1Plan for Attacking Boston, 18–25 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to Your Excellency’s Orders, we have considered the Matters referred to Us, & beg leave to recommend the following Signals to be given from Roxbury, in Case of any Movement of The Enemy to Distress our People at Dorchester Hill: Signal in Case the Enemy begin to Embarque, a Flagg on Roxbury meeting House; If they Actually Land at Dorchester Two Flaggs, One, over the Other; In case...
2To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 1 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment (by Express) received the enclosed letters from Generals Schuyler and Sullivan which I think of such great Importance I shall immediately forward you, together with my answer to General Schuyler, I wrote you yesterday but was too late for the post, shall forward it on wt. this—since which five Ships arrived Att the Hook three of which I suppose to be Men of War, I am truly...
3To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 29 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I cannot forbear informing Your Excellency, by the return of Major Humphrys to Camp, of the state of my health, from the first of my illness to the present time. After I was prevented from coming on to the Army, by a stroke of the paralytic kind, which deprived me in a great measure, of the use of my right leg and arm; I retired to my Plantation, and have been gradually growing better ever...
4To George Washington from Israel Putnam, 20 Sept. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Israel Putnam, 20 Sept. 1779. On this date, GW wrote Putnam: “I have your favr of this morning respecting Capt. Lyman.”
5To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received no intelligence of the Enemy’s fleet Since the 1st of this month that may be depended on—theres a rumour that they have appeared in Chesapeak bay, another that they were Seen off natucket Shoals—we have frequent desertions from the Enemy both british & Hessian. Jud: McDonald, taken Septr last in our Service on york Island and inlisted into Delancys Coir deserted from them 9...
6To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 12 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of Yesterday I have received —All Things in this City remain in Confusion, for Want of Men to put them into Order—The Citizens are generally with you—The Continental Recruits are cloathing & arming as fast as possible, & are employed on Guard & Fatigue Duty, for which there is scarce a Relief—A Party are now going to the Jerseys, to bring off all the Craft out of the Creeks. The...
7To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Mr Duer informs me that they are five or Six Sea Vessels up the North River, which may be made serviceable as Fireships or for other Purposes to annoy, or obstruct the Enemy—Three of them lie at the Dock of Mr Beverley Robinson in the Highlands, and two at or near Poughkepsie—As it is possible the Ships, wh. have gone up yesterday Afternoon, may come too to the Southward of the Forts, I submit...
8To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 28 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
By the return of Major Humphrys from New London I am just informed, of the situation of matters in that quarter, & the apprehensions, the inhabitants are under of an immediate attack upon the Fortifications & shipping in the Harbour. On Sunday last, a fleet of twenty eight sail of transports appeared off Fishers Island, standing from the Eastward, under convoy of a 50 Gun Ship, and in the Gale...
9To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 19 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd your Favour of 17th Inst. last Evening. I have dispatched Expresses to Govr Trumbull Col. Sheldon and Col. Chandler, respecting the sending forward the Troops as fast as raised, and properly Officered, in which last particular there has been much Neglect. Cloathing has not yet arrived, I have sent an Express to Genl Schuyler, as you direct—Mr Young, (the Clothier sent for this...
10To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Recd yours of the 25th respecting two Brigades holding themselves in readiness to move on the Shortest notice, and I have Issued orders accordingly, & am now going to advise with Genl Clinton in respect to Calling the militia as directed in your letter. This Moment Mr Israel Knap D. Commissy came in from Horseneck and informs me that he Saw Genl Silliman there; & that he had it in charge...
11To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 10 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote you of the 8th Inst. Nothing Perticular [h]as happend in this Quarter, Only that the Enemy yesterday Morning with about 2500 Men took Possesion of Fort Constitution, the[y] have also Destroyed Our Store Houses &c. at the Continental Village Peeks kill, but I have the Pleasure to Accquaint your Excellency that the Stores from thence were removed except a few Barrells Flour &...
12To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 11 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 7th Inst The dark designs of our Enimies evincies the foulness of their cause, & the genus of their Ally, betray Strong marks of timidity by attempting through artifice what they are deffident of effecting by force, but time, I trust, will unravel their misteries, When we Shall Se the Light Shine through both them & their Schemes—Inclosed is a letter from Govr...
13To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Receiv’d your favor of the 2d Inst. and with [regard] to taking steps to procure the Cloathing, I had previous to Receipt of your Letter desired General [McDougall] to send an officer from each of the Regts from Massachusetts, to inquire into the state of it and make a Report as soon as possible, none of which has yet Returnd, but expect them every day—another officer was sent to Albany to...
14To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 28th Inst. and have according to your direction ordered two Brigades viz. Gen. McDougal & Huntington to put their heavy baggage over the river, & to be in readiness to march on the arrival of further orders—have sent Lt Col. Dimon to the white plains with his Regt to relieve Col. Courtlands detachment there, Consisting of his own Col. Livingstons & a party from...
15To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 17 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Altho I have not had the happiness to receive a single line from your Excellency, since I took upon myself the Command of this Division, yet I think it my indespensable duty to continue to inform you of the situation of affairs in this department. The Troops have at this time got their Hutts in good forwardness, notwithstanding the interruptions they have met with, from a succession of bad...
16To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 4 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of the 22nd Ultimo, respecting the tryal of Col: Mason &c., and have given the necessary information to the party’s concern’d—But as it will be some time before they can get prepared, I thought it best to defer the appointment of the Court Martial, till the 25th Inst., when I have informed them that they must attend at this place. I had previous to...
17To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 22 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honord with your Excellencys Letters of the 16th & 17th Inst. The first Division of Poors Brigade, would have March’d this day, but the Weather is such as to render it impossible—They will go on when the Weather will admit of it. Hazens Regiment will March tomorrow if possible. I have just received a Letter from Govr Trumbull, in which he mentions, that they are in daily expectations of...
18To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 23 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, Part of the Cloathing has arrived and more is near at Hand. We shall have a Supply of Shirts, Rifle Shirts, Waistcoats, Overalls, and Shoes—Coats Breeches or Stockings we do not expect. Genl McDougall’s Brigade are on their Return, and will recross the River, to Day—Genl Nixon holds himself in Readiness, agreeable to your Orders, he is quartered in the Houses at Peekskill, that...
19To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 7 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your’s of the 31st Octor and 1st Novemr I have been favor’d with, and have taken the Necessary precautions that your Army should be supply’d with Provisions. In my last I Informed you that Genel Warners Brigade were orderd to Join you, but as they are Rais’d only till the first of Decemr the Officers and men think it exceeding hard, that they should be obliged Make that Long March and their...
20To George Washington from Israel Putnam, 31 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Israel Putnam, 31 Dec. 1778. On 18 Jan. 1779 GW wrote to Putnam acknowledging receipt of “your favor dated thro’ mistake the 31st Inst.,” a letter that included observations on the affairs of Capt. William Smith Scudder. An extract copy of Putnam’s letter to GW, correctly dated 31 Dec. 1778, reads: “P.S. I have inclosed Govr Clintons Ansr to mine on Capt. Scudders...
21To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 9 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are not unacquainted that an unhappy Dispute has long subsisted between Genl McDougall and Col. H. B. Livingston, I found it necessary, upon my Arrival at this Post, to appoint a G.C.M. for the Tryal of Col. Livingston, then under Arrest—Genl Geo. Clinton presided, the Members were all Field Officers—A Respectable Court, and whose Sentence should have been determinate—Copies of their...
22To George Washington from Israel Putnam, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Israel Putnam, 4 Dec. 1778. On 13 Dec., GW wrote Putnam : “I have recd yours of the 4th with Maj: Gray’s intelligence.”
23To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 15 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 15 June 1777. In his letter to Putnam of 17 June , GW says that “I have been favoured with yours of the 15th & 16th Instant.”
24To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 17 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 17 Dec. 1776. GW on 21 Dec. wrote Putnam : “I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt.”
25To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recived your favor at this Plas as I in company with ginrol Clinton thought proper to Com to this plas to see how the Obstructions in the rever went on and also to see what could be don as to Booms with Logs we have not as yeat Com to any Detarmenation what is beast to be don but when we shall Com to any detarmenation about it I Shall inform your Exelancy of it. as to your Plan of Supris by...
26To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have Received your several favors of the 30th Ultm. the first and second Inst. and observe the Directions therein given —On the 1st Inst. a party of the Enemy, Consisting of about 3 or 400, Advanc’d as far as White Plains, Attackd a small party of our’s there; kill’d one, took Eight Prisoners, and Drove off some Cattle—by several deserters that has Come in to day; we are Inform’d, that they...
27To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 4 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the misfortune on my way to Camp to be seiz’d with a fitt of the Palsy at this place the 24th Ultimo, the first onset was my right Arm and then my right Legg in which unhappy Situation I now am (except that my Legg comes too a little) which makes it impossible for me to gett to Head Quarters, I expect this Day to sett off for my Home at Pomfret, shall acquaint your Excellency from time...
28To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 5 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just been favoured with yours of the 20th and 26th Ulto have noticed the contents, and shall regulate matters accordingly. Nothing new has happened since I had the honor to address you on the subject of the disturbances in General Huntingtons Brigade, which I am happy to inform you has not been repeated, or attended with any farther ill consequences. The Prisoners, who were confined as...
29To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 24 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I Received yours of the 22d from Amboy and waited immediately on the Provincial Congress they gave me the enclosed Invoice of Articles they had forwarded on for Albany. most of the Articles Genll Schuyler wrote for I have already ship’d—and will this day proceed up the River. Colo. Knox has sent Two Conductors to Kings Bridge to pick out 12 Cannon suitable for the Vessels and have them ready...
30To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 19 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I herewith Send you a Copy of a letter Just received from Col. Mead containing some intelligence respecting the Enemy’s fleet. I have taken One Edmund Palmer, who went to the Enemy Some time past, who belonged at Crumpond, has ever Since been lurking about here plundering & driving off cattle to the Enemy, breaking up & robbing houses—he broke Open a house in the Night belonging to an Officer...
31To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Its with the Utmost Reluctance I now sit Down to inform you that the Enemy After Making a Variety of Movements up & down North river, landed on the Morning of the 4th Inst. about 3000 Men at Tarry Town, & after Making an excursion about five Miles up the Country, they retu[r]ned & embarked, the Morning following the[y] Advanced up Near Kings Ferry & landed On the East side of the river, but in...
32To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 8 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of my Sending the intelligence & orders to the Eastern States, receved from you, the militia are coming in fast from this, & from Connecticut, Genl Clinton is good anough to resume his former Command at Fort montgomery. Accounts from the northward are that Genl Burgoin is at Fort Edward, that he has left the Grants & is coming down with his whole force—and our Army is at...
33To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 1 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I shall esteem it as a particular Favour if your Excellency will be so obliging as to recommend my Worthy friend Collo. Henry Babcock to the Honorable Continental Congress to be appointed to the Rank of Brigadier Generall in the Continental Army. I have been upon Service with him several Campaigns the last War and have seen him in Action behave with great Spirit and Fortitude when he had the...
34To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 17th inst. has just come to hand—I fear I shall not be able to march untill the day after tomorrow, as some of the Waggons are out of Repair, and the Ar[t]ificers of this Division were all left at the Bridge over the Housatonoc —However if possible shall march tomorrow—Genl Poor, acording to Orders, marches immediately, to take Charge of the Convention Troops—Their third...
35To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 29 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Huntington deliver’d me your Letter of the 16th Inst. I am at this place; and will Attend the Court of Enquiry which is to meet to Morrow—As soon as it is finish’d, I shall return to Connecticut, and endeavour to forward on the New Levies, with the utmost Expedition, in Conformity to your Orders, tho’ I fear, my success will not Answer your Expectation. I am with the utmost Respect...
36To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of Letters just received from the Northward, I have ordered Genl Nixon to embark his Brigade with their Baggage & on Board the Transports prepared for that Purpose; I have been collecting Shallops, and believe there are sufficient Number, if not, there will be, before the Brigade can be in Readiness or can receive your Orders for March, which I shall expect the Return of the...
37To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 25 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency yesterday, in which I gave you all the intelligence that could be collected. As my Domestic affairs, are in much confution, and there is many things which cannot be setled, but by myself, I am under the necessity of requesting yr Excellencys permission to be absent from Camp for about thirty days—If I may be permitted, I should choose to set off some time in the month...
38To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 27 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 27 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Putnam on 1 Oct. : “I have yours of the 27 and 28 Ulto.”
39To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the Receipt of your Favour of the 12th Inst., I had ordered down a Number of Transports and shall have more than a Suffiency for Gen. Glovers Brigade, should more be wanted. I have frequently reconnoitered the Roads in this Neighbourhood and do not find that any of them may be obstructed with Propriety, except perhaps the cross Road you mention, on the Right—I shall take a more...
40To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 30 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favor’d with your Excellencys Letter of this day. General Woodford has cross’d the River, and fallen down to Clarks-Town, and by our latest from there, the Enemy are about retiring. A small party of them have been as far up as Clarks-Town but tarried a verry short time. General Winds with his militia has, I am inform’d been at Hackinsack, and I believe the Enemy have drawn in...
41To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 21 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Recd yours of this date, conceive the mænuveres of Genl How are calculated with his utmost Skill to perplex but hope & trust that the posts of observation, are Such, as will enable your Excellency, before he Can effect any capital purpose, to detect & Counteract it; Inclosed is a Copy of Genl Sillimans last letter received this day by Express, in addition to the Intelligence that letter...
42To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 10 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
There has for this Long time past an Unhappy Difference, subsisted between Genl McDougall and Colo. Henry B. Livingston, which I fear will never be Amicably setled—soon after I came here, Col. Livingston was Arrested by Genl McDougall; his Crimes were—for Traducing the Character of Genl McDougall in ordering the Retreat of the Continental Troops on the 23d March Last—For neglecting to bring...
43To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 18 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Pleasure to inform you that Major Dick Stockton (of infamous Memory) and his Detachment at Lawrences Island (3½ Miles below Brunswick) are taken—The 50 Men of Bedford Militia who went from here on Sunday were joined by 150 Jersey Militia at Cramberry and the whole commanded by Colo. Nielson—The Affair does real Honour to both Officers and Men, and was conducted with that Secrecy and...
44To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
the Inclosed Letter was bro’t here by . I wrote to the Governor on that head—some time past & the man who bro’t the Letter told me the subject of it which Induced me to take the Liberty to open it. I have orderd payment to those Troops mentiond in the Inclosed. I am Sir Your Most Obdt Hume servt L , DLC:GW . Putnam enclosed Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.’s first letter to GW of 9 June 1777.
45To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I sent Mr Putnam down the River yesterday by Water, to learn for certain whether any of the Enemys shipping was up. He return’d last night, and informs me that he went down on the West-side nearly oposite Philips’s; that there is one Gally laying near Philips’s, which is the only Water Craft of any kind, above Fort Washington. The Boats with which the Enemy landed at the Slote , have all...
46To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 22nd Inst. I Receiv’d your Excellencys two Letters of the 20th. They found me at Farmington, to which place I had March’d from Hartford with Pattersons and Learneds Brigades. On making enquiry I found that Genl Poor, with his Brigade, had not reach’d the front of the Convention Troops, but had only fallen in with the fifth and last Division, which on the night of the 22nd Inst. Lodged...
47To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been hond with the receipt of your two favours of the 8th and immagine before this you have recd mine of the Same date containing the disagreable intelligence of the loss of fort mountgomery after a most Spirited defence & of our evacuating Peeks kill in Consequence thereoff—I congratulate you on the bravery of your Troops in attacking & putting to flight the british army, & regret the...
48To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 17 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of the Intelligence brot by one Ebr Atwood who appears to be a very honest intelligble fellow that escaped from the Enemy last monday Night which I thot proper to Communicate to your Excellency immediately—being the best account of the Enemys movements & the latest I have Recd sd Atwood was Mate the Sloop Dove. with the highest esteem & respect am your Excellencys Obedt...
49To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 19 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 19 Dec. 1776. GW on 21 Dec. wrote Putnam : “I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt.”
50To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honor’d with your Excellencys Letter of the 6th Inst., with Col: Hazens instructions, and shall get his Regiment upon the march as soon as possible. I beg leave however to mention to your Excellency that the roads are so exceedingly bad at present, that it will be almost impractible to get on the Baggage & Artillery. When he arrives on the Connecticut River, he will probably find it so...