15061General Orders, 29 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Quarter Master General is to make a proper distribution of waggons among the brigades and corps of the army, and in proportion to their respective numbers, to ascertain which he will apply to the Adjutant General. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
15062From George Washington to William Gordon, 29 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am rather asham’d to be so long in debt for your favor of the 10th Ulto but a variety of matters for my consideration; and of late, the bustle, & moving condition of the Army, will, I am perswaded, sufficiently appologize for the seeming neglect. I am too far remov’d from Philadelphia, and have too much business of my own, to know, or enquire into the springs which move Congress to such...
15063From George Washington to John Langdon, 29 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 16th Inst. has been duly received. The State of Massachusetts has been fortunate indeed in her Import of Arms, and it would have given great pleasure to have heard of your obtaining a Competent Supply, or that it was in my power to assist you in this instance—But the state of the public Magazines will not admit any to be taken or retained from them. In respect to Cloathing...
15064From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 29 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 25 and 26th instt. As a few days must determine whether the Enemy really intend to leave the Jerseys, I think you should, instead of detatching any part of your force, keep it much together as possible, because if their View should be turned towards the north River, they will in all probability be sudden in their operations. I have no objections to your sending a...
15065To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 29 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 29 June 1777. In his letter to John Hancock of 29–30 June , GW says that “Sullivan informs me by a Letter just now received, that from all the Intelligence he has been able to obtain to day.”
15066From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 29 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Whether it is owing to your not writing to me, or to the miscarriage of Letters, I cannot undertake to say; but certain it is, I have not received a Letter from you for some considerable time. Finding Genl Howe was Assembling his whole Force (excepting the necessary Garrisons for New York &ca) at Brunswick, in this State, I began to collect mine at this place; (a strong piece of ground) ten...
15067From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 June–1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I rec’d yours of the 28th Inst. by Col. Hughes & thank you much for your kind congratulations. The several reasons you mention for sending Genl Glovers Brigade to the white Plains had not escap’d me, Yet, I do not think they shou’d prevail against those, which appear’d more cogent & strong for keeping them where they are. But as you seem to consider it so essential, I have no objection to...
15068General Orders, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
A special Court Martial to sit to morrow morning at 9 O’clock, at the usual place (near Genl Wayne’s quarters) for the trial of Major Steward of the 2nd Maryland regt—Col. David Hall is appointed president of this court—All witnesses to attend. All commanding officers who have in their Corps any non-commissioned officers, or soldiers, that were originally inlisted into the regiment lately...
15069From George Washington to Major General Du Coudray, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of Your favour of the 28th Instant by Mr Rogers. The order you mention from the Commanding Officer in the Northern department was without my knowledge or concurrence, and I have desired that it may not be complied with. I have given directions some time since for the disposal of the Artillery that came in the Amphitrite. The whole of it is come on to Springfield. The heavy...
15070To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have not been honored with a Line from you since the 8th Inst. I have seen a copy of your Excellency’s Letter to Major General Putnam in which the then debilitated State of the Army in the Jerseys in mentioned which is truly surprising, as we have been constantly told that the Army under your immediate Command consisted of 15. or 16000. Men, and that you were vastly superior to the Enemy in...
15071To George Washington from Mercer & Schenk, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Boston, 30 June 1777 . Encloses a letter from “Messrs Bourdieu & Challet, a Very Considerable house in London, to Messrs Hugh & Alexr Wallace Merchts New York, It was on board of a Brig. bound to N. York from Cadize, Captured by the Privateer Ship Genl Mifflin & Safe Arrived at Casco Bay with a Valuable Cargo, particularly 4,000 lbs. Jesuits Bark a useful & we Presume much wanted Medisan for...
15072From George Washington to Richard Peters, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your favour of the 28th instant with the inclosures. Every proper measure has been already taken with respect to the Artillery, imported in the Amphitrite. The whole 52 pieces have been brought to Springfield, and the 31 of the Swedish light construction is ordered on thence to Litchfield; from which place they will be forwarded to camp as fast as circumstances will...
15073To 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...
15074To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am just now informed by a person from Tryon County, that the Enemy are actually got to Oswego with a considerable Body to make an Attack on Fort Schuyler, that I shall have authentic Information this Day—The Garrison is weak and but poorly supplied with Cannon—I have requested General Herkemer to keep his Militia in Readiness to march to their Support —I have as yet only been able to march...
15075To George Washington from Brig. Gen. Charles Scott, 30 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. Charles Scott, 30 June 1777. GW’s letter to John Hancock of 1 July 1777 says that after the British army’s evacuation of Perth Amboy, N.J., on the previous day, Scott entered the town and then “withdrew his Brigade & halted about Four Miles from thence. . . . He wrote me, he should return this Morning.”
15076To George Washington from John Avery, July 1777 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Excellencys Letter of the 23d Ultimo to the President of the Council of this State, I am to acquaint you that abt 2000 Blanketts arrived lately in one of our prizes, which were, previous to the reception of your Excellencys Letter, appropriated & disposed of to the Continentall Troops, destined for Ticonderogo & the Army at the southward; it is therefore at present not in the...
15077General Orders, 1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial to sit to morrow morning, at 9 o’clock, at the usual place, for the trial of such prisoners as shall be brought before them—All witnesses to attend—Col. Walter Stewart is appointed president of this court. The late Court Martial of which Col. Stevens was president is dissolved. The several troops and detachments of Col. Bland’s light-horse, are to assemble forthwith at...
15078From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
From intelligence just received from the Northward; there can be little doubt that the enemy are operating against Ticonderoga and its dependencies; and from the evacuation of the Jerseys, and the reason of the thing itself, there can be as little room to doubt, that General Howe will cooperate with the Northern army, and make a sudden descent upon Peeks Kill, in order, if possible to get...
15079To George Washington from Colonel William Grayson, 1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
All the recruits of our regimt that have not yet gone forward are on the point of marching except a few sick & some stragglers which it has not been in my power to collect. I expect that when those now about going joins the others, they will amount in the whole to 250. The officers who have not yet made up their quotas I shall leave behind, though I have very little prospect of their...
15080From George Washington to John Hancock, 1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon the Enemy totally evacuated Amboy and encamped Opposite to it on Staten Island. General Scot entered directly after, and posting Guards to secure any Stores they might have left, he withdrew his Brigade & halted about Four Miles from thence. This it was expedient to do, It being night when he entered, and his remaining there might have induced the Enemy, whose Boats were...
15081From George Washington to Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy tota⟨lly abandoned Amboy Yesterday,⟩ I therefore shall be e⟨nabled to dispense with a⟩ much less Number of ⟨Militia than were deman⟩ded, which gives me ple⟨asure, as the peo⟩ple will have an Opportunity of collecting their ⟨Har⟩vest. Instead therefore of five h⟨undre⟩d ⟨men, a⟩ number not under one hundred⟨, nor e⟩x⟨ceeding one⟩ hundred and fifty will be suffici⟨ent, which are to be⟩...
15082From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
At sunset this evening I receiv’d your letter of the 30⟨th. ulto—⟩the intelligence contain’d in the Copies of the letters you transm⟨itted,⟩ is truly interesting & it appears almost certain to me, that Genl Howe & G⟨enl⟩ Burgoyne design if possible to unite their attacks & form a junction of the⟨ir two⟩ Armies. I approve much of your conduct in ordering Nixons Brigade to be ⟨in rea⟩diness, & I...
15083From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 2–4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had last night the honor of your letter of the 27th of June. The proposition for the exchange of the Gentlemen you mention is entirely agreeable to me, as they are now entitled to a releasement, from the time of their Captivity; and fall within the right of Exchange I have prescribed to myself. I am sorry it is not in my power to comply with your request for Arms. Nothwithstanding the many...
15084General Orders, 2 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The whole army is to get ready to march to morrow morning, at 6 o’clock, with the tents and baggage, all properly put up in the waggons: But if it should rain the tents are not to be struck. The two regiments ordered to be detached from Lord Stirling’s division towards the Sound, are not included; but are to wait for further orders. The Honorable Congress having been pleased to order and...
15085To George Washington from Jonathan Elmer, 2 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 2 July 1777. Solicits GW’s aid in procuring the exchange or parole of Elmer’s brother-in-law, John Gibbon, or, “if Mr Gibbon cannot be released upon any other terms, his wife begs me to acquaint you, that she has engaged a man to go & remain a prisoner in his room, until an exchange can be effected. This to me is a new expedient, of which I can form no Judgment at present. If...
15086To George Washington from Colonel Mordecai Gist, 2 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing your Excellency last from Philadelphia and have now to Inclose you a return of the continental troops forwarded from this place since the 4th ultimo, amounting in the whole to 1694 Men Including Officers, I have likewise sent a return of my own Regiment, total at Camp 307. the Assembly of Maryland have resolved to add an Additional Bounty of thirty dollars to the...
15087From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Copies of Genl St Clairs Letters, transmitted Yesterday Afternoon and last Night by Genl Schuyler, I have thought it my duty to send you. The Intelligence they contain is important and interesting—nor are there circumstances wanting besides these, to induce a beleif or at least to raise a strong presumption that the Enemy have in contemplation a junction of their Two Armies by way...
15088From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 2 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 2 July 1777. Putnam writes in his letter to GW of 4 July that “I have Received your several favors of the 30th Ultm. the first and second Inst.”
15089From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 2 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last Night favored with your’s of the 25th & 28h June with the several pieces of Intelligence which you had received from General Sinclair. Immediately upon the Receipt of your’s, I ordered the Troops which had been drawn down from peek’s Kill, to return to that place and sent off an Express to General Putnam to embark the four Regiments of Massachusetts with all their Baggage, that they...
15090From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 2 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have received intelligence from the Northward that the Enemy are operating against Ticonderoga and it’s Dependencies—I have therefore to request of you that you will keep your Division together as much as possible, except those two Regiments detached as parties of Observation—and that you will endeavour to obtain every intelligence of the motions of the enemy on Staten Island and if...
15091To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 2 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Lincolns Gap, N.J., 2 July 1777 . Encloses a copy of a letter from his brother Ebenezer Sullivan requesting help in obtaining his exchange and wages and asks GW to use his “Influence to Relieve him if possible from the amazing Difficulties his Late Capture has thrown him into if firmness in the Field or patience under the Insults of his Savage Captors would Render him u⟨nworthy⟩ of your...
15092General Orders, 3 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
15093To George Washington from Colonel Ezekiel Cheever, 3 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys order’s June 13th Came to hand the 24th ulto. I wrote Mr Collins my Clerk at Springfield to make out a Return of the Arms recd & delivered agreeable to your directions and forward it to your Excellency as Quick as possible. I came to Town the 21st ulto to get my pay Rolls paid and, Consult with Genl Heath concerning His providing 100 Men at least for Guard & fatigue Service at...
15094To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1777. Charles E. Tuttle Co. of New York reportedly sold in 1951 an autograph letter signed “addressed to ‘His Excellency Gen. Washington’, regarding the march of General De Hoar’s brigade to Morristown to join the main army. Washington’s reply (as written by his adjutant T imothy P ickering ) is written at the bottom of Lincoln’s...
15095To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 3 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
As I was in the General Orders of Yesterday Nominated Major General of the Day, I thought it my Duty to Attend at head Quarters this Morning for orders & to be in the way to see them executed, but I found your Excellency & the Cheif of the Army moved off, on the Road I received the Order of March wt. Colonel Pickerings explanation of them; as my I find it was your Excellency’s Intentions I...
15096General Orders, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief approves the following sentences of a General Court Martial, held the 2nd Inst:, whereof Colonel Stewart was president, and orders them to be put in execution forthwith—viz: George Deal of Col. Armand’s Independent Corps, charged with “Desertion” found guilty, and sentenced to receive 39 lashes. Charles Mulley of the 1st Pennsylv: regt charged with “Deserting, and...
15097From George Washington to Brigadier General John Armstrong, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 20th June, some days ago, but the constant hurry I was in during Genl Howe’s late Maneuvres in Jersey must apologize for not answering you sooner. The spirit with which the Militia of this State and pennsylvania turned out upon the late Alarm far exceeded my most sanguine expectations and I am persuaded must have chagrined Genl Howe, who, I beleive,...
15098To George Washington from Major General Du Coudray, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received yesterday with the most respectfull Gratitude, the answer with which your Excellency has honoured me. I was not surprised, in finding that you disown’d the Authority which the Commandant of Artillery at springfield pretended to have, to execute the strange demande which he said he had received from the Commanding officer in Canada, to send to that country, twelve pieces of...
15099To George Washington from Brigadier General Christopher Gadsden, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Fort Moultrie, S.C., 4 July 1777 . Introduces Charles Cotesworth Pinckney: “I did myself the Honour to write a few Lines to your Excelly the other Day by my Worthy Friend Coll Danl Horry I now beg leave to introduce his Brother in Law Coll Chas Cotesworth Pinckney to your Excelly. He is Coll of the regimt I lately commanded the first of this State, station’d at Fort Moultrie under my immediate...
15100From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 16th Ulto only came to hand Two days ago. The arrivals which you mention and the capture of the Brig. by Commodore Manly are fortunate circumstances. The Cargoes are valuable & such as we wanted. In respect to General Spencers claim of pay on the footing of a separate command, It is what I do not conceive myself authorized to allow. I know of but One separate command in the...
15101From George Washington to Brigadier General Robert Howe, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favor’d with your letter accompanied by others to the States of Georgia and North Carolina, a few days since. When I wrote respecting an expedition against St Augustine, I meant it as recommendatory only, sensible, that you almost on the spot, or however well acquainted with the situation and every attendant circumstance, must be the proper judge; and assure you Sir that the reasons you...
15102To George Washington from Brigadier General Robert Howe, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Charleston, S.C., 4 July 1777 . “I was last September near St Johns in East-Florida; a Party sent out to scout the Country on the River, fell in with a small detachment of the Enemy, which they surrounded and made Prisoners—Among these, was a Young Gentleman, by Name James Richardson, who was acting as a Cadet in the Sixteenth Regiment; finding him, when he was brought up, exceedingly unwell...
15103From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 7th June, in which you enter into consideration of the breach of parole imputed to Lord Drummond; and give it as your opinion, that his conduct has not been such as to justify the imputation. It can answer no valuable purpose to enter into a discussion of the particulars of this affair, which would probably end as it began and leave his Lordship and myself in the...
15104To 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...
15105From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon your arrival at Pompton you are to halt your division till the intentions of the Enemy are more clearly and fully known. To come at a knowledge of this, you must endeavour, by all the means in your power, to obtain intelligence from the side of the North River, up which, I have every Reason to think they intend to move, as most of their shipping have removed from Staten Island up to New...
15106General Orders, 5 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Court Martial whereof Col. Stewart is president, is to sit to morrow morning at 9 o’clock—A serjeant from each brigade to attend the court, to summon witnesses and perform other necessary services, that greater dispatch may be made in trials. The several regiments to which any persons, who were selected as pioneers have been returned, as unfit for duty, are forthwith to supply others in...
15107From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to address you upon the 2d instant, the Enemy’s shipping all moved round from Prince’s Bay towards the watering place and the British and Foreign Troops marched from the Ground opposite to Amboy to the North End of Staten Island. The new Levies now lay from the Blazing Star along the Sound. Upon this motion of the Enemy it was judged expedient to form a new...
15108To George Washington from John Hancock, 5 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honour of addressing you on the 24th of June, I have been favoured with the Receipt of your several Letters of the 25th 28th and 30th of that Month, and of the 1st and 2d instant; all which were immediately laid before Congress. Having Nothing in Charge at this Time, but to transmit the enclosed Resolves, I beg Leave to request your Attention to them; and have the Honour to be,...
15109From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 21st Ulto I received on Thursday last, for which I am extremely obliged to you. I never doubted, but that the Treatment of our prisoners in the Hands of the Enemy was such as could not be justified either upon the principles of Humanity or the practice of War. Facts were too stubborn & glaring to admit a more favourable supposition. But had the charge not been supported...
15110From George Washington to John Rutledge, 5 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
A few days since, I had the honor of your letter of May 5th, in which you refer me to General Howe for an explanation of the reasons, for declining the attempt upon St. Augustine, recommended by me. I meant nothing more than to propose it for consideration, and that you and the General who would be fully acquainted with all circumstances, should judge of the propriety, and adopt or reject it...