11George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 25, 1779 . Forwards copy of general orders to be read to troops. Encloses letter to Major General Nathanael Greene. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
12From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I send you an extract from the General orders of this day; which you will be pleased to announce. The letter to the Board transmitted to General Greene will inform you of the subject of their meeting—After reading, you will forward it to General Greene. I am Your most Obedt servant. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s aide-de-camp Richard Kidder...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 23 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has just rec’d information from Col. Butler, who is stationed at the landing called stoney beach that a party of the Enemy of about 400 Men were on the opposite side of the River apparently with a design to reconnoitre the landing. In consequence of this intelligence, he desires you will as soon as possible to morrow morning advance Genl: Smallwood with his Brigade to the Forest...
14George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 21, 1779 . Is moving Headquarters to New Windsor. Orders Putnam to assume command of camp at Smiths Clove. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
15From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
As I am removing Head Quarters for the present from this place to New Windsor you will have the immediate command of the troops in this camp. Should any letters arrive for me immediately from the forts or out posts, you will open them for your own information and then forward them to me—All others, you will forward directly on unopened. I wish you without delay to have the inquiry which was...
16From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wish to see you at this place as soon as possible to have your opinion on several matters of importance. I am Yr most Obedt serv. LS , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, NjP . Putnam appears to have been the recipient of this letter because the docket is in the writing of his secretary.
17From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 14 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
As I am just setting out for West point where I may remain for two or three days, You will take the command of the Troops in this Camp till my return. I have published this in orders and you will receive from the Adjutant General the disposition I have made for opposing the Enemy in case they should move against the post at west point. All I have to request at present is, that you will have a...
18George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1779 . Orders Putnam to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
19From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine to you of the 24th instant, I requested you to join the main army immediately to take the command of one of the wings—As things now are at a crisis and every officer ought to be at his station I am to repeat my earnest desire wherever this finds you that you will instantly repair to my Head Quarters—I expect to set out tomorrow towards the Clove by way of Morris Town. I am Dr Sir Yr...
20From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
By recent intelligence, thrô different Channels, I have the best reason to believe that, General Clinton has drawn his whole force to a point at New York and its vicinity—That he has collected (& some accts add removed, to Kings bridge) a number of flat-bottomed Boats with Muffled Oars—and that, every appearance indicates an expedition at hand —There are but too important objects he can have...
21George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 20, 1779 . Orders court-martial for Major Joseph Eayre. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
22From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I return you the papers relating to the officers at Springfield —I find by them that Major Ayres has avoided a trial by a resignation. This is a matter which it would be inconsistent with my duty to permit as the charge against Major Ayres is of a very serious nature and founded on the report of a public body. It is contrary to practice that the resignation of an officer while under arrest...
23From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 7th instant in due time. I wish the most effectual measures to be taken for filling up the regiments, but am sorry to find it your opinion that the Connecticut levies will be raised very slowly. I am now writing the governor, and shall take notice of the necessity of forwarding this business. The assembly were right in their construction of the resolution of...
24George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam or Officer Commanding at Redding, 28 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 28, 1779 . Asks that Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons’s brigade be sent to reinforce Major General Alexander McDougall. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
By intelligence received from different quarters, there is great reason to suspect the enemy have some important movement in contemplation—In this aspect of things, it becomes the part of prudence to provide as effectually as we can for the security of those points, at which we are most vulnerable. I am therefore to desire you will, without delay , detach General Parsons’ Brigade to reinforce...
26From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have an extract of a letter this instant received from Genl Maxwell at Elizabeth-town —to what end the commotion he speaks of tends, is uncertain; but as the Army and our posts on the North River (for security of the communication between the Eastern & Southern States) are the only objects we can attend to without hazarding more than Military prudence will warrant[.] I cannot...
27From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
On examining the return from Peeks kill of General Poors brigade, which was some time since directed to that place, I was surprised to find that only 457 rank and file had arrived. You will immediately on receipt of this letter, give express and positive orders, for all such as remain, however employed, to join their respective regiments without further delay. I am sir &. Df , in James...
28From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Immediately upon receipt of this letter, you will set about putting your division in the most perfect readiness to march by the 10th of May ensuing. The officers will disencumber themselves of all heavy baggage—retaining only such as may be indispensibly necessary. In the intermediate time all such stores as are of consequence or that cannot remain at Danbury without a guard, you will have...
29From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favd with yours of the 30th March. My letters of the 27th ulto and 1st instant, to which I refer you, went fully into the subject of that which I have just recd and recommend the measures which I still think, all circumstances considered, ought to be pursued—The Messenger who brought your letter, having mentioned his orders to return to you as expeditiously as possible I have...
30From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 28th of March giving me information of such of the movements of the enemy as had come to your knowledge. The real design of their preparations upon the sound being as much a secret as when I wrote to you upon the 27th ulto, I can only repeat to you now what I thought most advisable then, which was, to keep the detachment of Continental troops at New...
31From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 27 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I last evening recd your favors of the 22d instant with the several peices of intelligence they contained. Under the present uncertainty of the Enemy’s intentions it is impossible to determine upon drawing a force to any particular point. New London, tho’ the most probable, may not be the real object—and should it be so, it is too far distant to derive any further support from you than what it...
32From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 13th Inst. The papers you inclosed I herewith return—In my letter of the 9th—I gave my opinion on the measures to be pursued in Capn Scudders and Doctor Anthony’s case—so that the papers are of no further use to me—and may be communicated to the Court of Admiralty if they throw any light on the affair. You will be pleased to forward Col. Hazens Letter. I...
33From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd intelligence last night, that the enemy on Staten Island are in motion with a more than usual demonstration and parade—This may intend an incursion into the Jersey’s—or it may be ment to cover an expedition elsewhere—possibly against the posts at the Highlands—I therefore think it necessary to communicate to you the intelligence, that you may accellerate the remainder of Gen. Poor’s...
34George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 16, 1779 . Orders Putnam to send remainder of Brigadier General Enoch Poor’s brigade to reinforce Major General Alexander McDougall. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
35From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 6th I directed Hazen’s regiment to be detached towards the Co’os—on receipt of this, you will be pleased to send the remainder of Poor’s brigade to reinforce General McDougall. Near a thousand of the men who now compose his command are drafts whose time of service will expire by the first of next month. The importance of the Highland posts makes it absolutely necessary they...
36From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are Copies of Affidavits transmitted me by Governor Clinton in consequence of a Complaint exhibited against Lt Col. Holdridge, by James Hallett of the State of New York. A Representation of the same matter I am informed has been laid before Congress—if they have not ordered differently—You will order a Court Martial for the Trial of Col. Holdridge & in the mean time take proper...
37From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 2d and 4th instants and am pleased to hear of Genl Tryons speedy retreat from Horseneck with the loss which he sustained in his march back. I cannot see any right that I have to interfere in scudders Affair, more especially as he acted under a state commission and has libelled his prize in the Court of Admiralty. I have returned you the papers you sent with Docr...
38From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon reciept of this Letter you will put Hazens regiment in motion—Inclosed are his instructions—his whole Regiment is to march —You will please to put the remaining part of Poors Brigade under Marching Orders—their destination will be pointed out in a Subsequent Letter —and you will use the most effectual means to cause every Officer & Soldier now on furlough, or who may obtain leave of...
39From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
A Committee appointed by the Council of the State of Massachusetts Bay to inquire into the conduct and behaviour of the Officers both Civil and Military doing duty at Springfeild, having preferred Complaints against Colo. David Mason, Colo. Smith Dy Qr Mr and Major Eyres, the Congress have by a Resolve of the 11th instant (Copy of which you have inclosed) directed me to order a Court Martial...
40From George Washington to Major Generals Alexander McDougall and Israel Putnam, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Burrall an Assistant Pay Master General sets out this morning with 400,000 Dollars for the use of the posts under the respective commands of General Putnam and yourself. The inclosed copy of his instructions will shew you in what manner it is to be applied. You will perceive that 100,000 Dollars is to be appropriated as bounty money for reinlisting the troops under your command during the...
41From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your several favors of the 25th and 26th Ultimo met me in Philadelphia. To give a just decision in Captain Scudders affair, a more perfect knowlege of the subject is necessary than what I have yet acquired, and perhaps an acquaintance with circumstances which it may be difficult if not impossible to obtain. It appears to me a mixed case, and such a one as may be better decided by Governor...
42From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Udney Hay, communicated to me, a proposal of Mr Weeks a D.W. General a late inhabitant of Long Island of considerable property, and the person who will deliver you this letter. Mr Weeks represents that there are several saw mills, on Long Island, very valuable to the enemy, and easy of access to a small party; and that he is willing to conduct a party for the purpose of destroying...
43From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 5 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 5th and 30th ulto. In one of my late letters I desired that you might take such Steps with the mutineers of Genl Huntingtons Brigade, as you, upon consultation with the principal Officers, should judge most proper. I am pleased to hear of the success of the two Whale Boats against the victualling transport. such strokes are beneficial to us, and at this time highly...
44From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your favor dated thro’ mistake the 31st Inst: and one of the 8th. The mutiny of the Soldiers in Huntingtons brigade was on its first appearance of a very alarming nature, but I am in hopes from the success with which your spirited exertions were attended in dispersing them, that there is no danger of farther commotion. The Conduct which a Commanding Officer is to observe in...
45George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 8, 1779. Discusses clothing situation of Connecticut troops. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am duly favoured with your letter of the 23d of december—accompanied by one from General Parsons, which I cannot but consider as containing some insinuations not of the most delicate nature—I am the more surprised at them, as his knowlege of circumstances and the agency he had in bringing about the measure, which is now made a subject of complaint gave me reason to expect he would have...
47From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of the 17th at this place at which I shall remain but a few days and then return to Middle Brook. I am pleased to think that your troops will have been covered before this severe Weather. A plan for the establishment and regulation of the Inspectorship is now under consideration of Congress, I would not therefore have you appoint a division Inspector at this time, but let the...
48From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 9th informing me of your movements in consequence of the appearance of the enemy upon the North River. It is difficult to determine what were their inducements at that time, but I hope you will not be disturbed again in the course of the Winter. If there are any public Magasines of provisions or Stores upon the sound I highly approve of your removing them inland and...
49From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Board of War have requested that Israel Dodge of Colo. Durkees Regiment may be sent to Philada from whence he is to go to Fort Pitt to his Brother who is employed in Indian Affairs. Be pleased therefore to have him paid up and give him a pass to Philada with directions to apply to the Board of War, upon his arrival there, for further orders. I am &ca. P.S. I have recd yours of the 4th with...
50From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 27 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are appointed to the command of the Brigades of Poor, Parsons and Huntingdon which are to be quartered this Winter at Danbury. You will keep a succession of small Parties down towards the enemy’s lines mostly towards the Sound as Genl Mcdougall will guard the North River to watch their motions—prevent small parties from penetrating too great a distance into the Country—and to gain any...
51From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favour of the 24th Instant. I am well pleased with your Orders to Genl Poor to proceed immediately to Danbury—and to Colonel Badlam for escorting in his room the Rear divisions of the Convention Troops to Fish Kill. There has never been any regulation of Congress, authorising Officers and Soldiers on furlough to draw their Rations in the Country—and it can never be...
52From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are upon the Receipt hereof to proceed to Danbury with General Poors Brigade and send on General Pattersons and Learneds by the most direct Route to Fishkills. Should Genl Poors, agreeable to my orders of yesterday, have marched on towards Fishkill, you will be pleased to countermand them and turn them back to Danbury. The two Connecticut Brigades are also ordered to Danbury, at which...
53From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 17th I wrote you that Genl Poor, with his Brigade was to proceed to Enfield to conduct the Convention troops to Fish Kill landing. On the 18, having received a Letter from Colo. Bland, advising that the Van of the Convention Troops had reached Enfield on the 13 and that proper Escorts of Militia were provided; and supposing that the whole would have passed that place before my Letter of...
54From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote you Yesterday—I informed you that Genl Poor, with his Brigade, was to proceed to Enfield for the purpose of conducting the Convention Troops from thence to the North river, but I find by a Letter received since from Colo. Bland—that their Van had reached Enfield on the 13th & will be at Sharon to night. As this is the case—and proper arrangements of Militia escorts have been...
55From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will, as soon as possible after receipt of this, put the two Massachussets Brigades under your command in motion—with their Artillery and Baggage—and proceed with them to Danbury, where you will receive further Orders. Genl Poor, with his Brigade—is to conduct the Convention troops from Enfield to Fish Kill landing. I have written to him particularly on the subject and therefore it is...
56From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will immediately proceed to Harford, and take the command of Poors—Pattersons and Learneds Brigades till further arrangements can be made. You are to hold the troops in a state of preparation to march at the shortest notice; and upon certain advices from Major Genl Gates of the british army appearing off Boston you will put them instantaneously in motion, and march by the shortest and most...
57George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 2, 1778 . Orders Putnam to assume command of division lately under command of Major General Horatio Gates. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
58From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Gates having been ordered by Congress to repair to Boston and take the command of the Eastern district; I have thought it best, that you should proceed to Hartford and take the command of the division late General Gates, consisting of Poor’s, Patterson’s and Larned’s brigades. This you will, therefore, be pleased to do without delay. The standing order for that division is that it is...
59From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your two letters of yesterdays date about noon. I have received accounts, corresponding with those of Mr Putnams, so far as his respects the regiments actually imbarked, and the fleet which sailed on the 19 and 20th Instant. As the troops which have embarked still continue in the harbour you will keep the strictest look-out imaginable on the river, and give me the earliest...
60From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I shall remove this afternoon to Fredericksburg to which place be pleased to address any future intelligence. If the enemy should make any move up the river of a serious nature, you are immediately to call upon Baron de Kalb who will remain here untill the designs of the Enemy are more fully known. I would recommend it to you always to keep a sufficiency of Boats ready to throw over your force...