1From 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...
2George 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.
3From 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...
4From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed remonstrance was laid before me by Colo. Drake and Mr Hunt Commissioners appointed in the County of West Chester to take Care of all Forage and property exposed to the depredations of the Enemy—and also Commissioners of sequestration to dispose of the personal property of those who have fled to or joined the Enemy. They complain that parties from your Army frequently take property...
5From 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...
6From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt. The remissness of the Inhabitants remaining in the City, to turn out at this alarming crisis, to erect Works for their own defence, is astonishing to the last degree. It surprizes me much, that any set of men can be so regardless of their own interests and security. They may flatter themselves, that this conduct will profit...
7George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 20, 1777. Discusses General William Howe’s latest movements. Reviews orders to Brigadier Generals John Glover and Alexander McDougall concerning these movements. Orders stand-by preparations in case of attack on Ticonderoga. Emphasizes need of continued intelligence from New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
8From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send you a copy of a General order for the disposition of the army —The particular one of the Right Wing is to be as follows Woodfords Brigade to take post at or near Junes—Mughlenberghs at the forrest of Deane The other two divisions to preserve their present encampments —You will send orders for this purpose to the two Virginia Brigades without delay that they may be at their...
9George 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.
10From 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...
11From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favor’d with your Letter of 13th Instant inclosing a return of those taken from Colo. Webbs & Ellis’s Regiments. I begin to be very apprehensive that the Season will entirely pass away, before any thing material will be done for the defence of Hudsons river—You are well acquainted with the great necessity there is for having the Works there finished as soon as possible, & I...
12From 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...
13From 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...
14George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 22, 1777. Orders Putnam to prepare for a probable British attack up the North River. States that enemy has abandoned Brunswick and will probably also leave Amboy. Orders stores to be removed from Fishkill. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
15From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 3 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor by Yesterday Evenings Express with the sevl Letters and Intelligence from Genl Schuyler and am much concerned for the further misfortunes that have attended our Arms in Canada. I have laid the whole before Congress, who had before resolved to send a considerable augmentation to our Army there, & doubt not that Genl Schuyler may receive assistance from the Militias most...
16From 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...
17From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The situation of our affairs in this Quarter calls for every aid, and for every effort. Genl Howe by various Manuvres & marching high up the Schuylkill, as if he meant to turn our right Flank found means by countermarching to pass the river last Night several miles below us, which is fordable almost in every part, and is now fast advancing towards Philadelphia. I therefore desire, that without...
18From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon taking a retrospective View of the Enemy’s Conduct, & comparing one piece of Information with another, I am led to think that Philadelphia must be their Object, & that whenever they move, it will be toward the Delaware with their main body—This belief, the necessity of a proper Attention to the River, & the Advantages which may result from havg some Person on the other side with a few...
19From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 5 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of Yesterday representing the Case of Mr John Taylor I have received & Assure you that I never Intended to exclude any from the benefit of my Proclamation who were not particularly Active in persecuting, and destroying the Property of the friends to our cause The case of Mr Taylor & any others that are brot to you, or confin’d, must therefore depend upon this —As to the Circumstance...
20From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
In your letter of the 22d Ulto, you transmitted a memorandum requesting directions about repairing & building Barracks, and also my sentiments, as to the number of Troops that may probably winter at Peeks Kill. In respect to the number of Troops, that may quarter there, it is dificult, if not impossible at this time to ascertain it, as a variety of circumstances may arise in the course of the...
21From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the disagreeable event which has taken place in the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Fort Independence—though our situation does not make it prudent to send on any very considerable reinforcements immediately besides those already gone, yet it is necessary we should be preparing to throw them in, when it can be more safely done, and the true state of affairs in that quarter is...
22From 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...
23From 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...
24From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The importance of the North River in the present contest and the necessity of defending it, are subjects which have been so frequently and so fully discussed and are so well understood, that it is unnecessary to enlarge upon them. These facts at once appear, when it is considered that it runs thro’ a whole State—That it is the only passage by which the Enemy from New York or any part of our...
25From 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...
26From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
An officer of Genl Glovers Brigade arrived here yesterday and informs me that he left twelve Waggons load of Cloathing at that place, which he had under his Charge from Boston with directions to bring it on to this Army. He alledges in excuse for leaving it, that the Waggons would not come any further, but it does not appear that he took any pains to procure others. The Army being in the...
27From 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...
28George 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.
29From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your favour of the 10th. Of the Troops coming on and to come on from Bristol, you are to detain at your post all the Marylanders, Colo. Hazen’s Regiment of Pennsylvania, and that of Delaware, the others must be sent on immediately to the places where their respective Corps are stationed. Your application to General Mifflin for tents, was right, and must be repeated, as we...
30From 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...
31From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your several favours of the 25th & 26th Inst. came to hand —The pass granted by Ld & Genl Howe to William Taylor dated the 18 Int. is of such a nature as not to afford any protection to the Vessell & Crew even on the most scrupulous Construction of the Law of Nations; and she came in so suspicious a manner, without a Flag flying, as would have justified severer treatment than mere...
32From 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...
33From 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...
34From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 9 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 9 May 1777. Putnam wrote GW on 10 May : “I just receiv’d your favour of yesterday.”
35George 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.
36George 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.
37From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your Two favors of the 27th and 30th Ulto. I thank you for the information contained in the latter; I had the substance of it, transmitted before in a Letter from Genl McDougal. In respect to the Rhode Island Detachment, you will have received Orders for their march to join Colo. Olney at Morris Town. I do not agree with you in Sentiment, respecting the Quantity of...
38George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 19, 1779. Sends instructions for disposition of the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
39From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The enemys designs still continue ambiguous, however it is our policy to provide against possible events—You will therefore detach a field officer with about one hundred men to guard the pass leading from Haverstraw to Fort Montgomery, I mean the pass by which the enemy marched to the reduction of that post. You will take every other necessary precaution or place such advanced parties as may...
40From 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...
41From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
My Letter of yesterday would inform you of the reasons which occasions the remove of this part of the Army towards Philadelphia, and the recall of the divisions under Genls Sullivan, & Lord Stirling—I have now to add, that, it is my desire that you should keep as many of the remaining Troops (as can possible be spared from the defence of the Forts and passes of the Highlands) in the most...
42From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Congress having recommended it to me to send an Engineer to Fort Montgomery, I have instantly dispatched Lt Colo. Radier upon that Service. He is the second in command of four Gentlemen sent out by Docr Franklin and Mr Dean. The Congress have transmitted me Copy of a letter from you to them of the 29th Sepr in which you express your doubts of being able to defend the posts upon the North River...
43From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 23d and am happy to hear part of the Cloaths for the Troops have arrived and that More are on the way. Under the present appearances of things & incertainty of the Enemy’s Operations, I think it unadviseable to detach Glover’s Brigade from peeks Kills. If Genl Howe should make a push up the River, the importance of the Highland passes will demand the...
44From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Genl Parsons having inform’d me that many Gentlemen are Candidates for the two Regts lately commanded by Genl Huntington & Colo. Douglass I have to request that you will call a Board of General Officers as soon as may be to hear the pretensions of each & enquire into the particulars of their several Claims, which, when regularly taken you will transmit to me with the Opinion of the Board...
45From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 14th instant. Just before it came to hand I had recd the intelligence which it contained from Genl Clinton. The people in the Northern Army seem so intimidated by the Indians that I have determined to send up Colo. Morgans Corps of Rifle Men who will fight them in their own way. They march from Trenton tomorrow Morning and will reach peekskill with all expedition. You...
46From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
From the Accts given by the two Deserters last Evening I think not a Moments time should be lost in throwing your Men over upon the Jersey shore, & advancing them down the River towards Dobbss Ferry. this shd be done if they are obliged to go without their Baggage. The Brigade which Marched under Lord Sterling & the Maryland Brigade may be got over first. In that case the Jersey Brigade may...
47From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by Genl Dickinson, that he has intelligence, which he thinks may be depended upon, that Sr Henry Clinton, with all the troops under his command, has returned down the River. If this is so, and the Brigades of Nixon & Glover should have joined you from the Northward, I desire they may be immediately put under march to reinforce this Army. Colo. Hamilton, who will deliver or send...
48From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last Night favd with yours of the 4th—Genl Mifflin has this day sent off a load of intrenching Tools for Genl Schuyler, they will be delivered to you and I beg they may be immediately forwarded to Albany. The inclosed letter contains an order for Cartridge paper which is to be sent up at the same time with the Tools. If the Enemy, instead of going up the North River, should move to the...
49From 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...
50From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 24 Instant with Its several Inclosures and the Letter & Invoice from Genl Ward giving Intelligence of the fortunate capture made by our Armd Vessells, on which event you have my Congratulations. I have wrote Genl Ward as you will see by the Inclosed Letter, which having read, you will Seal and send by post, to Send forward to New York Colo. Putnams demands & also such...