101George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 17 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] July 17, 1777. Is pleased with capture of Major General Richard Prescott. Will try to exchange Prescott for Major General Charles Lee. Praises conduct of Lieutenant Colonel William Barton. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Barton was a lieutenant colonel of the Rhode Island Militia. Congress, because of the part he played in the...
102George Washington to Colonel Thomas Elliott, 18 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] July 18, 1777. Orders Elliott to appear at Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, who indorsed on the verso Washington’s decision: “in Six or Seven weeks from this time if he does not come on must expect to be superseded” George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
103George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 18 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] July 18, 1777. Requests Smallwood to join Army at Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
104George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] July 22, 1777. Asks for accurate report of British movements on Long Island Sound. Requests information on posts around Kings Bridge and Fort Washington. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
105George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 22 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] July 22, 1777. Is sending Brigadier General John Glover’s brigade to reinforce Schuyler. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Although the partially erased signature of H can be seen on the draft, this is without a doubt a Washington letter.
106George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 24 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Ramapo [ New Jersey ] July 24, 1777. Is disappointed in number of militia sent to Schuyler. Regrets inability to send Schuyler more Continental troops, but believes Schuyler will be aided by eastern states. Discusses strength of enemy. Is sending Major General Benjamin Lincoln to aid Schuyler and to command militia. Approves of stationing men about the New Hampshire Grants. Suggests putting...
107George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 24 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Ramapo [ New Jersey ] July 24, 1777. Orders Sheldon to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Sheldon was a colonel of the Second Continental Dragoons.
108George Washington to William Franklin, 25 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Ramapo [ New Jersey ] July 25, 1777. Expresses sympathy with Franklin’s request to see sick wife. Regrets that commanding general cannot supersede a congressional resolution, but has forwarded Franklin’s letter to Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Franklin, the last Loyalist governor of New Jersey, was at this time imprisoned in Connecticut because...
109George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Ramapo [ New Jersey ] July 25, 1777. Introduces Monsieur D’Avout. LS , in writing of H, Papers of Continental Congress, National Archives.
110George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Pompton Plains [ New Jersey ] July 25, 1777. Reports that Philadelphia is probable destination of enemy fleet. Orders Putnam to replace part of Continental troops at Peekskill with New York and Connecticut militia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
111George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 26 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Lott’s [ East of Morristown, New Jersey ] July 26, 1777. Orders Bland to halt at Bristol, Pennsylvania, or Trenton and then proceed to Philadelphia if enemy is in Delaware Bay. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
112George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] July 27, 1777. Disapproves of requisition of arms for proposed St. Johns expedition. Approves of Heath’s methods of dealing with deserters. Requests Heath not to send French volunteers to Headquarters, as their pretensions to office are “embarrassing.” Reports that British fleet’s destination is probably Philadelphia. Orders Continental troops sent to the Northern...
113George Washington to Robert Erskine, 28 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Flemington [ New Jersey ] July 28, 1777. Offers Erskine position of geographer with the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Erskine was a civil engineer operating a mine at Ringwood, New Jersey.
114George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 28 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Flemington [ New Jersey ] July 28, 1777. Believes that appearance of enemy fleet off Little Egg Harbor is proof that its destination is Philadelphia. Orders Mifflin to reconnoiter area around Philadelphia, and to obtain “drafts … of the Country.” Presents possible plan for stationing of American troops. Recommends baking of large quantities of hard bread. Df , in writing of H, George...
115George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Chester [ Pennsylvania ] August 1, 1777. Orders Greene to hold men in readiness to march and to give the necessary orders to quartermaster general and commissary general respecting provisions and forage. States that British fleet has departed from the Delaware. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Although H’s crossed-out signature can be seen on the draft, this...
116George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Chester [ Pennsylvania ] August 1, 1777. Warns of probable attack on Highlands. Discusses orders given to Major General John Sullivan and Governor George Clinton to aid Putnam. Instructs Putnam to ask aid of Governor Jonathan Trumbull. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
117George Washington to Brigadier General Preudhomme de Borre, 3 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 3, 1777 . Orders De Borre to remain at Bound Brook until enemy arrives at “the Hook” and then to proceed to Peekskill. Condemns De Borre’s execution of a Tory. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. De Borre arrived in America in March, 1777, and enlisted in the American Army as a volunteer. He resigned in the same year.
118George Washington to Brigadier General Francis Nash, 3 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
City Tavern [ Philadelphia ] August 3, 1777. Orders Nash to hold troops and vessels in readiness. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Francis Nash, Brigadier General in the Continental Army from North Carolina, died October 17, 1777, of wounds received at Germantown on October 4.
119George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 4 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] August 4, 1777. Forwards Congress’ appointment of Gates to the command of Northern Department. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
120George Washington to The New York Council of Safety, 4 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 4, 1777 . Warns of danger of popular attitude toward fall of Ticonderoga and the advance of General John Burgoyne. Does not wish to aid Northern Department by weakening main Army. Laments lack of aid that has been given by the eastern states, but is assured that presence of Major General Benjamin Lincoln and Major General Benedict Arnold will induce a change. Advises that...
121George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 6 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] August 6, 1777. Notifies Gates that De Malmady has been given permission to serve under Gates in Northern Department. LS , in the writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City François, Marquis de Malmady, was a colonel in the Continental Army.
122George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] August 7, 1777. Notifies Gates that Du Bouchet has been given permission to serve under Gates in the Northern Department. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City. Denis Jean Florimond Langlois de Mautheville, Chevalier du Bouchet.
123George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] August 10, 1777. Reports that Army has been moved to Coryells Ferry. Discusses desirability of defending Fort Island rather than Billingsport. Asks permission to have Major General Tronson du Coudray survey region between Marcus Hook and Philadelphia. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
124George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 12, 1777. Has instructed Brigadier General Silas Newcomb to maintain New Jersey militia at Woodbury. Asks if Major General Tronson du Coudray may call on Newcomb for aid. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Also known as Neshaminy Camp. This later became Hartsville, Pennsylvania.
125George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 14 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 14, 1777. Instructs Dayton to send information on strength of the enemy at Kings Bridge and on Staten Island. Also asks Dayton to send account of number of boats available in that area. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
126George Washington to John Hancock, 15 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 15, 1777. Suggests plan of defence for Fort Island based on Major General Tronson du Coudray’s maps. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
127George Washington to George Clinton, 16 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 16, 1777. Discusses importance of the two actions near Fort Schuyler. Asks for more information. Commends New York’s efforts. States that a body of New Hampshire Militia under Brigadier General John Stark has joined Major General Benjamin Lincoln at Bennington, Vermont. Differs with the plan of Major General Philip Schuyler and Lincoln to unite all...
128George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 17 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Camp at Cross Roads, Pennsylvania ] August 17, 1777. Acknowledges receipt of Turgot’s recommendation for a French volunteer. Discusses difficulty of placing French officers and advises Franklin to discourage potential candidates in France. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Franklin was in France serving as United States Commissioner to that country. Anne...
129George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 17, 1777. Seeks information concerning Du Portail’s request to Congress for horses and servants at public expense. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Colonel Louis Le Bèque (Le Begue) Du Portail was sent to America in July, 1777. Congress appointed him chief engineer with the rank of colonel. He was given the rank of...
130George Washington to Baron de Holtzendorff, 18 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at the Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 18, 1777. Acknowledges receipt of the Baron’s “plan of a military work.” Encloses letter to Major General Nathanael Greene stating that the Baron is to be attached as a lieutenant colonel to Greene’s division. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Baron de Holtzendorff, commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1776,...
131George Washington to Brigadier General Preudhomme de Borre, 19 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 19, 1777. Abides by Brigadier General de Borre’s preference of an American as brigade major and recommends Captain Matthew McConnell of Colonel Moses Hazen’s regiment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
132George Washington to John Hancock, 22 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 22, 1777. Acknowledges receipt of news that enemy is in Chesapeake Bay. Informs Hancock of orders given to Colonel Thomas Proctor, Brigadier General Francis Nash, Major General John Sullivan, and the Army at Headquarters. Approves of removal of stores from Lancaster and York.
133George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 27, 1777. Discusses failure of Staten Island expedition. Advises Sullivan to spare health of men on march to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
134George Washington to John Hancock, 28 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 28, 1777. Recommends Count Casimir Pulaski to command cavalry. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Pulaski was a Polish officer recommended to Washington by Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee. He later commanded an independent corps of cavalry known as Pulaski’s Legion.
135George Washington to John Hancock, 29 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 29, 1777. Discusses movements of enemy. Asks Hancock to send commissions for Brigadier Generals John Glover, Enoch Poor, and John Paterson. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
136George Washington to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 1 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 1, 1777. Orders Hughes to forward salt to Major General Horatio Gates. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Hughes was assistant quartermaster general.
137George Washington to William Livingston, 1 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 1, 1777. Discusses Lieutenant John Troup’s arrest. Has ordered a special court martial. States that under no circumstances is Troup’s sentence to be mitigated. Is satisfied with Livingston’s reason for delay in dividing New Jersey into districts. Understands reluctance of people of New Jersey to join militia. Agrees that practice of issuing unauthorized...
138George Washington to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Junior, 2 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 2, 1777. Discusses danger of stationing large forces at Yorktown and Hampton. States that plan to stop shipping on rivers is not effective. Recommends use of light companies. Describes position of enemy. Sends information concerning battle of Oriskany and retreat from Fort Schuyler. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers,...
139George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 3 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 3, 1777. Discusses possibility of British attack on Maxwell by enemy party sent to Bohemia, Delaware. Orders Maxwell to send information about enemy in that area. In postscript, orders Maxwell to retreat to Christiana Bridge. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
140George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 4 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 4, 1777. Orders Hand to send forward officers of Colonel Daniel Brodhead’s regiment. Sends news of Fort Stanwix (Schuyler). Df , in writing of H, postscript in writing of Caleb Gibbs, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
141George Washington to Christopher Ludowick, 5 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 5, 1777. Orders Ludowick to Camp by way of Pittstown and Coryells Ferry. Asks Ludowick to send bread from these places to Camp, and to set up as many ovens as possible in Philadelphia for baking hard bread. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
142George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 5, 1777. Encloses two letters for Lord Richard Howe and General William Howe. Orders Maxwell to apologize to Howe if there is any truth in report that an enemy flag was fired upon. Requests information concerning situation of enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
143George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 5, 1777. Asks if Maxwell is prepared to make a secret foray against enemy. Gives instructions concerning proper guides and return route. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
144George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 14 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] September 14, 1777. Forwards to Dickinson steps taken to counteract the enemy in New Jersey. Is confident of Dickinson’s cooperation and assistance. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Dickinson was a major general in the New Jersey Militia from June 6, 1777, to the close of the war.
145George Washington to John Hancock, 14 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] September 14, 1777. Is directing Major General Israel Putnam to send a second detachment of one thousand men to camp. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
146George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] September 14, 1777. Orders Heath to send all Continental troops in Massachusetts to join the main Army. Relays information concerning engagement at Brandywine Creek. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
147George Washington to John Hancock, 17 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Yellow Springs [ Pennsylvania ] September 17, 1777. Discusses situation of enemy and American efforts to secure reinforcements. LS , in the writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
148George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Reading Furnace, Pennsylvania ] September 19, 1777. Orders McDougall to join main Army. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
149To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [21 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The distressed situation of the army for want of blankets and many necessary articles of Cloathing, is truly deplorable; and must inevitably be destructive to it, unless a speedy remedy be applied. Without a better supply than they at present have, it will be impossible for the men to support the fatigues of the campaign in the further progress of the approaching inclement season. This you...
150To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 22 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I have order’d eight or Ten light Horse more to your assistance, and if you should find a further force necessary to facilitate the business you are upon, there are fifty or sixty dismounted No Carolinians attach’d at present to Colo. Nicholas Corps. These must be subject to your order. I have been just now inform’d, that there are not less than three thousand pair of Shoes in the hands of...