73801To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 11 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
upon Seeing Some Cloathing pass by here & knowing that my men are in a wretched Condition for Cloaths both officers & Soldiers & that we are always too far Detached from the Main Army to Draw I Ran the venture to Stop Some Riffle Frocks Some Shirts & three pieces of Cloaths which Qr Mr Sheriff has Sent a Recet for to the Cloathier Genl & will Deal them out if yr Excy aproves our having them if...
73802General Orders, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
As the foul weather prevents the marching of the troops to day, they are to draw two days provisions, and cook them immediately. Complaint has been made to the Commander in Chief that some soldiers pull down the fences to burn; and lay open the fields of the Inhabitants—He enjoins it upon the officers to use the utmost watchfulness and care to prevent this practice; and whoever is found guilty...
73803From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I had the honor of addressing you last, I hoped the Intelligence received respecting our Affairs in the Northern Department was not true, or at least, that they were not so unfavourable, as they were then represented; But the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Genl Schuyler, which came to hand Yesterday Evening, confirms it most unhappily for us in its fullest latitude. This Event, (the...
73804From George Washington to Hugh Hughes, 12 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Hugh Hughes, 12 July 1777. On 14 July Hughes wrote GW : “Your Excellency’s Favour of the 12th did not reach me till this Morning.”
73805To George Washington from John Langdon, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of Receiveg Your Excellency’s particular favor of the 29th Ult. ⅌ post. I hope may say I’ve a greatful sense of your Excellencys kind intention, to Serve us with Arms if they could have been possably spared, from the Army but the reason your Excellency has Condescended to give is full Sufficient to stop every expectation for Rather then the Army should want, the few we have of...
73806From George Washington to William Livingston, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am Honor’d with your favor of yesterday, & observe what you say respecting the Discharge of the Militia now station’d at Newark, which, (provided you think the Situation of things on staten Island will warrant such a procedure) I have not the least Objection to, as I have already signified to Colo. Cortland. I would mention to you that as soon as Genl Howe’s Movements will finally declare...
73807To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Lodge in the house of a man who I verily believe, has as good a heart as any man can have, I have had many oppertunitys of enquireing into his character. he Lays out at Least one hundred pounds Sterling ⅌ annum, amongst the poor of his neighborhood; he is a Phisyscian who receives no fees, he is the freind of the distress’d—this gentleman is by proffession a Quaker of Course a peaceable man,...
73808From George Washington to Richard Peters, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 8th instant. I am as much at a loss as you can be to account for the complaint of the Northern Army for the want of Arms when it plainly appears that as many if not more new ones have been delivered than they have men in the feild, besides these, there must have been, or ought to have been, a considerable number of good old Arms belonging to the Continent. I believe...
73809From 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...
73810From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday Evening, upon my March from Morris Town to this place, I received your’s of the 7th confirming the unfortunate Contents of the preceeding of the same Date. I will suspend my Opinion upon the propriety of this very extraordinary and sudden Evacuation until I hear something from General St Clair, for, in Truth it is altogether unaccountable—I most sincerely wish it was in my power to...
73811From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The army marched yesterday from Morris Town to this place, about eighteen miles from thence, and will proceed towards Peeks-Kill as soon as the weather permits—You will also, at the same time, march through the Clove and cross the River at the most convenient and safe place; for which purpose I would recommend it to you to consult with General Clinton. Our heavy baggage is advancing to fall...
73812General Orders, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief approves the following sentences of a General Court Martial held the 7th, 8th and 9th instant, whereof Col. Walter Stewart was President, and orders, that they be put in execution forthwith—vizt: Lieut. Cummings of the 1st Virginia regiment charged with “Messing with common soldiers, and speaking disrespectful words of the commanding officer of the regiment, and with...
73813From George Washington to Colonel Ezekiel Cheever, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 3d Instt has been duly received. Your business to Boston seems to have been of a material and necessary nature, and I am happy to hear you were likely to get it accomodated. As the present time is peculiarly interesting, and requires the attention and exertion of every person in the line of duty assigned him, I must request your constant attendance and closest application & care...
73814From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d your Favor of the 11th Inst. by Mr Conoly, & from your recommendation have not the least Objection that he should be appointed to one of the Lieutenancies you mention; provided it can be done without any just cause of offence to the other Officers of that Corps—If these Commissions have ever been granted, & the Officers by Resignation or otherwise quit the Regiment,...
73815From George Washington to Major General Du Coudray, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 4th Instant by Capt. De Goy was handed me the 11th. I was then on my march for this place, which, together with other intervening circumstances, has put it out of my power before to consider your observations, and form a determination concerning them. You seem to have misunderstood the purport of what I said in my last with respect, to the heavy pieces that came in the...
73816From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 30th ulto found me at this place. Upon the Enemy’s quitting Jersey and embarking, there was the strongest presumption to think, that this sudden alteration of their original move towards Philadelphia could only be owing to an intent to co-operate with Genl Burgoyne and the Northern Army. It was therefore determined to move this army up towards Peekskill to be ready to act as...
73817To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the 11th Instant we recd the disagreeable Intelligence that on the night of the Sixth our Army Evacuated the Works at Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, and had retreated by Castle-town and Skeensborough towards Bennington. What the reasons for this Retreat were, we cannot as yet Learn, and all at present seem asstonished at it, as the Militia from all Quarters were marching to their aid....
73818From 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...
73819To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the Receipt of your Favour of the 12th Inst., I had ordered down a Number of Transports and shall have more than a Suffiency for Gen. Glovers Brigade, should more be wanted. I have frequently reconnoitered the Roads in this Neighbourhood and do not find that any of them may be obstructed with Propriety, except perhaps the cross Road you mention, on the Right—I shall take a more...
73820To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Just received Information from one Charles Miel who has been down below fort Lee to make Observation on the Enemy’s movements, That a Sloop of 14 Guns & the row Galley ly off Col: Philip’s, the rest of the Ships are by Staten Island That the Inhabitants told him a fleet was gone up the East river and Some large Ships out at the Hook; which induces me to beleive, if the Information is Just,...
73821From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last Night received your Favor of the 9th Inst. I wrote to you Yesterday by Express, informing you of what I had done towards furnishing you with such Supplies as are in my power to give and the Obstacles that at present lie in the Way of granting you others that your Situation demands—I have in Addition to that sent, by Express, to peek’s Kill to order on thence to you as speedily as...
73822General Orders, 14 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Each Major General will order the guards necessary for the security of his own division. The Quarter Master General with his deputies will mark out the ground for the encampment of each division to morrow—And as the army will arrive on its ground early in the day; as soon as the men are settled in their quarters, the officers are critically to inspect their arms and accoutrements, and have...
73823From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here this Afternoon with the Army after a very fatiguing March owing to the Roads which have become extremely deep and miry from the late Rains. I intend to proceed in the Morning towards the North River, if the Weather permits; At present it is cloudy and heavy and there is an Appearance of more Rain. By the Express, who will deliver this, I just now received a Letter from Genl...
73824To George Washington from John Hancock, 14 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive from the enclosed Resolve that there are at present about fourteen Hundred Men at Philada and Billingsport who are ready to march, and wait only for your Orders. The Congress have recommended it to the State of New York and to the Eastern States, to send such Reinforcements of their Militia to your Assistance and also to the Assistance of Genl Schuyler as may, from Time to...
73825To George Washington from Colonel Hugh Hughes, 14 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favor of the 12th did not reach me till this Morning, when I immediately gave the necessary Directions for carrying your Excellency’s Orders into Execution. Mr Ruddock has not the Quantity of Ammunition here, but has sent to Springfield to forward it from there. Six Tons of Ball are sent for to Fredricksburgh twenty Miles hence, and will be here tomorrow I expect, at...
73826To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 14 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the 12th Instant General St Clair arrived here—As he fell in with Hudson’s River about twelve Miles below this, I ordered the Troops to halt at Fort Miller, having no Kind of Shelter for them, at any other place and not even a Sufficiency of Boards at that—What the Number is that have arrived, I have not yet been able to learn, as the greatest Confusion imaginable prevails here—General St...
73827To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letters, that of the 7th Inst. on the 10th That of the 2d with the P.S. on the 4th, the next day Thankfully acknowledge the Attention paid to mine and the Intelligence given for our direction. The Evacuation of Ty— and the Northern Posts are Truly alarming—Altho’ before you receive the Intelligence I send you enclosed, you doubtless will have received more full and...
73828To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 14 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Two days since I Received from Jerre: Wadsworth Esqr. Four Quarter Cask of Cane Spirits, One Qr Cask of Madeira Wine and One large Cheese for your Excellency and shall be much to know what to do with them, they are at present in Store at this place—inclosed is a new Map which I lately purchased, supposing it might be of use, in case the seat of War should continue in this part of the...
73829General Orders, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
It was yesterday directed in General Orders, that neither officer nor soldier should pay a salute , or pull of the hat to the Commander in Chief, or other officer passing by; and the total disregard of the order, is a proof; how little pains officers take to acquaint either themselves, or their men, with the orders of the day—other orders issued the 4th Instant, respecting the march of the...
73830To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency by Monr D’Avaux, late a Major in the French Cavalry, as he informs. He came to this place in the Freedom a Brig. of War, Capt. Clouston of this State, He has come to serve in our Army, and has desired a line from me to your Excellency. By Express yesterday from our Army at the Nor[t]hward, we are informed, that a considerable number of Officers and...
73831From George Washington to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of Yesterday met me near this place this Morning. If you have not sent off the Stores intended for Genl Schuyler before this reaches you, you may omit the powder, as he writes me that he has drawn down thirteen Tons which were in Fort George. Genl Putnam is rather scant of Ammunition at Peekskill, therefore the powder may remain there. If you have any Stores belonging to your department...
73832To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. S. Webb is apprehensive he has fallen under your Excellency’s Displeasure from the Misrepresentations of his Conduct by Persons who designed him an Injury & has desird me to inform your Excellency of his Conduct as far as I have been acquainted since he went into Connecticutt to raise his Regiment. If my Memory serves me he came into the State about the first of Feby soon after which I...
73833To George Washington from Richard Peters, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour of your Letter of the 12th instant which I have communicated to the Board. General Sullivan has written concerning an Hudson Burr condemned at Sourland by a Court Martial as a Spy but says your Excellcy would not ratify the Proceedings desiring that the Man might be sent to Philada where he is now under Confinement, that the Board might discharge him if they knew Nothing...
73834From 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...
73835From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last Night received your Favor of the 10th Inst. Amidst the unfortunate Reverse that has taken place in our affairs, I am happy to hear General St Clair and his Army are not in the Hands of the Enemy. I really feared they had become prisoners. The Evacuation of Tyconderoga and Mount Independance is an Event of Chagrine & Surprize not apprehended, nor within the Compass of my reasoning. I...
73836To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Lebanon, Conn., 15 July 1777 . “William Adams a Lieutenant in Coll Durkee’s Battalion raised in this State, thinking himself superceded in appointments, hath applied to me for a dismission which doth not belong to me to grant. I do therefore refer the matter to Your Excellency’s consideration.” LB , Ct : Trumbull Papers.
73837From George Washington to Joseph Trumbull, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this Instt recd a Letter from Colo. S. B. Webb informing me, that Mr Wadsworth had sent to his care, for my use, four Quarter Casks of Cane Spirits—one of Madeira Wine—and one large Cheese—which he desires I would direct him what to do with (at least where to send them to)—I have therefore to beg of you, if this Letter should reach you in time, to give some direction for its being...
73838From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of yesterdays date is just come to hand. You have my thanks for your care of the Spirits and Cheese, which I could wish to have sent forward to me at this place, or wherever I may be. Colo. Trumbull went from hence to day, to Peekskill; if you could get it into his care he will, I am perswaded, put it into hands that will not suffer it to be stolen or adulterated on the way—but as...
73839General Orders, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial of which Col. Chambers was President is dissolved. A General Court martial is to sit at ten o’clock this forenoon, near Gen. Maxwell’s quarters, for the trial of all prisoners which shall be brought before them; Col. Shreive is appointed president of this court. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Brig. Gen. William Maxwell apparently had joined the main army at Morristown...
73840From the Continental Congress Committee to Inquire into the State of the Army, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Messrs Livingston, Clymer, & Gerry present their Complimts to his Excellency General Washington, & beg Leave to inclose him a Copy of the Resolution of Congress appointing them a Committee to repair to the Camp & enquire into the State of the Army. As they have not Time to wait upon his Excellency this Evening, they propose to be at Head Quarters in the Morning at ten OClock, & shall be glad...
73841To George Washington from Brig. Gen. David Forman, 16 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. David Forman, 16 July 1777. GW writes in his letter to Forman of 18 July that “I am favd with yours of the 16th instant by Express.”
73842From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday Evening honored with yours of the 14th. I have heard nothing from the Northward since my last. I this day recd Advice from Staten Island that on Sunday Seventy sail of the Enemy’s Ships fell down from the watering place to the Hook but whether they have since gone out to Sea, I have not heard. Till I have more certain information of the State of our Affairs to the Northward,...
73843From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to congratulate Congress on the Captivity of Major Genl Prescot & One of his Aids. The particulars of this fortunate event, you will find in the Inclosed Extract of a Letter this Minute received from Genl Spencer, which I presume are at large in the packet Mr Greenleaf will deliver. Lt Colo. Barton & the Small handfull under his Command, who conducted the Enterprize have great...
73844To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon a Committee from the Board of War of this State presented me the inclosed Resolve of the General Assembly & Estimate of Stores and provisions necessary for the secret Expedition to St Johns River, an Expedition some time since recommended by the Honble Congress, of which I doubt not your Excellency has been fully acquainted. The Committee desired that I would furnish them...
73845From George Washington to General William Howe, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The fortune of war having thrown Major General Prescot into our hands, I beg leave to propose his exchange for that of Major General Lee. This proposition being agreeable to the Letter and Spirit of the Agreement subsisting between us, will I hope have your approbation. I am the more induced to expect it, as it will not only remove One ground of Controversy between us; but in its consequences...
73846To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am sorrey for the occasion which induces me to renew a correspondence, which my fear of trespassing upon your Excellencys time led me to forego, notwithstanding the pleasure it afforded me. I shall now only intrude so far upon your Leisure as to submit a single Idea to your Excellencys consideration, which may possibly be of use in our present critical situation. I greatly fear that our...
73847To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed General Prescott who was made Prisoner last Week, is order’d to Windham; I think it my Duty to express my Fears respecting that Matter, I am perfectly acquainted with the People there & am fully persuaded tis in his Power to effect his Escape at any Time he pleases, unless a Guard is sent there under the Care of a vigilant Officer to Secure him. The Credulity of Friends to their...
73848From George Washington to Richard Peters, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment favor’d with yours of 10th Inst.—As I am an utter stranger to any want of Arms in Colo. Armand’s Corps, I am pleas’d that you have fallen upon so judicious a Mode of supplying him, should it appear upon inquiry that he wants so many, which at present I can scarcely believe; however after proper Examination the necessary Steps shall be taken respecting it—should Arms be granted...
73849To George Washington from Richard Peters, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
War Office, Philadelphia, 16 July 1777 . “The Bearer Mr Dupré is a very ingenious Armourer & was appointed by the State of North Carolina in that Capacity to the North Carolina Brigade & has employed several Assistants under him, who are also attached to the Brigade. But as there is no Continental Establishment for Persons in his way, the Board have given it in direction to me, to mention the...
73850To George Washington from John Ruddock, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to your Excellencys order I’ve sent the Hoble Genl Schuylar at Albany Ninty Boxes of Musket Ball Containing Nine Thousand Four Hundred & thirty weight, Suitable for French Arms Muskets & Militia, With thirty Four Reams of Musket Cartridge Paper. Colo: Hughes Let me Know that hed Receivd Counter Orders from your Excellency that the powder must not that there was a Sufficiency Gone...