Title: A Plan for Attacking Staten Island, 12 July 1776
From: Washington, George,Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To:

[c. 12 July 1776]

First. A party to Attack, the South East part of the Island, at a Landing Called pullion’s about two Miles Westward from the Narrows, where are several Scattered farm houses where it is

said troops are Quartered, this party to Consist of 400, and to go from Long Island.
Second. A party to Embark at piscattaway Landing on Raratan River about Six Miles above Amboy, to Make their descent on the South West Side of the Island, about two Miles East of Billops point, to Consist [of] 500 Men, to endeavour to Surprize the Rear of the Camp opposite to Amboy.
Third. A party to Embark from the Old Blazeing Star Near woodbridge, and to Make their descent on the best Landing opposite, and to Endeavour to Surprize the town of Richmond, or Cuckold’s Town—to Consist of 500 Men.
Fourth. A party to embark at a place about three Miles South from Elizabeth Town Point, where there is a Wood that will Cover them to the place of Embarkation. to Make their descent on the Island on the opposite Shore, where there is a good landing on the Upland Covered with woods not far off. The Object here is Uncertain but there are a Number of good large farm houses in the Neighbourhood where it is probable troops are lodged without Much Caution. to Consist of 400 Men.
Fifth. A party to Embark in New Ark Bay from a place about a Mile below Browns ferry, to Make the descent at a place opposite the East End of Shutters Island Marked Mushereau this party to Consist of 800 Men, 200 of which are immediately to March Westward in order to Cut off the Guard opposite to Elizabeth Town point; the remaining 600 to March Slowly firmly & Carefully Eastward towards the Church at Deckers, with small parties ahead to Surprize and break up the parties lodged in the houses along the Shore.
Sixth. A party to Attempt to Surprize the Enemies Guard on Buskirks point, which is the South East Corner of Bergens Point, this party or Guard does not seem to be large, but it is said they are possessed of two Six pounders The party that makes the Attack must not Attempt to go over the Causeway or Road over the Meadow, the Cannon being in All probability pointed to Command that pass; but should be provided with some Boards, and proceed in two or three Collums over the Meadow, where they will meet with no other obstruction than a small Creek or ditch which they will easily pass with the help of the boards. If this place is Carried a Cannonade and Bombardment should as soon as possible Commence on the Ships, a great

Number of which now lye with[in] reach of the place. A Cannonade should Also Commence on Bergen Point opposite the Church & Deckers where it is Said about 600 Men are posted this Cannonade with round & Grape shot would Confuse the troops in forming and prevent their Succouring the Guard at Elizabeth Town point, or Opposing our party who Make their descent near Shutters Island. the Cannonade should Also be kept up on such parts of the shore of Staten Island, where any Boats are Collected or May Assemble. the party for these several Matters on Bergen Neck should be about 700, Men besides the Rifle Men.
About the Time the Troops Make the Descent, which should be at the begining of the Ebb; As a great a Number of fire Rafts and fire Ships, as Can be provided, should [be] towed down so as to fall in with the head of the fleet.
The Commanding officer of Each party to reconn[o]itre the Ground where he is to Embark, & where he is to Make his descent, in the best Manner he Can by the help of Glasses or Otherwise, and Also to get the best information he Can of the Roads & Country in General, in the Way to the place of his destination. they should Also be provided with faithfull Good Guides, plenty of them are to be had in New Jersey.
All the Boats in New Jersey from Raratan River to powles Hook should immediately be Collected and Secured Under proper Guards as well to prevent intelligence going to the Enemy, as to Serve for these Embarkations the Commanding officer before he sets out to determine wether the boats are to remain at the place of descent, or to meet him at some other place, and to direct the Guards of Boats Accordingly, A Number of spare boats should be Collected in Elizabeth Town Creek, New Ark Bay and to-wards Blazeing Star to be ready to serve on any Emergency.
As the Success of the Attempt will depend on a proper Timeing of the different Attacks, the Commandg Officers of all the parties should regulate their Watches by one Standard, and be puntually at the place of their destination at the time Agreed on.
Suspected persons on Bergen should be immediately removed. there are Several gone from New York.
As the Safety of the troops in these Interprizes will intirely depend on Secureing a Safe retreat; the Utmost Caution and

Attention must be paid to the haveing the boats ready at the proper places to take off the respective parties.
Instead of the fourth-Article, it is proposed to Adopt a plan of Major Knowltons; which is to March a Body of About one thousand Men to the point X, and there to Embark and proceed to the place A; and to March up the Neck into the Country by the pricked line to the place B, and there to send off a party towards C to fall upon the rear of the Troops posted in the houses along the North-side of the Island, the rest to proceed to D, and there to divide and proceed to the Several places E F G, and in their way to sweep the whole Country before them, and then to Embark again at the last Mentioned places, where the Boats must be ready to receive them; but the Guards of the boats should be Cautious of going to those places before they [are] sure of our people being in possession of them.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 12–13 July 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany July 12th[–13] 1776

I am just returned from Crown point, to which place I accompanied General Gates—On our Way to that place we stop’d at Tyconderoga and left Colonel Trumbull to take a View of the Grounds opposite to it and on the East Side of Lake Champlain—In the Evening of the 5th we arrived at Crown point and on the 6th Colonel Trumbull arrived, who made so favorable a Report of the Ground, he had been to view, that in a Council of all the General Officers held on the 7th it was unanimously resolved to take post there as your Excellency will see by the inclosed Paper No. 1—On the 8th we returned to Tyconderoga and on the 9th we went over the Ground for the intended post on the East Side, which we found so remarkably strong as to require little Labour to make it tenable against a vast Superiority of Force, and fully to answer the purpose of preventing the Enemy from penetrating into the Country to the South of it—On the Evening of the same Day I received a Remonstrance by the Hands of General Sullivan, Copy whereof No. 2. with Copy of my Answer No. 3 I also enclose.
The most descriptive pen cannot describe the Condition of our Army—Sickness, Disorder, and Discord reign triumphant: the latter occasioned by an illiberal and destructive Jealousy, which unhappily subsists between the Troops raised in different Colonies.
General Sullivan is on his Way down—The Occasion of it your Excellency will see in his Letter to me; Copy of which No. 4 is inclosed, together with Copy of my Answer No. 5 the former General Gates saw soon after I received it and the latter (of which he approved) before it was sent.
By the Advice of the General Officers I have ordered all the sick to Fort George—Two Houses capable of containing about 350 are ready for their Reception and a sufficient Quantity of Boards is collected, under which to shelter the Remainder comfortably until Hospitals can be erected.
The Waste that has been made of provision is incredible—Flour we have in plenty, but of pork not more than six hundred Barrels, and fresh Beef extremely difficult to be procured—I hope the Commissary General will send up pork.

Intrenching Tools of every Kind are wanted, no one can tell what is become of them, nor can we find above fifty of the vast Number of Axes that have been sent up—I expected to find a Scarcity of both & before I left this gave Orders for collecting all that could be got: In procuring the former we have had no Success, of the latter something better than three hundred are to be forwarded to Morrow—perhaps the Scarcity of intrenching Tools at New York no longer subsists, if so be pleased to order all that can be spared—Axes I am in hopes to procure.
Your Excellency will please to press Congress for their pleasure on the Resolution No. 6 for raising six Companies to guard the Frontiers, which we conceived could be much better done by the Inhabitants themselves than by others. None of the Militia from the Eastern Colonies are yet arrived, they are extremely apprehensive of being infected with the small pox, and not without Reason as it proves fatal to many of them.
The excessive high price which the Troops are to pay for the Cloathing bought for them will give great Disgust and be attended with the most disagreeable Consequences: I wish Congress could see fit to order an abatement on the first Cost, so considerable as that the Soldiers might see the Attention paid them.
I am informed that there is a Resolution of Congress that no Officer should hold double Commissions; there are several such appointed in Canada by the Generals that commanded there: I have made one here by giving my Aid de Camp Captain Van Renselaer a Company in Van Schaick’s that became vacant by the Death of Captain Mills—If such a Resolution exists I wish to know it with your Orders for my Conduct in Regard to those already appointed.
We have Reason to believe that the Indians will be very numerous at the ensuing Treaty. I set out to Morrow to meet them.
We have had no Intelligence from Canada since that contained in General Sullivan’s Letters, which passed me on my Way to Crown point.
No Carpenters are yet arrived from New England—Those from Connecticut were to leave Hartford some Day this Week. Please to order up the sundry Articles mentioned in the inclosed List of naval Stores. No. 7.

Lead is an Article we stand in great Need of, if any can be spared your Excellency will be so good as to order it to be sent up.
July 13th—The Lead is just arrived, but the Anchors & Cables I fear are by some Mistake landed at pougkeepsie—Be so good as to order Mr Hughes to make Enquiry into the Matter.
[Inclose Returns of the Army at Crown point, the Garrisons of Fort George &c.
When I was at Crown point I proposed to a Council of Officers an Expedient to procure the Return of the Deserters from the Northern Army and it was] unanimously agreed that I should write to the different Governments from whence Troops had been sent—intreating the Governors and Commanders in Chief to issue their proclamations promising pardon to all such as should return by a limitted Time to be fixed by such Governors &c. and to require all officers civil & military in their respective Governments to apprehend all such Deserters as should not comply with the Terms offered—which I hope will meet with your Approbation. I am Dr Sir with the most unfeigned Esteem & respect Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 13 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 13th 1776.
Parole Ulster.Countersign Winchester.

The Guard at Fort George to be reinforced with a Field Officer, two Captains, four Subalterns, six Serjeants, six Corporals and seventy privates.
The General was sorry to observe Yesterday that many of the officers and a number of men instead of attending to their duty at the Beat of the Drum; continued along the banks of the North river, gazing at the Ships; such unsoldierly Conduct must grieve every good officer, and give the enemy a mean opinion of the Army, as nothing shews the brave and good soldier more than in case of Alarms, cooly and calmly repairing to his post, and there waiting his orders; whereas a weak curiosity at such a time makes a man look mean and contemptible.
A well dress’d orderly serjeant, from Genls Scotts, Wadsworth’s and Heard’s Brigades, to attend at Head Quarters every day.
The Majors of the New Brigades, and all other officers of those Corps, are directed to look over the orderly Books, before they come into Camp, and acquaint themselves well with former Orders; they are also to be very careful that the daily orders are delivered so, as that neither officer, or soldier, may plead Ignorance, as in that case they will be deemed answerable.
A party of eight hundred men properly officered, to parade to morrow morning—Learneds and Wyllys’s Regiments to receive tools for making Fascines; they are to take their dinner with them; Ensign Field of Learneds Regiment to attend this

party—All the other Regiments to attend at the Engineer’s Store for tools, and orders; three hours allowed for dinner, and to work till seven, and so continue till further orders—All who have tools belonging to the Engineer’s Store, to return them immediately.
If any Brigade, or Regiment, are exempted from fatigue at any time, the Brigade Majors to inform the Engineer thereof (except it be in General Orders) that he may proportion what are sent accordingly.
The safety and success of the army depends so much upon having the works, in all possible forwardness, that the General is much concerned to find the Brigade Majors represented as deficient in their part of the duty: Only five Regiments; Learneds—Reads—Bailey’s—Parson’s and Wyllys’s Regiments have turned out their working parties this day—The General hopes this is the last time he shall have occasion to take notice of any such neglect.


Title: From George Washington to Egbert Benson and Brigadier General George Clinton, 13 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Benson, Egbert,Clinton, George

Sir.
Head Quarters N. Yk July 13th 1776.

Two ships of force with their Tenders have Sailed up Hudsons River—I am apprehensive that they design to seize the passes in the Highlands by Land wh[ich] I am informed may be done by a small body of Men. I must therefore request you instantly to desire Genl Ten Broeck to March down as great force as he can Collect to secure them, particularly the post where the Road runs over Anthonies nose—send off an Express directly (if you please) to the West parts of Connecticut, desireing them to

Collect all their force at the same point since I have the highest reason to believe it will be absolutely necessary if it was only to prevent an insurrection of your Own Tories. I am sir Yrs &c.

G.W.

P.S. A return must be immediately made to Me of the number of Men—You collect.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Patrick Dennis, 13 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Dennis, Patrick

Sir.
Head Quarters N. Yk 13th July 1776.

Mr Duer informs Me that they are two or three Vessels lying at the Dock of Mr Beverly Robinson in the Highlands—As it is probable the Men of War which sailed up the River yesterday may have Anchored to the Northward of those Ships I think it absolutely necessary that an attempt should be made to secure those Vessels for future service I have therefore to desire the favor of You to procure proper persons to bring these Vessels down the River, & to Anchor them under the Fort where General Mifflin Commands—It is absolutely necessary that this matter should be conducted with the utmost Secrecy, & dispatch and as I am of Opinion that you possess these requisites I have tho’t proper to apply to You for your Services in this matter. I am sir &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 13 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia July 13th 1776

I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favour of the 10th Inst:—and to acquaint you, that it is now under the Consideration of Congress.
The enclosed Resolves I do myself the Honour to transmit, as

necessary for your Information. I have wrote to General Schuyler, and the Commissioners for Indian Affairs, respecting the same.
In obedience to the Commands of Congress, I have enclosed you two Copies of sundry Resolves they have passed, relative to the Treatment of our Prisoners by Captain Foster in Canada. I am to request, you will take the proper Steps to send one of them to General Howe, and the other to Genl Burgoyne. I transmit also a third Copy for your own Use.
Should the United States of America give their Sanction to the Jesuitical and villainous Distinction which Captain Foster adopts to justify his Conduct, there would be no End to butchering our Prisoners. They have therefore very properly reprobated it—and in the genuine Spirit of Freedom, resolved, that such Cruelty as shall be inflicted on Prisoners in their Possession, by Savages or Foreigners taken into Pay by the King of Great Britain, shall be considered as done by his Orders, and Recourse be immediately had to Retaliation. It is to be hoped, this Determination will have the desired Effect: and that for the future, such barbarous Scenes will never be acted under the Eye and Approbation of a British officer. I say, under the Approbation of a British officer: For there is the greatest Reason to believe, that Captain Foster engaged the Indians to join him, on the express Condition of giving up to them all such Prisoners as might fall into his Hands. His subsequent Conduct indeed renders this Conjecture more than probable. I have the Honour to be with perfect Esteem Sir, your most obed. & very hble Sevt

John Hancock Presidt

1 O’Clock P.M. This Moment your Favour per Post of the 11th Inst. came to Hand. I shall lay it before Congress on Monday Morning.


Title: To George Washington from Lord Howe, 13 July 1776
From: Howe, Richard (Lord)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Eagle Off of Staten Island July the 13th 1776

The Situation in which you are placed and the acknowledged liberality of your Sentiments, induce me very much to wish for an opportunity to converse with you on the Subject of the Commission with which I have the honor to be charged; As I trust that a dispassionate consideration of the Kings benevolent intentions, may be the means of preventing the further Effusion of Blood, and become productive of Peace and lasting Union between Great Britain and America.
If this proposal should be acceptable, I would advance in a Frigate to have the pleasure to receive you, as near to the Town of New York as will be most for your accommodation.
I flatter myself I shall find no difficulty in obtaining Credit to my Assurances for the perfect safety of your Person, & free liberty to return on Shore at your Pleasure. Tho’ I shall be equally ready to afford any more preferable Security that may be required, in case no other objection occurs to the desired Interview. I am Sir Your sincere ⟨mutilated⟩.


Title: From George Washington to a Secret Committee of the New York Convention, 13 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Secret Committee of the New York Convention

⟨Gent⟩lemen
Head Quarters July 13. 1776.

⟨A multiplicity of engagements,⟩ & a continual Pressure ⟨of other concerns, has prevented⟩ proceeding in the Case of the Soldiers confi⟨nd for seditious⟩ & treasonable Practices, but as soon as Time w⟨ill admit⟩ a proper Attention will be paid to it. In the m⟨ean time⟩ I beg Leave to suggest the Propriety of the Authority of ⟨the⟩ Province taking some Steps with Regard to those Pers⟨ons⟩ confined by them for the same Offences. They certainly ⟨are⟩ to be deemed the principals, & Justice to the inferiour Agents while the others pass unnoticed, I observe only excites Compassion & Censure. I am very sensible it is a Case full of Difficulty & Perplexity, & well deserving yr most serious Deliberati[o]n, nor do I entertain a Doubt but the Result will be such as will conduce to the publick Good.
I have some Time ago mentioned to the Body of which you are a Committee the Necessity of falling upon some Measures to remove from the City & its Environs Persons of known Disaffection & Enmity to the Cause of America. The Safety of the Army, the Success of every Enterprize & the Security of all depends so much on adopting the most speedy & effectual Steps ⟨for the Purpose, that I beg Leave again to repeat it, and do most earnestly intreat you to fall⟩ upon som⟨e plan for this Purpose, or give me⟩ your Assistance so to do, as to ⟨remove those disqu⟩ieting & discouraging Apprehensions which ⟨pervade the whole⟩ Army on this Subject—An Suspicion that ⟨there are⟩ many ministereal Agents among us would Justly ⟨alarm⟩ Soldiers of more Experience & Discipline than ours & I fore⟨see⟩ very dangerous Consequences in many Respects if a Remedy to the Evil is not soon & efficaciously applied.
The Removal of the Tory Prisoners confined in the Gaol of this City is a Matter to which I would sollicit your Attention—in every View it appears dangerous & improper. In Case of an Attack & Alarm there can be no Doubt what Part they would take & none can tell what Influence ⟨they⟩ might have.
You will, Gentlmen, do me the ⟨Justice⟩ to believe that nothing but the Importance & Necessity of the Case could induce me

thus to urge these Matters ⟨in which⟩ you have also an immediate & common Inter[e]st.
The Gentlemen appointed to give Passes to Persons ⟨leaving the City, I am informed decline acting—Great Inconvenience will ensue to the Citizens, if this Business⟩ should be committed to ⟨Officers of the Army, who from⟩ their Ignorance of the Inhabitan⟨ts as well as other⟩ Reasons are wholly improper for the Manag⟨ement of it—⟩I should be glad if your Committee will take ⟨this Matter⟩ also into their Considerati[o]n. I am Gentlemen with great Respect ⟨&⟩ Regard Your most Obed. & very Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1776
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

sir,
July 13th 1776

Mr Duer informs me that they are five or Six Sea Vessels up the North River, which may be made serviceable as Fireships or for other Purposes to annoy, or obstruct the Enemy—Three of them lie at the Dock of Mr Beverley Robinson in the Highlands, and two at or near Poughkepsie—As it is possible the Ships, wh.

have gone up yesterday Afternoon, may come too to the Southward of the Forts, I submit it to your Consideration whether it might not be prudent to employ Persons immediately to carry these Vessels up the River as high as possible, that they may not fall into the hands of the Enemy. I am, sir, with great Respect Your Obedt Hble servt

Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Woodhull, 13 July 1776
From: Woodhull, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York—White Plains July 13th 1776

On being informed Yesterday Afternoon that two Ships of War had gone into the North River and passed by all the Fortifications on York Island; the Convention immediately sent an Express to the commanding Officer of the Fort at the high Lands advising him thereof.
Last Evening Advice arrived that two Frigates and two or three Tenders were at Anchor at Tarry Town, whereupon the Convention sent the Inhabitants a supply of Powder & Ball and took immediate Measures for reinforcing the Inhabitants along that Shore. This Morning the Convention were informed that the Frigates and Tenders still lay there at Anchor and that several Barges were busy in s[o]unding the River. Another Detachment of the Militia has been directed to guard the Stores in that Neighborhood in which are sundry Effects belonging to the Publick.
The Convention will endeavour to prevent their making Incursions into the Country, and beg leave to suggest to Your Excellency the Propriety of keeping a strong Guard at Kings Bridge, the Destruction of which they apprehend to be an Object with the Enemy. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedient humble Servant

By Order.
Nathll Woodhull Presid.


Title: General Orders, 14 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 14th 1776.
Parole Andover.Countersign Bristol.

A Court of enquiry to sit to morrow morning to examine into the conduct of Col. Ritzema, who stands charged with practices contrary to the rules and discipline of the Army. Brigadier General Heath President. Col. Wyllys. Col. Malcom. Lt Col. Johnston. Lt Col. Brearly. The Judge Advocate General and Witnesses, to attend the Court, at Mr Motagnies Tavern, in the fields, ten OClock.
The Regiment of Artificers under command of Col. Parke, to join Lord Stirling’s brigade; they will receive orders from the Brigadier with respect to their Alarm posts, Arrangement and duty in case of action.
The Regimental Surgeons to meet on Tuesday next at nine o’clock A:M: at the Coffee House, on business of importance: The Adjutants of the several regiments to give them special notice.
The Majors of brigade, and Adjutants of Generals Scotts,

Heards and Wadsworths Brigades are to send into the Adjutant General’s office, a daily report of every Regiment, or Company, belonging to their several Brigades as they join the Army in order that proper Arrangement may be made while time will admit: The Majors of brigade are to be answerable for obedience to this order; and if the Adjutants refuse or neglect their duty they are to be put in Arrest immediately.
All the Brigade Majors, and Adjutants are again reminded, that the Weekly Returns (as well Brigade as Regimental ones) are to be brought in every Saturday, at Orderly time, to the Adjutant Generals office; and as Inaccuracy and Neglect in their Returns will create difficulties in the payment of their men: The Colonels, or Officers commanding, should carefully examine the Returns, compare them with those of the preceeding week, and have all the alterations accounted for. The General strongly recommends it to the Soldiers, to be careful of their arms and ammunition, at all times, but more especially in rainy weather; An enterprising enemy depending upon neglect in this article, often makes an attack, and too frequently with success—Officers will also be very attentive to this order and see it complied with.
John Andrews, Jeremiah Williams, William Cary late belonging to Genl Lee’s Guard, to join Capt: Fords Company of Artificers.
The Chief Engineer was mistaken in his report yesterday, as to Col. Baldwin, Col. Huntington and Ward’s Regt neglect of fatigue, and takes the first opportunity to rectify it.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July the 14th 1776

My last of friday evening which I had the honor of addressing you, advised that Two of the Enemies Ships of War & three Tenders had run above our Batteries here and the Works at the upper end of the Island. I am now to Inform you, that Yesterday forenoon receiving Intelligence from Genl Mifflin that they had past the Tanpan Sea and were trying to proceed higher up, by advice of R. R. Livingston Esqr. and other Gentn I dispatched expresses to Genl Clinton of Ulster and the Committee of Safety for Dutchess County, to take measures for securing the passes in the Highlands, lest they might have designs of Seizing them and have a force concealed for the purpose. I wrote the Evening before to the commanding Officer of the Two Garrisons there to be vigilant and prepared against any Attempts they or any disaffected persons might make against them, and to forward expresses all the way to Albany, that provision and other Vessells might be secured and prevented falling into their Hands. The information given Genl Mifflin was rather premature as to their having gone past the Sea: A Letter from the Committee of Orange County which came to hand this morning says they were

there yesterday and that a Regiment of their Militia was under Arms to prevent their landing and making an Incursion. The Messenger who brought It, and to whom It refers for particulars, adds, that a party of them in two or three boats, had approched the Shore but were forced back by our people firing at them. Since the Manuvre of friday there have been no other movements in the Fleet.
Genl Sullivan in a Letter of the 2d Inst. informs me of his arrival with the Army at Crown point, where he is fortifying & throwing up Works. he adds that he has secured all the Stores, except three Cannon left at Chamblee, which in part is made up by taking a fine Twelve pounder out of the Lake—The Army is sickly, many with the small pox, and he is apprehensive the Militia ordered to Join them, will not escape the Infection. An Officer he had sent to reconnoitre had reported that he saw at St Johns about 150 Tents. 20 at St Rays & 15 at Chamblee and works at the first were busily carrying on.
I have Inclosed a General return of the Army here which will shew the whole of our strength. All the detached posts are Included.
A Letter from the Eastward by last nights post to Mr Hazard, post Master in this City, advises “That Two ships had been taken & carried into Cape Ann; One from Antigua consigned to Genl Howe with 439 puncheons of Rum—The other a Jamaicaman with 400 Hogsheads of Sugar, 200 puncheons of Rum. 39 Bales of Cotton. Pimento. Fustick &c. &c. Each mounted 2 Guns, Six pounders.[”]
About 3 OClock this afternoon I was informed that a Flag from Ld Howe was coming up and waited with two of our Whale boats untill directions should be given. I immediately convened such of the Genl officers as were not upon other duty who agreed in opinion that I ought not to receive any Letter directed to me as a private Gentleman, but if otherwise and the Officer desired to come up to deliver the Letter himself as was suggested, he should come under a safe conduct—Upon this I directed Colo. Reed to go down & manage the affair under the above general Instruction. On his return he Informed me, after the common Civilities the Officer acquainted him that he had a Letter from Ld Howe to Mr Washington which he shewed under a superscription to George Washington Esqr. Col. Reed

replied there was no such person in the Army and that a Letter Intended for the General could not be received under such a direction—The Officer expressed great concern, said It was a Letter rather of a civil than Military nature. That Lord Howe regretted he had not arrived sooner. That he (Ld Howe) had great Powers. the anxiety to have the Letter received was very evident, though the Officer disclaimed all Knowledge of Its contents. However Col. Reeds Instructions being positive they parted—after they had got some distance the Officer with the Flag again put about and asked under what direction Mr Washington chose to be addressed. to which Colo. Reed answered his station was well known and that certainly they could be at no loss how to direct to him. The Officer said they knew It & lamented It and again repeated his wish that the Letter could be received—Col. Reed told him a proper direction would obviate all difficulties & that this was no new matter. this subject having been fully discussed in the course of the last year, of which Ld Howe could not be ignorant upon which they parted.
I would not upon any occasion sacrifice Essentials to Punctilio, but in this Instance, the Opinion of Others concurring with my own, I deemed It a duty to my Country and my appointment to insist upon that respect which in any other than a public view I would willingly have waived. Nor do I doubt but from the supposed nature of the Message and the anxiety expressed they will either repeat their Flag or fall upon some mode to communicate the Import and consequence of It.
I have been duly honoured with your two Letters that of the 10th by Mr Anderson, and the 11th, with Its Inclosures. I have directed the Quarter Master to provide him with every thing he wants to carry his Scheme into execution: It is an Important One, and I wish It success but I am doubtfull that It will be better in Theory than practice.
The passage of the Ships of War and Tenders up the river, is a matter of great importance, and has excited much conjecture and spectualtion; to me two things have occurred, as leading them to this proceeding; first, a design to seize on the narrow passes on both sides the river, giving almost the only Land Communication with Albany, and of consequence with our Northern Army, and for which purpose they might have troops concealed on board which they deemed competent of themselves

as the defiles are narrow, or that they would be Joined by many dissaffected persons in that Quarter. Others have Added a probability of their having a large quantity of Arms on board to be in readiness to put into the hands of the Tories immediately on the arrival of the fleet, or rather at the time they Intend to make their attack. The second is to cut off entirely all Intercourse between this and Albany by Water and the upper Country & to prevent Supplies of every kind going and coming. These matters are truly alarming and of such Importance, that I have wrote to the Provincial Congress of New York and recommended to their serious consideration, the adoption of every possible expedient to guard against the two first, and have suggested the propriety of their employing the Militia or such part of them in the Counties in which these defiles are to keep the Enemy from possessing them till further provision can be made, and to write to the several leading persons on our side in that Quarter, to be attentive to all the movements of the Ships and the disaffected in order to discover and frustrate whatever pernicious Schemes they have in view.
In respect to the Second conjecture of my own & which seems to be generally adopted, I have the pleasure to Inform Congress, That If their design is to keep the Armies from provision, that the Commissary has told me upon Inquiry, he has forwarded supplies to Albany, now there and above It, sufficient for 10,000 men for four Months. that he has a sufficiency here for 20,000 men for three months, and an abundant quantity secured in different parts of the Jersey for the flying Camp, besides having about 4,000 Barrells of Flour in some neighbouring part of Connecticut. upon this head there is but little occasion for any apprehensions at least for a considerable time. I have the honor to be with Sentiments of great esteem Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have sent Orders to the Commandg Officer of the Pensylvania Militia to march to Amboy as their remaing at Trenton can be of no service.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 14 July 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Perth Amboy [N.J.] 14 July 1776

This Morning Lord Howe sent Lt Reeve of the Eagle Man of War, with a flag of Truce to this Post—He delivered me the Letters which accompany this—Nothing worthy your attention has happened here since I had the honor to re[c]eive your Instructions of the 11th Inst. by Mr Ross—The Enemies Guards in our view continue without any new movement—From their Number it is probable that two Regiments encamp near this End of Staten Island—We have been able however to procure no certain Intelligence of their Situation—No Person has yet come over to us, nor is it easy to find one of our Friends duely qualifyed or ready to undertake the business of a Spy on the Island. About four Hundred of the Pennsyl. Rifle Battalion have joind us—and another Party of the Same Regiment is on its way; from This last I have ordered One hundred Men to take post at the Ferries of Pasiac and Hackensack & shall releive all the Jersey Militia, as soon as Reinforcements arrive. When the two Battalions of Rifle men and one of Musketry from Pennsyl., are posted from hence to the Ferries towards N. York a favourable opp[ortunit]y may probably offer to surprize the Enemies Small posts—Boats may I think be procured—and the Rifle Men would be happy to be so employd—Such an enterprize is not suspected by the Enemy, nor beleivd to be under consideration here. I have the honor to be Sir your Excellencys most obedt Servt

H. Mercer


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Mifflin, 14 July 1776
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Mount Washington [N.Y.] 14 July 1776

The party opposite to us on the Jersey Side are at Work on the Mountain and will soon have the Ground prepared for Cannon—I was obliged to call the party of 150 Men from our point and set them to work on two Traverses which the Enemys Fire on Friday convincd me were necessary in the Fort.
I have removd the small Building, which was placed near the Bastion on the Right entering the Sally port, behind one of the Traverses; and have through Necessity made Use of it as a Magazine. When the Carpenters have finishd the proper Magazine I will take Care to settle it as low as possible and render it as

secure as the Ground will permit. At present we have no Security for our powder.
A Battery on the Height, above our point, of 18 pdrs would render the passage of the River very difficult although our late Experimts may have taught us that it is not easy to prevent it. The Ships were obliged to pass very near to it. Our Rifles reachd them. The Men having workd all Friday Night & being much fatigued I have releasd them from Fatigue this day. I want much your Excellencys Orders respecting the places next to be securd—Bulwarks connected with our Fort are certainly necessary—We are weak without them. I shall therefore, unless otherwise directed, order the party of 150 from N. york to finish the Battery on the point and then erect another on the Rock above it—Our own Men to finish the Traverses and proceed with some Outworks and a strong Abbatis—As to a Ditch it is very difficult & will require much Time to complete one. That I must leave untill more essential Works are compleated.
Last Night I sent an alert and prudent Officer to watch the Motions of the Ships & Tories—He is properly equipt & well qualified for the Buesiness. The Ships lay in Sight of us all Yesterday about 4 or 5 Miles above Dobbs Ferry: I have sent out to know where they are this Morning: the Weather prevents our seeing them at their Station of Yesterday.
I beg Leave to mention the Necessity of securing the Communications Opposite to us with New Jersey. A small part of the Flying Camp as the Ground is strong would answer the purpose.
The Heights over the Bridge and South of Kings Bridge near the three Trees well known by your Excellency are in my opinion of immense Importance to us—especially if the Enemy attempt an Impression, or determine to throw up a Line of Contravallation, against our posts on this Island, and try to shut us in.
Mr John Delany frequently passes Kings Bridge with ⟨a pass⟩ from General putnam—I have seen him twice and heard ⟨of his⟩ being on the Road, to & from N. york, 4 Times sin⟨ce Wednes⟩day.


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 14 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Convention

Gentlemen
Head-Quarters July 14th 1776

The passage of the Enemy up the North River is a point big wt. many Consequences to the public Interest, One particularly occurs to me well deserving your Attention, and to prevent which I shall gladly give every assistance in my power consistant with the safety of the Army, I am informed there are, several passes on each side the River upon which the Communication wt. Albany depends of so commanding a Nature that an inconsiderable Body of Men may defend them against the largest Numbers, it may be that on board these ships, there may be Troops for this purpose who expecting to be joined by the disaffected in that Quarter or confiding in their own Strength may endeavour to seize those defiles in which Case the intercourse between the Two Armies both by Land and Water will be wholly cut off, than which a greater Misfortune could hardly befall the service and Army, I must entreat you to take the measure into Consideration and if possible provide against an Evil so much to be apprehended, I should hope the Militia of those Counties might be used on such an Emergence untill further provision was made, I have also tho’t it very probable those Ships may have carried up Arms & Ammunition to be dealt out to those who may favour their Cause and Co-operate with them at a prefix’d time, I would to guard against this submit to your Consideration the propriety of writeing to the leading Men on our side in these Counties to be very vigilent in observing any movements of this kind in order that so dangerous a Scheme may be nipp’d in the Bud—For that purpose to keep the utmost Attention to the Conduct of the Principle Tories in those parts, any attempts of intercourse wt. the ships and all other Circumstances which may lead to a Discovery of their Schemes & the Destruction of their Measures. I am Gentlemen &c.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to the Commanding Officer of the Pennsylvania Troops, 14 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Commanding Officer of the Pennsylvania Troops

Sir
New York Head Quarters 14th July 1776

From Sundry Accounts Received of the Troops Under Your Command I have Reason to beleive they will halt at Trenton & there wait further Orders As I do not see any Advantage which can arrise from your Continuance there & the Honble Continental Congress have Committed the Disposition of them to me untill the Flying Camp is formed you will on Receipt of this proceed to Amboy in New Jersey where General Mercer is appointed to Command and their putting yourself under his Direction receive & Obey such Orders as he may give. I am Sir Your Most Huml. Servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Rudolphus Ritzema, 14 July 1776
From: Ritzema, Rudolphus
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency.
New York the 14th July 1776

Conscious in my own Mind that I never have said or done any Thing wittingly which had a Tendency to disparage the continental Troops or Service, much less to speak contumiliously of any of the General Officers & above all of the American Cause—A Cause, which I have as much at Heart as any Man in America, and in which I have frequently ventured my Life the last Campaign & was the first Man in the Province of New York who ever took up Arms in Defence of it—A Cause for which I am still willing to lay down my Life. It therefore grieves me sorely that my Integrity should be called in Question, and that secret Enemies should endeavor to blast my Character in your Excellency’s Estimation, finding that I have many of these and that Words which I may have unguardedly uttered have been construed to the worst of Purposes, I humbly crave, to avoid farther Persecution, your Excellency’s Leave to resign my Commission & to retire to my good & aged Father in the Country, not doubting but in a little Time your Excellency & the World will be convinced that I am not the Man I am by some represented to be—I am may it please your Excellency your Excellency’s very humble Sert

Rudolphus Ritzema


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 14 July 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany July 14th 1776

Soon after Bennet had left me I received a Line from General Gates, covering a paper, Copy of which I have the Honor to inclose.
Yesterday a Discovery is made of some desperate Designs of the Tories in this Quarter; I am bound by Oath not to divulge Names or particulars—Such Measures are taken that the Danger is I hope over and about one O’Clock this Morning four of the Conspirators, amongst whom is a Ringleader, were apprehended about three Miles from Town. I have ordered two Companies of Van Schaick’s immediately to march from Fort George to this place. I am Dr Sir most truly Your Excellency’s obedient humble servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 15 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 15th 1776.
Parole Chatham.Countersign Darby.

The Pay Abstracts for the month of June, are immediately to be made up carefully, examined by the Colonels or officer commanding the regiment, and then certified by the Brigadiers; after which to be lodged with the Pay Master General.
A working party of one hundred and fifty men, with a Field Officer, three Captains, six Subs:, twelve Serjts twelve Corporals, and three Drums and Fifes, to parade to morrow on the Grand Parade, Six O’Clock, and go up to Kingsbridge to relieve the party sent up the 7th Instant, to take their arms and two days provision, to apply to General Putnam for boats, for transportation, and when at Kingsbridge, apply to Genl Mifflin for orders.
It is intended that all detached parties to Kingsbridge, shall be relieved once a week in future.
Genl Scott’s brigade to do duty hereafter in their own encampment.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General George Clinton, 15 July 1776
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] 15th July 1776.

I receivd your Favour of the 13th Instant yesterday at this Place previous to which about 9 oClock Satturday Morning the Signal at Fort Constitution being given & the Masters of two Sloops which about the same Time came too opposite my House having informed me that the Enemy had attacked New York the Evening before & that they judged by the Report of the Cannon that their Shipping had passed by and were up the River as far as Kings Bridge, I thought it my Duty to put the Neighbouring Millitia in Motion & accordingly issued Orders to three Regiments, one immediately to march into these Works an other into Fort Constitution & the third to Rendevouz at New Burgh on the Bank of the River about 9 Miles above Fort Constitution with Orders to march and reinforce that Garrisson upon the next Signal given. At the same Time I issued Orders to all the Regiments in my Brigade to stand ready to march on a Moments warning & dispatched Expresses to all Owners of Sloops & Boats twenty Miles up the West Side of the River to haul them off so as to prevent their grounding, that as many of them as were necessary might be ready to carry down the Militia to the Forts—The Residue I ordered down to Fort Constitution as I believe by drawing a Chain of them across the narrowest Parts of the River & fixing them properly to be set on Fire shoud the Enemys Shipping attempt passing by they woud answer a most valuable Purpose—Early in the Afternoon of that Day I marched into Fort Constitution with about 40 of my Neighbours, & in the Evening came to this Fort being nearer the Enemy and better situated to discover their Motions—Yesterday Evening I was joined by Colo. Woodhull with between 2 & 300 of his Regiment, This Morning early by Lieut. Colo. McClaghry with upwards of 500 of his & I hourly expect part of two other Regiments when these join me I will draft out of the four Six hundred Men & employ them as your Excellency has directed. I have ordered the Colonels I have called in to leave the Frontier Companys at Home to protect the Country against the Indians should they be troublesome & as many Men out of each Company as will be sufficient to guard against any Attempts that might be made by Internal Enemies. The Men turn out of their

Harvest Fields to defend their Country with surprizing alacrity. The Absence of so many of them however at this Time when their Harvests are perishing for want of the Sickle will greatly distress the Country; I coud wish therefore a less Number might Answer the Purpose. I woud fain hope the Enemy mean by their Shipping in our Bays at present only to cut off the Communication between the Country & City & prevent our obstructing the Channel—Many of the Militia may be calld in in 8 Hours some in a much less Time shoud there be occassion for them—Since writing the above I received a Letter from Colo. Hays of Haverstraw a Copy of which is enclosed—I will send a small Party down there this Evening or in the Morning but dont believe I shall be able to continue them long as the Militia here will think hard to be carried there—The Bearer Mr Boyd who is well acquainted with this Country the Fortifications here and may be confided in, will be able to give your Excellency any farther Information—I am with great Esteem your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

Geo. Clinton

P.S. I shoud be glad to know whether it is best to keep the Sloops &ca ordered down to Fort Constitution there as it may be attended with considerable Expence which (however) if they can be made to answer I suppose ought not in my Opinion to be regarded.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July the 15. 1776

This will be handed you by Mr Griffin who has also taken upon him the charge and delivery of Two packets containing sundry Letters which were sent to Amboy Yesterday by a Flag, and forwarded to me to day by Genl Mercer. The Letter addressed to Governor Franklin came open to my hands.
I was this morning honoured with yours of the 13 Instant with Its important and necessary Inclosures, and in obedience to the commands of Congress have transmitted Genl Howe, the Resolves intended for him—those for Genl Burgoyne I inclosed and sent to Genl Schuyler with directions immediately to forward to him. The Inhuman Treatment to the whole, and murder of part of our people after their surrender & capitulation, was certainly a flagrant violation of that faith which ought to be held sacred by all civilized nations, and founded in the most Savage barbarity. It highly deserved the severest reprobation, and I trust the spirited measures Congress have adopted upon the occasion, will prevent the like in future; But If they should not, and the claims of humanity are disregarded, Justice and policy will require recourse to be had to the Law of retaliation however abhorrent and disagreable to our natures in cases of Torture and Capital punishments. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 15 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia July 15th 1776.

In perusing the enclosed Resolves, which I do myself the Honour of transmitting, you will perceive, your Letters of the 11th & 12th Inst: have been received, and laid before Congress; and that in Consequence thereof, they have taken such Measures, as are calculated to expedite the raising the Flying Camp, & to furnish them with Articles of the greatest Use and Necessity.
I have wrote to General Mercer, to march the Militia & Flying Camp, to Brunswick, or any other Place in the Jerseys, which he may judge best; provided it does not interfere with any prior Direction from you. All the other enclosed Resolves, I have likewise given Orders to the proper Persons to have executed.
I expect your several Letters, which are now before Congress, will receive a speedy Determination; and that I shall have the Pleasure of forwarding the Result on Tuesday, or Wednesday, at farthest. I have the Honour to be with every Sentiment of Esteem, Sir your most obed. & very hble Sert

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Major Generals William Howe and John Burgoyne, 15 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William,Burgoyne, John

Sir,
New York July 15th 1776

I have it in charge from Congress to transmit the Inclosed Resolutions to you—and have the honr to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington
Comr in Chief of the Continental Forces


Title: From George Washington to a Secret Committee of the New York Convention, 15 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Secret Committee of the New York Convention

⟨Gentlemen⟩
⟨Head Quarters July 15. 1776⟩

⟨In answer to your favour of Yesterday, I beg⟩ Leave to acquaint you that I ⟨have consulted with such of the Gene⟩ral Officers as could be easily ⟨convened,⟩ with ⟨respect to the prisoner⟩s confined in the Gaol of this City—We are all of Opi⟨nion that to⟩ enlarge them or permit their Continuance here is equ⟨ally dangerou⟩s. No other Course therefore remains than to send them ⟨to s⟩ome Place where they can be safely kept, can have no In⟨flu⟩ence, & consequently do us no Injury. If such a Place could be conveniently found in the Province it would be

most proper—but if not, we are of Opinion they should be sent to some other, & that without any Delay: To obviate any Difficulty which may arise from the Authority of one Province sending its Prisoners to another, I will most chea[r]fully co-operate with you, so as to give the Measure the Weight it may derive from my General Command—The Place which in this Case has been proposed is Farmington in Connecticut.
The Multiplicity of other Engagements obliges me to sollicit your Attention & Care to these Matters, which are rather of civil than military Concern. And I would particularly ⟨request you to consult & determine upon some Method to remove Persons out of Town, whose Conduct Connections & Office afford the strongest pre⟩sumption of their remaining ⟨here with dangerous and unfri⟩endly Views to the American Cause⟨—An⟩ indiscriminate Order to remove all who do not belong ⟨to the⟩ Army or connected with it, or have not taken up Arms ⟨to⟩ defend the City would probably involve many innocent & inoffensive Persons in Difficulty—on the other Hand to leave the City open to Spies & Emissaries from the Enemy & facilitate their Intelligence is totally inconsistent with common Pruden⟨ce—⟩I must therefore beg your Advice & Assistance in this delica⟨te⟩ & difficult Circumstance, that while Time & Opportunity will admit, some effectual Measure may be taken to provide agst so alarming a Danger. I am Gentlemen, with great Truth & Regard Your most obed. & Hbble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York July the 15th 1776.

Inclosed You will receive a Letter from Congress, Which came to Hand this Morning, with a Copy of some resolves to which You will pay Your Attention as their Execution will be under Your Direction.

I have also enclosed a Letter for General Burgoyne Which I request You to seal & forward to him as soon as You have perused the Important & Necessary Resolves It contains.
The spirited Measures Congress have entered into, I am hopeful, will make the British Troops more regardful of that Faith, which ought to be preserved inviolate between Nations, & that the Rights of Humanity may not be Infracted in future.
Admiral Howe arrived on Friday last & We hourly expect his Fleet. The same Day, just before he came in, Two ships of War, one of 20 & the Other of 40 Guns, & three Tenders passed our Batteries without any certain Damage that I could perceive, tho an incessant Fire was kept up. They availed themselves of a Brisk & favorable Wind & Tide. Our last Intelligence is, that they are at Tappan Bay. You [may] readily conjecture a Variety of bad Purposes intended by this Manouvre. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I directed Intelligence of the Ships passing by Us to be sent to Albany, That proper Precautions might be Used, to prevent Vessels falling into their Hands. This You will also Give Directions about.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
New York Head Qurs July 15. 1776

The inclosed Resolve and Extract of a Letter You will see is of some Standing: Upon Considering the Matter, I do not see how It is possible for Me to carry this Resolve into Execution, with tolerable Precision or Certainty[.] The Persons the Witnesses & All Other Circumstances are so totally unknown, that any Inquiry made by Me must be delusive & Unsatisfactory. I am therefore under the Necessity of passing It wholly by, or putting It under Your Direction, That as Time & Circumstance will admit, You will have It executed in the best Manner You can, to Answer the Wishes & Expectations of Congress.
Colo: Nicolson of a Regiment raised in this province, requests that his Conduct may be inquired into. I suppose he would be included in the above General Inquiry, But as that May be long delayed, I could wish his Case may be distinguished from the General Mass. I expect to receive from the Commissioners of Congress who went to Canada some Vouchers & proofs respecting him, as his Conduct did not appear to them in the most favorable View, But, none have Yet come to Hand, Lieut. Colo: Vischer I understand is a Material Witness against Col. Nicholson & will direct to such others as are expected to support the Charge against him.
I am Very sensible the General Inquiry requested by Congress, must be a Work of Difficulty & Delicacy. But as they seem to desire It very Earnestly, I hope It is not Impracticable[.] I should hope, upon a Conference with General Gates & Arnold some plan may be devised to comply with It, I am persuaded You will leave Nothing Unattempted on Your Part for this Purpose. I am with sincere Regard & Esteem Dear Sir, Your Most Obedt servt

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Tillinghast, 15 July 1776
From: Tillinghast, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Providence 15th July 1776

Agreeable to a resolve of Congress 6th Inst: I yesterday forwarded your Excellency 3 Cases Fire Arms as Pr Invoice Inclosed to the Care of Nathl Shaw Esqr: of New London, who I requested Immediately on rect of the Same to send you without Delay & which I wish safe to your hands. I expect in a few Days to be able to forward you a parcell more of the above Arms which I am to have from Newport & you may depend I shall make no Delay in doing the same. I am Your Excellencys most Obedt & very hble Servt

Danl Tillinghast Contl Agent


Title: To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 15 July 1776
From: Ward, Artemas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 15 July 1776

I am this moment favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the Eleventh Instant: I have also received yours of the seventh and ninth; I have paid and shall pay the utmost attention to all your Directions. Two Regiments will march Thursday morning, one on Friday; and the other two as soon as they are well, which I trust will be in ten days.
As the small pox prevailed so much in Boston the Legislature of this Government gave permission for the Inhabitants to inoculate, and as so many of the Troops in Town had taken the disorder I thought it might be most for the general good to permit the ⟨re⟩mainder of the two Regiments in Town to be inoculated.
I have made a Return to the Board of War and Ordinance of the Stores in this Division of the Continental Army. I am Sir Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

Artemas Ward


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Woodhull, 15 July 1776
From: Woodhull, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir.
In Convention of the Representatives of the Stateof New York—White Plains July 15th 1776

One or two Pettiaugers have been observed going to and from the Ships of War at Tarry Town—Had the Detachment of Militia stationed there been supplied with Boats they would certainly have taken them. The Convention take the liberty therefore of requesting Your Excellency to send them four whale Boats which they will take Care to Man.
I am directed by the Convention to transmit the enclosed Resolution to your Excellency, and have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servt

By Order
Nathll Woodhull Presidt


Title: General Orders, 16 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 16th 1776.
Parole Essex.Countersign Fairfax.

The Hon: Continental Congress have been pleased to increase the pay of the regimental Surgeons, to Thirty-three Dollars and one third, ⅌ month, to take place from the 5th of June last; and that the pay of the troops in the middle department shall be six Dollars and two thirds ⅌ month, from the 10th of June last: The pay Abstracts are to be made out accordingly, and care taken to prevent confusion or delay.
The hurry of business often preventing particular invitation being given to officers to dine with the General; He presents his compliments to the Brigadiers and Field Officers of the day, and requests while the Camp continues settled in this City, they will favor him with their company, to dinner, without any further or special invitation.
The officers under whose care and direction the Cartridges are made up, having neglected to make daily Returns to Head Quarters; they may depend upon it, that after this day, any officer omitting to send a daily Return of the number of Cartridges made, will be put under an Arrest for disobedience of orders.
After Orders. Col. Read President of the present setting General Court Martial, being unable to attend—Col. Webb is to succeed him as president; said Court Martial to assemble to morrow morning nine OClock, at the brick house near Col. McDougall’s encampment.


Title: To George Washington from Field Officers of the Connecticut Light Horse, 16 July 1776
From: Field Officers of the Connecticut Light Horse
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency
City of NewyorkJuly 16th 1776

By the positive Laws of the Colony of Connecticut establishing the Troops of Light Horse, they are expressly exempted from

Staying in Garrison, or doing Duty on Foot, apart from their Horses; this being the Case, of which the Regiments under our Command, in this place, are fully sensible, find it impossible for us to detain them any longer under that Idea; they moreover remonstrate against it, alledging, that they came out without the least expectation or preparation for such Service—as your Excellency thot it inconsistent to distinguish these, from the other Troops on the Ground; and as it will be impossible for them much longer to Sustain their Horses here, they humbly ask your Excellencys Dismission in form, Major Starr waits upon yr Excellency for this purpose, & any Commands for his Honor Govr Trumbull—We are, with Every Sentiment of Respect—yr Excellencys most Obt hble Servts

Thos Seymour
Wm Hart
Elisha Sheldon
Daniel Starr


Title: From George Washington to Field Officers of the Connecticut Light Horse, 16 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Field Officers of the Connecticut Light Horse

Gentn
New York 16th July 1776

In answer to yours of this date, I can only repeat to You what I said last night, & that is, that if your Men think themselves exempt from the Common duties of a Soldier—will not mount Guard—do Garrison Duty, or the service seperate from their Horse, they can be no longer of Use here—where Horse cannot be brought to Action And I do not care how soon they are Dismiss’d. I am Gentlemen Yr Most Hume servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 16 July 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Providence July 16th 1776.

I am favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 9th instant in Consequence of which Mr Greene hath delivered to Col. Tillinghast to be immediately forwarded to New-York 14,500 Flints, 20 Muskets and 30 Back-Swords, being the whole of those Articles that were imported by Capt. Chace. All the Duck is heavy coarse and stubborn, being what is called Holland and Russia Duck. Capt. Chace hath also brought in the Brige Four 4. Pounders, Six 3 Pounders, and Eight Swivels, which are very much wanted here for Privateers, several of which could be immediately fitted out if Cannon could be procured. If they can be spared from the Service, I should be glad to have your Excellency’s Permission as soon as possible that they may be made Use of for that Purpose at the full Value.
On Saturday last I was honored with the Commands of the General Congress to procure 50 Ship Carpenters to build Vessels for the Defence of the Lakes. I appointed a suitable Person as Captain who hath already inlisted 20 Men; and I have no Doubt they will set off for Albany the last of this, or the very beginning of the next Week.
I have also received from Congress the Declaration of Independency, and daily expect the Treaty of Confederation and Union, which hath induced me to call the General Assembly to

meet on Thursday next when I can safely assure you they will give to both a hearty Assent and Concurrence.
I intreat your Excellency’s Attention to the great Probability there is of the Enemy’s paying a Visit to Rhode Island, in Case they do not succeed to their Wishes at New-York, and that we are by no Means in a Condition to give them a suitable Reception. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Esteem and Respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most humble Servant

Nichs Cooke


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 16 July 1776
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
Ticonderoga July 16th 1776.

Inclosed is a Copy of the Letter with which I have charged Mr Lewis to the president of The Honourable The Continental Congress; it is too disagreeable a Tale to dwell on, I shall not therefore enlarge upon it; I beg the Favour Mr Lewis may have your Orders not to Delay in New York, but proceed immediately to Philadelphia.
General Sullivan has probably by this Time seen your Excellency, he will no doubt make a Faithful representation of the

wretched State of this Army; General Schuyler Assures me he has already done it; Since the beginning of May, the Losses sustain’d by the Enemy, Death & Desertion, amounts to more than Five Thousand Men, and to this must be added, three Thousand that are now Sick. Our Accounts from the Enemy are lame, and imperfect; this seems not to be doubted, that they have a large Camp at St Johns, & are labouring to get a Naval Force upon the Lake. I shall do all in my power to procure the best Intelligence of their Motions. Heaven Grant your Excellency a prosperous Campaign, such a One as will make Ample amends for the Losses of The Northern Army. My Affectionate Compliments wait upon The Gentlemen of Your Family, and particularly to my Old Friend & Acquaintance Brigadier General Mercer. I am Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 16 July 1776
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp on Long Island July 16. 1776

Colo. Hand Reports the fleet lies much in the same situation as yesterday. Three Ships at the Hook, two Tenders cruising in the Bay. No deserters last Night, nothing material has happend since yesterday. I am in hopes to get the works on Cobble Hill compleated in a few Days, it has taken much more time than I expected, I have such a number of Guards, that the fatigue party is much smaller than I could wish, but I cannot safely enlarge it without injuring the health of the People, for they are one day on and one day off duty now. One Ship and a Sloop have

been under sail to day but are now come too. I am with all due respect your Excellencys most obedient humble servant

N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 16 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Congress Chamr [Philadelphia] 16 July 1776

I have only Time to forward the foregoing Resolves. By to morrow’s Post I hope to write you on the Subject of all your Letters which remain unanswer’d. I have the honr to be Your very hume sevt

John Hancock Prest

Your favr 14th just Rec’d.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 16 July 1776
From: Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

Watertown [Mass.] 16 July 1776. Asks GW’s assistance in procuring the release of the officers and men of the Privateer Yankee Hero, “which was taken after a brave and manly resistance, by the Milford Frigate,” and of James Lovell, “who suffered a long and severe imprisonment in Boston, and was carried off in the Fleet to Hallifax where he has remain’d a close prisoner ever since.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 16 July 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Eliza. Town 16 July 1776

I have just now receivd a Letter from the Honble Mr Hancock containing the Orders of Congress that I should march the Troops which are to compose the flying Camp & militia, wherever the Service requires—in subordination to your Instructions—When I formerly mentioned Brunswick as a proper place for that Camp, my Idea of the Intention of raising & collecting an Army here, was the Security of Philadelphia only—but as I find the design is equally to secure this Colony—and Pennsylva. or assist in the operations on the N. York side—I am well satisfy’d that Amboy will in every view best fullfil that Intention—I have to day from Doctr Wm Brown late of Alexandria a request to interest your Excellency in his appointment to the Charge of the Hospital for the Flying Camp—Dr Brown has served with reputation as a Regimental Surgeon with Col. Woodford ever since Regular Troops were raisd in Virginia—He is I am well satisfyed worthy of any countenance from those in Authority and every way equal to the execution of the Trust he desires—He wishes for a Line to Congress from your Excellency in which recommendation, if my being of the same profession, could have any weight I would most readily join. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obed. Sert

Hugh Mercer

As the command I am honoured with necessarily engages me in writing more than may be consistent with other parts of the Service—I beg to know whether the Assistance of a Clerk or Secretary will not be allowed—I hope there will be no impropriety in appointing Mr Ross to the Post of Brigade Major.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 16 July 1776
From: Mercer, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Eliza. Town 16 July 1776

In consequence of Col. Reeds Letter and the Plan shewn me by Major Knowlton I have reconoitred the Enemie’s Posts and last night had the Assistance of Capt. John Mercerau to bring some Intelligence from Staten Island—He undertook the Service very cheerfully—told he could go very secretly to his Brother in Laws House who it seems resides back in the woods, remote from the Parties along Shore; the Capt. informs that he got to the House, where his Brother & Wife were alone—that he told them there were Soldiers in every house near the Shore—the Numbers rather uncertain but in the Neck where we propose an Attack. I cannot collect from his accot & all observation that there are 6 or 700—Two Creeks inclose this Neck all to a Point of Woods three or four hundred Yards Wide—The Principal Posts of the Enemy are three—the Blazing Star the lowest where there appear to be from 100 to 200 men The two Other houses about a mile or more assunder do not appear to contain so many men—Some scattering houses on the Neck also have Soldiers quartered—but being more inconvenient & Small buildings cannot be supposd to contain many Men—every morning & Evening a Patrole of one Hundred men passes into the Neck from house to house where Guards are kept & returns

to some other Post—This is the state of the Enemy—The Plan of Attack which I propose is as follows.
To Ferry over between the Hours of 11 & 2 in the Morning to morrow Night—from Thompsons Creek to the Woods where the Marsh is most practicable 1400 Men—Col. Brodhead with 400 P. Riflemen to pass over first & take possession of the Ground where the Creek forms the Neck of smallest width—there to lye in Ambush from Creek to Creek—Major Knowlton marches next with 250 of his Regt, 50 P. Rifle Men & 50 Militia towards the Blazing Starr—Col. Piper with 100 Rifle Men & 150 Militia to take the Road to the Midle house in our View from this Shore, and Another Field Officer with a like Number to make towards the upper house—100 Rifle men & 50 militia will remain for a Reserve to Scour the Neck & attack any Scattering Houses we may discover there—The orders to those Parties will be to proceed if possible under covered & to remain near to the Enemy till day Break & then to make a Vigorous Attack—Those at the upper houses to wait till firing is heard at the Blazing Star—the most distant Post—If the Enemy attempts to pass into the Neck to the Releif of their Guards—Col. Brodhead will have orders to place his men so as to form an Ambuscade that may give him a great advantage—his men are I think to be depended on for such service—We propose if Successfull to retire by the Blazing Starr—for this purpose not only the Craft we cross over in from Thompson Creek but all others that can be collected along the Shores, will be collected there by the Parties stationed at our different Posts near that Place—The Clamour of the Militia to get to their Harvest have obliged me to discharge many—however We have at Amboy 750 Rifle men—We expect 250 from Powles Hook—& depend on 400 of the Pennsylv. Light Infantry or Militia to be at Woodbridge to morrow—but should their march be so slow as to disapoint us—I shall have that Number of militia prepared on this Quarter, without weakening too much the Several Posts we occupy on the Jersey Shore—I shall endeavour to procure Guides for the Several Parties—Your Instructions for the improvement of the Above plan will give great pleasure—& may ensure its Success. I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most obedet Servant

Hugh Mercer

The Parties sent to Attack the Posts will have orders to send on a few men, if possible, to seize the Centinels & Guards before they can give an alarm—which if executed properly may save our men.
There are two feild Peices at our Post opposite the Blazing Star which may be employd to favour our Retreat if necessary.
All the troops for this Service will assemble by to morrow Evening at Woodbridge—excepting those from Powles Hook which I shall look for here by that time, if your Excellency approves of going on with the Enterprize.

H.M.

The common talk on the Island is that they wait for the fleet from England & then will Attack N. York—No Encampment—but the men Scattered all over the Island—no considerable Encampment.
From some difficulties that occur with regard to the Craft necessary for the Enterprize I begin to think it will be Thursday night before it can be entered upon.
Since writing the above I am informed that a Guard of one hundred Men takes post every night on a Point of Woods nearly opposite to the Mouth of Thompsons Creek—but not so near but we may possibly pass from hence along the Sound & land lower down than what was first intended—only we shall have a greater body of Marsh to cross—said to be a mile before we reach the Woods—Our Craft is also to take Round from Eliza. Town Creek into Thompsons Creek.


Title: To George Washington from the New York Convention, 16 July 1776
From: New York Convention
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Convention of the Representatives of the Stateof New York—White Plains July 16th 1776.

We cannot but express our Satisfaction at the unremitted Attention which Your Excellency manifests to the Interest of this State—we see the force of Your Observations and have taken and shall continue to take every Measure which we conceive most conducive to defeat the Designs of our Enemy. This will in part Appear from the enclosed Resolutions—We are extreamly sorry that the low State of our finances reduces us to the Necessity of applying to Your Excellency for a loan, which it may perhaps be inconvenient for You to make but we shall take the earliest care to replace what nothing but urgent Necessity would have induced us to borrow.
As our Troops are but ill supplied with Ammunition we hope that Your Excellency will Order them an immediate Supply as part of them are already in Motion as well as direct the Commissary General to take the necessary Steps for their Subsistence—New Levies who have never seen Service will without doubt

require a Commander of some experience; such a one we trust Your Excellency will supply as soon as possible.
Our Apprehensions of an Attempt on the part of our Enemies to cut off the Communication between the City and Country by landing above Kingsbridge makes us wish to have some force ready to hang on their Rear in Case such a Step should be taken; for which reason we have not only called out all the force we could possibly collect (exclusive of that which may probably be wanted in the frontier Counties) but would take the Liberty if it should meet Your Excellency’s approbation to suggest the same Idea to Governor Trumbull who by forming a Camp at Byrom River of 6000 Men might render any Design which the Enemy may have to land above Kingsbridge extreamly Hazardous.
We have just been informed that the Ships which sailed this Morning have anchored about ten or twelve Miles below Fort Montgomerie—We have great Reason to believe that their Design to pass it and burn our Shipping at Poukeepsie.
We shall be happy to co-operate with Your Excellency in every Measure which may tend to secure the Liberty of America, which we conceive to be nearly connected with the preservation of this State.
We have this Moment heard that the Phœnix is aground in Haverstraw Bay and have some reason to believe it. We remain Your Excellency’s most Obedient and very humble Servt

By Order
Nathll Woodhull Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 16 July 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] July 16th Anno Dom. 1776

This will be delivered to You by the Captain of one of our Galleys, two of which, The Whiting and the Crane are ordered to proceed to New York forthwith, and put themselves under your Command. the Third is stationed at Stonington, which may be exposed to suffer from the Attack of a single Ship (several of which are now cruising near it) if the Galley is removed from thence.
The great desire I have to comply with every requisition which concerns the Defence of the American States, at this Critical Juncture, has induced Me to send you these Gallies,

altho I am sensible they are not furnished with Guns as may be necessary to render them so usefull as they might be with heavier Metal; the Guns intended for them by the Colony are not yet compleated at Salisbury from whence we hope for them soon.
I have directed the Captains to move your Excellency for some heavier Guns while in your Service, or untill we can get such as are more suitable from Salisbury down the North River if possible.
I am sorry we cannot possibly spare You any heavy Cannon it being wholly out of our power; we have no more than are necessary, and are mounted upon our Forts at New London and Groton, should any of them be taken away, those fortresses will become, in a great Measure, useless, and the Town and Fort, upon an Attack might fall into the possession of the Enemy, which could not happen but with the greatest Detriment to the united States in General, as well as this in particular. I am with great Esteem and Regard Sir your obedient Humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 17 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, New York, July 17th 1776.
Parole Georgia.Countersign Hartford.

A working party of fifty Men properly officered to parade to morrow morning, Six OClock, with their arms, near the Laboratory; there Capt. Anderson will attend, from whom they are to receive directions; Quarter Master General to supply such Tools as they may want.
John Berrian, Henry Wilmot and John Ray Jun: a Committee of the town are appointed to give passes to Citizens going over the ferries—officers and soldiers who want passes over the ferries are to apply to their own Brigadier General; And the General desires that they will give no passes to officers or soldiers of another brigade; The officers at the Ferry Guards to attend to this order particularly and make it known to the sentries.
The two Companies of Col. Van Cortlandt’s Regt at Long Island, to join their Regiment at New York—Capt. Kelsey’s Company, and the Company under the command of Lieut. Borden, of Col. Newcomb’s Regt, to replace them to morrow morn’g 9 o’Clock.
The Court of enquiry upon Col. Ritzema’s Conduct having reported, that no other of the Charges made against him was supported, except that of useing disrespectful expressions of Brigadier Genl Lord Stirling, and his Lordship generously overlooking the personal affront offered him: The General orders that all further proceedings cease, and Col. Ritzema to be discharged from his arrest.
Yesterday the detachment of one hundred and fifty men, ordered for Kingsbridge, to march from the parade at six

o’Clock, did not leave it ’till nine, by which they lost the tide, and then much short of the proportion of officers, an evil which is every day increasing: The Brigade Majors will hereafter be deemed answerable for such neglects, unless they report to the Adjutant General, the same day, what Adjutant fails in bringing on his Quota of men, on the parade in time, or put such Adjutant immediately under Arrest, and report it at Head Quarters.
The Adjutants, and Colonels of the new troops, arriving, are to take notice that Weekly Returns of their regiments, are to be sent in at orderly time, every Saturday—Blank Returns will be given out at the Adjutant Generals Office, to those who apply for them, and an Orderly Book for each company.
A working party of one hundred and fifty Men, properly officered, to parade to morrow morning at six OClock, with their Arms, near the Laboratory, to take one days provision with them, to relieve the party which went up the 10th Instant; this party to stay one week, and then to be relieved.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel James Clinton, 17 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

Sir.
Head-Quarters N. York July 17th 1776

Your favour of the 13th Inst. was duly Received, The steps you have taken appear to me extreamly proper and that there may be no discouragement in the purchase of Arms of which we stand in great need, I have by the bearer sent you the £300. you request, You will please to keep a particular Account of the

Disburstment in order that it may be bro’t into its proper place of Settlement at a future Day.
Before this reaches you Two Officers of the Artillery whom I dispatched last Sunday will have arrived to Supply the place of those so unhappily disabled, I trust these Accidents will form a Lesson of Prudence & Calmness at such times and particularly excite care & Caution, It is a melancholly Consideration that in these cases we suffer more from our own Artillery than the Enemy.
As the Enemy weigh’d Anchor yesterday with a seeming Intention to pass up the River, I trust every thing is in the best readiness & preparation to receive them.
The Rafts if properly constructed and executed wt. Spirit and intrepidity are most dangerous and alarming Enemies to shiping, unacquainted with the River, the situation of the Ships & many other Circumstances necessary to form a Judgment of the probabi[li]ty of Success, I can only say that I agree in Opinion with your Br[other] that expences ought not to be regarded if the prospect of Sucess is any way encouraging.
You must with them upon whose Opinion you can depend, form the best Judgment & act Accordingly. I am &c. &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 17 July 1776 [letter not found]
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 17 July 1776. On 18 July Greene wrote to GW: “I wrote to your Excellency yesterday morning.”


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July the 17. 1776

I was this morning honoured with yours of the 15 Instt, with sundry resolves. I perceive the measures Congress have taken to expedite the raising of the Flying Camp and providing It with Articles of the greatest use. You will see by a post[s]cript to my Letter of the 14th I had wrote to the Commanding Officer of the

pensylvania Militia, ordering them to be marched from Trenton to Amboy, as their remaining there could not answer the least public good. For having consulted with sundry Gentn, I was informed If the Enemy mean to direct their views towards pensylvania or penetrate the Jerseys, their Route will be from near Amboy and either by way of Brunswic or Bound Brook. The lower road from South Amboy being through a Woody, Sandy Country. Besides they will be then able to throw in Succour here & to receive It from hence in cases of Emergency.
The Connecticut Light Horse mentioned in my Letter of the 11th notwithstanding their then promise to continue here for the defence of this place, are now discharged and about to return Home, having peremptorily refused all kind of fatigue duty, or even to mount Guard, claiming an exemption as Troopers. Though their assistance is much needed and might be of Essential service in case of an Attack, yet I judged It advisable on their Application & claim of such Indulgencies to discharge them, as granting them would set an Example to others, & might produce many Ill consequences. The Number of men Included in the Last return by this, is lessend about 500.
I last night received a Letter from Genl Schuyler with several Inclosures, Copies of which I have herewith transmitted. They will give Congress every Information I have respecting our Northern Army, and the situation of our Affairs in that Quarter, to which I beg leave to refer their attention. I cannot but express my surprize at the scarcity of provision which Genl Schuyler mentions, after what the Commissary assured me, & which formed a part of my Letter of the 14th. he still Assures me of the same. This is a distressing circumstance as every Article of provision and every thing necessary for that department, can have no other now than a Land Conveyance, the Water communication from hence to Albany being entirely cut off. Congress will please to consider the Inclosure No. 6 about raising Six Companies out of the Inhabitants about the Lakes to prevent the Incursions of the Indians—the Genl Officers in their Minutes of Council have determined It a matter of much Importance, and their attention to the price of Goods furnished the Soldiery may be extremely necessary. they have complained much upon this head. The retreat from Crown point seems to be considered in opposite views by the Genl and Feild Officers;

The former I am satisfied have weighed the Matter well, And yet the reasons assigned by the Latter against It appear strong & forcible. I hope whatever is done, will be for the best. I was apprehensive the appointment of Genl Gates over Genl Sullivan would give the latter disgust—his Letter I transmitted Congress seemed to warrant the suspicion. he is not arrived yet—when he does, I shall try to settle the Affair with him, and prevail on him to continue, as I think his resignation will take from the service a usefull and Good Officer.
By a Letter from the Committee of Orange County received this morning, The Men of War & Tenders were Yesterday at Haverstraw Bay, about Forty miles above this—A number of men in four Barges from the Tenders attempted to land with a view they suppose, of taking some Sheep & Cattle that had been previously removed. A small number of Militia that was collected, obliged ’em to retreat without their doing any damage with their Cannon. they were sounding the Water up towards the Highlands, by which It is probable they will attempt to pass with part of the Fleet If possible.
Yesterday Evening a Flagg came from Genl Howe with a Letter addressed “To George Washington Esq. &c. &c. &c.[”] It was not received upon the same principle, that the One from Lord Howe was refused. I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Sir
New York July 17th 1776

Col. Hand having informed me that he means to purchase Regimentals for his Battallion in Philadelphia, I must take the liberty to request you will have the Nine Thousand dollars resolved by Congress on the 12 Ulto to be paid him here for that purpose, to be advanced to him or his order there. The state of our Chest is extremely low and many pressing demands against It, besides as the Cloaths are to be paid for there, It seems unnecessary to send Money from hence—An Account of the Advance may be transmitted in order to a stoppage from the Mens pay. I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obed. St

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 17 July 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia July 17th 1776.

Your Favour of the 14th Inst: was duely received, and immediately laid before Congress.
In obedience to their Commands, I do myself the Honour to forward sundry Resolves.
The Congress being of Opinion, that a Quantity of Powder should be distributed thro’ the several Counties of New York and New-Jersey, I am to request, you will give Directions to have it lodged in the Hands of such Persons as may [be] depended upon.
I have delivered Monsr Kermoven his Commission, and directed

him to repair immediately to the Jerseys, and put himself under the Officer who commands the Flying Camp.
You will please to give Orders respecting the Appointment of a Sergeant Major, a Quarter Master General, and Paymaster Genl in each Regiment, and likewise, necessary Directions to General Schuyler, with Regard to cleansing the Army of the Small Pox.
Mr Humpton, and Mr Dawson have been Officers in the British Army, and I hope will be of Service in ours. They will be ordered to Head Quarters as soon as possible.
Upwards of a Thousand Troops from Maryland are now in this City on their Way to join the Flying Camp in New Jersey. They are an exceeding fine Body of Men, and will begin their March this Day.
Agreeably to the enclosed Resolves of Congress, I have wrote in the most vehement and pressing Manner, to the Massachussetts Bay, Connecticut, and New Jersey, to forward their Militia—and I have no Doubt of their Compliance immediately. With the most fervent, and incessant Wishes, that your Head may be covered in the Day of Battle, and that Success may crown your Arms, I have the Honour to be, Sir your most obed. & very hble Servt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: From George Washington to the New York Convention, 17 July 1776
From: Washington, George
To: New York Convention

Gentlemen.
Head-Quarters N. York. July 17h 1776

Your letter of the 15th Inst: covering the resolution of the same date was duly Received, which I beg leave to say was Noble and does Honour to your respectable Body, it likewise adds further proof of your Determination to afford me all possible Assistance in dischargeing the Important Duties of my Office, It is Impossible to say what may be Necessary—but shall Conduct as the exigences of the case may require, And doubt not your chearfull Aid & assistance whenever call’d for, It has been out of

my power to procure more Whale Boats than are absolutely necessary for the Night Guards, doubt not you will be able to procure the number you want from the Western shore of the Sound, which may be easily transported by Land or by the way of Kings Bridge to the North River. I have the Honor to be Gent. wt. Respect & Esteem—Yrs &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from a Secret Committee of the New York Convention, 17 July 1776
From: Secret Committee of the New York Convention
To: Washington, George

Sir
17th July 1776. White Plains [N.Y.]

The Convention have thought it proper to appoint us a secret Committee among other things to form & execute any plan which we may conceive necessary for the defence of Hudson’s River which has unfortunately been too long neglected—We wish to have your Excellency’s advice on this important subject and shall think ourselves happy to cooperate in any design that you may have formed.
The obstructing the navigation at Mount Washington we suppose to be an object which your Excellency has particularly in view, we shall therefore direct our attention to such others as we may conceive necessary—Mr Duer is in some measure apprized of our designs and will give your Excellency every information that you may require—Your Excellency’s commands will reach us if directed to Poughkeepsing. We remain with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most humble Servants

Robt R. Livingston
Robert Yates
Gilbert Livingston
Christr Tappen
William Paulding


Title: From George Washington to the Orange County Committee of Safety, 17 July 1776 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Orange County Committee of Safety

Letter not found: to the Orange County Committee of Safety, 17 July 1776. The committee’s letter to GW of 16 July is endorsed “Answerd 17th.”