestly gave over all thoughts of attacking General Washington, in the last strong position in the rear of White-Plains, and fell back towards York-Island, orders should not have been immediately despatched for the evacuation of Fort-Washington, and for the removal of all the stores of value from Fort Lee to some secure spot, more removed from the river?— Whether this was not proposed, and the proposal slighted?
            XIX. Whether the loss of the garrison of Fort-Washington, and its consequent loss of Fort-Lee, with the tents, stores, &c. had not such an effect on the spirits of the people, as to make the difference of twenty thousand men to America?
            XX. Whether, in the defeat of Brandewine, General Sullivan was really the person who ought to have been censured?
            XXI. In one of the numerous publications which have lately infested Philadelphia, it was brought as a crime against Mr. Deane, that he had, directly or indirectly, made some overtures to Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, to accept the command of the American army—who must, of course, have superseded General Washington.—This crime

appeared to all the foreign Officers, who are acquainted with the Prince’s reputation as a soldier, in so very ridiculous a light, that they can never think or speak of it without being thrown into violent fits of laughter. Whether, if Duke Ferdinand had commanded at German-Town, after having gained, by the valour of his troops, and the negligence of his enemy, a partial victory, he would have contrived, by a single stroke of the Bathos, to have corrupted this partial victory into a defeat?
            XXII. Whether our position at Valley-Forge was not such, that if General Howe, or afterwards General Clinton, had been well informed of its circumstances, defects, and vices, they might not, at the head of ten, or even of eight, thousand men, have reduced the American army to the same fatal necessity as the Americans did General Burgoyne?
            XXIII. Whether the trials of General St. Clair, of which Court-Martial General Lincoln was President, and that on General Lee, were conducted in the same forms, and on the same principles?—Whether, in the former, all hearsay evidences were not absolutely rejected; and, in the latter, hearsay evidence did not constitute a very considerable part?
            XXIV. Whether, if the Generals Schuyler and St. Clair had been tried by the same Court-Martial as General Lee was, and, instead of Congress, General Washington had been the prosecutor, those Gentlemen (unexceptionable as their conduct was) would not have stood a very ugly chance of being condemned? And whether, if instead of General Washington, Congress had been the prosecutor, General Lee would not probably have been acquitted with the highest honour?
            XXV. Whether it must not appear to every man, who has read General Washington’s letter to Congress, on the affair at Monmouth, and the proceedings of the Court-Martial, by which General Lee was tried, that if the contents of the former are facts, not only General Lee’s Defence must be a tissue of the most abominable audacious lies, but that the whole string of evidences, both on the part of the prosecution and prosecuted, must be guilty of rank perjury, as the testimonies of these Gentlemen, near forty in number, delivered on oath, scarcely in one article coincide with the detail given in his Excellency’s letter?


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 15 July 1779
From: Van Schaick, Goose
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Albany [N.Y.] 15th July 1779

        I do myself the Honor to Enclose with this to your Excellency A Report & Map Received this Moment of Lieut. Hardenburgh Who Assures me that the Strictest Observations have been made this Time and the Work Laid down in the Map between the Fort & the Grand River in the most Accurate manner he was Capable of. I am with Esteem Your most Obediant servant

          G. V. Schaick


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 15 July 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

            Dear General:
            Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] 15th July 1779

          On the 11th Colonels Butler & Febeger with myself Reconnoitred the Enemies works at Stoney point in the most Satisfactory manner possible—and are decidedly of Opinion that two attacks & one faint ought to be made agreeable to the Enclosed plan & Disposition, which I now transmit.
          by the unanimous Voice of the Field Officers present as well as by your Excellencies permission, I have ventured to add the second Attack which is the only Alteration from your’s of the tenth, Instant I perfectly agree with you⟨r⟩ Excellency that an enterprize of this Nature don’t so much depend upon Numbers, as on Secrecy & prowess, yet the mass of our Soldiery will derive Confidence from the Reputation of Numbers—from this conviction I have taken the Liberty to Order Colo. Balls Regimt stationed at Rose’s farm to follow in my Rear & shall at a proper time give out that the Whole Virginia Line are to Support us—it can have no bad Effect—but it may have a very happy one.
          I have taken every possible precaution to secure the passes leading to Stoney point for which purpose I have Detatched—three small parties of picked men under Vigilant Officers with directions to Approach near the Marsh or Revene a little before Night so as to Reconnoitre & fix on the proper places to plant their Sentries as soon as it’s dark also to secure Certain persons to serve as Guides—I shall meet Major Lee between Clements’s & Storms.
          I was pleased at the prospect of the morning, & have the most happy presages of the fortune of the Night. adieu my Dear General & believe me with every Sentiment of Esteem Your Most Obt & Affectionate Huml. Sert

            Anty Wayne


Title: Enclosure: Plan of Attack, c.15 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

            [c.15 July 1779]

          The troops are to march [  ] at [  ] o Clock and move by the right, making a short halt at the Creek, or run next on this side Clements’s. Every officer, and non commissioned officer will remain with, and be answerable for every man in their platoons. No soldier to be permitted to quit the ranks on any pretence whatever, untill a general halt is made, and then to be attended by one of the officers of the Platoon. When the Vans of the troops arrive in the rear of the hill Z Colo. Febiger will form his regiment into a solid column of a half platoon in front as fast as they come up. Colo. Meggs will form next in Febeger’s rear, and Major Hull in the rear of Meggs, which will form the right column.
          Colo. Butler will form a column on the left of Febeger, and Major Murphy in his rear. Every officer and soldier is then to fix a piece of white paper in the most conspicuous part of his hat, or Cap to distinguish him from the enemy. At the word, march, Colo. Fleury will take charge of One Hundred, and fifty determined and picked men, properly officered, and with their arms unloaded, placing their whole dependance on the bayonet will move about twenty paces in front of the right column by the rout No. 1 and enter the Sally port 6; he is to detach an officer and twenty men a little in front, whose business it will be to secure the Sentries, and remove the abbatis, and other obstruction for the column to pass through.
          The column will follow close in the rear with shouldered Musquets under Colo. Febeger, with General Wayne in person. When the works are forced, and not before, the victorious troops as they enter will give the watch word [  ] with repeated and loud voice, and drive the enemy from their works and Guns, which will favor the pass of the whole. Should the enemy refuse to surrender, or attempt to make their escape by water or otherwise, vigerous means must be used to force them to the former, and to prevent their accomplishing the latter. Colo. Butler will move by the rout No. 2, preceeded by one hundred men with unloaded arms, and fixed Bayonets under the command of Major Steward, who will observe a distance of twenty yards in front of the Column, which will immediately follow under the commd of Colo. Butler with shouldered musquets, and enter the Sally ports C or D. The Officer commanding the above named one hundred men, will also detach a proper officer and twenty men a little in front to remove the obstructions; as soon as they gain the works, they are also to give, and continue the watch word, which will prevent confusion and

mistake. Major Murphy will follow Colo. Butler to the first figure 3, when he will divide a little to the right and left, and wait the attack on the right, which will be his signal to begin, & to keep up a perpetual and gauling fire, and endeavor to enter between, and possess the works a, a. If any Soldier presumes to take his musquet from his Shoulder, or attempts to fire, or begins the battle till ordered by his proper officer, he shall be instantly put to death by the officer next him, for the cowardice and misconduct of one man is not to put the whole in danger, or confusion with impunity. After the troops begin to advance to the works, the stricktest silence must be observed; and the greatest attention paid to the commands of the Officers. As soon as the lines are carried, the officers of Artillery with the men under their command will take possess[i]on of the Cannon, to the end that the Shipping may be secured, and the post at Verplanks point annoyed so as to fecilitate the attack on that quarter.
          The General has the fullest confidence in the bravery, and fortitude of the Corps he has the happiness to command; the distinguished honor confered on every officer, and soldier who has been drafted into this Corps by his Excellency Genl Washington; the credit of the States they respectively belong to, and their own reputation will be such powerful motives for each man to distinguish himself, that the General cannot have the least doubt of a glorious victory; and farther, he solemnly engages to reward the first man who enters the work, with five hundred dollars, and immediate promotion; to the second 400; to the third 300; to the fourth 200, & to the fifth 100 dollars, and will represent the conduct of every officer and Soldier who distinguishes himself on this occasion in the most favorable point of view to his Excellency, who always receives the greatest pleasure in rewarding merit. But should there be any soldier so lost to every feeling, every sence of honor, as to attempt to retreat one single foot, the officer next him is immediately to put him to death, that he may no longer disgrace the name of a Soldier, or the Corps, or the State to which he belongs.
          As General Wayne is determined to share the danger of the night, so he wishes to participate of the glory of the day in common with his fellow Soldiers.


Title: From George Washington to the Officer Commanding Artillery at Chester, N.Y., 16 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Officer Commanding Artillery at Chester, New York

          Sir,
          [New Windsor] July 16th 1779

        You will be pleased immediately to send to this place, the two 12 pounders & the 24 now with the park properly Officerd & manned, they will receive their orders here—I have to observe that the heavy pieces which came down some time ago, had but one Officer with them—the matter I wish to be attended to—The remaining Officers & Men I desire you will hold in readiness to move at a moments warning.
        I sincerely congratulate you on our success against stoney point, it was carried this morning by the Light Infantry under the command of Genl Wayne—the garrison are all prisoners.

          G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 16 July 1779
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Fish Kill [N.Y.] 16th July 1779

        From some information I have lately had am convinced the Enemy at some times have their scouting parties on the mountains not very far distant from this; Permitt me to observe to your Excellency, that though the most valuable stores are removed from this Post, yett it is an object of very considerable consequence to the Enemy, as the destruction of all the buildings would certainly cripple us very much this Campaign, and at same time give them an opportunity of relieving some of their most valuable Friends, of whom there are ten or twelve in the Provost here, nor can this be thought a very difficult attempt when there are not above thirty armd men at the whole Post, I have offerd my services as a volunteer to Captn Derby the commanding officer here in case of any attack, provided Your Excellency thinks proper to order a sufficient number of arms to be deliverd me for supplying such of the Qr Masters Department as remain constant at the Post.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters New Windsor July 16th 1779

        I have received your favour of the 14th with its inclosures.
        I would not wish you to advance further eastward, unless the movements of the enemys main body in that direction should make it necessary. It is my intention that your division should as far as possible preserve a relative position to, and ensure a timely communication with the Highlands posts. This may not be practicable if the enemy remain where they are and you advance far eastward.

        At present there is an additional reason for your being near us. I have the pleasure to inform you that last night Brigadier Genel Wayne with the light infantry, surprised and took stoney point, with the whole garrison, cannon, & Stores, with the loss of a very few killd and wounded. No officer lost. General Wayne Received a slight scratch with a muskett ball in his head. This may produce some consequent movements which will require the aid of your division. You will therefore hold yourself in complete readiness And send off with all despatch to hasten on Glovers Brigade to join you. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dr Sir,
          Head Quarters West Point July 16. 1779

        You will be pleased to march tomorrow morning early towards Peeks Kill—in the vicinity of which you will find Major General Howe with a couple of Brigades. The command of the whole will, of course, devolve upon you. He will communicate the instructions he has received by which you will govern yourself. Send to hasten on Glovers brigade to join you at the same place. I am Dr Sir Your most Obed. servant

          Go: Washington

          You may move with expedition but not so as to fatigue your troops, unless the movements of the enemy should require it.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General.
          Ridgfield [Conn.] July 16. 1779

        I do myself the honor to forward the enclosed intelligence this moment come to hand.
        I believe our manœuvres here have induced Sir Henry Clinton to alter his. I have ordered one of the Regiments Sent to Stamford to join the Division immediately, have order’d a detachment to move towards North Castle to observe the motions of the Enemy in that quarter & have directed the militia at Crompond to obtain certain intelligence if possible of what passes at Tarry Town. I shall watch their motions narrowly and guide my manœuvres by theirs. I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Excellencys Most obedt Servant

          W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 16 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

          Sir,
          Head Quarters New Windsor July 16 1779

        Two Brigades commanded by Brigadiers General Nixon and Patterson have been ordered to march towards the Continental Village—You will proceed towards that place and take the command of them. You are to continue your route in the vicinity of Peeks Kill and take some convenient position there ’till further orders, or ’till there should be a necessity to relinquish it to a superior force. You will instantly take measures to reconnoitre the enemy’s post at Ver Plank’s point, its environs and approaches—to ascertain where batteries may be erected against it to advantage and the practicability and best mode of an assault—You will endeavour to alarm the enemy at your approach in hopes that the first impressions which the loss of Stoney point and the appearance of an attack upon themselves will make may induce them to abandon the post. If you find batteries can with facility and safety be begun with your present force you will set about it and give me the speediest ⟨in⟩formation of your operations. You will take measures to gain the earliest intelligence of any movement of the enemy from below upon the water or towards your left flank. Open a communication of mutual intelligence with General Heath.

        Generals Nixon and Patterson will be able to give you good information of the country which is the scene of your movements—Col. Putnam, a very judicious officer, has been lately employed with an eye to the Present event, to reconnoitre Ver Planks point—You may place great dependence on his information. I inclose you a report which he lately made me. I am with great regard Sir Your most Obedt ser.

          P.s. You will take with you the field pieces belonging to the Brigades— & two 12 pounders ordered to Nelsons point.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 16 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

          sir
          Head qrs New WindsorJuly 16th 1779 ½ after 9 O’C. A.M.

        I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excy the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Brigadier Genl Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate Congress upon our success—and what makes it still more agreable—from the report of Captain Fishbourn who brought me Genl Wayne’s Letter, the post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. As soon as I receive a particular account of the affair, I shall transmit it. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Yr Excellencys Most Obedt st

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

          Dr sir
          Head Qrs [New Windsor] July 16: 1779

        I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Brigadr Genl Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate you upon our success—and what makes it still more agreable, from the report of Capn Fishbourn who brought me Genl Wayne’s Letter, the post was gained with but very inconsiderable

loss on our part. I have not yet obtained the particulars of the Affair. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Yr Exy Most Obed.

          Go: Washington

          P.S. General Wayne received a slight wound with a Muskett Ball in his Head; but it did not prevent him from going on with the Troops.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

          Dr sir
          Hd Qrs [New Windsor] July 16: 1779

        I have the pleasure to inform you that Major Fishbourn has just arrived from Genl Wayne with the agreable account of our having possessed ourselves of Stoney point and the whole Garrison with very little loss. You will throw the Troops across the River, which I mentioned yesterday, with all possible expedition. I am Dr sir Yr Most Obedt st

          Go: Washington

          P.S. You will order Nixon’s Brigade to move immediately towards the Continl Village.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 July 1779
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

          Dr sir
          Clove [N.Y.] July 16th 79

        I am this moment honord with your Excellencys Letter, announcing the agreeable & happy news of Genl Waynes Success, on which I most heartily congratulate you.
        Your Excellencys Letter of yesterday did not reach me till 7 oClock this morning and as the Horses are at a considerable distance I do not think it will be prudent to delay the March of the Troops till they arrive—I shall accordingly order them off without delay.
        In the mean time I wish to be inform’d as soon as possible, with which division I shall march myself, as no mention is made of it in yr Letter. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obed. Sert

          Israel Putnam


Title: General Orders, 17 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Stony-Point [N.Y.] Saturday July 17th 1779.
          Parole Fortune—C. Signs Favors. Bravery.

        A Major, two Captains, four Subalterns six serjeants and one hundred rank and file from General Woodford’s Brigade to march immediately with their Packs, Arms & Provision to relieve the detachment with the british Prisoners whom they are to escort to such place as

ordered by the Commissary of Prisoners—The Major will receive directions from the commanding officer of the party he relieves—A few prisoners now in custody at Stony-Point are to be carried on to join the other Prisoners.


Title: To George Washington from Ezekiel Cheever, 17 July 1779
From: Cheever, Ezekiel
To: Washington, George

          Hond Sir
          Springfield [Mass.] July the 17th 1779

        His Excelly Govr Trumbull having been pleased to apply to me as Commissary of ordnance Stores by Letter the 10th Inst. advising the dangerous State of Connecticut & thair absolute need of Some Field pieces with thair apparators, and that he had well founded reasons to Believe that it was the determined Resolution of the Enemy to penetrate into the Country & extend thair Ravages as far as Hartford before thay returned to N. York, and that He judged it most prudent to pay the Earliest attention to the Necessary means of defeating them Therefore has done me the honr as Commissary ordnance Stores to Request my attention & that I will immediately furnish Such Field pieces with Suitable Cartriges & Shott, as Colo. Comfort Sage, Jabez Hamlin & Titus Hosmer Esqres or either of them shall require with some proper officers & men Skilled in the managment of them and that He had wrote to the Chief Commanding Officer of the Militia in Hamshire County to be in readiness to March to the assistance of Connecticut in Case it shall be Necessary and that he had Requested Five hundred men to be sent forthwith to Hartford on thair Way to the Westward Towns I immediately advised with the Officers of this department when We judged it most prudent & necessary to give His Excelly our best aid Tuesday the 13th Inst. in the Morn’g Capt. B. Frothingham sett off pursuant to Gov: Trumbulls request with three field pieces compleate & Seventeen Artillymen from the laboratory none other being acquainted with the Service. the 14th on fresh applycation representing the distressed & Hazardous State of Connecticut & the improbability of Checking the enemies procedings without some field pieces We tho’t necessary to comply with Colo. Comfort Sages demand accordingly Capt. Bryant Sett of[f] about 10 oClock

that morn’g Wednesday with Twelve men & three 4 pounders compleate for Middleton to join colo. Sage Capt. Frothingham & Capt. Bryant with the Men under thair command Marched off with alacrity & belive in case opportunity offers will do themselves & Country honor.
        This manœuvre Sir gives me much anxiety and hope the Critical juncture of affairs will apologize for my well meant endeavours to aid the Illustrious Cause I have the honr to be engaged in under your Excellency & shall be happy if my Conduct meets with your & my Superiours approbation.
        I tho’t my duty to give your Excell’y this Information & pray your orders for my future Conduct. With ardent desires for your Success and Felicity I have the honor to be Your Excellencys, Dutiful & Most Humble Servan⟨t⟩

          Ezekl Cheever D. C⟨ommisary⟩


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Glover, 17 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Glover, John

          Sir
          Stoney Point [N.Y.] July 17th 1779

        I have received your favour of the 15th. In my letter of yesterday to General Heath I directed him to send you orders, immediately to join him with your brigade, which I presume you have received. He will probably have informed you that General Wayne had surprised & taken the post where we now are with the Garrison cannon and stores, with but inconsiderable loss on our side. I am Sir Yr most Obed. huml. s.

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dr sir
          Stony point [N.Y.] July the 17th 1779

        I have been favoured with Your Two Letters of the 15th. I wrote you Yesterday upon the subject of your conduct and now inclose you a Copy, Lest my Letter should have miscarried. I have written to General Glover and commit the Letter to your care, which you will forward to him, if you have not already given him orders to join you with his Brigade, in consequence of my Letter of Yesterday. General Howe has directions to open a Battery as soon as possible against the Enemy’s Works on Verplanks point and to carry on matters as vigorously as he can for the reduction of the Garrison. When you arrive, as

the command will devolve upon You, you must make the Instructions to him the rule of your Action. I am Dr sir Yr Most Obedt sert

          Go: Washington

          P.S. if there should be occasion to send Genl Glover’s Letter—seal it—I will speak to the Commissary about the Wheat you mention.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

          Dear Sir
          Stony Point [N.Y.] July 17th 1779

        It is thought from a view of the fortifications on Verblanks point that there is a ⟨g⟩ood prospect of possessing our selves of the Garrison. You will therefore march down your troops and open a battery against their Block House as soon as possible. After beating the block House about their Ears if you can find any apprehensions in the Garrison for their safety, You will make a disposition of your Troops and a shew of storming the place, and then send in a flag and demand a surrender of the Garrison; but as the works are enclosd, it will not be proper to attempt a storm in the day time.
        These opperations are to commence and be carried on, subject to the following restrictions. If the Enimy are marching up in force on the other side, after they pass Croten River your situation will become ineligible. Therefore in such case you must fall back to Bald Hill or the Conl village. There are two places where the Enemy can pass Croten River. One on the old Post Road from York to Albany. The other by the way of New Castle & Crumpond. These two roads must be carefully wa[t]ched with parties of Horse & foot. Should you be deficient in Horse you will send to General Heath for a party. Your Battery and Cannonade should be pushed with the greatest vigor. It will be prudent to place double Guards on the Two roads I have mentioned, at about a mile’s distance from each other for your greater security. Yrs

          G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1779
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir,
          Before Verplanck’s Point [N.Y.]July 17th 1779

        I am now very near Verplank’s point, which I have been reconnoitring, and shall still more fully inspect. What I discern of the Works appears to be properly constructed, & seems capable of considerable Defence, if the Numbers and Spirit of the Garrison are adequate to the Task. The Troops, except such as I have fixed at particular Passes, are with me: The heavy Cannon are by this time, I hope, at the Continental Village; & I have sent to hasten them up as fast as possible. The Ammunition appointed for ’em was not over the Ferry when I left it—I gave the Officer Orders to expedite it.
        Understandg from your Excellency that the Cannon, & the Requisites to them, had been ordered, I did not presume to interfere wth the Detail. I doubt not that your Excellency’s Orders have been complied with that I shall receive the Ammunition with the Pieces—but the Field pieces I informed you by Express this Morning were at Fishkill.
        If Works shod be necessary to be thrown up, I am not furnished with one Intrenching or other Tool for the Purpose—Should your Excellency think it proper, please order them and any other Articles requisite If the Cannon do not get up in Time Today shall retire ’till I meet them, if their Security makes it necessary.
        The Men are out of Provisions Today, and I have no Commissary to apply to for a Supply. Will it not be convenient to your Excellency to order some, as I am without waggons to bring it?

        I had sent Videttes down the Roads you mentioned, previous to the receipt of your Letter—but as I am entirely unfurnished with Horsemen I was obliged to employ such of the Country people as Col: Putnam recommended.
        Early this Morning I sent an Express to General Heath, and am sorry I had not then your Excellency’s Instructions relative to Horse. If I can procure an Express I shall send to the General again, as Horsemen are so essential in our Situation.
        Being informed of a Militia Troop of Horse about 12 Miles distant, I have desired Captn Delaval, who commands them, to join me—Whether in this application I shall be successful remains a Matter of Speculation.
        Inclining to make short work of the Enemy, I ordered the Engineer to reconnoitre their works, which he did, at a very short distance: He reports that storming them at present wod be ineligible. I take the liberty to refer your Excellency for our Numbers to Lieutt Slade, not chusing to transmit a written Return of them. With the greatest Respect, I am Your Excelly’s very obedt humble Servt

          Robt Howe

          P.S. The Chaplain of Genl patterson’s Brigade just informs me that as he passed our Cannon this Morning, he perceived the Horses were jaded and he thot they wd not be up tonight.
          P.S. 2d—I think it necessary to add that Col. Putnam has informed me there is more danger of being doubled between Continental Village and Peekskill than between Peekskill and Verplanck’s Point.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1779
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Wmsburg [Va.] July 17th 1779

          I some time ago inclosed to you a printed Copy of an Order of Council, by which Governor Hamilton was to be confined in Irons and in close Jail. This has occasioned a letter from General Philips of which the inclosed is a Copy. The General seems to suppose that a prisoner on capitulation cannot be put into close confinement tho his Capitulation shall not have provided against it. My idea was that all persons taken in war were to be deemed prisoners of war. That those who surrender, on capitulation (or convention) are prisoners of war also, subject to the same treatment with those who surrender at discretion, except only so far as the terms of their capitulation or convention shall have guarded them. In the Capitulation of Governor Hamilton (a Copy of which I inclose) no stipulation is made as to the treatment of himself or those taken with him. The Governor indeed when he signs, adds a flourish of reasons inducing him to capitulate, one of which is the generosity of his Enemy. Generosity on a large and comprehensive Scale seems to dictate the making a signal example of this Gentleman; but waiving that, these are only the private motives inducing him to surrender, and do not enter into the Contract of Colonel Clarke. I have the highest idea of the sacredness of those Contracts which take place between Nation and Nation at war, and would be among the last on earth who should do any thing in violation of them. I can find nothing in those Books usually recurred to as testimonials of the Laws & usages of Nature and Nations which convicts the opinions, I have above expressed, of error. yet there may be such an usage as General Philips seems to suppose, tho’ not taken notice of by these Writers. I am obliged to trouble your Excellency on this occasion by asking of you information on this point. There is no other person whose decision will so authoritatively decide this doubt in the public mind and none with which I am disposed so implicitly to comply. If you shall be of Opinion that the bare existence of a Capitulation in the case of Governor Hamilton privileges him from confinement, tho there be no article to that Effect in the capitulation, justice shall most assuredly be done him. The importance of this question in a public view, & my own anxiety under a charge of a violation of national faith by the Executive of this Commonwealth will I hope apologize for my adding this to the many, many troubles with which I know you to be burthened. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect & Esteem Yr Excellency’s mo: obedient & mo: humble Servant

            Th: Jefferson

            P.S. I have just received a Letter from Colo. Bland containing information of numerous desertions from the Convention Troops (not less than 400 in the last fortnight). He thinks he has reason to believe it is with the connivance of some of their Officers. Some of these have been retaken, all of them going Northwardly. They had armed themselves with forged passports, and with Certificates of having taken the oath of fidelity to the State, some of them forged, others really given by weak Magistrates. I mention this to your Excellency as perhaps it may be in your power to have such of them intercepted as shall be passing through Pennsylvania & Jersey.
            Your letter inclosing the opinion of the board of officers in the case between Allison & Lee is come safe to hand after a long passage. it shall be answered by next post.

              Th: J.