51From 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...
52From 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...
53From 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...
54George 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.
55From 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...
56From 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...
57From 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...
58From 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...
59From 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...
60George 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.
61From 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...
62From 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.”
63From 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...
64From 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...
65From 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...
66From 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...
67From 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...
68From 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...
69From 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.
70From 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...
71From 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...
72From 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...
73From 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...
74From 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...
75From 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....
76From 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...
77From 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...
78From 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...
79From 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...
80From 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...
81From 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...
82From 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...
83From 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...
84From 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...
85From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 27th ulto and am glad to find that the Enemy have fallen intirely down to New York. By their doing this, and sending away a reinforcement to Genl Howe, it is evident that they have done with all thoughts of attempting any thing further to the Northward. Having lost one Army, it is certainly their interest and intention to make the other as respectable as possible,...
86From 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 .]
87From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 5 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 5 Nov. 1777. On 14 Nov. Putnam wrote GW that he had been “favd with your’s of the 4th 5th & 9th Instt.”
88From 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...
89From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favor’d with yours of the 3d acquainting me with the exhausted state of your Treasury. I am just in the same situation, but have wrote to Congress for a supply. I will in my next to them inform them of your wants, and desire them to forward a sum of Money to you. I have not the large Spy Glass, belonging to Mrs Morris, with me. I think it is at Bethlehem with my Baggage. I will write to...
90From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 11 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 7th and am glad to find that you had determined to detain Warners Militia. At whatever place Govr Clinton and yourself determine to throw obstructions and Batteries upon the River, I imagine it will prove satisfactory, for no person is supposed to have a better knowledge of that Country than the Governor. For the very same Reasons that Genl Howe is reinforcing himself...
91From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 11 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you this morning Mr Young deputy Cloathier has arrived from peekskill and informs me that you stopped 400 of the Blankets & one Cask of Shoes that were coming on for the use of this Army. You cannot conceive how these stoppages by the way disappoint and disarrange our plans; The Cloathier General endeavours to give each their share, but by such proceedings those that are...
92From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 14th. I could have wished that the Regiments that I had ordered had come on, because I do not like Brigades to be broke by detatchment: The urgency of Colo. Hamiltons Letter was owing to his knowledge of our wants in this quarter, and to a certainty that there was no danger to be apprehended from New York if you sent away all the Continental Troops that were then...
93From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed remonstrance was laid before me by Colo. Drake and Mr Hunt Commissioners appointed in the County of West Chester to take Care of all Forage and property exposed to the depredations of the Enemy—and also Commissioners of sequestration to dispose of the personal property of those who have fled to or joined the Enemy. They complain that parties from your Army frequently take property...
94From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The importance of the North River in the present contest and the necessity of defending it, are subjects which have been so frequently and so fully discussed and are so well understood, that it is unnecessary to enlarge upon them. These facts at once appear, when it is considered that it runs thro’ a whole State—That it is the only passage by which the Enemy from New York or any part of our...
95From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 27 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 16th instant from the Sawpitts. I am glad to find that matters are not as represented in Colo. Drakes memorial, and my only wish is that the people may be protected as far as circumstances will permit without detriment to the public cause. I am exceedingly sorry to hear of the misfortune that has befallen Colo. Webb and Colo. Eli, and I can only hope that our loss...
96From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 15 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a letter from you of the 25th Octobr last, you informed me that twenty three Boats had been saved from the Enemy, besides what were up Esopus Creek, the number of which you did not then know. You at the same time informed me that you should have those put into repair that wanted it, and set the Carpenters at work to build new ones. I shall be glad to hear in your next what number you have...
97From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
An officer of Genl Glovers Brigade arrived here yesterday and informs me that he left twelve Waggons load of Cloathing at that place, which he had under his Charge from Boston with directions to bring it on to this Army. He alledges in excuse for leaving it, that the Waggons would not come any further, but it does not appear that he took any pains to procure others. The Army being in the...
98From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favor’d with your Letter of 13th Instant inclosing a return of those taken from Colo. Webbs & Ellis’s Regiments. I begin to be very apprehensive that the Season will entirely pass away, before any thing material will be done for the defence of Hudsons river—You are well acquainted with the great necessity there is for having the Works there finished as soon as possible, & I...
99From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the resources of this Country in point of fresh Provision are nearly exhausted, and the Army under my command is in consequence litterally reduced to a starving Condition—it becomes indispensibly necessary for us to avail ourselves as much as possible of our more distant Supplies, and not to suffer any part of them to be diverted into other Channels; which has I am told been heretofore in...
100George 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.