1From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 17 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
As the Season is fast approaching when the Bay between us and Boston will, in all probability be close shut up, thereby rendering any movement upon the Ice as easy as if no Water was there—and, as it is more than possible that General Howe, when he gets the expected reinforcements will endeavour to relieve himself from the disgraceful confinement in which the Ministerial Troops have been, all...
2From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 4 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Officers for the Regiment of Artillery still remaining unfixed, and of consequence the Inlisting men for it greatly impeded, I should be glad as I am a perfect stranger to that Corps if you, with Genls Thomas and Spencer would assist me in Scrutinizing a list given In by Colos. Burbeck and Mason at my desire. For this purpose you will please to be here to morrow at 11 Oclock. I am with...
3From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 17 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Applications for Liberty to go to the lines, are so frequent, that they cause much trouble—you will therefore Sir Grant passes to such as you may think proper at the same time I would recommend to you, that the officer who will attend upon these occasions be a person of sense & one who will carefully attend to the conversation of those who meet on the Lines. I am &c. LB , in Robert Hanson...
4From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 27 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
We were falsely Alarmed a while ago with an Acct of the Regulars coming over from the Castle to Dorchester—Mr Baylor whom I immediately sent of is just returnd with a contradiction of it. But as a rascally Riffle man went in last Night & will no doubt give all the Intelligence he can, wd it not be prudent to keep Six or Eight trusty men by way of Lookouts or Patrols to Night on the point next...
5From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 1 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
A Gentleman or two from Maryland, having some business of Importance to negotiate at the Lines, have applied for, & been refused leave to attend personally; but I have indulged them in letting Colo. Mifflin go; a meeting with whom being desird by Major Small, on some business he thinks, relative to the Prisoners at Philadelphia. Let none but the Officer of the Guard, or one of your Aids go...
6From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 2 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
After weighing all Circumstances of Tide &ca—& considering the hazard of having the Posts on Dorchester Neck taken by the Enemy, & the evil consequences which would result from it, the Gentlemen here, are of Opinion that we should go on there Munday Night. I give you this Early notice of it, that you may delay no time in preparing for it, as every thing here will be got in readiness to...
7From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 3 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
My Letter of last Night would inform you that the Genl Officers at this place thought it dangerous to delay taking Post on Dorchester Hills, least they should be possess’d before us by the Enemy, and therefore Involve us in difficulties which we should not know how to extricate ourselves from—this opinion they were Inclind to adopt from a belief, indeed almost a certain knowledge, of the...
8From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 24 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
I shall be obliged to you to send the Inclosed Letter to Colo. Quincy, either to Night, or early in the morning. As these favourable Winds do not waft the fleet from Nantasket, my Suspicion’s are more and more roused. I wish therefore the Fire Rafts talkd of by Colo. Tupper, could be attempted in a Windy, or dark Night, I think this would discover their designs if no other good effect resulted...
9From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 29 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
As General Green is ordered to march with the next Brigade on Monday and as Generl Spencer will follow with the last (leaving four or five Regiments in this department for Defence, Protection of the Stores, Erection of works ect.) & should be glad, if you are not afraid of the Small Pox & Incline to continue longer in the Service that you lately talk’d of, if you would remove in to Boston...
10Orders and Instructions for Major General Artemas Ward, 4 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered and directed to take upon you the Command of the Continental Forces remaining in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay for the defence and security of the same and for the protection of the Continental Stores. You are therefore to observe the following Orders and Instructions. Vizt: 1st You will comply with any requisition of the General Court or Council of said Province...