51To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 10 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to address you yesterday Evening. Extreme bad weather prevents my setting out for West Point, as I intended. It has always been difficult to supply this Post in Winter, with Forage—Your Excellency will readily conceive, how much this must now be increas’d, by the long Continuance of the Army in it’s Vicinity. Upon full Enquiry into, and Report upon the expected Supplies of this...
52To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 11–15 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored in due time, with your favor of the 16th Ultimo from Paramus. The pressing duties of the Post, obliged me to defer an answer to the Several important Questions on which you were pleased to ask my opinion. I was the rather induced to this, as I presume, they were Stated on a Supposition that the Enemy would soon evacuate the united States, but there is no appearance now or Since I...
53To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to address you very fully, on the 15th Instant, by the stated Express on the West Side of the River. Since that, the Gentleman (Captain Bedlow) I wrote for, on the Subject of Niagara arrived; and is the Bearer of this. He is a man of Virtue, great Integrity and Understanding; served in the last war, a Lieutenant in the Navy on Lake Ontario. He will be able to give Congress, or...
54To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to address you by Captain Bedlow. I have not been favored with any of your’s, since that from Paramus of the 16th Ultimo. Your being absent from the Army, occasioned the Caution on the Address of my late Letters, “not to be opened [but] by the Commander in chief.” I take the Liberty to inclose correct Copies, of my Orders for Permits of Provision below, and the Regulation of...
55To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
My last address to your Excellency was of the 25th Ultimo by the Stated express’s. I have not been favored with any of yours Since the 16th of december. The works at Kings-Ferry, will be ready for the Cannon and Compleat to receive the Troops, long before those can now be transported from the Eastward. west Point can very ill, Spare any heavy for the Ferry. Col. woods regt having finished...
56Major General Alexander McDougall’s Estimate of Enemy Strength, 16 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Corps on the other Side, have been compared with the Official Letters and paragraphs, in the Enemies Papers; relative to the embarkation and arrival of the Troops at Barbadoes &ce, and Georgia, but neither of those, are among these —It is certain there are 14 Companies of Light Infantry at South Hampton, and its very seldom, that the Battalion is sent on remote Service, from its flank...
57To 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...
58To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored in due Season, with your Favors of the 9th 14th and 25th Ultimo; and the 6th 16th and 17th Instant. All that can be done, to defeat the Object of the Enemy, if he intends up this River will be done. I have waited for a leisure Moment, to give particular Answers to all your Commands; as well as to report in Detail, the State of the Works, and every Department at these Posts—But...
59To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to address you Yesterday, by the Express which handed me your’s —The other with whom I intended to transmit these Inclosures, went off unknown to me. The Gold by Mr Lawrance and Colonel Malcom was received in due Time—You have herewith some of the first Fruits of it —The Person, who brought me General Tryon’s Letter of November has, so establish’d his Reputation with the Enemy,...
60To 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...
61To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 31 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Favors of the 25th and 28th Instant. You may rest assured, no Man shall have any Intelligence, or intimation from me, which may be injurious to the Service; however zealous his profession of Attachment may be. But the Connection of Mr —— is such, and his Conduct in the dark Hour, was so unequivocal, that it wou’d be uncharitable and unjust to harbour any Suspicion...
62To 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...
63To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s, of the 1st Instant was handed to Me the 3d at 8 P.M. The necessary Orders were instantly issued, to Malcoms and late Pattens Regiments, to march. The Weather, want of Boats, and some little arrangements, prevented their moving ’till Yesterday. They will be all, at New Windsor this Evening. Colo. Malcom absent on your leave , was furnished with a Copy of the Orders...
64To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor, of the 5th Instant, at West-point. The Fachine Works there, had so little Slope, and were so decayed, that We were obliged to Errect them a new: There are a considerable part yet to be done. I have ordered Stone and Lime, to be got ready, for the principal Works. But this will be a Work of time. Such however is the State of the Works, that I am confident, the...
65To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to address you, this Morning by Lieut. Colo. Govion. The duties of the Line, take up but the smallest part of my time; such are the various matters to be attended to, at these posts, that they are sufficient to perplex the prececion of a Locke, and the Industry of a De Witt. I have now stole a moment, to report to your Excellency, the reasons on which the inclosed Instructions,...
66To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Copy of mine, to Brigadier General Glover, will inform your Excellency, of the steps, I have taken, respecting the arrangement of the Bay Line, as far as it respects those troops at Providence. Colonel Sheppard and Major Cogswell, arrived here yesterday, as a Committee from Glovers Brigade. And I have directed, a Committee, from Nixons, Patersons, and late Learned’s, to meet those...
67To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Favor of the 19th two Days since. In my address to your Excellency, of the 10th of December last, is this paragraph. “I shall want more heavy Cannon; I wish therefore to have your Excellency’s Order for those at Boston, which I am informed is subject to it .” The inclosed Resolution of Council of that State, will fully explain to you the Cannon, I alluded to. It was...
68To 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...
69To 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;...
70To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is happy for the Army and America, that no more of the former, was destined to Quarter on this Side Hudsons. If it had, the greatest distress to the Army, wou’d certainly have been the cons[e]quence. For there were not sufficient means here, to support Man or Horse. When I first vissited Fish-Kill, I found Three hundred Head of Cattle, of different kinds, which had been eating their Mangers...
71To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s Favor, of the 6th Instant, in due time. General Huntingtons Brigade arrived at Crompond the same Day. I conclude General Parsons has informed you the reason of his not sending on the other. Colo. Cilley’s Regiment, was to have marched to Day; but the Wind blowing hard down the River, and no Teams to be had, to remove even the little Baggage they carry prevented it....
72To 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...
73To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Subject of this Address, will be confined to the Bay Line. On Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter, on that Head, I furnish’d a Copy of it to the commanding Officers of Brigades—The Committee of Field Officers from each, were instructed to report on the different Matters contained in the Columns of the Inclosure No. 1. in order to give a clear view of the Rights and Pretensions of all, the...
74To 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...
75To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I came last to these posts, I have generally been under no apprehension, of an attack from the Enemy. The reasons which induced me to be of this opinion, were that the Enemy had no object beyond them, equal to the risque of the enterprise. And he cou’d not hope, to carry the Works before the Grand-Army and the Troops in Connecticut wou’d arrive to succour the Posts. But as this Conduct...
76To 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...
77To 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...
78To 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...
79To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 31 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just Time to inform your Excellency, that last Evening the Enemy had about forty Sail of Vessels at Phillips’s, His Troops encamped from the North River to Mile square; and the Intelligence adds, that from the Position of the Transports, it appear’d they were embarking Troops. I have the Honor to be your Excellency’s very humble servant LS , DLC:GW ; ADf , NHi : McDougall Papers. For...
80To 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...
81To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favored with your Excellenies Letter of Yesterday. The Enemies remain, where they debarked yesterday, from Tallars point towards Kings-Ferry. The wind is unfavorable to day for him to Sail up the River. He has opened Batteries on the west side of Kings Ferry, against our work but without effect. The Brigades mentioned to you in a former Letter are at west Point, Pattens &...
82To 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.”
83To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy having as I have informed your Excellency landed at Tallar’s Point on the 31st Ultimo; the Troops under my Command took a Position in the Highlands with their Van at the Village. The principal Stores being removed from thence and the Enemy having my Flanks open on the North River, on which he could move undiscovered at Night, I judged it expedient to retire to this Place to keep open...
84To 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...
85To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 11 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have considered the Subject on which you were pleased to ask my opinion. It is indeed a very Complex one. The movements of the Enemy may be So various, that its imposible to provide against them. The Post he has now taken is So near West Point, that while we consider it as a first object, we cannot with Safety move from it should the Enemy make excurtions East or West, unless we should be...
86To 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.”
87To 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.
88To 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. ”
89To 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...
90To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Early in the Spring, when it was apprehend; a Scarcity of flour would take place; the Ration of a pound and a Quarter (published at the Plains) Reduced to one Pound; and ordered half a Gill of Rice to those who should be on fatigue. And a Quarter of a Pound Salted beef to all as a Compensation for the flour stopt. The Rice is now expended; and the fatigue men Complain of the insufficiency of...
91To 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,...
92To 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...
93To 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...
94To 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,...
95To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Sufferings of this Garrison last Winter, the present State of the Post and the advanced Season, constrain me to trouble your Excellency with this Address. The Supplies of Forage in this Vicinity are in the best Seasons, but small, compared to other Parts of the Country. And the most of the Inhabitants South and West of Crumpond, were deprived of an Opportunity of mowing their Hay, by the...
96To 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,...
97To 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...
98To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
From present appearances, It will be impracticable to get Provission into this Garrison before the River closes to Supply three Brigades during the uncertain season of the Navigation: or to get materials to Build Barracks to cover them & the Artillery and Artificers. One or two of those Brigades must Hutt, at near three miles distance from the Point. The Comy informed me the Supplies of flour...
99To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Last night I was honored with your Excellencys favor of the 9th instant; And am extreamly Sorrey, that the State of the General officers is Such, as to be distressing to you and injurious to the Service. It is very painful to me, to be in any degree the Cause of either; And it would give me great pleasure to have it in my Power to remove it. Since I have had the Honor of Serving under your...
100To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have considered with Attention, the Points stated to the Council of War held at Morris Town, the 6th of June last; and those which your Excellency was pleas’d to mention to me in Conversation. It would give me great Pleasure, to be able to give a clear Opinion on these important Matters; but I am not possess’d of the Materials necessary to form it. However great the Resources of a Country...