1From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By order of His Excellency, I am to acknowlege receipt of your favour of yesterday. The General is astonished at that extraordinary want of cloathing you mention; as Mr. Mease informed Mr. Tilghman that a full proportion of this article had been retained in Massachusetts for all its troops. It is unaccountable, that they should be ⟨so⟩ unprovided, unless the cloaths destined for them should...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will not open or distribute the Cloathing stopped at your post, ’till a Deputy Cloathier comes up to take Charge of it, who will be with you without Loss of time. I am Sir Your most humb servt. Df , or contemporary copy, in writing of Caleb Gibbs, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
3George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 20, 1777. Discusses General William Howe’s latest movements. Reviews orders to Brigadier Generals John Glover and Alexander McDougall concerning these movements. Orders stand-by preparations in case of attack on Ticonderoga. Emphasizes need of continued intelligence from New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 22, 1777. Orders Putnam to prepare for a probable British attack up the North River. States that enemy has abandoned Brunswick and will probably also leave Amboy. Orders stores to be removed from Fishkill. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
5George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Pompton Plains [ New Jersey ] July 12, 1777. Orders Putnam to keep Brigadier General John Glover in readiness to march to Ticonderoga, to send Brigadier General John Nixon’s men on to join their brigade, and to forward field pieces to Major General Philip Schuyler. Warns of possible attack by Sir William Howe on Peekskill. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] July 22, 1777. Asks for accurate report of British movements on Long Island Sound. Requests information on posts around Kings Bridge and Fort Washington. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Pompton Plains [ New Jersey ] July 25, 1777. Reports that Philadelphia is probable destination of enemy fleet. Orders Putnam to replace part of Continental troops at Peekskill with New York and Connecticut militia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
8From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency commands me to acknowlege the receipt of yours of the 27th instant. The circumstance of the fleet appearing off, opposite to Blue Point does not indicate any movement to the Eastward. It was necessary in going out of the Hook, whatever course they might intend to steer, whether to the Southward or Eastward, to stand out in that direction for some time, as they went out with a...
9George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Chester [ Pennsylvania ] August 1, 1777. Warns of probable attack on Highlands. Discusses orders given to Major General John Sullivan and Governor George Clinton to aid Putnam. Instructs Putnam to ask aid of Governor Jonathan Trumbull. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
10From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 29 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By command of His Excellency, I am to request you will immediately send on Major Blackden & the detachment that came with him to join this army. I am Sir Your most Obed serv ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The date reads either 28 or 29, for one set of numbers has been written over the other. Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Blackden or Blagden, Second Continental Dragoons.
11From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 5–8 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, November 5–8, 1777 . On November 9, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Putnam : “I wrote to you from Albany.” Letter not found .]
12From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot forbear Confessing that I am astonishd. and Alarm’d beyond measure, to find that all his Excellency’s Views have been hitherto flustrated, and that no single step of those I mention’d to you has been taken to afford him the aid he absolutely stands in Need of, and by Delaying which the Cause of America is put to the Utmost conceivable Hazard. I so fully explaind to you the Generals...
13George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 8, 1778 . Asks Putnam to send return of Connecticut troops to Jonathan Trumbull. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 15 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] September 15, 1778 . Orders Putnam to march to West Point to reinforce garrisons in Highlands. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
15George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 19, 1778 . Orders Putnam to camp on east side of the Hudson River, to dismiss Connecticut and New York militia, and to send parties to aid in work on the garrisons. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 2, 1778 . Orders Putnam to assume command of division lately under command of Major General Horatio Gates. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 8, 1779. Discusses clothing situation of Connecticut troops. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
18George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 16, 1779 . Orders Putnam to send remainder of Brigadier General Enoch Poor’s brigade to reinforce Major General Alexander McDougall. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
19George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam or Officer Commanding at Redding, 28 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 28, 1779 . Asks that Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons’s brigade be sent to reinforce Major General Alexander McDougall. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
20George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 20, 1779 . Orders court-martial for Major Joseph Eayre. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
21George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1779 . Orders Putnam to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
22George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 21, 1779 . Is moving Headquarters to New Windsor. Orders Putnam to assume command of camp at Smiths Clove. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
23From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 23 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has just rec’d information from Col. Butler, who is stationed at the landing called stoney beach that a party of the Enemy of about 400 Men were on the opposite side of the River apparently with a design to reconnoitre the landing. In consequence of this intelligence, he desires you will as soon as possible to morrow morning advance Genl: Smallwood with his Brigade to the Forest...
24George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 25, 1779 . Forwards copy of general orders to be read to troops. Encloses letter to Major General Nathanael Greene. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 19, 1779. Sends instructions for disposition of the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 20, 1779 . Sends general instructions for forming “a disposition for opposing the enemy in concert.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27Orders and Instructions for Major General Israel Putnam, 29 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
As there are the best reasons to believe that the Enemys Fleet & Army which left Nantasket Road last Wednesday Evening are bound to N. Y. to endeavour to Possess that Important Post & if Possible Secure the Communication By Hudsons River to Canada. it must be Our Care to prevent them their Designs. To that End, I have Detach’d B. G. Heath with the whole Body of Riffle Men & five Battallions of...
28Orders to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Congress having been pleased to signify a desire that I should repair to Philadelphia in order to advise & consult with them on the present posture of Affairs, and as I am on the point of setting out accordingly—I have to desire that you will cause the different Works now in agitation to be carried on with the utmost expedition. to this end I have wrote to the Provincial Congress (of this...
29Orders to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have reason to believe that the Provencial Congress of this Colony have in contemplation a scheme for Siezing the principal Tories, & disaffected Person’s on Long Island, in this City, & the Country round about; and that to carry the Scheme into Execution, they will be obliged to have recourse to the Military power for assistance. If this should be the case, you are hereby required, during...
30From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the Last night with the dispatches from Canada, Came to my hands at Woodbridge this morning, I wish that the information given you by Captain Goforth respecting the number of prisoners taken, may prove true, what he told you about the enemy’s not haveing Sallied out, differs widely from General Thomas’ acct of that affair. you will please to give every assistance which General...
31From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 24 Instant with Its several Inclosures and the Letter & Invoice from Genl Ward giving Intelligence of the fortunate capture made by our Armd Vessells, on which event you have my Congratulations. I have wrote Genl Ward as you will see by the Inclosed Letter, which having read, you will Seal and send by post, to Send forward to New York Colo. Putnams demands & also such...
32From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 3 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor by Yesterday Evenings Express with the sevl Letters and Intelligence from Genl Schuyler and am much concerned for the further misfortunes that have attended our Arms in Canada. I have laid the whole before Congress, who had before resolved to send a considerable augmentation to our Army there, & doubt not that Genl Schuyler may receive assistance from the Militias most...
33Orders to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
It was with no small degree of concern I percieved yesterday a scattering, unmeaning & wasteful fire, from our people at the enemy, a kind of fire that tended to disgrace our own men as soldiers, and to render our defence contemptible in the eyes of the enemy; no one good consequence can attend such irregularities, but several bad ones will inevitably follow on it; Had it not been for this...
34From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
From the Accts given by the two Deserters last Evening I think not a Moments time should be lost in throwing your Men over upon the Jersey shore, & advancing them down the River towards Dobbss Ferry. this shd be done if they are obliged to go without their Baggage. The Brigade which Marched under Lord Sterling & the Maryland Brigade may be got over first. In that case the Jersey Brigade may...
35From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 11 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 11 Dec. 1776. On 12 Dec. Putnam wrote to GW : “Your Favor of Yesterday I have received.”
36From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt. The remissness of the Inhabitants remaining in the City, to turn out at this alarming crisis, to erect Works for their own defence, is astonishing to the last degree. It surprizes me much, that any set of men can be so regardless of their own interests and security. They may flatter themselves, that this conduct will profit...
37From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to hear by Your Son that you are getting better again If I had not been well convinced before of the Enemies Intention of possessing themselves of Philadelphia, so soon as the Frost will form Ice hard enough to transport them, and their Artillery across the Delaware, I have an Intercepted Letter which puts the matter beyond a doubt. If therefore the Citizens of Philadelphia have any...
38From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 5 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Fortune has favord us in an attack on Princeton—General How advancd upon Trenton which we Evacuated on the Evening of the second of this instant and drew up the Troops on the Southside of the Mill Creek and continued in that position until dark, then march’t for Princeton which we reacht next morning by about Nine oClock—There was three Regiments Quarterd there of British Troops—which we...
39From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 7 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 7 Jan. 1777. On 9 Jan. Putnam wrote to the Pennsylvania council of safety: “I received a Letter from his Excellency last Evening, without Date, but supposed to be written 7th Inst., he was at Morris Town, & proposed refreshing his Troops a few Days at that Place” ( Pa. Archives Samuel Hazard et al., eds. Pennsylvania Archives . 9 ser., 138 vols....
40From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 5 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of Yesterday representing the Case of Mr John Taylor I have received & Assure you that I never Intended to exclude any from the benefit of my Proclamation who were not particularly Active in persecuting, and destroying the Property of the friends to our cause The case of Mr Taylor & any others that are brot to you, or confin’d, must therefore depend upon this —As to the Circumstance...
41From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receivg your favr of the 18th yesterday eveng communicating the successful attempt made by Colo. Neilson on the Enemy at Lawrence’s Island that Morng. The Colo. & his party conducted the plan with such secrecy & resolution, that they claim my sincerest thanks for this Instance of good behaviour, & I wish that you would acquaint them with my hearty Approbation of their...
42From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon taking a retrospective View of the Enemy’s Conduct, & comparing one piece of Information with another, I am led to think that Philadelphia must be their Object, & that whenever they move, it will be toward the Delaware with their main body—This belief, the necessity of a proper Attention to the River, & the Advantages which may result from havg some Person on the other side with a few...
43From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Govr Livingston in his Letter to me of the 15th Inst: did me the honor of inclosing Copies of your Letter to him & his Answer, on the subject of imposing fines on the reluctant Militia of this State—His reasoning on this subject, perfectly coincides with my Opinion; they are so full & plain as to render any Obervations of mine unnecessary. I desire therefore that this practice may have an...
44From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your several favours of the 25th & 26th Inst. came to hand —The pass granted by Ld & Genl Howe to William Taylor dated the 18 Int. is of such a nature as not to afford any protection to the Vessell & Crew even on the most scrupulous Construction of the Law of Nations; and she came in so suspicious a manner, without a Flag flying, as would have justified severer treatment than mere...
45From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 9 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 9 May 1777. Putnam wrote GW on 10 May : “I just receiv’d your favour of yesterday.”
46From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your favour of the 10th. Of the Troops coming on and to come on from Bristol, you are to detain at your post all the Marylanders, Colo. Hazen’s Regiment of Pennsylvania, and that of Delaware, the others must be sent on immediately to the places where their respective Corps are stationed. Your application to General Mifflin for tents, was right, and must be repeated, as we...
47From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 14 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 14 May 1777. Robert Hanson Harrison docketed Putnam’s letter to GW of 13 May in part: “Ansd within 14.” On the reverse of Putnam’s letter, Harrison wrote the following memorandum of the reply: “14 Wrote to Genl Putnam to send on All the Troops except those from Maryd—the State of Delaware, & Hazen’s Battalion.”
48From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Would it be practicable, do you think, under the present Circumstances, and situation of the Troops at Peeks Kill, to surprise the Enemy at Kings bridge? it must be effected by surprise or not at all, and must be undertaken by Water, which would also prove abortive, if the Enemy have Vessels of any kind above Fort Washington. The undigested Ideas which I have entertained of the matter, are...
49From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you upon a particular Subject Yesterday, to which I refer, and request to know your sentiments thereon, as soon as you can with propriety communicate them, because it may have some influence upon my movements in this quarter. An Express from Govr Trumbull, which came in last night, informs me that two Hessian Regiments and an half, and the 63 British had orders on the 17th Instt to...
50From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a copy of the Information I received last night. From this, It appears, the Enemy are drawing their force from New York, and the account seems to be corroborated thro’ several other Channels. My principal design in communicating this intelligence, is, that if the facts are true, it favours the Expedition suggested in my Letter of the 25th. You are not to understand...