1From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 9th and am much obliged to you for the several particulars you communicate. The prize gained by Sir Henry Clinton seems hardly to have been worth the trouble of the expedition. I am sorry that Col. Malcolm is not sensible of the necessity which has deprived him of his late command—The very advantageous opinion I entertain of him made me wish it had been...
2From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received yours dated the 5th at West Point early this morning. I was yesterday on my way towards the River when I met Major Platts letter from Haverstraw informing me that the enemy had fallen down the River again —and of the dispositions which had been made for their reception. By this letter I was releived from my principal anxiety which was, that perhaps Pattersons and Learneds Brigades...
3From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment arrived here from Elizabeth Town upon receiving intelligence of the Movement of the Enemy up the River. I have halted Genl Wayne at this place. Colo. Morgan with Woodfords Brigade is at Pompton, Colo. Clarke with the Carolina Brigade at the Clove and Baron Kalb with the two Maryland Brigades on the other side the Mountain. All these troops have orders to hold themselves in...
4From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will forthwith proceed to the Highlands and take the command there—All the Posts in the North River from Poughkeepsie, inclusively, downwards, will be comprehended within the limits of your command. The Troops under you will consist of three Massachusetts Brigades, Nixons, Pattersons, & Learneds & the Garrison at West Point. I need not observe to you that West Point is to be considered as...
5From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
If you should not have reached Danbury or very near it with the division before this gets to hand, you will be pleased to halt the two Connecticut Brigades where this shall find you ’till further orders. General Nixon will still proceed to Danbury, as was at first intended. In this case you will inform me where the two Brigades halt. But if you should be very near Danbury with the division you...
6From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favour of the 9th and 13th. I think it will be on every account better for the Officers of the Connecticut line, to take their places as they were posted by the new arrangement, and I desire that General’s Huntington and Parson may do it. I have received advice from Boston that the Sommerset of 64 guns, one of Admiral Byrons Fleet, went on shore on Cape Cod in a Gale of wind the...
7From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
As I am obliged to go from Head Quarters this morning on business of consequence —I am under the necessity of giving you a short answer to your Letter of the 3d Inst., which was only presented to me just now. Your reasoning as to the improbability of the Enemy’s operating to the Eastward was very strong; and your views of the difficulties that would attend the quartering of the whole Army on...