31From 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...
32From 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...
33From 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...
34George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 11, 1777. States that Major General Nathanael Greene and Brigadier General Henry Knox will inspect posts under McDougall’s command. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
35From 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...
36From 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...
37From 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...
38George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 23 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 23, 1777. Commends McDougall on his attachment to the cause. Suggests that the needed food can be obtained at Albany. Agrees that uniformity of regulations is necessary and disapproves of officers breaking parole. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
39From 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...
40From 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...
41George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 20, 1777. Describes General William Howe’s latest moves. Orders McDougall either to remain at present post or return to Peekskill. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California; Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The draft of this letter is endorsed to Alexander McDougall and Brigadier General John Glover....
42From 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...
43George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 23 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 23, 1777. Approves of McDougall’s return to Peekskill. States that British are leaving New Jersey. Warns McDougall to expect an attack up North River. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
44From 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...
45From 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...
46From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 28 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 20th Instt came to my hands last Night by Mr P. —I thank you for sending him to me, as I think many valuable advantages may result from his endeavours to serve us. He seems sensible & willing, & I trust will be faithful—I have given him such Instructions respecting his conduct as my hurried Situation will allow. to Mr P. I shall refer for the Acct of things in this Quarter...
47To Brigadier General Alexander McDougall or the Officer Commanding the Detachment Marching from Peekskill, 14 September … (Washington Papers)
I have just reciev’d the inclosed information from General Dickinson through Congress, and in consequence, desire that you will, if the Enemy should appear in force and have more in view than to plunder and distress the Country, join Genl Dickinson with the detachment under your command and give every opposition to the Enemy in their march through the Jersey’s you possibly can. The public...
48George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Reading Furnace, Pennsylvania ] September 19, 1777. Orders McDougall to join main Army. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
49From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The exigency of our affairs makes it necessary, you should use all the diligence and dispatch in your power to join this army, with the troops under your command. The enemy are making the most vigorous efforts to succeed in their attempt upon Philadel: and it will require our utmost exertions to disappoint them. We shall this day cross the Schulkill at Parkers ford about thirty miles from...
50From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 22 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on Friday last requesting your earliest arrival with the Troops under your command to join me. This I must repeat, and have sent an Officer on purpose to deliver my Letter, to whom I refer you for the particulars of our Situation & that of the Enemy at this Time. I shall only observe respecting them, that the main body of their Army lay last night, near French Creek Bridge about...
51From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am pleased to find by yours from Coryells Ferry that you are so near me. The Army will fall down to Night to a well known place called the Trap 24 Miles from Philada. Tomorrow we shall proceed further down towards Philada. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, owned (1997) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Florida. The letter is addressed: “To Brigr Genl...
52From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you this morning, it has been determined in consequence of farther intelligence that it will be more adviseable to remain on the ground which we occupy at present, than to march to the Trap as was at first intended—you will therefore regulate your movements accordingly. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt LS , in Caleb Gibbs’s writing, NHi : McDougall Papers. GW franked the...
53From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I have seen Captn Faulkner, and learnt your Situation from him, & compar’d it with that of the Enemy, I have become exceedingly uneasy least they should attempt to Interrupt your March, which I think they can, and surely will do, if they have any good advice of your approach —& of this I have no doubt, as we are in a most disaffected Country. I have therefore, notwithstanding the two...
54From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with Yours by the Bearer of this. I wish you to proceed with your Detachment to the best Grounds near Markleys, about Two Miles below Pennibeckers Mill on the Skippack Road & there remain for further Orders. From the present view of things, I think, I shall join you there or somewhere near It, with this Army. Mr Thomas, who has this in charge, says he is well acquainted with the...
55From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 23 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, c.23 Oct. 1777. Joseph Reed refers in his letter to GW of 23 Oct. to “a Letter Genl McDougal received from your Excelly this Afternoon.”
56From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Congress, so long ago as the 30th November last, directed me to have an enquiry into the Causes of the losses of Fort Mifflin upon the Delaware, and Fort Montgomery upon Hudsons River—The peculiar Situation of the Army has hindered me from attending to this matter before this time. As most of the principal Officers, up the North River, were immediately concerned in the defence of Fort...
57George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 16, 1778 . Instructs McDougall to set up court of inquiry to investigate Major General Israel Putnam’s alleged responsibility for fall of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. Appoints McDougall to command of the Highlands. Df , in writing of Tench Tilghman, with postscript in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
58From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favd with yours of the 17th ulto in due time, and should have proceeded immediately upon the business of the enquiry had not General Putnam’s private Affairs required his Absence for some little time : I have appointed Brigr Genl Huntingdon and Colonel Wigglesworth to assist you in this matter and inclosed you will find instructions empowering you, in conjunction with them, to carry on...
59From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Colonel de la Radiere of the Corps of Engineers, who was employed to superintend the fortifications on the North River—but from some misunderstanding between him and the late commanding Officer, in which he thought his own honour and the public interest were committed, he determined to renounce the work, and return to Camp —I can safely recommend him to you as...
60From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I hope this will find you arrived at your quarters upon the North River. By advices recd two days ago from Elizabeth Town I am informed that two Regiments of British and two of Hessians were embarked at New York and by accounts from Rhode Island it was imagined that the Enemy were about evacuating New Port. This makes me suspicious that General Howe is drawing his reinforcements together to...
61From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 27 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I opened the inclosed to take out the letter for the commanding Officer at Albany, having an opportunity of sending it immediately there by Colo. Armand. I forgot to desire you to give orders to the drivers of all Cattle and to the conductors of all cloathing and Stores coming from the Eastward to cross the Delaware at Easton and not come down as low as Sherrards or Correyels ferry as usual....
62From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 31 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
That part of the Troops of New York have left that place, admits of no doubt—the accounts of their number differ—some say four Regiments (two British and two Hessian)—some 2300, and others 2500 men—all of which there is reason to believe are arrived at Philadelphia; as a Fleet consisting of near 50 Transports (the same number that left New York) passed Wilmington about five days ago. By...
63From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The presence of Colonel de la Radiere, rendering the Services of Mr Kosciousko, as Engineer at Fish kill, unnecessary—you are to give him immediate orders to join this Army without loss of time—Inclosed is a Packet for Col. Hay Deputy Quarter Master, which you will be so good as to forward immediately by express. I am with great regard and esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt Servt however desirous...
64From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 29th March and 3d instant. The Fleet which arrived in Delaware, as mentioned in mine of the 31st ulto, came from N. York; but they had very few troops on board, so that if those transports, which were at the Hook with Troops, have sailed, I know not certainly where they are gone. General Lee, who came out of Philada a few days ago upon parole, says he thinks...
65From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 22 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 13th instant. I am perfectly satisfied with your delay of the enterprise proposed to you, as I am certain it has been founded upon substantial reasons. Congress having, by their Resolve of the 15th inst., directed Genl Gates to resume the command of the Northern department and to repair forthwith to Fishkill for that purpose; I imagine he will proceed immediately...
66From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I return you my thanks for your favor of the 27th Ulto and heartily congratulate you on the important intelligence contained in it. As the matter is related in general terms, France appears to have acted with politic Generosity towards us, and to have timed her declaration in our favor, most admirably for her own interests and the abasing her ancient Rival. One immediate good consequence I...
67From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have wrote pressingly to General Heath and General Putnam to forward the Recruits of Massachusets and Connecticut to the North River with all possible dispatch. If they arrive there during the continuance of your command, you will be pleased, agreeable to former orders, to send on those, belonging to the Regiments that are here, immediately. I very much fear that we, taking it for granted...
68From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 6th instant inclosing a Return of the Troops under your command. From the accounts which I had received, I expected that the Connecticut Regiments had been much fuller. That the persons who are draughted should procure substitutes of any kind to releive themselves is not to be wondered at; but that the Officers who are appointed to receive the Draughts should suffer...
69From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From a variety of concurring circumstances and the general information of persons coming from Philadelphia, it would appear that the enemy mean to evacuate the City, and accordingly are preparing to embark. Some accounts are, that part of their heavy cannon & baggage are already on board, and all agree that the whole of the transports are wooding and watering. What objects they have in view I...
70From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am very desirous of seeing you, and request that you will be with me, as soon as you can, without injury to your health or overfatiguing yourself. I am Dr Sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servt LS , owned (1996) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Florida. GW signed the cover, which was addressed to McDougall at Peekskill, New York. McDougall’s docket on the letter reads,...
71George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] September 15, 1778 . Orders McDougall to march to Danbury and put himself under command of Major General Horatio Gates. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
72From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are to march tomorrow morning precisely at the time appointed with the division under your command towards Danbury, there to join the left Wing, under the immediate command of Major General Gates. You will take the Route by King’s Street Bedford &ca. You will regulate the particular order of your march, agreeable to the principles of a General Order issued at Valley Forge the first of June...
73From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with your letter of yesterday morning. I have no particular orders to communicate except that I wish you and Genl Lincoln to send from your divisions a fatigue party to repair the Road from Fredericksburg by New Milford, Woodberry, and Waterbury to Farmington. I have written to Genl Lincoln upon the subject. This measure will facilitate the movement of the Army if it should be...
74From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
An outrage has been committed on some inhabitants of this State, by a Lieut. Henderson—Marshal—B. Ball and an Ensign Smith, as appears from the deposition in the hands of the bearer of this letter. As these officers are in your command, you will be pleased to direct them under immediate confinement; and to remain so till the civil power can take up the matter. Henderson and Ball I beleive are...
75From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed with the brigades of Nixon, Parsons and Huntington—by the route which will be delivered to you by the Quarter Master General—as far as Hartford—where you will wait for farther orders. I am persuaded that no attention on your part will be wanting for the maintenance of discipline, and preservation of the Health of your troops—and that no precaution will be...
76George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 24, 1778 . Informs McDougall that Major General Horatio Gates has been given instructions about proceeding to the danger area. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress ; LS , in the handwriting of H, the W. Wright Hawkes Collection of Revolutionary War Documents, on deposit at Union College, Schenectady, New York.
77From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have written to General Gates whom you will join at Hartford—that in case he should receive certain advice of the arrival of the fleet, which lately sailed from the Hook, at the Eastward, to proceed with the two divisions, to the Quarter which seems to be threatened. I mention this lest that part of your instructions which require you to wait further orders from me, should occasion any...
78From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the large fleet that sailed on the 19th & 20th—and the reasons we had to conclude, that the Regiments were on board—which we had repeatedly heard were embarked—I have just received advices through different Channels—and which cannot but be certain and authentic—that there were none but Invalids & Offi cers of the reduced Corps on board; and, that the Troops which had embarked,...
79From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
As I am obliged to go from Head Quarters this morning on business of consequence —I am under the necessity of giving you a short answer to your Letter of the 3d Inst., which was only presented to me just now. Your reasoning as to the improbability of the Enemy’s operating to the Eastward was very strong; and your views of the difficulties that would attend the quartering of the whole Army on...
80From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favour of the 9th and 13th. I think it will be on every account better for the Officers of the Connecticut line, to take their places as they were posted by the new arrangement, and I desire that General’s Huntington and Parson may do it. I have received advice from Boston that the Sommerset of 64 guns, one of Admiral Byrons Fleet, went on shore on Cape Cod in a Gale of wind the...