41George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 14, 1779 . Approves of arrangements for Brigadier General John Nixon’s brigade. States that an attack will be made against Stony Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
42From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The arrangement you have made with respect to the detachment from Nixon’s brigade is agreeable to me. But I would have Major Hulls light infantry to join General Wayne, at all events, this evening or tomorrow morning early—Orders have been given for the execution of the enterprise tomorrow night; and though the want of tents is an objection to those with you going down, I have several reasons...
43George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 4, 1779 . Instructs McDougall to fire thirteen cannon to celebrate anniversary of Declaration of Independence. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
44From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
To day being the anniversary of independence you will be pleased to have it taken notice of by discharging thirteen peices of cannon at one oClock. I wish we had it in our power to distribute a portion of rum to the Soldiers, to exhilerate their spirits upon the occasion; but unfortunately our stock is too scanty to permit. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt servt P.S. Major Beauman told me...
45George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 3, 1779 . Proposes a general pardon for all prisoners under sentence of death. Questions Philip Heustis’s status as a prisoner. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I intend in the orders of tomorrow to publish and approve the sentences of De Peu[,] King, and Bettis; but as we have had frequent examples latterly in the main army, I feel a reluctance at present to add to the number—I therefore propose as it is the aniversary of our independence to proclaim a general pardon to all the prisoners now under sentence of death in the army. I shall pass over the...
47George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 30 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 30, 1779 . Instructs McDougall to send either Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington or Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, or both, to the Continental Village. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
48George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 28, 1779 . Discusses problem of rations. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
49From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favour of this day I inclose you a Copy of a General order of the 23d of March regulating the component parts of a ration agreable to which our present issues are made at the main Army. The necessity of the strictest œconomy in the article of flour—makes me unwilling to increase the quantity especially as I should apprehend it might raise the expectation of the troops in...
50From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 19th I request that you will send me All the proceedings of Court Martials in your hands in Capital cases, where the sentences have not been executed. If there are any sentences which have been approved by you; but yet remain unexecuted, you will be pleased to particularize them. I fully agree in sentiment with you, as to the impolicy of too frequent...
51From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I shall be obliged by your informing me by the return of the Bearer, whether you have received any further accounts respecting the party of the Enemy, mentioned by Colonel Butler in his Letter of Yesterday —or whether you have heard of any other movements. I am Dr sir with great esteem & regard Yr Most Obedt servt P.S. I shall set out for West point about 12 oClock and am desirous of hearing...
52George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] June 23, 1779 . Has directed Major General Israel Putnam to advance a brigade to the “Forest of Deane.” Asks for information as soon as it is received. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
53From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Half an hour ago I received your Note at eight P.M. In consequence of the intelligence Col. Butler communicates I have directed General Putnam to advance a brigade early in the morning to the Forest of Deane. If you receive any further advice, you will be pleased instantly to give me notice of it; and at the same time, send a messenger to General Putnam, that he may be the more certain of...
54George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, June 19, 1779. Orders McDougall to assume immediate command of forts. Gives general instructions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
55From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am just setting out for Head Quarters; but expect to return on monday and to remain at or near this post for a few days. I have not determined what troops shall be stationary in the Garrison for the present campaign—it will depend partly on future contingencies—at this juncture a change would be inconvenient as it would be attended with a loss of time, and delay the progress of the works. My...
56George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 3, 1779 . Discusses probable intentions and immediate objectives of enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
57From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your three favours, One of May the 31st and two of June the 1st. I am happy to find your Affairs seem to be in good train. You mention the return of the Detachment from Virginia—This may have happened; but it has not been announced by my intelligence. Perhaps it is designedly given out by the Enemy. Their design is now apparently against the Forts and these certainly...
58George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1779 . Describes British and American troop movements. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
59From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you copies of my two Letters of the 30th and 31st, lest any accident should have happened to the originals. Col. Clarke has informed me that he had received intelligence of the enemy being at Tallar’s point with 42 sail and a number of flat-bottomed boats—that they had landed a party of men on the other side the North River and a party at the Slote —That he had called in his out...
60From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received information from Col. Clarke that the enemy have landed at Kings ferry in considerable force—This day The Virginia division marched towards Pompton where General St Clair expected to arrive this evening. Tomorrow if possible, the Maryland division will move and we shall press forward & with all expedition. This will be delivered you by Brigadier General Du Portail, Chief...
61George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1779 . Sends information concerning British troop movements. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
62George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 31 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 31, 1779 . Sends news of British movements and advises McDougall to move supplies at Fishkill. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
63From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 31 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your two favours of the 29th and 30th. I this morning received similar intelligence of the enemy’s movement towards the white Plains, from Elizabeth Town. The day before yesterday, General St Clair moved with the Pensylvania division from this camp towards Springfield—I have now directed him to continue his route to Pompton and govern himself afterwards according to...
64George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 30 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 30, 1779 . Is concerned with the state of McDougall’s supplies. Instructs McDougall to make every effort to obtain necessary provisions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
65From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 30 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Laurence delivered me last evening the message with which you charged him. The representation he makes of the state of your provisions alarms me beyond measure. Satisfied that the enemy could not carry the fort by assault without incurring greater loss than they would probably choose to hazard; I depended on being able to collect the army time enough to relieve it from an investiture. But...
66From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I last evening received your favor of the 25th instant; that of the 23d came to hand a few days since [with] its inclosure. For the present, and till the enemy’s intentions can be further developed, I approve of the positions you have assigned to Pattersons and Nixon’s brigades, as you think them most conducive to the defence of West-point, in case the enemy should have in view, a coup de...
67George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 24, 1779 . Warns that an attack on the Highland forts or on the main Army may be imminent. Sends instructions concerning reinforcements. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
68From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from Col. Shreve stationed at Elizabeth Town of which the inclosed is an extract. This corresponds with other accounts through different channels. It would seem as if the enemy really had som[e] expedition in view, possibly against the posts under your command possibly against this army. The circumstance of muffled oars indicates silence and secrecy. It appears to...
69George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 23, 1779 . Requests a return of articles furnished to Brigadier General Enoch Poor’s brigade. Instructs McDougall to forward hunting shirts and shoes to Easton for the western expedition. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
70From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several favours of the 13th 14th and 18th with their inclosures—I shall pay due attention to the contents and acquaint you with the result as speedily as possible. For the present, I shall only say, that I would not wish you to distress the posts under your command, in order to cover that part of the country, you mention in your letter of the 18th. I request you to furnish...
71George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 20, 1779 . Instructs McDougall to order certain officers to serve on a court-martial. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
72From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Huntington and some Officers of his Brigade were some time since on a Court Martial at Reading —I have directed General Putnam to appoint another Court at that place consisting wholly or principally of the same members to try one of the persons concerned in the same transactions who did not attend as he ought to have done and apparently endeavoured to elude his trial by a resignation...
73From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon receipt of this you will be pleased to give orders for the two remaining regiments of Poors brigade to march immediately to Easton, with the same quantity of amunition &[c.] allowed to the others. Previous however to their march they are to be paid up to the 1st of April, and to draw two pair of over-alls per man, exclusive of the deficiencies in their clothing. As Colonel Cortlands...
74From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th instant was handed me yesterday evening. Should any of the New-York levies arrive at your post, you will be pleased to order them immediately up to Gen. Clinton at Albany. The two remaining regiments of Poors brigade are to be put in readiness to march at a moments notice. I have omitted giving any directions relative to resignations, till I could ascertain, fully, all...
75From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with Your Letters of the 1st Instant. I am entirely of opinion with you—that the disposition which quartered so large a part of the army on this side Hudson’s river was right, and I shall take occasion to add—that I am perfectly persuaded your conduct throughout your command has been invariably directed and well-concerted to promote the public interest. With respect to the...
76From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon receipt of this you will be pleased to give directions, that the regiment of General Poor’s brigade which was ordered to march to Eastown, in my letter of the 3d instant, be paid up to the 1st of April, previous to its departure. But in case there should be no money in the chest, I would not have the regiment delayed any time in waiting for it. A supply will set out from this place...
77From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favors of the 28th and 30th ultimo. Under the circumstances you mention I think it will be best to retain the masons, till you have completed the works, at which you mean to employ them; when they may be returned to their corps. The moment Gen: Parsons’ brigade arrives, or any part of it comprehending a regiment; you will immediately detach a regiment from General Poors,...
78From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received within these few days past your several favors of the 15th 17th and 24th instant. In a letter of this date I have requested the interposition of Congress, that the cannon in the State of Massachusetts, the property of the Continent, may be pr[o]cured for the Posts on the North river. I would imagine that my last orders to the officer commanding at Reading, which were...
79From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
After reading the inclosed be pleased to seal and send it forward to Reading by Express—I have recd another letter from General Maxwell of a later date than that enclosed to General Putnam, in which he says that seven of the nine Regiments were embarked with all their Baggage and the other two expected to embark immediately. The transports lye in the North River—I do not think, from the...
80George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 19, 1779 . Is attempting to procure cannon but regrets that at this time none is available. Will send money when money arrives. Asks for a muster of the Massachusetts men under McDougall’s command. Instructs McDougall to have Brigadier General Enoch Poor’s brigade ready to march. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
81From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the favor of your two letters of the 6th and 15th with the papers inclosed. I am glad to find it is your opinion that from the present state of the works at the fort the enemy will not make his attack on the West side—I wish it were more in our power to provide against the danger you mention from the opposite point than it is—our prospect of heavy cannon is very unpromising,...
82From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your Two favors of the 31st Ulto and 1st Instant. General Clinton and Admiral Gambier, as you will probably have heard before this, have returned from the Eastward—and, I believe, several of the Troops, which had gone towards the East end of Long Island. The expedition they had in view in that Quarter, whatever it was, seems to be at an end—or at least for the present....
83From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased upon the receipt of this to order Colonel Malcoms and late Pattons Regiments to march as soon as possible to the Minisink settlement, and upon their arrival there to take their orders from General Hand, or the commanding officer. Their most expiditious route will be to New Windsor by water, and from thence across to Minisink, which is not more than 40 miles. When the corps march,...
84From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday Evening was favd with yours of the 21st instant with the several inclosures to which it refers. —— is gone to Philada and will call upon me in his way back. In my last I took the liberty to drop you a hint upon the subject of the danger of our putting too much confidence in persons undertaking the Office of double Spies. The person alluded to in the present instance appears very...
85George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 25, 1779 . Acknowledges meeting Elijah Hunter. Advises using caution in dealing with double spies like Hunter. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
86From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favour of the 20th instant—Mr H—— has just delivered me that of the 22d—The letter and inclosures referred to in it have not yet come to hand. I have had a good deal of conversation with Mr H—— He appears to be a sensible man capable of rendering important service; if he is sincerely disposed to do it —From what you say—I am led to hope he is; but nevertheless, if he is...
87George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 17, 1779 . Describes movements of British on Staten Island. LS , in writings of James McHenry and H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
88From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received intelligence last night, that the enemy on Staten Island are in motion, with more than usual demonstration and parade. This may intend an incursion into the Jerseys, or it may be meant to cover an expedition elsewhere— possibly against the posts under your command . I therefore think it necessary to communicate to you the intelligence, I have received to put you upon your guard and...
89George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 16, 1779 . Describes measures taken to replace men who will leave Army on April 1, 1779. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
90From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
In order to supply the place of the drafts which you mentioned would leave you by the 1st of next Month—I have sent orders for the remainder of Poor’s Brigade (one regiment of which has been detached) and one of the North Carolina battalions (Patton’s) to march forthwith to reinforce the troops under your command. I have directed the Officer commanding the Carolina troops, previous to marching...