Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 17–18 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York July the 17.[–18] 1776.

Yesterday Evening I was favored with Yours of the 12th Inst. with Its several Inclosures.
As to the Propriety or Impropriety of Giving up Crown Point & Vacating that Post, It is impossible for me to determine. My Ignorance of the Country, My Unacquaintance with Its Situation & a Variety of Circumstances, will not permit me to pronounce any certain Opinion upon the Subject, or to declare Whether It might or could not be maintained against the Enemy. I doubt not the Measure was duly weighed by the General Officers in Council, & seemed to them best Calculated to secure the Colonies & prevent the Enemy from penetrating into them: However I cannot but observe, tho I do not Mean to Encourage in the smallest Degree, or to give the least Sanction to Inferior Officers, to set up their Opinions against the proceedings & Councils of their superiors, knowing the dangerous Tendency of such a Practice, that the Reasons assigned by the Officers in their Remonstrance, appear to me forcible and of Great Weight. They coincide with my Own Ideas. I have ever understood Crown Point to be an Important Post, & from Its Situation, of the utmost Consequence to Us, Especially if We Mean to keep the Superiority & Mastery of the Lake. If It is abandoned by Us, It is Natural to suppose, the Enemy will possess It. If they do & my Judgment does not Mislead Me, Any Vessels or Gallies we employ upon the Lake will Certainly be in their Rear, & It will not be in our Power to bring them down to Tyonderoga or the post opposite to It, or from thence to have the least Communication with them or the Means of Granting

them Succours or Supplies of any Kind. Perhaps it is intended to Employ the Gallies only on the Communication between the two Posts, that of Crown Point & the One now to be Established. How far they would there Answer our Views I cannot tell. As I said before, I have not a sufficient Knowledge of the several Posts or the Neighbouring Country to form an accurate Judgment upon the Matter, & of Consequence do not design any Thing I have said, by Way of Direction, trusting that whatever is best to advance the Interest of the Important struggle we are Engaged in, will be done.
I am extremely sorry to have such Unfavorable Accounts of the Condition of the Army. Sickness Itself is sufficiently bad, but when Discord & Disorder are added, Greater Misfortunes cannot befall It, Except that of a Defeat. While they prevail, there is but little Hopes of Things Succeeding well. I must entreat Your Attention to these Matters & Your Exertions to Introduce more Discipline & to do away the unhappy pernicious Distinctions & Jealousies now subsisting between the Troops of different Governments. Enjoin this upon the Officers, & let them inculcate & press home to the Soldiery, the Necessity of Order & Harmony among them Who are embarked in one Common Cause, & Mutually Contending for all that Freemen hold dear. I am persuaded if the Officers will but exert themselves, these Animosities this Disorder will in a Great Measure subside & Nothing being more Essential to the Service, than that It should, I am hopeful Nothing on their Parts will be Wanting to Effect It.
The Scarcity of Provisions which You mention surprizes Me much. I had hoped that an ample & Competent supply for a Considerable Time, was now in store, Nor Can I but Conclude the most lavish and extravagant Waste has been made of It. Not longer than three or four Days ago & Just after the two Men of War & Tenders passed by, as Mentioned in my last, the Situation of the Northern Army in Respect to this Article occurred to my Mind & induced an Inquiry of the Commissary about It, being certain the Water Communication with Albany would be Entirely cutt off, & was happy to find from him, that the Supplies he had forwarded with such a Proportion of Fresh Meat as could be easily procured would be fully sufficient for 10,000 Men for four Months. This I informed Congress of, as a most fortunate Event. To be told now that there is None, or next to None is so

Contrary to What I expected, That I am filled with Wonder & Astonishment. I have informed the Commissary of It, who is equally surprized & Must request, as Our Navigation is so Circumstanced, that You will direct those, Whose Business It is, to Use Every possible Means to provide such supplies, as may be Necessary & that proper Attention be paid to the Expenditure or It will be impossible Ever to subsist that Army.
As to Intrenching Tools, I have from Time to Time forwarded all that can be possibly spared. I have directed the Quarter Master to send such Things contained in Your List, as can be had, and may be transported by Land. The Greatest Part, It would be difficult to procure And If they could, It would be attended with Immense Trouble & Expence to forward them; I must therefore Intreat Your utmost Diligence & Enquiry to get them, And not only them, but Every Necessary You want, Whenever they may be had. The Water Intercourse being now at an End, but few Supplies can be expected from hence, & I make not the least Doubt, If active proper Persons are employed, in Many Instances, You will be able to Obtain such Articles as You stand in Need of, I am under the Necessity of doing so here, & by Much Pains & Industry have procured many Necessaries.
As to the Articles wanted for the Gondolas, I should suppose many of them may be purchased of the Proprietors of Craft about Albany & of Persons who have Vessels there, by Allowing them a Good price. The Communication by Water being now stopped, they cannot employ them & I presume may be prevailed upon to part with most of their Tackle for a Good Consideration.
I transmitted Congress a Copy of Your Letter & of Its several Inclosures & recommended to their particular Attention the Resolution No. 6 for raising Six Companies to Guard the Frontiers, & the High Price of Goods furnished the Soldiery & that some Measures might be taken thereon.
There is a Resolve of Congress against Officers holding double Commissions & of long standing; none are allowed It, except Adjutants & Quarter Masters, they Generally are also first or second Lieutenants. In this Army there is no Instance of Double Offices, but in the Cases I mention.
The Carpenters from Philadelphia unfortunately had not

Time to get their Tools &ca on Board a Craft here before the Men of War Got of. They set out by Land the next Day & I suppose will be at Albany in the Course of this Week as also the two Companies from Connecticut.
I have requested of Mr Hughes & find that the six Anchors & Cables were on Board Captn Peter Post’s Vessel belonging to Sopus, who upon the first Appearance of the Fleet Coming above the Narrows, Went off Without taking the Necessaries brought by Captain Douw. Mr Hughes says Capn Dow, who brought You the Lead, had Orders to get them.
I have inclosed You a List of the Naval Articles the Quarter Master expects to obtain & send from hence, Which will evince the Necessity of Your Exertions to get the Rest Elsewhere. Many of the Articles I should suppose, may be made at Albany & Within the Neighberhood of It. I am in Hopes in Consequence of Your Application the different Governments will take some Steps for Apprehending Deserters. It is Growing Evill, & I wish That It may be remedied. from the Northern Army; they have been Extreamly numerous from Report, & should most certainly be returned, If they can be found. How far the Mode suggested by You may Answer, the Event will shew, But I am doubtful whether many will Return of themselves.
I fancy a Part of Your Letter was omitted to be sent. When You come to speak of Deserters; What I have on the Subject begins a New sheet, & seems to suppose something Preceeding about them. After requesting Mr Hughes to be spoke to about the Anchors &ca the Next Page begins Unanimously agreed that I should write &ca.
You will perceive by the inclosed Resolve, Congress Mean to raise the Garrison for Presque Isle &ca in the Counties of Westmoreland & Bedford in Pensylvania. I am Dear Sir, With Great Regard, Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. July 18. 10 OCk P.M. I have this Minute spoke again to Mr Trumbull about Provisions & pressed his most Vigorous Exertions. I believe he is determined to Leave Nothing undone on his Part and has already sent off some Persons upon the Buisiness, Of Which I suppose he will inform You or Mr Livingston.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 17 July 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
German Flatts [N.Y.] July 17th 1776

Your Excellency’s Favor of the 11th Instant was delivered me this Morning with the sundry papers mentioned in it—It gives me a very sincere and Heart felt pleasure that I can declare that the Difference in Opinion between General Gates and me, has been simply such, unattended with that little Jealousy, which would have reflected Disgrace on both of us—Be assured Sir, that the most perfect Harmony subsists between us, and that I shall by every Attention to General Gates strictly cultivate it, as well to encrease my own Felicity as to promote the public Service.
You have a formidable and well appointed Army to contend with; but I still hope that when Americans see the Danger, nay the Ruin with which they are threatned, they will with Alacrity support you and put it in your power to give a good account of the Foe—May Heaven aid and direct you and make you the happy Instrument of ensuring Freedom to the Western World.
Colonel Dayton arrived at Fort Stanwix on the 13th[.] I cannot learn, that taking post there gives any Umbrage to the Indians, of whom we have about 150 here and momently expect very large Numbers. We have Hopes from what Information we have received, that we shall be able to keep them neuter at least.
I am extremely happy to hear that your Excellency has ordered three Regiments from Boston to the Northern army.
I believe General Burgoyne will attempt to penetrate into the Colonies, but I think it will be impossible for him to effect it, even if he should cross the Lakes, which I cannot concieve he will be able to do, as our Naval Strength greatly exceeds his, and as we shall certainly build as fast as he can.
I am very much afraid that Mr Livingston will resign his office, if Mr Trumbull appoints any person to act to the Northward independantly of him—If so, I shall be under great Apprehensions that the Service will not at this critical Time be

carried on so well as I wish—Will you be so good as to communicate this to Mr Trumbull?
I shall immediately transmit the Declaration of Congress to General Gates, and desire him to proclaim it throughout the Army. I am Dr Sir with every affectionate Wish for your Health & Happiness, and with perfect Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Tillinghast, 17 July 1776
From: Tillinghast, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Providence 17th July 1776

 By yesterdays Post I wrote your Excellency & therein Inclosed, Copy of an Invoice of SA No. 1 a 3––3 Cases Scotch Arms. With this you will receive Viâ New London to the Care of Nathl Shaw Esqr: No. 8 & 9––2 Cases more Scotch Arms as Pr Invo: herewith, & likewise No. 4 & 5 a Chest & Barrell qt: Arms & Flints from Thos Green Esqr: being Contl Property in his hands as Pr Invo: herewith, all of wch wish safe to your hands, & am with great respect Your Excellencys most Obedt & very humble Servt

Danl Tillinghast Contl Agent


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 17–20 July 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] July 17th[–20]1776

Your Favours of the 7th and 9th; Instant are duly received, It gives Me pleasure to meet your Approbation of the Measure of sending our Regiments of Horse to join You; I make no doubt they will chearfully acquiesce in whatever You shall direct respecting their Horses, as the general Good of the Service ought to be, and I believe is their governing Principle. I find our Battallions are filling up fast, and moving to your Assistance.
The Stock of Horned Cattle and Sheep are removd from Fishers-Island; Block Island lies in the Colony of Rhode-Island, and the Elizabeth-Islands, and Marthas Vineyard are in the province of the Massachusetts Bay, I cannot therefore with propriety give any Orders for the removal of the fresh provisions from them.
I am sorry it is not in my Power to comply with Your requisition for Heavy Cannon without leaving our port and Harbour of New-London in too defenceless a State.
By a return from the Overseer of our Cannon Foundery at Salisbury I find they have cast 14 Six, 18 nine, and 8 Twelve pounders, and are proceeding to bore them out and fit them for use; He has my Orders, when the 12 pounders are finished, to deliver them to your Excellencys Order to be used where they may be most wanted, without waiting for further Orders from Me, Ball for 12 pounders are also to be had there, should You have Occasion You will please to give Orders accordingly. I expect 18 pounders will be soon cast there, which is the largest Size we can hope for from that Furnace.
I have ordered two of our Row-Gallies to proceed to New York, and trust they will be with You at the Receipt of this; they have no Guns larger than 9 pounders, I wish it may be in your Power to make them more usefull by placing heavier Metal upon them whilst they continue in your Service.
The Continental Regiment raising in this Colony is now in some Measure filled up, mustered, equipped and ready to march; but as there seems to be much danger from the prevalence of the small-pox in Boston, should they march there and as the whole Force of the Enemy on this Side seems to be

directed against You at New York, I have thought it best they should suspend their March towards Boston, till your pleasure might be known whether they should join the Army at New York or proceed for Boston.
Since the Arrival of the Fleet and Army at the Hook several Frigates and Ships have been stationed between Montauk point and Block Island to intercept the Trade from the Sound, in which they have been so successful that they have derived great Advantages from the provision Vessels they have taken; and by frequent Advices from the Captains of our armed Vessels and others it appeared highly improbable that any Vessel going out or coming in by that passage could avoid falling into their Hands, and as several Vessels were prepared and preparing in sundry places to proceed to sea with Cargoes of provision, the Owners of which must be presumed to be ignorant of the Hazard they ran in getting out, and sensible of how great Importance it is that all Supplies of provision should be kept back from the Enemy and having good grounds to believe that some evil minded persons had designedly carried provisions to the Enemy, or thrown themselves in their Way, as your Excellency will see by the enclosed Copies of Depositions taken and sent to Congress, I have given Orders to the Captains of the armed Vessells in the Service of this Colony to stop and detain all provision Vessells coming out of any port in this Colony or thro’ the Sound, and bound to Sea for the present and until the Continental Congress and the Congresses or Conventions of the Colonies or States to which they respectively belong may be apprized of the Hazards attending their proceeding in their Voyages, and on Consideration shall give such Orders as they may think fit respecting the same.
The apparent Necessity of this Measure will, I flatter myself, justify me in taking it, where it is known and properly Explained to prevent or obviate any Misrepresentation is my motive for troubling your Excellency with this Account. I am, with great Esteem & Regard Sir Your Obedient Humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull

19th—received your Favour of the 15th inst. Which induced me to send Orders immediately to Theos Stanto Capt. of our other Row Galley—The Shark, to proceed with her forthwith to

New York, and subject himself to your Command—Wish him Safe, and seviceable to your designs.
20th—Coll Ward of the Continental Battalion lately Ordered to be raised here and mentioned above, informs that his regiment is not much beyond half filled, occasioned by their being raised for a longer Time, and receiving less bounty than Others.
Since Many are ordered from Boston; and this may be stationed on the Works below or in the invirons, at places out of danger of the infection from the Small Pox; Will it not be best this Battalion should be Ordered to march to that place—first mentioned for their destination?
They are principally Men, who have not Seen Service. please to give the earliest notice of your pleasure therein.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Fellows, 18 July 1776
From: Fellows, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Head Quarters Peekskill [N.Y.] 18th July 1776.

On the 15th I Received the inclosed, (which is post dated) and altho I have the honor of a colonial Appointmt to serve in the Army, under the imediate Command of your Exelency; yet as my Brigade was not then ready to march, I thought I might render my Country some service by repairing hither, I accordingly ordered Col. Hopkins to march with one third part of his Regt, and came here myself with all possible Dispatch; where I shall continue untill I receive further Orders from your Exelency.
As to the state of our Affairs here the Enemy’s shiping lies about 8 or 9 Miles below this in a vary wide Part of the River, where it is impossible they should be annoyed from the shore.
I have viewed Fort Constitution and am sorry to observe, that the Garrison there appears to be in a vary defenceless State, the Works slender, the largest Cannon Nine pounders, & there is a heighth of Land on the west side the River within point blank shot of the Fort unocupied & which will greatly Annoy the Fort should the Enemy get Possession of it, the Garrison is badly armed and thinly Manned; I have ordered there a Reinforcement of three hundred Men. should the Enemy send any considerable Number of Men into this River, it will I have no doubt be very necessary that a considerable force should be stationd here.
I have not yet veiwed Fort Montgomery; but am this Moment going there to assist at a Council of War, the Result of which will be imediately transmitted to your Exelency. I am Sir, with the greatest Esteem, Your Exelency’s most Ob. & very hume Servt

John Fellows B. Genl

P.S. I imagine my Brigade will begin their March generally next Week.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 18 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp on Long Island July 18 1776

I receivd a line from Col. Webb last Evening directing me to enquire how many Ships had past the Narrows. Colo. Hand reported one yesterday morning, which I thought was reported in my morning report, and if it is not reported there, it was an omision of mine, I beg your Excellency to examin it. Colo. Hand reported at four OClock in the Afternoon that a Brigantine had gone down towards the Hook, and that the Ship that went through the Narrows in the morning had come too, off New Uttrect shore, at Seven in the Evening he reported that the Ship had gone down to the Hook; and that the Enemy were entrenching on the heights of Statten Island.
The two last Reports I did not come to the knowledge off, until within Night. I went over to the City at five and did not return until Eight. I thought it would be too late to get them to Head Quarters seasonably, therefore concluded to report them in the morning.
I have not receivd Colo. Hands morning Report yet. I was down at Red Hook about sun rise and saw a Sloop streaching down towards the Narrows. Nothing extraordinary has happend the last twenty four hours. Our out Guards suspect ⟨mutilated⟩ that there are spies about the Camp. The Centris have fird half a dozzen times, A Night the three preceding Nights.
Col. Hands morning report is this moment come in, he mention’d every thing continues in the same situation as last Evening, except the Sloop going through the Narrows, that I observd from Red Hook.

I wrote to your Excellency yesterday morning that I thought it would be an advisable measure to have Cobble Hill fixt upon to give notice by the fire of one two or three Guns, that the Enemy had landed on this Island. Colo. Carey wrote me an Answer to that proposition and said your Excellency had no Objection. If it is to alarm the Camp on your side, it should be mentiond in general Orders, that the Guards may govern themselves accordingly. We dont want it to Alarm this Camp, What I proposd it for, was to give your Excellency earlier intelligence than could be done by express; and the express to follow with the particulars. I submit it to your Excellencys further consideration. I am with all due respect your Excellencys most Obedient humble servant

N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from a Secret Committee of the New York Convention, 18 July 1776
From: Secret Committee of the New York Convention
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] 18th July 1776.

We informed your Excellency of our appointment, in consequence of which we took a Survey of the Fortresses in the Highlands—we are extreamly sorry to say that notwithstanding their importance & advantagious situation they are by no means in a proper posture of Defence, part of the few Cannon at Fort Constitution were sent away—and the whole Number now there, and at Fort Montgomery are not sufficient, this want we suppose your Excellency will be unable to supply, we have therefore sent for those that were designed for the Ships that are building at Poughkeepsie, But if we should Obtain them they will be of little use unless some Mattrasses can be spared from New York since there are only 14 at both Forts—If your Excellency could spare a few Hawitzers they might be of singular use at this place—A Skilful Engineer could be at no place more serviceable then here, as many small Posts which command this ought to be Fortified, we cannot think the Garrisons by any means, proportioned to the Extent of the Works or the Importance of the Place—We know the Difficulty that your Excellency will find in supplying these wants yet we cannot but suggest them, since we are satisfied that even if the Enemy shou’d be defeated at New-York they might take such Posts here as we shou’d find it imposible to dispossess them of. We remain with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humbl. Servants

Robert Yates
John Jay
Robt R. Livingston
Christr Tappen
Gilbert Livingston

Since writing the above we have been informed that the Salisbury Furnace at which place the Cannon are Cast is under the Direction of the Government of Connecticut so that we have some doubt whether we can procure those for which we Wrote, unless your Excellency will be pleased to lend us your Assistance by writing to Governor Trumble on the Subject.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Woodhull, 18 July 1776
From: Woodhull, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Convention of the Representatives of theState of New York—White Plains July 18th 1776

I have the Honor to enclose Your Excellency a Copy of a Letter this Moment received from Colonel Van Cortland and Captain Zephaniah Platt, who were sent from this Convention for the purpose of Providing for and stationing the Militia that might come down the Country to guard the River & assist the other Militia at the Forts in the high Lands. I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

By order
Nathll Woodhull Presidt


Title: General Orders, 19 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 19th 1776.
Parole Lewis.Countersign Maryland.

A Detachment of three hundred men, properly officered, to parade to morrow morning, Six O’Clock, on the Grand parade, with two days provisions to go in boats, by way of East River to Kingsbridge, to execute such work as shall be laid out for them by the Engineer.
Lieut: Champion of Col. Wylly’s Regiment, to oversee said works; Major Reed to furnish this party with such tools, as Col. Putnam shall direct.
A working party of fifty men, properly officered to parade to morrow morning at Six o’Clock on the Grand parade, without their Arms, to receive their orders from Capt. Anderson and tools from the Laboratory.
William Herenden of Capt: Warrens Company Col. Reads

Regiment, David Ludlow of Capt. Ledyards Company Col. McDougall’s Regiment both tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Webb was President for Desertion and found guilty were sentenced to receive, the former Thirty-nine Lashes, the latter Twenty.
The General approves the sentences, and orders them to be executed, at the usual time and place.
The Field Officers of the picquet are directed to attend, on the Grand Parade punctually, at a quarter after eight oClock in the morning, and to continue there ’till the Guards are marched off, for their has been great remissness lately of that kind.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 19 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Dear Sir,
New York July 19th 1776.

I expected ’ere this to have heard from you; as I have not, I will open the corrispondance by expressing my exceeding great concern on acct of the determination of your board of General Officers, to retreat from Crown Point to Ticonderago; assigning (contrary to the opinion of all your Field Officers) for reason, that the former place is not tenable with your present force, or the Force expected.
My concern arises from information, and a firm belief, that your relinquishing Crown point is, in its consequences, a relinquishment of the Lakes, and all the advantages to be derived therefrom; for it does not admit of a doubt, but that the Enemy will possess themselves, if possible, of that pass (wch is a key to all these Colonies) the moment you leave it, & thereby confine your Vessels to the narrow part of the Lake in front of that Post, or, by having them in the Rear of it cut off all kind of Supplies from, & intercourse between your Camp & them; securing by this means a free and uninterrupted passage into the three New England Governments for Invasion thereof.
Nothing but a belief that you have actually removed the Army from the point to Tyconderago, and demolishd the Works at the

former; and the fear of creating dissentions, & encouraging a Spirit of remonstrating against the conduct of Superior Officers by inferiors, have prevented me by Advice of the Genl Officers here, from directing the Post at Crown point to be held till Congress should decide upon the propriety of its Evacuation—As the case stands I can give no Order in the matter, least between two opinions; & places, neither are put into such a posture of defence, as to resist an advancing Enemy. I must however express my sorrow at the Resolution of your Council—& wish, that it had never happened; as every body who Speaks of it also does; & that the measure could yet be changed with Propriety.
We have the Enemy full in view of us, but their operations are to be suspended ’till the Reinforcement hourly expected, arrives, when I suppose there will soon be pretty warm work—Lord Howe is arrived. He & the Genl his Brother are appointed Commissioners to dispense pardons to Repenting Sinners.
My Compliments to the Gentlemen with you of my Acquaintance. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp on Long Island July 19. 1776

Colo. Hand reports the Ship that went down day before Yesterday morning still continues there at the Hook. An Armed Sloop came up last Night. All the rest of the fleet continues as they were. Nothing extraordinary has happend since yesterday in this Camp—I am with all due respect your Excellency most Obedient humble servant

Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July the 19. 1776

I have been duly honoured with your favours of the 16th & 17th with the several Resolves they contained; to the execution of which so far as shall be in my power, I will pay proper attention.
In my Letter of the 17th, I transmitted you a Copy of one from Genl Schuyler and of Its several Inclosures. I confess the determination of the Council of Genl Officers on the 7th to retreat from Crown point surprized me much, and the more I consider It, the more striking does the impropriety appear. the reasons assigned against It by the Field Officers in their remonstrance, coincide greatly with my own Ideas, and those of the other General Officers I have had an Opportunity of consulting with, and seem to be of considerable weight, I may add conclusive. I am not so fully acquainted with the Geogra[p]hy of that Country and the situation of the different posts as, to pronounce a peremptory Judgement upon the matter, but If my Ideas are right, the possession of Crown point is essential to give us the superiority and mastery upon the Lake. That the Enemy will possess It, as soon as abandoned by us, there can be no doubt, and If they do, whatever Gallies or Force we keep on the Lake, will be unquestionably in their rear. How they are to be supported there, or what succour can be drawn from ’em then, is beyond my comprehension—perhaps It is only meant, that they shall be employed on the communication between that and Ticonderoga; If this is the case, I fear the views of Congress will not be answered, nor the salutary effects be derived from them that were Intended. I have mentioned my surprize to Genl Schuyler, and would by the advice of the Generals here have directed, that that post should be maintained, had It not been for two causes. An apprehension that the Works have been destroyed, and that If the Army should be ordered from Ticonderoga or the post opposite to It, where I presume they are, to repossess It, they would have neither One place or another secure and in a defensible state. The other, lest It might increase the Jealousy and diversity in Opinions which seem already too prevalent in that Army, and establish a precedent for the Inferior Officers to set up their Judgements when ever they would,

in opposition to those of their Superiors. A matter of great delicacy, and that might lead to fatal consequences If countenanced; though in the present instance I could wish their reasoning had prevailed. If the Army has not removed, what I have said to Genl Schuyler, may perhaps bring on a reconsideration of the matter, and It may not be too late to take measures for maintaining that post, but of this I have no hope.
In consequence of the resolve of Congress for three of the Eastern Regiments to reinforce the Northern Army, I wrote Genl Ward, and by advice of my General Officers directed them to march to Norwich and there to embark for Albany, conceiving that Two valuable purposes might result therefrom—First that they would sooner Join the Army by pursuing this Route and be saved from the distress and fatigue that must attend every long march through the Country at this hot & uncomfortable season; and Secondly, that they might give succour here in case the Enemy should make an Attack about the Time of their passing: But the Enemy having now with their Ships of War & Tenders cut off the Water communication from hence to Albany, I have wrote this day and directed them to proceed by Land across the Country. If Congress disapprove the route, or wish to give any orders about them, you will please to certifye me thereof, that I may take measures accordingly.
Inclosed I have the honor to Transmit you, Copies of a Letter and Sundry resolutions which I received Yesterday from the Convention of this State. By them you will perceive they have been acting upon matters of great Importance, and are exerting themselves in the most vigorous manner to defeat the wicked designs of the Enemy, and such disaffected persons as may Incline to assist and facilitate their views. In compliance with their request & on account of the scarcity of money for carrying their salutary views into execution, I have agreed to lend them out of the small Stock now in hand, (not more than 60,000 Dollars) Twenty thousand Dollars in part of what they want, which they promise speedily to replace. had there been money sufficient for paying the whole of our Troops and not more, I could not have done It: But as It was otherwise, and by no means proper to pay a part, and not the whole, I could not foresee any Inconveniences that would attend the Loan, on the contrary that It might contribute in some degree to forward their

Schemes. I hope my conduct in this instance will not be disapproved.
I inclosed Governr Trumbull a Copy of their Letter and of their Several Resolves, by Col. Broom & Mr Dewer to day, two Members of the Convention, who are going to wait on him, but did not think myself at liberty to urge or request his Interest in forming the Camp of 6000 men, as the Levies directed by Congress to be furnished the 3d of June for the defence of this place by that Government, are but a little more than One third come in. At the same time the proposition I think a good one if It could be carried into execution. In case the Enemy should attempt to effect a landing above Kings bridge and to cut off the communication between this City & the Country, an Army to hang on their rear would distress them exceedingly. I have the Honor to be with sentiments of great esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant

G. Washington

P.S. The Inclosed paper should have been sent before but was Omitted through hurry.

P.S. After I had closed my Letter I received One from Genl Ward, a copy of which is herewith Transmitted. I have wrote him to forward the Two Regmts now at Boston by the Most direct road to Ticonderoga as soon as they are well with the utmost expedition & consider their having had the small pox as a fortunate circumstance—When the three arrive which have marched for Norwich, I shall immediately send One of ’em on; If Congress shall Judge It expedient, of which you will please to Inform me.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 19 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia July 19th 1776.

My Earnestness to convey to you as soon as possible, the Intelligence this Moment received from South Carolina, on which I most sincerely congratulate you, I am confident, will apologize for my not adding more, than to tell you, that enclosed you will find the Copy of General Lee’s Letter, and the Account from the Deserters who escaped after the Action. I am loth to hinder the Express one Moment. He is ready; and I will only say, that the enclosed Resolves of Congress were this Day passed, & to which I beg Leave to refer you. I will write General Schuyler tomorrow.
You will please not to print the Letter &c. received from Genl Lee, as by tomorrow’s Post, I shall write you again, and forward the Account printed for the public Information. I have the Honour to be with great Regard, Sir your most obed. & very hble Sert

John Hancock Presidt

I cannot detain the Express to give you the particulars of Govr Rutledges Letter, but will print it with the other parts submitted to me by Congress & forward you by to morrow’s post.
God Bless you my Dr Sir, may you ever be under the Divine protection, & see an happy Issue to your noble Exertions. Yrs

J.H.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 19 July 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Eliza. Town [N.J.] 19 July 1776.

After making such preparations as our Circumstances would admit off—I marched about eight o Clock yesterday Evening to the Mouth of Thompsons Creek with the Continental Troops under the command of Major Knoulton—The Rifle Battalions were to follow—The Wind & Tide being against them, the Boats could not be so soon brought to us as we expected—In the mean time the weather became too tempestuous to venture over the Sound in Scows—We remaind on the Shore in hopes of calmer Weather till near Eleven o Clock—but finding no probability of getting over in Time to reach the Enemies Quarters before day were under the Necessity of relinquishing the Enterprize It cannot be renewed till we have more Forces here—nor would it be prudent to attempt any Surprize for some days—as our motions are probably communicated to the Enemy. I have the honour to be Sir Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt

Hugh Mercer


Title: From George Washington to the New York City Committee of Safety, 19 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York City Committee of Safety

Gent[l]emen
Head Quarters New York 19th July 1776

I inclose you Copy of a Resolution of the Provincial Convention of the State of New York dated 16th Instant recommending

it to all the General and Sub-Committees to apprehend and secure all such persons whose going at large at this Critical Time they may deem dangerous to the Safety of the State—As this City is hourly threatned with an Attack from a powerfull Enemy, and as there is too much Reason to apprehend from their Vicinity to this City, and from the Number of suspicious Characters still in it that they may receive Intelligence which may Counteract all my Operations for its defence, I strongly recommend it to you to remove for some time all equivocal and suspicious Characters—This appears to me to be the spirit of the Resolutions of the Provincial Convention and the propriety of it is founded on the Law of self Preservation and Confirmed by the Practice of all Nations in a State of War.
I esteem it my Duty to add my recommendation to that of the Provincial Convention. that if through an Ill timed lenity my Attempts to secure this province should be Baffled, the Blame of it may not be Imputed to my want of Vigilance—I have Inclosed a list of persons represented as dangerous. as I can Only speak from Information, I must rely upon your taking proper Steps with them unless from your better Knowledge you determine them of different Characters than Represented. I am Gentlemen Your Most Obdt Huml. Servant

G. W.


Title: From George Washington to a Secret Committee of the New York Convention, 19 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Secret Committee of the New York Convention

Gentlemen
Head Quarters New York July 19. 1776

I am favourd with yours of the 17th Inst.—My unacquaintedness with Hudson’s River and with every other circumstance necessary to form a judgment of the Mode of defending it, will incapacitate me from giving you the Assistance and Advice you politely ask—I must intirely refer it to your own Judgment & Skill only assuring you that it will give me great pleasure if any thing effectual can be done, & that I will most readily give all the

Assistance in my Power—I had some intentions of throwing Obstructions in the Passage at Mount Washington, but so many Difficulties & Obstacles have retarded it that I much fear my being able to compleat it—however it is a matter so purely confidential if it can be effected, that I must desire the most profound Secrecy may be observed on the Subject—I heartily wish you success in the Measures you may adopt, & am with much truth & Esteem Gentn Your most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: W.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 19 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
New York July 19th 1776

The enclosed extracts from the proceedings of Congress which I have the honor to transmit you will discover their anxiety respecting our Army here and their wishes to have it reinforced. I shall only add, that the situation of our affairs demands the most speedy succour, and my request, that you use your good offices for expediting the new Levies as fast as possible.
I have also inclosed you a copy of a letter and sundry Resolutions which I received yesterday from the Convention of this State. You will perceive thereby, that they have been deliberating on sundry important measures, and are exerting themselves in the most vigorous manner to defeat the wicked designs of our Common Enemy and such disaffected persons as may attempt to favor their views—They also contain a request, that I should sollicit you to devise some mode for keeping up a communication and intercourse between your State and this, and suggest the expediency of your forming a Camp of 6,000 Men about Byram River to cooperate with those they are collecting, in order to hang on the rear of the Enemy in case they land above Kings-Bridge, and attempt to cut off the communication between the Country and this City—As the Quota of men required by Congress for the defence of this place is not yet arrived, I could not conceive myself at liberty to ask of you to furnish such an additional number, although I cannot but observe, that the scheme seems well calculated for the purposes they have in view, and might be productive of the most salutary consequences in case of an attempt of that sort.
Colo. Broom and Mr Duer two members of the Convention

wait on you upon the subject, and will fully point out the object they have in view, and their ideas of the importance and expediency of the plan, and to them I beg leave to refer you. I am Sir with great Regard and Esteem Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 19 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Artemas

Dear Sir.
Head Quarters N. York 19th July 1776.

In my Letter of the 7th Instant I mentioned the propriety of forwarding a quantity of Powder and lodging it between this and Boston. I am now more fully convinced of the Necessity of such a measure, and would wish You to forward with all convenient speed, five Hundred Barrels to be stored at Norwich in Connecticut ’till further Orders, In a post[s]cript to my Letter of the 9th Inst. I was of opinion it would be much easier for the troops bound from Boston to the Northward to proceed this way for the benefit of water Carriage, this being entirely cut of by the Ships up Hudsons River, you will speed their March by the nighest and most convenient Rout, The several Articles wrote for in my letter of yesterday you will please to forward to Norwich wt. Orders for them to be sent on by Water provided the Enemies Ships should not stop the Communication, in which case land Carriage must be procured. I am sir Your Most Hume servt

Go: Washington

P.S. In speaking of the troops marching to the Northward I have reference to the three Regiments bound to Ticonderoga, the

other two I hope will be on their way for this place before this reaches You.
Since writing the within your Letter of the 15th Inst. came to hand. if the Three Regiments you mention have March’d they may proceed to this City, if not one of [them] will March for Ticonderoga, the Two remaining to follow to the last mentioned place—by Divisions—as fast as a field Officers proportion is well enough—as they will be much the properest (having had the small-Pox) for that Department. Yr &ca

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 20 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 20th 1776.
Parole Newington.Countersign Ormond.

Daniel Grimes of Capt: Shaw’s Company Colo. Marshal’s Regiment tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Webb was President was found guilty of “Desertion,” but some favourable Circumstances appearing in the person’s behalf, his punishment is remitted: The Provost Marshal is ordered to deliver him to Capt: Tilton, in order to be put into some regiment, to do duty here, until a good opportunity offers, to send him to his own.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Philip Burr Bradley, 20 July 1776
From: Bradley, Philip Burr
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Bergen [N.J.] July 20th 1776

I have made strict enquiry (pursuant to your orders) into the Conduct of Capt: Ephraim Burr and upon Examination find that by order of General Putnam and Col: Molyne he was authorised and Empowered to secure the property and Effects

of all the Tory Refugees which he could come at and am of opinion that he no more than fulfilled his Orders—I beleive that some of his men without his knowledge or Approbation Did take some things which were the property of persons whose principles were not inimical; But these together with those secured by himself are safely deposited in the hands of a Gentleman in the Jersies by orders which he ⟨pro⟩duced from under the hands of Col: Molyne.
Capt: Burr hath fully satisfyed the owners of the last mentioned Effects as to his Conduct and the principles by which he was actuated. Upon the whole am of Opinion that Capt: Burrs Conduct upon the strictest Scrutiny will appear unexceptionable—Nothing worthy of Observation hath transpired since I reported last to your Excellency except that our men discovered this morning on an Eminence near the Ministerial Shipping that the Enemy were Erecting a Fortification. I have the honour to be with every possible mark of esteem and respect, Your Excellencies most Obedient Huml. Servant

Philip B. Bradley


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 20 July 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Newport July 20th 1776

I am favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th instant; which I have communicated to the General Assembly now sitting here. Agreeable to your Request the Captains of the Row-Gallies are ordered to proceed immediately to New York there to receive your Orders and to govern themselves accordingly. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedt and Most humble Servt

Nichs Cooke


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 20 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Congress Chamber 3 oClock A.M. 20. July 1776

I have only Time to inform you that this moment your favr of 19th is come to hand. Inclos’d is this morning’s paper, to which beg to Refer you. My best wishes attend you & am Your most obedt svt

John Hancock Prest


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 20 July 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Hay, Ann Hawkes

Letter not found: to Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 20 July 1776. On 25 July Hay wrote to GW: “I have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th Inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 20 July 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
German Flatts [N.Y.] July 20th 1776

Both your Excellency’s Favors of the 15th Instant were delivered me Yesterday.
The Letter for General Burgoyne and the Resolution of Congress to accompany it, were immediately dispatched to General Gates with a Request to forward it without Delay.
To carry into Execution the Resolution of Congress of the 21st June respecting the Malconduct of some of our Officers in Canda will be, as your Excellency very justly observes “a work of Difficulty and Delicacy”—Congress was doubtless furnished with a Detail of some of the Offences and most probably with the

Names of the Offenders previous to their entering into the Resolution: if these, however few they might be were pointed out, and brought to Trial, others in the Course of the Examination might be impeached, and probably most of the Offenders be discovered—perhaps your Excellency may think proper to desire Congress to mention some particulars: I shall however as soon as I return to the Army confer with Generals Gates and Arnold and try to adopt such Measures as will best answer the Wishes of Congress.
Colonel Nicholson’s Case, agreeable to your Orders, shall claim my earliest Attention, and I will order a Trial immediately on my Return.
It would give me great pleasure, if the Situation of our Affairs would admit of doing what Congress has recommended to me, in the Resolution of the 11th Instant but unless a considerable Body of Troops & Carpenters are moved from Ticonderoga, and the Variety of Articles necessary for erecting Fortifications at Oswego, and building Gallies on Ontario can be procured, it will not be possible to carry that Resolution into Execution, and I doubt much whether such Movement would be prudent at this Juncture, even if intrenching Tools, Materials for Building and the various other necessary Articles could be spared from the Northward or elsewhere procured—a few Weeks will probably bring about Events, that will enable us to determine with more Certainty what can be done; if these should be favorable to us, I will not lose a Moment thereafter, but immediately possess ourselves of Oswego, and shall therefore take Measures accordingly and make what preparation I can.
The Indians have not yet arrived; the more remote ones have sent to apologize for their Tardiness, on Account of the Death of one and the extreme Illness of another Sachem, but that they propose to be here on Thursday next. Mr Ryckman on his Return from Niagara past thro’ most of the six Nations, and he and his party were at every one of their Villages entertained with the Accounts brought by those that have lately returned from New York and Philadelphia, and such is the Idea they have conceived of our power and Resources that the Opinion that we shall be an Over-Match for our Enemies begins pretty generally to prevail—If this be true, and I have no Reason to doubt it, we shall meet with no Trouble from the Savages.

The Account of the two Men of War and three Tenders passing New York, as transmitted by your Aid-de-Camp reached Albany on Sunday last & Colonel Van Schaick informs me that he has given the necessary Directions to prevent any of our Vessels falling into the Enemy’s Hands.
I am greatly apprehensive that the Service will suffer in this Quarter for the Want of Money, very little if any is left in the Military Chest and our Debts are very considerable.
The five Officers, prisoners who deserted from some part of pennsylvania, were met by Mr Ryckman on his Way from Niagara; would it not be proper to request General Burgoyne to deliver these and all other prisoners in Canada, who have slighted their parole and joined him?
General Arnold writes me that two or three hundred Swivels will be wanted, with a Number of Hand Granades; be so good as to order up all (of both) you can spare. I am Dr Sir with every affectionate Wish Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servt

Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Adam Stephen, 20 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

Dear Sir,
New York July 20th 1776.

Your Letter of the 4th Instt came duly to hand. I thank you for yr kind congratulations on the discovery of the vile Machinations of still viler Ministerial Agents. I hope the untimely fruit of their Intentions will in the end recoil upon their own heads—all the measures heretofore projected, has done so I think, except in Canada, where an unaccountable kind of fatality seems to have attended all our Movements since the death of poor Montgomery.
We have a powerful Fleet under the Command of Lord Howe in full view of us—distant about 8 Miles from this City—the Troops (from the best Accts amounting to about Eight or nine thousand Men) are upon Staten Island, fortifying themselves and waiting the Re-inforcement from England, which every fair Wind is expected to bring. this Reinforcement from different Accts will be from Fifteen to 20,000 Men. Our Strength greatly inferior unless the New Levies come in much faster than they have done, which I hope will be the case as harvest will soon be over and that Plea, at an end.
Two Ships on the 12th, to wit the Phœnex of 44. Guns & Rose of 20, exhibited a proof of the incompetency of Batteries to stop a Ships passage with a brisk Wind & strong tide where there are no obstruction’s in the Water to impede their motion—the above Ships pass’d through an incessant Fire from our Batteries without receiving much damage—they were each hulled several times & their Rigging a little damaged but not so as to retard their way up the River to what is called the Taupon bay a wide part of the River out of reach of Cannon Shot from either shore. here they now are, having cut of the Water Communication with Albany, & our Army on the Lakes, entirely.
I did not let the Anniversary of the 3d or 9th of this Instt pass of without a grateful remembrance of the escape we had at the

Meadows and on the Banks of Monongahela. the same Provedence that protected us upon those occasions will, I hope, continue his Mercies, and make us happy Instruments in restoring Peace & liberty to this once favour’d, but now distressed Country. Give my Complimts to the Sev⟨eral⟩ of yr Corps of my acquaintan⟨ces and⟩ believe me to be Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt ⟨Sert,⟩

Go: Wash⟨ington⟩


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Woodhull, 20 July 1776
From: Woodhull, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York, July 20th 1776.

I have the Honor to inclose to your Excellency by order of the Convention a Copy of sundry Resolves which were yesterday agreed to, for the Defence of the Inhabitants and protection of the Stock upon Nassau Island, and beg leave to Submit to your Consideration a Short State of the Situation and Circumstances of that Island and it’s Inhabitants, from which you see the inutility of any Attempts for a total Removal of the Stock from thence.
It is supposed there are near 100,000 Head of horned Cattle besides a much larger Number of Sheep and other Stock the removal of which would necessarily consume the greater Part of the Campaign; but supposing the same could be effected on a short Time, vast Numbers of the Stock must inevitably perish for want of Subsistance, as it could not be procured within any reasonable Distance—besides such a Measure would reduce the Inhabitants computed from 25 to 30,000 to the most deplorable and insuperable Difficulties and Distresses, these Considerations have induced the Convention to give over the Thoughts of removing the Stock from the Island, as not only impracticable, but not advancive of the Public Service, especially as the waste

and common Lands in the Eastermost Part of Queens and in Suffolk Counties, are so covered with Thickets of Wood as to render it too dangerous for forraging Parties to attempt to penetrate. I trust that the Militia now to be raised (which is expected to form a Corps of between 7 and 900 Men,) with the Troops already stationed at the East End of the Island, may be sufficient to remove the Stock from those places which are most exposed, and prevent the Depredations of small Detachments, and should the Enemy attempt with their main Army to fix themselves on any Part of the Island, I doubt not but your Excellency will give a good Account of them.
The Convention have received Information that there are a considerable Number of fatted Cattle and Sheep on the Island, they submit whether it would not be proper that the Commissary General should be requested to give the preference in purchasing, to those Cattle.
I cannot conclude without expressing my wishes that the Detachment under Lieut. Colonel Livingston may be continued at their present Post, for that Part of the Island is so much exposed to be insulted by the Enemy’s Cruizers, that I fear the Inhabitants would totally abandon the Country should those Troops be drawn off. I have the Honor to be most respectfully Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Nathll Woodhull Presidt


Title: General Orders, 21 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 21st 1776.
Parole Philadelphia.Countersign Quebec.

William Baker of Capt: Johnsons Company, in Col. McDougall’s Regiment, charged with “absenting himself several days from the Camp without permission,” having been tried by a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Webb was President, and found guilty, was sentenced to receive Twenty Lashes. The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be executed, at the usual time and place.
Serjt Ballard, late of General Lee’s Guard, now in Custody, for having presumed to give a pass to a person to cross the East river; appearing to have done it more thro’ Ignorance than Design: The General is pleased to discharge him, but if any inferior officer shall hereafter take such a liberty; he will be severely punished: It being again declared that Passes to Citizens, or Country people, are only to be granted by John Berrian, Henry Wilmot and John Ray Junr or one of them—Passes to officers and soldiers only by a Major General; the Brigadier General of the Brigade to which the person belongs; the Adjutant General, or General’s Secretary, or Aide-de-Camps.
The General has great pleasure in communicating to the officers, and soldiers of this Army, the signal success of the American Arms under General Lee at South Carolina—The Enemy having attempted to land at the same time that a most furious Cannonade for twelve hours was made upon the Fortifications near Charlestown; Both Fleet and Army have been repulsed with great loss by a small number of gallant troops just raised. The Enemy have had one hundred and seventy two men, killed & wounded, among whom were several officers; Two capital Ships much damaged; one Frigate of Twenty-eight Guns entirely lost being abandoned and blown up

by the Crew and others so hurt that they will want great repair before they can be fit for service; And all with a loss on our Part of ten killed and twenty-two wounded. The Firmness, Courage and Bravery of our Troops, has crowned them with immediate Honor. The dying Heroes conjured their Brethren never to abandon the Standard of Liberty, and even those who had lost their Limbs, continued at their posts: Their Gallantry and Spirit extorted applause from their enemies, who dejected & defeated, have retired to their former station, out of the reach of our troops.
This glorious Example of our Troops, under the like Circumstances with us, The General hopes will animate every officer, and soldier, to imitate, and even out do them, when the enemy shall make the same attempt on us: With such a bright example before us, of what can be done by brave and spirited men, fighting in defence of their Country; we shall be loaded with a double share of Shame, and Infamy, if we do not acquit ourselves with Courage, or a determined Resolution to conquer or die: With this hope and confidence, and that this Army will have its equal share of Honour, and Success; the General most earnestly exhorts every officer, and soldier, to pay the utmost attention to his Arms, and Health; to have the former in the best order for Action, and by Cleanliness and Care, to preserve the latter; to be exact in their discipline, obedient to their Superiors and vigilant on duty: With such preparation, and a suitable Spirit, there can be no doubt, but by the blessing of Heaven, we shall repel our cruel Invaders; preserve our Country, and gain the greatest Honor.
A working party of one hundred and fifty men, properly officered, to parade to morrow morning on the Grand parade, six O’Clock, with their Arms and one days provision, to go up to Kingsbridge by water, to relieve the party which went up the 15th Instant; to apply to General Putnam for boats.
The General is much pleased with the alacrity of the men in doing Fatigue duty; and being resolved to ease them as much as the service will admit, directs that until further Orders, the men who are to go upon Fatigue, shall be execused from turning out to their Alarm posts for that day, unless in case of real alarm.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel James Clinton, 21 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

Sir.
Head-Quarters N. Yk 21st July 1776

The Bearer Lieut. Machine I have sent to Act as an Engineer in the Posts under your Command, and at such other places as may be tho’t necessary, he is an ingenious Man, and has given great Sattisfaction as an Engineer, at Boston from which he is just returned—I have Received from the Secret Committee a representation of your want of Metrosses which can be supplied in no other way, but by drafting those that are proper from other Corps & exerciseing them to the Artillery it is what we have been obliged to do here—the Men thus drafted may be considered as remaining wt. their own Regiments and only doing Duty wt. the Train on the present Occasion. I am sir &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 21 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp on Long Island July 21 2 oClock

Colo. Hand reports Seven large Ships are coming up from the Hook to the Narrows.
A Negro belonging to one Strikeer at Gravesend was taken prisoner as he says last Sunday at Coney Island, Yesterday he made his escape, and was taken prisoner by the Rifle Guard. He reports Eight hundred Negroes Collected on Statten Island, this day to be formed into a Regiment. I am your Excellencys most Obedient humble servant

N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to a Secret Committee of the New York Convention, 21 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Secret Committee of the New York Convention

Gentlemen
Head-Quarters N. York 21st July 1776.

Yours of the 18th Inst. I duly Received and note the Contents, and am very sorry to hear the Forts in the High Lands are in so defenceless a Situation, amongst such variety of Business which calls my closest attention it has been, and still is Impossible for me personally to reconnoitre all the different Posts under my Command, but was so sensible of the Importance of the Fortresses in the High Lands, that I ordered Lord Sterling to visit them, which he did early in the summer and reported to me their Situation at that time, and thro: his representations I continued two Gentlemen in Continental pay, who were acting as Engineers under orders from the Authority of this State, I have repeatedly press’d Colo. Clinton to spare no pains to put them on the best footing possible, and indeed I had reason to suppose they were in tolerable order to receive the Enemy, by the Returns there appears to be Six 32 pounders besides some 9, 6, 4 & 3 pounders—and enclosed is a Letter for Govr Trumbull beging him to assist you all in his power, We were so short of Matrosses that I was necessitated to draft 600 from the different Battallions to join the Artillery in this place, the 14 with Colo. Clinton are of the old Regiment and experienced, To these he may add by drafting a sufficient number of Stout active Men from the other Corps under his Command, and put them immediately to exerciseing the Artillery. ’tis not in my power to reinforce those Garrisons with more Men, as but about 5,000 of the New Levies have yet arrived in Camp out of the 15,000 ordered, I have sent up Mr Machine a Lieut. in the Train, who has just returned from overseeing the Works at Boston, he is as proper a person as any I can send, being an ingenious faithfull hand, And One that has had considerable experience as an Engineer—I shall enjoin on him to attend closely to the Business he is going to execute, rest assured Gentlemen that every assistance in my power shall be most chearfully granted, and that I am with Esteem, Gentlemen Your Most Obedt & Very Huml. servt

Go: Washington

I am happy to have it in my power to acquaint you ⟨of⟩ the success of our Arms to the Southward under General Lee, on Fryday the 20th of June the Enemy attack’d the Fort on Sullivans Island—(Chas Town south Carolina) with two Ships of the Line four Frigates & a Bomb-Ketch, when (to use General Lees expression in his acct of it) the hotest Cannonade began I ever experienced, which lasted 12 Hours without Intermission, when the enemy were obliged to sheer of with the loss of one Frigate Burnt, the two Ships of the Line almost totally ruined & the Frigates much shattered & the Bomb-Ketch unfit for further service untill she can go into Dock—they lost abt 170 Men kill’d besides a number wounded, dureing the whole Action our Men behave’d wt. the greatest coolness & spirit & lost only ten Kill’d & 17 wounded 7 Mortally, dureing ⟨illegible⟩ attack of the Ships Lord Cornwallis & Genl Clinton twice attempted to land in flatt Bottom Boats to attack the Fort by Land—but were both times repulsed wt. loss.

Go: Washington

time will not admit of my transmiting the above Acct to Govr Trumbull—must beg of you to forward it wt. the Letter.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 21 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Dear Sir
Head Quarters New York July 21st 1776

By letter received from five Gentlemen Committee appointed by Provincial Convention of this State to reconnoitre and report the situation of the High Lands and Forts on Hudsons River, I find them in great want of Cannon, two men of war and three tenders being but about ten miles below them, and in daily expectation of their attempting to pass the Forts Montgomery and Constitution, to burn the two Frigates building at Poughkeepsie. In this situation they have mentioned sending to your Honor a request for those now at the Salisbury Furnace, which I am fully persuaded you will, if possible, readily comply with, as it is not in my power to lend them any assistance from this Quarter. I have the honor to be Sir Your most humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: General Orders, 22 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 22nd 1776.
Parole Richmond.Countersign Savoy.

The orderly Serjeants who attend at Head Quarters, are hereafter to bring their dinners, and wait ’till they are regularly relieved.
As it is much to be feared the state of the necessary Houses in the City, may endanger the health of the troops quartered there; It is recommended to the officers, and men, to guard against it as much as possible, and if any method can be fallen on to remove, or lessen the inconvenience, to apply to the Barrack Master for that purpose.
The General has noticed with pleasure the care of the Troops in the Encampments on this subject, He hopes they will continue it for the sake of their own healths and the credit of the army.
It being represented to the General, that many Regiments would at this season chuse to lessen their Rations of Meat and supply it with Vegetables, if they could be permitted: His Concern for the health of the troops, and desire to gratify them in

every reasonable request, induces him to direct, that the Colonels of such Regiments, as choose to adopt this plan, signify it to the Commissary General, and in two days afterwards the Quarter Master of such Regiment, be allowed to draw one quarter part of the usual Rations in Money, to be laid out in Vegetables for his Regiment.
Passes from Col. Knox, for the officers and soldiers of the Artillery only, to be sufficient to pass the ferries.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Philip Burr Bradley, 22 July 1776
From: Bradley, Philip Burr
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency!
Bergen [N.J.] July 22d 1776.

Yesterday about 12 ’OClock, a Barge from the ministerial Fleet under a constant fire of a Tender, which lies contigious to the shore, attempted to land on Bergen point, upon which a warm musquetry commenced between them and a party of our men; but the very warm reception which we gave them obliged them to retire in the greatest Confusion and disorder. What loss the enemy may have Sustained on board the Barge we are not able to assertain, our men received no damage. As the report of the Guns must ⟨be⟩ alarming, I tho’t proper to acquaint your Excellency with the true state of the matter. I am Your Excellencies Obedient Humle Servant

Phillip B. Bradley

P.S. A person was last night taken by our Guards on Bergen neck on Suspicion, is a Stranger to the place, can give no satisfactory account of himself, am of opinion he is a dangerous person; Your Excellencies directions concerning him is requested.

P.B.B.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 22 July 1776
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada July 22. 1776

The Bearer, Mr Joseph Belton, some time since petitioned the Congress for Encouragement to destroy the Enemy’s Ships of War by some Contrivances of his Invention. They came to no Resolution on his Petition; and, as they appear to have no great Opinion of such Proposals, it is not easy, in the Multiplicity of Business before them, to get them to bestow any part of their Attention on his Request. He is now desirous of trying his Hand on the Ships that are gone up the North River; and, as he proposes to work intirely at his own Expence, and only desires your Countenance & Permission, I could not refuse his Request of a Line of Introduction to you, the Trouble of which I beg you to excuse. As he appears to be a very ingenious Man, I hope his Project may be attended with Success. With the sincerest Esteem & Respect, I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

B. Franklin


Title: To George Washington from Major Christopher French, 22 July 1776
From: French, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hartford 22d July 1776

A Letter which I saw to Captain Delaplace, directing His Majesty’s Officers, Prisoners here to send their Letters under Cover to you, occasions my troubling you with the enclos’d which I request you will direct to be sent to His Excelly Genl

Howe by the first Flag of Truce, & as I am certain there must be many Letters for me & the other Gentn here, we shall esteem it a favor if you will direct enquiry to be made of the Flags of Truce which may be sent to you; I make no doubt you will grant us this small Consolation in our Captivity, that we may have the satisfaction of hearing from our Friends.
When the Parole which I sign’d to the Committee of safety at Philadelphia was tender’d to me & I had read as far as “That I would not bear Arms against the united Colonies for twelve Months[”]; I refus’d to sign it for so long a Time but one of the Members, (Mr Morris) observing there was an alternative, vizt “unless exchang’d[”]—I agreed & sign’d it, from which it is evident that I, with Ensn Rotton & Mr McDermott who were taken with me, as also Wm Goldthorpe Private Soldier in His Majesty’s twenty second Regt & Alexr Allen private Soldier in His Majs. 45th Regt who came under the same Articles, are entitled to our enlargement on the 12th of Augst next, (at which Period our Parole expires,) for which I beg you will give Orders; I should not have presum’d to remin’d you of this Circumstance, which I know would naturally occur, but through an Apprehension that the miltiplicity of Business now on your Hands, might Occasion it to escape your Memory. I am Sir with all due Respect Your most obedt hble servt

Chris. French


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July the 22d 1776

Your favors of the 18th & 19th with which you have been pleased to honor me, have been duly received with the Several Resolves alluded to.
When the Letter and Declaration from Lord Howe to Mr Franklin and the other late Governors come to be published I should suppose the warmest Advocates for dependance on the British Crown must be silent, and be Convinced beyond all possibility of doubt, that All that has been said about the Commissioners was Illusory and calculated expresly to deceive and unguard, not only the Good people of our own Country, but those of the English nation that were averse to the proceedings of the King & Ministry. Hence we see the cause why a specification of their powers were not given the Mayor & City of London on their Address requesting It. that would have been dangerous because It would then been manifest, that the line of conduct they were to pursue would be totally variant from that they had Industriously propagated and amused the public with. The Uniting the Civil and Military Offices in the same persons too, must be conclusive to every thinking One, that there is to be but little Negociation of the Civil kind.
I have inclosed for the satisfaction of Congress the Substance of what past between myself and Lt Col. Patterson, Adjt Genl, at an Interview had Yesterday, in consequence of a request from Genl Howe the day before, to which I beg leave to refer them for particulars.

Col. Knox of the Train having often mentiond to me the necessity of having a much more numerous body of Artillerists than what there now is, in case the present Contest should continue longer, and knowing the deficiency in this Instance and their extreme usefullness I desired him to commit his Ideas upon the Subject to writing, in order that I might transmit them to Congress for their consideration, Agreable to my request he has done It, and the propriety of his plan is now submitted for their decision. It is certain that we have not more at this time than are sufficient for the Several extensive posts we now have, including the Drafts which he speaks of, and which I presume, not only from what he has Informed me, but from the nature of the thing can never be qualified to render the same service, as If they were regularly appointed and Formed into a Corps for that particular purpose.
I beg leave to remind Congress that some time ago I laid before them the proposals of some persons here for forming a Company of Light Horse, and of the presidents Answer a little time after Intimating that the plan seemed to be approved of. As those who wanted to make up the Troop are frequently pressing me for an Answer, I could wish to be favoured with the decision of Congress upon the Subject.
By a Letter from Genl Schuyler of the 14 Inst. dated at Albany, he Informs me that the day before, some desperate designs of the Tories in that Quarter had been discovered, the particulars of which he could not divulge being under an Oath of Secresy—However that such measures had been taken as to promise a prevention of the Intended mischief, and that four of the Conspirators, among them, a Ringleader, were apprehended about One OClock that morning not far from the Town. What the plot was, or who were concerned in It, is a matter I am Ignorant of as yet. With my best rigards to Congress I have the honor to be Your & their Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Congress will please to Observe what was proposed respecting the Exchange of Mr Lovel, & Signify their pleasure in your next. The last Weeks return is also Inclosed.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July the 22d 1776

Congress having been pleased to appoint Mr Wilper to the command of a Company in the German Batallion now raising, I have directed him to repair to Philadelphia for their orders.
From my acquaintance with him, I am persuaded his conduct as an Officer will meet their approbation, and thanking them for their kind attention to my recommendation of him I have the

honor to be with Sentiments of the highest respect their Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 22 July 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 22 July 1776.

The Company of Artificers in the Continental Service here, under the care of Capt. Eayrs, your Excellency did not mention in your directions respecting the Troops, and I must request your directions respecting said Company. It is a very good Company, and if such a Company be wanted in the Continental Service I believe a better cannot be had.
Sargent’s and Hutchinson’s Regiments marched the eighteenth Instant for Norwich, Glover’s marched the twentieth.
The two remaining Regiments are recovering fast of the small pox, and as soon as they can march with safety I shall order them forward. I shall use every precaution to prevent the marching Regiments from communicating the Small pox, and for this purpose will endeavour that they shall be thoroughly cleansed, being sensible of the destructive consequences that would result from spreading this disorder in our Armies which are every hour liable to be called to Action.
Application was made to me some days since by the Government of New Hampshire for some ammunition to supply the Continental Regiments now on their march from that State to join our Army in Canada, and as they had none to march through the woods with, and it would be unsafe to go without, I

furnished them with eight Barrels powder, two thousand pounds of musquet ball, and two thousand flints.
I have ordered the proper Returns, that I may be able to make such a Return to your Excellency as mentioned in yours of the eleventh Instant. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient and very Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 22 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

Dear Brother
New York July 22d 1776.

Whether you wrote to me or I to you last, I cannot undertake to say; but as it is sometime since a Letter has past, and as I expect every hour to be engaged in two busy a Scene to allow time for writing private Letters, I will take an oppertunity by this days post to address you a few Lines, giving a brief acct of the Situation of Affairs in this Quarter.
To begin then—we have a powerful Fleet within full view of us—distant about 8 Miles—We have General Howes present Army, consisting by good report of abt Eight or Nine thousand Men upon Staten Island, covered by their Ships—We have Lord Howe just arrived (that is about 10 days ago)—and we have Ships now popping In which we suppose, but don’t know, to be part of the Fleet with the expected Reinforcement—When this arrives, if the Report of Deserters, Prisoners, and Tories are to be depended upon the Enemy’s numbers will amount at least to 25,000 Men. ours to about 15,000—more indeed are expected, but there is no certainty of their arrival as Harvest and a thousand other excuses are urged for the Reasons of delay. what kind of opposition we shall be able to make time only can shew—I can only say that the Men appear to be in good Spirits, and if they will stand by me the place shall not be carried without some

loss, notwithstanding we are not yet in such a posture of defence as I cd wish.
Two Ships, to wit, the Phœnix of 44 Guns, and Rose of 20, Run by our Batteries on the 12th; exhibiting a proof of what I had long most religeously believed, and that is, that a Vessel with a brisk Wind and strong Tide, cannot (unless by a chance Shott) be stopp’d by a Battery without you could place some obstruction in the Water to impede her Motion within reach of your Guns. We do not know that these Ships received any Capitol Injury—in their Rigging they were somewhat damaged, & several Shot went through their Hulls; but few if any Lives were lost. they now, with three Tenders which accompanied them lye up the North or Hudsons River abt 40 Miles above this place and have totally cut off all Communication (by Water) between this City & Albany; & this Army and that of ours upon the Lakes—they may have had other motives inducing them to run up the River, such as supplying the Tories with Arms &ca &ca but such a vigilant watch has hitherto been kept upon them that I fancy they have succeeded but indifferently in those respects notwithstanding this Country abounds in disaffected Persons of the most diabolical dispositions & Intentions, as you may have perceived by the several publications in the Gazette relative to their designs of destroying this Army by treachery and Bribery, which was provadentially discover’d.
It is the general Report of Deserter[s] and Prisoners, and a prevailing opinion here, that no attempt will be made by Genl How till his reinforcement arrives, which as I said before is hourly expected—Our Situation at present, both with respect to Men, & other matters is such, as not to make it advisable to attempt any thing against them, surrounded as they are by Water & covered with Ships, least a miscarriage should be productive of unhappy and fatal consequences. It is provoking nevertheless to have them so nea⟨r with⟩out being able in their weakest ⟨mutilated⟩ them any disturbance. ⟨Mutilated⟩ that past us are also saf⟨mutilated⟩ in a broad part of the River, out ⟨mutilated⟩ of shott from either shore.
Mrs Washington is now at Philadelphia & has thoughts of returning to Virginia as there is little or no prospect of her being with me any part of this Summer. I beg of you to present my Love to my Sister and the Children—and Compliments to any

enquiring friends & do me the justice to believe that I am Dr Sir Yr most Affecte Brother

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 23 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 23rd 1776.
Parole Trenton.Countersign Upton.

Lieut. Fuller of Capt: Keyes Company, 20th Regimt tried by a General Court Martial of which Lieut: Col. Hobby was President, for “Inoculating, and disobedience of orders”—is honorably acquitted, and discharged from his arrest.
It is with great astonishment and surprise, the General hears that Soldiers inlist from one Corps to another, and frequently receive a bounty; and that some officers have knowingly received such men; so glaring a fraud upon the public, and injury to the service, will be punished in the most exemplary manner: And the General most earnestly requests, and expects, of every good officer, who loves his Country, not only to oppose such practices, but to make the offenders known, that they may be brought to justice.


Title: From George Washington to Baron de Calbiac, 23 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Calbiac, baron de

New York 23rd July 1776.

I received your favor of Yesterday and in Answer thereto, I am to inform You, at the same Time that I commend the good Intentions which You profess, induced your Countrymen to leave their Families & Homes, that I have done the only thing in my Power to favor their Views.
On their first Arrival & Introduction to me I gave them a Letter to the Continental Congress to whom it was necessary to make known their Wishes & from whom any Appointments they expect must come, This I am persuaded You are sensible of, & would wish You to communicate to them. Their Pretensions will be duly considered, & if supported by proper Credentials, I make no Doubt but suitable Regard will be had to their Merit.
Your & their good Sense will readily suggest the Propriety & Expediency of their furnishing some Testimonial and recommendation

 previous to any Appointment. These would have been proper at any Time but the late Instance of Treachery & Ingratitude in Monsr —— in deserting and taking the Command of a Party of the Enemy in Canada, after he had been promoted to Office in the service of the United Colonies makes them indispensably necessary. Tho’ I do not entertain the least Suspicion of the Honor & Integrity of the Gentlemen of Whom you write, or mean to insinuate that a Conduct like Monsr  would frequently happen.
I might further add that the Unacquaintance of our Soldiers with any Language but their own, makes them rather unwilling & impatient under the Command of Foreigners, Unless they are Men of high reputation. Nor will they consent thereto but on that Account & where they possess great Military Knowledge. It therefore follows that any Appointments these Gentlemen may obtain, will not be attended with any good Purposes or Satisfaction to themselves unless they are to Corps of their own People, or those who understand their Language. I am Sir Your Most Obedt servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 23 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Camp on Long Island, 23 July 1776. “Inclosed is a Letter sent me by Colo. Varnum rellative to Capt. Read. . . . Colo. Hand reports the Enemy continues as they were.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July the 23. 1776

I was honoured with your favor of the 20th by Yesterdays post, since which and my Letter, nothing of moment has occurred.
The Ships mentioned in my Letter of the 21st to have been in the Offing, got in that day, and are supposed to be part of the Scotch fleet, having landed some Highlanders Yesterday.
Inclosed I have the honor to Transmit you Copies of a Letter, and Sundry Resolutions which I received last night from the Convention of this State. They will inform you of the computed number of Inhabitants and Stock upon Nassau Island, and their Sentiments on the Impracticability of removing the latter and also of the measures they think necessary and likely to secure them.
I have also Inclosed a Letter from Mr Faesh to Lord Stirling upon the Subject of a Cannon Furnace for the use of the States. Congress will see his plan and proposals and determine upon them as they shall judge proper. I am Sir with every Sentiment of respect Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 24 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 24th 1776.
Parole Virginia.Countersign Wales.

Each Brigadier, with the Colonel and commanding officer[s] of the several Regiments, in his Brigade, are to meet and estimate the quantity of paper, absolutely necessary to serve a Regiment for Returns, and other public Uses for a Month, and make report thereof to the General at Orderly time on Friday next, that the Quarter Master General may be directed to provide & deliver the same Monthly to the Colonels, for the use of their respective regiments.
The General being sensible of the difficulty, and expence of providing Cloaths, of almost any kind, for the Troops, feels an unwillingness to recommend, much more to order, any kind of Uniform, but as it is absolutely necessary that men should have Cloaths and appear decent and tight, he earnestly encourages the use of Hunting Shirts, with long Breeches, made of the same Cloth, Gaiter fashion about the Legs, to all those yet unprovided. No Dress can be had cheaper, nor more convenient, as the Wearer may be cool in warm weather, and warm in cool weather by putting on under-Cloaths which will not change the outward dress, Winter or Summer—Besides which it is a dress justly supposed to carry no small terror to the enemy, who think every such person a complete marksman.


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 24 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

Dear Sir,
New York July 24th 1776.

I wrote to you two or three Posts ago, since which your Letter of the 10th Instt is come to hand. with respect to the proposed exchange of Lands with Colo. Thos Moore, I have not a competent knowledge of either Tract, to give an opinion with any degree of precission; but from the situation of Moore’s Land, and its contiguity to a large part of your Estate, and where you will probably make your residence, I should, were I in your place, be very fond of the Exchange; especially as the Land you hold in Hanover is but a small Tract, & totally detached from the rest of your Estate. what local advantages it may have I know not—these ought to be enquired into, because a valuable Mill Seat, or &ca often gives great value to a poor piece of Land (as I understd that of yours in Hanover is). I have no doubt myself, but that middling Land under a Mans own eye, is more profitable than rich Land at a distance; for which reason I should, were I in your place, be for drawing as many of my Slaves to the Lands in King Wm & King & Queen as could work on them to advantage, & I should also be for adding to those Tracts if it cd be done upon reasonable terms.
I am very sorry to hear by your Acct that Genl Lewis stands so unfavourably with his Officers—I always had a good opinion of him and should have hoped, that he had been possessed of too much good sense to Mal-treat his Officers and thereby render himself obnoxious to them.
We have a powerful Fleet in full view of Us—at the Watering place of Staten Island—Genl Howe and his Army are Landed thereon, and it is thought will make no attempt upon this City till his reinforcements which are hourly expected, arrives—when this happens it is to be presumed that there will be some pretty warm Work—Give my love to Nelly and Compliments to Mr Calvert & Family—& to others who may enquire after Dr Sir Yr Affecte

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 24 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Camp on Long Island, 24 July 1776. “Colo. Hand reports nothing new. every thing remains in much the same situation as they were yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 24 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia July 24th 1776.

I do myself the Honour to enclose sundry Resolves, to which I must entreat your Attention.
The Congress, you will there find, reposeing the most entire Confidence in your Judgment, have left the Disposition of the Troops at New York, the Flying Camp, and Tyonderoga, wholly with you; being fully assured, you will make such an Arrangement, as in your Opinion, will conduce most to the Public Good.
The Commissioners appointed to audit the Accounts of the Army in the York Department, have been with me. They are preparing to set out, as soon as possible; and I expect, will be at New York in a few Days.
You will observe, the Congress have empowred the Commander in Chief in each Department, to negotiate an Exchange of Prisoners; which you will please to conduct agreeably to the enclosed System.
I have wrote to Genl Schuyler, and forwarded a Copy of the enclosed Resolves. I have the Honour to be, with the highest Esteem & Respect, Sir, your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from the New Jersey Convention, 24 July 1776
From: New Jersey Convention
To: Washington, George

Sir,
In Convention of the State of New Jersey, Brunswk, July 24th, 1776

In Answer to your Letter of the 21st Instant we can inform you, that a considerable Number of the Levies required from this State by Congress are now on their March to New York. We have wrote to General Heard to make Return as soon as possible of the Deficencies in each County; and you may rest assured we shall use our utmost Efforts, at this critical Period, to complete the Brigade ordered for the Reinforcement of the Army at New York, and also to afford you all such other Assistence as the Weal of the United States shall require, and the Condition of this State admit of. We are, Sir, with great Respect, your obedt hble Servts

By Order of Conventions John Covenhoven Vice President