[ 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 .]
2To 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).
3To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 3 June 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 3 June. GW wrote Brig. Gen. Henry Knox on 4 June: “By a letter this moment arrived from General McDougall dated two OClock yesterday.”
4To 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.”
5To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 13 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellencys favor of yesterday. General & particular of this post and its depend ecies are Sent here with. the Soldiers who have had their Trials are Jeremiah Belcher of 1st Troy Lee of the 5th & Daniel Godlip of the 10th Massachusets Regts. I have the Honor to be Sir your Excellenc y s most obt and most Humble Servt. NHi .
6To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 19 June 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 19 June 1779. GW wrote McDougall on 25 June: “In answer to your Letter of the 19th.”
7To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 6 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Forty five more rank & file of the Connecticut Militia have arrived, Since the last return. Secretary Trumbulls Letter of the 4th Inst. is recd giving an account of a Spy Sent out by the Enemy. The light Company of Col. Cortlandts is come down, and will move To-morrow; Some necessary repairs of Arms have detained them here Since Saturday. I have the Honor to be, Your Excellencys most Hble...
8To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 23 June 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 23 June 1779. GW wrote McDougall on this day, 9:45 P.M. : “Half an hour ago I received your Note at eight P.M. ”
9To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letters will inform you of what is passing with The Enemy. A movement will soon take place. Nixon and Parsons Brigades are on the Positions you were pleased to assign them. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency Hble Servant. ADf , NHi : McDougall Papers. These enclosures have not been identified. See GW to McDougall, 19 June.
10To 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...
11To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Necessity only can apoligize for this address, which I know will be as painfull to your Excellency, as it is mortifying to me. But the attention you have paid my private concerns, when they did not interfere with the public service, has induced me to hope this will not give you offence. The non payment of my wages, since I have been a General Officer, (except a very trivial sum) together with...
12To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 13 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored in due time, with your Excellencys favor of the 8th Instant. Before the receipt of this, Colo. Cilleys Regiment embarked for New-Windsor, and was from thence, to take the Route of Sussex Court House, which I was informed, is the shortest distance to East-Town. I have not the most distant Idea, of General Clintons sailing, in the Fleet you mention. However, a few Days will...
13To John Jay from Alexander McDougall, 20 March 1776 (Jay Papers)
I wrote you this morning pretty fully. I then forgot to inform you, that I got M r . Nichol’s provided for, in the Second Company of first Regiment; I wish he may retrieve his Character. There is great want of Artillery officers and men in Canad; none are Yet gone to that important Service. A Captain Momain, who speaks French, is appointed to an Artillery Company in the Continental Service,...
14To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellencys favor of the 13th instant in answer to mine of the 6th. I had no design to convey an Idea in that Letter that a releif from the Command of this Post and its dependencies would be agreeable to me; as I have made it an invariable rule Since I entered the Service to do the duty assigned me, without a murmur or expresing a desire of preferring any other,...
15To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 24 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Major Villefranch of the Corps of Engineers, has served a considerable time under my orders, and inspection, and I can with great trust assure your Excellency, he is an intelligent excellent careful Officer, particularly so, of the public stores. From the General and particular observations I have made on his conduct, in the time of service he is in; I think him an acquisition to the Country;...
16To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 9 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
It is with extreme Reluctance, I trouble your Excellency with Applications on the Subject of my Arrest: But I am perswaded whatever is armed with propriety, will, from your known sense of Justice be granted. Under this Impression, I beg your Excellency to order me a certified copy of the Minutes of the Council of war held at my Quarters at Mrs McGowans, on the 12th of September 1776 . This...
17To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 26 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency favor of yesterday. The arrangement of the Massachusets line made by the Committee of officers was transmitted from Pecks-Kill some time ago—with remarks—and the objections to it by those who considered themselves injured. Least it should have miscarried, I inclose the only copy I have left; also Such of the sentence of death as I have in my Posesion. The...
18To 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...
19To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Teams of General Nixons Brigade are all Sent off, at Some distance, for want of Forage, which will render it impracticable, to move the Brigade or Transport Provission to it. I have therefore directed him to Send out, a Field officers command of 150 men, with four days Provission, which will come up to the Idea your Excellency last mentioned to me, on that Subject. These can be releived,...
20To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yestarday Evening, I was honored with your Favor of the 3rd Instant. The Enemy is on Verplank’s Point, without Tents or Marquees, and their Shipping are all at the Ferry —It is doubtfull whether he has brought up any apparatus for a Seige—If he has not, he is waiting for it—A Deserter who came in last Night, says General Knyphausen is on the west side of the Ferry with Troops, and that some...
21To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
yesterday at one P.M. the Enemies Vessells in great numbers as per margin came up as far Haverstraw Bay, and Landed about 15,00 men at Tallars point. The Van of his Vessells is near the Ferry—Two prisoners taken last night agree in the account that the Enemies detachment had returned from Virginia, and did not land at Newyork, and compose apart of their Army now on the River. The Block-House...
22To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was this Day honored with your Excellencys favors of the 23d and 24th instant. All the New Hampshire Troops that marched, were ordered to be supplied with two pair of Over Halls. I shall however write the Deputy Cloathier to furnish a particular return of the several Articles furnished each, of those Corps, and transmit it. Orders were also given to send on to East Town the several Articles...
23To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys Favor of this Day is this Moment received. Colonel Hamiltons of equal date, reached Me at 3 P.M. Only Eight of the Boats written for, can be procured and are now ready. It is imposible at this post, to furnish the Horse Harness desired; for few of the Artillery brought here are accompanied with Horse Harness. I have however directed the Quarter-Master to write immediately to...
24To John Jay from Alexander McDougall, 9 March 1777 (Jay Papers)
General Sullivan arrived here to To-day from Head Quarters in Jersey. He had it in charge from General Washington to communicate to me, a matter of the utmost importance in Condfidence. It is of Such a Nature and of Such moment that it must not be commited to Paper. I cannot Posibly Quit this post, or I would have mounted my Horse the moment he left me, (in his way to Connecticut) to converse...
25To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Altho I am extremely averse, to detaching men from their Corps; yet I cannot help expressing a Wish, to detain the Masons of General Poor’s Brigade, if I have your Orders for it. It is next to impossible, to get a sufficient Number of them, on any Terms, and they are much wanted to compleat the Works at West Point—The whole Number in it, is under Ten—The Place is a central Position, for them;...
26To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 3 August 1781 to 6 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Last Monday an Officer of the Corps of Invalids from Boston, came to this Post for orders, expecting they would reach Fish Kill the next day. He was ordered to releive the Guard at that place, as their Number is competent for it: But as I have not heard from the Officer commanding, I conclude they have not arrived. Last night those from Philadelphia arrived here, they are in a truly wretched...
27To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 30 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was this Morning honored with your Favor, of the 28th Instant. Since mine to you last Night, I have received the inclos’d Intelligence—which corresponds with what the Deserter gave us last Night. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s humble Servant LS , DLC:GW . The enclosed copy of a letter from Richard Hatfield to McDougall, dated at midnight on 29 May at South Salem, N.Y., reads: “I...
28To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 6 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honored this Evening, with your Excellency’s Favor from Newburgh, without date; in which, your Excellency is pleased to say, you have it in your power to place a Division of the Troops in the Cantonment, under my Orders; desiring to be informed, whether my State of Health will enable me to accept that Command, or not: And that the Situation of the service will, in Case my health requires...
29To 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...
30To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged to your Excellency for the discretionary permission given to me in your favor of the 17th, to attempt a Cure of my Complaint. Upon considering the matter I find it will be most advancive of my design to be freed from Command; as I can pursue the experiment without interruption which is Necessary to its produ[c]ing the desired effect. some circumstances beside those I...
31To 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...
32To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency General Washington informed the Council of General offic⟨ers,⟩ Convened at His Quarters last evening, that from the best intelligence he could get of the Strength of the Enemy in and about New York and its dependencies, it amounted to about Twelve thousand men, exclusive of Horse and Artillery. That the Rank & file of the Army, under His immediate command was Ten thousand,...
33To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 18 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The pretentions of the Field Officers and Captains of the Bay-Line, were omitted to be inclosed in mine of the 14th instant; which I now beg leave to inclose. The Enemy are making frequent excursions at Closter near Tappan. The Troops at Paramus and Kings Ferry, are too remote to give succour in time. The Inhabitants call upon Me for aid, but before it can be sent, on such events, the mischief...
34To 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...
35To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 28th instant, a Memorandum this Morning, and a Letter of the Secretary’s this Afternoon. All the Assistance in my power, is given to expedite the Baking of the Bread. That in Store, and half the Pork hath been ordered down, but the want of Craft has detained those Articles. The Memorandum directed, three Light field Pieces to be sent to the...
36To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The times are So critical and the Subjects on which I shall have occation to write your Excellency are So important, that I have determined to do it under the Signature of Marcus . This will prevent many of the evil effects which have arisen to our Country from the miscarriage of Letters. My Compliments to your Lady. And Believe me to be, Sir, with great respect Your most Humble Servt. ADf ,...
37To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
There is no Horse Harness at New-Windsor or Newburgh; what were at Fish-Kill I fear is sent off with the Quarter-Masters Stores. They are however sent for, but I am informed those for Waggons, will not suit to draw Artillery. If the Enemy reinforce Verplanks point, General Howes Cannon will be in great danger of being lost, as they are placed near the Old-Ferry; and the Enemy in that Case can...
38To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Favor of the 23rd, accompanied with one to General Putnam, which was immediately forwarded. The Closing the Communication thrô the Enemy’s Lines, has been explained by a Forage, made by Colonel Emerick to East Chester—That Measure was necessary for them; as many Waggons were collected, least our Parties might disturb him. The Object of the Enemy for the Campaign, is now...
39To 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...
40To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 29 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received the inclosed Intelligence. The Enemy’s march to the plains is very probable, but have had no advice of the appearance of the Enemy on the River. I have written for General parsons Brigade, to march here with all possible dispatch, and notified Governor Trumbull of the intended movement of the Enemy, and Suggested the propriety of holding the Western Militia in...
41To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 23 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The numberous court martials in our Service has long been disagreeable to me, as they are disreputable to our Service. The points of Military duty in dispute between General Heath and me, have been decided by the Court Martial. And altho the charges made against him by me, can be Supported, as my prosecuting him will have the appearance of malice, with Some persons, and as the French Army it...
42To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
In a few Days, I hope to be able to make your Excellency, a full report of every Department at these Posts. On the first of April, 847 of the nine month’s mens time of Service expires—Vizt 357 of Patterson’s, 187 of the late Learned’s, and 303 of Nixon’s Brigade. By the last week’s Return, I have 1653 present fit for Duty, exclusive of the necessary Commands, for protecting my Front, and...
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of addressing you yesterday. This will be on the Subject of Cloathing. Fearing those at Fish-Kill, might ⟨be⟩ damaged in the Transportation, I have ⟨ord⟩ered the whole to be unpacked, aired and ⟨repackt.⟩ The Labour was not lost. Many of the ⟨woolens⟩ were damp, and others damaged. Officers ⟨of the⟩ hospital, Commissaries of Issues, and ⟨the⟩ Ordnance Store; in short almost...
46To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been extremely reluctant to trouble your Excellency while you were at Philadelphia, least I might draw your attention from public Objects of more moment, than the Case of an Individual. The same Consideration still influences me, till you are settled in your Quarters; But as I am apprehensive, Major General Heath may immediately apply for leave of Absence from the Army, I am constrained...
47To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 22 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Two Hours ago, I had the Honor, to cover Sundry Copies of Original Letters and papers from New-York, to which I beg Leave to refer you. This will be handed to you, by Mr Elijah Hunter Assistant Commissary of Forage at Bedford in this state. He is the person, mentioned in my last, the link of the Chain between me and ——. He goes to Head Quarters, for such Intelligence, as you shall judge...
48To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellencys favor of the 6th instant in due time. The whale boats were Collected as speedily as posible, and delivered to your last order. Not knowing that they were appropriated to any particular Service, one of them was Sent down to row Guard at night a Cross Kings-Ferry, to give me the earliest advice of the approach of the Enemy; should he pass the boats below...
49To John Jay from Alexander McDougall, 29 November 1775 (Jay Papers)
It is now one P M, and Sixteen days, since the Congress was to have been convened; but we have not yet made a House; I think its probable we shall make one to morrow. It is an agreed point with all Civilized Nation[s], that a war is an appeal to God, as there can be none other to Judge between the Contending Parties. The Judge of all the Earth has determined in our favor, in the reduction of...
50To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 13 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Conscious to myself that I have studiously oeconomized in discharging the public trust committed to me, as well in my disposition of the troops under my Care, as the public Stores committed to it; I was astonished to learn, that a Report had been made to your Excellency, of my having a Number of Invalids at work for me at Robinsons Farm. This must be founded on Mistake, if not on a baser...