1II. Major General Nathanael Greene’s Opinion, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia is an object of such magnitude, the prejudices of the People in the surrounding States so strong, in its fervor, as to its importance, and consequence, the manufactories & supplies for the Army so numerous in that City, that the loss of it would so effect the Country, and the Army, that very great injury would arise to the common cause of America. to prevent so great an evil, it...
2IV. Brigadier General Anthony Wayne’s Opinion, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Genl Wayne’s Opinion of the Defences necessary for the River and Land in case the Enemy should Attempt the Reduction of Phila. The Works, as Contracted by Agent De Coudre to be Compleated and Supplied with Six or Eight pieces of Artillery and men Sufficient to fight them with about 500 Troops—One Redoubt on the High Ground at Darby Creek Sufficient to Contain 200 men. the fleet fire ships &...
3To George Washington from Colonel Arendt, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Relying upon your words bidding me to have an intire Confidence in you, I entreat Your Excellency to give this Letter a favorable Reception. I have just discover’d since my absence that there is a great deal of Discontent in my Regiment, and altho’ I am perfectly convinced, that no one can complain either of my conduct towards him or on any other account, I believe however that the Discipline...
4To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday received a Letter of the 3d instant from General Putnam inclosing a Copy of yours to him of the 1st instant advising that the Enemy’s Fleet on the 31st ulto sailed out of the Capes of Deleware on an eastern Course—requesting all possible Assistance to prevent the Enemy’s possessing themselves of the Passes in the Highlands. Previous to this in Pursuance of a former Requisition from...
5III. Joseph Reed’s Opinion, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I shall make no Apology for troubling you with the following Hints because I well know that the Goodness & I may truly add the greatness of your Mind would induce you to listen with Patience & even Chearfulness to the Suggestions of the meanest Soldier if properly presented. Whether Philadelphia is the present Object of Attack is yet a Question & every one reasons upon it as his Fears Hopes &...
6To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
We the Subscriber beg leave to represent to your Excellency that all Regimental Officers conceive themselves greatly oppress’d by a Resolve of Congress which obliges them to draw their Provision with the men. The Resolve deprives them of the few conveniences which might be had without any disadvantage to the Publick from the Commissaries Store besides it oppresses the men, the officers picking...
7To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Joined my Division Three Day Since, but am Exceeding weak & what is Still more afflicting I am Extremely apprehensive that I Shall never perfectly Recover Doctor Jones Says that my Excessive Fatigue has So much Injured The whole Nervous System that nothing but a Long Continuation of the Cold Bath Accompanied with a Strick Regimen can Restore me to a perfect State of Health—all Solid Food &...