George Washington Papers
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To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 14 May 1776

From Lieutenant Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston

Fort Constitution [N.Y.] 14th May 1776

Sir

I arrived here the 9th: Instant but did not take the Command till today, as Colo: Nicol did not think himself releived before.

These Garrisons, are at present in a most deplorable Situation, as Your Excellency may Observe by the inclosed Returns.1 We are also much in want of an Infirmary as the sick, and well, are Obliged to Huddle together in the same Rooms the Commissioners desired me to mention this Matter to Your Excellency as worthy of attention.

The Fortifications intended here with a few improvements will render them almost impregnable, and impassable if a Boom was thrown Across the River Oposite them; which I think very Practicable as the River at this Place is no more than 500 Yards—its Depth 18 Fathom, the Tide not so rapid as at New york and a very Bold Shore 2 Whale Boats with Oars at Each Post are much wanted to render the Communication more easy, I fancy they might now be Bought Cheap at New york as they cant be employed in the Fisherie. Also a Boat to Transport Stores from one Post to another. Colonel Nichol tells me he represented to Your Excellency the Necessity of an Allowance of Rum for the Men upon Fatigue at this Post:2 and that Your Reply was that they Should be allowed a Gill per Man. An Order from Your Excellency to the Commissary General would procure us a Supply of that Necessary Article on Working Parties its Efficacy is well Known. the whole Garrison are upon duty every Day at this Post and Continue on Fatigue 9 Hours a Day This Garrison has been supplied with Fresh Provisions only once within the Month I fear an Omission in the Comissary If Continued much longer will infallibly introduce the Scurvy here. I fear I tire You But thought it my duty to give Your Excellency an exact Account of the State of these Garrisons that if any thing unfortunate should happen my reputation should ⟨no⟩t lay Open to Censure. Some Tents will be Necessary here about 20, I sent this by Lieutenant Smith who will receive any Order⟨s⟩ Your Excellency Shall think proper to favour me with.3 When I begin to think of our wants they Occur so fast that I fear I Shall never have done the Committee have supplied us with no Money Yet. I remain with all respect Your Excellencies Most Obedient Humble Servant

Henry B: Livingston
Lt: Coll—Commanding at these Garrisons

ALS, DLC:GW.

1These returns have not been identified.

3Robert Hanson Harrison replied to Livingston on 19 May: “His Excellency received your favor of the 14th Inst. with Its Inclosures & is sorry the Garrisons under your Command are in the disagreable situation you mention—In respect to arms It is not in his power to give you any releif at this time, not being able to supply the deficiency in the Regiments here, particularly those of this Colony, which are almost destitute. As to an Infirmary, he wishes & desires that you & the Surgeon will contrive some place for the Sick, that they may be separated from the well, lest some Injurious consequences follow from their being together.

“He Intends going up ’ere long If nothing occurs to prevent him, or will send a person to view the Fortifications & see what Improvements may be made tending to make ’em more defensible. There are not a sufficient number of Boats here for the demands, some more are expected & when they come, If they can be possibly spared your requisition will be complied with.

“The Deputy Commissary has been spoke to and Ordered to supply the Garrisons with Rum & fresh Provisions Immediately. His Excellency is at a Loss to know what money It is the Committee have not supplied you with or on what Account they are to do it—It will be necessary on your applications to him for that Article to Transmit an Acct stated, shewing how or for what It is due to found a Warrent upon. . . . P.S. There are no Tents just at this Time, the Qr master will be ordered to procure ’em as soon as he can” (DLC:GW).

George Smith was apparently a second lieutenant in Col. James Clinton’s 3d New York Regiment at this time. He continued as a second lieutenant in the 4th New York Regiment in November 1776, and from October 1777 to April 1780 he served as deputy judge advocate for the northern department.

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