31George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 3, 1779 . Discusses probable intentions and immediate objectives of enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, June 19, 1779. Orders McDougall to assume immediate command of forts. Gives general instructions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
33George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] June 23, 1779 . Has directed Major General Israel Putnam to advance a brigade to the “Forest of Deane.” Asks for information as soon as it is received. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
34George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 28, 1779 . Discusses problem of rations. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
35George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 30 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 30, 1779 . Instructs McDougall to send either Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington or Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, or both, to the Continental Village. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
36George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 3, 1779 . Proposes a general pardon for all prisoners under sentence of death. Questions Philip Heustis’s status as a prisoner. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
37George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 4, 1779 . Instructs McDougall to fire thirteen cannon to celebrate anniversary of Declaration of Independence. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
38George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 14, 1779 . Approves of arrangements for Brigadier General John Nixon’s brigade. States that an attack will be made against Stony Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
39George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 14, 1779 . Asks McDougall to accompany Brigadier Generals Henry Knox and Louis Le Bèque Du Portail “to ascertain the number of cannon.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
40George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 15, 1780 . Describes British “incursion into the Jersies.” Fears attack on West Point and orders McDougall to West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 24, 1780 . Approves of McDougall’s entering Congress as a delegate from New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
42George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Headquarters [ Preakness, New Jersey ] July 2, 1780 . “I wish to see you here the day after tomorrow morning at furthest to consult you on a matter of the greatest importance to the combined operations.” LS , in the handwriting of H, from the W. Wright Hawkes Collection of Revolutionary War Documents on deposit at Union College, Schenectady, New York. When this letter was written, McDougall...
43From George Washington to Colonel Alexander McDougall, 10 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Having been favourd with your Letter of the 23d Ulto by Mr Ray, permit me to assure you, that I shall, at all times, esteem it a happiness to have it in my power to shew Civility to any Gentleman of your recommendation—It is exceedingly necessary for every person, appearing in the character of a Gentleman, & not personally known, to bring Letters of Introduction from those that are, otherwise,...
44From George Washington to Colonel Alexander McDougall, 4 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Henry Knox Esqr. having informed me by a Letter from New York of the 27 Ultimo that upon his application you had been kind enough to promise your good offices in Congress, to have Twelve good Iron four pounders, with a Quantity of Shells & Shot directly sent to this Camp and also to spare Two Brass Six pounders; I have now the pleasure to acquaint you, that we are fully supplied with Shells &...
45From George Washington to Colonel Alexander McDougall, 13 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 2d inst. Last evening, & note what you mention of the Cannon I am in daily expectation of Colonel Knox’s arrivall & untill he comes I cannot with Certainty inform you whether I shall want the Iron Cannon or not. Upon examination of the Stores that were on board the Brigte I find, we Stand in great need of Shells & Shall esteem it a particular favour if you will...
46From George Washington to Colonel Alexander McDougall, 7 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor upon the Subject of Rations and agreable to your request have Inclosed a List of Rations allowed the Officers of the Regiments before Boston —those in service the 1st of July have been allowed from that time, Others appointed to Office since, from the dates of their Commissions. Having never given any direction about the Officers alluded to, or any Others except those...
47From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 9 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 9 Aug. 1776. In his letter to GW of 12 Aug. , McDougall refers to “your Excellencys favor of the 9th.”
48From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am this Evening favoured with yours of the 19th from Chatham. I not only approve of the disposition you made of the three Regiments under Colo. Vose, because I think it was a very judicious one, but I had, previous to the Receit of your Letter, determined upon exactly the same plan, and had sent Orders to Colo. Vose to halt at Morris Town, that he might afford protection to the well affected...
49From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 28 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 22d and am sorry that Affairs bore so bad an Aspect in your Quarter at that time. But I hope that the late Success at Trenton on the 26th and the Consequences of it, will change the face of Matters not only there but every where else. I crossed over to Jersey the Evening of the 25th about 9 Miles above Trenton with upwards of 2000 Men and attacked three Regiments of...
50From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 1 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 1 Jan. 1777. The Paul C. Richards catalog no. 19, item 455, 1968, quoted the following from the LS : “I have the pleasure to inform you that your sons parole has been sent out to me, amongst others, who are exchanged for officers I have sent in to General Howe. General Maxwell has the proper orders for encouraging the Militia, to come...
51From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 9 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Schuyler having wrote in a pressing and urgent manner for a General Officer to be sent to the Northern department, I inclose you open, a Letter for Brigadr James Clinton, which you will forward to him after sealing it, provided in your opinion his services can be dispensed with where he now is. This I immagine will in a great measure depend on the State of health you are in; If you are...
52From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 18 February 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 18 Feb. 1777. McDougall writes GW on 7 Mar . that “I was honored with your favor of the 18th Ultimo.”
53From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by yours of the 16th that your Health is sufficiently re-established to enable you to do your duty. Considering the great dependance which we shall be under the necessity of putting upon Militia for a while longer, we certainly ought not to remove a General Officer from a post, to which, he can, by his influence, draw them when they are wanted. Upon this principle, you were...
54From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 6 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have to desire, that you will immediately procure and send me exact returns of all the troops belonging to your state, except those which are gone to Tionderoga; and that you will have them assembled with the utmost expedition at Peeks-Kills, there to hold themselves in perfect readiness to march at a moment’s warning. I must, also request, you will make a point of informing me, from time to...
55From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 15 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this evening received the favour of your letter of the 12th instant. The order you gave for such part of Ganservorts regiment as was at Fish-kills to repair to Fort Constitution, I approve of, as also you[r] determination respecting DuBois’s to remain at Fort Montgomery. They may be drawn from these places, when requisite, with the same expedition and ease as from Peeks-kills. The meaning...
56From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 15 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
When speaking of your Son, I was just now informed, that he had not been provided for in the late appointments of Officers in your State, being under parole when they were made. The part he early took in the Contest & his sufferings for it, would not be rewarded, was he to be neglected; I therefore wish, if he inclines to continue in service, that he may be appointed to the command of One of...
57From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The late collection of Waggons, by the Enemy, upon Long and Staten Islands, some of which are already brought over to Amboy, plainly indicate a Move, whenever the State of the Roads will permit. Several accounts, by Deserters and others, also agree, that Materials have been brought from New York for constructing a floating Bridge, which can be for no other purpose than laying across the...
58From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am much surprised at never having received any regular account from you, of the late Affair at peekskill. I am yet intirely at a loss to know the Quantity, Quality or Value of the Stores that were lost. A Captain of a Tobacco Ship taken and carried into New York, left that place on Saturday last, he informs that three thousand Men were embarked and laying on Board Transports at Staten...
59From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 29th Ulto was delivered to me Yesterday by Mr Laurence. The loss we have sustained in Commissary’s and Quarter Masters Stores is to be regretted, as they are most useful to the Army and not to be replaced at this time, the Commissary’s particularly. I had repeatedly guarded him against suffering any large quantities laying near the Water in such places as were accessible to the...
60From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 10 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have an Information which was given in Yesterday, by a Man who was in Newyork on Monday last, & which from a variety of Circumstances, I believe to be in a great measure true; therefore transmit it to you, that you may be prepar’d in case their Destination should be up North River, which at this time is not generally expect’d—I could wish you would give a Copy of this to Genl...
61From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 17–18 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 12th Instt was delivered me last night by Mr Trumbull. I am much surprized to hear, that the innoculation of the Troops had been countermanded, or the least Hint suggested of the sort. I have never done or said anything countenancing such a measure, on the Contrary, I have pressed & urged the necessity of it in every instance, and I must request, that not a Moment may be...
62From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 18 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Just after I had wrote very fully to you this Morning I recd yours of the 17th. By the inclosed Resolutions of Congress, which came to hand this day, and which are additions and Amendments to the former Articles of War, you will find that every Continental General has a right to carry the Sentence of a General Court Martial into execution in the State in which he commands. And I shall esteem...
63From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 23 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
The following are Extracts of Letters which I have just received from Genl Stephen, and are taken from the information of persons sent into New York and Bruswic. New Ark 22d April 1777. By a person to be depended upon, who left New York Yesterday—A Brigade consisting of the 15th & 17th (not exceeding 700 Men) and he believes the 36th & 4th embarked the 20th at night, and he supposes sailed up...
64From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 25 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of yesterday came to hand late last Night. As I have heard nothing further of the Troops that embarked on the 20th I can only recommend it to you to keep a vigilant look out for them. The detatchments that are to come on need not bring Camp Kettles with them, if they are wanted with you, as we have a sufficiency here. I am so well convinced of the Justice of your Remark upon the...
65From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of yesterday this Moment. In my Opinion it is by no means improbable that the Enemy may aim at another descent upon the Country adjoining the North River; or if they are disappointed in their first design by your late additional strength, they may continue in the River in order to divert our Attention from their real attempt upon Philadelphia: during which Continuance...
66From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 28 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
At three OClock this morning, I received your favor of the 27th. The intelligence it contains, is interesting and truly distressing. By this time, I fear, the Enemy have effected their purpose and destroyed all the Stores at Danbury; I wish those at Fredericksburg may not have shared the same fate. After accomplishing this enterprize, it is probable they will return to their Ships with...
67From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 1 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your Letter of the 29th Ulto, with its several inclosures. I regret much, that the Enemy should have accomplished their Scheme with so little loss on their part; but I confess, I feared, that it would be the case, and that their retreat would be effected before a sufficient force could be assembled, to cut them off, or to give ’em any great annoyance. I wish you to...
68From George Washington to Brigadier Generals George Clinton and Alexander McDougall, 2 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The necessity of having regular Magazines of Provision for subsisting the Army, wheresoever It may act, and the late destruction of the Stores at Danbury, have induced Congress to take the matter into consideration & to come into the Resolves which accompany this. By these you will perceive, that One object of their deliberation was, to have immediate measures taken for the removal of the...
69From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 3 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your detention of apart of Capt. Sewards Company of Artillery, for the reasons you assign, is intirely agreeable to me; and you will observe the same rule with respect to others which shall be coming on in the same circumstances. I should be glad to hear such further particulars of the Danbury expedition, as may have come to your knowlege, that bear the marks of authenticity. I am Dear Sir...
70From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 6 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I must beg the favour of you to look out for a sensible, honest, active, young fellow, well acquainted with Figures, & well qualified to discharge the duties of a Deputy Muster Master—His pay is low, 35 dollars ⅌ Month—On discovering such an one, you will be pleased to appoint him, & refer him to the Letter &C. from Colo. Ward that attend this. I am Dear Sir Yr most Obed. Servt P.S. I wish to...
71From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 7 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 5th: You make mention of a letter of Colo. Huntingdons of the 1st instant which you have not inclosed, there are a few lines from him of the 30th April, but they only respect a peice of intelligence of the Enemy’s having landed at Frogs point on their way down the Sound. I have a long time seen and felt the ill Consequences of the want of Arrangement in the...
72From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
So little room is left for doubting the Enemy’s designs are up the North River, that (notwithstanding proper Preparations for such an Event have been the frequent Subject of my Letters to you, which I am assured will claim a just share of your serious Attention) I can not help writing again on this head—Let me therefore, in order that no Measure for Defence may be left untried, desire you to...
73From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Major General Green. He and General Knox are sent by me to review the posts under your command, and their appendages; and to give their advice and assistance towards putting every thing in the most defensible state possible. The vast importance of these posts and the great probability that the enemy will direct their operations against them make me anxious for...
74From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 16 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days ago favd with yours of the 6th: I cannot account for the Massachusets Troops coming on without Cloathing, in any other manner, than, that as they were all originally intended for Ticonderoga, their Cloaths may have been sent to Albany. If that is the Case, the Qr Masters should be immediately sent to bring them back, if it is not, they must certainly look to the State, because...
75From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this day received your favor of the 19th. General putnam being thus far in his way to peeks Kills, and fully instructed upon most of the matters contained in your Letter, makes it unnecessary for me, to answer it so particularly, as I otherwise should have done; and as I wish to refer you to those instructions for my Sentiments & Ideas upon the Subjects of it. I shall observe However, that...
76From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 23 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I, yesterday, had the pleasure of your’s of the 21st instant. I wish every Gentleman in the army could appeal to his own heart and find the same principles of conduct, which, I am persuaded activate you; we should experience more consistency, zeal and steadiness, than we do, in but too many instances. A disinterested attachment to the cause, we are ingaged in, can alone produce that line of...
77From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 31 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 29th. Your Conjectures, respecting the Troops arrived, correspond with my own. I shall not be disappointed, if they are those, which were in Canada, having long thought, there was a probability of their coming to reinforce Genl Howe. I am much surprized, that more of the Connecticut Troops, have not reached Pecks Kill. I have repeatedly & in most...
78From George Washington to Brigadier Generals John Glover and Alexander McDougall, 20 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy decamped, the night before last, & have returned to their former position from Amboy to Brunswick. This appears to have been in consequence of a sudden resolution, as they had been employ’d in raising a chain of redoubts from Sommerset to Brunswick; which they wou’d not have done, had they at first intended to abandon their new Ground in so short a time. What may have determined them...
79From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 23 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Putnam’s orders to you to return to Peeks Kill was founded upon a misapprehension of my orders; which required your halting at Pompton, as you were there at a considerable distance from Peeks Kill. But from the late change of circumstances, with respect to the enemy, your countermarch has not happened amiss. It is now pretty evident they are leaving the Jersies, and probably they may...
80From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By an Express this moment arrived from Cape May, The Enemy’s Fleet left Yesterday Morning at Eight OClock—put to Sea and were out of Sight Three Hours when the Express came away. I do not know whether you are coming on with the Two Brigades ordered from peeks Kill to reinforce this Army—If you are, I beg that you will leave the Brigades under the direction of the next commanding Officer to...