23511From 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...
23512To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 30 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Capt. Mitchell and two other Gentlemen who went (the day before Yesterday) to New York, with a Flagg (to exchange some of the Inhabitants of this Neighberhood, who had a great desire to go in; for some of the Citizens who were equally desirous to come out) we have the following Intelligence Vitz. That while he Lay in the River with the Flagg (for they would not suffer him to go on shore) he...
23513Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 31 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I arrived here late last Evening. The Mere Bobie has not taken in the Bales I ordered, on account of a difficulty which the Custom House Officers have made relative to the Duties, but on application to the Directeur des Fermes I have so succeeded, that I am in hopes to have them aboard this evening, and wind permitting, she...
23514General Orders, 31 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
A principal design of the movement this morning was, to see whether a proper distribution of baggage waggons had been made, to the several regiments, and with what degree of alertness, and expedition, the army could be ready to march, on a sudden emergency—The General has much reason for approbation in many respects; but, though there was great exactness, in some instances—He wishes a greater...
23515From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Monsr Coudré is just arrived at Camp, and proposes to set out to Morrow for Philadelphia. What his views are, I am uncertain, having had no conversation with him upon the Subject; but I find, an Idea prevails, that there is an Agreement between Mr Dean & him, that he shall have the cheif command of the Artillery. How well founded this Opinion may be, I cannot determine; but if it be true, it...
23516From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to write to you the 29th I have recd the inclosed intelligence. As it comes from a person of Veracity, and one who is much in the confidence of the Enemy, I have no doubt as to the fact of the two Brigades having come over from New York to Amboy, and also that a Number of Waggons have been brought from Staten and Long Island. These accounts are corroborated by...
23517From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 31 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I This morning received information, which I beleive is not to be doubted, that on Saturday last, A large fleet consisting of a Hundred Sail, left New York & stood out to sea. Whither they are destined, or what they had on Board, remains to be known. If possessing Hudson’s River, should not be Genl How’s first object I should suppose his Operations will be against Philadelphia, and that this...
23518From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 31 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 29th. Your Conjectures, respecting the Troops arrived, correspond with my own. I shall not be disappointed, if they are those, which were in Canada, having long thought, there was a probability of their coming to reinforce Genl Howe. I am much surprized, that more of the Connecticut Troops, have not reached Pecks Kill. I have repeatedly & in most...
23519From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 31 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 27th giving me an account of the Tents that have been delivered out. By this it appears that 2306 have come on to the Army at this post, exclusive of Princeton, which are so many more than are necessary for the Troops here, that I shall cause an exact scrutiny to be made, and see what Regiments have drawn more than their Share. I have this day transmitted to...
23520Cadwallader Colden II: Notes of a Conference with John Jay, 31 May 1777 (Jay Papers)
I Sent my Son with the forgoing Letter to Mr Jay who was then in Council & he bid him tell me that he would wait on me Emediately— He accordingly soon Came. When he informed me that he had Laid my Letter before the Council, & that they had bid him to tell me that their former Resolution must take Place, I only Reply’d that I thought it exceeding hard, and asked him what was the Charge against...
23521To John Jay from Cadwallader Colden II, 31 May 1777 (Jay Papers)
I had Desired Doct r : Jones to Speak to You and some other Gent n . of the Council of Safety Concerning a Report I had heard, that I with some other Gent n . ^ now at Lodgings ^ was to be Confined on bord a Vessel, the Doct r Told me Yesterday that You was so kind as to Propose to Call to See me on that Account; But this Moment the Sherriff Sent a Man to inform M r Cumming and Myself to hold...
23522To George Washington from Colonel Robert Magaw, June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive this by Capt. Lieut. Randal of Genl Knox’s Regiment of Artillery who goes out on Exchange and can inform you of the state of the Prisoners on this Island. at the same time they bear their misfortune with proper Spirit & Magninimity we are surprized & concerned that not the least publick Provision has yet been sent in for our support. we are well informed that many...
23523To Benjamin Franklin from Pétronille Le Roy, [before 23 June? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mme. Le Roy dated her letters even more rarely than her husband did his. Such letters, when they have no internal clues, could have been written at any time during the pair’s long friendship with Franklin. Most of them are of little consequence, but this one shows that Madame was quick to take offense and, when roused, had no inhibition about berating even...
23524Abigail Adams to John Adams, 1 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
I designd to have wrote you by the last Post, but have been so unwell for the week past that I have not been able. We have had very Hot weather which you know never agrees well with me, and greatly distresses me under my present circumstances. I loose my rest a nights, which makes me more unable to bear the Heat of the day. I look forward to the middle of july with more anxiety than I can...
23525George Washington to Major General William Health, 1 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1777. Discusses arrival of Du Coudray. Approves of removal of military stores. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Philippe Charles Jean Baptiste Tronson du Coudray. By an agreement with Silas Deane, Du Coudray was to receive the rank of major general. Although Congress rejected this agreement, he did receive this rank in August, 1777.
23526George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 1 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1777. Orders all troops not needed for the Long Island expedition to Peekskill, New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Parsons was in New Haven, Connecticut, recruiting men for the Continental Army.
23527To Benjamin Franklin from Coder, 1 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. dubourg, m’a conselié de vous envoiér Monsieur, un mentau bleu exactement conforme au modelle que je m’etois proposé de vous presentér. Il n’y a de plus que les agréements qui sont en argent, qui doivent etre pour le soldat en fil, ainsi que les epauletes de la veste. L’officier est encore distingué par une echarpe qui scert a portér sabre ou epée et...
23528General Orders, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The General directs the following rules to be invariably observed throughout the army; and as he is apprehensive they will meet with great obstacles, in the carelessness, and indolence of some officers; he thinks it necessary to declare, that he will not overlook any neglect, or breach of them, that shall come to his knowledge. Each regiment to be paraded at troop and at retreat beating—the...
23529From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I dont know what particular instructions you recd from Genl Green, but I must inform you that you are not only stationed at your present post to keep small parties of the Enemy from making excursions, but also to send out parties yourself to lay between Millstone and Brunswic and endeavour to make discovery of any Motions of the Enemy. If you find them move in such a manner as to induce you to...
23530From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favour of the 19th May. General De Coudrée arrived here last night, and set off this morning for Philadelphia. What his engagements with Mr Dean are, I cannot say; but as he is represented to be a Gentleman of great ability in his profession, I dare say his expectations are high. Congress will undoubtedly make a genteel and honorable provision for him; but I hope it may be done, in...
23531From George Washington to John Langdon, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 16th and am glad to find that you are taking Steps to remove the Military Stores from pertsmouth—I am surprized that you have never heard from the Cloathier General respecting the Cloathing which arrived from France, I shall in my next Letter desire him to give you some directions about them. So far from the Militia’s having left Arms at the different Posts for the...
23532From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
By your favour of the 22d Ulto I perceive my Letter of the 17th has been expressed in too strong terms. I did not mean by the words, “to get rid of importunity” to cast the smallest reflection; indeed the hurry with which I am obliged to write the few private Letters I attempt, will not allow me to consider the force & tendency of my Words; nor should I have been surprizd if the fact had...
23533From George Washington to Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was some days ago favd with yours of the 19th May but the interruption occasioned by moving my Quarters & papers from Morris town to this post delayed my answering you sooner. I will not undertake to determine how far injustice has been done to you in regard to arranging any of the other Colonels before you, but it is evidently so in the Case of Colonels Gansvoort & Cortland, as far as may...
23534To George Washington from Lewis Morris, 1 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lewis Morris, 1 June 1777. GW wrote Morris on 12 June : “Your favor of the 1st Instant has been duly receiv’d.”
23535From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 25th Ultimo, I consented to your detaining some of the Continental troops to execute the expedition you proposed to Long Island. I have now to desire in the most positive manner, that you send on as fast as possible all who are not absolutely necessary for that purpose, and as I am morally certain, that till the field officers are forced from their scenes of ease and dissipation...
23536From 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...
23537To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is Impossible for me at this Juncture to obey your Instruction with respect to the Boats, we have verry few Flat Bottom’d ones here, and as yet only one Whale Boat has been employ’d in Cruising in the River I have Directed the Quarter Master to have Eight Built Immediately, and a proper officer with a party of men to man them—four of them I intend shall be kept alway’s down the River as a...
23538From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your representation I yesterday detatched Lt Colo. Barber with 150 Men and some Horse to Sommerset Court House. I wish you would use your endeavours to encourage the Militia between Brunswic and the Delaware to be ready to assemble and give their Assistance provided the Enemy attempt to march thro’ the Country, which they intend to do from all our late Accounts. The inclosed...
23539From George Washington to Captain Francis Wade, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours in May without any particular date. I am very certain that when Balser made his Escape he called upon me and got a Reward for his Services and the Risque he run. Having sent away many of my old papers I cannot tell the Sum that was paid to him, but you may depend upon it that something has been paid. Be kind enough to put this Matter closely to Balser and endeavour to come at the...
23540From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I think I stand Debter to you for your Letters of the 22d of April and 11th of May, which are all that have come to hand since my last to you from Morristown. I am now Assembling the Troops of this State, and those Southward of it, at this place which lays about Seven Miles from the Enemys principal post at Brunswick and convenient for following them either to Philadelphia or to the Eastward....
23541Concerning Mr. Merckle, [after 2 June? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : University of Pennsylvania Library J. P. Merckle had arrived in Bordeaux on the Dispatch and had contracted, but not paid for, a small consignment of goods for her return voyage. He had then gone to the Netherlands, and ordered supplies worth far more than the secret committee had authorized him to spend. In February Lee had complained that the Dispatch was waiting in Bordeaux for a...
23542John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday, I took a ride to a beautifull Hill eleven Miles out of Town. It is called Rush Hill. An old Lady Mrs. Morris and her Daughter Mrs. Stamper, live here with a Couple of servants, and one little Boy, who is left with the Family for Education. It is the most airy, and at the same Time the most rural Place in Pensilvania. The good Lady has about sixty Acres of Land, two fine orchards, an...
23543John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Artillery Election!—I wish I was at it, or near it. Yours of the 18th. reached me this Morning. The Cause that Letters are so long in travelling, is that there is but one Post in a Week who goes from hence to Peeks Kill, altho there are two that go from thence to Boston. Riding every day, has made me better than I was, altho I am not yet quite well. I am determined to continue this Practice,...
23544John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 2 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
I Love to recieve Letters very well much better than I love to write them, I make but a poor figure at Composition my head is much too fickle, my Thoughts are running after birds eggs play and trifles, till I get vexd with my Self, Mamma has a troublesome task to keep me Steady, and I own I am ashamed of myself. I Have but Just entered the 3d volume of Smollet tho I had designed to have got it...
23545From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 2 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 28 Ultimo is before me. It is certain that Religion and Morality, have no less obligation upon Armies, than upon Cities and contribute no less to the Happiness of Soldiers than of Citizens. There is one Principle of Religion, which has contributed vastly to the Excellence of Armies, who had very little else of Religion or Morality, the Principle I mean is the Sacred obligation of...
23546From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your favour per express, and as the absence of my former respectable correspondents has made a change necessary, I am happy that you have been substituted in their room. Except a body of Militia at and about Pumpton and a few detachments of observation, our whole army is now collected at two points; the main body here, and a division under General Sullivan at Princeton. Though this...
23547George Washington to Charles, Earl Cornwallis, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1777. Remonstrates against murder of William Martin. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress; Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. For details of Martin’s murder, see H to John Jay, June 2, 1777 .
23548From 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...
23549George Washington to John Hancock, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook Camp [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1777. Encloses news from Northern Department. Deplores deficiency of troops. States that Colonel Elias Boudinot is going to Philadelphia to discuss exchange of prisoners. Df , in writing of H; last line and postscript in writing of Robert Hanson Harrison, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Boudinot was commissary general for prisoners,...
23550The American Commissioners to John Jay, 2 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: National Archives We refer the Committee to ours to You of the 26 ulto. of which we sent Duplicates, should either arrive, but apprehensive of the Contrary we send you the Substance in this. The Brittish Commerce in Europe, especially in the North, is unguarded, the Greenland Whale Fishery and the Hudsons Bay Shipps in particular. Could two or three of our frigates accompanied by...
23551To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, [2 June? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send inclosed all the Papers that came To hand, also a Letter from Mr. Bingham by which I find the Cargo from Havre in the Ship in which Davis went passanger was arrived at Martinico and I hope by this the whole is safely Landed on the Continent. I am ever Dear Sir most respectfully Your very Humble Servant On June 7 the commissioners, in a letter now...
23552General Orders, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Muster Master General is, without loss of time, to cause musters to be made of the whole Army—He will give notice to the different corps when to hold themselves respectively in readiness for the purpose. The Brigadiers, and Field Officers, of the day are constantly to attend the grand parade—to see that the guards are properly assembled—give the necessary directions respecting them, and...
23553To George Washington from Col. George Baylor, 2 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. George Baylor, 2 June 1777. GW wrote Baylor on 19 June : “Yours of the 2d Instt I received by Yesterdays Post.”
23554From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bicker, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have receiv’d Information that the Regiment under your command have refused to do duty, or come to Camp for that purpose giving as their reason that they were set at Liberty on Parole & are therefore afraid of falling a second time into the Enemy’s hands—This I would willingly disbelieve—as I cannot be of opinion that any Officer would suffer Men to Act or speak in that manner—as they must...
23555From George Washington to Jonathan Bryan, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 24th of Feby last by Colo. White who arrived here two days ago. Your Request to me to grant permission to Colo. White to recruit in the Northern States is what I have not the least right to comply with. If a liberty of that kind is allowed it must be by the particular indulgence of the States, for they have already had their full Quota of Men assessed by...
23556From George Washington to Lieutenant General Cornwallis, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is with infinite regret, I am again compelled, to remonstrate against that spirit of wanton cruelty, that has in several instances influenced the conduct of your soldiery. A recent exercise of it towards an unhapp⟨y⟩ officer of ours—Lieutenant Martin—convinces me, that my former representations on that subject, have been unavailing. That Gentleman, by the fortune of war, on saturday last,...
23557To George Washington from Lieutenant General Cornwallis, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I understand that Lieut: Martin when surrounded by a Party of Hessian Cavalry did not ask quarter, but on the contrary wounded one of the Hessians, when they were close to him, which so exasperated the others that they immediately cut him down with their Sabres; When a man is kill’d in that manner his body must of course be mangled: But the Hessians gave the strongest Proof that they were not...
23558To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed from Brigadier General poor, is this moment come to Hand by Express. I never thought it was possible, for the Main Force of the Enemy to come so early up The Lake; unless Tory intelligence had induced them, when the Garrison of Ticonderoga was very weak, to have made an extraordinary effort to reduce that post. Inclosed is the Commissary’s Return of provissions now at Ticonderoga....
23559From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Copies of Genls Gates & Poor’s Letters, which just now came to hand, contain the latest advices from the Northern Army. These, I thought it proper to transmit, as I am not authorized to conclude, that Genl Gates had written to Congress upon the Subject of their Contents. I wish our Accounts from that Quarter may be happy, if Mr Carlton makes an Attack. The shameful deficiency in...
23560To George Washington from Major Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
your Excelle. will be pleased to ex[c]use the Liberty I take in Sending this Plan. I called it a Legion formed of 13 Companys in case it should be called the Legion of the Congress! any Alteration Your Excelle. should think proper to order, I could soon make. In case the Congress should not like the raising of such a Corps—I still wish to be Usefull to Your Excle. Army in any other Brange...