Title: To George Washington from Andrew Lewis, 18 January 1776
From: Lewis, Andrew
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Williamsburg Jany 18th 1776

By Colo. Braxton, who is chose to represent this Colony in general congress, and who will in a few days set out for Phileda, I take the Liberty of writeing you, and would have done so Long er now, and more then once, had I been in the way of oppertunity. Anything I can say with regard to the procedings ⟨o⟩f the detestable Lord Dunmore, is published in the Gazette; and of course will ⟨g⟩et to your hand, before this can reach you, he is now a flote and has been so since a few days after the defeat of his few brave Troops at the Great Bridge, his tory party, except a few, he has on Bord, dispersed. I belive he is in dayly ⟨e⟩xpectation of being reinforsed, and should this be the case he will from the Diabolicalness of his Disposition, and the Advantage he will have of several ⟨s⟩hips of war, burn and destroy all the Towns and good Bu[i]ldings that can ⟨b⟩e reached from those Armed Vessels, and you know many are the avenus ⟨b⟩y which he may reach the Interiour parts of the Country, from Alexandria, to the Southeran Branches of James River, every small district affords him ⟨an⟩ enterence. Our convention now siting, and has been since the first day ⟨of⟩ last month, has prepared an Ordenance for the raising six Regts and a Battalion ⟨f⟩or the Eastern shore, so that we shall have Eight Regts and the Battalion—⟨T⟩he congress has agreed to take six of our Regts under continental pay and regulations, and its thought by many that they will take the whole: the convention has not thought proper to adhere to thire first method of appointing officers; I was asked to except one of the Regts, but as that would subject me to serve under Colo. Henry, who has never seen any kind of service and stand in rank under Colo. Woodford, who you know served Long as a subaltran under my command when I was a field officer. I could not except of a Regt with out shewing a meaness which I am well assured you would condem me for, they then proceded to appoint in the Order you will see they stand in the Gazette, how Colos. Stephen and Mercer will brook thire appointments I cannot tell, as they were not present, nor indeed were any of the others, but old officers was the Cry, and have them they would, however contrary to

thire first method of appointment—⟨T⟩he convention thinks the appointment of a Major General & two Brigaders absolutely necessary for the conducting the Troops in this Goverment this is Intirely left to the Congress not doubting but they will take the most able and Experienced they can find, in the thirteen united colonys. I heartily wish, and hop they will find more able and experienced men then we have in this quarter. I make no doubt but the Congress will consult you on this Ocation. I think they Ought, you are perfectly acquianted with the abillitys and experience of all that has served in any considerable Rank in this Government, and er this time are able to judge how fare we may b⟨e⟩ bettred by sending men from the Norward to command our Troops, and I heartily wish you may be able to direct them to men of superioure abilli⟨ty⟩ and experience to any amongst us, if you can I am shure you will do it.
I have Seen Colo. Byrd since the meeting of convention and from what passed between us I make no doubt of his offering his service to the Congres⟨s⟩ nor do I think many of the most considerate we have will be averse to his being appointed unless you can direct to a better choice from sume other quart⟨er⟩ And I must give it as my oppinion that it would be more Adviseable every thing considered, to appoint him to the command then any other person now in t⟨he⟩ Government. In the first place none could object to serve under him, in the next place, in case of a Misscarrage it would fall Lighter on him then any other Officer we have. He expressed a desire to have my Assistan⟨ce⟩ in case he were appointed. And my country shall on all Ocations be wellcome to any Services, my poore abilitys can render them. But my Dear Sir when I speak of my self, I cannot do it, with out expressing that difidanc⟨e⟩ which becoms a man of my capasity, and whos experiance are so muc⟨h⟩ Less then I could wish; to fill a place of such trust and on which so much depends. I am so fare from desireing you to recommend me before a man better qualified that I request you will not.
Colo. Robert How, I know not whither you have an acquiantan⟨ce⟩ of him, but he is the same How who commanded a Compy in Colo. Waddals Battalion, and that Joined us in the year 1761 on Holstons River under the command of Colo. Byrd, is now at Norfolk, and by his being appointed by the congress

commands Colo. Woodford, thire station at Norfolk is become very disagreeable to them, by a Resolve of convention they are permited to with draw from that station, as soon as they shall think it prudant and Necessery so to do, and to destroy what yet remains of the Towne, and take post at the great Bridge, and Kemps Landing. However necessary this step might be on the first apperance of a reinforcement to Dunmore, I could not be brought to approve of it under our present circumstances. I considred that the regular Land force under Dunmore cannot much exced 200 effective men, that the oblegeing them to keep a flote with thire Tory party, and preventing thire receiving supplys of fresh provitions, might so distress them, that they might not be able to continue Long on our co[a]st, besids Sir, will it not be sayed that Dunmore with his few, Obleged eleven or twelve hundred of our men, to with draw from thire ⟨s⟩tation, where he may reland, add strinth to his Tory party, and procure fresh supplys of provitions; all which, in my oppinion might be prevented, and ⟨r⟩espect added to our Arms, insted of haveing a tarnish cast on them.
I much lement your Absence, had you remained amongst us, our Military procedings would have carryed a much more respectable countenance the only thing that makes me beare this havey Loss with any tolerable degree of resignation, is, that you are where you can best serve the General cause.
It would give me great sattisfaction to find that your Army conduct them Selves to your sattisfaction, and that you have every thing to expect from them could you, snach a few moments to favour me with a few Lins it would add to the many Obligation you have Layed me under.
By a Resolve of Convention one hundred Men is to Garrison Fort Pitt, 25 at the mouth of wheling, & 100 at the Mouth of the Great Kanawa, the Last 100 have not y[e]t been able to March to thire post by a Strange Neglect in not supplying them with Amunition, Provitions, &c. I hop they will soon be provided, & I shall recommend it to the officer who is to command on that station, to pay a due regard to the protection of your people in that quarter. When I was at Fort Pitt I was told ⟨t⟩hat a few strolling Indians had burnt your Houses, Your people being ⟨a⟩t that time at whelling, however I hop they have returned to

take care of thire crops—I am Dear sir with all Due respect Your Most Obedt Humle Servt

Andw Lewis


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir.
Cambridge Jany 18th 1776.

I received your Favour of the 13th Instant with its Inclosures and am heartily sorry & most sincerely condole with you upon the unhappy Fall of the brave and worthy Montgomery & those gallant officers & Men, who have experienced a like Fate. In the Death of this Gentleman, America has sustained a heavy Loss, as he had approved himself a steady Friend to her Rights and of Ability to render her the most essential Services. I am much concerned for the intrepid and enterprizing Arnold and greatly fear that Consequences of the most alarming Nature will result from this well intended but unfortunate Attempt.
It would give me the greatest Happiness, if I could be the happy Means of relieving our Fellow Citizens now in Canada and preventing the Ministerial Troops from exulting long and availing themselves of the Advantages arising from this Repulse—But it is not in my power—Since the Dissolution of the old Army, the progress in raising Recruits for the new has been so very slow & inconsiderable that five thousand Militia have been called in to the Defence of our Lines—A great part of these are gone Home, the Time they engaged for being expired, and the rest retained with the utmost Difficulty and persuasion,

tho’ their going away would render the holding them precarious and hazardous in Case of an Attack—In short I have not a Man to spare.
In Order that proper Measures might be adopted I called a Council of General Officers, and upon Mr John Adams and other Members of Influence of the General Courts, and laid before them your Letter & proposition—After due Consideration of their Importance they determined that the provinces of Massachusetts and Colonies of Connecticut and New Hampshire should each immediately raise a Regiment to continue in Service for one Year, and to march forthwith to Canada agreeable to the Rout proposed in your Letter to Congress. This Determination with a Copy of your Letter & the several Inclosures will be immediately transmitted to the different Governments, for raising these Regiments, which I have Reason to believe will be complied with from the Assurances I have received from such of the Members of the Court as attended in Council & the General Officers promising to exert their utmost Interest and Influence within their respective Colonies—If these Regiments should not be raised so soon as I could wish, yet I would willingly hope from the Accounts we have received that Colonel Arnold and his Corps will be joined by a Number of Men under Colonel Warner & from Connecticut, who it is said marched off directly on their getting Intelligence of this melancholly Affair—If this Account be true, I trust they will be in a Situation to oppose and prevent Mr Carlton from regaining possession of what he has lost and that upon the Arrival of the Reinforcement from these Colonies which we have judged necessary to be sent the City of Quebec will be reduced to our possession. This ought to be effected before the Winter is entirely over—otherwise it will be exceedingly difficult, if not impracticable, as the Enemy will undoubtedly place a strong Garrison there. Should this desirable Work be accomplished, our Conquest in that Quarter will be compleat: but yet the Loss of General Montgomery will ever be remembered.
It gives me pleasure to find that you will continue in Service and afford your Assistance to relieve your Country from the Distresses which at present threaten her in the North.
I am much obliged by your sending the Cloathing, but they are not yet arrived.

None of the Letters give an account how this unfortunate Affair ended—In Colonel Campbell’s Letter of the 31st Ultimo the Division which Colonel Green was in he seems to think was in a very disagreeable Situation and drawing it off at Night or throwing in a party to sustain it, was an Object he had much in view—Here his Information stops—In his Letter of the 2d Inst. he says Nothing about it—Wishing for the best, I hope they have not fallen a Sacrafice—But I dread further Intelligence in the Matter.
General Putnam is of Opinion, that it will be better for the Troops which may be raised in the Western parts of Connecticut to go by Albany than the Rout you have mentioned by Number four and that you must have pointed out this Way from a Supposition that the Reinforcement would be detached from this Army. You will please to consider of what he has said & if you concur with him in Sentiments inform Governor Trumbull of it by Letter that he may give the necessary Orders. I am Dear Sir with great Respect & Esteem Your most humble Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. The Express that came from you being sick at Springfield & unable to proceed the Letter was brought forward by Andrew Carlton, to whom I have paid 14 Dollars, this you will please to deduct from what the other was to receive.


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 19th 1776
Parole New-Haven.Countersign Lee.

One serjeant, one Corporal and twelve Men, from General Putnams division, to mount to morrow Morning for the Provost Guard, at the old School house, on Cambridge common; to this Guard all Prisoners accused of Crimes cognizable by a General Court Martial, are to be sent; all suspected spies, and all Strollers and Stragglers, who cannot give a proper account of themselves—The Guard is to be under the immediate command of the Provost, and he is only to receive Orders from Head Quarters,

the General in Chief, the Adjutant and Quarter Master Generals for the time being.


Title: Circular to the Governments of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, 19 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Governments of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire

Gentn
Cambridge 19th January 1776

The Inclosures herewith sent, convey such full accounts of the sad reverse of our affairs in Canada, as to render It unnecessary for me, in my present hurry, to add ought to the Tale.
Your spirited Colony will, I have no doubt, be sufficiently Impressed with the expediency of a vigorous exertion to prevent the evils which otherwise must follow from the repulse of our Troops—It does not admit of a doubt but that General Carlton will improve this advantage to the utmost; and if he should be able to give different Current of Sentiment to the Canadians and Indians than those they seemed Inclind to adopt, words are unnecessary to describe the melancoly effect that will Inevitably follow.
I am persuaded therefore, that you will exert yourselves to the utmost, to throw in the reinforcement (by the Rout mention’d in General Schuylers Letter) that is now requ[i]red of your Colony, as the doing of it expeditiously may prove a matter of the utmost importance.
You will perceive by the minutes of the Council of War Inclos’d, that the Regiment asked of you for Canada is one of the numbr applied for in my Letter of the 16th Inst. and that the only difference with respect to the requisition, is the length of time, and place of service, as no good would result from sending Troops to Canada for a shorter period than the Continental Army is raisd for—to wit, till the first of January 1777. I am Gentn with great respect your most Obt Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Stephen Moylan, 19 January 1776 [letter not found]
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Stephen Moylan, 19 Jan. 1776. On 20 Jan. Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Moylan: “Your Letter of the 19 Instant was delivered early yesterday & would have been Answered before this Evening, had not his Excellencys time been much employed in dispatchg Expresses to sundry places” (DLC:GW).


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 20th 1776
Parole Schuyler.Countersign Warner.


Title: Instructions to Captain Charles Dyar, 20 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Dyar, Charles

Sir
[Cambridge, 20 January 1776]

You being appointed Captain and Commander of the Armed Schooner Harrison in the Service of the United Colonies are to Pay all attention and Obedience to the following Instructions.
1st you are to proceed imediately on a Cruze against Such Vessels as may be found on the high Seas or elswhere bound Inwards or outwards to or from Boston in the Service of the Ministerial Army—and to take & Seize all such vessels, Laden with Soldiers Arms Amunition or Provisions goeing to or from Said town of Boston or which you shall have good reason to Suspect are employed for the purpose of aiding or assisting the Ministerial Troops or Navy.
2 If you should be so Successfull as to take any of Said vessels, you are immediately to Send them to the Nearest and Safest port to this Camp, under a Carefull Prize Master directing him to Deliver Said Prize unto the Agent by me appointed for the port into which a prize is Carried (if any there) if none Should be in that port notice is to be given to the nearest Agent thereto at same time an Account of such Capture to be transmitted to Head Quarters with all particulars thereto belonging by express.
3 you are to be very particular & diligent in your Search after all Letters or other papers tending to discover the designs

of the Enemy or of any other kind & to forward all such to me as soon as posible.
4 Whatever prisoners you take, must be treated with Kindness & Humanity—there private stock of Money & apparel to be given them after being strictly Searched and when they arrive at any port, they are to be delivered up to the Agent [(]if any there) if not to the Comittee of safety of such port.
5 For your encouragment and that of the other Officers & men to diligence & Activity over and above there pay which will be the same as in the Army of the United Colonies—you shall be entitled to one third part of every vessel & Cargo, after Condemnation in the Court of Adm[i]ralty—which shall be ⟨by⟩ you taken & Sent into Port if she is an Armed Vessel that resists as an inducement for you, your Officers and Men to act Courageously one half of Vessel & Cargo will be alloted to you which parts are to be devided in the following proportions.

                  Captain
                  6 shares
                  Gunner
                  1½ Shares

                  First Lieut.
                  5 do
                  Gunners Mate
                  1½

                  2 Lieut.
                  4 do
                  privates
                  1 Share each

                  Ships Master
                  3 do

                  Steward
                  2 do

                  Mate
                  1½ do

6 As Captain Manly is appointed Comodore of the four Schooners now fitted out, he will fix upon proper Signals by which you may Know each other & you are to obey him as Such in all Cases, if it Should So happen that a Prize is taken in sight of other Vessels fitted out at the Continental expence or at the Charge of Individuals—the Rules which take place among private Ships of War to be observed in the distribution of the prize money.
7 You are to be extreamly Careful & frugal of your Ammunition & other Stores—by no Means to waist any of it in Salutes, or for any purpose but what is absolutely Necessary.
8 You, Your Officers & Men are from the date hereof to Consider yourselves as engaged in the Service of the United Colonies & in every respect Subject to the Rules & Regulations formed by the Congress—for the Government of the Army Raisd for the defence of American Liberty—or as near as possible Consistent with the difference of the Land & Sea Service—

a book of the rules & articles you will receive herewith at the end of which—you your Officers and Men must Subscribe Your names.
9 As it is very aparent—that the ill Success which attended the Major part of the Armed Vessels in former Cruzes was owing to the want of Industry & the inactivety of the Officers who Commanded You will therefore take Notice, that a fondness to be on Shore—indolence or inactivety will meat with there Just deserts—for if it appears, that the Captain or any of the Officers do not exert themselves & do all that they possibly Can for there own & the publick good—they shall be dismissd the Service—& renderd incapable of Serveing there Country in any Honourable Station hereafter—in the Army or Navy. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters, Cambridge the 20th Day of January 1776.


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

Sir
Philadelphia January 20th 1776

In my former letter I mentioned the disagreeable news we received from Canada. The Congress have taken that matter under consideration and having examined Mr Antil and duly deliberated on the situation of our affairs in that quarter they have come to sundry resolutions which I have the honor to enclose.
I would just observe that by Mr Antil’s examination it appears our loss is greater then what is set forth in the dispatches he brought, a copy of which was transmitted to you. Almost the whole of general Arnolds gallant detachment are taken prisoners having after four hours resistance been obliged to surrender at discretion. However we have the satisfaction to hear that the prisoners are treated with humanity.
The Congress are anxious as well from motives of policy as of justice and humanity to repair our losses in that quarter and if possible to gain possession of Quebec and drive our enemies out of that Country before they can be reinforced in the spring.
An active able general is wanted to take the command there and if such a one can be spared from the service at Cambridge it is their desire you should send one.
The batallion from Pennsylvania and that from New Jersey will set forward the beginning of next week.
As it is of great importance as well for the security and relief of our Friends as for confirming the wavering that speedy succours should arrive, I am directed to request you to detach from the Camp at Cambridge one batallion if the service there will permit you to spare one with orders to march with the greatest expedition possible to Canada.
If this cannot be done you will at least use your utmost endeavours in stimulating the governor of Connecticut and the convention of New Hampshire to whom I write by this oppertunity to forward with the utmost dispatch the very first that can be raised in those colonies. You can easily conceive what effect the arrival of even one company will have on the minds of our Friends especially when they shall be satisfied that they will soon be followed by more.
The Colony of South Carolina has been so fortunate as to

oblige Lord W. Campbell with the armed Vessel to quit their harbour. Being earnestly desirous of providing for their defence they have resolved to fit out some armed vessels, but not having seamen among themselves they have despatched Capn Cochran to the Northward to enlist a number of seamen for the service of that Colony.
Lest the offers he was empowered to make might prejudice the service the Congress have chalked out a plan for him to go by, as you will see in the enclosed extracts and I am directed to desire you will please to forward this service.
Yesterday doctor Smith who made his escape from Frederic was brought to this town, He was taken at the little meadows on his way to Detroit & had with him letters from Conolly to the commanding officer there.
I hinted to you in my former letter that the Congress were taking measures for the defence of the middle and southern Colonies. For this purpose over and above those destined for Canada they have ordered four batallions to be raised in New York, two in New Jersey, four in Pennsylvania one in the counties on Delaware, six in Virginia, three in North Carolina, three in south Carolina and one in Georgia each to consist of 728 men including officers making in the whole with those for Canada 34 batallions. I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect, Sir Your most Obedt hume servt

John Hancock President

This Express is Charg’d with a large Packett of Importance for the Colony of New Hampshire, I Request you will please to order it to that Colony by a fresh Express.
I have Taken the Freedom to put under your Cover a Letter for Mr Cushing, respectg the Buildg Two Ships of Force, I must beg you to Send it him by a safe hand.
Will you be so Obliging as when you Send into Boston about Mr Lovell, to suffer the Two Letters from Mr Webster to go in.
Inclos’d is a Commission for Brigr Genl Frye.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 20 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Cambridge Jany 20th 1776

Your favor of the 18th inst. I received this day, for which I return you my thanks.
Upon receiving the melancholy intelligence of the Fall of the

Brave Montgomery and the repulse of our Troops in their attempt against the City of Quebec, I called a Council of Genl Officers to determine upon the necessary steps to be taken upon the alarming Occasion—Of their determination I wrote you yesterday, to which I beg leave to refer you.
The early attention which you and your Council have paid to this important business has anticipated my requisition, and claims in a particular manner the thanks of every well wishing American—I am in hopes, by this time, that several are on their march, and that, with the Troops which will follow from your Government, this and New Hampshire, our affairs, in a little time, in that Quarter will wear a more promising aspect than what they now do. I am Sir very respectfully your humble Servant

G. Washington


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 21st 1776
Parole Granby.Countersign Monckton.

The Colonel, or commanding Officer of each Regiment, is forthwith to send out one, or two, prudent and sensible Officers, to buy up such Arms as are wanted for his regiment, These Officers to be also good Judges of arms, and they are directed to purchase none, but such as are proper and in the best repair, and if possible to get them with Bayonets, but not to refuse a good Firelock without—The Officers going upon this duty, are to be furnish’d with Cash, from their respective Colonels, or Commanding Officers, out of the Money designed for the Month’s advance pay, for the Recruits, which money will be replaced as wanted—The Names of the Officers sent upon this business, with Sums advanced them, are to be immediately returned to the Adjutant General by the Colonels—These Officers are not to be absent longer, than the 4th of February next.
All Recruits who shall furnish their own Arms, (provided

they are good) shall be paid one Dollar, for the Use of them, shall have the Privilege of carrying them away, when their time is out, and in case they are lost (through no default of their own) shall be paid for them, at the end of the campaign.
All Persons having business with the Adjutant General, are to apply to him at his Office, at the entrance next to the Front of the Head Quarters.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 21 January 1776 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 21 Jan. 1776. In a letter of 1 Feb. to Reed, GW referred to “your favour of the 21st.”


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., and Matthew Thornton, 21 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.,Thornton, Matthew

Sir
Cambridge Jany 21st 1776

In the hurry of my last dispatches to you of the 19th inst. I forgot to intimate, that for the encouragement of the Regiment destined for Canada, a months advanced pay will be allowed Officers and Men, by me, in behalf of the Congress—At the same time I think it but right that you should be apprized of the intention of this Government to advance their Regiment another months pay to enable them to provide for so long and fatiguing a march, and in the mean time for the men to have something for their families to subsist on during their absence.
I have no doubt, but that this last advance will be pleasing enough to Congress, and that the money will be speedily refunded; but as I have no authority to direct it accordingly would not appear by any act of mine to put the three Regiments for Canada upon a different footing from those which have been raising for this Army; I only give you a hint of the intention of this Government, that, if you think proper, the Regiment from your Colony may be placed upon the same footing,

as I know all kinds of distinctions are considered by Troops with an evil and a jealous eye.
Such necessaries as are absolutely requisite for the march of this Regiment you will please to have provided upon the best terms you can, and a regular account with vouchers thereof kept, that payment may be made.
The importance of dispatch, will, I am persuaded, appear in so urgent and pressing a light to you, that I need add nothing on this head, but shall be glad to hear what progress you make in the business, being With the sincerest regard and esteem Sir your most obedient Servant

Go. Washington

P.S. Being under some apprehension that the inclosed was omitted in my last I now send it and am &c.

G.W.


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 22nd 1776
Parole Framingham.Counter-sign St Johns

The Majors of Brigade to be all at Head Quarters, to morrow Morning ten OClock.


Title: To George Washington from the New Hampshire General Court, 22 January 1776
From: New Hampshire General Court
To: Washington, George

Sir
Exeter [N.H.] 22d Jany 1776

We have just receiv’d your Excellency’s favor of yesterday’s date, for answer to which We beg leave to refer to the Inclos’d Letter, in which it may be observd Our Assembly had taken up the Matter of Advance Wages to the Soldiery destind for Canada in the same Manner as intended by the Massachusets Governmt.
We shall duely note Yr Excelleny’s kind Intention of refunding to this Colony the Money they advance as soon as the General Congress may remit you a sufficient supply; and We shall give the necessary Directions that all Accounts respecting these Matters may be correctly kept & proper Vouchers produc’d for the same. In behalf of the Council and Assembly I am Your Excellency’s most humble Servt

Meshech Weare president of the Council


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 22 January 1776
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir.
Albany January 22d 1776.

Colo: Warner succeeds so fast in sending Men to Canada. From the County of Berkshire in the Massachusetts Bay, a Regiment will also immediately be sent, Part of which is already on Its March. by a Letter just received from Congress dated the 10th instant, I am advised that a Regiment from Pennsylvania & Another from New Jersey were ordered immediately to March for this Place & to put themselves under my Command; As these Corps can be in Canada at least as early as any Your Excellency can send from Cambridge, the Necessity of sending of those, which I had the Honor to request of You will be superceded.
Since the Unfortunate Accounts which I transmitted You by my last Express; I have heard Nothing more from Canada, whence I conclude that our Affairs in that Quarter are not in a Worse Situation, than when Mr Antill came away. The inclosed Copy of a Letter from Colo: Arnold was forgot to be sent You per last.
I returned last Night from Tryon County into which I marched a Body of Militia, to disarm the Malignants, which I have Effected. Six of the Chiefs of about two hundred and fifty or three hundred Scotch Highlanders are to go Prisoners to Pennsylvania, as are six Others of the English & Dutch Inhabitants of that Coun⟨ty.⟩ We have taken four six & four Pounders, together with a Number of Swivels & Blunderbusses.
I hope all is well with Your Excellency Be pleased to present my Compliments to Your Family. I am Sir With sincere Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys most Obedient & Very Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 22 January 1776 [letter not found]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 22 Jan. 1776. On 23 Jan. Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Sullivan: “I have it in command from his Excellency to inform you, that General Gates handed him your letter of the 22 inst.” (DLC: Peter Force Collection).


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

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 23rd 1776
Parole Fairfax.Countersign Vernon.

Timothy Downing, tried at a General Court martial for “Desertion,” being found guilty, is sentenced to receive thirty-nine Lashes upon the bare back with a Cat’o’Nine tails, and it appearing to the Court that as the Prisoner is worthless and incorrigible, they order him to be drum’d out of the army.
A Court of enquiry, to sit upon Thursday Morning next, at General Green’s on Prospect hill, to examine into a complaint exhibited against Col. Stark of the 5th Regt of Foot by Samuel Hobert Esqr. Pay Master of the New-Hampshire Forces—All Evidences and Persons concerned to attend the Court.

                  Brigadier Genl Green President

                  Col. NixonCol. Webb
                  }
                  Members
                  {
                  Col. HitchcockCol. Varnum

The Judge Advocate to attend the court; which will sit precisely at Ten O’Clock.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 23 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Sir
Cambridge Jany 23. 1776

I received your favour of the 16 Instt & am exceedingly sorry to hear, that Congress countermanded the embarkation of the two Regiments Intended agt the Tories on Long Island. they I doubt not had their reasons; But to me It appears that the period is arrived, when nothing less than the most decisive & vigorous measures should be pursued—Our Enemies from the other side of the Atlantic will be sufficiently numerous, It highly concerns [us] to have as few Internal ones as possible.
As Congress seem to have altered their views in this Instance, & the men which went with you from Connecticut; are upon a very different footing from what I expected, It will be right to give Congress the earliest notice of your proceeding & to disband your Troops as soon as you think circumstances will admit of It.
In consequence of the melancholy reverse of our Affairs in Canada, an Application was made to me for Succour, & happy should I have been, If the situation of this Army could have afforded It. All I could do, was to lay the matter before this & the Governments of Connecticut & New-Hampshire, & urge the expediency & necessity of their sending a Reinforcement of three Regiments there immediately—Mr Trumbull & his Council of Safety had anticipated my request, the other two Colonies have adopted the measure—The three Regiments are now raising, & I would willingly hope will arrive in time to reinstate matters in that Quarter & give them a more agreable aspect than they now have.
I shall be much Obliged by your pressing Col. McDougal to forward the shells mentioned in his letter of the 2 Instt as they are much wanted, & also to spare me some powder If he possibly can: you know our stock of this necessary Article is small & inconsiderable, & you know too that we [have] a demand for a further supply.

The progress in raising recruits for the New Army being very slow, I have applied to this Colony, Connecticut & New Hampshire for Ten Regiments of Militia to continue in service till the 1st of April next, which they have Granted me; As soon as they come in, & I can get provided with proper means, I am determined to Attempt something. of this I would have you take no notice.
Within a few days past Several persons have come out of Boston. they all agree that Genl Clinton has gone upon some expedition—some say he has between 4 & 500 men—others, part of Two Regiments—What his force consists of is not precisely known, but I am almost certain he is gone with some. His destination must be South of this, & very probably for New York. I thought it necessary to give you this Information, that you may be on your guard & prepared to receive him as well as you can.
I shall be glad to hear from you frequently, & to be Informed of any Occurrences you may think material. I am D. Sir with great regard &c.

G. W.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 23 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 23d Jan: 1776.

Real necessity, compells me to ask you whether I may entertain any hopes of your returning to my Family? if you can make it convenient, and will hint the matter to Colo. Harrison, I dare venture to say that Congress will make it agreeable to you in every shape they can—My business Increases very fast, and my distresses for want of you, along with it—Mr Harrison is the only Gentleman of my Family that can afford me the least assistance in writing—He and Mr Moylan, whose time must now be solely Imployed in his department of Commissary, have heretofore afforded me their aid. & I have hinted to them in consequence of what you signified in some former Letter that each (as they have really had a great deal of trouble) should receive one third of your pay, reserving the other third, contrary to your desire, for yourself; My distress, and Imbarrassment, is in a way of being very considerably Increased by an Occurrance in Virginia wch will I fear compell Mr Harrison to leave me, or suffer considerably by his stay. He has wrote however by the last post to see if his return cannot be dispensed with—If he should go, I shall really be distressed beyond Measure as I know no Persons able to supply your places (in this part of the World) with whom I would chuse to live in unbounded confidence. In short, for want of an acquaintance with the People hitherwards, I know of none wch appear to me qualified for the Office of Secretary.
The business, as I hinted to you before, is considerably Increased, by being more comprehensive; and, at this time (from the great changes which have, and are happening every day) perplexed; so that you would want a good Writer, and a Methodical Man, as an Assistant, or Copying Clerk—such an one I have no doubt will be allowed, and the choice I leave to yourself,

as he should be a person in whose Integrety you can confide, and on whose capacity—care—& method you can rely. At present, my time is so much taken up at my Desk, that I am obliged to neglect many other essential parts of my Duty; it is absolutely necessary therefore for me to have person’s that can think for me, as well as execute Orders—This it is that pains me, when I think of Mr White’s expectation of coming into my Family, if an opening happens. I can derive no earthly assistance from such a Man—and my friend Baylor is much such another Although as good, and as obliging a person as any in the World. As it may be necessary that the pay of the under Secretary should be fixed, that you may, if you Incline to return, and should Ingage one, know what to promise him, I have wrote to Colo. Harrison & Mr Lynch on this Subject.
The Interruption of the Post has prevented the receipt of any Letters from the Southward since this day Week so that we have but little knowledge of what is passing in that Quarter. The unfortunate repulse of our Troops at Quebec—the death of the brave, & much to be lamented Genl Montgomerie, & wounding of Colo. Arnold, will, I fear, give a very unfavourable turn to our Affairs in that Quarter as I have no opinion at all of W—r’s Enterprizing genius.
Immediately upon the receipt of the unfortunate Intelligence, & General Schuyler’s Intimation of his having no other dependance than upon me for men, I address’d Massachusets, Connecticut, & N: Hampshire (in behalf of the Continent) for a Regiment each, to be Marchd fore with into Canada; and there continued, if need be, till the 1st of Jany upon the same establishment of those Raising for these Lines. It was Impossible to spare a Man from hence, as we want Eight or Nine thousand of our Establishment, and are obliged to depend upon Militia for the defence of Our Works. equally improper did it appear to me to wait (situated as our Affairs were) for a requisition from Congress after several days debate perhaps, when in the meanwhile all might be lost. the urgency of the case therefore, must appologize to Congress for my adoption of this measure. Govr Trumbull indeed, anticipated my request, for he, & his Council of Safety had voted a Regiment before my request had reached him—the Genl Court here have also voted another, and I

have no doubt of New Hampshire’s doing the like and that the whole will soon be on their March. I have this Instant receivd a Letter from New Hampshire, in answer to mine, informing me that they have fully complied with my request of a Regiment—Appointed the Field Officers—& will have the whole in motion as soon as possible—Colo. Warner, & others we are told, are already on their March, so that it is to be hoped, if these bodies have but a good head, our Affairs may still be retrievd in Canada before the Kings Troops can get reinforced.
They are pulling down the Houses in Boston as fast as possible. & we have lately Accts from thence which It is said may be relied on, that General Clinton is actually Saild from thence with a detachment (no Accts making it more than 500) for the Southward, some say Virginia, others New York. but all is conjecture. whether this is the Fleet that has been making up for sometime at Nantasket, or another, I cannot with certainty say.
In my last, I informd you I think of the expedition I had sent General Lee on to New York—should Clinton steer his Course thither, I hope he will meet with a formidable, & proper reception. I shall conclude with informing you, that we should have had a formidable work on Litchmores point long ago if it had not been for the frost, & that if Congress mean that we should do any thing this Winter No time must be lost in forwarding Powder. I have orderd in Militia to take advantage of Circumstances—but I see no appearance as yet, of a Bridge—I am with the greatest truth & Sincerety Dr Sr Yr Affect.

Go: Washington


Title: Commission to Robert Breck, 24 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Breck, Robert

[Cambridge, 24 January 1776]

You being recommended to me as a proper person to muster the Regiment now raising by Order of The General Court of This Province, in the Counties of Hampshire & Berkshire for the Continental Service I do therefore by virtue of the powers & Authorities to me given, by The Continental Congress—Constitute and appoint you Commissary for that particular

purpose—willing and Commanding all Officers, Soldiers, & persons any ways Concerned to be Obedient and Assisting to you in the execution of this Commission—Neither Negroes (being Slaves) old Men, or Boys, unable to bear Arms, & to endure the fatigues of the Campaign, nor Persons labouring under any bodily infirmity whatsoever are to be allowed to pass Muster, of which you are to take due Notice. Given under my Hand and Seal at Head Quarters Cambridge this 24th day of January Anno Domini 1776.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 24 January 1776
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Stamford [Conn.] Janry the 24th 1776

It was unnecessary sooner to trouble you with my scrowl—as I cou’d give you no information, the least interesting[.] I find the People through this Province more alert and zealous than my most sanguine expectation—I believe I might have collected ten thoushand Volunteers—I take only four Companies with me and Waterbury’s Regt which is so happily situated on the frontier—Wards Regt I have order’d to remain at their respective homes untill They hear further—these Connecticutians are, if possible, more eager to go out of their Country than They are to return home when They have been out for any considerable time—inclosd I send you My letter to the General Congress—that of the Provincial Congress of N. York to me, with my answer, I hope it will have your approbation—The Whigs, I mean the stout ones, are it is said, very desirous that a Body of Troops shou’d march and be station’d in their City—the Timid ones are averse merely from the spirit of procrastination which is the characteristic of timidity—the letter of the Provincial Congress, You will observe, breaths the very essence of this Spirit—it is wofully hysterical—I conclude I shall receive the orders of the General Congress before or immediately on my arrival—otherwise I shou’d not venture to march

into the Province—as by their late resolve evry detachment of the Continental Troops is to be under the direction of the Provincial Congress in which They are—a resolve, I must say with submis⟨sion⟩ to their Wisdom, fraught with difficulties and evil—it is impossible having two Sovereigns, that any busyness shoud be carried on—have You seen the pamphlet Common Sense? I never saw such a masterly irresistible performance—it will if I mistake not, in concurrence with the transcendant folly and wickedness of the Ministry give the coup de grace to G. Britain—in short I own myself convinc’d by the arguments of the necessity of seperation—Poor Brave Montgomery! but it is not a time to cry but to revenge—God bless You, My Dr General, and crown us with the success I am sure We merit from the goodness of our cause—My love to the Ladies—I shall write a long letter to Gates when I have time and Materials—adieu, Yours most affectionately.

C. Lee


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 January 1776
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Conn.] 24th January 1776

Your Letters of the 20th and 21st instant are received—I thought fit this morning to acquaint Colo. Burrell, appointed to command the Regiment destined to Canada from hence, that a Months pay will be advanced to Officers and Men by you; this additional encouragement will enliven them to the Service—Also to inform, that I understood the Rout of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Regiments, would probably be by No. 4 to Onion River, with a Commissary to attend such as went that way—A months pay was promised the men by my Proclamation, and on being acquainted with the readiness of the Men, One of the Comtee of Pay Table should attend for the payment thereof at Litchfield to prevent delay—Am unable to inform how and where the Money from you may be received.
The Men in that quarter are well spirited and Zealous, but

have yet received no intelligence of the progress made in the Business—shall give you every necessary intelligence as it comes to my Knowledge—Every necessary requisite for the march of this Regiment will be provided on the best terms in my Power—Shall forward the three Regiments destined for your Camp without delay. I am, with Sincere Esteem and Regard Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and humble Servant

Jonth. Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 25 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 25th 1776
Parole Niagara.Countersign Hampton.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 25 January 1776
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence January 25th 1776

I have consulted the General Committee upon the Subject of your Letter of the 16th instant. For many Years past the Inhabitants of this Colony, surrounded on the Land-Side by Connecticut and the Massachusetts-Bay, thinking themselves in a perfect State of Security, entirely neglected military Discipline, and disposed of their Arms so generally that, at the breaking out of the present War, the Colony was in a Manner disarmed. We have taken every Method in our Power by purchasing, by employing Manufacturers, and by Importation, to procure a sufficient Quantity, but are still so deficient that the same Arms which have been rated at 6 and 8 Dollars at Cambridge are readily

bought here at 10 and 12. Indeed we shall scarcely be able to find Arms for the Troops we have ordered to be raised for our immediate Defence. Besides which the peculiar Situation of the Colony requires that every Man in it should be furnished: And the Assembly have accordingly ordered that every Man should be furnished, by the 15th Day of April, next under severe Penalties. In these Circumstances I do not think your Excellency can depend upon any Supplies of Muskets from this Colony. I am with great Respect, Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant

Nichs Cooke


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 25 January 1776
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
[Mount Vernon] January 25th 1776.

Since my Last the River has been Froze so that I have not had it [in] my Power to see Mr Marshall about the Exchange of Land mention’d in your Last, I wrote to him the day I receive’d your Letter about it, so that he will have time to Consider the matter, & you may expect between this & the next Post day I will see him, & inform you whether he will make it or not. neither have I seen Mr Triplet as yet. With regard to raiseg Hogs with our Corn, I shoud think it will be a bad scheme, if there was any thing better that cou’d be done with it. Porck this year is very low 20/ the highest Price, next year it must be much lower, as most people not knowg what to do with their Corn will give it to their Hogs, I shoud suppose—If the Congress find there is no probability of a Reconciliation with great Briton, they will indeavour to establish a trade with other nations & in that case, perhaps I may have an opportunity of Selling it. I think it had better be sold for Eight Shillings a Barrel than given to Hogs—however we will encrease our Stock of Hogs a little until I find what is to be done with it—Wm Skilling Insists that he shoud be imployd until the End of the year for which he bargaind—I have had him about the well to very little purpose as yet for the lower part of it caves in so much that I believe it will be impossible to do it—I am now putg down a frame large enough to brick it up the inside of the frame if that fails I shall fill it up and give it out & you must write me word whether I must have another dug & where to dig it. Wally the sailer Boy has for several months complaind of a pain [in] his back—I believe

it will continue until he is a Cripple The Doctor is a little that way of thinkg—Adams Negroe is a very good Negroe Shoemaker—if he can be satisfyd to live here you had better not sell him, for in that way he will save you £12 or 14 a year beside being a handy fellow in many things.
John Broad is still liveg but the discharge of matter from his legs is so great that the Doctor says it often is the cause of a person Dieing—Gunner Still lame I keep him Cordg tow for the Women to Spin on the big wheel. I desired Mr Custis to tell you it was my opinion you had better sell your Bay Covering Horse, or Cut him, as in the latter case he might do for a Charriot Horse As he was by no means fit to breed from, being in his make too slender for to get worck Horses, & from the trial we have had of him not very good, Cleveland I believe has taken a good deal of pains with him notwithstand which he has been very poor all summer I believe warm weather does not suit his Constitution—he is now getg in fine order & looks well—Tom Guess is here & offers an order upon the Treasury for £40 payable in may & 10 pound cash for him, but I have refuse’d it not knowg if it woud be agreeable to you to sell him—your Dray Horse will be 3 years old in the Spring & as he is not to be kept for a Beauty he might be put to your mares this Spring—beside I do believe the Bay Horse very uncertain in getg colts for several of our mares are not with fole the Grey mare here is not—Clevelands own mare that he says never faild before is not & several others.
Sylla at the mill I believe is in a Consumption the Other people are pretty Well, it Hurts me to see our Mill & Miller in a Maner Idle, but I cannot help it it is of no Use to make Barrels, for those we have now by us made last year will want almost as much Cooperg as to make them new, beside haveg hoops to purch[a]se twice over, & I have now got Staves & headg enough to last for more than two years Crops, out of the Willow Oaks in & about your Swamps my Best wishes Attend you & yours And am Dr Sir your Affectionate Servt

Lund Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 January 1776
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Wmsburg Jany 26. 1776.

I have been endeavouring to collect the Journal, and Ordinances of our last Convention, which rose last Saturday, in order to transmit them to your Excellency. But Purdie is backward in publishing them: so that I could do no more, than get a Promise from him to send them by next Post.
Last Sunday a small Skirmish happened below: the Event of which, as it is said, was favourable to us, we having lost 3, the Ministerialists 15, Privates.
Ld Dunmore is not so frequent in his Depredations, as formerly. The few armed Vessels, fitted out by the Colony, serve to check the Movements of all his Tenders.
About 5 Days since, Mr Custis’s Tenement, where Scot lived, opposite the Church, was burnt to the Ground, by the Negligence of some of the Soldiers, who had been quartered there.

The Wind, being due South, the out-House escaped the Flames; the Difficulty of saving the Church became thereby very great. The Country are surely answerable for this Damage, as it accrued in their Service.
The Convention have established a Court of Admiralty, and, as I am told, have taken the Lead in recommending a free Trade to the Congress. This looks like Business: but I cannot swear, that we are uniformly decisive. I have written to your Excellency repeatedly. I am Dr Sr Yr Excellency’s much obliged Servt

Edm. Randolph


Title: To George Washington from William Watson, 26 January 1776
From: Watson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Plymouth [Mass.] 26. Jany 1776

This pr express, comes to inform your Excellency that Commodore Manly, took yesterday off Cohassett rocks, after an hours engagement (haveing one man wounded in the breast,

not dangerous) Two Ships from white Haven bound for Boston, leaden with Sea coal, potatoes &c. Incclosd are bills of Loading—your Excellency will please to direct in what manner I shall conduct with these vessells.
The prisoners will be treated with kindness & will be sent forward Tomorrow—I am getting the Ships to the wharf & shall secure the small articles from pilferers who frequently infest vessels in there circumstances—I congratulate your Excellency on this reitterated instance of Commodore Manlys success and wish sincerely, that all the servants of the american Republic were equally industri[ous] with Manly. I am most respectfully your Excellencys most obedient, much obliged very humb. Servt

William Watson

N. B. the express brings all the papers taken in the ships.
    [P.S.] I wod acquaint your Excellency, that the engagement refered to in my Letter, was with a Tender of 8 guns & full of men, which had those Ships under Convoy, which circumstance I forgot to mention thro hurry. Yours as before

Willm Watson


Title: To George Washington from Eleazar Wheelock, 26 January 1776
From: Wheelock, Eleazar
To: Washington, George

Much Hond Sir.
Dartmouth College Jany 26. 1776.

The Bearer Mr Joseph Johnson, an Indian of the Mohegan Tribe was educated in my School when in Connecticut, and Since he left it has been employed in keeping School Among the Six Nations, till he is become considerably Master of their Language and has Served as interpreter for a Missionary Which I have Sent to these Nations—The August before last he was examined by a Voluntary Convention of Ministers Who Met here at Commencement, and was approved, & licenced as a Preacher of the Gospel to the Indians—and has Since preached among the Six Nations—and designes in Complyance With their Invitation, to remove With a large party of the new England christianized Indians, and Settle a Town or Towns in their Country—He has been Well acquainted with the Intreagues of Mr Guy Johnson & Colo. Buttler against the Colonies; & has been efficious & Successful in Endeavors to counteract them.
I believe him to be high in the Esteem of the Six nations—and has Obtained and, for Several Years So far as I know, well Supported, the Character of a Steady, prudent, judicious, virtuous, & pious Young Man, among English & Indians. He is incorporated With the Six Nations who have also made him one of their Council—and was a principal Instrument in Convening the Indians to the Congress at Albany last August, & was not a little instrumental to the peaceful and happy Issue of that Treaty.
Through the Liberality of Numbers charitably disposed he is not now under Necesity to Sollicit Charity for the Support of a Mission which he has thought Soon to enter upon—though in After Time if he Should continue in that Service, must depend upon that under God, unless Some other Resource Should be opened for his Support therein.
I thought proper to give Your Excellency this short but faithful Account of the Young Man, Not knowing what Instructions you might think proper to give to, or Use you might desire to

make of Such an one in the Indian Country—And Must rely on Your Excellency’s Candor to Accept this as my Only Excuse for this Interruption.
I have also herewith enclosed a copy of a Memorial I have lately Sent to the Honourable Continental Congress in which I have given a Short but faithful Account of the present State of the School under my care—If Your Excellency’s crowd of More important Affairs will allow you to read the Same I Shall be glad, & doubt not you will do any thing You Shall think proper & reasonable to forward & incourage it.
I heartily thank your Excellency for the care You took to forward my Letter from England which So very providentially came into your Hands. And that You may enjoy Health, And be directed, Assisted, & protected in All the important Business of your Department is the Daily Prayer of Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and very Humble Servant

Eleazar Wheelock


Title: General Orders, 27 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 27th 1776
Parole Cumberland.Countersign Gloucester


Title: To George Washington from Levi Allen, 27 January 1776
From: Allen, Levi
To: Washington, George

Salisbury in ConnecticutJany 27th 1776
May it please Your Excellency

I have rode some hundred miles in consequence of my brother Ethan Allen (commonly cal’d Colo. Allen) being taken prisoner near Montreal 25th Sept. last[,] waited on Your Excellency at head-quarters in Cambridge in Decm. last, since that waited on Genl Schuyler on the same business, he read me a paragraph of Your Excellency’s letter directing him to enquire what was become of Colo. Allen, and desird me if possible to git some evidence of the treatment he met with after taken prisoner, Accordingly have spared neither trouble, or cost to accomplish the same, one affidavet only have been able to Obtain, which here inclose, There is a number of the Ministerial Troops in this and the neighbouring Colonies prisoners, but few of them have seen my brother since a prisoner, only those taken on board the gaspy brigg, and it is next to impossible to git any of them to say Allen or any Other prisoner was used ill for fear of retaliation besides they have been Charg’d by Prescott and all the Officers not to mention Allens being put in Irons on pain of death—the soldier that made the affidavet here inclos’d was Very loth and I should not Obtain’d it, but he had previously drop’t words to the Same import of the affidavet I then brot him before proper Authority and told him he must declare on Oath whether Colo. Allen was put in Irons or not; then he declar’d on oath what the affidavet Says, at the same time beg’d none present would mention his name[.] Have some thoughts of Going to England in cognito after My brother but am not positively certain he is sent there, tho’ believe he is; beg your Excellency will favour me with a line and acquaint me if any inteligence concerning him, and if your Excellency pleases your Opinion of the expediency of going after him, & whether your

Excellency would think proper to Advance any Money for that purpose as My brother was a man bless’d with more fortitude than fortune; Your Excellency may think at first thought I can do nothing by going to England, I feel as if could do a great deal, by raising a mob in London bribing the goaler or by giting into some Servile employment with the goaler and Over faithfulness make myself master of the key, or at least be able to lay my hand on it some night; I beg Your Excellency will countenance my going, can muster more than one hundred ⟨mutilated⟩ My Own porperty shall regard Spending that no more than one Copper, Your Excellency must know Allen was not Only a Brother but a Real Friend that Sticketh closer than a brother, Have Two brothers in the Continental Army one a Capt. the Other a Lieut. the latter with the army before Quebeck whither he is there now or with Genl Montgomery in Heaven can’t tell[.] we look up to your Excellency as Our political Father and head of a Great People. Your Excelleny’s most Obedient ever faithful & Very Humb. Servant

Levi Allen

N. B. if your Excellency chuses I should wait on you personally I only wait Your commands Cannot live without going to England if my brother is sent there beg your Excellency won’t discover this letter least the Adverse party know my design.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 27 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Dear Sir
Cambridge Jany 27. 1776

On the 17 Inst. I received the melancholy account of the unfortunate attack on the City of Quebec, attended with the fall of General Montgomery, and Other Brave Officers & men, & your being wounded—This unhappy affair affects me in a very sensible manner, & I sincerely condole with you upon the occasion[.] But in the midst of distress, I am happy to find that suitable Honor[s] were paid to the remains of Mr Montgomery, & our Officers & Soldiers who have fallen into their hands, treated with kindness & humanity.
Haveing received no Intelligence later than the Copy of your Letter of the 2d to Genl Wooster, I would fain hope that you are not in a worse situation than you then were, tho I confess I have greatly feared that those misfortunes would be succeeded by others, on account of your unhappy condition & the dispireted state of the Officers & men If they have not, I trust when you are joined by three Regiments now raising in this & the Governments of Connecticut & New Hampshire—& two others ordered by the Congress from Pensylvania & the Jerseys, with the men already sent of by Col. Warner, that these misfortunes will be done away, and things resume a more favourable & promising appearance than ever.
I need not mention to you the great importance of this place, & the consequent possession of all Canada in the Scale of American affairs—you are well apprized of it—to whomsoever It belongs, in there favour probably, will the Ballance turn—If

It is in ours, Success I think will most certainly crown our virtuou⟨s⟩ struggles—If It is in theirs, the contest at best, will be doubtfull, hazardous and bloody. the glorious work must be accomplished in the course of this Winter, Otherwise It will become difficult, most probably, Impracticable—For Administration knowing that It will be impossible ever to reduce us to a state of Slavery & arbitrary rule without It will certainly send a large reinforcement there in the Spring—I am fully convinced, that your exertions will be invariab⟨ly⟩ directed to this Grand Object, & I already view the approachg day, when you & your brave followers will enter this Importt Fortress with every honor & triumph attendant on victory & conquest, then will you have added, the only link wanting in the great chain of Continental union & Render the freedom of your Country secure.
Wishing you a Speedy recovery & the possession of those Laurels, which your bravery & perseverance justly merit, I am Dr Sir &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, 27 January 1776
From: Bassett, Burwell
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Eltham 27 Janry 1776

Your favour of the 26 of Decr is just come to hand, it gave us great pleasure to hear that Mrs Washington got safe to the Camp & in good health as we ware afraid from the advance season of the year that she would meet with great difficultys on her Journey I waited on Mr Evevard last month enterd the petitions & paid the proper fees for your Ohio Land & shall continue to take every step necessary for securing it for you, Lord Dunmore is a[t] last stopt in his carreer the particulars of which you must have seen in the papers he is still confind on board his ship whare he suffers much for fresh provision and other necessarys I am just released from the Convention which set seven weaks they have agreed to raise six new Regiments & a

Battallion of five hundred men for the Eastern shoore I have inclos’d you a list of the Officers.
Let Mr Custis know that I shall write to him by the next post tho he does not deserve it as he has been so long at Cambridge & never let me hear from him: Mrs Bassett is writing to her Sister & will give her all the news that is stiring with us to which I must refer you.
The family at Eltham join me in Love for Mrs Washington Self Jack & his Lady I am Dr Sr Yr Affnate Friend & Obt Servt

Burl Bassett


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Cambridge 27th Jany 1776.

Your Favor of the 22d Inst. inclosing Col: Arnold’s Letter of the 2d explained the Doubt we were in respecting his Detachment—Happy would it have been for our Cause if that party could have got out of the City of Quebec; as I am much afraid from the Complexion of the Letters from that place that there is little Hope of Arnold’s continuing the Blockade without Assistance from Wooster which he is determined not to give, whether with propriety or not, I shall not at this Distance undertake to decide.
The sad Reverse of our Affairs in that Quarter, calls loudly for every Exertion in our power to restore them to the promising Aspect they so lately wore: for this Reason notwithstanding you think the Necessity of Troops from hence is in some Measure superceded, I will not countermand the Order (& Appointment of Officers) which are gone forth from this Government Connecticut and New Hampshire for raising a Regiment each, till Congress (who are informed of it) shall have decided upon the Measure—I consider that the important period is now arrived when the Canadians & consequently their Indians must take their Side, should any indecisive operations of ours therefore give the Biass against us, it is much easier to foresee than to rectify, the dreadful Consequences which must inevitably follow from it. I consider also that the Reinforcement under the Command of Colo. Warner, and such other spirited Men, as have left the Western parts of New England Governments, is only temporary, and may fail when most wanted, as we find it next to impossible to detain Men (not fast bound) in Service after they get a little tired of the Duties of it—& Homesick.
These my dear Sir, are the great out Lines which govern me in this Affair—If Congress mark them as strongly as I do they will not wish to starve the Cause at so critical a period. If they

think differently they will direct accordingly & I must stand corrected for the Error which my Zeal hath led me into.
Colo. Porter, said to be an exceeding active Man is appointed to the Command of the Regiment from this Government—Colo. Burrell to the one from Connecticut—and Colonel Biddle to that from New Hampshire—the two last are represented to me as Men of Spirit and Influence so that from Accounts I have no Doubt of their getting into Canada in a very short Time, as I have endeavored to excite the Spirit of Emulation—I wish most ardently that the State of your Health may permit you to meet them there—The possession of Quebec & entire Reduction of Canada this Winter so as to have Leisure to prepare for the Defence of it in the Spring, is of such great and extensive Importance to the well being of America that I wish to see Matters under the Direction—but I will say no more—You will come at my Meaning.
I am a little embarrassed to know in what Manner to conduct myself with Respect to the Coenawaga Indians now here—They have notwithstanding the Treaty of Neutrality which I find they entered into with you the other Day (agreeable to what appears to be the Sense of Congress) signified to me a Desire of taking up arms in Behalf of the united Colonies—The Chief of them and whom I understand is now the first Man in the Nation, intends as it is intimated to me, to apply to me for a Commission, with Assurances of raising four or five hundred Men, when he returns.
My Imbarrassment does not proceed so much from the Impropriety of encouraging these people to depart from their Neutrality (accepting their own voluntary Offer rather) as from the Expence which probably may follow—I am sensible that if they do not desire to be idle, that they will be for or against us—I am sensible also that no Artifices will be left unessayed to engage them against us—Their proferred Services therefore ought not to be rejected, but how far under the little Knowlege I have of these people’s policy and real Intentions & your Want of their aid I ought to go is the Question that puzzles me. I will endeavour however to please them by yielding in Appearance to their Demands—reserving at the same Time the power in you to regulate their Numbers & Movements of which you shall be more fully inform’d when any Thing is fixed—At present

what they have mentioned is a Kind of Out of Doors Talk—They expect & are waiting to see Colo. Biddel (who promised to meet them here) before they open themselves fully.
What can you do in Compliance with Arnold’s Request of Mortars &c.? If Knox dis-furnished you I am almost sorry for it, as I believe I shall never get wherewithal to feed them here—I congratulate you upon the Success of your Expedition into Tryon County—I hope General Lee will execute a Work of the same Kind on Long-Island &c.—It is high Time to begin with our internal Foes, when we are threatned with such Severity of Chastisement from our kind parents without—That the supreme Dispenser of every Good may bestow Health Strength & Spirit to you & your Army is the fervent Wish of Dr Sir Yr most affect. & obed. Servt

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Whipple, 27 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Whipple, William

Cambridge, 27th Januay 1776.
Sir—

There were three accounts exhibited against the United Colonies by different persons in your Province;

                  One by Jonathan Burnham, for
                  £40:
                  7:
                  5

                  One for Horse hier &c. by Saml Hobart,
                  0:
                  5:

                  One by yourself for sundry exps
                  26:
                  2:
                  5

                  £74:
                  14:
                  10

I think it will be more regular, that the accounts above mentioned should be settled by agents that will doubtless be appointed by the Congress to settle the accounts that are or may be depending with the different Provinces: This is the reason that I do not at present enter upon an examination of these accounts. I am,

Sir, your most Hb servt,
Go. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General David Wooster, 27 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Wooster, David

Sir
Cambridge Jany 27. 1776

On the 17 Instant I received the melancholy Account of the unfortunate attack on the City of Quebec, attended with the fall of General Montgomery & Others, & the misfortune of Col. Arnold being wounded—This unhappy affair affects me in a sensible manner, & I condole with you upon the Occasion.
Having received no Intelligence later than the Copy of Col. Arnolds Letter to you of the 2d, I would willingly hope, that he is in no worse situation than he then was, tho I confess my fears have been great, lest these misfortunes should have been succeeded by others.
I need not mention to you the Importance of Canada in the scale of our Affairs—to whomsoever It belongs, in their favour probably, will the Ballance Turn—If it is ours, success will crown our virtuous Struggles—If our Enemies, the Contest at best, will be doubtfull, hazardous & bloody—Governmt being fully convinced of these Facts, will most assuredly send a Strong

& considerable Reinforcemt to Quebec early in the Spring, which will render the reduction of It, exceedingly difficult, If not Impracticable—The Great & Important work must then be accomplished, in the course of the present Winter, or the rights of America may be lost for ever—I must therefore intreat you, in case Genl Schuyler’s Indisposition should not permit him to Act, to exert your self upon the Occasion, as much as you possibly can, & to give every assistance in your power for Compleating our Conquest in that Quarter—Three Regiments are raising in this & the Governments of Connecticut & New Hampshire with all possible expedition, and Two from Pensylvania & the Jerseys have been Ordered by Congress for this purpose, besides a number of men under the command of Col. Warner—When these arrive & Join the Troops already there, I confidently hope, that should the command devolve upon you, you will not only reinstate our Affairs in their former pleasing situation, but will be the happy means of adding the only Link wanting in the Grand chain of Continentl Union—You will then have an Opportunity of Employg your Abilities for your Country’s weal & renderg her services never to be forgotten. I am &c.


Title: General Orders, 28 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 28th 1776
Parole Cleavland.Countersign Lowther

As the General is consenting to, and desirous of the Militia drawing the same pay, as the Continental Troops The Officers of those Companies are hereby inform’d, that since the first of January, their pay will be the same as those Officers (of equal Rank) upon the new establishment; but before that date, no more than what was drawn under the old establishment, can be allow’d them, of this they are to take particular notice, that no mistake may happen.
When the Militia are discharged the Colonels or commanding Officers of the Regiments with whom they have done duty are to take especial care that every Ounce of Ammunition is received

from them (belonging to the public) as also such Men as Joined their Regiments for a Month—If any Man attempts to carry off a single Grain of Ammunition not known to be his own, he will be pursued, brought back and severely punished.
The Colonels, or commanding Officers of Regiments, are requested to buy any good Arms, which the Militia may voluntarily incline to sell; They are also to make out Pay-Abstracts, for those Men who joined their Regiments for the Month of January; confining it to that Month, that Warrants may issue accordingly.
Brigadier Genl Heath, with the Colonels of his Brigade, to attend at Head Quarters to morrow for Commissions to be filled up.


Title: From George Washington to Captain John Manley, 28 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Manley, John

Cambridge 28th Jany 1776

I received your agreeable Letter of the 26th instant giveing an account of your haveing taken & Carried into Plymouth two of the Enemys transports. Your Conduct in engageing the eight Gun Schooner, with So few hands as you went out with, your attention in Secureing Your prizes, & your general good behavior since you first engaged in the Service, merits mine & your Countrys thanks.
You may be assured that every attention will be paid to any reasonable request of yours, & that you shall have the Comand of a Stronger vessell of War, but as it will take up Some time before Such a one Can be fitted out, my desire is, that You Continue in the Hancock, until the end [of the] Cruize—When that is out you will Come to Head qrs & we will Confer together on the subject of the other ship[.] I wish you Coud engage men at Plymouth to make your Complement at least 40 Strong it woud enable you to encounter the small tenders that may fall in your way—tho I woud rather have you avoid an engagement untill you have a ship that will place you upon a more equall footing with your enemy—I need not reccommend to you to proceed again & pursue your good fortune, I wish you Coud inspire the Captains of the other Armed schooners under your

Command with Some of your activity & Industry—Cannot You appoint Such Stations for them—where they may have the best Chance of intercepting Supplies Going to the enemy[.] they dare not disobey your orders, as it is mentioned in the instructions I have given to each of them, that they are to be under your Comand, as Comodore & as Such I desire that you will give them Such Instructions in writeing as to you will appear proper for the good of the Service[.] I am Sir wishing You a Continuance of Success.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 28 January 1776 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 28 Jan. 1776. On 10 Feb. GW wrote to Reed: “Your obliging favours of the 28th Ulto & 1st Instt are now before me.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 28 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Cambridge 28th Jan: 1776
Dr Sir,

I quite forgot to enquire last night (when you were shewing me the Militia Pay Rolls) at what rates the Officers pay was charged—I am willing to allow them the same pay as the Troops here had, and have—that is, to the first of Jany agreeable to the old Establishment—(more I cannot)—& For the Month of Jany according to the present pay. this is putting of them in all respects upon a footing with the Continental Army. You will consider therefore how far this alteration will square with your mode of making up the Pay Rolls, as the manner of charging, & extending the Sums shd appear clear upon the face of the Accts—I must again desire you to request the Captains to be very correct in making up their Accts not only because they are to Swear to them, but because I must for my own justification

have all the extensions, & additions tryed. Should any of them therefore prove wrong, they will not only give themselves a good deal of trouble & delay for nothing, but me also; and I must again desire that they may be caution’d against Including Men that have Inlisted into the Continental Service, as I will take a good deal of pains to prevent, and if not prevented, to detect an Evil, which I am apprehensive will be practiced.
If I recollect the Roll you shewed me last Night, Men of the same Company, and as I suppose from the same Town, are charged a different Number of days, whereas I think the Ingagement is, that they are to be paid from the time of their Marching from the Town—however as I was ingaged in reading Letters & News Papers at the time, I might have Mistaken the matter.
As I understand the Muster Rolls of these Companies (from N⟨ew⟩ Hampshire) are lodged with yo⟨u. I⟩ should be glad to receive them with your Acct of the Money expended. If the Mileage is drawn for in the Manner propos’d by you, the Comy should be appriz’d of it, as he told me some of the Militia Captns without distinguishing of which Government, were applying to settle with him—I am Dr Sr Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. If you are not Ingaged I should be glad of your Company at Dinner at 2 O’clock.


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 29 January 1776
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia January 29th 1776.

The Congress have received your letter of the 19th Instant, and highly commend your prudence and zeal in applying to the Governments of New Hampshire Massachusetts bay and Connecticut to raise forces for the service of Canada at this exigency. They have fond hopes by the zeal and alacrity of those Colonies troops will be forwarded with such expedition as will not only succour our friends but in some measure retrieve our loss and put us in possession of Quebec before our enemies can receive reinforcements.
The Congress have agreed to add the Massachusetts regiment to the forces they at first destined for Canada; this is the more Necessary as it is now uncertain whether two batallions as was expected, can be raised out of the troops in that country. But they do not by this mean to weaken your Army. They have therefore ordered that the three regiments you applied for from Massachusetts bay New Hampshire and Connecticut shall be exclusive of the thirteen wanted for the army at Cambridge.
By the latest advices from England it appears that administration are determined to exert themselves and to send a considerable force against us next Spring, though at the same time

they pretend to say that they will offer terms of accommodation and mean only by their armament to enforce their terms.
It behoves us therefore to be ready to receive them. For should an accommodation take place the terms will be severe or favourable in proportion to our ability to resist.
The Congress highly approve your sending general Lee to the assistance of New York as a measure judicious and necessary and have also appointed three of their body to repair to New York and confer with General Lee and the committee of Safety of New York on the subject of putting that colony in a posture of defence.
General Prescot arrived here last thursday and is this day ordered into close confinement in the goal of this city.
I must beg leave to Refer you to the Inclos’d Resolutions—I Send by this Express Commiss[ion]s for the Massach[usett]s Battalion, & the Money order’d, to the Assembly. I have the honour to be with the greatest Esteem Sir Your most Obedt hume sevt

John Hancock Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Captain William Palfrey, 29 January 1776
From: Palfrey, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Stamford [Conn.] 29th January 1776

General Lee being unfortunately visited with the Gout or Rheumatism, has directed me to inclose to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter he has just receiv’d by Express from the President of the Continental Congress. General Lee would have wrote you, but the position of writing is so very painful that he hopes you will excuse him. Notwithstanding his illness he is determin’d to go forward to-morrow in a Litter which he has ordered to be prepared for that purpose. He begs his Compliments to Mrs Washington & the family, to which we beg leave to add those of Mr Byrd and Your Excellency’s most obedient and humble Servant

Wm Palfrey Aid de Camp


Title: To George Washington from William Watson, 29–30 January 1776
From: Watson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Plymouth [Mass.] 29[-30] Jany 1776

I must ask your Excellencys Pardon for omitting in my last, some very meterial circumstances relative to the capture of Commodore Manlys last prizes—I had not when I wrote, got an exact account of the matter, since w[hic]h the Commodore tells me that he had taken the prizes, & had put his people on board them some time before the Tender came to Their assistance, that there were two other Vessels from Nova scotia with stock, in company with these ships, & that the whole fleet with the Tender, wod have been taken, had it not been for the cowardice of one of our Continental armed Vessels, who was very near them, but dared not engage, & who made the best of his way off—Commodore Manly fought in very disadvantageous circumstances not haveing more than sixteen of his own people on board; but then, he receivd considerable assistance from his prisoners, more particularly from the Captains, who did as much as they dared do in such circumstances.

Your Excellency will please to direct me in what manner I shall conduct with these Captains relative to what they brot with them on their own account, memorandum of w[hic]h is inclosed. If these people are indulged to return to Plymouth to take care of their effects (provided their private adventures are given them) will it be any disadvantage to the public? however, your Excelly will much oblige our people, particularly the people belonging to the armed vessels, if youl permitt the Bazes & Chex, to be stop’d here, as they are greatly wantd to make them shirts.
Commodore Manly is now in our harbour, has been puzled with the Ice, (with which we are now blocked up) but has received no damage—The Harison Capt. Dyar is now in the Ice, has lost a⟨n⟩ anchor & cable, but we hope to find them again, we are now cuting the ice & hope to get him out without further damage.
I shall do every thing in my power to forward geting these vessels to sea, as a large number of ships from England are expected with provisions, & but one of them is of any force.
Capt. Morton, of the artilery, the bearer of this, takes charge of the prisoners, Capts. Hall & Grindall, who wod have been sent forward before, had not the extreme cold weather prevented. I am most respectfully your Excellen⟨cy’s⟩ most obedient much obliged very hume servant

William Watson

Tuesday morning [30 January] 8 OClock The Hancock, Manly & the yankee Barnes now under sail bound on a cruize.


Title: General Orders, 30 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 30th 1776
Parole Sydney.Countersign Hampden.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Howe, 30 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir,
Cambridge 30 January 1776

I have a Command from the Honble Continental Congress to propose an Exchange of Governor Skene for Mr James Lovel & Family—If the Proposition is agreeable, you will please to signifie as much to me, & Mr Lovel that he may prepare for his Removal, whilst I cause Mr Skene to be brought to this place. I am Sir Your mo[st] humble s[ervan]t

(signed) George Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 30 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir
Cambridge 30 Jany 1776

I wrote you the 23 Inst. & then Informed you that Genl Clinton had gone upon some expedition with 4 or 500 men; there is good reason to beleive that Tryon has applied for some Troops, & that he would join them with a great number of Inhabitants, so that you will see the necessity of your being decisive & expeditious in your operations in that Quarter—The Tories should be disarmed Immediately, tho It is probable, that they may have

secured their Arms on board the Kings Ships, untill called upon to use ’em against us—However you can Seize upon the persons of the Principals, they must be so notoriously known, that the⟨re⟩ will be little danger of your Committing mistakes, And happy should I be, If the Governor could be one of them.
Since Writing the above, your favour of the 24th came to hand with the Sundry Inclosures, which I have with attention perused & very much approve of your Conduct—I sincerely wish that the Letter you expect to receive from Congress may empower you to Act, conformable to your own & my Sentiments on this Occasion, If they should Order differently we must Submit, as they doubtless will have good reasons for what they may determine on.
The Congress desire I should send an Active General to Canada; I fancy when they made the demand, that they did not think Genl Schuyler would continue in that station, which he has given me to understand by some late Letters from him, that he would. Should they not approve of the New York expedition, & think another General necessary for the Northern departmt, It is probable they will fix on you to take the Command there, I should be sorry to have you removed so far from this Scene, But If the service there requires your presence It will be a fine field for the exertion of your admirable Talents—There is nothing new here, Let me hear often from you & beleive me &c.


Title: General Orders, 31 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, Jany 31st 1776
Parole Belhaven.Countersign Lancaster

Richd Thompson of Capt. Nuting’s Company, in Col. Prescots Regiment, tried at a late General Court Martial for “Theft and Desertion,” is found guilty of both those Crimes, and sentenced to receive thirty-nine Lashes for each, and mulcted Twenty-four Shillings & eight pence out of his pay—Twelve shillings thereof to be paid to the prosecutor Samuel Keys, and the rest to the persons who brought the prisoner back to camp.

The General approves the above Sentence, and orders it to be executed, at such time, and place, as the Commanding Officer of the Regiment shall think proper.


Title: To George Washington from George Gregory, 31 January 1776 [letter not found]
From: Gregory, George
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from George Gregory, 31 Jan. 1776. A letter of 9 Feb. to Gregory, apparently written for GW by George Lewis, begins: “Your Letter, to his Excellency of the 31st ultimo is come to hand, I have it in command from him to informe you that he has Laid it down as an invariable rule (for the present) not to grant Liberty to any Prisoners

of War, to remove from the Place, to which they are by their Parole confined” (DLC:GW).


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 31 January 1776
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

My dear Sir,
Cambridge 31st of Jan: 1776.

In my last (date not recollected) by Mr John Adams, I communicated my distresses to you, on Acct of my want of your Assistance—since this, I have been under some concern at doing of it, least it should precipitate your return before you were ripe for it, or bring on a final resignation, which I am unwilling to think of, if your return can be made convenient and agreeable—True it is, that from a variety of Causes my business has been, & now is, multiplied & perplexed; whilst the means of execution is greatly contracted. this may be a cause for my wishing you here, but no Inducement to your coming, if you hesitated before.
I have now to thank you for your favours of the 15th 16th & 20th Instt; and for the several Articles of Intelligence which they convey—the Acct given of your Navy, at the sametime that it is exceedingly unfavourable to our wishes, is a little provoking to me; in as much as it has depriv’d us of a necessary Article which otherwise would have been sent hither; but which, a kind of fatality I fear will forever deprive us of—In the Instance of New York, we are not to receive a particle of what you expected would be sent from thence—the time and Season is passing away, as I believe the Troops in Boston also will, before the Season for taking the field arrives. I dare say they are preparing for it now, as we have undoubted Intelligence of Clintons leaving Boston with a number of Troops (by different Accts from four or five hundred to 10 Companies of Grenadiers, & nine of light Infantry) believed to be design’d for Long Island, or New York, in consequence of Assurances from Governor Tryon of a powerful Aid from the Tories there.
I hope my Countrymen (of Virginia) will rise superior to any losses the whole Navy of Great Britain can bring on them, &

that the destruction of Norfolk, & threatned devastation of other places, will have no other effect than to unite the whole Country in one indissoluble Band against a Nation which seems to be lost to every sense of Virtue, and those feelings which distinguish a Civilized People from the most barbarous Savages. A few more of such flaming Arguments as were exhibited at Falmouth and Norfolk, added to the sound Doctrine, and unanswerable reasoning containd (in the pamphlet) Common Sense, will not leave numbers at a loss to decide upon the Propriety of a Seperation.
By a Letter of the 21st Instt from Wooster I find that Arnold was continuing the Blockade of Quebec the 19th which, under the heaviness of our loss there, is a most favourable Circumstance, & exhibits a fresh proof of Arnolds Ability and perseverence in the midst of difficulties. the re-inforcement ordered to him will, I hope, compleat the entire Conquest of Canada this Winter; and but for the loss of the Gallant Chief & his brave Followers I should think the re-buff rather favourable than otherwise; for had the Country been subdued by such a handful of Men ’tis more than probable that it would have been left to the defence of a few, & rescued from us in the Spring—Our Eyes will now, not only be open to the Importance of holding it, but the numbers which are requisite to that end.
In return for your two Beef & Poultry Vessels from New York, I can acquaint you that our Commodore, Manley, has just taken two Ships from Whitehaven to Boston with Coal & Potatoes & sent them into Plymouth, & fought a Tender (close by the Light House, where the Vessels were taken) long enough to give his Prizes time to get off, in short till she thought it best to quit the combat, & he to move of from the Men of War wch were Spectators of this Scene.
In my last I think I inform’d you of my sending Genl Lee to New York with Intention to secure the Tories of Long Island &ca; and to prevent, if possible, the Kings Troops from making a Lodgment there; but I fear the Congress will be duped by the Representations from that Government or yield to them in such a manner as to become Marplots to the Expedition. The City seems to be entirely under the Government of Tryon & the Captn of the Man of War.
Mrs Washington desires I will thank you for the Picture sent

her. Mr Campbell whom I never saw (to my knowledge) has made a very formidable figure of the Commander in Chief giving him a sufficient portion of Terror in his Countenance. Mrs Washington also desires her Compliments to Mrs Reed &ca as I do—& with the sincerest regard & Affection I remain Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Salem Volunteers, 31 January 1776
From: Salem Volunteers
To: Washington, George

Sir
Salem [Mass.] Jany 31. 1776.

The General Court of this colony having, pursuant to your request, issued orders for raising upwards of 4000 men to serve in the army that is under your Excellency’s immed⟨ia⟩te command; till the first day of April next, & of that number directed that 91 be inlisted in the town of Salem; in consequence therof the militia were mustered, the resolves of the Court read to them, and the importance of manning the lines at Cambridge &

Roxbury was urged: But great numbers of the inhabitants being at sea, many impressed on board the British ships, a considerable number in the American armed vessels & privateers, one hundred employed as a seacoast guard, & perhaps double that number already in the army, of the residue two or three only presented themselves to serve on the common establishment of the army. We were therefore induced to try another method, & the Comtee of Safety gave the inlisting orders to a worthy man & good soldier, who had served as a lieut. in the army the last campaign; & offered a months pay in advance to all who would inlist under him: but this measure also proved ineffectual. Hence the persons whose names are subjoined inhabitants of the town of Salem convinced that ’tis of the last importance to the United Colonies & essential to the safety of this colony, to defend the lines at Cambridge & Roxbury, have agreed (as ’tis not in their power to do any thing more or better) to form themselves into a company of volunteers, to serve in the army till the first day of April next without pay; and they now sir beg leave to tender themselves to your Excellency, to be employed as you shall think best; and pray they may by the bearer, who is one of the company, be made acquainted with your Excellency’s pleasure.