251General Orders, 23 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
As the Continental Army have unfortunately no Uniforms, and consequently many inconveniencies must arise, from not being able always to distinguish the Commissioned Officers, from the non Commissioned, and the Non Commissioned from the private; it is desired that some Badges of Distinction may be immediately provided, for Instance, the Field Officers may have red or pink colour’d Cockades in...
252From George Washington to Brigadier General John Thomas, 23 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Retirement of a general Officer, possessing the Confidence of his Country & the Army; at so critical a Period, appears to me to be big with fatal Consequences both to the Publick Cause, & his own Reputation. While it is unexecuted, I think it my Duty to make this last Effort to prevent it; & after suggesting those Reasons which occur to me against your Resignation, your own Virtue, & good...
253From George Washington to James Warren, 23 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have had an Application made to me this day by the Several Captains of Colo. Phinneys Regiment from Casco Bay. They represent that their Men Enlisted & have marched down upon a Promise that they should receive 40/ Advance & Billeting Money at 8d. ⅌ Day—that under this Expectation they left their Familys destitute & have detaind the Teamsters to carry back their Money—They have met with some...
254General Orders, 24 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
It being thought proper to distinguish the Majors, from the Brigadiers General, by some particular Mark; for the future the Majors General will wear a broad purple ribband. Notwithstanding the General Orders, marking the distinctions of General Officers, Aids-de-Camp, &c.—the Generals are frequently stopp’d by the Centinels, which can only happen from the Captains having neglected to read the...
255To George Washington from John Hancock, 24 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 10th inst. with the enclosed papers being duly received was laid before Congress and immediately taken into consideration. In answer to the several matters therein contained I am to inform you, that the Congress appointed a committee to enquire what quantity of light Sail Cloth, Sheeting and Oznabrigs could be obtained in this town for the purpose of making Tents, and in...
256General Orders, 25 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Continual Complaints being made that Soldiers of regiments and Companies, after inlisting in one Company and regiment, have gone and enlisted in another insomuch that it would engross the General’s whole time to hear the disputes upon this subject: For the future, any Officers who have any dispute in regard to the men reinlisted, are to apply to the Brigadier commanding their brigade, who will...
257To George Washington from John Dickinson, 25 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Recommends “Mr Moylan a friend of mine [who] informs me that he intends to enter into the American Army.” Morven M. Jones, “Brevet Brigadier-General Stephen Moylan,” in Potter’s American Monthly , 6 (1876), 14. Although the letter is printed with the dateline “P hiladelphia , July 26th 1775,” the endorsement, which is said to be in GW’s writing, reads “From Jno. Dickinson Esqr. 25th July...
258To George Washington from Captain Richard Dodge, 25 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am in formed By Josep groves from Boston to Day that the Shiping gon out is Bound for Block Island fishers Island and Long Island in order to Cil and Destroy all that Comes in thair way with Six hundrud men[.] the man i will Send to you as Soun as may Be[.] I am your humble Servent ALS , DLC:GW . The date is taken from the docket, which is in Joseph Reed’s writing. Dodge did not date the...
259From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 25 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
On the other side you will receive a Copy of my last, dated at Philadelphia the 31st of May, and to which I refer. I shall say very little in this Letter, for two Reasons; first, because I have received no Letter from you since the one dated in June 1774, and therefore (having wrote often) can have nothing to answer; but, principally, because I do not know whether it may ever get to your...
260To George Washington from Brigadier General John Thomas, 25 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
There was Information forwarded to Head Quarters yesterday P.M. of the Sailing of 13 Ships from Boston, I Sent one Capt. Davis Down the Harbour to watch their Motion, and he reports on his return that they put to Sea & Stood their Course about E.S.E. which appears as if they were bound to the Southward: that Course would Lead them out by Cape Cod, & to the Chops of the South Chanel —I am Sir...
261General Orders, 26 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
It is recommended to the Commanding Officers of Corps, that all coverings made of Boards, be built in the form of barracks and in the most advantageous manner, at the same time so contrived as to be warm and comfortable in cold weather. All Passes to be discontinued for the future, and no person to be admitted into the Lines, unless introduced by an Officer, who can vouch for him, or by Order...
262To George Washington from Colonel Donald Campbell, 26 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
After congratulating You on your safe Arrival at Camp & remaining undisturbed by the Ministerial Army I embrace this Opportunity to Acquaint you that I have the Honor of being Unanimously Appointed by the Honorable Continental Congress to be Deputy Quarter Master General with the Rank of a Colonel in the Army of the United Colonies, and have been directed to Attend General Schuyler to the...
263From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 26 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I had an Account that three Men of War and Nine Transports had sailed out of Boston—and in the Evening I received a Note the Copy whereof is inclosed. The great Distress they are in at Boston for fresh Provisions makes it extremely probable they may make some Depredations along the Coasts: I have therefore thought it proper to give you the earliest Notice that the Owners of those...
264From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 26 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
In my hurry, Yesterday, I forgot the principal thing I had in view, when I sat down to write to you, and that was, to inform you of the indispensable necessity you must now be under of appointing another Attorney. The nature of the business I am now engaged in (which alone is full sufficient to engross the time and attention of any one Man) and the distance I am removed from your business, as...
265To George Washington from the Virginia Delegates, 26 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
“We recommend our Countryman Mr Edmund Randolph to your patronage and favor. . . . You will readily discern Sir, how important a consideration it is, that our Country should be furnished with the security and strength derived from our young Gentry being possessed of military knowledge, so necessary in these times of turbulence and danger.” LS , in Richard Henry Lee’s writing, DLC:GW . The...
266From the Virginia Delegates in Congress to George Washington, 26 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
With the most cordial warmth we recommend our Countryman Mr. Edmund Randolph to your patronage and favor. This young Gentlemans abilities, natural and acquired, his extensive connections, and above all, his desire to serve his Country in this arduous struggle, are circumstances that cannot fail to gain him your countenance and protection. You will readily discern Sir, how important a...
267General Orders, 27 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
John Trumbull Esqr. being appointed Aid: D. Camp to his Excellency the Commander in Chief; He is to be obeyed as such. A Court of enquiry to sit to morrow Morning at eight OClock, in the Tutor’s Chamber (Mr Hall) to examine into a Complaint exhibited upon Oath, in the public newspapers against Mr Benjamin Whiting, now a prisoner in the College; All Evidences and Persons concern’d to attend the...
268To George Washington from George Clinton, 27 July 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from George Clinton, 27 July 1775. On 25 Aug. GW wrote to Clinton : “Mr White presented me with your favour of the 27th Ulto.”
269To George Washington from Captain Joshua Davis, 27 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Persuant to your Exelencys orders I Make Return of all The Boats Taken for the Coleneys Servis in manner following, Viz. Whale boats 96 Long boats 4 Yalls 4 Moses boats 11 Bay boats 1 Gundlos 1 Sum total 117 ALS , DLC:GW .
270From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Nothing material has occurr’d in either Camp since I had the Honour of addressing you on the 21st Instt by Express. But on Tuesday 3 Men of War & 9 Transports sailed out of Boston Harbour & stood a Course about E.S.E. One Groves who came out of Boston the same Evening informed the Officer at one of the Out Posts, that the Transports had on Board 600 Men & were bound to Block Island, Fishers...
271From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday a Deputation from the Provincial Congress of New Hampshire attended me with a Request that three Companies raised in that province, and now posted on Connecticut River at and between the two Cohhess commanded by Capts. Timothy Reedle, James Osgood & John Parker might be continued for the Security of the Frontiers of that Province on the Continental Establishment. As it did not appear...
272From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 27 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
On the 2d Instt I arrived at this place after passing through a great deal of delightful Country, covered with grass (although the Season has been dry) in a very different manner to what our Lands in Virginia are. I found a mixed multitude of People here, under very little discipline, order, or Government—I found the Enemy in Possession of a place called Bunkers Hill, on Charles Town Neck,...
273General Orders, 28 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Surgeons of Learnerds, Health, Little, Phinney and Parsons Regiments, having neglected to deliver in the Returns of the sick of their respective Regiments, to the Adjutant General, these Returns to be delivered fort[h]with, and the Surgeons of those Corps, are to be more exact in their obedience to orders. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For GW’s order requesting these returns, see General...
274To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 28 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your order I Send the following observation taken by the Century posted upon Powder Horn Hill, from about 7 oClock A.M. to 2 oClk P.M. one Ship gone out, three Ships & two Tenders Coming in, about 12 Boats passd from Boston to Charlestown Light Loaded, or almost Em[p]ty, three Boats passd from Charlestown to Boston Very heavy Loaded with Men. I would beg leave to ask your...
275From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 28 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you Yesterday by way of New York, and in two Hours afterwards was favored with your’s of the 15th & 18th Inst: with their respective Inclosures. I was extremely glad to find your first apprehensions of an Incursion by the Indians in some Degree removed by the later Advices: at the same Time I think it evident from the Tenor and Spirit of Col: Johnson’s Letter, that no art or Influence...
276General Orders, 29 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
A Serjeant and six Men to parade at the Head quarters at eleven OClock, to escort certain prisoners and Deserters to Worcester, this party to be victualled for this day and to morrow: The Serjeant will receive his orders from the Adjutant Genl. Mr Benjamin Whiting tried by a Court of enquiry ordered in the General Orders of the 27th Instant, whereof Lieut. Col. James Brickatt was president;...
277To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 29 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
About twelve oClock this day we wase all allarm’d by the approach of a Boat to Winnisimmit Ferry & by a Signal Soon found them to be friends who Landed with their Houshold good: there ware Several of my Intimate acequa⟨in⟩tance[.] I have taken the names of all the Passeng⟨ers⟩ and Stopd the Letters which I now Send for y⟨our⟩ Inspection & Beg your Excellency would Send them Back to me again as...
278From George Washington to James Warren, 29 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have this Instt received a Letter from Chelsea, of which the Inclosed is an extract —as the Inhabitants are coming out in a different manner than proposed by your Assembly to the Select men of the Town of Boston, I have not delayed a moments time in giving you the earliest Information of it; and request that you may take the matter into consideration, & determine what is proper to be done on...
279General Orders, 30 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
William Tudor Esqr. being appointed Judge Advocate of the Continental Army, he is in all things relative to his Office, to be acknowledged and obey’d as such. The Drummers & Fifers of the Regiment in, and about Cambridge, are to be order’d constantly to attend the Drum and Fife Major, at the usual hours for instruction. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For Tudor’s appointment, see GW to Hancock,...
280From George Washington to James Warren, 30 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have Consider’d the Application made me yesterday, from the General Court, with all the Attention due to the Situation of the People in whose Behalf it is made, & the Respect due to such a Recommendation —Upon refering to my Instructions & Consulting with those Members of Congress who are present as well as the General Officers, they all agree that it would not be consistent with my duty to...
281To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 31 July–2 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have been most Assiduously employed in preparing Materials for building boats to Convey me across the Lake—the progress has hitherto been Slow as with few hands I had All the Timber to Cut, Mills to repair, to Saw the plank, and my draught Cattle extreamly weak for want of feed the drought haveing Scorched up Every kind of Herbage. I have now one boat in Stocks which I hope...
282General Orders, 31 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Continental Congress having been pleased to appoint Joseph Trumbull Esqr. to be Commissary General, to the army of the United Colonies: All Commissaries heretofore appointed by any of the distinct Colony Congresses, or by particular Authority of any particular district or colony, are forthwith to make an exact Return of the provisions, and all the different Species of provisions, they have...
283To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 31 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
This covers the Observations of part of yesterday & today. Should be glad to know in what manner I am to procceed, with the People that come out of Boston, in order to pr[e]vent there going into Camp. two boats only have come with Passingers from Boston this Day, the first Brought Coln. Ingersoll who Informed me that there was one Regular Officer & Several other person badly wounded brought to...
284To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 31 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th instant; having just before the Receipt of it had Accounts by a private Hand of the Sailing of a Number of Men of War and Transports from Boston; which I conjectured were designed to supply the Enemy with fresh Provisions. I immediately sent the Intelligence to Block-Island together with a Quantity of Powder Ball and Flints to enable them...
285To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Danielson, 31 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
“General Thomas has made known to your Petitioner That he has your Excellencys Order, to turn out from Quarters Capt. Ball and Company belonging to your Petitioners Regiment . . . in Order to accommodate One Mr Waters with a convenient House of Entertainment. . . . That the said Ball should be ousted of his Tenement he agreed with The Landlord for, to gratify a Dram Seller, when Thire are a...
286To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Danielson, 31 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
“Should have deliverd The Substance of The enclosed Petition to you viva Voce, had it not been The Alarm in Camp made it Necessary for Me to continue here. This I send by Major Leonard.” ALS , MHi : Artemas Ward Papers. Writing at Prospect Hill on this date, Lt. Paul Lunt described the previous night’s events: “At ten o’clock another alarm; paraded immediately, marched up to the fort, but were...
287To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 31 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Recommends “the Bearer Mr Frazer,” who “means to enter the American Camp, & there to gain that Experience, of which the general Cause may be avail’d. It is my earnest wish that many Virginians might see Service. It is not unlikely that in the Fluctuation of things our Country may have occasion for great military Exertions.” ALS , DLC:GW . The bearer was apparently John Grizzage Frazer, a...
288To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 31 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
By the Resolve in Congress of the 19th instant, it is recommended to the New England Colonies to compleat the Deficiences in the Regiments belonging to them respectively. I have not been informed of any Deficiency in the Number of Troops sent from Connecticut. It is recommended also to this Colony to compleat and send forward to the Camp before Boston as soon as possible the fourteen hundred...
289To George Washington from Anthony White, 31 July 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Anthony White, 31 July 1775. On 25 Aug. GW wrote to White : “Your favours of the 31st Ulto and 1st Instt I have had the honour to receive.”
290General Orders, 1 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General thanks Major Tupper, and the Officers and Soldiers under his Command, for their gallant and soldierlike behaviour in possessing themselves of the enemy’s post at the Light House, and for the Number of Prisoners they took there, and doubts not, but the Continental Army, will be as famous for their mercy as for their valour. Two Subs. two serjeants, one Drum and thirty Rank and File,...
291To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 1 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
After the fatigue of many days, and of this in particular, I should not sit down at eleven oClock at night to write to a Gentleman of whose goodness of heart I have less doubt than I have of yours. But well knowing that you will pardon what flows from good intentions, I venture to say that my hopes are, you will find from what the Congress has already done, and from what I hope they will do...
292To George Washington from the Massachusetts Committee of Supplies, 1 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
Mr Cheever has applyed this afternoon for 200,000 small Arm Cartridges in Consequence of An Application from the Adjutant General, to answer the Demand of Major General Lee. Mr Cheever is able to furnish abt 36000 It being the Whole Quantity now made, & there remains but 36 barells in Store of the Quantity collected from the Towns in this Colony & recd from the others this ⟨si⟩de Maryland....
293To George Washington from Anthony White, 1 August 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Anthony White, 1 Aug. 1775. On 25 Aug. GW wrote to White : “Your favours of the 31st Ulto and 1st Instt I have had the honour to receive.”
294General Orders, 2 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Oliver Parker of Col. Prescotts Regiment, tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Glover was President, for “defrauding his men of their advance pay, and by false Returns, imposing upon the Commissary, and drawing more Rations than he had men in his company, and for selling the provisions he by that means obtained” is by the Court found guilty of the whole charge against him and...
295To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 2 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd are the Observations taken by the Sentinal Posted upon Powder horn Hill and also two Letters in one cover Directed to Mr Nathl Noyes, Andover. which I thought Proper to Send for your Excellencies Perusal. Nothing Extraordinary has hapned Scince yesterday⟨.⟩ Two Boats only have come over with Passengers from Boston this day. I am your Excellencys most Obediant Humbe Servnt ALS , DLC:GW...
296To George Washington from the Massachusetts Committee of Supplies, 2 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
Colo. porter is just arrived from New york & has so far succeeded in his Business that abt 80,000 Flints & eight Tons of Lead are expected here Saturday next; It arrived at Hartford Sunday & Monday last. Colo. Campbell the Deputy Quarter Master informed Colo. porter at New york that fifteen hogsheads of powder had arrived there & that he should give your Excellency immediate Notice thereof. I...
297To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 2 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have Examined into the State of The Ammunition in my Department & find Remaining in the Magazine of the Powder Supplied from New Hampshire 19 Barrels of 100 wt Each, Scarcely any Balls & no flints Except what the Soldiers are possessd of: They are in General well Provided with amunition for one Ingagement we have 50 Rounds of Cartridges to Each Cannon That is mounted which is all the...
298General Orders, 3 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
When any plunder is taken from the Enemy (not excepted by the Continental Articles of war) such plunder must be all surrender’d to the Commanding Officer, and as soon as convenient after his arrival at Head Quarters, public Notice must be made, that an Auction will be held in the front of the Encampment for the sale thereof the next day at noon, and the money arising therefrom, is to be...
299To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 3 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
This covers the observation of the day to this time. Two ferry Boats Came on Shore at the ferry ways at 12 Last night with about 20 Passenger from Boston and the Signal upon Powder horn hill was Just Erected denoting more coming[.] am Just going down to the ferry. Nothing Extraordinary Occurd Since I wrote Last I would beg leave to ask your Excellency whether I might attem[p]t to move the old...
300To George Washington from the New York Provincial Congress, 3 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
We are informed in a Letter from the Continental Congress that the General would make out the Commissions for our Regiments to such Persons as this Congress should recommend; but are at a loss to know whether You, or General Schuyler are to issue the Commissions. We understand however that they have been transmitted to You. If this should be the Case, and the Commissions are to be filled up by...