1To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 1 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I shall esteem it as a particular Favour if your Excellency will be so obliging as to recommend my Worthy friend Collo. Henry Babcock to the Honorable Continental Congress to be appointed to the Rank of Brigadier Generall in the Continental Army. I have been upon Service with him several Campaigns the last War and have seen him in Action behave with great Spirit and Fortitude when he had the...
2Plan for Attacking Boston, 18–25 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to Your Excellency’s Orders, we have considered the Matters referred to Us, & beg leave to recommend the following Signals to be given from Roxbury, in Case of any Movement of The Enemy to Distress our People at Dorchester Hill: Signal in Case the Enemy begin to Embarque, a Flagg on Roxbury meeting House; If they Actually Land at Dorchester Two Flaggs, One, over the Other; In case...
3From George Washington to the First Church of Woodstock, 24 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Mr Leonard is a man whose exemplary Life and Conversation, must make him highly esteemd by every person, who has the pleasur⟨e⟩ of being acquainted with him—the Congregation of Woodstock Know him well, it therefore Can be no Surprise to us, to hear that they will be Loth to part with him, his usefulness in this Army is great—he is employed in the glorious work of attending to the Morals, of a...
4To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 21 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Wm Goforth arrived here about an hour since with the enclosed letters—Express from Canada, which I mean to forward on to Amboy very early in the morning, and beg your Excellency’s particular answer in regard to what you would have forwarded from this place —Capt. Goforth commanded the Schooner in the River St Lawrence—he says—that not more than 100 Men are taken prisoners & them all...
5To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 24 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I Received yours of the 22d from Amboy and waited immediately on the Provincial Congress they gave me the enclosed Invoice of Articles they had forwarded on for Albany. most of the Articles Genll Schuyler wrote for I have already ship’d—and will this day proceed up the River. Colo. Knox has sent Two Conductors to Kings Bridge to pick out 12 Cannon suitable for the Vessels and have them ready...
6To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 27 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Nothing material has happened since I last wrote You. the Articles General Schyler wrote for are all forwarded they went from this last Saturday in a Vessel bound to Albany. Lord Sterling Colo. Putnam & one Officer from the train went from this up the North River Yesterday—I could not think it prudent to send Colo. Knox as he was much wanted here—the Lead General Schuyler wrote for was not to...
7To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 31 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of Receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 28th Instant pr Post, and shall forward on the enclosed to General Ward by the first safe conveyance. Soon after our Troops leaveing the plains of Abraham Sir John Johnson push’d off at the Head of his Scotch Gang. General Schuyler immediately ordered the Officers that were at Albany on their Parole to be sent to this place, I...
8To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 1 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment (by Express) received the enclosed letters from Generals Schuyler and Sullivan which I think of such great Importance I shall immediately forward you, together with my answer to General Schuyler, I wrote you yesterday but was too late for the post, shall forward it on wt. this—since which five Ships arrived Att the Hook three of which I suppose to be Men of War, I am truly...
9To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 2 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
These you will receive by Doctor Gill, & Lt Shork, who were made Prisoner’s at St Johns, they have both behaved Exceedingly well, and I could wish they might receive as kind treatment, as can be shown to prisoner’s of war—Lt McClean, has behavd very ill, which has occasioned his being sent in Irons, to Philadelphia no treatment can be too bad for such a Villain. I am with the greatest Respect...
10To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Mr Duer informs me that they are five or Six Sea Vessels up the North River, which may be made serviceable as Fireships or for other Purposes to annoy, or obstruct the Enemy—Three of them lie at the Dock of Mr Beverley Robinson in the Highlands, and two at or near Poughkepsie—As it is possible the Ships, wh. have gone up yesterday Afternoon, may come too to the Southward of the Forts, I submit...
11To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Aftor mr Balor cam to me with your ordor I immedatly went one bord all the roo galles and told them it was your Pesetive ordors that thay proced up the rivor with 2 fier Ships the 2 Rodisland Galles and thes 2 bult hear immedatly waied ancor and proced up the revor the oather 3 have not moved but now aply for 36 men which ware peraded by my quartors for 2 or 3 hours and then went thare way but...
12To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 12 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of Yesterday I have received —All Things in this City remain in Confusion, for Want of Men to put them into Order—The Citizens are generally with you—The Continental Recruits are cloathing & arming as fast as possible, & are employed on Guard & Fatigue Duty, for which there is scarce a Relief—A Party are now going to the Jerseys, to bring off all the Craft out of the Creeks. The...
13To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 17 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 17 Dec. 1776. GW on 21 Dec. wrote Putnam : “I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt.”
14To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 19 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 19 Dec. 1776. GW on 21 Dec. wrote Putnam : “I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt.”
15To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 4 February 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 4 Feb. 1777. When writing to Putnam on 5 Feb., GW says that “Your favor of Yesterday . . . I have received.”
16To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 8 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d your Letter of 3rd Inst: by Express & of 6th by Mr Burr—agreeable to your orders I went yesterday with about 400 men, below the six mile Runn, but with little expectation of finding any thing of importance to bring off —Since I have taken post at this place, the troops have been fed altogether, with what was collected from within the enemy’s reach, & have at present large quantities...
17To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 18 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Pleasure to inform you that Major Dick Stockton (of infamous Memory) and his Detachment at Lawrences Island (3½ Miles below Brunswick) are taken—The 50 Men of Bedford Militia who went from here on Sunday were joined by 150 Jersey Militia at Cramberry and the whole commanded by Colo. Nielson—The Affair does real Honour to both Officers and Men, and was conducted with that Secrecy and...
18To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 25 February 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 25 Feb. 1777. GW writes in his letter to Putnam of 28 Feb. that “your several favours of the 25th & 26th Inst. came to hand.”
19To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 26 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Smith is induced by Arguments I have used to return and accept of the Offer you was pleased to make him, of an Independant Company of 100 Men, I could wish as an additional Requisite, he had, to pay and cloath them him self—His Experience last War and the Spirit which to my Knowlege he has shewn in this, convince me, he is capable of rendering his Country particular Services in the Way...
20To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I just receiv’d your favour of yesterday —there are a number of the Maryland & Virginia troops have been laying at Bristol some time. I this day took the liberty of ordering them up, & soon as any part of them arrive I shall immediately, give orders to Major Smith who commands a detachment of the 9th Pennsya Regt to march —Capt. Sewards Compy of Artillery arriv’d here this morning—the Company...
21To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
There arrived here Yesterday about 1000 Men—The Maryland Detachments, of which I have yet no Return, but suppose about 600, I shall detain at this Place, agreeable to your Instructions —The Detachment of 9th P[ennsylvania] B[attalion] under Majr Smith I have ordered to march immediately to Bont [Bound] Brook—Since the 10th Inst. have passed thro’ this Place about 400 Virginians in different...
22To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recived your favor at this Plas as I in company with ginrol Clinton thought proper to Com to this plas to see how the Obstructions in the rever went on and also to see what could be don as to Booms with Logs we have not as yeat Com to any Detarmenation what is beast to be don but when we shall Com to any detarmenation about it I Shall inform your Exelancy of it. as to your Plan of Supris by...
23To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 30 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Capt. Mitchell and two other Gentlemen who went (the day before Yesterday) to New York, with a Flagg (to exchange some of the Inhabitants of this Neighberhood, who had a great desire to go in; for some of the Citizens who were equally desirous to come out) we have the following Intelligence Vitz. That while he Lay in the River with the Flagg (for they would not suffer him to go on shore) he...
24To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is Impossible for me at this Juncture to obey your Instruction with respect to the Boats, we have verry few Flat Bottom’d ones here, and as yet only one Whale Boat has been employ’d in Cruising in the River I have Directed the Quarter Master to have Eight Built Immediately, and a proper officer with a party of men to man them—four of them I intend shall be kept alway’s down the River as a...
25To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Receiv’d your favor of the 2d Inst. and with [regard] to taking steps to procure the Cloathing, I had previous to Receipt of your Letter desired General [McDougall] to send an officer from each of the Regts from Massachusetts, to inquire into the state of it and make a Report as soon as possible, none of which has yet Returnd, but expect them every day—another officer was sent to Albany to...
26To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 9 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are not unacquainted that an unhappy Dispute has long subsisted between Genl McDougall and Col. H. B. Livingston, I found it necessary, upon my Arrival at this Post, to appoint a G.C.M. for the Tryal of Col. Livingston, then under Arrest—Genl Geo. Clinton presided, the Members were all Field Officers—A Respectable Court, and whose Sentence should have been determinate—Copies of their...
27To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 10 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
There has for this Long time past an Unhappy Difference, subsisted between Genl McDougall and Colo. Henry B. Livingston, which I fear will never be Amicably setled—soon after I came here, Col. Livingston was Arrested by Genl McDougall; his Crimes were—for Traducing the Character of Genl McDougall in ordering the Retreat of the Continental Troops on the 23d March Last—For neglecting to bring...
28To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this Minute your Favour of 12th Inst. I had ordered Genl Parsons with his Brigade to White Plains, they were just paraded for March—and will cross the River Tomorrow on their Way to Middle Brook agreeable to your Orders—The other Divisions will march within three or four Days, what they will consist of you will Learn from the Return herewith sent you. Accounts from Connecticut are...
29To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 15 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 15 June 1777. In his letter to Putnam of 17 June , GW says that “I have been favoured with yours of the 15th & 16th Instant.”
30To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
the Inclosed Letter was bro’t here by . I wrote to the Governor on that head—some time past & the man who bro’t the Letter told me the subject of it which Induced me to take the Liberty to open it. I have orderd payment to those Troops mentiond in the Inclosed. I am Sir Your Most Obdt Hume servt L , DLC:GW . Putnam enclosed Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.’s first letter to GW of 9 June 1777.
31To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 19 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd your Favour of 17th Inst. last Evening. I have dispatched Expresses to Govr Trumbull Col. Sheldon and Col. Chandler, respecting the sending forward the Troops as fast as raised, and properly Officered, in which last particular there has been much Neglect. Cloathing has not yet arrived, I have sent an Express to Genl Schuyler, as you direct—Mr Young, (the Clothier sent for this...
32To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 21 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour of the 20th I have just received and in Consequence thereof shall immediately dispatch an Express to Genl McDougall and take every step agreeable to your Directions as far as in my Power. I have the Honour to be Sir Your mo. Obt hume Sert LS , DLC:GW .
33To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 23 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, Part of the Cloathing has arrived and more is near at Hand. We shall have a Supply of Shirts, Rifle Shirts, Waistcoats, Overalls, and Shoes—Coats Breeches or Stockings we do not expect. Genl McDougall’s Brigade are on their Return, and will recross the River, to Day—Genl Nixon holds himself in Readiness, agreeable to your Orders, he is quartered in the Houses at Peekskill, that...
34To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
since my last nothing material has hapned here—I have sent forward 3 officers & 15 men of Col. Hazens Battn—as all the others were in the Jerseys I tho’t it improper to Detain so small a Detachment. Genl Glover with several officers have gone to White plains to Look some Conveniant place to encamp—his Brigd. Marches there tomorrow morning. I am Sir Your Obt Hume sert LS , DLC:GW .
35To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 26 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
your favours of the 22d & 25 Inst. I have receivd. If I mistake not, yours Orders where that I should Order, Genl McDougal’s Brigade, back if they had not Advancd two far—Genl McDougal Crosd the River himself the morning, before I recd your letter and I thought, he could not have got, with his Brigade more that four or five miles, but since I find he had Orderd his Brigade, to march the day...
36To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 28 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
yours of the 25th Inst. came duly to hand, I congratulate your Excellency on the happy Success of your Arms in the Expulsion of General How from Jersey, also note the orders therein respecting the unadviseableness of detaching Genl Glover to the White Plains. Altho, I would be far from Saying any thing that has the most distant appearance of debating your Excellency in the general movement of...
37To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of Letters just received from the Northward, I have ordered Genl Nixon to embark his Brigade with their Baggage & on Board the Transports prepared for that Purpose; I have been collecting Shallops, and believe there are sufficient Number, if not, there will be, before the Brigade can be in Readiness or can receive your Orders for March, which I shall expect the Return of the...
38To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have Received your several favors of the 30th Ultm. the first and second Inst. and observe the Directions therein given —On the 1st Inst. a party of the Enemy, Consisting of about 3 or 400, Advanc’d as far as White Plains, Attackd a small party of our’s there; kill’d one, took Eight Prisoners, and Drove off some Cattle—by several deserters that has Come in to day; we are Inform’d, that they...
39To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 11 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honour to transmit you Copies of the Letters I have just received from the Council of this State, least you should not have received the Intelligence they contain thro’ any other Channel. The Intelligence Mrs Sickles gives, agrees with what I hear from other Quarters; that both the Army and Inhabitants at N. York are packing up and putting all on Board Vessels. I am Sir with...
40To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the Receipt of your Favour of the 12th Inst., I had ordered down a Number of Transports and shall have more than a Suffiency for Gen. Glovers Brigade, should more be wanted. I have frequently reconnoitered the Roads in this Neighbourhood and do not find that any of them may be obstructed with Propriety, except perhaps the cross Road you mention, on the Right—I shall take a more...
41To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Just received Information from one Charles Miel who has been down below fort Lee to make Observation on the Enemy’s movements, That a Sloop of 14 Guns & the row Galley ly off Col: Philip’s, the rest of the Ships are by Staten Island That the Inhabitants told him a fleet was gone up the East river and Some large Ships out at the Hook; which induces me to beleive, if the Information is Just,...
42To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 17 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
There is nothing new here since your last—only that one ship, two gallies and an armed sloop came up the river yesterday as far as Haverstraw Bay and came to an anchor, and now lie there. We have near Albany sloops enough lying at Robinsons to transport 5000 troops if they should be wanted —by deserters and others there is not more than 1800 men at and about Kingbridge—and now I would just...
43To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 17 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of the Intelligence brot by one Ebr Atwood who appears to be a very honest intelligble fellow that escaped from the Enemy last monday Night which I thot proper to Communicate to your Excellency immediately—being the best account of the Enemys movements & the latest I have Recd sd Atwood was Mate the Sloop Dove. with the highest esteem & respect am your Excellencys Obedt...
44To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 19 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I herewith Send you a Copy of a letter Just received from Col. Mead containing some intelligence respecting the Enemy’s fleet. I have taken One Edmund Palmer, who went to the Enemy Some time past, who belonged at Crumpond, has ever Since been lurking about here plundering & driving off cattle to the Enemy, breaking up & robbing houses—he broke Open a house in the Night belonging to an Officer...
45To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 20 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 20 July 1777. When writing to Putnam on 22 July, GW says that “I have received your two favours of the 20th and 21st with their inclosures.”
46To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 21 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Recd yours of this date, conceive the mænuveres of Genl How are calculated with his utmost Skill to perplex but hope & trust that the posts of observation, are Such, as will enable your Excellency, before he Can effect any capital purpose, to detect & Counteract it; Inclosed is a Copy of Genl Sillimans last letter received this day by Express, in addition to the Intelligence that letter...
47To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have the Examination of Capt. Atwood of Cape Cod —Mr Mead who is the post that passes from hence to the East River, Arrivd here this morning, brings no letters, nor nothing new, Only that since the 25. Sails of transports past Fairfield, their is not the least Appearance of the Enemy in the sound, Our provost guard is full of Robbers tories &c. and more Continually Coming in, four...
48To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 24 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from G. How to G. Burgoine brot out by one Mr Williams who was betrusted to Carry it to Canada inclosed also is the account he gave of the matter on Examination also Major Fishes Recommendation of him—which being of So much importance I thought prudent not to loose a moments time in transmitting to you —It Seems that G. How Means to make a Shew of going Southward when his...
49To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 26 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Recd your two favours of the 24th & 25th with the inclosed order of March—Ld Stirling & Genl Sullivan are marched for Philadelphia—& Genl G[l]over for the Northward—The intercepted letter, it is most evident, they intended Should fall into our hands—& under Such circumstances, as they must think; we Should know they intended it; in Such case, as is natural, they Supposed, we should beleive...
50To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Recd yours of the 25th respecting two Brigades holding themselves in readiness to move on the Shortest notice, and I have Issued orders accordingly, & am now going to advise with Genl Clinton in respect to Calling the militia as directed in your letter. This Moment Mr Israel Knap D. Commissy came in from Horseneck and informs me that he Saw Genl Silliman there; & that he had it in charge...