1To John Adams from Alexander McDougall, 5 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
While you are anxiously engaged to preserve the rights of your Country, I cannot entertain the least doubt, but you will readily excuse this address, when I assure you, I am induced to it, from a Sincere desire to promote the common cause of America in this City. The Delegates of this Colony who are in Trade, can inform you, I have no private interest, in the Subject on which I now Sollicit...
[ Near Milford, Connecticut, November 4, 1778 . On November 8, 1778, Hamilton wrote to McDougall: “I have received your favor of the 4th.” Letter not found .]
3To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 23 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 23 Oct. 1775. In a letter of 10 Nov. to McDougall , GW refers to “your Letter of the 23d Ulto.”
4To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 2 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 4th Ultimo, on the Subject of the Cannon. I should not have been So long Silent on this matter, but that none of the brass cannon were finished, till a few days ago, and the Convention were So much out of temper, by the powder lent to the Continental army not being repaid, which they greatly wanted for their own defence, that I thought it most expedient to...
5To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was this moment honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 13th Instant; on the Subject of Cannon and shells. I should long ere now have forwarded the latter, agreeable to Colonel Knox’s memorandum, if I had not been interdicted by a former favor. you may rest assured that all Posible dispatch will be given to expedite the shells; but as the men of warr’s boats often Row gard to where the...
6To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 6 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Officers of the four Battalions raised last Year in this Colony have been allowed but a single Ration; nor have they had any allowance for billetting Money even while they were recruiting. The Expences they were exposed to in the Northern Campaign were great; far beyond those in the English Colonies; owing to the high Charges attending the Carriage of the Necessaries they wanted on that...
7To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 15 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
All the necessaries for Soldiers Cloathing, are so very high and the Pay of the middle department so much below the Eastern Establishment, that my Soldiers are kept bare of necessary Cloathing and other Articles; a Common Soldiers Shirt Costing from 17/ to 20/ Currency, which is half a Months pay. The most of the Levies made in great Cities are generally induced to enter the Service from the...
8To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 26 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
All the Non-commissioned officers, rank and file of my Regiment, are enlisted without time, except one company, recruited before the instructions for raising the four Regiments, Issued from Congress. And I doubt not to be able to engage this on the same Establishment. By the instructions to Colonel Dubois, I observe, he is authorised to give Ten Dollars bounty, to Such Soldiers as shall enlist...
9To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Substance of the examination of the woman which your excellency directed me to take, is as Follows vizt That her name is Mary Debeau; that She lived with Mr John Livingston about 18 months ago; and resided two weeks in Newyork, before She went to Staten Island, the day the man of warr passed up the River. That She embarked with 7 men good livers in appearance, & 8 or 9 women, & ten...
10To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Rheumatism and other disorders detained me at Haverstraw and seperated me from my Brigade. Eight days since I found myself much better; and followed General Lee’s divission to Morris Town; where I arrived the day after he was unfortunately taken. This Catastrophy determined me by the advice of Friends not to proceed unless I had a Guard. The three Regiments from the Northward under Colonel...
11To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 22 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was happy to find that your favor to Col. Vose directed him to Stay in this State. But I am extreamly Chagrined, that the object of that order is not likely to be Effected. This State is totally deranged, without Government, or officers civil or military in it that will act with any Spirit. Many of them have gone to the Enemy for Protection, others are out of the State, and the few that...
12To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 30 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I sincerely congratulate you on the late Success at Trent Town; it came very seasonable. I have continued here Since my last to you of the 22d Instant; with the Troops under Col. Vose. The Militia greatly Lessening in Number Since the arrival of those Troops, has put it out of my Power to do any thing with the Enemy, but to act on the defensive; indeed we have Scarce force enough to do that;...
13To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 16 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 9th Instant, covering an open Letter to General James Clinton. I thank God I am so far recovered, as to be able to do my duty, which I ascribe to some indulgence I have had in these Quarters. The time of the Troops, who now Garrison Fort Montgomery will expire the first of March, They must therefore be relieved by some of the Militia in the Pay of the...
14To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 7 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 18th Ultimo. I am happy to be informed by it, that my detaining General James Clinton has your approbation. I have agreeable to your Order, directed him to exercise some of the Troops to the Cannon. He hath prevailed on a Hundred of the old Garrison, Serjeants included, to remain at Fort Montgomery ’till the 15th Instant. Near that Period, the time of...
15To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 12 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with the Receipt of your Favor, of the 6th Instant. The several Matters ordered therein will be strictly attended to, and diligently pursued. Since my last, Colonel Livingston’s Regiment arrived here, after your Commands reached me; to assemble the troops of this State at Pecks Kill. I did not therefore send him down to the lower part of this County, as I intended. The...
16To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is very mortifying to me to be under the Necessity of informing you, that I was obliged to quit this Post on Sunday last. To be the instrument of demonstrating to the Enemy, the weakness or supiness of this Country, must be grating to the feelings of any man of sensibility, but more especially to the Soldier. But when I reflect, on the many insults the Commander in Chief has suffered,...
17To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honor’d with your favour of the 2nd Inst. I am happy in your good Opinion of my conduct. Since I came to this Post, I caution’d the Asst Commissary against increasing the Stores at this Place, which I believe he has observ’d; a few Days, as I wrote you, would have greatly reduced them. The loss of the Rum, Wine, Sugar and Candles is much to be regreted for the reasons you mention. I take...
18To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 17 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with the receipt of your favors of the 12th and 13th Instant, containing information against sundry Persons wickedly engaged in the service of the Enemy. You may rest assured no pains will be wanting to secure those miscreants. It’s probable Van Wagoner is secured; a person of his Character, being lately taken with a Number of Recruits for the Enemy. The late resolution of...
19To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 23d was this moment Han⟨ded⟩ to me. The intelligence it contained, is very probable; for I have received advice, from New York, that Some of the dissaffected who went from this Quarter, have been Soliciting the Army to come up, to this Neighbourhood, to secure wagons and Teams. Yesterday I was well advised that twenty two Saile of different Sizes were anchored near Fort...
20To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 25 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favored with yours of Today; by the express riders. It has been my express orders, that no officer shall have furlough on any pretext whatsoever. The extreme hurry, which I am Continually kept in, by the arival of Small detachments and other business, prevented my examing those returns, with that attention I should otherwise have done. The adjut. of Colonel Cortlandt’s has had...
21To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 27 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since my last the Enemys Ships remain anchored from Dob’s Ferry to Philip’s, the wind haveing been against them; and very precarious Since they came there. Their Number, by the best intelligence, received this morning is Twelve Large, Square riged Vessels, and a Number of Tenders; the wind is Still against them. The inclosed Letters will communicate to you disstressing and Shameful...
22To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 29 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
The wind blowing Fresh Northerly on Monday, and likely to continue for Two or three days, whenever I received a litle provission for the men I marched at 10 at Night, with about 1200 and one Field piece towards Bedford, in hopes to fall in with the Enemy there from the intelligence contained in No. 8 of the inclosure. At Ten the next Morning I arrived at the South End of the Town, at the Road...
23To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 30 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you yesterday by the express rider, and Sent you inclosures of all the intelligence I was poss[ess]ed of relative to the Enemies expedition to Danburry. The inclosd was one of those dispatches which induced me to move to Bedford but was mislaid when I wrote you last. Captain Suel’s detachment of Artillery is Just at Hand; but to my great mortification find the most of them have not had...
24To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 5 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favors of the 1st 3d, and that to General Clinton and me, inclosing resolves of Congress. Colonel Huntington of the first instant, and the News Paper inclosed, will give the best intelligence I am po[sse]ssed of, relative to our respective losses at Danbury. As to the Stores it is extreamly difficult to obtain a state of their loss. I have not been able to get a return...
25To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 6 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Thro ^ hurry I enclosed you Yesterday by mistake, another of Col. Huntingtons instead of the enclosure. My recruiting Officer is returned with the most of the leaders of the Gang, but he lost one of them by being too eager to get the whole. one of the Prisoners says the Enemy are to evacuate their Post at the Bridge, on the 10th instant, and that the most of the Enemies Troops are gone to...
26To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favors of the 10th & 11th Instant and a Visit from Generals Green & Knox, we have viewed the passes and different Routs on this Side of the River, which lead to the Mountains, and are of Opinion from the strength of Ground, that its unnecessary to make any works; For if the Troops will not defend strong Defiles, they will not any works that we can finish in the probable...
27To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 21 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowlege, the Receipt of your favor of the 16th last night. Before the sword was drawn for the Defence of the Rights and privileges of this distressed Country, I voluntarily sacrificed my Constitution, and no small part of my fortune to promote her Interest and secure her Liberties. The Motives which determined me to those Acts of self Denial, will induce me to contribute...
28To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Putnam arrived here to the 22d, he has Since been Viewing the river and the Country, tomorrow he takes the command. A Flag I Sent to Newyork the day before yesterday, to exchange Families of ours on the Nassau Island, for Some of the Enemies, who had leave of Convention to leave this part of the State, has this day brought me the Following intelligence. “That they were not Suffered to...
29To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 21 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 20th reached me this morning. The Brigade left this yesterday morning; under Col. Cortlandt: It was Necessary for me to stay behind to Expedite large Parties not then ready to march; which I got over last Night. The Brigade at noon must be at Pumton; where I should have halted them; but I have this moment receivd express orders, from General Putnam, to return with the Brigade...
30To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Bearrer hereof Mr Philip Pelton is a known Friend to our Cause; He will communicate to you a matter of importance which prudence forbids I should commit to paper. I must refer you to him for particulars. But least he should forget to inform you; the Enemies Force to the Northward is but 5,600. Question him how we have received this intelligence, and it will be explained to your...
31To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honored a few minutes Since, with a Copy of your Excellency’s favor of the 14th instant. The Enemy’s Army which came into Jersey from different Quarters, were under the command of General Clinton assisted by three other General officers. Their Force must have been considerable as he was with them. The lowest amounts that can be relyed on, place them at 2000, others as Credible as high as...
32To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of addressing your excellency; on the 17th from Tapan. Colonel Durkee returned in the Evening; and brought unquestiable intelligence, that the Enemy had returned to Fort Washington, Newyork and Bergen; and from the last place to Staten Island. The next morning I marched for Paramus, in order to Collect Provisions; to Supply me on my March to join your Excellency; which I...
33To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Doctor mcKnight, who attended me in my Illness, having asserted to me with great confidence that my Constitution had received So great a Shock, it was in Vain for me to think, of returning to the Army till the opening of the Campaign; was the reason of my removing so far from Camp, to a place of Safety. I think he was mistaken; for my Health is now perfectly restored; but I cannot say the same...
34To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 29 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
At Morris Town on the 21st instant, I was honored with the receipt of your Excellency’s favor of the 16th, containing your orders to take charge of these Posts, and inclosing the Commission to hold the Court of enquiry. The confidence you are pleased to place in me in this command, is very flattering to me, and calls for my utmost exertion to discharge it; and if posible agreeable to your...
35To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to address you a few days since by General Knox; in which I informed your Excellency of the deranged State of this department. Since that I have received your favors of the 25th and 27th ultimo. The necessary orders are given at the Ferries, to the drivers of Catle and Stores for the Grand Army, to Cross the Deleware at East Town. And your orders respecting the recruits of the...
36To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 13 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with the Receipt of your Favors of the 31st Ultimo & 6th Instant. The inclosures in the last have been forwarded agreeable to your Orders. No Service would be more agreeable to me than an Attack upon New-York, could I recommend it consistent with any probable Prospect of Success. But the Condition & Strength of these posts, utterly forbid it. Especially when the consequence of a...
37To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 27 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 27 April 1778. On 1 May, GW wrote McDougall , “I return you my thanks for your favor of the 27th Ulto.” McDougall wrote in his journal for 27 April, “Mr Deane left this in the morning wrote Genl Washington the advice He brought” ( NHi : Alexander McDougall Papers).
38To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 1st was handed to me last Night from Fish Kill. Agreeable to your request I inclose you a return of the Corps at these posts of the 27th Ultimo. It is far from being correct; but it is the best I can obtain. Col. Greatons and Aldens regiments are not yet ordered down from Albany; as the Stores there were exposed to a Coup de main of the Enemy, Till the River was...
39To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favor of the 17th by Express; and shall wait your future Commands at this Place. I am entirely agreed with your Excellency in Opinion, that New-York will be the last place of the United States the Enemy will quit. The Inclosed from Colonel Graham is the last Advice I have had from that City to be relyed on. He commands a Corps of New Levies of near 200 men; now at...
40To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in chief of the American Army informed the Council of General officers conven’d at His quarters last night, that General Sullivan with the Army under His Command had retired on the 29th Ultimo to the North End of Rhode Island, and that the Enemy from the best information the General could obtain, had embarked about Four Thousand Troops on Board of ⟨a⟩ number of...
41To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The van of my division arr[i]ved at Mr Menezies House; at 8 this morning, when I received your Excellency’s orders, throˆ Colonel Laurence, to Halt my Division on the first Convenint Ground; and there wait further orders, which is accordinly done. From the appearance of the Country near us, I fear Forage will be a Scarce Article. Mr Van Zandt who is the Bearrer of this, will convey to me any...
42To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
You may remember, I informed you this morning, I had Sent Col. Putnam to inspect the roads to Farmington; and directed him to cause Such routs be mended from this, throˆ the Severals Towns you mentioned, to that Town, as he on inspection should Judge most eligible for the march of the Army. I beg leave to inclose his report on this Subject, handed to me by the Bearer, who returns to the Party...
43To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is extremely difficult, to give your Excellency a satisfactory or conclusive Opinion on the Questions proposed to the Council of war. As to the Enemy’s Design to operate against Boston, I think it very improbable. The only Object that remains there, considering the Experience he has had, of the general Attachment of the people of the Country to America; and his relinquishing the Possession...
44To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Nix[on] has applied to me, to signify my approbation of his applyg to your excellency for leave to Vissit his numerous Family, and to provide for them before the winter Setts in. As I know he has a very numerous Family, and the Colonels of his regiments are Careful men, I have no objection to his having Such leave. But as your excellency is better informed of what Service is in...
45To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor to address you last, I was favoured with your Excellencys Commands of the 24th Ultimo; throˆ Farmington. If the Enemy had appeared in the neighbourhood of Connecticut, or near it, I should not have considered the spirit of my first orders, binding to remain at Hartford, till I should receive others, as I knew the object of marching the Troops, from Fredericksburgh and...
46To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Favor of Yestarday in the Evening. The two Connecticut Brigades are still on this ground & will probably be well supplied for a few Days. Nixon’s is advanced to Woodbury, seven miles from hence. General Huntington has applied to me to put their Officers to the respective Corps as they are arranged agreeable to the New-Establishment, as the rejected Officers are gone...
47To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 13 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Unless the new ara[n]gement takes place now, Many officers of Companies will not have the benefit of the orders for furloughs, as they are to have officers promoted from Serjeants and for the reasons I have mentiond. My affairs and those of the Division did not permit me to Sett off as I intended, but expect to do it in an Hour. I have the Honor to be, Your very Humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW ....
48To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favor of 14th instant, thro^ General Huntington; and I am perswaded he will obey your excellency’s commands, respecting the new arangement of the line of his State; and take every posible Care of the Division in my absence. I was happy enough in finding Mrs Macdougal recovered of her illness; and shall therefore join the Division on Saturday next; if no pressing call...
49To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
It was not until late in the evening of the 2d instant, that Patterson and Learnards Brigades arrived at Fish Kill. As they were much fatigued by the deep roads, I permited them to repose two days till I could determine on proper places for their winter Cantonment. At noon yesterday I arrived here, to inspect the Post, and give the necessary orders for the winter. In the evening I received...
50To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 7th instant from Paramus. Sir Harry Clinton was informed there were fifteen Hundred Barrels of Provission at Kings Ferry. The object of it is expected. His expedition as you conjectured was founded on false information. He secured a litle Broken Fish, which was all the acquisition of his enterprise to the Kings Ferry. The detachment of his, that marched out to...