31From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased to send immediately to Mr Hunt, who was employed last year as a Pilot for the sound, and request him to come to this place or wherever the Head Quarters of the Army may be. There is also a person who lived last Fall at the Yellow House in the Continental Village, who was employed as a Pilot for the Chevaux de Frize in the North River. I forget his name, but he may be easily found...
32George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 15, 1780 . Describes British “incursion into the Jersies.” Fears attack on West Point and orders McDougall to West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
33From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote requesting You to join me at this Camp, some events have taken place, which will make it necessary for me to alter the arrangements I then had in contemplation. This being the case, You will be pleased to remain for the present where You are till You hear from me. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt st LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, CSmH ; Df , DLC:GW...
34From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The general officers at this time absent from the army, and those who claim the indulgence of a furlough, are distressing to me, and injurious to the service, and makes me hope, that the state of your health is so far altered for the better as to admit of your joining the army in this quarter. I would wish you to be here as soon as possible, but if circumstances do not correspond with your...
35From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd your favor. It is my desire for various reasons, that you should continue in your present command until relieved by an Officer of equal rank with yourself—this will happen as soon as our situation and the good of the service will permit—until then I have to request, that you will exert yourself, to put matters in general at this post in the best possible train—I make the...
36From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of the 16th. It was not intended when I mentioned the arrangement which I had in contemplation, to suggest any but the most perfect satisfaction in your conduct, and the discharge of the several duties of this post. I me[a]nt no more, than to convey an idea, that as we were drawing together a larger force than heretofore, it might be necessary to change my...
37From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 13 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Being absent on a tour to the several detachments of the Army when your letter of the 6th was brought to my quarters, it has not been in my power to give answers to such parts of the representation as immediately required it till now. I am fully satisfied of the justice of most of your remarks, and wish it was as much in my power as it is my inclination to remove the difficulties you have...
38George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 14, 1779 . Asks McDougall to accompany Brigadier Generals Henry Knox and Louis Le Bèque Du Portail “to ascertain the number of cannon.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
39From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you will in company with Generals Knox and Du Portail make a visit to all the works on both sides the river, and ascertain the number of Cannon and the sizes which will be necessary for their defence—You will be pleased to distinguish between, a full complement of Cannon, which it would be expedient to have and the number which is absolutely necessary. I am Sir Yr Most...
40From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Our advices agree that the enemy have their whole force up the river, & by a letter dated last evening from Col. Butler I am informed they had made a debarkation at stoney point. Sir Harry may wish to retaliate for the loss of that post. I am therefore extremely anxious that we should be prepared to receive them, and of course that the arrangements pointed out in Yesterdays orders should be...
41From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 17 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 17 July 1779. McDougall wrote GW on this date: “Your Excellencys Favor of this Day is this Moment received.”
42From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that Major Fishbourn has just arrived from Genl Wayne with the agreable account of our having possessed ourselves of Stoney point and the whole Garrison with very little loss. You will throw the Troops across the River, which I mentioned yesterday, with all possible expedition. I am Dr sir Yr Most Obedt st P.S. You will order Nixon’s Brigade to move...
43George 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.
44From 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...
45George 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.
46From 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...
47George 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.
48From 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...
49George 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.
50George 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.
51From 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...
52From 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...
53From 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...
54George 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.
55From 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...
56George 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.
57From 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...
58George 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.
59From 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...
60George 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.