51From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your Two favors of the 27th and 30th Ulto. I thank you for the information contained in the latter; I had the substance of it, transmitted before in a Letter from Genl McDougal. In respect to the Rhode Island Detachment, you will have received Orders for their march to join Colo. Olney at Morris Town. I do not agree with you in Sentiment, respecting the Quantity of...
52From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The accounts you give me of the distress of the Massachusets Troops for cloathing surprize me a good deal, as I was always taught to beleive that they had an abundance in that State. I have wrote to the Cloathier Genl to know the Reason of it. In the mean time, that the men may not suffer, I desire you will stop a parcel of Hunting Shirts, Over alls, Waistcoats, shoes and shirts that are...
53From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclos’d is a Letter for Colo. Sheldon which I desire you’ll forward immediately to him by express, as it contains orders for him to send on his Horse If any of them have arriv’d at Peeks kill, be pleas’d to send them on to this place as quick as possible One Troop will be left at Peeks kill, but that must be one of the last, for the Horse that are here you know have been upon hard duty all...
54From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 10 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Mr Young who is sent up by the Cloathier General to issue Cloathing to the Troops at Peekskill. I beg you will give him your Countenance and Assistance in seeing that none are allowed to draw but such as are really in want. Some Regiments not content with a compleat suit of Uniform have drawn a Frock, Waistcoat and over alls, by which means they are doubly clad...
55From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 10th. From Genl Howe’s Movements within a few days past, it is clear, beyond all matter of doubt, that he has dropped all thoughts of an expedition up the North River, having drawn the greatest part of his Troops from New York and its dependencies to Amboy, and from thence to Brunswic where his main Army is encamped. Great numbers of Waggons are brought over, and many...
56From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote to you last evening I forgot to desire that the detatchments of Colo. Saml B. Webbs and Colo. Sherburns Regiments might march with the first division from Peekskill. They are to join Genl Varnums Brigade, which is at present weak. When any other detatchments of the same Regiments arrive with you, they are to be hastened forward as fast as possible. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s...
57From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with yours of the 15th & 16th Instant. You have done well in sending on the Troops though they have not had the small pox. The Camp is thought to be entirely clear of infection & the Country pretty much also. If it is not, Innoculation may be carried on, should it be found expedient. I am extremely sorry to find the Troops are in such distress for Tents & Cloathing. I...
58From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Howe has suddenly quitted his new post between Somerset and Brunswick and has returned to his old situation. The whole design of his making his late movement this way may possibly have been to induce us to draw off our troops from Peeks Kill—though I think it most probable that he was disappointed in his expectation of the manner in which we should act; and finding the people turn out...
59From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 16th 19th & 21st instant, have reached me, the former without signature—I approve of your ordering payment to the Militia; but I could wish great attention to be paid to the nature of the abstracts, they present, that they be properly certified and have every appearance of being right. You have mistaken the orders I gave, according to wch General McDougall should have...
60From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 23d and am happy to hear part of the Cloaths for the Troops have arrived and that More are on the way. Under the present appearances of things & incertainty of the Enemy’s Operations, I think it unadviseable to detach Glover’s Brigade from peeks Kills. If Genl Howe should make a push up the River, the importance of the Highland passes will demand the...
61From 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...
62From 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...
63From 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...
64From 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.”
65From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last Night favd with yours of the 4th—Genl Mifflin has this day sent off a load of intrenching Tools for Genl Schuyler, they will be delivered to you and I beg they may be immediately forwarded to Albany. The inclosed letter contains an order for Cartridge paper which is to be sent up at the same time with the Tools. If the Enemy, instead of going up the North River, should move to the...
66From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the disagreeable event which has taken place in the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Fort Independence—though our situation does not make it prudent to send on any very considerable reinforcements immediately besides those already gone, yet it is necessary we should be preparing to throw them in, when it can be more safely done, and the true state of affairs in that quarter is...
67From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with yours of the 11th. Inst. with its Inclosures. I had received a Letter from Genl Schuyler nearly of the same purport of his to the Council of Safety of New York. The more Accounts we get—the more astonnishing does the evacuation of the posts on the Lakes appear. What can have become of Genl St Clair & the Army? I wish we may have heard the worst. I have nothing in...
68From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just arrived with the Army at this place where I shall remain till I see what turn Genl Howe takes. Seventy Sail fell down to the Hook on Sunday, but I have not heard whether they have gone out. Genl Knox informs me that he has sent off two Tons of Powder Yesterday for you, and he says that there are about ten Tons in Fort Montgomery, which is much more than is necessary there, you may...
69From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Genl Parsons having inform’d me that many Gentlemen are Candidates for the two Regts lately commanded by Genl Huntington & Colo. Douglass I have to request that you will call a Board of General Officers as soon as may be to hear the pretensions of each & enquire into the particulars of their several Claims, which, when regularly taken you will transmit to me with the Opinion of the Board...
70From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Intelligence, which occasioned us to advance from the Entrance of the Clove yesterday Morning I find to have been premature, and mean to remain here till I have your Answer. What I wish to be particularly and certainly informed of, is, Whether you have received any further Accounts from Genl Silliman or Other persons contiguous to the Water respecting the Ships that were seen going up the...
71From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of the 20th and 21st with their inclosures. With respect to the intelligence you have had of so large a number of ships being in the sound it is too vague to place any confidence in it; but it is of so much importance should it be true, that the most effectual means ought to be taken immediately to ascertain the real state of the fact, by sending trusty persons...
72From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
It being judged necessary to reinforce the Army to the Northward with another Brigade, you are desired to dispatch Glovers as speedily as possible by Water to Albany. As Genl Schuyler has lately had ten peices of Artillery sent up to him, Genl Glover need not carry his with him. The remainder of Nixon’s Brigade are to follow as fast as they arrive. Every Tent that can possibly be spared from...
73From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 24 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advice of the Enemy’s fleet having sailed from the Hook, in consequence of which I have to desire you will immediately make Genl Sullivan’s & Lord Stirling’s Divisions cross the river and proceed towards Philadelphia—They will have more particular Orders on their Rout—You are to reserve two field pieces for each Brigade that remains behind, except that which is to garrison...
74From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
My Letter of yesterday would inform you of the reasons which occasions the remove of this part of the Army towards Philadelphia, and the recall of the divisions under Genls Sullivan, & Lord Stirling—I have now to add, that, it is my desire that you should keep as many of the remaining Troops (as can possible be spared from the defence of the Forts and passes of the Highlands) in the most...
75From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Fresh accounts are momently coming in, to confirm the intelligence of the enemy’s fleet having gone to Sea, with the whole or the greatest part of their force. The general opinion is, and a variety of circumstances make it most probable that their destination is towards Philadelphia; and for this reason, I have to desire you will keep a couple of brigades in constant and complete readiness to...
76From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have certain advices that part of the Enemy’s Fleet, Viz. Seventy Sail were beating off Little Egg Harbour on Saturday morning with a Southerly Wind. From this Event, there seems to be but little room to doubt but that their destination is into Delaware Bay and against the City of Philadelphia. I am now to request that the Two Brigades which I mentiond some time ago, to come this way in...
77From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just rec’d information from Philaa that the Enemy’s Fleet arrived at the Capes of Delaware yesterday. you will therefore please to order the two Brigs. which were thrown over the N. River to March immediately towards Philadelphia thro’ Morris Town and over Coryels Ferry where Boats will be ready for them. The Troops to March as expeditiously as possible, without injuring the men. I beg...
78From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence by express that the enemy’s fleet yesterday morning about 8 OClock sailed out of the Capes in an Eastern course. This surprising event gives me the greatest anxiety, and unless every possible exertion is made, may be productive of the happiest consequences to the enemy, and the most injurious to us. I have desired General Sullivan’s division and the two...
79From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 2 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 2 Aug. 1777. On 4 Aug. Putnam wrote GW that “I Recd yours of the 1st Inst. last evening & your favour of the 2nd this moment.”
80From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 4th instant. We are yet intirely in the dark as to the destination of the Enemy, the Fleet has neither been seen or heard of since they left the Capes of Delaware on this day week. If they had intended back to the Hook, we must have heard of their arrival there long before this time, as the Winds have been constantly fair. As the sickly season has commenced to the...
81From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 11 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 8th instant at this place. I was upon the march with the Army to recross the Delaware upon a supposition that the Fleet had certainly gone to the Eastward, but I was last Night overtaken by an Express from Philada with an account that they had been seen on the 7th instant off Sinepuxent Inlet about 16 Leagues to the Southward of the Capes of Delaware. Upon this I have...
82From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 11th with Copy of a Letter from Govr Trumbull, by which I am pleased to find that he so readily complies with the requisition for a Body of Militia. I have a letter from Govr Clinton, in which he informs me that instead of five hundred Men he shall order Eight hundred to Fort Montgomery and that neighbourhood. Mine to you of the 11th gives you my opinion fully as to the...
83From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 14th instant. Just before it came to hand I had recd the intelligence which it contained from Genl Clinton. The people in the Northern Army seem so intimidated by the Indians that I have determined to send up Colo. Morgans Corps of Rifle Men who will fight them in their own way. They march from Trenton tomorrow Morning and will reach peekskill with all expedition. You...
84From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 18 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 15th. As it appeared clearly from the account sent out by the Enemy, that Palmer was really an Officer of theirs, he deservedly suffered for being found lurcking about our posts, and was a spy in the truest Sense of the word. I am surprised at the conduct of the Militia of Connecticut, who because they find no Enemy directly at their own doors refuse to stay and assist...
85From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed which is this Moment come to hand you will perceive that the Enemy’s Fleet have at length fairly entered Chesapeak Bay, Swan point being at least 200 Miles up. I desire you will immediately forward this account to Govr Trumbull, to be by him sent on the Eastward. As there is not now the least danger of General Howes going to New England, I hope the whole Force of that Country...
86From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
In your letter of the 22d Ulto, you transmitted a memorandum requesting directions about repairing & building Barracks, and also my sentiments, as to the number of Troops that may probably winter at Peeks Kill. In respect to the number of Troops, that may quarter there, it is dificult, if not impossible at this time to ascertain it, as a variety of circumstances may arise in the course of the...
87From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 10 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The prospect of a Descent from Staten Island on Jersey, by the Enemy posted & collected there, has induced Congress to order Fifteen hundred Troops at pecks Kill, with a Brigadr, to be in readiness to march for repelling them. This they have advised you of, as they informed me by Letter Yesterday. As there are many circumstances proving this invasion likely to take place from the seeming...
88From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
By express this moment receivd from General Dickonson, the Enimy have crost over from Newyork & Statten Island in two divisions one at Elizabeth Town the other at Second River—each division consisting of about a thousand men with Artillery. By your returns it appears you have three thousand Six hundred and Eight men including the Militia and Sergeants fit for duty at your post—besides the...
89From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The situation of our affairs in this Quarter calls for every aid, and for every effort. Genl Howe by various Manuvres & marching high up the Schuylkill, as if he meant to turn our right Flank found means by countermarching to pass the river last Night several miles below us, which is fordable almost in every part, and is now fast advancing towards Philadelphia. I therefore desire, that without...
90From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on the 23d Instant—Lest my Letter should have miscarried, I now inclose you a Copy. I must request your immediate attention to the Contents, and that you will not delay a Moment in sending the Troops which are ordered. Their aid becomes more and more necessary, and I wish you to urge the Officer, who shall have the command to join me as soon as possible without injuring and...
91From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 27 and 28 Ulto and am glad to find that the reinforcement I ordered is in such forwardness. I make no doubt but some troops have arrived at New York from Europe but I am pretty certain they are not any thing like so numerous as your informant mentions. I know it has been their custom thro’ the whole Campaign to swell their reinforcements much beyond what they really were....
92From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Congress having recommended it to me to send an Engineer to Fort Montgomery, I have instantly dispatched Lt Colo. Radier upon that Service. He is the second in command of four Gentlemen sent out by Docr Franklin and Mr Dean. The Congress have transmitted me Copy of a letter from you to them of the 29th Sepr in which you express your doubts of being able to defend the posts upon the North River...
93From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of 2d Inst. I receiv’d Yesterday, & I understand that General Varnum with his Brigade got as far as Coryells Ferry last Night—I expect such Measures will be taken as not to let the Army under General Gates suffer at present for want of Flour, & that things may be put in such a Train that a Circumstance of that kind cannot possibly happen in future. I sincerely wish with you that a...
94From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 11 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd a letter from Colo. Hay dated the 4th instant in which he informed me that the Enemy had landed at Verplanks point. The Express who was stationed at King’s Ferry came off, and also informs that a party landed at the same time upon the West side of the River. I have not recd a line from you respecting the Matter which makes me conclude that your dispatches have been intercepted by some...
95From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 15 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 8th and 10th instants giving me the account of the loss of Fort Montgomery and the evacuation of Peekskill in consequence of it, but I am very glad to find that you had previously removed the greater part of the Stores. This Stroke would have perhaps proved fatal to our Northern Affairs in its consequences, had not the defeat of Genl Burgoine providentially taken...
96From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 16th I received Yesterday morning—and was much obliged by the interesting Contents. The defeat of Genl Burgoyne is a most important event, and such as must afford the highest satisfaction to every well affected American breast. Should providence be pleased to crown our Arms in the course of the Campaign with one more fortunate stroke I think we shall have no great cause for...
97From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 20th inclosing a Copy of Genl Burgoines Capitulation which was the first authentic intelligence I recd of the Affair, indeed I began to grow uneasy and almost to suspect that the first accounts you transmitted me were premature. As I have not recd a single line from Genl Gates, I do not know what steps he is taking with the Army under his command, and therefore cannot...
98From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by Genl Dickinson, that he has intelligence, which he thinks may be depended upon, that Sr Henry Clinton, with all the troops under his command, has returned down the River. If this is so, and the Brigades of Nixon & Glover should have joined you from the Northward, I desire they may be immediately put under march to reinforce this Army. Colo. Hamilton, who will deliver or send...
99From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 31 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 25th from Fishkill. Although you say that the Enemy have passed down by that place, you do not say whether they have gone entirely down and evacuated the Forts upon the River, but from the tenor of your letter I imagine they have. I shall be glad to be particularly informed of this in your next, and also whether you have heard with certainty of the reinforcement’s...
100From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
As representation has been made to me that the Purchase of Cattle has entirely ceased for some time past in the State of Connecticut, by means of those Gentlemen not chusing to Act who were appointed by Congress for that purpose, by which Our Army may possibly suffer for the want of Meat in a short time —I have therefore to reques⟨t tha⟩t you will without Loss of time appoint One or more...