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GEORGE WASHINGTON
BICENTENNIAL EDITION
THE WRITINGS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON
flHl
Ul
From
Houdon Statue at Richmond, made by

York and Providence, and here
courtesy of that company
the bronze replica of the bust of the
The Gorham Company,
of
New
reproduced by the
THE WRITINGS OF
George
Washington
from the
Original Manuscript Sources

1745-1799
Prepared under the direction of the United States
George Washington Bicentennial Commission

and published by authority of Congress
John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor
Volume
January
13,
1777-April 30, 1777
United States
Government Printing Office

Washington
PRINTED
SEPTEMBER,
1932
v-7-
UNITED STATES GEORGE WASHINGTON

BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION
President of the United States
Chairman
Vice President of the United States
Speaker of the House of Representatives
United States Senate
SlMEON D.
Fess, Vice Chairman
House
of Representatives
Willis C.
Ohio
Hawley
Oregon
Arthur Capper
John Q. Tilson
Kansas
Connecticut
Carter Glass
Joseph
W. Byrns
Tennessee
Virginia
Millard E. Tydings
R.Walton Moore
Maryland
Virginia
Presidential Commissioners
Mrs. Anthony Wayne Cook
C. Bascom
Pennsylvania
Slemp
Virginia
Mrs. John Dickinson Sherman
Wallace McCamant
Oregon
Colorado
Albert Bushnell Hart
Henry Ford
Michigan
Massachusetts
George Eastman *
New York
Joseph Scott
California
Executive Committee
The Senate and House
Historian
Prof. Albert Bushnell
Hart
Commissioners
Associate Directors
C. Bascom Slemp
Mrs. Anthony Wayne Cook
Representative Sol Bloom
Joseph Scott
Executive Secretary
William Tyler Page

Deceased.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ON THE WRITINGS
Dr.
J.
Franklin Jameson, Chairman
Chair of American History and Chief of Manuscripts Division

Library of Congress
Professor Randolph G.
Adams
Librarian William L. Clements Library

University of Michigan
President
J.
A. C. Chandler
William and Mary College
Dr. Tyler Dennett

Editor, United States
Department of
State
Dr. Charles Moore

Chairman United
George
States
W.
Editor,
Commission
of Fine Arts
Ochs-Oakes, Esq.*
New York Times
Brigadier General John M. Palmer

United States Army, Retired
Victor H. Paltsits
Chief of Manuscript Department
New York Public Library
'
Deceased.
[v]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1777
To Robert
Pagc
Morris, January 13
Forwarding of
To Sir William Howe,

Exchange
letters.
January 13
of General Lcc
Cruel treatment
of
American prisoners
Enlistment of prisoners.
To
Richard, Lord
Howe, January
Cruel treatment of naval prisoners

sary
An exchange proposed.
13
Retaliation
3
may become
neces-
General Orders, January 13
To Brigadier
go
Officers to
To Captain
General
Adam
Stephen, January 13
to Virginia to recruit.
Nathaniel Gist, January 13
Raising of ranger companies.
Recruiting Instructions, January 13
To the
President of Congress, January 14
The
...
military situation.
To Joshua
Loring, January 14
Exchange of
To Major General William

Loss of arms
To Colonel
10
officers.
Recruiting.
Heath, January 14
Nathaniel Gist, January 14
11
11
Enlistment of Cherokees.
To Colonel
Isaac Smith, January 14
Marching
To Colonel
12
orders.
Joseph Kirkbride, January 14
...
13
Ferry guards.
To William
Duer, January 14
13
Delay of clothing.
To Captain William
Scott,
January 14
Recruiting instructions.
[vii]
14

WRITINGS OF WASHINGTON
viii
Page
To Colonel
Joseph Reed, January 14
FlourSurgeon
Putnam's movements inexplicable

oners Harassing enemy.
14
for British pris-
16
To Colonel
17
Joseph Reed, January 15
General Putnam
General Mercer.
To Brigadier General Henry Knox,
January 16
18
Establishment of magazines, laboratories, and foundries in Pennsylvania and New England.
To Lieutenant
19
Colonel Benjamin Flower, January 16
Establishment of magazines,
etc.
Laboratories.

Stroke suggested against
To Colonel George
His
New
20
Artificers.
To the President of Congress, January

Position of British
22
17
Heath, January 17
23
York.
Baylor, January 17
24
officers.
To Major
British evacuation of
To Major
British
deroga
25
General Joseph Spencer, January 17

Rhode
Island
Troops
to
be forwarded.
General Philip Schuyler, January 18

have abandoned New Jersey Dayton's regiment
Garrisons
25
26
Ticon-
at
for the lake forts.
To Doctor John Morgan,
January 18
28
His dismissal.
To the President of Congress, January

Army
Need
dwindling away
General
1^
Heath threatening
New
29
York
of militia.
To Major
General William Heath, January 19

New York Junction of troops.
To Robert
Morris, January 19
Intelligence through Captain Bell
To Lord
Stirling,
31
Diversion against
32
British intentions.
January 19
33
Militia feeling against Stirling.
To Brigadier
Officers
General George Clinton, January 19
Recruiting.
33
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IX
Page
To the
Pennsylvania Council of Safety, January 19
34
Creditable conduct of militia Their return home Urgency of

Reduced condition of the army.
retaining them in service
To Captain Edward
Position of
To
Wagon
...
Snickers, January 19
36
Master General.
Colonel Joseph Reed, January 19

Forthcoming proclamation
To Lieutenant
36
Morris County Light Horse.
Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison, Jan-
uary 20
Smallpox
in
army
37
Reenforcements.
To the President of Congress, January 20

Continental currency
Colonel Duboys's
recruiting expense
French
39
officers.

Commissary of prisoners
To Joshua Loring,
Exchange matters
To Governor
40
January 20
to reside in New
41
York.
January 20
42
Capt. Amos Fellows's imprisonment.
...
Nicholas Cooke, January 20
Forces for local service

ments.
Necessity
To Doctor John Cochran,
January 20
Hospitals
Instructions for smallpox
for the
44
coming campaign.
To Major General Philemon Dickinson,
Need
Militia desertions
42
of completing Continental regi-
January 21
45
of troops.
46
47
To the President of Congress, January 22
48
Foraging party of enemy defeated and stores taken Rumored capture of Fort Independence
Want of arms Appointment of general
officers
Virginia Light Dragoons
Need of money.
To Doctor
Isaac Foster, January 22
52
Care of hospital.
To John Parke
Custis, January 22
Evils of short enlistments
troops
Business
Illiberal opinions in Virginia
52
on eastern
affairs.
55

xii
Page
Ezekiel Cornell, February 2
To Colonel
New
91
England's bounty to troops.
To Lieutenant
Colonel
Adam Comstock, February 2
91
Recruiting his regiment.
General Orders, February 3
92
To William Duer, February 3
92
The command
To Major
in Westchester
Raising the New York regiments.
General William Heath, February 3
...
94
Disappointment at his want of success against Fort Independence

Reenforcements still coming from New York Forage parties of the
British.
To Major
General
Removal
of teams
Israel
and
Putnam, February 3
96
cattle.
98
To Governor William Livingston, February 4

A skirmish.
To Major General William Heath, February 4
Conduct censured by others
farcical
To Lord
May the
fort
Stirling,
To command
To Nathaniel
still
as too cautious
...
.
The summons
idle
and
98
99
be taken by surprise?
February 4
100
at Baskingridge.
Sackett, February 4
101
Secret service arrangements.
102
....
To the President of Congress, February 5
102
M. Pellisier Gist instructed to bring some Cherokee Indians Outrages of the British and Hessian troops in New Jersey Movements of
the enemy
Skirmish near Brunswick The smallpox Suggests the
obligation of an oath.
To Robert
Stores
Morris, February 5
Exchange
of prisoners
107
The King's speech.
To Samuel Chase, February 5
108
British barbarities.
To Major General
Israel
Putnam, February 5
109
Case of John Taylor.
To Major General
Horatio Gates, February 5
Forwarding of troops
Enlistment
no
frauds.
in
TABLE OF CONTENTS
To Governor
...
Jonathan Trumbull, February 6
Forwarding new
levies
Purchase of arms.
and Rhode
Island,
Page
112
New Hamp-
Circular to Massachusetts, Connecticut,

shire,
xm
February 6
....
113
Purchase of arms.
To Joshua Loring, February 6

Exchange
of
113
Major Edmonstone.
To Major General
...
Joseph Spencer, February 6
114
Proposed attempt on Rhode Island.
To Brigadier General
Benedict Arnold, February 6
115
Proposed attack on Rhode Island.
To the New York Committee of Safety, February
Joshua
Detention of clothing
Loring's request
116
want
British
of
forage.
Circular to Massachusetts,
necticut,
New
Hampshire, and Con-
February 8
118
Reenforcements for Ticonderoga.
To Brigadier General Nathaniel Warner, February 8

Approving
To Brigadier
119
his actions.
General Samuel Holden Parsons, Febru-
ary 8
119
Proposed descent upon Long Island.
To Colonel Samuel Blatchley Webb, February
120
Raising his regiment.
121
122
To Governor
122
Recruiting money.
To Major General Philip Schuyler, February 9
Meeting Carleton's army Formation of the northern army

dices and jealousies among the troops.
To Major General William Heath, February 9

Fort Independence
To Brigadier
Troops
123
Preju125
for Ticonderoga.
General Alexander McDougall, Febru126
ary 9
Gen. James Clinton ordered to Northern Department.
To Brigadier General Henry Knox, February 9

Colonel
Lamb needed
in
Northern Department.
126

XIV
Page
To Hugh Hughes,
Approves
February 9
127
his conduct.
To Brigadier General James

Ordering him
To Brigadier
to
Clinton, February 9
128
General Samuel Holden Parsons, Febru128
ary 10
Inoculation of troops for smallpox.
To the New York Legislature, February
10
I29
Inoculation.
To Governor
130
Inoculation.
To Governor Nicholas Cooke, February
10
131
10
132
Inoculation.
To Colonel Henry Sherburne, February

Appointment
of
Major Meigs
New England
To the President of Congress, February

French
bounties.
11
133
officers.
To Governor William Livingston, February
11
134
135
Trouble caused by Colonel Newcomb's appointment.
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, February

Money
To the Massachusetts Council, February 11

New
11
for recruiting.
regiments authorized by Congress
I36
Massachusetts'
quota
Requests assistance of the council.
To Brigadier General Henry Knox, February

Raising of Massachusetts troops
Recruiting money
11
137
Laboratories.
I40
I40
To Charles, Earl Cornwallis, February 12

To Major General Horatio Gates, February
141
12
141
Case of Colonel Hausseger.
To Brigadier
On
General William Maxwell, February 12
142
enforcing oath.
J 43
To
144
Oath
February 14
of allegiance required
by proclamation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xv
Page
To the
Pennsylvania Council of Safety, February 14
Rank
disputes
Collection
To the President
145
of arms.
of Congress, February 14
145
Foraging parties Massachusetts forces Laboratory and cannon

foundry Troops for Ticonderoga Clothier General Money needed
To
the President of Congress, February 14
I49
Plan of continental hospital.
To Brigadier General Thomas

Civil
Mifflin,
February 14
151
and military power.
To Colonel William
Barbarity of British
Livingston, February 14
Militia officers responsible for
151
conduct of militia
To Colonel George
Appointment of
153
Baylor, February 15
154
cornets.
To Major General Charles Lee, February

His requests
...
16
154
His dogs.
To Lieutenant
Colonel Robert
Hanson Harrison, Feb-
ruary 16
155
Orders to negotiate an exchange of prisoners.
To Governor William
Murder
Livingston, February 17
155
of Lieutenant Kelly.
To Brigadier
General Samuel Holden Parsons, Febru-
ary 18
Raising
regiments
Arms,
uniforms
CommissionsForwarding
156
troops.
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, February

Retention of militia
To Brigadier
18
158
British spy.
General Philemon Dickinson, Febru-
ary 18
159
Retention of militia in service.
His
Caesar Rodney, February 18
159
services.
To Joseph Trumbull, February
l60
18
Commissary Department.
Irregularities in
To Major
l6l
General Philip Schuyler, February 19
Ordnance and ordnance
Captain Gamble
stores
Smallpox.
l6l

xvi
Page
To Major General Horatio Gates, February 19

Intentions of
enemy
163
Safety of stores in Philadelphia.
To Brigadier General George

Troops needed near Passaic
Clinton, February 19
165
Falls.
To Colonel Henry Jackson, February
165
19
Recruiting money.
To Officer Commanding
To Ezekiel
at
Newtown, February
on the Delaware
Collection of boats
Ferry guards.
166
19
Cheever, February 19
167
Arms.
To John
February 20
Jay,
167
His withdrawal from a committee.
To the President of
Enemy
about to
Congress, February 20
make some push
To the President of Congress,
A skirmish.
February 20
...
...
168
169
Proposals of Faneuil to raise a French corps Impossibility of finding employment for the French officers Suggestions for disposing
of them.

Exchange of

Appointment
To Governor
20
officers.
20
...
...
171
172
of officers.
173
Baggage of the British officers who are prisoners Impolicy of allowing them in country An immediate exchange to be proposed.
To Major General Artemas Ward, February 20

French
To Major General
Israel
Attack on Lawrence Island
To Major General
174
174
officers.
Putnam, February 20
Spies
British intentions.
Horatio Gates, February 20
176
Expected move of the British Disposition of Continental troops

Frenchmen coming to camp should be stopped.
To Major
General Benedict Arnold, February 20

Enlistment of seamen in New England.
178
Exchange bungling
General Alexander McDougall, Febru-
To Brigadier
ary 20
Need
of a general officer in the
Webb's regiment.
Artillerymen
Highlands
Supplies
179
sent British
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xvii
Page
To Colonel William Crawford, February 20
180
His regiment needed.
To Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, February 20
181
States authorized to appoint officers.
To Carpenter Wharton,
February 20
182
Provision magazines.
183
184
To Robert
Morris, February 22
Removal
To
of stores
from Philadelphia
184
British intentions.
the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, February 22

Exchange of French
185
officers.
To Governor William Livingston, February 22

Colonel Newcomb's regiment
Raising
Militia fines
186
a troop of
horse.
To Major General Israel Putnam, February 22
187
Contingent orders in case British march toward Philadelphia

Militia fines.
To Matthew Irwin, February 22

Want
189
of provisions.
To Major General John Sullivan,

Abuse of
February 22
189
privilege of allowing Tories to transport their furniture
by teams.
To Joseph Reed, February 23
Command
Prevention
The
His commission as adjutant general
Colonel Griffin
Congress to Philadelphia.
Prisoners
of desertion
To Doctor John Warren,
190
of the horse
return of
February 23
192
His hospital rank.

Pay of cavalry
officers
Need
of troops
...
193
Forwarding men.
To the Board of War, February 23

Bounty
To Major
195
differences.
General Philip Schuyler, February 23
SkirmishesChances
Gen. James Clinton's post

vance from Canada.
To Major General Horatio Gates, February 23

Inoculation
Skirmish.
196
of a British ad-
197
xviii
Page
To John
Augustine Washington, February 24
197
Howe's intentions Skirmishing between scouts and foraging parTory parricides Strength of the army Desertion a growing
ties
evil.
...
To Governor Patrick Henry, February 24
199
Mr. Walker's position.
200
To Lord
201
Stirling,
February 25
Virginia volunteers
Rank
jealousies.
To Robert Morris, George Clymer,and George Walton,

February 27
Exchange
of
202
French
officers
An apologyNeed
of militia.
204
...
204
Defeat of British foraging party Slowness of recruiting Promotion of general officers

Benjamin Franklin's arrival in France.
To the Massachusetts
Council, February 28
Treatment of Lieutenant Colonel Campbell

measures Loss of arms.
...
Impolicy
To Major General Israel Putnam, February 28

Case of a
To
207
of harsh
210
flag vessel.
the President of Congress,
March
211
Resolutions respecting General Lee

Retaliation impolitic
Lee's
treatment misrepresented Difficulties of effecting exchanges Charges
of partiality.
To Lieutenant Colonel Archibald
Campbell, March
214
His treatment.
To Lieutenant
Arms
Colonel George Baylor, March
To the New York
Legislature,
Retention of arms by troops
March
Need
214
Refusing to allow his
letter to
General Orders, March
go to
Sir
216
1
.
218
Fraudulent recruiting returns
217
William Howe.
General Horatio Gates, March
Philadelphia.
215
of troops.
To Governor Nicholas Cooke, March

To Major Apollos Morris, March 1
To Major
for his dragoons.
Virginia
recruits to
be inoculated in
218
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xix
Page
To Captain Benjamin Tallmadge, March
219
Color of his horses.
To Doctor William
Smallpox
To Robert
Shippen, Junior,
March
220
Surgeons.
Wal-
Morris, George Clymer, and George
ton,
March 2
General Lee
Removal
220
of stores in Philadelphia.
To Robert Morris, March 2
221
an unreserved correspondence Howe's intentions and movements Letters to Congress intended to convey the true situation
Resolutions concerning
Lee's request might have been gratified
Campbell Congress ignorant of the real state of affairs.
Invites
To Robert
Wal-
Morris, George Clymer, and George
ton,
March 3
British ships in the
226
Chesapeake
Stores in Philadelphia
Reenforce-
ments.
To Governor William
Livingston,
Colonel Shreve ordered to Princeton

guards Conduct of British troops.
To Governor
Clothing
arms Expense account
Want of
To Major
Ferry
227
of allegiance
Jonathan Trumbull, March 3
for the Connecticut troops
Additional bounties
lation
March 3
Oath
Inocu-
229
of British prisoners.
General Artemas Ward, March 3
231
General Heath to relieve him.
To Major
General Horatio Gates, March 3
231
His appointment as Adjutant General.
To Major General William Heath, March 3

Order
to relieve General
To Major General
Attempt
Money
To Major
232
Ward.
Joseph Spencer,
against
Rhode
March
General Benedict Arnold, March 3
Attempt on Rhode Island
232
233
234
Island.
His promotion.
To Brigadier General Andrew Lewis, March 3

Disappointment that he was not made a major general
Trusts he
will not resign.
To Sir William Howe, March
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell's imprisonment

change commissioners.
To Colonel
Israel Shreve,
To march
to Princeton.
March
Meeting
235
of ex-
236
xx
Page
To Brigadier General Enoch Poor, March 3

His promotion
Raising
236
troops.
To Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum,

March
237
His promotion
Raising
His promotion
troops.
John Cadwalader, March 3
InoculationLoss
arms
of
Recruiting
His promotion
239
Seniority.
To Brigadier General George Clinton, March 3
238
General William Woodford, March 3
To Brigadier
Cannon
frauds.
240
Officer appointments.
To Lieutenant Colonel James Chambers, March 3
241
Colonel Hand's regiment needed.
To Governor Nicholas
Rhode
Island's troop
Cooke, March 3
quota
241
Colonel Greene's dischargeExchange
of prisoners.
To President John
Desertions
McKinley, March 4
Delaware
Need
officers
243
of troops.
To Major General Horatio Gates, March 4

Need
....
244
of reenforcements.
To Captain Bartholomew Burke, March 4
245
Authority to raise a company.
To Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson
Harrison,
March 4
246
Instructions governing
To James
an exchange of prisoners negotiation.
Mease, March 4
Appointment
as Clothier General
Grain
Frauds
of militia
distillation
son in hospital corps
To Richard Henry Lee,

The nonpromotion
247
249
Instructions.
To Brigadier General John Armstrong, March 5

Need
Appointment
of Armstrong's
in recruiting.
March 6
251
of General Arnold.
To the President of Congress, March 6

A
letter
Exchange
from General Lee
To Governor
Lee and
252
retaliation.

No dependence to be placed on militia of the
needed
ern governments
Militia
of
Condition
of the army.
south-
253
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xxi
Page
To William Duer, March 6
255
Slow recruiting Destruction or removal of forage Protection given

by General Wooster's command British intentions Expedition to
Long
Island.
To Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, March 6
257
Returns of troops.
To
Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, March 6

Exchange of officers Forwarding troops Weak state of army.
258
To Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum,

March 6
Returns
260
Urgent need
of troops.
To Doctor William Shippen, Junior, March 6
261
Erection of hospitals.
To the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, March 7
Philadelphia
Strength of British at Brunswick
262
Need
militia
of
troops.
To Governor William Livingston, March 8

New
263
contemplated recruiting law.
Jersey's
To Brigadier General Andrew Lewis, March 8

Forwarding Virginia
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, March 8

Forwarding
265
recruits.
To Brigadier General George Weedon, March 8

Need
264
recruits.
265
of troops.
To Governor William Livingston, March 9
....
266
...
267
268
Intelligence of British intentions.
To Major General Horatio Gates, March

Wishes him
to be
Adjutant General
10
Treatment of
prisoners.
To Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, March
11
Urges equipment of his regiment.
To Brigadier General Gold

Bridsh ships in
Long
Selleck Silliman, March 11
269
Island Sound.
To Major General Thomas Mifflin, March
11
269
270
Preparations for campaign.
To Major
General Joseph Spencer, March 11
Failure of the
To Brigadier
An
Rhode
Island plan
Need
of
all
Continental troops.
General David Wooster, March 11
injudicious retreat
The
case of Stanton.
271

xxiv
Page
To Captain Benjamin Tallmadge, March 20
Clothing.
304
Color of his horses
To Brigadier
General Alexander McDougall, March
20
305
Preparations of the enemy.
To Brigadier
General Samuel Holden Parsons, March
20
Punishment of plunderers
cruits
Arms.
British
on Long Island
Delay
306
of re-
To Major John Thornton, March 20
307
His appointment.
To Robert Alexander, March 20
308
Completing a purchase of land.
To Anthony Walton White, March 20
309
His appointment.
310
General Greene's mission to Congress.
To Major General Nathanael
Greene, March 21
311
Congress's intentions toward Colonel Campbell and the Hessian

field officers.
General Orders, March 21
311
312
To Major General Nathanael Greene, March 22

Exchange negotiations with
To Major
Need
313
314
British.
General William Heath, March 23
of reenforcement.

Colonel Palfrey's accounts
To Governor
Need
Charge for maintenance of

necticut regiments
Russian
...
Weakness

Inability to
answer
calls for aid
316
of ConGovernor Franklin's conduct.
British prisoners
troops
315
of supplying the military chest.
Troops
317
collected at Peekskill
and recruiting frauds Delay in appointing officers Little

dependence to be placed on New Jersey militia Present strength of
the army.
Militia
To Doctor William
Shippen, Junior,
March 26
Regulation for soldiers discharged from the hospital.
320
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xxv
Page
320
321
To Brigadier General George Weedon, March 27
321
Promotion of Captains Thornton and Washington Need of strictWeedon's leave Virginia officers to return to army.
ness with officers
To Lieutenant
324
Colonel George Baylor, March 28
Horses, clothing, and equipment for his regiment
Inoculation
324
Appointments.
To Joseph Trumbull, March

Ordering him
28
Misconduct
army
to the
To the Pennsylvania Council

Arrangement of Pennsylvania
325
in his department.
of Safety,
field officers
March 28
326
Colonel Hand.
To Captain Allen McLane, March 28

Need
327
of intelligence.

Arrival of arms,
the Indians.
etc.
Destruction
of Peekskill
Mr. Kirkland and
328
329
Supply ship from France.
To Brigadier
Need
General Enoch Poor, March 29
Conduct
of troops
To Brigadier
29
General Samuel Holden Parsons, March

33i
Forwarding of
To Major
330
of recruiting officers.
troops.
Forwarding troops
to Peekskill
331
and Ticonderoga
British
burning
of Peekskill.
To Governor
332
Connecticut Militia Loss of stores at Peekskill British preparations

Defense of the Highlands Supplies from France.
To Colonel
Nathaniel Ramsay, March 29
...
334
Requesting him to remain in service with his battalion for a few days.
To Major
Arms from France
Major
To Colonel Timothy
335
Austin's case.
Pickering,
March 30
Offering the position of Adjutant General.
...
336
xxvi
Page
To Colonel William Raymond Lee, March 30
337
Offering the position of Adjutant General.
To Brigadier
337
General Alexander McDougall, March
31
British
339
embarkation
To Brigadier
at
New
York.
General George Clinton, March 31
Destination of the British
To Lieutenant
Importance
339
of the Highlands.
Colonel Benjamin Flower, March 31
340
Stamping of arms.

British
embarkation at
To Governor
British
To Major
New
York
341
Destination.
embarkation
342
Call for militia.
General William Heath, April
342
Purchase of a horse.
To Elias
Boudinet, April
Offers position of
one of the
Commissary
of prisoners
To procure
343
intelligence
duties.
To Major General Charles Lee, April
343
Congress declines to accede to interview with him.
To Governor William Livingston, April

Difficulties in the militia
gees
Need
of
New
law
Securing
344
stock, etc., of
Tory
refu-
Jersey Militia.
To the Pennsylvania Board of War, April 2

Regret at misunderstanding
Express
....
346
chain.
To Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, April 2
347
Loss of stores at Peekskill.
To Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, April 2

Completing
his
To the President
regiment
Lack of money.
of Congress, April 2
Destination of British embarkation at
To Governor Nicholas
New York Expresses.
Cooke, April 3
347
348
349
of extravagant bounties
Number of
enemy on Rhode Island overrated Plans of the British and insufficiency of American force to meet them
State quotas.
Arrival
of
arms
Effects
General Orders, April 3
351
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xxvii
Page
To Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, April 3

His omission from
No
list
of promotions
Advises against hasty
352
action
made
reason for a court of inquiry, because no charges

adopted by Congress in promotions.
Prin-
ciple
To Major General
....
Joseph Spencer, April 3
Court-martial death sentences

Island
Need of troops.
British
abandonment
of
To Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, April 3

Laxness of recruiting
ciency of troops
officers
Arrangement
Opening
of the
campaign
353
Rhode
Defi-
354
of regiments in brigades.
To Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, April 3
356
Delay in inoculating troops.
To Colonel Jedidiah
Ordering
his
Huntington, April 3
regiment to the army
Claim
357
of troops for lost baggage.
357
358

Supply of arms
troops
March
Clothing
....
Heath, April 5
deficiency
amazes
Speed
in
358
forwarding
route.
To Brigadier
General James Clinton or Officer

manding Fort Montgomery, April 5
.
Com.
360
Route of Massachusetts regiments.
To Samuel Washington, April

Thornton's return with a horse
recruiting
Personal mention.
Intentions
of British
To Colonel Goose Van

ing
at
Schaick or Officer
Albany, April 5
Slowness of
360
Command362
Route of Massachusetts troops.
To the President of Congress, April 5

Preudhomme de
To Governor William Livingston,

New
363
Borre's appointment.
April 5
363
Jersey Militia law.
Proclamation Respecting Deserters, April 6
To Officer Commanding
April 7
Accouterments.
364
364
the First Virginia Battalion,
366
xxviii
Page
To
Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, April 7

Proportion of militia
Returns.
militia
To Governor
men
officers to
Control
officers in
To Joseph Reed or Colonel
366
of the brigadiers over
Jonathan Trumbull, April 7
Over proportion of
368
Connecticut Militia regiment.
Cornelius Cox, April 7
368
Arrest of an American spy.
To Colonel Samuel Blatchley Webb, April 7
Supply
Strength of his regiment
To Colonel Alexander
of
369
Forwarding
Spotswood, April 8
Drilling of
Urging on recruiting
To Nathaniel
arms
troops
370
troops.
37i
Sackett, April 8
Secret-service matters.
To John
Dunlap, April 8
372
Publication of a general order.
To Major General Arthur St.
Clair, April
372
Instructions for forwarding troops.
To Colonel Thomas Hartley, April 9
374
Appointment of Major Connor.

The
April 9
375
performance of Lieutenant Colonel Walcott Alleged

violation of agreement for exchange of prisoners
Dying men sent
out Agreement founded on general principles of mutual compensation and reward
Usage of prisoners by British unjustifiable Treatment of Major General Lee His proposed exchange The charge of
delay Wishes a general exchange.
illiberal
To the
President of Congress, April 9
380
Removal of stores from Baltimore and Annapalis Paymaster General Department

Suspected frauds
Hospital
Preparations of enemy.
To Governor Thomas
Johnson, April 9
381
Resignation of Col. George Strieker.
382
382
To Major General William Heath,

Demand
April 10
of Massachusetts for blankets, arms,
and powder
Ap-
383
pointment of brigade majors.
To Major General Thomas Mifflin, April

Employment
of spies
Defense
of Philadelphia.
10
385
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xxix
Page
To James
Mease, April 10
386
Massachusetts application for blankets from France.
To Brigadier
General Alexander McDougall, April
10
387
Expected move of British up the Hudson.
To the President
....
of Congress, April 10
387
Regulation of Hospital Department Honors to memory of Warren

and Mercer British preparations Count de Vrecourt's application
Exchange negotiations Raising two Pennsylvania companies.
To the Pennsylvania Board of War, April
10
389
Colonel Chambers's claim.
To William
Sever and
Thomas Cushing, April
10
390
Massachusetts' request for arms, blankets, and powder.
391
To Governor Thomas Johnson, April

Preparations of the British
Maryland
Need
of troops
11
Rank disputes among
officers.
To Edmund Pendleton, April
Lack
His accident
of troops
12
Preparations
393
of the British.
To John Augustine Washington, April

Expectations of British
enlistments.
movement
Prospects of an
State
army being ready
394
policy of
short
Numbers
raised
12
to take the field
Difficulties in collecting
...
12
Unfortunate
To the President of Congress, April

by each
392
men
396
Recommends Dr. John
Cochran.

The
Chevalier
Du
12
399
Plessis.
To Robert Morris, George Clymer,and George Walton,

April 12
Forming an army on
400
British
the west side of Delaware River
Rendezvous of
intentions against Philadelphia or up the Hudson
troops
Removal of stores from Philadelphia.
To Governor
...
402
Correspondence with the enemy and furnishing them with supplies.
To William
Norcross,
Thomas
Martin, April 12
Suggesting a pardon for refugees.
Barber, and
Ephraim
404
xxx
Page
To Brigadier General David Wooster, April
12
404
405
Court-martial sentences.
To Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, April

His presence
12
at headquarters.
To Colonel Thomas Price, April

Strength of his regiment
To Colonel John
Men
to be
12
405
forwarded.
Patton, April 12
State of his regiment
406
Recruiting.
407
407
To
407
Governor Patrick Henry, April 13

Slow recruiting
fortune
To
The
Short enlistments the source of every misenumerated Smallpox.
service
evils
Brigadier General George Clinton, April 13

Ordering
To the Pennsylvania Board

British
failure to
409
Robert Rogers.
arrest of Col.
of
War, April
14
410
Enemy's
Delaware Need of artillerymen

Billingsport fortifications.
surprise Bound Brook
ships
in
the
412
412
To Landon
Personals
Carter, April 15
Lack of troops
413
British preparations.
To Governor William Livingston, April
16
...
414
Colonel Duyckink's loyalty.
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, April

Preparations for the campaign
To the
Officer
Inoculation.
Commanding
the
17
416
German
April 17
Battalion,
417
Strength of the battalion.
To Richard
Officer
To Major
Peters, April 17
The 16 Additional
appointments
417
battalions.
Jacob Morris, April 17
419
His resignation.
To James
Mease, April 17
Clothing arrangements
Estimates
420
for next year.
422
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xxxi
Page
To Brigadier
17-18
Delay
in inoculation
Regimental
Removal
Failure
of light horse
Highlands
of artillery
Stamping armsNeed
from
Defense the
Bound BrookEastern troops
4 23
of
spirit
of
Peekskill
of British to surprise
to halt at Peekskill.
428
To Major General Arthur St. Clair, April

Proposed camp
at Bristol
18
...
428
British intentions.
Heath, April 18-19
Monsieur Faneuil
429
Forwarding troops to Ticonderoga and Peekskill

and Chevalier de Borre Quality of powder.
To Brigadier
.......
18
Court-martial sentences
shot cartridges.
To Doctor
embarkation at
British
New
York
Buck-
Isaac Foster, April 18
431
432
Unauthorized countermand of inoculation.
To the Pennsylvania Board of War, April

Tory shipment
of flour to
To the President
18
433
New York.
of Congress, April 18-19
....
433
Embarkation of British from Rhode

Surprise of a British picket
Island
Unfair practices in exports from Philadelphia Money
Resolutions on filling vacancies
Proposed attack on Rhode Island
Surgeons' mates
British intentions.
To Major General Benjamin Lincoln, April

Movement
To Brigadier
19
teers
438
General Samuel Holden Parsons, April
Mail tampered with
Strength
British evacuation of
To Colonel
19
of troops.
of Connecticut regiments
Rhode
Volun-
438
Island.
Elisha Sheldon, April 19
440
Sends recruiting money.
To Brigadier
General Nathaniel Heard, April 19
440
Orders his troops to Morristown.
To Chevalier Preudhomme
de Borre, April 19
441
His rank.
To Colonel
An
Richard Gridley, April 19
ordnance account.
441

xxxii
Page
442
...
442
To Major General Adam Stephen, April 20

Retaliation
Movement
....
To Brigadier General George Clinton, April 20

New
Call for
York
443
of troops.
Militia
British
intention
Chain
444
across the
Hudson.
To Colonel Robert Magaw, April 20
445
Prisoners with the enemy.
To Major General Philip Schuyler, April 21
....
446
...
446
Requesting exact returns.
To Major General Joseph Spencer, April 21
Inoculation
To Colonel
British in
Island.
Joseph Ward, April 21
His department
To Colonel
Rhode
Muster
447
difficulties.
...
Jedidiah Huntington, April 21
448
Filling his regiment.

Removal
of provisions between
To Governor
21
449
Brunswick and Trenton.
...
449
Connecticut Militia Regret at having to use short-term recruits

William Franklin's conduct.
To Governor Nicholas Cooke, April 21

Exchange of Captain Chase's son
451
Completing
Rhode Island
the
regiments.
451
451
To Captain Caleb Gibbs, April 22
452
Uniform
for the Guard.
To Major General Philip Schuyler, April 23

Orders for Virginia and Pennsylvania regiments
Pennsylvania regiments.
To Brigadier
...
of troops Languor and supineness

Clothing for the
Pay of exchanged prisoners Claims of representatives
Exchange of Tories Voluntary enof those who died in captivity
listments
British designs against Danbury.
453
23-25
Movement
Arms
drafts
Weakness of the
454
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xxxiii
Page
To Brigadier
General Samuel Holden Parsons, April
23
To Brigadier General George Clinton, April 23

Intelligence that General Skinner will operate in
To Brigadier General Nathaniel
New
455
460
Jersey.
Heard, April 23
461
Orders for his movement.
462
Requests arrest of a spy.
To Richard Henry Lee, April 24
462
Arthur Lee's information from abroad French general's plan of

campaign Delay in appointing officers Exemption of ironworkers
from service Arthur Lee's opinion.
To Brigadier
25
Recommends
cruiting
465
Lack
Tents
vigilance
for officers
Absentee
466
of artillerymen.
....
To the Massachusetts Legislature, April 25

Again urges the appointment of
State's
Re-
officers
quota of troops
Bounties.
officers
and speedy
To Colonel George Baylor, April 25
Appointment
Exchange made
of John
467
raising of the
469
Swan.
To Colonel Timothy Pickering, April 25
470
His acceptance of appointment of Adjutant General.
To Brigadier General John Glover, April 26
471
Urges his acceptance of a brigadier generalship.
To Major General William Heath, April 26

Forwarding of troops
ClothingPay.
To Major General Adam Stephen, April 26

Objects to unauthorized attempts against the
....
....
Inquiry
enemy
472
473
to be
made.
To Brigadier General George

British
move up
Clinton, April 26
474
the North River.
To Captain Oliver Towles, April 26
475
His resignation.
To Major Joseph Morris, April 26

Arrest of
Hugh Hughes,
of Sussex.
475

xxxiv
Page
To the President of Congress,

Money
for
April 26
Conduct
476
of William Franklin
American prisoners
and
other Tories.
To Brigadier
26
477
Possible British attempt
on the North River country.
To the Pennsylvania Board of War, April 26

Hugh Hughes,
of Sussex
Other
Tories
Women
to
477
be stopped
passing the lines.
To Governor Thomas Johnson, April 26

Maryland
To Doctor
479
officers.
James Craik, April 26
Wishes him
to accept hospital
479
appointment.
To Major General Benjamin Lincoln, April 27

Amazing
desertion of troops
and
its
cause
Regularity
480
of pay.
To John Mercereau, April 27
481
British floating bridges.
To Mrs.
Her
Elizabeth Neil, April 27
482
pension.
482
To Major General Horatio Gates, April 28

Route of New England troops
New England officers.
To Major
Stores for
....
485
Northern Department
General Benjamin Lincoln, April 28
486
Orders Maryland troops by Princeton.
To Brigadier

v
28
British expedition against
487
Danbury.
To Brigadier General Gurdon Saltonstall, April 28
488
His pay.
489
Hastening recruits from the eastward British marauding expediMeasures of defense defeated by prevailing
tion against Danbury
languor and supineness.
To Joseph Trumbull, April 28
491
Opportunity to purchase flour in the north.
To Robert McKenzie, April 28

The
prize ship
Lord
Stanley.
492
TABLE OF CONTENTS
To Governor William Livingston,
Call for Jersey militia
Need
of haste
April 29
Proportion
xxxv
Page
...
492
of officers to
men.
493
Forwarding news from Danbury.
To Joshua Loring, April 30

Appointment
of Elias
494
Boudinot American Commissary of Prisoners.
To Colonel Alexander Spotswood, April
30
Formation of a company for the Commander in Chief's Guard

Size and quality of men desired.
494
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Houdon's bust of Washington
Frontispiece
Proclamation of January 25, 1777

Letter
Facing page 61
from Governor Trumbull, March 21,

Facing page 276
1777
Continental Congress resolves on pay, April
Facing page 388
1-10, 1777
LettertoMrs.ElizabethNeil,April27,i777
xxxvii
Facing page 482
TABLE OF SYMBOLS
The following symbols have been used to denote the place
deposit of
Washington
letters
not found in draft or letter-book
form in the Washington Papers in the Library

Indicating that the letter
is
of Congress:
in Washington's
own handwriting:
Chicago Historical Society
CH.H.S.]
Clements Library, University of Michigan
'C.L.]
Connecticut Historical Society
;c.h.s.]
Harvard College Library
HV.L.]
Haverford College
[HD.C]
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Huntington Library
H.S.P.]
r
H.L.]
John Carter Brown Library, Rhode Island
[J.C.B.]
Maine Historical Society

Maryland Historical Society
[MD.H.S.]
Massachusetts Historical Society
;ms.h.s.]
Morgan Library
New Hampshire Historical Society
New York Historical Society
New York Public Library
New York State Library
Rhode Island Historical Society
Rhode Island Society of the Cincinnati
[M.L.]
J.
M.H.S.]
P.
Society of the Cincinnati
[N.H.H.S.]
N.Y.H.S.]
;n.y.p.l.]
N.Y.S.L.]
;r.i.h.s.]
R.I.S.C.]
S.C.]
University of Chicago Library
;u.c.l.]
University of Pennsylvania Library
[U.P.]
Virginia Historical Society
[V.H.S.]
Virginia State Library
^V.S.L.]
of
xxxix
THE WRITINGS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON
THE WRITINGS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON
*To ROBERT MORRIS
Morris Town, January
Dear
Sir: If
could suffer a
heartily, for
13, 1777.
amidst a multiplicity of Important matters, you

trivial
one to Intrude,
should thank you most
taking a Letter or two of mine,
when you do your
own, by the Southern Mail, and forwarding of them,

tunity offers, to the
Camp.
corrispondance with
patable with
my
have long since drop'd
which
is
my friends in Virginia, finding it incomA Letter or two from my
beg
Post, but very irregularly re-
rather mortifying, as
consolation of hearing
I
private
public business.
Family are regularly sent by the

ceived,
as opper-
all
it
deprives
me
of the
from home, on domestick matters.

freedom and do me the justice
you'll excuse this
believe that with very sincere esteem
and regard,
am,
to
etc.
[H.L.]
To SIR WILLIAM
HOWE
Head Quarters, Morris Town, January

Sir: I
five
am
directed by Congress, to propose an
13, 1777.
Exchange of
of the Hessian Field Officers taken at Trenton, for
General Lee; or
if this
Major
proposal should not be acceded
to,
to
demand his Liberty upon Parole, within certain bounds, as has

even been granted to your Officers in our Custody.
a
The
am inform'd
resolve of Congress (January 6) ordered that six Hessian field officers be
offered for General Lee.
8701
from good Authority,
that your reasons for keeping
erto in stricter confinement than usual,
is,
that
[Jan.
him
hith-
you do not look
upon him in the light of a Common Prisoner of War, but as a

deserter from the British Service, as his Resignation was not
accepted of, and that you intend to try him by a Court Martial
as such. I will not
undertake to determine
how
far this doc-
trine may be justifiable among yourselves, but I must give you

warning that Major General Lee is looked upon as an Officer
belonging to, and under the protection of, the United Independant States of America, and that any violence which you
may Commit upon

ated
his Life or Liberty will
upon the Lives or Liberties of the
be severely
British Officers, or those
of their Foreign Allies at present in our hands.

1
retali-
am sorry that I am again under the necessity of remonstrat-
ing to you upon the Treatment which our prisoners continue

to receive in
New York.
Those,
who have lately been sent out,
give the most shocking Accounts of their barbarous usage,

which their Miserable, emaciated Countenances confirm. How
very different was their Appearance from that of your Soldiers,
who
have
lately
been returned to you,
after a Captivity
Sparks notes that the statement in regard to the character in which the British
held General Lee is confirmed by his correspondence with the minister.
He wrote to Lord George Germain (December 20): "General Lee, being considered
in the light of a deserter, is kept a close prisoner; but I do not bring him to trial, as a
doubt has arisen, whether, by a public resignation of his half-pay, prior to his entry
into the rebel army, he is still amenable to the military"4aw as a deserter; upon which
point I shall wait for information; and if the decision should be for trial on this
ground I beg to have the judges' opinion to lay before the court. Deserters are excluded
in my agreement with the enemy for exchange of prisoners." To this the minister
replied: "As you have difficulties about bringing General Lee to trial in America, it is
his Majesty's pleasure, that you send him to Great Britain by the first ship of war."
Sir William Howe wrote (July 8) in answer to this order: "Washington declines
to exchange the Hessian field-officers, taken at Trenton, or Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, unless Lee is recognised as a prisoner of war. Lee is therefore detained for
further instructions, being apprehensive, that the close confinement of the Hessian
officers would be the consequence of sending Lee to Britain, and that this would
occasion much discontent among the foreign troops." This measure of caution was
approved, and the minister replied (September 3): "His Majesty consents that Lee
(having been struck off the half -pay list) shall, though deserving the most exemplary
punishment, be deemed as a prisoner of war, and may be exchanged as such, when
you may think proper."
commander
TREATMENT OF PRISONERS
1777]
of twelve Months;
was owing
And, whether this difference
to a difference of treatment,
impartial person to determine.
leave
would beg
Rule of Conduct towards Prisoners
may
it
in Appearance
to you, or
that
some
be settled;
if
any
certain
you are
determined to make Captivity as distressing as possible, to
whose Lot
those
may
it is
to fall into
it,
let
me know
it,
that
we
be upon equal terms, for your Conduct must and shall
mark mine. 8
If a real scarcity of the Articles of
inclement Season,
is
Provision and fuel, at this
the Cause that our prisoners are debarred
them,
common humanity points
fering
them
out a mode; which is, of sufgo home under parole, not to serve during the
War, or until an equal number are released by us for them.
Most of the Prisoners who have returned home, have informed me, that they were offered better treatment provided
they would Inlist into your Service. This, I believe, is unprecedented; and what, if true, makes it still more unnecessary for
me to apologize for the freedom of expression, which I have
used throughout this Letter. But it would be criminal in me to
be Silent, were such abuses, when made known to me, left un4
represented by me. I am etc.
to
To RICHARD, LORD
Head
My Lord
sity of
3
HOWE
Quarters, January 13, 1777.
am sorry that I am under the disagreeable neces-
troubling your Lordship with a Letter, almost wholly on
from Col. John Chester to Col. Samuel B. Webb (Jantreatment our prisoners met with while in New York is
beyond all description. Humanity cannot but drop a tear at sight of the poor, miserable, starved objects. They are mere skeletons, unable to creep or speak in many
instances. One vessel lost 27 in her passage from New York to Medford, and 7 died
the night they were put ashore; and they are dying all along the roads. Most who
have got home in the neighboring towns, are taken with the small pox, which undoubtedly was given them by design all this does not seem to discourage the few
surviving ones. They pray that God would only give them health and strength again,
and they are determined to have sweet revenge."
4
The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
Ford quotes from
uary 17):
a letter
"The inhuman
[Jan.
which our Officers and Men

who are unhappy enough to fall into
the Subject of the cruel Treatment,
in the naval Department,
your hands, receive on board the Prison Ships in the Harbour of
New York. Without descending to particulars, I shall ground

my complaint upon the matter contained in the inclosed paper,
which
is
an exact Copy of an Account of the usage of the
oners, delivered to Congress
Prisoner himself in
Captain Gamble
lately a
New York.
Account be
If this
as
by a Captain Gamble,
Pris-
true, of
is
which
said to be a
have no reason to doubt,
Man
of veracity,
I call
upon
your Lordship, to say whether any treatment of your Officers
and Seamen has merited

say
it
has not; so far from
on Board Armed
so severe a Retaliation.
it, that
Humanity, and not forced
From
am bold to
the Officers and Seamen, taken
Ships, have been treated with the greatest
or Private Vessels of
Service,
to enter
War; and
have been immediately

the Opinion
on Board any of our Public
those taken in the Merchant

set at Liberty.
have ever been taught to entertain of
your Lordship's Humanity,
will not suppose, that
you are
privy to proceedings of so cruel and unjustifiable a nature; and

I
hope that, upon making the proper Inquiry, you will have the
matter so regulated, that the unhappy Creatures, whose Lot

Captivity,
may not in future have the
and Famine, added
remember
my
we
toit,
we
deserve
You may
call
no
better treatment;
But
Lord, that supposing us Rebels,
feelings equally as
forced
Miseries of Cold, disease
to their other Misfortunes.
us Rebels, and say, that
keen and
most assuredly
we
upon
those,
still
have
and
will, if
upon
whom
sensible, as Loyalists,
retaliate
is
look, as the unjust invaders of our Rights, Liberties
and
properties.
I
should not have said thus much, but
trymen have long
called
upon me
to
my
injured Coun-
endeavour to obtain
EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS
17771
a redress of their Grievances;

culpable, as those
I
who
and
shall think
myself as
such severities upon them, were
inflict
to continue silent.
I
enclose your Lordship a List of the Captain
Armed
of
War
and Crew of an
Boat belonging to Georgia, taken by the Rover
Captain Stanhope. There are a
change. If the Measure meets your Approbation,

agreeable to both parties.
Number
sufficient
Prisoners in Georgia, belonging to your Navy, to
Man
make an
it
lately sent in Lieutt.
of
ex-
will be very
Boger
who
belonged to the Liverpool Frigate, Captain Bellew of the same

Frigate took a Capt.
Burk and
sent
him into New York for the
express purpose of having him exchanged for Boger,

therefore be glad to have Captain
Burke
should
sent out.
There are two Captains of Merchantmen by the Name of Bell

and Getshius on Board the Whitley prison Ship; if your Lord-
them their Liberty upon Parole, I will engage to

5
send two British Masters in Exchange for them. I am &ca.
ship will grant
GENERAL ORDERS
Head Quarters, Morristown, January
Parole Newtown. Countersign Trenton.
Till
an Adjutant General
office will
enough
appointed, the duty of that
be discharged by Col Weedon,
to undertake
and obeyed
All the
is
it,
13, 1777.
Pro-Tempore.
He
who
is
is
obliging
to be regarded
as such.
men who came up
with Genl. Stephen, belonging
to the different Corps, either at this place, or
Chatham, are
immediately to join their respective regiments.

B
"See General Orders, Nov. 10, 1776, ante.
7
Col. George Weedon, of the Third Virginia Regiment. The adjutant generalcy
was vacant by reason of Col. Joseph Reed's resignation. Weedon became a brigadier
general in February, 1777, and resigned in June, 1783.
8
Brig. Gen. Adam Stephen.
[Jan.
*To BRIGADIER GENERAL ADAM STEPHEN

Sir : Inspect
ments
now
minutely into the State of the
in the Jerseys, retain as
many
13, 1777.
five Virginia Regi-
Officers as are neces-
Men, send (if there are not already a sufficiency)

enough to collect, and take care of those at the different hospitals, and otherwise stragled, and let the rest be sent to Virginia
in order to Recruit for, and compleat their respective Regisary for the
ments, agreeable to the general Instructions herewith given
you: which, in these Regiments, are to be considered as

that
is,
confined to the
local,
Commonwealth of Virginia.
No Regiment is to be left without a Field Officer where there

is
a possibility of avoiding
did, with great difficulty
and the
it.
In the Instance of Colo. Lawson
and reluctance, yield to his entreaties,
peculiarity of his circumstances, but cannot permit
another Regiment to be in the same situation

such urgent occasion for them, either in the
when
field,
there
is
or in Quar-
we should be permitted to repair to them.

The Recruits should be sent forward to their respective Regi-
ters if
ments by
fifties
that they
may
or upwards as they can be assembled in order
be properly provided and disciplind, and be in
the way to resist the early attempts of the
Enemy in the
Spring.
Orders conformable to these you will furnish each Officer
with
whom you send out upon the Recruiting Service.

*To
COLONEL NATHANIEL GIST

13, 1777.
Sir: You are hereby authorized and Impowered to raise four

Companies of Rangers upon the Continental pay, Rank, and
9
Lieut. Col. Robert
Lawson, of the Fourth Virginia Regiment. He was promoted

December, 1777; served subsequently as
to colonel in August, 1777, and resigned in

brigadier general of Virginia Militia.
RECRUITING
1777]
establishment.
a
To enable you to do this, you are furnished with
Warrant for 3,000 Dollars
to be given
men
at the
to recruit
with part of the bounty

;
time of Inlisting, and the other part
join the Battalion or
That you may not be

for this kind of Service,
Corps they belong
when the
to.
restricted in the choice of Officers

I
leave the
Nomination of them
fit
(that
Companies) to yourself, reserving to myself a

Negative upon any improper choice as in other Cases.
You are to delay no time in forwarding these Companies to
is
for the four
Army (under my immediate Command) as fast as possible

where they will be received and provided with necessaries, you
are to keep me duly advised of your proceedings that I may
know in what time to expect your assistance, When you consider the advanced Season, and compare it with the time we
shall undoubtedly be called into the Field I am perswaded it
the
argument in favour of your every exertion

Men. Wishing you success in it, I am, etc.
will be a powerful
to raise the
RECRUITING INSTRUCTIONS
January
You
13, 1777.
are hereby Authorized to inlist in any of the United
States of
America,
all
such able-bodied Freemen as are willing
to enter into the Service
and pay of the
States, in the
of Soldiers, being within the descriptions
Character
and upon the condi-
tions hereafter annexed.

First.
You are to inlist none but Freemen, above the Age of
Seventeen, and under that of

Ability of body, to discharge
all
fifty,
of sufficient Stature and
the Offices of a private Soldier,
from lameness, or other bodily infirmities, which

may render them incapable to Support the Fatigues of a Camp.
2dly. You are not to inlist any Deserter from the Army of
the King of Great Britain, nor any person of disaffected or Suspicious Principles, with respect to the American Cause.
to be free
You
3<ily.
are to inlist
them
to serve during the
[Jan.
War
with
great Britain, or for three years, unless sooner discharged by
proper Authority.
4thly.
Every Soldier inlisted,as soon as maybe,tobe engaged
before a Peace Officer, Judge Advocate or
some of his Deputies
agreeable to the Section of the Articles of War. Every person so
engaged to be Mustered, before the Muster Master General, or
some
if
of his Deputies,
not, before
manding
and
ter,
they be within a reasonable distance;
if
some Major General,
a Brigade, a
Brigadier, or Colonel
com-
Surgeon to be present. All the charge
expence for every Soldier inlisted, that does not pass
mus-
for defects pointed out in these instructions, shall be paid
by the Officer that engaged them.
You
are hereby Authorized
and empowered
reward, and promise in behalf of the Publick,
as
to give as a
an encourage-
ment to every Non-commissioned Officer and Soldier that shall

over and above the pay and provisions already allowed,
that they shall receive a Bounty of Twenty Dollars and a Suit
enlist,
of Cloaths; the Cloaths to be given annually, as long as they
continue in the Service.
And at the end of the War, or the term

and Non Commissioned Officer
of three Years, every private
that shall complete his Service, agreeable to his engagement,

shall be entitled to
One hundred
Acres, of Land. Those that
die, or are killed in the Service, their legal representatives are
to be entitled to the same.
As
a further encouragement,
promise, that
all
you are hereby Authorized
that are unfortunately
maimed in
and rendered incapable of getting a Support,
to
the Service,
shall receive half
pay during their natural Lives, agreeable to the Resolve of

Congress, in that case
10
The draft is
"These same
and addressed
made and provided.
in the writing of
am &c.
1]
Samuel Shaw.
instructions, in the writing of
to Col.
10
David Forman, are
John Fitzgerald, dated Jan. 27, 1777,
in the Rutgers University Library.
WAGON ALLOWANCE
1777]
GENERAL ORDERS
Head
Quarters, Morristown, January 14, 1777.
Countersign Livingston.
Parole Stirling.
Major John Clarke

Greene, in the
room
appointed Aide-De-Camp to Genl.

Major William Livingston appointed
is
of
Lieutenant Colonel in Col Webb's Regiment
He
is
to be
obeyed and respected accordingly.

Serjt. Prentice is
appointed Captain of the Provost
'till
fur-
ther orders.
For the future, the Brigade Majors will attend at Head Quarters,
for General Orders, at 12 o'Clock; General Returns of
Brigades to be given in to the Adjutant General immediately.
not more, will
waggon with four horses, or four oxen, and

be allowed to 80 Men, and in proportion for a
greater, or less
number; and forage
In future one
for four Saddle Horses to
a Regiment, arranged as follows: Colonel, one; Major, one;
Quarter Master and Adjutant, one to both; Surgeon, one.
Commanders
no persons,
of Brigades
and Regiments
The
are to take care that
in their respective Corps, except such as are above-
mentioned, presume to keep Horses
at the public
expence.
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS

Sir: I
embrace
this
14, 1777.
opportunity, by Mr. Hopkins,
12
of in-
forming you that the Enemy remain upon the old Ground
at Amboy and Brunswick. Our Accounts still confirm their
want of Forage, which I hope will increase.

reduced
this
Winter
it
Field in the Spring. Genl. Warner, with

M David(?) Hopkins.
If their
Horses are
them
to take the
will be impossible for
two Regiments from
10
[Jan.
Massachusetts are arrived here, Genl. Heath with the remainder
from
of the Troops
down towards
that State has
by
time began to
this
move
Kingsbridge.
day intend to send a Flag with Letters to Lord and

General Howe upon the Subject of General Lee's Exchange
I this
and remonstrating
ers. I inclose
probation.
against the severe treatment of our prison-
you Copies of both for your Inspection and Aphave the honor
13
etc.
To JOSHUA LORING 14
Head
Sir:
As
there
is
Quarters, January 14, 1777.
a Ballance of Prisoners
beg the favor of you,
still
to us,
must
to give the preference to such Officers as
have been heretofore demanded by me, in
Howe, and
due
my Letters to Genl.
the request not complied with.
You may
always
in future, as we send in Prisoners, return those of equal Rank

who have been longest in Captivity, giving a due proportion of
Eastern and Southern Officers, except
any particular
Person. I expect that Rank will be allowed to the French Officers taken at St. Johns last year, and an equal Number of ours
returned for them, they themselves claim it, and those that still
remain among us, made a demand a few days ago, of being
sent in agreeable to the
Terms of our
I call
for
Cartel.
15
16
Rawlings and Major Williams

may be sent out whenever any Officer of equal Rank is sent in.
I
desire that Lt. Colo.
am &ca. 17
13
Both the draft and letter sent are in the writing of Tench Tilghman. The draft
has the following additional paragraph, which has been crossed off and is not found
in the letter sent: "I have made Mr. Hopkins an offer of a Company in one of the
new Regiments to be commanded by Col: Patton."
"British commissary general of prisoners.
"Col. Moses Rawlings, formerly lieutenant colonel of Stephenson's rifle regiment.
He had been appointed colonel of one of the 16 Additional Continental regiments on
January 12.
M Maj. Otho Holland Williams,
of Stephenson's regiment. He was exchanged with
Rawlings on January 16. Both Colonel Rawlings and Major Williams had been
wounded and captured at Fort Washington, N. Y.
"The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
RECRUITING OFFICERS
1777]
To MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM

Head
Dear
I
Sir : I
plainly perceive that the loss

I
is all
likely to be
thrown upon
know how it is to be avoided.
don't
as I did before, desire
situation,
HEATH
have yours of the 10th. In the settlement for arms,
the public, and
ment in this
If some of
11
you to
act
up
can only,
to the best of your judg-
matter.
those persons
on account of
who have
re-enlisted are in such a
their health, that they require a
time
to recruit themselves, they certainly should be indulged with
a furlough; but this favor should be granted with great cau-
and where the case

claimed by the whole.
tion,
really requires
it,
otherwise
it
will be
You did very right in sending home all the officers that could
be spared, to recruit.
It is
what
have done here.
have even
incorporated two or three small corps into one rather than

detain supernumerary
officers.
recommending Mr. Huntington, 18

I had appointed him to a majority in a regiment to be commanded by Colonel Webb, my late aide-de-camp.
Before
received yours
beg you will keep
me constantly advised of your own situa-
and the movements of the enemy on your quarter, that

19
I may regulate my conduct on this side accordingly. I am, etc.
tion,
[MS.H.S.]
*To
COLONEL NATHANIEL GIST

Sir :
14, 1777.
By virtue of the powers to me given by the Honble. Con-
do hereby Authorize you, after Appointing

the Officers of the four Ranging Companies mentioned in my
Instructions of yesterday, and setting them to Recruiting; to
tinental Congress, I
18
Maj. Ebenezer Huntington, of Col. Samuel Blatchley Webb's Additional Conti-
nental regiment.
18
In the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
12
[Jan.
proceed immediately to the Cherokee, or any other Nation of
may have an Influence, and there use

your utmost endeavours to procure a Number of Warriors (not
Indians in which you
exceeding in the whole 500) to join the

diate
Command.
come provided with Arms, Blankets &ca. but
be supplied with Ammunition and Provisions, they shall
They
shall
are to
receive in lieu of presents, the

tinental Service do,
ple,
Army under my imme-
and
if
same pay
as the
Troops in Con-
they have Officers of their
you may engage such advanced pay, provided
own
it
peo-
bears a
similarity to the difference in ours, but not greater.
The Expence
March will be borne by the Public; for

the necessary provisions consumed on your Rout, you are to pass
Certificates,
upon
of the
which
will entitle the proprietors thereof to claim
the public; consult
Oeconomy, and use every dispatch
in
your power, ever bearing in mind the shortness of the time you
have to do a great deal
Wishing
I
am,
N.
in.
success to your undertaking
and a speedy
return.
etc.
B. This
as their head,
body of Indians
and are
to be
(if
obtaind) are to consider you
Informed that they are
to
obey
all
such orders as you shall receive from me, and deliver to them.
To COLONEL ISAAC SMITH 20

Sir: I
have ordered Colo. Kirkbride to relieve you with the
Bucks County
Militia;
As soon
as
he takes your
you will immediately march, with the

your
14, 1777.
Men
posts, I desire
at present
under
Command, and as many others as you can collect, to Bas-
kenridge, where you will meet Genl. Dickinson with the Militia of this State.
am
'Of Hunterdon County, N.
etc.
J.,
militia.
NEED OF CLOTHING
1777]
13
To COLONEL JOSEPH KIRKBRIDE 21

Head
Town, January 14, 1777.

Smith being ordered to march up to this place
Sir: Colo.
Quarters, Morris
with the Jersey Militia and form a Brigade under Genl. Dickinson,
you are hereby directed to
of your
County
as will
mount
collect as
many
of the Militia
the necessary guards at the Fer-
where Colo. Smith was posted. You will take
ries,
Care to keep
Ferry,
all
drawn up and well guarded, under
Officer. I
particular
the Boats, except such as are necessary for the
the care of a good
am &c.
To WILLIAM
DUER

Dear Sir:
of Cloathing
some time ago received

was forwarded from
14, 1777.
advice, that a large parcel
New England to Peekskill,
with an intent to come on to this Army.

could not account for
just
now informed by
its
being delayed there, until
Convention of your State had appropriated

their
upon
26. Bales of
own use, without consulting him in the least.

as a
volves
was
the Quarter Master General, that the
This
it
to
look
most extraordinary piece of Conduct, and what
in-
me just at this time in the greatest difficulties; for depend-
ing upon that Cloathing,
have not applied elsewhere and the
Troops in the Field are now absolutely perishing for want of it.
I
have therefore to
desire, that
what
is
not
made
use
of,
may
be immediately forwarded to me, and that in future not the

least Article
may be stopped upon the Way, without giving me

I may know how to regulate myself.
due Notice, that

I
dont doubt, but your Troops were in want of Cloathing;
but Consider they were in Comfortable Barracks, while ours

21
Of the Bucks County,
Pa., militia.
14
are
[Jan.
Marching over Frost and Snow, many without a Shoe,
Stocking or Blanket.
22
am etc. 23
*To CAPTAIN WILLIAM SCOTT 24

Head
Sir: Inclosed
Quarters at Morris
you
upon
at the
14, 1777.
have Instructions for recruiting a Company
of Rangers; as also a
enter
Town, January
Warrant
for Eight
hundred Dollars to
One half of the Bounty you will give

Inlisting, the other half when the Men join
this business;
time of
the Regiment.
Your Company
two
and an
Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, a Drum and fife, and
Seventy Six privates: and as an Encouragement to you to get
good Officers and proper Men I leave the appointment of the
former
is
to Yourself
to consist of Yourself,
Lieuts.
under the reservation contained in the
In-
closed Instruction's.
Use every
Company
possible exertion to compleat,
to the
and March your
Army under my immediate Command.
To
COLONEL JOSEPH REED

14, 1777.
Dear Sir: I very much approve of your visiting Genl. Putnam, as I cannot acc't for his remaining at Crosswicks instead
of removing to Princeton, as I have desii ed in several of my
j
Letters.
would have him keep nothing at Princeton (except two or

what can be moved off at an hour's
warning; in that case if good Scouting Parties are kept constantly out, no possible damage can happen to the Troops,
I
three days' provisions) but
^The New York Committee of Safety answered this letter (January 22), explained
the transaction, and assured Washington that no supplies of any kind would be
interfered with. The committee's letter is in the Washington Papers.
"The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
24
Of Col. David Henley's Additional Continental regiment. For the instructions
issued see Washington's letter to Col. Nathaniel Gist, the same date as this letter.
BRITISH BARBARITY
1777]
under
his
Command, who are
15
to retreat, in case they are
pelled to leave Princeton, towards the mountains, so as to
a junction with the
army under
This will serve as a direction to
any yet remain
my
him
comform
immediate Command.
in
removing the
stores if
at Princeton.
would have no time lost in drawing the Flour from the

on Millstone, least the Enemy should attempt and avail
themselves of it. I would also have Genl. Putnam draw his
Forage as much as possible from the Vicinity of Brunswick,
I
Mills
that the
Enemy may
of that district
The
thereby be distressed.
should be compelled to bring
it
inhabitants
in.
The two Companies under Command of Col. Durkee, aided

by the militia in that Quarter should be constantly harassing the
Enemy about Bound Brook and the Westroad side of Brunswick (Rariton I mean). I have directed Genl. Sullivan to do
the like on the quarter next him.
Particular attention should be paid to the Surgeon sent by
Lord Cornwallis (by my consent) to take charge of their
He will more than probably convey

numbers (which ought to be a good
deal magnified) at Princeton; and give other useful knowledge
wounded
at Princeton.
a true account of your
of your situation. If therefore, the
wounded
are in a condition
would it not be best to send them to Brunswick with

the Surgeon ? If any of them or their attendants, have been
considered, and properly were Prisoners to us, for an equal
number to be demanded in lieu.
to remove,
have inclosed Genl.
tion,
Howe a copy of Mr. Yates's 25
declara-
and have remonstrated sharply on the treatment of our
^Lieut. Bartholomew Yeates (Yates), of the First Virginia Regiment. He was shot
N. J., and then bayoneted and clubbed by the British. His dying affidavit (January 9) was forwarded by Washington to Howe, who replied (January 23):
"Altho' I cannot contradict the Account you have been pleased to transmit of the
cruel Treatment of Lieutenant Yates I can aver my Abhorrence of the Barbarity
therein set forth, and am satisfied that the Officers under my Command are equally
inclined to discourage such Behaviour, and to prevent it in every possible Degree;
but the Heat of Action will sometimes produce Instances that are only to be lamented."
at Princeton,
Howe's
letter is in the
Washington Papers.
16
Prisoners.
What have you done with
the
[Jan.
Negro you appre-
hended ? The waggon with the ammunition and watch

I
am
obliged to you for taking care
In what manner did Col. Quick's

ers
In the field
run away
26
of.
not yet arrived.
militia leave the
If so,
It is
coats,
Rang-
they ought to be pun-
ished, or sham'd.
I
recollect of
my approving of Wind 27 waylaying of the Roads
between Brunswick and Amboy.

Cox,
28
must beg the favor of Colo.
in your absence, to continue the pursuit after Intelli-
Would
gence.
com
to unite
it
not be well for the Militia under Colo. Mal-
with the Rangers for the purpose of keeping out
constant scouts to annoy and harass the

fore mentioned
man
beyond
to stir
least Intercourse
Enemy
ask for information, as

their Lines,
nor suffer
with the Country.
am, &c.
in manner bewould not suffer

them to have the
29
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, January
Parole
Countersign
Brigadiers, and Colonels

to order fatigue parties
Waggons
will see
it
commanding Brigades, are directed
from their respective Corps, for the pur-
pose of cutting, and cording Wood

order
The Quarter Masters will
allotted to their Brigades, to bring
is
in,
and
intended to prevent the burning of fence-rails,
which the General
positively forbids.
Notwithstanding repeated Orders for
26
it
equally distributed amongst the troops of their bri-
gade. This
&c. taken
15, 1777.
from the Enemy
all
Horses, Plunder
to be delivered to the Quarter
Col. Abraham Quick, of the Somerset County, N. J., militia. He resigned in

September, 1777.
27
Brig. Gen. William Winds, of the New Jersey Militia.
28
Col. Cornelius Cox, Assistant Deputy Quartermaster General.
The text is from Ford, who does not state his source, and varies in spelling and
capitalization from the letter as printed by Reed in his Life and Correspondence of
Joseph Reed.
PUTNAM'S CONDUCT
1777]
17
Master General, who was directed to accompt with the Soldiery

for
them; the General understands, that some individuals are
up and
so lost to obedience, as to hold
conceal,
the Army several valuable Horses, for their
from the
rest of
own private emolu-
ment taken in the Action of the 3rd. Instant at Princeton, and

on the march from thence; He therefore strictly orders all
such persons, to bring in any Horses, or other Plunder they
may have
in their possession,
and
deliver
it
to the Quarter
Master General, for the good of the whole; as they
on examples being made of
those,
Conduct, so prejudicial to the
may depend
who presume
a contrary
service.
One orderly Serjeant and two Sentinels to be furnished Governor Livingston from the main Guard.
Reports of Guards to be made to the Adjutant Genl. every

morning after Guard mounting, 'till further orders.
To COLONEL JOSEPH REED

Dear
Sir:
The
me your last Letter. He came in the Eve-
Express who brought
ning of the
I
13th,
15, 1777.
enclosed was intended to have gone by the
was desired
to call early next
have never seen or heard of him
morning, and
since.
Many days ago I wrote to Genl. Putnam supposing him to be

at Princeton to
have the
stores rescued
from the hands
of the
who had borne them off, and had no doubt but he had
done it.What in the name of Heaven can he be doing at Crosswicks I know not, after my repeated wishes to hear of him at
Militia
Princeton. Surely he
him from me, to use
is
and bring the authors

bers
30
30
Col.
to
whom
there by this time.
In that case desire
means
to recover the stores
every possible
to
punishment; especially Colo. Cham-
have written on
David Chambers, of the
New Jersey
this subject.
Militia.
18
[Jan.
will speak to the Quarter Master Genl. for a person to be
on this business but apprehend from what I heard him say

nobody to spare not being able to carry
81
82
on his business here for want of Biddle and Mifflin who are
sent
yesterday, that he has
both absent,
If
sick.
the Militia cannot be prevail'd
upon
ing parties and to annoy and harass the

sions,
I
am
and upon
march they
to restrain the Forag-
Enemy
will be of very
sure they can never be brought fairly
in their excur-
little
up
to
use to us, as
an attack in
any serious matter.
When
you
see Genl. Mercer,
best wishes to
him
and congratulations
to,
it)
on
his recovery
(if
from
You may
my
me that
or within a few minutes of dying, and
was put into
prevented
my
the state of his
death.
that nothing but the confident assertion to
he was either dead

that he
be so good as to present
him
health will admit of

assure
33
as
good a place
seeing
him
as I
him
could remove
after the action
and pursuit
at
Princeton.
My Compliments also if you please to Colo. Cox, from whom

expect a continuation of such Intelligence as occurs and
I shall
he
is
able to procure. Yours, &c.
P. S.
The
letter to
Colo.
open for your perusal.
Chambers you
will have sent;
To BRIGADIER
GENERAL HENRY KNOX
Head Quarters at Morristown, January

Sir:
16, 1777.
The honorable Continental Congress having
to establish Magazines, Laboratories,
resolved
and Founderies for
ing brass Cannon, in the State of Pennsylvania, and in

M Col. Clement
it is
34
cast-
New
Biddle.
Jonathan Mifflin, Deputy Quartermaster General.

Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer died on January 12 of wounds received in the action at
Princeton on January 3.
The text is from Ford and varies in the same particulars as noted in the preceding
letter.
FOUNDRIES, ETC.
1777]
19
England, and having invested me with power to effect the same.

85
Commissary of MiliI have directed Lieutenant Colo. Fowler
York Town and Philadelphia
tary Stores to repair to
in the
State of Pennsylvania and put the various matters in the Ordnance branch in such forwardness, as will probably answer the
You
purposes intended.
necticut
are to repair to Hartford in
and there provide and

and Artificers, as you
Materials,
exigencies of the
Con-
contract for such, buildings,

shall think necessary for the
Grand Continental Army;
erence to the supply of the
Army
to
also having a refwhich

Northward,
the
perhaps must be drawn from the Magazines and Laboratories

at Hartford. The Monies necessary for these purposes you are
to draw on the Paymaster General or any of his Deputies, or to
borrow of public bodies, or private persons, as shall be most
Convenient.
You must keep
a very particular account of
all
charges and
expences incur'd in the establishment of the aforesaid
affairs,
and as soon as you have digested and form'd your plan, you are
to transmit
it
mand which
to
me
for
my
The
approbation.
very great de-
the Continent has for a well regulated and well
provided Artillery, will
hope influence you
exertion of your endeavours in order to perfect

greatest expedition.
to the
utmost
them with
the
36
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, January
Parole
Amboy.
Countersign Brunswick.
General Court Martial to

trial
of Capt. Fister
37
and
^Lieut. Col. Benjamin Flower.

Regiment on January 16.
8u
16, 1777.
sit
to
morrow
at
9 o'Clock, for the
Lieut. Rallwaggon,
He was
38
of the
German
appointed colonel of the Artillery Artificer
The draft appears to have been the document used, as it is place-dated and signed
by Washington, though with his abbreviated signature.
'"Capt. Henry Fister. He was dismissed on Apr. 7, 1777.
Lieut. Frederick Rowlwagen. He was cashiered on Apr. 15, 1777.
20
[Jan.
39
and such officers of his Regiment,as can

give information of the above Gentlemen's Conduct, for which
Battalion. Col. Strieker
they were confined, will attend the Court, for that purpose.
The Captain
and 25 Privates,
jeant,
ital
of the Provost
as his
is
ordered to warn
[sic]
one
Ser-
guard. Prisoners confined for cap-
offences will hereafter be
committed
to his charge,
and be
by him reported.
To LIEUTENANT
Sir:
COLONEL BENJAMIN FLOWER
Head Quarters at Morris Town, January 16, 1777.

The Honble. Continental Congress having Resolved to
establish a
Cannon
Magazine, Laboratories, and Founderies for casting
&c. at
York Town
in the State of Pennsylvania;
You
are hereby directed to repair thither and erect or provide such
Buildings, as shall be Necessary for carrying on the preparation

of fixed
Ammunition,
of every Species.
constructed there, to hold three
Metal.
An Air Furnace to be
Thousand Weight
of Fluxed
A Mill for the purpose of Boring the Cannon &c. after
they are Cast. Shops sufficient for Forty Carpenters, Forty

Blacksmiths, and
men,
Twenty Wheelwrights. Turners and Tin-
in proportion to the
Demand
for them. Also Twelve Harness
the Laboratory shall have
Makers to make spare Harness,
double and Single.
The Artificers above mentioned are to consult The Founder,

about the Size of the Cannon, and they are to make spare CarLimbers &c. to be ready
riages for them, the Wheels, Cheeks,

to be put together for immediate use.
structed to cast Six pounders
first,
to
to be in-
Three plunders and
and after there are about

Cast Ten Twelve pounders.
itzers next,
The Founder
How-
Sixty of these Cast, he
is
Besides the Artificers before mentioned, who are to be enlisted

for
30
One
Year, there are to be Sixty persons employed in the
Lieut. Col.
George
Strieker.
ARTIFICERS
1777]
21
Laboratory inlisted for the War, consisting of One Captain, who

40
One Captt. Lieutt., Four Lieutenants, Six

Sarjeants, Six Corporals, Six Bombardiers, One Drum and Fife
with Twenty Eight Matrosses; these persons are to be inlisted
is
to be Capt.
as Artillery
Coren,
Men,
altho' they are at present to be
employed
in
the Laboratories.
Company is to fix all kinds of Ammunition, according
This
to the Orders they shall receive. Case Shot with Flannel Cartridges for 3.6.
and 12 pounders,
Cartridges are likewise to be
You
list
of
are to contract for
which you have on
to be the first Object.
and procure likewise the
of Artificers inlisted during the
we
War,
the Field, Consisting of
Master Wheelwright and
Articles, a
a Seperate paper.
Exclusive of the above Artificers,
tillery in
Musket
made in great Numbers.
shall
want
Company
to be attached to the Ar-
One Master
One Master
Carpenter,
One
Blacksmith, two Tin-
men, two Turners, two Coopers, Four Harness Makers, two

Nailers, and two Farriers, Six Wheelwrights, Twenty five Carpenters and Fifteen Smiths, the whole being Sixty, under the
direction of the Master Carpenter.
The people now employed in the different Branches in Philadelphia of making Carriages for Cannon, Casting of Cannon
and preparing Ammunition of all Kinds, are still to continue
to carry
on
their different Business there;
and
if
there should
be any thing necessary to further or Quicken these matters,
you are hereby directed to use your utmost exertions for these
important purposes.
After the Buildings, Furnace &c. are prepared at York Town,
part of the Different Branches to be
removed
thither. In the
course of providing these matters, you will have Occasion for
sums of Money which you
will procure,
Commissioners of Congress
at Philadelphia.
by applying
to the
Capt. Isaac Coren, of the Pennsylvania Independent Artillery. He was assigned to

duty in the laboratory on February i and was cashiered June 30, 1780.
22
[Jan.
Mr. Byers the Founder at Philadelphia, must have every

Encouragement and Assistance, in order to Carry on the Business with the utmost Spirit.
The Commissioners
Philadelphia, will,
to do, give
of the Honble. Congress residing at
upon your applying to them, which you are
you every
assistance in their
power; for any thing
Necessary to be transacted in Camp, you are to apply to Majr.

Genl. Greene, in the absence of Genl. Knox.
You must keep
a very particular Account, of all Matters
and Expences transacted by you,
in
Order
to render in
when
called for.
The Speedy Accomplishment of the matters with which you

are intrusted, are of such high import to the Wellfare of the
Continent, that
you
hope no inducement will be wanting
to complete
to
urge
them, as soon as possible.
The Continental Congress have resolved, that it is their Opinion, that Carlisle in Pennsylvania,
zine &c.
You
is
are therefore, not to
a proper place for a
make any
York Town, which cannot be removed from thence

lisle.
let
shall write to the Congress concerning
you know the
result as
every preparation
utmost vigor.
is
Maga-
preparations in
to Car-
this matter,
and
mean time
soon as possible; in the
to be push'd in Philadelphia,
with the
41

Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, January
17, 1777.
have not had the honor of any of your favors since I

wrote to you on the 14th instant. No material Alterations have
happened in this quarter. The Enemy, from every Account,
Sir: I
mean to make Brunswick their advanced

they are endeavouring to
draw
post for this Winter;
in all the Forage they can get,
in the course of which, they have daily Skirmishes with our

41
as
draft, in the writing of John Fitzgerald, was apparently the

place-dated and signed in full by Washington.
The
it is
document
used,
LABORATORIES, ETC.
1777]
advanced
parties.
But
23
think do what they will, they must be
Winter is over.
By a late Resolve of Congress, the Towns of Carlisle in Pennsylvania and Brookfield in Massachusetts, are fixed upon for
the proper places to erect Elaboratories and lay up Magazines
of Military Stores. Upon Communicating this Resolve to Genl
Knox, who will have the principal direction of these Matters,
he was of opinion, that Hartford in Connecticut would be, on
many accounts, more convenient for that purpose than Brookfield, particularly in respect to Buildings, which are already
erected, and tho not such, as are immediately fit for the uses
they are intended for, may be easily converted to them. Genl
Knox and others, whom I have consulted on the Occasion, also
think, that York Town will be full as safe and more convenient
than Carlisle. If these two Alterations, should, upon a reconsideration, appear to you in the same light, and no steps should
distressed greatly, before the
have been taken towards carrying Matters into Execution,

should be glad, that you would, by a new Resolve, permit
direct the
Works
to be carried
on
at the places last
me to
mentioned.
I began this Letter, your favor of the ioth was delivme, inclosing sundry Resolves of Congress, to which
I shall pay due Attention, and shall inform Doctr. Morgan and
42
Doctor Stringer of their Dismission from the Service of the
43
States. I have the honor to be, etc.
Since
er'd to
HEATH

Dear
Sir: Capt. Bell
44
17, 1777.
of Philadelphia, a very intelligent
credible person,made his escape from
and
New York about ten days
^Drs. John Morgan and Samuel Stringer were dismissed by resolve of Congress of
January 9, a culmination of the quarrel between Morgan and Dr. William Shippen,
who obtained the backing of the New England Delegates. Morgan was vindicated by
a resolve of Congress June 12, 1779.
43
Both the draft and letter sent are in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
44
Captain Bell was probably the same sea captain mentioned in Sir William Howe's
letter to Washington of January 17.
24
[Jan.
He informs that there were no troops upon Long Island,

45
butDelancy's Brigade andnotmore than iooo Men upon York
Island, all the rest having joined the Army now in Jersey. And
ago.
were gone up the Sound
that Transports
to bring
back the
Troops from Rhode Island, in order to make a Junction of

their
I
whole Army,
to endeavour to give us a total defeat. This
think by no means improbable;
Now,
if
you could get any
certain information of their Strength within the Island,

I
think
may be done by
protections)
and should not find
reports, a stroke
from Rhode
might be
it
to exceed
(which
have taken
what Capt.
Bell
struck, before they are reinforced
would ruin them. This is a Matter of

would have you spare neither pains
Island, that
such Consequence, that
nor Expence to gain intelligence.

building Sleds in
who
sending in persons
We have heard that they were
New York, which I suppose are for drawing
wood this Winter;
but
it
would be well for your
Spies to learn
what use they are really intended for.

I
have directed Genls. Spencer and Arnold, to follow the
Enemy, if they leave Rhode

46
again. lam&c.
*To
Island
and
fall
down
Sound
COLONEL GEORGE BAYLOR

Dear Baylor: There

I
the
is
17, 1777.
Gentleman, a friend of mine, whom
should be glad to provide for in your Regiment of Horse.
therefore desire you will reserve a
The
the
Lieutt.
and other
Service,
48
Officers of the
for him.
Company must
raise
Men &ca. The Gentleman I have in my view, is now in the

and cannot conveniently
nor indeed have

45
Troop
Brig.
The
said
any thing
leave this place, at this time;
to
him on
the subject as yet.
Gen. Oliver Delancey, of the British provincial troops.

is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
draft
EVACUATION OF RHODE ISLAND
1777]
Let
me
Officers
hear from you by every Post, send
you have fixed on, and again
let
me
much every thing depends upon dispatch.
me
a List of the
urge to you,
am,
25
how
47
etc.
GENERAL ORDERS
Head
Parole Windsor.
Countersign Winchester.
A Court of inquiry to
sit
to
morrow,
at
9 o'clock to exam-
ine into a Complaint lodged by Serjt. Davis, William Davis,

48
and one Gallakin, all of Capt. Leir's Company, against Major
50
51
49
Procter, Capt. Lang, and Lieut. Turnbull of the Artillery:
All Evidences to attend, and facts as they appear, to be reported.
The Out-Guards are strictly forbid allowing any Soldiers to
pass them, but such as have regular discharges from their commanding officer This the officers of the different Regiments
:
will attend to.
Lieut. Isaac
St. Clair,
and
Budd Dunn is appointed Brigade Major to Genl.

is
to be respected
and obeyed
as such.
To MAJOR GENERAL JOSEPH SPENCER

Head
Dear
out of
Quarters, Morris
Town, January
17, 1777.
By accounts just received by a person who came

New York a few days ago, and other corroborating
Sir:
it looks as if the Enemy intended to withdraw

from Rhode Island again, and make a junction
of their whole Army, in this province. If this event should
happen, you will probably find an Opportunity of falling upon
Circumstances,
their force
47
From an original in the possession of Judge E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton, N. J.

Captain Leirs is difficult to identify.
Maj. Thomas Procter, of the Pennsylvania Artillery. He was made colonel of the
Fourth Continental Artillery on February 5; resigned Apr. 18, 1781.
50
Capt. James Lang, of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment.
51
Lieut. Charles Turnbull, of Procter's artillery. He was captain-lieutenant of the
Fourth Continental Artillery on March 3; taken prisoner at Bound Brook, N. J.,
April 13; made captain (while a prisoner) June 16, 1777; exchanged in April, 1780;
served to September, 1783.
4S
49
26
their
Rear in
their
Embarkation, which
is
[Jan.
an advantage that
should be improved to the utmost.
Should the
Enemy evacuate Rhode Island and fall down the
New York, you will lose no time in marching
Sound towards
immediately, with such of the Troops as were before intended

to join this
and
Army, and as many more as you can possibly collect,
join Genl. Heath,
who you
New York.
the province of
cumstances, have
made
it
will in all probability find in
But should any alteration of Cir-
Necessary for
him
to have passed
over into Jersey, you shall have Notice where and
how
to fol-
low. If Business or Accident should delay you, Genl. Arnold

can, in that case, take the Command of
Enemy make
If the
doubtedly
we
get our
New
Necessity there
sible,
and
and conduct the Troops.
new Junction of their Army, it is unwith an intent to make a Grand push at us, before
is,
this
Levies into the field; you, therefore, see the

of opposing
them with as great a force as pos-
hope you and Genl. Arnold will exert yourselves,
many men as you possibly can, and as

you can. The Enemy, by being drove back from
most part of the province of Jersey, on which they depended
in bringing forward as
speedily as
much distressed for Provision and Forage,

and unless they make a push to extricate themselves, they must
for Subsistence, are
Manner perish this Winter. This is another reason for

making me believe, that they will certainly make some great
Effort to make up their late losses. I therefore again press it to
you, to follow them as expeditiously as possible, should they
52
leave Rhode Island. I am etc.
in a
To MAJOR GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER

Dear Sir:
18, 1777.
some time since I had the pleasure of writing to

or receiving a Letter from you. The weight of Business which
*2
The
draft
is
It is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
ENLISTMENT EXPIRATIONS
1777]
has lain upon both our hands, has
writing Letters, but
27
dare say hindered us from
when absolutely necessary.
The Enemy, by two lucky Strokes at Trenton and Princeton,

havebeen obliged to abandon every part of Jersey, except Brunswick and Amboy and the small tract of Country between them,
which is so intirely exhausted of Supplies of every kind, that
I hope,
by preventing them from sending their foraging Parties
to any great distance, to reduce them to the utmost distress, in
the course of this Winter.
Colo.
Dayton arrived from the Northward a few days ago;

me that the time of most of his Regiment expires in
he informs
February; but that they are extremely anxious to get

this part of the
down
to
many of them have Families

who they suppose must have suffered many
Enemy were for some time in possession of
Country, where
and Connections,
hardships, as the
the Country and committed every kind of Depredation upon the

Inhabitants; he thinks,
if
they were brought
down here, before
them might be induced to

War, which would be a thing to be wished for, as
I am told they are a fine body of Men and well acquainted with
this Country, which will in all probability be the scene of action
next Campaign.
I would not give Colo. Dayton any kind of promise to withdraw the Regiment from Ticonderoga one day before their
time expires, without consulting you, and I do it now only, for
they are discharged, that most of
inlist for
the
the reasons before mentioned.

53
53
Dayton commanded the Third New Jersey Regiment, which had been
New York and was ordered to Ticonderoga near
the end of the year, where it was stationed under Lieut. Col. Francis Barber. The situation is described in a letter from Barber to Dayton from Mount Independence, opposite to Ticonderoga, which Sparks quotes: "We have now reached the 12th of
Col. Elias
stationed on the western frontiers of
February, but have made no advances towards New Jersey. What is yet worse, there
is not the least prospect of our departure, notwithstanding our soldiers' times are
expiring in thick succession. The time I long dreaded has come, when the virtue of
our men is tried in such delicate circumstances, they being detained on this ground
after their times are out, their native province and friends suffering by the depredations of the enemy, and a most poisonous example set them here by regiments quitting
28
shall be glad to hear
from you upon the
[Jan.
subject of garrison-
ing the Forts upon the Lakes, against the next Campaign, both
as to the
there.
Number
of
men and
the time that they ought to be
should think that the Levies from Massachusets and
New Hampshire had better be ordered there, as it is more conthem than
march
to that Quarter. I wish to be informed of the number and State
venient for
of the public
the Troops of any other State to
Arms to the Northward, as I suppose many of the
disbanded Troops
To
left their's
behind them.
am etc.
DOCTOR JOHN MORGAN

Sir :
yesterday received a Letter
18, 1777.
from Mr. Hancock with the
following Resolve of Congress which he desired might be com-
municated to you.
January
Resolved, That Doctr. John
Morgan
9th., 1777.
Director General, and Doctr.
Saml. Stringer Director of the Hospital in the northern Department of

the
Army
of the United States, be,
any further Service in said
What
occasioned the above Resolve
assure you,
mine.
54
and they are hereby dismissed from
Offices.
it
cannot
say, I
can only
has not been owing to any representations of
Iam&c.
65
ground immediately on the expiration of their enlistments. As yet they are quiet,
but I fear I shall have much trouble with them before we are relieved. I have written
to General Schuyler, according to your directions, and received his answer requesting
my exertions to detain the men until troops can arrive sufficient to garrison this post.
We have now the dull prospect of lingering out perhaps two months longer in the
disagreeable state of a separation of soul and body; for you must certainly suppose our
hearts are in New Jersey, though our bodies are on Mount Independence. The men
think very hard of their fate; they repeat your promises; they mention the circumstances of their State, friends, and property; arguments which cause me a difficulty
to answer."
04
55
The same letter was sent to Dr. Samuel Stringer.
the
DWINDLING ARMY
1777]
29

Sir: The fluctuating state of an Army, composed Chiefly of
Militia, bids fair to reduce us to the Situation in which we were
Head
some
little
Quarts., Morris
time ago, that
is,
of scarce having any
except Reinforcements speedily arrive.
One
Army
at all,
of the Battalions
from the City of Philadelphia goes home to day, and the other
two only remain a few days longer upon Courtesy. The time,
for which a County Brigade under Genl. Mifflin came out, is
expired, and they stay from day to day, by dint of Solicitation.
Their Numbers
much reduced by
desertions.
We have about
Eight hundred of the Eastern Continental Troops remaining,

of twelve or fourteen
engaged to the
The
five
last
hundred
who at first agreed to stay, part
of this Month and part to the middle of next.
Virginia Regts. are reduced to a handful of
Col Hand's, Smallwood's, and the
German
Men,
Battalion.
as
is
A few
days ago, Genl Warner arrived, with about seven hundred

Massachusetts Militia engaged to the 15th [of] March. Thus,
you have a Sketch of our present Army, with which we are

obliged to keep up Appearances, before an Enemy already dou-
Numbers, and who, from every Account, are withdrawing their Troops from Rhode Island to form a junction of
their whole Army and make another Attempt, either to break
up ours, or penetrate towards Philadelphia, a thing by no means
ble to us in
now,
difficult
ware.
as the Ice affords
dont yet know what
towards
an easy Passage over the Dela-
effect
New York, will have.
Genl. Heath's moving
down
Yesterday Morning a consider-
was heard, which seemed to be about Kings Bridge.

I am in hopes, that his appearance on that Quarter with a pretty
large force, will oblige them to withdraw part of their's from
able firing
Jersey to secure the City of
New York, which, by late Accounts
30
[Jan.
weakly Garrisoned. Genl Heath has all the Eastern and

York Militia with him, except the small Brigade under Genis
eral
Warner
that
mentioned before, one Regiment of Con-
necticut stopped at Providence in
(how many I dont know)

sent toTiconderoga. If
it
should appear that they are regardless
of the diversion made by Genl.
drawing
him
their
over with
Heath and persist in their plan of

I must order
whole
Army
all his
Troops, except as
to garrison the Forts

I
Rhode Island, and a Number
requested by General Schuyler to be
together in Jersey;
many
as are necessary
and guard the Passes in the Highlands.
have ordered away every Officer that could be spared, some
to recruit
and some
to collect the scattered
Men of the different
Regiments,
who are dispersed almost over the
of the vast
Numbers
few ever returned
Continent. For
sent to the Hospitals, at different times,
after they got well.
must be our dependance, till we can get the New

raised
and properly arranged, I must intreat you to conArmy
tinue your endeavours with the States of Pennsylvania, Mary-
As
Militia
land and Virginia, to turn out every

can,
Man
that they possibly
and for some longer time than they generally have stipuMonth or any limited time, it
lated for. If they agree for a
should
commence from
the time they actually join the
Army,
and not from the time they leave their homes, otherwise, the
marching backwards and forwards, consumes the term of engagement. I think these demands of Aid, should be made, as
quietly as the nature of the Case will admit of, especially at this
time,
when we
are deceiving our
Enemies with
false
Opinions
Numbers. For to boast of our superiority in that reon one hand, and to call publicly on the people for Assistance on the other, is an impropriety too glaring. Indeed it has
been already noticed in some publications that I have seen from
New York. Ihave&c. 56
of our
spect
In the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
NEED OF BOATS
1777]
*To
31
MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM HEATH

Morris
Town, January
19, 1777.
Dear Sir: By this time nearly, you must have discover'd what
57
your movement towards New York has occasioned. If
the City on the one hand is not left so destitute of Troops as to
effect
afford you an easy conquest of it,nor so strengthened as to leave
Enemy weak
end of your Expedition is

not answered, and the junction of your Troops with these under my Command (after leaving sufficient Guards at the Forts,
the
in this State, the
and passes of the Highlands) becomes indispensably necessary.

I have therefore to desire, that you will be preparing Boats &ca.
at some convenient place for crossing the North River, in order
that no time may be lost if it should become (as I believe it
shortly will), absolutely necessary for a junction of the Forces.
I
cannot in this place, assign you
my reasons for this Opinion,
I hoped for on that

you will prepare for a remove, and pay strict and
diligent obedience to the order when you receive it, as much
may depend on dispatch. In the mean while continue to procure, and give me every possible Information of the Enemy's
but desire,
if
your prospects are not such as
side, that
Situation, Strength &ca.
am etc. 58
[ms.h.s.3
57
Heath replied (January 19): "Yesterday morning about Sunrise our Troops in
Three Divisions arrived in the Neighbourhood of Fort Independence; the Right Division by the Albany Road, the Centre by Stephen Ward's and the left by East Chester.
Upon our approach the Enemy fled to Fort Independence; leaving 15 Muskets at one
place and Ten at another besides Blankets &c. I summoned the Fort to Surrender.
I have taken the Liberty to enclose a Copy. The Answer to the Summons was verbal,
and in Substance, that as the Americans were excepted, that they altho' Britons had no
Answer to return; they afterwards fired a number of Cannon at us from the Fort
which we returned.
We took one Light Horseman with Horse &c compleat and
one Soldier and have had one man killed by Cannon Ball this day." This letter is in
the Washington Papers.
Heath's forces were entirely militia, and he claimed, in his letter of January 30, that
he had no cannon with which to batter the fort before assaulting it. The small skirmish was magnified by public report and the reaction when the truth became known
was distasteful. The surrender summons was pompous in tone; no copy is found in
the Washington Papers, but its text and particulars of the enterprise may be found
in Memoirs of Major General William Heath (Boston: 1798). No attack was made
on the fort, though Heath remained in its vicinity for over a week.
58
The draft, in the writing of John Fitzgerald, is signed in full by Washington.
.
32
[Jan.
To ROBERT MORRIS
19, 1777.
Your favor of the 14th, with the despatches from

Congress, came safe to hand, and those for the eastward forwarded on.
I am thankful to you for the information of Captn Bell.
Intelligence of the same nature had come to me before, and I
had no doubt (if the diversion intended to be made by Genl
Dear
Sir:
Heath towards New York, does not withdraw from the Jerseys,
or detain part of the Troops said to be demanded from Rhode
Island) but that a
How
well
we
Storm will burst soon, somewhere.
are prepared for
it,
my
Letter to Congress,
enclosed, will inform you.

I
do immagine
that the
aim will be
at this
Army, Our num-
bers will be estimated larger than they really are.

will not therefore,
in his rear, but clear
should think,
I
am
in
Genl
move forward,
my own
judgment
Howe
or leave us
that he will
move on to Philadelphia,
much less than we imagine, or he greatly mis-
indeavor to disperse this army, or

unless his force
is
conceives ours, neither of which do

I
again beg leave to give
it
as
my
believe.
For
this reason,
opinion, that no part of
the Public Stores that can be dispensed with, should remain in
Philadelphia; and to request you, to urge Colonel Flower, not

to continue the operations of his
department a
than he can avoid in that place, as

to be idle, while
he
is
it
is
moment longer
only intended, not
preparing his Elaboratory &c &c at York,
or Carlyle.
Please to send
it is
69
me
to be procured.
This
pound or two of good Sealing
59
letter is in private
hands.
It
was sold
at auction in 1891.
Wax
if
MILITIA DIFFICULTIES
1777]
*To
33
LORD STIRLING
My
pain;
Lord:
it is,
report
is
current here which gives
that in consequence of
gone home
it
in disgust, turn'd others back
and spread universal uneasiness and
travel'd.
hope the report is
be for us
if it is
not,
me much
some orders of your Lordship,
them have
or dispute with the Militia, five or Six hundred of
on,
19, 1777.
which were coming
dissatisfaction as they
without foundation; unhappy will
when we
to supply the places of those
stand so
who
much in need
of
are leaving us daily.
Men
It
has
been our great misfortune to have too much to do with Militia;

but while the necessity exists, the most should be
made of them;
a people unused to restraint must be led, they will not be drove,
who are ingaged for the War, must be disciplin'd by

degrees, we must not expect the same ready obedience therefore
even those
from New,
as
from old Troops accustomed
to obey.
would have your Lordship with such Troops
as are
with
you, proceed immediately to this place, collecting as you
come
on,
all
the straglers belonging to the Regiments
now
in this
Quarter especially the Continental ones, send forward to advise
me of your approach, your Numbers and Corps.
am etc.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON

Morris County, January
19, 1777.
Dear Sir: Let me beseech you, to nominate, and set four Gentlemen, such as you conceive will
make good
Captains, to rais-
ing Companies upon the Continental Pay and establishment,
and
to be
annexed hereafter to one of the Sixteen additional
Regiments;
shall also leave the
Nomination of the Subaltern
34
Officers for these

I
Companies
[Jan.
and the Captains;
to yourself
all
ask is, that they may be Gentlemen, and that they be not taken
out of any Continental Corps, because by so doing you will

give a check to the recruiting of that Corps.
You may
come Major
give Majr. Pawling assurances, that he shall beof the Regiment, to
be annexed, and that
ing of them speedily.
which
these
Companies
hope he will exert himself
shall
in the rais-
Warrant to your Order, or

from you, for Recruiting. If you
could fix upon four other Captains in the same manner, and
upon the same terms as above, and would let me know it
I
will give a
in consequence of a Letter
soon,
The
Selec-
possibly be
made
dare say there will be vacancies for them.
tion of Officers for these Companies,
may
from the Militia, you are empowered by your State to call in,
and the Men recruited from them. The Colo, and Lieutt. Colo.
I shall
appoint hereafter. Most sincerely
remain etc.
60
To THE PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY

19, 1777.
Gentn. The readiness which the Militia of Pennsylvania have

:
shewn by engaging in the Service of their Country, at an inclement Season of the year, when my Army was reduced to an hand-
Men, and our affairs in the most Critical Situation, does

great honor to them and to your State. But altho' they have contributed greatly to the Success, which has lately attended our
Arms, I must inform you, that with pain I hear they have determined to return home. Most of the City Militia have determined
to stay some days longer; they must then be discharged, as I am
well informed they are generally in want of almost every Necessary. I must depend chiefly this Winter on the Militia, to enable
ful of
^The
draft
is
in the writing of
John Fitzgerald and
is
signed in full by Washington.
NEED OF MILITIA
1777]
35
me to act offensively, or even to make a Stand, and therefore sincerely wish, they could have been prevailed
upon
they could have been relieved by the Troops
now raising by the
Continent. There
now is the fairest
stroying the British
Army,
to serve,
Opportunity of
'till
totally de-
or at least of delaying their Opera-
'till we may be prepared to oppose them by

As it is a Matter of the highest Importance, that
tions in the Spring,
regular Forces.
your Militia should be put on such a footing, as willfully answer

the Exigency of our affairs at this time,
do most earnestly rec-
ommend, That such Spirited and effectual Measures be adopted

accomplish this great and Necessary Work. As
as will soonest
there
is
not the least doubt at present, that the principle Object
Enemy is to get Possession of the City of Philadelphia, it

is absolutely necessary, that every Person able to bear Arms (exof the
cept such as are Conscientiously scrupulous against
it
in every
Case), should give their personal Service, and whenever a part

of the Militia
is
required only, either to join the
Man in their place.
In order to effect
this, I
Army or find a
beg you will order
the whole Militia of your State to be enrolled and compleatly
equipp'd; that one half at least
may
proceed to join the
Army
with all possible expedition. Those who have done their tour of
Duty already to be excused; But those that have not should be

obliged to come forth or hire a proper person in their Place, and
to
remain till the first of April, unless sooner discharged, by the
Commander
in Chief.
You may
be assured, that nothing but
the United Efforts of every State in
America can Save us from
Disgrace and too probably from Ruin.
The Army
duced since we
Many
left
charged in a few
Trenton, and the
days, will so
impossible to oppose the
vance towards us; or do any
move towards
Philadelphia.
much re-
that will be dis-
weaken our force,
Enemy with
is
that
it
will be
Success, should they ad-
essential Service, if they should
As
cannot expect our Situation
36
can long be a Secret to the Enemy, There
is
[Jan.
no doubt, but they
will avail themselves of it, and take the Advantage of our Weakness.
When any of your Militia are coming forward, I beg you
will inform them, that the time, for

is
to begin
when they
join the
which they engage to Serve,
Army. The want
of a Regular,
well established Government in your State, has greatly obstructed the Public Service;
therefore
recommend
some
that
Authority be immediately exerted to draw forth your whole

Strength.
have the honor
*To CAPTAIN
Morris
Dear
Army.
to
it,
the
Sir:
If
61
EDWARD SNICKERS
Town
in
New Jersey, January
19, 1777.
We are in want of a Waggon Master Genl. to the
you Incline
in this case,
Army,
etc.
to accept of that Office I will appoint
do not delay a moments time
you
in repairing to
from
At any rate, send word by
or to Genl. Mifflin, the Quarter Master Genl,
whom you will receive your Orders

return of the bearer
(who comes
express to you) whether you
not accept, as the exigency of the Service will not
will, or will
admit either of doubt or delay.
62
You will have the pay of Colonel allowed you, that is, Twenty
two pounds ten
Shillings. I
P. S.
shillings pr.
Kalender month; Dollars
at Six
am etc.
You
will be allowed a Clerk for keeping your accts.
and doing the necessary Writing.
63
To COLONEL JOSEPH REED

Dear
me.
61
Sir:
Your
letters of
the 16th and 17th
Inst.,
19, 1777.
are before
have come to a Resolution to reach the Protection given
draft is in the writing of George Johnston and Tench Tilghman.

Captain Snickers declined on the score of advanced age.
63
The same letter was sent to Col. Valentine Crawford in case Captain Snickers
declined. Crawford had died on January 7.
62
The
MORRIS COUNTY LIGHT HORSE
1777]
by Genl. Howe, and
am now preparing
37
something by way of
Proclamation for that purpose in order that the Country

stand
upon the same Footing or
friends distinguished
may
from
have also Issued something in general orders explaining the former orders relative to the appropriation of Plunder
Foes.
etc.,
and have
sent copies to the different Posts.
The Morris County

I
scrutiny will,
64
light horse
have disbanded themselves
have seen none of them for some time.
believe, for I
I
hope, be
made
into the conduct of Col.
A strict
Cham-
and proper examples made. Genl. Putme to have the arms collected
done it. I have no objection to
has
Country
I
hope
he
from the
his allowing some compensation for the trouble of collecting
65
and bringing them in. Genl. Grant's waggon was really
bers
and
nam was
his officers,
directed long ago by
taken with his Steward,
Would
it
who is now here a Prisoner.
not be best to order P. Vanhorne to Brunswick.
These People in my opinion can do us less injury there than any
where
else. I
presume he will plead the
Quarters, maintaining himself

I
have wrote a
when you
line of
see Col.
tain of his conduct,
etc.,
but
difficulty of
is
obtaining
this sufficient ?
thanks myself to Capt. Ransom,
66
and
67
White please to express the sense I enterand those of the other two Gentlemen who
were with him on the occasion.
am etc. 68
*To LIEUTENANT
COLONEL
ROBERT HANSON HARRISON

Morris Town, January 20, 1777.
My dear Sir: Mr. Johnston (who is now become a member

of my Family) delivered me your Letter of the 18th. last Night.
64
Col. David Chambers, of the New Jersey Militia.

^Maj. Gen. Francis Grant, of the British Army.
Capt. William Remsen, of the Monmouth Light Horse.
67
Lieut. Col. Anthony Walton White, of the Third New Jersey Regiment.
68
From a copy in the Toner Transcripts in the Library of Congress.
68
38
beg of you to consult, and in
my name
advise
[Jan.
and
direct
such measures as shall appear most effectual to stop the prog-
when I recall to mind the unhappy situ-
Small pox;
ress of the
ation of our Northern
quence of
Army
stop the spreading of
last
year
some vigorous
this disorder if
shudder
at the conse-
steps are not taken to
Vigorous measures must be adopted
it.
(however disagreeable and inconvenient
to Individuals) to
remove the Infected and Infection before we
feel too sensibly
the effects.
I
wish to Heaven the expected reinforcements were joind,
(under the rose

is
more
say
it)
My situation with respect to numbers,
distressing than
it
has ever been yet; and at a time
when the Enemy are Assembling their Force from all Quarters
no doubt with
view either to Rout
this
Army
cannot suppose them so
or to
move
much unin-
towards Philadelphia as
formed of our strength
as to believe they are acting
upon
Defensive Plan at this hour.

I
am
exceeding glad to hear you are getting better of your
would not wish you to come out too

may only occasion a relapse which may add length
complaints,
soon, that
of time to
your confinement.
Be so good
as to
forward the Inclosed to Captn. Hamilton,
and thank Captn. Gibbs
69
those Gloves intended to
you can, and
let
Affectionately,
P. S. Doctr.
and
will assist
for the Gloves sent me.
remind
me know what
am,
me
Apropos was
of him. Pray find out
his expectations are.
if
Most
etc.
Cockran will
set
out tomorrow for
New Town
you in the Matters before mentioned
the Small pox people.
relative to
70
69
Capt.Caleb(?) Gibbs.
'"From the original in the House of Representatives Collection
Congress.
in the Library of
RECRUITING MONEY
1777]
39

Head
Sir :
Quarters, Morris
If that
it.
respecting the Continental Cur-
carried strictly into execution,
is
establishing
Credit.
its
it
cannot
mended
I
New
Hampshire Regiment,
have raised the Regi-
them with Commissions, from the date of
will furnish
their appointment,
it,
who are recom-
as they
for Field Officers in the
they seem fully intitled to
ment.
fail of fully re-
71
have no objection to the three Gentlemen,
20, 1777.
am favored with yours of the 15th Inst, with the sundry
Resolves inclosed in
rency
Town, January
when applied
to for that purpose.
There is something particular in the Application of Col Du72

bois and his Officers for the Sum of 513% dollars. They were
to have been commissioned, provided they could raise the
own pay Abstract it appears, that 14 Officers only brought 25 Men into the Field. As they Certainly did
Men, but from
their
not comply with their agreement,
Matter as
it
really was,
posal of the public

I
would, after stating the
submit it to Congress,
who have the dis-
Money.
have perused the Petition of Monsrs. Fanuiel
French Gentlemen.
If
73
and other
they could raise such a Regiment, as they
"The resolves of January 14 provided for the punishment of any person who asked
or received for the Continental currency more than the face value of such currency in
gold or silver, and that any transaction of barter or sale that depreciated the face
value of the paper currency in coin should be punished by confiscation of the property
so bartered or sold. The States were asked to pass laws inflicting such forfeitures and
to make the Continental bills of credit lawful tender in private and public debts;
debts payable in sterling money to be discharged by Continental currency at the rate
of 4/6 sterling per dollar. Also, among other provisions for State sinking funds, etc.,
Congress directed the Continental Loan Office to receive State bills of credit for financing within the respective States.
72
Col. Lewis Duboys, of the Fifth New York Regiment. He was taken prisoner at
Fort Montgomery in October, 1777; resigned in December, 1779; served later as
colonel of
73
New York
levies.
and three others, of Boston, was presented to the Massachusetts Legislature, transmitted to the Continental Congress, and by that body referred to Washington.
copy of the petition is in the Papers of the Continental
The
petition of Fanueil
Congress.
40
[Jan.
would certainly be useful, but I have no conception,

enough to be found even for a RegiNumber,
much less of 2347, which is the
common
ment of the
74
number proposed. I know neither Colo Livingston, nor Col
propose,
it
that there are Canadians
Hazen 75 could even complete their Canadian Regiments, when

they had the Country open to them. As I would give Encouragement to Foreigners of real Merit, I would put the thing
upon this footing. If Monsr. Fanuiel can procure a sufficient
Number
of Officers to
fill
Regiment of the common
Size,
and they can give any Assurance of being able to raise the
Men, I would grant them Commissions. I would beg leave to
remark here, that except we can throw the many Foreigners,
who have Commissions in our Army, into a Corps together,
they will be intirely useless, as they can neither converse with
Men in any other kind of Regiment.

am so well assured, that you would not recommend Doctr.
Officers or
I
Potts
76
to succeed Doctr. Stringer in the northern
Department,
except you had Sufficient proof of his Abilities in the medical

line, that I readily
I
concur with you in the Appointment.
have received a piece of Information, which
true,
and
that
is,
Vessel with a large parcel of

I
know
am afraid is
that the British Cruizers have taken a
French
Cannon and Mortars on
board.
such a one was expected, and therefore more readily
credit the
Account.
am etc. 77
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, January 20, 1777.
Parole
Countersign
Each Brigadier is to appoint [designate]

central to his Brigade, as circumstances of
"Col. James Livingston.
Col. Moses Hazen.
Dr. Jonathan Potts.
75
76
"In
the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
a Brigade Parade, as
Ground will permit;
COMMISSARY OF PRISONERS
1777]
41
and each Colonel, or commanding Officer of a regiment is to fix

under the same circumstances, a regimental parade, as convenient to the regiment, and the Brigade Parade, as possible.
An Alarm will
be communicated by the discharge of three
Field Pieces (which the

to
commanding officer
keep always in readiness)
Upon
of the Artillery
is
the fire of these guns, the
Drums of different Regiments are immediately tobeat To Arms,

and the regiments formed, and marched to the Brigade Parade,
as speedily as possible, after which, if circumstances will admit
of
it,
the Brigadiers (those at Morristown) are to repair to the
Commander in Chief, for Orders, otherwise to send for orders.

Upon the Alarm Guns being fired at Morristown, the troops
at
Chatham, and other
their respective
posts, are
immediately to assemble
General Parades, and
ceived at any of those posts,
Guns, and Expresses
it is
to be
if
the
Alarm
is first
at
re-
communicated by Alarm
as fast as possible to
Head
Quarters.
George Johnston Esqr. is appointed Aide-De-Camp to the

Commander in Chief, and is to be regarded and obeyed as such.
To SIR WILLIAM
Head
Sir: I
Quarters, Morris
HOWE
Town, January 20,
1777.
take the Liberty to propose the Establishment of an
Officer to reside in
New York, under parole to transmit no In-
telligence but what belongs to his Office;
whose Business
it
shall
be, to provide Necessaries for such Prisoners as fall into
your
Hands. Perhaps the Establishment of such an Officer with

proper Credits, may put a stop to the many Complaints which
I
am daily under the necessity of hearing; some probably with-
out foundation, and others arising from the want of
many
things which you are not obliged to furnish the Prisoners.
The Gentleman I would beg leave to recommend as a proper

Agent is Mr. Lewis Pintard, the bearer, a person well known in
New York, and of long established Reputation as a considerable
42
Merchant.
78
[Jan.
The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania have dewhen the Weather permits, of sending a Vessel,
sired Liberty,
under a Flag, with a Supply of Meat and Flour for our

oners in
New York.
Answer, and am,
I shall
Pris-
be glad to be favoured with your
79
etc.
To JOSHUA LORING
Head Quarters, Morris Town, January 20,
Sir: I
1777.
have just received Advice from Governor Trumbull of
Connecticut, that he has sent

that State, to
a Return, but
Officer. I
in, all
the British Prisoners
Rhode Island. He has not

I
yet furnished
imagine he has sent one to you by the eldest
am informed that Capt. Amos Fellows of Col
man's Regt.,
80
from
me with
who was
taken Prisoner the 15th. Septr.
Chap-
last,
has
been confined upon suspicion of being concerned in the Fire
which happened at New York a few days after. As I have every

Reason to believe that Capt. Fellows
Crime
laid to his charge,
hope you
is
intirely
innocent of the
will procure his Liberty,
make him some compensation for his sufferings, I desire he may be released among the first that are exchanged.
Iam&c. 81
and
to
To
GOVERNOR NICHOLASXOOKE
Sir: I
20, 1777.
am exceeding sorry to hear that your State have ordered
several Battalions to be raised for the defence of the State only,
and
tal
this before
Regiments.
proper Measures are taken to
fill
the Continen-
You cannot be insensible how unequal any one
78
In accordance with a resolve of Congress (January 16) which

agent to Washington.
70
The draft is in the writing of George Johnston.
Col. Samuel Chapman's Connecticut Militia regiment.
"The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
left
the choice of the
NEED OF REEN F RC EM ENT S
1777]
State
is,
unconnected with the others, to defend
Enemy makes
a descent against
it,
43
itself; if
the
with any considerable part
of their force: Neither have you the least reason to think, you
would derive less protection from the Troops,

raised upon the Continent's Account, than that
If
each State was to prepare for
of each other, they
Our
would
Success must depend
all
its
own
they were
of the State.
defence, independent
be soon conquered, one by one.
upon
a firm
Union and
herence to the General plan, other Measures

partial relief, but never
if
strict
ad-
may produce
can remove the principal Evil.
You must be sensible the Season is fast approaching, when

a new Campaign will open; nay, the former is not yet closed,
neither do I intend it shall, unless the Enemy quits the Jerseys.
It is
of the last importance to the interest of America, that the
New Regiments be speedily levied.

tunity, in the fore part of the
It
will give
me an Oppor-
Campaign, before the Enemy can
Collect their force, or receive any reinforcement

to give
them
a fatal Stab.
Such a blow,
Season, might terminate the

I
am sure the Necessity
from home,
in the forepart of the
Campaign
to great Advantage.
of having the Continental
Regiments
immediately compleated, are too Obvious to need any further
Arguments.
Compleat the
hope the Powers of Government are such,
Seasonably by Voluntary inlistments. Necessity obliges

Call
as to
New Levies by draught, if they cannot be fill'd
upon you,
as I shall
upon every other
State, in the
me
to
most
pressing terms, to compleat without delay your proportion of
the Eighty Eight Battalions.
two Regiments
tal
at
82
am
Confident the raising the
theExpence of the State, before the Continen-
Regiments are Compleat, can answer no valuable purpose.
^By resolve of Congress (Sept. 16, 1776) 88 battalions were to be raised for service
during the continuance of the war. The quotas (battalions) assigned each State were:
New Hampshire, 3; Massachusetts, 15; Rhode Island, 2; Connecticut, 8; New York,
4; New Jersey, 4; Pennsylvania, 12; Delaware, 1; Maryland, 8; Virginia, 15; North
Carolina, 9; South Carolina, 6; Georgia, 1.
44
If the
Enemy make
a descent
upon Rhode
[Jan.
Island,
with any
Considerable force, the opposition of two Regiments will be

inconsiderable. If they only infest the Coast with their Ships,
would answer a much better purpose and at a far

less expence. I must confess I am ignorant of the Reasons that
induced the Assembly to adopt the Measure; Neither can I conceive of the use and Policy of the Scheme.
I wish it may not be productive of more injury than benefit,
by introducing innovations and changes that must retard the
the Militia
filling the
Continental Regiments and Consequently, preju-
dice the general Interest,

to;
which every
and the obligation on you
is
State
must have an Eye
Stronger than any one
being the most exposed and the
least
capable of
else,
Making a
seperate defence.
Our affairs here are in a very prosperous train, within a

Month past, in several engagements with the Enemy, we have
kill'd, wounded and taken Prisoners between 2.000 and 3.000
Men. I am very confident the Enemy's loss here will oblige
them to recall their force from your State. If I am properly supported, I hope to close the Campaign Gloriously for America.
I
83
have the honor
To
etc.
DOCTOR JOHN COCHRAN

Sir : You are to proceed from hence to
and there inquire

possible
means
spreading in the
New Town, to morrow,
into the state of the small
pox and use every
in your power, to prevent that disease
from
Army and among the Inhabitants, which may

To that end you are to take
otherwise prove fatal to the service ;
such Houses, as will be convenient, in the most retired parts of

the Country
83
The
draft
is
and
best calculated to
in the writing of
John Walker.
answer that purpose.
You
MILITIA DESERTIONS
1777]
will then proceed to Philadelphia
45
and consult Doctor Shippen
the Director, about forming an Hospital for the ensuing
taken the best care
of,
Cam-
Wounded may
paign, in such manner, as that the Sick and
and the inconveniences
be
in that Depart-
much complain'd of, the last Campaign, may be remin future. You will also, in conjunction with Doctor
ment, so
edied
Shippen, point out to me, in writing, such Officers and Stores,
you may think necessary for the arrangement of an Hos-
as
pital, in
every branch of the Department, as well to constitute
one for an
Army in the field, which may be stiled a flying Hos-
pital; as also, fixed Hospitals in
the nature of the service,
such parts of the Country, as
from time
to time
may
require. Let
your standard be for 10,000
Men for one Campaign, and
proportion for a greater or
less
be ordered.
number,
so in
you may hereafter
as
am etc.
To MAJOR GENERAL PHILEMON DICKINSON

Head Quarters, January 21,
General Putnam communicated to
me
last night,
1777.
the dis-
84
party of Militia from

Cumberland County in this State has deserted him; this practice
in the Militia so generally prevails, that unless some effectual
check can be speedily applied, I apprehend the most fatal Con-
agreeable account that Lt.Col.Preston's
sequences.
The mischief is not confined to the desertion alone,
they stay till they are properly equipped to render essential Service, and
by that means plunder the public of the necessaries that
were at first otherwise intended and would be better applied.
Now
recommend
Service (by such

all
to you, that
ways
as
you
you think
call
immediately into
best) at least
one third of
the Militia of this State, making it generally known amongst
them, that they must come prepared to stay till the first of April,
84
Lieut. Col. Isaac Preston.
He
died in 1777.

46
unless sooner discharged by Authority.

that nothing but their
It
[Jan.
will occur to them,
most vigorous exertion
at this time, will
me to oppose any design of the Enemy, and that thereme till relieved by the Regular
enable
fore they ought to continue with
Troops now raising; I mean however, that every possible indulgence should be shewn to those
Service
men who have
been in actual
and were regularly discharged, and that no excuse shall

who have shamefully remained at home
be admitted for those
when their every thing was at stake.
am,
85
etc.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole
The General
is
ders,
Countersign
very sorry to find, that the late General Or-
allowing the Plunder taken from the enemy to be divided
for the benefit of the party that took
it,
has been so mistaken by
some, and abused by others; This indulgence was granted to

scouting parties only, as a reward for the extraordinary fatigues,
hardship,and danger they were exposed to upon those parties
The General never meant, nor had any
Idea, that
any of our
own, or Enemy's Stores, found at any evacuated post, were to

be considered as the property of those that
neither did he
mean
by any of the scouting

use, unless they
possest
by
parties,
them; Plunder taken under such circumstances,
manding
in,
should be appropriated to their
Militia or Continental Troops, to be reported

Officer of the party to
who
dis-
either
by the com-
some of the Continental, or
are directed to have all the provi-
and military stores so taken, appraised by the Commisand Quarter Master Generals, or their Deputies, and the
sions,
sary
marched
found the enemy in actual possession, and
Provincial Generals,
80
first
that any of the public. Stores, discovered
The
draft
is
in the writing of
George Johnston.
ORDER AGAINST PLUNDERING
1777]
47
party paid the value thereof: Such Articles as are taken, not
necessary for the use of the
Army, to be sold at Public Vendue,
under the direction of the Quarter Master General or some of

his Deputies, for the benefit of the party also
prohibits both in Militia

positive terms, the
itants,
seized
in the
most
infamous practice of plundering the Inhab-
under the specious pretence of
the persons
The General
and Continental Troops,
their being Tories
Let
who are known to be enemies to their Country, be

their Property disposed of, as the Law
and confin'd, and
of the State directs
It is
our business to give protection, and
support, to the poor, distressed Inhabitants; not to multiply
and
increase their calamities.
After the publication of this
any officer, either Militia or Continental, found attempt-
order,
ing to conceal the public Stores; plundering the Inhabitants
under the notion of their being Tories, or venduing of Plunder

taken from the Enemy, in any other manner than these Orders
direct,
may expect to be punished
in the severest
manner; and
be obliged to account for every thing taken, or sold.
The Complaint lodged by

others, against
bull
Serjt.
Davis, William Davis and
Major Proctor, Capt. Lang and Lieut. Turn-
found by a Court of inquiry to be
is
frivilous
and without
foundation; on the other hand it appears that those Gentlemen
were only doing the duty of good

to be
officers, for
which they are
commended.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole
New York.
Countersign Kingsbridge.
Genl. Cadwallader's Brigade are to hold themselves in readiness to
Horse
march
86
'Capt.
at
9 o'clock; as Capt. Morris's Troop of Light
also are.
Samuel Morris's troop of Philadelphia Light Horse.
48
To
[Jan.
THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS

Sir :
My last to you was on the 20th Instant.
Since that,
have
inform you, that General Dickinson, with about

has defeated a foraging Party of the Enemy of an
the pleasure to
400 Militia,
equal number, and has taken forty Waggons, and upwards of
an hundred Horses, most of them of the English draft Breed,

with a great number of Sheep and Cattle, which they had collected.
The Enemy
retreated with so
much
precipitation, that
General Dickinson had only an opportunity of making nine

prisoners, they were observed to carry off a good many dead
and wounded
in light
Waggons. This Action happened near
Somerset Court House, on Millstone River. Genl. Dickinson's

behaviour
reflects the
Troops were
all
highest honour
upon him,
for tho' his
raw, he lead them thro' the River, middle deep,
and gave the Enemy so Severe a charge, that, although supported

87
by three field pieces, they gave way and left their Convoy.
I
have not heard from Genl. Heath since the firing near
Kingsbridge
last
Saturday, which
cannot Account
for, unless
the North River Should have been rendered impassible by the

Ice.
But the Account of his having Surprised and taken Fort
Independence on Friday Night

cated by different ways, that
last,
comes
so well Authenti-
cannot doubt
he took 400 prisoners in that Fort
and
it.
Washington on Saturday, which occasioned the

brought out by three of our
Officers,
It is
said that
that he invested Fort

firing.
who made
This
is
their Escape
from New York on Sunday, and is confirmed by a Spy who went

into Amboy, who says, an Express had arrived at Amboy from
New York, with an Account of the loss of Fort Independence

87
A British foraging party, after sweeping up the stock between Brunswick and
Millstone River, were endeavoring to secure a quantity of flour that was stored in a
mill in that vicinity when Dickinson attacked.
NEED OF ARMS
1777]
and Calling
49
for a Reinforcement to protect the City, in
Con-
Number of Troops had gone over. I have

Brunswick and Amboy to know the truth of
sequence of which a
sent in Spies to
this,
and
if it
appears that they have weakened themselves,
New
York, I shall probably make some attempt

we have Men enough left to do it.
I shall be glad to know what Stock of small Arms you at
present have, and what are your Expectations shortly. The Necessity that we have been, and are now under, of calling in and
arming the Militia, Scatters our Armoury all over the World
to reinforce
upon them,
if
in a Manner, their Officers are so irregular, that they generally

suffer their
Men to carry home, every thing that is put into their
Hands, which are forever

Regiments will
at present see
Army
Number
of
The new
Arms, and
raised
do not
how they are to be Supplied. (The increase of our
will occasion
at least will
the public.
lost to
call for a great
an increase of Brigadier Generals,
thirty
be necessary for the ensuing Campaign, for sup-
posing the Regiments to be
full,
three will be full sufficient to
a Brigade. These promotions had better be thought of and
made in time, that I may be able to arrange the Army properly,

as fast as
of the
there
is
it is
raised.
Army
for a
it
Major Generals command, consequently
need of promotions in that
As our Army
than
Three Brigades will form a proper division
will be
line also.
more divided
has been there appears to
Rank of Lieutenant General
the ensuing
Campaign
me a necessity of introducing
Army.)
would again beg leave to recall the attention of Congress
to the Appointment of Genl. Officers. I will not suppose the
Nomination of them is postponed upon a saving principle;
the
into the
[I
because, the advantage in having proper Officers to
the Pay Rolls of their Several Regiments,
examine
and compare them
with the returns of their Brigades, to see that the Regiments are
50
provided with what

ciency
is
is
and
proper,
that
[Jan.
no more than a
suffi-
allowed; to keep Officers to their duty, and not, while
the spirited Officer

of a vigorous
is
encountering all the fatigue and hardship
Campaign;
rious frivolous pretences,
suffer a
number
of others,
and immaginary
under va-
Sicknesses, to enjoy
themselves at the Public expence in ease and comfort by their
own
Firesides;
I say, if
the appointments are withheld
upon
parsimonious principles, the Congress are mistaken, for
convinced that by the correction of

impossible for
many
abuses which
providing
is
little
for,
am
it is
me to attend to, the Public will be benefitted in
a great degree in the Article of expence. But this
have a very
time to do a very great work
in,
is
not
We
all.
the arranging,
and disciplining a hundred and odd
Battalions,
not to be accomplished in a day ; nor is it to be done at
all
with
any degree of Propriety, when we have once entered upon the
Campaign; these duties must be branch'd out,

or they will be neglected, and the public Injured. Besides, were
active part of the
the Brigadiers appointed, they might be facilitating the Recruiting Service, they
would have time to get a little acquainted
with their Brigades, the wants of them, and ease me of the great
weight and burthen which
at present feel.
On whom the choice will, or ought to light, I can not undertake to say; in a former Letter,
took the liberty of submitting
to the consideration of Congress, the Propriety of appointing,
Command the Troops of that

a distinction is now fixed, a Spirit of Emu-
out of each State, Brigadiers to

State, thinking, as
lation
might
liberty of
for the
arise
by
this
Means;
at
any
rate, I shall
recommending Genl. Cadwallader as one
take the
of the
first
New appointments, I have found him a Man of Ability,
good disciplinarian, attentive to Service, firm in his principles,
and of Intrepid Bravery.
shall also
beg leave to recommend
LACK OF MONEY
1777]
Colo.
Read
88
to the
opinion every
enterprizing,
Command of the Horse, as a person
my
in
way qualified for he is extreamely active and

many signal proofs of which has he given this
;
Campaign. For the

better than
51
can;
rest,
the
can only
Members
of Congress can judge
say, that as the
Army will probably
be divided in the course of the next Campaign, there ought, in
my Opinion, to be three Lieut. Generals, Nine Major Generals,

and 27
Brigadiers. In other
Brigr. to every four
Brigades.
words there ought
be a
Regiments and a Majr. Genl. to every three
The Lieutt. Genls. will, I presume, be appointed
of the oldest Majr. Genls., and the
Brigadiers;
I
at least to
out
Major Genls. from the oldest
New Brigadiers will then be to nominate.
forgot, before this, to
inform Congress, that Including the
Regiment of light Dragoons from Virginia and Colo. Sheldon's

to be raised in Connecticut,
for four Regiments.
have only Commissioned Officers
was willing
to try
how
those could be
equip'd, before I put more Officers into Commission.
hended we
It is
Horses for these four Regiments.
If
we should not,
even
shall
im-
about the residue; Colo. Baylor, Colo. Moylan
mediately
set
(who
Volunteer has remaind constantly with the
as a
appre-
shall find difficulty in providing Necessaries or
Army
since his discontinuance in the Quarter Masters department)
and Colo. Sheldon commands the three new Regiments of

light Dragoons.]
The Treasury has been for some time empty, and the Army has
laboured under the greatest inconvenience for want of Money.
The recruiting Service is particularly injured by this, as many

Officers are now waiting, only for Bounty Money. I have also
Complaints from the Eastward of the want of Money to carry
on their recruiting Service. If we are not Supplied with that
83
Col. Joseph Reed.
52
necessary Article,
fore beg, that
Sum,
a large
and
that
if
Matters must be at a Stand.
must there-
Mr. Palfrey has not been already Supplied with

it may be done with the utmost expedition,
you will endeavour to keep up the Supply, by con-
on smaller parcels.
am &c.
did not recollect Major Genl. Lincoln in the provincial
Service of Massachusetts, he
is
an excellent Officer and worthy
of your Notice in the Continental line.
89
DOCTOR ISAAC FOSTER
To
90
Head Quarters, Morris Town, January 22, 1777.

Doctor Morgan having been dismissed from the Director
Sir :
Generalship, by Congress,
must
desire
you to take care of the
Hospital on the east side of Hudson's River,
ment
that
stantly sending
P. S.
all
[Jan.
is
made.
till
new appoint-
have addressed myself to you, supposing you
are the eldest Surgeon, but

this Letter into the
if I
am mistaken, be pleased to put

91
I am etc.
Hands of the person who is.
To JOHN PARKE CUSTIS

Dear
Sir:
Your
letter of the
days ago, and brought with

still
holding
The
seventh
it
came
to
my hands a few
the pleasing reflection of your
me in remembrance.
misfortune of short enlistments, and an unhappy de-
pendance upon
militia,
have shown their baneful influence
every period, and almost
upon every
at
occasion, throughout the
89
The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. The paragraph in parentheses ( )

was struck out and the portion in brackets [ ], in the writing of Washington, inserted
in its place. The letter sent, which incorporates the change, is entirely in the writing
of Tilghman. Washington inserted therein a couple of words which Tilghman inadvertently omitted in recopying.
80
Appointed deputy director general of hospital, Eastern Department, Apr. 11,1777.

DIFFICULTIES
1777]
whole course of
this
53
war. At no time, nor upon no occasion,
were they ever more exemplified than
since Christmas; for
if
we could but have got in the militia in time, or prevailed upon

those troops
the
whose times expired
more than
of this instant, to have continued (not
first
on
(as they generally did)
thousand or twelve hundred agreeing to stay)
we
might,
am
persuaded, have cleared the Jerseys entirely of the enemy. In-
movements have been made with
stead of this, all our
inferior
numbers, and with a mixed, motley crew, who were here to-day,
gone to-morrow, without assigning a reason, or even apprizing
you of
it.
In a word,
not think that any
believe
may with
truth add, that
officer since the creation ever
variety of difficulties
and
do
had such
perplexities to encounter as
have.
How we shall be able to rub along till the new army is raised,
I
know
not. Providence has heretofore saved us in a
able manner,
and on
person in every
state
this
we must
should exert himself to
ing and marching the
new
remark-
principally rely.
Every
facilitate the rais-
regiments to the army with
all
possible expedition.
I
have never seen (but heard of) the resolve you mentioned,
nor do
want
get a paper of Purdie's
once a month.
Those who
faith to believe the account of the shocking wastes
mitted by Howe's army

abuse of
if
92
women may
com-
of their ravaging, plundering, and
be convinced to their sorrow, perhaps,
a check can not be put to their progress.

It is
painful to
me
to hear of such illiberal reflections
the eastern troops as you say prevails in Virginia.
and always
shall say, that
do not
believe that
upon
always have,
any of the
states
produce better men, or persons capable of making better

diers,
but
it is
to be
speaking) most wretchedly officered.

82
The
sol-
acknowledged that they are (generally
To this, and this only, is
Virginia Gazette, published at Williamsburg.
54
to be attributed their demerits.
been, to level
men
as
much
The
[Jan.
policy of those states has
one standard. The

and soldiers, * * *
as possible to
between officers
hunger and thirst after glory which 93 * * * This
is the true secret, and we have found, that wherever a regiment is
distinction, therefore,
and
that
men have behaved wellwhen otherwise,

the misconduct or cowardly behavior always originating
well officered, their

ill
with the
who have
officers
set
the example. Equal injustice
is
done them, in depriving them of merit in other respects; for no

people fly to arms readier than they do, or come better equipped,
or with
more
With
regularity into the field than they.
respect to your inquiries about
94
1
payments made Mr.
cannot answer them with precision, but
ingly mistaken
if I
am exceed-
have not made him two, for both you and
am as sure of it as I can be of any thing from

badness
the
of my memory. I think I made him one payment
myself. Indeed
myself,
and the
treasurer, or Hill,
book, however, in which
made him
the other.
The
keep your accounts will show
(the parchment covered quarto one) as you will,
it
suppose
find yourself charged by me, with the payments made.
In
my letter to Lund Washington, I have given the late occur-
rences,
Nelly,
and to avoid repetition, I refer you to him. My love to

and compliments to Mr. Calvert's family, and all other
inquiring friends, leaving

I
am, your
83
me
nothing
else to add,
than that
affectionate.
A note, in the writing of George Washington Parke Custis, says: "Some modern
pen has blotted out several words in the four or five lines succeeding this portion of
the sentence, and entirely destroyed the connection." This and other letters from
Washington to John Parke Custis, which are not found in the Varick Transcripts,
appear to have been removed from the Washington Papers, along with Custis's letters
to Washington. They are here printed from George Washington Parke Custis's Recollections of Washington, upon which rests the responsibility for the text.
84
Possibly William Black, from whom Washington purchased the plantation "Woromonroke" in King and Queen County, Va., in 1773. The book in which Washington
kept the John Parke Custis accounts had covers of marble-colored paper, noted in
Washington's parchment-covered quarto, as above. It is not now found in the Washington Papers. This letter was first printed by George Washington Parke Custis in his
Recollections of Washington, and the name, apparently, was suppressed by him.
PHILADELPHIA LIGHT HORSE
1777]
55
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Colchester.
Countersign Dumfries.
Major Proctor is directed to inspect and arrange the Artillery,

in such
manner
he
as
place, taking care to
may
shall think best, for the defence of this
have such repairs immediately made, as
be wanting, with horses allotted to each piece, and
all
necessary harness ready.
The Brigadiers, and Colonels commanding Brigades, to make

morrow morning.
Returns of their men, to
To
THE PHILADELPHIA LIGHT HORSE

Head
The
Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse, under
of Captain Morris,
95
command
having performed their tour of duty, are
discharged for the present.

I
take this Oppertunity of returning
my most sincere thanks
and to the Gentlemen who compose the Troop

many essential Services which they have rendered their
to the Captain
for the
Country, and me, personally, during the course of this severe
Campaign. Tho Composed of Gentlemen of Fortune, they

have shown a noble example of discipline and subordination,
and in
several actions have
do Honor
membered by me. 98
will ever
*To BRIGADIER
Sir :
to
shown a
spirit of
Bravery which
them; and will ever be gratefully
re-
GENERAL JOHN CADWALADER

March your Brigade from hence to Chatham or the Posts
below that. Consult with Genls. Sullivan and Stephen upon the
85
Capt. Samuel Morris.

text is from the Magazine of American History of February, 1867.
'"The
56
[Jan.
upon any of the Enemy s Posts, or giving
Propriety of an attempt
them a formidable Alarm; and, if you should find a willingness

in your Officers and Men to the undertaking of any practicable
Scheme, do not omit, in conjunction with the Troops at the
Posts of the Chatham &ca. to prosecute it, Genl. Sullivan is
already wrote to on this head.
From thence you are at liberty to March your Brigade to Philadelphia, and when they are dismissed, communicate to them my
Sense (contain'd in an address to yourself) of the Important
Services they have render'd their
Country
and
at this severe,
[ h. s. p. ]
inclemant Season.

Sir :
was f av'd with y'rs of the 21st Ins't on Yesterday. Much
depends on our taking the Field
early,
with a powerful
force,
by which means Victory over the Enemy in the distressed situation they must be from the severity of this Campain will be
certain,
and our Affairs will be on so good
considerable Reinforcement can
have but little
to dread.
come
a footing before
to them, that
we
any
shall
I am pleased with the Prospect you have
of sending out, the Proportion of y'r State, indeed
want them.
So soon as you find out the four Capts you will be pleased to
me know it.
97
lam, etc.
let
98
To GOVERNOR WILLIAM LIVINGSTON

Head
Sir:
The
Province,
OT
93
Quarters, Morris
irregular
makes
it
and disjointed
necessary for
Town, January 24,
1777.
State of the Militia of this
me to inform you, that, unless
From the collection of Judge E. A. Armstrong, Princeton, N.

In the writing of George Johnston.
J.
NEW
1777]
Law
is
JERSEY MILITIA
57
immediately passed by your Legislature, to reduce
them to some order, and oblige them to turn out, in a different

Manner from what they have hitherto done, we shall bring
very few into the Field, and even those few will render little or
no Service. Their Officers are generally of the lowest Class of
People; and, instead of setting a good Example to their Men,
are leading them into every Kind of Mischief, one Species of
which is, Plundering the Inhabitants, under pretence of their
being Tories.
A Law should, in my Opinion, be passed, to put
a Stop to this kind of lawless Rapine; for, unless there
thing done to prevent

Choice, into the
Hands
Officers,
some-
of the British Troops. But your
object should be a well regulated Militia
under good
is
the People will throw themselves, of
it,
would behave
and not only render real Service
Law;
in quite another
as Soldiers,
first
the People, put
Manner;
but would protect,
instead of distressing, the Inhabitants.
What
have particularly insisted upon, in the
New
I would wish to
Law, should be,
Man, capable of bearing Arms, should be obliged

and not buy off his Service by a trifling fine. We
want Men, and not Money. I have the honor to be, etc."
that every
to turn out,
To
GOVERNOR JONATHAN TRUMBULL

Sir :
received your several favors of the 12th and 14th Inst, by

1
Lieutenant Fellows, to
to
1777.
whom I granted a Flag with a Letter
Genl Howe, desiring that his Brother Capt. Fellows might be
one of the
first
Officers
sharply with Genl.
exchanged.
have remonstrated very
Howe upon his Treatment of our prisoners
and I hope it will be attended with good
Effects. I
have repeat-
edly endeavoured, to procure the Enlargement of Col Ethan

The
1
draft
is
in the writing of
Of Chapman's Connecticut
Tench Tilghman.
Militia regiment.
58
Allen, but none of
Reason
I
cannot
[Jan.
my propositions were ever accepted of. The
tell.
have wrote pressingly to Congress, to forward on
to the
Eastward for the Recruiting Service, and
Mr. Mease who
is
Money
shall direct
appointed Cloathier General to the Army,
and who is expected here every day
to allot a proportion of the
Cloathes taken, and purchased for the Continent, to each State.

I
observe, that
you have advanced Col Sheldon Ten thousand
Pounds lawful Money, for which you desire my draft on the

Commissioner of the Loan Office; I would not hesitate to do
this, If I had reed, any Authority from Congress, to impower
me to draw upon that fund; I will write to them respecting it,

and if they grant me liberty, I will immediately transmit you
a proper draft.
refer
you to a particular Letter of
concerning the Expediency of forwarding the

subscribe myself, with great Esteem, Sir, etc.
To
this date
New Levies, and
THE COMMANDING OFFICER

IN PHILADELPHIA

Sir:
1777.
My Situation will not admit of the smallest delay in dis-
patching and forwarding to this place
all
Let the utmost expedition be used in

as they arrive,
and no time be
proper Officers. lam,
lost in
the Troops inPhilada.
them out as fast

sending them on under
fitting
[n.y.h.s.]
etc.
CIRCULAR TO THE NEW ENGLAND STATES

Sir :
lar
2
s
The
situation to
which
am reduced for want of a regu-
Body of Troops on whom I can depend for a length of time,

REENFORCEMENTS NEEDED
1777]
makes
it
indispensably necessary, for
me to call upon you, and
intreat you, to exert yourselves in levying
Number
the hardship imposed
must be
last.
upon
You must
individuals,
to the Public, to have her
man frequently called

a total stop
is
be fully sensible of
and how detrimental
Farmers and her Trades-
into the Field as Militia
Men; whereby
put to Arts and Agriculture, without which,
cannot possibly long subsist. But great as
we must
and equipping the
of Battalions allotted to your State by the Resolution
of Congress in September
it
put up with
it,
this
inconvenience
of our Liberties, until our regular Continental
sufficient, to
Army
we
is,
or submit to a greater, the total Loss
Army
brought into the Field. The above reasons alone,

be
59
induce you to exert yourselves; for
can be
hope will
if
our
new
we
are not ready to take the Field early in the Spring,
shall loose all the
Advantages, which
may say, we have provi-
dentially gained this Winter, while our

Militia,
we have
a full
Army one
dependence
is
upon
day and scarce any the next,
and I am much afraid, that the Enemy one day or other, taking
make
Arms and Artillery. Nothing but their Ignorance of our Numbers protects
us at this very time, when on the Contrary, had we Six or Eight
thousand regular Troops, or could the Militia who were with
me a few days ago, have been prevailed upon to stay, we could
advantage of one of these temporary weaknesses, will
themselves Masters of our Magazines of Stores,
have struck such a Stroke as would have inevitably ruined the
Army of the Enemy, in their divided State.

I am not without hopes, that by creating a Powerful diversion
on the Side of New York, we may still keep their Force divided,
between that Province and
lar
this; if so,
and a good Body
of regu-
Troops could be thrown into me, before the Roads will be
in a Condition for the Enemy, (with their reduced Waggon

Artillery Horses) to
and
move out, it perhaps may not be out of my
60
[Jan.
power to strike a decisive Blow before Spring. This is another,

and a forcible reason, to induce you to send your new Levies forward with all expedition. While the Men are raising, I beg you
no pains to make a collection of all things necessary
for their Equipment; not only with such as they can Carry with
them into the Field, but for their use and convenience while
they are there, such as spare Shoes, Stockings and Shirts; the
will spare
want of which has been the ruin of the Old Army. If these Articles are provided and put into the hands of the Regimental
Qur. Master, they can always be delivered out
when wanted,
and Stoppages made by the Paymasters.

I
expect the Cloathier General will be with the
few days, when
shall give
have the honor
and purchased
etc.
OGDEN
Morris
You would do me
for the Public, to
To ROBERT
Sir:
in a
him directions to allot a proportion
of the Cloathing lately taken,
each State.
Army
Injustice
Town, January 24,

if
1777.
you Supposed, that the
Appointment of Col Lowrey to the post of D. C. Genl. pro6

ceeded from any other Cause than Necessity. I was retarded
from Crossing the Delaware two days; and when over, was
forced, for want of a Sufficient quantity of Provisions, to permit
the Troops to victual themselves where they could.

therefore
was
ience, in
which
the Business.
4
to be lost, in
I
It
removing
so great
No Time
an Inconven-
have succeeded since Colo Loury undertook

ever
was disagreeable
to
me
to
remove any

"Deputy commissary general in New Jersey.
Ogden had written to Washington (January 18) regarding the appointment of
Col. Thomas Lowrey as Deputy Commissary General. On January 24, also, Washington wrote a line or two to Col. John Patton asking him to appoint Walter Cruise
to some position in his regiment. Congress had made such a request of Washington
by a resolve of January 13. These letters are in the Washington Papers.
6
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
1777]
Gentleman from
Office,
the public good requires

P. S.
do not
and
it.
interfere
beg that
am,
may be excused when
etc.
with any person appointed by Colo
Lowry in this Business, He is answerable

may employ whom he pleases. 7
PROCLAMATION
Whereas
61
to
me, consequently
several persons, inhabitants of the
United States
of America, influenced by inimical motives, intimidated by

7
"This proclamation (printed by Wm. & Thos. Bradford, in Philadelphia, and by
John Dunlap, in Baltimore) aroused the sensitive patriotism of Abraham Clark, a
Signer of the Declaration and a Delegate from New Jersey. He hastened to write, from
Congress, to the speaker of the New Jersey Assembly:
"I am much alarmed with Genal. Washington's Procln. of the 25th Janry. he hath
assumed the Legislative and Executive powers of Government in all the states. I moved
Congress to pass a Resolution I produced for preventing its fatal Consequences and
the Establishing such a precedent. ... I hope our Legislature will take proper Notice
of it, whatever issue it may have in Congress, and not tamely Submit their Authority
to the Controul of a power unknown in our Constitution; We set out to Oppose Tyranny in all its Strides, and I hope we shall persevere." This letter is in the Emmet
New York Public Library.

Clark's nervousness was based upon the fear that the proclamation "may in some
particular States, interrupt the due course of the Laws made therein for the trial and
punishment of Traitors and other offenders against the peace and liberties of the
same." The motion, offered February 6, was referred to a committee, of which John
Collection in the
Adams was chairman. The report, in Adams's writing, sets forth: "That General
does not interfere with the Laws
Washington's proclamation of the
day of
of Civil Government of any State; but considering the Army was prudent and necessary." It was read (February 27) and ordered to lie on the table. Both Clark's motion
and Adams's report are in the Papers of the Continental Congress.
Clark's persistence
is
shown
in a letter to Col. Elias
Dayton (March 7)
" You say that some of our Eliz'Town Gentry want the Genl. to alter his Proclamation. It must render any man Unpopular to speak in favour of those, who joined the
Enemy and took Protection, but I think the Genrls. proclamation a Violation of our
Civil Rights, and Ventured to call it in question in Congress. My Motion was committed to a Comee. who reported favourably of the Procla. but foreseeing their report
would be contested, they desired that the same might lie for consideration; That, I
suppose, was with design diat it should never be called for, and I Suppose it never will
unless I do it, for it is Notorious the Genrl. directly counter acted a Resolve of Congress of the 9th of March last, Strictly forbidding any officer to impose or require any
Oath of the Inhabitants, and he requires an oath of Allegiance to the United States,
when such an Oath is Absurd before our Confederation takes place, Each State requires an Oadi to the Particular State, in many other instances the Procla. is exceptionable and very improper and I believe was the Production or at least set on foot by
some too much in the Genrls. Good Graces, he is too much incumbered to attend to
every thing, and tho' I believe him honest, I think him fallible." This letter is printed
in Burnett's Letters of Members of the Continental Congress.
62
[Jan.
the threats of the enemy, or deluded by a Proclamation
November
is-
stiled
by Lord and General Howe,

the King's Commissioners for granting pardons, &c.
(now
at
sued the 30th of
last,
open war, and invading these states), have been so

and welfare of their country, as to repair
to the enemy, sign a declaration of fidelity, and in some instances
have been compelled to take oaths of allegiance to and engage
lost to
the interest
not to take up arms, or encourage others so to do, against the
King
of Great-Britain;
And
whereas
it
has become necessary
between the friends of America and those of

Great-Britain, inhabitants of these States; and that every man
to distinguish
who
receives protection from,
and
as a subject of
any
State,
(not being conscientiously scrupulous against bearing arms),
should stand ready to defend the same against hostile inva-
do therefore, in behalf of the United States, by virtue

of the powers committed to me by Congress, hereby strictly
command and require every person, having subscribed such
declaration, taken such oath, and accepted such protection and
certificates from Lord and General Howe or any person under
sion;
their authority forthwith to repair to Head-Quarters, or to the
quarters of the nearest general officer of the Continental Army,
or Militia, (until further provision can be
made by the Civil Au-
and there deliver up such protections, certificates and

passports, and take the oath of allegiance to the United States of
thority,)
America. Nevertheless hereby granting full Liberty to
all
such
and protection of Great-Britain to the

freedom and happiness of their country, forthwith to withdraw
themselves and families within the enemy's lines; and I do
as prefer the interest
hereby declare, that

refuse to
all
comply with
date hereof, will be
and every person, who may neglect or
this order,
within Thirty days from the
deemed adherents
to the
King
of Great-
Britain, and treated as common enemies of the American States.
Given
at
Head-Quarters, Morris-Town, January 25, 1777.
Byhis Excellency
GEORGE WASHINGTON,
General and Commander in Chief of

United States of America.
all die
Efq;
forces of the
PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS
inhabitants of the United States oi

if veral perfons,
America, influenced by inimical motives, Intimidated by the threats
of the enemy, or deluded by a Proclamation iffucd the 30th of November laft, by Lord and General Howe, ftiled the King's Corr.mil(ioners for granting pardons, &c. (now at open war and invading thefeitatcs) have
been fo loft to the intereft and welfare of their country, as to repair to the enemy,
flgn a declaration of fidelity, and, in fome inlUnces, have been compelled to take
oaths of allegiance, and to engage not to take up arm ;, or encourage others fo to do,
1
King of Great-Britain. And whereas it has become neccfl'ary to diltinbetween the friends of America and thofe of Great-Britain, inhabitants of thefe
i"ainft the
fuifli
tates,
and that every man who receives a protection from and is a fubjefl of any
State (not being confeientioufty (crapulous againft bearing arms) fhould (land ready
to defend the fame againft every hoftile invafion, I do therefore, in behalf of the
United State,, by virtue of the powers committed to me by Congrefs, hereby ftrictly
command and require every perfon, having fubferibed fuch declaration, taken fuch
oaths, and accepted protection and certificates irom Lord or General Howe, or any per*
Ion ailing under their authority, forthwith to repair to Head-Quarters, or to the quarters of the neareft general officer of the Continental Army or Militia ûntil farther provifioncanbe made by the civil authority) and there deliver up fuch protections-, certificates, and pailports, and take the oath of allegiance to the United States of America.
Neverthelefs, hereby granting full liberty to all fuch as prefer the intereft and protection of Great-Britain to the freedom and happinefs of their country, forthwith,
And I do hereby
to withdraw themfelves and families within the enemy's lines.
declare that all and every perfon, who may negleft or refufe to comply with this
will
hereof,
deemed
be
adherents to the King
order, within thirty days from the date
<jf Great-Britain, and treated as common enemies of the American States.
Given it Head-Quarters, Morris-Town, January 25, 1777.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
.y bit ExftUtrKy's
command,
Robert H. H\rrijon,
BaltiBieic;
Secretary.
Rated by
JOHN DUNLAP.
Proclamation Ordering the Taking of an Oath of Allegiance to the

United States, January 25, 1777
CLOTHING FOR NEW YORK
1777]
63
To COLONEL CHARLES HARRISON 8
Sir :

By a Letter from Govr. Henry to Richd. Henry Lee Esqr.,
which has been handed
me,
to
find there
is
a vacancy for a
10
Captn. in your Corps, occasioned by Mr. Dandridge's
ing to accept
contrary
it,
to
which
approve of
it,
have not the
least objection;
provided Mr. Johnson
fill it.
earnestly
recommend
plete your Regiment, as soon as possible,
it
on the
can be intro-
who may
duced, without giving great offence to any

their right to
11
declin-
think
to you, to
and am, etc.
it
com-
12

Sir: I
1777.
was last Night honoured with yours of the 18th Instant,

from the [Convention of the] State of New
inclosing a Letter
York to Congress. From the particular Situation of their State,

in regard to their being totally deprived of Commerce, they certainly
must stand in need of the Assistance of the other States,

them with Cloathing and every thing necessary for
to provide
the equipment of their Forces, and

to allow
them a
full
the Eastward, whenever

it
it
ever
was
my
intention,
proportion of the Cloathing purchased to
has yet reached this
it
came
Army
to hand. Little or
none of
tho' in the greatest want,
exposed to the Severities of a Winters Campaign.
and
The Con-
vention have, in one instance already provided for themselves

9
the First Continental Artillery, which came into existence Jan. i, 1777.
John Dandridge. He was commissioned a captain in the First Continental Artillery on February 7; was taken prisoner at Charleston, S. C, in May, 1780; exchanged
Of
10
1 781; served to June, 1783.

"Johnson's name does not appear on any of the available returns of the First Artil-
in July,
lery in 1777.
12
The draft
is
in the writing of
John Fitzgerald.
64
[Jan.
out of the public Stock, by stopping and making use of 26 Bales

of Cloathing
As
this
coming on from the Eastward
was done without consulting me,
to the
Army here.
took the Liberty of
them not to do the like in future, not that I meant to

deprive them of their Share; but because it disappointed me
of many Articles which I stood in immediate want of, and had
not provided from other Quarters. But you may be assured,
that whenever Returns are made of the whole Stock of Cloathing, they shall have their proportion, and more than that,
desiring
allowances for their peculiar Situation.

I
am amazed to hear Complaints of the Hospital on the East
Side of Hudson's River; Doctr. Morgan, with most of his Mates
has been Constantly there, since

the
Army.
tunes,
It is
I left it
with the main body of
vain however, to look back
upon
past Misfor-
will not pretend to point out the Causes, but
know
Matters have been strangely conducted in the medical

I
line.
hope your New Appointment, when it is made, will make the
Reform in the Hospital, and that I shall not, the next

Campaign, have my Ears and Eyes too Shocked with the Com-
necessary
plaints
and looks
of poor Creatures, perishing for
want
of
proper Care, either in the Regimental or Hospital Surgeons.

I
13
agree with the Convention, in the Expediency of obstruct-
ing the Passage of the North River, in some place between the
Mouth and
the Highlands,
we have
and expence has been thrown away,
found, that our labour
in endeavouring to
do
it
below, where the Channel is amazingly wide and deep, but

from the slight View I have had of the River above, I think the
passage may be easily obstructed, and defended by proper Fortifications, as the River is so narrow, that no Vessel going up
13
A plan
was
Washington,
mitted it to Congress. Congress adopted (April
Hospital, which provided for a deputy director
for establishing military hospitals
and John Cochran and submitted
to
(See foztrnals of the Continental Congress.)
drawn up by
who,
Drs. William Shippen
in turn (February 14), trans7) regulations for the Continental

general east of the Hudson River.
NEED OF MAPS
1777]
could possibly escape the Fire.
am no judge,
done towards
fitting out the Frigates at
must be
the
left to
Gentlemen
65
of
what can be
Poughkeepsie, that
Marine Committee.
of the
The hint given by the Convention of New York, of the necesCommissary of Forage had struck me
before, and had been mentioned by Genl. Mifflin, whose department of Quarter Master General, must be eased of part of
and
sity
Utility of a
the load,
many
in
which
is
at present
thrown upon
it.
He
is
obliged,
Instances, to act intirely out of his proper line,
and
instead of being confined to the duty of Qr. Master General,

also
to
Waggon Master and Forage Master General.
two persons
that
think qualified to
gon Master, and I hope one
of
them will
missary of Forage Shall be attended
The want
erto
me.
is
have wrote
Wag-
the Office of
That of Com-
accept.
to.
of the
Country which has hith-
been the Scene of War, has been of great disadvantage to

I
have in vain endeavoured to procure them, and have
been obliged to
trace out
from
around me.
I
Maps
of accurate
fill
make
shift,
my own
with such Sketches, as
Observations, and that of
could
Gentlemen
14
really think, if Gentlemen of
could be employed in making
known Character and probity,
Maps (from
actual Survey) of
the Roads, Rivers, Bridges and Fords over them, the Mountains
and passes thro' them, it would be of the

I
Howe, and proposed the

York.
am
fixing
Advantage.
an Agent for Prisoners in New
have not [yet] received an Answer, but
the proposal,
I
greatest
had, previous to the Receipt of your Letter, wrote to General
shall appoint
Sorry that
am
if
he accedes to
Mr. Lewis Pintard.
obliged to contradict the Report of
the taking of Fort Independance as mentioned in

14
The
draft at this point has the following crossed out,
course, in the letter sent:
"Two
of this part of the Country and."
persons are
my
last.
which does not appear,
of
now employed
in
making me
a draft
66
believe the evacuation of
[Jan.
some detached Redoubts gave
rise to
the Report.
I have not heard from General Heath since the 14th of the
Month, which I am amazed at. I am quite in the dark, as to his
Numbers and what progress he has made.
On the 23d., a party of 400 of our Men under Col Buckner 15
fell in with two Regiments of the Enemy, conveying a Number
of Waggons from Brunswick to Amboy. Our advanced party
under Colo. Parker
16
engaged them with great Bravery, up-
wards of twenty Minutes, during which time the Colo Com-
mandant was killed and the second in Command Mortally

wounded. The people living near the Field of Action, say, their
killed and wounded were considerable. We only lost two men
who were made prisoners. Had Col Buckner come up with
the main body, Colo. Parker and the other Officers think we
should have put them to the rout, as their confusion was very
great, and their ground disadvantageous. I have ordered Buckner under Arrest and shall bring him to tryal, to answer for so
extraordinary a piece of Conduct.
Reinforcements come up so extremely slow, that

I shall
be
left
without any Men, before they
arrive.
am afraid
The Enemy
must be ignorant of our Numbers, or they have not Horses to

move their Artillery, or they would not Suffer us to remain
undisturbed.
cers, to
have repeatedly wrote to
forward on their Men,
all
the recruiting Offi-
as fast as they
could
arm and
cloath them, but they are so extremely averse to turning out of
comfortable Quarters, that

tho'
hear from
all parts,
with great Success.
It
cannot get a
Man to come near me,
that the recruiting Service goes
would be
well,
if
the Board of
War,
on
in
10
Col. Mordecai Buckner, of the Sixth Virginia Regiment. He petitioned Washington on January 28 for a dismissal from the service, but was cashiered by court-martial
on February
9.
"Lieut. Col. Richard Parker, of the Sixth Virginia Regiment. He was transferred to
the Second Virginia Regiment on February 10; colonel of the First Virginia Regiment
in February, 1778; died May 8, 1780, of wounds received at Charleston, S. C.
THE ADJUTANT GENERALCY
1777]
67
whose department it is, would issue orders, for all Officers to

equip and forward their Recruits to Head Quarters, with the
greatest Expedition.
By
17
some time ago, General

Schuyler is directed to apply to me for 94 Tons of powder. A
Quantity, which it is impossible I should have by me, and for
which I do not know where to direct him to apply. I could
wish that Returns were made to me, of the Quantity of Powder
on hand, and where it is to be found, that I may not be at a loss
at any time of Emergency.
a Resolve of Congress passed
Since the Resignation of Colo. Reed, the important Office of
Adjutant General has been

cipal.
left unfilled, I
mean
as to a prin-
And I am much at a loss, how or where, to find a person,
and proper to execute the Office. My

inclinations lead me to confer the Appointment upon a Major
Morris, but ample Testimonials Should be produced, and full
proof of Fidelity ought to be made, before an Office of so high
trust Should be conferred upon a person in a manner a Stranger
18
to me. I only know Major Morris
from a short personal acquaintance, and from Report, he never even brought a Letter
of recommendation to me. From his Conversation and from
the Accounts I have received from others, he is a Man of conin every respect capable
siderable Military Abilities,

instances,
he
is
Man
and from
of Bravery
his Behaviour in two

and Conduct. His Story is
upon not
which he was justly intitled, perhaps
some Gentn. of Congress may know more about him, or may
be able to make such Enquiries as might Satisfy them, as to
the Safety and propriety of appointing him. I have no other
simply
this,
that he left the British Service in disgust,
receiving a promotion to
Motive for wishing him a preference, than, that

17
think
him
The resolve of Dec. 31, 1776. (See Journals of the Continental Congress.)
Maj. Apollos Morris, formerly of the Twenty-seventh Foot, British Army. He officiously attempted to bring about a reconciliation between the United States and Great
Britain. Congress ordered his arrest on June 9.
68
the properest person that has

all
come under my Notice, provided
Matters before mentioned were cleared up.
Result of a determination of Congress, before

in this Appointment,
and
much
dis-arranged for
want
New,
an able Officer in that Line.
shall wait the
proceed further
wish to be favoured with their Ad-
vice, as speedily as possible; for the
the Formation of the
[Jan.
of a
remains of the old
Army is
good Adjutant General, and
in a great Measure, depends

I
have the honor &ca.
upon
19
To ROBERT MORRIS
Head Quarters, Morris town, January 27,
1777.
some very effectual Measures are not fallen upon

to recover the Arms and Accountrements that are put into the
Hands of the Militia after they return home; we shall be put to
Dear Sir
If
the greatest difficulty to

raised. I therefore
arm the regular Regiments as
they are
beg that the Council of Safety or whoever
has the delivery of the Arms would be very particular in taking
from the Colonels or commanding Officers and make

them account when they are dismissed. I have lately made some
of the Regiments leave their Arms &ca. here and have given
them Receipts for what they delivered, which will be a proper
Voucher for them to cancel their Receipt in Philada.
If I had a duplicate of their Receipt for Arms &ca. sent to
Receipts
me,
should
public.
am,
know whether
they
left all
that belongs to the
20
etc.
To MAJOR
GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER

Dear
Sir: I take this, the first
your favor of the 15th. Instt. from Fishkill.

19
In the writing of Tench Tilghman.

not in the letter sent.
20
1777.
Opportunity, of answering
The words
thank you for your
in brackets are in the draft, but
NORTHERN DEPARTMENT NEEDS
1777]
upon our
congratulations
which
late successes,
69
hope have
stopped the career of the Enemy for the Winter, and will give us
some little time to breathe and to draw together the new Army,
which
begins, but slowly, to
make
its
As
appearance.
fast as
new Levies, most contiguous to the Lakes, are ready for the
I shall order them up to that Quarter, in the mean time,
you must contrive to make a shift, as I have done here, with temthe
Field,
porary supplies of Militia.

Island, of
bers
the British Troops leave
which there seems a great
will be able to send
which were
power
If
probability,
hope they
you a good Reinforcement, out of the Num-
collected to oppose them.
to furnish
Rhode
wish
it
was
in
my
you with Blankets for Van Schaick's Regi-
ment, we are not half covered ourselves, nor do I see where we are
The Congress have ordered the different Agents, to
to get them.
make a return of the Cloathing, purchased for the Continent, in

When that is complied with, we shall know
the different States.
our stock and

I
how to proportion
eral for the Continental
Regulations, that our
to our different
Wants.
Army.
know your
hope by that and some other
Army will be better and more regularly
Supplied next Campaign, than

I
it
have appointed Mr. Mease of Philadelphia, Cloathier Gen-
difficulties will
it
has been heretofore.
be great in procuring a proper
Quantity of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores against next

paign, but
hope you will be
oratory, which Genl. Knox
in Connecticut, and
if our
is
assisted in the latter
Cam-
from an Elab-
now gone to establish at Hartford
adventures are lucky, we shall be well
We must depend
upon our own Works for heavy Cannon, and tho' they may not
supplied with Field Artillery from France.
I hope, as many, as will make a tolmay be procured. The Enemy have given out, that
furnish the full Quantity,

erable Shift,
they had taken a Ship from France with Artillery on board, but
I
never heard of her being brought
in, so I
hope
it is
not true.
70
Inclosed you have a Letter
from Mr. Hancock and Sundry
Resolves of Congress, they were sent open to
with a desire to forward them.
Gamble 21
Captn.
to
me by Genl. Gates,
also inclose a Letter
see his request
me know
that
have rested the matter
from
and the very
under which he labours;
safely be granted, please to let
an answer, for
me. You will
particular Circumstances
[Jan.
may
intirely
if it
give
can
him
upon your
approbation.
By
a Resolve of Congress passed
some
little
time ago,
find
that upon your application for 94 Tons of Cannon and Cartridge
me to supply you with that Quantity.

am surprised at this Resolve, as I never have more powder
with me than is necessary for the immediate Consumption of
Powder, they had desired
I
the
Army.
have wrote
this to
they will take care to have
it
Congress, and therefore suppose
forwarded to you from the Maga-
me a return of the Stock

of powder on hand, and where it is deposited, that I may know
zines;
where
have also desired them to make
to apply for
Be pleased
signify to
it,
in case of
Emergency.
to contrive the inclosed to Doctr. Stringer;
him
his dismission,
ship of the Northern Department. Doctr. Potts

his
room.
am
to
it is
by Congress from the Directoris
appointed in
22
etc.
HEATH
Dear
Sir :
you of the
one
it
lest
fully
21
19th. Instt.
Two reasons have led me to send it; the
the Original may have miscarried

if
27, 1777.
You will receive, with this, a Copy of my Letter to
you have already received
it.
the other to explain

I
do not mean to
Capt. Thomas Gamble, of the Forty-seventh Foot, British

of war.
22
Army, then
tie
a prisoner
HOSPITAL ESTABLISHMENT
1777]
up your hands from

that
may
effecting or even attempting
any thing
prove honourable to yourself or useful to the Cause.
Altho' the original design of your movement,
answered in
all its parts, yet if
Country round about the
you to
71
desist. I
may not be fully
you can take possession of the
City, or the City itself,
do not
have not been favoured with a Line from you
since the 19th, and that never reached me 'till this evening.
to hear
from you frequently. Wishing you
To
success, I
am,
wish
23
etc.
DOCTOR WILLIAM SHIPPEN, JUNIOR

Head
Dear
desire
Sir: I
Quarters, Morris
Town, January
have yours without date, favouring
27, 1777.
me
with a
I am
me with full powers,
plan for the formation of General Hospitals, for which

obliged.
to
24
Altho' the Congress have vested
make all Military Arrangements, and I dare say would ratify
whatever appointments and Salaries
should
fix; yet I
do not
think myself at liberty to establish Hospitals, upon such extensive plans

I
and at so great an expence, without
have no doubt, but the
are necessary
and
Number
of Officers that
will be allowed, but
rather over rated their Pay.
their concurrence.
am
you propose,
you have
afraid
By your Regulation,
the pay of a
Director, [considerably] exceeds that of a Majr. Genl.

rest in proportion.
gress, without
shall
however
lay the plan before
mentioning any Names.
will lay principally with
it,
as are
you mention Doctr.

he
23
is
Con-
And as the Nomination
me, you may be assured of having the
Director, [considerably] exceeds that of a Majr. Genl.
ants attached to
and the
most agreeable to
Potts, as
and the
yourself. I observe
one of your Sub-directors, but
already provided for as Director Genl. of the Northern
The
draft, in the writing of George Johnston, in the Washington Papers, is an L. S.

This plan (seven folio pages in Shippen's writing and signed by him) is in the
Washington Papers under the assigned date of January 25.
4
72
Department in the room of Doctr.

ticular
Gentlemen
Stringer.
to provide for in the
you may depend, that those
who
[Jan.
have some par-
new arrangement, but
have already distinguished
themselves by their assiduity, shall not be unnoticed.

very anxious to have this great
desire Congress to give
me
By not dating your
sible.
Work
set
As
in Motion,
am
shall
their opinions, as speedily as pos-
Letter,
am
not able to determine
whether Doctor Cochran had reached Philadelphia, when you

wrote; but as
conclude he had not,
plan to Congress
till
shall defer
you have seen him,
sending your
as I sent
him down
purposely to consult with you upon
the Subject, perhaps
may think some alterations necessary.
25
am,
he
etc.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Princeton.
Commanding
Countersign Chath am.
Officers of Regiments, to order,
Regimental
Courts Martial,for the trial of such prisoners as belongtothem,
now
confined in the Provost Guard, that do not come under
the consideration of a General Court Martial.
To MAJOR GENERAL HORATIO GATES

Head Quarters, January 28,
1777.
Dear Sir: I am very much afraid that all the Troops on their
march from the Southward, will be infected with the small Pox,
and that instead of having an Army we shall have an Hospital.
I know of no other way to prevent this, than not to suffer any
more of the Southern Troops to come into Philadelphia; they
may be marched into Germantown and remain there, whilst
their Arms and Accoutrements are providing. Those who have
25
The
draft
is
by Washington.
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman. The word
in brackets
was inserted
SMALLPOX INOCULATION
17771
the small
Pox in Town, should not
Cloaths they wore, whilst Sick,
Join the
73
Army
in the
same
if it
can possibly be help'd;
if
no other Cloaths are to be procured, the old ones should be

washed and well smoaked, for it will take many Weeks to get
the Infection out, if some of the above methods are not pursued.
Doctor Shippen wrote me, that he intended to Inoculate the
Troops as they came in, but that never can

Inoculation goes thro' the whole
safely be done, except
Army. Remember we
soon have some of the Eastern Troops here, and
have not yet had the Small pox,

sidered,
we
think
all
many of them
Circumstances con-
should Check, not spread the Infection, and there
no other way
is
shall
of doing
and not suffering more
it,
to
but by curing
have
it.
all
that
now
have
it,
have wrote to Doctr. Ship-
Some method must be fallen upon to

get back the Arms &c. from the Militia when dismissed, or the
regular Regiments, when raised, will be without Arms; I have
lately Strip'd them all here, of their Arms and Accoutrements,
and have given them receipts by which they can cancel those
pen upon
this Subject.
given in Philadelphia; but those Officers,

the
Arms
otherwise they will suffer their
Men
about the Country, or will carry them

If I
had
sent to
not produce
to leave
them
Scattered
home for their own use.
a Duplicate of the Receipts given in Philadelphia
me,
received.
who do
again or such receipts, should be well looked after,
could
am etc.
know whether
they delivered up
all
they
26
To MAJOR GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN

Dear Sir As the Information, which gave rise to your remove

to the Scotch plains, seems to have been void of foundation, and
:
no
as
26
The
great
draft
is
good can
result
in the writing of
from your laying in an exposed
John Fitzgerald.
74
situation,
but
much evil flow from a surprize (which by the bye
hope never will happen)
[Jan.
can not help expressing my doubts
of the propriety of your
removing where the Troops now are
the Scotch plains).
Our Affairs at present are in a prosper-
(if at
ous way, the Country seems to entertain an Idea of our Superiority, Recruiting goes
Enemy
on
well,
27
and a
are afraid of us. If then
belief prevails, that the
you should be drove, which
nothing but the Enemy's want of Spirit can prevent, the Tables
will be turned, the
lapse into our
Country
former
dispirited,
and we
discredit. I therefore give
shall again reit
to you, as
my
opinion, that you had better give your remove to the Scotch
plains, the best colouring
you can
(either
by a march round,
some how or other, as you can devise) and return to your former Station, or to Springfield, for fear of Consequences which
may
be extremely injurious to us. This
perhaps
but
it is
it
is
clearly
my Opinion,
may arise from Ignorance of the Situation of Ground;

Enemy can suffer a number
next to impossible that the
greatly inferior to theirs to be within three hours
march of 'em,
without laying some Scheme to entrap or drive 'em.
I shall
28
Warner (at Bound brook) orders Similar to these.

The express delivered me your favor this Evening, Ignorant as
write Genl.
am of the ground which you occupy at the Scotch plains, I can-
not possitively determine whether

let
it is
tenable or not.
However
me recommend to you to consider maturely, whether the ad-
vantages that
may
accrue from your Neighbourhood to the
Enemy, can balance the Consequences that must result from

your being driven from it. It's true, your being posted so near
them will save your Scouts a few Miles inarching, you have
also a better chance of receiving good and early intelligence of
27
Three days later recruiting came to an abrupt stop from lack of. money to continue
(See Washington's letter to the President of Congress, Jan. 31, 1777, post.)
Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Warner, of the Massachusetts Militia. There is no draft in
the Washington Papers of such a letter to Warner.
it.
28
INOCULATION OF RECRUITS
1777]
their
movements; but
'tis
as true, that they
certainly, very soon, discover
follow, your being attacked,
of this date. Consult Genls.

ters to
you on
this
may, and will most
your real Numbers and what will

I
have already mentioned in mine
Maxwell and Stephen,
lay
my Let-
head before them, view your Continuance
and
there, in every point of light,
Service
75
if
you determine that the
may be benefited by remaining where you are, I have no

Upon my Word I think it a Manoeuvre
objections to your stay.
of the last Consequence,

success.
You
have any
and
am not without my fears about its
will assuredly be attacked in a
Spirit left,
few
days,
knowing your Strength they
with a force that will command
success, for
it
if
will
they
do
will be out of
it
my
power to relieve you in time. Should you determine to remove,

remember to give it the air of some Manoeuvre, that the Enemy
29
may be at a loss what to think of it. I am etc.
To
DOCTOR WILLIAM SHIPPEN, JUNIOR

Dear
Sir:
In your
last,
1777.
you mentioned your intention of
noculating all the Recruits
in-
who had not had the small pox; this

Measure, if we could prevent them
would be a very Salutary

from bringing the Infection on
to the
not have a change of Cloaths,
fear
Army;
it is
but as they can-
impossible.
We shall
soon have the Troops from the Eastward, and as few of them
have had that disorder, we should have a great part of our Army
laid
down.
have therefore ordered Genl. Gates, to suffer no
more of the Southern Troops to come into Philadelphia, but to

march them to Germantown and let them remain there untill
they are equipped and ready to march. All that
disorder, to be perfectly cured,
and before they
now
have the
are suffered to
Washington wrote two letters to Sullivan on January 28, which are combined
above as one. Both drafts are in the writing of George Johnston.
76
join the
Army, to have new
Cloaths,
if possible,
and
[Jan.
if
not, the
old ones well washed, air'd and smoaked.
As I would wish
to
have the small Pox
intirely out of Phila-
were
carried down to the Hospital upon the Province Island, and
make that, in future, the small pox Hospital, except their numdelphia, suppose all the patients, that could be removed,
bers should be too great.

P. S. The
made use of. 31
am,
so
etc.
Barracks upon Fort Island
may
be likewise
To COLONEL MORDECAI BUCKNER

my
power
comply with your request on

and the State
you come from, Were the matter to remain undetermined, your
Reputation must be ruined; at all events, every Officer would
have reason to expect equal favor, and I shall be justly taxed
with partiality. Would you reflect on the Impropriety of your
Petition, you would certainly withdraw it. Resolved as I am
to reward merit, and punish demerit, I shall refer your case to
the judgment of a Court Martial, and shall be happy to hear
32
that it acquits you. I am, etc.
Sir: It is
not in
to
three Accounts, yourself, the Country at large,
GENERAL ORDERS
Head
Parole Inverness.
Countersign Kendal.
Capt. Josiah Harmar's Company of Foot, in the 2nd. Pennsylvania Battalion, to join Major Proctor's Regt. of Artillery,
and be by him returned.

80
This was answered (January 31) by a
letter
from both Shippen and Cochran

is in the Washington
reassuring Washington as to smallpox precautions. Their letter

Papers.
81
83
A PRIVATE
1777]
PEACE MOVE
77
The Quarter Master General is directed to engage Waggonfrom among the Inhabitants, and not to employ Soldiers
ers,
in that service longer
than such persons can be got.
*To BRIGADIER GENERAL HENRY
KNOX

I
have no doubt but that in the
you thought of Mr. Machin
33
manner he dehowever as he is now here, and has heard nothing from
Officers
serves;
29, 1777.
new appointment of Artillery
you on the
subject,
in the
cannot help reminding you of him, as
he appears from observation, and information, to be a person

of merit.
He has also mentioned
something to
me respecting his pay,
which you will cause to be enquired into; he has received none,

he
says, since the
Month
of
May.
am,
34
etc.
To MAJOR APOLLOS MORRIS 35

Sir: I
29, 1777.
have your favor of the 28th, with Copy of a Letter,
addressed to Genl. Howe, inclosed, your wish to be the Instrument of restoring peace, to a much Oppressed and more injured
People, is certainly most laudable; but you must very well know
that this
is
not to be effected by the Interposition of any Person
in a private Character,
and Lord and General
Howe
have
fused to Negotiate with the only great Representative
re-
Body
of this Continent.
If,
therefore, your Letter
must have been merely,

33
as
had gone in
one to
to General
satisfy yourself in
Howe,
it
regard to
Captain-lieutenant of the Second Continental Artillery. He was wounded at Fort

Y., on October 6; promoted to captain in August, 1780; served to
Montgomery, N.
June, 1783.
34
In private hands. It was sold at auction in 1910.
86
Formerly in the British Army.
78
[Jan.
my-
the Powers that were intrusted to the Commissioners as to

;
am
self, I
Words
fully satisfied that they never exceeded the express
of the Act of Parliament; for
if
they did, they are an-
swerable for the Blood that has been spilled, perhaps in Conse-
quence of their not making them
known to the only Body that
could receive them.
had never been made acquainted with the Substance of
If I
your Letter,
going
permitting
of
should not have had the
it
you have Submitted
to pass,
may
it
least
to
Objection to
my
inspection,
be construed into an Approbation
am
therefore under the necessity of objecting to
least
it,
should be thought to delegate that Power to others, which
not possess myself, I mean, that of Negotiation, in this great

pute.
should not have detained your Express so long, but
from home when he

I
its
my
Contents.
its
I
I
in; but as
arrived. I
am,
return you the Letter for Genl.
do
dis-
was
86
etc.
Howe.

Gentn.:

have the Honor of yours of the 23d. and I return
you my thanks for your Exertions, not only in calling forth and
equipping the Militia of your State; but for the Assistance you
have afforded to the Militia of the other States and to the Continental Troops, in their passage thro' the City, to join the
If
some Mode
is
Army.
not adopted, for obliging the Officers of the
Militia to return the
Arms and Accoutrements
that are lent to
we shall be in the greatest want of them, when the reguhave lately taken the liberty, to make
them leave their public Arms and Accoutrements here, upon
them,
lar Regiments are raised. I
their being discharged, and have given the Officers Receipts for
38
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
1777]
79
what were delivered up; with which they may cancel the
Men, when discharged,
well, that the
the
way
Arms by
with them, by which means they are

If
there
is
am
that
is
lives in
to
them
the public Stock;
Account for it.
make your
done, the Service
who
viduals;
even
the way, or carry

lost to
glad to find, that your House of Assembly are about
framing a law,
till
home, and con-
any deficiency between the receipt and delivery, the
Officer should be obliged to

I
instead of returning by
of Philadelphia, take the nearest road
sequently either drop their
re-
My Reason was this, I know very
ceipts given at Philadelphia.
falls particularly
complain, with great
defence of those
make
Militia turn out
who upon
Justice, of risquing their
your present plan, do not
a pecuniary Satisfaction for the
persons. But
would wish
more generally
upon a few indi-
to see every
exemption of their
Man (who is not really
conscientiously scrupulous) obliged to turn out,

of his Country
demands
it.
For we
when the good
now want Men more
than Money.
I
wish
it
was
in
my power to procure
the Release of
prisoners, the Field Officers in particular; but
not those of equal Rank to propose for them, what

Col. Miles Signified to me, thatMr.Foxcroft
in
Exchange for him;
all
our
when we have
is
to be done
would be accepted
immediately proposed the Matter to
Howe, but have never reed, any Answer. Colo Atlee also
desired me to propose him in exchange for some Gentleman
whose name I have forgot, this I did, but the matter rested in
the same Manner. Of the prisoners that have been released, by
far the greatest proportion were from Pennsylvania, and least
Genl.
there should be
in future,
a
some jealousy on that Account,
whenever an Exchange took
due proportion of
at liberty.
directed, that
place, there should
be
those, belonging to the Eastern States, set

80
am
sorry that so deserving
an Officer
as Colo.
should be overlook'd by any Mistake of yours, but

present in
sioned as
is
my power to do any thing for him.
many
any chance of
the recruiting Service.
Johnson,
37
not at
it is
have Commis-
of the Additional Regiments, as

filling,
[Jan.
think there
without interfering with each other in

I
am etc. ss
GENERAL ORDERS
Head Quarters, Morristown, January 30,
1777.
Countersign Raway.
Parole Quebec.
The Commissary General, and his Assistants in every department of the Army, are to be particularly careful of the Hides
and Tallow
The commanding Officers of the regiments and corps lately

come in, are to make themselves acquainted with the General
Orders, which have been issued for the
Army
at this place,
and
Government of the
to attend to them, particularly those
of the 20th. Instant, respecting the assignment of parades,
assembling the troops in case of alarms
Such Corps
not already been furnished with those Orders,
may
as
get
and
have
them
by applying to the Adjutant General.
The Commissary of Stores is desired to make a Return of the

Arms, Ammunition &c. now in his care, at this place this to
be done as soon as possible.
;

Head
Sir : I
Quarters, Morris
Town, January 31,
have none of your favors unanswered
1777.
at present.
There
is such a demand upon me from all Quarters, for Money, which

37
38
Lieut. Col.
The
draft
James Johnston, of the Pennsylvania

in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
is
Militia.
DESERTERS
1777]
am unable to answer, that

on
to send
The
a Supply.
81
cannot help again pressing you,
recruiting Service
is
almost
at a stop
here, for want of Money, and Governor Trumbull writes me

word that it is totally so in Connecticut. He adds, that their loan
Officers cannot proceed in their Business, for want of proper
Checque Books and Notes; but that
right to
States.
shall be glad to be
a draft
informed, whether
draw Warrants upon the loan
answer
I
Pounds lawful
have a
Officers in the different
The State of Connecticut advanced Colo. Sheldon
request] ten thousand
Horse.
they were furnished with
sufficient quantity to
them, they could soon take in a

their purposes.
if
to raise his
[at
my
Regiment of
To their reimbursement, they desired me, to give them

upon the loan
Office; but not
knowing whether I had a

I heard from you.
right to draw upon that fund, I deferred it, till

I
must beg you will write
to the Assemblies of the different
upon their passing a law, to inflict a severe

and heavy penalty upon those who harbour deserters, knowing
States,
them
tion,
and
insist
to be such.
Our Army
and except the people
Information,
hoods,
we
when
shamefully reduced by deser-
is
in the
Country can be forced to give
Deserters return to their old Neighbour-
shall be obliged to detach
one half of the
Army
to
bring back the other.

I
have a Letter from Genl. Heath of the 24th Instant; he was
at
and near Kingsbridge with
is
likely to
that
his
Army,
dont find that he
do more than to draw the attention of the Enemy
way and
cut
in great want.
them
off
from Forage,
The Troops had not
of
which they are
returned from
Island by the last accounts, but were daily expected.
the honor to be,

39
Rhode
I
have
39
etc.

ington in the draft.
The
phrase in brackets was added by Wash-
82
[Jan.

Gentn. As the times of a Number of the Continental Artil:
lerymen have expired, that department

Proctor
40
is left
very bare. Major
me that there are about one hundred and

now doing duty at the Forts upon Delaware;
informs
forty of his Corps
but as there
is
not the least probability of their being wanted
during the Winter Season,
beg you will immediately detach,
One hundred of those Men to put themselves under the

Command of Major Proctor; If one hundred men cannot be
spared, you will be pleased to send as many as you possibly
at least
can.
am &c. 41
CIRCULAR LETTER TO THE STATES 42

Head

The great Countenance and protection shewn and given to
deserters, by persons in the different Neighbourhoods, from
whence they originally came, has made that Vice so prevalent
in the Army, that unless some very effectual Measures are fallen
upon to prevent it, our new Army will scarcely be raised; before
it will again dwindle and waste away from that Cause alone.
I
Quarters, Morris
know of no remedy,
so effectual, as for the different States
immediately to pass Laws, laying a very severe penalty upon

those who harbour or
fail
to give information against deserters,
knowing them to be such, and strictly enjoining all Justices of

the Peace and Officers of Militia to keep a watchful Eye over
and apprehend all such persons as shall return from the Army
without a Discharge. In order that
may be carried
speedily into execution,
Congress to recommend
40
41
42
Maj.
Thomas
The
draft
is
it
most Salutary Measure

I
have not only desired
to the different States, but
Procter, of the Pennsylvania Artillery.
in the writing of
This was sent
this
Tench Tilghman.
to all the States except
South Carolina and Georgia.
have
CAMPAIGN PREPARATIONS
1777]
myself wrote Circular Letters to them
all
83
pressing their compli-
must cease of course, when

the Offenders find that they have no Shelter. I have the Honor
ance with
to be &c.
my
request. Desertion
43
To BRIGADIER GENERAL THOMAS MIFFLIN

January 31, 1777.
Dear
Sir:
The
season
is
approaching when
we shall have use
you will therefore pay particular attention to this

all the old ones should be collected and the necessary
for Tents,
Article,
made now, that when called for, they may be ready.

The Tomhawks or light hatchets also deserve your notice,
they should be made light and Substantial, so calculated as to
be made a part of the Soldier's Accoutrements, and carried with
convenience. Too much regard cannot be paid to the Waggons, as many should be provided as will serve all the purposes
of each Battalion, for their Baggage, Ammunition and Intrenching Tools. I would recommend to you to have Chaises
44
marine made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition,
repairs
light,
strong and covered, and not
let
the
Army be encumbered
with heavy and unweildy Waggons, when the purposes can be
answered with others,

the whole, this
is
me
full as
Upon
well and probably better.
the time to prepare every thing in your de-
no pains in
45
equipping us completely for the ensuing Campaign. I am etc.
partment,
let
therefore entreat you to spare
To GOVERNOR
Head
JONATHAN TRUMBULL
Quarters, Morris
Town, February
1,
1777.
have the pleasure of yours of the 23d Janry. by Mai or

Wyllys and thank you for your Congratulations upon our late
Sir: I
43
44

Two- wheeled wagons, probably not so very different
present-day ammunition caissons.

45
in
outward design from
84
[Jan.
which have been attended with very happy ConseEnemy have remained very quiet at Brunswick
Successes,
quences; as the
and Amboy,
I
since the Affair at Princetown.
have wrote to Congress in a very pressing Manner, not only
on a present Supply of Money, but to forward the

Checque Books and loan Tickets with the greatest Expedition.
I most sincerely wish, it were in my power to procure the immediate Release of all our Officers and Soldiers who have been
so unfortunate as to fall into the hands of our Enemies; but
to send
when
the chance of
War
point of Numbers, what

preference
has turned the Scale against us, in
more can be done, than to give those a

Captivity. That I might
who have longest endured
avoid any imputation of partiality, for the Officers of any particular State; I have in all my Letters to General Howe and to
Mr. Loring the Commissary of Prisoners, directed an equal proportion of officers of the Eastern and Southern States, to be
sent out. But without paying any regard to
my
request, they
have given Pennsylvania more than her proportion, having

never discharged one of the Maryland Officers taken upon
Long
Island.
released.
Major Meigs
48
and Capt. Hanchet
47
are already
We have no General Officer to propose for General
Waterbury
48
and
if
we
taken long before, has a preference.
If
General
49
who was
Howe does not
had, General Thompson,
accede to the proposals of Congress, for giving up all the Hessian

Field Officers taken at Trenton for Genl Lee; Major Wells
46
50
Maj. Return Jonathan Meigs, of the Second Connecticut Regiment. He had been
taken prisoner at Quebec Dec. 31, 1775; was exchanged Jan. 10, 1777; made lieutenant colonel of Sherburne's Additional Continental regiment Feb. 22, 1777; presented with a sword by act of Congress July 25, 1777, for valor in an enterprise on
Long Island, N. Y., in May, 1777; promoted to colonel of the Sixth Connecticut
Regiment May 12, 1777; retired Jan. 1, 1781.
47
Capt. Oliver Hanchet, of the Second Connecticut Regiment. He had been taken
prisoner at Quebec Dec. 31, 1775; exchanged Jan. 10, 1777.
43
Brig. Gen. David Waterbury, of the Connecticut State troops. He had been taken
prisoner at Valcours Island in October, 1776; was not exchanged until October, 1780.
49
Brig. Gen. William Thompson, of the Pennsylvania State troops.
50
Maj. Levi Wells, of the Twenty-second Continental Infantry. He had been taken
prisoner at Long Island, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1776; was not exchanged until Dec. 9,
1777]
85
51
and Lieut. Col. Heart, will probably come in for their turn of
Exchange. You, by your return have sent in but three Captains,
52
and I have convinced Major Wyllys (who ranks as Captain)
that I cannot propose him for one of those, without doing in53
justice to Capt. Dearborn, who was taken at Quebec the 31st
54
December 1775, and Capts. Trowbridge and Percival 55 taken
the 27th August last upon Long Island. You mention the Names
of several Subalterns who were taken upon York and Long
Island, whose Release you would wish, but there are yet Eight
Gentlemen taken at Quebec, who have a right to a preference.
By my State of the Exchange of Prisoners, a Captain is still due
to us,
if
there should be,
have desired Major Wyllys
may
be
accepted for him.

I
have made a proposition toGenl Howe, which if he accepts,
will give great relief to our Prisoners; It
of an Agent, to reside at
well used, and to Supply

I
is
the Establishment
New York, to see that the prisoners are

them with
Necessaries.
should have had no Objection to appointing Colo. Root
to the
Command
upon the Terms
of a Regiment, could
it
Possibly be raised
allowed by Congress, which
of twenty Dollars; but by your State
and
having given an additional Bounty of
man
can be
till
is
upon
a Bounty
that of the Massachu-
setts,
raised,
56
33^ Dollars, not a
the Eight Regiments allotted to your
1777; served as colonel of Connecticut Militia; was again taken prisoner at Horseneck, Conn., Dec. 9, 1780.
"Lieut. Col. Selah Heart, of Gay's Connecticut State regiment. He had been taken
prisoner on the retreat from New York; was exchanged in March, 1777; served as
brigadier general of Connecticut Militia from 1779 to the close of the war.
62
John Plasgrave Wyllys. He had been brigade major to General Wadsworth; was
captain in Webb's Additional Continental regiment Jan. 1, 1777; had been taken
prisoner on the retreat from New York.
63
Capt. Henry Dearborn, of the First New Hampshire Regiment. He was taken
prisoner at Quebec Dec. 31, 1775.
"Capt. Caleb Trowbridge, of the Seventeenth Continental Infantry. He was
wounded and taken prisoner at Long Island, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1776; died two days
later.
55
Washington was unaware
of this.
Capt. Timothy Percival, of the Seventeenth Continental Infantry.

taken prisoner on Long Island, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1776.
86
Col. Aaron Root, of the Massachusetts Militia.
He had
been
86
State are full. I have,
may
say, unfortunately
the additional Regiments to Gent, of
given Seven of
New England, and I was
under the strongest hopes, that they would from

ence, have soon filled their Regiments; But
that
[Feb.
their Influ-
cannot suppose
Men will inlist for a Bounty of Twenty Dollars with them,
when they can get 53^ from
To
the State.
etc.
THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE

Head Quarters, Morris Town, February
Sir : I
57
have the honor
was a few days ago honored with your favors
and 17th
last
Month.
1,
1777.
of the 4th
cannot but think, that altho' your
in-
ducements for granting an additional Bounty to the Troops to

be furnished by your State, were certainly meant to serve the
Cause; that you will find them most prejudicial in the End.
One
reason will be, that by your departing from the Bounty
prescribed by Congress, the Troops in the other States will be

discontented, upon hearing of this ; unless they receive the same
and another and a more forcible one, that none of the New England Colos.
whom
have appointed to the
Command
until the
Number
and
not because there are not
this,
of
Regiments
allotted
they cannot grant the same Bounty.
Regiments,
Men
any
of
of the Sixteen additional Regiments, can possibly raise a
Man,
by Congress are
full,
enough, but because
Of the
Sixteen additional
had conferred Seven upon Gentlemen
of
New
England All Men of Influence, and who had given the highest
;
proofs of their Bravery and good Conduct during the whole

course of the
War; and as they were very
of their Officers
careful in the Choice
had the highest Expectation from their Corps.
But they write me they cannot get Men for 20

State allows 53 Jf.
51
The
draft
is
Thus you
in the writing of
see, Sir, to
Tench Tilghman.
dollars,
when the
what a dilemma
am
1777]
CONNECTICUT PRISONERS
reduced by
this
from the
line
87
departure of the four Eastern Governments
marked out by Congress; I must either give up

I must grant them the Bounty of 5334 dol-
Seven Regiments or
lars. If I
grant
it
to
them, the remaining 97 Batallions of Foot
the Regiments of Artillery and of Horse will put in their claim
same or justly complain of partiality.
for the
I
communicate the
will
which you inclosed
Letter
hint, given in the Extract of the
me,
to
to
General Schuyler and will
recommend it to him to improve it if he finds an opportunity. 68

I would have you by all means to attend to the compleating
of the Fortifications in the
shall in
Harbour
their Ships, as the interior parts of
Army.
of Boston,
and
hope we
time render most of our great towns as inaccessible to
have the
Honor
our Country are to then-
59
etc.
To JOSHUA LORING
Sir: Since I
wrote to you on the 20th. of
reed, a return of the Officers
last
1775,
desire that
who was taken at Quebec on the 31st. Decemr.

yet been sent out, may have it
and
first
Opportunity, in the
that Captains
room
Continental Regiment taken upon
Long
other.
Wyllis,
who
will deliver
you
New York upon his parole,

tain, I
of one of the Cap-
Trowbridge and Percival of the
August may be exchanged for the

this,
60
upon the 27
As Brigade Major
was permitted
to
go out of
either to return or send in a
Cap-
would have requested that one of the three Captains sent

Trumbull might have been exchanged for him,
See Washington's
The
17th.
Island
in by Govr.
58
have
and whose Parole has not
done by the
tains
1777.
and Privates sent from Connecticut
by Governor Trumbull, a Copy you have inclosed.

Capt. Dearborn
1,
Month,
draft
is
letter to
Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler, Feb.
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
9,
1777, post.
88
could
have done
without doing injustice to Captains Dear-
it
born, Trowbridge or Percival,

tivity.
But
if
there
[Feb.
is
who
a Captain, as
have been longer in Cap-
think there
is,
sent in
by
us,
and not yet accounted for, I desire that Major Wyllis may be
exchanged for him. There are yet the Paroles of Eight of the
Officers besides Capt. Dearborn, who were taken at Quebec,
which have never been sent out. I wish to have them among
the first. I observe that none of the Maryland Officers who were
taken upon Long Island, have ever been released, and that the
Pensylvanians have had more than their proportion,
there-
from
York and Maryland may have
a due
the Eastern States,
fore desire that in future the Officers
and those from
Jersey,
Iam&ca.
preference.
60
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, February
Parole
The General
Countersign
i,
1777.
positively forbids all Recruiting Officers
what-
bounty for men, or making them any

other promises, than what is particularly mentioned in the Resolve of Congress for that service nor does he admit of officers
ever, giving a greater
inlisting men
out of one State, to serve in another, unless they
are of the Additional Battalions, the Congress's
own
Regt., or
the Train of Artillery, without special Orders issued for that
purpose; great inconvenience and injustice arising therefrom,
and necessary
*To
to be prevented.
GOVERNOR NICHOLAS COOKE

Morris Town, February
Sir: In a Letter
to
60
which
you on the 20th

The
draft
is
Ulto.,
in the writing of
2,
1777.
did myself the honour of writing

I
could not help expressing
Tench Tilghman.
my
BOUNTY AND PAY CONFLICT
1777]
Sentiments of the Impropriety, as
it
appeard to me, of raising
Troops on a Colonial establishment and thereby

kind of seperate
Army was
At
Interest, before
89
setting
up
your quota for the Continental
compleated.
the time of
my
writing that Letter,
was unacquainted
with the terms on which these Colonial Regiments were to be

raised;
I little
thought, that the pay of theMenwastobegreater
than of those in the Continental Service.

conveniences enough without
this,
foresaw indeed
but the baneful Influence
of advanced pay and bounty, already begins to
numberless Instances, and the poisonous

reached
this
in-
shew itself in
them have
effects of
I do not know in what light the adoption

may appear to your State; to me, the contra-
Army.
of these Measures
distinctions which they are setting up appears to be fraught with
every evil;
Manifestly injurious to the common cause, and an
indirect breach of the union;
My
duty therefore as Comr. in
Chief of the Armies of the United States compels me, however

disagreeable the task, to remonstrate against such
mode of pro-
ceeding ( unless Co-ercive Measures are used to bring forth your
quota of Continental Troops), and to add, that
any particular State
is
the governing object of
if
the defence of
its
Policy
it
can
be no recommendation to me, or inducement for Congress to
bestow any extraordinary attention to the defence of such
You will do me the justice to perceive

ing
my complaint upon an
and Colonial
Sir,
that
State.
am ground-
Information that the Continental,
Officers are recruiting Indiscriminately; the first
at forty Shillings, the other at
3 pr. Month, the first, for hard
and dangerous Service, far distant from home perhaps, the Second, for easy and secure duty at, or near, their own firesides.
If my Information is wrong, and you are pursuing co-ercive,
or vigorous Measures to compleat the Continental Regiments
required of your State in a short time;

of course,
and
my remonstrance drops
have to ask your pardon for the trouble
have
90
given you.
the error of the Policy
If right,
is
[Feb.
too obvious to
need further annimadversion upon it; sufficient it is to me,

to warn you of the danger, and urge the Completion of the
Regiments for Continental

just
Service, the
claim upon you for these
cause to complain,
to raise others.
if
Men and will have but too good
they are depriv'd of them by your attempts
The Importance of the Subject will appolo-
gize for the freedom, and candour of
when
assure
United States have a
my Sentiments, especially
you that with very great esteem and regard
have the Honr. to be,
61
etc.
HEATH
2,
1777.
Dear Sir: I have not been favoured with a Line from you
since
the 24th. Ulto. Anxious for the success of the Troops under
you,
wish to hear from you frequently; an Express
may meet
with a ready passage across the North River. While you are
lying in that quarter, I would by all means have the Forage and
Provisions removed, to
tirely
some
interior parts of the Country, en-
out of the Enemy's reach ; For altho' the removing it, will
be attended with greater expense than the same quantity could be

laid in for, nearer the
grand Magazines, yet the
loss of
it
to the
Enemy, will vastly more than overbalance that Consideration;

I do not mean that this business should obstruct or retard your
Military Operations; a sufficient number of Waggons can do
when covered by your Troops tho' engaged. It's

more than probable, that the Enemy have laid in their Magazines on Long Island, I would therefore have you omit no chance
it
in security,
of destroying them; but rather, that you
would
industriously
court an Opportunity of detaching a party for that special

"George Johnston, who made the clean copy of this letter for Washington's signamade half a dozen word changes of Washington's draft at various points, but
without improvement on the General's choice of words.
ture,
NEW ENGLAND BOUNTIES
1777]
Blows of
purpose.
this sort, frequently
91
repeated now, will
effectually prevent their
pushing on with vigor the ensuing
Campaign. Wishing you
success. I
am etc. 02
To COLONEL EZEKIEL CORNELL 03

Morris
Sir: I
1777.
am no less Surprised than you are, at the policy of New

how
England,
dread
Town, February 2,
its
it
will
end
Consequences.
can not positively determine, but
dare not (as they have) hazard the
establishment of a practice, directly repugnant to a Resolve of
Congress, and therefore can say nothing more to you, than desire
you would quickly determine, from Appearances, whether

you can raise the Regiment by the time expected, if you think you
that
me immediately, for it would be only

who
end proposed. [I am satisfied you are too
can not, please to inform
loosing time, [and injuring thePublic,] to appoint Officers
can not answer the
great a friend to the Cause
number
no
of appointments
benefit, but
cers
the
we
are Ingaged in to wish to see a
from whence the public can
derive
on the contrary taxed with an expence of
without Men;
Offi-
When in other States who have not adopted
New England policy they may be Inlisted and our Strength
increased by
it.]
am etc.64
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL ADAM
COMSTOCK
You
Rhode
65
2, 1777.
and use your utmost

Regiment
Industry and Influence in raising the
on the Continental Establishmt. to which you was appointed by the Genl.
Sir
will proceed to
62
The
63
Cornell was at
04
The
draft
draft
is
is
in the writing of
Island
George Johnston.
Windham, Conn.
in the writing of George Johnston.
The words
in brackets were
inserted by Washington.
60
Of
the First
Rhode
Island
Regiment from January, 1777,
to April, 1778.
92
Assembly of that
State, on the
Condition and Terms prescribed
by Resolve of Congress on that
You
[Feb.
subject.
will appoint some place to
veniently repair to be disciplined,
wch
the Recruits
may
con-
and omit no Opportunity of
informing me of your Success in this business.
03
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Vienna.
3, 1777.
Countersign Wilmington.
Any officers, or soldiers of the American Army, who are possessed of Bonds, or other papers, belonging to
are strictly ordered to deliver
them
to the
Mr. Stockden,
67
Adjutant General
at
Head-Quarters.
General Returns of Brigades and Regiments to be given in
to
morrow, 9
o'clock.
To WILLIAM DUER
Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, February 3,
1777.
had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 28th Jan68

uary by Mr. Sacket, who Communicated to me the Measures
which had been planned by you and him, for forwarding the
Military Operations on your Side, and which I most Sincerely
Dr. Sir
wish had been carried into Execution.

I
attribute our
ill
Success in the
Neighbourhood of Kings-
same cause that you do; I was apprehensive from

the Manner in which the Scene opened that nothing great was
to be expected, but I hoped that the Country was not to be given
bridge, to the
up, altho' no Attempt was

66
made upon the
Fort.
In the writing of George Johnston. The text is from the original in the possession
W. H. Ducker, of St. Joseph, Mo., to whose kindness the editor is indebted.
Richard Stockton, of New Jersey.
88
Nathaniel Sacket. He, later, furnished secret intelligence to Washington.
of Mrs.
67
NEW YORK OFFICERS
1777]
shall say but little to
nicate
you byway of Letter, as
Command
changing the
end
shall
commu-
my Sentiments in a Confidential Manner to Mr. Sacket;
will only observe, that altho'
93
could easily find a pretence for
in your Quarter,
it
would answer no
to appoint either of the three Brigadier Generals
you mention; because they would be

provincial
Major Generals already
Commanded
69
that
by the two
there.
From the Accounts which I have received from Colo Henry

Livingston,
70
do not find
that there
more Regiments
in the State of
commissioned;
there was,
if
is
New
a probability of filling
York, than are already
should take a pleasure in confer-
Command, which you
desire, upon Mr. John Livingme; but for one reason, and that is, that
the appointment of a young Gentn. who has never served, to so
high a Rank, would probably give disgust to many officers of
long standing, who are still in inferior Stations. But I would
wave this objection provided I could be any ways assured that
Mr. Livingston's Interest, in conjunction with that of a good
Colonel and Major would raise a Regiment. Have you fixed
upon any person in your own mind proper for the Command ?
ring the
ston
71
tho' a Stranger to
If
you have not, what think you of Lieut. Col Weissenf els,
is
an excellent
Colo.
didly told
own
do
I
it.
Officer
Malcolm
73
and of approved Bravery. There
whom
is
he
also
offered a Regiment, but he can-
me that he did not think he could raise one upon his
Interest.
I shall
Perhaps his joined to Mr. Livingston's might

be glad to hear your Sentiments on this Matter.
have the Honor

6a
to
72
74
etc.
Generals Mifflin, Parsons, and James Clinton.

Col. Henry Beekman(?) Livingston, of the Fourth New York Regiment.
"Duer had written that John Livingston was a son of Robert [R.] Livingston.
72
Lieut. Col. Frederick Weissenf els, of the Second New York Regiment.
"Col. William Malcom, of a New York State regiment. He was colonel of one cf
the 1 6 Additional Continental regiments in April, 1777; deputy adjutant general,
Northern Department, in 1778; served, subsequently, as colonel of New York levies.
74
70
94

Head
Quarters, Morris
[Feb.
HEATH
Town, February
3, 1777.
Dear Sir Your two favors of the 30th. last month reached me
last Night. I cannot say but I was a good deal surprised and
disappointed at the contents. I never was very sanguine, as to
any thing more being effected than to oblige the Garrison either
to Surrender or evacuate Fort Independence and retire within
the Island; as neither has been done, I wish your summons had
:
never been sent, as

of our Enemies.
By
am fearful it will expose us to the ridicule

falling
back
as far as
valuable purpose of your going down,
priving the
Enemy
you have done, one
is lost,
and
that
is,
de-
of the forage of which they are in extreme
own use. 75 If my accounts from

Brunswick are true, the Enemy have, notwithstanding your bewant, and collecting
it
for our
ing upon their Backs, drawn considerable Reinforcements from
New York, if so, and you think that nothing of Consequence

can be effected by you in the Neighbourhood of Kingsbridge,
I
would have you
leave a sufficient force at Peekskill, to
make
the passes secure, and throw the remainder over the River, with
Orders to march immediately
down
here.
For
if
the Troops
Rhode Island and do not find you in West Chester

County, they will certainly join their main Body at Brunswick,
and the Garrison of York Island, may likewise be much reduced, and the Troops drawn from thence oe 1 ike wise sent here.
return from
We must, in that case, collect all our force to oppose theirs.

we
wish
could possibly have foreseen that the diversion upon your
side
would not have had the
tions of the three
desired effect, for with the addi-
thousand four hundred Men, that have been
with you, we could have distracted the Enemy with a variety of

75
See note to Washington's letter to Maj. Gen. William Heath, Jan. 19, 1777, ante.
Sparks says the expedition was originally a project of the Convention of New York,
and, by the consent and order of General Washington, it was put under the direction
of Heath. Brig. Gen. John Morin Scott commanded the New York cooperating militia.
BRITISH FORAGERS
17771
95
Attacks, and
made some considerable Advantages. The
of Carleton's
Army having joined Howe's
report
certainly without
is
foundation.
The
securing the Forage in
West Chester County,
for our
own use, or depriving the Enemy from carrying it off for theirs,
an object of so much moment, that I desire some measures
may yet be fallen upon to effect one or the other. Suppose
is
'
a light
Body
of Troops, under an active Officer, sufficient to
Enemy, except they come out

behind, and Stationed as
in very large Bodies, should be
near Kingsbridge as possible. While they kept a good look out
they never could be surprised, for not being encumbered with
any Baggage, they could always move at a moments warning,
if the Enemy came out with a superior force, and move back
when they returned. This would Oblige them to forage, with
such large covering parties, that it would in a manner harrass
repel any foraging parties of the
left
their
Troops to death.
practices
with
advanced,
we
us,
We have found the
for by keeping four or
not only oblige
them
1500 and 2,000 to cover, but every
smart Brush. Your
advantage of such
five
hundred
to forage
now and
Waggons might always
Men far
with parties of
then, give
them
safely be at Work
in the rear of your party, for at this Season of the Year, Kings-
from whence the Enemy can issue. As

to the number necessary for the above purpose, I would have
you consult Mr. Duer and the Gentlemen who best know the
Country. After fixing that matter, you will next determine
what number are to be left at Peekskill, and I would have the
remainder immediately marched forward to join me. One
thing I would wish you to observe, that is, that the Troops that
come over, should be those who have the longest time to serve.
In one of your former Letters, you desired leave to return for
a while to New England, when the Service would admit of it,
bridge
is
the only point
have no Objection to your doing
it
after
you have made the

96
Arrangements recommended above.
TFeb.
must only wish that you
will return, as soon as your private Affairs will admit, for several of the
General
their respective
Spring.
76
Officers, are desirous of
making
a Visit to
homes, before the Campaign opens in the
am etc. 77
To MAJOR GENERAL ISRAEL PUTNAM

Head Quarters, Morris Town, February 3,
Sir : Upon considering the best mode of distressing the
and rendering their Situation
still
1777.
Enemy
more disagreeable, as well as
"Heath wrote in reply to this (February 6): "When I received your Excellency's
Orders to march towards Kingsbridge, nothing could be more agreeable than the
Manoeuvre; but I cannot say that the taking Command of a Body of Troops intirely
Upon my Arrival before the Fort I
Militia was so; it was indeed far otherwise.
Summoned the Garrison to surrender, as your Excellency is sensible is the practice on
the first Investing of a Place; and this I did in particular at the motion of a Gentleman
before I left Peekskill, as it was supposed the Garrison consisted of Hessian Troops,
and from some preceding Circumstances it might answer a very good purpose. And
although some of the Enemy may laugh at a Fort being summoned and not taken, I
believe they will scarcely publish the Summons. After this I called a Council of War,
as I did in every Instance of Importance during our Continuance before the Fort, and
in every one of them the Council was unanimous. I have taken the Liberty of enclosing one of them, to wit. that preceding our Remove, by which your Excellency will
perceive, that the Landing of Lord Percy to surround us was not so much as mentioned. The facts were briefly these. The Troops were scattered in a Circle of more than
Eight miles; we had tried to Hut them, but the Rain preceding our Remove, had driven
four of General Lincoln's Regiments from their Huts, with the Loss of nearly all their
Ammunition. The Enemy had sallied early one morning and Surprised one of our
out Guards; the Regiment nearest the place was struck with a panic, and had quitted
their Quarters, leaving their Baggage; the Troops were so scattered as not to be collected in less than two or three hours. In which case those that were quartered within
Cannon Shot of the Fort as was the Case would be entirely cut to pieces before they
could be supported. A diffidence and uneasiness were discovered in even the bravest
Officers, in such a Situation, and a universal desire to get more advantageously quartered. Every Officer objected to a Storm, as they apprehended the Militia inadequate
to such an Enterprise. Every purpose it was supposed would, and has been, answered
by the Troops in their present Cantonment, except that of Reducing the Fort. No
Officer could be more anxious to effect something to purpose than I have during the
Expedition here, or more harassed, perplexed and fatigued with an undisciplined
Militia, and if after all this and having taken every Step, agreable to the Result of
Councils of War, I am to be Censured, it is truly discouraging. ... I shall immediately endeavour to make the necessary Arrangement directed by your Excellency
and shall in Obedience to your Orders, consult Colo. Duer, otherwise I should not do
it, in Military matters, altho' I much esteem him for his good Sense and Judgment in
.
draft
Washington Papers.
other affairs."
"The
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
IMPRESS OF STOCK AND TEAMS
1777]
97
retarding their early Operations in the Field ; I have determined

to remove, out of their reach, all the Horses,
Waggons, and fat
Cattle, for which purpose I have appointed Thursday Morning
next early for you, Genls. Sullivan, Warner and Dickinson
do
it.
In the
manner,
are. I
mean time you
will, in the best
collect the necessary
mean
78
to
and most private
information where these Articles
that you should take a sufficient party to
remove
them from the whole Country, lying between Quibble Town

and the Sound eastward, approaching as near the Enemy as you
can in safety. I would by no means have you grasp at too much,
lest the attempt maybe entirely frustrated, undertake to remove
no more of them, than you can with the greatest certainty and
success accomplish.
I
shall let
remain
The
till
forage in the Circle above described,
another time.
have dispatched Orders
Similar to these to the above mentioned Generals, and have
signed to each of them, such parts of the Country, as

convenient.
let
me
well
79
On
will be the best person
every possible Assistance.
you can apply
As
to,
it.
Doctr. Cald-
he will give you
the success of this enterprize de-
pends totally on the secresy with which it is conducted,
a hint of
expect
Enemy cannot possibly get

The Horses and Waggons are to be given to the
settle
it.
most
the success of this business, very much depends;
therefore, call your utmost attention to
you will
lie
as-
matters
so, that
the
Quarter Master of the Brigade, and the fat Cattle to be sent to

the
Commissary
The
here, except
Officer of the party
what you want with you.

brings things off must Value
who
and take an Account of them, the Parties

but see that they are well covered.
sent
need not be large,
80
78
These same instructions were sent to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan and Brig. Gens.
Nathaniel Warner and Philemon Dickinson.
79
Rev. James Caldwell, chaplain of the Third New Jersey Regiment.
80
The draft is in the writing of George Johnston and John Fitzgerald.
98
[Feb.
GENERAL ORDERS
Countersign Pittsburgh.
Parole Stanton.
The Hon'ble The Governor and Assembly

having directed Thursday the 6th. day of
observed as a
4, 1777.
Day
of Fasting, Humiliation
Inhabitants of the State
of
New
Jersey,
Month,
this
to be
and Prayer, by the
The General desires the same may
be observed by the army.
The Quarter Master General will,
in future, deliver the fol-
lowing Rations of Provender for the horses employed in the

service
viz:
For Light Horse, 16 lbs. of Hay, and 10 Quarts of Oats, or 6 l/2

q'ts.
of Indian Corn, or other Grain in lieu thereof.
For
Officer's
Horses belonging to the Foot,
14
draw provender
ised to
lbs
4 Q'ts of Indian Corn, or other
Hay and
Grain in
who are author-
6 quarts of Oats, or
lieu thereof.
To GOVERNOR WILLIAM LIVINGSTON

Head
Sir: I
happy
am
Quarters, Morris
Town, February 4,
favored with your's of the
to hear that
1st Inst,
and
1777.
shall
be
your House will adopt the Measures you
propose recommending to them.
Our Army
is
in
much
the
Pleasure of seeing you here;

large Bodies of the
Enemy in which they have little to Boast of
and would have had

in each for
of their
same Situation as when I had the

we have had two Skirmishes with
less,
which they
are
had not a Colo, of ours behaved
now under Arrest.
In the
first,
111
two
Regiments were opposed by our advanced Party of 160
Men, who behaved well, and
if
supported by the
Main Body of
about 260. under command of Colo. Buckner, would have done
SKIRMISH
1777]
Damage.
great
We
lost
99
but two and from the best Accounts
we have, the Enemy must have lost from 30. to 40. killed and a
proportion wounded; amongst the killed we are informed was
their Colo. Commandant and the Lieut. Colo. Wounded, mor-
The
came out was headed by Sir

from two to three thousand with 8 Field pieces, they came for some Hay, which some
of our Troops intended taking off the same Day; they met near
the Ground where the Hay was when a Smart Engagement
tally
it is
said.
William Erskine,
81
when our
ensued;
last
party that
and consisted
of,
Troops, vastly inferior in
Number, were
obliged to give way, however they again Rallied and attacked,
when
became a
it
sort of
drawn
Battle,
suffering considerably went off with so
the
Hay
which they had on
&c.
their
111
for
which
after
much precipitation, that

Waggons, was
part strew'd along the Road. In this affair
has behaved
and the Enemy
it is
in great
said Colo. Ward
have ordered him arrested. Genl.
Heath, after approaching Fort Independence, has thought

to retire
82
up towards the White
Plains;
it is
fit
confidently said,
Howe has ordered in the greatest part of the Rhode

83
and I am informed that Lord Piercy has ar84
rived at Frogs Neck with part of them. I am etc.
that Genl.
Island Troops,
*To MAJOR
GENERAL WILLIAM HEATH

Morris Town, February 4, 1777.
Dear
date;
Sir:
85
It is
conduct
is
This Letter
is
to hint to you,
in addition to
and
censured (and by
do
it
my public one of this
with concern, that your
Men of sense and judgment who
"Lieut. Col. Sir William Erskine. Later he was colonel of the Eightieth Foot, BritArmy, and brigadier and major general in America.
82
Col. Andrew Ward, of a Connecticut State regiment.
S3
Maj. Gen. Hugh, Earl Percy.
84
The draft is in the writing of John Fitzgerald.
85
See Washington's letter to Maj. Gen. William Heath, Feb. 3, 1777, ante.
ish

100
[Feb.
have been with you on the Expedition to Fort Independance)

as
being fraught with too much caution, by which the Army has
been disappointed, and in some degree disgraced.
86
Your Summons, as you did not attempt to fulfil your threats,

was not only Idle but farcical; and will not fail of turning the
laugh exceedingly upon us; these things I mention to you as a
friend, (for you will perceive that they have composed no part
of my public Letter). Why you should be so apprehensive of
being surrounded, even if Lord Piercy had Landed, I cannot
conceive You know that Landing Men, procuring Horses &ca.
is not the work of an hour, a day, or even a Week.
Upon the whole, it appears to me from Information, that if
you had pushed vigorously, upon your first going to Fort Independence that that post would have been carried; and query,
may it not yet be taken by Surprize ? It is nothing for a party of
light Troops to march twelve or Fourteen Miles in the course
of five or Six hours; an expedition therefore undertaken with
precaution, and conducted with secrecy in a dark Night, may
be attended with fortunate consequences. I drop this hint, you
;
may
improve, or reject
large a
body
it,
as
Circumstances will
for such an Enterprize
expose the measure to discovery.
*To
justify, too
might be unwieldly, and
am etc.
LORD STIRLING
Head Quarters, February 4,
My Lord You
:
are to repair to Baskenridge
1777.
and take upon
you the command of the Troops now there, and such

sent to your care.
as
may be
86
"Many persons are extremely dissatisfied with numbers of the general officers of
the highest rank. I don't mean the Commander-in-Chief, his character is justly very
high, but Schuyler, Putnam, Spencer, Heath, are thought by very few to be capable of
hear of none of their heroic deeds of arms. I wish
the great commands they hold.
part, I will vote upon the genuine principles of a rethey would all resign. For
We
my
public for a new election of general officers annually, and every man shall have my
consent to be left out who does not give sufficient proof of his qualifications." John
to Abigail Adams, Feb. 21, 1777.
1777]
You
SECRET INTELLIGENCE
101
much
and
are to endeavour, as
as possible, to harrass
annoy the Enemy by keeping Scouting parties constantly (or

as frequently as possible) around their Quarters.
As you will be in the Neighbourhood of Genls. Dickenson
and Warner, I recommend it to you to keep up a correspondence
with them, and endeavour to regulate your Parties by
as to
theirs, so
have some constantly out.
Use every means in your power to obtain Intelligence from

Enemy wch. may possibly be better effected by engaging
some of those People who have obtaind Protections, to go in
under pretence of asking advice than by any other Means.
You will also use every means in your power to obtain, and
communicate, the earliest accts of the Enemy's Movements,
and to Assemble in the speediest manner possible your Troops
the
either for offence or defence.
*To NATHANIEL SACKETT

4, 1777.
The advantage of obtaining the earliest and best Intelligence of the designs of the Enemy, The good Character given
Sir :
of you by Colo. Duer,

this kind,
and your capacity for an undertaking of
have induced
business to your care
For your
own
till
care
me to entrust the Management of this

further orders on this head.
and trouble
in this business
agree,
on
behalf of the public to allow you Fifty Dollars pr. Kallender
Month, and herewith give you a Warrant upon the Paymaster

Sum of Five hundd. Dollars to pay those whom
you may find necessary to Imploy in the transaction of this
business. An acct of the disbursements of which you are to
87
render to me.
Genl. for the
From the text, in the writing of Washington, kindly furnished by Lyman H. Gallagher, of Caroline, Slaterville Springs, N. Y. The draft, in die Washington Papers, is
also in the writing of Washington.
102
[Feb.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Lewis.
The
5, 1777.
Countersign Barclay.
Fast day directed in Yesterday's General Orders
was
being ordered by the Governor and Assembly of this
mistake,
it
State, to
be kept the 6th. of March, not the 6th. of this Month;
which the Army
To
is
to take notice of.

Head
Sir: I
Qurs., Morris
Town, February
dry Resolves of Congress and a Petition of Monsr.

inclosed.
as I
5, 1777.
am honored with yours of the 24th January, with SunI
88
Pellisier's
am not the proper person to refer the Petition to, as
am no judge of his Merit as an Engineer, having never had
an opportunity of seeing any of his performances. At any

I
do not
see the necessity of appointing
rate,
him or any other person

would exclude
principal Engineer at Ticonderoga, for that
from being
any other,
tho' of superior Abilities
sides, as a
Corps of Engineer's, will in
established,
more
I
Monsr.
Pellisier's
all
sent there. Be-
probability be soon
Rank can then be
settled
with
propriety.
forgot to mention in any of
my
former Letters that
appointed Capt. Nathaniel Gist of Virginia to the
had
command
Regiment
to be raised upon the Frontiers of Virginia and

and I have directed him if possible, to bring a Company or two of Cherokee Indians. If they can be procured, they
will answer two valuable purposes, one as excellent Scouts, the
other, that they will be in fact Hostages, and will secure the good
of a
Carolina,
behaviour of their Nation.

8s
Lieut. Col. Christopher Pelissier, Engineer Corps, Continental Army. (See Journals
of the Continental Congress, Jan. 23. 1777.) Pelissier's petition has not been located.
BRITISH BARBARITY
1777]
Major Bland
sired to
89
Commandant
know, whether there
Bounty and
re-inlisting his
of the Virginia Horse, has deis
not a necessity of giving a
Regiment
They were
inlisted to serve in the
with some
difficulty prevailed
Major thinks they would be
103
as Continental
Colony, and the
upon
Troops.
Men
were
march
hither, but the
intirely reconciled
upon receiving
to
the Bounty.
I
received a letter from Mr. Chase,
proper persons to
90
desiring I would appoint
make enquiry into and
take depositions con-
cerning the Behaviour of the British and Foreign Troops in

Jersey.
This would be an endless
march
task, as their line of
marked with devastation, and is a thing of such public notodemands no further proof. I remonstrated with
Genl. Howe upon the Treatment of our wounded at Princeton,
you will see by the inclosed Letter from him, that he disavows
and detests the proceeding. But I fear that too much encouragement is given to such barbarous Behaviour by the British
Officers, for in a late Skirmish [near Brunswick] in which Sir
92
91
William Erskine commanded, Lieut. Kelly of the 5th Virginia Regiment was Slightly wounded in the thigh, but before
he could get off the field, he was overtaken and murthered in
is
riety, that it
a most cruel manner. Generel Stephen informed
would write
[in] to Sir
me
that he
William and inform him, that unless
to, our Soldiers would not be

from making Retaliation.
By a Letter from Genl. Heath of the 30th. last month, I find
that he had decamped from the Neighbourhood of Kingsbridge
and removed back towards the White Plains. His reasons, for
so doing, were that the Troops could not stand the inclemency
such practices were put a Stop
restrained
s3
Maj. Theodorick Bland.

Samuel Chase.
"Lieut. Col. Sir William Erskine, of the Seventy-first Foot, British Army.
00
92
Lieut. William (?) Kelly.
104
[Feb.
and that he feared, the Troops expected from

would land upon his Back. I have, however, directed him, to leave a Body of light Troops, under an active
Officer in order to harrass their foraging parties, and to cover
our own, who are to remove as much of the forage from West
Chester County as they can. And after leaving as many men, as
of the Weather,
Rhode
Island,
will Secure the passes in the Highlands, the remainder are to
be sent over here to join me, for
Enemy
am
apprehensive that the
are reinforcing themselves at Brunswick.
morrow send
shall to-
out parties, from every quarter to remove
all
the
Cattle and Sheep, or as many as possible,

from the neighbourhood of the Enemy's lines. They are to
Waggons, Horses,
attend particularly to the Horses, for

that they at present have,
fresh ones
them
to
we can
reduce those
from the adjacent Country, it will be impossible for

their Artillery and Waggons forward, should
move
they incline to
I
if
and can hinder them from getting
observe,
make another push towards
by your
last
Philadelphia.
Resolves that the Militia of Baltimore,
93
and Cecil Counties in Maryland are ordered out and

way. Let me intreat you to Suffer none to go formarch
this
to
ward to Philadelphia, but what are equipped with Arms, Accoutrements and Blankets, they hurt the Service much by taking
these things, only for a short time, from the continental Troops,
many of whom would otherwise be enabled to take the Field.
The Secretary of the Board of War, has transmitted me extracts from Genl. Schuyler's Letters, in which he calls [very]
pressingly for some General Officers to be sent to his Assistance.
This will shew you the necessity of immediately making the
promotions recommended in mine of the 22d January. For
at present, I cannot spare a General Officer from this quarter,
Hartford
without injuring the Service.

93
Harford County.
SMALLPOX IN THE ARMY
1777]
Nothing of consequence has happened

last,
except a Skirmish on the
ist.
since
of this
105
wrote to you
Month,
five or six
Miles from Brunswick landing, between our advanced parties

about seven hundred in the whole, and upwards of two thou-
Enemy under
sand of the
the engagement
Sir
William Erskine. The heat of
was between Colo.
Scott of the 5th Virginia
Regiment, who, with about one hundred Men, beat back two
hundred of the British Grenadiers. Several other Officers behaved with great spirit, but there is some reason to suspect that
Colo.
Andrew Ward who commanded our main Body, did not
behave altogether as he ought.

I
have ordered a Court upon him, that the Matter
may
be
fairly canvassed, and that
he may stand condemned or acquitted
by the Evidence of those
who were present.
Colo Buckner of the 6th Virginia Regiment

Arrest
upon
Escape, but
and went
a charge of cowardice, broke his parole
over to Bucks County,
who
who was under
make
suppose with an intent to
his
dispatched a Troop of light Horse after him,
brought him back yesterday, and he
is
to take his tryal
on Friday.
The
find
it
small pox has
made such Head
impossible to keep
it
in every Quarter that
from Spreading
thro' the
in the natural
Way.
innoculate
all
the Troops
shall order
Doctor Shippen to innoculate the Recruits,
as they
come
Army,
have therefore, determined not only to
now
had
here, that have not
into Philadelphia.
They
will loose
no
it,
but
as fast
time, be-
cause they will go thro' the disorder while their cloathing,
Arms and accoutrements are getting ready.

From the first institution of civil Government,
it
has been
the national policy of every precedent State to endeavour to
engage
its
Members
to the discharge of their Public duty,
the obligation of some Oath;
its
force
and happy
by
influence,

106
has been
in too
felt
[Feb.
many instances, to need any Arguments to
support the Policy, or prove
its utility.
have often thought,
the States have been too negligent in this particular and
from the
more fully convinced
of
sion has produced in
New
tute, that can be
it
own
the
first
An
Force,
oath
is
the only substi-
we
Cement
lose a considerable
and give the Enemy an opportunity
tender of the oaths of allegiance to the King.
ful influence
am
Genl Howe's excur-
adopted to supply the defect of principle. By our
inattention to this Article
our
Jersey.
Effect
is
but too severely
felt at this
time.
to
to
make
Its
bane-
The People
generally confess they were compelled to take protection and

subscribe the declaration, yet
ments
to refuse taking
it
furnishes
many with Argu-
any active part and further, they alledge
themselves bound to a neutrality at
least.
Many
conscientious
People
who were
well wishers to the Cause had they been
bound
to the States
by an Oath, would have Suffered any pun-
ishment, rather than take the Oath of Allegiance to the King,
and are now
lost to
our Interest for want of
this necessary tie.
Notwithstanding the Obligation of the Association they do not

conceive
it
to have the
same
effect of
an Oath.
94
The more
united the Inhabitants appear, the greater Difficulty

find, in reconciling
quently the
less
them
to regal
Howe will
Government, and conse-
hope of conquering them. For these Reasons
and many more
that
might be urged,
should Strongly rec-
ommend, every State to fix on some proper form as an Oath or

Affirmation of Allegiance to be tendered to
tants without exception,
I
and
to out
all
the Inhabi-
law those that refuse
it.
am &c. 95
84
"I expect a recommendation will soon be made by Congress to all the States to
administer an Oath not only to Officers and Electors but to all Suspected persons as a
Test to discriminate between Friends and foes." Roger Sherman to Governor Trumbull, Apr. 9, 1777. (See Burnett's Letters of Members of Congress, vol. 2, p. 320.)
95
In the writing of Tench Tilghman. The words in brackets are in the draft but
not in the letter sent.
1777]
107
To ROBERT MORRIS
Dr.
readily excuse your not answering

as I
know
1777.
have the pleasure of yours of the 31st Ulto. and can
Sir: I
the
Weight
my Letters with regularity,

upon
of important Business that lays
your hands.
made by Mr. Towers, 96 is so small, that

I do not think the immediate removal of them any ways necessary. Besides they are such as will be chiefly taken up by the
The Return
Troops upon
likely to
their
March.
If there are
any bulky Articles not
be wanted soon, they are better out of the way.
Mr.Wallace
and
of Stores
97
wrote to General Sullivan concerning his plate,
have desired him to write to Genl. Heath and
whether he has got
it.
You may depend,
know
that such Steps shall
be taken, as will render Strict justice to Mr. Wallace and

the Public.
I
perfectly agree in Sentiment with you, that
better for every Suspicious
in exchange for Capt. Hallock
Dean.
If there are
98
liberty to
if
New
in
send in Capt. Jones
and Mr. Palmer
99
for Capt.
any others taken in Merchantmen that are
not held as Prisoners of War, use your
deavour
would be
and dangerous person to be
York, for which reason you have

1
it
you can, to procure the
own discretion, only en-
liberty of Masters of Ships or
same Circumstances.
hope your Ship will not loose her Valuable Cargo of
others under the

I
thank you for the Copy of the Kings Speech, which

33
Salt.
think
Robert Towers, commissary of the Pennsylvania committee of safety.

Wallace, of New York City.
Capt. William Hallock, of the Continental armed vessel Lexington. He had gone
to the West Indies for the Secret Committee of Congress and on his way back was
captured by the British frigate Pearl off the Delaware capes.
89
Palmer was British commissary.
1
Capt. John Dean, of the Fifth Maryland Regiment. He was taken prisoner at Fort
Washington. N. Y. Heitman's Register states he was exchanged in August, 1778.
07
Hugh
108
fairly bids the
[Feb.
Parliament to prepare for an approaching Storm,
indeed France has done every thing but make the much wished
for declaration.
have given Monsr. Derolland a Lieutenancy
in Colonel Patton's Regt.
am etc.
To SAMUEL CHASE
Head
Sir: I
Town, February
Quarters, Morris
5, 1777.
have yours of the 23d January, inclosing a Resolution
of Congress,
whereby you are appointed one of seven Gentn.,
to enquire into the Conduct of the British
and Hessian Officers,
towards the Officers and Soldiers in the Service of the States
and towards the Inhabitants
New York.
of the States of
New
Jersey
and
To take a particular Account of all the Ravages and devastations
would be
endless,
shall therefore
employ some proper
person to take the depositions of people in different parts of

the Province of
New
Jersey,
who
have been plundered,
after
having taken protection and Subscribed the Declaration.
One thing I must remark in favor of the Hessians, and that is,
who have been prisoners generally agree that
they received much kinder treatment from them, than from the
British Officers and Soldiers. The Barbarities at Princeton were
that our people
all
I
committed by the
sent
Genl
Howe
British, there
afterwards died of the
Wounds he
dered, but you will see by a

2
being no Hessians there.
a deposition taken
Copy
from
Lieut. Yates,
who
received after he Surren-
of a Letter transmitted to
Roland. He was appointed a lieutenant in Patton's Additional Conon January 15; dropped from the rolls after September.
The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. The letter sent, which is also in
Tilghman's writing, is in the collection of Judge E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton, N. J.
4
See Journals of the Continental Congress, Jan. 16, 1777. The committee was Samuel Chase, John Witherspoon, Abraham Clark, Francis Lewis, George Ross, Thomas
Heyward, and William Smith.
Sebastian
De
tinental regiment
3
TORY FAMILIES
1777]
Howe
Congress, that Genl.
109
disavows and reprobates
all
such
proceedings. There has been another Instance of Barbarity

in a Skirmish
on the
Month.
of this
ist
5th Virginia Regiment was Slightly
Lieut. Kelly of the
wounded
in the Thigh,
but before he could get off the Field he was overtaken and
cruelly
Murdered. Genl Stephens sent in a Flag to
Sir
Wil-
liam Erskine, complaining of this Savage Manner of Carrying
on War; but I do not know his Answer.

orders were given at Trenton to make no
all that fell into their
I
have the honor &c.
have heard that
Prisoners, but kill
hands, but of this there
is

Sir:
Your favor
Mr. John Taylor,
have received; and assure you that
who were not particularly
therefore
1777.
never
my Proclamation,
active in persecuting
the property of the friends to our Cause.
and any others
5,
of Yesterday representing the Case of
intended to exclude any from the benefit of
lor
proof.
PUTNAM
To MAJOR GENERAL ISRAEL

Dear
no
and distroying
The case of Mr. Tay-
that are brought to you, or confined,
depend upon
this.
As
must
to the Circumstance, respect-
ing the Families of those who went over to the Enemy, previous
to the Proclamation,
it is
not
my intention that they should be
under any necessity of withdrawing themselves, provided their

future good behaviour warrants such Lenity towards them.
If
any application should be made to you, for leave to withdraw

to the
Enemy; and upon examination you
in granting
it,
you have
my
property be conveyed with them.

5
The
The
see
no Impropriety
consent to agree to
I
am etc. 6
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
draft
is
in the writing of
John Fitzgerald.
it,
but
let
no
110
[Feb.

Head Quarters, Morris Town, February 5, 1777.
Dear Sir: The slowness and irregularity with which the Milileave Philadelphia, renders the presence of
tia
Officer in that City indespensably necessary;
some General
and
as
you have
been there, and no doubt are better acquainted with the best
mode
I
of equipping
and dispatching them, than any new one,
request your Continuance there,
me; In the mean time
must
call
till
you hear farther from
your utmost attention to
business, as of the last Consequence, perhaps, to us

I
now.
have already been deceived with respect to the Numbers,
said to
so,
this
have left Philadelphia to join me, and shall continue to be
without the
least fault in the
Commanding Officer there.
If
they are permitted to march from thence in small Bodies, with
but few Officers, too
many of them return to their homes, mak-
ing plunder of every thing furnished them by the Public, to

enable
them
to take the field; nor can this scandalous practice
be checked and punished, as no Account is taken of the Officers

names who command them. I would therefore have you send
me with every detachment, an Account of the Names of the
Officers commanding them, and number of Men that leave you
to join
me;
as also of the several Articles furnished
Public, that when discharged, they

tled here,
them by the
may have their Accounts set-
than to alter the route of the Troops coming from the
South; you will therefore
town, and not to touch
command
all
at Philadelphia,
such to pass by
New-
under the most certain
and severe Penalty. To accommodate them whilst at Newtown,

I
would have an
issuing Store instantly established there,
likewise an Officer of
some
business shall be to receive
distinction quartered there,
and forward them.
If
it
and
whose
can be made
BOUNTY JUMPING
1777]
convenient for Colo. Dehaas, 7

this duty. I
among
wish he could be appointed to
am informed that a most infamous practice prevails
the Soldiery in Philadelphia, of inlisting into several
Corps,
it
must not be
For which purpose,
suffered.
inclosed you a General Order against
have
it
vigorously executed, as
smallest degree of
what
loss
111
mercy
it,
make
it
have
public,
and
am resolved to extend not the

I am much at a
to such offenders.
step to take to prevent the spreading of the small
Pox, should
we
innoculate generally, the
Enemy, knowing it,

'till some good
will certainly take advantage of our Situation;
mode can be
adopted,
know
of
P. S. Since writing the above I
of innoculating the Troops,
no
better. I
and have given orders
pose, as well at Philadelphia as here, this
method
am etc.
have come to the Resolution
is
of putting a period to the disorder.
to that pur-
the only effectual
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole
Countersign
6, 1777.
many frauds and abuses have

been committed of late by sundry Soldiers, who after inlisting in
The General
is
informed, that
one Regiment, and receiving the Bounty allowed by Congress,

have deserted, inlisted in others, and received new Bounties, for
commands
Continental Army, to use
prevention of such unjust, and infamous practices,
and
strictly
their
enjoins
all officers
of the
utmost endeavours to detect those
who
shall be guilty of
such offences, and them having apprehended, they cause to be

T
Col. John Philip De Haas, of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment.

to brigadier general in February, 1777.
He was
moted
8
B
See General Orders, Feb. 6, 1777, post.

draft is in the writing of George Johnston and Tench Tilghman.
The
pro-
112
[Feb.
forthwith tried by a General Court Martial, that they
may
be dealt with according to their crimes.
The General
of the most
thinks proper to declare that this offence
enormous and
flagrant nature,
is
and not admit-
ting of the least palliation or excuse; whosoever are convicted
and sentenced
and inevitable.
thereof,
certain
to die,
may
consider their execution
That such impositions may be less practicable every Officer

engaged in the Recruiting Service, is required to have a piece
of blue, red or yellow Ribband or Tape, fixed in the Hat of
each soldier recruited, at the time of enlistment; which he
shall constantly wear,
under pain of receiving 39 Lashes; 'till

which he belongs is assembled and
the Regiment, or Corps to

joins the
army.
To
10

Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, February
6, 1777.
am this
Evening honored with yours of the 1st Inst.,

and am to thank you for your Promise of forwarding the New
Levies, which I am sure you will perform to the utmost of your
Sir: I
Abilities. I have, as I
wrote you in
my last, pressed Congress to
Money and the proper Books

open your Loan Office. As Mr. Mease the Cloathier General
is now here, I have shewed him that pa.rt of your Letter respecting Cloathing and I refer you to him for a Letter, which he
will write to you upon that Head. Instead of hiring Arms, as
send you forward a Supply of
to
has been the
Custom heretofore, I would have them purchased
of the Owners,
means be kept
is at liberty to
on Account of the Continent, they will by these

Man looks upon it that he
use his own firelock ?.s he pleases. But in the
in better repair, for a
10
On February 6 Washington wrote short notes to Morris, Clymer, and Wharton, the
committee of Congress at Philadelphia, and to the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania,
requesting funds to meet recruiting expenses of various regiments. These notes are in
the Washington Papers.
QUALITY OF ARMS
1777]
purchase of the Arms,
would have
113
special care taken as to the
Quality, for our Stores are already lumbered with useless ones.
I
have the Honor to be
11
etc.
CIRCULAR TO MASSACHUSETTS, CONNECTICUT

NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND RHODE ISLAND
Head
As
Quarters, Morris
Town, February
the Arrival of a Sufficient quantity of Small
Europe in time, to arm the Continental Troops,
is
6, 1777.
Arms from
a matter of
great uncertainty, proper Steps should be immediately taken

in your State to Collect all that can be purchased
from
private
The Custom of hiring them for the Campaign, is attended with many bad Consequences, the owners take little
care of them and carry them away or sell or change them when
People.
they please.
Particular Attention should be paid to the quality of the Firelock;
no
light trash
Arms
in the Public Stores,
and
if
Barrel, they should be
missary
should on any Account be received
they are not Substantial, both in
thrown upon the Hands
who purchased them.
P. S. Letters
of Ticonderoga
Com-
am &c.
from Genl. Schuyler inform me,

is left
of the
Lock
almost intirelynaked;that
that the Post
it is
in
no Situon
ation of Resistance; you will therefore be pleased, to hurry
your Regiments and order them immediately to that Place.
12
To JOSHUA LORING
Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, February 6,
1777.
13
This will be delivered to you by Major Edmonston,

who was sent down by General Schuyler to go into New York
Sir:
upon parole,
"The
12
The
to return, or send out an Officer of equal
Rank.
in the writing of Tench Tilghman.

in the writing of Tench Tilghman. The letter sent to
Hampshire, in the archives of the
Hampshire Historical Society, is dated Feb. 7, 1777.
13
Maj. Charles(?) Edmonstone, of the Eighteenth Foot, British Army.
draft
is
draft
is
New
New
114
If
Major Williams
already sent out,
change.
either
If
of Col. Rawlings Battalion has not been
desire
he
may
be the Officer sent in Ex-
he should have been sent
Major Brown
be released.
14
15
[Feb.
or
out,
Major Wells
16
shall be glad that
of Connecticut
may
Iam&ca. 17

Dear
Sir : I
was
the 30th Ulto.,

Ely's
18
and approve
me
of your conduct respecting Colo.
with, represented the matter
answer to the above
The
19
If it
certainty of success,
to the enterprize,
my
It is
Enemy on Rhode
Island, I
can be done with a good prospect and
much to be wished. A favourable issue
would be attended with the most valuable
and important consequences,

calling in the
and obtained
effect.
propriety of attacking the
cannot determine.
after
1777.
Evening favoured with your Letter of
Regiment. Govr. Trumbull in a Letter he was pleased
honor
to
this
Aid
I shall
therefore consent to your
of four or five Continental Regiments,
mature consideration had of
all
Circumstances,
if
It shall
appear to you and your Officers, that the scheme can be executed; on the other hand,
if it
not chuse that they should, as
shall not
it
would
seem probable,
fee
would
means of retardthe service, which
the
ing their inlistments and materially injure
strongly claims every possible exertion to complete the Levies.

14
Maj. Otho Holland Williams, of Stephenson's rifle battalion. He had been appointed colonel of die Sixth Maryland Regiment Nov. 16, 1776. Col. Moses Rawlings's
Additional Continental regiment was never fully organized, and Williams, later, became colonel of the First Maryland Regiment and brigadier general, Continental
Army, in 1782.
15
Maj. Thomas(?) Brown, of Douglas's Connecticut State regiment.
16
Maj. Levi Wells, of the Twenty-second Continental Infantry.
18
Col. John Ely's Connecticut Militia. He was taken prisoner on the expedition
against Long Island, N. Y., in December, 1777, and not exchanged until December, 1 780.
"Spencer was at Providence, R. I.
ATTACK ON RHODE ISLAND
1777]
115
There are two things, I would have you to remember, that passing a River to attack an Enemy and securing a good retreat; in
case of a repulse, are attended with
many difficulties, and proper
measures should always be digested for both events.

In respect to a Deputy Quarter Master General, one
am cer-
no objection to Mr.
tain must be necessary and
Jas. Lovell's acting in that Department upon your recommentherefore have
dation and that of the Gentlemen of Providence.
shall be glad to
be advised of every material occurrence and such as are worthy

of mention.
Nothing of moment has happened of late in the Military line.

The Enemy still remain in Brunswick, and our force is at the
several
Neighbouring posts,
as possible,
to prevent their foraging, as
and obtaining supplies of provision.
To BRIGADIER
much
am etc. 20
GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD
6, 1777.
was
this
Evening favoured with your Letter
the 30th Ulto. and
am
sorry to find the Forces
Dear
Sir: I
now
of
assembled
Rhode Island are not competent to the projects you have in

The propriety of the attack or of the plan, I cannot determine. The map you sent, and for which I return you my
in
view.
thanks, gives
me an Idea of the Situation of the Island, but not
so accurately as to
If the
pronounce upon the matter with precision.
Attack can be made, with a strong probability, almost
amounting to a certainty of Success, it is much to be desired,

I would not advise it; For, as a favourable issue would
otherwise
be productive of the most Valuable and important consequences,

so
on the
other, a miscarriage
Melancholy nature.
would
lead to those of the most
have wrote Genl. Spencer on the
subject,
wishing everything, respecting the measure, to be duly weighed,

2
The
draft
is
in the writing of Robert
Hanson Harrison.
116
previous to an attempt and consented, that,
had of
deliberation
all
[Feb.
mature
if after
circumstances, the Officers esteem the
Enterprize advisable, that four or five Continental Regiments
may be called in Aid.

ing a River to attack
him the difficulty of passan Enemy and of making a good retreat,

I
suggested to
in case of a repulse, this
is
obvious and
am
not
satisfied will
escape your attention. Whatever may be determined on, I trust

will be
In
founded in prudence and
my
last, I
hope crowned with
wrote you about Captn. Mansfield
quence of your recommendation of him, to which
on
21
Success.
in conserefer
you
that Subject.
Nothing of consequence has occurred of late in the Military

line, in this quarter. The Enemy still remain in Brunswick.
Our force is at the Neighbouring posts, to prevent as much
as possible their obtaining forage and supplies of provision.
I
am etc. 22
To THE
NEW YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY

Sirs:
Yesterday honored
8,
1777.
me with your two favors of the 22d
25th. Ulto. Had the success that was reasonably expected

from the Expedition undertaken by Genl. Heath, attended our
Arms, I had flattering hopes of congratulating my Country, on
and
happy event of circumscribing her unnatural foe, within

very narrow limits, and a fair prospect of retarding their early
the
operations in the next Campaign,
'till
we were
ready to meet and effectually oppose them.
do
me
the justice to believe, that
completely
beg that you would
had no other view
in
men-
tioning the detention of some of the Continental Cloathing by
your
21
22
State,
than a sincere wish to deprive the others of the
Capt. Samuel Mansfield, of the Second Continental Artillery.

The draft is in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison.
NO JEALOUSY OF OFFICE
1777]
smallest right to charge

tho'
me
117
with a Predilection in your favor;
my Inclination might have led to devote an unusual share
of Attention to your Circumstances, yet
'tis
necessary for
me to
endeavour in every Instance at impartial Justice. Mr. Hughes
was mistaken when he mentioned

apart of those
I
to
28
one of your Members that
Goods were to be left at Peekskill From the

;
first,
intended that they should be delivered into the hands of Mr.
Mease the Cloathier General, who has
my Orders to distribute
them among the States, having

Situation and Circumstancees. He is now at this Place on that
business and will when made up deliver them to the Regiments, as they want them.
I should be unhappy in the belief that any part of my Letter
to you could be construed into the slightest hint, that you want to
interfere in the Military Line. Heaven knows, that I greatly
want the Aid of every good Man, and that there are not such
just
enviable pleasures attending

jealous of
its
feel
Situation, as to
make me
too
prerogatives. Rather than complain of your late
Efforts in the Military
And
my
regard to their Numbers,
Way, you
myself happy in
this
deserve the
Thanks
of us
all,
opportunity of returning you
mine, in the greatest truth and Sincerity.
am not without my
Apprehensions for the Safety of the Fortress of Ticonderoga
and have therefore wrote

to
to
New Hampshire and Massa. Bay,
forward their new Troops to that Place with
patch.
From the Accounts
all
possible dis-
receive of the Success that attends
the recruiting Service in those States,
have reason to expect,
that Garrison will in a short time be in a respectable State of

I am Sorry that Experience has too fully proved, that
Howe has every Species of Intelligence he can wish
cannot therefore suppress my just Indignation at the
defence.
General
for;
as
Hugh Hughes. He was colonel and Assistant Quartermaster General;

deputy quartermaster general of New York.
later served
118
[Feb.
made by Mr. Loring his Commissary

Canada Gentlemen should have a safe
pass thro' our Country; Our Assistance in returning home, I
hope they would not doubt, could Prudence justify me in indulging them, with an opportunity of making every discovery
they could wish, relating to our Situation. You were therefore
Extraordinary requisition
of Prisoners, that the
perfectly right in refusing him. Every thing in the Cloathing
Way passes
hands of Mr. Mease, with him you will
thro' the
on
please to correspond
happened
that Subject.
Nothing material has
lately.
The Enemy's want
of Forage compells
them
to send out
those are always beat in, with
very large Parties to secure
it,
some
Artillery horses die fast;
that
Loss. Their draft
have brought
all
and
the useful ones
hood I think they will meet with much

I
from
and now
their neighbour-
difficulty in
advancing.
am etc. 24
CIRCULAR TO MASSACHUSETTS,
NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND CONNECTICUT
I
have lately received several
ing upon
letters from Genl.
1777.
Schuyler, call-
me in the most pressing Manner, to send up a proper
Reinforcement to secure the important pass of Ticonderoga;

as
he is very apprehensive, that the
tage
and opportunity
make
Enemy will take the advan-
of Crossing the lake
upon the
themselves Masters of that valuable fortress
Ice,
when
and
the
Troops, whose timees are nearly expired, come away.
Van
hundred Men,
I beg
the quota you are to
Schaick's Regiment, consisting of four
from the
State of
that such
number
New York
of
Men
has already Marched, and
(belonging to
raise [of the 88 Battalions]) as are recruited,
may be equipped
with the greatest expedition and forwarded on to Ticonderoga.

24
The
draft
is
in the writing of
George Johnston.
IMPRESS OF TEAMS
1777]
If
119
number of Officers
compleat them and march them up,
the Regiments are not full, a proper
should be
left
behind, to
when they are so.

As I have mentioned this Matter in one of my former Letters, it may perhaps look like a doubt of your Exertions to press
it again, but when you consider, of how much importance it is,
to prevent the Enemy from passing the lakes and forming a
junction with their force below,
my
am &ca. 25
hope you will excuse
making this Request the subject of a Seperate Letter.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL NATHANIEL WARNER

Sir:
Your favour
of yesterday
was brought me,
cover that you have succeeded entirely to

the
As
Waggons and Horses from

the Enterprize
was
in
it I
dis-
my wishes in removing
out of the Enemy's reach.
calculated, to distress the
the removal of every Article that
8, 1777.
Enemy,
the
might be useful to them, came
within the meaning of the order; you will therefore direct,

the fat Sheep and
Hogs near them
with agreeable to former orders.
to be
brought
off,
and
all
dealt
am etc. 26
To BRIGADIER GENERAL
SAMUEL HOLDEN PARSONS
Head
Sir:
Yesterday
Quarters, Morris
Town, February
8, 1777.
received yours of the 3rd. Instt. Since Genl.
Heath, by his retreat to White Plains, has given the

time to recover themselves,
Enemy
do not know at this time what can
be better done in that quarter, than adopting the plan you

propose, of crossing over to the East end of
destroying the forage.

25
The
inserted
28
The
draft
is
am
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman. The words
by Washington.
draft
is
in the writing of
Long
Island and
so fully convinced of the
George Johnston.
good
in brackets
were
120
effects of this Enterprize, that I

erally, in the
Neighbourhood
have ordered
of the
success has attended us to our utmost wish;

at the
same time
Colo.
27
Henry Livingston
to bring off all the draft
of the
it
Enemy
New
[Feb.
to be done, gen-
here, in which,
you will endeavour
Horses
York
fit
for service.
was lately
purport, with him you will
State
with me, and has
my orders to this
please to concert a
good plan. From the inclosed Proclamation
28
you will be enabled to regulate your conduct with regard to the

Tories. No form of an Oath of allegiance, is yet drawn up, but
you can easily strike off one, that will answer the end designed
they have permission to carry in with
them
their necessary
wearing Apparel, but nothing that can possibly be useful to the
Enemy, their Estates must be secured 'till the Civil power determine what shall be done. I have writen to the New England
States on the Subject of Arming the Troops they are to raise,
you will get
their answer.
closed General Order.

P. S.
29
You
will please to publish the in-
am etc.
General Schuyler seems to be under great apprehension
about Ticonderoga, he has too
much
cause.
intend that the
Garrison at that place shall come from the Eastern Troops,
your attack therefore upon Long Island must not take up time,
lest
while engaged there the Service
ably elsewhere.
To
may suffer more consider-
30
COLONEL SAMUEL BLATCHLEY WEBB

8,
1777.
Dear Sir: I last night received your Letter of the 1st. instant,
and am sorry to find that you meet with so many difficulties in
raising your Regiment. I cannot request Governor Trumbull to
advance the Extra bounty, that would be approving a measure,
27
Col. Henry Beekman Livingston, of the Fourth

Probably the proclamation of January 25.
The order of January 1 against plundering.
30
28
20
New
York Regiment.
ARTILLERY HORSES
1777]
which
121
have always condemned, as impolitick and injurious
and would be promoting a proceedfrom being Authorized by the Voice of the States
to the general interest,

ing, so far
in Congress, that
Honor
set his
it
has been reprobated.
am
glad you have
the Governor right, in respect to the additional
no difference. Troops who engage for three

Years or during the War, receive the same; I wish as many to be
inlisted for the latter term as possible. I am persuaded no exertions on your part, will be wanting, to make up your Regiment,
perhaps industry and perseverance will get the better of the
Obstacle you mention, tho' I am not very sanguine in my exBattalions, there
is
pectation that they will.
am etc. 31
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Alexandria.
8, 1777.
Countersign Allentown.
The Horses belonging
to the Artillery are not to be used
under any pretence whatsoever, but the purpose for which they
are designed ; but are to be held in such readiness, as to
fifteen
Minutes
if
required.
Any
officer or soldier,
move in
using them
The com-
contrary to this order will be severely punished.
manding
Officer of Artillery
is
to take care that their horses
Shoes are kept in good order, and
fit
for use.
The Waggon
Masters are to pay particular attention in seeing that their

horses are always shod
and
fit
for use.
The commanding Officers of Regiments and Corps are to

see that their Men's Arms and Ammunition are in good order;
and that they are properly supplied with the latter, which is not
to be used, but against the enemy; under the severest penalty.
All the duties, except the General's Guard, to go by detail
from the Regiments and corps

31
The
draft
is
stationed in
and near the town.
Hanson Harrison.
122
The
different
Guards
to parade together every
[Feb.
morning
at
9 o'clock, near the Liberty Pole. The officers of the day, with
an Orderly Sergeant, to attend Guard Mounting; see them
properly divided, and
march
for their different stations.
GENERAL ORDERS
9, 1777.
Countersign Bedford.
Parole Burlington.
The General Court
Martial held at Chatham, the 8th. Inst:
whereof Brigadier General St. Clair was President, for the trial
of Col Mordecai Buckner, accused of " Shamefully Misbehaving before the Enemy, in the Action of the 23rd. of Jan'y
And
of "Quitting his post
and party
last,"
in time of engagement,"
have after mature consideration, sentenced the said Col Mordecai Buckner, to be cashiered,
and declared incapable of any
military office, in the service of the United States.
The General and Commander

tence,
and orders the
depart the American
To
said Col
in Chief approves the sen-
Mordecai Buckner, forthwith to
Army.

Sir :
1777.
You will receive herewith Sixty thousand dollars, for the
use of the recruiting Service in your State,
which
desire
you
among the Officers in proportion to their Wants.

I desire you will not appropriate any part of this Money to the
reimbursement of the sum advanced to Colo. Sheldon; as I
will distribute
every day expect an order
me
to give
office.
2
The
from Congress, which
Iam&c. 32
draft
is
will enable
you a draft for the whole Sum, upon the loan
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
CAVALRY EQUIPMENT
17771
123

Head
Dear
Sir:
Quarters, Morris
have
now
before
me
25th and 30th. Ulto. and of the
you
Town, February
9, 1777.
your several favors of the
1st. Instt.
for
which
return
my thanks.
I have read and

upon a large and an
extensive Scale. I cannot determine upon the propriety of it,
being not sufficiently acquainted with the parts for which it is
Colo. Pellisier's plan returned by Congress
transmit
it
calculated,
to
to you. It seems to be designed
and therefore shall leave
it
to you,
have such Works and improvements made
necessary and
I
and your
as
officers,
may be thought
which can be compleated.
have given Orders for Brigadier James Clinton to repair to
you and receive your commands,
if
his Services
pensed with from the posts in the Highlands, he
can be
is
dis-
the only
any can) under the pres-
General Officer that can be spared
(if
ent circumstances of our Affairs.
have wrote to Congress and
urged them in the most pressing terms, to increase their number, the
matter
hope will have their earliest attention, and you
may be assured, as
to the
soon as
it is
in
my power, I shall send some
As to purchasing Horses for the Regiments of Cavalry voted

I would not wish to give you any trouble on that
by Congress,
head, unless they could be properly equipped with Saddles,

Bridles, Holsters, Pistols,
Swords and Carbines; these Accoutre-
ments and furniture we find amazingly
much more
so than Horses,
difficult to procure,
and without them, Horses would
only be incurring a heavy expence, without promoting the
views of Congress or the publick
interest.
You shall always be informed of every material occurrence in

this
Quarter; of late nothing important has happened but what
124
[Feb.
you will have heard of. The report of Fort Independence being
taken was premature, you will have been advised before this.
should have been happy to have confirmed
still
at
much
and obtaining supplies of
as possible, to effect
tempts, but without

I
The Enemy are
Brunswick, Our force at the several Neighbouring posts,
to prevent their foraging

as
it.
much
provisions,
which they have made some
at-
success.
should hope, General Carleton will not attempt to pass
the Lakes, before we can get a sufficient force to oppose
enterprize
him; the
think will be dangerous and attended with
many
However, as the defence and security of our posts
difficulties.
an object of the first importance, I have wrote,

in the most urgent manner to the States of Massachusets and
New Hampshire, to forward on their Regiments with all possi-
in that quarter
is
may not wait till they are

complete, but that suitable Officers may be left to recruit for the
ble expedition, desiring that they
deficiencies.
of Troops,
tion of our
As
to
think
forming the Northern

it
Affairs.
Army
of a mixture
cannot be done, under the peculiar
The
posts
on the Lakes
are
situa-
much more
convenient to the Eastern forces, than to any other, and they
can be there sooner, than to other places, where the Aid of the
rest
is
indispensably necessary and loudly called for. Another
objection to the measure,

prevail'd
where those of
is,
that prejudices
and
different States have acted together,
notwithstanding every possible exertion on
them
Jealousies have
my
to harmonize, consider themselves as the
part, to get
same people
engaged in the same noble struggle and having one
and general
interest to defend, to
bury and lay aside
common
all attach-
ments and distinctions of a Local and provincial nature. These,

I
think, are not likely to be intirely done away, especially
if
General Officers should be appointed by Congress from each

State for their respective Troops. Indeed, as their difficulties
REENFORCEMENTS
1777]
have not been reconcilable heretofore,
125
hope
their acting
seperately will produce a laudable spirit of emulation, to excell
and
raise the reputation of their respective States,
tending in
the end to advance the Interest and weal of the whole.

I
have wrote to Brigr. Genl.
Artillerist,
I
and
to send
you an
could not order up Major
lest I
Knox upon
the subject of an
Officer that
he esteems good.
Lamb 33
or any particular Officer,
should break in upon the General arrangement, which
comes more immediately under his
direction.
am &ca. 34
HEATH

Sir: I
have received your several favours of the
7th. instant.
and
What I mentioned to you in a former Letter, about
a second attempt
on Fort Independence, was intended as a hint,
on which you might improve,

I
1777.
5th., 6th.
did not desire that
it
might
some of your Division
this
if
Circumstances should favor.
interfere
with the Order to march
way, unless
it
should be found
highly practicable.
When you arrive at home, you will order such of the Massachusetts Continental Troops, as are ready, to
ately to Ticonderoga, sending
with them
the Brigrs. in Con-
Should their quota of
tinental Service, residing in that State.
the 88 Battalions not be complete, and
all
march immedi-
fear they are not,
you
will nevertheless forward all such as are recruited, under proper

Officers,
permitting as
many to remain, as are necessary for the
recruiting service.
Proper places are pointed out already to Mr. Hughes

kill,
for the public Magazines; to
33
Maj. John Lamb.
34
The
draft
is
them all
at Peeks-
Stores of every kind
Hanson Harrison.
126
[Feb.
must be removed. The forage and Provisions taken by any of

your parties in the Vicinity of the Enemy, should be carried to
them.
am etc. 35
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Dear
Sir:
1777.
General Schuyler having wrote in a pressing and
urgent manner for a Genl. Officer to be sent to the Northern
you open, a Letter for Brigadier James

Clinton, which you will forward to him after sealing it, provided in your opinion his services can be dispensed with, where
Department,
now is.
he
inclose
This
imagine
measure, depend on
will, in a great
the State of health you are in; If you are so far recovered, as to
be able to discharge the duties to which he was appointed,
should suppose he can well go, in which case you will succeed
to his
command, and will order and direct every matter in such

as your Judgment and discretion shall suggest to be
manner,
right
and advancive of the general good.
If his services
cannot
be dispensed with, the delivery of the Letter should, and you
may
36
destroy
it.
Nothing of importance has occurred of late in the Military

you have not heard of, which leaves me only to add,
line, that
that. I
am etc. 37
To BRIGADIER GENERAL HENRY
KNOX

Dear
Sir:
A few days ago
Schuyler, in
The
draft
received a Letter
which he requests
that Colo.
1777.
from General
Lamb may
be

replied (February 16) that he had recovered his health but that a
general officer was needed at Fort Montgomery. He did not, therefore, forward
Washington's letter to Clinton. McDougalPs letter is in the Washington Papers.
"The draft is in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison.
ss
is
McDougall
CLOTHING
1777]
127
immediately sent up to Ticonderoga, to regulate the Ordnance
department in that Quarter, against the next Campaign.
in
As I do not know how far Colo. Lamb's going up, may break
upon any arrangements that you may have made, I will not
give you a possitive order to send him, only wishing
done,
if
convenient, as Genl. Schuyler requests
you do not send him,
If
it
it
may
be
particularly.
beg you will immediately
fix
upon
whom
you can depend, and dispatch him to
Inclosed you have
Recommendations of two Gentlemen,
an
Officer
on
Ticonderoga.
Mr. Rice
38
and Mr. Talbert, for Commissions
in the Artillery
The first requests a Company, and the other I suppose
Service.
would be content with a Lieutenancy, if you have Vacancies

and can provide for them, I imagine (from their Recommendations) that they will
make good Officers.
To
Head
Sir: I
Quarters, Morris
Town, February
have yours of the 3rd. from Peekskill, and
desire that
call
am etc. 89
HUGH HUGHES
you are more usefully employed

I
there,
9, 1777.
as I
think
than you could be here,
you may remain, till Genl. Mifflin thinks proper
you down.
He is at present
to
at Philadelphia.
approve of your having appointed an Officer and a proper
Number
of
Men
to tend King's ferry.
Mr. Mease the Cloathier General, who
is
now here, will give
directions in future concerning the forwarding of all Cloath-
ing from the Eastward, and whenever you want any instruction in that department,
you will address yourself
to
him.
38
Joseph Rice. He was appointed captain in the Fourth Continental

March 3; resigned in September, 1780.
39
Artillery
on
128
You
are
[Feb.
will receive herewith Forty thousand Dollars
that could
all
now
Master's Department.
(which
be spared) for the use of the Quarter

I
am etc. 40
To BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES CLINTON

1777.
General Schuyler having requested me, in the most
Sir:
pressing manner, to send
command
him
a Genl. Officer to assist in the
Northern Department, you will, as soon as

the receipt of this, repair to Albany and take his
in the
possible, after
command. As the situation of our Affairs in that Quarter may

demand your immediate Aid, I should hope you will not delay
going, a moment longer than you can help. Genl. McDougall
will take the direction of matters in the
are gone.
am,
Highlands when you
41
etc.

10, 1777.
wrote to you on the 8th. Instt. I have been comfrom the spreading of the small pox in our Army, to
submit to the necessity of Inoculation, and have accordingly
ordered all the Continental Troops now here and coming from
Sir: Since I
pelled,
the Eastern States to be inoculated immediately on their arrival.
You
will therefore give Orders, for the inoculating the
Connecticut Troops; and as Govr. Cooke
on the Rhode Island Troops

you will
also
recommend
40
41
The
The
is
desired to forward
to Connecticut for this purpose,
have proper attention paid to them.

to
need not
you the greatest Secrecy and dispatch in

Tench Tilghman.
Hanson Harrison.
draft
is
in the writing of
draft
is
in die writing of Robert
this
1777]
moment's
business; because a
should the
inform you, that
reflection will
Enemy discover our
ing advantage of
129
Situation they can not fail tak-
it.
You may perhaps not be able to reconcile this order with the
my former Letter against Long Island.
enterprise, proposed in
can be carried on, at the same time with inoculation,

would by no means have you decline it; but if one must give
way to the other (of which you will be the best judge) Inoculation being of the greatest importance, must have the preference, and the enterprise laid aside. It will be best to draw the
If that
I
Troops within as small a Circle

kill to
as possible,
have them inoculated, by
and towards Peeks-
means,
this
proper care
if
used, the danger of the Infection's Spreading, will be small
the Country have but
To THE
Head
cause to dread
little
it.
is
and
am etc. 42
NEW YORK LEGISLATURE
Quarters, Morris
Town, February
10, 1777.
Gentn. After every attempt to stop the progress of the Small

:
Pox,
found that
it
gained such head
Troops, that there was no possible
most of those
who had
lation generally.
The
not had
and Doctor Shippen
all at
phia.
go
They
thro',
42
The
is
as fast as they
to send
draft
is
this
come
into Philadel-
Arms and Accoutrements
have recommended
Troops to the
in the writing of
the proper
Operation, as they will
Army may be kept as clear
this terrible disorder, I
which
now making
the several Posts in this Quar-
no time by
while their Cloathing,
preparing. That the
of saving the lives of
will innoculate all the Recruits, that
have not had the disorder,

will loose
way
the Southern
but by introducing innocu-
Physicians are
preparation to innoculate
ter,
it,
among
Army
George Johnston.
it
are
as possible, of
to every State,
in this Department,
130
[Feb.
immediately to begin upon the innoculation of their Recruits
and
to continue
till
they have gone thro' the whole; by these
means very few will be down at a time, and of those, many will
whole time.
befit for duty (should the occasion be pressing) the

I
think your Hospital, for this purpose, should be at or in
Enemy should
hear that many of our Men were down, and should make an
Attempt to fall upon us at that time, many of the Patients
the Neighbourhood of Peekskill; because
would, as
were
said before, be as able to give Opposition as
intirely well.
much
ter as
first
Sir:
would
they
it is
advise you to
division of Patients
known or not.
light,
do
(who
days) have
interval of five or Six
thing will become extremely
consequence whether
To
and
and Second
should be innoculated at an
thro', the
if
We intend for the present to keep the Mat-
a Secret as possible,
the same. After the
gone
the
if
and of
little
am &c. 43

The impossibility of keeping the Small Pox from
1777.
spread-
ing thro' the Army in the natural way, has determined us, upon
the most mature deliberation, to innoculate
that have not
I
had
and
the
New Troops,
this disorder.
have wrote to General Parsons, to
place,
all
fix
upon some proper
to superintend the innoculation of the
Troops of
your State; taking it for granted, that you would have no objec-
upon which depends not only the

Men, who have not had the Small Pox, but also
the whole Army, which would otherwise soon
tion to so salutary a Measure,

lives of all the
the Health of
become a Hospital of the most loathsome kind. Proper Steps

are taking to innoculate the Troops already here, and all the
"The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
1777]
131
Southern Levies will undergo the Operation as they pass Philadelphia.
have wrote to the States of
Island, to have their
Army
rible
also innoculated,
and Rhode
and
hope our
intirely free, of that ter-
distemper the ensuing Campaign. As the Troops from
Massachusetts and
up
Troops
by these precautions; be
will,
New York
New
Hampshire
to Ticonderoga, they can (as
innoculated there.
are ordered immediately
was the
case last Year) be
am &ca. 44
To GOVERNOR NICHOLAS
COOKE
10, 1777.
The deplorable and melancholly situation, to which one

our Armies was reduced last Campaign by the small Pox
Sir:
of
and the Certainty, that no precautions can prevent that disorder
from
of
Middle
infecting our Troops, that act in the
being
my
now
infected with
it;
has determined
me
States,
many
by the advice
General Officers here to introduce innoculation imme-
diately, as the
only means of preventing this Calamity; the
greatest that can befall
ural way.
an Army, when they take
it
in the Nat-
have wrote to Brigadier General Parsons,
now
in
Connecticut, to assemble the Regiments raising in that State
and to have them innoculated, without loss of time;
have also
would come on and

As this Measure,
I make no doubt, will appear expedient to you and to promise
many Salutary consequences, I wish your good offices in for-
mentioned that those from Rhode
Island,
take the infection and claim his Attention.
warding on your Regiments
to General Parsons for this Pur-
pose. This advantage will result

there, in preference to
Scene of Action and

"The
draft
is
Rhode
from
Island; they will be nearer the
may with more
in the writing of
their being innoculated
ease
Tench Tilghman.
and Expedition, give
132
their Aid in cases of

I
should hope
it
Emergency. But
if it
will not be delayed a
[Feb.
cannot be done there,
moment
in the State of
Rhode Island. There being the most pressing Call for the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Troops in the Northern Department, and being ordered there, they cannot go thro' the
process, before they
March when they

;
the Measure will be adopted.

of as
arrive there,
suppose
need not mention the necessity
much Secrecy upon the Subject, as it will admit of, it being
beyond doubt, that the Enemy will
avail themselves of the
common Success attends the Measwe shall have nothing to fear, but all to hope from
event, as far as they can; If

ures,
45
it.
trust
have the honor
48
etc.
To COLONEL HENRY SHERBURNE

Sir: I yesterday
and
in
evening received your Letter of the 4th
answer thereto, inform you, that
jection to your appointing
room
10, 1777.
Major Meigs
I
47
have not the
Instt.
least ob-
your Lt. Colo, in the
of Mr. Oswald, his character as a Soldier
and an
Officer
being good, and such as deserves notice; However, previous to

this
measure,
wish you to consider the prospect you have of
raising your Regiment, for tho'
it is
my desire to promote Men
of Merit to Office and to Rank, yet a segard to the Publick

interest, will
not Authorize their Promotions, without they
can be of service afterwards, and Multiplying the
Number
of Officers without Regiments, will not be answering the end
proposed, Vizt; adding to our Strength, but will be incurring a

45
On February 13 Dr. Benjamin Rush wrote to Washington, in the name of the

Medical Committee, that Congress had directed the committee to request that all
the troops which had not had smallpox be inoculated. Rush's letter is in the
Washington Papers.
46
The
draft is in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison.

Maj. Return Jonathan Meigs, of the Second Connecticut Regiment. He was appointed lieutenant colonel of Sherburne's Additional Continental regiment on February 22.
47
FRENCH OFFICERS
1777]
heavy and large expence.
England
States
and which
for
regret
which has given
133
much the policy of the New

rise to so many difficulties
fear will be severely felt.
cannot give directions
an Extra bounty, that would be approving a measure
have
always condemned, and which so far from being justifiable

has been reprobated by Congress as impolitic and injurious to
the publick cause.
If
the
Gentlemen appointed in those States to a part of the
Additional Battalions, cannot
make
their
of these Observations will be verified
the measure should not extend
if
where.
its
16.
Corps up, the truth
and happy
will
baneful influence
it
be,
else-
am etc. 48
Head
Quarters, Morristown, February
n,
1777.
was yesterday waited upon by two French Gentlemen,

Monsr.Romand de Lisle, 49 and Robillard. 50 The first produced
a Commission signed by you in Novemr. last, appointing him a
Sir: I
Major of Artillery, but, by the inclosed Letter from him to me,

he claims much higher Rank under the promise of Congress,
that of
Commandant
of the Continental Artillery.
any such promise was made,
leave
Robillard claims a Captaincy of Artillery, but,
he grounds
his pretentions,
but once before, and that
Whether
you to determine.
upon what
do not know. I never saw him

was upon his way from Boston
I
to Philada.
You cannot conceive what a weight these kind of people are

upon the Service, and upon me in particular, few of them have
any knowledge of the Branches which they profess to understand, and those that have, are entirely useless as officers, from
48
49
60
The

Charles Noel Francois Romand de Lisle.
Lewis Joseph Henry Robbillard D'Antin.
134
their ignorance of the English
Language.
wish
it
[Feb.
were pos-
make them understand, when Commissions are granted

to them, that they are to make themselves Masters of the english
sible to
Language
in
some degree, before they can be attached
particular Corps.
To
51
am,
to
any
02
etc.
GOVERNOR WILLIAM LIVINGSTON

Morris Town, February n, 1777.
Sir: I
have with pain heard of the inconceivable uneasiness
prevailing in the
1st. Jersey
ibly informed, in the
Command
of
Battalion, originating, as
am cred-
Appointment of Colo. Newcomb 53
to the
it.
Notwithstanding
believe that Colo.
Newcomb is a Gentle-
man of great goodness and integrity, and cannot entertain the

Slightest doubts of his Bravery; yet I am too well persuaded
that he is not equal to such a Command.Many qualities, independent of personal Courage, are requisite to form the good
Officer.
is
Among those, Activity claims a
indispensably necessary,
Sufficient share.
this I fear
Moreover the
ment, should have the
The
Of
first
rank; indeed
it
he does not possess a
inferior Officers of every Regi-
Strictest
Confidence in their Colonel;
Smallest Jarrings in any Corps are Considerably prejudi-
cial to its
only,
Honor and
the Service; for these Reasons,
and
these
have taken the Liberty (under the Authority of the
Newcomb and
Command of the
inclosed Resolve of Congress) to displace Colo.
of appointing Colo. Matthias
Ogden
to the
"This letter was read in Congress February 18, whereupon it was resolved "That
General Washington be directed to cause an enquiry to be made into the military
abilities and conduct of the French gentlemen in the army, and how far they can be
usefully employed in the service of these States, and to dismiss such of them as he
shall find unworthy of commissions, or unable to render service in the military line."
(See Journals of the Continental Congress.)
2
63
In the writing of
Col. Silas
ment Nov.
Dec.
4,
28, 1776;
1777.
Tench Tilghman.
Newcomb. He had been appointed

became
a brigadier of
colonel of the First
New Jersey Militia Mar.
New Jersey Regi-
15, 1777; resigned
MONEY
1777]
said
Regiment.
He has answered my
135
Expectation, by exerting
himself in recruiting the Regt. and from every thing
can
learn, will continue to deserve well of his Country.
would not take
the Liberty of intruding
important business now, were
it
upon your more
not necessary to give you this
Information, least Inconveniences might result from your belief,
that Colo.
have assigned
mands
to
fill
Newcomb
him.
to
up
continues to
Colo.
Ogden
now recruiting.
these Officers are
which you
the post
has likewise
the several vacancies that have
the Regiment, subject however to
To
fill
my Com-
happened
my Approbation or
I
have the honor
in
dissent,
5*
etc.

Head
Sir : I did
Quarters, Morris
Town, February n,
1777.
myself the pleasure to write to you yesterday, and
informed you that
had
sent
you Sixty thousand
dollars, for
the recruiting Service in your State.
After I had sent the Money off, I reed, a Letter from Genl.
Knox advising me; that he was under the most pressing necessity
for twenty thousand dollars, for the use of the ordnance
department, but that he could not get that

Massachusetts.
sum
must therefore
desire that
Twenty thousand dollars

which he will either draw or send.
the
am
sum
of
in the State of
you will reserve
for General
Knox, for
furnished with the following Resolve of Congress of
the 29th January,
That the Treasurer of the united States, be directed to give order, for the
payment of thirty three thousand three hundred and thirty three and one
third Dollars to the State of Connecticut, out of the Continental
bull
Loan
payment of that Sum advanced by Governor TrumColo

Sheldon,
to
at the request of Genl. Washington, for raising and
Office in that State, in
M The
draft
is
in the writing of
George Johnston.
136
equipping a Regiment of Light Horse, the said
state to
[Feb.
be accountable,
and that the president acquaint General Washington with this Resolution.
I
am &ca. 55
To
THE MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL
Head
Town, February n, 1777.

British Court would leave nothing
Quarters, Morris
Gentn. Certain, that the

:
unessayed in the Course of this Campaign, to establish her

unwarrantable claims over the United States and to deprive
them of their rights, the Congress were induced upon reconsidering their first vote of Levies to compose the Army, to determine that 16. Battallions more should be raised, in addition to
those they had resolved on before And as the exigency of our
Affairs would not suffer the least delay in the Work, they were
;
pleased to honor
me
with the appointment of the Officers to
those Battallions; supposing that it would be sooner compleated
than
if
made according
to the
Mode
observed for appointing
those of the 88 voted, in September, In their proceedings for
them
were not particularized, or determinate Quotas assigned them as
had been done in the instance of the Eighty Eight.
raising these several additional Corps the States to furnish
Besides these they have determined that 4 Regiments of

Artillery, 3000
Light Dragoons and Hazens Regiment to be
composed of 4 Battallions should be levied.

Under these circumstances, I thought equality, as far as
the peculiar situation of our Affairs would admit of, the
best line to be pursued for making them up especially as
Congress had observed it in their first vote; and in pursuance
of its purpose I have apportioned them in the best manner
I could; Commissioning Officers to raise One Regiment of
Artillery
and three of Infantry
in your State, as not being
an over Quota.
65
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
MASSACHUSETTS RECRUITS
1777]
mode
This
of proceeding
trust will
137
meet with General
approbation and as the Several additional Regiments, are for

the Service of the States at large; those allotted to be raised in
each have an equal claim to their attention with the rest of the
Battalions exacted from them to furnish. Impressed with this
Idea and that our Affairs
to give
good
them
assistance
and count
]
will be ab[
that of the Artillery
From en [
heavy Train, and if we
pensed with.
Four Bfattalions
of his Corps
]
is
such the
dis-
Know, that the Enemy nev [
properly formed for the Ar-
be effectual or atten[ded with
duced to mention those Corps

let
to sollicit the
and industry of [
] They will
your [
must
request
I
]
til[lery] opposition or resistance that
and
beg leave
Time
Honble. [Body] to promote and expedite
as possible the raising of these
in the ca[
every exertion at this
a prospect of Success,
Offices of your
much
as
call [for]
we
to
success.
make
an Object of your
as
will
have been
in-
first care,
me add that the only Men who have served and had an
important branch of
Opportunity of acquiring Skill in
this
War, during the present
now with you.
contest, are
From your favors, in every instance of requisition and readiness to
promote the Public good,
am satisfied
have no need
Apologize for the Freedom I have taken, and assured of

your attention to the Matters submitted to your consideration.
to
have the Honor
56
etc.

Head
Quarters, Morris
KNOX
Town, February n,
1777.
Dear Sir: I have yours of the 1st. instant, inclosing a Copy

Memorial which you had presented to the Council and
House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts. I most
of a
68
The
draft
is
in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison

The brackets show the missing portions.
condition in 1781.
and was
in a mutilated
138
sincerely
[Feb.
wish that your Representation may be attended with
deserves, and that I could, with propriety, press the

57
upon them in the manner you desire. To advise
them to give the bounty of Twenty Pounds to the additional
Battalions, as well as to their Quota of the Eighty Eight would
be given my Sanction to, and Approbation of a Measure, which
I have ever reprobated, as an indirect breach of the Union, and
of the Agreement entered into by their Delegates in Congress,
to give a continental Bounty of twenty Dollars pr Man and no
the success
it
Subject of
it
much I have done, I have wrote to the Council
more. But thus
and Assembly, and have given it as my Opinion, that they ought

to furnish the three additional Regiments of Infantry and one
of Artillery; because, when the Congress voted an addition of
Sixteen Battalions of Foot, four Battalions of Artillery and
three thousand Light Horse, and gave the appointment of them
to me, they certainly expected, tho' it was not expressed, that
I should observe some rule of proportion in allotting them to
the different States, and a better, I thought, I could not follow,
than the proportion settled by Congress themselves in fixing
Upon
the Quotas of the 88. Battalions.

talions of Infantry
demand upon
raised
and one
of Artillery
and are now raising
in the other Colonies, exclusive of
The German
Battalion, a Battalion of Rifle-
men lately under the Command

consist
was but a moderate
the State of Massachusetts, for there has been
the 88 Battalions.
Regiment
this Scale, three Bat-
of Colo. Stephenson,
called Hazen's or the Congress's
when compleat
of 2000
Men. Each
and the
Own, which
State
is
is
to
bound, by
every principle of Justice and Equity, to furnish their proportion of the additional Battalions, as
Eighty Eight, and

missions
dare to say, if
among the
much
who
me with partiality.
Officers of the different States, those
had been neglected, would have charged

"Knox was
as they are of the
had not distributed the Com-
then in Boston attempting to raise an
artillery battalion.
LABORATORIES
1777]
If
139
the State of Massachusets will not consent to give their
Assistance towards raising the three Additional Battalions of

Infantry,
have urged to them the necessity of raising the Batmost of the
talion of Artillery at least, in that State, because
Artillery
Men who
served in your Regiment last Campaign,

58
came from thence and will be immediately useful.

I have repeatedly wrote to Congress and have informed them
of the want of Money to the Eastward, to carry on the recruiting Service; but as they have ordered Loan Offices to be established in each State, I imagine the necessary Sums will be
drawn from thence.
It will be time enough to think of arming and Cloathing
Henley's, Lee's, and Jackson's Regiments when we find there
is
a certainty of their being raised.

I,
a few days ago, sent Sixty thousand Dollars to
Govr.Trum-
bull,forthe recruiting Service in that State, he having informed
me that their Treasury was exhausted, and recruiting at a stand,

but as
I
do not think he will have present occasion for that Sum,
have directed him to reserve
therefore either
20.
thousand for you;
draw upon him or send
for the
You
will
Money.
Congress had resolved to adhere to Carlisle in Pennsylvania
and Brookfield
in Massachusets for the places of erecting the
do not think the odds between Carlisle

and therefore the Works will be
the former; but upon your representation of the delay
Elaboratories &ca.
and York, any ways

built at
material,
that will be occasioned,

field, I desire
if
Brookfield
is
preferred to Spring-
you may proceed with the Works
and I will inform Congress of the

from their Resolve.
at the latter,
necessity of this Variation
58
Massachusetts bounty for recruits was fixed at 66% dollars, which, in addition to
the Continental bounty, amounted to 86
dollars. New Hampshire gave the same
bounty
as Massachusetts; Connecticut and Rhode Island increased their bounties, but

not to the Massachusetts figure. One result, among other difficulties caused thereby,
was the refusal of all State soldiers to reenlist at camp. They waited for the expiration
of their enlistment, then returned home, and reenlisted to secure the high State bounty.
140
Please to inform Colo. Jackson, that
with the Warrant returned. Whenever

to Succeed in raising his Regiment,
recruiting
Money.
[Feb.
received his favor
hear that he
is
likely
him with
will furnish
am etc. 59
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, February n, 1777.
Countersign Durham.
Parole Dorchester.
The exceeding difficulty there is in procuring Spiritous Liqnow asked for that Article,
uor, with the exorbitant prices
renders
it
easy
and
it
out to the
supplies can be laid in
upon more
absolutely necessary to stop serving
troops in a general way,

better terms:
'till
The Commissary General
directed to issue none, except

parties, or to
The Court
therefore
such troops as are necessarily employed in any
extraordinary piece of duty,
is
is
be to fatigue parties, scouting
it
'till
further orders.
Martial whereof Genl.
St.
Clair
was President
dissolved.
General Court Martial to
sit
to
morrow, 10 o'clock,
at
Morristown; the members of the Court are desired to be punctual as to the time of meeting, that
business for
which they
are
no delay may attend the
summon'd.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Effingham.
The Adjutants
of Regiments will in future be
tual in sending their
duty;
12, 1777.
Countersign Essex.
men
more punc-
to the General Parade that are for
As all the Guards may be
relieved at the appointed hour
of nine o'clock; a neglect of this sort will not be hereafter
overlooked.
9
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
1777]
141
To CHARLES, EARL CORNWALLIS

Head
My
Quarters, Moris
Lord: General Howe,
60
Town, February
12, 1777.
by a Letter of the 23d. Ulto.,
which came to hand a few days ago, having proposed a conference on the future mode to be observed for the exchange of
Prisoners, their subsistence, &ca., and appointed Lieut. Colonel Walcot
61
to negotiate respecting the same;
beg leave to
acquaint your Lordship, that Lieut: Col: Harrison will meet
on Monday the 17th. instant at 12 O'clock,

House of the Widow Fields about 4 Miles from Brunswick, on the Road leading to Bound Brook, to receive his
Propositions and treat upon this Business, if it is agreeable to
your Lordship, of which you will be pleased to advise me, by
the return of the Flag. The Trouble I give your Lordship upon
Lieut: Col: Walcot
at the
this Subject,
sire this
is
Letter
at the instance of
is
General Howe, by whose de-
addressed to you.
have the Honor
62
etc.

Dear
Sir :
12, 1777.
This will be delivered you by the Officer who came
and under whose care he returns again.
with Colo. Housegger
His
arrival here
was what
did not expect, as
had no
partic-
ular specific charge against him, nor has any thing more been
alledged than general suspicions. All
meant
or wished to be
done respecting him, was, that you should by enquiry, trace,

if you could, the causes of Complaint, and obtain some certain
information of the facts imputed to him.
it
To this end, I thought
exceedingly proper that his conduct, after his return home,

60
Lieut. Gen. Sir William Howe. His letter (January 23) is in the Washington
Papers.
01
Lieut. Col. William Walcott, of the Fifth Foot, British Army.
62
The
draft
is
Hanson Harrison.
142
[Feb.
should be marked with some degree of vigilance and cautious

attention by our Friends in his Neighbourhood, but in such
way
as not to afford
have done
yet,
him room
but as to retaining
for suspicion. This I would

him in arrest or under guard,
without some certain and positive crime,

indeed his remaining here would put
it
It
cannot be done;
much
in his power,
he was so disposed, to transmit intelligence to the

injurious nature.
Sir:
young Men
of Eliza.
Oath of Allegiance to the
Enemy's
I
Quarters, Morris
would
it is
do not intend
that
it
shall be
respecting the
refuse to take
withdraw within the
the Militia roundabout them;
64
religiously complied with, yet
made
a Shelter for our Enemies
with impunity. These fellows
to injure us under,
12, 1777.
my desire to have the terms and
Conditions of my Proclamation
I
Instt.,
Town, who
States, or to
lines, and discourage all
observe, that tho'
MAXWELL
Town, February
In answer to your Letter of the 9th.
case of the
the
Enemy of an
am etc. 63
To BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM

Head
if
at
Elizabeth
Town, as well as all others who wish to remain with us, (till the
no other purpose than to convey
Enemy, and poison our People's Minds,
expiration of the 30 days,) for

intelligence to the
must and
shall be
compelled to withdra'w immediately within
the Enemy's lines; others
who are hesitating which side to take
and behave friendly
to us,
with Lenity. Such
go over
as
till
they determine, must be treated
to the Enemy, are not to take
with
them any thing but their Cloathing and furniture, their Horses,
Cattle
our
and Forage must be
fate, are to
left
have every assistance afforded them that can be
granted with Safety, neither

03
The
04
Of January
draft
is
in the writing of
25.
behind. Such as incline to share
Waggons nor Horses must be too
Robert Hanson Harrison.
WAGONERS
1777]
much hazzarded in doing this business.

Fosters Cattle
and Sheep; and bring
143
Majr. Morris will secure
count of
and
it
wish
with the owners, if friendly. The effects

Arms against us must be siezed and secured.
settle
of all Persons in
I
Corn, Hay and

who will take an Ac-
off all the
Oats he speaks of for the Quarter Master,
this line of
which purpose you
conduct to be observed by our parties; for

will
make them
all
acquainted with
my
determination on this head.
The Returns
of your Brigade alarm me.
mistake, for which purpose
fear there
is
have directed Colo. Bedford
some
65
the
Muster Master General, to repair thither and examine into

the Matter, you will be so
why
true cause,
Service.
66
so
am etc.
many
good as to assist him in discovering the

are kept in
pay and so few perform
67
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Falkland.
13, 1777.
Countersign Fairfield.
The inconveniency arising from drafting Drivers for the

Waggons and Artillery out of the Continental Troops, induces
the Commander in Chief to direct the Quarter Master General,
or his Deputies, to engage Waggoners, and Drivers, for the
Artillery,
from the Inhabitants; and
as Artificers, are,
all
persons so engaged, or
during the time of their engagement to be
deemed in actual service, and excused from duty in the Militia. 68

65
Gunning Bedford, jr. He was lieutenant colonel of the Delaware regiment in

January, 1776, and Mustermaster General of the Continental Army from June, 1776,
to April, 1777.
60
The same
Bound Brook;
was written, this same day, to Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Warner at

did not, of course, include the directions respecting the young men
of Elizabethtown.
On February 13 Washington also wrote to Morris, Clymer, and Walton that the
military chest was exhausted and that he needed $4,000 for the bounty and subsistence
of recruits raised in the lower part of New Jersey by Lieut. Col. David Brearley, of the
Fourth
letter
it
New Jersey Regiment.
These
letters are in the
Washington Papers.
144
[Feb.
To
Morristown, February
14, 1777.
Sir: I have receiv'd your Letter of yesterday. In answer to it

beg leave to observe that it is not within the scan of human
Wisdom
human
to devise a perfect Plan. In all
Institutions.
In the accomplishment of all great events. In the adoption of

any measure for general operation, Individuals may, and will
suffer; but in the case
complain'd
of,
the matter may,
think,
be answered by propounding a few questions.

Is it
not a duty Incumbent upon the Members of every State
and liberties of that State ? If so, is an [oath

from them, to observe [a conjtrary conduct, obliga[mutilated] If such Oath was not [extorted] but the effect
to defend the rights
exjtorted
tory
of a voluntary act] can the person taking of [fence be] consid-
ered in any other light than as an

either case then,
where
is
to his
Country ? In
upon them to
a declaration of their Sentiments ?

of the United States,
emnly engaged
Enemy
the Injustice of calling

Is
a Neutral character in one
which has by her
Representatives, sol-
one ?
to support the Cause, a justifiable
If it
is,
may it not be extended to corporate bodies; to the State at large,

and to the inevitable destruction of the opposition which under
Providence, depends upon a firm union of the whole, and the
;
spirited exertions of all
its
Constituent parts ?
Upon the whole, it appears to me that but two kinds of People

69
will complain much of the Proclamation, namely, those that
are really disaffected,
Issue of the dispute.
and such
The
as
first class
are endeavouring to play a dble.
protections may, eventually,

69
want
and wait the
to lay by,
cannot be pleased; the next
game, in which
become
a sure
Card
their present
70
[h. l. ]
Of Jan. 25, 1777.

This letter is reported by the Huntington Library to be "incomplete and also damaged." The words in brackets have been supplied as the possible readings. The recipient is unidentified, but probably was one of the New Jersey Delegates to Congress
or a State official. Cf. Washington's letter to Governor Livingston, Mar. 3, 1777, post.
70
NEED OF ARMS
1777]
145

Head
Gentn.
have
Quarters, Morris
now
before
me
Town, February
14, 1777.
your two Letters of the 29th
and the 8th Inst, with which you have been pleased to
honor me. The disputes subsisting about Rank in Colo. Mc71
Coy's Regiment, I will try to settle and accomodate, agreeable
to your request, should I hear any thing more upon the Subject.
Ulto.
have not yet seen the Colonel.

In regard to the return of Lieut. Robb
74
and Sneider
cessity for
Aid
it.
at this
It is
time
is
not necessary, to
am much
and Ensigns Hofmer
with the Privates they have,
the Regiment,
72
true their
73
cannot see any ne-
Number is but Small, yet as every
wanted, and their presence
facilitate the
at
Philadelphia
levying or the Arrangement of
think their return should be dispensed with.
obliged by your attention to
my
several Letters.
The Collection of the Public Arms is a Subject that requires

much of our Care. The utmost industry, I am apprehensive,
will not relieve us intirely from difficulties
on
and embarrassments
Our demand for Artillerists, will make the arCompany, seasonable and of Impor75
have the Honor etc.
that head.
rival of Capt. Courtnay's
tance. I
To
Head
Sir : Since
no event
Quarters, Morris
Town, February
14, 1777.
had the honor of addressing you on the 5th. Inst.,

and interesting Nature has occurred,
of an important
"Col. Eneas Mackay, of the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment. He died Feb. 14, 1777.
72
Lieut. John Robb, of Miles's Pennsylvania rifle regiment. He became captain of a
Pennsylvania State regiment in April, 1777, which, in November, became the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Regiment; retired July 1, 1778.
73
Ensign George HofTner,of the Second Pennsylvania Battalion. He had been made
a lieutenant of the Third Pennsylvania Regiment Jan. 1, 1777; was transferred to the
Third Continental Artillery as adjutant in April, 1777; resigned in February, 1780.
74
Ensign Philip ( ? ) Snyder, of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment. He retired in
June, 1778.
75
The draft
is
Hanson Harrison.
146
unless the Successes of our parties in foraging,

Several Horses, Waggons and some fat Cattle
were contiguous
ered as such.
to
and bringing off
and Sheep, which
and around the Enemy's Lines are consid-
then mentioned, that
[Feb.
had such a Scheme
in
contemplation, which was happily accomplished the next day
and without any

efforts in that
loss.
The Enemy in turn have made frequent

little Success. Whenever they
way, but with
made the Attempt, it never

They have been common of
failed to
late,
produce a Skirmish.
but with
little
damage
to
either side.
We have certain intelligence, that they have drawn the greatest part of their
Troops from Rhode
Island,
and are
part of them have landed on Staten Island and at
told, that
Amboy, with
a view of augmenting their force at Brunswick.

Colo. Buckner, agreeable to the information contained in
last,
has been tried by a Court Martial and cashiered.
ceedings and Sentence

tary of the
War
Office
The
my
Pro-
directed to be transmitted to the Secre-
and
to the Printer in this State
and in
Virginia to be published.
Genl. Lincoln is just arrived with a Regiment of Massachusetts

Militia, consisting of
about 250. This he
says, is
succeeded
by Three more which will make in the whole near Eighteen
Hundred; but in this, I think he must be mistaken, unless those

on the March are much fuller and larger than what they usually
are. The whole are of the Troops that were with Genl. Heath.
Genl. Knox, by a Letter of the 1st Inst., informs me, that on
mature enquiry and examination, he finds Springfield to be
more convenient and much better calculated for an Elaboraand Cannon Foundery than any other part of the New
England States. He adds, that a Quantity of Copper, Tin and
tory
other useful materials can be had there and that the necessary
Works and preparations from these and
other advantages can
SPRINGFIELD LABORATORY
1777]
be accomplished,
than any where
at least three or
else.
sooner, there,
In consequence of his opinion, which
esteem of weight, particularly in
importance of and
Months
four
147
this instance
and knowing the
how essential the Establishments are, I have
ventured to order the works to be begun there, without regard
what had been done
to
consequence.
The
at Brookfield,
former, besides the
which was of but
many
little
advantages men-
tioned by Genl. Knox, stands on Connecticut River, and has a
good Navigation,
yet
is
entirely secure against
any Attempts
Enemy, being Twenty Miles above Hartford, where the

narrow and too shoal, to admit Vessels, that can give
the least annoyance. As nothing but the good of the Service
of the
River
is
could have lead to this measure,

I
trust
it
will be approved.
have wrote the Assembly of the Massachusetts State and the
Convention of
and
New Hampshire, requesting their good Offices

promote the raising of
exertions, to
peditiously as possible,
first
their
Regiments
as ex-
and to forward the whole of the Quotas
exacted from them, to Ticonderoga. Their contiguity to
that post,
more than
to
any Other, the importance of
it,
and
Genl. Schuyler's apprehensions that the Enemy may Attempt to

pass the Lake,
if
not upon
ice, as
soon as
it is
open, added to the
great trouble, expence and loss of time it will save, in marching

them elsewhere, and Others there who are much more distant
and remote, induced me to determine so. I find the Council
of the former,
before
on General Schuyler's earnest application
my Letter reached
them, had determined to send four
Regiments, as soon as they could be compleated.
only wish
the whole maybe made up in a short time, and that their arrival
may be early enough to prevent those inconveniences and fatal
consequences, which the want of a Sufficient force in that Quarter
would
this time.
subject us to,
were the Enemy
to pass the
Lakes
at
148
[Jan.
now here in consequence of being appointed Clothier General. He is adjusting a plan for answering
Mr. James Mease
the
is
End of his Appointment and making an Estimate to be laid
before Congress or their Secret Committee, of such Cloathes as
may be necessary to import for the Army.

It is with much concern, that the situation
obliges
cially
me to mention
so frequently the
of our Affairs
want of Money,
espe-
when I am persuaded every means are used to furnish it.
Our distress on
and the injury the

Service receives almost inconceivable. Not a day, an Hour, or
scarcely a Minute passes without complaints and applications
on this Head. The recruiting the Regiments is most materially
retarded by it.
this
Account
is
great indeed
10 O'Clock,
now
Just
P.M.
a Flag returned, that went to Brunswick to day,
which brought the inclosed
Letters
from Genl Lee
76
which
Washington (February 9) "As Lord and General Howe have given

send the inclosed to the Congress, and as the contents are of the last
importance to me, and perhaps not less so to the Community, I most earnestly entreat,
My Dr. General, that you will despatch it immediately, and order the Express to be as
expeditious as possible. ... I am likewise extremely desirous that my Dogs should be
70
Lee wrote
me permission
to
to
I never stood in greater need of their Company than at present." In the

Congress which was inclosed, Lee requested that two or three gentlemen
might be sent immediately to New York, to whom he would communicate what he
conceived to be of the greatest importance, assuring Congress that the Howes would
grant safe conduct to the gentlemen thus deputed. Congress almost unanimously decided that it was inexpedient to send any of their Members to such a conference,
remembering that the meeting on Staten Island in September, 1776, had much em-
brought
as
letter to
barrassed Silas
Deane
in his efforts to secure aid
from France. Lee was urgent, and
wrote another letter (March 19), reiterating the request, but Congress adhered to its
decision. Both of Lee's letters are in the Papers of the Continental Congress. John
Adams, in a letter to General Greene (March, 1777), saw in it an "artful stratagem
of the two grateful brothers to hold up to the public view the phantom of a negotiation, in order to give spirits and courage to the Tories, to distract and divide the Whigs
at a critical moment, when the utmost exertions are necessary to draw together an
army. They meant further, to amuse opposition in England, and to amuse foreign
nations by this manoeuvre, as well as the Whigs in America, and I confess it is not
without indignation that I see such a man as Lee suffer himself to be duped by their
policy so far as to become the instrument of it, as Sullivan was upon a former occasion.
.
But another thing: We have undoubted intelligence from Europe that the
ambassadors and other instruments of the British ministry at foreign courts made
the worst use of die former conference. That conference did us a great and essential
injury at the French court, you may depend upon it. Lord Howe knows it, and
wishes to repeat it."
.
HOSPITAL MATTERS
1777]
149
do myself the honor to transmit you, with a Copy of One

77
myself. I have the honor &c.
I
To

Sir: I
to
do myself the honor
to inclose
14, 1777.
you a plan, drawn up
by Doctor Shippen in concert with Doctr. Cochran, for the
Arrangement and future Regulation
of the General Hospital.
As this plan is very extensive, the appointments numerous, and

the Salaries at present affixed to them, large;
myself
at liberty to
adopt any part of
Congress for their approbation.
78
the Expence attending an Hospital
be very great,
lic, but
are
it
at
did not think
before
laid
it
before
will just remark, that tho'
upon the inclosed plan, will
will in the end, not only be a saving to the pub-
the only possible
now,
it,
method of keeping an Army afoot.
an enormous Bounty, and with no small
Army
We
difficulty,
upwards of one hundred Battalions.

the same Causes, prove as
sickly as the last. If the Hospitals are in no better condition for
the reception of the Sick, our Regiments will be reduced to Companies, by the end of the Campaign, and those poor Wretches,
who escape with life, will be either Scattered up and down the
Country and not to be found, or if found, totally enervated and
unfit for further duty. By these Means, the Bounty is not only
lost, but the Man is lost also, and I leave you to judge, whether
we have Men enough, to allow of such a Consumption of Lives
and Constitutions as have been lost, the last Campaign. For
my own part, I am certain, that if the Army, which I hope we
shall have in the Field this year, is suffered to moulder away by
Sickness, as it did the last, we must look for Reinforcements
recruiting an
of
The ensuing Campaign may, from
to
some other places than our own
States.
"In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison.

"See Journals of the Continental Congress, Feb.
27, 1777.
150
The Number
of Officers, mentioned in the inclosed plan,
presume are necessary for
And
British Hospitals.
Basis, that of
[Feb.
us,
because they are found so in the
upon
as they are established
the surest
long Experience, under the ablest Physicians and
we should not hesitate a moment in adopting their

Regulations, when they so plainly tend to correct and improve
Surgeons,
our former want of Method and Knowledge in this important
department.
The
pay, affixed to the different Appointments,
before, great;
and perhaps more than you may think adequate
to the Service. In determining
lowed
to each,
will induce
you ought
upon
the
Sum
to consider, that
Gentlemen of Character and
sion to step forth,
which they
as I said
is,
it
that
is
to be al-
should be such as
Skill in their profes-
and in some manner adequate to the practice

home. For unless such Gentlemen are
leave at
in-
duced to undertake the Care and Management of our Hospitals,
we had better trust to the force of Nature and Constitution,
than Suffer persons intirely ignorant of Medicine to destroy us
by
ill
directed applications.
hear from every Quarter, that the dread of undergoing the
same Miseries for want of proper care and attention when

has
much
retarded the
Southward. This
pitals
upon a
is
large
inlistments, particularly to the
another Reason for establishing our Hos-
and generous Plan,
the Service as agreeable
many of whom
new
Sick,
for
we ought
and enticing as possible to the
(especially
to
make
Soldiery,
when we call forth the Militia)
only quit the Comforts, but the luxuries of
not
life.
A few days ago Doctor Morgan sent me the inclosed Manuscript,
which
desires a
is
a vindication of his Conduct,
Court of Enquiry
may be held.
upon which he
transmit
it
to
you by
As I do not know what particular Charges were

alledged against him I can say nothing to it or about it. You will
his direction.
LENIENCY TOWARD TORIES
1777]
151
find a plan of his also inclosed, for the better Regulation of the
Hospital, but
think
all his
hints are included inShippensPlan.
As no time is to be lost, in appointing the necessary Officers,

fixing upon the proper places for Hospitals and many other
preparations, I could wish that Congress would take this Matter
under
me
am &c. 79
immediate Consideration and favor
their
their Sentiments thereon, as soon as possible.
with
To BRIGADIER GENERAL THOMAS MIFFLIN

Sir:
Instt.
have not,
till
now, had time
to
14, 1777.
answer yours of the
4th.
My sentiments respecting the treatment proper to be ob-
served to[wards?] Martyrs coincide with yours. Lenity will

operate with greater force, in such Instances, than rigour;
'tis
my first wish to have our whole conduct distinguished

by it. Still it is not my desire, neither indeed is it within my
power, to release any man from confinement, imposed upon
therefore
him by the Civil power. They best know the Charge and Merit
of the Case, consequently should ultimately determine
these reasons
closed a Letter
Department.
To
dare not comply with your request.
from Mr.
Sears,
80
81
in-
Your two
favors of the 6th
this
and 10th
it
in
14, 1777.
Instt. I
Evening. Nothing would give
pleasure than to have

80
have
am etc. 81
honor to receive
79
For
the business falls within your

Sir:
it.
had the
me greater
my Power fully to Comply with the

Isaac(?) Sears.
152
request contained in the former.

is
easily
The
first
[Feb.
question proposed,
Solved by a sight of the emaciated Bodies of
Prisoners
whom
they have returned.
who was
is
of
Vir-
too well evi-
denced by his desposition, a Copy of which I take the

inclosing you, as in that of Capt. Neil
at Philadelphia,
first
butchered by a British Soldier at
Princeton on the 3rd Ulto., the truth of which
can inform you
the 5th Virginia Battalion
our
The Second admits
equal proof, as well in the fate of Lieut. Yates of the

ginia Battalion,
all
who
of,
82
liberty of
with Colo. Flowers now
and
also of Adjt. Kelly of
experienced the same degree
of Brutality in the Action of the
This
last
became the
from Genl Stephen to Sir William Erskine;

a copy of which, with Sir Williams Answer and the necessary
Subject of a Letter
Affidavits,
whom
The
will transmit to you, so soon as Genl. Stephen, to
have wrote on the
third question, as
subject, furnishes
me
with them.
have never had Occasion to
make
In-
quiry into particulars, can be best answered by the Inhabitants
on the Roads the Enemy marched along, they only can describe
83
the treatment observed towards them. The last I have no other
knowledge of than by Information.

not,
an Application
to
84
If
my memory fails me
one Marshow near Stack's ferry and to
a Tavern keeper in Penny-Town will afford ample Testimony.
The Generals about me know as little about these things as I do.

I
lament the misbehaviour of Colo Bucknor. His punish-
ment
(tho'
it
breathed Mildness)
hope, sincerely hope, will
deter others from committing the same Crime, under the ex-
pectation of escaping as well.
am determined that every Offi-
cer shall be answerable for his conduct at

82
all
hazards, and that
Capt. Daniel Neil, of the East Jersey Artillery. He was killed at Princeton, N. J., on
3. Governor Livingston wrote Washington (February 10) that Col. Benjamin
Flower witnessed the barbarity used on Captain Neil. Livingston's letter is in the
Washington Papers.
83
The third question was regarding the British depredations of property.
84
The last was a query as to the British ill treatment of women.
January
MILITIA OFFICERS
1777]
no pains
be spared to deprive our Enemies, of even the
shall
Smallest ground of
I
153
Triumph
concur with you in the
over our want of Discipline.
backwardness ob-
belief, that the
served by the Militia in turning out
may
be fairly charged to
An observation that should have its due weight
their Officers.
with the Power that appoints them; Very many of our Misfortunes originate in the want of proper attention to the choice
Answer to the Representation of the joint Meet-
of Officers. In
ing of the Council and Assembly of this State, respecting the
Rank
of the Officers of their Battalions,
observe, that
and
Injustice
know
of
no Method
partiality,
take the liberty to
from the Charge of

the decision to a Board
free'r
than to refer
of Officers, so soon as the Battalions are raised.
Before then, every Officer will have an Opportunity of ad-
vancing
vailed
all his
reasons for Precedence.
on an Occasion
to the Satisfaction of
mend
Cambridge, were
at
them
disputes that pre-
settled in this
the decision of the Board.
all their
mean to have all the

day and Numbered agreeable to
Commissions to the
Commissions dated on that
way
therefore beg leave to recom-
all; I
Genl Assembly, the fixing the dates of
to the
Officer's
The
ist
Jany.
have the honor etc.
85
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Ireland.
As
the
15, 1777.
Countersign Jersey.
Commander
in Chief
is
extremely desirous that the
Small-Pox should not spread among the Soldiery, it is hoped

no persons will presume, on any account whatever, to inoculate
without
first
obtaining leave.
Mr Robert Freeman is appointed Pay Master to the 9th. Virginia Regiment,

85
The
draft
is
and
is
to take
in the writing of
upon him that office.
George Johnston.
154
Snagg
Serjt.
is
[Feb.
room
appointed Provost Marshal in the
of
Serjt. Prentice, resigned.
To COLONEL GEORGE BAYLOR

Dear Baylor:
the one, son to
15, 1777.
Two
young gentlemen, namesakes of mine,

Mr. Lawrence Washington, the other to Mr.
Robert Washington, both of Stafford County, are desirous of

entering into the Horse service.
posed of
if
all
If therefore,
you have not
the Cornetcies in your Regiment,
you would appoint each of them one.
86
am,
dis-
should be glad
87
8
etc.
To MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES LEE

Dear
on Friday night about

for the Congress
10 O'Clock.
and by
16, 1777.
your Letter of the 9th.
Sir: I received the favor of
It
Instt.
was accompanied by One

whole of which
several others, the
were transmitted by an Express the next morning,
whom
directed to proceed without delay.
Mr. Eustace
Island,
being in Virginia and Mr. Bradford
89
at
Rhode
cannot comply with your request respecting them.
Mr. Morris
and
88
90
who was
your Aid
till
of
Tate, is
expected here,
doubt not will be ready to render you any services in his
power;
When
he comes he will wait on you,
if
Genl.
Howe
" Baylor answered (March 17) that owing to delay in receiving Washington's letter
the vacancies in his regiment were filled. Baylor's letter is in the Washington Papers.
The text is from the Virginia Historical Magazine, vol. 2.
^Maj. John Skey Eustace, aide to Lee. He was aide to Gen. John Sullivan in November, 1777; aide to Gen. Nathanael Greene in 1779; resigned in January, 1780.
^Maj. William Bradford, aide to Lee. He was major of Tallman's Rhode Island
all
87
Militia regiment; Sherburne's Additional Continental
regiment in January, 1777;
retired in January, 1781.

90
Maj. Jacob Morris, aide to Lee.

to 1782.
Greene from 1781
He was wounded
at
Monmouth, N.
J.;
aide to
1777]
Your Dogs
will grant permission.
cumstance
regret, as
companionable
are in Virginia. This Cir-
you will be deprived of the
and amusements you hoped
from
to derive
dispositions. I
155
am etc.
satisfaction
and
their friendly
91
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL
Head
Sir:
Genl.
Quarters, Morris
Town, February
16, 1777.
Howe having proposed that some mode should be
fixed for the future exchange of prisoners, their subsistence &ca.
and appointed
Lt. Col.
Walcot of the
Army
under
his
com-
mand to negotiate respecting the same; You are to repair to the

House of Mrs. Field, on the Road leading from Brunswick to
Bound Brook, on Monday the 17th. Instt., to meet Colo. Walcot, confer with him and receive such propositions as he may
have to make upon this subject; reporting to me the same and
the result of your conference.
92
To

Sir: Since I
17, 1777.
did myself the honor of Writing to you on the
14th. Inst,
by way of Philadelphia, in answer to your favor of
the 6th.
have received from Brigr. Stephen the Letters and
affidavit
by me referred to, when mentioning the Case of Adju-
tant Kelly; Copies of
them
to
my Aid
liam's answer,
the
81
Honor
The
The
The
de Camp, explaining a sentence in Sir WilI
have
93
etc.
draft
is
is
draft
a part of a Letter inclosing
take the liberty of inclosing to you.
draft
to Lieut. Col.
83
which and
Hanson Harrison.
Hanson Harrison. (See Washington's
Robert Hanson Harrison, Mar.

is
in the writing of
4,
1777, post.)
Tench Tilghman.
letter
156
[Feb.
Dear
Sir: I
18, 1777.
have yours of the 10th. instant, and thank you for
the attention you
shew
to the
Completion of the Eight Conti-
nental Battalions to be raised in your State.
doubt not but the
who
people prefer inlisting in the small coasting Guards,

to stay at
home, rather than in the Regiments; but
are
this incon-
would never do to have

the Continental Regiments detached up and down in small
parties. They must be drawn together as quick as possible, and
all those who have not had the small pox, inoculated, agreeable
to the Orders given to you some little time ago.
If any number of the prize Arms are not yet come forward,
you ought to draw for your State, in proportion to the number
venience must be submitted
for
to,
it
of Battalions to be raised in the four Eastern States.

tofore been a practice to hire
lately desired
Arms
Govr. Trumbull to purchase
It
has here-
Campaign; but
for the
all
the good ones he
could find in the Government, for the Continental use, and

think
as
if
were employed
active persons
many might
be procured,
as,
to
go
is
now
fore the receipt of your Letter, wrote to Govr.
appoint a proper person to purchase
it
all
here,
had
Trumbull
be-
to
kinds of Cloathing
this, and if you

what you have contracted for,
imagine he has done
will acquaint this person, with
he will take
thro' the Country,
with what you already have,
would nearly compleat your Regiments.

Mr. Mease the Cloathier General, who
proper for Soldiers,
up on the public account.
hope, as you say you
will have Cloathing for several Regiments, that by the time
you have them
raised,
we
of the Stock of Cloaths
on
shall be able to get
an exact Account
the Continent, and proportion
them
UNIFORMS AND ARMS
1777]
out, to the different States.
do not imagine we
ters in so regular a train, as to
different
Uniforms
this
157
shall get
mat-
put our Regiments in exact and
Campaign,
therefore think
you had
all
your Cloth made up, and delivered out promis-
cuously, as the
Men of different Regiments want it. If it can be

who are to go into the Hospitals, should not
better
have
avoided, those
have their
new
Cloaths delivered,
till
They will
they are well.
not spread the Infection thro' the Country by this precaution.

I
intreat that all the
Arms and Accoutrements that want re-
may be immediately put in order. I have directed Commy

94
Cheevers to render you an account of the Arms that were depair,
livered out to the Connecticut Forces last
an Account of Number
Campaign; and
also
were returned. Pray try to make the
Colonels account for the deficiency, which
am
certain
is
very great.
To
obviate all difficulties that
would otherwise
count of the dates of Commissions,
Commissions in the new
Army
arise
on
have determined that
shall bear date
on the
ist.
acall
Jan-
uary 1777, and then a Board of Officers shall determine the precedency, which when ascertained, may be settled by numbering
the Commissions, or some such way.
mosities that
would
arise, if
was aware
of the Ani-
rank was claimed agreeable to the
dates in the different States,
and therefore determined upon
the foregoing mode, which gives an equal chance to every person, according to his
I
former
Services.
most earnestly beg, that whenever a
sufficient
number
of
Men, (who have had the small pox), to make up a Field Officommand, can be Cloathed Armed and Accoutred, that
they may be sent forward to join the Army. I have directed
this to be done, by all the Officers in the other States, and by
cers
"Ezekiel Cheever, Commissary of Military Stores of the Continental Army. Later

he was colonel and Deputy Commissary General.
158
these means, tho' each
be respectable.
P. S. I
[Feb.
Regiment sends a few, the number will
am etc.
beg you will make me, as exact an Account as possible,
Number
of men that are inlisted, and endeavour

form yourself what progress is made in Rhode Island. 95
of the

Head
Quarters, Morris
to in-
MAXWELL
Town, February
18, 1777.
Sir: I received your favor of the 17th. Instt. I wish the Morris
County Militia could be prevailed on to stay some time longer.
The Enemy are certainly reinforced and will no doubt attempt
in a few days to make their situation more comfortable; should
they do so, we shall not be able to make an effectual opposition,
if the Troops, now in Service, retire to their Homes, and they
will again be reduced to that misery from which they were but
just now relieved, merely by their exerting themselves manfully. Make them acquainted with this, and let them also know
that their Families will be under not the smallest danger of
catching the smallpox.
have taken every possible care of them
and have Guards placed over every house of inoculation
to
prevent the Infection's spreading. At any rate they must re-
main
till
every
Man immediately. A few
the Essex Militia releive them,
they can be spared;
if
they can,
who
are ordered out
days will determine whether
am sure 5 shall have no objec96
have wrote to Mr. Ogden on the subject

mentioned by you. I wish you would lay some plan of catching
tion to their going.
the dutch
man who
for Intelligence,
Martial on
if
is
said to
come
to this place every
he appears to be a Spy,
him and have him hanged
Week
will order a Court
instantly.
97
You will
let
me know in a few days whether Capt. Barnet 98 has joined you,

S5
The
draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.

Samuel Ogden, who was stated to have influence with the people.
"Maxwell does not mention the man's name.
08
Capt. William Barnett. He was made a captain in the Second Continental Dragoons Jan. 15, 1777; resigned Oct. n, 1777.
90
NEED OF ESSEX MILITIA
1776]
because
he does not
if
other person.
shall dismiss
appointed
159
him and look out for some
him upon the express Condition that
he should bring a Troop completely equipped, into the Field

immediately, which he said waited for nothing but
now
my Order;
he does not comply with his promise, he cannot com-
if
plain of being discharged.
am etc."
To BRIGADIER GENERAL PHILEMON DICKINSON

Sir: I
Cook's and Conduit's Regiments of Militia from

are to go
cant
home
tell.
in a
How
few days;
it
There remains but
move
this
County
they are to be replaced
have wrote to Genl. Maxwell to
Militia, but I fear
tion to
18, 1777.
am informed by a line from Genl. Maxwell that Colo.
cant be done, without your Interposition.
little
doubt with me, of the Enemy's Inten-
soon; their late Reinforcement at Brunswick in-
dicates a disposition to act offensively.
It
therefore becomes
indispensably necessary for you, vigorously to exert the
committed
call in the Essex
to
power
your Charge by Govr. Livingston, not only in
replacing the Morris Militia, but in calling out
all
others that
can be had, slugishness in them now, will inevitably bring on

that Misery again,
from which they have
lately
been relieved.
Genl. Maxwell recommends sending small parties armed, thro*

Essex, to force in the Militia,
think he
not disapprove the measure.
am etc. 2
may proceed, if you do
To BRIGADIER GENERAL CAESAR

Head
Sir:
Lord
Quarters, Morris
me
Stirling did
letter of the 8th. Instt. to
"The
draft
*Col. Ellis
2
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Town, February
in the writing of
18, 1777.
the favor of sending to
me
your
him, mentioning your Cheerfulness
George Johnston.
Cook and David Condit(?).

is
RODNEY
George Johnston.
160
to continue in Service, tho' your Brigade
had returned home,
and waiting my determination on that head.

The readiness with which you took the field,
most
critical to
[Feb.
at the period
our Affairs, the industry you used in bringing
out the Militia of the Delaware State, and the alertness observed
by you in forwarding on the Troops from Trenton,
reflect
the
Honour on your Character and place your Attachment

to the cause, in a most distinguished point of view. They claim
highest
my
Sincerest thanks,
and
am happy
in this Opportunity of
giving them to you. Circumstanced as you are,
I see no necesfrom your Family and Affairs,

which no doubt demand your presence and attention; You
sity
of detaining you longer
have therefore
P. S.
my leave to return.
am etc.
From the Enemy's Manoeuvres
Reinforceing Brunswick,
of late, especially their
fear your Militia will be
again, you will therefore be pleased to keep

till I call
for them.
them
To JOSEPH
TRUMBULL

Sir:
wanted
in readiness,
Notwithstanding
Department
all
18, 1777.
my endeavours, to keep the Com-
some kind of order, I find that there

is the utmost necessity of your immediate presence and interposition, to prevent every thing from runing into a State of
missary's
in
distraction.
There are a number of Deputy Commissaries, (appointed

by I know not whom) bidding upon each other, till they have
raised the price of Provisions to a most extravagant rate. I dont
know how true the charge may be, but Wharton 4 is the Subject
Commission upon
what price he gives.
of universal Complaint; they say he has a

the
3
amount of his purchases, and
cares not
The
draft is in the writing of George Johnston.

Carpenter Wharton, Assistant Deputy Commissary General. Later he was
missary General of the Continental Army.
4
Com-
COMMISSARY ABUSES
1777]
161
can therefore only say again, that your presence alone can
me from my
Millions. I am etc.
relieve
present distress, and save the Continent
GENERAL ORDERS
The
19, 1777.
Countersign Newark.
Parole New-Castle.
frequent complaints
made from
the different divisions
of the Army, of Neglect and Abuse in the Commissaries depart-
ment, induce the

sary General,
Commander in
Chief to
horses,
is
on the Commis-
and request of him, to take such measures
in future prevent the like Complaints.
General
call
as will
The Quarter Master
directed to pay particular attention to the public's
and not allow any
to be used, but such as
himself; or such as are directed by an Order
he employs
from the Adju-
tant General.
General Returns to be made of
all
the Troops, Continental
and Militia, in and about Morristown They are to be under

the immediate Command of Brigdr. Genl. St Clair, to whom the
Returns will be given without delay, by the commanding
cers of each Corps,
who
will
know
of
him what
is
to be
Offi-
done
in cases of alarm.
John Walker Esqr.

the
is
appointed an extra Aide-De-Camp, to
Commander in Chief, and is to be considered and respected
as such
by the Army.

19, 1777.
Dear Sir: I have been favoured with your Letter of the 4th.
Your observations respecting Capt. Gamble's 6 application
Inst.
5
The

Capt. Thomas Gamble's letter tp Washington (February 17), requesting permission to go to Canada via New York City is indorsed: "Unanswered." It is in the
6
Washington Papers.
162
think are exceedingly
just,
and he should not by any means
be permitted to pass the Lakes

to
go
to Albany,
indulge
him
it
will be
till
he
is
allowed
and you
will not
at this time.
under
in his wishes,
[Feb.
If
restrictions,
you esteem that
can
his return
not be attended with any inconvenience and injury.

In respect to Ordnance and Ordinance Stores,
you every possible
assistance;
But
time
at this
wish to give
do not know
that our situation will justify the smallest supply in the

stance,
having but very few Cannon for
first in-
Army and
this
those
we have a considerable Train now at Sea and that its arrival may be looked
for every day. Should it fortunately get in, I trust we shall have
only light pieces.
It is
hoped and expected,
that
would here mention, that

General Knox has the regulation of the Artillery and the establishment of Elaboratories, and recommend your wants of Ordnance and Stores to be particularized always and transmitted
sufficient for every
department.
to him.
An
yet
arrangement of the
know
Army
the several Officers,
remains to be made;
much more
dont
the ranks they
should hold.
By
Colo.
Wayne's Letter, I perceive the Garrison at Ticonde-
roga,
on the return of the Troops he mentions, would be weak;
but
persuade myself that he has received reinforcements be-
fore this, having ordered all the Massachusets
and New Hamp-
shire Regiments, first Voted, to that Quarter,
and heard
that
some have marched.

I
am
sorry to find, that the Small
the natural
pox
is
breaking out in
way among the Troops with Colo. Wayne;
It is
case here, notwithstanding every precaution to prevent it.
the
Under
such Circumstances, and knowing the fatal consequences that

should become general,
must result,
if it
lation here,
and think
it
have directed inocu-
highly advisable, that
it
should be
REPAIR OF ARMS
1777]
163
immediately begun in the Northern Army, and the Troops

inoculated as fast as they arrive.
It
certainly
may be done there,
with more convenience and security than here, and

cession as the
number
able
Companies or Regiments come
Enemy may be uninformed
prays; Genl. Arnold being at
upon
By
I
as
have spoke to Lt. Colo. Brown
witness here,
if
no
Rhode
it
will
in Suc-
consider-
As
will ever be unfit for duty at one time.
should be said on the subject, as the nature of

that the
in,
little
admit
of,
long as possible.
about the Enquiry he
Island
and not
a Single
cannot be made, he has received an answer
it
the Subject.
a return transmitted in your Letter of the 30th. Jany.,
observe you have 1875
Arms
in the Commissary's Store at
Albany unfit for Service. As we shall have occasion for all and
I fear more than can be collected, I wish that you would have
them repaired with all possible expedition.

Albany,
at
made
them
it
If it
cannot be done
will be proper to send such of them, as can be
useful, to Philadelphia,
to be conveyed
without
loss of time, directing
by a Secure Route.
my Letter of the 9th. Instt., nothing of importance has

happened, which leaves me only to add, that I am etc.
Since

Head
Sir:
Quarters, Morris
Your favour of the 15th
This going express,
Subject.
Lieut. Col.
15; colonel of
of that year.
The
draft
reached
me this morning.
You shall hear from me to morrow,
John Brown, of Elmore's Connecticut State regiment.
March
s
Instt.
is
New York levies

letter to
in 1780; killed at Fort Keyser,
He
N.
resigned on
Y., in October

Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, Feb. 23, 1777, post.
in the writing of
"See Washington's
19, 1777.
have not time to determine on the sen-
tence of the Court Martial.
on that
Town, February
164
[Feb.
The Enemy being certainly reinforced at Brunswick, and the

corresponding Intelligence from every Quarter, induce
me
to
no longer suffer themselves to be cooped

narrow
disagreeable Limits. 'Tis given out by
up within such
believe, that they will
mean to move this way, but this may be a blind

make their march towards the Delaware the more secure.
You will observe from the inclosed, how desirous I am to have
them, that they
to
Colo. Dehaas or
some
Officer of Abilities stationed at
New
Town, who can superintend the passage across the River atCoryells Ferry. Having not as yet heard who commands at New
Town, I have inclosed the letter without Seal or direction, which
after reading
I
you will be so good
did not chuse to mention in that
strictest
Vigilance
is,
as
compleat and forward.
letter,
how indispensable the
over the Boats. Should circumstances in-
duce me to hang upon the Enemy's flanks, or annoy in the rear,

our secure possession of
all
the Boats, gives us such an
tage, as probably will enable us to retard
them,
'till
Advan-
a sufficient
Field. A moveupon you, at the shortest notice,

from Trenton downwards; and above
body of the Continental Troops can take the
ment of this
Sort, will also call
to collect all the boats

all
things to secure the Stores in Philadelphia.
have so often
wrote to the Commissioners of Congress in that City, describing the impropriety and danger of keeping a large Stock there,
and so little attention has beenpaid
to
my Observations, that 'tis
me to write again. Still they must not be neglected.

me therefore desire you to mention the matter to them, in
painful to
Let
an immediate removal of them, as

the only absolute mode of preserving them; but let it not be
done in such away as to agitate the Citizens with the prospect
private Conversation. Press
of danger.
The tenor of this, will point out the industry

used, in equipping
and
necessary to be
and forwarding the Troops
are intended for this place;
do not mean
that are
come
to call out the
SUPPLIES FURNISHED ENEMY
1777]
City Militia yet, only those
who
are
165
coming from other
parts
and are not detained for Inoculation. I am etc.

P. S. Intelligence from several quarters, this moment received, makes a movement of the Enemy very soon absolutely
certain.
10

Head
Sir :
Quarters, Morris
Town, February 19, 1777.

many of the Inhabitants,
Information being lodged, that
employed in removing
and Forage within the Enemy's reach, with
design of supplying them, Obliges me to beg the favor of you
to let me know what success you have experienced in collecting
living near the Passaick Falls, are busily
their provision
the Troops voted by the Convention of the State of
The
presence of some
men
in that
attended with much good; add to

ability that the
Enemy
New York. 11
Neighbourhood, would be
this,
the well grounded prob-
(being lately reinforced) will
some movement soon, and you
will, I
am
satisfied,
make
use your
utmost exertions to bring a Reinforcement to our Assistance.
At present I cannot check the above mentioned practice, least

the Detachment sent that way, may be more wanted for other
purposes than this. I therefore wish that some of your Troops
would take that duty off my hands, and that you would further
12
enable me to oppose any designs of the Enemy. I am etc.
To
COLONEL HENRY JACKSON

Sir: I received
Dollars which was not fully executed.
with my signature. As money

10
is
now
inclose
it
to
you
upon its way to the Treasury at
The draft is in the writing of George Lewis.

Clinton was stationed at New Windsor, N. Y.
*2
The draft is in the writing of George Lewis.
11
19, 1777.
your favor returning a Warrant for 10,000.
166
[Feb.
Boston, you will have an Opportunity of drawing the amount;
and
hope to hear that the Legislature of your
State will put
it
in your power, to proceed in recruiting your Regiment,
the terms that they offer to the Regiments allotted to
Congress.
am etc. 13
To THE OFFICER
Sir:
upon
them by
COMMANDING AT NEWTOWN
14

The many abuses committed in the management of the
Ferries
on Delaware render your
particular attention to that
object indispensably necessary. Complaints of the extortions
Scandalously practised by the Guards at present stationed there,
reach
my
mitted to;
on
Ears so frequently, that they can be no longer sub-
You
will therefore immediately have all the Boats
from Trenton upwards,
that River,
ferry,
and placed under the care
strong Guard, whose duty
it
good
shall be, to see that
are carried, or drifted away, that

cious Character,
collected at Coryells
of a very
which must
in
no person
Officer
none of them
crosses, of Suspi-
some measure be
Judgment, and that no extortions are committed by
These are not the only good Consequences

greater
Enemy
may
result
from a
Aim
should
strict
Watch
and
left
his
to his
Guard.
have in View,
over them, in case the
at crossing the River; in that Instance,
the Officer may distinguish himself eminently, by taking proper
Measures to prevent any one of the boats falling into their hands.
Objects of such considerable importance in their Consequences,
as these, justly
demand
the utmost attention.
fore excuse the Earnestness with
business to you.
13
The
14
On
am etc.
which
You
will there-
have mentioned
this
15

February 23 General Gates appointed Col. James Irvine to command at Newtown, Pa. (See Washington's letter to Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, Feb. 19, 1777.)
10
CARE OF ARMS
1777]
167
To EZEKIEL CHEEVER
Sir: I desire
you
19, 1777.
will immediately furnish Genl. Parsons,
Arms
with an account of the
that
were delivered
different Colonels in the Connecticut Service,
out, to the
during the
last
in when
may endeavour to make the
Campaign, and also an Account of what they delivered

the Troops were disbanded, that he
Officers account for the Deficiency. Genl. Parsons
in Connecticut.
beg you will exert
yourself, in
Arms that want repair, put into complete order.
*To
is
at present
having
I
the
all
am etc.
18
JOHN JAY
February
20, 1777.
Your Card of the 8th. Ulto. I have had the honour

to receive, and thank you most sincerely for your kind congratulations on our late Successes, and the polite manner in
which you are pleased to apply them to me. Would to God Sir,
Dear
they
Sir
may
be of continuance.
Appearances do not
justifie the
hope, But, prudence forbids
my adding more, in a Letter.

The filial duty which withdrew you from theComme.for the
nomination of Officers for your
worthy of much
praise,
is
State, at the
sametime that
perhaps to be lamented, as
it is
under-
stand the arrangement of some of the Corps are not yet fix'd;
Colo.
who
H. Livingston's
17
in particular;
and the two Gentlemen
are Candidates for the Office of Lieutt. Colonel in his
Regiment both disagreeable

a Lieutt. Colo. Renier
13
18
to him.
He strongly recommends
and wishes me to
for this vacancy,

"Col. Henry Beekman Livingston, of the Fourth New York Regiment.
18
Lieut. Col. Pierre Regnier. He was appointed to the Fourth New York Regiment
on March 26.
168
[Feb.
interpose in his behalf, as a Gentn. of established Character
a sufferer in the cause. This, in the present case,

leave to signify as
my
wish (only)
as this
and
would beg
Gentns. Military
Character stands unimpeached, and advantages result from
having Officers of the
Character in a Corps, agreeable to
first
each other. With sincere esteem and regard
am,
19
etc.

Sir: The principal design of this is to inform you, that we
have strong reason to believe that the Enemy are on the point
of making some push, what their object is, whether to beat up
our Quarters and to extend their own, to make a large forage
and collection of provender, of which they are in great want, or
to turn their views towards the Delaware,
tainty ; but
it
a matter of uncer-
seems probable, that one of these things they have
in contemplation.
Rhode
is
Island,
Such of
their
have landed
at
Troops
as
have returned from
Amboy and with them several

Howe is come over too, and
pieces of heavy Artillery. General

it is
said
Lord
Piercy. Their
number before
this last reenforce-
ment, was estimated from Seven to Eight Thousand.
have
ordered the utmost vigilance and attention to be observed,
at
our several posts, to guard against Surprizes and every preparation to be
made
that the
weak and
feeble state of our
little
Army will admit of. At this time we are only about Four Thousand strong:
opposition,
A force you will suppose unequal to a successful
if
they were not Militia, and far too small for the
exigencies of our Affairs.
It is
impossible to obtain exact re-
turns, tho' they are daily called for,
owing
to the frequent
and
almost constant departure of some of the Corps. ColoNeilson

"The editor
20
is indebted to George A. Ball, of Muncie, Ind., for the text of this letter.
Col. John Neilson. Later he was brigadier general of New Jersey Militia and
deputy quartermaster general of the State.
20
17771
SKIRMISH
169
of Brunswick with a detachment of Militia

the 18th surprised Major Stockdon,
21
on the morning
whom
and bring-
Privates of General Skinner's Corps, killing four
ing
Away
Arms
the
about ballances the
whole with some Blankets. This
of the
loss of a Militia
of the British Troops took last
Hook.
wish
to be
raising, are to be
for the same.
there
is
informed
Guard, which a Party
Monmouth
in
near the
how the Regiments, that are now
have reason to fear, indeed
a great deficiency in
many,
if
am convinced, that
not in the whole of the
Every Letter that
mentions their want and
calls for supplies.
receive
22
from them,
am etc. 23
Head
Sir:
week
armed and of the provision that has been made
States in this Article.
To
of
he took with 59
Quarters, Morris
Town, February 20,
1777.
Monsieur Fanueil, who some time ago laid a plan before
you for raising and
officering a
upon me Yesterday. His

in inlisting or rather
Corps of Frenchmen, waited
success, as I expected, has
engaging Canadians;
been small
cannot find that
forty, who would be willHe is now upon another Scheme, that of

raising, arming and cloathing a number of Men in the French
Islands. To grant a Commission of that kind is without the
he has met with more than thirty or
ing to serve with him.
21
Maj. Richard
teers, British
W.
Stockton, of Brig. Gen. Cortlandt Skinner's
New
Jersey Volun-
provincial troops.
^The letter was read in Congress (February 24), which immediately went into the
Committee of the Whole to consider it. It ordered Washington to call in all the troops
to his aid and die Board of War to make supporting arrangements. Thomas Burke,
of North Carolina, wrote that the committee subjoined a declaration to its report that
it was the intention of Congress "to reinforce the General so as to enable him not
only to Curb and Confine the Enemy within their present Quarters but with the
Blessing of God Entirely to subdue them before they are reinforced. This pompous
Paragraph was very much Condemned by some Gentlemen as an unworthy Gasconade, and it was warmly debated
there appeared upon this whole debate a
great desire in the Delegates of the Eastern States, and in one of New Jersey to insult
.
23
Burnett, in Letters of Members of Congress (vol. 2, p. 274), thinks

was, probably, Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant.
In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison.
the General."
this
New Jersey Delegate
170
extent of
my
powers, and
have therefore desired him to go
forward and lay his proposals before Congress.
If
they appear
may be adopted, but I would beg leave to observe,

one precaution will be necessary, that is, that the Com-
feasible,
that
[Feb.
they
missions of Monsr. Fanueil and his Officers should depend
upon the performance

certain number of Men.
of their
Agreement
for raising any
I have often mentioned to you the distress I am every now

and then laid under, by the application of French Officers for
Commissions in our Service, this Evil, if I may call it so, is a
growing one, for from what I learn they are coming in Swarms
from old France and the Islands. There will therefore be a necessity of providing for them or discountenancing them, to do
the first is difficult and the last disagreeable and perhaps im-
Men of Merit. And it is impossible to distinguish those from mere Adventurers, of whom, I am convinced,
politic, if
they are
Number. They seldom bring more than

Commission and passport, which we know may belong to a
there are the greatest

a
bad, as well as a good Officer. Their ignorance of our language,
and
their inability to recruit
cles to their
Men,
are unsurmountable obsta-
being ingrafted into our Continental Battalions,
who have raised their Men, and have served

War, upon pay, that has hitherto not borne their Expences, would be disgusted, if Foreigners were put over their
heads, and I assure you few or none of these Gentlemen look
lower than Field Officer's Commissions. To give them all Brevets, by which they have Rank and draw pay without doing any
Service, is saddling the Continent with a vast Expence, and to
form them into Corps, would be only establishing Corps of
Officers, for as I said before, they cannot possibly raise any Men.
Some General mode of disposing of them must be adopted, for
it, is ungenerous to keep them in Suspence,and at great Charge
to themselves. But I am at a loss how to point out this Mode.
for our Officers,
thro' the
FRENCH OFFICERS
1777]
171
no Man could obtain

number of Men, in proportion to his Rank; This would effectually stop the Mouths of
Common Applyers, and would leave us at liberty to make proSuppose they were
told, in general, that
a Commission, except he could raise a
Gentlemen of undoubted Military Characters and

who would be very useful to us as soon as they acquired
our Language. If you approve of this, or can think of any better
Method, be pleased to inform me, as soon as you possibly can;
for if I had a decisive answer to give them, it would not only
save me much trouble, but much time, which I am now obliged
vision for
Merit,
to bestow, in hearing their different pretentions to merit,
and
their expectations thereupon.

I
inclose
you the papers which Monsr.Fanueil originally
before the Council of Massachusetts, they

enter into a Negotiation with him.
To THE
Head
Gentn.
Instt.
24
may be
of use,
have the honor
if
laid
you
25
etc.
Quarters, Morris
Town, February 20,
1777.
have been honored with your Letter of the 13th
You may
rest assured, that the Situation of
our Officers
Enemy's hands, claims much of my Attention, and that

my wish, to give them the earliest relief. Every Exchange
in the
it is
that has been directed by
me, was meant to be made on those
which you politely mention. It did happen however,

owing perhaps as much to the Miscarriage of the lists transmitted in the two first instances; or their not getting to hand,
principles
before the Exchanges were made, as to any design inMr.Loring,

M
The letter was read in Congress March 12. On March 13 Congress directed the
Committee of Secret Correspondence to write to the ministers and agents abroad
"to discourage all gentlemen from coming to America with expectation of employment in the service, unless they are masters of our language, and have the best
recommendations." On March 14 Congress passed a resolve that no commissions
should be given to foreign officers unless they were well acquainted with the English
language.
25
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
172
that
[Feb.
some Officers were released, whose confinement was not
early as that of others. This proceeding
so
remonstrated against
and most probably the like will not be done again. The case of
theGentn.you particularly notice shall not escape me, and they
shall, if it is in my power, obtain an equal exchange with the
rest, so far as the circumstances of their Rank and the time of
their Captivity apply. There yet remain some Officers who
were taken in Canada, to be discharged from their Paroles.
Since
my last nothing of importance has occurred in the MiliHowever,
tary line;
certain, that the
think
it
extremely probable, nay almost
Enemy are on the point of making a push, the

cannot determine. Such
particular Object they have in view
of their Troops, as have returned
from Rhode Island have
Amboy with some heavy Artillery and our informathat General Howe and Lord Piercy are with them.
landed at
tion
I
is,
have the Honor
26
etc.
To THE

Gentn. The exigencies of our affairs requiring, that the sev:
eral
Regiments voted by Congress should be Officered without
further delay,
Regnier to
fill
beg leave to recommend to your notice Colo
the place of Lieut. Colonel in Colo
Livingston's Regiment, raising in your State,

is
which
Henry
I
B.
am told
vacant.
I
am
not acquainted with Colo. Regnier myself, but from
the recommendations
have of him, he
is
Gentlemen
of
and well qualified for that

America is not to
be questioned, having given many proofs of it and sacrificed
his Fortune (as I am told) to her Interest. The latter might be
Honor,
a diligent
and brave
Command. His attachment
26
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Officer
to the cause of
EXCHANGE OF OFFICERS
1777]
173
urged as a reason for a generous Compensation, but would not

be a sufficient reason for his promotion, did he not possess the
other Requisites; but as he does, he has a Claim
Offices,
I
and
trust will
upon our good
approve himself worthy of your favor.

27
etc.
To

Sir:
1777.
A Letter from you to Genl. Heath, inclosing a Petition
from the
Officers taken at Princeton, for liberty to send
New York
one of
was transmitted
me by General McDougall: Genl. Heath having gone to
the Party into

to
Massachusetts.
am
for their Baggage,
so sensible, that these People,
by remain-
ing any length of time in the Country, not only acquire a
knowledge of our
among
ence
them immediately
Officers in
Affairs, but spread a very pernicious influ-
the People, that
think
it
would be
best to send
and obtain an equal Number
in,
Exchange.
therefore desire, that they
of our
may be
sent
towards Providence, with orders to halt within Eight or ten

Miles,
till
Genl. Spencer or Arnold
there; that they

in, so as
may
direct in
informed of their being
is
what Manner they may be
sent
not to see any thing of the disposition of our Troops.
Be pleased to make the Eldest Officer Sign a Return, specifying

their
Names and Ranks and
transmit
the 7th. February, you desire to
manner
it
to
In a
me.
know what
of disposing of the privates.
letter of
will be the best
think they had better
be Cantoned in the Country, as near together as convenient;
and
if
any of them, are tradesmen and are willing to work
P. S.
in the Prisoners than to Providence,

27
28
The
The
at
may be usefully employed. I am &c.

If you can think of any more convenient way of sending
their occupations, they
draft
is
in the writing of George Lewis.
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
leave
it
to you.
28
174
To MAJOR
[Feb.
GENERAL ARTEMAS WARD

acknowledge the
Sir: I
Decemr. and
17th. Janry.
a French Gentleman,
The
himself.
it
latter
1777.
receipt of your favours of the 23rd.
The former introducing Mr. Faneuil
who
did
me
the honor of delivering
Monsr. de Bourneuf,
who
it
also delivered
in person.
The French Gentlemen come to me in such shoals, many of

them with nothing more than introductory letters, that I am
under the most disagreeable dilemma what to do with them.
I
have repeatedly, but without
to relieve
me from
effect as yet,
this situation
wrote to Congress,
by some Resolve of
theirs.
some attention to
comply with their
Policy might dictate the propriety of paying
them, but
request;
'tis
entirely out of
my
power
to
therefore most earnestly beg the favour of you to ease
me of this load, by making some provision for the meretorious

among them,
that
'till
in your State, or endeavour to convince them,
Congress shall adopt some General
for them.
mode of providing
They will incur expence, by waiting upon me, with-
out any prospect of having their wishes Gratified.

laid a
have again
plan before Congress, which Monsr. Faneuil will deliver,
and expect some answer soon.
am etc. 29
V
To MAJOR
GENERAL ISRAEL PUTNAM
1777.
had the pleasure of receiving your favour of the

18th. Yesterday evening communicating the successful attempt
Dear
Sir : I
made by Colo.Neilson on the Enemy at Lawrence's Island that

Morning. The Colo, and his party conducted the plan with
29
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Caleb Gibbs and George Johnston.
BRITISH
1777]
MOVEMENT
such secrecy and resolution, that they claim
175
my sincerest thanks
good behaviour, and I wish that you would

acquaint them, with my hearty Approbation of their Conduct.
I have returned to you the papers found upon Thomas Lewis
for this Instance of
Woodward, with my
request, that
Inquiry into the Charge, and
if
you would have a Court of
he comes within the Designa-
him be treated as such. I wish, however, that

may be duly attended to, and not too much
tion of a Spy, let
Circumstances
vigor used on those occasions, unless

of that Stamp,
'tis
upon persons
evidently
bad Policy.
from the begining, that such persons as choose

to withdraw within the Enemy's Lines, should have leave to
carry with them, their wearing apparel and Household furniI
intended,
ture.
Such parts of
their property as
Enemy we must secure.

You will be pleased to direct
can be useful to the
proper care to be taken, of the
muskets taken by Colo. Neilson. Let what
is
customary in
such cases be done.

Last Night
received intelligence
from two
quarters,
men-
tioning the Reinforcement lately arrived at Brunswick, with
General
Howe
port being
place.
at their
head; Accounts correspond of the
among them,
am
that
an attempt
is
rather inclined to believe, that
intended upon
it is
re-
this
nothing more
than a blind to cover their designs upon Philadelphia and
would have you keep the very best look out. Should they move
towards you, dispatch an Express immediately to Genl. Gates in
Philadelphia with the Intelligence and Co-operate with
him
on the Delaware. I have sent an Express

collect all those above Trenton at Corymorning
to
to him this
ells ferry, and to secure all below. Above all things it will be
in securing the boats
necessary for you, not to permit the
Enemy
you and the Mountains. You will remember
to get
between
to give
me
the
176
Enemy's approach. Tis unneces-
earliest Intelligence of the
my
sary to repeat
[Feb.
desire, that
no more
Stores of
any
sort
be
kept in Princeton, than are indispensably necessary from day

today.
am etc. 30
*To MAJOR
GENERAL HORATIO GATES

Dear
to
This Letter will accompany one of last Nights date,
Sir:
which
it is
intended as an addition.
have a thousand cor-
risponding Circumstances to convince me, that Genl.

intends to
move from Brunswick in a very
to this place; but that
Philadelphia.
short time,
may be a cover only, to his
Howe
it is
designs
said
upon
He and Lord Percy you will find by the Inclosed

Army at Bruns-
Copies of Letters have, or were abt. to join the
The
wick.
strength of the Reinforcement, as mentioned in
Dickenson's Letter,
31
must be magnified;
can exceed the half: however, sorry

this I
do under the Rose, to be
am
to
inform you (and
it,
their
and what Kind of Troops ours
not be informed, when
I tell
you, that
than Militia; unhappily for
us,
The
reason of
Letter,
is,
that
my
numbers
are,
are
you need
we have scarce any other
most of those that could be
depended upon, are down with the Small Pox,

lation, or in the natural
it
known only by those who ought
to be acquainted with it) that without
nearly dble ours,
do not imagine
either
by Inocu-
way.
giving you the trouble of this additional
you may not delay a Moments time in fixing a
good Officer (Genl. Armstrong if he is with you, or some other

spirited
and
attentive
Man)
at
New Town, with some Troops,
to Superintend that department;

30
31
The
draft
Vessels, in case the
in the writing of George Lewis.

Philemon Dickinson's letter of Feb. 20, 1777,
is
Brig. Gen.
Papers.
and the
is
in the
Washington

MILITARY PREPARATIONS
1777]
177
Enemy should move towards the Delaware, which I think must

be the case for two Reasons;
first
on Acct. of covering for
Troops, which cannot be had this way, and on

the only great object in view; to these
have been building kind of Floats in
may be
acct.
added, that they
New York, said to be for
the Transportation of Artillery (which has been tryed
them
I
in the
Docks
at
New
their
of its being
upon
York) over the Delaware.
can not conclude without [desiring] you to draw such of the
Continental Troops together under proper Officers as you can;
but without impeding the recruiting Service. Surely
many
of
the Pensylvania Regiments must be in some degree of forwardness
by
and that
this time,
in the lower Counties; pray exert
yourself to get things forward as fast as possible without spread-
ing an Alarm.
I
have orderd Genl. Putnam, immediately upon any move of
the Enemy's to give you Instant advice of
mediately have
all
the Boats
it,
that
you may im-
and Vessels on the East
side of the
Delaware remov'dtothe West; something leading to this should

be attempted previous to a move, those in the Creeks especially
should be removd.
Your own
discretion will point out
to be done in our present situation
add
that. I
P. S.
French
32
many
necessary things
and therefore
shall only
am etc.
shall be
much
obliged to you to stop the shoals of
Men that are coming on to this Camp, till such time as
whom I
upon
some decisive plan respecting them; they cannot recruit men,
and officers who have, and stand fair in Character, do not like
to be put under them. For these ten days past, it has taken up
Congress to
32
have wrote on the Subject, can
fix
"In consequence of your Letter and one from Mr. Morris Congress have susPresident of Congress to Washtheir Remove to Philada. for a few days."
pended
ington, Feb. 25, 1777.
178
half my time to hear their pretensions,
why
Reasons
It is
impossible for
me
Wishes, besides accomodations here
and explain to them the
to gratifie
is
[Feb.
them
in their
not to be had.
[N.Y.H.S.]
To MAJOR GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD

Dear
Instt.
Sir: I
It
1777.
was yesterday favoured with yours of the
has some
how
have been obliged to send in our prisoners

venient times; but
7th.
or other generally happened, that
when
they are brought
we
at the
most incon-
down
for the pur-
it seems hard to send them back, especially

upon the time themselves. I am so well convinced, that the Officers are enabled to do us harm, by staying
in the Country and making themselves acquainted with our
Situation, that I have ordered Govr. Trumbull to send in Eleven
pose of Exchange,
as they did
that
not
fix
were taken
your
posts,
and
at Princeton, If they
sent in
of your Disposition;
to Kingsbridge.
ter,
only send
it
can be conveyed to any of
by a way, in which they will
see little
will be better than sending them by land
Whenever any Officers go in from your Quar-
me the Return and I will take care to ask for such
in Exchange, as have a right to preference,
from length of Cap-
we have lately received, of the Reinforcement of the Enemy at Brunswick, be true, few can be left
at Rhode Island; it is said Lord Piercy has arrived at Amboy
tivity.
If
the Accounts
within a few days.
The Eastern States have, in so many Instances, departed from

the line of Conduct agreed to in Congress for the inlistment
of the
New Army, that I do not wonder at their stripping the
Ships to
the
fill
their
Regiments, but they will find that as soon
Seamen have spent
as
the Bounty, they will run back and get
NEED OF TROOPS
1777]
on board the Ships again.

an
collect
Army levied
former Errors
If
for the
to rights. I
Enemy
the
War,
am etc.
179
will give us time to
hope we
shall set all
our
33
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Dear
am
Sir: I
1777.
glad to find by yours of the 16th that your
Health is Sufficiently reestablished to enable you to do your duty.

Considering the great dependance which
the necessity of putting
certainly
shall be
under
Militia for a while longer,
ought not to remove a General Officer from a
which he
to
upon
we
can, by his Influence,
wanted; upon
this principle
we
post,
draw them, when they
are
you were right in waiting an an-
swer, before you forwarded Genl. James Clinton's Letter to
him.
in the
may now be stopped and that he may continue

command of the Forts, the Garrisons of which he will
desire
it
endeavour to keep up by
till
all
the ways and
in his power,
our regular Troops take possession.

should be very well pleased
could be prevail'd upon to stay

other
if
till
Colo. Gilman's Regiment
the middle of March, by any
means than the advance of Money As I fear the Moment

;
they have got

If
means
it,
they will
make
any advance is necessary,
use of
it
to carry
them home.
will settle that matter with
Major
General Lincoln, when they are discharged.

Previous to the receipt of your Letter,
had information that
Enemy from Paramus

and Hackensack, and I wrote to Genl. Geo. Clinton to send a
party of Men from his Corps, to cover that part of the Country
Supplies of Provision were going to the
and stop any further practices of that Kind.

33
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
180
[Feb.
do not apprehend you will be in any danger of an Attack

in your Quarter for some time yet, as the Enemy from their late
I
motions are drawing
this
Artillery are raised, you
way. Whenever our Regiments of
may depend that the Forts up the River

mean time, a part of the Men
will have their proportion, in the
who compose the Garrison, might be set apart and exercised in

loading and firing the Cannon. This is a Shift we are obliged
to make, for we have very few regular Artillery Men.
I shall write to Connecticut to send in all the Officers who
were taken
which will answer the end of their

manner most agreeable to themselves.
I will order the Judge Advocate to draw up a Commission,
empowering you to hold General Courts Martial at your post.
Having occasion to write to Colo. Livingston, I shall desire
at Princeton,
petition, in a
him to drop his expedition for the present,
as
he
may probably
be of more use and advantage nearer home.

I
am obliged to you for the Information you give me, respect-
ing the Behaviour of part of Webb's Regiment,

not received their pay,
it
34
if
they have
shall be stopped; but if they have,
it
will not be the first or greatest Imposition that has been put
upon the public.
am etc. 35
To COLONEL WILLIAM
Morris
CRAWFORD
Town in New Jersey, February 20,
1777.
Dear Sir Your Letter of the 12th by Mr. Ashby came duly to
:
hand. As
am unacquainted with the terms upon which your

raised, it is impossible for me to say any thing
Regiment was
on
that head, Nor, as
you mention your design of attending
34
In the absence of Col. Charles Webb in Connecticut on recruiting duty, many

of the officers absented themselves without leave, and 40 of the men deserted.
McDougall suggested that the 6-weeks' pay and $10 gratuity be stopped from these
deserters.
85
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
NEED OF REEN F RCEMEN T S
1777]
Congress, will
be necessary for
it
me
the marching of your Regiment, as
to give
181
any order about
presume you will be
in-
structed by them.
If the
matter
rests
with me,
them
shall be obliged to call
we have a certainty of
immediately to the Army,
their being wanted, greatly wanted. The call for them on the
because here
only to be feared.
Ohio,
is
ment
this
Congress should order the Regi-
way, or they come, in consequence of what
here said, not a
our
If
Moments time should be
lost in
doing of
have
it,
as
Men is urgent.
call for
Peculiarly Circumstanced as you are, I shall not object to your
taking some reasonable time to settle matters relative to your Deceased Brother's Estate, if your Regiment comes this way ; altho'
I
can assure you that
part with a
good
it
Officer.
goes
much
against
my
Inclination to
Your other Field Officers must attend
the Regiment.
I
regret exceedingly the loss of your
you for your kind

have West
offer of serving
of the Alleganies ; but
two Brother's, and thank
me
in
any business
may
my time is so constantly taken
up and ingrossed by public matters, that I scarce bestow a

thought on my private Affairs, beyond my Family at Mount
Vernon.
am etc. 36
To COLONEL HENRY
BEEKMAN LIVINGSTON

Sir : I yesterday
evening received the favor of your Letter of
As
the Congress vested the Conventions of the
the 15th Instt.

several States
of Battalions
with powers to appoint Officers for their Quota

first
voted,
have made
(tho' fully authorized) except in

30
The
draft
is
in the writing of
it
a point not to interfere,
an instance or two where the
George Lewis.
182
[Feb.
choice has been evidently improper and injudicious. This line

of conduct
wish to pursue, and therefore would not do more
me, than to recommend Colo. Regnier
in the case referred to
to the notice of the Convention, and for the Vacancy you
him to fill.
have done
this, as
want
you will perceive by the inclosed
Letter, which after reading, you will be pleased to seal and trans-
mit to them in such way as you judge proper.

given Colo. Regnier,
I
am
told
much
is
to his honor,
he has made, on account of
his
The Character
and the
sacrifices
attachment to our
Cause, claim our notice and some compensation. In respect to

the other Officers,
prevail
which you mention
not, I shall
confirm your
to be wanted,
to appoint them,
on the Convention
own
and
if
you must
they will
choice.
The situation of things in the Military line, having undergone

some
alteration since
laid aside.
may
that your services
more
saw you,
you had in view to be
would
I
advise the Expedition
do not think
it
improbable
be wanted elsewhere, and upon some
interesting occasion.
am etc. 37
To CARPENTER WHARTON
Head
Sir: I
am
Quarters, Morris
Town, February
20, 1777.
glad to find, by yours, of the 17th, that you are
moving your Magazines from Philadelphia farther into the

Country, I would have you do the same with the provisions
that are at Newtown, I dont think you ought to keep any thing
more at the Magazine, thirteen Miles from Philadelphia, than
will be necessary for the
City, for a time to
come.
that the provisions
may
Troops that will be occasionally

I
in the
have particular reasons for desiring
be removed quickly from Newtown,
from whence the Quarter Master's and every other Kind

Stores
r
The
is
to be removed.
draft
is
Hanson Harrison.
of
COURT-MARTIAL SENTENCES
1777]
do not know
that are
sary's
made
to
whom
I
and confusion
settle
will just observe, that Irwin
you do of him.
in the
Commis-
have sent for Colo. Trumbull to come
immediately hither and

I
many Complaints
to attribute the
of irregularity
department, but
183
way
much
the matter one
38
complains
as
or other,
of you as
am etc. 39
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, February 21, 1777.
Parole Rochester.
John
Countersign Romney.
Porterfield, Serjt. in Capt. Bayard's
41
Company,
in the
by a General Court Martial,
3rd. Pennsylvania Battalion, tried
whereof Lt. Col. Hendricks
40
was
President,
is
found guilty of
Desertion, and sentenced to be Shot to death.
The General approves
the
Judgment
pites the execution of the sentence for

Serjt.
of the Court, but res-
one week.
William Roberts, of Capt. Dirks
9th. Pennsylvania Battalion, tried
Company,
in the
by the same Court Martial,
found guilty of Desertion, and sentenced
Ranks and whipped 100
42
is
to be reduced to the
lashes.
John Ford, William Callahan, William
Wood, John Lemon,
Robert Cunningham, and Charles McClain,
all
of Capt. Bay-
in the 3rd. Pennsa. Battalion; James Jarvis and
Company,
Digman, of Capt. Dirk's Company, in the 9th. Pennsa.
Battalion; John Welch, Peterster Ogan, John Conway, and
43
Company, in the 9th.
Daniel McCressin, of Capt. Bowen's
ard's
Peter
Pennsa. Battalion; All tried by the same General Court Martial,

33
Matthew Irwin, or Irvine, Deputy Commissary of Issues of the Continental Army.

Capt. Stephen Bayard. He was promoted to major in the Eighth Pennsylvania
Regiment in March, 1777.
41
Lieut. Col. James Hendricks, of the Sixth Virginia Regiment. He was made colonel
of the First Virginia Regiment in September, 1777, and served to February, 1778.
39
40
42
43
Capt. Jacob Gerhard Dirks.

Capt. Thomas Bartholomew Bowen.
184
[Feb.
them found guilty of Desertion, and sentenced each

to be whipped 50 lashes.
The General approves the Sentences on each of the above prisare each of
oners,
and orders
to be executed immediately,
it
then to join the detachment under Lt.
Thomas
and the men
44
of the nth.
Pennsylvania Battalion.
The Adjutants
Isaac B.
Genl
Dunn
45
St. Clair's
on
be found at
of the different Regiments are to wait
Esqr. for Brigade Orders; he will
quarters.
GENERAL ORDERS
Countersign Sussex.
Parole Suffolk.
The
Soldiers of this
Ferries over Delaware,

to put
Army are to be informed that all the

and the North River, have strict Orders
none of them that have not a regular Discharge, or Pass

apprehend, and send back to the Corps they be-
across, but to
long to as Deserters,
all
such as shall attempt
it,
contrary to
this order.
Col Greasen's
46
Regt. of Militia from
(Pennsylvania) to join Genl.
St.
Northampton County
Clairs Brigade.
All Returns for Cloathing to be given in to the

Officers of Regiments,
who
will sign
them
Comanding
before they are
brought to the Adjutant General.
To ROBERT MORRIS
Dr. Sir: You are well acquainted with my opinion upon the
inexpediency of keeping any more Stores in the City of Philadelphia, than are absolutely necessary for the
44
45
Lieut. William
Thomas. He resigned on April
equipment of the
9.
Third Pennsylvania Regiment. He was major and

aide-de-camp to General St. Clair from May, 1 781, to close of the war.
46
Col. Henry Geiger, of the First Battalion of Northampton, Pa., militia.
Capt. Isaac
Budd Dunn,
of the
BRITISH DESIGNS
1777]
new Levies.
am at this time particularly anxious to have them
removed. The Enemy have

in Jersey,
Blow.
185
and from
lately
a variety of
been considerably reinforced
Accounts are meditating some
am firmly persuaded that they mean to attempt to reach
do not know what other object they can

have ultimately in View. They may first remove us from this
and our other Posts, but they cannot remain at them, for want
of covering for their Army, which I imagine they will never
Philadelphia again, as
again Suffer to be cantoned over a great extent of Country.

I
have certain information, that they have been projecting a
and I do not see any

from Brunswick to the Delaware, if they take the Advantage of the Roads being hard and
firm. The Numbers that are at present in Amboy and Brunswick cannot long Subsist there, and therefore adds Strength
to my Opinion, that they are assembled there for some other
portable Bridge to lay over the Delaware,
great difficulty in transporting
it
purpose, than merely as a Reinforcement.

lately
been imported Should be the
The
first article
Salt that has
Secured.
Mr Wharton wrote me, that he either had or was carrying it

to a place of Security, but as
promises,
do not altogether depend upon his
should be glad you would have an Eye to that and
the other Matters in his department.

in your
own
know you have Sufficient
engage your whole time and attention, but in
to
we must
times like these,
double our Exertions.
am &c.47

Head
Sir: I
Quarters, Morris
and other French
desiring that they
47
Rank
The
writing,
draft
is
22, 1777.
have received a Letter from Monsieur Rouville, in be-
half of himself
the
Town, February
may be sent to New York for Exchange. As
of these
is
Officers taken at St. Johns,
Gentlemen
acknowledged by General
Tench Tilghman. The letter sent, also inTilghman's

Judge E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton, N. J.
in the writing of
in the collection of
is
186
Howe, they will procure the
[Feb.
many of our Officers
Release of as
of equal Rank, as are in the hands of the
Enemy.
therefore
you will be pleased to order them all to be sent from

Reading, or wherever they may be, to Easton, and give the
Officer who conducts them, directions to inform me of their
desire
Arrival at Easton, that
may
take proper Steps to have
sent in, without viewing our disposition or

I
any of our Posts
48
To
etc.

Sir :
them
This morning
the 15th Inst,
1777.
had the honor of receiving your favor of

with the papers mentioned and inclosed.
I
No person, I hope, can be so lost to Virtue, as to except against

Colo.Newcomb 49 on Account of his being religiously disposed.
The relaxed Discipline and want of Order in the Regiment, I
believe were among the principle objections to him these added
;
to his Inactivity
and
that
former Letter, obliged
want
of Confidence
mentioned in a
me to displace him.
50
remembrance and
take the first proper Opportunity of giving him a more permaI
will
most assuredly keep Mr. Burr
nent Office, than the one he
Your Sentiments on
in
now holds.
the Subject of Genl
Putnams Letter
to
you, so exactly coincide with mine, and your Reasoning so perfectly just
I
and
full; that,
without any observations in addition,
have directed the General immediately to put a Stop to the
practice of extorting Fines
from the Reluctant
Militia,
and
or-
dered him to take no Steps, not Strictly consonant with the Laws
of this State.
45
49
of
The
draft
is
It is
the
first
in the writing of
Instance of any thing of the sort
Tench Tilghman.
New Jersey Regiment. He was brigadier general

New Jersey Militia in March, 1777; resigned in December of that year.
Lieut. Col. Aaron Burr. He had been appointed lieutenant colonel of Malcolm's
Col. Silas
Newcomb,
of the First
50
Additional Continental regiment in January, 1777; resigned in March, 1779; Vice

President of the United States, 1 801 1805; died in 1836.

BRITISH DESIGNS
1777]
happening within
my
knowledge.
shall discourage
as
have done already.
it,
If I
187
hear of
elsewhere,
it
So many applications from the friends of Individual
Pris-
oners are constantly made, that on that Account, as well as
from the
Justice of the Case,
have
let
them come,
as far as
we
have Officers to give of equal Rank, according to the dates of

their Captivity.
Lieut.
51
Henry Frees
this
moment
delivered
me
your favor
of the 19th Inst., inclosing a
Recommendation of him from five
Gentn. of your Assembly.
have Satisfied him of the impracti-
cability of equipping a Troop of Horse in any reasonable time;

and have (on his mentioning that the Legislature will keep a
52
vacancy in Colo Shrieve's Battalion for him), consented that
he shall hold the Company he wishes to obtain, were it not for
this,
I
and that he prefers that Corps to one of the
would have provided for

I
heartily
him
16. additionals,
myself.
thank you for the Impartial Chronicle:
53
If Lucre
54
has a Spark of Modesty remaining, he must blush at seeing
himself so vastly outdone in his ruling Passion.
am &c. 55
PUTNAM
Dear Genl.: Upon taking a retrospective View of the Enemy's Conduct, and comparing one piece of Information with
another, I am led to think, that Philadelphia must be their
object, and that whenever they move, it will be toward the
Delaware, with their Main body. This
belief,
the necessity of
and the advantages which may

from leaving some Person on the other side with a few
a proper attention to the River,

result
51
52
53
Lieut.
Henry
Fries, of the First

Col. Israel Shreve, of the Second
"The Impartial Chronicle in ridicule of Gain's lying Gazette, which is a Jersey

Production, and will probably afford you a little Diversion in a leisure moment."
Livingston to Washington, Feb. 15, 1777.
"Lucifer.
55
188
[Feb.
to, induces me to desire, that you

Enemy begin their March, and their inten-
Troops for others to assemble

will, so
soon as the
tion of
going towards the Delaware
River with what Troops you have
is
manifested, recross the
at Princeton.
56
Secure
all
on the other side, watch and oppose their passage,

with what force you have and can collect, till such time as I can
join you, and give any Aid in your Power to facilitate our passage over, by having Boats at proper places above, under good
and Strong Guards. If my former Orders, to the Officer on the
the Boats
other side of the River, have been complied with, the Boats
now
ought
uncertainty,
to be at Coryells ferry.
and
in
as this
is
a matter of
you to send a careful
will be prudent in
it
to see where,
But
what condition they
Officer
you may
One thing which
are, that
meet with no disappointment in crossing.

Enemy's Views are turned to the Dela-
leads to a belief, that the
ware,
is,
that they have in
a Bridge, as
is
New York been building Floats for
supposed, over the Delaware.
Your
Spies there-
fore should be attentive, to see whether any such are brought

to
Amboy. You should keep
as
it is
York,
think
good look out from
not unlikely, but that the Reinforcement
last
S.
Amboy,
from
New
may land there, and march from thence across. I do not

any Person who shall prefer going to the Enemy, to a
Compliance of the terms of
Waggons
my
Proclamation, ought to have
or Horses to assist 'em in, as the
doubtless will,
if
they are
upon
Enemy may and
a Move,, seize those things, at
own
Nor do I think it
whose general Conduct has been friendly to us, to take the Oaths, to release them
from it by any public Act, would not be right; but I would
a very important Crisis, for their
good Policy to
wish
it
insist rigidly
upon
use;
those,
to slip over as a matter unnoticed."
50
Putnam was at Princeton, N. J.

^Washington wrote Putnam two separate letters of this date (February 22), which
are here combined as one. The draft of the first letter is in the writing of George Johnston and ends at this point. The draft of the second is in the writing of George Lewis
and begins
at next paragraph.
WANT OF PROVISIONS
1777]
Govr. Livingston, in his Letter to
me
189
of the 15th. Instt. did
him and
on the Subject of imposing fines on the reluctant
Militia of this State. His reasoning on this Subject, perfectly
coincides with my Opinion; they are so full and plain as to
render any observations of mine unnecessary; I desire therefore
that this practice may have an immediate end put to it, and that
me
the honor of inclosing Copies of your Letter to
his answer,
no
may
steps of this nature,
in future be taken without the
Countenance of the civil Power of this State, whose Legislature,
now
siting,
has a remedy in Contemplation.
*To
Head
am etc.
MATTHEW IRWIN
Quarters, Morristown, February 22, 1777.
want of Provisions comes to me from every

Quarter. Genl. Maxwell writes word that his People are starvSir:
The Cry
of
ing; Genl. Johnston,
58
of Maryland, yesterday inform'd
me,
draw none; this difficulty I understand

prevails also at Chatham What Sir is the meaning of this ? and
why were you so desirous of excluding others from this business
that his People could
when you are unable to accomplish it yourself ?
Consider,
be-
seech you, the consequences of this neglect, and exert yourself
which cannot be less fatal to

Sir, Your etc.
to remove the Evil, and complaints
the
Army, than disagreeable
to,

Head
Sir:
An
from the
Quarters, Morris
Town, February 22,
1777.
inconvenience of considerable Magnitude, arising

practice of carrying
Waggons and
Carts to the
Household furniture &ca.
Enemy, has determined me
future nothing shall be transported that way.
rect, that in
do not mean
in
to diI
to prevent such of the Inhabitants, as choose to
M Brig. Gen. Thomas Johnson,
jr.,
of the
Maryland
Militia.
190
[Feb.
withdraw within the Enemy's lines from taking with them all
their Apparel and Household furniture as usual, if they can do
in any other
it
manner than this;
neither
would
object to this
mode, were I confident that the Enemy would return the Waggons and Horses, but this
observe that the
P. S. I
may be doubted. You will therefore,

paid to this order.
strictest attention is
am etc.
would not have too much rigour used in executing the
Proclamation. 'Tis bad Policy.
59
To JOSEPH REED
Dear
Sir:
hand, the
I
Your
last in
Letters of the 13th
date arrived
first;
and 18th
the
inst,
first this
am sorry, upon the footing you have put it,
23, 1777.
are both to
morning only.
and under the
I did not accept your Comwhen you ofTered it, tho' your fears can-
apprehensions you seem to be, that

mission as Adjt. Genl.
not be realized, because at that time
it
was mentioned
in Genl.
Orders, that you having resigned, Colo. Weedon was appointed

Pro. Tern; your having the
Comn.
in possession therefore can
be no argument against your Resignation; but

at
am to accept it
any time.
I
am
sorry the Cartel Settlmt. by Genl.
French cant be found;
who I
to
think told
have
lately
me he had it.
come up merely on that
59
Command
the
wrote to Genl. Gates for
it,
would by no means wish you
acct; especially as
got any answer from Congress relative to

of you to the
Conway 60 with
have not,
as yet,
my recommendation
of the Horse. If they should listen to
The draft is in the writing of George Johnston. The same letter was sent to Brig.
Gen. Philemon Dickinson, to whom the postscript was changed to: " Colo. Duykins
must have made up his mind on my Proclamation before he left Brunswick. His
inclination to return justifies so well grounded a Suspicion of his Character, as to
induce me to forbid it." The same letter, minus both postscripts, was sent to Maj. Gen.
Benjamin Lincoln.
60
Gen. Henry Seymour Conway.
COMMAND OF DRAGOONS
1777J
my
wishes in this appointment,
can have no possible objection to
it, I
of Colo, can be
annexed
to the office
would wish to think of it

I
believe all the Prisoners
gone
I
a separate Quarter Master
necessary for the Horse, and Colo.
is
if
in; that they did not
a currency that
01
Coxe
it,
but
Inclines to accept
how
cannot undertake to
from the Eastern
do
long ago
it
is
not
am not
satisfied of
States are
now
This
when he was
out;
could devise to furnish their pay, except in
would not
little
say.
my fault.
pass,
am
sure
know
not;
hard money that could be had he must know was sent

I
Rank
far the
little.
thought Colo. Miles had been
and what method
191
surprised at
all
the
in.
what you mention concerning

I offered him a Regiment, and
Colo. Griffin. Before Christmas

the nomination of his
own
officers; this
he refused. Since that
he has been offered the Lieutenant Colonelcy of a Regiment of

Horse, and this he has refused.
expectations are higher
If his
than that of a Regiment, which he was offered, (even before

I
was vested with
full
Powers
to
do
it)
competent to the gratification of them,

to
go beyond what
If
quite agreeable to
at
as I
have no authority
have already offered him.
you should have the
was bought
the Congress are alone
me
Command
that
Boston;
if
of the Horse,
already refused Genl. Green,

it,
as I
mean,
after
not, as they
were got for
wish your
leisure
have
choosing a couple, or three, for
would permit you to
or
let
my
them
digest a proper plan
and apprehension of Deserters

would have a general operation throughout all the United
for the prevention of Desertion,
that
and
could not with propriety con-
own use, to throw the rest into some of the Troop,

go among the officers.
I
will be
you should have one of those that
you have
that particular service by Express order of Congress
sent to
it
"Col. Cornelius(?) Cox.
192
[Feb.
general terms recommended to Congress, and
States. I have, in
to all the States Individually, the absolute necessity of adopting
some
mode
efficacious
to accomplish the latter, but each will,
some method can be adopted by or recommended from

Congress, or the Commander of the Army, have some new-
unless
fangled, or inadequate schemes of their own. In like manner, if

assistance to Genl. Mifflin in an arrangement
62
waggons I shall be glad of it. One Snickers, a Gentleman
on or near Shanandoah in Fredk. County, Virginia, has offered
to buy a number. He is a person well acquainted in this busi-
you can give any

of
ness,
I
and may be depended on.
think the Congress ought not, under the present appear-
ance of things by any means to return to Philadelphia.
think
we are now in one of the most critical periods which America

ever saw, and because the
the by
enemy are not in actual motion (by

from it) every body seems to
believe they are not far
be lulled into ease and Security.
Would
Colo.
Coxe accept the appointment of Commissary
I wish to God he would repair hither

want a shrewd sensible man exceedingly for
this business, and obtaining Intelligence which offices are very
correspondent. Let me hear from you on this point as quick as
possible; the Pay may, I presume, be equal to that of Colonel.
of Prisoners ? If he will,
immediately.
am &c. 63
To
DOCTOR JOHN WARREN
Head Quarters, Morristown, February 23,

Sir : I
in the Hospital,
upon
62
03
you it was ever
Edward Snickers.
The text is from Ford.
act
the uncertainty of being provided for
under the new Arrangement,

assure
1777.
have yours of the 18th. Instant. Your continuing to
my
is
very commendable, but
can
Intention to take particular Care that
DRAGOON REGIMENTS
1777]
those
who had
old Stations with reputation, should
filled their
not be degraded in the
new
The plan
appointments.
establishment of the General Hospital
and whenever
193
is
now before
for the
Congress,
receive their Approbation, the Officers will
be appointed.
I
I
cannot promise that you can be fixed
at
Rhode
Island, but
dare say in the Settlement of the Surgeons and Physicians
who
are to superintend the different departments, the private
convenience of Gentlemen will be attended

public will not be injured.
To
lam,
to, if
thereby the
64
[ms.h.s.]
etc.

Sir:
1777.
Congress having Resolved, that Several Regiments of
Cavalry should be raised to form a part of their Army,
them
beg
leave thro'
you
cers, which
appear necessary to be appointed to each Corps, and
Sir, to lay
before
the inclosed
list
of Offi-
which they will be pleased to establish.
At the same time, I should Suppose it highly expedient to fix

pay and that of the Privates. There is now one Regiment
in Service and three more recruiting. This makes it indispentheir
sably necessary, that
it
should be done. Applications are con-
stantly making, to know what the pay is, and objections raised
against the service for
mitted a
list
want
of such pay as
of due information.
have trans-
seemed to be thought reasonable
for part of the Officers to receive,
when
Colo. Sheldon's Regi-
ment was directed to be levied and a Copy of the Memorandum
made
at that time. This, Colo.
be more than
Sheldon conceived would not
adequate to their services, trouble
and expence,
and which, in some degree, was founded on the opinions of

other Gentlemen of whom inquiry was made upon the Subject.
w In
the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
194
did not fix
it
was
also
in the Instances
Memorandum
tainty, as the
where
of Colo.;
some other
of
settled
without further
delicate
many
and
time and wish the
loss of
had
to
Rank
the
earliest atten-
it.
want
truly critical situation for
Enemy, who
of a Suffi-
now ready and will

induced me to expect
are
days elapse, take the Field,
Troops raising in the Southern
that the
this
Commandant with
From thence I attempted to proportion that

Upon the whole, I think it should be
cient force to oppose the
before
cer-
Officers.
tion of Congress to be
Our
down with
set
A criterion by which
governed upon that occasion, was the Resolve, ap-
pointing Mr. Sheldon Lt. Colo.
and pay
it is
will shew.
[Feb.
States
and intended for
Army, would march in Companies or half Companies, as

made up, without waiting for their Regiments to be
they were
compleat. Policy strongly suggested the propriety of the meas-
ure and
I
am
requested
it.
But
told, that this line of
great
number
to
my great anxiety
Conduct
is
and Surprize,
totally neglected, tho'
of Recruits are actually engaged.
must
intreat
Congress to interpose again, with their most pressing applications
and Commands,
may
that this expedient
without a moment's delay.
No
injury can result
be adopted
from
it,
be-
cause a sufficient number, and proper Officers can and must
be
left,
will
Compliments. Nor
to recruit the Corps to their full
my
fears respecting the State of our
Arms
allow
me
to
be silent on that Head.
Let the States be urged to send their
them and every

Supplies
may
other necessary,
Possible.
equipped with
know
not what
be in Store elsewhere or in the power of Con-
gress; but they
must not depend on their being furnished
with any or but with very few.

tion,
if
Men
here,
No human prudence or precau-
could Secure but a small part of those belonging to the
Public and in the
Hands of the Soldiery, from being embezzled
BOUNTIES
1777]
195
and Carried off when their Time of service expired; Nor can
65
same abuses be restrained in the Militia. I have &c.
die
WAR
To THE BOARD OF
Head
Gentn.:
Instant,
Quarters, Morristown, February 23, 1777.
have been honored with your Letter of the 6th
and beg leave
always ready
to assure you, that
to rectify
any Error which
shall not only
may commit
be
thro'
hurry or otherwise, but be happy to have them pointed out.

I
have not the proceedings of Congress at this time which would
apply to the subject matter of your Letter and therefore cannot
pronounce upon
it
with certainty and precision. However,
if
my memory serves and I am not much deceived, the distinction

which you mention, does not now exist. By the first
New Army, it was to be
War,
landed
bounty; sometime after,
under
a
raised during the
in bounty,
Resolves of Congress, for levying the
this
was
altered
War or
who engaged for the latter, were not
when it
Thus the matter stood till
and the
alternative of inlisting for the
three years allowed, those
have that Bounty.
to
experienced another change and the inlistments were to be for

three years under all former Bounties.
ing to the several proceedings,
it
am persuaded by recur-
will be
found that the matter
stands as recited above. In this interpretation
am not singular,
my recruit-
there are other Gentlemen and some that never saw
ing instructions, who have formed the same. However, as
it is
of
consequence to have the point ascertained, you will be pleased to

review the several resolves respecting
63
it.
have the honor,
66
etc.

This letter, in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison (the draft in that of Caleb
Gibbs), is indorsed: "This Letter to be read in Congress & enquiry to be made whether
any Member remembers the Resolves of Congress respecting the Bounty of Land to be
allowed Soldiers &c. The General is of opinion the ioo Acres Bounty, is to be granted
to those enlisting for three Years. The Board of a diffr. opinion." The board was
right; but Congress, in November, 1776, had allowed Maryland to advance to their
three-year troops a cash bounty in lieu of land; the language was ambiguous and
caused the difficulty.
60
196
[Feb.

Dear
Sir:
presume you have

was transmitted a day or two after my Letter
ter of the 15th.,
received, as
it
Colonel
of the 9th.
Your wishes
gratified,
believe.
is,
1777.
On the 21st. Instt. I received the favor of your Let-
some
at least for
He
Pellisier's plan, I
respecting Brigr. Jas. Clinton will be
will
remain
at the post
where he now
time.
communicated by the Express, who delivered my Letter of the 9th Instt. was premature, as you will have
been informed by mine of the 19th; Nor have I any thing of
importance to transmit you, at this time, there have been and
almost daily are, some small Skirmishes, but without much
loss on either side, they have generally been favourable to us.
The most considerable that has happened, was on the Morning
The
intelligence
of the 18th. Colo. Neilson of this State then surprized, Majr.
Rd. Stogdon,
who
has engaged under the King's Banner and
him and 59 of his perfidious Corps prisoners, with their

Arms and some blankets; killing four, with the loss of one
took
Man on our
side.
do not apprehend, however, that
be continued long,
The Troops
a larger Scale.
erably reinforced of late,

to have
posts,
It is
come
must be from 10
at
Guerre will
Brunswick have been consid-
and Genl.
over, their
number
to 12,000;
HoWe and Piercy

there
from
are said
and the dependent
these Circumstances,
mean to make
known to them, tho' I have
highly probable, nay almost certain, they
a push; their object
my
this Petit
think matters will be transacted upon
is
a secret, only
conjectures.
cannot implicitly believe, that Genl. Carleton will attempt
to pass the
pointed,
Lakes before the Spring, nor
if it is
declined altogether, and
shall
all
be
much disap-
the Troops in that
1777]
TROOPS FOR THE NORTH
197
may
be necessary
drawn from
Quarter,
thence, except such as
barely to Garrison their posts, in orderto reinforce Genl. Howe;
may, unless Mr.Carleton should have his Army

greatly augmented, I think the first voted Quotas of Massachusetts and New Hampshire Troops ordered to Ticonderoga will
be a large and full proportion for the Northern Department
But be this as
and
it
hope more than competent to every exigency.
If
they
should not, in cases of extraordinary emergency, they can receive
some Aid from the Militia. These considerations and the pressing necessity, that exists, and which probably will, for Men in
this Quarter, induce me to request, that no more of the York
forces may be called on for the Northern Army. Your Letter to
Congress I shall transmit by the
earliest opportunity. I
am etc.67

1777.
68
have inclosed the warrant for executing the Deserter;

the blanks you will fill up, and direct the Ceremony as you please.
Sir : I
Will
it
not be adviseable to arrange and equip the Troops,
under Inoculation in Philadelphia, that, on an emergency, they
may be of some Service.

Another Skirmish happened Yesterday between Genl. Maxwell and about 2.000 from
Amboy, they came
to forage; the
me that he has secured 7 prisoners and spilt much

[n.y.h.s.]
am etc. 69
Genl. writes
blood.
*To
JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON

Morristown, February 24, 1777.
Dear Brother: Your Letter of the 24th. Ulto. from Mount

Vernon came duly to hand, and I thank you for the visit to Mrs.
67
68
69

See Washington's letter to Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, Feb. 19, I777> ante.
The
198
Washington.
do not
recollect the date of
my last to you, but
nothing of any great Importance has occur'd of
from Rhode Island
in order to strengthen those
should think, (considering the Situation of
our Army) some Offensive operation.

be no Impropriety,
no
of
If
he does not, there can
conceive, [in] pronouncing
enterprize, as circumstances never will,
so
believe
has withdrawn great part of
of this State for
him
late.
Howe
there soon will, as Genl.
the Troops
[Feb.
much
as at present. But, as this
is
him
Man
hope, favour
too delicate a Sub-
ject for a Letter, liable to miscarriage, I will
hod
my
tongue.
Whether his designs are against the Militia I at present Command; another attempt against Phila., or, which I cannot believe, to make his own defences more Secure, time only can
tell, and a little of it, I believe, will do it.
Our Scouts, and the Enemy's Foraging Parties, have frequent
skirmishes; in which they always sustain the greatest loss in
killed and Wounded, owing to our Superior skill in Fire arms;
these, and frequent Desertions, tho' not of any great magnitude, serves to waste their Army, but this is counterbalanc'd by a
set of Parracides, who have engaged in their Service, and Inlist
all
our Country
men they can seduce.
Your remark "that you cannot depend upon

our strength"
that
any body
is
most
litterally true.
at a distance,
certainty; because, while
it
should
It is
know
depends upon
it
the Reports of
morally impossible
with precision and
Militia,
who are here
and gone tomorrow; whose ways, li\e the ways of

Providence are, almost, inscrutable; and when it is our Interest,
however much our characters may suffer by it, to make small
numbers appear large, it is impossible you should; for in order
to deceive the Enemy effectually, we must not communicate
our weakness to any body.
to-day,
It
behooves every friend, in every
ing Service.
It
State, to hasten the Recruit-
behooves them to forward the Levies on by
DESERTIONS
1777]
199
and believe me,

it behooves every friend to the American Cause to exert his
utmost endeavours to apprehend Deserters. Desertion is a
growing evil; it is become a kind of business, under the present
bounty, to Desert one Corps to Enlist in another. In a word, if
Companies, or otherwise,
as [soon] as possible,
vigorous measures to apprehend, and rigorous in punishing

are not pursued the cause will be exceedingly injured.
If
we
can once get the
New Army
gress will take care to have
may,
it
compleat and the Con-
properly supplied,
thereafter, bid Defiance to great Britain,
think
and her
we
for-
eign Auxiliaries.
My warmest Affections I make a tender of to my Sister and

My Compliments present to all enquiring friends,
the family.
and with strongest assurances

I remain yr. affecte. Brother.
of unalterable love to yourself
Yesterday a skirmish happen'd between a foraging
P. S.
Enemy and a Party collected from our [out] Posts,

said, from the best accts. we have been yet able to
that the Enemy in killed and Wounded must have [lost]
Party of the
in wch.
[get]
it is
upwards of an hundred Men. Seven Prisoners were [taken]

and brought In. Our loss was three killed, Eight wounded.
To
GOVERNOR PATRICK HENRY

Morristown in New
Dear
Sir:
situation in
Jersey,
February
24, 1777.
Mr. Walker has, I doubt not, informed you of the

which I have placed him, in Order that he may
obtain the best information, and, at the same time, have his real
design hid from the World; thereby avoiding the evils which
might otherwise
by other
It
result
from such Appointments,
if
adopted
States.
will naturally occur to you, Sir, that there are
on the keeping of which
so,
some
Secrets,
depends, oftentimes, the salvation
200
of an
Army:
Secrets
[Feb.
which cannot, at least ought not to, be

which none but the Commander in
intrusted to paper; nay,
Chief at the time, should be acquainted with.

If Mr. Walker's
Commission,
70
therefore, from the Common-
wealth of Virginia, should be known, it would, I
am persuaded,
be followed by others of the like Nature from other States,
and be no
better than so
many
To
marplots.
avoid the prece-
and from your Character of Mr. Walker and

the high Opinion I myself entertain of his abilities, Honour,
and prudence, I have taken him into my Family as an Extra
dent, therefore,
Aid de Camp, and
shall be
happy,
if
in this Character, he can
answer your expectations.

I
sincerely
thank you,
Sir, for
your kind congratulations on
Arms (Would to God it

may continue), and for your polite mention of me.
Let me earnestly entreat that the Troops raised in Virginia
for this Army be forwarded on by Companies, or otherwise,
the late success of the Continental
without delay, and as well equiped as possible, for the Field,
we
or
shall be in
no condition
to
open the Campaign. With

71
I am, etc.
every sentiment of Respect and Regard,
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Virginia.
The
Countersign Venice.
troops of Genl
St. Clair's
Brigade
are, as
soon as the
weather will permit, to be drawn together and quartered as

near this town, as possible: All the Recruits of Col. Ogden's
70
72
John Walker had been sent to the headquarters of the Continental Army by the
Virginia Legislature to keep it informed of events, the idea being that the Commander
in Chief could not find the time necessary to write fully. Washington accepted this
dangerous precedent with calmness and full persuasion that no ulterior motive
prompted the action. He appointed Walker an aide-de-camp.
This letter exists in the Washington Papers in the Varick Transcripts only.
Col. Matthias Ogden, of the First New Jersey Regiment. He had been wounded at
Quebec Dec. 31, 1775; was taken prisoner at Elizabethtown, N. J., in October, 1780;
exchanged in April, 1781.

VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS
1777]
Regiment,
201
now quartered at Troy, and elsewhere,
diately called together,
to be
armed and accoutred; they
imme-
are to join
The
Genl. St Clair's Brigade, and to be quartered with them.

strictest
Attention must be paid by the
Ammunition belonging
officers, to
the
Arms and
to their different Corps, to see
them
frequently examined, and kept in good Order, for Action.
All Recruits raised by Capts. Morrison

join Col
Ogden's Regt.
'till
73
and Flahaven
74
to
further orders.
To LORD STIRLING
My Lord
24th
Instt. I
was
last
1777.
night favoured with your Letter of the
concur in your Lordships proposition, so far as
it
goes for incorporating the three Companies of Virginia Volun-
and forming them into a Battalion; But tho' I have a high

75
Opinion of the conduct Merit and bravery of Capt. Thruston,
in whose behalf you have interested yourself, and would wish
to do him any favor, I cannot appoint him to the rank you menteers,
The reasons, upon reflection, I am persuaded, will readily

The greatest part of the Officers and
Men composing our present Army, are in the same predicament and on the same footing with these three Companies, or
tion.
occur to you and to him.
differ
but very
Many
little.
have been longer in Service, and
would not bear the distincwithout Complaining and objecting to
coming from
different States, they
tion, or suffer
it
me, a charge of
I feel
strongly the reasons,
plication
73
to pass
partiality in favour of the Virginians.
is
founded but yet

;
upon which your Lordships

I
trust
ap-
you and Capt. Thruston,
Capt. Isaac Morrison, of the First New Jersey Regiment. He was wounded at
Pa., in October and did not rejoin the regiment.
Capt. John Flahaven, of the First New Jersey Regiment. He was taken prisoner in
Germantown,
74
April, 1777; resigned in January, 1779.

,6
Capt. Charles Mynn Thurston. In a previous volume, through inadvertence,

name has appeared as "Thruston." Washington commissioned him as captaincommandant of a battalion composed of three volunteer companies from Virginia,
commanded by Capts. William Morgan, George Scott, and Thurston.
this
202
[Feb.
maturely considering the delicate situation in which
and the expediency of
my
stand,
steering clear of every cause of dis-
gust and Jealousy will think with me, the measure unadvisable
and improper. Upon the whole,

panies
may
Captt.
Commandant.
One
be united in
desire that the three
Com-
Corps, under Mr. Thurston as
To prevent the inconveniences, which the Gentlemen apprehend, would result from their not having Commissions in case
of Captivity,
my hand
have inclosed Certificates under
shewing the rank and command they hold
Seal,
of the States; but
and
in the Service
cannot give Commissions in usual form.
The precaution is prudent, but I hope their Situation will never

be such, as to prove that
The Commanding
it
was
necessary.
McCoy's
Officer of
76
Regiment, should
transmit a List of the Shoes and Stockings wanted, to the

jutant Genl.,
same.
who
will give
Ad-
an Order on the Clothier for the
wish a Surgeon could be
got, but
dont know one to be
had; Inquiry shall be made upon the Subject.
am &ca."
To ROBERT MORRIS, GEORGE CLYMER
AND GEORGE WALTON

Head Qurs., Morris Town, February 27,
Gentn.:
am honoured with
yours of the 20th, 21st
1777.
and 22d
The French Gentlemen having been demanded by GenHowe as Officers belonging to the British Army, I gave
Instt.
eral
directions to the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania,

Instt. to
to
send them to Easton, from whence, they might go
Brunswic or Amboy.
It
will probably be
some Months
we deny them
the Liberty of
before they reach Canada, for

70
Col.
"The
on the 22d
John Mackey's (McKay, McCoy)

draft
is
in the writing of
if
New
Jersey Militia regiment.
AN APOLOGY
1777]
returning by land, they must wait

rence
I
if
is
at
203
New York, till the St. Law-
navigable.
shall signify the
want of Rope Makers,
there be any in the
Army they
in Genl. Orders, and
shall be sent.
On recurring to my Letter to Genl. Gates of the 19th., I found

with
much concern, the paragraph alluded to in yours, import-
ing a Censure unmerited by you and not designed by me.
meant to convey to him my Ideas
only
of the expediency of removing
the public Stores from Philadelphia, and that he should converse
with you upon the Subject. By some means, the Gentleman who
drafted the Letter, adopted a
Language
different
from what
wished, or what Justice, and a regard to your exertions and polite

Attentions to
whatever
is
my
would
requisitions,
my
under
Signature
is
justify.
It is
true, that
imputable to me, and to be
considered as
my Act, but in this instance, permit me to assure
you, that the
immense Business which surrounded me
me
time, occasioned
at that
to be less attentive to the Letter, than
otherwise should have been and which would have prevented
your Regret and
my Concern.
am free to declare, that I have
the highest sense of your exertions, in the great Cause in
we
are engaged,
Strict
and
to profess
my
warmest thanks
and pointed Regard you have ever
promise to shew to
paid,
which
for the
and which you
my Requisitions upon all Occasions.
The Recruits from the new Regiments come in so Slowly, or

do not come in at all, (tho' I hearthatTown and Country
rather
are full of
them)
that
shall be
under the Necessity of calling
for a Reinforcement of Militia to Supply the places of those,
whose Terms of Service are near expiring. Some of Genl. Johnson's Men are already gone, and the whole will go the 5th. of next
Month. The Eastern Militia, under Genl Lincoln,

to the 15th
part of our
are
engaged
March. These two Bodies form so considerable a
Army,
that unless they are replaced by continental
204
Troops or
Militia,
left
from some of the other
States,
we
[Feb.
shall
be
Add to this, that a Numdown in the Smallpox, for a time
almost in a defenceless Situation.
ber of our best Troops will be

to come.
The
Militia of Baltimore, Hartford
ordered out, as well as those of Frederick, but
whether they turned out.
shall be glad to
expect them, at what time, and in

If those of
and Cecil were
have never heard
know whether I may
what Numbers.
the Pennsylvania Militia,
who
have not yet per-
formed their tour of duty, can be prevailed upon to come out,

and to stay five or six weeks from the time they join the Army,
they will render most essential Service. If Genl. Howe, who
certainly must have intelligence of our Situation, does not take
Advantage of our Weakness, he must have Reasons, that I am
altogether at a loss to account for, unless it be the want of Horses,
which I believe are much reduced. However, it is our Business
to prepare for the worst, and not to reason ourselves into a belief
78
that the Enemy are unable to attack us. I have the honor &c.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Burlington.
Countersign Bedford.
The officers are desired to make Returns of any Rope-Makers,

they may have in their respective Corps.
The execution of Serjt. Porterfield is suspended by the General's
Orders,
To
'till
Friday the 14th. of March.

Sir :
since
78
1777.
No Military Operation of any Consequence has occurred

I
had the honor of writing
to
you
last,
except that on
NEED OF REENFORCEMENTS
17771
Sunday
last, I
it
Enemy were advancmuch greater than usual,
reced. information that the
ing in a manner, and in numbers, so

that
205
look'd like a prelude to an attack
upon our
posts,
which
were immediately put in the best preparation to receive them.

It
turned out to be only a stronger foraging party than usual,
they were however opposed in so spirited a manner, by our
advanced
parties, that they
were checked, and
retired in the
Afternoon towards Amboy, from whence they came. Their

loss in the course of the day, from the best Accounts I can get,
amounts
to about
one hundred, in
killed,
wounded, prisoners
Some people, who were near the scene of Acand who have picked up accounts from those who have
since been in Amboy, are sanguine enough to suppose, that
they lost five hundred altogether, but of this I have no conception. Our loss was only two killed and ten wounded.
and
deserters.
tion,
was
in hopes, that by the time, the Militia
who are now
in
would be discharged, that we should have a considerable number of the new Levies in the Field, but tho' I have
Reports from all quarters of the great Success of recruiting, I
cannot get a Man of them into Service. Genl. Johnsons Militia,
all go the 5th of March, many are gone already, and Genl. Lincolns on the 15th. These two Bodies form so considerable a part
Service
of our force, that unless they are replaced,
manner
destitute, for I
Number
have no
of Continental
shall be left in a
great hopes of seeing an equal
Troops by that time.
have wrote to
Pennsylvania, to endeavour to get a Reinforcement of Militia
am
from the Counties of

Baltimore, Hartford and Cecil in Maryland are on their March,
but as I have it not from any Authority, I know not when to
expect them or in what Numbers. They are about passing a
Militia law in this State, which may perhaps have some effect,
but at present they are under no Regulation at all.
from
thence,
and
told the Militia
206
have in my
recommended several
late letters
[Feb.
things to your
Consideration, particularly that of a promotion of General Officers,
the very well-being of the
being done speedily. Not only
want
of Brigadiers.
new Army depends upon its

but we are suffering for
this,
Genl Schuyler has wrote most pressingly
for the Assistance of General Officers,
him, without injuring the Service in
and
have none to send
this Quarter.
The hospital
plan too requires an Answer, as nothing can be done in the
nomination of the proper

tion.
There are
you, to which
upon the
Officers,
respective points to
who was killed
at
do not recollect what

If
there
know your determinaConsequence before
am waiting your Answers, before I can proceed
Inclosed you have a Letter

cer
till I
several other Matters of
which they refer.

79
from the Widow
princetown.
it is.
If
If there is
of a brave Offi-
any provision
is
made,
any please to inform me.
not, I can venture to recommend her as a proper

make some Reparation for her great Loss.
Mine of the 20th. mentioned that Lord Piercy had aris
Object, to
P. S.
rived with the troops
from Rhode
Island, but
find that he
remains there.
By some Gentn. just

France
arrival in
Salem brings the
is
arrived
from Boston, Doctr. Franklin's
mentioned with
intelligence, the
80
A Ship come to
certainty.
Captain of which says the
Docrt. had got in Five days before his departure.
Also that Captn. Wicks

they were
to be, etc.
81
condemned and
made two prizes in his passage and

sold at Burdeaux.
have the honor
82
"Eliza Neil, widow of Maj. Daniel Neil, of the New Jersey Artillery. Her letter,
dated Feb. 19, 1777, is filed with this of Washington in the Papers of the Continental
Congress.
80
Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Commissioner from the United States to France.
81
Capt. Lambert Wickes, of the Continental armed vessel Reprisal. Franklin sailed
with him.
82
In the writing of Tench Tilghman. The last part of the postscript is in that of

COL. CAMPBELL'S
1777]
COMPLAINT
207
To THE MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL

Sir :
yesterday received a Letter from Lieut. Colo. Campbell
of the 71st. Regiment, dated
Concord Gaol
The Colo., in this Letter, gives me

ity
of his confinement as
atrocious Criminals.
The
is
first
of this
Month,
4th. of this
83
Month.
such an Account of the sever-
scarce ever inflicted
upon the most
following extract of his Letter, shews
the Reasons that were given to
The
1777.
was
him upon
carried
Confinement:
his
and lodged
in the
Common
Gaol of Concord, by an order of Congress, thro' the Council of Boston,

intimating, for a reason, that a refusal of General
General Lee for Six Field
Officers, of
whom
Gentleman under the Charge of the Provost
of that
the Motives of their particular
ill
Howe
to give
up
was one, and the placing

at
New York, were
treatment to me.
He then proceeds to give a description of the place in which

he is confined, which,
to be justified
of Congress,
if
true,
is
shocking to humanity, and not
upon the most strict interpretation of the Resolve

which
is
as follows:
Should the proffered exchange of General Lee for Six Hessian

Officers,
field
be not accepted, and the treatment of him, as above mentioned,
be continued, that the principles of Retaliation shall occasion five of the

said Hessian Field Officers, together with Lieut. Colo. Archibald
bell,
or any other Officers, that are, or
lent in
Number
may
be, in
or Quality, to be detained, in order that the
Treatment, which General Lee shall receive,
upon
their Persons.
By
Camp-
our possession, equiva-
may
same
be exactly inflicted
84
to be
you will observe, that exactly the same Treatment is

shewn to Colo. Campbell and the Hessian Officers, that
Genl.
Howe shews to General Lee: and, as he is only confined
this
83
for
Lieut. Col. Archibald Campbell. Starks notes that he was a member of Parliament
Dumfermline, Scotland. His letter, dated Feb. 4, 1777, is in the Washington Papers.
^The
resolve of Jan. 4, 1777.

208
[Feb.
commodious House with genteel accomodations, we have

no right or reason to be more severe upon Colo. Campbell, who
I would wish should, immediately upon the Receipt of this,
be removed from his present Situation, and put into a House
to a
when he may
live
comfortably.
Colo. Campbell mentions the Case of Capt. John

Colo. Goreham's Corps, who, he says,
is
is
our Officers,
alledged against Capt. Walker; but,
only observe, that, except there

treatment
Walker
is
know
I
will
very good foundation, such
Enemy have
impolitic, for the
of
confined in the same
Common Men.
Goal and in the Apartment with the

not what crime
is
three
hundred of
(whom we have little chance of Exchanging) upon
whom they may
retaliate.
Colo Campbell lodges a Complaint against Capt. Bradford

the Continental Agent, which, if just, reflects dishonor
Service;
85
upon our
He says
he was plundered of half his private property, the very necessary Articles
Agent Captain Bradford
of living, by the Continental
has since, as
am
informed, seized upon and disposed
Consideration of gain, the very side
Arms
of
my
of Boston,
of, for
Officers, to
had been restored by the Captors and afterwards lodged

of
Major Chase
I
88
at Boston,
who
the dirty
whom they
in the
Hands
by order of General Ward.
have given you Colo. Campbell's
not true, Capt. Bradford
own Words;
may have an Opportunity
off the Aspersion. But, if
it is
if
they are
of wiping
a Matter of fact, he ought to be
obliged to account with Colo Campbell for every farthing; for

it
appears that the Captors relinquished their Claim.

Before I had closed my Letter, I was honored with your favors
of the nth.
and
85
Nothing distresses me more, than

upon me, from all Quarters, for fire
13th. Inst.
the Universal Call that
is
William Bradford, Continental Agent for Prizes at Boston.

captured on a British transport.
sn
Maj. Thomas Chase, Assistant Quartermaster General.
Campbell had been
WASTE OF ARMS
17771
Arms, which
am
totally
unable to supply.
and private appropriation
Loss, waste,
Campaign
209
The
of Public
scandalous
Arms, during
beyond all conception. Every State must

upon their Colonels to produce Receipts,
or to account for the Arms, that were delivered out to them last
year; I beg you will not only do this, but purchase all, fit for
the field, that can be procured from private persons, of which
there must be a vast Number in the Government. I have wrote
to Governor Cooke to return twelve hundred of the Eighteen
hundred Stand of Arms, that were lent by your Agent to the
the last
exert itself
State of
and
is
call
Rhode Island, and I have also desired
drawing for the three hundred Stand,
till
to defer
is
no doubt, but that
Arms that are on hand, should be delivered out to the Men
that are
I
87
he finds that there
a certainty of raising his Regt. There can be
the
Col. Lee
first raised.
you
desire
will, as I directed in
on your Troops
as fast as they
my former Letters, forward
can be equipped, to the North-
ward; for General Schuyler continues to Assure me, that he expects

if
an attack upon Ticonderoga, either by passage over the
the lake freezes, or by Water as soon as the Navigation
A Sum of Money went thro' this place a few

your
State, so that
your
difficulties for
Ice
is clear.
days ago for
want of Cash
will be
removed. Iam&c.
P. S.
all
omitted to mention above, that the Commissions of
the Officers,
upon the
ist.
upon
New Establishment, are to bear date
the
Janry. 1777,
a Board of Officers.
and the preceedency
I desire,
Contents of the above Letter
to be settled
may not be
suffered to
go beyond
the Council for the present. Col Campbell's Confinement
be enlarged without assigning the reasons publicly.

8T
Col. William
88
The
draft
is
Raymond
by
for particular reasons, that the
may
88
Lee, of one of the 16 Additional Continental regiments.
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
210

Head
Quarters, Morris
[Feb.
PUTNAM
Town, February 28,
1777.
Dear Sir: Your several favours of the 25th and 26th. Instt.
came safe to hand. The pass granted by Lord and Genl. Howe
to William Taylor, dated the 18th, is of such a nature, as not to
afford any protection to the Vessel and Crew, even on the most
scrupulous construction of the Law of Nations, and She came
in so suspicious a manner, without a flag flying, as would have
justified severer treatment than mere detention. But 'tis possible,
that Taylor
and the master of the
Vessel, not sufficiently
informed of the practice necessarily observable in bearing Flags,

or Strangers to the instances, in which Protection can with propriety be granted by an Enemy, came with no
ill
design;
would
and hands released, being desirous to

remove from our Army every, the smallest, Imputation of an
Infringement on the sacred dignity of a Flag. Indeed I would
pass over unnoticed, any small deviation from the usual Line
therefore have the Vessel
consider this early discharge as an Indulgence,
They are to
which they, or
any other person, must not expect a Repetition
of. It
in these cases,
if
not attended with danger to us.
be improper to send Colo. Foreman

answer, that Taylor
sons that induce
89
may know my
may
not
Copy of this part of my

and the Rea-
sentiments,
me to discharge his Vessel. When the English
were found on board, come, to you, please to send

if of any Consequence.
Smith
mistook my meaning, about raising an IndeCaptn.
pendant Company. No such powers are vested in my hands
Letters, that
them
to
me,
on your recommendation, I offered him a Company in a Regiment of Rangers, which he declined. I approve your resolution
of making the Militia do duty, as far from their homes, as
conveniently can be done.
89
Col.
^The
am etc. 90
David Forman.
draft
is
in the writing of
George Johnston.
GENERAL
1777]
LEE'S
TREATMENT
211

Head
was
Sir: I
Ulto.
this
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
1777.
accompanied by sundry proceedings of Congress Those

:
respecting Genl. Lee and
which
prescribe the treatment of
Lt. Colo.
Campbell and the Five Hessian Field
Cause of
this Letter.
Tho'
and
i,
Evening honored with your favor of the 23d
sincerely
feel
much
Officers, are the
commiserate the misfortune of Genl. Lee
for his present
unhappy
situation, yet
possible deference to the opinion of Congress,
with
all
fear that their
would not have the desired effect, are founded in

impolicy, and will, if adhered to, produce consequences of an
extensive and melancholy nature.
Resolutions
Retaliation
is
certainly just
and sometimes necessary, even
where attended with the severest penalties; But when the Evils
which may and must result from it, exceed those intended to
be redressed, prudence and policy require that
it
should be
avoided.
Having premised thus much, I beg leave to examine the Jusand expediency of it in the instances before us. From the
best information I have been able to obtain, Genl Lee's usage
has not been so disgracefull and dishonourable, as to authorize
the treatment decreed to these Gentlemen, was it not prohibited
tice
by
many
I believe,
other important considerations. His Confinement,
more rigorous than has been generally experest of our Officers, or those of the Enemy, who
has been
rienced by the
have been in our possession; but
if
the reports be true, received
on that Head, he has been provided with a decent appartment,

and with most things necessary to render him comfortable.
This
is
not the case with one of the Officers comprehended
in the Resolves,
if
his Letter, of
deserves your credit.
Here
which a Copy
retaliation
is
transmitted,
seems to have been
212
[March
prematurely begun, or to speak with more propriety, Severities
have been and are excercising towards Colo Campbell, not

tified
jus-
by any that Genl. Lee has yet received.
In point of policy and under the present Situation of our Affairs,
most
surely, this Doctrine
lance of prisoners
is
cannot be supported.
greatly against us,
the happiness of the whole, should
The Bal-
and a general regard to
mark our conduct. Can we
imagine that our Enemies will not mete the same punishments,
the same indignities, the same cruelties to those belonging to
us in their possession, that
we impose on
theirs in
our power ?
Why should we suppose them to possess more Humanity than

we
have ourselves ? Or
why
releive the distresses of
should an ineffectual attempt to
one brave unfortunate
Man
involve
many more in the same calamities ? However disagreeable the

fact may be, the Enemy at this time have in their power and
subject to their call, near
Army of the United
Three hundred
Officers belonging to
number
some
of high rank, and the most of them are Men of bravery, and of
merit. The Quota of theirs in our hands, bears no proportion,
being not more than Fifty at most. Under these Circumstances
we should certainly do no act to draw upon the Gentlemen belonging to us and who have already suffered a long captivity,
greater punishments than they have and now experience. If we
should, what will their feelings be and those of their numerous
and extensive connections. Suppose the treatment, prescribed
for the Hessians, should be pursued, will it not establish what
the Enemy have been aiming to effect by every artifice and the
grossest misrepresentations ? I mean an Opinion of our Enmity
towards them, and of the cruel conduct they experience when
they fall into our Hands, a prejudice which we on our part have
heretofore thought it politic to suppress, and to root out by every
act of lenity and of kindness. It certainly will. The Hessians
would hear of the punishment with all the circumstances of
the
States.
In this
there are
RETALIATION
1777]
213
heightened exaggeration and would feel the injury without
upon the justice or necesThe mischiefs which may and must inevitably flow
execution of the Resolves, appear to be endless and
investigating the cause, or reasoning

sity
of
it.
from the
innumerable.
on the
On my own part, I have been much embarassed
subject of
Exchanges already. Applications are daily
made by both Friends and Enemies to complete them as far

as the circumstances of number and rank will apply. Some
of the former have complained, that a discrimination
is
about
and cerdue course,
to be adopted perhaps injurious to their reputation,
them of their right of exchange in

upon the principles of equality proposed last
year, acceded to by both parties, and now subsisting. The latter
charge me with a breach of faith and call upon me to perform
tainly depriving
as established
the agreement.
Many more
rial; I shall
if it
objections
might be subjoined were they mate-
only observe, that the present state of our
Army,
deserves that name, will not authorize the language of
retaliation; or the stile of
menace. This will be conceded by
all
who know, that the whole of our force is weak and trifling and
composed of Militia (very few regular troops excepted) whose
Service is on the Eve of expiring. There are several other matters which might be mentioned upon this subject, would time
and opportunity permit, but as they will not, I beg leave to refer
you to Colo. Walker who will deliver this and give satisfaction
to any enquiries that may be deemed necessary. Persuading
myself, that Congress will indulge the Liberty
upon
this occasion, I
91
The
them
draft
is
that, I
have taken
have only to wish for the result of their
deliberations, after they
assure
have reconsidered the Resolves, and to
have the honor to be
91
etc.
in the writing of Caleb Gibbs; the letter sent
is
in that of
Robert Hanson
was read in Congress on March 12, and on March 14 Congress resolved:

"That General Washington be informed, that Congress cannot agree to any alteration
in the resolve passed on the 6th of January, 1777. And, as to the complaints of Colonel
Harrison.
It
214
[March
ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL
Morris Town, March
Sir:
and
am much Obliged by the Opinion you are pleased
to entertain of
am not
me.
invested with the Powers you suppose;
incompatible with
my
authority as
vene any determinations Congress
my
resolution of theirs,
written
my
but
is
and
it is
as
inclination to contra-
may make. But as it does not
appear to me, that your present Treatment
1777.
Last night received the favor of your Letter of the 4th.
instant,
i,
is
required by any
the result of misconception,
opinion of the matter to Col: Bowdoin,
imagine will procure a mitigation of
what you now
92
have
which
suffer. I
have also requested that inquiry be made into the case of Capt:
Walker and proper steps taken to remove all just cause of Complaint concerning him. I shall always be happy to manifest my
disinclination to any undue severities towards those whom the
fortune of War may chance to throw into my Hands.
am &ca. 93
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL GEORGE BAYLOR

Head
Dear
Sir:
Your
February are
now
March
Quarters, Morristown,
1,
several favours of the 31st January
before me.
am
1777.
and 7th
happy in being informed
that the Gov. of Virga. has consented that their Muskett factory
Campbell, it was never their intention that he should suffer any other hardship than
such confinement as is necessary to his security for the purpose of that resolve." In
forwarding this resolve, President Hancock wrote (March 17) "The obvious Distinction of Genl Howe in his Treatment of Genl Lee, who is notoriously committed to the
Custody of the Provost, and denied his Parole, while our other Officers are admitted to
it, was the Ground on which Congress proceeded when they passed that Resolve, the
Intention of which was to shew that in Proportion as Severities against him were
encreased, the same Treatment should be exercised on six Field Officers."
92
James Bowdoin. He was president of the Massachusetts Council. (See Washington's letter to the Council of Massachusetts, Feb. 28, 1777, ante.)
83
The draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton.
:
NEED OF ARMS
1777]
shall
215
equip your Regiment with Carbines and
doubt of your keeping the
workmen
Pistols. I
have no
closely to their duty;
nor
of your using your best Endeavors to purchase proper horses.
As I am not acquainted with

yr. Letter, shall refer
all
the
Gentlemen mentioned
my Approbation
of
them
till
they join
the Army. I observe that you have appointed Messrs. Jno.
and Willm. Armistead.

in the 4th.
Choice.
and
They
return to their
left
it is,
you
desire, I
To
upon
who were
without permission, and must

to be treated
Inquiry, the fact to be as
Wishing you
success equal to your
fill
up
warmest
etc.
THE NEW YORK LEGISLATURE
Gentn.: During the
Army
suppose
95
Head Quarters, Morris Town, March

the
inform these Gentlm. of my Resolution, and
their Vacancies.
am,
Army
the
Stith
must disapprove the
Companies immediately, or expect
roughly. If you find

will
they are the Gentlen.
If
6th. Virga. Battalions, I
in
last
Campaign, the
1,
1777.
greatest part of
were, at a Considerable Continental expence, well
had hopes, that in arming our New

One, no very great difficulty would obstruct us. but, in opposition to all my Orders, and notwithstanding my utmost Vigilance, most of [the Regimts. going off at differt. times, from
Armed; from whence
and under different circumstances] took off with

them, many that were put into their hands. These, no doubt,
are still in possession of the Individuals who bore them away;
and may, I should Suppose, with little Expence and some Activity in the Officers, aided by the Supreme Civil power in each
State, be regained to the Public. Unless some such Step as this
difft. Places,
is
adopted and attended with Success, I fear we shall not be able

w "Defer"
93
The
is
undoubtedly meant.
original letter, in the writing of
E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton,
N.
J.,
to
George Johnston,
whom the
editor
is
is
in the collection of Judge

indebted.
216
to furnish a Sufficient
Number
[March
for our Soldiers. Satisfactory
my repeated applications on this Subject, have not

yet been favored me by Congress; So that I am still a Stranger
Answers, to
to the Resources they have.
addition to
tivity in
my
It,
therefore, behoves each State, in
Endeavours, to exert her most unwearied Ac-
Arming her Quota, before they March for the
Field.
96
Our Situation and prospects compel me, in the most pressing

Manner, to call your Attention towards expediting the recruiting and equipping of your Battalions.
time
may
be
beg that not a moments
innoculating them, and that
lost in
the Disorder) they
may
(when over
be marched immediately to Peekskill
and placed under the Care of Brigr.McDougall. The advanced

Season of the year renders an Attack upon Tyconderoga over
much
the Ice not so
to be dreaded, as to induce
against a possible Inconvenience there, at the
me
guarding effectually against a certain one here:

I
to prepare
Expence of not
Wherefore,
have determined to send no more of your Battalions to that
Place,
having ordered a
the honor to be,
To
Sufficient force
from the
East.
have

Sir: I
97
etc.
i,
1777.
have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
favor of the 18th Ulto. by Mr.
Green
As yet the Letter by you
06
The embarrassment about firearms, which threatened to be serious and alarming,
was happily relieved by the arrival of two vessels from France in the month of March.
One arrived at Portsmouth, N. H., with a cargo of about 12,000 fusees, 1,000 barrels
of powder, blankets, and military stores on account of the United States; and the other
at Philadelphia, with 11,000 fusees, of which 6,000 belonged to the United States and
the remainder were purchased by Congress for the public service. This fortunate
supply, added to those already in use, was enough to equip the whole army for the
approaching campaign, and was of the utmost importance. Congress voted that 5,000
of the firearms brought into Portsmouth should be delivered to the Council of Massachusetts. Three thousand were received by Connecticut, and more than 2,000 by New
Hampshire. Spares.
97
The draft is in the writing of George Johnston. The words within brackets are in
the writing of Washington.
CALL FOR ARMS
1777]
referred
to, as
217
explaining the Motives by which the General
Assembly of your
State
were governed, in ordering the Brigade
upon which they are in98

listed, has not reached me. During the last Campaign * * *
before they March for the Field. Application is made to me
to be raised for 15 Months, and the Plan
by the Council of Massachusetts, desiring that the 1800.
Arms
furnished to your State, by the Continental Agent at Boston,
may
be delivered to their Troops ordered immediately to Ty-
conderoga.
When
to a part,
can direct a return, but of 1200 of them; these you
will be pleased to
attend to your Situation and just Claim
forward
to
them, with
important Post of Tyconderoga

rison
it
Our
is
all
Expedition.
weak, and
design to Gar-
with the Troops (among others) of that

Situation
Manner,
me
and prospect compel
The
in the
State.
most pressing
to call your attention towards expediting the recruit-
ing and equipping of your Battalions.
beg that not a moment's
may be lost in innoculating them and that, when over the

Disorder, they may be marched immediately to Peekskill and
time
placed under the Care of Brigadier McDougall.
am &ca."
To MAJOR APOLLOS MORRIS

Morris Town, March
Sir: I
am
1,
1777.
favored with yours of the 18th Ulto. and upon
perusing your Letter to General
Howe, am sorry to find myself
under the Necessity of returning it to you, as forwarding it by

a flag from this would have the appearance of our asking these
Questions, in an indirect
Manner; which are already answered

and indeed of every individual
to the Satisfaction of Congress
engaged in
it
was
this dispute.
consistent with
The omitted
portion
New York Legislature,

8
The
draft
is
is
this
for your Private Satisfaction,
my
duty to indulge you in
in the writing of
date, q. v.
George Johnston.
wish
this Matter,
almost a verbatim repetition of Washington's
same
letter to the

218
nor would
[March
have any objection to your Letter being sent in by
any Mode of Conveyance, which could not be construed or supposed by General Howe, to come from any Authority on this
side.
You are sensible that Independance has been declared
by the United
States,
sake of engaging the
nor could they in

first
Service, recede a single Iota
from
it;
Opinion, for the
my Inclination
Man of your Abilities
so that let
be never so great to have the addition of a
Army,
my
Military Genius in Europe in their
must be under the same Circumstances that

Engaged
1 thank you for your kind professions of Attachment to me
and shall be glad to hear that you have reconcil'd the principles
to our
it
every other Gentleman has
of our Opposition to your private Opinion.
am &C.
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, March
Parole Dorchester.
i,
1777.
Countersign Derby.
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.
is
appointed aide-de-camp to the
Commander in Chief, and is to be respected and obeyed as such.

Isaac Budd Dunn Esqr. will do the duty of Adjutant General,
Pro Tempore, and to be attended to accordingly.

Morris Town, March
1,
1777.
Dear Sir Your favour of the 23rd. Ulto. came to hand yesterday with the inclosed returns, which I think are very extraor2
dinary ones; particularly Colo. Penrose's, as I well remember
having asked him, early in December, how his Regiment filled,
and his answer, as well as I can recollect, was, that he then had
gotten 300 Men. The returns of desertion given in to you, appear
:
The
draft is in the writing of John Fitzgerald.

Col. Joseph Penrose, of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment.
as having resigned Feb. 7, 1777.
2
Heitman records him
INOCULATION
1777J
219
to be utterly impossible; should therefore be glad
of this iniquitous Scheme;

fix
you would
the Colonels together, and endeavour to find out the source
call
it
on any person,
and
to bring
if
him
you are fortunate enough to

to the most exemplary pun-
You can at least fall upon some plan for discouraging
ishment.
such proceedings, in future such as reviewing the Companies

;
any other method you think most likely to

necessary purpose. The remainder of the two Vir-
at certain times, or
effect this
ginia Regiments, if not already passed by Philadelphia, you will

please to order to be inoculated there,
tal
Troops that
come
and any other Continen-
that way. If they should be inoculated
and have time to throw

But
it would answer.
disorder
Spread
the
by inoculating them in a body, it would
throughout the Country, as it would be necessary for them to
to the
Southward, as they are
inlisted,
off the infection before they
march,
as
march,
soon as able; moreover, as they will in general be
Cloathed and accoutred in Philadelphia, the necessaries can

be providing whilst they are under the disorder.
I
request your attention to the behaviour of Colo.Dehaas and
his friend
Opinion
Houseggar; the
of,
and am
dice of the Service.
promise given the
abilities of
the former
have a good
sorry he should take any turn to the prejuI
suppose
it is
necessary to comply with the
Men by Genl. Schuyler.
To CAPTAIN BENJAMIN
am etc. 4
TALLMADGE

Sir:
i,
1777.
In answer to yours of the 20th., last Month, I must inform
you, that the Order respecting the Colour of Horses, particularly excepted to
Whites or those near White,
as
being too
Schuyler had promised the four Pennsylvania regiments which marched from
Fort Ticonderoga, N. Y., to Philadelphia that every man who reenlisted would be
given one month's furlough to visit his family.
4
The draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton. The letter sent is in the
New
York
Historical Society.
220
[March
conspicuous for the purpose of reconnoitering, for which the
Light Horse will be

even dark Greys,
much
used.
would not wish
to
have
good could be got; but if

they cannot, you may purchase them, and when they change
Colour by Age, we must put them to other Uses in the Army.
I
others equally
if
am etc. 5
To
DOCTOR WILLIAM
Morris Town,
Sir: I
am
sorry, that
SHIPPEN, JUNIOR
New Jersey, March i, 1777.
any of the Continental Troops, which
have not had the small pox, should have been
past Philadelphia, without suffering inoculation; as
much better
dations are so
ural
there, than here,
and
Way, that Disorder proves so fatal, to the
however, written to Genl. Gates fully on
marched
lately
as,
accommoin the nat-
Soldiery.
have,
this Subject.
wish you would look out for Surgeons, and endeavour to
supply each Continental Regiment with one, as the Troops
am
pass by you.
too low, that
I shall
them advanced.
so conscious that the Surgeon's
use
my
Wages
are
Influence with Congress to have
am etc. 6
AND GEORGE WALTON

Head Quarters, Morris Town, March 2,
Gentn.
was
last
Month, inclosing the
upon the parts

5
1777.
night honored with yours of the 26th

late
Resolves of Congress.
that relate to Genl. Lee,
last
My opinions
you will find
at length
In the writing of Tench Tilghman. The original is in the possession of D.

Richards, of New York City, to whose kindness the editor is indebted for the text.
The draft is in the writing of John Walker.
W.
REMOVAL OF STORES
1777]
mine
in
to the Congress of this date,
will please to forward by

to Baltimore,
if
Colo Walker
after perusing,
who
you
goes immediately
the Congress should not have adjourned
thence. If they have,
from
agree with you, that Lancaster will be
the Safest and properest place for

I
which
221
them
to
sit.
never meant that the Public Stores should be removed in
such a manner, as would give any Alarm to the Inhabitants, and

I gave early notice, that they might be began upon in time,
and carried off by degrees. By these means the Business may be
done imperceptibly as it were, and the people not distracted
may prove groundless.
by Fears that
am &c.
To ROBERT MORRIS
Morristown, March 2, 1777.
Your favour of the 27th. Ultimo came to my hands

last Night. The freedom with which you have communicated
Dear
Sir :
your sentiments on several matters therein contained,

pleasing to me. For be assured,
more
to
my
satisfaction,
Sir, that
is
highly
nothing would add
than an unreserved Correspondence
with a Gentleman of whose Abilities and attachment to the
Cause we are contending for,
entertain so high an
Opinion as
do of yours. Letters, however, being liable to various accimakes a communication of thoughts that way, rather
unsafe But, as this will be conveyed by a Gentleman on whom
I
dents,

following brief of a letter, in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison, dated
Mar. 2, 1777, is entered on the verso of William Duer's intelligence of February 25
from Long Island, N. Y., through Nathaniel Sackett. It is, doubtless, a letter to Duer,
no copy of which is found in the Washington Papers: "The forage in West Chester.
The consequence resulting from the retreat of Heath and Wooster for mtg. [mustering] Militia to prevent outrages of Rangers. Calling Conl. Troops by parts injurious.
Forage should be got off as soon as possible or sooner. The Enemy drawn their Force
from N. York and design Phila. The Enemy going up North River. The Convn.
should certly. interpose about purchase of provision. Expedn. to Long Isld. Mr. S."
The
"
222
can depend,
uation,
The
more
shall not scruple to disclose
freely than
Reasons,
General
my
good
my Mind, and sit-
otherwise should do.

Sir,
[March
which you assign
for thinking
Howe cannot move forward with his Army are good,
but not conclusive.
It is
a descriptive evidence of the difficulties
he has to contend with, but no proof that they cannot be
mounted.
let
It is
view of one
side of the Picture, against
me enumerate the advantages on the
mine how we would

General
Howe
other,
and then
deter-
act in his situation.
cannot, by the best intelligence
able to get, have less than 10,000
board of Transports
sur-
which
at
Men
Amboy: Ours
have been
in the Jerseys
and on
does not exceed 4,000:
His are well disciplined, well Officered, and well appointed
Ours raw
Militia,
badly Officered, and under no Government.
On February 27 Morris had written: "I do not like to be sanguine, and yet it is
necessary in a Contest like this we are engaged in to view the best side of the picture
frequently. Remember, good Sir, that few men can keep their feelings to themselves,
and that it is necessary for example sake, that all leaders should feel and think boldly
in order to inspirit those that look up to them, Heaven, (no doubt for the noblest purposes) has blessed you with a Firmness of mind, Steadiness of Countenance, and
patience in sufferings, that give you infinite advantages over other men. This being
the case, you are not to depend on other People's exertions being equal to your own,
one Mind feeds and thrives on misfortunes by finding resources to get the better of
them; another sinks under their weight, thinking it impossible to resist; and as the
latter description probably includes the majority of mankind, we must be cautious on
alarming them.
"I hate deception, and cannot wish any thing like it should ever escape you; but
I really think if the brightest side of our affairs were sometimes to be painted by your
pen, or Sanctifyed by your name, it wou'd draw forth the exertions of some good men
sooner than distress does from others. I hope you will excuse me for this stile of writing, which almost amounts to the Confidential; and, wall sure of such being received
in the same light in which I write it, I should lament to you the absence of many great,
good, and valuable men from Congress; for if great care is not taken, that Body, so
respectable from the nature of the appointment, the Importance of its objects and the
.
respectable Characters of its heretofore individual Members, will lose great part of its
Weight and Consequence in the Eyes of our own People. We have now to lament the
absence from the Public Councils of America, of a Johnson, a Jay, R. R. Livington,
Duane, Deane, W. Livington, Franklin, Dickenson, Harrison, Nelson, Hooper, Rutledge, and others not less Conspicuous, without any proper appointments to fill their
places, and this at the very time they are most wanted, or would be so, if they had not
very wisely supplied the deficiency by delegating to your Excellency Certain powers,
that they durst not have entrusted to any other Man. But what is to become of America and its cause, if a constant fluctuation is to take place among its Counsellors, and
at every change we find reason to view it with regret?
Morris's letter is in the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.
HOWE'S PURPOSES
1777]
223
His numbers cannot, in any short time, be augmented Ours

:
must very considerably, and by such Troops as we can have

some reliance on, or the Game is at an End. His situation with
respect to Horses and Forage is bad, very bad, I believe; but
will it be better ? No; on the contrary, worse, and therefore, an
inducement, if no other, to shift Quarters. General Howe's
informants are too numerous, and too well acquainted with
these circumstances, to suffer
him
to
all
remain in ignorance of
them. With what propriety, then, can he miss so favourable

capital stroke against a City, from
whence we derive so many advantages, the carrying of which
would give such eclat to his Arms and strike such a damp upon
ours ? Nor is his difficulty of moving so great as is imagined.
All the heavy Baggage of the Army; their Salt Provisions and
Flour; their Stores, &ca. might go round by Water whilst their
superior numbers would enable them to make a sweep of the
Horses for many Miles round about them (not already taken
an opportunity of striking a
oflf
by us)
In addition to
all this, his
coming himself
to Brunswick, his
bringing Troops which cannot be Quartered, and keeping them
on Ship board
at
Amboy, with some
other corroborating
cir-
me that he would move,

and towards Philadelphia. I candidly own, I expected it would
have happened before the expiration of my proclamation; the
cumstances did induce a firm belief in
longer
if I
am
it is
delayed, the better for us, and,
happy
shall I be,
deceived.
My Opinions upon these several matters are only known to

those
who
have a right to be informed As

:
much
as possible,
have endeavoured to conceal them from every one
else; and
no hasty remove of the public Stores should take place
thereby communicating an Alarm; it was, that I early recommended this measure, and have since been urging it, well
I
that
knowing, that a measure of
this kind, set hastily
about
when
224
the
Enemy were advancing, would
sions, and
give unfavourable impres-
be attended with bad consequences.
or you, through whose hands
gress,
to pass, with false appearances
judgment, be criminal
quences.
my
all
To deceive Conthem
Letters to
and assurances, would,
and make me
endeavour, in
[March
in
are
my
responsible for conse-
those Letters, to state matters as
my judgment, without adding to, or diminishfrom the Picture: From others my sentiments are
they appear to
ing aught
pretty
I
much
hid.
wish, with
Lee in
eral
still.
all
my heart, that
Congress had gratified Gen-
his request. If not too late,
can see no possible
evil that
wish they would do
can result from
it;
it
some
good I think might. The request to see a Gentleman or two,

came from the General not from the Commissioners; there
could have been no harm, therefore, in hearing what he had to
say
on any
subject, especially as
he had declared, that his
personal Interest was deeply concerned.

close
own
The Resolve to put in
confinement Lieutenant Colonel Campbell and the Hes-
sian Field Officers, in
Order
to retaliate General Lee's punish-
ment upon them, is, in my Opinion, injurious in every point of

view, and must have been entered into without due attention
to the consequences.
ance of Prisoners
is
Does Congress know how much the
against us ?
That the Enemy have,
300 Officers of ours in their possession, and
are subject to be re-
Do they imagine that these Officers will not
share the Fate of Campbell &c. ?

different treatment
at least,
we not fifty of theirs;
That Generals Thompson and Waterbury

called at any time
Bal-
mixed with
Or possibly, by receiving very

artful insinuations,
have their
resentments roused to Acts highly injurious to our Cause.
It is
much easier to raise a ferment of this kind than to allay it. Do

they know that every Artifice is now practising to prepossess the
Hessians, with an Idea of our mal-treatment of their Country
CRITICISM OF CONGRESS
1777]
men
(in our possession) that
Nay,
that
we mean
finement of their
this
first
we are treating of them as Slaves;
them ? And
to Sell
will not the close con-
adduced
Officers be
as strong evidence of
Congress, therefore, should be cautious
225
how
they adopt
measures, which cannot be carried into execution without in-
volving a train of evils that
common
In a Word,
may be fatal in their
prudence
consequences.
dictates the necessity of duly
attending to the circumstances of both Armies, before the style

of Conquerors
is
assumed by
either;
to
make Congress fully
fairs,
and
that
can, by every
of this
that
it is
it is
sorry, I
am to add, that
sensible of the real situation of our Af-
with
difficulty (if I
may use the expression)
means in my power, keep the Life and Soul
Army together.
they think
and
with us Nor is it in my power
this does not appear to be the case
In a word,
when they are at a
distance,
but to say Presto begone, and everything is done.
They seem not to have any conception of the difficulty and per-
who
plexity attending those
are to execute. Indeed, Sir, your
want of many capital Characters in that

but too just. However, our cause is good and I hope
observations on the
Senate, are
Providence will support

If
it.
the Resolve of Congress respecting General Lee, strikes
you in the same point of view
would
signify as
much
fraught with every
evil.
mittee of Congress and

disaffected People.
has done me,

I
could wish you
really think they are
We know that the Meeting of a Com-
Lord Howe,stop'd the Mouths
believe the
Lee would have the same

9
it
to that Body, as
effect.
Meeting
solicited
of
many
by General
But the other matter
relative
Morris agreed with General Washington on this point. In a letter (March 6) he

wrote: "I wish with you, Sir, that they had Complyed with General Lee's request, and
when I sent forward those dispatches to Baltimore, I wrote my Sentiments to some of
the Members.
Whether they will take up the Matter again or not I dont know . .
however I expect this matter as well as the Confinement of the Hessian Field officers will at least be referred to the Consideration of a Committee in Consequence of
your letters on the Subject and if I can influence a Complyance with your wishes it
will give me pleasure for my own Sentiments coincide with yours exactly in these two
.
226
to the confinement of the Officers,
anxious about, as
an idea
gress has
think
and
of,
it
is
what
will involve
am
[March
particularly
much more
than Con-
that they surely will repent adhering
to their unalterable Resolution.

I
have wrote you a
when
have done
I sat
much
longer Letter than
down; and
yet, if
could enlarge greatly on the subject of
expected to
time would permit,
it;
but, at present, shall
beg pardon for taking up so much of your time, and only assure
you that
am,
10
etc.
AND GEORGE WALTON

Head Quarters, Morristown, March 3,
1777.
was honoured to day with your Letter of the 29th.

Ulto. with the dispatches from Congress which you were pleased
Gent:
to transmit.
Very opportunely, a Return Express was
ting out for the Eastward
when
they came, by
warded the Letter for the Convention of New York

of Genl.
McDougal.
which were
think
it
just set-
whom
I for-
to the care
War,
you, and
probable, that the Ships of
in Chesapeake Bay, are
coming
to infest
may not find their account in it. Doctr. Franklin's

safe arrival gives me great pleasure. When I saw it mentioned
I
wish they
in the papers,
I
am
I felt
happy and wanted
to
have
it
confirmed.
sorry the removal of the Stores should be attended with
such an expense and
loss;
But when
consider the important
consequences and distress which would flow from the
loss of
At the same time I must hint to you what I take to be one of the most forcive
Arguments, that probably has been used in Congress against this measure. I have not
heard that it was used, but it occurred to myself on reading Genl Lee's letters; I mean
the effect it may have at the court of France, should they hear, as they undoubtedly
wou'd, that Members of Congress visited Genl Lee by permission of the British Commissioners. The meeting with Lord Howe at Staten Island last Summer injured Mr.
Deane's Negotiations much, and retarded supplies intended for us." Morris's letter
is in the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.
points.
10
In the Varick Transcripts in the Library of Congress.
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
1777]
them,
I
227
by misfortune they should fall into the Enemy's hands,
if
think they should not be hazarded. There has not been so
much Snow
here as you expected and therefore the great ad-
vantages which you wished from that Event could not happen;
nor can
give you any assurance that
many important benefits
from some of the Reinforcements Congress

had in Contemplation. Those they voted to come from Genl.
Heath, were chiefly here, and their Service is no more after the
will be derived
15 Instt.
have the honor
You
P. S.
etc.
will please forward the Inclosed Letter tho the
Contents are not important.
To

Head
Sir:
Quarters, Morris
The honor of receiving your
Ulto., I
Town, March
3,
favors of the 20th
1777.
and
226.
am now to acknowledge.
Some time
past,
march with such

fore expected
formed
Colo Shreve had
of his Battalion as
him
every day,
opinion of him
it is
is
till
my
was
peremptory Order to
their inlisted;
there-
Burlington.
March immediately
under General Putnam,

fear
till
me that he was then at
repeated, to
11
in-
He has my orders
to Princeton, there to
remain
he hears farther from me.
Your
perhaps too well founded.
my
not in
power, to give so
full
and
Satisfactory
an Answer to your request, "to explain the nature of the Oath

administred by virtue of my Proclamation," as you
What the
Stile
of
it
may expect.
was, as administered by the Brigadiers, to
whom that Business was chiefly assigned, I can't precisely tell.

My instructions to them were, to insist on nothing more than
an Obligation
II
in
no manner
In the writing of Robert
to injure the States, without
Hanson Harrison.

228
adverting to the form prescribed by any
known
Law
[March
Had
of this;
form adopted to the Circumstances

12
of its Inhabitants, I would most certainly have ordered it.
To remedy the Abuses which frequent Complaints had
informed me were practised by the Troops Stationed at the
Ferries upon Delaware, I have some time since Ordered all
the Boats, from Trenton upwards, to be collected at Coryell's
Ferry and placed under an Officer of approved Character, with
a Strong Guard; whose orders are such, as will render the passage of the Inhabitants easy and expeditious, and at the same
time Secure the Boats from the possibility of falling into the
Enemy's hands. Orders Similar to these, General Gates has,
I
of any particular
respecting those below.
An Obedience to these Orders will
hope, answer every good Purpose; But should
it
not,
will
adopt any other Mode, which you shall think will Answer
the purpose.
Robert Combs, a tavern keeper in Pennington, can inform
Rape committed on the Wife and Daughter
you, of a
John Christopher, by the
Enemy
One
was
also
Philip Parmer's daughter of that Neighbourhood,
ravished by 6 Soldiers;
in the
Thomas Keyne's daughter was treated
Those
same Manner.
lect at the
brutality.
of one
while they lay there;
facts
did not particularly recol-
time of writing to you on the Subject of the Enemy's
have since found the
taken when our
Memorandums
that
were
Army lay on the other side of the Delaware.
The Enemy remain much in the same Situation they did

when I wrote you last, from a Number of concurring Circumand Corresponding Accounts, I am led to believe that
the Enemy's loss in killed and Wounded on the 23d Ulto, cannot be less than 100; Seven Prisoners were made at the same
stances,
time.
Our innoculated
Soldiers have the Disorder
much lighter
"Livingston's letter (February 22) inclosed a proceeding of the New Jersey Legislature requesting the governor to write to Washington and obtain the form of the oath
prescribed by his proclamation. This letter is in the Washington Papers.
BOUNTY AND CLOTHING
1777]
229
than could be reasonable expected; from present appearances
we
shall not loose a
P. S. Capt.
Man.
am &c.
Thurston with the 3 Volunteer Companies from
Virginia and some Maryland Militia had an

Piscataway, on the
1st.
Engagement near
Instant; the Effect has not yet reached
me; the Captain was much Wounded

13
Wounded.
in the
Arm.
3 of his
Party were killed and 7
To

Sir: I
am
of the 21st, 24th, 25th

terday.
It
gives
and 26th Febry., which came to hand yes-
me pleasure to find, that your State has come to
a Resolution of granting the Colonial Bounty to Colo.
Additional Regiment; and

it
if
Webb's
do the same,
which I made,
the other States will
will in a great Measure, obviate the Objection
to their
1777.
to acknowledge the Receipt of your several favors
Granting a higher Bounty than was allowed by the ReThe Reasons which you give, for a deviation
solve of Congress.
from the Resolve, carry weight with them; but
assure you,
you are mistaken when you think that the Necessaries of life
Southward than the Northward; it is true
that less Cloathing is Sufficient for them, but as they Manufacture little among themselves, they are Obliged to pay most
are cheaper to the
extravagantly for
what they wear.
have ordered the Cloathier General, to Supply each State

with their proportion, of what Cloathing of different kinds are
I
in the Public Stores, but you
must be
sensible that a very full
proportion of the Cloathing Purchased, for the use of the Con-
on for the use of

whence
they come furnishes scarce any Woolen Goods. To prevent Confusion and disappointment in future, I beg that no Cloathing
tinent out of the Prize Vessels, must be brought
the Southern Continental Troops;
13
The
draft
is
in the writing of
as the Country from
George Johnston.
230
[March
may be stopped upon the way, without a particular order from

myself or the Cloathier General.
I
am glad to hear, that the Sum of Money lately sent to you,
with the Assistance of the loan
Wants; and
hope that
Office,
go on
like to
now
answer your
which before
as the Instructions,
tarded the recruiting Service, are

ness will
is
re-
removed, that the Busi-
briskly.
Innoculation at Philadelphia and in this Neighbourhood has
been attended with amazing Success, and
have not the
least
doubt but your Troops will meet the same.
As I have in many of my
late Letters,
that the Continent in general

I
is
mentioned the
distress
under for the want of Arms,
need only repeat to you the Necessity that there is for making
Arms and purchasing such as can be

obtained from private Persons: Some time ago General Schuya Collection of the Public
ler
wrote to me and informed me, that there were a great Num-
ber of Arms returned into the Stores at Albany wanting repair;

I
directed that they should be sent down to the most convenient
may not yet have been

You will therefore please to make enquiry into the Mat-
place for that purpose, but perhaps that
done.
ter
and if they remain there, order three or four hundred Stand
of
them
over, have
them
repaired and put into the
Hands
of
the Troops.
Arms fit for the Field have been Constantly repaired
All the
as fast as
it
are so light
could be done; what
and
Charge, with Safety,
with
rust,
were such as
would not bear a
after being eat up
called useless,
thin in the Barrel, that they

at the best,
such are not worth
much
less
repair.
All the Officers taken at Princeton having been ordered to be

sent in;
Capt Luke
14
will
go in of course and Major Wyllis will
be thereby released from his parole.

"Capt. John Luke, of the
Fifty-fifth Foot, British
Army.
1777]
As I am about endeavoring to make

eral
231
a Settlement with
Gen-
Howe for the Expences heretofore incurred, on Account of
the Prisoners on both Sides;
beg you will furnish me, with an
Account of what has been disbursed by your
State,
towards the
Maintainance of the British Prisoners that have been
at different
among you; and I wish that in future

may be kept. I have the Honor etc. 15
times sent to be quartered

a very regular Account
To MAJOR GENERAL ARTEMAS
WARD
Morris Town, March
3, 1777.
In consequence of your application to Congress, to be
Sir:
from your present command, the matter having been

referred to me, I have appointed Majr. Genl. Heath to assume
releived
your place, which you will therefore be pleased to resign to
beg you will accept
him.
ices,
and
believe
my thanks for your Zeal and
Serv-
me to be with all due respect, etc. 16
*To MAJOR GENERAL HORATIO GATES

Morris Town, March
Dear Sir
3,
1777.
A Letter just come to hand from Congress contains
a resolve in the
Words following, "That the President write to
Genl. Gates, and inform him, it is the earnest desire of Congress

he should resume the Office of Adjutant General, and that his
present
Rank and pay
solve of Congress,
17
shall
be continued to
Mr. Hancock
him"
wrote to Genl. Gates requesting him to assume the

jutant Genl., nor have
in that case, that
"The
"The
draft
is
draft
is
"That
have
may be gratified;
you will repair to this place immediately,
in the writing of
in the writing of
of February 20.
office of Ad-
any doubt of his Compliance."
therefore to wish, that the desires of Congress
and
to this Re-
in his Letter, adds, "I have
Tench Tilghman.
Alexander Hamilton and John Fitzgerald.
232
as there never
[March
was a time when a good Adjutant Genl. was
more wanted.
To
this, I
have another reason for wishing to
immediately, and that
is,
to
see
you here
Aid us with your advice, in settling
a proper Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners, and other mat-
which are to be finally adjusted on Monday next the ioth.

between Mr. Harrison on our part, and Lieutt. Colo.
Walcot on that of the Enemy; your thoughts before then, may
be serviceable to us on many points.
I have desired Brigadier Genl. Cadwallader (who I hope
will accept of his Appointment) to take the Command of the
Troops in and about Philadelphia, and other matters appertaining thereto 'till further Orders. Let him know what you
ters
Instt.
have done, or were about to do, in consequence of any Instructions
from me.
am etc.
[N.Y.H.S.3
HEATH
Sir:
Morris Town, March 3, 1777.

Having been desired by Congress to place some other
in the
room of General Ward, I have to request you will receive
command from him, and hold it 'till further orders; I have

18
accordingly instructed him to resign it to you. I am etc.
the

Morris Town, March
3, 1777.
have received your favour of the 16th. Ulto. With regard to the want of money of which you speak, I imagine your
Sir: I
difficulties will
be shortly removed, as a Sum of Money has lately
passed through, for each of the Eastern States, which is no doubt

to be principally applied to the purposes of the
the carrying on those operations,
The
18
The
enterprise
draft
is
which
you have in view
is
Army and
to
are in contemplation.
of very great importance,
in the writing of Alexander Hamilton.
ATTEMPT ON RHODE ISLAND
1777]
and must be not
little
hazardous, and as
it
of consequences importantly beneficial, so
with effects the most importantly injurious.
233
may be productive
may be attended
it
It
ought
to be well
considered, before it is undertaken, and unless, after a deliberate
survey of circumstances, there appears to be a moral certainty

of success,
should wish the project might be abandoned
and
you would content yourself with confining them within

I have given you my Sentiments fully on
19
I have
this Subject, in a former Letter to which I refer you.
written to Massachusetts and New Hampshire, desiring them
that
their present limits.
to
forward their Troops, with all speed, to Ticonderoga; and to
have them inoculated there, and
have also desired that Rhode
and Connecticut might have theirs inoculated, as they

and in all respects got ready, as soon as possible, for
the field. In case you should adopt the defensive plan, you will
please to forward this purpose, by having the same thing done
with those, which are or shall be collected under your command,
in the most prudent and convenient manner; I mean such as
Island
are inlisted,
are Continental Troops.
am etc. 20
To MAJOR GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD

Morris Town, March
Dear
Sir: I
3,
1777.
am to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of
the 10th. of last month, with the inclosed papers.
must recall your attention to what I have before said on the

You must be sensible that
the most serious ill consequences may and would, probably,
result from it in case of failure, and prudence dictates, that it
should be cautiously examined in all its lights, before it is attempted. Unless your Strength and Circumstances be such,
that you can reasonably promise yourself a moral certainty of
I
Subject of your intended attack.
19
This letter does not appear in the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.
Spencer's projected enterprise was against Rhode Island.
20
234
succeeding,
would have you by
all
means
[March
to relinquish the
undertaking, and confine yourself, in the main, to a defensive

opposition.
21
We have lately had several promotions to the rank of Major

General, and
am at a loss whether you have had a preceeding
appointment, as the news papers announce, or whether you
have been omitted through some mistake.

be the case,
quence of
I flatter
made.
I
22
Should the
beg you will not take any hasty
it;
latter
steps in conse-
but allow proper time for recollection, which,
remedy any error that may have been

endeavours to that end shall not be wanting. As
myself, will
My
am etc. 23
To BRIGADIER GENERAL ANDREW LEWIS
Head Quarters, Morris Town, March 3, 1777.

Dear Sir: I was much disappointed at not perceiving your
name in the list of Major Generals lately made by Congress,
and most sincerely wish that the neglect may not induce you
to
Service. Let me beseech you to reflect, that the

now arrived, when our most vigorous exertions are
when it is highly and indispensably necessary for
abandon the
Period
is
wanted,
Gentlemen of
Abilities in
any Line, but more especially the
21
This was the enterprise against Rhode Island, of which Spencer had written.
În the promotions made by Congress (February iy) Brigadier General Arnold
was passed over and five junior officers raised above him to the rank of major
general, to wit, Lord Stirling, Thomas Mifflin, Arthur St. Clair, Adam Stephen,
and Benjamin Lincoln. There is no documentary evidence in the Papers of the Continental Congress that explains this slight, but the reasons are probably to be found
ill feeling aroused between Massachusetts and Connecticut over the Crown
Point and Ticonderoga expedition of 1775. Thomas Burke's abstract of debates in
Congress notes under February 12 to 19: "Several days of this week were consumed
in debates on the appointment of General Officers. The debates were perplexed,
inconclusive and irksome."
Arnold replied to Washington's letter (March 11), requesting a court of inquiry on
his conduct, and added: "I shall Cautiously avoid any hasty Step (in Consequence of
the Appointments which have taken place) that may tend to Injure my Country."
Arnold's letter is in the Washington Papers.
in the
PROMOTIONS
235
Military one, not to withhold themselves
from public Employ-
1777]
ment, or suffer any small Punctilio, to persuade them to
from
The
their Country's Service.
one more sincerely wishes
it,
than
retire
cause requires your Aid,

I
no
do.
A candid Reflection on the Rank you held in the last War,

added
to a decent respect for the Congress's Resolve,
"not to be
making or promoting General Officers, to any regwhich all America submitted,

may remove any Uneasiness arising in your mind on the Score
confined, in
ular Line," to the propriety of
of Neglect.
Upon my honor
think
it
ought.
A steady perse-
verance in promoting the public good, and regular discharge

of the duties of your Office,
my Opinion you can emi-
which in
nently perform, must and will, in the course of the approach-
ing Campaign, secure to you the unfeigned thanks of
all
good
Men, and obtain from Congress that Rank, which perhaps you
may think is now your undoubted right.

The present Exigency requiring all the Continental Troops,
at,
and near
Officers to
to this place,
command
and consequently a number of Genl.
them, you will please to repair hither, so
soon as you can possibly
make
the receipt of several favours
it
convenient.
from you, the
Multiplicity of Business engaging
my
whole
prevented my answering them, must plead

of seeing you soon,
Sir:
attention, as
my excuse.
it
In hopes
HOWE
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
3, 1777.
On the 1st. instant, I received the favor of your Letter of
the 27th. Ulto.
had heard the day before of Lieutenant Col.
Campbell's confinement and wrote

^The
acknowledge
campaign, the
am etc. 24
To SIR WILLIAM
Head
last
draft
is
in the writing of
him and
George Johnston.
the President of
236
the Council of the Massachusetts State respecting
made more
his situation will be
that every reasonable indulgence
be done to those
it,
[March
and
being
I trust
my
wish,
agreeable,
it
and
Humanity should
act of
whom the fortune of War has or may put into
our hands.
Lieut: Col: Harrison will meet Lieut. Col: Walcot on
day the
ioth. instant, at 12 O'clock, at the place of their
interview,
Mon-
former
when he will be vested with powers to negotiate the
Business proposed.
am &ca. 25
To COLONEL ISRAEL SHREVE 26

Sir:
yet at Burlington.
your Battalion
as
soon have had
it
uneasy
When I ordered You to march with such of

was then
in your
The
at the delay.
enlisted, I
power
times
coming on, with
all
to Princeton; where,
if
the
hoped that you would
am not a little
demand every man that can
to
move; and
possibly be brought into the Field.

in
1777.
A letter from Govr. Livingston informs me that you are
You
will loose
no time
men inlisted into your Battalion,

Men are not already sufficiently
your
cloathed, the Barracks are as
commodious
as those at Burling-
ton ; and there remain till you hear farther from me.
am, etc.
27
To BRIGADIER GENERAL ENOCH POOR

Sir:
By
passed the 21st. Ulto. you are promoted to the

dier General,
26
1777.
a Resolve of the Honble., the Continental Congress,
upon which
Rank
of Briga-
sincerely congratulate you. It

Of the Second New Jersey Regiment. He retired Jan. i, 1781.
The text is from the Magazine of American History, vol. 6, p.
138.
is
my
RAISING OF TROOPS
1777]
earnest Desire, that you

dite the raising
do every thing
in your
237
power
and Equipping the Troops of your
soon as ready, March with them to Ticonderoga.
State, and, as
I
have given
Similar Instructions to Genls. Glover and Patterson

also
to Expe-
who
are
promoted. Your Commissions are not yet come to hand,
when they do, shall forward them without delay.
28
am appre-
hensive that your promotion will cause Colo. Starke to resign;
should you find
this to
be the case,
let
the oldest Lieutenant
Colonel in the Line of your State, be appointed to the
mand
of his Regiment, to
soon as
notified to
it is
me,
doubts prove groundless.
Com-
whom I will send a Commission as

this should not be mentioned if my
am &ca. 29
JAMES MITCHELL VARNUM
Head
Sir: I
soon as
to the
Rank
1777.
of Brigadier General in the Conti-
Army, Your Commission
nental
Town, March 3,
have the pleasure of congratulating you upon your
Appointment
last
Quarters, Morris
it
comes
to
my hands.
It
shall
be forwarded to you as
will bear date
from the
21st.,
Month.
beg you will make use of your utmost exertions, to raise and
equip the two Battalions allotted to your
State,
which, by a
from Govr. Cook, I hope will be soon done.

I have recommended inoculation to all Recruits in the New
Army, who have not had the small pox, and I desire, that as
letter
yours are inlisted, they
fast as
place
be
and there take the
lost,
for the
This same
was sent
29
The
By
this
means no time
will
down
to this point, with the necessary transposition of names,

John Glover and John Paterson.
in the writing of John Fitzgerald.
letter,
is
be sent to some convenient
Men will go thro' the disorder while their Arms
to Brig. Genls.
draft
may
infection.
238
and Cloathes
me
are preparing.
returns of the
Number
[March
You will from time to time make

of
wardness they are for Service.
Men inlisted, and

30
I am etc.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN
in
among
the
list
for-
CADWALADER
Morris Town, March
Dear Sir The
what
satisfaction I receivd in perceiving
3,
1777.
your Name
of Brigadiers, of Continental Appointment,
met with some little alloy upon recollecting a conversation had

with you at this place, upon that subject,in which you seem'd to
have doubts, which
Let
wish, most ardently, to hear are removed.
me beseech you my good Sir, to reflect, that the period is
now arrived when our most Vigorous exertions are wanted,

when it is highly, and indispensably necessary for Gentn. of
Abilities
and Influence
to step forth,
and do not
suffer
any
small punctilios to with hold your Services in the Continental
The Cause requires your Aid, your friends wish

whom more sincerely than I do.
Line.
of
If
you Incline to accept the appointment,
it,
none
have to request
that you will take the Command of the Troops at Philadelphia

till
further Orders, as
have desired Genl. Gates (in case he
comply's with the wishes of Congress, to re-assume his old

office of
Adjutant General) to repair immediately to this place.
In the discharge of the duties of your

place, let
ward
me
entreat
you
Command,
to see that Inoculation
as fast as possible; that the Officers
is
at that
pushed
for-
belonging to the
twelve Battalion's of your State, and within your reach, are

diligently
Imployed in
ments; that no time be
recruiting, to compleat their Regi-
lost in
Cloathing and equipping them;
that the Council of Safety use every possible

30
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
means
to recover,
RECRUITING FRAUDS
1777]
out of the hands of the Militia, the
239
Arms which
they have
carried off belonging to the Public; in doing this, not a
ments time
is
to be lost; that a List of the Officers,
mo-
and of the
Vacancies in the 12 Regiments above mentioned, be sent to
me
arrangements may be compleated,

made as perfect as they can. Proper perrecommended to fill the vacancy's in doing which
as soon as possible, that the
in the
meantime,
sons to be
to be
attention to be paid to Merit,

in Service that as
I
little
and the just claims
discord (as possible)
of the Officers
may be introduced.
have great reason, as well from other Circumstances,
most unheard of returns of Desertions,
as the
to suspect that the infa-
mous practice of peculation has found its way into the Recruiting Service and that much money is received for Deserters
that never
were
Inlisted.
Do,
my Dear Sir let this be
an object
made
of one or
of particular attention. If an example could be
two
it might put an end to a practice so base and

and be attended with happy consequences; at
Culprits
scandalous,
present
I shall
only add that
am,
etc.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM WOODFORD

Morris Town, March
Dear
hands,
Sir:
I
By some
find as
Resolves of Congress, just
to
my
hoped and expected your name in the new
appointment of Brigadiers, but perceived
you were named
3, 1777.
come
after
at the
same time that
Muehlenberg and Weedon; the reason
assigned for this your having resigned your former rank in

the service of the Continent.
You may well recollect, my Dear Sir, that I strongly advised

you against this resignation. I now as Strongly recommend
your acceptance of the present appointment. You may feel
somewhat hurt
in having
two
Officers placed before
you
240
[March
command you) who
once were inremember that this is a

consequence of your own act, and consider what a Stake we
are contending for. Trifling punctilios should have no influence upon a man's conduct in such a cause, and at such a time as
this. If smaller matters do not yield to greater, If trifles, light
as Air in comparison of what we are contending for, can withdraw or withhold Gentlemen from Service, when our all is at
Stake and a single cast of the die may turn the tables, what are
(though perhaps never to
ferior, in point of
rank, to you, but
we
not a
to expect
It is
common
upon
the success
a Steady
we
contest
every thing valuable to us depends
upon the
and Vigorous
are
engaged in,
it, and
success of
exertion.
Consider
twice therefore, before you refuse.
In case of acceptance, which

desire that
wish and expect,
you will repair immediately
to
Head
have to
Quarters, as
General Officers are exceedingly wanting, to assist in arranging

the
New Army; at all events let me hear from you as speedily

With great sincerity and truth, I am etc. 31
as possible.

Morris Town, March
3, 1777.
Sir: Your favour of the 23rd. February was duly handed me,
and I am thankful for the attention and Activity, with which
you are promoting the public service.
As you have all the Circumstances immediately before you,
you can best Judge whether the Cannon, of which you speak,
will be most useful to defend the obstructions which are forming, or at the places where they now are, and you will be pleased
to
govern yourself accordingly.

I
rely
32
on your Judgment in favour of the Gentlemen you

who are wanting
mention, and on your further choice of those,

31
32
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Clinton was at
Alexander Hamilton.
N. Y., and in command of the Highlands
New Windsor,
forts.
RAISING TROOPS
1777]
to complete the necessary
number; and
241
earnestly request the
most expeditious measures may be taken, towards the raising

and preparing their Men. You will no doubt exert yourself,
by every possible method, to procure a
Men
for the posts
tendence.
sufficient
number
of
and for the business under your superin-
am etc. 83
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES CHAMBERS

The
Sir:
service,
rendering your presence with Colo. Hand's
you will prepare to join
Battalion, indispensably necessary,
immediately, bringing on with you

to
it,
now
to Easton. I
it
the Soldiers belonging
all
am etc.
Should they want Shoes, you will endeavour to supply
P. S.
them
and near
in
1777.
before they march.
34
To
Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
3,
1777.
Sir: I was yesterday honored with your letter of thecjth ultimo.
The
extracts
that the
lished
you have been pleased
two regiments of foot and
to favor
me
that of artillery
with show
were
estab-
on a plan more extensive and generous than that of mere
local defence,
and the objections formerly made are almost
wholly done away by the order permitting the

listed into the continental regiments.
men
to be en-
Indeed, the peculiar
circumstances of Rhode Island under an invasion would furnish
many
apologies for the measure.
am much
troops.
The
obliged by your exertions to raise your quota of
situation of our affairs requires every nerve to be
strained to accomplish the

83
The
draft
is
in the writing of
"The
draft
is
in the writing of
work in the different
Alexander Hamilton.
George Johnston.
States,
and no
242
pains should be spared to provide the

other necessary.
to
[March
men with arms and every
Our want of the former is a matter of concern
me, and it is to be regretted that the
States, individually,
have
paid too little attention to the obtaining supplies themselves.

I
cannot give a decisive answer respecting Colonel Greene's
discharge. In a few days there will be a further negotiation

upon the subject of prisoners, after which it may be in my
power to inform you with more certainty. At present there is an
impediment. As he is the first lieutenant colonel, and conducted
himself with bravery and to good acceptance in the Canada
expedition, I would advise that the matter of command should
lie
over a
little
longer. After the negotiation
may
be able
to satisfy you.
I
wish regular
lists
of the prisoners returned to the
enemy
had been transmitted, specifying the names, rank, and corps of

the officers, and number of privates. A receipt similar to the
one sent
me
does not answer the purpose.
It appears by a letter from General Arnold that the prisoners

from New Hampshire had gone in, and that some exchange
had been made. So far as this was of continental prisoners,
'twas wrong. Unless some regular mode is observed, and under
the direction of one head, the business can never be conducted
with propriety, nor the
state of
matters in this instance be ever
known. It is necessary for us to know what officers are sent in

by us, and what are returned. I would also wish to be furnished
with regular accounts, or
as
much so as possible, of the expenses
incurred by you in supporting the prisoners taken by continental arms in the land service ; also of those in the marine line.
They should be separate. Accounts are

enemy, of
all rations,
kept,
on the part of the
disbursements, and clothing, and
should have ours ready for a settlement. In future
management
of prisoners will be better understood,
we
hope the
and
that
1777]
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
243
the most perfect and accurate accounts will be kept, on our

part, of every charge incident to their support, &c.
the honor
have
85
etc.
To PRESIDENT JOHN McKINLEY 30

1777.
Sir: I was this day honored with your favor of the 28th Ulto.
37
The polite attention of your Assembly to my Letter, demands
my Acknowledgements,
and
would
fain hope, the measures
they have adopted will be attended with
many
salutary conse-
quences and prevent in some degree the scandelous practice of

desertion, but too prevalent of late in our Army.
I
am much
confess, I
surprised to be informed at this time
expected, that
89
38
and Major W. McDonagh. I

their Commissions and were
accepted
they had
of the refusal of Colo. Bedford
Not hearAs they de-
nearly ready to take the Field with their Regiment.
ing from them,
could conclude nothing
most surely have given
clined, they should
else.
me the earliest notice
and a regard to the

The
Service demanded it. Being unacquainted with the Gentlemen
of
it.
Rules of propriety required
of your State,
cannot nominate such as will be either agreeable
or qualified to
I
it,
fill
their places.
Under
these Circumstances,
must take the Liberty to request, that you and your Assembly,
or those you
may
think proper to consult upon the occasion,
will appoint such Gentn. to those
Commands and
the other
Vacancies in the Regiment, as you esteem suitable and likely

33
From a copy in the Toner Transcripts in the Library of Congress.

Of Delaware.
"See Circular Letter to the States, Jan. 31, 1777, ante.
38
Lieut. Col. Gunning Bedford, jr., of the Delaware Regiment. He had been
wounded at White Plains, N. Y.; served as Mustermaster General of the Continental
Army from June, 1776, to April, 1777.
39
Maj. Thomas MacDonough, of the Delaware Regiment. He had been wounded
at Long Island, N. Y., and did not rejoin the regiment; subsequendy served as colonel
of the Delaware Militia.
36
244
to
answer the
interest
and Expectation of the Public.
[March
40
At
the
same time I would request, that every exertion be employed, to

compleat and march the Corps with all possible expedition.
The situation of our Affairs makes every Aid Necessary, and
I
am persuaded nothing on your part will be wanted to effect

No pains should be spared to Arm and equip the Men as
it.
far as possible, previous to their
Marching; the Stores
at Phila-
delphia being greatly exhausted by the Supplies already
from them. The
Sickly Condition of our Troops the last
paign, especially towards the close of
ing to the
again,
Men
it,
to reinlist; but I trust,
it
will not be the case
and that the prejudices on that Head are now done
Army whilst
in Jersey
and on the Banks
as the principal cause of their not
their Service.
state of
of the Delaware,
being paid for the whole of
whatever wages were due them, might have
been received
since,
that Purpose.
P. S.
Cam-
was rather discourag-
away. They should consider the moving disordered

the
drawn
had a proper Abstract been presented for
have the Honor
etc.
When the Several Vacancies in the Regiment are filled
up, the Officers shall receive Commissions, on a proper
being transmitted of their Names,

respective appointments.
Rank and
list
the dates of their
41
*To MAJOR GENERAL HORATIO GATES

OR OFFICER COMMANDING AT PHILADELPHIA
Morris Town, March
Sir: Since
my Letter of Yesterdays date
4,
1777.
have had so
many
different Accts. of the Militias
term of Service expiring, or
being upon the point of doing
that
so,
am obliged, in the most
40
The officers commissioned to the Delaware Regiment, Apr. 5, 1777, were Col.
David Hall, Lieut. Col. Charles Pope, and Maj. Joseph Vaughan.
41
The
draft
is
in the writing of
FORWARDING TROOPS
1777]
pressing
manner
you will order
to desire, that
earnestly beg
may
little
be hastened as
much
my Wish
have never
as possible.)
to
(which
It
new
them better for
Field, but the Situation of our Affairs will not
would
have given the
halt at Philadelphia to prepare
Let those that come
the Conti-
are detain'd for Inoculation
have been consistent with

Levies a
all
who
nental Troops on to this place, except those
had the small pox, and
245
the
find admit of
it.
on be properly Officer'd. In like man-
ner let those that stay for the purpose of Inoculation have proper
Officers to attend to,
able.
An
and March them up,
so soon as they are
two from each Regiment might
Officer or
also (if
necessary) be left to bring on such Articles as their respective
Regiments may want.
Our need
of a Reinforcement
Militia will, in a
few days be
Continental Troops to
make
to
owing
to the departure of the
so great, that
come forward,
it
if
there are not
will be proper for
you
my name, to the Council of Safety for

I desire that you will in my
application, in
a Reinforcement of Militia, and
Name also call upon the Commanding Officers

vania Regiments,
42
of the Pensyl-
and the Regiment of the lower Counties,
for a strict obedience to this order.
Prudence will naturally suggest to you, the propriety of concealing our Situation,
and Weakness,
in Issuing your Orders

I
am,
[as]
much
as possible
and making the Application above.

[n.y.h.s.]
etc.
To CAPTAIN
BARTHOLOMEW BURKE
March 4,
Sir:
You
1777.
Company of Men
consist of 68 Rank and
are hereby authorized to raise a
in the Service of the
United States to
42
The draft, which also is in the writing of Washington,

ing Officers of the twelve Pensylva. Regiments," etc.
calls
upon "the Command-
246
file,
Drum
four Serjeants and a
and
[March
Fife, according to the
Recruiting Instructions herewith delivered you.
As you
measure, be answerable for the be-
will, in a great
haviour of your Company,
leave the nomination of your Sub-
altern Officers to yourself, only reserving a negative in case

I
should not approve of them.
As
desertion has been very prevalent, to the great detriment
of the recruiting Service,

little
think you had better advance, as
of the bounty as possible,
You
will,
from time
proceedings to me, and

ability of
your
till
Company
to time, transmit
let
is
compleat.
an account of your
me know when there will be a prob43

I am etc.
your being fit to take the Field.

Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
4, 1777.
Differences in opinion having arisen between General Howe
and myself, respecting the construction of a proposition, made

the 30th. of July and acceded to the 1st. of August last, for the
exchange of prisoners, whereby it was stipulated, "that Officers
should be given for Officers of equal rank, Soldier for Soldier,
and Citizen
ferences,
for Citizen," for the
and
to
remove every
accommodation of these
just cause of
;
thorized to treat
you
as
complaint on the
Enemy if such there be You are to meet any officer,

inferior rank to Yourself, who shall come properly au-
part of the
not of
dif-
shall
upon die
Subject,
deem adequate
and to adopt such measures,
to that end.
Experience having also shewn, that the agreement above

recited,
is
not sufficiently definite, to answer
purposes intended by
43
The
draft
is
it,
all
the Salutary
nor Sufficiently comprehensive, to
Hanson Harrison.
CLOTHIER GENERAL
17771
247
include the various cases incident to the State of prisoners;

are hereby vested with full
power and
authority, to devise
conclude upon such improvements, in aid of the same,
You
and
as shall
appear necessary, for establishing a more regular and explicit
mode
of Exchange, as well with respect to the prisoners
have been,
as those
who shall be hereafter
taken,
who
making mu-
tual provision for such an allowance of pay and necessaries, as

their
comfort and welfare, during their captivity,
And
finally to treat,
may require;
determine and agree upon,
matters
all
whatsoever relative to Prisoners of War, on the principles of
and humanity, and conformable
Justice
customs and usages, for the greater

rity of all captives
ease,
to the
most
civilized
convenience and secu-
belonging to the Armies under our respective
command For all which, this shall be your sufficient Warrant;

;
and your engagements, being mutually interchanged,

ratified
and confirmed by me.
shall
be
44
To JAMES MEASE
1777.
The Congress, having, by a Resolve passed the 27th. December last, empowered me to appoint a Clothier General to
Sir:
the
I
Army of the united
States,
and
to fix a salary to the same.
hereby nominate and appoint you to the said
salary of 150 dollars pr.
tue of your
with a
office
Month, free of Official Charges. By vir-
Commission you
are authorized to appoint Agents
in each of the States, to purchase all such Articles of Cloathing
necessary and proper for the Soldiery, as

in their way, for
sion, as shall
44
The
which they
shall
the writing of
was returned
to
occasionally fall
be deemed adequate to the trouble.
original of these powers, signed
seal, is in
may
be allowed such a Commis-
and
headquarters
attested to
file
You
are also
and sealed by Washington with his personal

by Alexander Hamilton as aide-de-camp. It
because of the failure of this negotiation.
248
to be allowed, as
sary to carry
many
on the
[March
Clerks and Storekeepers, as are neces-
business, agreeing
moderate terms you can.
with them on the most
To enable you to make the necessary
from time to time furnished, with sufficient Sums of Money, either by a draft from me on the Pay master General, or the Continental Treasurer, or such mode, as the
Congress may think fit to direct for the payment of such Sums.
purchases, you shall be
For which you
shall account,
when
called
upon
so to do, to
the Commissioners for settling public accounts, or any persons
properly authorized.
As many of the different States, had, previous to the appointment of a Cloathier General, employed Agents, to purchase
Cloathing for their Troops,
it
will be necessary for you, to write
and inform them of your appointment,

and at the same time desire to know, what progress their Agents
have made, in providing Cloathing for their respective Quotas
to the different States
of
Men, and what Quantity it will take to compleat them.

If you find upon enquiry, that the Agents who have been
already employed by the different States in the purchase of
Cloathing, are persons capable of transacting the business, and

in
whom
trust
can be reposed,
will be better to continue
it
them in their Offices. As it will be improper to depend upon the

precarious supply of Cloathing by capture or by the importations of private adventurers,
it
will be necessary for you, as early
as possible, to lay before the private
committee of Congress, an
Estimate of the Cloathing of different kinds necessary for the

next campaign, with the Colours of the Cloths proper to put
the Troops into distinct Uniforms,
possibly be done
this year.
ments have already fixed
which
is
a thing that cannot
As many of the Continental Regiupon a Uniform, and the Officers
have, in Consequence thereof, provided themselves with Regi-
mentals suitable thereto,
it
would be proper
to
make
yourself
NEED OF MILITIA
1777]
249
acquainted with the Regiments that have fixed their Uniforms,
and
in your
arrangement of
dress, take care to continue
them
in the same, otherwise the Stock of Cloathing that the Officers
have provided for themselves will be useless to them, or different from their Corps, which should be avoided by all means.
As a quantity of Cloathing must necessarily attend the Army,

you are hereby authorized
to apply to the
Quarter Master Gen-
Waggon Master General, when one is appointed, to supmany Waggons, as will be Sufficient to transport such
eral or
ply as
Cloathing.
It
appears from every account, that there
is
a sufficiency of
Cloathing in the Northern States for their Quota of Troops;
But
as all the States
you for
from
Jersey to
their Cloathing, very little
North Carolina, look up to

I
fear having been provided
by them (except the province of Maryland which I am informed has a Stock, but of this you should inquire), it will
behove you to exert yourself as much as possible, and endeavour
to get a Sufficiency
for the
Troops of the above men-
many of whom may be expected in Philadelphia
tioned States,
every day.
made up
45
To BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG

Dear
Carlisle,
Sir: I
more
have your favour of the 22nd. February from
and hope soon
this place.
Militia
to
have the pleasure of seeing you
cannot conceive upon what
whom go home this day.

for a Reinforcement,
But
as I lately
46
Brigade, the
The
Brig.
draft
in
last of
wrote most pressingly
imagine Genl. Buckanan

Gen. Thomas Johnson, jr., of the Maryland Militia.
4T
Brig. Gen. Andrew Buchanan, of the Maryland Militia.
46
at
principle the Balti-
were stopped, they ought to have been here
time to have relieved Genl. Johnston's
48
1777.
47
is
by
this
250
[March
recommended, what you very judiciously advised, that they should bring as many Arms and Accoutrements as possible from home and not drain the public
time upon his march.
Stores at Philadelphia,
which should be kept
for the use of the
Continental Troops.
am informed that some of the Southern States have already
passed Acts prohibiting the distilling of unreasonable Quantities
Wheat and
of
other Grain into Whisky, and
hope
Pennsylvania will do the same.
Magazines are already established and establishing at Downings or Mill Town, upon the Lancaster Road, which will be
very conveniently situated in the Rear of the
Army, should
there be a necessity of forming one at or near Wilmington.
expected you would have appointed your Younger Son to
Command
the
disposal,
sions,
it
and
if
of one of the four
Companies
you have not already
will give
me pleasure to see it yet
will undoubtedly find a place in the

his merit
filled
up
that are at your

all
done.
the
Commis-
The Doctor
48
New Hospital, suitable to
and abilities, as it is proposed to have the new arrange-
ment upon a very extensive plan. As Doctor Shippen will probably be at the Head of the Medical Department, your Son had
better apply to
him in time.
can say nothing to Colo. Buckanan's plan for procuring
provisions &ca.
It is
a mixture of the Business belonging to the
Quarter Master and Commissary General, and will be provided for by them.
I
very
much
some other
fear, that
by the inattention of the Colonels or
cause, there are
most Scandalous abuses
cruiting Service in Pennsylvania.

so
48
much beyond what
in the re-
The Returns of Desertion are
ever heard of before, or
what
can
James Armstrong. He had been a surgeon in the general hospital in Virginia in

1776; Member of Congress from Pennsylvania, 1793 1795; associate judge of Cumberland County, Pa., court, 1 808-1 828.
GENERAL ARNOLD'S RANK
1777]
am inclined to think, the Officers

return men deserted, who are never
conceive to be possible, that
pocket the bounty and

inlisted, to
make up the
251
Regiments that
deficiency.
were nearly compleated, by the accounts
received
expected
from some
of the Colonels, as far back as December, upon being called
upon
men.
for actual Returns, have only

I
have wrote to Genl. Gates,
Suspicion that peculation
at the
is
him to try, by all the means
from
49
fifty to
who
one hundred
entertains the
same
Bottom, and have desired
in his power, to unravel so mysteri-
ous a piece of Business, that
may,
if
any thing can be proved,
make most severe examples of any Officers
who shall be found
guilty of so Scandalous a Crime.

I
have repeatedly called upon the different Colonels, to send
what men they have already raised, with Officers in proportion to their numbers, and I desire you will call upon all within
your reach and press and even insist upon their doing it.
Nothing will have a greater effect upon stopping the infamous
in
practice of desertion, than getting the Recruits into Service,
where they
will be employed, instead of loitering
away
their
times in Taverns, and running from one Officer to the other
and receiving the bounty over and over again. Except a Company
is
marched up
full,
an
Officer should be left to compleat
am etc. 50
it.
To RICHARD
HENRY LEE
Morristown, March
Dear
Sir: I
am
anxious to
know whether
6,
1777.
General Arnold's
non-promotion was owing to accident or design; and the cause

of
it.
fills
list
40
50
Surely a
more active,
more
spirited,
and
sensible officer,
no department in your army. Not seeing him then in the
of major generals,
and no mention made of him, has given
See Washington's letter to Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, Mar.

The
i,
1777, ante.
252
me
uneasiness, as
it is
[March
not to be presumed (being the oldest
brigadier) that he will continue in service under such a slight.

I
imagine you will
lose
two or three other very good
promoting your's, or any
My
one's, over
officers,
by
them.
public letters will give you the state of matters in this
quarter,
and
my
anxiety to be informed of the reason of Ar-
nold's non-promotion, gives you the trouble of this letter,
being, very sincerely, etc.
To
51

Head Qurs., Morris Town, March 6,
Sir : I
do myself the honor
to transmit
1777.
you the inclosed Copy
52
from General Lee received by a Flag on Tuesday

last. You will perceive from thence, his wishes and expectations of seeing some Members of Congress, in consequence of
of a Letter
his Letter
upon
that subject.
None
of the passports
which he
mentions were sent out, tho the Letters came by Genl. Howe's
permission, as the others did.
anxiety, as far as
I
can not do,
till
should be happy to releive his
could, by sending in
a safe conduct
is
Major Morris,
63
but this
granted.
The more I consider the Resolves respecting Lt. Colo. Campbell
61
52
Officers, the more convinced I am,

The proposition made by Congress for the
and the Hessian Field
of their impolicy.
54
The text is from Memoirs of Richard Henry Lee and His Correspondence, vol. 2.
Lee's letter of February 26 is in the Washington Papers in the Library of Con-
copy is filed with Washington's letter of March 6 in the Papers of the Continental Congress.
B3
Maj. Jacob Morris, aide to Lee.
54
A copy of a letter from Sir William Howe (February 27) was inclosed by Washington, though not alluded to in his letter: "Some days having elapsed since the conference between Lieut. Col. Walcot and Lt. Col. Harrison, without having heard from
you, for the further prosecution of the business relative to prisoners of war, I am to
trouble you with my request to have a second meeting.
With much reluctance,
.
I am to remonstrate against the treatment of Lieut. Col. Campbell. ..." A copy of
Campbell's protest to Washington (February 4) was also inclosed and, with Howe's
letter, read in Congress March 12. The copy of Howe's letter is in the Washington
Papers.
gress; a
RETALIATION
1777]
253
Exchange of Prisoners, and which by their direction was transmitted to Genl.

in
number, and
ter of right,
Howe, was founded on

in rank.
can be
number
Officer or
made
From
principles of Equality,
thence,
The
only Cartel that
mentioned. This, so far as

nizes the rank
Captivity,
now
goes,
it
of our Officers
is
if it is
not observed, surely
If
in
it
Whatever
the one
will,
it
What
recog-
it
it
should be
and must cease
consequences
may
to
then
leave to your conjecture.
be objected, that the above Observations and what
my former Letter prove
proportion of Officers in their Hands,

ours. This consideration, supposing
would be
is
we had a right to demand

and
liberty,
prevent, in
my Opinion, the execution of the Resolves.
To
one in
at least Six to
Genl Lee's
the honor
I said
no treatment received by our

on theirs. My Answer is, that the
that
Officers should be retaliated
of great weight
sufficient to
I
have
68
etc.

Head
Quarters, Morris
Sir: I flattered myself, that I
necessity of trespassing
calling
from
number belong-
on our part
If
have
their discharge
like
is
have men-
the one
a beneficial one,
whenever we are possessed of a
be obligatory on Genl. Howe.

ensue,
is
subsists, is
and insures
ing to them, and of the same Rank.

violated,
mat-
as a
of Genl. Lee's releasement, for any
of Officers of inferior rank.
done or might be done in such instances

tioned.
no demand,
upon her
upon
Town, March 6,
1777.
should never again be under the
the public Spirit of your State, by
for another supply of Militia; but, such has
been the unaccountable delay in the recruiting of the Continental Battalions, chiefly owingto the long time that unhappily
S5
Hanson Harrison.
254
elapsed before the Officers were appointed, that

pect of keeping the Field
into
it,
Laws
till
the
[March
see
New Levies can be
no
pros-
brought
but by a Reinforcement of Militia. For want of proper
in the Southern
Governments, their Militia were never
well regulated; and since the late Troubles, in which the Old
Governments have been unhinged, and new ones not

firmly established, the people have adopted a
ing and Acting for themselves.
Summons is
It is
mode
owing to this,
yet
of think-
that
when a
issued for Militia, those only turn out that please,
and they for what time they please, by which means they some
sett off for their homes in a few days after they join the
times
Army. From this State of facts, you will perceive, that I put no
great dependance on the Militia from the Southward, and
I must, therefore, once more intreat you to endeavour to prevail upon Two thousand of the Militia of your State to march
immediately to Peekskill and there wait further Orders; their
time of Service to continue
there. I
at least Six
Weeks, after they
arrive
am persuaded, from the readiness with which you have

all my demands, that you would exert
ever complied with
forwarding the aforementioned number of Men,

upon my bare request. But I hope you will be convinced of the
necessity of the demand, when I tell you, in confidence, that
after the 15th. of this Month, when the time of General Lin-
yourself, in
coln's Militia expires, that

five Virginia
shall
be left with the remains of
Regiments, not amounting to more than as
many
hundred Men, and parts of two or three other Continental Battalions, all very
weak. The remainder of the
composed of small
sylvania,
on
parties of Militia
whom
and go when they
little
from
this State
dependance can be put,
please.
if
they
will be
and Pen-
as they
come
have issued peremptory orders, to
what Men he
but one hundred to a
every Colonel in the regular Service, to send in
has recruited, even
Army
amount
to
REMOVAL OF FORAGE
1777]
255
would do this, it would make a Considerable

Force upon the whole. The Enemy must be ignorant of our
Numbers and Situation, or they would never Suffer us to reRegiment,
if
they
main unmolested; and
almost tax myself with imprudence
in committing the Secret to paper; not that
whose
Attachment
inviolable
have had so
distrust you, of
many
proofs, but
for fear the Letter should, by any Accident, fall into other
hands, than those for

If
whom it is intended.
make any
your Militia should
objection to
may
way, on Account of the Small Pox, you

if
there
shall
is
it)
Yorkers,
Peekskill, (I
whom I am
mean
Iam&c.
the
North
DUER
Town, March
Quarters, Morris
6, 1777.
On Tuesday Evening, I was favored with your Let-
ter of the 2d. Inst.
gives
upon
56
Head
Sir:
those that have
obliged to keep in Garrison, having no
To WILLIAM
Dr.
assure them, that
where they may take the places of the Continental
other Troops to secure the Forts and Passes

River.
this
the least danger of taking that disorder here, they
come no farther than
not had
coming
The slow
progress in the recruiting service
me much concern, as the situation of our Affairs requires
the most early Succours.
was always
sensible, the
bounty
given by the Eastern States would prove extremely injurious;
and remonstrated against it, as soon

I
am sorry the
attended with so
as
it
came to my knowledge.
securing and removal of the Forage has been
many difficulties.
portance, and yet
I trust,
mittee with you, that
it
It is
a Matter of infinite im-
that by your exertions
and the Com-
will be accomplished. If the
whole
cannot be got away, the part remaining had better be destroyed than Suffered to fall into the Enemy's Hands, driving
60
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
256
off the Stock,
be
is
[March
moment and none
also of considerable
should
within their reach.
left
The disposition recommended to the Troops under General

Wooster, seems to have been well calculated for the ends in
view and I heartily wish they had Maintained

departure,
am
Their
their Post.
would be attended with bad

would disagreeably effect the minds
conse-
satisfied,
quences and it
Wavering and the
timid.
It is
of the
only to be lamented, that
we
have not Troops raised upon a different footing, who could

and would afford protection to the Inhabitants and firmly fix
them in our interest. I know no way to effect this, but by calling some of the Militia as you propose to secure them and their
property from the ravages and depredations of the Rangers.
We have been long satisfied, that the Enemy were drawing
nearly the whole or, at least, the Main Body of their force into
Jersey; and, I think, they will make a Push for Philadelphia, as
soon as the Roads will allow them to move. They may mean
a feint, as you suggest however, it is more likely, that the other
;
is
their Object. It will be
happy for
us, if
we can
be prepared
for either event. Lest your apprehensions should prove true,
Wheat and
the
secured,
Flour, contiguous to the Water, should be
and removed
The
holders of
and
it
will be
it
into the
should not
more
Interior part of the State.
demand an unreasonable
examine the Matter and give the Commissary and

every
I
Aid
in their
Agents
it
and should be happy if the execution was as practicable,
appears to be eligible.
am well assured many important
advantages would be derived from
now
it
his
Power.
have maturely weighed the proposed expedition to Long
Island,
as
price,
worthy the attention of the Convention, to
it;
But the Enemy's Force,
collected in this Quarter, calling for every possible aid,
cannot be attempted. However,
should think,
it
will be
RECRUITING FRAUDS
1777]
257
extremely proper, for an Idea of the sort to be spread with some

address and management, which will be greatly favored,
requisition
Confidence that the hint

dence and discretion
am glad
Mr.
mention
to
may be improved,
as far as
your pru-
directs.
S.'s" plan
is
nearly compleated and
can be executed, the more beneficial
honor
you in
suaded the benefits, resulting from it, will be great.

it
have made to Governor Trumbull, for two thou-
sand Militia, can be complied with. This
if
it
am per-
The sooner
will be.
have the
58
etc.
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Dear
Sir: I
and send
1777.
have to desire, that you will immediately procure
me exact returns of all the Troops, belonging to your
State, except those
which
are
gone to Ticonderoga, and that
you will have them assembled with the utmost expedition
at
Peeks-Kill, there to hold themselves in perfect readiness to
march
will
at a
moment's warning.
must
also request, that
you
make a point of informing me, from time to time, of their
arrivals
The
and of the numbers, in which they come.
returns
receive
from
traordinary a nature, that
different quarters, are of so ex-
have too much reason to suspect the
most abominable fraud, and embezzlement of the public money.
The accounts of desertion, almost surpass belief and afford the

highest probability, that Officers are tempted by the great
bounty allowed, to exhibit a number of pretended

that
were never in
reality inlisted. I
attention to this abuse,

"Nathaniel Sackett.
68
The
draft
is
He was
and
that
must beg your
recruits,
particular
you will take every possible
arranging for a system of secret intelligence.

Hanson Harrison.
258
method
to prevent
continuance,
its
the Regiments of your State.
if it
has found
[March
its
way
into
From this and other causes, I have
frequently had such misrepresentations of the progress of the

recruiting service, that
and
on this account
it is
Troops raising in every

just
Judgment of our
ture prospect. This
have in many instances been deceived

I
may be
State, that I
real Strength at this
is
must inform you, in confidence, are
demand the most active exertions of every
person interested in the success of our

care
and
enabled to form a
time and of our fu-
highly necessary, from the present com-
plexion of things, which

very undesirable, and
am requiring accurate returns of the
affairs. I rely
diligence, to put every thing in
upon your
your department in
the greatest possible forwardness, as you are fully sensible of the

infinite
ture. I
importance of straining every nerve at this critical junc-
am etc. 59
Head
Quarters, Morris
Dear Sir: I received yours of the
Town, March
by one from Mr. Jonathan Welles, in behalf of
Major Welles
60
6, 1777.
19th. February accompanied

his
nephew
who was made prisoner on Long Island.
obliged to give the same answer to this request, that
given to
many
others of the
have endeavoured to avoid

gotiating the
directed
Exchange of
this Rule,
whenever an
B9
00
The
all
prisoners,
who had
is,
have
that
and therefore constantly
rank
in
New York, to
been longest in Captivity.
Major Welles will be

Officer of equal
that
am
imputations of partiality in ne-
Mr. Loring the Commy. of prisoners
give a preference to those
By
same nature, and
is
intitled to
an exchange,
sent in by us; but
draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton.

Maj. Samuel Welles, of Gay's Connecticut State regiment.
when
NEED OF RECRUITS
1777]
that will be
late
cannot
tell,
as
259
you must have heard, that by a
Resolve of Congress, the Field Officers taken at Trenton,
are to be detained a while longer, for a particular purpose.
the terms of the Cartel, Major Welles
By
would not have been
given up for Capt. Luke, being an Officer of Superior Rank.

I
dont
know how
to advise in regard to inlisting the privates
who were sent out upon parole.

they should not serve
might be
severities
If their Officers
engaged that
they were regularly released, some
till
inflicted
upon them, should Genl. Howe

Much depends on
hear that the prisoners were in Arms again.

the
Terms on which they were
not pledge themselves for them,

dismissed
them
good a right
to force our
for his
own
released. If their Officers did

I
should suppose Genl.
convenience, and that they had as
to enter the Service again, as Genl.
Howe had
Men into his, by ill usage.
The necessity that I am under for Troops,

upon you
Howe
in the
obliges
me to call
most pressing manner, to send forward those
men who have had the small pox, with all possible expedition;
would be
it
brought
are,
better if the
Regiments could be compleated and
intire into the Field,
we cannot
but circumstanced as
wait. Colo. Charles
Webb
got an order a few
days ago for four hundred Arms, and his Son told
as
many Men.
beg you will
dont
call for
an immediate Return and entreat
Regiments immediately here.
march before they

behind, to make up
I
he had
know the State of any of the others,
the Colonels to exert themselves and try to get

their
me
am informed that Colo. Wyllys's Regt. is like-
wise very forward.

but
we now
are compleat,
If
an
all
me some part of
any of the Companies

Officer should be left
the deficiency and bring the recruits after.
have wrote to every Quarter in the same terms, and
Regiment would only send one hundred

they would, altogether,
amount
Men
to a respectable
if
each
immediately,
Number.
260
[March
Be pleased to communicate the first part of this Letter to

Mr. Welles. Since writing which, I find I am under a mistake
of names; upon inquiry, I find that the person meant is Capt.
Welles of Colo. Gay's Regiment, taken upon York Island the
15th of Septemr.
The
reason therefore of his not being pre-
more Strongly against him, as there are yet

officers of his rank taken upon Long Island and not exchanged.
To induce you to exert yourself more forcibly, in forwarding
on the Continental Troops, I communicate our Situation to
ferred, operates
you in Confidence.
When Genl. Lincoln's Militia leave us, we
shall only have the remains of the five Virginia Regiments,
who do
not amount altogether to more than five or Six hun-
dred men, and two or three of the other Continental Battalions
The
very weak.
of Militia
from
rest of
our
this State
Army is composed of small parties

If the Enemy do
and Pennsylvania.
move it will be a Miracle, nothing but Ignorance of our

Numbers and Situation, can protect us. I have wrote to Govr.
Trumbull to endeavour to send two Thousand Militia, immenot
and
diately, to Peek's kill,
beg you will use your Influence to
obtain this Reinforcement.

I
have been so
much misinformed
raised Regiments, that
as to the State of the
desire you will insist
new
upon the Colonels
making you actual Returns and transmit them to me.
am etc. 61
Head
Sir :
sire
The
you
necessity
to call
State, in the
"The
draft
Quarters, Morris
is
upon
Town, March
6, 1777.
am under for Troops, obliges me to de-
the several Continental Colonels in your
most peremptory manner,

in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
to
make Returns
of the
INOCULATION MEASURES
1777]
Men
they have inlisted, and to march
all
the small pox, immediately, to join the
261
those that have had
Army
here. If
any of
Companies are not complete, proper Officers must be left

behind to make up the deficiency, and bring the Recruits after
them. I know the Inconveniences that must attend the march-
their
ing Regiments by parts, and wished most heartily not to have
encountered them; But they must

of the measure.
remain long
Tis not
all
submit to the necessity
we shall be permitted to
Situation. The Enemy must move
possible that
in our present
and we should prepare to dispute every Inch of Ground

they may attempt to march over. I must insist therefore, that
every possible exertion be instantly made to comply with this
soon,
and expect
order,
to see
some
of the Continental
put to Inoculation,
Activity,
I
am etc.
let
that
and the Troops,
Troops here
would not have a check

be carried on with all imaginable
in a very short time. Nevertheless,
as soon as they pass thro'
it,
To
DOCTOR WILLIAM
SHIPPEN, JUNIOR

Dear
Sir: I
1 st. Instt.
1777.
have to acknowledge the receipt of your favour
There remains no doubt with me,
and indeed
tance
sent on.
62
necessity of erecting
from Philadelphia;
It
ever
as to the propriety
temporary Hospitals
at a dis-
was my desire, to secure Cities
from any contagious disorder, that may attend the Troops that
must pass thro' them, and I shall always be happy to execute
such plans, as their caution
may suggest. You will fix with the
Commissary upon the places proper, having in Contemplation

the security of the City and convenience of our sick Soldiery.
A distance sufficient to quiet all their Apprehensions and at the

^The
draft
is
in the writing o
George Johnston.
262
same time conveniently
and attendance,
is
[March
to afford the Sick proper assistance
the best.
am etc. 63

Head
Gentn.:
am
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
honored with yours of the
5th,
1777.
7,
with Genl.
Gates's Estimate of the force of the Enemy at Brunswick, which
what I have Collected from Deserters and other

Channels; and Colo. Gurney's Intelligence of the Enemy's
intended Rout to Philadelphia by the way of South Amboy,
which I have ever thought very practicable and probable. These
agrees with
Informations alone, ought to suggest to you the Necessity that

there
is
of having, as
many
diately
embodied and
quire.
The
64
of your Militia as possible,
held ready to act as occasion
City Militia should be particularly attended
they are a fine body of Men, and laying so

are able to
imme-
may
re-
to, as
much together, they
throw in a very considerable force upon an emer-
gency; but they are so usefully employed at home, that they
ought not to be drawn out but

I
must beg you
at the last
Extremity.
will afford every Assistance to the recruiting
and forwarding the Continental Troops of your
me
appears to
to be
of your Regiments,
I
State, there
something extraordinary in the Returns
from Accounts
received sometime ago,
expected Several of them were nearly fuii, but upon being fur-
from fifty
owing to the Officers
having pocketted the Bounty Money, and returned the Men
nished with actual Returns,
to one
63
04
The
The
hundred men each.
draft
is
in the writing of
find they have only
fear this
is
George Johnston.
written as: "and marched to join the Army under

upon the Rear or Flank of the Enemy should they
move from Brunswick, for you may depend upon it, that nothing will check or retard
them so much as hanging upon them in either of the above Situations which it will be
absolutely out of my power to do without a considerable Reenforcement. No Continental troops of any Consequence have yet come in and by the 1 5th of this month I
shall scarce have any Militia left." Washington directed that this be stricken out.
draft at this point
my Command
and ready
was
first
to fall
NEW
1777]
deserted,
when
JERSEY MILITIA LAW
they were never inlisted.
eral
Gates to scrutinize this Matter and
him
if
I
I
263
have desired Gen-
beg you will
assist
wanted.
me
Colo Proctor has shewn
which you require
a Letter
from your Board,
his attendance at Philadelphia.
He
is
in
so
essential here at the Head of the Artillery, in the absence of

General Knox now on his way from Boston, that I am obliged
85
to detain him till his return which will be in a few days.
As nothing but the good of the Service would have induced
me
to
liberty
countermand your orders, I hope you will excuse the

68
taken by, Gentn., Yours &c.
To

Sir: I this moment had the honor to receive your two favours
of the 3d Inst. With pleasure I will forward your Letters to Mr.
Jay by the
first
opportunity.
men, Eye witnesses of the
How can an Assembly of Gentle-
distresses
and Inconveniences,
that
have their principal Source in the want of a well regulated

Militia, hesitate to
them ? And,
rily
add
adopt the only
stranger
still,
to the accumulated
Remedy
that can
remove
think of a Law, that must necessa-
Load
of confusion ? For Heaven's
sake, entreat them to lay aside their present Opinions; and

waving every other Consideration, let the Public Good be sin-
gularly attended
to.
The Ease
they design their Constituents
by Composition must be delusive; Every injurious distinction
between the Rich and the Poor ought to be
laid aside
now.
67
The following paragraph was
also stricken out from the draft: "If any of your

way, pray stipulate with them to stay a certain time after they
actually join the Army; let it be six Weeks if possible."
Militia
68
7
march
this

The New Jersey Assembly's law permitted a "composition"
of from 3 to 20 in
and Livingston wrote (March 3) that the State legislators "are
so unduly influenced by the Fear of disobliging their Constituents, that they dare not
exert themselves with the requisite Spirit for the Exigencies of War."
lieu of military service,
264
[March
The Enemy cannot remain much longer in their present

tion.
situa-
Their peace, for some days past, indicates Preparations to
move; when they do, your Assembly may, perhaps, wish

their Militia
the
were in the
Field. I have
that
endeavoured to cut
off
Communication between Bergen and New York, having

68
I have the Honor
it a few days ago.
received Intelligence of
to be etc.
69
To BRIGADIER GENERAL ANDREW LEWIS

Head
Dear Sir:
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
8,
1777.
am uneasy at not being reinforced by some of the
new Recruits from Virginia; I had
hopes, that in Compliance
with the order of Congress, some time since published, such a
number of parts of Regiments would have taken the Field, as

would have enabled me to strike a Blow of importance this
Winter; Disappointed in
this, I
must entreat you to
issue
im-
mediate Orders, in the most peremptory manner, to the Field

Officers of all the Continental Battalions in Virginia, to lose
no
all the Recruits belonging to them, and

march them to Philadelphia, leaving behind them, a Sufficient
number of Officers for the recruiting Service, who must be
ordered to follow, so soon as each of them inlist the number
of Men that may be assigned to him. Much depending on a
strict Observance of this Letter, a neglect of any part of which
time in collecting
may be attended with
disagreeable Consequences to the cause
am confident that you will spare no pains or trouble

seeing that my desire is complied with in the fullest sense.
at large, I
in
A General
State, I
68
09
Return of
all
the Continental Regiments in your
should be glad to be favoured with.
am etc. 69
Livingston's letter is in the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.

NEED OF REEN F ORCEMEN T S
1777]
265
SMALLWOOD
Morris Town, March
8,
1777.
The present weak state of our Army, and the Appearance

movement being intended by the enemy, make it
necessary that I should use every resource to Augment our numbers in the most expeditious manner possible; You will therefore immediately call upon the commanding Officers of all the
Regiments of your State, and Order them without delay to repair to Camp, with such men as they have already collected,
leaving a proper number of Officers to prosecute the business
Sir:
of a speedy
which must not by any means be impeded or

sensible, that the drawing Troops into real
Service before the Regiments are properly completed and ar-
of recruiting,
am
retarded.
ranged,
injurious in
is
many
respects, but the exigency of
our
must urge
it
makes it at this time indispensible, and I
upon you to take every method in your power to hasten their
coming forward. I must also request you will send me forth-
affairs
with exact returns of the number of

State. I
men now
To BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE
Dear
and
raised in your
am etc. 70
Sir :
WEEDON

You are so well acquainted with our Circumstances
Situation, that
need not assign any reason for desiring
upon every Colonel within your reach and order

him to march whatever Men he may have raised, to join the
Army immediately. Let a good Officer be sent forward with
the first party, who may receive and take care of the men of his
you
70
to call
The
draft
is
in the writing of Alexander Hamilton.
266
Regiment
as they
turns of
all
am
ignorant
of.
Be pleased
the inclosed to Genl. Lewis, as quick as possible,
same Subject as yours.
it
forward
to
being on the
am etc. 71

Head
Sir:
the Re-
I may form some Judgment of

may be drawn together, a matter that
a force
at present intirely
To
me
up. Endeavour to procure
the Regiments, that
the time in which

I
come
[March
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
9,
1777.
The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania has done me the
honor to communicate
to
me a piece of Intelligence of Impor-
which they received from Colo. Gurney. A copy of

which is inclosed; I wish it may rouse the Gentlemen of your
72
tance,
Assembly
to prepare for the worst Event. In
present time
is
of infinitely greater
supposed. Vain and useless will
all
my
worth than
opinion the
generally
is
our Civil Institutions, how-
ever wise, prove, unless the State of Independance, in
alone they can operate,
depend on the
And as this must necessarily
secured.
is
success of our
which
Arms, Military preparations
should possess an eminent degree of our deliberations and Care.

Altho' the
common
Enemy may
not
prudence must
move
as
Colo Gurney thinks, yet
dictate, the necessity of
instant attempt, to deprive
them
making an
of such Articles, lying in the
Country thro' which they may March, as can be of use to them.

For which purpose
the aid in his
power
have directed Genl. Putnam to afford

to
any measures which your Assembly
may think will be productive

Honor to be &c.
all
of the
End
designed.
have the
73

"Lieut. Col. Francis Gurney, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment. He was
wounded at Iron Hill, Pa., in September, 1777, and resigned in October that same year.
73
17771
267

Dear
am
Sir:
10, 1777.
Instt. and
Cadwalader has declined a Com-
have the pleasure of yours of the 7th.
sorry to find that Genl.
mission in the Continental Service.
Altho
often wished in secret, that you could be brought to
resume the
office
of Adjutant General,
never even hinted
it,
I thought it might be disagreeable to you for the reawhich you yourself mention, "that you commanded last
Campaign at the second post upon this Continent," and that
therefore it might be looked upon by you as a degradation.
But you cannot conceive the pleasure I feel, when you tell me
"that if it my desire that you should resume your former Office,
you will with chearfulness and Alacrity proceed to Morris
7i
Town." Give me leave to return you my sincere thanks, for
this mark of your attention to a request of mine, which, now you
give me an opening,! make, and at the same time assure you that
I look upon your resumption of the Office of Adjutant General,
as the only means of giving form and regularity to our new
Army. I had in vain cast my Eyes upon every person within
my Knowledge, and found none that I thought equal to the
Task, except one Gentleman, Major Apollis Morris, but his
Character and Intentions are of too dubious a Nature to intrust
with an Office of such high importance. I shall be glad to receive a line from you mentioning the time that you will leave
because
sons
Philadelphia, because
Command.
75
take your
74
intend sending Genl.
St.
Clair
down to
point the draft was originally: "This my dear Sir is acting upon principles
and worthy of yourself. I do request you to resume the Office and request it as a favor, the greatest that can be conferred upon me, as an individual, and
the greatest that can be conferred upon the public." This was stricken out by Wash-
At
this
truly patriotic
ington's direction.
73
On February 23 Hancock
solicited that
wrote to Gates that by direction of Congress he earnesdy

Gates would resume the office of Adjutant General at his then rank and
268
am informed
ton, taken
upon
he continues in
that Genl.
Putnam
sent
[March
down Major
and that
Rariton, to Philadelphia in Irons,
strict
confinement.
putting in practice, what
we have so
cruel treatment of Prisoners.
think
we ought
a necessity for confinement, that
it
to avoid
loudly complained
therefore desire, that
may
be
made
Stock-
if
the
of,
there
as easy
is
and
comfortable as possible, to Major Stockton and his Officers.
This Man,
believe, has
we took him
in
Arms,
been very active and mischeivous, but
as
an Officer of the Enemy, and by the
Rules of War we are obliged to treat
be glad
I shall
if
as possible of the
number
as exact a return
of Troops in Philadelphia,
form some opinion of the time

come forward. I am etc. 76
to
him as such, not as a Felon.
you will bring with you,

in
which they
and
try
will be able to
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN BROOKS

Head Qurs., Morris Town, March n,
Sir:
Agreeable to the request contained in your
Ultimo,
you a commission for Major Hull," which

present him.
please to
1777.
letter of 21st.
inclose
pay. Sparks quotes a letter of Gates to Washington, but gives neither date nor source,
as: "I own I was surprised at the contents, and the more so, as it was not preceded by
one on the same subject from your Excellency. Unless it is your earnest desire, that
such a measure should directly take place, I would by no means consent to it." On
March 25 Congress resolved that Gates should repair immediately to Ticonderoga and
take command of the army there. In President Hancock's letter, this same day, transmitting the resolve, Hancock underscored the words "ta\e the command of the army."
76
The

10 Alexander Hamilton wrote to Brigadier General McDougall: "Your
letter of the 7th instant to his Excellency fell into my hands. He has been very much
indisposed for three or four days past, insomuch that his attention to business is pronounced by the Doctors to be very improper; and we have made a point of Keeping
all from him which was not indispensibly necessary. I detained your express a day in
hopes of a convenient opportunity to communicate your letter to him; but though he
has grown considerably better than he was, I find he is so much pestered with matters
which cannot be avoided, that I am obliged to refrain from troubling him on the occasion; especially as I conceive the only answer he would give, may be given by myself."
Hamilton's letter is in the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.
"Maj. William Hull, of the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment. He was promoted to
lieutenant colonel of the Third Massachusetts Regiment in August, 1779; brigadier
draft
On March
FEARS OF CONNECTICUT
1777]
As
269
the Season favourable for Military operations
hand,
beg every
Regiment
the field,
effort
is
near at
may be made to recruit and equip your

it may be ready to take
as speedily as possible, that
when called upon.
am etc. 78
GOLD SELLECK SILLIMAN
Morris Town, March n, 1777.
Sir:
Colonel Chester
instant,
79
delivered
me
mentioning the appearance of some of the enemy's
Ships in the Sound, and your apprehensions thereupon.

I
am well convinced, there is no reason to dread the descent
you speak
of,
and
that these
little
desultory motions have
no
serious design, but are only intended to divert our attention
from the important objects which ought to engage it.
It
would
be inconsistent with their general purpose, to diminish their
main body, by occupying posts, which could be of no use towards

facilitating the enterprises they more immediately have in contemplation. At any rate, I cannot think of straitening myself,
where the danger is pressing and certain, to give succours where
there
is little
or nothing to apprehend.
To MAJOR
am etc.80
GENERAL THOMAS MIFFLIN

Dear
Sir :
since yours of the 13 Feby, inclosing a
for the Qr.
number
general, United States
have not been able yet to attend
Army,
in April, 1812;
and cashiered
to the British.
70
80

Col. John Chester, of a Connecticut State regiment.
The
of Regulations
Mr. General's Department, which, from the multi-
plicity of business, I
78
11, 1777.
have not had the pleasure of hearing from you
to.
What
for surrendering Detroit
270
would
principally
recommend
to you,
is
[March
the having the
Am-
munition Waggons and those for carrying Tools, got ready

soon as possible. But
as
think you should turn your attention
particularly to providing Tents, because General

certainly take the Field, as soon as the
Howe
will
Weather and Roads
do for our Army to follow him

in a Scattered manner for want of covering to enable us to keep
will permit,
and
it
will never
A Brother of Genl. Greene's informed me, that he
together.
had got a Quantity of Duck belonging to the Continent, which

he had several times wrote to Congress about, but could not
obtain an Answer.
of
which
Article
fered extremely last
Heat and Cold. I
desired
him to have it made up into Tents,
we cannot have too many, for

Campaign
shall
am
want of
Shelter
Army
suf-
from both
be glad to hear what forwardness things
are in, in your Department,

I
for
our
and what
are your prospects.
81
etc.

Head
Quarters,
March n,
1777.
instant, by which I am sorry to

from a Number of unfortunate Circumstances, your
intended descent upon Rhode Island had failed. I however
Sir: I
have yours of the 2nd.
find, that
think you are right in not putting any thing to the risque of
a miscarriage, for until
lished,
it is
we
get our
new Army
properly estab-
our business to play a certain game, and not depend
upon Militia for any thing Capital. The Enemy having drawn
almost the whole of their force from New York into Jersey,
with a design to take the field, as soon as the Weather and
Roads will permit, has obliged
81
me to order all the Continental
The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman, who wrote "artillery wagons,"
which Alexander Hamilton changed to "ammunition wagons." The letter sent was
handed to Congress by Mifflin and is filed in the Papers of the Continental Congress.
RETREAT CRITICIZED
1777]
111
Troops of Connecticut, that have had the small pox, to march

immediately and join
me and
inoculated, for the Country
no other way
is
is
all
those that have not, to be
so full of that disorder, that there
of preserving the Lives of the Soldiery.
hope
you will be able to keep the Enemy from penetrating the Counwith Militia only, and should they draw
try,
their
Men and
able manner, perhaps, as you have Boats
you may be
able,
Militia.
have done before.
and every thing ready,
But I recommend caution to you, as
am etc. 82
To BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID

Head
Sir: I
any more of
by dint of superior force, to give them a blow,
you have only
tho'
off
thereby reduce their numbers in any consider-
Quarters, Morris
WOOSTER
Town, March n,
1777.
was a good deal surprised to find yours of the 2d. dated

83
from Rye. Supposing there was a real necessity of your retreating from New Rochelle, you certainly ought to have returned
immediately upon the Enemy's dropping their design,
ever
ters
as
it
if
they
had any, of attacking you; All accounts from your Quar-
complain loudly of
this retreat, as a
most injudicious Step,
gave fresh Spirits to the disaffected and retarded the
re-
moval of Forage by the Convention of New York, the very end

were principally intended to answer. As there
that your Troops
now a certainty, that the Enemy have drawn the greatest part
of their force from New York and Long Island, you may safely
fall down again towards Kingsbridge, which I desire may be
done immediately, and that you may do all in your power to
keep the Enemy as Strictly confined as possible to the Island
is
82
The
draft
In his
my Troops
is
to
Tench Tilghman.
March 2 Wooster wrote "that it was not
in the writing of
letter of
continue at
in my power to persuade
New Rochelle, so near a much superior force of the Enemy."
Wooster's troops were militia, over which he did not have complete control.
May 2, 1777, of wounds received at Ridgefield, N. J.
He
died
272
of New York.
Officers
to
I
It
[March
appears to me, that the fault was more in your
than in Stanton, for they should not have Suffered
come on
was necessary
Shore, farther than
therefore desire that he
may be
him
for his business.
suffered to depart with his
Flag of Truce, and told never to return again, without giving

proper notice to an Officer.
84
am etc.85

Morris Town, March
Sir : It
is
12, 1777.
of the greatest importance to the safety of a Country
involved in a defensive War, to endeavour to draw their Troops

together at
some post at the opening of a Campaign,
to the theatre of
War
any part of the Country, the

against. It
is
a military observation, strongly supported by ex-
perience, "that a superior

ferior,
by an injudicious
knowing
so central
may be sent to the support of

Enemy may direct their motions
that they
Army may
division."
fall
It is
a sacrifice to an inimpossible, without
the Enemy's intentions, to guard against every sud-
den incursion, or give protection to

principal object shou'd be
had
all
the Inhabitants;
some
in view, in taking post to cover
the most important part of the Country, instead of dividing
our force, to give shelter to the whole, to attempt which, cannot

fail to
give the
ments, as
Enemy an Opportunity of beating us in Detach-
we are under the necessity of guessing at the Enemy's

and further operations; the great object of attention
be, where the most proper place is, to draw our force
intentions,
ought to
together, from the Eastward

try,
and Westward, to cover the Coun-
prevent the Enemy's penetration and annoy
84
them
in turn,
John and James Stanton, of East Chester, N. Y. They had obtained a flag of truce
from Howe to escort a widow, with her effects, from Rye to New York. John Stanton
had traveled through the country to New Rochelle, N. Y., and up to Wooster's quarters
85
unquestioned.
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
INTENTIONS OF BRITISH
1777]
shou'd our strength be equal to the attempt. There
upon the Continent, but thinks
itself in
273
is
not a State
danger, and scarcely an
Officer at any one post, but conceives a reinforcement necessary;
to
comply with the demands of the whole, is utterly impossible,
and
attempted, would prove our inevitable ruin.
if
From
Amboy and
force at
fall,
the Enemy's Situation in the Jersey, (collecting their
Brunswick, and from their intentions
confirmed by every piece of Intelligence
Spring)
Aim,
it
it
at the
appears to
opening of
me
this
Campaign.
commencement
paign) that they will bring
round
to reinforce
is,
'em here;
What
the facility with
If this
all
being
of the last
Cam-
the Troops
serves to confirm
which
a Junction
be their
Army
highly probable (their
greatly reduced since the
ion,
obtain this
scarce admits a doubt, of Philadelphia being an ob-
View,
ject in
we
last
from Canada,
me
can be
in this opin-
made this way,
the necessity they are under of a reinforcement, and the great

security the
Command of the Lakes, give them against our in-
cursions into Canada.
Under these considerations I cannot help
thinking much too large a part of our force
is
directed toTicon-
me a much more proper place,

drawn together, they will be advanta-
deroga. Peeks Kill appears to
where,
if
the Troops are
geously situated to give support to any of the Eastern, or Middle

States;
up
Shou'd the Enemy's design be to penetrate the Country
the
North River, they
are well posted to oppose
shou'd they attempt to penetrate into

well Station'd to cover them;
if
New
they
them;
England, they are
move Westward,
the
Eastern and Southern Troops can easily form a Junction; and

besides,
rison at
first
it
will oblige the
Enemy to leave a much stronger Gar-
New York: But even admitting the Enemy pursue their

no means disadvantageously posted
and cover the Country of Albany;
operations of this Army, will in a great
plan, they will be by
to reinforce Ticonderoga,
I
am
very sure the
274
degree govern the motions of that in Canada,

bay, kirb'd
[March
if this is
held at
and confined, the Northern Army dare not attempt
to penetrate.
It
appears to
me
of great importance to the success of the
next Campaign, to give this
Army some
capital stroke in
the early part of the season, nothing can enable
me
but a Junction of the Eastern and Southern forces.
do
to
this,
The Recruit-
ing Service to the Southward, has been so protracted for want

of a Regular arrangement
with the
amongst the recruiting Officers, that
difficulty of Clothing,
unavoidably be
and arming the Troops,
it
must
late in the Season, before a Sufficient force
can be drawn together, to check their progress, without the

assistance of a very considerable part of the Eastern
Troops;
The ruin of this Army is desirable for many reasons, it will free
from
the Country
Canada
(if it
but above
all,
their present distress, prevent the
continues there) from
shou'd the
Army
at
making any movements;
Enemy be coming from England with
a strong reinforcement, to destroy this Division of their force

will totally ruin their plan of Operation for the next
Campaign,
and perhaps discourage them from any further attempts; But

suppose the Enemy should contrary to our expectations, (which
I
cannot help thinking
is
against
penetrate the Country by the
way
all
probability) attempt to
of the Lakes, the Forts being
properly Garrisoned and Supplied with Provisions, the Cattle
and Carriages drove off, it

If
the
will be impossible for them to effect it.
we shou'd draw a large force together at Ticonderoga, and

Enemy made no movements upon the Lakes, but collect
their
whole strength
Troops
injury for
[which
here, they
wou'd be an
there, while the service here
useless
Body
of
might suffer an irreparable
want of 'em; The disaffection of Pennsylvania,

is much beyond any thing you have conceived,]
fear
and the depression of the people
of this State, render a strong
TROOPS FOR PEEKSKILL
1777]
275
support necessary to prevent a systematical submission besides,

;
the loss
of Philadelphia wou'd prove an irraparable
we draw from
thence almost
all
our Supplies;
It
injury, as
will signify
nothing to have our frontiers strongly guarded, while the
Enemy
are ranging at large in the Heart of the Country, for
these and many other
reasons, that will readily occur to you,
upon reflection, I have come to a resolution to alter the route of

some part of the Bay forces, [and to Draw Eight Regiments
of them toPeekskills; from whence (by Water) they could soon
proceed to Albany if occasion shall require, or move elsewhere
according to Circumstances. This measure I have been more
Inclind to adopt as
find part of the
to Ticonderoga contrary to
The remarks, contained
York Regiments
just.
situation of the
sary to be
the
You
gone
my expectation or design.]
in your letter of the 27th. of last
Month, respecting Monsieur Pellisier's

sonable and
are
86
plan, appear to be rea-
are so thoroughly acquainted with the
Country and every other Circumstance neces-
known,
you are the best judge of the nature of
that
Works proper to be erected, and I have the most intire con-
fidence that you will have such only constructed, as are most
likely to be useful
and
defensible.
have given directions to the Managers of the Iron works to
have the Shot, for which you inclosed General Knox's orders,
conveyed to some convenient landing place, 'till the river opens,
and then to be forwarded to you with all dispatch. 87

Major Edmonstone was permitted to go into New York on
parole.
The conditions of it were, that he was either to procure
the release of
not
some
Officer of ours of equal rank, or, should
effect that, to return in fifteen days.
yet appeared, nor have

80
No
he
such Officer has
seen any thing of Mr. Edmonstone,
Lieut. Col. Christopher Pellisier, of the Continental Engineers.
"Charles Holt (or Hoff), jr., of the Hibernia, and Gabriel Ogden, of the Pompton
Furnaces, were ordered by Tilghman (March 12) to forward the shot.
276
notwithstanding
it is
now
[March
near three weeks, since the time
and it was evidently his

upon me and take up his parole.
This conduct is very extraordinary and Suspicious, and ought
to be carefully scrutinized. I am apt to think his going in was
Stipulated for his return has expired;
duty,
if
he came out, to
call
merely a contrivance to be the bearer of intelligence to the
enemy, and that he has since come

of
it,
to be the instrument of
some
out,
without informing
like sinister purpose.
you will make inquiry for him, and
if
me
desire
you find him, demand an
explanation of his conduct, and take such measures as you deem
prudent to obviate the
evil I
am apprehensive of.
am etc. 88
Head
Sir : It
is
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
so absolutely necessary that
should
12, 1777.
know
the true
State of things, and what is really doing towards the important

purpose of raising a Continental Army, that I cannot content
myself with trusting to Vague reports and delusive Appearances.
am determined to have accurate Accounts of the progfrom every quarter, that I may
depend upon and what expectations I
ress of the recruiting Service
know what I have to

may reasonably form. To this end, I am writing Circular Letters
to all the Colonels of every State; And f desire you will deliver
the inclosed, to those of yours, as soon as they
I
entreat
and expect you
the order contained in
quency, as
deemed
it
will take effectual
come
methods
to hand.
to
them immediately executed; Any
have
delin-
will be highly prejudicial to the public, will be
utterly inexcusable.
am
not acquainted with the
88
The draft is in the writing of John Walker and Alexander Hamilton.
within brackets are in the writing of Washington.
The words
.;./
Si*f
^ ~/*t ;f/z& wxm**

v
s <*>'
<**:/.
*j<i*~*
i*/jt**<
<,&,
^^*~~
7
fa rr^?*~*?JP~ 4%"**
Letter from Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, on Reenforcements
March
SOI LLi
21,
1777
REENFORCEMENTS
1777]
Names
of
all
Wherefore
them.
the Gentn. for
whom
277
the Letters are intended.
request you will, after perusal, Seal and direct
am etc. 89
CIRCULAR TO CONNECTICUT
AND RHODE ISLAND COLONELS 90
Sir:
You
the
you have,
Army;
me an
and to march all the
are hereby required immediately to send
exact return of the State of your Regiment,

recruits
12, 1777.
after they get over the smallpox, to join
leaving a Sufficient
number
of proper Officers to
on the recruiting Service, who are to follow as fast as they

are ready. No pleas, for delay, drawn from the dispersion of
the Officers and men, can be admitted. Every Commanding
officer should know where his inferior officers and these where
their recruits are, and should be able to collect them in the
most expeditious manner.
You are to remain behind, to complete your Regiment, sending forward your Major, and as Circumstances shall permit,
carry
your Lieutenant Colonel
also. I
CIRCULAR TO
am etc. 91
NEW YORK COLONELS

Sir:
You
89
The
draft
is
12, 1777.
are hereby required immediately to send

in the writing of
and
George Johnston. The same
92
me an
to assemble all
letter
was
sent to Brig.
Gen. James Mitchell Varnum.

""Cols. Charles Webb, of the First; Jedidiah Huntington, of the Second; Samuel
Wyllys, of the Third; Philip Burr Bradley, of the Fourth; William Douglass, of the
Fifth; John Chandler, of the Sixth; John Durkee, of the Seventh; and Heman Swift,
of the Eighth Connecticut Regiments. Christopher Greene, of the First, and Israel
Angell, of the Second Rhode Island Regiments.
91
92
Cols. Goose Van Schaick, of the First; Philip Van Cortlandt, of the Second; Peter
Gansevoort, of the Third; Henry Beekman Livingston, of the Fourth; and Lewis
Dubois, of the Fifth New York Regiments.
278
[March
the recruits you have, at Peeks Kill, there to remain under the
command
sufficient
service,
of Genl.
number
McDougall,
'till
farther orders, leaving a
of proper Officers to carry
on the
who are to join as fast as they are ready.
CIRCULAR TO
You
the recruits you have, at
sible,
am etc. 93
there to be inoculated,
Camp,
me
an
to assemble
in the shortest time pos-
and in all respects prepared for the
field; leaving a sufficient
number
on the recruiting
ready. ... I am
who
Service,
and
94
12, 1777.
are hereby required, immediately to send

all
NEW JERSEY COLONELS

Sir:
recruiting
of proper Officers to carry
are to follow as fast as they are
90
etc.
96
CIRCULAR TO PENNSYLVANIA COLONELS

Sir:
You
12, 1777.
are hereby required, immediately to send
exact return of your Regiment,
and
me
an
to send all those recruits
who have had the smallpox to join the Army. Those who have
not, are to be sent to Philadelphia, to be inoculated
under the
93
The draft is in the writing of Richard Kidder Meade, corrected by Alexander
Hamilton, and indorsed by him as forwarded to General McDougall. The omitted
portion is a verbatim duplicate of the preceding circular beginning: "No pleas, for
delay," etc.
94
Cols. Matthias Ogden, of the First; Israel Shreve, of the Second; Elias Dayton, of
the Third; and Ephraim Martin, of the Fourth New Jersey Regiments.
95
The draft is in the writing of Caleb Gibbs. The omitted portion is a verbatim duplicate of the Circular to Connecticut and Rhode Island Colonels, beginning: "No
pleas, for delay," etc.
90
Cols. Edward Hand, of the First; James Irvine, of the Second; Joseph Wood, of the
Third; Lieut. Col. William Butler, of the Fourth; Col. Francis Johnston, of the Fifth;
Lieut. Cols. Henry Bicker, of the Sixth, and David Grier, of the Seventh; Col. Daniel
Brodhead, of the Eighth; Lieut. Cols. George Nagel, of the Ninth, and Adam Hubley,
of the Tenth; Cols. Richard Humpton, of the Eleventh; William Cooke, of the
Twelfth; and Walter Stewart, of the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Regiments. The same
letter was sent to Col. David Hall, of a Delaware regiment.
FORWARDING TROOPS
1777]
direction of the
commanding
279
Officer in that City.
You
are to remain at Philadelphia to provide your Regiment with
Arms, Clothing &ca. and

detachments. ...
am
to send
on your Major
to receive
your
97
etc.
CIRCULAR TO MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA

COLONELS 98
Sir :

You are hereby directed immediately to send me an exact
return of the State of your Regiment, and to

Recruits you have to Philadelphia,
where they
march
all
the
will be inocu-
from the Commanding Officome on with

the Regiment, leaving behind a sufficient number of proper
Officers to carry on the recruiting Service; also the Lieutt. Colo,
to direct and hurry them on as fast as they get the Compliment
lated,
and
receive farther Orders
cer in that City.
of
You and
the Major must
Men respectively assigned to them.
am etc. 99

Head
Dear
Sir:
Quarters, Morristown,
SMALLWOOD
March
12, 1777.
have taken the liberty of inclosing and recom-
mending to your particular care five circular letters to the gen1

tlemen commanding continental battalions in your State; one
97
The
Alexander Hamilton, indorsed by him as sent to the

and to Delaware State. The omitted portions are
verbatim duplicates of the Circular to the Connecticut and Rhode Island Colonels
draft
Committee
is
in the writing of
of Safety of Pennsylvania
beginning: "No pleas, for delay," etc.

98
Cols. Francis Ware, of the First; Thomas Price, of the Second; Mordecai Gist, of
the Third; Josias Carvil Hall, of the Fourth; William Richardson, of the Fifth; and
Lieut. Col. Henry Shryock, of the Sixth Maryland Regiments. Cols. Edward Stevens,
of the Tenth; William Russell, of the Thirteenth; Charles Lewis, of the Fourteenth;
and David Mason, of the Fifteenth Virginia Regiments.
"The draft is in the writing of George Johnston. The omitted portion is a verbatim
duplicate of the Circular to Connecticut and Rhode Island Colonels, beginning:
"
No
1
pleas," etc.
Smallwood was then
in Charles County,
Md.
280
[March
which I have left unsealed for your perusal. Be so good

direct the three that want it, and send them by express.
of
In them you must discover

sity
we
as to
my opinion of the pressing neces-
have for troops immediately;
this consideration alone
will call forth a continuance of your utmost exertions at this
important period. In hopes of seeing you soon with a respect-
from your
able force
State. I
am,
etc.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Detroit.
12, 1777.
Countersign Ontario.
Richard Kidder Meade Esqr. appointed Aide-De-Camp to

the
Commander
in Chief,
and
is
to be respected
and obeyed
as such.
To

Gentn.: The prospect of a Vigorous attack upon Ticonderoga,
some time past, [founded on a supposition that the Enemy
might pass the Lakes on the
Ice]
induced
me
to order all the
Continental Battalions of your State to March, as fast as they
were raised
to that Post.
reconsideration of their Views,
founded on a probability too well supported, that they will
draw
the greater part of their force
soon
as the
mand
so
which
from Canada by Water,
Season will permit, has induced
much
me
to counter-
of that order as respects 8 of the Battalions,
have directed General Heath to send on to Peekskill.
There remains no doubt with me, or any of the General

cers here, of the
Enemy's determined Resolution to take
sion of Philadelphia, as soon as the

2
The
as
text
is
from the Toner Transcript
Offi-
posses-
Roads become passable for
in the Library of Congress.
1777]
and Waggons.
their Artillery
nently useful to the
Operations, and will,
The
Army, must
I
281
loss of that City, so
emi-
greatly retard our Military
fear, injure the
Cause.
To prevent this, and at the same time be in a Situation effecany designs they may have upon Ticonderoga,
tually to oppose
or the Eastern States;
have determined
to collect a respectable
force at Peekskill with the utmost Expedition.
you, at
first sight,
River, that they
New
rison in
above
will occur to
that they can secure the passage of the
must oblige the Enemy
York,
least
we
North
to leave a Strong Gar-
regain the Possession of
a Junction of our
all, that
It
main force being easily
it,
and
effected
We can take advantage of any Circumstances that may occur,

in the course of the approaching
Campaign. Having given
Genl. Heath particular orders respecting the Innoculation of

these 8 Battalions,
will only observe, that
am,
etc.
To JOSHUA LORING
Head
Sir : Inclosed
Quarters, Morris
you have
Town, March
a List of seventeen
13, 1777.
French Gentlemen
at St. Johns and six Servants. I always understood that

Gentlemen bore Commissions in the British Service, but
by their own return, of which the inclosed is a Copy, only four
of them appear to be Officers. If any more are so, I trust to your
honor, to send out an equal Number of ours of equal Rank.
taken
these
Since
I last
Officers,
heard from you,
Major Edmonston
have sent in several of your
in particular,
who signed
a parole
to return in Fifteen days, or send out one of equal rank, as the
Time
has long since expired,
against
some of our
be the case with the others.

3
The
draft
is
in the writing of
added by Washington.
imagine you have
Officers released
upon
parole.
If so, please to let
set
him
off
That may
me know, who
George Johnston. The words within brackets were
282
the Officers are, that
[March
may advise them of their release. All the

wounded and not able
Officers taken at Princeton, except those
yet to
move, are sent
who
ence to those
making the Exchanges, you
in. I desire in
my
will have regard to
former Directions, of giving a prefer-
have been longest in Captivity,
a proportion of the Officers of the different States.
To MAJOR
Head
as well as
am &ca. 4

Quarters, Morris
Town, March
13, 1777.
By my former directions, the fifteen Regiments belonging to your State, were all ordered to march to Ticonderoga, as soon as they were raised, armed and equipped; but
Dear
[from
Sir:
sevl. pieces of Intelligence
things]
upon
their force
is
Enemy
from Canada, by Water, as soon
push towards Philadelphia;

that only seven of your
founded upon
and the present appearance of
a probability that the
Navigable, in order to enable them to
is
prest. appeare. of
a reconsideration of the matter,
several pieces of Intelligence
things, there
and the
as the
draw part of
St. Lawrence
make
a formidable
will
have therefore thought
Regiments should march
it
best,
to Ticon-
deroga, and that the remaining eight should rendezvous at
Peeks Kill with
much
all
at large, to
expedition.
have given
my
reasons, very
Genl. Schuyler, for this alteration; the prin-
cipal ones are that a respectable Force at Peeks-Kill, secures the
Passage of the North River, obliges the

siderable Garrison in
Enemy
New York, and keeps a
to leave a con-
Body
of
Men
our centre, ready to move either north or South,; as there
in
may
be occasion; another reason, for lessening the number of Regi-
ments from your

4
the
The
draft
is
State to Ticonderoga, in
in the writing of
Washington Papers.
Tench Tilghman. The
some degree,
is,
inclosures are not found in
TROOPS FOR PEEKSKILL
1777]
that
two Regiments have already marched
the State of
New
for Peeks Kill,
know
for that post
from
York. Such of your Troops as are intended
and
are ready,
undergo inoculation
you
283
there,
proceed immediately, and
may
and
Neighbourhood, where
in the
the Barracks are very
commodious, Such
as are not
ready, for want of Arms, Accoutrements and Clothing, should
may go thro'
be immediately inoculated that they
while these things are preparing. But
the disorder
would wish, on many
accounts, that a Force should be collected, as quick as possible,
Peeks Kill; the principal one
at
is
that
am confident
the ap-
pearance of a regular Body there, would embarrass the Enemy,
them to return part of the Troops, which they have

lately withdrawn from New York to Jersey, and thereby create
that diversion which I have all along wanted to keep up. As
your Force that is to go to the Northward is lessened, your numoblige
ber of Brigadiers will lessen accordingly, you will therefore
send two to Peeks Kill, and the remainder to Ticonderoga.
[AsBrigadr.Poor of New Hampshire will go (with theTroops

of that State) to the last
March
I
of
am etc.
them
is
also to
Head
Dear
become an
Place, the hastening the
object of your Attention.]
GENERAL THOMAS MIFFLIN
To MAJOR
so
Mentioned
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
much engaged my
attention, since
had the pleasure of
receiving your favour of the 13th. Ulto. that
proper regard to
its
important contents,
days. Your plan deserves

5
The
13, 1777.
Sir: Matters, that could not admit the least delay, have
draft
is
in the writing of
added by Washington. The

eled by Tilghman as above.
first
my
till
could not pay a
within these few
hearty approbation, and
Tench Tilghman. The words within
when
brackets were
bracketed phrase was struck out after being remod-
284
improved by the following
hints, will
[March
throw the business of
your Department into such a Channel, as that great good must

necessarily result
that
man
from
Is it
it.
not an happy Circumstance
we have no other Engineer than Lt.

of his importance
Colo.
Carmovan ?
must not degrade himself by taking
care of the intrenching Tools for
mode should be adopted
common
use;
every Tool on the Iron part
branded, with the Letters U.
S.
Some
other
would have
stamped, and on the wooden
for their preservation.
that they
may
be seized wher-
Of which public notice must be given. Your Estimate of the number of Regiments in the Eastern and Southern
Armies is too low, therefore your calculation of Waggons and
ever found;
Horses &ca. must necessarily be enlarged. Moreover, you have

altogether omitted the indispensably useful article of Brigade
Waggons, for intrenching Tools, they must be made in such a

manner as to lock, that the Tools may be better secured.
I fear your allowance of Horses and Forage to the Major and
Brigadier Generals may be under the mark, these Gentlemen
may complain that their rank is not attended to. Let a generous
sufficiency be provided for
such Officers as
them.
concur with you in opinion,
making any allowance in Cash to

may not choose to Keep the number of Horses
that every reason
is
against
allowed them.
No person must think of drawing a single shilling of public

Money as a Perquisite.
With these additions and alterations in the cut of your new
Coat, you may set the Taylor to work immediately.
Wishing you many happy and honourable days in this Suit.
7
am etc.
it
February 13 is not found in the Washington Papers.

In the writing of George Johnston. Mifflin evidently submitted it to Congress, as
is filed in the Papers of the Continental Congress.
"Mifflin's letter of
SURPLUS OF OFFICERS
1777]
To
285
THE OFFICER COMMANDING AT RARITAN

Head
Sir: I discover
number and
Quarters, Morris
from
Town, March
a general return
state of the
Troops
at
made
13, 1777.
me, of the
to
Rariton by Brigadier Genl.
Dickinson, that the proportion of Officers, vastly exceeds the
number
of
men
at
your post; whereby the public
with the unnecessary expence of useless
condemn
Officers, I
the good Spirit that urges these
burdened
is
by no means
Gentlemen
the Field, but cannot help observing that they
may
to take
be more
useful by going into the Country,
and bringing out such a
number of men,
commands. In future, I
no more
farther
as
would amount
desire that
loss of
command
Officers
may
be
men, and
that
time you regulate the number of Officers
now
retained, than are necessary to
without
to their respective
the
with you, the supernumerary ones must not expect pay after
this day. I
am etc. 9
GENERAL ORDERS
14, 1777.
Parole Philadelphia. Countersign Chester.
By order of His Excellency, the execution of Ser jt Porterfield

is
suspended
To
'till
Friday the
21st. Instant.

Sir: I
was honored
25th Ulto. with
its
several days
ago with your Letter of the
Inclosures, the receipt of
ted to be acknowledged in
my
last.
Could
Gen. Philemon Dickinson.

'The draft is in the writing of Richard Kidder Meade.
Brig.
14, 1777.
which was omitI
accomplish the
286
[March
important Objects so eagerly wished by Congress, confining the
Enemy within their present Quarters, preventing their getting

supplies
from the Country and
they are reinforced,
10
time
The
subduing them before
should be happy indeed. But what pros-
pect or hope can there be, of

at this
totally
my effecting so desirable a Work
inclosed Return, to
which
I sollicit
the most
serious attention of Congress, comprehends the whole force

I
have in
Jersey. It
is
but a handful, and bears no proportion,
on the scale of Numbers to that of the Enemy. Added to this,

the Major part is made up of Militia. The most sanguine in
speculation, cannot deem it more than adequate to the least
valuable purposes of War. The reinforcements mentioned to
be drawn from General Heath, were merely ideal, nearly the
whole of the Eastern Troops which were with him, being here
They were only engaged 'till to day, and to day they

leave the Camp. Their service has been of pretty long continubefore.
ance and almost the whole of the Winter Months.
What pros-
may be of immediate
succours from other Quarters,

from the Militia of this State, I cannot expect
to derive much more aid. Those who are well affected, have
been so frequently called from their Homes, that they are tired
out, and almost profess an abhorence of the Service. Nor have
pect there
I
know
not, but
heard
as yet, that
have wrote
any Continental Troops are on the Way.
to the Brigadier
Generals in most of the States upon
the Subject and also to the Colonels, urging
them by every mo-
tive, to exert
themselves in filling the Regiments and to forward
them
confess Sir,
on.
I reflect
feel the
on our Situation and
most painful anxiety when
that of the
Enemy. Unless the
we must, before it be long, experience some

and melancholy event. I believe the Enemy have
Levies arrive soon,

interesting
to
"This, although not quoted,

Washington.
is
the exact phraseology used by
Hancock
in his letter
HOSPITAL PAY
1777]
fixed their object,
and the execution
as soon as the roads are passable.
which we
287
will surely be attempted,
The unprepared state in

and it is much to be
are, favors all their designs,
may not succeed to their warmest expectations.
wished they
On recurring to the late promotions of Brigadiers, I
find the
Number appointed to be short of what I took the liberty to recommend and not competent to the exigencies of the Service,
supposing the whole in Office before and those
consent to
act,
which
shall only
case.
upon
this Subject,
will result
this
Rank.
certain
beg leave to refer you to
and
lately created
have reason to believe will not be the
from not having
a Sufficient
my
former Letters
many
disadvantages
number
of Officers, of
to assure you, that
We have always been deficient in this instance, and
am, that the Service has been greatly injured by
it.
The proportion I mentioned was full small, and in my opinion

should not be dispensed with.
would also take the liberty of mentioning again, having

received no answer upon the Subject, that Settling the Hospital
plan and Establishment becomes more and more necessary. It
I
is
an object of
it
on a proper foundation,
infinite importance,
mountable, should
the
Enemy
course of the
is
be deferred
till
begin their operations.
tution will soon be
There
it
and the
will be great,
known;
the
difficulties of
if
doing
not almost insur-
the
Campaign opens and
The
benefits of the insti-
want was
severely felt in the
last year.
one thing more, which claims in
earliest attention of Congress, I
my
opinion the
mean the pay of the Regimental
Surgeons and that of the Mates. These appointments are so

essential, that
instance
is
they cannot be done without.
The pay in the first
so low, so inadequate to the Services,
which should
be performed, that no man, sustaining the Character of a Gentleman, and
who has the least Medical Abilities
or Skill in the
288
profession, can think of accepting
That in the
it.
[March
latter, is so
paltry and trifling, that none of the least generosity of Sentiment or pretensions to merit, can consent to act for it. In a word,
these are inconveniencies of an interesting nature, they amount
to
an exclusion of persons
who
could discharge the duties of
and if not redressed, there is not the smallest

probability, that any can be prevailed upon to enter them again.
There are several matters also, which I referred to Congress
some time since, and upon which I have not received the result
these Offices;
of their deliberations. One, enquiring about the State of
and Amunition,
From the inconveniencies and

for
Arms
am particularly anxious to be satisfied in.
want of Money,
am
injuries to the Service of late,
induced to request, that the
strictest
regard should be had to furnish the Pay Master with constant
and
Sufficient supplies.
half of
On Sunday he received 500,000 Dollars,
which is already expended, and the Ballance in a day or
two, will be entirely swept away, without discharging the sev-
Commissary here requires an

immediate draft for 100,000, and the Militia returning and
about to leave the Camp 120,000 more. The Expence incurred
by calling on them so frequently, is almost incredible. Besides
these, there are several arrears due the old Troops and to most
of the General and Staff Officers. I have &c.
P. S. I fully intended to transmit you a Genl Return, but am
not able to make it out with precision. However from the most
eral claims.
By
his report, the
accurate estimate that

in Jersey,
fit
can form, the wliole of our Numbers
for duty at this time,
is
under Three Thousand.
These (981 excepted) are Militia, and stand engaged only till
the last of this Month. The Troops under innoculation, including their Attendants, amount to about
One Thousand. 11
"In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison; the draft is in that of Caleb Gibbs,
Richard Kidder Meade, and Harrison, and is in the Washington Papers in the Library
of Congress. It is dated March 12, as was the letter signed, but it was changed to
March 14 before it was sent to Congress.
ABSENTEES
1777]
289

Head
Quarters, Morris
KNOX
Town, March
14, 1777.
Dear Sir: I have for some time past most earnestly expected
you, to arrange matters in the Artillery department, which has
manner lain Still since you went away. I have prevailed

upon Colo. Proctor, tho' he is under positive orders from the
in a
State of Pennsylvania to return to Philadelphia, to stay
till
you
come back. I beg you will endeavour to bring forward as many

of the Artillery Men, intended for this department, as you possibly can, for
we have not a Man except those of Colo. Proctors
Corps, and they are liable to be called home,
alarm in Delaware. As you

is
here,
Join. I
hope you
see
make
will
how necessary
much haste
as
upon the
your presence
as possible to
am etc. 12
To COLONEL EDWARD
HAND
Morris Town, March

Sir :
You left this place many weeks
stood, the remains of your

I
Regiment
have yet seen, has resulted from
handed
in,
you have 263
14, 1777.
ago to collect, as
together.
it;
by the
under-
No good, that
Sick, absent; Strange this! after such
son of the year and the exigency of our

delays;
last returns, just
a length of time spent in assembling your Regiment.
more
least
affairs, will
The
sea-
admit of no
have therefore, in express terms, to desire that
you will immediately join your Regiment, that you will order
all your Straglers to be brought forward, and that you will use
your utmost endeavours (by employing the best qualified and
most diligent of your Officers) to compleat your Regiment to
its Establishment. What is become of your Lieutt. Colo. ? If
there is not some cogent reason to assign, his long absence from
"The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
290
[March
Camp will stand in a very unfavourable point of View. As your

Regiment is deficient in point of numbers and wanting of Officers, I think you had better reduce the number of Companies
to the proper establishment of eight.
am etc. 13

Morris Town, March
Do
not,
my
15, 1777.
dear General Sullivan, torment yourself any
longer with imaginary Slights, and involve others in the perplexities
you feel on that Score.
No other officer of rank, in the
whole army, has so often conceived himself neglected, Slighted,

and ill treated, as you have done, and none I am sure has had
less
cause than yourself to entertain such Ideas.
things which have occurred in the
have been considered by you

in
what
as
common
designed
Lee, differ from his present
command
course of Service,
affronts.
respect did General Greene's late

at
Mere accidents,
But pray
command
Sir,
at Fort
Baskenridge ? or from
Chatham ? And what kind of separate command had

General Putnam at New York ? I never heard of any, except his
commanding there ten days before my arrival from Boston,
yours at
and one day
after
had
left it
for Harlemheights, as senior
manner at Philadelphia, how did his command

there differ from the one he has at Princeton, and wherein does
either vary from yours at Chatham ? Are there any peculiar
emoluments or honours to be reaped in the one case and not
Officer. In like
in the other ?
tifiable
No, why then
Suspicions?
these unreasonable, these unjus-
Suspicions
end, than to poison your
own
which can answer no other
happiness,
and add vexation
to
that of others.
was ordered to Peeks Kill. So was

General Spencer, by the mere chapter of accidents (being
General Heath,
13
The
draft
is
it is
true,
in the writing of
George Johnston.
TROOPS IN THE HIGHLANDS
1777]
291
almost in the Country) to Providence to watch the motions

of the
to either or both,
Your
but
followed after
was more the effect of chance than design.
and mine, respecting separate commands, have

analogy. I know of but one seperate command prop-
ideas
little
erly so called,
and
that
is
General Sullivan, General
in the
St.
Northern Department, and
Clair or any other General Offi-
cer at Ticonderoga, will be considered in
there
What
then hovering in the Sound.
fleet,
no other
light, whilst
a Superior Officer in the Department, than
is
if
they were
placed at Chatham, Baskenridge, or Princeton.
But
have not time to dwell upon Subjects of
quitting
it,
I shall
do
this
kind; in
with an earnest exhortation, that you
it
will not suffer Yourself to be teized with evils that only exist in
the imagination, and with Slights that have
keeping in mind
at the
same time, that
if
no existence at all;
distant armies are to
be formed there are several Gentlemen before you, in point of

rank,
who have a right to claim a preference.
am etc. 14
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Dear
Sir: I this
the 12th Instt.
15, 1777.
evening received the favor of your Letter of
The order you gave for such part of Gansevoorts'
Regiment, as was at Fishkill, to repair to Fort Constitution,

I
approve
to
of, as also
your determination respecting Duboys's,
remain at Fort Montgomery; they may be drawn from these
places,
and
my
where occasion requires
ease as
from Peeks
order, was, that the
they
may
draft
with the same expedition
The meaning and
Spirit of
Troops should be so assembled, that
be ready to act upon the shortest notice in cases of
Emergency; However,
"The
Kills.
it,
is
in the writing of
hope that the convention will
Alexander Hamilton.
fall
292
[March
upon Speedy and effectual measures for Garrisoning the above

posts and that those Regiments should not be relied on for
the purpose.
If the Gallies
ought
can be serviceable in the way you mention, they
to be equipped; but
cannot, nor ever will again break
upon the Regiments appointed for the Land Service, to man

I have seen and felt the disadvantages arising from re15
ducing Corps by drafts. I should think, the convention had
better take the matter up, and proceed in such way, as they
in
them.
judge right, or agreeable to such directions
as the
Marine Com-
may give, after it is

much to be wished that the States could make up their
Quotas of men by voluntary enlistments, rather than in any
referred to them.
mittee
It is
if it cannot be done in any reasonable time, they

must try some other expedient; if it can be effected by that
you mention, it is of importance that it should be immediately
adopted; our situation is critical, and the filling the Regiments
should not meet with the least avoidable delay.
Securing the Magazines of Hay &ca. mentioned by Mr.
Sackett is certainly an object of much importance, but yet
I cannot, by any means, consent that Colo. Livingstons Regiment should be stationed in West Chester County for that
purpose. The present State of things will not admit of having
the Continental Troops, where they cannot readily be applied
to the main purposes, we ought to have in View. It was rather
impolitic, to collect Magazines at a place so contiguous to the
Enemy and so much exposed, and I am at this time under
the necessity of leaving it to the Committee of Convention,
under whose management it has been conducted, to have them
removed to some place of greater security; which I hope they
will be able to effect. I do not preceive, thro' your whole Letter,
any mention made of inoculation. This is an object of great
other way, but
"The New York
Legislature.
TROOPS AT PEEKSKILL
1777]
293
wished to claim your first attention.

The Campaign will soon be opened, and if it has not been
begun, I fear the Troops cannot be carried thro' the disorder,
so soon as will be necessary; but as it is so essential, I must
importance, and what
repeat
my request that it may not be delayed a moment longer.
The part you have taken respecting Mr.EdmonstoneJ think

however upright his intentions may in
reality have been, he has left great room to suspect something
unfair. The time limited in his parole for his return has been
perfectly prudent; but
now
near three weeks elapsed, and his not coming out before
an infringement of it and justly merits

reprehension. The proposal for his being permitted to go to
Canada, appears to me to be Stamped with no great degree
he did,
is
certainly
of modesty, and to carry in the face of
it
an insidious design
to make him the vehicle of some important instructions to the

enemy there. I shall write to General Schuyler on the Subject.
I
have given orders to the State of Massachusets to send on
eight of their Regiments to Peeks Kills.
necessary preparation
modation; and
as I
is
made
You will see that every
for their reception
and accom-
as are cloathed
have directed, that such
and armed may be immediately sent on, and pass through

inoculation there, I must beg your particular attention to the
forwarding
this purpose.
16
On a second view of the matter, I have no great objection that

Colo. Livingston's Regiment should be sent to West Chester for
a
little
time,
be able to
'till
call
the Convention, by exerting themselves,
out the Militia to supply
admit the idea of

is
its
its
place.
being Stationary there,
done, as seems to be desired.
consent to
'till
its
But
may
cannot
the business
going
as a
tem-
porary expedient for an immediate exigency, but on no other
ground; and
18
At
this
this I
would do with the
greater readiness,
if it
point in the draft Alexander Hamilton's long paragraph on the purpose of

and opinion on the operations of the British has been
stationing troops at Peekskill

stricken out.
294
[March
could be so situated, as to be in the way of obeying a sudden
call
Urge the Committee to dispatch the removal of

some safe and convenient place. It was utterly
and ever against my judgment to begin them where
to this quarter.
the Magazines, to
impolitic,
they
now are.
am etc. 17
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Head
Dear
Sir:
When
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
speaking of your Son,
18
15, 1777.
was
just
informed, that he had not been provided for in the
pointment of Officers in your

they were made.
ferings for
I
it,
when
The part he early took in the contest, and sufif
to be neglected;
he inclines to continue in Service, that he
be appointed to the
panies
late ap-
being under parole
would not be rewarded, was he
therefore wish,
may
State,
now
command
of one of the four
wrote Genl. George Clinton to
are not already nominated, or
if
he
is
raise, if all
Com-
the Officers
not under promises on
you will communicate to Genl. Clinton, and

Mr. McDougall cannot be provided for in that way, you
will be pleased to set him to raising a Company and to fix
on such Officers as you and he shall esteem good, and who can
assist in facilitating the Work. I will annex it to some Regithat head. This
if
ment.
am etc. 19
To THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Morris Town, March
15, 1777.
me leave to introduce to your attention, Major

Genl. Greene, who obliges me by delivering this. He is a GenDr.
Sir:
Give
tleman in whose
abilities I
place the most intire confidence.
17
The draft, in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton,
dated March 14.
18
Ranald or Ronald T. McDougall, lieutenant in the First New York Regiment.
19
is
PRESS OF BUSINESS
1777]
295
A long acquaintance with him justifies me in this; the clanger

Communicating by Letter our present Situation, and the inknowing it, have compelled
me, tho' I can illy Spare so useful an Officer at this time, to Send
him to Philadelphia. His perfect knowledge of our Strength,
and of my opinion, enables him to give Congress the most
of
dispensible necessity of Congress
Satisfactory
Accounts they can
desire. I
am &c. 20
To SAMUEL WASHINGTON 21
Morristown, March
15, 1777.
Dear Brother: The Gentlemen returning from Camp will,

I expect, be so overburthened with news, that you will not know
the want of it for a month to come. To them, I refer you, with
this assurance of mine, as an opinion, that Genl. Howe will
move towards Philadelphia the moment the Roads become
passable for his Artillery and Baggage.
22
I got Thornton
Inoculated on Wednesday Week, he has had
the eruptive Fever and is in a very fair way of having the disorder slightly, after this I shall give him an Ensigncy in a new
Regiment I shall give Col.Thruston the raising of, by which he
will still continue under the immediate care of that Gentleman.
1 wish it had been in my power to have paid greater regard
to your recommendation of Captn. Cooke and others than it
was. This Compy. was at a distance from me, and immersed
as I am in business, the attention is naturally taken up with
objects of such quick succession that
one can hardly advert to

do not immediately strike you; and besides,
I have ever been cautious of showing more civility to my own
Countrymen than others to avoid the charge of partiality. I do
those matters that
The draft
Delegates.
is
^Born Nov.
in the writing of
George Johnston. This
letter
was a
circular to the
He was married five times. Washington

Samuel Washington, Berkeley County, Va.
"Thornton Washington, son of Samuel by his second wife, Mildred Thornton. He
was born in 1760.
addressed this
16, 1734, died in 1781.
letter to Col.
296
[March
not doubt but they, without attending to my situation, or considering my motives, have blamed me for neglect; but upon mature
am persuaded I shall stand acquitted by them.

The request you make with respect to my Picture, I should
reflection
have no
difficulty in
complying with,
want
themselves, the
if it
were practicable to
two insurmountable obstacles offer

Painter, and if a Painter could be
gratify you, but, at present,
of a
brought hither, the want of time to sit.
mine taken from
of
Camp
the busy scenes of a
mind
is
My
not bent
life, it
If ever you get a picture

must be when I am removed from
and ought to be at a time when the
down with
care.
my
and the little

23
ones and with every sentiment of regard and love I am, etc.
best affections are rendered to
Sister
GENERAL ORDERS
Headquarters, Morris
Parole Frankfort.
Hafnagle
Lt.
vice
24
Capt Myers
is
25
Town, March
16, 1777.
Countersign Kensington.
appointed Captn. in the 8th Pennsa. Regt.
resigned
he
is
to be obeyed accordingly.
To COLONEL ANGUS
Headquarters, Morris
McDONALD
Town, March
16, 1777.
Being informed that you are not yet in the Continental

26
Service,
1 have taken the liberty to appoint you Lieut. Colo,
Sir
to one of the 16 additional Battalions, the Command of

I
which
have given to Mr. Thruston.

I
sincerely
wish that you would accept
this office;
and
let
me
you not to permit the love you bear to the cause to be

smothered by any Neglect of attention to your Military Character; the contest is of too serious and important a nature to be
entreat
23
The
text is from the Toner Transcripts in the Library of Congress.

Capt. Michael Hufnagel. He had been adjutant of the First Continental Infantry.
Capt. Eleazar Myers.
20
McDonald was at Winchester, Va.
24
26
ST.
1777]
AUGUSTINE EXPEDITION
managed by men
attachment to
and
unacquainted with the duties of the
totally
Gentlemen who have from
field.
this
in so forcible a
by the very
first
youth discovered an
their
way of life are in my opinion called upon

manner that they ought not withold them-
You will please
selves.
297
to
communicate your Resolution
opportunity.
27
am etc.
to
me
2&
To BRIGADIER GENERAL ROBERT HOWE

OR OFFICER COMMANDING IN GEORGIA
Sir:
Morris Town in Jersey, March 17, 1777.

Not long since I was honoured with a visit from Colonel
Walton,
29
one of the Delegates of Georgia to the Continental
Congress, who suggested the propriety of an Expedition against

St.
Augustine, requesting, at the same time,
communicated
to you. If the
a probability of Success,
stanced, as
it is
it
much
to be desired; but circum-
am in point of Situation and distance, and for want
of a proper knowledge of
upon
my Opinion to be
measure can be attempted, with
many
things,
can not determine
with precision.
therefore wish you to inform yourself of the Strength of the
Garrison, the fortification and
Number
Cannon, the route

consult with the Govr. of
of
and approaches to the place, and to

Georgia and the President of South Carolina, as to the expediency and practicability of the Enterprise. If it shall be considered, from the forces which they can furnish, the mode for
Subsisting the Troops and from the Season of the Year, and every
other Circumstance, that
it
can be attempted with a prospect of
27
On April 4 Lieut. Col. George Johnston wrote again to McDonald, sending him, by
direction of Washington, $2,000 for recruiting money: "Tis his Excellency's earnest
wish, that you accept the Commission he offered you by his letter lately sent you by
Mr. Edward Smith. Should you, contrary to his desire, refuse it, pray be so good as to
forward the Money and Instructions to Major Thornton, that no time may be lost
in raising the Regiment." McDonald declined (April 20) in a letter, which is in the
Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.
28
From a copy furnished by Clifford R. Myers, State historian, Charleston, W. Va.
Another copy is in the Toner Transcripts in the Library of Congress.
^George Walton.
298
Success,
it
ought to be immediately undertaken.
of considerable importance,
and
if it
[March
It is
an object
could be effected, would
produce the most valuable and Salutary consequences.

I
have writen to the States of Carolina and Georgia upon the
subject,
and
to
and flatter myself if the scheme
sary to the execution of it.
upon
shall appear advisable,
promise success, that they will give you every aid neces-
the matter,
I shall expect
and have only
to have your sentiments
to add,
if it is
the issue of the Enterprise will greatly depend
and dispatch with which
To
it is
conducted.
attempted, that
upon the
am etc.
GOVERNOR JOHN RUTLEDGE

Morris Town, in Jersey, March
Sir:
The
secrecy
30
81
17, 1777,
reduction of St Augustine being considered as an
object of infinite importance;
have wrote to General Howe,
who commands in Georgia, to consult with you, and the Governor of that State, the propriety of
against
making an expedition
it.
If on consideration of every Circumstance, the measure shall

seem practicable, and to promise a prospect of Success, I flatter
am well assured, that you will chearfully concur;

and give General Howe every Aid in your power, necessary to
myself,
and
the execution of
derive
it;
in conjunction with the Assistance
from Georgia.
have the honor
To PRESIDENT
etc.
JONATHAN BRYAN
Morris Town, in Jersey, March

Sir :
have wrote to General
gia, to consult
30
The
Of South Carolina.
33
Of Georgia.
The
draft
is
17, 1777.
Howe who Commands in Geor-
making an Attempt upon
31
is
33
with you and the President of South Carolina,
the Propriety of
draft
he will
32
in the writing of
in the writing of
Alexander Hamilton.
St Augustine.
GREENE SENT TO CONGRESS
1777]
If
on consideration, the measure
practicable,
I flatter
shall
seem expedient and

and that of South
myself, that your State
Carolina will chearfully concur and give General

aid necessary for the eexcution of
The good consequences

an Expedition,
if it
due consideration
circumstances, that the Enterprize

I
have the honor
To THE PRESIDENT OF
Head
The
would have a
84
etc.
THE CONGRESS
Quarters, Morris
difficulty, if
just Idea of
from such
me to hope for a ready compliance
shall appear, after
fortunate and favorable issue.
Sir :
the
attended with success, are too obvious to
if
with the requisition,

all
Howe
it.
that will certainly result
escape your notice, and lead
had of
299
Town, March
18, 1777.
not impossibility, of giving Congress a
our situation, and of several other important mat-
by letter, has induced me

on Major General Greene to wait upon them for that
purpose. This Gentleman is so much in my Confidence, so intimately acquainted with my ideas, with our strength and our
weaknesses, with every thing respecting the Army, that I have
ters requiring their earliest attention
to prevail
thought
it
unnecsary to particularize or prescribe any certain

shall only say, from the
line of duty or enquiries for
him.
he holds as an able and good
Officer, in the estimation of
rank
all
who
know him, he deserves the greatest respect and much regard is

due to
his opinions in the line of his profession.
He
has
upon
me most material to be imand many more will probably arise

during the intercourse you may think proper to honor him
with, on all which, I wish to have the sense of Congress and
the result of such deliberations as may be formed thereupon.
I have inclosed an Extract of a Letter, received yesterday from
Govr.TrumbuU,withaCopy of one intercepted, going from the
his
mind, such matters
mediately considered
The
draft
is
as
appear to
of,
Hanson Harrison.
300
Govr. Wentworth
late
tained in the Letter,

far
if
35
to be relied on,
it is
to his Sister.
true,
is
[March
The information
important and interesting.
con-
How
cannot determine; but there can be
no doubt of the British Court's straining every nerve and

terest at
Home
and abroad,
Yoke. Ihave&c.
to
bend us
in-
to their insufferable
36
*To MAJOR GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE

The
Sir:
necessity of
18, 1777.
having the Congress well inform'd of
many matters essential to the
well being of this army, and the
Impracticability of doing this fully by Letter, have induced

to request
me
you (who intimately know our Circumstances) to
repair immediately to Philadelphia for this purpose; at the
same time, to know how we are to be supplied with Arms and

many other Articles of wch. we are exceedingly deficient.
To
enumerate the several matters of information necessary
to be given,
and the enquiries proper
needless, as endless; your

as
made, would be as
own good Sense assisted by such hints
you have reed, will be abundly.
Two
to be
or three things however,
Suflft.
I
must in a more particular
manner, recomd. to your attention; the one
ment
is,
the embarrass-
am laid under with respect to carrying the Exchange of
Prisoners into Execution (agreeable to the cartel settled with
Genl.
Howe) by order of Congress on Acct. of the confinement
of Lt. Colo. Campbell
But
how
3d
and the Hessian Field
would have you enquire
Officers.
37
of the Quarter Master Genl.
he stands provided with Tents, Ammunition Carts or
Gov. John Wentworth. The inclosures are not found in either the Washington
Papers or the Papers of the Continental Congress.
30
87
In the Papers of the Continental Congress (No. 152, IV, folios 5-9, 13, 19) are
various memoranda regarding the exchange of prisoners which Greene seems to have
used in conferring with Congress on this subject.
WORN-OUT HORSES
1777]
301
Waggons, Waggons for Intrenching Tools and Hatchets, or

Tomahawks. Also of the Corny, of Stores how he goes on in
his Castings of Cannon. Making Cartridges (of which numbers
should be in readiness) and in general, what forwardness the
business of the Elaboratory is in, and urge him to the most
diligent discharge of the duties thereof.
One thing in particular I beg of you to Impress strongly upon

Congress, and that
is
the necessity of keeping the Paymaster
regularly supplied with the Article of Cash; without
it,
every
thing moves slowly on; and many, and great disadvantages

flow from the want of it, as we have most wof ully experienced
of late in numberless Instances.
As
the Establishment of the horse with respect to the Pay
seems to be upon an unstable footing and

necessary that both Officers and
have to depend upon.
upon such
settled
a just
Men
should
should be glad
and
it is
if
indispensably
know what
they
the pay could be
liberal footing as to give satisfac-
tion to the Parties.
To MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS MIFFLIN

Morristown, March
Dear
Sir: I very sincerely congratulate
promotion.
The purport of this
in restraining the
Horses,
Waggon
Letter
Master,
highly approve, because
trary practice
is
18, 1777.
you upon your
private.
late
Your design
from buying and
selling
am well assured, that a con-
would be introductory
of a great deal of fraud,
and imposition upon the public. But as it is more than probable

that, in the course of service, many Horses will be so worn
down as to render it beneficial to the public to have them sold,
I
should be glad, in that case, and no other, to come in as a
common purchaser of a parcel of Mares, to the number of even

fifty
or an hundred.
302
[March
many large Farms and am improving a great deal of

Land into Meadow and Pasture, which cannot fail of being
I
have
number of Brood Mares; the getting of which,

may, perhaps, come easier and readier, in this way, than any
other. I again repeat, that it is upon the presumption the good
of the service requires such Sales, that I mean to become (as
profited by a
another person) a purchaser But could wish, nevertheless, that

:
it might be done without any mention of my name; well knowing that the most innocent and upright Actions are often mis-
would not be
construed,
and
said, that I
was defrauding the public of
that
it
surprising,
these
if it
should be
Mares by some
collusion or other.
I
should not care
provided
how low in flesh, or even crippled, they are,
could get them home; but
them Old, and would

any Colour.
say, easily
name
If
prefer Bays,
should not like to have
though
shall not object to
such Sales are found necessary, you can,
manage
the matter so, in
my behalf,
as to
dare
keep
my
out of the Question.
My best Respects to Mrs. Mifflin. With truth and sincerity,

I
am etc.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Brunswick.
to
19, 1777.
Countersign Amboy.
Major William McWilliams is appointed an Aide-De-Camp

Major Genl Lord Stirling, and is to be obeyed and respected
as such.
The Non-commissioned
ton's Regt.
officers
and
Day-
soldiers of Col:
whose Arms, and Accoutrements
are in repair, are,
upon a settlement, to have Credit in their accounts, for the

sums stopped from them respectively, for said arms &c Such
of the Arms as have been damaged, and can be repaired, are
LOSS OF ARMS
1777]
likewise to be accounted for, with them,
allowance for the Repair;
With
303
making
this the
men
a reasonable
made
are to be
acquainted, as soon as possible.
The commanding
necessary
for
Officer of the
Regiment
will,
Warrant on the Pay-Master Genl.
tion, receive a
the
Arms
on applica-
for the
sum
will then be the property of the public,
which the Colonel, or commanding Officer must be answer-
able;
And
he will be careful to take Receipts from the Cap-
commanding Companies, which will so far

them preserved and
kept in good order If any Arms are lost or damaged thro'
carelessness of the Soldiers, the loss or damage must be made
good by the individual As the whole Regiment have not reinlisted, the supernumerary Arms and Accoutrements to be detains, or Officers
discharge him;
it
will be their duty to have
livered to the
Commissary
of Military Stores,
who will
give a
Receipt for the same.

Head
Dear
rations in your
I
department are so forward.

altera-
thought necessary for the future Regulation of the Office
Qr Mr.
General, and desired you to proceed with
dition in the execution of

I
19, 1777.
wrote to you on the 13th, and informed you of what
tions I
of
Town, March
few days ago favoured with yours of the

from Reading, and am glad to find, that the prepa-
Sir: I
9th. instt.,
was
Quarters, Morris
all
expe-
it.
have a Letter of the 9th, from Mr. Snickers; he had not then
reed, your orders for the purchase of
Teams,
at
which he was
very uneasy, as the price of Horses was rising daily.
have
like-
Thomas Rutherford, to whom I made the

offer of Waggon Master General, but his ill health renders him
wise heard from Mr.
304
unfit to
fill
[March
As I have been unfortunate
so active a Department.
enough to be disappointed in the only three persons, who came

within my Knowledge, as proper to manage so important a
Station as Waggon Master General, I must leave the matter
to you,
and hope you
will
meet with
know
much
the ease of your
that
need give you no directions for your Choice.
You
better Success.
the necessary qualifications for this Officer,
own
well
and how
department depends upon him,
have had so many complaints of irregularity and ill conduct
in the Deputy Commissaries, which

to remedy, that
have in vain endeavoured
some time ago directed Colo. Trumbull
to
come down himself and regulate his own Department. I expect

him daily, when I hope he will make strict inquiry into the
38
Conduct of all of them, Captn.Wade may be a man of warm
temper, but he has had a sad disaffected Set todealwith. Whenever the Settlement of your Accounts will permit you to come
to head Quarters,
approaches
fast,
shall be very glad to see you, as the Season
when
the presence of the heads of every De-
partment will be highly necessary.
Yours of the
P. S.
which
17th.
broke to add
Philadelphia.
is
just
am
come
etc.
to
hand
after sealing,
this postscript. Colo. Biddle is
To CAPTAIN BENJAMIN
You have
of the
dark greys.
to
TALLMADGE
Morristown, March
mine
gone
39
20, 1777.
rightly construed the permission, contained in

first instant,
It
respecting the raising of a troop of
was my intention that this should be done in case
a sufficiency of horses of the ordinary colour could not be readily
obtained.
With
respect to
money,
^Capt. Francis(?) Wade.

**The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
cannot
at this
time
PURPOSE OF ENEMY
1777]
conveniently grant a supply of the

as
it
me
appears to
Trumbull
sum you
request; especially
that the 10,000 advanced by
to Colonel
305
Governor
Sheldon cannot yet be exhausted.
Though Capt. Lewis's 40 troop has been annexed to a different

regiment, yet as
design to have another troop added to yours,
the cloathing you speak of

I
is
to
come on with your regiment.
expect and desire that every endeavor
same ready
for the field
honorable to the
good
officers
may be used to have the
as soon as possible, which will be as
belonging to
of the public service,
it
as conducive to the
41
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Dear Sir

The late collection of Waggons, by the Enemy upon
Long and Staten Islands, some of which are already brought

over to Amboy, plainly indicate a move, whenever the State
of the Roads will permit. Several Accounts by Deserters
others, also agree, that Materials
York
and
have been brought from New
for constructing a floating Bridge,
which can be
for
no
other purpose than laying across the Delaware. These forward
Enemy, ought to put us in mind of our

backwardness, and tho' I have no doubt of, and have no reason
preparations of the
to
complain of your exertions,
things to you, that you

sity that
there
is,
for
cannot help mentioning these
may impress the Officers with the neces-
having their Quotas of
the Field, as early as possible.

40
Men brought into
find that nothing will procure
Capt. George Lewis.

In private hands. It was sold at auction in 1909. This letter was an answer to one
from Tallmadge (March 16), which is indorsed by Alexander Hamilton: "Answered
ye 20th 1777 desiring him to innoculate his regiment and bring on the Cloathing he
mentions for some other troop to be added to his regiment. No money because the
,10.000 lawful advanced to Col. Sheldon cannot yet be exhausted." Tallmadge's
letter is in the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.
41
306
[March
a just State of the recruiting Service, but obliging the Officers
make
They draw Arms, Clothes and Money,

Number of Men, and when
under
they are obliged to make a Return, they fall Shamefully short
of my expectations. Of this I have a recent instance from Connecticut, one of the Colonels drew four hundred Arms from
Peeks Kill, under pretence of having as many Men, and Genl.
Parsons, by a late return, makes his Regiment consist of but
to
actual returns.
pretence of having a great
Men
Eighty. Be pleased also to see that the

lected, for I find
another practice prevailing of inlisting the
Men, paying them
the Bounty
and Suffering them
about the Country, by which means they
dozen
Officers. I
returned are col-
inlist
to
ramble
with half a
am etc. 42
Head
Dear
and
am favoured
Sir: I
6th.
Quarters, Morris
March. So
far
Town, March
with yours of the
20, 1777.
23rd., February,
from allowing the Goods brought
off
from Long
Island, to be sold for the captors or rather plun-
derers, that
if
all
I
the
Goods
you had not assured

to
me
the officer delivered
you and seemed to think he acted for the
should have ordered
him
disobedience of orders; But
to be tried
I
desire he
manded, and the Goods restored
best,
by a court martial for
may
be severely repriif
such
shall
have
to the owners: for
practices are not put a stop to in the beginning,
we
nothing but descents upon the Island, under pretence of

tressing the
Enemy, when
in fact
Inhabitants, without respect to
The
42
The
draft
is
Island dangerous,
in the writing of
dis-
will be to plunder the
Whig or Tory.
present disposition of the
upon Long
it
up
if
Enemy, renders an attempt

You had
not impracticable.
Tench Tilghman.
1777]
therefore, better lay
it
aside,
307
and content yourself with a Con-
tinuance of your exertion in forwarding the Recruits within
your Department, as soon as they are out of the small pox,
during which time, preparations must be made for accoutr-
They must not
ing them.
home,
stay at
till
they are as well
as they could wish; I fear too many of the Officers

make this a pretence for not coming on to Camp. Genl. Howe
equipped
is
preparing fast to take the Field; very
little
prevents his doing
now, the badness of the Roads can only prevent him,

and they must settle and be passable in a little time. Reinforcements therefore are indispensably necessary. Nothing but
it
just
inoculation
must detain the
About three Weeks
Recruits.
to this place, told

inlisted,
Arms.
all,
that his Father
If
he has not a
already inlisted.
any Gentleman
Moreover,
of Colo.
this
It
'till
many
number of Men to use them

him and put them into the hands of
never was
he had
have heard
Webb's
for as
sufficient
my
Men
intention to give
to use
arms
them immediately.
lately, that there are
but slender hopes
raising his Battalion. Please to inquire into
matter and inform
how
had four hundred men
and procured an Order on Mr. Chevers
take the overplus from
men
to
me
past,
came
Colo. Charles Webb's Son, the Adjutant to his Battalion,
me how
essentially necessary
it is
stands.
it
that
You
will observe,
should immediately be
furnished with a State of the Battalions. Be so good as to for-
ward
the Return within your Department, as soon as you can
possibly procure
it.
am etc. 43
To MAJOR JOHN
Head
Sir:
Quarters, Morris
Having determined
talion in Virginia, the

43
The
draft
is
THORNTON
in the writing of
Town, March
20, 1777.
to attempt the raising another Bat-
command
of
which
is
given to Mr.
Tench Tilghman and George Johnston.
308
C. Thruston
Major.
to
fill
44
of Frederick,
have not forgot, that
[March
have a desire to appoint you the

it
was
in contemplation for
you
the office of Lieut. Colonel, of Colo. Henley's Battalion;
but, besides the improbability,

cess will attend this
from his own account,
attempt in
New
England,
that suc-
discover that
there are several Captains in the Virginia Line, with older
Commissions than yours,
who will complain of so rapid a pro-
motion; For these reasons

to offer
you
this Majority.
I think it more for the public good,

Angus McDonald Esqr.of Frederick
designed for the Lieutt. Colonel. Tis at present doubtful
is
whether he will come into

Circumstances
may
justify
Service.
Should he
refuse, perhaps
your supplying the Vacancy. Be
pleased to communicate your determination to
mean time
ately, in the
tions
'tis
and Money may be
proper that the recruiting Instruc-
sent to you
and the Regiment be filling
up during Colo. Thruston's indisposition.

P. S. A certain Gentleman your Junior,
not, as
is
me immedi-
am etc.
only a Major, and
is
supposed, a Lieutt. Colo, of Horse.
45
To ROBERT ALEXANDER 46
Morristown, March
Dear Sir
to
have waited, as I think you must do me the justice
acknowledge, with a good deal of patience, to see
disposed to
I
fulfil
purchased of you in Maryland. As
greater prospect of
first
made,
"Col. Charles
45
you were
hear nothing of your
its
being done now, than
and
see
no
when the bargain
cannot help considering the Affair in a point
of view very unfavourable.
46
if
your agreement with me, respecting the Land
intentions of carrying this matter into execution,
was
20, 1777.
Mynn Thurston.
The draft is in the writing

Of Fairfax County, Va.
of
George Johnston.
LAND PURCHASE
1777]
309
think, any Gentleman, possessed of but a very moderate
degree of influence with his Wife, might, in the course of five

or six Years (for
upon her
to
think
it is
do an Act of
complying with
at least that
time) have prevailed
justice, in fulfilling his
his wishes, if
Bargains and
he had been really in earnest
in requesting the matter of her; especially, as the inducement
which you thought would have
a powerful operation
on Mrs.
Alexander, namely the birth of a Child, has been doubled,
and
tripled.
It is
not a very favourable time
Lands upon the Water; but

with the views
give
in
my
situation
it,
purchase
I
still
corresponds
have waited your
with a degree of patience which
would have done,
hope you will
me no further cause to complain of your delays; for I can-
not help repeating, and the

is
acknowledge, to purchase
out upon, and
I first set
time for the completion of
few others
as this
World
will believe, that the fault
not in Mrs. Alexander, but yourself,
nated any longer.
am
if
matters are procrasti-
etc.
To ANTHONY
WALTON WHITE
Morristown, March
20, 1777.
Dear Sir: I have been honoured with your favour of the

Instant.
The Reasons
pointments of
It
was
for your being overlooked in the ap-
this State,
acquainted with, than
15th.
you
are,
no doubt,
am. Some
as well or better
have heard assigned.
my wish to serve you: It is still my wish to do so; but
I have been told, that your manner of leaving the Northern

Army, was inconsistent with the Character of an Officer. This
is
not
all. I
am also told, that you have unfortunately indulged
yourself in a loose,
unguarded way of talking, which has often
brought your own veracity in question, and trouble upon others.
310
This, Sir,
were
not
should not have taken the liberty of mentioning,

still
disposed to serve you, and find that the
has but too much influence upon the Corps
this
matter to you; and your
freedom,
I
when
assure
own good
you that
now on
me to hint
sense will excuse the
my intentions are good.
Foot can be equipped. But, possibly,
how
may be
see
'till I
my power to give you some other Appointment;
If I
latter,
wished to get you
have no design of raising any more Horse,
those
in
Motives of friendship, therefore, have induced
into.
[March
it
especially,
could be convinced, that such foibles as must forever stain
a Character could be done away. For, believe me, Sir,
to the
con-
and what most
sidered as a very exceptionable part of yours,
people, with
it is
whom I have conversed, are afraid of, as hurtful
good harmony of a Corps, and dangerous
to the peace
of Society.
This Letter
is
altogether private:
acquainted with the contents of

I
it;
No person, but yourself, is

and but
for the inclination
have to serve you, you also would be uninformed of my
ments, and wishes for a reformation.
To

Sir: I
Instt.
have
was
last
1777.
night honoured with your Letter of the 17th
covering sundry Resolutions of Congress, which shall
my
attention.
Having charged Major Genl. Greene, who

in Philadelphia to day, with such matters as
to the consideration of Congress,
them with at this time,

47
the Honor to be, etc.
47
senti-
am etc.
will probably be
I
have nothing to trouble
or material to inform
Hanson Harrison.
wished to refer
them
of. I
have
1777]
To MAJOR
GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE

Morris
Dear
Sir: I
was
311
last
Town, March 21,
1777.
night honoured with a Letter from Con-
gress of the 17th. Instt., covering
Sundry Resolutions. They
have determined to adhere to those formed sometime ago,
re-
specting Lieutt. Colo. Campbell and the Hessian Field Officers;
Yet
am not able to conclude certainly, whether they mean to
hold them as Sureties for the future Safety and good treatment
of General Lee
'till
his
Exchange
is
whether
declared by General
Howe
on the same footing of other prisoners belonging
to our
they are only to be detained, till he

to be
really effected, or
is
Army, and exchangeable in like manner, whenever we have an

Officer of theirs of equal
rank to
meetings already had for settling a

change, and
You know the

more regular mode of Ex-
offer for
him.
how embarrassing my situation is, I therefore wish
you to obtain the Sense of Congress
explicitly
upon the Subject
and to transmit it as early as you can, with such Resolves as they
may pass about fixing a Cartel.
am etc. 48
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, March 21, 1777.
Parole Effingham.
The
Countersign Falkland.
execution of Serjt. Porterfield
is
stopt
'till
Friday the
28th. Instant.
The
Colonels,
and Commanding
Officers, of all the Conti-
nental Battalions at present in the Jerseys, are immediately to
make out their respective Abstracts up to the first of this Month,

all sums of money received by them
account,
and
deliver them to the Pay Master
respectively on
giving Credit in them, for
General
48
The
No excuse will be admitted for the
draft
is
Hanson Harrison.
least delay.
::
312
[March
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Georgia.
Countersign Hallifax.
The Commander
in Chief
promotions.
is
pleased to
make
the following
viz
Major John Green of the
1st. Virginia Battalion
to be Lieuten-
ant Colonel of the same, vacant by the death of Lt Col. Eppes.
49
Capt. Robert Ballard of the same to be the Major of the same,
vacant by the promotion of Lt Col Green.

Lieut. Col Alexander Spotswood of the 2nd. Virginia Battn.to
be Colonel of the same, vacant by the resignation of Col. Woodford
60
Major Richard Parker of the 6th. to be Lieut. Colonel,
vacant by the promotion of Col Spotswood. Capt.
Morgan
Alexander of the 2nd. to be the Major, vacant by the promotion

of Lt Col
Markham 51 to the 8th.
Lt Col Thomas Marshall of the 3rd Virginia Battalion to com-
mand the same, vacant by the promotion of Brigadier Weedon. 52

Capt. George Gibson of the
Major of the
4th.,
1st.
Virginia Battalion, to be
vacant by the promotion of Lt Col Sayres
53
to the 9th.
Lt Col Alexander McClenachan of the 7th. Virginia Battalion, to
of Col
be Colonel of that Battalion, vacant by the removal
Crawford
54
Major William Neilson of the same
to be
Lieutenant Colonel, vacant by the promotion of Col McClen-
achan: Capt. William Davies of the
1st.
to be Major, vacant
by the promotion of Lt. Col Neilson.

49
He was killed in the Battle of Long Island, N. Y.

William Woodford. He had been promoted to brigadier general, Continental
Army, on February 21; wounded at Brandy wine, Pa., on September n; taken prisoner at Charleston, S. C, in May, 1780; died in captivity on November 13 of that year.
"Lieut. Col. John Markham. He was cashiered Oct. 26, 1777.
52
Brig. Gen. George Weedon.
53
Lieut. Col. John Sayres. He was killed at Germantown, Pa.
M Maj. William Crawford.
60
Lieut. Col. Francis Eppcs.
Col.
EXCHANGE NEGOTIATIONS
1777]
Lt Col
313
Bowman 05 of the 8th. Virginia Battalion to be Colonel
of the same, by promotion of Brigadier Muhlenberg, and
John
Markham
Major
of the 2nd. to be Lieutenant Colonel, vacant
by promotion of Col Bowman.

Lt.
Col George Matthews of the 9th. Virginia Battalion to be
Colonel of the same, vacant by the death of Col Fleming
Major John Sayres of the
56
and
4th. to be Lieut. Colonel, vacant
by
the promotion of Col Mathews.
As
it is
not possible, from the present dispersed state of the
many of whom
Army, and may have a claim
from
Virginia Officers,
are necessarily absent
the
for promotion, but are not
taken notice of in the foregoing arrangement,

served that
it is
no Conclusion must be drawn from
prejudice of such Gentlemen.
to be ob-
this order in
When circumstances will permit
the residue of the vacancies will be filled up, and the

all
the officers in that Line settled
on
just
Rank
of
and reasonable prin-
regard being had to their seniority, and the good of
ciples;
the service.
To MAJOR GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE

Head
Dear
Sir: I
am
Quarters, Morris
Town, March
22, 1777.
again called upon for another meeting be-
tween Colo. Walcott and Mr. Harrison, to negotiate the
Cartel,
so long the Subject of correspondence between Genl. Howe
and
Myself, and those
two Gentlemen. Without incurring a further
charge of delay,
could not defer their interview longer than
next Friday morning;
therefore request, that you will transmit
me by Express, who may arrive here early enough on Thursday

for
Mr. Harrison
to set out, such Resolution, as Congress shall
have or may form on your Application, for their vesting me with

55
53
Abraham Bowman. He resigned

Thomas Fleming. He had died Jan. 30,
December.
Lieut. Col.
in
Col.
1777.
314
[March
and
on the Subject of my last to you; Viz, whether
they mean to release and Exchange Colo. Campbell and the
powers for
settling this Business; also their sense, in direct
explicit terms,
Hessian Field
Officers,
supposing Genl.
Howe
should declare
Genl. Lee on the footing of other prisoners, and liable to be
Exchanged on the principles
of the agreement
now subsisting,
or whether they are determined to detain them, tho' he should.
much to be satisfied in those points, a Knowledge of

them may prevent further embarrassments and more unnecesI
wish
sary meetings
I
it
upon
the Subject of a Cartel.
have nothing material to advise you
was reported
last
57
of,
unless
night, that five deserters
came
it is,
that
to Colo.
Hand's Regiment yesterday morning, and Seven the Evening

before, they are not arrived here yet, but I believe the Account
is
true.
am etc. 58
HEATH

Dear Sir
1777.
wrote to you the 13th, directing you to order eight
of the Regiments of your State, to march, with the greatest

expedition, to Peeks Kill;
alteration of
my
then gave you
former orders. Altho'
my Reasons for this

called
upon you
the most pressing manner, to hurry the Troops on,
help again repeating my distress for the want of Men.

eral
in
cannot
The gen-
backwardness of the recruiting Service, to which must be
added the necessary delay of inoculation, makes me very fearful,

that the Enemy will be enabled to take the field before we can
collect a force any ways adequate to making a proper opposition.
"Hancock wrote Washington (March 26) "The Congress have authorized you to
proceed in the Exchange of Prisoners agreeably to the Cartel at present existing, or
such other Regulations as you may think proper to make in the Matter, provided the
Enemy will relax in their Treatment of Genl. Lee and acknowledge him to be a Prisoner of War, and as such entitled to be exchanged." Hancock's letter is in the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.
8
:
NEED OF MONEY
1777]
therefore again conjure you, to leave
send those immediately forward,
315
no means
and those who have undergone inoculation, as soon

with safety undergo the fatigue of the march.
To
untried, to
who have had the Small pox,

I
as they
can
am etc. 59

Head Qurs., Morris Town, March 23,
Sir Colo. Palfrey having expressed a desire to

:
counts of his Office to this time has obtained

repair to Philadelphia
and now
settle
1777.
the Ac-
my permission to
waits on Congress with his
Books and Vouchers, hoping that a Committee will be appointed to examine and adjust the same.
disadvantages which have arisen to the Service and
The
which have been
severely felt, for
want
of constant Supplies
in the Military Chest, are almost incredible
and are not
to be
who
Army and privy to the frequent and importunate Applications that are made. To prevent inconveniencies of the like
are not immediately
described, but with difficulty, to those

in the
nature, in future,
have thought
it
proper, that an Estimate of
the Monthly advances should be formed and

gress.
This Colo. Palfrey will do, and tho'
with a degree of scrupulous exactness and
it
laid before
Con-
cannot be effected
precision; Yet
from
knowledge of the incidental charges and expences,

in the Common course of things, the calculation I apprehend
will be attended with many benefits. It will shew Congress the
his intimate
necessary provisions of
gencies
Money to be made for ordinary contin-
and enable them
to
form a Rule
in the instance of Supplies in the

59
The
Army.
for their
I
government
have &c.
60

the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. The draft, also by Harrison, contains
the additional sentence: "To him I beg leave to refer you, and adding that much
regard is due to his Opinions on this Subject and every Matter appertaining to
În
his Office."
316
To
[March

Sir: I
am honored with yours
of the 8th
and 10th
1777.
Inst.
The
accompanying an Account of the Committee of Simsbury,

against prisoners who were sent there by my order. There is no
first
part of the charge to be objected against, but that of 9.6.0 said

to be the
I
Expence and trouble of the Committee themselves.
cannot see
a Matter; or
if
either could have
any, that
However,
tion.
able
how
I
it
been incurred in so
could have borne so large a propor-
think the State had better pay what
and right and make
trivial
a Continental
Charge of
is
reason-
it.
I wish you may not have been deceived in the forwardness of
your Regiments, for

of
what was given
can assure you, the Returns
out.
Tho' the
latter sent his
and drew four hundred Stand

father
had
were half
of Facts
as
many men
full,
it is
Durkee's
short
of
61
had only Eighty

son down some Weeks ago
by General Parsons's Letter of the 6th
Men each.
fall far
Chandlers, Swifts and Chas. Webbs,

Inst.,
Arms, assuring me
that his
ready. None of the other Regiments
62
evident, that
had only 140 Men. From this State

if the most spirited exertions are not
made, the Enemy will take the Field before we can draw a sufficient
head of Men together to oppose them.
am informed that
upon their different Districts, to furnish as many Men as are sufficient to make up their
Quota of the Eighty Eight Battalions, and that they have Succeeded by this Mode, far better than if they had proceeded in
the State of Massachusetts have called
the usual line of inlistment.
dont
know whether your
State
can exercise such powers; but if you can, you could never make
use of
01
them
at a better time.
Col. John Chandler's Eighth, Col.
From
the present appearance of
Heman
Swift's Seventh,
Webb's Second Connecticut Regiments.

02
Col. John Durkee's Fourth Connecticut Regiment.
and Col. Charles
TORY ACTIVITIES
1777]
317
the Weather, the Spring promises to be a forward one, and
from every account, the Enemy only wait

and good Roads to take the field.
The reinforcement
worth,
out,
I
believe,
good Weather
of Russians, spoke of by Govr.
mentioned in several
is
for
letters that
Went-
have been thrown
with an intent to divide and intimidate; for altho
do not doubt but they would employ Russians or any other
Barbarians to accomplish their designs,
do not think there
a probability that they can be here very shortly,
Govr. Livingston informed
is
if at all.
me a few days ago, that he under-
Governor Franklin, by some means or other con-
stood, that
trived to carry
on
a Correspondence with
Mr.
Hugh
Wallace
New York; And a Gentleman of the name of Livingston,

who went into New York and took protection, but not liking
in
upon
his Situation returned again informs
that
oath, that he heard
Governor Franklin, granted protections
them
take
in Connecticut,
and that one Shackles
town
carried
New
York. This, Livingston
Clerk.
to such as
would
of Middle-
on a Correspondence with Miles Sherbrook
dont
know
says,
in
he had from Sherbrooks
that the foregoing
proof against Governor Franklin, but
it
amounts
to possitive
ought at least to put you
upon your guard and have him narrowly watched.
am &c. 63
*ToTHE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS

Head
Sir:
to
Quarters, Morris
Town, March 26,
Yesterday a Letter, of which the Inclosed
is
1777.
a Copy, came
my hands. The Acct. is confirmd by a Countryman who is
since
come
in,
but nothing distinct has yet been received.
The aid required of me in Colo Hay's Letter, cannot be given.

I
have no
ter,
63
Men to oppose the Enemy's designs in any one Quar-
altho' called
The
draft
is
upon from every Quarter. All
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
that
was
318
[March
possible for me to do towards collecting a force at Peekskill, I had
attempted before.
Officers of
Rhode
had
Island
in
peremptory terms called upon the
and Connecticut,
to forward
on
their
Recruits (under proper Officers) as fast as possible, to that place;

I
had
directed such of the
New York
Regiments
been ordered toTyconderoga, to repair thither,
as
had not
had requested
Eight of the Massachusetts Regiments to be Marched to that
and lest these should not arrive in time, I urged Govr.

Trumbull in a Letter of the 6th Instt. to send 2000 of his Militia
Post,
to the
same
But, sorry
place.
I
am to observe, the Militia have got tired, and, that
the Colonels of the Continental Regiments have been greatly
deceived themselves, have greatly deceived me, or, the most

unheard of Desertions, or most scandalous Peculations have
prevail'd, among the Officers who have been Imployed in Re-
and three Months ago,

upon
in possitive terms, for a just State of them, found to contain less
than a hundred Men; and this not the case of a Single Regiment
only, but of many. In Connecticut alone, by a Letter from
Genl Parsons of the 6th Instt. four Regiments are mentioned
64
as having not more than Eighty Rank and File each.
These Sir are Melancholy truths, but Facts they are, and necessary to be known to Congress, however prudent it may be to
conceal them from the observations of others.
cruiting; for Regiments, reported two,
to be half compleated, are, upon the Colonels being called
To
superintend the business of Recruiting.
Officers
appoint
w Col.
were
fit
diligent.
To prevent
places of Rendezvous, to
To
Impositions,
if
see that the

possible, to
see that the Recruits were
Shreve wrote (March 22) in excuse of this condition, and on his letter,
Washington Papers, is the following note in the writing of Robert Hanson
Harrison: "Ansd. 26th: Returns so essential so necessy. that they can no longer be
dispensed with. The Officers must be called on who are recruiting and they must
be made."
now
Israel
in the
WEAK STATE OF ARMY
1777]
actually brought to those places,
and there equip'd. and
were among the great
for the Field,
repeatedly, induced
319
objects
which
and
me to press the appointment of Genl. Offi-
cers; but unfortunately the delay of appointing, being
by the resignation of some

others, will Involve the
at a
train'd
early,
and non-acceptance of
Officers,
Army
in a
followed
mere Chaos
of Confusion,
time when the utmost order and regularity should prevail,
and when
all
our arrangements ought to be compleatly estab-
The Medical department
lished.
will,
it is
much
to
be feared,
be in the same Situation, not an Officer yet appointed to it.
For want of proper coercive powers, from
disaffection,
and
other causes, the Militia of this State are not to be depended
upon. They are drawn out with
mous
difficulty ;
and
at a
most enor-
expence, as their Accts. will shew; they come, you can
scarce tell
how, they
go,
you hardly know when. In the same
predicament are those of Pensylvania. Numbers from this State
many more are disposed to do so, as

from a Mr. Hoff, copy of which is Inclosed, (corre-
have joind the Enemy, and

the Letter
sponding with several others of the same tenor)

evinces.
P. S.
Small
as
sufficiently
etc.
our prest. force
is, it
will be reduc'd in a
few
days by the going of of the Jersey 3 Month's Men, the Cecil

County Militia, and the Virginia Volunteers, all of whom claim
discharges the
first
Month
of next
(April).
have sent an
Officer express towards Peekskill, to enquire into the
stances
Circum-
and the consequences of the Enemy's Descent on that
place, not being able to Acct. for Genl. McDougall's,
Commands
there)
and Genl
the Highlands, their Silence
Clinton's,
upon
65
The draft is entirely

Tench Tilghman.
in the writing of
who
is
at the Forts in
this Occasion.
Washington; the
(who
65
letter sent is in that
of
320
To
DOCTOR WILLIAM
[March
SHIPPEN, JUNIOR

Sir: I
1777.
have the greatest reason to believe that Soldiers,
when
they are dismissed the Hospitals, in which they have been, instead of joining the Corps they belong to,
own option, to the great detriment of the Serv-
country
at their
ice. It is
absolutely necessary, that a
an invariable rule
remedy should be provided
which can only be found
against this evil in future,

it
go Stroling about the
to discharge none,
under the care of proper
Officers
in
making
without putting them
whose business
it
shall
be to
conduct them to their respective Regiments; a return of his
Men so discharged, should be sent to the Commanding Officer

And regular reports should be transmitted
to me of every particular, respecting their dismission; the time,
of each Regiment,
the number, the Corps to

cers to
tions,
whose
which they
appertain,
care they are committed.
and the
Offi-
Without these precau-
our Hospitals can never answer the ends for which they
Army must lose the Services of a great
were intended; and the
many men who are in a condition to render them.

To enable you to establish this rule, I now authorise you to
call upon the Commanding officer nearest the Hospital from
which the men are to be sent, to furnish you with such officers
as shall be
wanted for the purpose.
am. etc.
68
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Hunterdon.
Countersign Sussex.
Various opinions prevailing in the 9th. Virginia Battalion,

respecting the
60
The
draft
is
Rank of several
in the writing of
of the officers in
Alexander Hamilton.
it,
Major Genl.
INOCULATION PRECAUTIONS
1777]
321
Stephen will inquire into their respective claims, and
Ranks, agreeable to
their
will
make
justice
and
seniority; of
state
which he
report.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Shepherd's-Town.
The
Countersign Gates.
General, having directed, that
all
Surgeons,
who
the superintendency of Military Hospitals, should send

diers
whom
they discharge, under the care of proper
to join their respective regiments,
manding
making
Officer of each regiment of the
all Sol-
officers,
report to the
number
discharged, belonging to his Corps; desires that the
of
have
Com-
men
so
command-
ing officer of the department, nearest any Hospital, from which

they are to be dismissed, will,
thereof, furnish
tioned to the
an
officer,
upon application of the Surgeons
or officers, for the occasion, propor-
number of men to be comitted to his, or their care,
and when any number of men are

Hospitals to be inoculated, an
sent to
officer,
any of the Military
or officers to be sent with
them, from the respective Corps to which they belong, that

proper care
may be taken of them, whilst under inoculation.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE
WEEDON
Your
from Philadelphia,
came duly to hand. In answer to that part of it which respects
Captains Thornton and Washington, I have to observe, that
upon looking over the list of Virginia Officers, and finding
that neither of these Gentlemen in the common course of proDear
Sir :
Letter of the 10th. Instt.
motion (notwithstanding the Number of vacancies which had

lately
happened
in those
Regiments) would, by
several,
come
322
in as Field Officers;
be, the
thought, however great their merit might
advancing them
at
once to the rank of Lieutt. Colonels
wou'd (considering the connexion between
upon
as the effect of partiality; I
Washington,
67
of a
Regiment
us), be looked
have therefore made Captain
Major of Moylan's
Thornton Major
[March
light
Dragoons, and Captt.
to be raised
by Colo. Thruston
in Virginia, with the chance of being Lieutt. Colonel of
Angus McDonald
I
refuses that offer. This
it, if
appointment must,
should think, be more agreeable to Thornton, than to be
thrown
into
an Eastern Regiment, provided
which there
of
is little
it
could be raised,
prospect, as the Massachusetts have
added a large additional Bounty to that allowed by Congress,
which puts a total stop, Henly writes me, to his inlisting a Man.
Thornton
ton's
is
authorised to facilitate the recruiting of Thrus-
Regiment, and
in getting
it
will, I hope, exert himself to the utmost,
compleated, especially as Thruston's
wound
will
render it impossible for him to take an active part for some time
to
come, and McDonalds acceptance of the Lieutt. Colonelcy
much doubted
I
here.
have not yet seen any of the recovered Soldiers of the third
Regiment, spoken of
to impossible,
as
find, to get either Officers or
fortable Quarters, issue
nothing,
am
Regiment, will
negligence, inattention,
and
is
this
now
you
and
so prevalent
remedy
shall
You conclude your

that
what orders you
men
It is
next
out of com-
will for this purpose;
convinced, but the breaking of two or three
Officers in every
which
ordered to this place by you;
shall see
me
effect a radical cure of their
in fact,
among
down
right disobedience,
the Officers of this
Army,
most assuredly be administred.

letter,
my
good
early in the
Maj. William Augustine Washington.
Sir,
with an assurance,
Summer;
surely
you meant
ABSENCE OF OFFICERS
1777]
323
this
by way of Joke or trial only, can you possibly conceive, that
my
consent would be obtained for such an absence as this?
Could
stand justified, do you think, in the opinion of the
public, to suffer the Officers of the States to be absent so long,
most important and
at the
paign?
active part perhaps, of the
No Sir, it is neither to be done, nor expected;
wishes more to gratify
officers
than
Cam-
no man
do, nor can any
Man
more for their private inconveniencies, because no Person

suffers more by an absence from home than myself; but when
I forego all the advantages of private Interest, and have more
cause to regret my confinement and may suffer more by it,
from a peculiarity of circumstances than any other man in the
Service, from a sense of duty to the public, it cannot be presumed that, that sense which totally restrains my own wishes,
can give unbounded indigencies to others. I must therefore
inform you, that I cannot consent to your being longer from
the Army than the ioth of May, that will allow you as many
Months, as I should be sincerely thankful, for Weeks, to go
home and return in.
68
Your old Lieutt. Colonel Marshall is not yet returned to
Camp, I must therefore desire, that in my Name, you will order
feel
him, and every other Officer of the Virginia Troops, not actually
engaged in recruiting by proper authority, nor on Furlough,

nor on business, having written Leave, and written instructions
from General Stephen or myself, to join their respective Regiments immediately, if they went from the Army; If they are
from any of the Corps coming on, to execute the orders they
are charged with and come on without delay. My Compli69
ments to all Friends. I am, etc.
68
Lieut. Col.
Thomas
Marshall, of the Third Virginia Regiment. He was promoted

December 4; taken prisoner at Charleston, S. C,
to colonel Feb. 21, 1777; resigned

in May, 1780.
09
The
draft
is
in the writing of Richard
Kidder Meade.
324
[March
GENERAL ORDERS
Countersign York.
Parole Lancaster.
The Execution of Serjt. Porterfield is suspended, by order of

Commander in Chief, 'till Friday the 4th of April.
the
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL GEORGE BAYLOR

Dear Sir: I am glad to discover by your favour of the 26th ult.

you have a prospect of getting your Horses. We want them
that
much. Inclosed is a
letter to
Mr.Finnie
70
the Dep'yQuar.Mast.
Gen'l directing him to supply you with the Continental Rations

for Horses.
Mr. James Mease of Phil'a, the Clothier General, will furnish

you with Clothing whenever you call upon him and send for
them.
presume the
Cloathes or
money
men
in lieu,
will have the
made them
same allowance of
as the
Foot have. But
question much whether the Public will pay the Expence of such
articles of
men.
Is
cloathing as are peculiarly necessary for the Horse-
not their advanced pay intended as an equivalent for
the Boots, Cap, &c.

I
must desire that you will inoculate your men
are inlisted; that while preparations are
take the Field, they
may
as fast as they
making
for
them
to
not be retarded on that account. Let
them not at any rate be detained for Carbines; But on the other
Camp as fast as a Troop is made up and
out of the Small Pox. Surely Mr. Hunter can furnish Pistols
hand, forward them to
as fast as they are

70
wanted.
Col. William Finnie, deputy quartermaster general of the Southern Department.
NEED OF THE COMMISSARY
1777]
Before your
reached me, and indeed, before
letter
mation of Col. Nelson's

I
appointed Ott. Byrd
72
71
desire to enter into the
to the vacancy
325
had infor-
Horse
service,
you mention. Although
there cannot be the smallest objection of any sort of Col. Nelson, yet
was
he
is
now
provided for very genteelly, and Mr. Byrd
entirely out of the service.
Terms
of distinction can be productive of nothing but Jeal-
ousy and Discontent.
To
obviate
all this, I
cannot consent to
your request.
Your favour
I
of the 17th inst. this
have forwarded your
The Mr.
Gent'n
74
Stith
73
you speak
letter to
mentioned
moment came
Capt. Lewis and am,

is
here.
You may
inattention, to
my
etc.
appoint the
75
TRUMBULL
Morris Town, March

Sir : I cannot,
hand.
of.
*To JOSEPH
Dr.
to
28, 1777.
upon any principle whatever, acct. for your

repeated requests to come forward to the
Army, and regulate the business of your department in this

Quarter. The expediency alone of the Measure, would, I expected, have
prompted a
Visit; this not
happening,
desired
Captn. Wadsworth to inform you, in my name, of the necessity

there
the
in
was for your attendance, and

,
since that, in a Letter of
did, in explicite terms, press
complying with that request,
you to delay no time
as there never
was
greater
occasion for the exertions of an Officer, in any department,

"Lieut. Col. William Nelson, of the Seventh Virginia Regiment. He resigned in
October, 1777.
"Lieut. Col. Francis Otway Byrd, of the Third Continental Dragoons.
T3
John Stith. He was appointed cornet in the Third Continental Dragoons.
"Fielding Lewis.
T"
In the writing of George Johnston. The letter is in the collection of Judge E. A.
Armstrong, of Princeton, N. J., to whom the editor is indebted.
326
[March
than in yours, to recover the business from the confusion and

disorder
I
it
had got
into.
once more repeat
be paid to it.
this request,
and expect due attention will
The public has, I am persuaded, sustained a loss of
many thousand pounds by misconduct

and
this quarter,
what we may
Troops.
this
in your department, in
perhaps a small Evil in comparison of
suffer, if
proper Provision
is
not
made
for the
With esteem and regard, I remain, etc.

Gentn.
am glad to
1777.
find by your publication in the Penn-
sylvania Gazette, of the 19th Inst.; that you have compleated
your arrangement of Field
Officers,
by means of which
the recruiting of your Battalions will go

it
has done
heretofore.
death of the Colo.

of your state
desire that
77
is left
on more
and
Lieut. Colonel,
Service wants
the eighth
without a Field Officer,
you will order the three new
immediately, for
to bring
them back
80
Regiment
must therefore
dissentions that have long
much relaxed, and
and attention to both Officers and
Men
to a proper sense of Subordination
and
By the Absence of Colo. Hand,
Colo Chambers,
and
can assure you, that no Regiment in the
them more. From the
will require strict care
duty.
than
76
field Officers to join
prevailed in that Corps; discipline has been

it
briskly,
By the promotion of Major Butler

78
hope
79
the dismission of Lieut.
and the Resignation of Major Ross,
81
(who
76
Lieut. Col. Richard Butler.

"Col. Eneas Mackay.
78
Lieut. Col. George Wilson.
19
Col.
Edward Hand.
James Chambers. He was promoted to colonel and commanded the

Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment at this date; was wounded at Brandywine, Pa.
1
Maj. James Ross. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel and transferred to the
Lieut. Col.
Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment.
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
1777]
see
again promoted) the
is
Field Officers, and
Hamilton
82
ist
what adds
Regt.
is
327
likewise destitute of
to the Misfortune,
is,
that Capt.
was unluckily taken Prisoner a

few days ago, as he was reconnoitring. I must therefore beg
that you will Order Colo Hand, immediately to join his Regiment, and to bring with him such of his Sick as are recovered
and what recruits have been lately inlisted. He left the Army
the Senior Officer
some time ago for this purpose, but tho' I have wrote to him
expressly, to come forward, I have never heard of him or from
him, which I cannot account for, unless my Letters have miscarried.
By the
a right to
fill
up
late
all
powers granted to
me by Congress, I had
Commissions, under the Rank of Briga-
diers General; but as I
thought the Conventions, Assemblies, or
Councils of Safety, of the different States, were best acquainted
with the Persons proper to fill the necessary Appointments, I was

pleased to see that you had compleated your Arrangements yourselves, in the first instance.
iencies
and delays
that
In order to prevent the inconven-
may arise from any Vacancies that may
happen in future, remaining unfilled,
shall take the liberty to
make the Appointments, always taking care to pay a due regard

to Seniority,
where merit
is
equal.
have the honor
83
etc.
84
To CAPTAIN ALLEN McLANE
Head Quarters, March 28,

Sir : I
1777.
have certain information that Lord Cornwallis returned
from Jersey yesterday, and 'tis said they intend an attack upon
this army with their joint force before Genl. Greene can rejoin
82
Capt. James Hamilton.

Of Patton's Additional Continental regiment. His company was annexed to
the Delaware Regiment Dec. 16, 1778, and to Lee's Legion July 13, 1779- McLanc
retired Nov. 9, 1782. He was an active, enterprising officer and performed valuable
service in gaining intelligence and with raiding parties on the lines while the British
83
84
occupied Philadelphia.

328
[March
depend upon your keeping a very good look out

upon their line, and gaining every intelligence from people
coming out of Town, that I may have the earliest notice of their
85
movements or intentions. lam, etc.
us. I therefore
To

Sir
I last
1777.
night had the honor to receive your Letter of the
26th. Instt.
accompanied by sundry Resolves of Congress and
some other
papers.
The
Arms, Locks and Flints, you have been

a most fortunate and happy event. I join
86
in congratulations upon the occasion.
arrival of the
pleased to mention,
you most
sincerely,
is
have not yet obtained a Certain account of the expedition
against
and destruction
of Peek's Kills. Information of those
McDougall or ClinThere is no doubt, but the
events has not been transmitted by Genls
ton or the Convention of the State.
Town is destroyed and with it some Stores; neither the quality

or
amount of them is known.
by our
vent
own people, when
them
It is said,
that
it
was done in part
they found, that they could not pre-
falling into the
Enemy's Hands. The Ships and
Troops have gone down the River again.
87
^The
text is from the Magazine of American History, vol. 6, 139.

"Tuesday last [March 24] arrived here the brig Sally, Capt. Stocker, in 11 weeks
from Nantz, in France, with 6800 stand of small, arms, a large number of gun
86
locks &c."
87
Pennsylvania Gazette, Mar. 26, 1777.

McDougall wrote (March 29) to Washington an account of
Brig. Gen. Alexander
the British raid against Peekskill. Stores and provisions to a considerable amount had
been collected at that place and Howe determined to destroy them. He sent out an
American artillery officer, who had been captured at Fort Washington and exchanged,
and this officer reported having heard the enemy talk of a foraging expedition by three
divisions, one up the Sound to Mamaroneck, another from Kings Bridge by the center
road, and a third to land at Tarrytown. McDougall had only 250 men and took no
steps other than to prepare for removing the stores to places of greater safety
to Forts
Montgomery and Constitution.
Before this was accomplished nine or ten of the enemy's vessels appeared in the
North River near Tarrytown, and two of them ascended as high as Tellers Point, 12
miles below Peekskill, on the evening of March 22. The next day, at noon, they
reached Peekskill. At 1 o'clock about 500 men in eight flatboats landed at Lents Cove,
VISIT OF ONEIDA CHIEFS
1777]
329
Mr. Kirkland, the Oneida Missionary, arrived here this week,

with a Chief Warrior and
five other
Indians of that Nation.
They had been to Boston and came from thence to this place, to
enquire into the true
them
to a
were so
state of matters, that
Grand Council
they might report
to be shortly held.
They
said things
and variously represented by our Enemies thro

their Agents, that they did not know what to depend on. I invited them to go to Philadelphia, but they declined it, declaring
they were well satisfied with what they had seen and that they
were authorized to tell their Nation, all they had heard from
the
falsely
Enemy was
false.
Being told that France was
assisting us
and about to join in the War, they seemed highly pleased and
Kirkland said, he was persuaded it would have a consid-
Mr
erable effect
on the Minds of
several of the Nations
and secure
and commencement
shewed them every civility in my
to us their neutrality, if not a declaration
of Hostilities in our favor.
power and every thing that I thought material to excite in them

an Idea of our strength and independence. After staying Two
days, they set off for their Nation, expressing their desire of the
most speedy return to the Council and professing the most

friendly Sentiments towards us.
am &c. 88

Head
Sir : Since I
Qurs., Morris
Town, March 29,
1777.
had the Honor of addressing you this Morning by
the Return Express, the Eastern post arrived.
The
Intelligence
on the south side of the bay, with four pieces of light artillery drawn by the sailors.
This force being double General McDougall's, he destroyed such stores as he could
and retreated towards the Highlands and sent orders to Lieut. Col. Marinus Willett, at
Fort Constitution, to march to his assistance. The British kept possession of the town
till the next day, when Willet attacked their outpost and drove it in.
That evening
the British embarked, and sailed down the river. Nine of the enemy were killed and
wounded in the skirmish with Willet, and four were killed at the creek while attempting to burn the boats. The Americans had one man mortally wounded by a
cannon shot, and the loss of provisions and stores was considerable. McDougall's letter
is in the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.
330
he brought,
agreeable and interesting, as you will perceive
is
by the inclosed Letter
from Mr. Hazard,
the pleasure of transmitting you.

rival of the
Prizes,
is
[March
Ship at Portsmouth,
90
89
which
am happy
do myself
to say the Ar-
and the Capture of the two
confirmed by other Letters from Gentlemen of note
in and about Boston.
Upon these events I give you my most hearty congratulations. Some of the Letters add, that a French General, Colo
91
and Major came passengers in the Ship who are highly recommended by Doctr. Franklin.
The Affair of Peeks Kills has not been transmitted me with
am informed the relation of it in Loudon's Pa93

which I have inclosed, is nearly as it happened. I am &c.
certainty, but
per,
92
To BRIGADIER GENERAL ENOCH POOR

Sir:
The
situation of our Affairs
compels me, again to
call
upon you in the most pressing and positive terms, to hasten

and march the Troops of your State (those inlisted for the
Continent I mean) to Ticonderoga without one Moments loss
of time. Nothing which can facilitate the marching of the
whole, or as
yourself,
many
as are raised
with proper
Officers,
going
must be left unattempted. The conduct of the recruit-
ing Officers should be closely attended
to,
there being great
reason to believe, that idleness and dissipation engrosses too
much
89
of their time for the public weal.
Ebenezer Hazard, Postmaster General. His
Characters of this
memorandum
is
ton's letter in the Papers of the Continental Congress.

'"'The Mercury, one of Beaumarchais's supply ships, arrived at
on March
91
filed
with Washing-
Portsmouth, N. H.,
17.
who came in the Mercury.

York Packet, published at Fishkill.
In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. The letter sent varies slightly from
the draft, which is also by Harrison.
92
93
It is difficult to
identify the French officers
Samuel Loudon's
New
1777]
331
kind, wheresoever they are found, will be marked. There
one thing more

tions,
mean
the
manner you
best
is,
to
and
am
to effect
it.
which
must urge your most
is
serious exer-
Arming and equipping your Troops, in the

You know how important this
possibly can.
persuaded the Convention will use every means
am etc. 94
*To BRIGADIER GENERAL
Morris Town, March
Sir:
The
upon you
Situation of our Affairs again compells
in express,
and
Kills, or
me
positive terms, to hasten the
of your State (those Inlisted for the Continent
not
29, 1777.
to call
Troops
mean) to Peeks
head Quarters, without one moments loss of time. I do

Inoculation of them; but, that
mean by this to interupt the
nothing which can
facilitate the
(under proper Officers)

that the
attended
and
ness
may be
March
left
Conduct of the Recruiting

to, as I
of the whole, or part
unattempted.
also
mean
Officers should be closely
much reason to believe that Idleengrosses too much of their time for the
have but too
dissipation
Public Weal; Characters of this kind will be mark'd.

I
shall expect to hear
and am,
from you by the
Post, every
Week,
95
etc.
To MAJOR

Dear Sir: The Situation of our Affairs again compells me
to call upon you in express, and positive Terms to hasten the
94
The
9d

notation on this letter says, "The same to Maj. Gen. William Heath directing
the Massachusetts troops to Peekskill and Ticonderoga agreeable to former orders."
(The letter sent to Heath, however, varied considerably from this. See following
letter.) "The same to Brig. Gen. James Mitchell Varnum, directing the Rhode Island
troops to Peekskill or Headquarters."
332
Troops of your State (those

to Peeks Kill, or
inlisted for the
[March
Continent
Tieonderoga in such proportions
mean)
have be-
as I
The Enemy
have lately, taking advantage of our weakness at Peekskill, made
fore directed, without one
Moments
loss of time.
a descent there, burnt the lower Barracks, our Store Houses and a
valuable parcel of Stores. Perhaps elated by their Success, they
may return up the River, and proceed as high as the Forts, which,
if
they do suddenly, and with any tolerable Force,
do not
see
them from making themselves masters of

them. Those Regiments intended for Peekskill may march
immediately thither and undergo innoculation there and in
what
is
to hinder
the Neighbourhood, except you think there

their taking the infection in the natural
is
way
any danger of
march
as they
thro' Connecticut.
Knox has desired me to direct you to pay the Abstracts

of the Artificers at Springfield as their money becomes due,
96
and also to pay Mr. Jarvis of Boston Ten thousand dollars on
account of Ordnance Stores which he has purchased. The
Money may be obtained from Mr. Hancock 97 the Deputy Pay
Genl.
Master Genl.
I
shall expect to hear
and am, etc.
To
from you by the Post every Week
98
[
ms. h. s. ]

Sir: I
1777.
am
my most sincere thanks for your ready compliance
21st
by Express, and
return you
with
my request for two thousand
of the
90
Enemy, convinces us
Leonard(?)
Jarvis.
"'Ebenezer Hancock.
98
Militia.
A late manoeuvre
of the Necessity there
is
for
an
BRITISH MOVEMENTS
17761
immediate March of this Body of Men
upon information
to Peekskill.
imagine,
of our weakness at that post, the Eastern
having just
Militia
333
left it
and
that there
were a Valuable parcel
Sunday a Frigate and four Transports ran

up the River, they landed a number of Men, said to be four
Regiments of British drove off General McDougal, who had
but 220 Men at that time with him, and burnt the Store Houses
of Stores there,
last
with what Stores they contained. As
have not yet had a par-
Account from General McDougal,
ticular
quantity or Value, but

tary kind lost.
that
Rum,
know
the
am informed by a Gentn. who is come down,

The next
fell down again,
may be induced
Sugars and Molasses are the Principal.
day the Troops went on board and the Ships

perhaps finding their conquest so easy, they
to return again
and Attempt the Forts, which are at present too
weakly garrisoned to make much

I
dont
hope there are not many of the Mili-
resistance.
yesterday received information, from an intelligent Gentle-
man, who
Island
says "the
is
If this
are Stealing off,
first
on
to Staten
and then to New York. Last Sunday at least 2000 cross'd
on to the Island and
York
Enemy
I
believe are there yet,
fuller of Soldiers,
should prove true,
than
I
it
dont
it is
a fact that
New
has been for some time past."
know what other motives they
can have for withdrawing their troops from Jersey, but to go
up the North River. General Arnold

the
nth Inst,
that
Ten Transports
passed Point Judith to the

looks, as if a Collection of
for
some purpose or
kind,
that appeared full of troops
Westward on the 4th. This also

Troops was making at New York
other.
To
beg that not only your
frustrate
any designs of
Militia, but
Troops may be hastened on with
all
this
your Continental
expedition, for
if I
am
Enemy may leave small

Amboy and Brunswick, which they have f ortifyed
not speedily reinforced in Jersey, the

garrisons in
also says, in a letter of
334
strongly;
may
the
[March
and make use of the Residue or such Number, as they
think necessary, to seize upon the Forts and passes upon
North River.
When they have once possessed them, a small

Com-
force will maintain them; especially as they have the
mand
The Command
of the Water.
of the passages over the
North River and the free Navigation of it, would prove fatal
to us; as the Eastern and Southern States would not only be cut
from each other, But Ticonderoga must also be evacuated

for want of Supplies. I wrote you fully on the 23d, pressing you
to fill up your Regiments by drafts, if it could not be done by
off
any other means, to

I
this I
have not had your Answer.
have the pleasure to inform you that a Vessel arrived
at
Philadelphia a few days ago from France, with Eleven thou-
sand stand of
Arms and some
other Military Stores.
The Ac-
counts of the Intentions of France were most favorable.
The late
shall
arrival of
Arms at Portsmouth, is so ample, that we
have no future complaint for the want of them;
shall
Man of the new Levies in the Field

who have had the Small Pox, immediately, and
therefore expect every

shortly; those
who
those
tion. 1
am,
have not, as soon
as they recover
from innocula-
99
etc.
To COLONEL NATHANIEL RAMSAY 1

Headquarters, Morristown, March 29, 1777.
Sir:
After returning
officers of
my sincere thanks to you and the other
your Battalion for your services since your arrival in
this State, I
am under the necessity, however painful to me, of
requesting you to remain at your present post a few days longer

(not having
"The
it
in
my
power
at present to relieve
you).
am

Lieutenant colonel of the Third Maryland Regiment. He was wounded and taken
prisoner at Monmouth, N. J., June 28, 1778; prisoner on parole until exchanged Dec.
14, 1780; retired Jan. 1, 1781.
1
ARMS FROM FRANCE
1777]
335
which must, of
sensible of the disadvantages
course, accrue
you and many of your Battalion, by being from home the

approaching season, but when you consider our situation and
to
that
only want you to stay until the troops
(now on
their
march from Philadelphia) arrive, I flatter myself I need not

add a word more to induce you to this necessary step, than that
your marching the first of April will leave that useful post
entirely defenceless.
If
you would agree
isfied
it
will
to
remain eight days longer,
answer every purpose, and
rially injure you.
If
the time appointed.
you find the
You
men
Lord
arms
sat-
go
at
etc to
be
Stirling to receive
etc.
HEATH

Sir: Since
the 16th.
am
are dissatisfied,
Dear
think cannot mate-
will please order the
delivered to the persons appointed by
them. lam,
The
mine
of yesterday
fortunate arrival of
30, 1777.
received your favour of
Arms
at
Portsmouth, will
want of
them, and I therefore hope your next will inform me, that some
of your Troops are on their march to Peeks Kill, as well as
remove
all difficulties
to Ticonderoga.
You
which you laboured under
for
will see the necessity of sending part to
my letter of Yesterday.
Major Austin is a Gentleman and a Man of Sense, and, before
Peeks
kill, as
quick as possible, by
the unfortunate Step at the plains,

Officer.
His excuse for his conduct
ered, rather
an aggravation of
was esteemed an
is
excellent
certainly, strictly consid-
his crime, for there
cannot be a
greater failing in a Soldier than drunkenness. This, however,
might have been the

2
The
text
is
effect of
an unguarded hour;
from the Magazine of American History,
vol. 6, 139.
if so,
Major
336
[March
Austin has undergone a punishment equal to the offence; But

I
think
have heard that he
is
apt to drink, that
should be fully cleared up, before
a matter that
is
could consent to his coming
into the Army again. If upon inquiry, you find that his general
Character, before and since, is that of a Man of Sobriety, I should
think he might be intrusted with a Commission again.
am etc.
To COLONEL TIMOTHY PICKERING 3

Head
Sir:
Quarters, Morris
Town, March 30,
1777.
The office of Adjutant General being vacant, by the resig-
nation of Colo. Reed, and the power of appointing a successor
with me,
am
induced, from the good opinion
entertain of
your attachment to the Interest of the United States and your

Military character, not only to make a tender, but most heartily
to
wish your acceptance of
if
the offer meets your concurrence, and
request that you will loose

the arrangement of the
it.
It
will give
no time
me much
should,
if it
in repairing to
Head
must
Qrs.,
New Army and the good of the Service
requiring that the post should be immediately

I
pleasure
presume, you are acquainted with, but
think proper to mention, that
it is
lest
filled.
The pay,
you should
not,
Hundred and twenty
Dollars pr. Month. Should circumstances put
five
out of your
it
power to accept it, an event I hope not to happen and which

would give me concern, you will be pleased to send the Express
with the inclosed Letter to Colo. William Lee;
3
Otherwise,
Colonel of Massachusetts Militia in 1776; colonel in the Continental Army in 1777;

Adjutant General of the Continental Army from June 18, 1777, to Jan. 13, 1778, having been appointed a member of the Continental Board of War Nov. 7, 1777; Quartermaster General of the Continental Army from Aug. 5, 1780, to July 28, 1785, when
the office was abolished. Later he was a member of the constitutional convention of
Pennsylvania; Postmaster General, Secretary of War, and Secretary of State. He was
a captious critic of Washington and acted a part in the infamous Conway Cabal.
Pickering was at Salem, Mass., at this time. Sparks says that he at first declined
the appointment. His letter of acceptance, dated April 9, 1777, is in the Washington
Papers. In it he makes no mention of a declination or change of mind.
5
Sparks states that Pickering forwarded this letter to Lee. (See letter following.)
ADJUTANT GENERALCY
1777]
you will retain and return
it
be in a few days.
trust will
your
which
arrival,
COLONEL WILLIAM RAYMOND LEE
To
Head
Sir :
to me upon
am etc. 6
337
The
office
Quarters, Morris
Town, March 30,
of Adjutant General having
by the Resignation of Colo. Reed,
am
become
1777.
vacant,
induced, from the
good Opinion which I entertain of your activity and Military

Abilities, to make you an Offer of that Office. If you should
incline to accept,
for as the
will
shall expect to see
New Army
is
run into confusion,
essary to the regulation

instantly filled.
If
now
if
you without
beginning
loss of time,
to collect, all things
that department, so essentially nec-
and arrangement of the
forces,
is
not
you should not
accept,
you will be kind enough to signify
the same by return of this Express, that
look out for some other person.
If this
may immediately
should be your deter-
mination, you need not mention that you have ever had the
offer.
The reason must be obvious to you, it may give umbrage
to others.
am etc. 9
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Reading.
Countersign Bethlehem.
The General Court

Inst.,
whereof Col. Martin
Capt. Will:
6
7
8
Martial held at Woodbridge the 28th.
The draft
Of one of
Sparks
is
Work
10
was
President, for the trial of
of the 12th. Pennsylvania Regt. accused
in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison.

the 16 Additional Continental regiments. He resigned Jan. 24, 1778.
authority for the statement that upon receipt of this letter Lee immediis
ately journeyed to
Washington's headquarters to announce
his reluctance to accept
the proffered appointment.

'The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
10
Col. Ephraim Martin, of the Fourth New Jersey Regiment.

338
of "Misbehaviour
on Carman's
The Court
Prisoner
is
cashiered,
hill,
after
[March
and Cowardice, in an Action with the Enemy,

near
Bonum-Town, on
the 8th. Instant"
mature consideration, are of opinion that the
Guilty,
and sentence the
and dismissed the
Work
said Capt.
service, as a
to be
person unfit for a
Command.
military
His Excellency approves the sentence, and orders the said

Capt.
Work forthwith to depart the Camp.
Capt.
Henry
Fister of the
German
Battalion, tried
same General Court Martial for "Quitting
his
by the
Company and
Regiment, being absent from both a fortnight, without leave
from
his
commanding
After mature consideration,
officer"
the Court are of opinion, the said Capt. Fister
sentence
him to be dismissed the
is
Guilty; and
service.
His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the sentence.
The Commander in Chief is
pleased to
make
the following
promotions in the Regiment of Cavalry from Virginia. Viz
Theodorick Bland Esqr., Major, Comdt. to be Colonel thereof.
Capt. Benjamin
Lt. Col. Capt.
Temple of the 2nd. Troop is appointed the

3rd. Troop is appointed
Cuth. Harrison of the 2nd. Troop is ap-
John Jameson of the
the Major. Lieut.
pointed Captain of the same. Lieut. Alexander

of the 4th.
is
Dandridge
appointed Captain of the 3rd. Lieut. John Bel-
field of the 5th. is
appointed Captain of the 6th; vacant by
the resignation of Capt. Nelson.

of the 3rd.
S.
Troop
is
11
Cornet William Lindsay
appointed Lieutenant of the same. Cornet
William Watts of the
4th.
is
appointed Lieut, of the same. Cor-
Henry Peyton of the 5th is appointed Lieutenant of the

same. Cornet Henry Clements of the 6th. is appointed Lieut.
net
"Capt. John Nelson. He had resigned on February 12; was major of a Virginia
from 1779 to 1781.
State regiment
BRITISH EMBARKATION
J777]
of the second. Mr. Cole Diggs, Cadet,
is
339
appointed Cornet of
the 3rd. Troop. Mr. Robert Yauncey, Cadet,
is
appointed Cor-
net of the 4th. Troop.
GENERAL
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
To BRIGADIER
Dear
Sir:

I am much surprised at never having received any
from you, of the late
regular account
yet intirely at a loss to
the Stores that were
affair at
Peeks
Kill. I
am
know the Quantity, Quality or Value
of
lost.
A Captain of a Tobacco Ship, taken and carried into New

on Saturday last; he informs that three
thousand men were embarked and laying on board Transports
York,
left
that place
at Staten Island.
Some
said to
go
to
Chesapeak Bay, others to
go up the North River, their late success and the small force
which they found ready to oppose them, may perhaps induce
them to make another attempt, and of a more daring nature.
I
yesterday wrote to Govr. Trumbull,
forward the
Militia,
which
and pressed him
hope he will do; but
to send
it
wou'd
not be amiss for you to send an Officer forward to meet those
who may be upon their March and hasten them.
have given
Genl. Geo. Clinton this information and hope you will put
things in the best posture, should the
visit. I
am etc.
Enemy pay you
all
another
12

Dear
Sir:
Captain [Deshields]
who
1777.
escaped from
New
York on Saturday Evening and who arrived here this Morning

12
The
draft
is
Kidder Meade.
340
[March
informs, that about three thousand Troops (British and Hessian)
were embarked from the City and Staten Island when
he came away.
tion
It
was generally
said,
they had in contempla-
an expedition to Chesapeak Bay, and to make a descent
on the Eastern Shore. There were some who conjectured, they

mean to go up the North River and to take the highland fortifications, if possible.
How far this latter opinion may be well
founded,
to determine; however,
it
is difficult
Guard and prepared,

will
manner
that Circumstances
admit of, for their reception, shou'd such be their
object.
congratulate you most cordially on your late appointment
to a
me
in the best
have thought
may be on your
proper to communicate the hint, that you
command
in the Continental
great pleasure
when
Army.
assure
you
gave
read the Resolve, and wishing that
your exertions may be crown'd with a suitable success.

P. S.
it
am etc.
As the Forts in the highlands are of infinite importance,
and the
security of the passes a capital Object, I think
it
will be
well and prudent to call in immediately a Reinforcement of
be but for a short time, for, most
Militia, their detention will not
probably, the design of embarkation will be
days and the execution of

wrote,
upon
it
attempted,
known
if it is
up the
in a
few
River.
the return of the Massachusetts Militia, to Govr.
Trumbull, requesting that he wou'd immediately send about
two thousand to Peek's Kill. By a letter, received the other day,

he informed
me
trust they are
on
he had issued orders for the purpose, and

their
March.
13
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL BENJAMIN FLOWER

Sir:
The great waste and embezzlement of public Arms, and
the difficulties arising

13
The
draft
is
from thence, makes
Kidder Meade.
it
necessary, that the
MARKING OF ARMS
1777]
341
utmost precautions should be used, to restrain such infamous
and future losses. I know no way so likely to effect it, as
practices
that of putting
on them some mark, indicating 'em to be public
property,
and therefore
ing to the
States, as well those
as all others, as far as
you will have, all belongwhich have been lately imported
request, that
Circumstances will admit
with the Words "United
States,"
on such parts
which designation should be
the impression,
their accoutrements.
be
that
many
it
if
public
Arms
I
here,
may be immediately used.
all
it is
there are
so essen-
and
to be secured
will
by the
Mr. French
14
Commissary
me of their arrival, that
am etc. 15

Head
Sir :
As
which ought
of Stores here, with directions to advise
To
put on
wish you to have several Stamps made and
sent by the earliest Opportunity to
they
also
they had not,
could not be dispensed with.
same impression,
stamped
This Congress determined should be done,
by a Resolve of the 24th. Ulto. and

tial,
of,
as will receive
Qrs.,
Morristown, March 31, 1777.
Captain Desheild of Mr. Buchanans Ship from Baltimore
who was taken by the Enemy and
carried into
Escape from thence on Saturday Evening.

three thousand Troops, British
Ten days ago from the City and
York made
He
his
informs, that
and Hessian, embarked about
on board Transports which were laying at the Latter when he came away, he
adds that the Enemy have built and are building a number of
light flat Bottomed Boats, about Seventy of which were finished.
Captn. Desheild
says, it
Staten Island
seemed to be the general opinion and
conversation, that this embarkation was for Chesepeak Bay with

a view of
14
15
making
a descent
on the Eastern Shore, or
Maj. Samuel French, Commissary of Military Stores.

that the
342
[April
Troops were to proceed to the Head of Elk, taking Annapolis
and Baltimore
in their way. there
were some
who thought
it
mean to go up the North River and attempt the

Highland fortifications. I have written to Genls. McDougal
and Clinton desiring them to make the best preparations that
probable they
circumstances will admit

latter
of, for their reception, in case
the
should be their Object.
Captn. Desheild being in company with the Captain of the
unknown to him, heard him say, that a War with

France was much expected when he left England which was
Packet, but
about the beginning of February.
To
have the Honor,
etc.

Sir: Since I
I
16
1777.
did myself the pleasure to write to you yesterday,
have reed. Information, that the Enemy have embarked Three
thousand Men; some said with an Intent to go to Chesapeak

Bay, others, to go
able,
up the River again. As this
beg you will hasten your Militia
last is
most prob-
to Peekskill
with the
utmost Expedition ; and also what Continental Troops are ready.
Enemy get up the River before they arrive, they

17
would meet with little or no Opposition. I am etc.
Should the

Dear Sir
HEATH
Head Quarters, Morristown, April 1, 1777.

I have got the favor of General Knox to procure me
a Horse, the property of
Mr. Samuel
Pitts of
your State; and
have to beg that you will give that Gentleman an order on the
Pay master for the amount. lam,

w In
18
etc.
[ms.h.s.]
the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. The draft, also by Harrison,

the letter sent.
"The draft is in the writing of George Johnston.
18
In the writing of Richard Kidder Meade.
full as
is
not so
COMMISSARY OF PRISONERS
1777]
343
*To ELI AS BOUDINOT 19

Morris Town, April
Sir: I
am authorized
of Prisoners, the Pay will,
Month. The Duty, except

after the business
is
Army
ance on the
i,
1777.
by Congress to appoint a Commissary

I
expect; be about 60 Dollars pr.
as to
confinement, not hard, at
once put into a proper
least
train. Close attend-
will be requisite, in order to receive,
and
distribute the Prisoners to places assignd for their confine-
ment;
each of which some person should be appointed to
at
see that they are taken care of, that they receive
what is allowed
them, and, that proper Accts. are kept of the Expences.
most troublesome part of
this Office will
of the Expences already incurred, for after this
the business
is
once done,
may be put upon Such a footing as to be managed
with regularity and

I
The
be to obtain Accts.
ease.
intend to annex another duty to this Office, and that
is,
the
procuring of Intelligence; the Person engaged in the depart-
ment of Commissary of Prisoners will have as much leizure,

and better oppertunities, than most other Officers in the Army,
to obtain knowledge of the Enemy's Situation, motion's, and
(as far as
Thus
may
Sir, in
be) design's.
concise terms, have
given you a Sketch of the
my expectations from a Commissary of Prisoners,

and now give me leave to ask if you will accept the Appointment ? With very great esteem and regard I am etc.
duties of and
To MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES LEE

Morris Town, April
1,
1777.
Dear Sir I am to inform you, that Congress, not perceiving

any advantage would be derived either to yourself or the
:
that
19
Commissioned colonel and Commissary General of Prisoners on April 15. He

served one year and resigned. Was a Delegate from New Jersey to the Continental
Congress, 1777-78, 1781-1784, and President of Congress, 1782-83.
344
public Interest
their
[April
from an interview between you and
a part of
Members, could not consider themselves at liberty to com-
ply with your request;

that every
means
At
the same time
am
to assure you,
will be pursued, to provide for your safety
and the attainment of your
liberty.
Major Morris was permitted
to
This
visit
had in charge when
you, but
thought proper
Communication of it, for reasons which you would

deem satisfactory.
The inclosed Letters came when Congress transmitted the
result of your application; That from Mr. Morris contains
to defer the
sundry
Bills of
Exchange, the detention of which
To
hope has
not subjected you to the least possible inconvenience.

Head Quarters, Morris Town, April
i,
1777.
have been honored with yours of the 17th and 26th
Sir: I
March.
am etc. 20
communicated the intelligence you gave me, concern-
who will have his

I percieve many difficul-
ing Governor Franklin, to Govr. Trumbull,
motions narrowly watched in future.

ties
in the execution of your Militia law, particularly in Suffering
an appeal
to lay before a
Court of Judicature; that indulgence
will always be claimed, by the person refusing to serve,
the fine
is
levied;
and before the
will probably be determined,
suit is
where
determined, this contest
one way or other. In the mean
time the Service of the Soldiers
is
intirely lost. Colo.
Forman,
who waits upon you upon Public Business, informs me, that he
thinks
would be of considerable advantage, to order out the

Monmouth, Middlesex and Burlington at this Time;
it was the district in which he would have commanded,
it
Militia of
and as
had he accepted of the Brigadiership offered
20
The
draft
is
Hanson Harrison.
to
him by
the
SEIZURE OF STOCK, ETC.
1777]
State; I could
them
345
wish that he might have the power of calling
out, vested in
him.
He
thinks very judiciously, that
it
from the
from poisoning the Minds
will not only serve to distinguish the well affected
but that
ill,
it
will hinder the Tories
of the people, by pointing out to them, the deficiencies of the
Law, and how

forms me, that
may be evaded. Colo. Forman further inmany people who have absconded, have left
it
behind them, Stocks of Horses, Cattle and Grain, which will

not only be
is
lost to
the Owners, but to the Public,
not fallen upon to secure them.
think
it
if
some mode
your Council of Safety
If
proper, the Colonel will take possession of such effects
for the public use,
and return you an account of them.
owners return in future and

receive the
clear
Amount, otherwise
up
their
If
the
Conduct, they may-
suppose they will be confis-
cated to the State.

I
leave a Matter to your Consideration,
worthy of your Attention. There are

tities
of Grain
still,
which
think well
considerable quan-
and other provisions on and near the Coast, most
in the Hands of people who would willingly spare it to

Enemy, whenever an opportunity offered. As descents are
very easy and practicable, I think, effectual Means should be
fallen upon to remove such provisions from the Shore into the
interior parts of the Country. Whatever direction you think
of
it
the
proper to give in this Matter, Colo.

Altho'
Forman
will execute.
have particularly mentioned the Militia of Mon-
mouth, Middlesex and Burlington; I could wish that the Brigadiers of the different districts
of their Militia,
late
and
to order
were ordered
them
to
to
March
Summon
parts
(Officered as the
The Backmuch against

from the Militia. The
Resolve of Congress directs) and join the Army.
wardness of the Continental Levies, obliges me,
my
will, to call for a further
Support
Expiration of time of the three
Months Men
of this State
and
346
of the Virginia
[April
and Maryland Volunteers leaves part of our line

21
I have the honor to be etc.
broken and exposed.
To THE PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF

Head
Sir: Capt. Praetor
of the 31st Ulto.
Quarters, Morris
22
did
me
Town, April 2,
Load
have to lament, that the Expressions intended

bear, in
me
of a part of
forming our new Army, could be so
misunderstood by your Board.
had
rejoiced at hearing, that they
not only appointed their Officers in the first instance, but
arranged them likewise, and desired, that, in future,

fill
1777.
the honor to deliver your favor
to thank the late Council of Safety for easing
the heavy
WAR
up the
should
vacancies as they happen, intending thereby to save
you the trouble and prevent delays.

Immediately on being apprized of the Plot you speak of,
23
into the provost, and shall immediately
I ordered Collins
send
when
him
to Philadelphia, that he
called for. Inclosed
my Aids
of
is
his
may
be ready for Trial
Examination, taken by one
de Camp.
have established a Relay of Riders between
this
and Phila-
24
and have ordered Colo. Biddle to acquaint you with

the Rider's Name, and where he may be found, in Philadelphia.
Intelligence will be secure and expeditious. I have received
certain and Authentic Intelligence, that all the Top Sail Vessels
have left Amboy and are riding off the Watering Place. Redelphia,
ports Says, that they are taking in fourteen days'
Water.
if
in your Capes, as soon as possible, that
accordingly.
21
Wood
and
should be happy to be informed of their appearance,
have the honor &c.
may regulate myself
25

Capt. Francis Procter, of the Fourth Continental Artillery.
23
Collins was a clerk in the Quartermaster General's Office. The examination mentioned is not found among the Washington Papers.
"Col. Clement Biddle, Commissary General of Forage of the Continental Army.
25
22
BURNING OF PEEKSKILL
1777]
347
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Head Quarters, Morris Town, April 2,
Dear
Sir:
1777.
Yours of the 29th. Ulto. was delivered to
Yesterday by Mr. Laurance.
26
The
loss
we have
me
sustained in
Commissary and Quarter Masters Stores, is to be regreted,

as they are most useful to the Army, and not to be replaced
at this time; The Commissary's particularly. I had repeatedly
guarded him against suffering any large quantities laying near
the Water, in such places as were accessible to the Enemy's
Shipping.
was
satisfied
from the
first,
that
you had done
every thing that prudence could suggest, and that as

opposition as your
numbers would admit
of,
much
had been made.
Want of Men, at critical Conjunctures, has lost us advantages,

that I fear we shall never regain. As I have heard of no move
in the Shipping,
deferred,
I
'till
hope,
if
another
visit is
intended,
it
will be
the arrival of the Eastern Militia at Peeks Kill.
am etc. 27
To COLONEL HENRY
BEEKMAN LIVINGSTON

Dear
Sir: I
1777.
have your favours of the 29th. Ulto. and without
date, the last inclosing a return of
your Regiment.
borne a more agreeable Aspect; but,

spared and no means
left
trust
untried to complete
wish it had
no pains
will be
it.
General McDougall transmitted me a full account of the late

affair at
of
my
Peeks
Kill. I
wish the
sending you the
sum
have been so exhausted of

20
of
state of
our Treasury admitted
Money you wrote
late,
for;
by the extravagant
But we
drafts for
Capt. John Lawrence. He was captain and paymaster of the First New York
Regiment; Judge Advocate General of the Continental Army from April 10, 1777, to
June 3, 1782, when he resigned.
27
348
pay of the
Militia, that I
can only spare you
five
[April
thousand Dol-
lars for the present, which I send by Capt. Lawrence. I wish

you could fall upon some means of finding out where your Sub-
an Advertisement in your paper

ordering them all to signify the places where they are recruiting, and what Number of Recruits they have, would answer
alterns are; perhaps putting
the purpose.
To
am &c. 28

Head Qurs., Morris Town, April 2,
1777.
had the honor of writing to you last, I have received the inclosed from Genl Mcdougal, which contains a
Sir: Since I
account of the
full
late Affair at Peekskill.
step appears to have been taken
Every prudential
by the General, and as good a
disposition made, as his small number of Men would admit of.

I
have heard nothing farther respecting the Embarkation of
Troops which
mentioned in
my last.
am in hopes the Con-
necticut Militia will arrive at Peekskill, before another expedi-
made up the North River. I have wrote to hasten them,

much as possible, lest such another design should be really
tion
as
is
in agitation. In
my opinion Delaware Bay is their Object, and
Chesapeak only thrown
out,
by way of blind;
their late at-
tempt to procure Delaware Pilots seems to confirm it.

by your late promotions, that a foreign Gentleman
to the
command
of the
German
Battalion.
he was ordered to join immediately,

wants an Officer of experience
honor to be,
P. S.
at the
29
as that
Head
is
observe,
appointed
could wish that
Regiment much
of
it.
have the
etc.
have ordered the Deputy Qr. Mr. General to establish
proper Relays of Expresses between this and Philadelphia, that

28
^Henry Leonard Philip, Baron d'Arendt, had been appointed colonel of the German regiment on March 19. He was granted leave of absence Aug. 18, 1778, and did
not rejoin the regiment.
1777]
EXTRAVAGANT BOUNTIES
intelligence
may
tious
Manner.
Delaware Bay,
be occasionally conveyed in the most expedi-
If
there should be any appearance of a Fleet in
it
will be
known
delphia, by hoisting the Signal
Notice of
The
it.
late
is,
that
in Phila-
and I beg I may have the earliest
who
his
you may know where to apply.
Quarters, Morris
80
Town, April 3,
1777.
am honored with yours of the 18th of last Month. The
ample arrivals of Arms at Philadelphia and at Portsmouth,
added to those we before had, puts

ness
few Hours

Head
Sir: I
in a very
Quarter Master will inform you
Rider, in Philadelphia
To
349
on
me out of all further uneasi-
account of that necessary Article.
The Eleven hundred
and Seventy Six Stand which you received from the Continental Agent at Boston, will be very near the Number wanted for
your two Continental Battalions
that they
may
any part of them were
The
effects,
when Compleat; and
be carefully collected
lent,
from the
and applied
Militia, to
desire
whom
to that purpose.
of granting extravagent Bounties
and of raising
Bodies of Men upon Colonial establishments, now appear, from

the returns of the
From
the
first
low state of your two Continental
cause, the
Men
Battalions.
are taught to set a price
themselves and refuse to turn out, except that price
is
upon
and
paid,
I am informed that, in some instances in Massachusets, One

hundred Pounds lawful Money pr.Man has been paid. It is also
evident, that the raising the Colonial Brigade for 15 Months,

retards the Continental inlistments; for Genl. Spencer in a
Letter of 26 March, writes me, that the
first
has five hundred
Men and the last but three hundred and Eighty,
whom
30
The
about half of
have had the Small Pox: and he adds, that General

letter sent is in the
include the postscript,
is
writing of Tench Tilghman; the draft, which does not

George Johnston.
in that of
350
Varnum was
only then preparing Hospitals for the innocu-
lation of the remainder. Strange that this should
neglected so long, when
Rhode
have been
my Orders to him were given on the 3d
of March, to provide quarters
You
[April
and
certainly over rate the
to innoculate immediately.
Number
of the
Enemy upon
Island, if they consist of only Six Hessian
British Regiments.
Men
out compleat, did not exceed Six hundred

British 250 each,
and two
The Hessian Regiments, when they came
now,
if
each,
and the
they have decreased by Casualties
Army,
more than three thousand. A number too
small to make any attempt upon the Main.
I am convinced from every appearance, that they intend to
leave Rhode Island, where they have wintered comfortably,
and kept up a considerable diversion, and join their Main Body
in this Province. How I am to oppose them, God knows; for,
except a few hundred from Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia,
&ca. in proportion to the other Troops in the British
they are scarcely
have not yet received a
Man
of the
new
Continental Levies.
So far from being able to consent, that your Continental Bat-
home, supposing the Enemy should

am obliged, in the most positive
Terms, to order every Man who has had the Small Pox, to
come immediately forward and those who have not, as soon
as they are recovered. I have wrote Genl. Varnum to the same
talions should
remain
at
continue upon the Island that I
effect.
As it is my duty to afford equal protection to every part
of the Continent, you
may
be assured that
if I
thought there
was any real danger to be apprehended from the Enemy at

Rhode Island, that instead of drawing the Continental Troops
from that Quarter, I should add to their Numbers. But, when
there is every probability of their coming away, and supposing
they should stay, that the internal Strength of the Country
would hinder them from
setting foot
upon the Main,
think
NEED OF TROOPS
1777]
351
am excusable in drawing every Man in the Continental Serv-
ice (except those
intended for the Northern Department) to
this point; to give opposition to the
who, except they are checked,
grand Army of the Enemy,
will in turn overrun every State
in the Union.
As
the safety of the whole Confederacy, depends
State's
upon
furnishing the Quota of
you in the most pressing
Men
allotted to
Manner;
first,
it;
upon each
I must call
to endeavour to
compleat your Allotment by the usual methods; but,
Men
if
your
will not turn out voluntarily, notwithstanding the great
encouragement given by the

powers are adequate,
insist
State, I
upon each
beg you
will, if
district's
furnishing a
Certain number, as they have done in Massachusetts.
modes can be
well give up the cause.
of these
fallen upon, to
I
good
effect,
your
If neither
we may
as
81
etc.
GENERAL ORDERS
Head Quarters, Morristown, April 3,
Parole
It
New Castle.
1777.
Countersign Dover.
having been observed that the Waggoners, and those
who
have the care of the public Horses, use them very cruelly, by
them extremely hard upon all occasions, it is therefore

recommended to the Quarter-Masters, and Waggon-Masters, to
riding
give strict orders against such practices in future, which,
tinued after such notice
is
if
con-
given, the offenders shall be liable to
immediate punishment, by order of any commissioned Officer
who happens to see them.

The Execution of Serjt.Porterfield is suspended (by Order of
His Excellency General Washington) 'till Friday the nth Inst.
'The draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
352
[April
To BRIGADIER GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD

Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, April
3, 1777.
was this day favoured with yours of the

Month and a few days ago with that of the nth.
Dear
It is
Sir: I
needless for
me to say much upon a Subject, which must
undoubtedly give you a good deal of uneasiness.

surprised,
when
Generals, and
was
26th. last
did not see your
name
so fully of opinion that there
take in the matter, that
(as
you may
in the
confess
list
was
of Major
was some mis-
recollect) desired
you
not to take any hasty Step, before the intention of Congress was
fully
known. The point does not now admit of a doubt, and
of so delicate a nature, that
is
will not even undertake to advise,
your own feelings must be your guide.
32
As no particular charge
is alledged against you, I do not see upon what ground you can
demand a Court of inquiry. Besides, public Bodies are not
amenable for their Actions; They place and displace at pleasure,
and
all
the satisfaction that an individual can obtain,
overlooked,
is
when he
innocent, a consciousness that he has not
is, if
deserved such treatment for his honest exertions. Your determination, not to quit your present
Command, while any
ger to the public might ensue from your leaving
it,
dan-
deserves
my thanks, and justly entitles you to the thanks of your Country.

General Greene,
who
has lately been at Philadelphia, took
occasion to inquire
upon what
ceeded in their
promotion of General
late
principle the Congress proOfficers.
He was
"The reasons for Arnold's nonpromotion do not appear to have been committed to
paper. Greene's report to Washington seems to have been verbal, just as was the information he obtained in Philadelphia. This is unfortunnte from the historical standpoint, as the Arnold treason, despite the failure of its main purpose, was an event of
some moment. This ignoring of Arnold marks the beginning of the chain of happenings which rendered the treason possible four years later. The cause of the action of
Congress is to be searched for in the year 1 775 and the feeling aroused in Massachuby Connecticut's successful activity in the surprise of Ticonderoga in that year, in
which Arnold took part.
setts
DEATH FOR DESERTION
1777]
353
Members from each State seemed to insist

upon having a proportion of Genl. Officers, adequate to the
number of Men which they furnish, and that as Connecticut
had already two Major Generals, it was their full share. I coninformed, that the
fess this is a strange
mode of reasoning, but it may serve to shew
you, that the promotion
which was due
to your Seniority,
not overlooked for want of Merit in you.
was
am etc. 83

Sir : I
am
proceedings of a Court Martial upon Nagel,
who are
1777.
favoured with yours of the 26th. Ulto, inclosing
Key and Querry,"

The plea of
Sentenced to suffer Death for desertion.
ignorance of our law,
is
frivolous,
and
if
admitted,
we
should
never convict a Criminal. Examples must be made, to put a stop

to that prevailing Crime, or
we may as well disband
at once; I therefore desire that the
the
Army
most atrocious of the three
may be executed and the others pardoned.

I am pretty well convinced, that the Enemy mean to abandon
Rhode Island and join their main Body. They now have a fleet
of Transports laying in the narrows, with Troops
on Board,
bound upon an expedition to, either Delaware or Chesapeak

Bay, and unless they call in their detachments, they will leave
the posts which they at present occupy in Jersey, too weak, as the
Men, which I have just mentioned, are drawn from them. I am
not only amazed at the low Returns of the Rhode Island Battalions, as I had heard that they were nearly compleated, but
Varnum should be only prepairing Hospitals for inwhen you wrote. I, however, desire, that every Man
that Genl.
oculation
""The
and
is
draft, in the writing of
Tench Tilghman,
is
dated April
2,
indorsed April
3,
so recorded by Varick.
"Peter Nagel, Robert Key, and Richard Querry, of Angel's Rhode Island regiment.
354
who
has had the small pox,
may
be immediately marched to
Peeks Kill, and there wait further orders. Those

not, as soon as they
travel. I
[April
who
have gone thro' the disorder and are
have
fit
for
am etc.
Enemy should leave Rhode Island and go clearly

35
off. I desire you may join the Army here.
P. S. If the
*To BRIGADIER
GENERAL

Morris Town, April
3, 1777.
My Letters of the 20th. and 29th. Ulto. will convey

evident proofs to you, of my extreme solicitude respecting the
Dear
Sir:
Assembling of our Troops, and
yet, as I
have but too much rea-
son to believe that dissipation in some, and the comfortable
enjoyment of domestick pleasures in
others,
have had an un-
happy Influence upon the Conduct of the Recruiting Officers, I
must again repeat the urgent
necessity there
is
for the Officers
of every denomination exerting themselves to the utmost in
New Levies.
bringing forward the

Genl.
Howe
is
vigorous in his preparations, the Troops at
Rhode Island, from the best Intelligence I have been able to get,
were about to Imbark; a number (to the amount it is said of
3000) have actually Imbark'd from New York and Amboy;
and are now at the Watering place near the Narrows. In
short,
Campaign is opening, and we have no Men for the field. If

this is owing to the causes above mentioned, the Officers em-
the
ployed in the Recruiting Service must expect to be answerable

for the Consequences;
ceeds
must have recourse

35
if
they have done their duty, and
it
pro-
from unwillingness in the Men to Inlist, the Government
The
draft
is
to coercive measures; for if the quotas
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
NEED OF TROOPS
1777]
355
required of each State cannot be had by voluntary Inlistment,
and the Powers of Government are not adequate
in time,
drafting, there
comes
vain.
is
therefore wish you to see Govr. Trumbull,
to
an end of the Contest, and opposition be-
and
him on the Importance of this Subject, for delay

in obtaining the Men, falls very little short of not getting them
at all. If the Enemy, for want of Men to oppose them, can
March through the Country in triumph, or if the opposition is
converse with
so feeble as to
become
ineffectual,
and our
Army
stroyed by peacemeals, the bad effect of either

to be conceived, than described
is
thereby de-
much
easier
and should be avoided
if
possible.
The Eight Regiments

into
two Brigades
of your State
as follow.
Second.
First.
Colonels Chas.
i.
would have divided
Webb
2 Colonels Huntington
Wyllys
Bradley
Douglas
Chandler
Durkee
Swift.
The first Brigade to be under your immediate Command, the

Second to be under the care of the
by you)
to
it.
'till
eldest Colo, (superintended
Genl. Spencer arrives, or a Brigadier
All the Officers and
is
appointed
Men of these Brigades to March im-
mediately to Peeks Kill, except such as have not had the Small
Pox, and are
now under
Inoculation,
and except such
as are necessary for the care of the Sick,
and
Officers
for Recruiting;
which ought to be attended to, and prosecuted, with all possible

vigour;
these
Take
Troops
quires
it)
without
care to give
me
previous notice of the arrival of
at the Kills, that (if the exigencies of Affairs re-
they
maybe immediately ordered on to head Quarters
loss of time. I
am etc.
356
[April
Sir:
to
Not having been favoured with an answer
you on the 3rd. Ulto.
tained, "that
I flattered
1777.
my
myself that the order
letter
it
con-
you would have inoculated, all the Recruits of the
two Regiments to be raised by Rhode

listed,"
to
Island, as fast as they en-
had been executed. But a Letter from Governor Cooke
dated the 18th. Ulto. informs me, that you are taking methods
to
have the Regiments inoculated
is still
first
as early as possible,
worse, General Spencer on the 26th., writes
Class of Continental Officers of
Rhode
and what
me that the
Island are about
leaving the pest house for the small pox, the Soldiers will soon
begin to take the Infection, Genl.
Varnum has been preparing
Hospitals several days for that business.
The Troops here, that were inoculated the begining of March,

are recovered
and
tion been used in
good of the
With
in the field,
Rhode
Service,
and had that dispatch and atten-
Island,
which was necessary
to the
your recruits must have been as ready.
every Inclination imaginable to overlook Omissions,
can't find a
good excuse
for this delay;
Such
dilatoriness
must
am therefore under the necessity of

ordering you to march immediately to Peek's Kill, and let me
increase our difficulties.
know
it,
under proper
Officers,
Recruits of your State that have
bringing on with you
all
the
had the Small pox, and leaving
behind a Sufficiency of good ones, under one of the Field

cers to Superintend the recruiting business, and
Eye over the small pox Hospitals; Give these
Offi-
have a watchful
Officers
tory orders, to forego every Species of Indulgence
peremp-
and apply
themselves to this important business. Let a Subaltern or two
bring on every small detachment, as
fast as
they recover, and
FORWARDING OF TROOPS
1777]
let
357
the others be employed in recruiting; the Recruits must be
instantly inoculated. Please to let the Officers
behind, know, that

as they deserve.
shall
whom you leave
mark their conduct and reward them
am etc. 86
To COLONEL JEDIDIAH
HUNTINGTON

Sir : I
have your favour of the 25th
Return of the State of your Regiment.
last
I
1777.
Month, inclosing a
am not
only sorry to
find your number so low as 250 Men, but I do not apprehend,

from the tenor of your Letter, that there is a probability of your
being soon complete. I, however, desire you to march all the
Men
that are
wait
my further orders, and to leave proper Officers, under the
strictest
cruits
fit
for duty, immediately to Peeks Kill, there to
injunctions to fill up their Companies, and bring the Re-
forward
as
quick as possible.
The demand made by
the
Men of your Regiment, to be repaid for the Baggage which they

lost when they were made prisoners, is new and extraordinary.
The arms, if they were private property, have ever been paid
for,
under such circumstances. But for any thing
else, I
have
my power to make any allowance. I think it sufficient

87
that the Men drew pay till they were released. I am, etc.
it
not in
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, April
Parole Princeton.
4,
The detachments, commanded by Capts. O'Hara, 88

Talbot
86
37
38
89
40
41
The
The
40
and
Selin,
41
1777.
Countersign Putnam.
to hold themselves in readiness (with
draft
is
in the writing of
George Johnston.
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
Henry O'Hara, of the Second Canadian Regiment.

Cap t. Victor(?) Bicker, of a New York regiment.
Capt.
Capt. Jeremiah Talbot, of the Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment.

Cant. Anthony Selin, of the Second Canadian Regiment.
39
Bicker,
two
358
days provision) to march to

ceive their orders
[April
morrow morning. They
from Major Genl.
will re-
St. Clair.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Cambridge.
A General Court Martial to

the
trial
of Lieut. Carnes
other prisoners, as
5, 1777.
Countersign Boston.
42
sit
to
morrow
at 9
O'Clock, for
of Col: Martins Regt.,
may be brought before them.
and such
All Evidences
to attend.

Head
Dear Sir
Quarters, Morris
HEATH
Town, April
1777.
5,
am favored with yours of the 25th. March.
have
from the Council of your State, for part

of the new arrived Arms, to put into the hands of such of your
had no request
Troops
that as
as
as yet,
were ready and only waited for them, but
many
as are necessary
may
I desire,
be immediately drawn and
the Troops forwarded. So that there can be no further plea

for delay
upon
that
Head. One thing
must
insist
upon, that
you do not abate your deligence in collecting the public Arms,
and having them repaired and deposited

altho'
our late supply
wants, yet you must

to
arm
altogether
is
large indeed
in proper places, for
and may
remember the number
and the
vast waste
serve our present
of
Men we
and destruction
course of one of our Campaigns occasions.
have
that the
am amazed
to
hear you mention the want of cloathing, as one of the delays

to the
marching of your Troops. This is an excuse that I cannot
admit of, because from the accounts which I have seen from the
Agents for purchasing and providing Cloathing in the Massachusetts, there
" Lieut. Zophar
were
as
many
Carnes, of the Fourth
ready two months ago, as would
TROOPS FOR THE NORTH
1777]
serve your quota of
Men.
am
359
convinced, that Officers, un-
willing to leave their quarters, will
make
every excuse to pro-
long the time of staying with their families and Friends, and
I have for that reason fixed General Officers, at all the places
where the Troops are drawn together, to see that they remain
no longer than is absolutely necessary to equip the Men. I
therefore desire that you will inquire very minutely into these
matters and whenever you find that the Arms and accoutrements are ready, insist upon the Officers marching with the
Men to places of destination, without admitting of any excuse
whatsoever.
General Schuyler
ing Rout
who is now here, has given me the follow-
Troops that are to march from Massachuquarter, which he informs me will be saving an
for the
setts to this
hundred miles by land, and which I desire may be put in practice by those who are not already on their way.
Such of the Regiments from the Massachusetts Bay as may be ordered
and whose Rendezvous is not in the South Eastern part of
that State to march thro' the Green Woods to Kinderhook, Claverack,
to the Jerseys
The Officers commanding each of

commanding Officer at Albany,
Vessels may be sent to either
requesting
that
a Return of their numbers,
of the above places, as they shall direct, to carry them down to Fort
or
Red Hook on Hudsons
these Regts. to send before
River.
him
to the
Montgomery.
Orders will be sent to the commanding Officer
Albany
at
to
comply with the above requisition, and to put on board the vessels eight days provisions for the numbers returned to him.
James Clinton or the Officer commanding at
Fort Montgomery, will keep Spy Boats down the River to keep
Brigr. Genl.
a look out and see that none of the Enemy's

in Haverstraw Bay;
proceed
down
Jersey, as there
48
if
armed
that should be clear,
Vessels are
the Troops may
the River and disembark at Peeks Kill or in
may be occasion.
am etc. 43
cms.h.s.]
360
[April
To BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES CLINTON

OR OFFICER COMMANDING FORT MONTGOMERY
Sir : In order to shorten the
ments intended for
1777.
march of the Massachusetts Regi-
this quarter,
they are directed to take their
Route thro' the Green woods to Kinderhook, Claverack or Red

44
Hook.
The Vessels then to go down with the tide of
.
Ebb and land the Troops where directed. Signals to be fixed

upon and given by the Boat that remains below, in case any
of the Enemy's Vessels should be seen coming up, whilst ours
are going down. If you should have occasion to be absent from
the Garrison, for ever so short a time, be sure to leave a Copy of
these orders with the next in
Command.
am etc. 45
*To SAMUEL WASHINGTON

Morristown, April 5, 1777.
46
Dear Brother: Thornton returns to you well recover'd of

the Small Pox, as I hope to hear that my Sister, and the rest
of your family are. I heartily congratulate you on the favourable manner in which you had it yourself.
To save Thornton, or you, the expence of buying a Horse to
ride home on, I have lent him a Mare of Mine which I beg of
you to have sent by any safe conveyance which may offer to
Lund Washington at Mount Vernon. If she should be in want
of a Horse before any oppertunity offers of sending her down
please to put her to some good (but not expensive) one altho
she is not very valuable herself. When you send her down let
Lund Washington know whether you have put her to Horse
or not, and what Horse.
44
The omitted
portion
is
a repetition of the last
Maj. Gen. William Heath, the same date as

"Thornton Washington, eldest son of Samuel.
letter to
46
two paragraphs
this letter, q. v.
in Washington's
SLOW RECRUITING
1777]
361
To my very great surprize General Howe has made no Capifew days ago a detachment of his Army
Men) run up the North River in
Transports and destroyed some Rum, and other Stores of that
kind belonging to us at a place called Peekskill where the Post
happened to be weak; but, upon the Assembling of some of
our Men they Imbarkd in great haste and went back again to
New York. They are also Imbarking Men (to the amount it
is said of 3000) for some expedition, but the destination is unknown, my conjecture is Philadelphia; as we know they have
tol
movement
yet; a
(consisting of about 600
been endeavouring to get Pilots well acquainted with the Navigation of the Delaware. An agent of theirs detected in this busi-
upon a Gallows at Philadelphia the other day.

Our Troops come in exceedingly slow, whether owing to
ness got exalted
an unwillingness in the
Men
dissipation of the Officers,
friends
and acquaintance,
looks to
to Inlist, or to the Idleness
and
I
and
their reluctance to leave their
shall not
undertake to say; but
it
me as if we should never get an army assembled. Mr.
Thruston to
whom I have given the raising of one
teen Regiments will give Thornton
My best wishes attends my Sister
47
of the Six-
Commission in it.
and the little ones whom
a
may congratulate on their perfect recovery; in this Mrs.

Washington, who is with me, sincerely joins.
hope
I am with every Sentiment of regard and love, Dr. Sir, Yr.

Most Affect. Brother.
48
P. S. Mr. Johnston
has lent Thornton a Saddle and Bridle
and I suppose has told him what is to be done with it.
Since writing the above
have determined to send by Thorn-
ton 2000 Dollars to Lieutenant Colo. McDonald,

(if
he will accept
47
it)
Angus(?) McDonald.
who I intend
for Colo. Thruston's Lieutt. Colo. Let
He was to have been a lieutenant in Charles

nental regiment.
4S
Lieut. Col. George Johnston.
4B
49
Mynn
Thurston's Additional Conti-
362
Thornton
carry the
it.)
if
you cannot Conveniently
Money to him immediately
Thornton will
Donald who
McDonald
see
yourself,
(a Receipt to be taken for
receive his Recruiting orders
will appoint a place for
[April
him
from Mc-
to send his Recruits
forwarded on to the Army, or disciplined.
to in order to be
[H.S.P.]
To COLONEL GOOSE VAN SCHAICK

OR OFFICER COMMANDING AT ALBANY
Head
Sir: In
Quarters, Morris
Town, April 5,
order to shorten the March of such of theTroopsfrom
the State of Massachusetts, as are to join the
under
1777.
my command,
Army immediately
have, by the advice of Genl. Schuyler,
them to march thro' the Green woods to Kinderhook,

Claverack or Red Hook from whence they are to fall down to
Fort Montgomery by Water. The Officers commanding the
detachments, are to give you notice to which of the above places
they intend to repair, and what number of men they have with
them. Immediately upon the Receipt of these accounts, you
directed
are to send
down
Men, and order
a proper
the
Number
Commissary
of Sloops to take in the
to put
on Board eight days
provision for them. General Schuyler informs me, that there

are a great quantity of Peas at Albany,
and
in the Neighbour-
hood, and more than are wanted for the northern

therefore desire, that the
lect
Army;
Commissary may be ordered
to col-
them, put what can be spared on board the Sloops that
carry
down the
Troops, and have them delivered to the
missary at Fort Montgomery.
command
at
successor.
Iam&ca.
"The
draft
is
If
Com-
you are removed from the
Albany, you are to deliver these orders to your

50
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
NEW JERSEY
1777]
Head
The
inclosed
51
363
To
Sir:
MILITIA
Town, April 5, 1777.

from Monsr. Le Chevr. de Dreud homme
Quarters, Morris
were received this

day by the Eastern Mail. It appears, that by an agreement with
52
Mr.Deane, he is to have the Rank and pay of a Brigadier Gende Borre,
eral in
with the papers annexed to
our Service.
imagine by
this,
it,
that he
is
Man
of real
Merit. If you think proper to confirm Mr. Deane's appoint-
ment, be pleased to inform

I may give a
Suitable
derstand English,
use at the
it
Head of a
To
me of it, and return the Letter, that
Answer.
will be
If,
as
imagine, he does not un-
some time before he can be of any
Brigade.
have &c.
53

Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, April
5, 1777.
may have been

mistaken in my interpretation of your Militia Law; but it however leaves open a door for much litigation and delay.
Sir: I
have the honor of yours of yesterday,
As you must
stances of your
certainly be best acquainted
own
with the Circum-
State, I intirely acquiesce
which you may think most expedient

your Militia
with any
mode
in regard to calling out
at this time.
Monmouth within reach of the Enemy, (if they make descents) of so

much Consequence, that I shall direct Colonel Forman to set
about that work as soon as he Collects a Sufficient force to do it
I
think the removal of the provisions in the County of
effectually. I
have the honor &ca.
54
Preudhomme de Borre. He was appointed a brigadier general on April

rank from Dec. i, 1776; resigned on September 14.
Silas Deane.
w In the writing
of George Johnston; the draft is in that of Tench Tilghman.
54
Chevalier
11, to
52
364
[April
PROCLAMATION
Morris Town, April
Whereas,
many
6, 1777.
Soldiers, lately inlisted in the Continental
Army, not content with the generous Bounties and Encouragements granted to them by Congress, but Influenced by a
base regard to their Interest, have reenlisted with, received
And Whereas
presumed that many fully sensible of the enormity of their
Bounties from other Officers and then deserted;

it is
Crimes, would return to their duty, were they not detered, by
an apprehension of suffering the severe punishment

flicted
I
on those found
have thought proper to issue this
free
lately in-
guilty of desertion.
my Proclamation offering
pardon to all those above described, as well
have deserted from other motives,
who
as to those
who
shall Voluntarily sur-
render themselves to any Officer in the Continental Army, or

join their respective Corps before the fifteenth day of May next.
And I do strictly enjoin all officers in the Army under my Com-
mand, and
intreat the
good people of these
States, to use their
utmost endeavours to apprehend and secure such Deserters, as

shall not avail themselves of this indulgence offered
proclamation.
by
this
55
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Elizabeth-Town.
7, 1777.
Countersign Westfield.
56
John Burke of Capt Christy's Company of the 3rd Pennsyl

Battalion, tried by a General Court Martial of which Major
Harmar 57 was President, is found

post,
and
is
6u
BT
drun\ on
his
sentenced to receive one hundred lashes for said
offence.
50
guilty of being
The draft is in the writing of Caleb Gibbs.

Capt. James Chrystie.
Maj. Josiah Harmar.

ABSENTEE OFFICERS
1777]
The General
365
approves the sentence, and orders
it
to be exe-
cuted forthwith.
58
Company, in Col Martin's

Regt. tried by the same Court Martial on the charge of " BeLieut. Carnes of Capt.
Wade's
having unbecoming the Character of an Officer and a Gentleman, in converting to his
own
use the property
viz: A
59
Horse and half Johannes, belonging to one Baxter" ; And also

of "Disobedience of Orders" The Court find the said Lieut.
Carnes Guilty of the Charge against him, and sentence him to

be cashiered
and Money
And the Court orders [him] to restore the Horse

to said Baxter;
and
to
make good
Baxter's Ex-
Amount of 5.. Proc: Money; and that so

much money be stopped out of said Carnes's Pay, as to answer
and make good the Judgment of the Court.
The General approves the sentence of the Court, and orders
pences to the
it
to take place immediately.
[His Excellency the
Commander
most pointed terms, that

9th Virginia Regiments,
all
in Chief, orders in the
the Officers of the
1, 3, 4, 5,
6 and
who are absent without leave in writ-
ing from himself or Major General Stephen, or are not upon
any special Command, or not on the recruiting Service (the

two last Cases by proper Authority) do immediately join their
respective Corps, without the smallest Hesitation or delay.
Those
who have
obtained written furloughs, must not exceed
the time allowed by them, a single hour;
And those who have
been sent upon particular Commands, or are employed in the

recruiting Service,
must pay the utmost attention
Orders, as they will
Answer the Contrary. The
to their
Officers of the
other Virginia Regiments in Continental Service, must govern
themselves
strictly
by these Orders
as they apply.
No
Excuse
Capt. Noadiah Wade, of the Fourth New Jersey Regiment.

Johannes, a gold coin of Portugal, so called, it is thought, from having been
first issued by King John. It was worth about $9; a half -Johannes, or half-jo, was
53
B9
therefore worth about $4.50.
366
[April
can or will be admitted for Idleness or dissipation, at a time
when their own Honor and

to the Field.
their Country's Interest call
them
His Excellency does not wish to convey these
orders through the Channel of a Newspaper; but the difficulty,
indeed impracticability, of transmitting them in time in any

other way, renders
it
indispensably necessary.]
60
To THE OFFICER COMMANDING

THE FIRST VIRGINIA BATTALION
Morris Town, April
Sir: I
am
men
of your
that
it
informed, and indeed
Regiment
7, 1777.
have observed, that the
are so exceedingly bare of necessaries,
not only contributes to their unhealthiness, but ren-
them absolutely unfit to take the Field. Inattention to the

wants of Soldiers marks the bad Officer; it does more, it reasonably removes that confidence on which the Officers Honour
ders
and Reputation must depend.
As there is Clothing now here, I desire you may immediately

cause inquiry to be made into what is wanting, and make
returns, that
ordered on.
we have a
if
If
the things wanted are not here, they
advantage
little
is
leisure time, they will be miserable
during the active
may be
now
not taken to supply the Men,
part of the Campaign.
and naked
am etc. 61
To BRIGADIER GENERAL NATHANIEL HEARD

Morris Town, April
Sir: Inclosed I transmit
gress,
60
you a Copy of a
7, 1777.
late resolve of
Con-
by which you will perceive, that in bringing the Militia
The orders within brackets were not published in Morristown, but were sent,
with an explanatory note from Lieut. Col. George Johnston, to Alexander Purdie,
publisher of the Virginia Gazette at Williamsburg, for publication in his paper.
61
The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman and George Johnston. This same
letter was sent also to the officers commanding the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and
Ninth Virginia Battalions, and to Col.Theodorick Bland, of the Virginia Light Horse.
MILITIA PAY FRAUDS
1777]
into the field, strict regard
is
to be
and only a due proportion of
had
to the
Officers,
367
number
of
men;
both with respect to

62
rank and number, is to be called out to command them. More

than these will not be paid, as it would impose an unreasonable
burthen on the public. There have been horrid abuses in
way;
it
has been heretofore customary, to see almost as
Officers as
men,
in the
this
many
pay abstracts that have been brought be-
And what is, if possible, a still greater enormity I have

reason to believe it is too often a practice for Officers who command parties, to assume the rank of their superior officers who
fore me.
happen
to be absent,
and
to
draw pay equivalent
to
it,
under
the absurd idea of their acting in their stead and capacity,

sire
de-
your careful attention to the remedying these things in
future, as the tenor of the before

rigidly adhered to,
to receive
liable to
mentioned resolve will be
and Supernumerary
no pay for their unnecessary
are guilty of such an assumption of
expect
rank will make themselves
find, that the Brigadiers of this State

call
matter himself,
it
have each a particular
out the Militia of a particular
this account, unless the
actual
may
and those who
punishment.
power, only to
agree
officers
Services;
district.
On
Governor should have regulated the
will be necessary that the Brigadiers should
among themselves, on one of their number to take the

command of the Troops in the field; more than one will
not be wanted for the purpose.
deem it indespensibly incumbent on the acting Brigadier, to inforce upon all the Officers under him, the necessary
practice of making exact returns to him of their several parties;
and to impress it upon them, in explicit terms, that no abstracts
I shall
they shall present, will be paid, unless they are
under
62
his
first certified
hand, in doing which, his duty and reputation
See Journals of the Continental Congress, Apr. 4, 1777.
368
[April
compare the abstracts with the

returns that have been previously made. Any neglect or want
of care, in this particular, will manifest an unpardonable dis-
demand he should
accurately
regard, to the public good.
To
am &ca. 63

Head
Town, April
Quarters, Morris
7, 1777.
Regiment of Connecticut
last,
was this day presented to
October
to
January
Militia, from
Sir:
The pay
abstract of the 10th
me for payment. The very unreasonable disproportion of Officers induced me to decline giving orders for the payment. I
must beg the favor of you to have some mode adopted, by
which the Public Treasury may be eased of such extraordinary
Demands. Impositions of this Nature are provided for in future by Congress; but how we are to remedy those that have
happened, I am at a loss to determine.
ing shall pass thro'
slightest
can only say, that noth-
my hands, that may be
construed into the
Approbation of such Impositions. I have enclosed

I have the honour etc.
the abstract for your Consideration.
Should Colo. Sheldon want a further supply of Money,

to finish the equipping his Regiment, I must request you would
P. S.
advance
64
[c.s.l.]
it.
To JOSEPH REED OR COLONEL CORNELIUS

Head
Dear
Sir: I
Quarters, Morris
am informed, there is a certain Mr.
has been lately taken
up by Genl. Lincoln
Philadelphia under that Character;

sons that he
is
the
in that capacity,
^The
Brig.
Town, April
as a
I believe,
7, 1777.
Smith,
who
Spy and sent
to
for several rea-
man who was employed by you to act for us,
and
that the apprehending
him
draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton. The same

Gen. William Winds, of the New Jersey Militia.
the writing of George Johnston.
w In
COX
is
a mistake,
letter
was sent
to
MATTER
A SPY
1777]
369
which may be attended with ill consequences. Lest he should

be precipitately tried and punished, I must beg you will interpose in the affair without delay, and if you find him to be the
person
suspect he
him released. I
some management might be used
take measures to have
is,
should be glad indeed, that
in the matter, in order to turn the Circumstance of his being
apprehended to a good account.

a
handsome present
in
money
would be well to make him

secure his fidelity to us; and
It
to
contrive his releasement, in such a manner, as to give
it
the
appearance of an accidental escape from confinement. After

concerting a plan with him, by which he will be enabled to be
from time to
time, let him make the best of his way to the Enemy, under the
idea above intimated, that is, as a fugitive from the persecution
and danger, he incurred among us, for his known friendship
to the Enemy. Great care must be taken, so to conduct the
scheme, as to make the escape appear natural and real; there
must be neither too much facility, nor too much refinement,
serviceable to us, in
communicating
for doing too
or over acting the part, would, alike beget
little,
intelligence
a suspicion of the true state of the case.
To
am etc. 65
COLONEL SAMUEL BLATCHLEY WEBB

Head
Sir:
Mr. Verstilee
The account
it
66
Quarters, Morris
delivered
Town, April 7,
me your favour of the
1777.
1st. Inst.
contains of the strength of your Battalion, falls
very short of the condition
had reason
to believe
it
was
in,
67
from what Colonel Wm. Livingston told me immediately on

his return from you. I cannot give the order you have applied
for, but have sent you one for 300 stand on the Commissary of
Military Stores at Springfield.
85
The
draft
is
in the writing of
The inclosed contains an order
Alexander Hamilton.
"Ensign William Verstille, of Webb's Additional Continental regiment.

Lieut. Col. William Smith Livington, of Webb's Additional Continental regiment.
07
370
to send 3,000 immediately to that place.
an expeditious conveyance.
must
insist
[April
Be pleased to give it
that you will not, in
a single instance, abate your attention to the purchase of Arms;
Army. They
must therefore, be proportionably delivered out; and he who
depends intirely, on being supplied from these funds, and
the late arrivals will not supply the Continental
omits purchasing
disappointed.
all
The
sooner you furnish General Parsons with
the Return he called

is
the arms within his reach, will be greatly
upon you
on the very eve of opening.
for the better.
A decisive blow at the beginning,
will leave the fortunate party very
afterwards.
Now,
if
The Campaign
little
to
do for some time
the Officers, in direct disobedience of
repeated orders, wait at their respective
homes
in
my
good quar-
ters, till
they are pleased to think they can conveniently leave
them,
must take the Field with
and
little
more than
my
family
loose this important opportunity.
My
on the Troops as they recover

from the Small pox, even by Twenties, must be strictly complied
with; none must be delayed for discipline. I am told, that you
orders therefore, to send
have ordered Colo. Livingston to you, to superintend the
re-
from Connecticut, and that the

Major is to come on with your recruits; will it not tend greatly
to the completion of your Battalion, to detain the Major in that
Country, and let Col. Livingston command the recruits in the
field ? I think it will. Sincerely wishing you here very soon at
cruiting during your absence
the head of your Battalion.
To COLONEL
am etc. 68
ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD
Morris Town, April
8, 1777.
am sorry to find by your letter of yesterday's date

69
that your Regiment is so much reduced. Let me beseech you
Dear
88
09
Sir: I
The draft is
The Second
Virginia Regiment.
MILITARY EXERCISE
1777]
to use every possible
means
to collect
men
your
371
together,
not suffer some to be in one place, some in another and

;
and
let
me
also entreat you, to charge your Recruiting Officers in explicit,
and
positive terms to be exceedingly attentive to that duty, as
and dissipation will not meet with the smallest countenance. Your other officers are to attend the Regiment closely
and not suffer'd under various excuses, to be idling their time
away in Philadelphia or elsewhere. Another thing I shall earidleness
nestly
recommend
to you;
are correct in their returns

for every
with the
to
your
Till
orders
and
that
is
and made
to see that your officers

to account satisfactorily
man that is not present. I shall be rigid in this respect

new army, and would have you announce it in time
officers.
you hear further from me, you will please to receive your
from General Putnam. Embrace every opportunity to
be drilling your men. Attend more to the manoeuvres, than

the
manual
exercise.
To march
well; wheel in order;
through the Platoon Exercise, are
essential.
Manual Exercise tho well enough to

would admit of it) is more useful on a parade than
the
service. I
and go
The other parts of

be known (if time
in actual
am etc. 70
*To
NATHANIEL SACKETT
Morristown, April
Sir: As
what you have done, than any thing
your Letter of yesterdays date
is
8,
1777.
rather a narative of
else, scarce
any answer
necessary, except to that part respecting the H[essia]n:

I
is
who
think had better go to B[runswic]k as his Influence with his
C[aptai]n,
if
he has any
at all,
can be more usefully exerted
there than elsewhere. If any should be sent out with Intelli-
gence of Importance, or of a private Nature they should be

"The original A. L. S. was sold in Chicago in April, 1931, and the text was furnished the editor by the kindness of Emanuel Hertz, of New York.
372
[April
my
Instructed to request a private conference with one of
Family, as the examination of D[eserte]rs
is
generally before
many.
The good effect of Intelligence may be lost if it is not speedily

transmitted; this should be strongly Impressed
upon the
Per-
sons Imployed as it
and building too much upon Reports alone. A Comparison of
Circumstances should be had, and much pains taken to avoid
also should be to avoid false Intelligence
erroneous Accts.
It
runs in
fictitious
minded
my
name,
of
it
head that
if
so
again.
was
am, etc.
Sir:
re-
DUNLAP
Quarters, Morristown, April
8,
1777.
The General desires that you would publish the follow-
ing Order,
72
well Dutch
for a
you by a
71
To JOHN
Head
to corrispond with
have forgot the name and must be
73
Month.
and
desire the other printers in Pennsylvania, as
as English, to insert
I
and continue it in their papers
am etc. 74
*To MAJOR GENERAL ARTHUR
ST.
CLAIR
Morris Town, April

Sir:
1 st.
You
9, 1777.
will repair immediately to Philadelphia,
and
use your utmost endeavours to hasten the Troops on to this

place; nothingbut vigorous exertions, strict attention, and even
"From
the original in
Washington Headquarters and Museum at Newburgh, N. Y.

in Washington's letter and have been rilled in by the
The bracketed words were blank

editor as conjectural.
"The
order inclosed was practically the same as that sent to the Williamsburg, Va.,
Alexander Purdie, on April 7, except that it did not, of course, specify the
Virginia regiments. It was published in the Pennsylvania Packet of April 15 and in
the Pennsylvania Evening Post of April 17. (See note 75 to General Orders, April 7,
printer,
1777, ante.)
73
74
By Dutch Washington meant German.

In the writing of and signed by George Johnston.
FORWARDING TROOPS
1777]
rigour, towards the officers, will enable
purpose in proper Season, for

that the
you
373
to accomplish this
have too good reasons to believe,
whole time of many of them,
is
spent in dissipation
and extra vigance; examples must be made of such.

2d. Call for exact returns of every Corps in the City,
after
forwarding on
all
those that are
Quarters (or otherwise as you
fit
may be advised)
recruiting Officers to be in the City, than

profitably
for
and
suffer
no more
you conceive may be
many
will
Men to continue
remain in that place Interfering with,
Inlisting each others Recruits.
3d. Let the Detachments of every Corps

Officers;
at
Head
to
employed in that Service without this, as the Officers
have other Inducements than that of getting

there, too
and
Duty
come on with proper
A Field Officer should be sent forward to receive them
Camp;
the Lt. Colonels
wou'd do
best for this duty, to be
followed by other Field Officers proportioned to the Increase

of the
Numbers
sent here
and the strength of the Regiments
respectively.
4th.
As you know
the Importance of bringing the Troops
and well appointed, I shall

depend much upon your exertions in these respects; and more-
into the Field properly equipped,
over, that
you will not
suffer the frivolous excuses,
and
idle
objections of the Officers (calculated merely for delay) to re-
tard their March.

5th.
Every Party that Marches to have Orders given to the
Commanding it, in writing, with a charge to present it

Commanding Officer of the Post he is ordered to, that
it may be known whether he brings all the Men committed to
officer
to the
his care or not. If the party should be
Corps, the
6th.
to
number and Rank
composed of
different
in each, should be certified.
Every possible means in your Power should be used,
draw
the Recruits out of the Country, in the States of
374
[April
Pensylvania,and lower Counties; and to hasten on those which

are
upon their March from Virginia, and Maryland.
7th. It
is
my Intention to Brigade the Troops of Pensylvania,
Maryland, and Virginia agreeable to the
list
herewith given
you; so far therefore as Circumstances will enable you to facilitate the
measure,
Order in
I shall
positive,
Corps be called over
Commissioned
depend upon your doing of it.
and express terms,

at least twice a
Officer,
and
let it also
that the Rolls of every
day in the presence of a

be the duty of a Commis-
sioned Officer of every Corps, in Rotation, to

Quarters,
and the Hospital. In the
first
visit their
Sick in
place to see that they
are properly taken care of, in the next, that they join their
respective
Regiments so soon
as they are
fit
for duty.
Let me have an exact return of all the Continental Troops in

Philadelphia,
and
vicinity, so
soon as you get to Town, and
me every Tuesday, by the
a return be regularly transmitted to

Post, whilst
you continue in the City of the Troops
Corps they belong
To
Quarters, Morris
Wilkinson's
him
75
Town, April
one of
his
Aids de Camp, and to
Command in your Battalion;

now to inform you, that the
have consented, and have
general good character of Major Conner
Armstrong's B. Majr) has induced

75
9, 1777.
personal attachment for General
to be
apply for leave to resign his

I
and
COLONEL THOMAS HARTLEY
Gates, has induced
to this
there,
to.
Head
Sir: Colo.
let
me
76
(formerly Genl.
to appoint
him
to that
James Wilkinson.
Maj. Morgan Connor, of the First Continental Infantry. He was lieutenant colonel of Hartley's regiment Apr. 9, 1777; acted as Adjutant General of the Continental
Army from April 19 to June, 1777, when Pickering was appointed; lieutenant colonel
and commandant of the Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment May 12, 1779; granted leave
of absence Dec. 2, 1779; lost at sea in January, 1780.
70
Lieut. Col.
EXCHANGE MATTERS
1777]
vacancy, in discharge of which
office, I trust
375
he will acquit
himself honourably, and greatly to your satisfaction. So soon

as
can spare him from business he
is
discharging in the line of
Adjutant General, pro tempore, he will join you. This
Gentleman designed
will soon be, the
expected.
am
hope
for that office being
etc."
To SIR WILLIAM HOWE

Morris Town, April
Sir: I take the Liberty of transmitting
addressed to
came
me
by Lieut: Col: Walcot of your Army, which
inclosed in a Letter
wallis.
78
It is
from Lieut: General Lord Corn-
with peculiar regret,
am constrained to observe,
that this illiberal performance of Col: Walcott,

calculated, to
9, 1777.
you a Copy of a paper,
answer a
less
is
obviously
generous purpose than that of
merely effecting an exchange, contains a gross misrepresentation of Facts,

line,
which
and
is
a palpable deviation
expected would
mark
from
that delicate
his conduct, as a
Man
of
Candor and ingenuity.

That Gentleman has censured two
me
Articles insisted
thro' Lieut: Colo: Harrison, at their
Ulto.," as groundless, unprecedented
degree of reason or
this,
meeting on the 10th.

inconsistent with
any
common sense," tho' founded, as I conceive,
in the clearest principles of Equity
himself with
and
on by
and justice. Not contenting
which would have given
me no concern, he
has assumed the privilege of mutilating and mistating those

Articles in such a
manner,
as to
change their meaning, and to
adapt them to the unfair conclusions he wished to establish.

77

"Lieut. Col. William Walcott's paper (April 2) was a demand for fulfilling previous agreements for an exchange of prisoners. The original is in the Washington
Papers. A copy was transmitted to Congress by Washington in his letter of April 10,
q. v., and Congress resolved (April 11) that both be published.
376
Having premised
these things,
[Aprh.
and being charged
in direct
and positive Terms by Col Walcot, who acted under your Au:
thority,
with a violation of the Agreement made between us
for the exchange of Prisoners,
ance of the same,
think
it
and
called
upon
for a perform-
necessary, to explain the Motives of
my conduct, and the grounds on which those Articles or Objections stand.
In respect to the
self
first, I
I do not hold myAgreement or by the
freely repeat, that
bound, either by the
Spirit of the
principles of Justice, to account for those Prisoners,
the rigor
and
severity of their
who from
Treatment, were in so emaciated
came out, as to render

their death almost certain and inevitable; and which, in many
instances, happened while they were returning to their Homes;
and languishing a
State at the time they
and, in
many
must be
sensible, that
immediately after their
others,
our engagement, as well as
the kind, tho' in Letter
and number,
it
as the rule of
and no
is
all
You
others of
expresses only an equality of rank
Exchange, yet
a regard to the general principles of
advantage. This
arrival.
inherent in
stipulation, as to the
its
it
necessarily implies
Mutual compensation and
nature,
is
the voice of reason,
Condition in which Prisoners
should be returned, was requisite. Humanity dictated that

their treatment should be such, as their health
and comfort de-
manded; and where her Laws have been duly
respected, their
condition has been generally good.

of
Humanity
Nor
is
this the
alone, justice declares the same.
every Cartel or similar agreement,
Language
The
object of
the benefit of the Pris-
is
oners themselves and that of the contending powers, on this

footing
it
equally exacts, that they should be well treated, as
that they should be exchanged.
The
reverse
is,
therefore,
evident infraction, and ought to subject the party, on

is
chargeable, to
all
the
damage and
ill
an
whom it
consequences resulting
BRITISH BARBARITY
1777]
from
Nor can
it.
service,
it
377
be expected, that those unfitted for future
by Acts of severity, in direct violation of a Compact, are
proper subjects for an Exchange. In such case, to return others

not in the same predicament, would be to give without receiv-
ing an Equivalent; and would afford the greatest encourage-
ment to cruelty and inhumanity. The Argument drawn from

the mere circumstance of the Prisoners having been received, is
of no validity. Tho' from their wretched situation they could not
at that time be deemed proper for an Exchange, our Humanity
required, that they should be permitted to return
It
among us.
may, perhaps, be fairly doubted, whether an Apprehension
of their death, or that of a great part of them, did not contrib-
somewhat to their being sent out when they were. Such an

remained with you, would have been truly
interesting; because it would have destroyed every shadow of
ute
event, whilst they
claim for a return of the Prisoners in our hands ; and, therefore,

[matters were prudently arranged, that
should be adopted.
been thought
of,
such extremity.
so, 'till
I
Happy had
before these
It is
their delivery they
it
should not happen]
with Humanity, dictated that the measure
policy, concurring
it
ill
been,
fated
the Expedient
Men
confessed, however,
still
if
on
had
were reduced to
all sides,
that after
continued your prisoners and would be
regularly exchanged.
acknowledge that I should, and I have been always willing,
notwithstanding
who was
this concession, to
in a proper condition
and
account for every
fit
to be
exchanged
man
at the
Time they came out, so far as the proportion of Prisoners with

With what propriety, or upon what founda-
us would extend.
more be demanded? This has been prowas most clearly implied in the
or Objection made by Lieut: Colo: Harrison, and
tion of Justice, can
posed, or
first
what
Article
is
the same,
illiberally rejected since," as inconsistent
with any degree of
378
reason or
consider
common
it,
sense." Painful as
as a fact
it is, I
am
[April
compelled to
not to be questioned, that the usage of our
Prisoners whilst in your possession, the Privates at
such as could not be
justified.
current Testimony of
tified the Assertion;
all
least,
was
This was proclaimed by the con-
who came out, their appearance sanc-
and melancholly Experience, in the speedy
death of a large part of them, stamped
with
it
infallible
certainty.
In respect to the second Article insisted on,
Your
discrim-
from other Captive Officers belonging to the American Army, demanded my particular attention.
I was authorized to conclude, from your laying him under
inating Major General Lee
and from your Letter of the 23d.
peculiar restraints,
last,
that
meant
to exclude
him from
the
common
stipulated for all Officers in general
the
more
of January
you considered him in a singular point cf view, and
injurious
right of exchange,
Terms. This
and unwarrantable,
distinction,
you never excepted
as
him, tho' you knew him to be an Officer in our Army,
at the
Time and long
made
it
before the
Agreement was entered
into,
my duty to assert his right in an explicit manner, and to en-
deavour to put the matter upon so unequivocal a footing as to

insure his enlargement,
whenever an
Officer of equal
rank be-
longing to your Army, should be in our power. This was
and nothing more; nor
tempted by the
Article,
inference to be
drawn from
made
it.
It is true,
since his Captivity, to give a certain
of Inferior rank in exchange for

as a matter of right.
merit, by
which
it is
him; but
What name,
is
a proposition
number
it
at-
any other
was
of Officers
was not claimed
then, does that proceeding
suggested, that the immediate release of
General Lee had been demanded, without having an Officer

of equal rank to give for
him ? The
suggestion cannot be sup-
ported by the most tortured exposition, nor will
it
have credit
BARBARITY TO PRISONERS
1777]
where candor is deemed

form and meaning.
As
a virtue,
379
and Words preserve
their
to the charge of delay in not returning the Prisoners in
more
arising from
our hands; the dispersed situation of those, taken

early period of the
War, thro' the
different States,
at a
the circumstances of their captivity and a regard to their better
made
accomodation,
When
unavoidable.
their detention for a considerable time
Agreement
the
subsisting between us
took place, the speediest directions were given to have them

collected, that
in part,
and
an Exchange might be
Measure, but were
made
effected.
when Motives
at a juncture
This was done
of Policy opposed the
to yield to the rigid
maxims
of
good
we found an Equivalent, as far as their numthose returned from Canada, and who had ex-
Faith. [Happily
ber went, in
perienced the humanity of Genl. Carleton].
We were pursu-
ing the exchange and continued our exertions to accomplish

it, till
the miserable Appearance, indicating an Approaching
Catastrophe, of those sent out by you,
made
it
improper. Fore-
seeing that a difficulty might arise, and that

pected,
It
might be ex-
should account for the whole of them, which
means thought
equitable,
it
became necessary
by no
that the matter
should be adjusted, and the due proportion settled for which
ought to be responsible, before any thing further could be done
on
my
those,
Upon
part.
this
Ground
stands also the detention of
who have been since captured.
Added
to these considerations, the discrimination set up, in
the instance of General Lee,

oncileable to
is
to be regarded, as utterly irrec-
the tenor of our Agreement, and an insurmount-
able obstacle to a compliance with your demands.
Thus,
Sir,
have I explained the motives of my conduct, and,
from the imyou

and
the
Gentleman
charge
which
groundless
and
proper
trust,
vindicated myself in the Eye of Impartially,
380
[April
acting by your Authority, have been pleased to alledge against
me.
If,
in doing this, I have departed in the smallest degree from
which I always wished should form a part of my

Character, you will remember, I have been forced into recrimination and that it has become an act of necessary Justice.
that delicacy,
shall
now
declare
it
to be
my
ardent wish, that a General
exchange may take place, on generous and liberal principles, as

far as
it
can be effected, and that the Agreement subsisting be-
tween us for that purpose should be inviolably observed: And I

call upon you by every Obligation of good Faith, to remove all
impediments on your
If,
part, to the
however, you do not,
Men, whose
those unfortunate
will bear their sufferings with
nanimity.
it is
to be your prisoners,
becoming
Quarters, Morris
am honoured with
fortitude
and mag-
Town, April
9, 1777.
yours of the 4th. inclosing sundry
Resolves of Congress from 29th
am
lot

Head
it.
am etc. 79
To
Sir: I
accomplishment of
console myself with a hope that
March
to the 5th Instant.
extremely glad to see the Resolve for the immediate
removal of Military Stores from Baltimore and Annapolis, for
do not imagine that the Enemy intend an expedition

of any great Consequence in Chesapeak Bay, yet while the
Stores lay at the above places, they were always Subject to be
destroyed by a Sudden attack of a Ship of War, with a few
altho' I
land Forces.
partment
tion will
when
80
The Regulations for the paymaster General's de-
are very Salutary,
make
the
Army
are obliged to
and
if
carried strictly into execu-
a vast saving to the public,

is
make
79
it
use of Militia,
we must Submit

are in the draft, but were omitted in the letter sent.
80
The resolves
of Apr.
i,
may be easily done,

we
put upon a regular footing; but while
to all the
The words within brackets
1777. (See Journals of the Continental Congress.)
BRITISH EMBARKATION
1777]
irregularities that naturally attend
381
them, and must not there-
fore expect to have the Rule as Scrupulously complied with
by them
as could be wished.
Commissary General and

Muster Master General, I hope we shall be able to detect any
Impositions in respect to numbers, which I am certain has been
Scandalously practiced for a long time past, and which it has
By comparing
my
not been in
the Returns of the
power
to remedy.
The Muster Master
Genl.
complained, that the duty required of him, was more than he

could perform; but by the
late Resolves, there is
an ample
allowance of deputies, and therefore no further excuses can
made upon that head. 81
be
most ardently wish
afraid too
much
to see the Hospital established, I
time has been
plan. But the Gentlemen,
lost in
By the
the consideration of the
who shall be appointed to the super-
intendance, must endeavour to

their diligence.
am
make up
for the lost time by
82
latest
accounts from Brunswick,
it
looks as
if
the
Enemy were projecting an embarkation, they have been Stripping the Buildings of Boads and cutting small Timber and
transporting them from Brunswick to Amboy. It is imagined,
this is to build Births in their Transports. I shall
stant look out
upon
the Motions of their Vessels
keep a con-
and
shall en-
deavour to obtain every intelligence by sending people into
Delaware Bay must be
their quarters. I think

tion, if
they
move by Water.
To
their Destina-
am &c. 83
GOVERNOR THOMAS JOHNSON

Morris Town, April
Sir:
Having heard
Colo George Strieker to the

81
82
83
The
The
9, 1777.
that your State have appointed Lieut
resolve of Apr. 4, 1777.

resolve of Apr. 7, 1777.
Command
of a Battalion.

hold
382
[April
myself bound to inform you, that the Character he holds here

as
an Officer will not
my
he obtained
justify
such an appointment. Yesterday
leave to resign, complaining that his private
affairs indispensably require his
months.
Had
talion, I
should have permitted
presence at
for several
there been any other Field Officer with the Bat-
him
to leave
he waits only for the Colonel's arrival.

I beg you will consider this Information
my great regard for the good

else. I
home
have the honor
as
of the Service,
it
immediately;
proceeding from
and from nothing
8*
[md.h.s.]
etc.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Dean.
9, 1777.
Countersign Adams.
Major Dunn being obliged to attend Major General St. Clair

to Philadelphia, to which place he is called by Congress Lt.
Col.
Conner
will be obliging
enough
The Commander
Adjutant General pro tempore.

begs that Genl.
St.
to discharge the duty of
in Chief
Clair will accept his most sincere thanks,
for superintending the duties of that office, of Adjutant

eral;
and
that
Major
faithful discharge of
Dunn will
Gen-
also accept his thanks for the
them, for some time
past.
GENERAL ORDERS
Head Quarters, Morristown, April
Parole
St. Clair.
10, 1777.
Countersign Muhlenberg.
John Laurence Esqr.
is
appointed Judge Advocate, in the
room of William Tudor Esqr. who has resigned.

The General desires that the Quarter MasterGeneral will immediately take measures to have the Camp cleared of every kind
of garbage
81
and
filth
with which
it is
at present
incommoded.
ARMS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
1777]
*To
383
MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM HEATH

Morris Town, April
10, 1777.
few days received an application

Dr. Sir I
from the Honble. Messrs. Sever and Cushing for Arms and
:
have within these
Blankets for the use of the Massachusetts Regimts. destind for
Tyconderoga. Surely those Troops are not
at this
day to begin
March for that Post and sorry I am to observe, that nothing now will content that Government but the New Arms
their
(which will be greatly wanted for Troops
lately arrived there
that cannot otherwise be provided)
when
have abundant
reason to believe, that no State upon the Continent has
much
in her
power
it
so
to furnish these articles as that of Massa-
chusetts Bay; Indeed,
am informd, that Arms, and other Mili-
tary Stores are hoarding
up
in that
Government, which makes
every thing of the kind exceedingly difficult to be had, for
Continental use, and has the appearance of a seperate Provision.
That no delay, however, may happen, I have informd those

Gentlemen that you would be Instructed to Issue orders for
such a number of Arms as shall appear to you absolutely necessary, and this power I now give you, requesting at the same
it may be used with a regard to the general good.
The means of procuring them through other Channels, should
time, that
still
be pursued.
With
respect to the Blankets, the Clothier Genl. to
have wrote, must
direct, as I
do not care
whom I
to interfere in his
department.
These Gentlemen have also written to me concerning some

Powder, due from the Continent to the State of Massachusetts;
about 15 Tons they
say. I really
thought this demand had been
long ago out of the 75 Tons taken nearly at this time

year; If it has not, I have no objection to returning what
satisfied
last
has been had for the use of the
Army, but with
respect to that
384
lent to the
[April
Armd Vessels, if it has happend since my departure
from Boston, I can give no order as it is not within my department but comes properly before that of the Marine; you must
therefore discriminate;
and
structed to repay the Powder
bay;
as I think Genl.
Ward was
borrowed from the Massachusetts
wish you to enquire of Him, and the Corny, of
by what means
it
In-
Stores,
was neglected.
Let me have the names of the Several Colonels commanding
from the
the 15 Regiments
them
State of Massachusetts,
in their order of Seniority,! and
mention
whether the Regiments
number'd from the Rank of the Officers commanding

them or not. Also inform me which Regiments come this way,
and which go to Ticonderoga. If it does not break in upon any
disposition already made, I would have Glover and Patterson
come forward with the 8 Regiments to Peeks Kill.
are
The Brigade Majors

pointed
till
there
is
will confirm
them
powers given
me
the
Rank of
New
Corps, are not to be ap-
duty for them to perform; then,
make
Brigadiers will
for these
in Office;
if
they do not,
by Congress "to appoint
Brigadier" to put in such as are; as
tachments, to the prejudice of the Service.
without
loss of
the
shall exert the
all officers
I
Of
under
will not have
any Gentln. introduced from family Connexions, or

please,
if
choice of Officers properly qualified, I
this,
local at-
you will
time to give each Brigadier in your State
me for this Intimation, which may

when I add some very Improper choices
were made last year, and when it is evident to every Gentleman
notice.
imply a
They
will excuse
reflection,
in the smallest degree acquainted with Service that nothing can
contribute
more
to
good order and regularity in an Army than
having Brigade Majors of knowledge,

I
activity,
and deligence.
cannot conclude without again urging you in explicit and
positive terms, to hasten the
Troops
to the several Posts assignd
NEED OF
1777]
SPIES
them; the delay in Marching, may prove
we have
ing the Men,
385
as fatal as not Inlist-
from Information, and

observation, to believe that Genl. Howe is upon the point of
taking the Field, and the Troops with which he is to be opposed,
every reason
are yet in their respective States.
am etc.

Head Quarters, Morris Town, April 10, 1777.
Dear Sir: From every piece of intelligence which we have
lately reed., it appears that the Enemy are making hasty preparations to
open the Campaign, and Philadelphia seems gen-
upon
erally agreed
will be
more than probable,
Army
spies
I
as their object.
by land or water
lies, it
is
that
Whether
the expedition
yet a matter of uncertainty, but
it
Where-ever
will be by both.
it is
their
will be of the greatest advantage to us, to have
among them, on whom we may depend for intelligence;
would
therefore, have
this purpose,
who are
to
you look out for proper persons for
remain among them under the mask
would have some of those in Bucks County,

some in Philadelphia, and others below Philadelphia about
Chester, for if any part of their force goes round by Water,
they will probably land somewhere there abouts. I have directed Genl. Putnam to procure similar persons, to wait upon
them in their way thro' Jersey. I hope we may prevent them
of Friendship.
from crossing the Delaware, but if that event should happen, we

should be provided. I would therefore have you set about this
work immediately, and give the persons you pitch upon, proper
lessons. Some in the Quaker line, who have never taken an
active part,
would be least
liable to suspicion
from
either party.
Every preparation of defence should be immediately made

in Philadelphia,
diately
from whence the spare
stores
should be imme-
removed, and the defence of the River below the City,
386
particularly attended to.
Ten
flat
[April
Boats to transport Horses,
and Men, should be directly provided, and fixed upon

Carriages, that they may be transported by land, they should be
Artillery
sent, as
they
soon as possible, to Bristol or higher up the River, that
may
be ordered to meet our Army, wherever
us to cross.
it
may
suit
When the Enemy begin to advance, the City Militia
should be embodied.
The
Continental Troops, that
there, to take post at Bristol
may
be
and the Ferry opposite Trenton
with Ten or Twelve pieces of Artillery. The Continental Frigates, I think,
ought to go out of Delaware into Chesapeak Bay,
or Boston Harbour, as they are
You will please to lay
manned.
this before
Congress, the Continental
Board of War, the Pennsylvania Board of War, and any other

public Bodies,
whose
assistance or advice
may
be necessary
towards carrying the above into execution.

12th. Since writing the above, I
have received a letter from the
Committee of Congress on the same
subject. I therefore refer
you to my answer to them, for further particulars.
85
am etc. 86
To JAMES MEASE
Sir :

made to me, by the State of Massa-
Application has been
chusetts for part of the Blankets lately arrived at
Portsmouth
from France. As I did not know, how you might have disposed
of them, I thought my interfering in the matter might occasion
some confusion, and therefore desired them to apply to your
Agents in Boston, to whom I beg you will give orders to
deliver
to. I
SA
see
them such
them
intitled
am etc.
April 10, which is not found in the Washington Papers. For answer
letter to the President of Congress, Apr. 12, 1777, post.
letter of
Washington's
80
a proportion as you think
The
BRITISH DESTINATION
1777]
387
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Morris Town, April
Dear
Sir: Inclosed
in yesterday,
you have an Information which was given
by a Man who was in
and which from a
10, 1777.
New York on Monday last,
variety of Circumstances,
a great measure true; therefore transmit
it
believe to be in
to you, that
you may
be prepar'd in case their Destination should be up North River,
which
time
at this
would give
is
Copy
not generally expected.
of this to Genl. Clinton
87
could wish you
that he
may
also
exert himself to render his post as Defensible as time will per-
mit.
I shall
expect you to do every thing in your power to hasten
and let me know frequently the
in the Troops
that Quarter.
To
am, etc.
State of things in
88
[h.l.]

Sir: I
10, 1777.
was just now honored with your Letter of the 9th
Inst,
covering sundry Resolutions of Congress. Those for regulating

the Hospital
and Medical department, I
most salutary consequences.

necessary
and
Completed
at
It is
liberal institution
an
trust, will
prove of the
only to be regreted, that this
had not been gone into and
earlier period.
The Honors Congress have

erals Warren
character
and
decreed to the memory of Genand Mercer, afford me the highest pleasure. Their
and merit had a
I heartily
just
87
88
mark
of respect,
virtues, may by their actions secure to themsame right to the grateful Tributes of their Country.
emulating their
selves the
claim to every
wish, that Every Officer of the United States,
Brig. Gen. James Clinton.

In the writing of John Fitzgerald.
WRITINGS OF WAS HINGTON
388
Since writing to you Yesterday,

telligence of the
Movement
[April
have received further
in-
Enemy's preparations in York indicating a
before long.
It is
contained in the Inclosed Letter
89
and corroborates the Opinion, I have long entertained,

that they would make a push against Philadelphia. The Tory
Regiments mentioned, we are told are at Hackensack, and
about Five hundred strong, exclusive of a Company of HighNo.
i,
landers,
which
is
with them.
The inclosed Letter from Le

came
to
hand
this
Chevalier Count of Vrecourt
Morning, and which
to transmit to Congress, that they
may
90
have thought proper
consider his case, and
adopt such measures respecting him, as his Character and testimonials deserve. I never heard of him before, but if he is a
Skilful Engineer
employed, tho' he
time
we have
he will be extremely useful and should be
may
not understand our language.
not one with the
Army, nor one
has the least reputation or pretensions to
At
to join
Skill. If this
it
this
who
Gentle-
came, in Consequence of an agreement with Doctor

Franklin and brought credentials from him, I should suppose
man
him to be acquainted with what he was recommended for.

The Cartel proposed to be settled and so long in agitation is
not accomplished yet. The last meeting, on that business, was
the 2d Instant, when nothing was done, nor is a further interview appointed respecting it. I have transmitted a Copy of Lord
Cornwallis's Letter,
which came out the next day, with
that of
Mr Harrison refused to receive from Colo. Walcot, and of my Answer to the latter, in a
the paper alluded to by him,
Letter to
which
Genl Howe. The Objections or
Articles
mentioned
This paper, the examination of an unnamed individual who came out of New
City, is in the writing of John Fitzgerald and is filed with Washington's letter
in the Papers of the Continental Congress.
"Comte de Vrecourt was an engineer and artillery officer from Luxembourg. He
came to America at the instance of Penet and Pliarne and was commissioned a colonel
of engineers by Congress Apr. 12, 1777.
89
York
CONG
In
i'
it
ARM:
T-\OH
ESS,
R
r
7 7.
the better rt R iUin x lie PAY of the

,/, Ilia: ihe r. ya liter srD; iurjr 'JVCi
Ci
miller General dull pay n- money but by warrants
tin
their
i'piJ only io (he per.
departments, counteriijjaed b/ ibnr rcfpcfliy Secict irits a id Utêmorfc
ifci 0. ciwife
ran I, sciftcJ in the warrant, or to htl ocjei in wining, exi epting
r" ov.de byC on^rd:
Tlut the regimental abllraflt be made up by the teg men la! Fav. uali ;crs, a: it,c e! olc o: cv :ry ir mill, inc
entitled by the rclpeflivc Colonels or Commanding O'lieen and lii iga dier. General w 1,3 is.; 1 CtT. tl'ull"
';,':
'
wt icb the> Ihr ill be kJgcJ vita the P tytta&Ct u( be.

mine and compile the lame with the weekly
puty Pay- -after GeQStal, until orders -le given for the payment.
That the Regimental Paymaileil only, lhall receive hot the P-yuuftcr or Deputy Paymafter General the
money due, upon -bllr^ls, to the o/Iicen and roldieta and the f.id Regimental Paymallcis alone lhall fettle
wuh. and pay the money due to the officer* and luldicn o! the regiments to which they lefpec.ively belong.
cither in pcrlon or'to their order, and take receipts lor the lame, to be produced as voucheis on the felilement of their retpeclive account!. That officers and loldicis, wlio nuy be prifoncrs of war, lhall be made
up in the abllrac'.t of the regiment to which they belong, to the time of their captivity, and authentic re urn
and f.ildieil afore'aid, their rank, anj the com(lull be made with (uch abllracls of the names of the officctl
pany to which they belong, the lime of their captivity, and the pay that was then dUc. 'And whenever loch
pnlor.es are to be exchanged, a pay roll fiia.ll be made cut by the Paymailer,' or Deputy Paymafler General,
tor the pay due to them to the t.r.ic of their return, and tlienionc/ lhall be lent to them, and paid by the officer appointed to receive them, and their receipts immediately lodged with the Paymafter or Deputy Payreturn!, ilter
mafter General.
That whenever any Regimental Paymafler leaves the fevier, or is difrniffed, he (lull make a return to the
Paymafter or Deputy Paymafter General of the names of the coramiuloncd, non-commiffiur.ed officers, and
who lenuie onpaid, the fun due to them refpcaivcly, and what balance of ca(U he
has remaining, all which If all be lodged with the Paymafler, or Deputy Paymafter General, tn be by himdel.v.red to the next Paymafter ol the the faid regiment, or ctherwifc difpofedof as the Commander io Chief
in the depatlment r.uy think proper.
That no cora.mihioncd, or non-commiffioned officer or foldier, coming from an; department wliere a Paymay be
mafter or Depot/ Paymafter General is appointed, lhall receive in any other department the pay that
due to him, unlefs he produces a certnicaie f rem his Colonel or Commanding Officer, counterligned br the Payfuoi bona fide due to
mafter or Deputy Paymafter Geocral, ol the department to which he belongs, of the
foldiers of his regiment,
him. and deliver the fame with a receipt thercoo.

to be hereafter appoiotcd in the army cf the Unncd
Rrf-.lveJ, That no officer, already appointed, or
but rank mail be determined by the time cf apStates ftjl take rank by virtue of a commiffion antedated,
Congrela.
pointment, imlels othcrwif; directed by fpecial refolurion of
and. in their recefs, to the executive power of the
it be recommended to the legifLiures,
H-h.-.i,
That
Board of War, exaft litis of all officers appointed

refpectivc States, that they forthwith tranfmit to the
their commiffiuos, and times of appointment.
in the Continental Army, with the dates of
by
them
2.
end of every month after the firft of May

RifthsJ, That the Paymafter and Deputy Paymafter General, at the
the General aod other officers of the army to which they
lhall' make up" rolls cooraining the carae-i of
abftrafls,
excepting onlv the Commanders in
regimental
the
compiled
in
who arc out
refpe'etivciy b oo"
fuch rolls, aod uTue their warrants on the
Chief ol ihc iVvcial departments, who lhall refpctivcly examine
the fame.
Paymafter - Deputy Pavmafter General for the lunis due on
fuch officers and
That the Coiiunanders'io Chief of the fcveral deparimcots be directed to order payment to
to other departments, to be made to the dav of their
del c .ni--ts ol the army as (hall at any time be ordered
that certificates be given by th.c refpeflive Paymafter or Deputy Paymafter
r-x't',
r.urch'in"or leavin- the camp, aid

the lime to which they are paid,
General" mentioning the names of (uch oiliceis aod cor?;, together with
relpcaive detachments (or by fuch offiwhich ccr.ilicatcs Hull be delivered by the Commanding Officers of the
Paymafter or Depu.y Paymafter General of the departcers as null be ordered without detachments) to the
up their luture rolls and ahttracls.
ment to which they are ordered, to enable him -o examine and make
April
9.
General, be directed forthwith to confult the
RrV,-cJ That ihe Paymafter, and ihe Deputy Paymafters
repair to fuch polls and places or
Commanders in Chief of their refpctivc dillricls. and a'ppuiat Deputies 10
ftationcd thcrcar. as the faid Commanders in Chief
rendezvous and anfwer the draughts of Inch officers
Paymafter. and Deputy
ihai the Declines he fcpplied with money by the revive
lhall refpeclively direct
army ceafe to
and account with them iherefor; and that all other Paymafter. of the
;
Paymaftets General,
act'al the palls in<l places
provided with Deputies as aforcfaid.
April
io.
previous to the dif-harge of anv reKrSstW That the Comman lers in Chief of the feveral departments,
directed to iffue their warrants on the Paygiment or corps ol Militia reinforcing the army, be rcfpctively
the pay doe to the fame; and, when U>1"
mafter and Deputy Paymafter-General, for the amount of
rcuis authorized to draw on toe .
raryCheft is, unapplied, the Paymafler or Deputy Paymafter-General
dcot for the amount of fuch warrants.
Extract
from the Minutes.
Publifhetl
by Older of
Coscuss,
CHARLES THOMSON,
PRINTED
by
Secretary.
O H N D U N L A
P.
Congress Resolves on Pay of the Army, April i io, 1777
RECRUITING MONEY
1777]
389
by Colo Walcot, were those Genl Greene had with him and
which he
I
left
when he came from
Philadelphia.
The
original
have by me. Those points were insisted on again and rejected,
and a tender made of the paper by Colo Walcot, which he

brought with him prepared.
I have appointed John Wilkins, John Steel, Matthew Irvine
and Samuel Kearsley Esqrs. Capts. of Companies to be raised
by them in Consequence of the recommendation of Genl Armstrong.
As
chiefly,
and
the Interest of those Gentn.

it
lies
in Pennsylvania
would be drawing money from the Pay Master
here to carry to Philadelphia, supposing there was a Supply in

the Chest, which
is
not the case,
shall
be obliged by Congress's
ordering Six hundred Dollars to be advanced each of them, on

Acct. of the Recruiting service.
in Philadelphia,
I
is
if this
The first of whom I imagine
requisition can be complied with,
presume, will give notice to the
informed of it, he will do
To
ments
Quarters, Morris
Col Chambers,
if
Genl Armstrong
91
etc.
who
Town, April
10, 1777.
has been omitted in the appoint-
made by your State, expresses a good deal of unon account of it, and considers it an implied reflection
on his conduct.
He thinks himself entitled to some explanation
of the reasons for
which he has been neglected, and wishes
know on what particular charge or

founded. As I could give
imputation his exclusion
have thought proper to refer
"In the writing
to
is
him no satisfaction on the matter my-
glad to hear from you on the subject.

92
or
lately
easiness
self, I
rest,
have the honor
THE PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF WAR

Head
Sir:
it.
is
He,
of Robert Hanson Harrison.

In the writing of Richard Kidder Meade.
it
to
you and
am, etc.
92
should be
390
To WILLIAM SEVER AND
THOMAS CUSHING

Gentn:
in
am favored with
[April
yours of the 20th of
93
10, 1777.
Month,
last
which you make a request
for Five thousand of the Arms,

from France, for the use of the Troops of your
As your Letter went to Philadelphia, it only reached my
lately arrived
State.
hands yesterday.
cannot conceive that such a
Number could
be wanting, had proper pains been taken to collect the Public
Arms and to purchase

persons; but
all
that could be procured
from
private
have however given Orders to General Heath, to
draw as many as are absolutely necessary to Arm the Men, that

are raised and ready to March. You must apply to the Deputy
Cloathiers in your State for your proportion of Blankets. I must
entreat you, Gentlemen,
Public Arms, and have
still
to persist in the Collection of the
them properly repaired and deposited
in Arsenals that will be built for the reception of Military Stores.
Altho' our late supplies are seemingly large, they are small
when compared to our present wants, and the allowance that

must be made for loss and waste, and I am very fearful, that the
States, taking it for
the
Arms
granted that they will be fully supplied with
lately arrived at Philadelphia
will neglect to
and
at
Portsmouth,
go on with the Collection of those that have
been lent to the Militia, and which have never been returned.
General Knox thinks that part of the Powder borrowed from

your
was repaid out of that taken by Mugford;

95
Mr. Barber, to know Certainly whether
94
State,
wrote to
it is
General Heath will have directions to deliver whatever

due.
83
have the honor
A committee of the
96
etc.
Massachusetts Council.
Capt. James Mugford, of Marblehead, Mass.
Nathaniel Barber, jr., deputy commissary of artillery.
8C
94
85
he has
so.
is still
STRAGGLERS
1777]
391
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, April n, 1777.
Parole
Amboy.
Countersign Brunswick.
Brigadier Genl. Muhlenberg
97
will take the trouble of inquir-
ing into the Rank, and Claims for promotion of the Subalterns
of the
3rd. 4th. 5th. 6th.
1st.
mine the
disputes,
in filling
up the
and 9th Virginia
and make report;
that
Battalions; deter-
no time may be
lost
vacancies.
The commanding Officers of detachments and parties, as

make Returns to the Adjutant General with-
they arrive, must
out delay.
The commanding
Officer of every
to take especial care to prevent his

see that every thing
warning. All
order,
and not
is
Regiment and Corps,
men from straggling, and to
in such order as to
officers are to
is
move
at
an hour's
pay particular attention to
to absent themselves
this
from camp. The Rolls
to
be called twice a day (Morning and Evening) regularly.
The commanding Officer
of each Corps,
is
also to take care,
that a parade, convenient to the quarters of his
men,
is
fixed
upon to repair to, for the purpose of calling over the rolls; at
which the officers are regularly to attend, and see that none,
but good and sufficient excuses are admitted for the nonofficers and privates.
and condition of the men's
Arms and Ammunition is to be accurately inspected into, and
the soldiers made to account satisfactorily for any deficiency
of the latter, or pay for it.
attendance of the non-commissioned
At
these Roll-Callings the state
An Alarm will be announced by the firing of 3 Field Pieces,

upon which each Corps in that division of the Army, in and
near Morristown is first to assemble and form upon its own
87
Peter Muhlenberg.
392
march
parade, and then
to a General-Parade to be
[April
shewn by
the Adjutant General at Morristown, and there wait orders.
The other divisions of the Army are to assemble in such places,

and in such manner as the General Officers respectively commanding, shall order and direct.
The General Parade to which the different Corps are to repair (after they have assembled and formed on their respective
parades)
is
in the
main street, from the Artillery Guard House,
opposite the Meeting, to Magee's house.
To

Head Quarters, Morris Town, April n,
Sir :
1777.
The latest Accounts received respecting the Enemy, ren-
dered probable by a Variety of Circumstances, inform us, that

they are very busily engaged in fitting up their Transports at
Amboy for the
accomodation of Troops; that they have com-
pleated their Bridge, and are determined to
push
The Campaign
tion,
make
their first
at Philadelphia.
is
therefore opening;
weaker than when you
left us,
and our present
forces
me
Situa-
to entreat your
utmost attention to the raising and equipping the Continental

Troops allotted to be raised in your State. I have waited in
would
probably have ensured an happy Issue, to any Attack I might
have determined upon, and such as I had a right to expect, had
painful expectation of Reinforcements, such an one as
the Officers faithfully discharged their duty.
But that time
is
past,
and
must content myself with im-
proving on the future Chances of War; Even
this
can not be
done, unless the Officers can be persuaded to abandon their
comfortable Quarters, and take the Field.
Let me, therefore, in the most earnest Terms, beg that they
may be forwarded to the Army without
loss of
Time.
RANK DISPUTES
1777]
393
have also to ask the favor of you, to transmit to me, a
the Field Officers of your Battalions, and their
list
Rank with
of
the
number of their respective Battalions. I have the honor to be etc.

P. S. Since writing the above,
mation that disputes
still
have the disagreeable Infor-
prevail in your State about the rank
of your Officers, and that the recruiting Service
is
exceedingly
injured by them. Shall the general Cause be injured by such

illtimed
and
ineffectual Jarrings
two Resolves
of them,
tion.
No
among
of Congress,
may
among them ?
have inclosed
warmly hoping that the knowledge
tend to an honorable and necessary accomoda-
make and submit
Settlement which they can
themselves will affect the
Army
at large.
since determined, to refer the adjusting of
General
Officers,
which
will proceed
Rank
upon
have long
to a
Board of
the business, so
soon as the Army Collects and Circumstances will admit.
*To
to
98
EDMUND PENDLETON
Morris Town, April
12, 1777.
Dear Sir: I am exceedingly sorry to hear of the accident

you have lately met with, an Acct. of which I receivd from
B. Genl.
Woodford,
whom I am glad to find will again enter
into the Service.
have been favour'd with your Letter by Majr. Talliaferro"

and shall always think myself happy in showing proper attenI
tion to any Gentn. of your
recommending. Motives of pru-
me to be particular to any.
High as the Militia Accts. will run I have had but few Men
with me all Winter, and the present prospect I think is, that the
Campaign will be opened by General Howe before we shall be
in any condition to oppose him. No Men are yet come in from
dence and policy however forbids
the Eastward, and but a small
number from
the Southward,
A signed draft in the Washington Papers is in the writing of George Johnston.

'Maj. William Talliaferro, of the Eighth Virginia Regiment.
S
394
[April
few old Regiments that remain'd after the dissoluof the Army are in a manner reduced to a mere handful
whilst the
tion
Men.
of
The designs
but
of the
Enemy
are not, as yet, clearly unfolded;
believe that Philadelphia
ever may, or
is
the object in view; this
how-
may not be the case, as the North River must also
be a capitol concern of theirs, whilst they keep an Army in Canada. Circumstances therefore will govern their
They
are exceedingly busy in preparing to
Movements.
open the Cam-
paign; they have constructed a floating bridge (to be supported
by
bottom'd Boats and these again to be transported on
flat
Land) with design, it is imagined, to throw over

the Delaware, and they are preparing transports for the reception of Men, for the purpose it is thought, of getting round into
that River, to cooperate therewith; these however are guesses
Carriages, by
in the field of Conjecture; a
little
time
now will manifest their
Intention's.
Your friendly, and affectionate wishes for my health and

cess,
the
has a claim to
suc-
my thankful acknowledgements; and, that
God of Armies may enable me to bring the present contest
to a speedy
and happy conclusion, thereby gratifying
me
in a
retirement to the calm and sweet enjoyment of domestick happiness,
is
the fervent prayer,
and most ardent wish of
my Soul.
My best respects attend Mrs. Pendleton, and with every Sentiment of regard and Affection, I am, etc
*To
ms. h. s. ]
JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON

Morris Town, April
Dear Brother:
12, 1777.
have been favourd with your Letter from
Mount Vernon, and one
other of the 8th. Ulto. which
before me, from Bushfield.
is
now
SHORT ENLISTMENTS
1777]
395
To my great surprize we are still in a calm; how long it will,

how long it can remain, is beyond my skill to determine. That
it has continued much beyond my expectation already, is certain, but to expect that General Howe will not avail himself
of our Weak State, is, I think, to say in as many words that he
does not know how to take advantage of Circumstances, and
of course,
From
Troops
is
unfit for the trust reposed in him.
all accts., it
at
Rhode
Philadelphia
appears that the remaining part of the
Island were preparing to Imbark; and that
the object,
is
have not the smallest doubt of
myself; other opinions do, however, prevail, time, and a

time, will determine the Point. For
some days
among
been a pretty considerable movement

their
our
the
Enemy,
in
Shipping &ca.; whilst it seems next to impossible to make
Officers, in
their
little
past there has
Men
any of the
States, exert
to the Field, as
if it
themselves in bringing
was a matter of Moonshine
whether they came to day, to morrow, a Week, or a Month
The Campaign will I expect, be opend without Men

on our side, unless they come in much faster than I have reason
hence.
to expect them.
The
is daily, and
am, that if the
Troops which were Inlisted last year had been engaged for
the War, or even three years, that I could, with them, and such
aids as might have been drawn in to our assistance, have drove
the British Army and their Auxiliry Troops out of the Jerseys
unfortunate policy of short Inlistments
hourly, exemplified. Thoroughly convinced
in the course of last Winter.
have been driven from

this late day,
an
Army
do not know but they might also
New York; instead of that, we have, at

to
errors cannot be rectified,
Assemble for
self defence.
we must guard
as
much
But past
as possible
against future evils.
The ridiculous, and inconsistent Orders given by the Executive

powers in some of the
States,
and even by the
Officers therein
396
for the
[April
their Men, is scarcely to be thought of

would seem, as if to harrass the Troops, and
Rendezvous of
with patience.
It
delay their junction, were the ends in view.

I
am glad to hear my Sister and the little ones are well.
thank
her for the trouble she has taken in knitting the Stockings you
speak
My love to you all, in which Mrs. Washington (who
of.
at present
is
with me) joins concludes me. Dr.
Sir,
Your Most
Affect. Bror.
P. S.
forgot to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of
the 16th. of Feby. wch.
To
is
also to hand.

Sir: I
12, 1777.
am honoured with yours of the 10th, accompanied with
one from the Committee of Congress, to
whom
have wrote
upon the Subject of the Resolve for forming an

Army upon the West side of Delaware, and to which I refer you.
I wish I could see any prospect of an Army, fit to make proper
opposition, formed any where. You will perhaps be surprised
very fully
at this, after the Public Reports of the great Success of recruit-
ing in
all
the States; but to convince you that these have been
but bare Reports,
will give
you the
best information, I
have
been able to collect, from actual Returns and other accounts.
New Hampshire. No Returns, but a Letter from Genl. Heath

says they are tolerably forward. All their
Regiments go to the
Northward.
Massachusetts.
About 400 Men
raised to a Regiment,
many
of those yet to undergo innoculation. Seven of their Regiments
go
to the
Northward and Eight
the present.
are to
come
to Peekskill for
RECRUITING RESULTS
1777]
Rhode Island. Only 360 Men inlisted
in both
397
Regiments the
1st of April; 200 of those are yet to be innoculated. Genl. Var-
num writes me that he despairs of filling up the Regiments.

By
Connecticut.
ing
much
Return from Genl Parsons of the 4th
Men
April, about 1800
they
dispersed,
were recruited
many
to
thro' the
whole
have the Small pox and
State,
recruit-
at a stand.
New York.
About 200 Men to a Regiment and from the
culiar Situation of that province,
them to
very much.
for
fill
it
pe-
will be almost impossible
their Regiments, tho' they exert themselves
New Jersey.
Between two and three hundred to a Regiment;

they also lay under many difficulties on account of the disaffection of their State, but their officers are active and diligent.
Pennsylvania. Most of her Regiments are very backward.
Those most so, who have been longest recruiting.

Delaware State. No Returns of their Regiments.
Maryland. I have only the Return of one Regiment, which
consists of 200 Men; but I do not believe the others are in more
forwardness.
vailed so
The
much,
disputes about the
Rank
of Officers has pre-
that the recruiting Service has been in a
man-
ner neglected.
Virginia.
The
nine old Regiments will not exceed 1800
ef-
Men, and Governor Henry, in a Letter which I received

me, that he did not think more than four of
the six new ones would be filled. He proposes the expediency
of raising Volunteer Companies to Serve Seven or Eight Months,
to make up the deficiency. But this I shall object to, on many
Accounts, particularly, that it would be introducing a Body of
Men, who would look upon themselves at liberty to do what
they pleased, and the Moment their times expired would leave
fective
yesterday, informs
us, tho' at the
most
critical
Juncture.
398
If the
Men that are raised, few as they are, could be got
the Field,
method
If I
[April
would be
it
that
a matter of
into
some Consolation, but every
have been able to devise, has proved
ineffectual.
send an Officer to collect the Sick or Scattered of his Regi-
ment,
it is
ten to one but he neglects his duty, goes
pleasure or Business and the next that
hear of him,
has resigned. Furloughs are no more attended
was no limitation of time, and
to,
in short, Sir, there
home on
is,
than
is
that
if
he
there
such a total
which I hoped would have

when he found his pay genteely aug-
depression of that Military Ardor,

inspired every Officer,
mented, and the

seems to me, as
Army put upon
if all
making money by
trivial points of
I shall, as
a respectable footing, that
public Spirit
was sunk
it
into the
means of
upon
the most
the Service, or quarrelling
Rank.
soon as possible, transmit to the Board of War, a
list
of the appointments I have made, in consequence of the powers
vested in me.
If the
appointments in the Hospital are not
the receipt of this,
Gentleman,
who I
would take the
filled
liberty of
up, before
mentioning a
think highly deserving of Notice, not only
on Account of his Abilities, but for the very great Assistance,

which he has afforded in the course of this winter, merely in
the nature of a Volunteer. The Gentleman is Doctr. lohn
1
Cochran, well
known
to all the Faculty
and
particularly to
Doctor Shippen, who I suppose has mentioned him among the

Candidates.
The place for which the Doctor is well
which would be most agreeable
to
him,
is
fitted,
and
Surgeon General of
the Middle Department. In this line he served
all
the last
War
in the British Service, and has distinguished himself this Winter

1
Cochran was appointed physician and surgeon general of the Middle Department
Apr. ii, 1777; Chief Physician and Surgeon of the Continental Army Oct. 6, 1780,
and Director General of Continental Hospitals Jan. 17, 1781; served to the close of
the war.
HOSPITAL APPOINTMENT
1777]
particularly in his attention to the Small
wounded, which but

Suffered much,
if
pox
399
patients,
and the
him and Doctor Bond, must have
for
not been totally neglected, as there were no
other Medical Gentlemen to be found.

If
the appointment of Surgeon General
is filled
up, that of
Deputy Director of the Middle department would be acceptable. I have been thus full in my recommendation, because
Doctor Cochran, in a manner had
my
promise of one of the
Capital appointments in the Hospital,

that
upon
a presumption,
should have had some hand in the nomination, by the
Resolution of Congress impowering me to
fill all
Commissions
under the Rank of Brigadier's General.

April
I
ing
have
me
this
moment reced a Line from Genl. Lincoln, informEnemy attempted to Surprise him early this
his post at Bound Brook, but that he made good
that the
Morning
at
his Retreat to the pass of the

trifling loss. I
To
Mountains
have the honor
just in his Rear,
with
etc.

Sir:
13.
Having seen
letter,
12, 1777.
from Doctor Franklin, and many
Le Chevalier Du Plessis, 4
person worthy of the notice and en-
other credentials, in favour of Monsr.
he appears to
me
to be a
couragement of Congress.
He
lery, and, both his inclination
has served in the French Artil-
and qualifications, make it proper
he should have an appointment in ours. There are some

2
Nathaniel Bond, surgeon, hospital department.

Thomas Antoine, Chevalier Manduit Du Plessis. He was appointed a captain in the
Continental Artillery Apr. 15, 1777; promoted to brevet lieutenant colonel Nov. 26,
1777; resigned Nov. 5, 1778.
8
[April
vacancies in the Artillery for Captains, one of which
may be of-
400
him as a beginning. The superior ranks are all completed.
fered
I
am,
etc.
AND GEORGE WALTON

12, 1777.
was late last Evening honored with your favor of the

10th. and perfectly agree with you upon the propriety of formGentn.:
ing an
Army on the West Side of Delaware.
that the Situation of our Affairs, at present,
Man
Army
of the Continental
there,
I
is
can only regret

such, that not a
can yet be suffered to remain
without endangering the Small part, that
is
already
no objection to making Bristol the

place of Rendezvous, from whence the Troops may be drawn
to the Army on this Side the River, till we are made too formidable to be attacked without danger, and at the same time strong
enough to fall upon the Enemy with advantage, Should they
move forward. I am myself pretty well convinced, from the
collected here.
But
concurrence of
all
this
our
is
late intelligence, that
Philadelphia
is
much of our attention be drawn to

Enemy, taking advantage of the remote Situation of our main force, might Suddenly shift their ostensible plan of operations, and fall upon a Quarter, tho' not so
the Object; but should too
that Quarter, a watchful
valuable, yet not far behind Philadelphia,
of convenience; by this
if
considered in point
mean, the passes upon the North
River, the occupancy of which,
would not only cut off the Com-
munication between the Eastern and Southern
would
also render the
but
Support of Tyconderoga impracticable.
Again, another objection which

5
States,
In the writing: of Alexander Hamilton.
have to forming an
Army in
CONCENTRATING TROOPS
1777]
Pennsylvania, before
is,
that
it
would
am considerably reinforced in this State,
in all probability give the
tunity of dislodging
401
me from
Enemy an
which
the Posts
at present
occupy, and which are so advantagiously situated, that
access to a
held,
Country ready and willing to furnish
them with Supplies of Horses, Cattle,

Men, all of which they steal in, as often
tunities.
if
Enemy from extending themselves,
they effectually hinder the
and getting
oppor-
These advantages, to an Enemy
provision,
as they
and even
have Oppor-
who has been Shut up
the whole Winter, and reduced to the greatest Straights for
want of many necessaries, Forage and fresh Provision particularly, would be inestimable, and put them again into a hearty
and flourishing Condition.
From the above Arguments

establish a respectable Force
ward.
we
plain, that
we must
are, as the
most
can give opposition to the
their designs be either
Northward or South-
When that is done, an Army which I will call a Reserve,
will be properly stationed
Tho'
it is
where we now
convenient point, from whence
Enemy, should
think
upon the West
side of Delaware.
am totally averse to dividing the Army at all, except in
cases of the greatest emergency.
We
shall be eternally beat
in Small detachments.
I
am therefore clearly of Opinion, that the Troops should be
hurried on from Philadelphia as quick as possible, and Bristol

I
think the properest place for their Rendezvous; because there
is
two thousand Men

You mention the immediate formation of a Camp,
Sufficient covering for near, if not quite
at a time.
but
it is
yet too early for that, especially for
most of them,
just
come
Men who
have,
out of Small pox Hospitals. If the
State of Pennsylvania can furnish three thousand Militia, to
West Side of Delaware, they will

but if they come into the field, I beg
take post some where on the
be a valuable acquisition,
402
[April
may be at some distance from the Continental Troops,

mean, till there is occasion for their coming to Action. The
that they
I
unavoidable necessity that there

discipline towards
of being relaxed in your
is,
them, spreads the Seeds of licentiousness
among the Regulars, who naturally fall into the same excesses,
of which they see their Neighbours guilty,
without evident
partiality, to inflict
and
it is
impossible,
punishment on the one,
same Crime, which the other commits with impunity.

have so often mentioned the expediency of removing the
for the
I
Superfluous Stores from Philadelphia, that
few
are
Salt
left.
and the most

curity of
it,
is
would
fain
hope
an Article the most Valuable of any to
difficult
as a principal object
us,
would recommend the Seof attention. The Chance of
of removal;
War is uncertain, and in Spite of opposition, Philadelphia may

fall into
the hands of the
Enemy; but let us endeavour,
in case
of an Accident of that kind, to leave them nothing but the bare
Walls.
With Magazines
well
filled,
our Resources are endless.
thank you for the deference which you pay to
my
Judg-
ment and Opinions, which I am happy to find, coincide

6
upon this occasion. I have the honor etc.
so
nearly with yours
To

Morris Town, April
12, 1777.
A Mr. Fernandez, an Officer just released from Captivby an exchange, informs me, that large and weekly supplies
7
Sir:
ity
of fresh Provisions are brought into York,
which he was
told
by a Friend of ours, came from Connecticut, but whether by

Water or by land, he does not know. This information I have
"The
draft
is
in the writing of
Alexander Hamilton. The
New
York
Tench Tilghman, with some minor changes by

writing of Hamilton and is in the
letter sent is in the
Historical Society.
'Lieut. James Fernandis (or Fernandez), of the First Maryland Regiment.

been taken prisoner on Long Island, N. Y., and exchanged Mar. 24, 1777.
He had
TORY ACTIVITIES
1777]
403
thought proper to transmit to your honor by the earliest Oppor-
you may adopt such Measures,
tunity, that
as
importance
its
demands and which shall seem most likely to prevent a practice so wicked and so injurious in its consequences. It is most
Common mode of Conveyance is by Water,
probable, the most
and
from
that the Supplies are
However,
it
who live on
those,
Sound
the
will be well, to have the disaffected bordering
the State of York, watched with a scrupulous
on
care, as well as
those contiguous to the Sound.

8
Mr. Fernandez adds, that Colo. Rogers and other Officers,

whose names he does not recollect, have left York on the recruiting Service and gone into Connecticut, as he was advised.
also said
by a Mr. Deputy Commissary Frink,
exchanged too, that
just
in the City of York,
and
that one
and apprehend these
enormity, and
nicated to
John Hart
Money.
It
Villains,
should hope,
if
some of our prudent,

might be
Views; that
it
ment
Enemy's hands, and
effected.
is
is
It is
has been
frequently
gone to Rhode
highly imports us, to de-
whose Crimes are of
this intelligence
is
great
commu-
trusty Friends in different
parts of the State, particularly in those
in the
who
Sellech of Stanford
Island to pass Counterfiet

tect
most favorable
to their
is an Active instruConduct has a peculiar
Rogers
his
claim to our notice.

I
As
have nothing special to Mention respecting the Enemy.

yet they have
made no movement, but from our
advices of
their preparations, there are strong reasons to beleive, that they
are
upon the Eve of doing it; And from a variety
circumstances,
it
of combining
appears, that Philadelphia will be the
Object of their attention.
only regret, that
first
have not the
means, the exigency of our Affairs requires, and that a strange

"Better
9
known
Daniel Frink.
as Maj.
Robert Rogers, of Rogers's rangers.
404
[April
unaccountable langour seems but too generally to prevail, when

the preservation of our Rights and of all that
for the
most vigorous and
active exertions.
is
dear
calls
am &c.
loudly
10
ToWILLIAM(?) NORCROSS, THOMAS(?) BARBER
AND EPHRAIM MARTIN
11
12, 1777.
me by Capt. Kinney, 12 that

Gentn.: It
there are many people in the County of Sussex, who are really
has been represented to
innocent of any Crime or evil design against their Country,
but having been seen in

affected
who
Company with some
notoriously dis-
have been tampering with them, they fear they
will be considered of their party, and have therefore fled. Capt.
Kinney
says
he
is
informed, that
if
they were certain of being
well received, they would return to their homes, give any kind
good Behaviour, and become peaceable Inhabitants of the County and State. I therefore think you
of Security for their future
had
better
make
the offer of Pardon to such as you think de-
serve it, and invite them to return. Perhaps by this kind treatment they may be induced to make some discoveries. I thank
you for the care and attention which I am informed you have
paid to the Public Business in your County, and am,
To BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID
WOOSTER
Morris Town, April

Sir:
Your
10
12, 1777.
Letter of the 28th. Ulto. covering the proceedings
of a Court Martial against
ton
13
etc.
received a
William Stone and Alexander Ful-
few days ago. Having maturely considered

"Justices of the peace of Sussex County, N. J.
12
Capt. Jonathan Kinsey(?), of the Fourth New Jersey Regiment.
MARYLAND RANK DISPUTE
1777]
those proceedings,
405
confirm the Sentence decreed against Wil-
liam Stone and transmit you a Warrant for his Execution.
name
of the person
who
will act as provost,
you will
The
insert in
the blank left for that purpose.
The sentence against Alexander Fulton, I do remit, and you

will discharge him at the same time I wish you to caution him
;
against a like conduct in future,
War and
and
the principles of Justice
execution.
to assure
him, the rules of
would have
justified his
am etc. 14
WAYNE
To BRIGADIER GENERAL ANTHONY
Morris Town, April

Sir:
As you
command
to
12, 1777.
are appointed, in the arrangement of the
a Brigade of Pennsylvania Troops,
you will hold yourself in readiness and repair
Army,
desire, that
to
my Head
Quarters, as soon as a General Officer arrives at the post where
you
now Command. Your
wanted, and
plying with
my
presence here will be materially
persuade myself, you will lose no time in com-
mentioned, puts
requisition,
it
when
in your power.
the circumstance
Iam&ca.
15
have
[h.s.p.]
To COLONEL THOMAS PRICE

Sir: I
have yours of the 4th.
your Regiment, which

pectation.
am
instant, inclosing a
sorry to find so far
effected.
The
below
my
ex-
him
unhappy dispute that has hitherto

Rank, and I hope it may be
subsisted in your State respecting
15
Return of
have wrote to Governor Johnson, entreating
to endeavour to settle the
14
12, 1777.

406
[April
you will immediately upon the receipt of this, order

your Lieutt. Colonel to march to this place, with every Man
that is fit for duty, and that you send on your Major with the
I
desire
You had better remain a while longer to see
next detachment.
that the Officers, left behind to recruit,
and
that the
Health will permit.
State of their
yourself to
perform
their duty,
men in the Hospitals are forwarded, as soon as the
make up for
depend upon your exerting
the time that has been heretofore
as not only the public Service, but the Credit of
depends upon
it.
lost,
your State
am etc. 16
To COLONEL JOHN
PATTON
Morris Town, April
12, 1777.
Your favour of the 7th. Instt. with a Return of your Regi-
Sir :
ment,
I this
day received, and
am
sorry to find that your Offi-
cers are so slow in the recruiting Service.
The Company you
you will order directly to Head

Quarters, unless countermanded. The Expences that necessaintend to March
in a
few
days,
rily arise to recruiting Officers, I believe is
much increased; but
that (by every Informa-
at the
same time cant help remarking
tion
receive) they spend a great part of their time in Idleness
and Dissipation
to the great detriment of the Service
crease of Expence.
by no means
and
in-
intend to charge your Officers
with these Crimes, but request you will be attentive that they
account in a Satisfactory manner forthe public Money you
supply them with.
As
to the additional allowance for recruiting
ing in
it,
as I
am
intirely
can do noth-
govern'd by a Resolve of Congress on
Board of War upon application to them, will

am perfectly satisfied. I am etc. 17
that head. If the
allow
it, I

the writing of John Fitzgerald; the draft is also in the writing of Fitzgerald and
varies in minor verbal particulars from the letter sent. The editor is indebted to Judge
E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton, N. J., for this letter.
"The
"In
VIRGINIA RECRUITING
1777]
407
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Kildair.
12, 1777.
Countersign Dublin.
All the troops in Morristown, except the Guards, are to attend
morrow morning at the second Bell; the officommanding Corps, are to take especial care, that their
men appear clean, and decent, and that they are to march in
divine worship to
cers
proper order to the place of worship.
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Boundbrook.
13, 1777.
Countersign Green.
William Wilcocks Esqr. is appointed Aide-De-Camp,

Major Genl. Lord Stirling, and to be obeyed as such.
To
GOVERNOR PATRICK HENRY

Morris Town, April
Sir: I yesterday
gives
13, 1777.
Evening had the honor to receive the favor of
your Letter of the 29th. Ulto.

It
to
18
me much concern, to hear the recruiting service pro-
That it is the case in Virginia affects me in a peculiar Manner. I feel myself much
obliged, by the polite respect your honorable Board of Council
are pleased to shew to my Opinion; and am under the necessity
of observing, that the Volunteer plan, which you Mention, will
never answer any Valuable purposes, and that I cannot but disapprove the Measure. To the short engagements of our Troops,
may be fairly and justly ascribed, almost every misfortune
that we have experienced, to that Cause, and that alone, have
the liberties of our Country been put in question and the most
ceeds so slowly in most of the States;
"Henry's letter of Mar. 29, 1777, is a very full picture of the reasons for the backwardness of recruiting in Virginia. It is in the Washington Papers.
408
obvious advantages
lost.
This
[April
speak from painful experience;
and assured of the facts, I cannot countenance, in the smallest

degree, what I know to be pernicious in the Extreme. Short
inlistments, when founded on the best plan, are repugnant to
order and subversive of discipline; and men held upon such
terms, will never be equal to the important ends of
War;
but,
when they are of the Volunteer fynd, they are still more destructive. Those who engage in Arms under that denomination, let
them agree upon what conditions they may, are uneasy, impatient of
Command, ungovernable; and, claiming to themselves
a sort of superior merit, generaly assume, not only the Privi-
ledge of thinking, but to do as they please added to these Con:
Corps are long in forming, and half their time

is taken up in Marching to and from Camp at a most amazing
expence; nor are the injuries, to which a Country is exposed,
siderations, such
by the frequent marching and countermarching Men, to be

disregarded. Further, whilst they are in Service, the States, to
which they belong, have but little, if any, chance to engage

them for a longer term; when that is out, they will return,
tho' the Exigency of Affairs should be never so pressing, and tho'
you should be on the point of Action; on perhaps of grasping
a Victory. Their departure, has a most baneful and unhappy
influence
on those who remain, who consider themselves, not-
withstanding their Engagements, as subjected to peculiar hardships,
become uneasy and discontented, and many
desert; their
return too, having seen only service sufficient to create disgust,
and experienced, in the Course of it, a few difficulties; produces

the same disposition, thro' the Circle of their Connections. In
a word,
Sir, I
cannot advise the Volunteer plan, as
the adoption of
it
tendency; and, in
would have the most
fatal
conceive
and pernicious
my opinion, the Interest of the States will be
more advanced by regular
inlistments during the
should take a considerable time to compleat them.
War,
tho'
it
INOCULATION
1777]
The
409
apologies you offer for your deficiency of Tioops, are
not without some Weight;
am
induced to believe, that the
apprehensions of the Small pox and
its
calamitous conse-
quences, have greatly retarded the Inlistments; but
may
not
those objections be easily done away, by introducing Innoculation into the State, or shall
it,
we adhere to a regulation preventing
reprobated at this time, not only by the Consent and usage
of the greater part of the civilized World, but by our Interest

and own experience of its utility ? You will pardon my observations on the Small pox, because I know it is more destructive
to an Army in the Natural way, than the Enemy's Sword, and
because I shudder, when ever I reflect upon the difficulties of
keeping it out, and that, in the vicissitudes of War, the scene
may be transferred to some Southern State. Should it not be
the case, their Quota of Men must come to the Field.
I
have nothing in particular
Enemy. As
to
mention, respecting the
made no Movement, but from our
yet they have
advices of their preparations, there are strong reasons to believe,

that they are upon the Eve of doing it; and from a variety of
combining circumstances, it appears that Philadelphia will
be the
first
object of their attention.
only regret that
have
not the means the exigency of our Affairs requires, and that a
strange, unaccountable langour seems but too generally to prevail at a time,
is
when
the preservation of our rights and all that
dear, calls loudly for the
have the honor to
be, etc.
most vigorous and
active exertions.
19

Morris Town, April
Dear
Sir:
By
Captivity by an Exchange, I
ls
The
draft
is
13, 1777.
a Mr. Fernandez, an Officer just released
from
was informed yesterday, that Colo.
Hanson Harrison.
410
many
Rogers and
others,
[April
whose names he did not
recollect,
had come from New York on the recruiting service; he added,

that a Friend of Ours told him they were gone to Connecticut.
This information
thought
it
have transmitted to the Governor, and have
expedient to communicate
active Instrument in the
hands of the
confine himself to Connecticut. If
him apprehended and secured.
To
it
it is
am,
to you. Roger's
possible, I
an
is
Enemy and he may
not
wish to have
20
ch.l.]
etc.

14, 1777.
this morning favored with yours of yesterday, inCopy of a Letter from Mr. Henry Fisher of Lewis
Town. The Ships therein mentioned, are certainly meant for
no other purpose, than to distress and cut off the Trade in Delaware Bay. you may depend, that when an attack upon the
Sir: I
was
closing
Works below
the
Town is really intended, there will be a
operation of their land and Sea forces.
Co-
would notwithstand-
ing have sent down the detachment of your Artillery under the
Command of Lieut. Colo. Strobach, 21 could they have possibly

been spared at this Juncture; but as we have not a Man of the
Continental Artillery yet arrived, I am obliged to keep them a
little while longer. Genl Knox tells me that he expects part of
Colo Crane's
22
Regiment, in ten days f/om this time. The mo23
ment they arrive, Colo. Strobach shall be relieved. Lieut. Robb

with the small detachment of the Pennsylvania Regiment goes
off to
20
21
28
shall

Lieut. Col.
Dec.
22
morrow,
2,
send
down Collins under his guard.
Hanson Harrison.
John Martin Strobagh, of the Fourth Continental
Artillery.
He
died
1778.
Col. John Crane, of the Third Continental Artillery.

John Robb, of Miles's Pennsylvania rifle regiment.
Lieut.
He was promoted
to
captain in a Pennsylvania State regiment Apr. 18, 1777 (designated Thirteenth Pennsylvania Regiment Nov. 12, 1777); retired Jan. 1, 1778.
SURPRISE AT BOUND BROOK
1777]
The Enemy came
411
out early yesterday morning from Bruns-
wick, with an intent to surprise Genl Lincoln at
Bound Brook,
by the
carelessness of
and had like to have
effected their design
a Militia Guard, at one of the fords
upon
Rariton. But the
General got notice of their Approach, time enough to with-
draw himself and most of his Men to the Mountain just in the
rear of the Town. Our chief and almost only loss was two
24
pieces of Artillery and with them Lieuts. Ferguson and Turnbull
25
men
with about twenty
of Colo. Proctors Regiment;
party of Horse was pushed so suddenly upon them, that they
could not possibly get
off.
The Enemy staid about an hour and
an half and then went back
to Brunswick.
General Lincoln
took his Post again, with a Reinforcement.

I
am afraid from the Situation of Billingsport, that the Works
which you
are constructing there, cannot be supported,
if
an
made upon it by land, and I should therefore think,

that a small work with a few pieces of heavy Cannon, would be
all that would be necessary. You may depend, that no Attack
will ever be made by Shipping alone, and as you must ever
count upon losing so remote a post, if attacked by land, the
fewer number of Men and Stores that are risqued, the better.
As I have never seen a plan of the Works, I only speak from
information. But I would recommend a compact Work, to
attack
is
Men, in preference to a larger.

If there were but few Cannon, they might possibly be removed,
contain about three hundred
if
there should be a necessity of evacuating.
You will oblige me
by putting the inclosed Letters in the Post

honor to
24
Lieut.
be, etc.
Office. I
have the
26
William Ferguson, of the Fourth Continental Artillery. He was promoted

still in captivity; exchanged in December, 1780;
to captain Apr. 14, 1778, while
retired Jan. 1, 1783.

25
Lieut. Charles Turnbull, of the Fourth Continental Artillery.
tain in July,
1777, while
June, 1783.
26
The draft
is
still
He was made
cap-
in captivity; exchanged in April, 1780; served to
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
412
[April
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Carlisle.
14, 1777.
Countersign York.
The General Court Martial of which Major Harmar is President,
gan
is
27
to
sit
to
morrow, at 9 o'clock, to try Lieut. Francis Costi-
of Col Ogden's Regt.
and such other prisoners, as may be
brought before them. All Evidences are to attend
Col. Biddle
28
will furnish the evidence against Lieut. Corstigan.
GENERAL ORDERS
Countersign Charlestown.
Parole Rutledge.
Serjt.
Keener
29
15, 1777.
of the nth. Pennsyl: Battn.and Serjt. Berns
of the 10th. tried at a General Court Martial, held at
30
Samp-
town, of which Col Shreve was president, on a charge of "Intending to desert."
The Court
find Serjt. Keener guilty of the
above Crime, and sentence him to be reduced to the ranks, and

receive 100 Lashes
on
his bare
The Court acquit
back
Serjt.
Berns of the Charge against him.
John Neal, Soldier in Capt. Coates's
31
Company, and the nth.
Pennsyl: Regt. tried at the same Court Martial,

of "Deserting his post, being drunk,
desert to the
Lieut.
27
29
32
is
of the
found guilty
German
Battalion, tried
by the
found Guilty of "Making a great Noise
Lieut. Francis Costigan, of the First
Col.
is
suffering others to
enemy"The Court sentence him to suffer Death.
Ralwaggon,
above Court Martial

28
and
Clement Biddle.
Kenny (?) (Keener).

Sergt.-Maj. John Burns (Berns).
31
Capt. John Coates. He was a doctor who resided in Talbot County,
being wounded in a skirmish, he resigned in October, 1777.
Sergt. Barnet
30
32
Lieut. Frederick
Rowlwagen.
Md.
After
MILITARY SITUATION
1777]
among
413
the Soldiers going to Trenton, contrary to General
Orders"; and sentenced to be cashiered for the same.
The General approves
the above sentences,
to take place forthwith, except that against
cution of which
to be suspended
is
'till
and orders them
John Neal, the exe-
further orders.
To LANDON CARTER
Morristown in
Dear
Sir:
Your favour
New Jersey, April 15, 1777.
of the 22nd of Feby.
have had the
pleasure to receive; but the other Letters alluded to have never
may
got to hand; and
be adduced
among many
other proofs
of the villiany you suspect in the Post Offices.

I
should have been very happy in seeing your Grandson en-
listed
under the Banners of his Country and under the care of so
good, and brave a
man as Baylor. But a mothers tenderness and
Tears too often interpose, and check the ardour of our Youth.
High
with
as the Militia Acc't will run, I
me
rassed
all
and
have had but few
winter, with these however
distressed the
Enemy, by
we have
men
greatly har-
continually skirmishing
with their Foraging Parties, and attacking their Picquet Guards.
But
am to judge from the present appearance of things the

will be opened by General Howe before we shall
any condition to oppose him. No men have yet joined
if I
Campaign
be in
me from
the Eastward, and but a small
number from
the
Southward, whilst the hard and fatigueing duties of a Winter
Campaign has reduced the few old Regiments which remained

army in January to a mere nothing.
after the dissolution of the
The
designs of the
but Philadelphia
Enemy
conceive,
may, or may not be the
is
are not as yet clearly unfolded;
the object in view, however, this
case, as the
North River must
also be
an object of very great Importance to them whilst they have an
414
[April
army in Canada and desirous of a junction with it, their
opera-
governed by our
tions therefore will, in a great measure, be
preparations for defence.
They
are very busily
employed
in building a Bridge, to be
supported by Flat bottomed Boats; which are to be transported
by Land on Carriages; and designed,

the Delaware on.
They
reception of men,
whom
it is
imagined, to pass
are also preparing Transports, for the

it is
supposed will be sent round by
water to Philadelphia to Co-operate with those which
march from Brunswick, but
these are
mere guesses
may
in the field
of conjecture.
Your friendly and affectionate wishes for my health and succlaim to my most grateful acknowledgements. That
the God of Armies may Incline the Hearts of my American
Brethren to support, and bestow sufficient abilities on me to
bring the present contest to a speedy and happy conclusion,
thereby enabling me to sink into sweet retirement, and the full
enjoyment of that Peace and happiness which will accompany
cess has a
a domestick Life,
of
is
the
first
wish, and most fervent prayer
my Soul.
My best respects await your good Family, and neighbors at
Mount
Airy; as also any other enquiring friends.
wish for your health and happiness
To
remain, Dr.
With
am
whether Colo. Duyckink

Jurisdiction ; but
83
The
33
GOVERNOR WILLIAMUVINGSTON
Sir: I
every
Sir, Y'r, etc.
34
14th.;
comes under the
16, 1777.
dont
know
Civil or Military
from the following State of the facts on which
from the Toner Transcripts in the Library of Congress, which notes

indorsed by Carter: "Genl. Washington April 15, 1777, by the Post
tho' it only got to hand June 23, 1777."
34
Col. Christopher Duyckink.
text
is
that this letter
is
DUYCKINK'S ARREST
1777]
ordered
him
Judgment, and
Authority,
will
you will be able
to be secured,
you think, he
if
415
to
form a
within the line of Civil
falls
most cheerfully give him up
to you. Colo.
Duyckink, some time in the Winter, came Voluntarily out of
Brunswick and Surrendered himself

Mill Stone; Said he had seen
to take the Benefit; that
Army; and
General Dickinson
at
my Proclamation and had come
he had been
was determined
that he
to
to
ill
used by the British
remain with
his
Coun-
him up to me, he told me the

same Story, and I permitted him to go at large.
Some little time after this, he applied to Lord Stirling for
trymen. Genl. Dickinson sent
Liberty to return again to Brunswick, who not being acquainted
with Circumstances, granted him permission; but before he

went, General Dickinson luckily received information from a
Person who came out of Brunswick, who told him that he heard
35
Duyckink, "he was afraid it would

would
be danger in the Experiment;"
not do and that there
meaning his going out under pretence of becoming a Convert.
Cortland Skinner
tell
Upon this, he was Stopped and Carried before General Greene,

who asked him what was the Reason of this Sudden Alteration
in his Sentiments.
He
said, that
take the Oaths to the State, as he
he could not in Conscience
had taken the Oath
of Alle-
giance to the King; that the People in the Country threatened

his
life,
and
that he thought he
Greene asked him,
if
had
better return.
General
he had not considered the Matter of tak-
ing the Oaths to the State before he came out, as he
owned he
had seen the Proclamation; but he gave such evasive Answers,

that it convinced us, that he only came out to get intelligence
and I therefore had him apprehended and sent to Philadelphia,
where he has
88
Brig. Gen. Cortlandt Skinner.
on the outbreak
the
since been Confined.
New
He had
been attorney general of
of hostilities adhered to the
Jersey Volunteers.
Crown and
New
Jersey, but
raised a loyalist corps called
416
[April
He is looked upon as so dangerous a Man, by the well affected

in this part of the Country, that
and Suffered
uneasiness.
believe his being set at Liberty
remain in the Country, would create great

have the honor to be &c. 36
to
*To BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM

Morris
MAXWELL
Town, April
17, 1777.
That the Enemy are upon the point of opening the

Campaign, can scarce admit of a doubt, where, and in what
Sir:
manner,
yet uncertain;
is
it
behooves us however to be as well
prepar'd as possible, and keep every thing in such order as to
move at an hour's warning: one step towards this, is, to have the
number of our Posts reduced, the Men drawn a little more
compactly together, and Scouts to supply the places of Stationary Guards, along the Enemy's Lines.
shall
have
it
more
in our
power
to
move
By
this
means we
quickly; shall be
less
and can give aid much quicker, than in cases

where Men upon any alarm, or Movement of the Enemy are to
be assembled from several different Posts, at a distance from
liable to surprises;
each other.
would have you attend particularly to the care of Ogden's,

and Spencers Regiments; see that the Commanding Officers of them use every possible Means to get them
compleated; and that they have their Men carried through the
I
Shreves, Martins,
small pox, by Inoculation, as fast as the Surgeons, under the direction of the Hospital, can possibly accomplish
Commanding
Officers of these
compose your Brigade)

Returns to you, that
and
careful in their
be furnished therewith. See that
the other Corps, at present under your immediate

30
The
draft
is
in the writing of
cause the
Regiments (wh. will probably
to be very regular
may
it;
Tench Tilghman.
Command,
ABSENTEE SOLDIERS
1777]
comply
also
with
with respect to
this requisition that I
my
Strength.
please to have delivered.
To
Sir:
The
may
417
not be deceiv'd
Inclosed Letters you will
am etc.
THE OFFICER COMMANDING

THE GERMAN BATTALION
Head Quarters, Morris Town, April 17, 1777. 37

On looking over the last Return of the German Battal-
ion, there appears to
be Fifty three privates Sick and absent,
and Seventeen on Furlough.
Almost four months have expired,
were given
since orders
and yet there are as many absent, as if

no such had issued. Such disobedience can no longer be pardoned in Officers. I do therefore, in the most peremptory manner, command, that they be without loss of time collected. The
for collecting the Sick,
now on Furlough must
privates
given in future.
that they
The
Officers
be ordered in and no more
must continue with
may be ready for action on
short, as the
that both Officers
and men discharge
am etc. 38
Men,
moment's warning. In
Campaign must open immediately,
est punctuality. I
their
their duty
must
insist
with the great-
To RICHARD PETERS 39
Head
Sir: I
27
Town, April
am directed, by a Resolve of Congress of the
to transmit to the
made
Quarters, Morris
in
Board of War, a
list
17, 1777.
10th
Inst.,
of the appointments,
Consequence of the powers with which
am invested
The same letter with necessary changes was sent this same date to Col. James
Chambers, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, and to Col. William Cooke, of the
Twelfth Pennsylvania Regiment.
88
39
Secretary of the Board of War.
418
by Congress, together with a Copy of

nating from and issued by me.
[April
Commissions
all
have made no appointments out of the Military
origi-
line,
but
James Mease Esqr. Cloathier General, with a salary of 150 dollars
pr Month, and Elias Boudinot
40
Esqr.
Commissary
oners with a salary of 60 dollars pr Month.
of Pris-
have not been able
yet to obtain compleat Returns of Colo Sheldon's, Baylors

Officers of Light Horse, or of as
Moylans
tional Battalions, as are put into
many of the
you
together,
when
all
the
are not yet
drawn
would be
they are, and the Regiments are
have exact Returns.
shall
16 Addi-
Commission, indeed
Subalterns, to those that are put into Commission,
appointed; but
and
think
it
almost needless to attempt to form a General Return of the
Army just at this time, for what with promotions and Resignations, the State of a Regiment is scarcely the same a Week together; but when the Army is once fully arranged, things will
not be in that fluctuating Situation.
inclose
as
you a
list
of such of the Colonels of Horse
have appointed.
gave the disposal of
under the Rank of Field

ject to
my
and Foot,
Commissions
Officers, to the different Colonels, sub-
approbation; by which means
ments will be
all
think these Regi-
better officered than the others; because, as the
Reputation of the Corps depends upon their choice, they will

be very circumspect.
tains, to
whom
different States,
also inclose
list
Sufficient
of Several Cap-
Companies
Number
intend to incorporate them.
also appointed
in the
are raised to
am etc.
Benjamin Flower Esqr. Commissary
Genl.of Military Stores, with

40
you a
gave Instructions to raise
and when a
form a Regiment,
P. S.
Rank and pay of Lieut. Colonel.
41
Copies of these commissions are in the Washington Papers, Mease's under date of
and Boudinot's under Apr. 15, 1777.
Jan. 10, 1777,

41
The draft
OFFICER APPOINTMENTS
1777]
*LIST OF OFFICERS OF
419
THE SIXTEEN ADDITIONAL
BATTALIONS
List of Officers Appointed by General
Washington in ConseHim
the
Given
by
Honble. Congress
Powers
quence of
George Baylor
Stephen Moylan [Colonels of Horse

Elisha Sheldon
Captains
John Patten
Willm. Grayson
[William] Scott
[Edward] Burke
[Nezer?] Swaine
David Foreman
Ezekiel Cornell
[John] Wilkens
Thos. Heartly
Saml. B.
Webb
[Alexander] Steel
[Matthew] Irvine
David Henly
Willm. Lee
[Samuel] Kearsley
Henry Sherburne
>
a.
a.
Nathl. Gist
Henry Jackson
n>
Oliver Spencer
CM
3"
Chas.
0\
Ronald T.?]McDougal
>
Cu
[James] Calderwood
a.
[Jonathan] Hallett
M. Thruston
[John] Hunter
[
CM
John Paul ?]Shott
4 Companies given to Genl. George Clinton to appoint Officers for.
These are
Note,
It is
much
also for the 16 Regts.
to be feared, that several of these
through, as the Officers were appointed

before
it
was known
that
and
of,
Regiments
will fall
sent to, the Eastern States,
an Additional bounty was given by them to
their Levies.
*To MAJOR JACOB MORRIS

Morris Town, April
Sir : I
17, 1777.
have been favour'd with your Letter of the 10th.
and not having
leizure to
answer
it
fully, shall content
with asking a question or two by way of Information.

the only trouble
after,
on the
mean
to give
you
at this, or
subject of your resignation.
Instt,
myself
It
being
any time here-
420
[April
Were you not informd then, before I saw you at Genl.

van's (a day or
that
it
was
Sulli-
two proceeding your going into New York)

Regiment you were appointed
to Colo. Dubois's
Major? This answer'd in the affirmative.

Had you not sufficient time, and oppertunity, before that
period to come at a knowledge of the Characters of the Officers
composing that Corps ? and moreover, as an additional Regiment, that
it
would, of course, be considered as the youngest,
which it belonged ?
two questions I must take the
in the State, to
To
these
liberty of
adding
a third.
Did you not, at the Meeting above mentioned, express, to me,

an anxious desire of joining your Regiment, adding, that nothing but General Lee's request to see you, and your expectation
of going into New York, had detained you from it till then ?
Under
these Circumstances
Cou'd your sudden resignation
immediately upon your return from New York fail setting the
imagination to work; for notwithstanding your plea of long
Service,
I
(which I believe is of little more than a years standing)
can undertake to assure you, that a Majority in one of the
es-
tablished Regiments is thought (by your warmest friends) to

be a very handsome, and honorable appointment for a Gen-
tleman of your
The
years.
report that your resignation
was
in consequence of
General Lee's advice, is altogether new to me. Your Letter conveyed the
first
Information of
it.
am etc.
To JAMES MEASE
Head Quarters, Morris Town,
Sir: I
April
17, 1777.
have your favour of the 12th. by Colo. Campbell.
42
All the Clothing that has come from the Eastward, within a
few
42
days,
Col.
is
forwarded to you unopened, except a
Donald (?) Campbell.
sufficient
UNIFORMS
1777]
421
Quantity for Colo. Forman's Regiment of which they were in

I have directed the Colo, to have the heavy
immediate want.
woolen
and
linings taken out of the Coats
think,
done with
if
all,
and
you have time, you had

as they will be too
warm
sent
better
for
down
to you,
have the same
summer, and the
made up into Waistcoats and drawers will be most comfortable to the Troops in the Winter. The Clothing of the
21st. Regiment has not come on, it has been appropriated to
linings
some of the Connecticut Regiments. I could wish Colo. Moylan

would put his Regiment in any other Uniform than Scarlet,
because I am convinced that many mistakes, and perhaps some
fatal ones will
happen from our Dragoons being Clothed in
Red and
which
There
Blue,
is
the
now are going on,
Brown and
Buff,
same with the Queen's Dragoons.

Brown and White and
1400 Suits of
which are handsome, and good standing
had rather see Moylans Corps in one of them than in

Scarlet, for the reasons I have mentioned. But if the Uniforms
Colours,
of the Officers are
an
made up, I suppose it will be too late to make
alteration. Colo. Spencer's
Regiment of
this State, are
now
in want of their Clothes, and I should likewise have stopped for

them, had you not in your letter to Mr. Young been particular
in your request that none of the present parcel should be detained here. But you must immediately send up three or four
hundred
Suits, all of a
kind,
if
possible, for Spencer.
The
re-
mains of the Virginia Regiments, say 1000 Men, are almost

naked, and you must either send up a supply for them, or
must stop
a sufficiency for
them
of the next that
comes on. Be
which you
incline to do.
pleased to inform your Deputy here,
Do
you not think there
is
some danger
Clothing to Philadelphia, just at
this
in carrying all this
time ?
Would
it
not be
remove your workmen of different kinds to some disfrom the city (Germantown or Newtown) and let them
better to
tance
422
and make up
[April
would be safe, and the

people would not be thrown into confusion upon every alarm.
I dont mean to direct in this Affair, I only hint what seems
alter
best to
If
there; the goods
me.
you have not yet
laid the Estimates for the next year's
Clothing before Congress
beg you will, in

not taken,
we
at large, or the secret
my name do it immediately.
Spring be
shall next
all
If
Committee;
timely steps are
in confusion again,
and
Army into the field half complete and of a thousand
bring our
different Colours, as to uniform,
which has not only an
ill
ap-
much irregularity; for when a Soldier

is convinced, that it will be known by his dress to what Corps
he belongs, he is hindered from committing many faults for
pearance, but
it
creates
fear of detection. If
you have applied and have not received a
Satisfactory answer, be pleased to let
a letter
upon
the Subject.
me know and I will write
am etc. 43
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Halifax.
17, 1777.
Countersign Trenton.
The Sentence of the General Court Martial whereof Major

Harmar is President, against Lt. Costigan of the 1st. Jersey
Battn. accused of
"Behaving in a scandalous, and infamous
manner, unbecoming an
officer
and a Gentleman, for pressing
Kidd Esqr. of Bucks County,

him to his own use, and when
required by Col Biddle D. Q. M. Genl., to deliver up the Horse,
neglecting to comply therewith" Whereby the said Lieut.
a Horse, the property of John
(Pennsylvania) appropriating
Costigan
is
found Guilty, and ordered
43
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
from
Kidd o.oi26 Proc:
to be discharged
the service, and also, ordered to pay Mr.
INOCULATION
1777]
money,
is
423
his Excellency the
approved by
Commander
in
The Money to be retained out of his pay.
Chief
The Quarter
Masters, and
Waggon
every thing within their department
Masters are to see that
is
put into readiness im-
mediately for a Move; the horses to be shod without delay.
The fatigue party to parade in future at 6 o'clock in the mornwith one days provision ready dressed.
Complaint having been made by the Parade Adjutant, that
ing,
commanding detachments, neglect to send their Complement of men for Guard and Fatigue; it is therefore positively
officers
ordered, that an Adjutant, or Officer acting as such,
men
march the
of each detachment, to the General Parade, at the usual
time of Guard Mounting, (half an hour after 8 o'Clock)

is
to
answer for any deficiency in his part of the
Officers
commanding Corps
will be
made
detail.
who
The
accountable for any
future neglect of this kind.
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Dear
last
Sir:
Your favour
17, 1777.
was delivered me
am much surprised to hear that
of the 12th. Instt.
night by Mr. Trumbull.
had been countermanded, or the

sort. I have never done or said any
the inoculation of the Troops

least hint
suggested of that
thing Countenancing such a measure; on the contrary,

pressed and urged the necessity of
must request that not
it
moment may
not done, they will not be
Troops,
all
fit
to act in conjunction
'tho' in cases of the greatest
infected,
nor is the disorder
less
have
I
be delayed in carrying
such of the Troops thro' that disorder, as have not had

is
in every instance, and
it.
If it
with other
Emergency. Here they
are
prevalent thro' the Country.
424
[April
perfectly agree in your reasoning about a Regimental Spirit,
and therefore think that such detachments of Gansevoort's

Regiment as are with you, should be sent to join their Corps
at the Northward. If there are any of Van Schaick's in the same
predicament, they should do the same, the Arms of both should
be carried. For the same reason,
men
or
above, belonging to
Van
if
there are any
Cortland,
Companies
H. Livingston or
Duboy's Regiments, they should be ordered
down
to join
their Corps.
The Arms in the hands of the Commissary, capable of repair,

should be put in order, as soon as possible; and probably,
if
Skilful Armourers could be employed, many might be made

good and extremely Serviceable, which on first sight of the
Commissary, might appear totally unfit. It is really difficult to
say what has become of our Arms. It is certain we had many,
and such as were valuable in their Quality; In Store there are
but few, nor are they to be found in the different States; at least
the applications from the Eastward are most pressing upon this
Subject. To prevent future Embezzlements, the Congress have
resolved that
all
belonging to the Public, with their accoutre-
ments, shall be stamped with the words United States, and that
they shall be seizable wheresoever they are afterwards found.
I
wish you to procure Stamps, that those of the
States in the
Regiments with you, may receive the impression.

I
have directed some to be brought from Philadelphia, part
of which
elsewhere.
light
those
will order to be sent to you,

I cant, at this
you cant procure them
Horse raising in Connecticut, they are much wanted here,
we have
being
since they joined
sent to the
me.
much reduced by
I
their constant service
wish you could obtain a few belonging
&ca. which you mention, may be

Commissary of Stores here, they may be wanted, and
to the State.
if
if
time, spare any of the Continental
The Carbines
they are out of order, they can be forwarded to Philadelphia.
TROOPS FOR THE HIGHLANDS
1777]
425
The removal of the Artillery &ca. from Fish Kills, considering

possibility of the Enemy's making an
your weakness and the
attempt to pass up the River and succeeding,
think perfectly
Such an event should be guarded against, and I earyou will direct the removal of all the Stores
of provision and of other things belonging to the Army from
the River, to some more interior part of the Country, where
right.
nestly desire, that
they will be
more
secure; for whilst they
tiguous to the Water, they will always be
by the
remain upon or conliable to
be destroyed
Enemy or taken of suddenly for their own use. In future,
none should ever be deposited in places accessible to their shipping and Craft, by means of these their movements can be made
with such expedition, that they will always be exposed,
if
they
are near the River.
The views
of the
Enemy and the Schemes
they
mean to exe-
cute this Campaign, are not yet certainly unfolded. There
is
strong reasons to conclude, from a variety of combining Cir-
cumstances, that Philadelphia will be the

attention.
first
object of their
However, as theStatagems of War are many and not-
withstanding appearances, their real designs
North River, it behooves us
may be up
the
to be prepared at all points, as well
as
we possibly can. To this end, I wish you to press my request
to
Governor Trumbull, for hastening on the two Thousand

and to apply, in my name, to the Convention of your
Militia,
State for every
Aid they can give from their Militia, and
be had as early as possible. These succours
may be
that to
of the most
Salutary and important consequences, and the whole should be
immediately posted to guard the passes through the mountains
and
at the Fortifications for their defence. I
too, the Fifteen
hundred
Men
mean
to include
you expect will be raised from
draughts, they will be better employed in the Highlands and

at the Fortifications for a time,
than to be dispersed along
the Shores, and in Westchester County. This requisition for the
426
Militia, will not
be liable to the objections
such instances, for

days the
Enemy
we may
will
[April
commonly made
in
reasonably suppose, that in a few
commence
their operations,
designs will be fully understood. If Philadelphia
is
and
their
their object,
the militia, except such as the State has thought proper to raise
for a longer service,
without injury.
will be
too
If
may be permitted to return to their homes
the North River
is,
all
the Continental Forces
drawn together as soon as they can. At present they are
much divided, and if they become more
so,
we shall not be
equal to the smallest resistance in any quarter; do urge these

things, the situation of our affairs call loudly for every aid
and
for every exertion.
Believeing that Philadelphia wou'd be an object of the Ene-
my's attention,
have long urged the removal of the Public
from thence, and I am assured, that many of them are

gone and the rest held in readiness to be transported on the
shortest notice. It wou'd be imprudent, in the extreme, to subject them to the hazard of a total loss.
Stores
am sorry the prospect of raising recruits should be so remote

Mr. McDougall
44
from filling the Post, I thought

him well deserving of; at the same time, I am pleased with your
generosity and justice in postponing the interest of your Son to
that of the Public; I wish something may cast up in which he
may be employed in a suitable manner.
I have inclosed you Copies of some Resolves of Congress, to
which I beg your attention, and you will put the substance of
them or such parts as you think necessary in orders. The pay
as to prevent
of the Brigade Majors has not been augmented. Congress,
hope, will do away the inconsistency by advancing

adjutants.
The Commissary's
mentioned by you was omitted

44
to
Stephen(?) McDougall.
end of the war.
list
above the
of Stores lost at Peeks Kills,
to be inclosed in
He was major and
it
aide to General
your letter.
McDougall from 1777
EXPRESS STATIONS
1777]
In the morning of the 13th.
Instt.
427
Lord Comwallis
in person
with Majors General Grant and Skinner, attempted to surprise

our out post at Bound Brook, and to take off the Troops we had
there.
Happily his enterprise was not attended with the success

little force could withdraw to
he wished; however, before our

the Mountains in their rear the
Enemy advanced and possessed

we
themselves of two or three pieces of Field Artillery which
had there.
We lost in Prisoners and Killed, by the best accounts
Men. The last has

number of prisoners
taken from them on Monday morning. The Enemy left the
I
have obtained, from thirty
been partly compensated
five to forty
for, in a
small
Post at eleven O'clock the same day, and our people took
possession of
it
again. Fortunately our Stores there were trifling,
and not worth mentioning.
It
was considered as an out post and
nothing of consequence kept there.

P. S.
That
Intelligence
may
am etc.
be more expeditiously trans-
mitted at this Interesting period, Expresses are established from

Philadelphia to Kings Ferry, those from here to Kings Ferry,
and which you will use, in cases requiring dispatch, are Adam
Jameson at Capt. Mandeville's Pompton plains, John Butler at
Mr. Sufferen's at the Clove 16 Miles from Kings Ferry, Joseph
Butler at Kings Ferry at the House on this side the River.
April
18.
Considering the importance of the Highland passes and
and how easy it will be for the Enemy to change

their plan of Operations and run up the River with their Ships,
after our Troops are drawn from thence, supposing PhiladelFortifications
phia to have been their
first object, I
am induced to have all the
Troops coming from the Eastern States halted at Peeks Kill,

till further ordered; except the detachment under Lieutt. Colo.
45
Butler from Connecticut, the advanced division of which I
^Lieut. Col. Zebulon Butler, of the Third Connecticut Regiment.

428
[April
expect here to day. In a few days, the Enemy's designs will be
known,
if
mean
they
to
push up the River, those Troops will
be there to secure the Forts and Passes.

phia,
it
diately
after their departure.
their arrival as they
Opportunities
if
they go to Philadel-
men can be immeYou will advise me of
'em some time and the
will take
marched
If
come
in,
such should
every two or three days, by safe

offer, if not,
by the Expresses
have mentioned. You will hold them in readiness to march on

the shortest notice, as
I
have sent you a
may
set of
order.
Stamps for the Arms.
48
GENERAL ORDERS
Parole Georgia.
18, 1777.
Countersign Samptown.
All the Continental Arms, those in possession of the troops,

as well as those in Store, to be
manding Officers
marked immediately. Com-
of Corps to see this
Order put in execution
they will get the Brand by applying to the Commissary of

Military stores.
To MAJOR GENERAL ARTHUR
ST.

Dear Sir
to Congress
ing a
here,
I
am favd. with your of the 15th.
April
18, 1777.
have wrote fully
upon the inexpediency and indeed danger of form-
Camp
at Bristol before I
am
reinforced
more
strongly
and I hope they will accord with me.
am
of opinion with you, that General
attempt Philada. without

46
CLAIR 47
The draft is in
Hanson Harrison.
4
The addressee
first
making
Howe
will never
a Stroke at the
Army
the writing of George Johnston, Richard Kidder Meade, and Robert

is
of Congress assigns
not indicated, but a copy in the Toner Transcripts in the Library
it
to St. Clair.
1777]
FORWARDING TROOPS
collected here.
At
the
429
same time that I thank you for the
you express for serving in
this
department,
Resolution of submitting chearfully to whatever post

to you.
am.
Head
Dear
fully
assigned
HEATH
Quarters, Morris
Town, April
18, 1777.
have your favours of the 28th. March and
Sir: I
month.
is
48
this
desire
applaud your
upon the
have, in
my
necessity of
roga and Peeks Kill, that
several late letters, wrote to
1st.
of
you so
forwarding the Troops to Ticonde-
need only to refer you to them, and
beg your attention to the several matters recommended in
to
them.
You
kind enough, not only to
will be
to see that the Field Officers
Wayne
complains
Pray let Arms and proper

who marched without them.
Clothes be
a most scandalous practice and Genl.
of
with great
it
Justice.
am surprised that Monsuier Fanueil has
officers that
upon, but
do not stay behind their Regiments;
it is
forwarded to those
insist
never advised his
Congress did not approve of his Scheme for raising
a Regiment.
They have given him
out pay or Rations.
You
the
Rank
of Colonel with-
will therefore be pleased to inform the
French Gentlemen of this, and
let
them know, that as Congress
have not thought proper to approve of their proposals,
it is
not
my power to provide for them.
in
Congress have come to the following Resolve respecting the

Chevalier de Borre.
Resolved, That the Chevalier
and pay of a Brigadier General

America from the
1st.
in the
day of December
between him and the Honble.

48
Preudhomme de Borre have
Silas

Creek, Mich., for the text of this letter.
Army
last
the
Rank
of the United States of
according to compact
made
Dean Esquire.
The
editor
is
indebted to F. G. Sweet, of Battle
430
[April
have wrote to Monsr. Borre myself and have desired him
come forward. If the Six Month's pay was advanced to

him by way of Gratuity, he must get the matter confirmed by
to
Congress, for
have no power to allow any such thing.
Inclosed you have sundry Resolutions of Congress for the
Regulation of the Paymaster General's, Commissary of Muster's
and Hospital department and some amendments to the Articles

of War. You will also observe that the Pay of Majors of Brigade
is augmented to 50 Dollars pr. Month, and that of Chaplain to
40 Dollars pr. Month to take place from 12th instant.
19th. Yours of the 9th. is this moment come to hand. There
certainly
must be
either rougery or gross Ignorance in your
powder makers, because the powder made in the other States,

is esteemed better than that imported from Europe it is a mat;
ter of so
much
importance, that
it
into. If the Continental Frigates are
should be
strictly
enquired
ready for Sea, they certainly

49
must not wait, but must have a Supply from Mr. Langdon.
But where is the Necessity of keeping any great quantity of that
in Mr. Langdon's hands, in your State at present ? if the powder
Manufacturers are made to do their duty, they will soon make

up a Considerable Quantity, and if there should be any appearance of danger, of which I confess I do not see the least sign,
you may have a supply from the Magazine at Springfield.
The Troops inlisted for three Years are intitled to the Bounty
in land, by Resolve of Congress. You will perceive by the printed
Resolves sent you this day that the Pay of Regimental Surgeons
is
increased to 12/.
I
Lawful
Day.
am unable to supply your Wants of Money at present, but
will
make
a representation to Congress,
Mr. Hancock
50
to do the same.
requisitions to them.
49
pr.
and
would
advise
He ought always to make timely
am etc. 51
John Langdon, Continental agent for prizes at Portsmouth, N. H.

Ebenezer Hancock, deputy paymaster general, Eastern Department.
61
BUCKSHOT CARTRIDGES
1777]
431
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Head
Dear
Quarters, Morris
Town, April
18, 1777.
had wrote very
fully to you this mornBy the inclosed Resolutions of

Congress which came to hand this day and which are additions
and amendments to the former Articles of War, you will find,
ing,
Sir: Just after
received yours of the 17th.
that every Continental General has a right to carry the Sentence
of a Court Martial into execution, in the State in
commands. And
shall
Officer will exercise his
esteem
it
which he
as a favour, if every
own Judgment
General
as to the propriety of
executing the Sentence, except the case should be very particular.
None of the
Eastern Continental Troops,
who have not had
the small pox, should be suffered to pass Peeks Kill without

inoculation, for
it is
impossible to avoid the infection
upon
the Road.
By three deserters who are just come in, we are informed that
the 10th, 37th, 38th and 52d Regiments, laying
upon
Staten
Island were ordered, the day before Yesterday, to hold them-
embark
of destination unknown. Their
an hour's warning, the place

numbers about 900, Non Com-
missioned Officers included.
give you this intelligence, that
selves in readiness to
you may keep a good look

pay you another
Wells,
52
visit.
at
out, lest they should be intended to
I shall
take proper notice of Lieutt.
when Wards Regiment is paid
Upon your hint for making up

Buck
this
it
Shot,
off.
Cartridges with a mixture of
immediately ordered the Commissary of Stores in
department, to prepare a quantity of that kind, and
would be well
"McDougall
regiment.
if
you were
to
think
do the same.
gives Wells as a lieutenant in Capt. James Deany's
company
of Ward's
432
By a Resolve of Congress which came

you
to hand, since
morning, the pay of Majors of Brigade
this
to 50 Dollars pr.
Month
[April
is
wrote
augmented
from the
12th. instant.
augmented
to 40 dollars
to take place
am etc.
The pay of Chaplains

53
pr. Month from 12th. April.
P. S.
To
also
is
DOCTOR ISAAC FOSTER

Sir:
General McDougall, in a
Instt. writes,
"that you in a Letter to
formed him that Dr. Warren

lation of the forces at Fishkill
I
am not a
letter of his,
little
54
him
18, 1777.
dated the 12th.
of the 31st. Ulto. in-
had advised you that the Inocu-
was countermanded."
surprised at this,
when
I reflect
that such a
measure was never even in Idea, and therefore desire that I may
be truly informed,
when
how such an
order could be given, particu-
was conmanner
recommended
the
warmest
on the occasion,
it in
they could. The delay occasioned by this step, has been parlarly
a certain fact, that every Doctor that
'tis
sulted
ticularly prejudicial to the Service,
must
carried on with all imaginable dispatch.
insist that
it
may be
The Doctors appointed
business in Connecticut, complain that they cant be
for this
furnished with the Medicines proper for Inoculation. This
complaint must be immediately removed, and every Assistance

in your
power
purpose.
afforded, towards accomplishing this necessary
congratulate you on your appointment by Congress
to the Directorship of the Hospitals in your Department,
account of which has,

53
The
54
Dr. John Warren.
draft
is
suppose reached you ;
in the v/riting of
He was
an
hope that as you
Tench Tilghman.
surgeon of the Massachusetts Militia from 1776 to 1780

and hospital physician and surgeon from 1780 to close of the war. He was wounded
at
Bunker
Hill.
SUPPLIES SENT
1777]
are
now intrusted with
ENEMY
433
competent powers, every thing in that
way will be conducted to genl.
Satisfaction. I
am etc. 66
To THE PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF
WAR

Sir: I
have
gence, which
lately received the

I
think it
18, 1777.
two following pieces of Intelli-
my duty to give you, for if such practices
are followed without detection, our
Enemies will be well
supplied.
56
Bowne and Heartshorne
near Shrewsbury in
County, purchase Continental

discount, carry this
Money
in
Monmouth
New York
at a great
Money to Philadelphia and there buy Flour
&ca. under pretence of Shipping
it
to the Foreign Islands, but
send the Vessels to New York. As those Persons are well known
in Philadelphia, they
may easily be
detected.
New York
some time ago sent a Vessel to

Philadelphia navigated by a french Captain and Seamen, who
pretended they came from the French Islands, they procured
The Murrays
of
a Cargo of Provisions which they Carried to
New York.
Custom House Officers, to make

enquiry of every Captain upon whom he values himself, and if
the Merchant is one, whose Character does not stand quite fair
It
would be well
for your
and unsuspected, the
strictest scrutiny
intentions of the Voyage.
should be
made
into the
am &c.

Head
Sir: I
Quarters, Morris
00
The
18, 1777.
have nothing of importance to transmit Congress, no
Event in the Military

55
Town, April
line
having happened since

Possibly Daniel Bowen and Lawrence Hartshorne.
my
last,
434
except the Surprising a Small picquet guard of the
[April
Enemy, on
Monday night at Bonam Town and bringing off Thirteen prisoners by One of our Parties. An Enterprise of a similar nature
was formed against that at Amboy, in which, the party sent to
effect
it
seized
did not succeed so well, tho' the most advanced of them
and secured three of
Out
their
Sentries,
without giving
an alarm.
By a
Letter
from General McDougal
of yesterday,
formed, that he had received accounts of Thirty Six
am
in-
Sail of
Transports having left New Port on Friday last, with Troops

on Board; Other reports he had, were, that a number of Ships
were coming up the Sound, so that we may reasonably conclude Genl.
Howe
is
drawing
his forces
from the Eastward.
General Arnold in a Letter of the 6th, mentioned, that from

the preparation of Transports and other circumstances he
thought
it
probable an embarkation was about to take place.
There are grounds
to Suspect,
from information
That some unfair practices have been and

in certain Exports
from Philadelphia.
are
meant
It is said,
received,
to be
used
that a Vessel
navigated by Frenchmen loaded there, belonging to the Murrays of
New
Howe;
andBowne of Monmouth County intend
York, which carried her Cargo to Genl.
Also, thatHartshorne
to load one or
more
for the
same purpose, under the Idea
sending them to Foreign Markets.

of
War
for Pensylvania
upon
these Hints will be properly
of
have written to the Board
the Subject, and doubt not, but
improved and such frauds guarded
against as well as circumstances will admit.

I
have inclosed a Copy of an Advertisement published in
Gaine's Paper of the 14th, which shews, that no Artifices are

left
untried by the
Enemy
to injure us. Before the
of this unparalleled piece,
had heard,
appearance
that a person
was
OFFICER APPOINTMENTS
1777]
435
gone from York to Rhode Island with a Quantity of Coun57

terfeit Money.
There is one thing which I beg leave to mention to Congress,
and which
think highly deserving their attention, that
that Supplies of
it,
should
if
Hard Money
is,
or Bills of Exchange to procure
possible be sent to our prisoners in the
hands of
Enemy, at least to the Officers, to releive their wants. By

Letters, which I have received from them of late, I find they
are in great distress and such as ought to be removed, if it can
be done. No inconvenience will result to the Public from such
Supplies, if they can be furnished, as proper Stoppages and
deductions can be made from their pay.
the
April
19.
was honored with your Letter of the 16th between Twelve

and One O'Clock Yesterday, accompanied by Sundry Resolutions. I hope the measures Congress have adopted, will produce
the Salutary consequences they had in view; but I fear, that the
States, unless they are delicate in exercising the Powers they are
invested with for filling vacancies in instances of removal from
office, and pay a strict attention to a proper line of Succession,
where there are no Capital Objections, will renew much of that
confusion and disorder, we have been endeavouring to extricate
I
Nor will this be of small difficulty, if they dismany Officers For supposing them to have kept the most
ourselves from.
place
accurate Lists of their Original appointments, changes have
taken place in several instances, from various causes

to them,
I
and
of
unknown
which they can not be apprized.
can assure Congress the Appellation given to the Regi-
ments
officered
57
by me, was without
my consent or Privity. As
Another of the numerous attempts of the British to dislocate the finances of the
United States by sending counterfeit Continental bills to Tories, who paid their taxes
with them, in addition to placing in circulation as large amounts of counterfeit money
as possible.
436
soon as
heard
it, I
wrote to Several of the Officers in terms of
severe reprehension,
and expressly charged them
the distinction; adding that

footing,
and
all
[April
the Battalions were
all
to suppress
on the same
under the General name of Continental.
58
An Attack upon the Kings Troops at Rhode Island was certainly a desireable Event, could
success, or upon equal terms.
Moment, and involving in its
quences,
much
am
it
have been conducted with
It
being an Object of great
issue
many important
led to believe the practicability of
it,
conse-
has had
consideration and the measure found to be unadvisable
under the circumstances of the Troops collected for the purpose. If the
Enemy have
not evacuated the Island
suppose
the matter will be further weighed.

I
do not find
in the Medical
Arrangement, any mention of
Regimental Surgeons Mates, or provision made for their payment. Whether Congress
or not,
cannot
tell.
me to be absolutely
mean to dispense with such
necessary.
We are often obliged to divide
Regiments and to send a part to a distant post.

case,
it is
essential that there
When this is the
should be some person with them
to take charge of the Sick or

be.
Officers
have heard they do; But they appear to
wounded,
if
such there should
have only mentioned this, for Many Reasons, that might be
urged to shew the expediency of such Appointments.

Notwithstanding the
many circumstances inducing a belief,
that Philadelphia will be the

tion,
58
Yet
as the
first
Stratagems of
object of the
War
are various
The Second Canadian Regiment, Moses Hazen,
gress's
Own
Regiment" and the guard
of the
Enemy's
colonel,
and they may
had dubbed
Commander
atten-
itself
"Con-
in Chief called itself
"General Washington's Life Guard." This had aroused jealousy, and Congress resolved (April 15) that as "the continental battallions are all on one footing, liable to
the same kind of services, and entitled to equal privileges, that the appellations ' Congress's own regiment,' General Washington's life guards &c. given to some of them,
are improper and ought not to be kept up; and the officers of the said batallions are
required to take notice hereof, and conform themselves accordingly." The official
designation of Washington's life guard was "The Commander in Chief's Guard."
'
'
BRITISH INTENTIONS
1777]
be easily changed, especially
mand
of the Water,
Troops
in
when
to that
than mentioned in
from the Board
subject to great inconvenience
vided, seperated State of the
and not able to make
they have the entire com-
cannot but consider the detention of the
at Philadelphia, farther
Answer
437
of
and
War,
my
Letter
as inexpedient
and
injury. In the present di-
Army, we
weak
are
at all points
the least opposition promising success. [If
what the Enemy have done, is a feint and calculated to amuse,

and the North River should be their Object, we are not in a
Situation to check their Attempts or progress, in the smallest
degree; But was our force collected here, and such should be
their design,
we might
entertain
some hopes of doing it. On

Scheme against Phila-
the other hand, if they persevere in their

delphia,
we must have
notice of their embarkation,
by Sea, or of their March

first
if
they go by land.
mode, we could be there in time.
If
If
if
they go
they adopt the
the second,
we should
have an Army to hang on their Flank and Rear, ] Supposing they
were Collected here, they would be ready
and circumstances might
require. If the
to
Act
as necessity
Enemy pushed
for
we should have notice of it and could hang upon

Flank and Rear; Nor is it likely they would undertake
Philadelphia,
their
such an expedition without attempting the destruction or

persion of the
Sea,
we
time.
feint,
Army first.
If
they embarked and should go by
should have information of
On
dis-
the other hand, should all
and could be there in

they have done prove a
it
and they should turn their Views to the North River, we
should be in a
much better situation to counteract their designs
and to check the progress of their Arms in that Quarter, added

to this, Several of the Regiments, especially those which came
from Virginia and Pennsylvania, are so broken, that it is

impossible to do any thing with the parts that are here, and that
Spirit which is always derived from a Corps being full, or as
first
438
much
number will admit

Honor to be etc. 59
circumstances of
so, as
done away.
have the
[April
of, is entirely
To MAJOR GENERAL BENJAMIN LINCOLN

Morris Town, April
Dear Sir
have wrote to General Heard to March the Militia
assembled under his command, to

ing a
new
this place. I
disposition of the forces,
Heard the necessary orders upon
and
61
to
am about mak-
shall give
his arrival here.
send the 8th Pennsylvania Battalion
Broadhead,
19, 1777.
60
General
You
commanded
will
by Colo.
ocupy the posts General Heard leaves; you will
please to give the Colo, all the assistance in your power, in post-
ing the Troops to the best advantage, forming the Guards and
establishing the Patroles.
I shall
order part of several Regiments
down to you, to supply the place of the 8th Battalion, which you
will give the necessary orders too.
am &ca. 62

19, 1777.
Dear Sir I am favoured with yours of the 8th. March. Those

and 6th. likewise came duly to hand. I wish you had
sent the cover of the letter of mine, that you suspect had been
:
of the 4th
opened and put under a fresh cover, as by comparing the direction, with the hand writing of the Gentlemen of my Family, the
C0
Hanson Harrison. The
part in brackets are in the draft
and not in the letter sent.

""An expected attack on Maj. Gen. Adam Stephen at Chatham had resulted in an
order, through Lieut. Col. George Johnston, for Stephen to be prepared and for all the
troops at Whippany to take the field. Johnston sent Stephen a warrant for $200 for
secret intelligence and "would have drawn the money, but the Rules of the office will
not admit, and moreover, I did not much esteem the Conveyance. You must send a
written order on the back of the warrant." (See Johnston's letter to Stephen, Apr. 19,
1777, in the Washington Papers.)
"Col. Daniel Brodhead.
02
The
draft
is
in the writing of
John Walker.
1777]
439
matter would have been reduced to a certainty, and the fraud,

any, might perhaps have been traced.
am
if
very suspicious,
from the backwardness of Colos. Charles Webb, Chandler, and
make Returns, that their Regiments fall short of what

they have made the public believe, and I desire you will again
call upon them, either to make actual Returns or the best they
Swift to
can upon report, assuring them at the same time, that they shall
answer for such neglect of
By
their duty.
amendments
the inclosed
of the Articles of
War, you will
commanding
in any of the
find that a Continental General

States,
has a right to carry any Sentence of a Court Martial into
execution,
Placey,
If
63
to
wish
would be
means be allowed
64
serve to the
ness
and
had reached you before you
to
nor can
ist.
of Service, but they should not by any
be considered as any part of the Quota of

consent to allow any
January only.
dissatisfaction
the War, and
It
Man to be inlisted to
would create
universal uneasi-
among the Troops who had inlisted for
would again introduce an openingfor short inlist-
ments, which are the foundations of
From
sent off
Companies of Volunteers that you mention, would

Peeks Kill and serve with the Militia that were or-
dered, they
the State,
it
he might have been punished upon the Spot.
that
those
march
and
all
our Evils.
from the Eastward, it seems pretty

left Rhode Island, from which we
may certainly infer, that they are drawing their Forces together
to move towards Philadelphia, or go up the North River. But
several accounts
clear that the
Troops have
be their designs what they may, our Force Should
ward, as fast
and
as possible. I
move South-
do not at all doubt your past exertions
hope you will continue them
till
your Quota of
Men
is
brought into the Field by some means or other.

03
William Placey, a private in the Seventh Connecticut Regiment.

Parsons had suggested that volunteers could be raised if an action was imminent.
did not specify whence they could be obtained.
64
He
440
By some
augmented
pr.
I
late Regulations, the
to 50 Dollars pr.
Pay of Majors of Brigade
Month, Chaplains
Month, and Regimental Surgeons
hope
this will influence
[April
to
two
dollars pr.
Gentlemen of Merit,
Skill (especially in Physic) to Step forth.
am
is
to 40 Dollars
Abilities
&ca.
Day.
and
65
To COLONEL ELISHA SHELDON

Sir:
Your favour
day by Lt. Beldin.
ment
of the 13th. Instt.
66
in receiving
safe to
shall be sorry to hear that
money from
19, 1777.
hand Yester-
your disappoint-
the Connecticut Treasury has
retarded you; That no delay may arise

I
came
from the want of Money,
have given an order in your favour for the
sum required, Fif-
Your Lieutt. will receive it here. I hope

it is not necessary to recommend to you the utmost Oeconomy
teen thousand Dollars.
with
it,
we
Regiment
shall incur a very
fitting a single
for the Field, but without the Strictest,
enormous.
You
cant be
shall be glad to see

I
heavy Expence in
you
more anxious
at the
it
will be
to take the Field, than I
head of a complete Regiment.
am etc. 67
To BRIGADIER GENERAL NATHANIEL HEARD
Morris Town, April
Dear Sir:
find
it
forces in the Jerseys.
necessary to
68
19, 1777.
make a new disposition of the
You will please to march all
the Militia
under your command immediately to this place, upon the Eight

Pennsylvania Battalion arriving to occupy the Posts you
85
The
now

Ezekiel Porter Belden, of the Second Continental Dragoons. He became
captain in April, 1777, and resigned in June, 1780.
Under date of April, 1777, in the Washington Papers, is the arrangement of the
army in the Jerseys and of the forces then on the east side of the Hudson River. It
specifies the regiments as brigaded and the brigades assigned to the different major
generals, but does not give the locations of the troops.
draft
M Lieut.
AN ORDNANCE BILL
1777]
hold, they have orders for that purpose,
let
no time be
As
the execution of this change of disposition.
Troops are ready

Express.
to
lost in
soon as your
march, you will please to send
me an
am etc. 69
To CHEVALIER
Head
Sir: I
441
was
little
PREUDHOMME DE BORRE
Quarters, Morris
Town, April
time ago favoured with a
informing me of your arrival
19, 1777.
letter
from you,
and that by a compact

Deane Esqr. you were to
at Boston,
entered into with the Honble. Silas
hold the Rank of a Brigadier General in the Army of the United
As
States.
had not the power of confirming
immediately forwarded your
letter to
this
Compact,
Congress and have the
pleasure to give you their approbation by the following Resolve.

Resolved. That the Chevalier Preudhomme de Borre have the Rank
and pay of a Brigadier General in the Army of the United States of
America from the 1st. day of December last according to compact made
between him and the Honble. Silas Deane Esqr.
You
come forward to this place

Head Quarters of the Army may be. I am etc. 70
will therefore be pleased to
or where the
To COLONEL RICHARD GRIDLEY 71

This day's post brought
Sir:
me
April
19, 1777.
your favour of the 10th.
The Articles composing Mr. Guilds 72 account (inclosed)

having been delivered, while General Ward commanded in
Instt.
Boston,
it is
necessary that his Certificate should be obtained;
when that is done, General Heath will give the proper order for
89
The
The
John Walker.
Tench Tilghman.
"Gridley's term of service as colonel and Chief Engineer had ended Aug. 5, 1776.
He was retained in service, however, as colonel and engineer until Jan. 1, 1781, when
he retired.
72
Guild was the proprietor of Stoughtonham furnace and the account was for
casting ordnance. A copy of it is not found in the Washington Papers.
70
draft
is
in the writing of
draft
is
in the writing of
442
payment, General
affairs, will
necessary.
Knox having
employ Mr. Guild,
[Aran.
the superintendance of these
if
he thinks
it
convenient and
am etc. 73
GENERAL ORDERS
19, 1777.
Parole Brunswick.
Countersign Victory.
Complaints have been made by a number of Farmers, and
on the
roads between this place and Philadelphia, that the Waggoners,
others in different parts of the Country, but especially
Light Horse, and others, belonging to the Continental Army,
do continue to take down the fences of their fields of

and grass-lanes, which at this season must be attended
have, and
grain,
with consequences very prejudicial to the Community in general
It is
therefore His Excellency the General's Orders, that
no person belonging
whatever take
to the said
Army, does on any pretence
down any such fences, or leave open any bars, or
gates, or ride, or travel thro'
any such inclosures, unless a danger
of falling into the hands of the enemy, renders
it
absolutely
necessary, in all other cases they are to keep the high roads; as
they will answer the contrary by being punished for a breach

of orders.
town (not on duty) to attend divine service

morrow, agreeable to the orders of the 12th. Instant.
All the troops in

to
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 20, 1777.
Parole Greene.
Countersign Knox.
The detachments from the 3rd. 4th.

Regiments,
now
10th
hold themselves in readiness to march,

"The
draft
is
and nth Pennsylv.
at this place, as also that of
in the writing of Caleb Gibbs.
at
Hazen's, are to
an hours warning,
BRITISH BARBARITY
1777]
with their
Camp
belonging
to those
persons must be
equipage and baggage
Corps are
sick,
any of the
If
and unable
take care of them,
left to
443
men
to
march, proper
who
are to see that
they join the above detachments respectively, so soon as they

are able.
Lieut. Col Butler's detachment of Connecticut Troops, are also
to hold themselves in readiness to
march
at
an hours warning.
To MAJOR GENERAL ADAM STEPHEN

Dear
Sir:
The
Morris Town, April 20, 1777.

Horseman delivered your favour of this date;
you will be pleased
may answer
that he
to order Lieutt. Bradford
74
under Arrest,
the charge of the court of Inquiry
diately. Capt. Russell
75
must be
called
upon
long absence from his Regiment, as well as for having

his
my
men but for a year.
imme-
to account for his
lament Capt. Conway's
76
loss,
inlisted
but tho'
Indignation at such ungenerous conduct of the Enemy,
might
at first
prompt me
to Retaliation, yet
Humanity and
wan-
Policy forbid the measure. Experience proves, that their
ton Cruelty injures rather than benefits their cause; That, with
our Forbearance, justly secured to us the attachment of all good
Men; I cannot therefore consent to your proposition being carried any farther.
I
am
about to
make
new
and about Millstone
and
Heard
disposition of the Troops,
have, for a begining, ordered the Militia under Genl.
move up
They are
to guard
Pompton,
and cover the neighbourhood of Hackinsack, at which posts
they will be in a few days. The Continental Troops here will
move to the Lines to supply their places. Genl. Maxwell
at
to
the interior parts of the Country
74
directly;
from
this place, to
William Bradford, of Rawlin's Additional Continental regiment.

Russell, of the Fifth Virginia Regiment.
"Capt. John Conway, of the First New Jersey Regiment. His house was burned
and farm laid waste by the British.
73
Lieut.
Capt.
Andrew
444
[April
returns about ioo Militia under Majr. Potter, these you
move
you
may
such a manner as to Co-operate with any design
off in
may form upon Hoebuck 77
at a future day. I
am
78
etc.

Head
Sir:
Your favour
Quarters, Morris
Town, April 20,
of the 18th. instant has just
1777.
now come
to
Two days ago, I wrote to General McDougall, urging it

upon him to apply to the Convention of your State, in my name,
hand.
to call out the Militia, in order to
possible in the quarter

tingencies. I
am
have
where you
as respectable a force as
are to act according to con-
glad to find that the powers vested in you,
have enabled you to anticipate
my wishes; and such is the situ-
ation of affairs, that your greatest exertions are required to
bring them out in as great number, and as expeditiously as

possible.
duce
me
Though there are many Strong appearances, that inenemy will open the Campaign with
to believe the
an attempt upon Philadelphia; yet

their intentions
it is
impossible to ascertain
with absolute certainty. So far as their prepara-
tions indicate the design
suppose them to have in view, the
whole may be an artifice to divert our attention from the real

object they may aim at. To be found unprepared, at the place
where they should direct their operations, in earnest, would
insure
them
success,
fatal consequences.
and be unavoidably attended with many
On this account and as there is little room
if they should not move towards Philadelphia, they

up the North River, we cannot take too much pains, to
be upon a proper footing to meet this event, so far as it can be
done, consistent with that attention which is due to the
to doubt,
will
greater probability of their attempting Philadelphia, until they

shall
7
have made such movements, as will give a determinate
'Hoboken,N. J.
The draft is in the writing
78
of George Johnston.
BLOCKADE OF THE HUDSON
17771
complexion to their designs.
To
445
Strengthen ourselves in one
would afford the enemy a powerful temptation to alter their views, and bend their force against
that part where we are weakest and most defenceless.
Let me remind you, in bringing out the Militia, to pay a strict
quarter and neglect another
regard to the inclosed Resolve of Congress.

respect, must
I
79
Great abuses in this
have come under your observation as well as mine.
am happy to find, that notwithstanding the precarious State
waved all opposite considerations to

and become permanently useful
in the military Line. The diffident terms in which you mention
yourself, do not lessen the expectations I have formed of your
of your health, you have
accept the call of your country,
acting in such a manner, as will be productive of honor to

yourself
It
and utility to the
gives
States.
me pleasure to hear, that the Chain across the River 80
promises to answer the end, and that the other obstructions are
in a fair way.
It is
of the utmost importance, that the greatest
diligence should be used to complete
The experiments we have
and render them effectual.
heretofore
made
give great reason
to doubt the efficacy of attempts of this nature,
and prove that
much pains cannot be taken to give any hope of Success.

The Supernumerary Officer you mention, may proceed in recruiting as many men as he can. He shall be provided for in
too
some corps.
81
am etc. 82
To COLONEL ROBERT
Sir: I received
dez.
78
You may
your
letter
MAGAW

of the 6th. Inst, by Ensign Fernan-
be assured, every thing in
my
power
will be
Probably the resolve of March 21 that no more militia officers be in the pay of the
Continent than the proportion justified by the number of privates actually in the service. The resolve specifies these numbers as to companies, regiments, etc.
Âcross the Hudson at West Point, N. Y.
a This officer's name was not mentioned in Clinton's
letter of April 18.
^The draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton.
446
done, to make our officers and privates
[April
who are in Captivity, as
comfortable, as their situation will admit. Their case has been
represented to Congress, and

in a
few days
before, but
it
for their use.
was
difficult to
I trust,
a remittance will be
had not been
inattentive to
made
them
procure such supplies of money,
would be current where you are, as were wished. This obhope, will no longer remain. Added to this, there were
reasons to believe, that the Situation of the Officers was more
agreable, than I find it to be, from some advances said to have
as
stacle, I
been made them.
am etc. 83

Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, April 21,
1777.
Dear Sir I amfavour'd with yours of the 16th. I refer you to a

letter which I wrote yesterday to Congress upon the expediency
of forwarding the Troops directly on to join the Army here. But
as it may take some time to collect and fit them out properly
at Bristol, I desire that I may have exact Returns from time to
time from the commanding Officer there, of the Corps to which
the detachments belong, that I may order those to come on first,
whose Regiments or the greater part of them are already here.
I beg you will exert yourself to hurry the Troops out of Philadelphia, to which both Officers and Men seem too much
84
attatched. Iam&ca.
:

Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, April
21, 1777.
When I wrote to Genl.

Varnum expressing my surprise that my orders for Inoculation
Sir: I
have yours of the 14th.
instant.
had not been sooner carried into execution, I was not acquainted
with the Circumstances that necessarily retarded
^The
Hanson Harrison.
Tench Tikhman.
draft
is
""The draft
is
in the writing of
it.
MUSTER DIFFICULTIES
1777]
447
do not apprehend, that there is any immediate danger from

Enemy at Newport; their sending away their Vessels is a
plain indication that they mean, either to remain where they
are, in hopes of creating a diversion, and keeping our force
from collecting here, to oppose their main Army, or that they
are in some distant expectation of a reinforcement from Europe.
If any reinforcements are to come out, it will probably be very
late before they arrive, as our Agents write us that the appearI
the
ance of affairs in Europe,
is
such, that Great Britain will hardly
send any more force abroad, before she

intentions of her Neighbours.
little
And
is
assured of the pacific
of this
fancy she has
hope.
The Enemy, unprovided with Horses and

means of moving by land, cannot go off the
trate the
Country, and
Carriages or any
and penewould not re-
Island
should imagine that
it
quire any great number, properly Stationed, to prevent their
ravaging the Coast.
am &ca. 85
To COLONEL JOSEPH
WARD

Sir: I
to the
have looked over the Resolutions of Congress
relative
appointments and duties of your Department, and find
myself at a
loss in the present
to prescribe, as
you
desire,
unassembled State of the Army,
any immediate rule for the Govern-
ment of your Conduct.

At this time, few of the Continental Troops have assembled,
and those which are, we find in so disjointed and broken a
render a muster of them,
State, as to
little avail.
Add
to this,
difficult,
cannot pretend to
uncertain and of
say, that I clearly
understand the intention and Views of Congress in these appointments,and wishyou had satisfied yourself, whether thefour
Deputy Muster Masters General were designed

85
The
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
for different
448
[April
Armies; And whether by a Grand Divimeant

Major
General's command; which by the
a
sion
plan I laid formerly before Congress was to consist of three
Brigades of four Regiments each, composing in the whole, as
districts, or different
is
many, I conceive, as the Circumstances of the Army will admit

of being mustered by any one Officer, in the course of a Month.
If
it
be the intention of Congress, that each
district
should
have a Deputy Muster Master General, the sooner the allotment

is
made, the
better, that the
duty
may
be begun so soon as
cir-
cumstances will admit of it; but for my own part, I should have
thought, that a Deputy Muster Master General to each seperate
Army, would have been sufficient, with the aid of those of the
different divisions. By alloting them to districts, it may happen
that some of those appointments may become mere Sinecures
if
there should be no, or but a small part of the
Army
in that
quarter.
Upon the whole, you will have full time to obtain a thorough
upon these points which
I advise you to learn and when known, every assistance in my
86
power shall be given to carry them into execution. I am &ca.
knowledge of the views
To
Sir: I
of Congress
COLONEL JEDIDIAH HUNTINGTON

If filling up your Regi-
have yours of the 15th. instant.
ment can be accomplished, any thing
the sooner by your re-
maining in Connecticut a while longer, I have no objection but

;
you must send one of your Field

to receive
I
8T
hope the
The
The
forward to Peeks Kill,
and form your small detatchments
to complete
88
Officers
late Measures taken
effectual. I
Hanson Harrison.
Tench Tilghman.
is
draft
is
in the writing of
come
up.
by your Governor and Council
your quota, will prove
draft
as they
am &ca. 87
SAVING SUPPLIES
1777]
449

Sir :

was this Morning honored with your favor of the 20th
inclosing sundry proceedings of Congress.
The removal
of Provisions &c.
from the Communication
be-
tween Brunswick and Trentown, has been pretty well effected
was an object early attended to, and what I recommended to the Assembly of this State, as deserving their interposition and aid; but finding it had not their immediate consideration, and that they seemed to decline interfering in the
matter, I directed the Quarter Masters and Commissaries to
purchase their first supplies of those necessaries, from such
places, as appeared to be most exposed to the Enemy's incursions, and through which, it is most probable, they will take
their Route towards the Delaware, in case an enterprize that
already.
It
way should be
the Resolve
in contemplation.
upon
Foreman, the
this Subject to
latter of
whom
is
have transmitted Copies of
General Putnam and Colo.
in
Monmouth
County, with
orders to execute the same, agreable to the directions therein

prescribed,
from South
I
where
may
it
Amboy
be necessary on the Road leading
across the Country.
have nothing of importance to communicate to Congress;
The advices they will receive today which passed thro' this Town
tell them that the Enemy remained at Rhode
Island on the 15th. Inst notwithstanding the Accounts we had
88
received of their embarkation before. I have the Honor &c.
Yesterday, will
To

Sir: I
Yesterday received the favor of your honor's Letter of
the 16th. with its inclosures;for
Publishing of
88
which and your attention to the
my proclamation I am greatly obliged.
Hanson Harrison.
fear all
450
the Militia, intended for General Wolcott's
not arrived at Peekskill
were
there,
by
my
last
89
[April
command, have
not more than Eight hundred
yet, as
from
advices
that Quarter,
and which
are of a later date than your favor.
mark with
peculiar satisfaction
and thanks, your constant
and unwearied assiduity in giving the Service every aid in your

at the same time I cannot but regret the occasion, which
compels us, to bring Troops again into the Field for a shorter
period than during the War, or for three years at least; But we
must adopt our measures to the exigency of our affairs. I would
power;
fain hope, that
which they
many
of the drafts, before the time expires for
are called out,
by the industry and care of the
Offi-
may be induced to engage for a longer term; and that your

Quota may be compleated by regular inlistments, being concers,
tinued in the state for that purpose.
Mr. Franklin's conduct is truly reprehensible and I am amazed

that
under such engagements he should not be more regardful

90
91
Honor. I have the honor &ca.
of the ties of
89
Gen. Erastus Wolcott, of the Connecticut Militia.

21 Alexander Hamilton wrote to Gov. William Livingston, by direction
of Washington, that:
"A Number of disaffected persons having been taken up and brought to His
Excellency, he ordered an examination into their cases, to know who of them were
subject to a Military jurisdiction and who came properly under the cognizance of the
civil power; also to discriminate those who were innocent, or guilty of trivial offences
from those whose crimes were of a more capital and the henious Nature; directing,
that those of the former character should be dismissed, and those of the latter referred
to you for further trial and punishment.
The examination that has been made
in this instance is somewhat irregular, and out of the. common order of things; but in
the present unsettled State of government, the distinction between the Civil and
Military power, cannot be upheld with that exactness which every friend to Society
Brig.
"On April
must wish.
"I flatter myself, however, you are convinced with me, His Excellency desires to
avoid nothing more, than a deviation from the strict rule of propriety, in this respect,
or the least Encroachment either upon the rights of the Citizens, or of the Magistrate. It was necessary to make the enquiry, for the sake of the discrimination before
mentioned; and tenderness to the innocent, to save them from long and unmerited
confinement, recommended the measure."
Hamilton's letter is in the Washington Papers. One of the prisoners referred to
in the letter, a certain John Eddy,
was indicted by the grand jury for treason, but

trial. The principal offense was that of enlisting
escaped before he could be brought to
men
91
for the British service.
The
draft
is
Hanson Harrison.
CAMP HYGIENE
1777]
To
451

Head
Quarters, Morris
Town, April
21, 1777.
have the honor of yours of the 14th instant, I shall make

92
in
particular Business to demand Capt Chase's Son
Sir: I
it
my
Exchange for Mr. Hutchinson or Governor Shirleys Son; as he

is certainly justly entitled to it. I thank you for the enquiry you
93
have made after Thomas Rogerson.

I am pleased to hear that your General Assembly are deter-
mined
to take such Methods, as shall seem to them most effectual
for compleating their Continental Battalions,
and
sincerely
hope that the Measures, which they may think proper to adopt,
94
may be attended with Success. I have the honor to be &ca.
GENERAL ORDERS
Head Quarters, Morristown, April 21,
1777.
Countersign Lee.
Parole Franklin.
A fatigue party of an officer and twenty privates, to be employed to bury all the Offals in and about the Slaughter House,
dead horses, dogs, or any kind of Carrion in and about the town;
also to remove all the filth about the Goal The Deputy Quar-
ter
Master General
this
is
desired, to be particularly attentive, to see
duty executed in the best manner, otherwise as the weather

fatal, as well to the
grows warm, the consequences may be

Soldiery, as the Inhabitants.
GENERAL ORDERS
Head
Parole Armstrong.
Quarters, Morristown, April 22, 1777.
Countersign
St. Clair.
The detachments of the 3rd. 4th. and 10th. Pennsylvania

Regiments, are to form one Detachment, and be under the
92
John Chase, son of Capt. William Chase, a privateersman.

Rogerson, a mulatto lad.
^Thomas
M The

452
Command of Major Harmar 95

arrive.
their respective
'till
This detachment thus formed are to
brook, by 6 o'clock to
morrow morning,
Detachment, under the
Command
as
[April
Regiments
march for Boundis
also the Eastern
of Col Zebulon Butler
The whole to receive their orders from Major Genl. Lincoln,

when they arrive there.
The detachment of the nth.Pennsylva.Regt.to march at the
same time for Samtown, and join the other part of their regi96
ment at that place, under the Command of Major Mentzges.
Major Lamar
97
is
endeavours to have
to join his Regiment,

it
and use
utmost
his
completed to the establishment.
The whole of the above detachments to appear on the Grand

Parade, at 6 o'clock to
Boundbrook
to
march
morrow morning, and those ordered

Martial whereof Major
The General Court

President
is
to
off together.
Harmar was
dissolved.
To CAPTAIN CALEB GIBBS

Morristown, April 22, 1777.
Dear
Sir: I forgot before
men
provide clothing for the
but
now
desire that
you
left this
that are to
you will apply
have them forwarded to
place to desire you to
compose
my
Guard,
to the clothier-general,
this place, or headquarters, as
and
soon
as possible.
Provide for four sergeants, four corporals, a
and
fifty
rank and
file.
prefer that uniform, as
If
it is
drum and
blue and buff can be had,

the one
wear myself.
If it
fife,
should
can not,
^Maj. Josiah Harmar, of the Third Pennsylvania Regiment. Later he was lieutenant colonel of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment and colonel of the First Pennsylvania
Regiment.
"Maj. Francis Mentges, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment. Later he was
lieutenant colonel of the Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment; retired Jan. i, 1783.
^Maj. Marion Lamar, of the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment. He was killed at
Paoli, Pa., Sept. 20, 1777.
GUARD UNIFORM
1777]
453
Mr. Mease and you may fix upon any other, red excepted.
get
men from
five feet
shall
nine to five feet ten, for the Guard; for
such sized men, therefore
make your
clothing.
You may get a
small round hat, or a cocked one, as you please.
In getting these clothes no mention need be
made
for
what
purpose they are intended; for though no extraordinary expense will attend
it,
and the Guard which
sary for the security of
is
absolutely neces-
my baggage and papers, &c, may as well
be in uniform; yet the report of making a uniform (or
if al-
ready made, of providing uniform) for the Guards, creates an

idea of expense
which
would not wish should go forth.
That your arms may also be of a piece, I herewith enclose you

an order on the com'y of
To MAJOR
stores for fifty muskets. I
am,
98
etc.
GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER

Dear
Sir:
Between One and two O'clock
this
morning,
received your favor of Yesterday's date with a Return of the
Troops you had sent to
Those belonging to the 2nd.,

3rd., 5th., 6th., and nth. Virginia Regiments you will order to
join their respective Corps immediately, the 2nd and nth. at
Bristol.
and near Bound Brook, the 3rd.

10th.
and nth.
and 6th at Chatham. The

at the former place, where
5th.
of Pennsylvania are
they will be joined also, by the detachments included in the ReIf the Sixty
turn.
night of the
will send
You
will
Men, you mention
21st. are part of
to have arrived
on the
any of the above Regiments, you
them to join their Corps, as soon as they are equipped;

do the same by other parts as they come in.
I am much surprised at the weakness, or at least, that so few

Men have come on from the third Pennsylvania Regiment, the
M The
text
is
from George Washington Parke
(Philadelphia: 1861), p. 258.
Custis's Recollections of
Washington
454
[April
Returns made some days ago, far exceeded the numbers sent
from Philadelphia; I wish you to enquire of Colo. Wood," the

cause of this, and whether his Field and other Officers, and if
those of the other Regiments of the State of Pennsylvania are
properly employed and pushing on the recruiting Service.
It is
shameful, and at the same time, a most Melancholy considera-
much longer indulgence than

or had any right to expect, we should be
tion, that at this late day, after a
we
could reasonably,
Opposition to the movements of the Enemy. You will, I know,

interest yourself, as far as you can, in collecting the Troops and
in such a condition, as not to justify a hope of a successful
expediting their march.
Such Detachments, as you have returned and of whose destination
have said nothing, will remain
orders. I trust they will
grow
discover by your advices,
larger in a
when
at Bristol
few
till
further
days; that, I shall
necessary directions will be
given respecting them.

I
have nothing particularly interesting to communicate
you and therefore have only to add, that
to
am etc.
By a report made General Stephen, a Brigade consisting

of the 15th and 17th. Regiments not exceeding 700 Men, and
he believes the 36th and 4th. embarked on the 20th. supposed
1
to have sail'd up the North River.
P. S.
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Dear
Sir:

The following are Extracts of letters which I have
just received
from General Stephen and
information of persons sent into

99
1
Col. Joseph
The
draft
is
Wood,
are taken
of the Third Pennsylvania Regiment.
from the
New York and Brunswick.
Hanson Harrison.
BRITISH INTENTIONS
1777]
By
a person to be depended upon,
455
New Ark, April 22, 1777.

New York yesterday, A
who
left
Brigade consisting of the 15th. 17th. not exceeding 700 men, and he be36th and 4th. embarked the 20th. at night and he supposes
up the North River yesterday morning, to destroy Genl McDougall.
lieves the
sailed
Chatham, April
23, 1777.
General Skinner's force consists of about 1000, to be joined by some

regular Troops and to proceed from Bergen thro' Sussex
parts of the Jerseys,
when
the Troops
march
and the back
for Philadelphia.
up the River at the time above

mentioned, you will hear of them before this reaches you, it
may indeed be false, but you will be upon your guard.
I think the move thro' Sussex, where there are a vast many
If
the Transports proceeded
disaffected persons, so probable, that
Body of York
have directed Genl.
on
George Clinton
to post a
North River,
some convenient Situation to intercept them,
if
in
they attempt to
Militia
this side the
make any such move. As I imagine you will
soon be so considerably reinforced, that nothing but a surprise
can
affect you, I
have only to recommend your taking every
precaution to render such an attempt
fruitless. I
am etc.
Dear
Sir: I this
One
instant.
that
under
end of
last
morning received your favour of the 15th.

I presume was
of the detachments you mention,
who arrived here
the latter
Week. The other has probably stopped
at Peek's
Lieutt. Colonel Butler,
Kill, agreable to directions lately transmitted
General
McDou-
was induced to direct, till the

designs of the Enemy became unfolded and so apparent, that
gall, till
The
further orders. This
draft
is
in the writing of
Tench Tilghman.
456
You
they cannot be misunderstood.

tions, in forwarding the
admit.
men,
[April
will not remit your exer-
as fast as
Circumstances will
No time is to be lost; the exigency of our Affairs having
been never more pressing, nor requiring more strenuous
efforts
than at present. The Languor and Supineness that have taken

place, but too generally, of late, are truly mortifying,
difficult to be
accounted
All agree our claims are righteous
for.
and must be supported; Yet
among
all,
withhold the means,
us,
already done
much
or at
least,
for us,
too great a part
as if Providence,
would continue
and work miracles
terposition
and are
who
has
his gracious in-
for our deliverance, without
troubling ourselves about the matter. Previous to the receipt

of your Letter,
Governor Trumbull had informed me, of the
expedient he and his Council had been obliged to recur
making up
their Quota.
a step necessary; but

to be raised
by
it,
for
lament the occasion, making such
I trust, it
will furnish the
and that 'ere the time
men
expires, for
are to be drafted, by the assiduity of the Officers,
may be engaged
to,
intended
which they
most of them
War. At any rate, our situation made

proper, and perhaps policy would not
for the
some thing of the sort

more to be attempted.
suffer
In respect to Clothing the drafts,

against
To
it,
the Consideration of
Clothe Men,
who will be
it
much may be said for and

many difficulties.
brings on
at liberty to leave the Service the
next day, provided others are sent by their Towns, or procured
by themselves to take their places, would be attended with much

public Injustice; Farther, their time of Service after they are
from
and which might have lead to an
allowance of Clothes. However, as the Troops who engage
drafted, supposing they are not relieved, differs intirely
that intended by Congress,
This expedient required that the line companies fill their deficiencies by draft
militia and the drafted men to be held in service until Jan. i, 1778. (See
Trumbull's letter to Washington, Apr. 16, 1777, in the Washington Papers.)
from the
CLOTHING AND ARMS
1777]
457
during the War or for three Years are, to receive a Suit or Clothes
annually from the Continent, or 20 Dollars in lieu of them,
the other objection did not exist,
these
Men should have the same, or at least a compensation, in
some degree proportioned

liver as
to their Service; but even this
Clothes are not given,
If
to obtain
it,
them;
If
de-
ciple, If
fill
it
do not know what can be
might induce them
to inlist,
it
might in some measure prevent
and the
interest of their friends, to get
they are,
or their exertions
others to
their places
and for the War. But upon every prin-
they should be allowed, provision should be
insure their certain return
permitted to depart; this

are
matter of opinion. As the other objection remains and
seems to me of considerable weight,

done.
if
should incline to think, that
and
is
made
to
delivery, before they should be
to be understood to respect such as
redeemed by others. In a Word,
it is
a matter,
ceive myself authorized to determine or to give
do not con-
any direction
know, how Congress would or could consider

it, as their taking it up and passing a Resolution in favor of the
measure, would imply their approbation of a mode of Service
inconsistent with their present plan of War.
about, nor do
As to Arming the drafts,

own, and the
If
they have not good ones of their
State cannot furnish them, they
you cannot be too careful
must be supplied
must observe, that
in taking proper
and the most exact
with those belonging to the public. But
accounts of all you deliver, and to what Officer.
And to prevent,
from embezzlement
Arms, under the latter denomi-
in future, the scandalous abuses, arising
and other
dirty causes. All
nation, with their Accoutrements, are to be stamped, with
the Words, United States, on the Barrel and such places as

will receive the Impression. This
and being founded

nutely attended
to.
in the
is
by a Resolve of Congress,
most evident
necessity,
must be mi-
Tho' we have been fortunate in our
late
458
[April
importations, yet we should not be lavish in the unnecessary use

of them. All of the old, that are
first
good and
put into the hands of the Men.
serviceable, should be
The deficiency to be made
up with new ones, and what remain of either should be deposited in some secure place.
The case of the prisoners from New York, and of the Representatives of those
who
died during their Captivity, deserves
attention. It will be difficult, if not impracticable, to adopt a

line of
conduct in
this instance,
done to them and
by which equal
to the public;
justice will
be
wish sincerely they could
be paid. At present, no mode appears to me better, than for the
up the matter and
States to take
Members
to appoint one or
two
of their Legislatures or Council, to receive
their claims,
suitable
and pay
who should make it an invariable Rule, where the
Claimants are
alive, to
admit none, but such as have an Affidavit
annexed to them, setting forth when and where they were cap-
what Company and Regiment they

belonged, and that he had received no pay or Satisfaction from
tured,
when
released, to
the United States for the time they were in Captivity. In like
manner, where claims are made by the Representatives of

Soldiers
who
died in Captivity, they should
make
oath
when
and where their predecessors were taken, of the Companies and

Regiments in which they were, of the time they died, according
to the best information they had obtained, and that they had
no satisfaction for the pay becoming due to their predecessors, between the day they were captured and that of their
received
death.
Such precautions will probably prevent
and may have a tendency, to oblige

who had drawn such pay. In this business,
public,
Injustice to the
Officers to refund,
claims for Rations
will be inadmissible.
The proposed Exchange of the Tories, if agreed to by the

Enemy and effected, would involve some consequences of an
1777]
important nature, and such, as
459
think at this time, should
be avoided.
By the Returns it appears, that but little progress has been

made in Voluntary inlistments, since the last you transmitted.
The conduct of Cols. C. Webb and Chandler is reprehensible,
that of the former is extremely so: Under pretence of having
inlisted a great proportion of his
Regiment, about two
Arms and
thirds,
he long since obtained an Order for
their
representation thro his son, which he
must have known to have
this,
by a
been unjust and void of candour.
You will, by the Resolves of Congress transmitted in my last,

perceive, that your
powers are competent to the punishment of
offenders in the Military line,

victed in the State in
who have
been or shall be con-
which you command; and therefore, it

you to send any more sentences for my
will be unnecessary for
confirmation or orders for their execution.
April 25.
I just
ard.
He
now received your favour of the 22nd., by Doctor Leon-
The
case of Robert
Thompson
leave entirely with you.
seems to have been an active instrument in the Hands of
Enemy, and I doubt not, has injured us much; However

if more advantage can be derived to the public, by pardoning
than punishing him, and as we should not introduce Capital
executions too frequently, and there have been several of late,
you will consider the matter, and ultimately determine respecting him, as to you shall seem right in justice and policy.
the
The Troops to serve till the first of January should be inoculated, I think, as early as possible
order, they can
guard the
most probably
to
my
Whilst they have the
Stores, afterwards
it
dis-
will be necessary
have others. As to Clothing them, you have
sentiments in a preceding part of
my
Letter. I
have
this
minute received some information, which seems to corroborate
460
what the Tories have

Magazines
the
at
said, of the
Danbury.
[April
Enemy's designs against the
therefore desire you will order all
Men drafted in your State for this year, to be collected and
inoculated there, that the circumstances and situation of the

place will possibly admit, that they
may
protect the Stores,
you will apply to Doctor Foster and other Physicians

promote the business and
tinental pay, to
in
Con-
their recovery
by
every means in their power, and not to withhold necessary
Medicine for the purpose.

I
have sent by favor of Colo. William Lee, two thousand Dol-
lars,
agreable to your request ; You will keep proper accounts of
the expenditure, in order to settle with the pay master General

at a future day. I
am etc. 4
Dear
Sir:

By a person sent into Brunswick, I am informed
that, "General Skinners force consists of about 1000, to
be joined
by some regular Troops, and to proceed from Bergen, thro' Sussex
and the back
parts of the Jerseys,
when
the Troops
march
for Philadelphia."
I
think this
move
so probable, as
it
will give
them
access to a
part of the Country most notoriously disaffected, that
you will post a Body of Militia of the

side of the
North River,
safe to prevent
State of
in such place as
them from being
desire
New York, on this
you
Surprised,
shall think
most
and
same
at the
time proper to intercept Skinners Corps, if they should attempt

the above mentioned route.
General Heard, with about two hundred Jersey Militia,
marched
*
The
draft
this
is
day to take post
at
Pompton and extend himself
Hanson Harrison and George Johnston.
MILITIA ORDERS
1777]
towards Hackensack. Colo. Dey

parties of his
Regiment
461
some small
will also have
in that Quarter; If the
Enemy
move, they, by being called upon, may afford some

I
should
assistance.
have communicated the above to Genl. McDougall, and
also another piece of advice, "that the
gade of about 700
Men
Enemy embarked a
the night of the 20th,
and
that
it
Bri-
was
go up the North River."

Yours was delivered to me by Mr. Gordon. I wish it was in
my power to serve him just now, but the small success of the
imagined they intended
to
Officers who are already recruiting, disheartens
any more Commissions
*To BRIGADIER
at present. I
am etc.
GENERAL NATHANIEL HEARD

Sir: I
me from giving
would have you
April 23, 1777.
leave at this place (out of the Militia
Command) One hundred Men, or as near that

Number as have had the Small Pox (Officered agreeable to the
under your
resolutions of Congress).
and twenty five Men to

Succasony to guard the Magazines and Stores at that place,
agreeably to Orders which the Officer is to receive from the
You
are also to send a Subaltern
Assistant Quarter Master General.
The
residue of the Militia you are to
from whence you
March
are to detach parties towards
&ca. to cover the Inhabitants in that Quarter

of the People as
You
begun
much
to
Pompton,
Hackensack
and quiet the fears
as possible.
will use your utmost diligency to compleat the
Works
at
Pompton by Captn. O'Hara; who upon your arrival
Col. Theunis Dey, of the New Jersey Militia, was at Bloomsbury, N. J. Meade
wrote him (April 23) that Washington approved him raising a force and did not object to his enlisting horsemen, who " will be kept strictly to their duty, and not receive
what they do not earn."
5

Capt. Henry O'Hara, of the Second Canadian regiment, then at Pompton. Meade's
order to him, dated Apr. 23, 1777, to march immediately to Morristown, is in the
Washington Papers.
"The
462
at that place is to repair hither
[April
with the detachment under
Command.
his

1777.
have the honor to transmit you the inclosed pieces of
Sir: I
which
from Genl: Stephen,

who, by my desire, employed persons to go into New York
and Brunswick. I do not put intire confidence in the whole,
intelligence,
received this day
but the principal reason of sending the intelligence forward
may be fallen upon to find out and

8
apprehend Thomas Long mentioned in General Stephen's
is,
that proper measures
letter of this date.

If
the
Enemy
should move,
good an opposition,
the honor to be
as
my
have taken steps to make as
small force
is
capable
HENRY LEE
Morristown, April
you
Sir: I
lately.
have been favored with two or three
The
have
etc.
To RICHARD
Dear
of.
last that
came
to
24, 1777.
letters
hand was without
from
date, but
contained an extract from Doctor Lee's letter to the Secret Committee, and the French general's ideas of the measures necessary
for us to pursue in prosecuting the war with Great Britain ;

8
10
for
Thomas Long, nicknamed Bunk Eye, from his prominent eyes, was a schoolmaster
near Rahway. Stephen had written Washington that Long " distressed the Inhabitants
on the passage of the B. troops through the Jerseys. He is gone for Philadelphia as
a spy, two days ago. He associates with Quakers." Stephen's letter to Washington,
dated Apr. 23, 1777, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, with Washington's
letter to Congress, this same date.
"In the writing of Alexander Hamilton; the draft is in that of Tench Tilghman.
"Richard Henry Lee's letter (assigned date of Apr. 16, 1777) does not name the
general, and his memoir is not found in the Washington Papers. Arthur Lee, in Bordeaux, France, had received a letter from a confidential correspondent, who assured
him that " Boston was certainly to be attacked in the spring, and that Burgoyne was to
command." This intelligence Lee sent to the Secret Committee of Congress, and was
OPINION OF BRITAIN
1777]
both of which
thank you,
sincerely
such matters cannot
fail
as the
463
communication of
of having a proper tendency. That
Great Britain will exert every nerve to carry her tyrannical designs into execution,
have not the smallest doubt; her very
existence as a nation depends
now upon her success
America rise triumphant in her struggle

must
fall.
It is
for should
for independence she
not to be wondered at therefore, after she had
departed from that line of justice which ought to characterize

a virtuous people, that she should descend to such
dirty tricks, as will forever
low arts, and
remain a reproach to her; none of
which has she practised with more
success,
and
fear with
more dangerous consequences to our cause, than her endeavours to depreciate the continental
bills
of credit.
Nothing there-
fore has a greater claim to the close attention of Congress, than
the counteraction of this part of her diabolical Scheme; every
thing depends upon
it.
The complexion of affairs in Europe seems to indicate an approaching storm; but where, when, or on whom it may break,
is
not quite so clear, and ought not, in
my judgment, to occasion
the smallest relaxation in our preparations; for

to be of that class,
who never built
profess myself
sanguinely upon the
ance of France, further than her winking
at our supplies
assist-
from
thence for the benefits derived from our trade ; and how far the
may contravene this, time

somewhat to be feared. The plan
measures and offers of Great Britain

only can discover, and
drawn by
is
the French general
practicable to carry
it
is
of such a nature, that
into execution this campaign.
it is
It
im-
may,
to Washington and the Legislature of Massachusetts. This embarrassed the Commander in Chief as to the designs of the enemy and alarmed the
people of Massachusetts, who turned their thoughts to the raising of forces for their
own protection, when the best interests of the cause required them to contribute all
the strength in their power to the main army. The intelligence was false. Sparks
thinks it was probably communicated by a finesse of the British Government with the
view of distracting the attention of the Americans, in regard to the real objects of
the approaching campaign. Lee's letter is in the Washington Papers.
by them transmitted
464
[April
however, be kept in view, and the whole or such parts of

adopted, as our circumstances,
matter,
may
the general
hereafter admit.
officers,
upon a full consideration
The
it
of the
great delay in appointing
some of them, the non-
the resignation of
acceptance of others, and
I might add the unfitness of a few,

amazing delay in assembling the troops, and the
abuses which I am satisfied have been committed by the recruit-
joined to the
ing
(both of which being consequences of the want of
officers,
superintend those duties in the respective
officers in that line to
States)
have distressed
me and
they will amply prove, what

of these officers (for
the service exceedingly;
and
foretold to Congress, that the pay
could account for the delay of appoint-
ing them on no other principle) would be an ill-timed saving.
Convinced
am,
that thousands of
saved to the public,

first
the measure
had been adopted upon
recommendation of it. But the extra expense
est part of the evil.

is
if
pounds would have been
is
my
the small-
The backwardness in assembling the troops
truly alarming; this, however,
is
not a singular instance of
our suffering by delay in the adoption of measures, which were

early
recommended.
You
are not
aware of the
evil
consequences, that would fol-
low a general exemption of all persons concerned in iron-works
from military duty; they are very numerous, and in this part of
the country form a great majority of the people. Besides, why
should the ironmaster carry on his trade without
restriction,
when the farmer, equally useful for the support of the war, the
shoemaker, and other manufacturers, absolutely necessary to
the equipment of an army,
prentices taken
done, and
it
from them
has,
believe,
may have
at pleasure
their servants
and ap-
One thing I have ever
answered the end proposed by you;
v/henever an iron-work has been employed for the public,
have desired the owner to give
me
a return of the
number
of
PAY ABSTRACTS
1777]
465
men, and the names of those necessarily employed therein, and

have exempted them from the duties of militia-men in
State.
This
have found necessary on two accounts;
secure such articles of manufacture as the

next, to prevent
numbers under
this
first,
to
army
from withholding
wanted; and,
this pretext
their services in the military line, there being, in this county
(Morris) alone, between eighty and a hundred iron-works,

large
and
small. Doctor Lee's opinion
tacking the
on the propriety
enemy upon their first arrival, under a
of their being raw
of at-
supposition
and undisciplined, is certainly well founded,
own circumstances will admit of it; but the Doctor little

I believe, that we ourselves should have an army
to raise, at this late hour, of men equally raw, and officers probably much more so. Please to make a tender of my compliif
our
apprehended,
ments to your brother and other delegates from Virginia.

have the honor to be, &C.
11
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristown, April 25, 1777.
Parole Corke.
Countersign Dublin.
commanding Officers of Corps must cause their

make up their Abstracts to the 1st.
of this month, and order them to attend at the Pay Master General's, for the money
Proper attention to the General Orders
Colonels or
regimental Pay-Masters to
of this nature, issued
on the 21st. of last month, would not only
have removed the Complaints of the Soldiers, for want of thenpay, too frequently
made
to the
Commander
in Chief, but
would have saved them much trouble in settling their accounts

for money drawn upon account The most punctual obedience must be paid to this order. No excuse for delay can, or
will be, admitted.

11
The text is from Memoir of the Life of Richard Henry Lee and His Correspondence.
466
They
are also directed to
and Mates, and
make
[April
a Return of their Surgeons
to desire the Surgeons to
make Returns
of the
Medicines, and instruments in their possession to the Director
General
at
Head
Quarters,
The Adjutant General

immediately, to
The
all
the
Officer of the
on Monday
next.
will transmit Copies of these orders
Gentlemen concerned.
day in visiting the Guards
is
to be par-
Guard Houses are clean and

which is to be
clean'd every day; the rooms where the prisoners are confined,
as well as the Guard-room The officer relieving a Guard is
to see that the old-Guard have clean'd and swept the house
ticularly attentive to see that the
in
good order,
particularly the Provost-Guard,
before he relieves them.
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Dear
Sir:
Yours of Yesterday came
to
hand
25, 1777.
late last
Night.
As I have heard nothing further of the Troops that embarked

on the 20th, I can only recommend it to you to keep a vigilant
look out for them.
The Detachments that are to come on, need not bring Camp
Kettles with them, if they are wanted with you, as we have a
Sufficiency here.
I
am
so well convinced of the Justice of your
remark upon
the necessity of Officers being constantly in the Field with their
Men,
that
I shall
order a Sufficient
Tents or small Marques for the
no excuse
By
for absence, except
Number
of Horsemen's
Officers, they will
then have
want of Health.
the Returns which you inclose,
the Adjutant of Colo. Livingston's
find four Captains and

Regiment absent upon
NEED OF ARTILLERYMEN
1777]
467
Furlough and fourteen privates of Colo. Cortlandt's.

prised that any Officer should ask, or that the
and
commanding
Regiment should grant a Furlough
Officer of a
am sur-
at this time,
and Men, of all the

and no more granted,
I therefore desire that both Officers
Corps, on furlough,
may
be called in
but upon most extraordinary Cases.

I
beg that every Officer
Service
may
who can be spared for the recruiting
be detached for that purpose, and
be glad
I shall
know, whether the Regulation of your State to encourage

inlistments has had any effect. In your Returns you say nothing
to
of the Connecticut Militia; be pleased, in your next, to
make a
may
Return of them, and also of any Militia of your State that

be in Service.
I
expect Capt. Seward's
12
Company
of Colo. Crane's Regt.
of Artillery will be at Peeks Kill by this time;
come immediately forward,
for
I desire
here, but those belonging to the State of Pennsylvania,
may
he
have not an Artillery
Man
who are
much wanted upon the Delaware at this time. Their State have
called for
them and I promised to releive them, as soon as
pos-
Knox informs me, that a Company of Colo.

Lamb's will be with you soon, if not already, and another Comsibly could.
Genl.
pany of Colo. Crane's.
am &ca.
P. S. Let the Returns of Militia be seperate
the Continental.
To
from those
of
13

Gentn.
to
took the liberty in a Letter of the nth. of February,
inform your Honorable Board, of the Augmentation Con-
gress
had Resolved to make to the Army they voted to be raised
"Capt. Thomas Seward, of the Third Continental

13
Artillery.
468
in September;
[April
and to solicit your attention and good
Offices, in
promoting the raising of your proportion of these latter Levies.

that
I trusted,
then urged such reasons for the measure, and
so clearly shewed, the
Quota assigned
to
your State to be
just,
would have been exerted to fill them up, in

that it was to fill up the 15 Battalions, first
voted. Finding this not to have been the case, and being assured
from a variety of combining circumstances, and intelligence
not to be questioned; that Britain, this Campaign will strain
every nerve at home and abroad, to effect her purposes; I beg
leave again, to repeat my solicitations upon this Subject, and to
that your Interest
the same
manner
entreat, that
and
you will take the matter under your most early
serious consideration
and give every aid you
necessary and conducive to compleating
two
shall
deem
of those Corps
mean those to be Commanded

14
by Colonels Lee and Jackson. The third, which was allotted,
with
all possible
expedition;
shall not require, tho'
it
was
design to call Colo. Henly,
15
far within your proportion, as
whom I intended to command
it,
to another office.
Were
it
necessary,
could mention
many Circumstances
to evince the propriety of your earliest interposition; but per-
suading myself, that the justice and necessity of the requisition
and compliance with
it,
will strike
not enter upon a detail of them.

the Battalions mentioned in
you
at once, I shall
shall only observe, that
my former
Letter,
were thought
necessary to be raised by Congress, and the expediency of
doing it, becomes more and more apparent. That these Troops
and have the same claim to the atupon which they are proportioned, that
are equally Continental,
tention of the States,
"Cols. William R. Lee and Henry Jackson, colonels of two of the 16 Additional
Continental regiments.
15
Col. David Henley, of one of the 16 Additional Continental regiments. He retired
in April, 1779.
MASSACHUSETTS DRAFTS
1777]
the others
this light they
have been consid-
and equal exertions have been generally employed
ered,
raise
had or have. In
469
to
them. Where Bounties have been necessary to that end,
they have been granted; Connecticut has done this for the one
and a half Battalions allotted to her.

tions,
to the
16
Besides these Considera-
may be added, that peculiar Hardships will be derived

Officers appointed to those Corps, if they are not made
it
up, and that the public will be materially injured in the loss of
their Service;
some of
whom have given the most
convincing
and fidelity, but of their Abiliof their Station, and who actually
proofs, not only of their bravery

ties
to discharge the duties
refused other appointments.
shall subjoin
one thing more,
which is, till the designs of the Enemy are unfolded and clearly
understood, and the exigency of Affairs require
Order these two Regiments out of the

I
still
shall not
State.
or interesting to communicate.
The
remain quiet; but from various causes and
their
have nothing
Enemy
new
it, I
industerous preparations,
we
expect are on the point of com-
mencing their Operations, what they will be or what the result,

the facts themselves must decide.
have the honor to be &c.
1T
To COLONEL GEORGE BAYLOR

Morris
Dear
And
Sir:
Your favour
for the Instructions
ing, I refer
of 14th.
you
is
Town, April 25, 1777.

this day come to hand.
require, respecting your Cloth-
you to mine of 28th. Ulto. the
receipt of
which you
now acknowledge.
"The reply of the legislature to this seems to have been the resolves of April 30,
authorizing a draft of the militia, if necessary, but allowing the alternative of hired
substitutes and a fine of 10 or imprisonment to Jan. 1, 1778, in case of failure to
comply. This was one of the arrangements against which Washington argued. The
fine of 10 was a poor substitute for an able-bodied soldier.
17
470
The mode of exchange you speak of

other Regiments)
have no
sort of
(large
Objection
[April
Men for small of

to,
provided, the
Men received and given in exchange, are made fully acquainted

with the particulars before hand, and voluntarily accord to it.
The Captaincy become vacant in your Regiment, is to be

18
by a Mr. John Swan of Frederick County Maryland,
a Gentleman strongly recommended to me by some Members
filled
of Congress
and
whom
from other Accounts, you
will find
fully qualified to give great satisfaction in the execution of his
duty.
He
is
at present
Wound
occasioned by a
some time ago,
ient expedition,
proceed.
under Confinement in Philadelphia,

received in
an action near
have wrote him to join you with
and
receive your Instructions
this place
all
conven-
how he
is
to
am etc. 19
To COLONEL TIMOTHY PICKERING

Head
Sir: I
Upon
Quarters, Morris
am favoured with yours
the receipt of the
first, I
Town, April 25,
of the 9th,
and
1777.
14th. instant.
had no hopes of seeing you in
which I wished; but by the latter I am pleased

upon a full reconsideration of the matter, you had
the department
to find, that
determined to accept of the Office of Adjutant General, pro-
had not been disposed of. I am obliged to you for the

free manner in which you unbosom yourself to me, and must
own, that the inducements both of a Civil and domestic Nature,
vided
it
which influenced you upon the first view, were weighty and
hard to be overcome. Colo. Lee came immediately here, upon
18
Swan was commissioned
a captain in the Third Continental Dragoons Apr. 26,
177719
John Fitzgerald. The original letter sent, which was

Judge E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton, N. J. It has the additional sentence: "I repeat my request that you will send on
your Regiment, troop by troop, as fast as you can equip them."
The
draft
is
in the writing of
also in Fitzgerald's writing,
is
in the collection of
1777]
471
the Receipt of the letter which you forwarded to him, but expressed great diffidence of his Ability to execute the proposed
and candidly recommended you in preference
Office
self;
As I
can therefore yet confer the Office
giving the least Offence to Colo. Lee,

offer
and
of the
shall expect to see
Army may
him-
now
confirm
my
first
you wherever the Head Quarters
soon as the Situation of your private
be, as
admit, which
to
upon you, without
hope will not be long, as I can assure
you, your presence will be
much wanted; indeed, it is, so much
affairs will
so at this time, that this important office
cuted.
is
in a
manner unexe-
The reason of your hearing nothing of this matter when
you were
here, was, that at that time
it
was expected and
in-
tended that Genl. Gates was to reassume the Office of Adjutant

General, but his presence having been afterwards deemed, by
Congress, necessary to conduct the Army at Ticonderoga,I was
obliged to look round for some other, and you were recom-
mended to me as the proper est person for the purpose.
To BRIGADIER
am etc. 20
GENERAL JOHN GLOVER

had with you, before you left
the Army last Winter, I was not a little surprised at the Contents of yours of the 1st. instant. As I had not the least doubt
but you would accept of the Commission of Brigadier, if conSir:
After the Conversations
upon you by Congress, I put your name down in the list

of those, whom I thought proper for the Command and whom
ferred
wished to
see preferred.
Diffidence in an Officer
ways endeavour
be the
20
The
is
full line of his duty;

draft
is
good mark, because he will
to bring himself
in the writing of
but
up
to
think
Tench Tilghman.
al-
what he conceives to
may tell you without
472
flattery, that I
[April
know of no man better qualified than you to con-
duct a Brigade, you have activity and industry, and as you very
well
know the
duty of a Colonel, you
know how
to exact that
duty from others.

I
have with, great concern, observed the almost universal list-
lessness, that prevails
throughout the Continent, and
that nothing has contributed to
of Officers
who
it
which we
are too deeply
embarked
back, or to hope for any other terms than those
when
believe
Steped early forward and led the people into
the great cause, in
Can any
the Sword.
more, than the Resignation

to look
we can gain by
from the People

Our Enemies count upon the
Resistance be expected
deserted by their leaders.
Resignation of every Officer of
Rank
at this time, as a distrust
and rejoice accordingly. When

hope you will think no more of
private inconveniences, but that you will, with all expedition,
come forward and take that command which has been assigned
of and desertion from the cause
you consider these matters
21
As I fully depend upon seeing you, I shall not mention

any thing that has passed between us, upon this Subject, to the
to you.
Congress.
am etc. 22
HEATH

Dear
Sir : I
am favoured with yours of the
16th.
and
1777.
am glad
you are forwarding on the Troops with expedition, pray be careful to send new Clothes after those who have
marched without them, as the quantity drawn from the Eastto find that
ward, by the Clothier General, for the southern Troops,
more than
Sufficient for
is
not
them.
^Glover's commission as brigadier had been dated February 21. After receiving this
from Washington he accepted the appointment. He resigned from the service
in July, 1782.
^The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
letter
RETREAT OF TROOPS
1777]
473
would not have those detachments, who have already

marched by the common route, countermanded to go by the
Green Woods. It was only meant to affect them, who had not
I
already began their March.
The Troops
in Continental Service at Providence are to be
paid with you, and
if
any of the Continental Battalions receive
part of their pay, before they

Certificates setting forth
come
this
how much
way, they must bring
they have received from
the paymaster in your Department, agreeable to the form of the
Regulations lately sent to you.

that the pay of Aids de
I
Mr.
Pitt's
order. I
am
this
day and hope he will con-
Command.
Horse was delivered
obliged to
Gentlemen who
am
letters
Camp and Brigade Majors is raised.
have wrote to Genl. Glover
tinue in his
You will find by my late
him
to
me two
days ago in good
for parting with him,
interested themselves in getting
and
to the
him for me.
23
etc.
To MAJOR GENERAL ADAM STEPHEN

1777.
Dear Sir: I received your favour of this date from Westfield.

It ever was against my inclination, for an Officer to attempt any
thing against the Enemy, without the Knowledge and Consent
of the Officer immediately commanding him; I wish therefore
that you will endeavour to prevent the practice, by which Capt.
24
Flahen is missing, nor ever permit another to attempt a Similar Affair
without bringing him to severe account. Here
take the liberty to inquire, whether the orders

sent you, directing
an immediate inquiry
to be
must
some time past
made
into the
some of our parties retreating on the approach of

the Enemy, have been complied with. Both you and Genl.
cause of
"The
24

Capt. John Flahaven, of the First New Jersey Regiment.
474
[April
Maxwell thought that there was misbehaviour somewhere;

which persuaded me that the inquiry would meet with no
delay. Disappointed in this, I must insist, that it be made without loss of time, and sent up, that punishment, if deserved, may
be
inflicted.
I
am very sorry that my orders have been too frequently un-
and most sincerely wish that in future no cause for

25
a Similar Complaint may exist. I am &ca.
attended
to,

Head
Quarters, Morris
Town,
2 O'clock P. M., April 26, 1777.
Dear
Sir: I
wrote you on the 23rd.
instt.
Intelligence lately received respecting the
the
North River.
communicating
Enemy's designs up
A letter from Genl McDougall, this moment
received, places their intentions
beyond the power of miscon-
ception. Several Transports have anchored at Dobbs's ferry,
and mean,
in
my opinion, to divert our attention
(if possible)
from their movements towards the Delaware. At any rate they
may
attempt to
make some
of this place, and
if
incursions into the Country back
they can, seize the passes thro' the
Moun-
tains, thereby aiming to cut off the Communication between
the
Army here and the North River. To frustrate such a design
my
you would post as

good a body of Troops in the Mountains West of the River
effectually,
as
must repeat
desire, that
you can collect, and spare from the Garrison. This will serve
not only to retain our possession of the Passes, but will
and protect our friends.
your Brother's attention
is
disaffected
P. S. If
the Posts
25
The
on the River, Would
draft
is
it
awe the
am etc.
particularly confined to
not be attended with greater
FURLOUGH OF AN OFFICER
1777]
good,
if
475
he would take charge of the Troops designed for
the purpose within mentioned, while you are confined to the

Forts ?
If you
think with me, please to write him on this head.
To CAPTAIN OLIVER
TOWLES
28
27

Sir:
Your
Letter of the 15th. Ulto.
came
to
my hands a few
days since, and after fully considering your Situation and Cir-
cumstances are of Opinion, that you cannot, consistent with

the honor of an Officer, quit the Service of your Country at this
interesting period.
every indulgence in
am at the same time, desirous to give you

my power, that you may settle your pri-
vate Affairs
which from what
must be in a
State of great Disorder.
cretion
and Sense of Honor,
this Liberty, to join
and
to
is
mentioned in your
make
shall rely
Letter,
on your
the most prudent use of
your Regiment, as soon as you possibly can,
that during the approaching
Campaign you
will not be
under the Necessity of returning to Virginia. Whilst you

in that State,
shall expect
forwarding the Troops,
may hear of.
dis-
am etc.
stay
your Assistance in recruiting and
as also in taking
up any Deserters you
28
To MAJOR JOSEPH MORRIS

Head
Sir:
Quarters, Morris
Town, April
26, 1777.
Information of the inimical disposition of Mr.
Hugh
Hughes of Sussex County having been lodged with me, by

which it becomes necessary to secure him, You will proceed,
28

"Captain in the Sixth Virginia Regiment. He was taken prisoner at Germantown,
Pa.; exchanged in 1780, and became lieutenant colonel of the Fifth Virginia Regiment
in 1781, to rank from February, 1778. He retired Jan. 1, 1783.
24
The draft is in the writing of John Fitzgerald.
476
with the guard under your
Command,
[April
wher-
to his house, or
may be found, seize and secure him, and conduct him

when there, you will deliver him up to the
ever he
to Philadelphia;
Pennsylvania Board of War, and then return.
am etc. 29

was
Sir: I
last
1777.
night honored with your Letter of the 25th
with sundry Resolves of Congress. Such of them as are necessary for
my government and conduct I shall strictly attend to.
The Money and
Bills for
our prisoners, had better be trans-
mitted to Elias Boudinot Esquire, to whom I shall give directions

to adopt ways
and means for sending the same, and for a proper
appropriation and distribution of the

Bills, I
Money amongst them.
think, will be most eligible, provided they are duly paid.
As to procuring Cloathes in New York, I have reason to believe,

that
it
will not be allowed,
supplies, but
I
and that the prisoners will obtain no
what we send them.
heard of Mr. Franklin's practices some time ago, and ad-
vised
Governor Trumbull of the same, that
intrigues of
to. It is
In
this, I
conduct might
very
a spirit of disaffection, but too generally, in
height,
his
unhappy for us, that thro' the

such Men, the Enemy have found means to raise
be properly attended
have Strong assurances, that
it
many of the
States.
has arisen to a great
and I shall not be disappointed, if a large number
Inhabitants, in
some
Arms,
as the
as
Soon
of the
of the counties Should openly appear in
Enemy
taken every measure, in
my
begin their operations.
power, to suppress
it;
have
but never-
from Sussex and Bergen, have joined their

Army, and the spirit becomes more and more daring every day.
theless, several
29
The
draft
is
in the writing of
George Johnston.
PROTECTION OF HIGHLANDS
1777]
You
477
remain
will be pleased to direct General Mifflin to
at
Philadelphia, as long as Congress shall think his presence there

essential.
I
have inclosed a Copy of General Howe's Letter,
received
last
night, in answer to
mine
30
which
of the 9th Instant.
Nothing of an interesting Nature has occurred since my last,

which
leaves
me only to add, that I have the honor to be etc.31

ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
2 O'Clock P. M., April
Dear
my
In
Sir: I received
opinion
may aim
at
this
moment.
by no means improbable that the
Enemy
another descent upon the Country adjoining the
North River;
your
it is
your favour of yesterday
26, 1777.
if
they are disappointed in their
late additional Strength,
they
in order to divert our attention
may
from
first
design, by
continue in the River
their real attempt
upon
Philadelphia, during
which Continuance the
to the passes thro' the
Mountains may prove fatal, as the Enemy
will certainly take advantage of
it.
least inattention
On this head I feel but little
uneasiness, assured that your utmost attention will be

riedly applied to so important a duty.
To

Sir: I
81
made
of
some of the Plans
of our
Howe's letter, dated Apr. 21, 1777, is in the Washington Papers.

In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison; the draft is in that of Alexander
Hamilton.
32
1777.
have your favor of the 19th. and congratulate you, upon
the late discoveries you have

30
unwea-
am etc. 32
The
draft
is
in the writing of
George Johnston.
478
[Apiul
Enemies and I hope the Clue you have got will lead to
something more important.
internal
never before heard of Mr. Hughes, but upon enquiry
am
informed that he has ever been closely connected with Gal-
loway
33
I shall
enquire further into his political Conduct for some time
that alone
is
enough
to excite Suspicion at this time.

34
and if I find the least Grounds for a belief, that Fox's testimony is true, I shall have him apprehended.
I place no great dependance upon any thing, that Shepherd
past,
has wrote to Fox; because

his Station could possibly
it
cannot be supposed, that a
Man in
know anything of the true intentions
Enemy.
As I have no proof of Hartshorne and Bowne's
or Motions of the
been concerned in the practices
mentioned in
ever having
my last, I can-
I gave you the Hint that if the thing

and they should return again to Philadelphia upon the same Errand, you might keep a watchful eye
upon them.
not apprehend them.

should have been
so,
have given orders to all the Officers
at the out Posts, to suffer
no more Women to pass in or out, upon any pretence whatever.

I shall be obliged to you for communicating any material
Intelligence that may come to your knowledge, and you may
be assured, that whenever
make discoveries of any suspicious
Persons harbouring in or about your City, you shall have the

earliest information. I
P. S.
am &c.
have dispatched an Officer
this
Morning, to appre-
hend Hughes and to carry him down to you. If matters should

not be fully proved against him, I think it would still be proper,
to lay
him under
time, for he
is
certainly a dangerous person
chevious just now.

33
injunctions not to return
home
and
actively mis-
35
Joseph Galloway. A James Moles worth, proven to be one of his

Joseph Fox, a Light Horse farrier.
35
34
just at this
spies,
was executed.
HOSPITAL APPOINTMENT
1777]
To
479

Sir: I
1777.
am honoured with yours of the 19th. inclosing a
list
of
the Field Officers of your Battalions, with the arrangement

of their Rank.
have never received Returns from any of the
Colonels, except Colo. Price, of the State of their Regiments;

if
Genl. Smallwood
him
to collect them,
sible. I
is
at
Annapolis, be kind enough to desire
and transmit them
have the honor to be, etc.
To
to
me
as soon as pos-
86
[md.h.s.]
DOCTOR JAMES CRAIK

Morristown, April
Dear Doctor:
may
lay
26, 1777.
am going to address you on a subject which
some claim
to your attention, as 7
do
to your candor
in the determination of the proposition. In the Hospital de-
partment for the Middle District (which District includes the

States
between the North or Hudson's River, and Patowmack)
there are at present
obtain for you:
two
places vacant, either of
The One
is
which
can
Senior Physician, and Surgeon of
the Hospital, with the pay of four Dollars and six Rations pr
Day, and Forage for one Horse The other is Assistant Director
:
General, with the pay of three Dollars and six Rations pr Day;
and two Horses, and
travelling expenses found, according to
Doctor Shippen's Director General's Account,

that
he thinks
the two.
to the
I
37
this latter the
who
also adds
most honourable and desirable of
Had I expected that Congress would have proceeded
Appointments
in this department, at the time they did,
have no doubt, but that
it
might have been in
my power
to
38

Doctor Craik accepted the position of
Department.
37
assistant director general of hospitals,
Middle
480
[April
have got you any other place (except that of Director General)
but that
is
candor,
is,
now
and the matter
over;
that you will not let
proposition to you, have any
my
undue
in
which
claim your
introducing the present
influence.
You know the extent, and profit of your present practice; you
know what prospects are before you. You know how far you may
be benefitted, or injured, by such an Appointment; and you
must know, whether

quit your Family,
I
am ignorant of;
this
of
matter to you
I
it.
advisable, or practicable, for
you
to
practice, at this time. All these matters
and
request, as a friend, that
my proposing
may have no influence upon your acceptance
have no other end in view than to serve you; conse-
quently,
is
it is
and
if
you are not benefitted by the Appointment,
not answered.
you will
let
have only to add, therefore, a request, that
me know the result
Return of the Post, or

kept vacant
'till I
my end
as
of your determination by the
soon as possible, as the places will be
hear from you.
My best Respects to Mrs. Craik and your Family; and believe

me to be, etc. 88
Sir : I
have of late prevailed among our Troops, proceed

their not being regularly paid.
For
it is
intirely
for their
Arms, could operate
have, in vain, endeavoured to
Pay Rolls and draw
their
so forcibly
The
text
is
from the
upon them.
make the Officers bring in their
Money; they plead
they are so detached, they cannot possibly

38
from
not to be supposed, that
the bare encouragement of receiving a few Dollars
Enemy
1777.
am well convinced, that the amazing desertions, which
from the Varick Transcripts
in excuse, that as
make up
in the Library of Congress.
regular
BRITISH FLOATING BRIDGES
1777]
Rolls,
and there may be something in
which, I
fear, will
But there is a Cause,
this.
be found upon examination too true, and that
drawn
that the Officers have
is,
481
large Sums,
under pretence of
paying their Men; but have been obliged, from extravagance
and for other purposes,

use.
up
There
is
to appropriate this
a Necessity, at this time, for the
Men's being paid
as nearly as possible. I therefore desire, that
the different Corps under your
them what pay

manding Officer
is
when
It
money to their own
it is
would be well
Command paraded, inquire of
due to them, order the pay Master, or comto draw, as much as will be necessary, and
drawn,
of pay, has been
you will have
see that the Soldiers
to let the Soldiers
owing
have their proportion.
know,
to the hurry in
that this irregularity
which they have been
detached into the Field, but that their wants shall be fully supplied.
also desire, that
you will inform the
Officers, that as
soon as the Regiments are drawn together, I shall cause an exact
made into their Accounts, and inquire how these

Complaints of the Soldiers arise for want of Pay, when large
39
Sums have been advanced for that purpose. I am &ca.
Scrutiny to be
To JOHN MERCEREAU 40
Sir:

In order to know whether the floating Bridges, that we
have so often heard

Delaware,
it is
of, are really
necessary to
meant
know
the
to be
thrown over the
Width
of that River, at
the narrowest places, that are approachable
paring the
Width
of the River, with
the length of the Bridge,
we
Militia.
what we understand
is
can form a pretty good Opinion.
^The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.

Gens. William Maxwell and Peter Muhlenberg.
"Captain of New Jersey
from time to time.
and then by com-
He
The same
letter
was sent
conveyed secret intelligence
to
to Brig.
Washington
482
therefore desire, that you
would begin
[April
at Coryel's or a little
down to the Falls, taking an Account of the

and crossing places and the Width and depth
them. I beg you will have this done as soon as
above and proceed

different Fords
of the River at
and whatever expence attends
possible
Quarter Master.
am &ca.
it,
shall be paid
by the
41
*To MRS. ELIZABETH NEIL42

Madam: I hoped to have given you
more favourable Acct.
of my application to Congress, in your behalf, than the Inclosed

resolution will convey
thought
it
43
but that Honble. body have, I presume,
rather too early to adopt a measure of this kind yet,
what they may do hereafter, I cannot under take to

meantime, as I sincerely feel for your
distress, I
say.
In the
beg your accept-
my Inclination to
am Madam, etc.
am much
obliged to you for the
ance of the Inclosd, as a small testimony of

serve
you upon any future occasion.
PS.
have receivd, and
Piece of Buff Cloth.

Fifty Dollars sent.
GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, Morristowru April 28, 1777Parole Georgia.
Countersign Hartford.
Every Corps must immediately put their
Arms
in the best
and be completely furnished with Ammunition;

commanding Officers will see this done, as they will answer
for the least neglect of this important duty The Qr. Mr. Genl.
firing Order,
the

Widow of Maj. Daniel Neil, of the New Jersey Artillery, who had
42
Princeton,
The
N.
Washington
spelled the
been killed
name
Neale.
resolve of Mar. 14, 1777, respecting pensions to
J.
widows
of officers.
at
7
z-â
'*
s?i
y^ûa^^y^^
^t-^ ^-c^?-~&C <^_*2^._ ^ptSi-v*' /jZzLy
J^y>
S S
Letter to Mrs. Elizabeth Neil, Regarding a Pension, April
27,
1777

1777]
to furnish
483
them with Tents, and proper conveniencies for carmay be ready to move with the troops, at
rying them, that they

the shortest notice.
The General laments
the necessity he
laid
is
under of repeat-
ing his Orders, by which Officers were forbid to ride about the
Country, thus absenting themselves from their duty
sudden
any
measures should be
call for offensive or defensive
made, during
If
their absence, they will assuredly be
brought to
severe account.
The Major Generals
which purpose the Adjutant General
spective posts, for
furnish
them with
The following
will publish these Orders at their re-
Sentences of the General Court Martial held
Boundbrook, whereof Major Robinson
at
approved by the
Serjt.
will
copies.
Commander in
44
was
President, are
Chief
William McDonald of the
5th. Pennsylva. Battn. re-
duced.
Samuel Philips, Private of the 8th. Penn. Battn reprimanded
on the public parade.

Henry Randall, Private of the 8th. Penn.
and discharged from confinement.
Lieut. Simrall
"
duty
45
Battn. acquitted
of the 8th. Penn. Battn. for "Refusing to
do
Cashiered.
Ensign
McKee 46
of the 8th. Penn. Batt. acquitted
and
dis-
charged from confinement.
Samuel Haws, Private 5th. Penn. Battn to do duty as a Camp

Colour-man
'till
excused by his Colonel.
Michael McDonald, Private 5th. Penn. Battn. For "Leaving

his post," to receive 50 lashes.
^Maj. Thomas Robinson, of the Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment.
the Battle of Brandywine.
4o
Lieut. Alexander Simrall.
48
Ensign David McKee.
He was wounded
at

484
Serjt. Elisha
Reynolds of the
[April
Penn. Battn. for "Inlisting
5th.
two different Regiments" Reduced to the ranks.

Serjt. William Preston of the Wyoming Rangers, for "Hav-
into
ing
made known
receive
it,"
the
Watch-Word
to a person not entitled to
to be reprimanded in the presence of
the troops
all
Boundbrook.
at
47
Thomas Pickett, Private of Capt. Ransom's Company, Wyoming Rangers, for "Desertion" to receive 50 lashes.
Stephen Harding, Private of Capt. Durkee's
Wyoming
48
Company,
to receive 50
Rangers, for "Desertion"
lashes.
William Davidson, Private of Capt. Durkee's Company,
Wyoming
to receive 50
lashes.
Nathaniel Williams, Private of Capt. Durkee's Company,
Wyoming Rangers, for "Desertion"to receive
50 lashes.
Nathaniel Faye, Private of Capt. Durkee's Company,
ming Rangers,
to receive 50
for Desertion
Wyo-
lashes.
Richard Halstead, Private of Capt. Durkee's Company,
Wyoming
to receive 15
lashes.
James Bagley, Private of Capt. Durkee's Company, Wyo-
ming Rangers, for "Desertion"
to receive 50
lashes.
Hulver Harding, Private of Capt. Durkee's Company, Wyo-
ming Rangers, for "Desertion"
to receive 50
John Mclntire, Private in the

ning to desert to the
The Commander
Enemy"
5th.
lashes.
Penn. Batt. for "Threat-
to receive 100 lashes
in Chief (taking into consideration the
late distracted State of the 8th. Pennsyl. Battalion,

47
48
Capt. Samuel Ransom.

Capt. Robert Durkee. Both he and Captain
Julys, 1778.
Ransom were
49
killed at
an inquiry
Wyoming,
Pa.,
,
Col. Eneas Mackay and Lieut. Col. George Wilson had died, and the command or
the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment was intrusted to Col. Daniel Brodhead, Mar. 12,
1777. Richard Butler became lieutenant colonel and Stephen Bayard major. This
reorganization and the recent surprise and defeat of the regiment at Bound Brook,
49
N.
J.,
were the causes of
its
"distracted"
state.
STORES FOR THE NORTH
1777]
into the cause of
of time)
is
which he has directed
to be
485
made without loss
pleased to suspend the execution of the Sentences of
Alexander McKay, David Livinston, John Dilworth, John Edgar Jacob Knight, John McClaugherry, William Roach, Daniel
Clark, John Kirckendal, and Jacob
WilkerPrivates
of that
Battalion, 'till the proceedings of the Court are reported to him.
GENERAL HORATIO GATES
To MAJOR
Head
Dear
Sir: I
am
Quarters, Morris
Town, April
28, 1777.
favoured with yours of the 19th instant
at
Albany. As most of the Massachusetts Troops intended for

Peeks Kill had began their march before the order for the
Route thro the Green Woods reached them, and there were not
proper Supplies of provision laid up upon that Road,
but few of them will
come
that way.
will give the
fancy
Commis-
sary General, the part of your Letter respecting purchasing
Flour upon the
and
I
if
he
is
in
Mohawk
want
River and upper part of Hudsons,
of that Article he
may
take the advantage.
am sorry to hear that you found the Artillery and other Mili-
tary Stores laying at Albany,

at
when
they ought to have been
much upon your own

them forward, if you had found your departcomplete order, you would have had better luck than
Ticonderoga; but you must depend
activity to get
ment
in
your Neighbours.
One of your principal Wants,
with you by the time

place
this reaches you, as
went
thro' this
two days ago.
All the three
New
Hampshire Regiments and Brigadier
General Poor are to go to Tionderoga.
names
setts
it
Cash, will be
of the Colonels.
The
never received the
Colonels of the Seven Massachu-
are Bailey, Wesson, Jackson, Marshall, Brewer, Bradford,
486
and Francis.
50
Brigadier General Paterson
that State, as I thought he, with D'Fermoy,
but upon the
late
him up likewise.
diately
52
51
was ordered from
would be Sufficient,
appointment of Genl. Learned

I
[April
shall order
have wrote for Genl. Wayne to come imme-
down, as I have not a Single Brigadier
Troops of Pennsylvania. Armstrong

has never said whether he
would
53
to
command the
has resigned, D. Haas
serve or no,
54
and Hand has
orders to repair to Fort Pitt.
General Heath has issued positive orders to all the Massachusetts
Colonels to march, as soon as a Sufficient part of their Reg-
iments have gone forward, and
if
any of them
fail,
you will
know which to call upon.

I
received
Humpton's plan
of Grenadiers;
it
55
will be time
for the Establishment of a Corps
enough to think of this when our
full enough to admit of a

56
no prospect of it. I am &ca.
Regiments are
I
see little or
draft,
but at present
Sir: I find
ers,

by your letter, that the detachment of Mary land-
with Colo. Spotswood have marched to your post with the
other Troops.
My
intention
should remain at Princeton, as
and
I
directions were, that they
wish to keep the Corps united;
80
Cols. John Bailey, of the Second; James Wesson, of the Ninth; Michael Jackson, of
the Eighth; Thomas Marshall, of the Tenth; Samuel Brewer, of the Twelfth; Gamaliel
Bradford, of the Fourteenth; and Ebenezer Francis, of the Eleventh.
61
Brig. Gen. John Paterson.
62
Brig. Gen. Mathieu Alexis de Rochefermoy.
53
Brig. Gen. John Armstrong. He resigned on April 4.
64
DeHaas. He had been appointed brigadier general on Febserved to November, 1783. He went to Philadelphia in 1779 and rendered
no subsequent active service; was brevetted a major general in September, 1780.
55
Col. Richard Humpton's (Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment) plan for a grenadier
corps has been sent to Major General Gates on March 2 and had been forwarded to
Washington by the latter on April 19. A recent copy is in the Washington Papers.
""The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
Brig. Gen. Philip
ruary 21
BRITISH BURN DANBURY
1777]
but since the matter has fallen out differently,
have to desire
may immediately
that the forementioned detachment

to Princeton. I
487
return
am etc."
ALEXANDER McDOUGALL
Dear Sir: At three O'clock
this
morning,
received your fa-
The intelligence it contains, is interesting and

truly distressing. By this time, I fear, the Enemy have effected
vour of the 27th.
their purpose
and destroyed
those at Fredericksburg
may
the Stores at Danbury;
wish
not have shared the same
fate.
all
After accomplishing this enterprise,
it is
turn to their Ships with expedition.

it is
most devoutly to be wished, that
58
off.
You,
am
If
probable they will re-
they have not done
certain, will act for the best
stances shall point out.
However,
it,
their retreat could be cut
and
as
circum-
am induced to believe that
up the North River have but few Troops on

was to amuse and
call your attention with the Troops to Peeks Kills and the other
posts, till the detachment from the Sound executed their plan,
or they would have disembarked at the same time and made
59
some other different attempt. Under this persuasion, I could
the Ships sent
board, and the design of their being there,
"The
draft
is
in the writing o
Alexander Hamilton.
B8
McDougall had already moved with 1,200 men and one field piece, but by the time
he reached Bedford he found that the British had retreated and were beyond his reach.
(See McDougall's letter to Washington, Apr. 29, 1777, in the Washington Papers.)
59
On
April 25, about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, 2,000 British troops landed at
Fairfield, under the command of Governor Tryon, and marched
to Danbury, 23 miles inland. They reached Danbury the next day at 4 o'clock in the
afternoon, having met with no opposition in their march. They immediately set fire
to the public stores and several private dwelling houses. Col. Jedidiah Huntington
with 50 Continentals and militia retreated to the heights near the town.
Brig. Gen. Gold Selleck Silliman, at Fairfield, called out the militia and with a
small party attacked the enemy's advance guard. The next morning (April 27) General Silliman marched with all the men he could muster, and about 4 miles from
Compo, Conn., near
488
[April
facts within your own knowledge or

which appear to be tolerably well founded, from the information you have received, contradict the measure, to try to cut off
wish you, unless some
their retreat, by detaching all the force
you can spare and which
shall not be absolutely necessary to
guard the passes
Mountains and
to prescribe
to maintain the Forts. I cannot, nor
any
line of duty, I
in the
do I mean,
have only mentioned
my
Ideas
North River Shipping and the Views with which they

were sent, and my wishes to make the detachments from the
Sound pay for the Enterprise, if Circumstances will allow it.
of the
am &ca. 60
To BRIGADIER GENERAL GURDON SALTONSTALL

Head
Sir:
An abstract
Quarters, Morris
of pay for you
Town, April 28,
from the
7th.
1777.
September
to
November is this moment presented to me, in which

you demand pay as Brigadier from the 10th. of September.
the 27th-
Redding he was joined by Gen. Benedict Arnold; at Redding they met Gen. David
Wooster. Their whole force was now 600 men, of whom 100 were Continentals.
They reached Bethel, on the road to Danbury, about midnight, where they heard that
the town was destroyed. At daylight the next morning Arnold and Silliman marched
with 400 men to Ridgefield to intercept the enemy, and Wooster with 200 men took
another route to harass their rear. He fell in with the enemy's column, and in the
resulting skirmish received a mortal wound, from which he died on May 2. When
Arnold arrived at Ridgefield his numbers had increased to 500. He took a position
across the road, threw up a breastwork, and waited the approach of the enemy. At
3 o'clock in the afternoon the British appeared, and a sharp conflict ensued, which
continued for nearly an hour. The Americans gave way, but rallied and pursued the
enemy to their ships, having several sharp skirmishes with them that evening and
the next day, till the embarkation was effected.
The conduct of General Wooster was recommended in the highest terms. Colonel
Huntington wrote, the day after the action, that " till he received his wound he commanded the unconnected and undisciplined troops with great spirit, zeal, and bravery."
Arnold behaved with his usual bravery; one horse was killed under him and he
himself killed a British soldier in a personal encounter. Of the Americans, 20 were
killed and between 70 and 80 wounded, and 40 of the enemy were known to have
been killed and a few prisoners were taken. The loss in public stores was severely felt,
particularly that of 1,690 tents, which had been removed from Peekskill to Danbury
for safe-keeping, and were very much wanted in the army. Details of the affair arc
given in the various inclosures with McDougall's letter to Washington of April 29.
80
The
draft
is
Hanson Harrison.
TROOPS FROM THE EAST
1777]
This
right,
remember
very few days with the Army, and when,
confess to be altogether unexpected,
you were but a
489
as, if I
your imperfect State of health required you to leave
no other
idea,
had
than that you meant at that time to decline
and would not continue
the Service,
it, I
to claim the
emoluments
attending the post of Brigadier, for which the public was to

derive
no
equivalent.
will concur with
am
persuaded, on recollection, you
me in opinion, that there is a manifest impro-
priety in the public's being three or four
of pocket, without receiving any

sation,
and
compen-
my not complying with your

61
Latimer.
If you will send me an
charging your pay as Colo, and as Brigadier while
you were
really in Service, together
with Major
who
continued with the Army,
pay,
dollars out
adequate benefit or
will readily approve
order in favour of Colo.

abstract,
hundred
receive the
Money.
To
am etc.
Saltenstall's
will give a warrant to
62

Sir: I last
night received the favor of your Letter of the 26th
with the Resolves to which it alludes.

The views of Congress in Sending General Officers to the
Eastward, to hasten on the Troops, have been long anticipated.
Genl Poor is in New Hampshire for the purpose; General
Heath in Massachusetts Bay, with Brigadiers Nixon, Glover

and Paterson, General Varnum in Rhode Island and General
Parsons in Connecticut. Genls. Spencer and Arnold too, have
been desired to attend to the business, to these Gentlemen I
have wrote repeatedly, in the most pressing terms upon die
Subject, and I have no reason to doubt, but every exertion on
61
Col. Jonathan Lattimer, of the Connecticut Militia.

^The
490
their part, has

those,
[April
been employed to promote the end. The delay of
who have inlisted, has arisen from the late period when
they engaged, and from their being innoculated since, which
could not be dispensed with, without subjecting them to the
and ravage of the Small Pox in the natural way.

At three O'clock this Morning, I received a Letter fromGenl
McDougal inclosing three from Colo. Huntington, Copies of
the whole of which, I have transmitted. By these you will perceive the impression which a part of Genl Howe's Army has
made into Connecticut, and the prospect they had of destroying
calamities
such of our Stores as were deposited in Danbury, which, unfortunately,
were but too large and considerable,
taken place.
that the
if
the Event has
A circumstance, perhaps more to be regreted,
Enemy marched
thro' a strong
is,
and rough Country
and were near that place, without the smallest opposition. I

have no other information upon the Subject, than what these
papers contain, but we have little ground to expect, that they
have not accomplished their purpose. Further intelligence will
have not accomplished their purpose. Further intelligence
will be probably received to day or to
morrow, when
shall
be happy to hear, that they have paid for their Enterprize.

this I confess,
tions.
however,
Of
am not very sanguine in my expecta-
This post had been considered,
as a proper depository
Gentlemen acquainted with it, and its security not

thought questionable, whilst Troops were passing thro' it. I
had also directed, that as many of the drafts in Connecticut, as
the place was capable of accomodating, should be collected
there and innoculated, to answer the purpose of a guard; hop-
for Stores by
ing by the time of their recovery, that the Situation of the Army
would be such as to admit a strong one to be stationed there

and continued; but unhappily for us, such languor and supineness prevails every where, that we seem unable to effect any
point we wish, tho' never so important and interesting. So early
PRISONERS' NEED OF
1777]
Two
491
wrote Govr. Trumbull earnestly requestthousand Militia to be sent to Genl McDougal, to be
as the 6th of
ing
MONEY
March,
employed at Peeks Kill and on the communication in West

Chester County for Six Weeks; with this requisition he most
readily complied, so far as his orders were necessary, and I am
certain, his influence would extend. This I have repeated and
Supply he has exerted himself to furnish. Yet so ineffectual
have his endeavours been, that not more than Eight hundred
this
had come out, by Genl. McDougal's return on the 17th Inst,

nor did he expect more from the accounts he had. In a word,
Sir, no expedient or pains have been unattempted by me, to
bring on Troops, and to keep our Affairs on a favorable footing.
would again mention, the case of our prisoners with the

Enemy, and pray that the Secret Committee would send to Mr.
Boudinot, Supplies of Money for them as early as possible. They
are in great distress, and many Officers have lately escaped,
Contrary to the tenor of their paroles, some of whom are now
here, urging that necessity compelled them to the measure. I
I
have the honor &c.
63
To JOSEPH TRUMBULL
Sir:
The following is an
received
from Genl. Gates
extract of a letter
at
which
have
just
Albany.
An amazing quantity of Flour may be bought upon this and the Mohawks River at twenty Shillings this money pr hundred. Should this
Article be in request to the Southward, your orders upon that head
cannot be too soon conveyed to Albany.
You
will please to
intelligence,
64
refer
make what
you to
my
count of the Enemy's late attack

83
64
65
use you think proper of this

letter to

in Philadelphia.
Trumbull was then
Congress for an Ac-
upon Danbury, and am
65
etc.
492
[April
*To ROBERT McKENZIE 66

Morris Town, April
28, 1777.
Your favour of the 20th Ulto. did not reach my hands till
Instt.j since which I have made an unavailing enquiry
of several Gentn. from the Eastward, after the Capturd ship
67
Lord Stanly. This enquiry I will continue but if, in the meanSir :
the 19th
while, you could furnish
me with any Clue that might facilitate
the end you have in view, and
accomplishing,
To
wish to be the Instrument of
should be glad to be favour'd with
it. I

1777.
do myself the honor of transmitting the inclosed Re-
Sir : I
solve of Congress passed the 25th Instant.

I
am etc.
shall be obliged, if
you
68
will, agreeable to the requisition
therein made, order out one thousand of the Militia of your
continue in service, Four
State, to
join the
Weeks from
the time they
Army. I mention four Weeks, because I think by your

Law, you cannot insist upon their Service for a
late Militia
longer term at one time. But
wish
I
it
might be for
if it
six or eight
at present intend to post
them,
can be prolonged,
Weeks. The place

is
at
could
which
from Pompton extending
towards Hackensack; they will then protect the well affected,
awe
the disaffected, and serve to check the
00
This was the McKenzie who was

Army, and who had been a captain
Tory Regiments
a lieutenant in the Forty-third Foot, British

in the old Virginia Regiment. He was in
New York.
"'The Lord Stanley had been captured by an American privateer, and a case of
goods belonging to Col. Robert Stewart, formerly a captain in the old Virginia Regiment, had been taken in her.
08
"That the governor of the State of New Jersey be requested forthwith to call out
such part of the militia of the said State as General Washington shall judge necessary
to reenforce the army under his command."
PROPORTION OF OFFICERS
1777]
493
under Brown, Van Buskirk &ca." who are kept at Bergen, and
intice many Persons to join them, from the adjacent Country
and from
Sussex.
General Heard
is
at present at
Pompton, he has about three
hundred Men under his Command, whose tour of duty, I fancy,

has almost expired; therefore those Regiments or Companies
that can be soonest put in motion, should be ordered to
March
with all expedition to Pompton and put themselves under Genl

Heard's
Command, or whatever
Brigadier of the State
may be
then in Service.
That there may be no disproportion between the number of

Officers and Men, I enclose you the Regulation of Congress
of the 2 1 st March for that purpose, Copy of which you will
please to transmit to the Colonels or
Battalions; letting
them know
at the
commanding
same time,
Officers of
that
if
there
should be more Officers in the Field than specified in the in-
no pay
closed,
will be allowed to them.
As you think Colo. Duyckink a Prisoner in the Military Line,

must keep him confined, for he is too dangerous
Liberty at this time. I have the honor to be &c.
to be set at
P. S.
There will probably be occasion to keep up some Mi-
in
Monmouth County and I should therefore be glad to be
litia
understood that the Body of iooo.
from them.
To
'till
and
distinct
/2 after 8 O'clock, April 30, 1777.
have been waiting with much anxiety to hear the result of
the expedition against Danbury,

of
to be seperate
Morris Town,
Sir : I
is
70
this
minute.
which
never was informed
The inclosed Copy of a Letter from General
""Brig. Gen. Montfort Browne and Lieut. Col. Abraham

volunteers of the British provincial troops.
70
Van
Buskirk,
New
Jersey
494
McDougal and
give Congress
of Several Others,
all
the intelligence,
which he transmitted, will

have upon the Subject. I
have only to add and to lament, that

attended but with too
I
much
etc.
[April
success
this Enterprize has
on the part
of the
been
Enemy.
71
To JOSHUA LORING
Sir: I
beg leave to refer you to a Letter from Elias Boudinot
Esquire which accompanies

favors of the 24th. Ulto.
this, for
and
an Answer to your two
8th. instant.
That Gentln.
pointed to the Office of Commissary of Prisoners in the

of the
American
States,
and
am
to request, that
may have to negotiate in

72
acted with him in future. I am etc.
business you
that line,
may
is
ap-
Army
whatever
be trans-
To COLONEL ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD
Sir :
I

73
In doing this
I want to form a Company for my Guard.
wish to be extremely cautious; because
able, that in the
Course of the Campaign,
it is
more than prob-
my Baggage, Papers,
and other Matters of great public Import, may be committed to

the Sole care of these
press
71
Men. This being premised, in order to im-
you with proper attention in the Choice,
The
draft
is
have to request
Hanson Harrison. The McDougall
that of April 29 with its inclosures.

"The draft is in the writing of Robert
new
letter
was
Hanson Harrison.
Commander in Chief's Guard, which had

been originally formed Mar. 12, 1776. It was rendered necessary by the expiration of
the enlistment terms of many of the men. Godfrey's Commander in Chief's Guard
states that on May 1,38 men of the Third Continental Dragoons were detached to
serve as a cavalry guard adjunct to the Guard and, under Capt. George Lewis and
Lieut. Robert Randolph, so acted until the end of September, 1778, when the detail
"This was
was returned
to
its
or reorganization of the
regiment.
MEN FOR THE GUARD
1777]
that
you will immediately furnish
Regiment, And,
as
my
it is
me
with four
the
Men may exceed in
Men
further wish, that this
should look well and be nearly of a Size,
of 5 feet 9 Inches, Sober,
495
of your
Company
desire that
none of
Stature 5 feet 10 Inches, nor fall Short
Young, Active and well made.
When
recommend care in your Choice, I would be understood to

mean Men of good Character in the Regiment, that possess the
I
pride of appearing clean and Soldierlike.
can be no absolute security for the

ple,
but yet
think
it
most
am
satisfied there
fidelity of this Class of peo-
likely to be
found in those who have
Family Connections in the Country. You will therefore send
me none
Men
of some property, if you have

making this Choice, you give no
Intimation of my preference of Natives, as I do not want to
create any invidious Distinction between them and the For-
them.
eigners.
T4
but Natives, and
must
74
The same
The
draft
letter
is
that in
am etc. 75
Seventh; Abraham
ginia Regiments.
75
insist,
was
sent this
Bowman,
same date to Cols. Alexander McClanahan, of the

and Daniel Morgan, of the Eleventh Vir-
of the Eighth;
in the writing of
George Johnston.
INDEX
INDEX
By David M. Matteson
leave, passing outer guards, 25; officers, 180/2, 215, 323,
338, 429, 443; public warning to return, 365, 372 n; straggling, 391;
convalescents, 417; officers roaming, 483. See also Desertion; Discharges; Furloughs.
Absence without
Accounts, claims, and warrants, arms, 16;
artillery establishments
and
441; Custis records, 54 n; execution of warrants, 165; prisoners of war, 231, 242, 316; quartermaster department, 304; settlement of paymaster general's, 315; Massachusetts
powder, 383, 390; regulations, 438/7; inquiry into pay, 481. See also
artificers, 19, 22, 332,
Finances.
Accouterments. See Equipments.
Adams, Abigail, letter to, 100 n.

Adams, John, committee on Washington's proclamation,
pable general officers, letter, 100 n; on reconciliation
61 ;
on
inca-
efforts, letter,
148/7.
Additional regiments, raising, apportionment,
officers, difficulties, 33,

34, 80, 86, 88, 91, 93, 114/7, 120, 132, 133, 295, 296, 307, 361, 362,
369, 374; and extra state bounty, 120, 133, 138, 166, 229, 322, 419;
Washington and appointment of officers, 134136; special appeals
to Massachusetts, 136139, 467469; equipment, 139, 209; recruiting money, 140; partial list of officers, 419.
Adjutant general, acting,
5, 190, 218, 374/2, 375, 382; Reed's resignation,

5 n, 190; Morris's qualifications, 67; Gates and resumption, 231,
238, 267, 471; Pickering, 336, 470; pay, 336; offer to Lee, 337, 470.
Adjutants, remiss, 140; pay, 426.

Agriculture, military trespass on fields, 442.
Aides. See Military secretaries.
Alarm, posts and
signals, 41, 80; instructions, 391, 392.
Alexander, Capt. (Maj.) Morgan, promotion, 312.

Alexander, Robert,
letter to, 308;
Washington's Maryland land, 308,
309-
Alexander, William. See Stirling.
New Jersey proclamation, oath to United

142-144, 188-190, 227; oath for Long Island,
Allegiance, Washington's
States, 61 n, 62, 106,
120.
499
500
Allen, Col. Ethan, question of exchange, 57.
Allowances. See Pay.
Amboy, N.
J.,
British at, 9, 27, 49, 66, 84, 146, 168, 172, 185, 197, 205,
35> 3335 skirmish, 434.
American Revolution,
British confined to the coast, 87; stake, 240; need

of proper state military legislation, 266; loss of early enthusiasm,
resignation of officers, 456, 472, 490; plan of unnamed French gen462464; Washington on British conduct, 463; European pros-
eral,
See also Allegiance; Army; Commerce; Continental

Congress; Finances; Foreign relations; Indians; Loyalists; Navigation; Providence.
pects, 463.
Americans, native. See Native Americans.
Ammunition, supply,
16; returns, need, 67, 70, 80; for Northern army,

70; scarcity, 70; carts, 83, 270, 300; care, inspection, 121, 201, 391;
from France, 216 72; inquiry to Congress, 288; cartridges, buckshot,
301, 431; Massachusetts account for loan, 383, 390; for navy, 384,
430; quality, 430; distribution, 482. See also Arms; Laboratories;
Shot and
shell.
Angell, Col. Israel, circular letter
Annapolis, Md., removal of
to,
277 72.
stores, 380.
Arendt, Henry Leonard Philip, baron
d',
command,
348; service, 348 n.
Armistead, Ensign William, conduct, 215.
Armorers, repairs, 424.

for, public loss, 11; captured from British, 37, 175;
need, 49, 169, 208, 230; waste, carried off, efforts to recover, 49, 68,
73, 78, 113, 145, 157, 167, 194, 209, 215, 230, 238, 340, 349, 358,
390, 424; returns, 80; tomahawks, 83, 301; purchase rather than
Arms, settlement
hire, 112, 113, 156, 209, 230, 370; quality, 113; care, inspection, 121,
391, 482; additional regiments, 139; distribution, precedence, demand for new, 156, 209, 358, 370, 383, 390, 424, 429; armorers,
repair, 157, 163, 167, 230, 390, 424; for recruits, state provision
urged, 194, 200, 216, 242, 244, 250, 331;* superior American skill in
use, 198; interstate transaction, 209, 217; Virginia factory, 214; for
cavalry, carbines, pistols, 215, 424; inquiry to Congress, 216, 288;
from France, 216 n, 328, 330, 334, 335, 349; lack in South, 274;
public purchase from regiment, conditions of continued use, 302,
303; excessive regimental requisitions, 306, 307, 316, 459; marking,
341, 424, 428, 457; for Commander in Chief's Guard, 452; for
drafted men, 457. See also Ammunition; Artillery.
Armstrong, Edward A.,
letters possessed by,
25 n, 56 n, 108 n, 18572,
21572, 32572, 40672, 47072.
Armstrong, Dr. James, medical appointment, 250;
service, 25072.
INDEX
501
Armstrong, Gen. John, post, 176; letter to, 249; ordered to New Jersey,
249; appointment of officers, 250; recruiting, 389; resigns, 486.
Armstrong, John,
Army. See
/**.(?),
British
appointment, 250.
army; Continental army;
Militia.
Arnold, Gen. Benedict, and British at Newport, 24, 26, 115, 163, 233;
letters to, 115, 178, 233, 352; and exchanges, 173, 178, 242; passed
over in appointment of major generals, letter, 234, 2340, 352; on
British reenforcements, 333; information 434; Ridgefield, 488 n; recruiting, 489.
Articles of war,
amendment,
430, 431, 439.
Artificers, artillery corps, ign, 20, 21;
makers wanted, 203, 204. See
also
and
militia service, 143; rope-
Armorers.
Artillery, establishments for, location, instructions, accounts, 18-22, 32,
69, 139, 146, 332; artificers corps, 19 n, 20, 21; for

scarcity, 28, 69, 162, 485;
from France expected,
Northern army,
40, 69, 162; regi-
ments authorized, recruiting, officers, delay, 63, 77, 82, 88, 127,
136-139, 138 n, 145, 289, 410, 467; substitutes from infantry, 76, 180;
care of horses, 121; artillerist for Northern army, 125, 127; ordnance
funds, accounts, 135, 139, 332; Knox's control, 162; hiring drivers,
143; for Highlands, 180; for Delaware River posts, 386; removal
Fishkill, 425. See also Cannon; Knox, Henry.
from
Ashby,
bears letter, 180.
Adee, Col. Samuel John, question of exchange,
79.
Austin, Maj. Jonathan Williams, conduct, 335.
Baggage,
lost
by prisoners, payment, 357.
Bagley, James, court-martial, 484.

Bailey, Col. John, regiment for Ticonderoga, 485.
Ball,
George A., acknowledgment
to,
168 n.
Ballard, Capt. (Maj.) Robert, promotion, 312.
Baltimore, removal of stores, 380.
Baltimore County, Md., militia for

Barbarity, to
wounded,
New Jersey,
104, 204, 205.
Jersey, 53, 228, 443; question of retaliation, 443.

tions; Prisoners of war (treatment).
Barber, Lieut. Col. Francis, on conduct of regiment,

Barber, Nathaniel,
Barber,
jr.,
Thomas(?),
conduct in New
See also Depreda-
15, 103, 108, 152, 155; British
letter,
27 n.
powder account, 390.
letter to, 404.
Barnett, Capt. William, raising company, warning, 158; service, 158/2.
Basking Ridge, N.
Baxter,
365.
J.,
post, force, 12, 100, 290.
502
Bayard, Capt. (Maj.) Stephen, company, 183; service, 18372; majority,
484 n.
Baylor, Col. George, letters to, 24, 154, 214, 324, 469; raising
and equip-
ping dragoon regiment, 24, 25, 51, 214, 324, 325, 413, 419;
Washingtons, 154, 470.
officers,
Beaumarchais, Pierre Augustin Caron de, arms, 330 n.

Bedford, Lieut. Col. Gunning,
143 n,
i^n; and command,
examination of
jr.,
Belden, Lieut. Ezekiel Porter, bears
letter,
Belfield, Lieut. {Capt.), John, cavalry

Bell, Capt.
J.,
143; service,
440; service, 440 72.
promotion, 338.
shipmaster, escape, information,
Bellew, Capt. Henry, British naval
Bergen, N.
rolls,
243.
5, 23.
officer, 5.
disaffection, loyalist regiments, 264, 476, 492.
Bicker, Lieut. Col. Henry, circular letter to, 278 n.

Bicker, Capt. Victor(?), detachment, 357.
Biddle, Col. Clement,
of forage,
and
ill,
18; for Philadelphia, 304;
commissary general
express, 346; at court-martial, 412; disobedience of
subordinate, 422.
Billingsport,
N.
].,
works, 411.
Bills of exchange, for prisoners of war, 344, 435, 476.

Black, William, land affair accounts, 54.
Bland, Col. Theodorick, cavalry regiment, bounty, 102, 338;
letter to,
366;?.
Blankets, scarcity, 6g; from France, 216 n, 386; distribution, 383, 386,
390-
Board of War, and
recruiting, 66; letters to, 195, 417;
and bounty,
19572.
Boats (flatboats, galleys), guarding, 13; renewed securing on the Delaware, 164-166, 175-177, 188, 228; galleys for the Hudson, manning, 292; flatboats for crossing the Delaware, 386. See also Bridges.
Boger, Lieut. Richard (
? ),
exchange,
5.
Bond, Dr. Nathaniel, commended, 399.
Bonum, N.
Borre. See
J.,
skirmish, 338, 434.
Preudhomme de
Borre.
Boston, fortification, 87; news of proposed attack, 462 n.

letter to, 343; commissary of prisoners, duties, intelligence, 343, 418, 494; service, 34372; funds for prisoners of war, 476,
491.
Boudinot, Elias,
Bound Brook, N.
J.,
British at, 15;
399, 411, 427,48472.
American
post, 74, 452, 453; action,
INDEX
503
Bounty, division to check desertion, 7, 14, 246; instructions, 8; funds,

51; extra state, Washington's objection, 8587, 89, 91, 120, 133,
138, 139?/, 166, 178, 255, 322, 349, 419; orders against additional
jumping, 111, 112, 199, 251, 306, 364,
offer, 88; for cavalry, 103;
484; additional regiments, 120, 133, 138, 166, 229, 322, 419, 469;
stoppage from deserter, i8o; war and three years, changes, 195;
cash in lieu of land, 195 n; frauds, 218, 239, 250, 257, 262, 318, 381;
land for three years only, 430; clothing for short-term drafted men,
456. See also Recruiting (funds).
Bourneuf,
foreign volunteer, 174.
Bowdoin, James, and
Bowen, Daniel,
retaliation, 214.
supplies for British, 433, 434, 478.
Bowen, Capt. Thomas Bartholomew, company,
Bowman,
men
Lieut. Col. {Col.)

for
Commander
183.
Abraham, promotion, 313;
in Chief's
letter to,
495 n;
Guard, 495 n.
Bradford, Col. Gamaliel, regiment for Ticonderoga, 485.
Bradford, William, prize agent, complaint against, 208.

Bradford, Ma]. William, Lee's request, movements, 154; service, 154 n.
Bradford, Lieut. William, court of inquiry, 443.
Bradford, William and Thomas, imprint, 61 n.

Bradley, Col. Philip Burr, circular letter
to, 27772;
regiment brigaded,
355Brearley, Lieut. Col. David, recruiting, fund, 143 n.
Brewer, Col. Samuel, regiment for Ticonderoga, 485.

Bridges, British floating, for the Delaware, 177, 185, 188, 305, 394, 414,
481.
Brigade majors, appointments, 25; for
new army,
proper choice, 384;
pay, 426, 430, 432, 440.
Brigades, parade, 41; arrangement, 184, 200, 355.
Brigadier generals, need, recommendations, 4951, 104, 123, 206, 286;

duties, 49; appointments, 236239, 267, 340, 445, 471; horse allowance, 284; mismanagement of appointments, 318, 464; Preud-
homme
militia,
Bristol, Pa.,
de Borre, 363, 429; resignations and uncertainties, 486;

absence and pay, 488.
proposed post, rendezvous, 386, 400, 428, 446, 453, 454.
British army, confined to the coast, 87; supplies, 165, 179, 402 n, 433,
434, 478; reenforcement, 333, 447. See also Campaign of 1777; Mercenaries;
Jersey campaign; Newport; Prisoners of war; Raids.
New
Brodhead, Col. Daniel, circular

48472.
letter to,
278 n; post, 438, 440; regiment,
504
and ordnance establishment,
Brookfield, Mass.,
Brooks, Lieut. Col. John, letter
to,
23, 139, 147.
268 n; recruiting, 269.
Brown, Lieut. Col. John, court of inquiry, 163; service, 163 n.

Brown, Ma). Thomas, question of exchange, 114;;.
Browne, Gen. Montfort,
Bryan, Pres. Jonathan,
loyalist troops, 493.
letter to, 298.
Buchanan, Gen. Andrew, militia for
New Jersey, 249,
250.
Buckner, Col. Mordecai, conduct, trial, cashiered, 66, 76, 98, 122, 146,
152; letter to, 76; breaks parole, 105.
Bucks County,
Pa., militia in
New Jersey,
12, 13.
Buckshot cartridges, 431.

Burgoyne, Gen. John, information on command, 462 n.
Burke, Capt.
prisoner of war, 5.
Burke, Capt. Bartholomew,
mand,
letter to, 245; recruiting
company and com-
245, 246.
Burke, Capt. Edward, appointment, 419.

Burke, John, court-martial, 364.
Burke, Thomas, on congressional opposition to Washington, 169 ; on

debate on general officers, 234 n.
Burlington,
Burnett,
N.
J.,
troops
Edmund C,
at,
227, 236; militia
call,
344.
Letters of Continental Congress, 61 n.
Burns, Sergt. Ma). John, court-martial, 412.

Burr, Lieut. Col. Aaron,
office for, 186; service,
186 n.
Bushfield, Va., 394.
Buder, John, express, 427.

Buder, Joseph, express, 427.
Butler, Ma). {Lieut. Col.) Richard, promotion, 326;
command, 484 n.
Butler, Lieut. Col. William, circular letter to, 278 n.

Butler, Lieut. Col. Zebulon,
detachment for Morristown, 427, 455; prep-
aration to march, 443; post, 452.

Byers, John, cannon casting, 22.
Byrd, Lieut. Col. Francis Otway, cavalry, 325.
Cadwalader, Gen. John, and brigadier generalship of the
New
238, 267; letters to, 55, 238; final

command at Philadelphia, 232, 238.
line, 50, 232,

Jersey operations, 56; and
Calderwood, Capt. James, appointment, 419.

Caldwell, Rev. James, information sought, 97.
INDEX
505
Callahan, William, court-martial, 183.
Camp
colormen, as punishment, 483.
Campaign
of 1777, harassing the British, skirmishes,
15, 16, 18, 22, 27, 48, 56, 66, 91, 94, 95, 97, 98,
115,
removing
1
supplies,
or, 103-105, 109,
18-120, 124, 143, 146, 168, 169, 196-199, 205, 228, 229, 338,
363, 399, 411, 413, 434, 449; dependence on militia, fluctuation, new
call, 29, 30, 33-36, 45, 66, 69, 104, no, 146, 158-160, 168, 174, 176,
179, 181, 184, 189, 198, 203, 205, 213, 222, 244, 245, 249, 253-255,
257, 262, 286, 288, 318, 319, 332, 339, 340, 342, 345, 363, 413, 492,
493; expected British movement, direction, precautions, 29, 30, 32,
38, 158-160, 164-166, 168, i6gn, 172, 175-177, 185, 187, 188, 192,
196, 204, 221 n, 222-224, 228, 256, 261, 262, 264, 266, 270, 273,
280, 282, 286, 295, 305, 307, 317, 327, 333, 339, 340, 342, 346, 348,
349> 353> 354> 3 6l > 3 8o > 381, 3 8 5~388, 392, 394, 395, 400, 403, 409,
413, 414, 416, 425, 426, 428, 429, 431, 436, 438/2, 439, 444, 454, 455,
460, 462, 469, 474, 477; rearrangement of army, central point, 30,
31, 94, 95, 104, 257, 272-275, 281-283, 291, 293, 350, 401, 416, 437,
438, 440, 440A, 443, 452, 453, 460, 461, 486, 492, 493; importance
of early opening, lost opportunity, 43, 53, 59, 91, 392, 395; preparaAmerican strength, contrast with British,
tions, 60, 83, 442, 443;
168, 176, 222, 254, 286, 288; futile congressional orders, 169 n, 227,
286; critical period, 192, 198, 225, 254, 258, 260, 262 n, 266, 286, 295;
illness, 244; Greene sent to inform Congress, 294, 299-301, 310; appeal to time-expired regiments, 334, 335. See also Danbury; Hudson
River;
New
Jersey campaign;
Newport; Recruiting; Ticonderoga.
Campbell, Lieut. Col. Archibald, question of exchange, in; confined as

retaliation, 207, 208, 211, 214, 2147*, 224, 235, 252, 253, 300, 311,
314, 314/z; letter to, 214.
Campbell, Col. Donald, bears
letter,
420.
Canada, Faneuil's proposal, 40, 169, 171, 429.

Canadian expedition, prisoners, parole and exchange matters, 172, 185,
202, 242, 281.
Canadian (Congress's
Own)
Regiment, recruiting, 40, 136, 138; name,

march, 442.
436/z; use, 461 n; preparations for
Cannon, foundries,
instructions, 18-21, 146; inquiry, 301; account, 441.
Carbines, for cavalry, 215, 424.

Carleton, Sir Guy, campaign probabilities, 95, 124, 196.
Carlisle, Pa.,
ordnance establishment, 22, 23, 32, 139.
Carmans Hill, N. J., skirmish, 338.

engineer,
Carmovan, Lieut. Col.
,
284.
Carnes, Lieut. Zophar, court-martial, cashiered, 358, 365.
506
Carter,
Landon,
letter to, 413.
Cartridges, making, laboratories, 21, 301; buckshot, 431.

Casualties,
New Jersey campaign, 44; Ridgefield, 488 n.
Cattle (stock), hides
and
tallow, 80; removal
from
British front, 97, 104,
119, 146, 256, 345.
Cavalry, recruiting by officers, 24; New Jersey light horse, 37; equipment,
difficulties, funds, 51, 81, 122, 123, 135, 214, 304, 305, 324, 368, 440;
appointment of officers, 51, 154, 193, 215, 338, 470; thanks to Philadelphia Light Horse, 55; Virginia light horse, 103; authorization of
dragoons, 136; Reed and command, 190; quartermaster, 191; pay,
193, 301; arms, 215, 424; color of horses, 219, 304; inoculation,
305/2, 324; further authorization suspended, 310; uniforms, 421;
use, 424; trespass on fields, 442; militia, 461 n; exchange of oversize
men, 470; forwarding, 470 n; guard

See also Regiments by number.
Cecil County, Md., militia for
Chain, across
Hudson
for
New Jersey,
commander
in chief, 494 n.
104, 204, 205, 319.
River, 445.
Chaises marines, 83.
Chambers, Col. David, conduct of
militia regiment, 17, 18, 37.
letters to, 241, 417*2; marching

orders, 241; promotion, 326; service, 32672; passed over, 389; absentees, reproved, 417/2.
Chambers, Lieut. Col. (Col.) James,
Chandler, Col. John, circular letter to, 277/2; recruiting, conduct, 316,
439> 4595 regiment brigaded, 355.
Chaplains, pay, 430, 432, 440.
Chapman,
Col. Samuel, regiment, 42.
Charity. See Pensions; Relief.
Chase, John, question of exchange, 451/2.
Chase, Samuel, British conduct in
Chatham, N.
J.,
New Jersey,
103, 108; letter to, 108.
post, 5, 55, 189, 290, 453; expected attack, 438/2.
Cheever, Ezekiel, returns of arms, 157, 167; service, 157/2;

distribution of arms, 307.
Cherokee Indians, instructions on enlistment,
letter to, 167;
12, 102.
Chesapeake Bay, possible British expedition, 226, 339-342, 348, 353, 380.
Chester, Col. John,
letter,
on treatment of prisoners of war,
269.
Christopher, John, British barbarity, 228.

Chrystie, Capt. James,
company, 364.
letter, 3/2;
bears
INDEX
Circular
letters, to
Civil power,
and
New England, 58,
507
113, 118; to states in general, 82.
loyalists, 151.
Abraham, on Washington's proclamation,

on British conduct, 108 n.
Clark,
letter, 61 n;
committee
Clark, Daniel, court-martial, 485.

Clarke, Ma]., John, aide to Greene,
9.
Clements, Cornet {Lieut.) Henry, cavalry promotion, 338.

Clinton, Gen. George, letters to, 33, 56, 165, 240, 339, 409, 444, 460, 474;
recruiting, new regiments, officers, 33, 34, 56, 240, 419; command,
165/2,
2400, 319; brigadier general in
444; and
movement
line, 340, 445; militia

of loyalist corps, 455, 460, 474.
call,
and transfer of Heath, 93; for Northern army, 123,

126, 128; letters to, 128, 360; post, influence, 179, 196; river transportation, 359, 360; and possible British movements, 387, 474.
Clinton, Gen. James,
Clothier general, appointment, 69, 418. See also Mease, James.
Clothing, bounty, 8; need, 13, 63, 249, 274; appropriated by states en

route, 13, 63, 64, 116, 118, 230, 421; supply, watch coats, 16; distribution, allotment, 58, 60, 112, 127, 156, 202, 229, 421, 429, 472;
returns, 69, 156, 184; reform in regulations, 69; additional regi-
ments, 139; purchase, 156; withholding from sick, 157; transportation, 249; cavalry,305, 324; lack as excuse,358; negligent regimental
commanders, 366; alterations, 421 estimates for 1778, 422; for

time drafted men, 456. See also Mease, James; Uniforms.
;
Clove,
N.
short-
Y., 427.
Clymer, George, executive committee at Philadelphia, letters to, 112/2,

143 n, 202, 220, 400; Washington apology and commendation, 203.
Coates, Capt. John, company, 412; service, 412 n.
Cochran, Dr. John, movements, special duty, 38, 44; letter to, 44; hospital plan, 64 n, 72, 149; smallpox precautions, 76/2; Washington on
appointment, 398, 399; service, 398/2.
Collins,
plot, 346, 410.
Combs, Robert, 228.
Commander
in chief, apology to executive committee, 203; deference to

Congress, 214; necessity of showing optimism, 222/2; and separate
commands,
291; press of business, 295; horse, 342;
and
staff depart-
ments, 383; uniform, 452. See also next title; Continental army;
Dictatorial powers; General orders; Guards; Headquarters; Military science; Military secretaries; Proclamations.
Commander in Chief's Guard, title, 436/2;
reorganization, specifications,
452, 453, 494; adjunct cavalry troop, 494 n.
508
Commerce, through West
Indies, 10772; military imports, 216 72, 328,
33' 334> 335' 349* See a^so Secret committee.
Commissary, confusion and
irregularities, 160, 161, 183, 189, 304, 326.
See also next tides; Arms; Blankets; Clothing; Equipments; Magazines; Provisions; Quartermaster department; Stores.
Commissary
general. See Trumbull, Joseph.
Commissary general
of forage, proposed, 65. See also Biddle, Clement;
Forage.
Commissary general of musters. See Mustermaster general.

Commissary of military stores, cannon casting, 301; appointment,
418.
See also Cheever, Ezekiel; Flower, Benjamin.
Commissary of prisoners
of war, appointment, duties, 192, 343, 418.
See also Boudinot, Elias.
Commissioners
at Paris, and reconciliation conference, 148 n, 226ft;

Franklin's arrival, 206, 226; foreign volunteers, 363, 429.
Committees (councils) of
326;
New York,
safety,
Communication. See Express;

Post
Pennsylvania, 34, 78, 82, 145, 185, 262,
116; Simsbury, Conn., 316.

Intelligence; Intercourse with the
enemy;
office.
Company, rangers, 14; components, 245.

Compo, Conn., British landing, 487 n.
Comstock, Lieut. Col. Adam,
letters to, 91; recruiting
regiment, 91.
Condit, Col. David, militia regiment, 159.

Congress's
also
Own
Regiment, special appellation disapproved, 436 n. See
Hazen, Moses.
Connecticut, quota of battalions, 43 n; cavalry regiment, 51, 58, 81, 122,

I 35 34> 35> 3^8, 44; exchange of prisoners of war, 84, 87; extra
bounty, and additional regiments, 85-87, 91, 120, 139/*, 229, 469;
use of new levies, 113, 118, 119, 427, 455; recruiting in, conditions,
inoculation, fund, 128-131, 156, 230, 259, 276, 277, 316, 318, 331,
334, 342, 355, 357, 397, 439; arms, collection, purchase from France,
21672, 230; prisoners of war accounts, 231, 316; appropriating clothing en route, 230; Massachusetts ill feeling, 234 n, 352/2; new call
of militia, for Hudson River, 253, 257, 260, 318, 332, 339, 340, 348,
425, 450, 467, 491; fear of British movement, 269; militia retirement, 271 n; circular letter to line colonels, 277; brigades, 355; super-
numerary
militia officers, 368; supplies for British, 40272; loyalist
recruits, 403, 410; volunteers, status, 439; short-term draft, 450, 456459; Danbury raid, 454, 460, 466, 474, 487, 490, 494. See also next
titles;
New
England.
Connecticut, governor of. See Trumbull, Jonathan.
INDEX
509
Connecticut Eighth Regiment. See Chandler, John.

Connecticut First Regiment. See Huntington, Jedidiah.
Connecticut Fifth Regiment. See Bradley, Philip Burr.
Connecticut Fourth Regiment. See Durkee, John.

Connecticut Second Regiment. See Webb, Charles.
Connecticut Seventh Regiment. See Swift,
Heman.
Connecticut Sixth Regiment. See Douglas, William.
Connecticut State Library, material from, 368.

Connecticut Third Regiment, preparations for march, 443.
Wyllys, Samuel.
Connor, Ma]. Morgan,
line
See also
promotion, 374; service, 374 n; acting adju-
tant general, 375, 382.
Continental army, Washington on New England troops, 53; and stateservice regiments, 89; sectionalism, 124; and local defense, 156, 273,
317, 350; frontier, 181; proper formation and success, 199; skirmish
in Maryland, 229; separate commands, 290, 291; naval details, 292;
plan for grenadiers, 486. See also Additional regiments; Articles
of war; Artificers; Artillery; Boats; Brigades; Campaign of 1777;
Cavalry; Communication; Company; Crimes; Drill; Fortifications;
Funds; Furloughs; General orders; German Battalion; Guards;
Health; Indians; Military science; Militia; New Jersey campaign;
Newport; Officers; Prisoners of war; Quarters; Rangers; Recruiting; Regiments; Returns; Scouting; Staff.
Continental Congress, prisoners of war, retaliation for Lee,
cartel, 1, 207,
211, 21372, 225, 226, 252, 253, 259, 300, 311, 313, 314, 31472, 375/2;
medical department, 23, 28 n, 64 72, 381, 387, 430; currency, 39;
Papers, 39 72; new army, 43 n; Journals, 6qn; powder, 67; Washington's proclamation
British conduct in
New Jersey neutrals, 61 n; clothing, 69,

New Jersey, 103, 108; inoculation, 13272;
on
248;
pay-
of state advance, 135; antagonism to Washington, 16972; February alarm, 16972; delay in return to Philadelphia, 17772, 192;
bounty, 195; Washington's list of pressing matters, 206; Washington's deference, 214; arms, marking, 216, 21672, 288, 341; Lancaster
as meeting place, 221; Morris and Washington on deterioration,
22272, 225; Lee's request for a conference, 224, 225, 22572; futile
orders for reenforcements, 227; Gates and adjutant generalship, 231,
267; Eastern department command, 231, 232; appointment of
general officers, Arnold, mismanagement, 234, 236, 319, 352, 464;
impracticable orders for military operations, 286; Greene sent to
explain situation to, 294, 299301, 310; militia, 367, 445, 49272;
removal of stores, 380, 449; pay department, 380, 430; muster department, 381, 430, 447, 448; pay, 426, 430, 432; articles of war,
ment
510
430, 431, 439; memory of Warren and Mercer, 387; state appointment of officers, 435; regimental appellations, 43672; pensions, 482;
recruiting, 489. See also Board of War; Commissioners at Paris;
Executive committee; Foreign volunteers; President of Congress;

Reconciliation; Secret committee.
Conway, Gen. Henry Seymour, cartel, 190.

Conway, John, court-martial, 183.
Conway, Capt. John, British depredations, 443.
Cook, Col.
Ellis, militia
Cooke, Capt.
regiment, 159.
of Virginia, question of appointment, 295.
Cooke, Gov. Nicholas, letters to, 42, 88, 131, 216, 241, 349, 451; return
of arms to Massachusetts, 209, 217.
Cooke, Col. William,
Coren, Capt. Isaac,
letters to, 27872, 41772; absentees,
reproved, 4177*.
artillery artificers, 21; service, 21 n.
Cornell, Col. Ezekiel, letter to, 91; recruiting regiment, 91; appointment,
419.
Cornwallis, Charles, earl, letter
to, 141;
and new movement, 327; Bound
Brook, 427.
Coryells Ferry, guard, regulations, boats, 164, 166, 175, 188, 228.
Costigan, Lieut. Francis, court-martial, cashiered, 412, 422.
Councils of safety. See Committees of safety.

Councils of war, Heath's, before Fort Independence, 96 n.
Counterfeits, British, of paper
money, passed by
loyalists, 403,
435 n.
Countersign, wrongfully imparted, 484.
Courtenay, Capt. Hercules,
artillery
company,
145.
Courts-martial, general: of officers, 19, 122, 146, 152, 337, 338, 358, 365,
412, 422, 483; detail, orders, 140, 452; by detachment, commander
and execution of sentence, 180, 353, 404, 431, 439, 459; of rank and
file,
183, 184, 364, 412, 483-485; regimental, 72.
Courts of inquiry, 25, 163, 175, 443.

Cowardice, militia, 16; officers, penalty, 66, 76, 98, 105, 122, 146, 152,
338; inquiry, 473.
Cox, Col. Cornelius, intelligence, 16, 18; deputy quartermaster general,

16 n; cavalry appointment, 191; commissary of prisoners of war,
192; letter to, 368.
Craik, Dr. James, letter
Crane, Col. John,
to,
artillery,
Crawford, Col. Valentine,

Crawford, Col. William,
removal, 312.
479; hospital appointment, 479, 480.
regiment, use, 410, 467.

letter to, 3677; death, 3672.
letter to, 180;
regiment, movements, 180, 181;
INDEX
511
Crimes, bounty jumping, 251, 306, 484; officer "making a great noise,"
412. See also Absence; Courts-martial; Courts of inquiry; Depredations; Desertion; Discipline; Disobedience; Graft; Provost; Punishment.
Crosswicks, N.
J.,
troops
Cumberland County, N.
at, 14, 17.
militia, desertions, 45.
J.,
Cunningham, Robert, court-martial, 183.

Cushing, Thomas, equipment of troops, 383, 390; letter to, 390.
Custis, George Washington Parke, material from Recollections, 54 n,
453
John Parke,
Custis,
letter to, 52;
Danbury, Conn., British
account records, 54 n.
raid, 454, 460, 466, 474, 487, 490, 494; protec-
tion of magazines, 460.
Dandridge, Lieut. {Capt.) Alexander

Dandridge, John, and
artillery
S.,
cavalry promotion, 338.
commission, 63;
service,
630.
D'Arendt. See Arendt.

Davidson, William, court-martial, 484.
Davies, Capt. (Maj.) William, promotion, 312.
Davis, Sergt.
complaint, 25, 47.
Davis, William, complaint, 25, 47.
Dayton, Col. Elias, reenlistment of regiment, 27; letters to,

2j8n; public purchase of arms of regiment, 302, 303.
Dean, Capt. John, exchange, 107.

Deane, Silas, efforts in France and reconciliation conference,
loss to Congress, 222 72; foreign volunteers, 363, 429.
Deany, Capt. James, company, 431 n.
Dearborn, Capt. Henry, question of exchange,
2772, 61 n,
14872, 2267/;
85, 87.
Debts. See Loans.
De Haas,
Col. {Gen.) John Philip, post,
in,
164; promotion ,111 n, 486;
conduct, 219; service, 48672.
Delancey, Gen. Oliver,
Long
Delaware, quota of troops,

next titles.
Delaware, president
of.
Island, 24.
4372; militia in
New
Jersey, 160.
See also
See McKinley, John.
Delaware Bay, expected expedition
to, 346, 348, 349, 353, 361, 381; lower

defenses, 385; British warships in, 410, 411.
Delaware Legislature, and
desertions, 243.
Delaware Regiment, recruiting and

David.
officers,
243, 244, 397. See also Hall,
512
Delaware River, west-side defense
line, 82, 386, 400, 401, 411, 428, 453,

454, 467; securing boats, 164-166, 175-177, 188, 228; extortion at
ferries, 166; British portable bridge, 117, 185, 188, 305, 394, 414,
481; stopping deserters, 184; flatboats for American crossing, 386.
Democracy, and
discipline, 54.
Depredations and plunder, fences, 16; retention of plunder,
16, 37, 46;

militia foraging, 18; orders against, 47, 12072; pretext of loyalism,
57; foraging on Long Island, 306; officers and horses, 422. See also
Barbarity.
De
Rolland, Lieut. Sebastian, commission, 108; service, 108 n.
Desertion, British deserters not to be enlisted, 7; and division of bounty,

7, 14, 246; convalescents, 30; militia, with equipment, 30, 45, no,
179; prevalence, 81, 82; harboring, need of law against, 81-83;
bounty jumping, in, 112, 199, 251, 306, 364; trials, penalty, 163,
183, 184, 197, 204, 353, 412, 484; recruits, forwarding as check,
18072, 251; stopping at Delaware River, 184; need of general plan
against, 191; from British, information, 198, 314, 431; apprehension, duty, 199, 475; measures to check, 243; wholesale, or bounty
graft, 318; pardon on rejoining, 364; officers permitting, 412; arrearage of pay as cause, 480. See also Absence without leave.
Deshields, Capt.
Dey, Col. Theunis,
shipmaster, capture and escape, 339, 341.
post, 461; force, 461 n.
Dickinson, John, loss to Congress, 222 n.
Dickinson, Gen. Philemon, militia in
New
Jersey campaign, 12, 13;
letters to, 45, 97;*, 159, 19072, 285/2; militia call,
replacement, 45,
159; skirmish, 48; foraging expedition, 97; post, 101;

415.
Dictatorial
Duyckink,
powers to Washington, appointment and promotion of
offi-
cers, 7, 11, 14, 34, 36, 39, 40, 63, 68, 181, 239, 240, 243, 246, 247,
250, 295, 296, 308, 312, 327, 336, 338, 346, 384, 398, 399, 470; enlist-
ment of
n;
artillery establishments, 1823, 139, 147; procJersey neutrals, 36, 37, 61, 62, 107, 109, 120,
142144, 175, 188190, 227; circular letters to states, 58, 82, 113,
118; hospital arrangement, 71; authorizing companies, 294; report
Indians,
lamation on
New
on appointments, 417419.
Diggs, Cornet Cole, cavalry commission, 339.
Digman,
Peter, court-martial, 183.
Dilworth, John, court-martial, 485.

Dirks, Capt. Jacob Gerhard, company, 183.
Discharges, continuance by time-expired men, 29, 53, 179, 334, 335; of

militia, 55, 56. See also Recruiting (reenlistment).
INDEX
Discipline,
513
and democracy, 54; dissentions and lack, 326; bad effect of

See also Absence without leave; Cowardice; Crimes.
militia, 402.
Disobedience to orders,
322, 365, 483; unauthorized
officers,
movements,
473-
Dobbs
Ferry,
N.
Y., feint, British transports, 474, 487.
Douglas, Col. William, circular
Downingtown,
Draft from
Pa.,
letter to, 277/2;
regiment brigaded, 355.
magazine, 250.
Washington advocates, 43, 334, 354; Massachusetts

and fines, 316, 351, 469 n; Connecticut shortclothing and arms, 425, 450, 456458.
militia,
short-time, substitutes
time, use,
Dragoons. See Cavalry.

Drill, need, essentials, 371.
Duane, James,
loss to
Congress, 222 n.
Dubois, Col. Lewis, recruiting and command, 39; service, 39/2; circular
letter to, 277 n; post, 291; officers, 420; returning detachments, 424.
Ducker, Mrs.
W.
Duer, William,
regimental
H., letter possessed by, 92/2.
letters to, 13, 92, 255;

officers,
Dunlap, John, imprint, 61 n\
Dunn,
Heath's expedition, 92, 93, 95, 9677;
93; intelligence, 221 n.
Lieut. (Capt.) Isaac
letter to,
372; military notice for paper, 372.
3udd, brigade major,
25; brigade orders,

184; service, 184/2; acting adjutant general, 218, 382; goes to Philadelphia, 382.
Du Plessis.
See Mauduit.
Durkee, Col. John,
New
Jersey campaign, 15; circular letter to, 277/?;

recruiting, 316; regiment brigaded, 355.
Durkee, Capt. Robert, rangers, 484; death, 484/2.

Duyckink, Col. Christopher, arrest as spy, civil or military
trial,
414-
416, 493.
Eastern department, Heath commands, 231, 232; funds, 232, 430. See
also Heath, William;
Eddy, John, indictment,
Ward, Artemas.
450/2.
Edgar, John, court-martial, 485.
Edmonstone, Maj. Charles(?), question of exchange, 113; conduct on

parole, 275, 281, 293.
Elizabethtown, N.
J.,
loyalists,
removal, 142.
Ely, Col. John, regiment, 114; prisoner of war, 114/2.
Emmet
Collection, material from, 61 n.
Engineers, foreign volunteers, 102, 388; need, 388; Gridley, 441/7.
514
Enlistments. See Recruiting.
Eppes, Lieut. Col. Francis, death, 312.
Equipments, enlisted Indians,
and supply,
12; recruits, state collection
60, 72, 78, 194, 200, 216, 244, 331; carried off
by
militia, 45, 73, 78;
militia without, not to be sent, 104; cavalry, difficulties, 123; repair,
157; state, for militia, 250; recruiting returns as check on requisistamping, 457. See also Arms; Baggage; Commissary.
tions, 306;
Erskine, Sir William, foraging, skirmish, barbarity, 99, 103, 105, 109,
152.
Essex County, N.
militia ordered out, 158, 159.
}.,
Eustace, Maj. John Skey, Lee's request, movements, 154; service, 154 n.
Executive committee of Congress at Philadelphia,
and magazines
202, 220, 226, 400;

apology, 164, 203.
letters to,
at Philadelphia,
H2,
143 n,
Washington's
Express, negligence, 17; relays to Philadelphia, stations and riders, 346,

348, 427.
Faneuil,
foreign enlistment schemes, 39, 169-171, 174, 429; brevet,
429.
New Jersey order, army's observance, 98,
Fast,
Fatigue parties, orders,
officers' neglect,
102.
423. See also Fortifications.
Faye, Nathaniel, court-martial, 484.

Fellows, Lieut.
Fellows, Capt.
flag of truce, 57.
Amos,
prisoner of war, accusation against, 42, 57.
Fences, using for fuel forbidden, 16.
Ferguson, Lieut. William, capture, 411; service, 411
n.
Fernandis, Lieut. James, information, 402, 403, 409; service, 402 n; bears
letter,
445.
Ferries, guarding, 13;
manning by
troops, 127; extortion
on the Dela-
ware, 166; Stacks, 152; stopping deserters, 184.

Fields, Mrs.
house, 141.
Fifteenth Regiment, British, 455.

Fifty-second Regiment, British, 431.
Finances. See Accounts; Bills of exchange; Funds; Loans;
Money; Pay.
Fines, militia, 186, 189; officer, 422; draft, 469 n.
Finnie, Col. William, deputy quartermaster general, horse rations, 324.

First Artillery, 63 n. See also Harrison, Charles.
First
Dragoons,
officers,
338. See also Bland, Theodorick.
Fisher, Henry, information, 410.
INDEX
Fishkill,
N.
Y.,
Fister, Capt.
removal of
artillery,
515
425; inoculation, 432.
Henry, court-martial, cashiered,
19, 338.
Fitzgerald, Ma]. John, letters written by, 8n, 22 n, 31 , 34 n, 63*1, gjn,
ggn, 2iSn, 231 n, ztfn, 387/z, 3880, 40672, 470/2, 475 n.
Flag of
truce, protection,
Taylor instance, 210; improper use, 272. See
also Intercourse.
Flahaven, Capt. John, company, 201; service, 201 n\ unauthorized attack,

missing, 473.
Fleming, Col. Thomas, death, 313.

Flour, securing at mills, 15, 48 n; from
also Provisions.
Mohawk
Valley, 485, 491. See
Flower, Lieut. Col. Benjamin, artillery establishments, 19-22, 32; Artillery Artificer Regiment, 190; letters to, 20, 340; on barbarity, 152;
stamps for marking arms, 341; appointment, 418.
Forage, supposed British scarcity, removal from front, 9, 15, 81, 90, 94,
95, 97, 104, 118, 143, 168, 204, 221 n, 223, 255, 271; regimental allowance for saddle horses, 9; supply in New Jersey, 15; commissary,
65, 346/2; expedition to destroy, on Long Island, 119; British supply,
165; improper magazines, Neutral Ground, 292, 293.
Ford, John, court-martial, 183.
Ford, Worthington
Foreign
relations.
C,
material from edition, 16/2, 18/2, 192/2.
See France.
Foreign volunteers, Faneuil's enlistment schemes, 39, 169 171, 174,

429; Washington on problem, language, 40, 133, 170, 174, 177, 363;
minor, 108, 133, 174; engineers, Pellisier, 102, 388; inquiry into
merits and dismissal, 134 72; Congress on requirements, language,
171 n; reported arrival, 330; Preudhomme de Borre, 363, 429, 430,
441; artillery, 399.
Forman,
Col. David, letter to, 8/2; Taylor incident, 210; calling militia,
344> 345; removing supplies, 345, 363, 449; appointment, 419;

clothing, 421.
Fort Constitution, garrison, 291.

Fort Independence, Heath
affair,
31 n, 48, 65, 92, 94, 96/2, 99, 100, 124;
possible further attempt, 125.
Fort Island, Delaware Bay, smallpox hospital, 76.
Fort Keyser, N. Y., 1630.

Fort Montgomery, command, 126 n; garrison, 291.
Fort Pitt, command, 486.
on the Delaware, manning, 82, 411; Boston, 87; Pelissier's

plan for Northern army, 123, 196, 275; Pompton, 461. See also Fatigue; "Fort" titles; Highlands; Obstructions; Ticonderoga; Tools.
Fortifications,
516
Foster,
of
New Jersey,
supplies from, 143.
Foster, Dr. Isaac, letters to, 52, 432; temporary hospital charge, 52; appointment, 432; inoculation, 432, 460.
Fourth
Artillery, 25 n.
Fourth Regiment,
See also Procter, Thomas.
British, 455.
Fox, Joseph, information, 478.

Foxchaft, John, question of exchange, 79.
France, arms and other supplies from, 40, 69, 216 72, 328, 330, 334, 335,
349, 386; attitude and actions, 108, 463; American prizes, 206;
rumor of impending war, 342. See also Commissioners at Paris;
Foreign volunteers.
Francis, Col. Ebenezer, regiment for Ticonderoga, 486.
Franklin, Benjamin, arrival in France, 206, 226; loss to Congress, 222/1.

Franklin, Gov. William, dishonorable conduct, correspondence, 3 17, 344,
450, 476.
Frederick County, Md., militia for

Fredericksburg,
N. Y.,
stores
Freeman, Robert, paymaster,
New
Jersey, 204.
and Danbury
raid, 487.
153.
French, Ma]. Samuel, commissary of military

Fries, Lieut.
Henry, appointment,
stores,
marking arms,
341.
187.
Frink, Daniel, exchanged, information, 403.

Frontier, Virginia regiment, 181; Fort Pitt, 486.
Fuel,
wood
regulations, 16;
no
fences, 16; British supply, 24.
Fulton, Alexander, court-martial, pardon, 404, 405.
Funds
(military chest), recruiting, 7, 51, 58, 7472, 81, 112, 112/2, 122, 135,
72, 148, 165, 209, 230, 347, 389, 406, 460; artillery, 21,
135, 139; Washington's army, need, supply, 51, 81, 84, 112, 112/2,
139, 140, 143
143 n, 148, 232, 288, 389, 430; quartermaster department, 128; state
advance, payment, 135, 368; clothier general, 248; need of constant
supply, estimate of monthly advances, 301, 315; cavalry equipment,
304, 440; intelligence, 43872; prisoners ofwar, 446, 476, 491; Ticonderoga, 485. See also Accounts; Finances; Loan Office; Pay.
Furloughs, for recuperation on reenlistment,
11,
219 n;
recall,
misuse,
reproof, 417, 467; exceptional case, caution, 475.
Gaine,
Hugh, Livingston
Gallagher,
Gallakin,
Lyman
,
on, 18772; advertisement
H., letter possessed by, 101/2.
complaint, 25.
Galleys. See Boats.
Galloway, Joseph,
plot,
and Hughes, 478.
on
counterfeits, 434.

INDEX
517
Gamble, Capt. Thomas, prisoner of war, complaint,
4; travel
permit
re-
fused, 70, 161.
Gansevoort, Col. Peter, circular

tachment, 424.
letter to,
277 n; post, 291; returning de-
Gates, Horatio, letters to, 72, no, 141, 163, 176, 197, 218, 231, 244, 267,
Delaware, 228; and
485; post at Philadelphia, no; boats on the
adjutant generalship, letter, 231, 238, 267, 268, 471; cartel, 232;
recruiting frauds, 251, 263; Ticonderoga, 268 n, 471, 485; Wilkinson
aide, 374.
Geiger, Col. Henry, regiment brigaded, 184.

80.
(Morristown: ijjj, January): acting
adjutant general, rejoining regiments, 5; major general's aide, appointment, brigade majors, regiment wagons and saddle horses,
forage, 9; fuel, delivery of plunder, guard for governor, guard reports, 16; court-martial, provost, 19; court of inquiry, passing outer
General orders, familiarity,
guard, brigade major, 25; brigade and regiment parades, alarm signals, aide, 40; plunder, depredations, court of inquiry, 46; marching order, 47; artillery arrangement, brigade returns, 55; regiment
courts-martial, 72; company assignment, wagoners, 77; hides and
tallow, familiarity with general orders, arms and ammunition returns, 80; recruiting, 88; {February) Stockton's papers, general
returns, 92; fast day, horse ration, 98; fast day, 102; bounty jumpin; use of artillery horses, shoeing horses, arms and ammu-
ing,
mounting, 121; court-martial, 122; liquor ration,

court-martial, 140; general parade, 140; wagoners, artillery drivers,
143; inoculation, appointments, 153; commissary abuses, horses,
nition, guards,
and brigade orders,

regiment assignment, clothing returns,
184; brigade quarters, regiment and company assignments, arms
and ammunition, 200; ropemakers, reprieve, 204; (March) aide,
acting adjutant general, 218; aide, 280; reprieve, 285; appointment,
296; major general's aide, public purchase of arms of regiment, 302;
reprieve, pay abstracts, 311; promotions, 312; rank, 320; convalescents, 321; reprieve, 324; courts-martial, promotions, 337; (April)
cruelty to horses, reprieve, 351; detachments, 357; court-martial,
358; acting adjutant general, 382; judge advocate, police, 382; subaltern rank controversy, returns of arriving recruits, straggling,
returns, aide, 161; courts-martial, adjutants
183;
Delaware River
rolls,
parades, arms
passes,
and ammunition, alarm, 391; church, 407;
major general's
aide, 407; courts-martial, 412; court-martial, transportation, fatigue, guard, 422; stamping arms, 428; trespass on
442; preparations for march, 442; police, 451; regiment

pay abstracts, surgeons and medicines,
guard houses, 465; arms and ammunition, tents, roaming by offifields,
orders, court-martial, 451;

cers, court-martial, 482.
518
General Washington's Life Guard,
George
III of
title
disapproved, 436 n.
England, speech to Parliament, 107.
Georgia, armed ship captured, 5; quota of battalions, 43 n\ not included

in circular letter, 82 ; proposed St. Augustine expedition, 297299.
See also South.
Georgia, president
See Bryan, Jonathan.
of.
Germain, Lord George, on General Lee as prisoner, correspondence, in.
German
Battalion, trial of officers, 20, 338; depleted, 29; command, 348;

commander, 417; sick and absent, reproof, 417.
letter to
German
troops. See Mercenaries.
Getshius, Capt.
shipmaster, prisoner of war,
Gibbs, Capt. Caleb, gloves from, 38;
command,
5.
38; letters written by,
17472, 195.72, 21372, 27872, 28872, 36472, 44172; letter to, 452; equip-
ment
of
Commander
in Chief's
Guard, 452, 453.
Gibson, Capt. (Maj.) George, promotion, 312.
Gilman, Col. David, continuance of regiment in
service, 179.
Gist, Col. Mordecai, circular letter to, 27972.

Gist, Col. Nathaniel, letters to, 6, 11; recruiting rangers,
command,
6, 7,
419; enlisting Cherokees, 11, 102.
Glover, Gen. John, promotion, appeal to accept, 237, 471473; letters

23772, 471; recruiting, 237, 489; command, 384.
Godfrey, Carlos E.,
Commander
in Chief's
to,
Guard, 494/2.
Graft, recruiting returns, 218, 239, 250, 257, 262, 318, 381; horse transaction, 301; officers, militia, 365, 367; pay, 481.
Grain, check on
distilling, 250.
See also Flour; Forage; Provisions.
Grant, Gen. Francis, baggage captured, 37;

Grayson, Col. William, appointment, 419.
Bound Brook,
427.
Green, Maj. {Lieut. Col.) John, promotion, 312.
Green Woods, Mass., march
by, 473, 485.
Greene, Col. Christopher, question of exchange and command, 242;

circular letter to, 27772.
Greene, Jacob(?), duck, 270.

Greene, Gen. Nathanael, aide,
9; artillery, artificers, 22; letters to, 14872,

300, 311, 313; Sullivan's jealousy, 290; post, 290; sent to enlighten
Congress, 294, 299301, 310; Washington on, 294, 299; British and
absence, 327;
on passing over Arnold, 352; Duyckink, 415.
Grenadiers, plan, 486.

Gridley, Col. Richard, letter
to,
441; service, 441
72.
Grier, Lieut. Col. David, circular letter to, 278 n.

Griffin, Col.
Samuel(?), and appointment, 191.
INDEX
519
Guards, Governor Livingston, 17; daily reports, 17; provost, 20; winter
camp, mounting, 121, 140; drunk and absent, 364, 412, 413, 483;
officers' neglect, 423; Commander in Chief's, 436/2, 452, 453, 494;
policing guard houses, 466.
Guild,
ordnance
bill,
441 n.
Gurney, Lieut. Col. Francis, information, 262, 266;

Hackensack, N.
J.,
service,
266k.
supplies for British, 179; British troops, 388;
Amer-
ican troops, 443, 461, 492.

Half-pay, for disabled, 8.
Hall, Col. David,
command,
244/2; circular letter to, 278 n.
Hall, Col. Josias Carvil, circular letter
to,
279 n.
Hallett, Capt. Jonathan, appointment, 419.
Hallock, Capt. William, exchange, 107; capture, 107/2.

Halstead, Richard, court-martial, 484.
Hamilton, Capt. (Lieut. Col.) Alexander, mentioned, 38; letters written
by, 214 n, 219/2, 231/2, 232/2-234/2, 240/2, 241/2, 258/2, 265/2, 269/2,
270/2, 276/2-279/2, 291/2, 294/2, 298/2, 305/2, 320/2, 368/2, 369/2,
400/2, 402/2, 445/2, 462/2, 477/2, 487/2, 489/2; Washington's aide,
218; attestation, 247/2; on Washington's illness, letter, 268/2; on

examination of loyalists, letter, 450/2.
Hamilton, Capt. James, capture, 327.

Hanchet, Capt. Oliver, exchange, 84.
Hancock, Ebenezer, funds, pay orders on, 332, 342, 430.

Hancock, John, on retaliation, letter, 214/2; on Gates and adjutant generalship, 231, 267/2; on Gates to Ticonderoga, 268/2; on cartel, letter,
314/2. See also President of Congress.
Hand,
Col. (Gen.) Edward, regiment, depleted, 29, 241; letters to, 278/2,
289; recruiting, delay, reproof, 289; British deserters, 314; returns
required, absence, 326, 327; Fort Pitt, 486.
Harding, Hulver, court-martial, 484.

Harding, Stephen, court-martial, 484.
Harford County, Md., militia for New Jersey, 104, 204, 205.
Harmar, Capt. (Maj.) Josiah, company assigned to artillery, 76; at courtmartial, 364, 412, 422, 452; temporary command, 452; service, 452/2.
Harness, making
artillery, 20.
Harrison, Benjamin, loss to Congress, 222/2.

Harrison, Col. Charles, letter
to, 63; officers
of regiment, 63.
Harrison, Lieut. (Capt.) Cuthbert, cavalry promotion, 338.

Harrison, Lieut. Col. Robert Hanson, letters to, 37, 155, 246; ill, 38;
letters written by, 115/2, 116/2, 125/2, 126/2, 132/2, 133*2, 137^, I4i>
WASHINGTON
V/RITINGS OF
520
142ft, 14572, 149ft, 155ft, 163ft, i6gn, 172ft, 182ft, 195ft, 197ft,
202ft, 206ft, 213ft, 221 , 227ft, 236/2, 24472, 246ft, 253ft, 2 57 w >
288ft, 294ft, 298ft, 299ft, 300ft, 310ft, 311ft, 314ft, 315ft, 318ft,
3 2 9-33 IW 337"> 34 x > 34 2 "> 344 3 8o > 3 8 9 w > 44"> 45>

409ft, 410ft, 428ft, 438ft, 446ft, 44872-45072, 454ft, 460ft, 469ft,
477ft, 488ft, 491ft, 494ft; cartel negotiations, 141, 155, 232, 236,
246, 252, 313, 375, 388.
Hart, John,
loyalist, 403.
Hartford, Conn., artillery establishment, 19, 23, 69.
Thomas,
Hartley, Col.
letter to, 374; officers of
regiment, 374; appoint-
ment, 419.
Hartshorne, Lawrence, supplies for British, 433, 434, 478.
Haws, Samuel,
Hay,
Col.
court-martial, 483.
Ann Hawkes,
appeal for troops, 317.
Hay. See Forage.

Hazard, Ebenezer, information, 330.
Hazen,
Col. Moses, regiment,
tions for
name, 40,
136, 138,
436 ft, 461ft; prepara-
march, 442.
Headquarters, Morristown,
formation, 199, 200.
1;
need of maps, 65; Virginia plans for
in-
illness in army, 149; illness as check to recruiting, 244; Washington's illness, 268 ft. See also Half-pay; Medical department;
Health,
Police; Sick; Smallpox.
Heard, Col. Nathaniel,
letters to, 366,
440; militia regulations, 367; posi-
tion, 438, 440, 443, 460, 461, 493.
Heart, Lieut. Col. Selah, question of exchange, 85; service, 85ft.
Heath, Gen. William, movement on
New York City, Fort Independence
affair, 10, 24, 26, 29, 31, 32, 48, 65, 66, 71, 81, 90, 92, 94, 96ft, 99,
100, 103, 116, 117, 119, 124, 125, 221 ft; letters to, 11, 23, 31, 70,
90, 94, 99, 125, 232, 282, 314, 331, 335, 342, 358, 383, 429, 472;
Jersey movement, 30, 31, 94, 95, 104; on Fort Inde-
proposed
New
pendence
affair, letters, 31ft, 96ft; Wallace's plate, 107; question

of supersession, Washington's censure, 93, 99, 100; leave, 95, 125,
173; Sullivan's jealousy, 290; command of Eastern department, 231,
232; recruiting and forwarding troops, orders to, 280-283, 3 J 5 33 2

335, 383-385, 472, 486, 489; ordnance account, 441.
Hendricks, Lieut. Col. James,
at court-martial, 183; service, 183
ft.
Henley, Col. David, raising regiment and command, 14 ft, 139, 308, 322,
419, 468.
Henry, Gov. Patrick,
letters to, 199,
407; on recruiting conditions, 397.
INDEX
Hertz, Emanuel, acknowledgment
Heyward, Thomas, committee on
to,
521
371 n.
British conduct, 108 n.
Hides, conservation, 80.
Highlands, securing, force,
command,
444, 477;
militia, 94, 179, 240, 255, 291, 340, 425, 427,

126, 128, 179, 196, 240 n; artillerymen, 180.
Hill, James, Custis estate, 54.
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, material from, 56, 362, 405.
Hoboken, N.
J.,
Hoff, Charles,
possible
movement, 444.
See Holt.
jr.
Hoffner, Ensign George, movements, 145; service, 145 n.
Hogs. See Catde.

Holt (Hoff), Charles, jr., ordnance, 275 n, 319.
Hooper, William,
loss to
Hopkins, David, bears
Congress, 222 n.
letter, 9;
captaincy, 10 n.
Horses, regimental, 9; concealed by captors, 17;

ness, use, drivers, 20, 121
artillery,
making
har-
removing from British front, 97, 104, 1 18,

324; foray on Long Island, 120; shoeing,
119, 146, 345; ration, 98,

121, 423; use of public, 161; British need, 223; for general officers,
cash allowance, 284; purchase, graft, 301, 303; Washington and

purchase of worn-down mares, 301, 302; charger acquired by Washington, 342, 473; cruelty, 351; sent to Mount Vernon, 360; seizure
by officers, 422. See also Cavalry; Forage; Transportation.
Hospitals, convalescents, returning to ranks, desertions, 30, 320, 321;
new plan, delay in adoption, 45, 64, 64 n, 71, 149-15 1, 250, 286,
381, 387, 398, 430, 436, 440; field, 45; appointments, Washington's
activity, 52, 192, 193, 479; smallpox, 76; temporary, for marching
recruits, 261; regimental officers and sick in, 374; pay, 479. See also
Medical department.
House
of Representatives Collection. See Library of Congress.
Housegger, Col. Nicholas, conduct, 141, 219.
Howe, Richard,
viscounty letter to, 3; treatment of prisoners of war, 4;
reconciliation, 148 n.
Howe, Gen.
Robert, letter
to,
297; proposed St. Augustine expedition,
297-299.
Howe,
Sir William, letters to,
tion, correspondence,
1,
41, 235, 375;
on Lee as prisoner,
in, 252 n; and barbarity,
retalia-
15 n, 103,
108, 109; cartel negotiations, 141, 155, 246, 252; reconciliation,
Jersey, 168, 172, 175, 176, 196, 223. See also Cam148 n; in
paign of 1777;
Jersey campaign; Newport.
New
New
letter,
522
Hubley, Lieut. Col. Adam, circular
letter to, 27872.
Hudson
River, obstruction, chain, 64, 445; naval construction, 65; possible British movement, 221 72, 333, 339, 340, 342, 347, 387, 394, 400,
413, 425,^ 426, 437, 444, 454, 455, 474, 477, 487; galleys, 292; possession vital to Americans, 334; transportation by, 359, 360, 362;
removal of magazines, 425. See also Highlands; Peekskill.
Hufnagel, Capt. Michael, appointment, 296;
services,
Hughes, Hugh, apprehension ordered, 475, 476.

Hughes, Col. Hugh, quartermaster department, on
296 n.
clothing, 117;
maga-
zine, 125; letter to, 127; post, 127.
Hull, Ma). William, commission, 268; service, 268 n.

Col. Richard, circular letter to, 278 72; plan for grenadiers, 486.
Humpton,
Hunter,
pistols, 324.
Hunter, Capt. John, appointment, 419.

Hunterdon County, N. J., militia, 12 n.
Huntington, Ma). Ebenezer, appointment,
11.
Huntington, Col. Jedidiah, letters to, 277 n, 357, 448; recruiting, slow,
357, 448; regiment brigaded, 355; Danbury raid, 487/2; on Wooster,
488 n.
Huntington Library, material from, 1, 144, 387, 410.
Hutchinson,
question of exchange, 451 n.
Impartial Chronicle, 187.
Independence, no recession, 218; dependence on military success, 266.

Indian dress, watch (match) coats,
16.
Indians, enlistment of southern, 12, 102; chiefs at headquarters, 329.

Inoculation, fear, precautions, 73, 75, 158; general in army, military
problem, 105, in, 128-132, 162, 176, 204, 228, 230, 233, 237, 238,
271, 288, 292; regulations, 153; of recruits, delays, 157, 216, 217,
219, 220, 237, 238, 245, 261, 271, 277-279, 283, 292, 307, 314, 315,
33 1 * 33 2 > 334> 349> 353> 355~357> 4 l6 > 43*> 44 6 > 49; emergent use
of troops, 197; cavalry, 30572, 324; of Washingtons, 360; officers to
supervise, 321; forwarding recruits on recovery, 406; Washington's
support, 409; unauthorized countermanding, 423, 432; of drafted
men, 459, 460.

Intelligence, need, securing, 16, 18, 10 1, 328;
from
New
York
City, 24;
deceiving the enemy, 30; British facilities, traveling officers on parole, 117, 162, 173, 202; need of officer, as duty of commissary of
prisoners of war, 192, 343; danger in Virginia plan for, from headquarters, 199, 200; Sackett's plan, 257; use of mercenaries, 371; elements of proper, 372; from British deserters, 431; funds, 43872. See
also Intercepted letters; Spies.
INDEX
523
letters, loyalist, 300, 317; suspected tampering, 438.

Intercourse with the enemy, checking, 264; passes to women discontinued, 478. See also Flag of truce; Intelligence; Loyalists; Prisoners
Intercepted
of war.
International law, intercourse with the enemy, 210.
Iron works, military exemption of workers, 464.

Iroquois Indians, Oneidas at headquarters, 329.
Irvine, Col. James, circular letter to, 278 72.
Irvine,
Matthew. See Irwin.
Irwin (Irvine), Capt. Matthew, commissary complaints, 183, 189;

to, 189; line appointment, 389, 419.
Jackson, Col. Henry, raising regiment and
468; letter
command,
letter
139, 140, 166, 419,
to, 165.
Jackson, Col. Michael, regiment for Ticonderoga, 485.
Jameson,
Adam,
express, 427.
Jameson, Capt. (Maj.) John, cavalry promotion, 338.

Jarvis,
James, court-martial, 183.
Jarvis,
Leonard, ordnance
Jay, John, letter

gress,
to, 167;
stores, 332.
New
York
military officers, 167; loss to
Con-
222 72.
Johannes, value, 365 72.
Johnson,
and
artillery
commission, 63.
Johnson, Gen. (Gov.) Thomas, jr., on lack of provisions, 189; termexpired brigade, 203, 205, 249; loss to Congress, 222 n; letters to,
381, 392, 479;
and
recruiting, 392, 405.
Johnston, Col. Francis, circular letter
to,
278 n.
Johnston, Lieut. Col. George, letters written by, 36 72, 42 n, ^6n, 5611,
5872, 61/2, 71/2, 75/2, 83/2, 9072-927*, 9772, 11172, 11872-12072, 126/2,
12972,
13572, 14372,
151
72,
159/2-16172, 16672, 17472, 18772, 18872,
19072, 19772, 21072, 21572 21772, 22972, 23572, 24172, 26172, 26272,
26472, 26672, 27772, 27972, 28172, 28472, 29072, 29572, 30772, 30872,
32572, 34272, 34672-34972, 35772, 36372, 36672, 36872, 37072, 37272,
37572, 38272, 39372, 42872, 43372, 44072, 44472, 46072, 47472-47772,

49572; Washington's aide, 37, 41; on an appointment, 29772; lends
equipment, 361; on order to Stephen, 438/2.
Johnston, Lieut. Col. James, and line commission, 80.

Jones, Capt.
exchange, 107.
Judge advocate, commission for general courts-martial, 180; Lawrence

succeeds Tudor, 382.
524
Kearsley, Capt. Samuel, appointment, 389, 419.

Kelly, Lieut. William, British barbarity, 103, 109, 152, 155.
Kenny (Keener),
Sergt. Barnet, court-martial, reduced, 412.
Kettles, supply, 466.
Key, Robert, court-martial, death sentence, 353.

Keyne, Thomas, British barbarity, 228.
Kidd, John, depredation on, 422.
Kings Bridge, N.
Kings Ferry, N.
Y., Heath's
Y., military
movement,
10, 29, 48, 81, 92, 94.
manning, 127; express
Kinsey, Capt. Jonathan, on suspected
to Philadelphia, 427.
loyalists, 404.
Kirchendal, John, court-martial, 485.

Kirkbride, Col. Joseph, militia in
New
Jersey campaign, 12, 13; letter
to, 13.
Kirkland, Rev. Samuel, with Oneidas at headquarters, 329.
Knight, Jacob, court-martial, 485.
Knox, Gen. Henry,

ments,
letters to, 18, 77, 126, 137, 289; artillery establish-
19, 23, 69, 146, 332; artillery recruiting
and
officers, 77,
138 ,
410, 467; artillerist for Northern army, 125, 127; funds, 135, 139;
control over artillery, 162; shot orders, 275; needed at camp, 263,
289; selects horse for Washington, 342; on Massachusetts powder
account, 390; ordnance casting, 442.

Laboratories, establishment,
Lake Champlain,
sites,
18-21, 23, 139, 146; activity, 301.
British advance not expected, 196, 209, 216, 273, 280,
282.
Lamar, Maj. Marion,
Lamb, Maj. John,
recruiting, 452; death, 452 n.
transfer to Ticonderoga, 125-127; artillery regiment,
467.
Land, military bounty, 8, 195; Black's accounts, 54; Washington on his

western, 181; Washington's Maryland, 308, 309. See also Mount
Vernon.
Lang, Capt. James, court of inquiry, 25, 47.
Langdon, John, powder for warships, 430.
Lattimer, Col. Jonathan, 489.
Lawrence, Capt. John, bears
letter,
347; service, 347 n; judge advocate,
382.
Lawrences Island, N. J., skirmish, 174.

Lawson, Lieut. Col. Robert, recruiting,
6; service,
Learned, Gen. Ebenezer, to Ticonderoga, 486.

Lee, Arthur, information, 462, 465.
6n.
INDEX
525
Lee, Gen. Charles, as prisoner, treatment, retaliation, exchange, i, 84,

207, 211, 2130, 220, 224-226, 235, 252, 253, 259, 300, 311, 314,
reconciliation conference,
314/2, 378, 379; desire for clogs, 148 n, 155;
148 n, 224, 225, 225 //, 252, 343, 344; letters to, 154, 343; visit by aide,
154, 252, 344; funds, 344; aide's resignation, 420.
Lee, Richard Henry, letters
to,
Lee, Richard Henry, Richard
251, 462.
Henry Lee,
material from, 252 n, 465 n.
Lee, Col. William Raymond, raising regiment, command, 139, 209, 419,
468; and adjutant generalship, 336, 337, 470; letter to, 337; service,
33777; bears funds, 460.
Legislatures, necessity of proper military measures, 266.
Leirs, Capt.
Lemon, John,
company,
25.
court-martial, 183.
Leonard, Dr.
bears letter, 459.
Lewis, Gen. Andrew, letters to, 234, 264; passed over for major generalship, 234, 235; ordered to New Jersey, 235; and recruiting, 264.
letter to, 279 n.
commission, 325.
Lewis, Francis, committee on British conduct, 108 n.
Lewis, Col. Charles, circular

Lewis, Fielding,
jr.,
Lewis, Capt. George,
letters
written by, 165/7, 173/2, 176/7, 181 n, 188/2;
cavalry company, guard for
commander
in chief, 305, 494/2; letter
for, 325.
Lexington, U.
S. S., 107/2.
Liberty pole, at Morristown, 122.
Library of Congress, material from House of Representatives Collection, 38/2.
Lieutenant general, proposed rank, 49, 51.

Lincoln, Gen. Benjamin, Washington's recommendation for line command, 52; in Heath's expedition, 96/2; militia in New Jersey, 146;
advance to militia, 179; letters to, 190/2, 438, 480, 486; term-expired
militia, 203, 205, 227, 254, 260;
Brook
major general in line, 234/2; Bound

pay arrears, 481/2.
post, action, 399, 411, 427, 438;
Lindsay, Cornet (Lieut.) William, cavalry promotion, 338.
Liquor, special ration only, 140; check on
condemned, 335; drunk

Liverpool,
H. M.
distillation, 250;
drunkenness
at post, 364, 412.
S., 5.
repentant loyalist, 317.

Livingston, Col. Henry Beekman, on recruiting in New York, 93; project against Long Island, 120, 182; regiment, officers, recruiting, 167,
172, 181, 347; letters to, 181, 277/2, 347; post, 292, 293; returning
Livingston,
detachments, 424; reproof for furloughs, 466.
526
Livingston, Col. James, Canadian regiment, 40.

Livingston, John, and appointment, 93.
Livingston, Robert R., loss to Congress, 222 n.
Livingston, Gov. William, guard, 17; letters
to, 56, 98, 134, 151, 155, 186,

227, 263, 266, 344, 363, 414, 450 n, 492; on Impartial Chronicle,
letter, 18772; loss to Congress, 222 n; on militia legislation, letter,
263 n.
Livingston, Lieut. Col. William Smith,
command,
9,
370; on recruiting,
3 6 9Livinston, David, court-martial, 485.
Loan
Office, state
paper money, 39/2; Washington and drafts, 58, 81;
obstacles, 81, 84, 112; recruiting funds, 139, 230.
Loans,
state
advance, 58. See also preceding
Long, Thomas, apprehension
title;
Accounts.
as spy, 462.
Long
Island, British troops, 24; projected expedition, 90, 11472, 119, 120,
129, 182, 221 n, 156, 306; oath of allegiance, 120; unauthorized
forays, restitution, 306.
Long
Island Sound, British warships, 269.
Lord
Stanley, prize, 492.
Loring, Joshua, letters to, 10, 42, 87, 113, 281, 494; British commissary
general of prisoners, exchanges, 10, 171, 258.
Loudon, Samuel, newspaper, 330.

Lovell, James, deputy quartermaster general in
Rhode
Lowrey, Col. Thomas, commissary appointment,
Island, 115.
60, 61.
New
Loyalists, not to be enlisted, 7; Washington's proclamation on

Jersey neutrals, sending into British lines, 36, 37, 61, 62, 106, 109, 120,
142-144, 175, 188190, 227; pretext for plundering inhabitants, 47,

Long Island and oath of allegiance, 120; treatment, military or
civil control, Washington's examination, 151, 450?*, 493; supplies
for British, checking, 165, 179, 433, 478; British enlistment, corps,
16972, 198, 403, 410, 492; Maryland rising, 229; rangers in Neutral
Ground, 256; as officers of enemy, exchange, 268, 458; in Pennsylvania, 274; conduct of interned, correspondence, 317, 344, 450, 476;
flight of pseudo, return, 317, 404; stock of absconded, 345; spy, 414
416; counterfeit money, 435/?; plots, apprehension, 475478. See
also Intercourse; Skinner, Cortlandt.
57;
Lucifer, reference, 187.
Luke, Cap:. John, exchange, 230, 259.

McClain, Charles, court-martial, 183.
McClanachan, Lieut. Col. (Col.) Alexander, promotion, 312;

495 n; men for Commander in Chief's Guard, 49572.
letter to,
INDEX
527
McClaugherry, John, court-martial, 485.

McCressin, Daniel, court-martial, 183.
McDonald,
Col.
Angus,
letter to, 296;
and commission, 296, 297 n, 308,
322, 361.
McDonald, Michael,
McDonald,
court-martial, 483.
Sergt. William, court-martial, reduced, 483.
McDonough, Maj. Thomas, appointment,
243; service, 243*8.
268 n, 291, 294,

35> 339> 347 3 8 7> 4 2 3> 43 1 > 454> 4 66 > 477> 4 8 75 illness, 126, 179;
Highlands, 126, 128, 477; and recruiting, 216, 217, 305; command,
McDougall, Gen. Alexander,
letters to, 126, 179, 257,
disposal, 278, 291, 319; Peekskill raid, 3280, 332, 339, 347, 348; and
British Hudson River plans, 387; inoculation, 423; information,
434;
Danbury
raid, 487, 494.
McDougall, Lieut. (Capt.) Ronald T., appointment, 294, 419.

McDougall, Maj. Stephen, appointment, 426; service, 426 n.
Machin, Capt.-lieut. Thomas, artillery appointment, 77; pay held up,
77; service, 77 n.
Mclntire, John, court-martial, 484.
McKay, Alexander,
court-martial, 485.
Mackay, Col. Eneas, regimental rank dispute, 145; death, 145 n, 326 n,
484 n.
McKay, Col. John, regiment, clothing, 202.

McKee, Ensign David, court-martial, 483.
McKenzie, Lieut. Robert,
letter to, 492.
Mackey, John. See McKay.

McKinley, Pres. John, letter
McLane, Capt.
Magaw,
to,
243.
Allen, letter to, 327; service, 327 n; intelligence, 328.
Col. Robert, letter to, 445.
of American History, material from, 55 n, 236 n, 32872, 335/z.

Magazines, foray on British Long Island, suggested, 90; Hudson region,
exposed, 125, 292, 294, 425; removal from Philadelphia, 164, 182,
Magazine
184, 185, 203, 221, 223, 226, 385, 402, 426; Pennsylvania, 250; destroyed at Peekskill, 328, 332, 333, 339, 347, 361, 426; and resources,
Jersey, 461; destroyed at Danbury,
402; protection, 459, 460;
(establishments); Commissary.
also
Artillery
See
494.
490,
487,
New
Major
generals, need, further appointments, 49, 51, 104, 234 n, 301; inArnold and Lewis, 234, 234 n, 251,
capacity, 100 n; passing over
252; horse allowance, 284.
Malcom, Col. William, militia in New Jersey campaign,

ment and command, 93; service, 93 n.
of Pompton, N. J., home, 427.
Mandeville,
,
16; raising regi-
528
Mansfield, Capt. Samuel, and Arnold, 116.
Maps, need of
military, 65;
Rhode
Island, 115.
Marches, injury to country, 408.
Marine committee,
Markham,
galleys
on the Hudson, 292.
Lieut. Col. John, promotion, 312, 313; cashiered, 3127*.
Thomas, promotion, 312; absence, 323;

323 n; regiment for Ticonderoga, 485.
Marshall, Lieut. Col. {Col.)

service,
Marshow,
of
New Jersey,
152.
278 n, 404; court-martial, 337; regiment, 358, 365; recruiting, 416.

Maryland, militia call pending new line troops, 30, 204; quota of battalions, 43 n; and exchange of prisoners of war, 84, 88; militia and
volunteers in New Jersey, 104, 189, 203, 205, 249, 346; cash bounty
Martin, Col. Ephraim,
letters to,
in lieu of land, 195 n; loyalist rising, 229; clothing supply, 249;

rank controversy, 265, 392-394, 397> 45> 46>
479; circular letter to colonels, 279; Washington's land purchase,
308, 309; post of troops, 486. See also next titles.
recruiting, officers,
Maryland, governor
of.
See Johnson, Thomas.
Maryland Fifth Regiment. See Richardson, William.

Maryland
First
Regiment, 114 72. See also Ware, Francis.
Maryland Fourth Regiment. See Hall, Josias Carvil.

Maryland Historical Society, material from, 382, 479.
Maryland Second Regiment. See
Maryland Sixth Regiment,
Thomas.
114?;. See also Shryock, Henry.
Maryland Third Regiment, hold

Mason, Col. David, circular
Massachusetts, militia in
Price,
over, 334. See also Gist, Mordecai.
letter to,
279 n.
New Jersey and New York, time expired, con-
9, 29, 74, 96 n, 146, 179, 203, 205, 254, 260, 286; quota of
battalions, 43 72; additional bounty, and additional regiments, 85-87,
136-139, 166, 178, 322, 349, 468, 469; recruiting, destination of new
tinuance,
troops, route, 113, 117-119, 124, 125, 131, 132, 147, 162, 197, 209,
216, 217, 233, 237, 269, 275, 280-283, 293, 314, 315, 318, 332, 335,
359, 360, 362, 383, 384, 396, 427, 429, 485, 486; inoculation of troops,
131, 132; arms to Rhode Island, return, 209, 217; arms for levy,
blankets, clothing, 21672, 358, 383, 386, 390; Connecticut ill feeling,
23472, 35272; short-term draft, substitutes and fine, 316, 351, 46972;
383, 390; powder making, 430; fear of attack on

Boston, 46372. See also next titles; New England.
powder account,
Massachusetts Council,
letters to, 136, 207.
Massachusetts Eighth Regiment. See Jackson, Michael.
INDEX
529
Massachusetts Eleventh Regiment. See Francis, Ebenezer.

Massachusetts Fourteenth Regiment. See Bradford, Gamaliel.
Massachusetts Historical Society, material from,
n,
31, 193, 332, 342,
359> 394-
Massachusetts Legislature,
letters to, 86, 280, 467.
Massachusetts Ninth Regiment. See Wesson, John.

Massachusetts Second Regiment. See Bailey, John.
Massachusetts Tenth Regiment. See Marshall, Thomas.
Massachusetts Twelfth Regiment. See Brewer, Samuel.
Matthews, Lieut. Col. (Col.) George, promotion, 313.

Plessis, Thomas Antoine, chevalier de, artillery appointment, 399; service, 399 n.
Maxwell, Gen. William, posts, 75, 443; letters to, 142, 158, 416, 481 n;
Mauduit du
discrepancies in brigade returns, 143; on lack of provisions, 189;

skirmish, 197; probable brigade, 416; an inquiry into cowardice,
474; pay arrears, 481 n.
Meade, Richard Kidder,
letters and orders written by, 278 n, 285 n, 288 n,

3230, 339 n, 340 n, 342 n, 389 n, 428 n, 461 n; Washington's aide, 280;
on
militia force, 461/?.
Mease, James, clothier general, distribution of clothing, 58, 60, 112, 117,
118, 127, 229; appointment, instructions, 69, 247-249, 418; plan,
148; purchase, 156; letters to, 247, 420; cavalry, 324; Washington
and department, 383, 386; blankets, 386; uniforms for Commander
in Chief's Guard, 453.
Medical department, British wounded at Princeton, 15; Morgan-Shippen

controversy, Morgan's dismissal, 23, 28 n, 70, 150; appointments,
delay, confusion, Washington's interest, 40, 319, 398, 399; pay, 71,
220; new regulations, 387; returns, 466. See also Health; Hospitals;
Surgeons.
Meigs, Ma]. Return Jonathan, exchange, 84; service, 84/2; promotion,
132.
Mentges, Ma]. Francis, post, 452; service, 452 n.

Mercenaries (Germans), retaliation on officers, 1, 2, 84, 212, 224, 252,
253, 259, 300, 311, 314, 314 n; conduct in New Jersey, 103, 108;
Washington's hint on possible need, 149; rumor of Russian, 317;
at Newport, 350; use for intelligence, 371.
Mercer, Gen. Hugh, Washington's final message, 18; death, 18/2;
honors to memory, 387.
Mercereau, John, letter to, 481; intelligence, 481 n; detail, 482.
Mercury, 330 n.
530
Middlesex County, N.
Mifflin, Jonathan,
J.,
militia call, 344.
deputy quartermaster general,
ill,
18.
Gen. Thomas, recovering stores, 18; militia in New Jersey, 29;

and wagonmaster general, 36; and commissary of forage, 65; excessive duties, 65; wagons and wagoners, 77, 83, 192, 270; letters to,
83, 151, 269, 283, 301, 303, 385; tents, 83, 270; tomahawks, 83; New
York command, 93; use of horses, 161; major general, 234/z, 301;
preparations for 1777 campaign, 284, 300, 303, 385, 386; accounts,
304; movements, 477.
Mifflin,
Miles, Col. Samuel, question of exchange, 79; riflemen, 145 n.
Military chest. See Funds.

Military power, examination of loyalists, 151, 450 n, 493. See also Dictatorial
powers.
Military science and art, passing a river, 115, 116; securing retreat, 115,
116; superior skill in firearms, 198; central point in defensive war,
concentration, 272-275, 281-283, 291, 293, 350, 401, 437.
Military secretaries and aides, to major generals, 9, 302, 374, 407; Johnston, 37, 41; Walker, purpose, 161, 199, 200; Hamilton, 218; Meade,
280.
New Jersey advance, at Morristown, 9, 37, 53, 160; orders after

New Jersey campaign, 12, 13, 15; conduct, 16; carry off equipment
Militia,
and
stores, recovery, 17, 18, 45, 49, 68, 73, 78, 195, 239, 349, 390;
dependence on pending new army, fluctuation, new call, 29, 30, 33

35> 45> 53> 59> 74> I0 4> II0 > x 4 6> 158-160, 168, 176, 179, 184, 189,
198, 203, 205, 213, 222, 244, 245, 249, 253-255, 257, 260, 262, 286,
288, 318, 319, 332, 339, 340, 342, 345, 348, 363, 413, 438, 440; Fort
Independence affair, 31 n, 48, 94 n, 96 n; Stirling's troubles, 33; desertion, and advance of pay, 45, 179; evils of dependence on, 53, 59,
198, 256, 270, 319; Philadelphia Light Horse, 55; dismissal, 55, 56;
needed reform in regulations, inadequate New Jersey law, 56, 79,
205, 254, 263, 344, 363, 367, 492; obligation of service, 57; character
of officers, dependence on, 57, 153; ranking of general officers, 93;
arming and equipment before forwardi&g, 104, no, 250; civilians
in line service
and exemption,
fines, 159, 186, 189; for
143; coercing response, extorting

defense, 179, 425, 444, 450,
home, 210; skirmish in Maryland,
Hudson River
467, 491; service at distance from

York front, 271 ; expense
229; term, 263 n; retirement from
of frequent calls, 288, 348; disloyal, 319; supernumerary officers,
367, 368, 445, 493; assumption of rank and pay, 367; irregular pay
New
abstracts, 367; pay regulations, 380; for Delaware River defense,

401; effect on discipline, 402; exemption of ironworkers, 464; re-
turns, 467, 468;
Mill
Town,
Pa.,
pay of absent general
magazine, 250.
officer,
488. See also Draft.
INDEX
Millstone River,
Mohawk
N.
J.,
531
flour mills, 15; action, 48.
Valley, flour for army, 485, 491.
Molesvvorth, James, loyalist spy, executed, 478 n.
Money, Johannes, 365 n. See also Paper money; Specie.

Monmouth County, N. J., skirmish, 169; militia call, 344, 493; removal
of supplies, 363, 449; loyalists, 433, 434.
Morgan, Col. Daniel, letter to, 495 ; men for Commander in Chief's
Guard, 49572.
Morgan, Dr. John, Shippen controversy, dismissed, 23, 28, 70; letter to,
28; conduct of hospital, 64; vindication, 150.
Morgan, Capt. William, company, 201 n.

Morris, Ma]. Apollos, and adjutant generalship,
67, 267; reconciliation

attempt, 67 n, 77, 78, 217, 218; letters to, 77, 217.
Morris, Ma]. Jacob, and Lee, 154, 252, 344; service, 15472; letter to, 419;
question of regiment, 419, 420.
Morris, Ma]. Joseph, supplies, 143; letter
Morris, Robert, letters
to,
475; detail, 475.
to, 1, 32, 68, 107, 11272, 14372, 184,
202, 220, 221,
Washingand commendation, 203; Washington on relations

and correspondence, 221; on Washington displaying optimism,
declining Congress, letter, 222 n; on Lee's request for conference,
226, 400; Washington's mail,
1;
ship, cargo of salt, 107;
ton's apology
letter,
225 n.
Morris, Capt. Samuel, light horse, 55.
Morris County, N. J., light horse, 37; militia in field, continuance, 158,
159; iron works, exemption of workers, 465.
Morrison, Capt. Isaac, company, 201; service, 201 n.
Morristown, N.
clothing
J.,
headquarters, letters and orders from, 1-495; lack of

122; returns of force, 161; St. Clair's
at, 13; liberty pole,
brigade, 200; general parade ground, 392.
Mount Vernon,
irregularity of news, 1; purchase of worn-down army

mares, 301, 302.
Moylan, Col. Stephen, volunteer, 51; cavalry command, 51, 322, 419;
uniform, 421.
Mugford, Capt. James, prize, 390.

Muhlenberg, Gen. Peter, promotion, rank controversy, 239; to settle
altern ranking, 391; letter to, 48172; and pay arrears, 48172.
Murray, Lindley(?), supplies for British, 433, 434.
Music, of company, 246.
Muster, of recruits,
sub-
8.
Mustermaster general, deputies, 381; duties, regulations, interpretation,

430, 447.
532
Myers, Clifford R.,
letter possessed by,
297 n.
Myers, Capt. Eleazer, resigns, 296.
Nagel, Lieut. Col. George, circular
letter to,
278 n.
Nagel, Peter, court-martial, death penalty, 353.
Native Americans,
Commander
in Chief's
Guard, 495.
Navigation, land enlistment of seamen, 178; river transportation of

troops, 359, 360, 362. See also Boats; Ferries; Navy; Obstructions;
Privateers; Prizes.
Navy, American,
prisoners, treatment, 4, 5; Georgia boat captured, 5;

Hudson River, 65; powder, 384, 430; sending out
construction on
of Delaware Bay, 386. See also Prizes.

Navy, British, in Chesapeake Bay, 226; in Long Island Sound, 269; raid
on Peekskill, 328, 330, 332, 333; in Delaware Bay, 410, 411; com-
mand
of sea, 437. See also Prizes.
Neal, John, court-martial, execution suspended, 412, 413.

Neil, Ma]. Daniel, barbarity on, relief for
widow,
152, 206 n, 482 n.
Neil, Elizabeth, relief, 206, 482; letter to, 482.
Neilson, Col. John, action, 168, 174, 196; service, 168;;.
Nelson, Maj. (Lieut. Col.) William, promotion, 312; and cavalry, 325.
Nepotism
in military appointments, Washington's kin, 154, 295, 321,
361; evil, 384.
Neutral Ground, removal of supplies, 90, 94, 95, 255, 271, 292, 293; plan
for flying force, 95; harassing, 104; protection, loyalist rangers, 256.
See also
York City.
New
New Brunswick, British
post, 9, 22, 27, 49, 66, 84, 94, 115, 124, 146, 159,
160, 164, 175, 176, 185, 196, 262, 333; British wounded, 15; supplies
from, 15.
England,
New
artillery establishments, 19; Washington on troops, 53;

circular letters to states, 58, 113, 118; appeals for troops, 58, 118;
collection of arms, 113; antagonism of delegates to Washington,
16972.
New
See also states by name.
Hampshire,
quota of battalions, 43 n\ recruiting,

conditions, destination of troops, 113, 117 119, 124, 131, 132, 147,
line officers, 39;
162, 197, 216, 233, 237, 242, 283, 330, 396, 485; inoculation of troops,
England.
131, 132; arms from France, 2.1671. See also
New
New
New
Hampshire
Historical Society, material from,
Jersey, militia in service, character
n3.
and conditions, new
call, 34,
45, 158, 159, 186, 189, 202, 286, 319, 344, 345, 363, 438, 440, 461/2,
492, 493; Washington's proclamation on neutrals, loyalists, 36, 37,
61, 62, 106, 109, 120, 142-144, 175, 188-190, 227, 345, 404,
414-416,
INDEX
533
450 //, 475, 476; militia regulations, inadequacy, 56, 205, 263, 266,
344, 363, 367, 492; fast, 98, 102; recruiting, circular letter to colonels,
143 n, 278, 397; depression, 274; three-months men, 319, 345. See
also next titles; Campaign of 1777.
New Jersey, governor of. See Livingston, William.

New Jersey campaign, British retirement, posts after,
9, 22, 26, 27, 84,
94, 100, 101, 146; Heath's Hudson River movement, outcome, 10,
11, 24, 26, 29, 31, 32, 48, 65, 66, 71, 81, 90, 92-94? 9 6 > 99> I00 > I0 3>
116, 117, 119, 124, 125, 221 ; advance, militia in, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18,
37, 53;
guarding
ferries, 13;
Putnam's irregular movements,
14, 17;
recovering stores from militia, 17, 18; continuance by term-expired

men, 29, 53; British casualties, 44; British conduct, 53, 103, 108,
152, 228; dismissal of militia, 55, 56. See also
New
Jersey First Regiment,
command,
Campaign
of 1777.
134, 135, 186. See also
Ogden,
Matthias.
New
Jersey Fourth Regiment,

Ephraim.
recruiting,
14372.
See also Martin,
New Jersey Second Regiment, 187/2. See also Shreve, Israel.

New Jersey Third Regiment, question of reenlistment, 27; term expired
and retention
at
Ticonderoga,
2772.
See also Dayton, Elias.
New Rochelle, N. Y., American retirement, 271/2.

New Windsor, N. Y., troops at, 165/2.
New York, clothing for troops, 13, 14/2, 63, 116,
118; recruiting, con-
ditions, use of troops, 33, 34, 56, 93, 165, 197, 216, 241, 275, 277,
283, 292, 318, 347, 397, 426, 467; appointment of officers, 33, 34,
167, 172, 181, 240, 419; quota of battalions, 43/2; inoculation of
troops, 130; circular letter to line colonels, 277; militia for Hudson
River defense, 340, 425, 444; troops and movement of loyalist corps,
455, 460, 474. See also next
titles;
Hudson
River; Northern army.
New York campaign, fire in city, 42.

New York City, Heath's expedition,
10, 11, 24, 26, 29, 31, 32, 48, 65,

66, 71, 81, 90, 92-94, 96/2, 99, 100, 103, 116, 117, 119, 124, 125,
221/2; fire (1776), 42; Wooster's retirement from front, rebuke,
271. See also Neutral
New
York Committee
Ground.
of Safety, appropriates
army
clothing, 13, 14/2,
116, 118; letter to, 116.
New York Fifth Regiment, 39/2. See also Dubois, Lewis.

New York First Regiment. See Van Schaick, Goose.
New York Fourth Regiment. See Livingston, Henry Beekman.
New York Historical Society, material from, 58, 178, 197, 219/2,
245, 402/2.
232,
534
New York Legislature, Heath's expedition, 94/2; letters to,

215; Highlands garrison, 291;
forage, 293.
manning
129, 171, 172,
galleys, 292;
removing
New York Public Library, material from, 61 n.

New York Second Regiment. See Van Cortlandt, Philip.
New York Third Regiment. See Gansevoort, Peter.
Newburgh, N.
Newcomb,
Y., material
from Headquarters Museum, 372 n.
Col. Silas, displacement, 134, 135, 186; service, 134 n.
Newport, R.
I., troops from, expected evacuation, 24, 25, 29, 69, 81,
94,
99, 104, 146, 168, 172, 178, 198, 350, 353, 354, 395, 434, 439; exchange of prisoners of war, 42; proposed attack, 114 116, 233, 270,
436; British force, 350; retained by British, possible plans, 447, 449.
Pa., smallpox, 44; troops routed by, no; post, 164, 166, 176;
Newtown,
letter to
commander
166; removal of stores, 182.
at,
Nixon, Gen. John, and recruiting, 489.
Noncommissioned
officers,
death penalty, 183; reduced, 183, 412, 483,
484-
Norcross, William, letter
to,
North Carolina, quota of
battalions, 43 n. See also South.
Northampton County,
404.
Pa., militia in
New Jersey,
184.
Northern army. See Ticonderoga.

Oath. See Allegiance.
Obstructions,
Hudson
River, chain, 64, 445.
n, 91, 92, 145, 245, 251, 257,

261, 263, 264, 265, 277-279, 318, 322, 330, 331, 348, 354, 359,
37> 373> 3 8l > 39 2 > 395. 39 8 > 4 o6.> 4 2 3> 445. 45 2 > 4 6 4> 4 6 7> 475.
Washington's control over appointments, 7, n, 14, 39, 68, 134,
Officers, recruiting, neglect, graft, 6-8,
259,
361,
4 8l 5
135,
167, 172, 181, 186, 187, 215, 239, 240, 243, 246, 247, 250, 294-296,
308, 312, 327, 336, 338, 346, 384, 398, 399, 417-419, 470; exchange
problems, 10, 79, 84; cashiered, 1972, 132, 146, 152, 338, 365, 413,
422, 483; cavalry, 24, 25, 51, 154, 193, 470; of additional regiments,
33, 34, 419; raising regiment and command, 39, 56; proposed lieuEngland, 53; familtenant general, 49, 51; Washington on
iarity with men, 54; character of militia, 57; misconduct in action,
New
66, j6, 98, 105, 122, 146, 152, 338, 473; artillery, 77; service and promotion, 93; necessary qualities, 134, 153, 168, 309, 310; under surveillance, 141, 219; Washington's kin and friends, 154, 295, 321,
361, 479, 480; absence, roaming, i8o, 215, 323, 338, 365, 372/z,
429, 443, 483; temporary certificates in case of capture, 202; obligation to service, 234, 238, 296; supernumerary, pay stopped, militia,
285, 367, 368, 445, 493; to escort convalescents to camp, 320, 321;
INDEX
535
disobedience, 322, 365, 483; nepotism in appointments, 384; Washington on impartiality toward, 393; evils of state appointment, 435;
keeping the field, tents, 466; Washington on resignation of higher,

472; unauthorized movements, 473; resignation not accepted, furlough in lieu, 475. See also Brigadier generals; Commander in
chief; Continental army; Councils of war; Courts-martial; Courts
of inquiry; Foreign volunteers; Major generals; Noncommissioned
officers; Pensions; Prisoners of war; Rank; Staff.
Ogan,
Peterster, court-martial, 183.
Ogden, Gabriel, ordnance, 275 n.

Ogden, Col. Matthias, regiment,
recruiting, 134, 135, 200, 412, 416;
service, 200/2; circular letter to,
Ogden, Robert,
letter to, 60;
Ogden, Samuel,
278 n.
removal, 60.
influence, 158.
O'Hara, Capt. Henry, detachment, 357; works

ices, 46m; at Morristown, 462.
Oneida Indians,
at
Pompton, 461;
serv-
chiefs at headquarters, 329.
Oswald, Eleazer(?), and commission, 132.

Palfrey, Lieut. Col. William, paymaster general, funds, 52; to Philadelphia to settle accounts, 315; regulations of department, 380, 430.
Palmer,
exchange, 107.
Paper money, resolution against depreciation, 39; Loan Office and

39 n; British counterfeits, 403, 435/2. See also Funds.
Parade, punctuality, 140; grounds at Morristown, 392.
Paramus, N.
J.,
state,
supplies for British, 179.
Pardon, of condemned soldiers, 353, 405; for deserters on rejoining,

364; of pseudo loyalists, 404.
Parker, Maj. {Lieut. Col.) Richard, skirmish, 66; service, 66 n; promotion, 312.
Parmer, Philip, British barbarity, 228.

Paroles of prisoners of war, Canadian expedition
officers,
224, 242; viola-
tion, 275, 293, 491.
New
York command, 93; letters to, 119,

128, 156, 258, 276, 306, 331, 354, 438, 455; Long Island expedition,
119, 120, 129, 306; inoculation of troops, 128-13 1; and recruiting
Parsons, Gen. Samuel Holden,
and forwarding
troops, 156, 259, 276, 307, 331, 397, 439, 456, 489;
recovery of arms, 167; brigade, 355.
Passaic Falls,
N.
J.,
supplies for British, 165, 179.
Paterson, Gen. John, promotion, 237;

23772; command, 384, 486.
and
recruiting, 237, 489; letter to,
536
Patton, Col. John, regiment, ion, 108; letter
to,
406; appointment, 419.
Pawling, Ma]. Albert, recruiting and command, 34.
Pay and allowances,
enlisted Indians, 12; recruiting, 14;
wagonmaster
general, 36; medical department, 71, 150, 220, 286, 430, 440, 479;
advance as evil, desertion, 89, i8o; spy, 101; rolls and service rolls,
discrepancies, graft, 143, 481; militia, 179; cavalry, 193, 301; captured officers, 191; arrears, line and militia, check to enlistment,
desertion, 244, 288, 480; clothier general, 247; of supernumerary
officers
stopped, 285; general
officers' horses,
284; abstracts, militia
irregular, promptness, 311, 367, 465; adjutant general, 336;
com-
missary of prisoners of war, 343; stoppages, judgment, fine, 365,

423; militia officers' assumed rank, 367; brigade majors, 426, 430,
432, 440; adjutants, 426; chaplains, 430, 432, 440; representatives
of deceased prisoners of war, 458; mixed departmental, 473; detachments and irregular rolls, 480; of absent general officer, 488. See
also next titles; Bounty; Funds; Half-pay.
Paymaster general. See Palfrey, William.

Paymasters, appointments, 153.
Pearl,
H. M.
S.,
107 n.
Peas, for army, 362.
N. Y., force, 94, 95; as point for concentration, troops ordered

257, 273-275, 278, 281-283, 291, 293, 314, 318, 331, 332, 335,
354 4 2 7> 4 2 9> 44 8 > 455; militia for, 254, 260, 348, 450, 467, 491;
British raid, stores destroyed, 319, 328, 330, 332, 333, 339, 347, 348,
361, 426; militia draft for, 339, 340, 342; inoculation, 431.
Peekskill,
to,
Pelissier, Lieut. Col. Christopher, engineer, rank, 102; fortification plan,
123, 196, 275.
Pendleton,
Edmund,
letter to, 393; accident, 393.
Penet, Pierre, and foreign volunteers, 388 n.
Pennington, N.
J.,
British at, 152.
Pennsylvania, artillery establishments, 1821; militia in
new
New
Jersey,
29, 30, 34, 204, 205, 245, 263/2/401; need of established

government, 36; quota of battalions, 430; exchange of prisoners of
call,
war, 79, 84, 88; recruiting, conditions, irregularities, 218, 241, 250,
262, 289, 326, 389, 372-374, 397; magazines, 250; check on distillation, 250; disaffection, 274; circular letter to line colonels, 278; undependable militia, 319; arrangement of officers, 326, 327, 346, 389;
military absentees, 372 n, 417. See also next titles; Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania Artillery, 25 n. See also Procter, Thomas.

Pennsylvania Board of War,
476.
letters to, 346, 389, 410, 433,
477; loyalists,
INDEX
537
letters to, 34, 78, 82, ii2n, 145, 185,

262, 326; militia calls, 35, 245, 262; recovery of arms and equipments, 68, 73, 78, 238; Washington's thanks, 78; Delaware forts,
82; information, 266; arrangement of officers, 346.
Pennsylvania Council of Safety,
Pennsylvania Eighth Regiment, rank dispute, 145, 326; need of
officers,
296, 326; post, 438, 440; court-martial, 483; distracted state, 484.
See also Brodhead, Daniel.
Pennsylvania Eleventh Regiment, 184; preparations for march, 442;

post, 452 n, 453. See also Humpton, Richard.
Pennsylvania Evening Post, 372 n.

Pennsylvania Fifth Regiment, court-martial, 483, 484. See also Johnston, Francis.
Pennsylvania First Regiment, need of

James; Hand, Edward.
officers,
327. See also Chambers,
Pennsylvania Fourth Regiment, preparations for march, 442; temporary

coalescence, post, 451; recruiting, 452. See also Butler, William.
Pennsylvania Gazette, on arrival of arms, 328 n.

Pennsylvania Legislature, militia reform, 79.
Pennsylvania Ninth Regiment, 183. See also Nagel, George.
Pennsylvania Pac\et, 372 n.
Pennsylvania Second Regiment. See Irvine, James.
Pennsylvania Seventh Regiment. See Grier, David.
Pennsylvania Sixth Regiment. See Bicker, Henry.
Pennsylvania Tenth Regiment, 25 n; preparations for march, 442; temporary coalescence, post, 451, 453. See also Hubley, Adam; Penrose,
Joseph.
Pennsylvania Third Regiment, 183, 364; slow recruiting, 453; preparations for march, 442; temporary coalescence, post, 451. See also
Wood,
Joseph.
Pennsylvania Thirteenth Regiment, 145 n. See also Stewart, Walter.

Pennsylvania Twelfth Regiment, 337. See also Cooke, William.
Penrose, Col. Joseph, doctored returns of regiment, 218.
Pensions,
officer's
Percival, Capt.
Percy,
Hugh,
178, 196;
Perth
widow, 206, 482. See
also Half-pay.
Timothy, question of exchange,
{lord), supposed
still
at
85, 87, 88.
movements, $6n,
99, 100, 168, 172, 176,
Newport, 206.
Amboy. See Amboy.
Peters, Richard, letter to, 417.
Peyton, Cornet {Lieut.) Henry, cavalry promotion, 338.
538
New
Jersey,
Philadelphia, artillery establishment, 19, 22, 32; militia in
dismissal, new call, 29, 34, 55, 56, 262, 386; expected renewal of
movement
against, measures to
meet
it,
29, 32, 38, 164-166,
175
177, 185, 187, 221 n, 223, 256, 273, 275, 280, 282, 295, 385, 386, 388,
392, 394, 395, 400, 403, 409, 413, 425, 428, 436, 444; letter to com-
manding
58; station for recruits, equipment, forwarding,

219, 245, 249, 250, 261, 264, 279, 372-374, 401,
officer,
72, 78, 105,
10,
in,
437, 446, 453; smallpox among recruits, inoculation at, 72, 76, 129,
219, 220, 230, 238, 245, 278; removing magazines, 164, 182, 184,
188, 203, 221, 223, 226, 385, 402, 421, 426; delay of Congress in
returning, 177 n, 192; command at, 232, 238, 267; expected water
attack, 361; supplies for British, 433, 434, 478. See also Continental
Congress.
Philadelphia Light Horse, letter
to, 35;
discharge, thanks, 55.
Philips, Samuel, court-martial, 483.
Pickering, Col. Timothy, letters to, 336, 470; adjutant generalship, 336,
Pickett,
Pilots,
Thomas,
court-martial, 484.
sought by British, 361.
Pintard, Lewis, agent of prisoners of war, 41, 65.
Piscataway, Md., skirmish, 229.

Pistols, cavalry, 215, 324.
Samuel, horse for Washington, 342, 473.
Pitts,
Placey, William, court-martial, 439.

Pliarne,
Emanuel
and foreign volunteers, 388 n.
de,
Plunder. See Depredations.

Police, cleaning
camp, 382, 451; guard house, 466; camp colormen, 483.
Pompton, N.
troops for, works, 427, 443, 460, 461, 492, 493.
J.,
Pompton Furnaces, N.
J.,
Poor, Gen. Enoch, letters
275 n.
330; promotion, 236;

237, 330, 489; brigade for Ticonderoga, 283, 485.
to, 236,
and
recruiting,
Pope, Lieut. Col. Charles, appointment, 244^.

Porterfield, Sergt. John, court-martial, execution ordered, 183; reprieves,
183,204,285,311,324,351.
Washington without time or opportunity, 296.
Portsmouth, N. H., cargo ship from France, 330, 334, 335.
Portrait,
Post
office, irregularity, 1,
Potter, Ma].
414 ; suspected tampering, 413.
Reuben(?), movement of
militia, 444.
Dr. Jonathan, appointment, 40, 70, 71.

Poughkeepsie, N. Y., equipment of frigates, 65.
Potts,
Prentice, Sergt.
provost, 9.
INDEX
539
President of Congress, letters
to, 9, 22, 29, 39, 48, 63, 80, 102, 133, 145,
149, 168, 169, 193, 204, 211, 252, 285, 299, 310, 315, 317, 328, 329,
341, 348, 363, 380, 387, 396, 399, 433, 449, 462, 476, 489, 493.
Preston, Lieut. Col. Isaac, desertion of militia, 45.
Preston, Sergt. William, court-martial, 484.
Preudhomme de
36372;
Borre, Chevalier, brigadier general, 363, 429; service,

letter to, 441; orders, 441.
advanced pay, 430;
Thomas,
Price, Col.
405; recruiting, results, returns,
letters to, 27972,
405, 406, 479.
Princeton,
N. J., movement of troops, force, 14, 17, 188, 227,

wounded, 15; battle, exchange of British officers,
British
180, 230, 282; not proper place for
236, 486;
173, 178,
magazine, 176.
Prisoners, under charge of provost, 20.
Prisoners of war, Lee, retaliation, Washington's objections,
1,
207, 208,
211-214, 224-226, 235, 252, 253, 259, 300, 311, 314, 31472, 378,
379; complaints against British treatment, moribund in exchange,
2-5, 15, 1572, 57, 152, 376-379; enlistment by British, 3; prison
ships, 4, 5; naval and merchantmen, exchange, 4, 5, 107; special
exchanges, problems, selection, 10, 42, 79, 84, 87, 113, 171, 173,
178, 180, 185, 187, 191, 202, 213, 230, 242, 258, 260, 281; British
York City, 41,
at Princeton, 15; proposed agent in
wounded
65, 85; supplies sent to
New
New York City, 42, 476; cartel
negotiations,
141, 155, 190, 232, 236, 242, 246, 252, 313, 388; baggage of British,
173; cantoning British, labor, 173; paroles, British officers as men-
Canadian, abuse, 173, 178, 242, 275, 293, 491; officers' pay,
191; commissary, appointment, instructions, 192, 343, 418, 494;
establishing rank, 202; expenses, accounts, 231, 242, 316; exchange
ace,
returns, 242; irregular exchanges, 242; rank and file release, parole
loyalists as British officers, 268; on parole and
and reenlistment, 259;
appointment, 294; funds, bills of exchange, 344, 435, 446, 476, 491;
payment for lost baggage, 357; Washington's reply to charge of
violating cartel, 375-380; collecting for exchange, 379; pay to representatives of deceased, 458. See also Barbarity.
Privateers, prizes, 49272.
Prizes, sold in France, 20672;
American
captures, 330, 49272; British
captures, 339, 341.
Proclamation, Washington's, on New Jersey neutrals, 36, 37, 61, 62, 109,
120, 142144, 175, 188190, 227; deserters, pardon, 364.
Procter, Capt. Francis, bears letter, 346.
Thomas, court of inquiry, 25, 47; service, 2572; artillery

regiment, use, 55, 76, 82, 263, 289; skirmish, 411.
Procter, Maj.
Promotion, service and
right, 93.
See also Officers.
540
Providence, Washington on interposition, 53; inscrutable, 198; supplication
and
reliance upon, 225, 394, 414, 456.
Province Island, Delaware River, hospital, 76.
from front, 26, 27, 48, 90, 94,

York City, 42; for
256, 345, 363, 449; for prisoners of war in
Jersey advance, 60; competitive bidding, 160; supplying British, 165, 179, 402, 433, 478; lack, 189; control over procuring, 250;
collection and transportation, 362. See also Cattle; Commissary;
Provisions, British lack, foraging, removal
New
New
Flour; Kettles; Ration.
Provost department, appointments, 9, 153; guard, 20; charge of prisoners, 20; policing guardhouse, 466.
Punishments,
officers cashiered, 19 n, 117., 146, 152, 338, 365, 413,

483; reduction of noncommissioned officers, 183, 412, 483,
capital, reprieves, pardons, 183, 197, 204, 285, 311, 324, 351,
405, 412, 413; cautious use of capital, 459; camp colorman,
422,
484;
353,
483;
reprimand, 483, 484. See also Crimes; Fines; Whipping.

Purdie, Alexander, Virginia Gazette, 53; military notice, 366 n.
Putnam, Gen.
Israel,
movements and
force, Princeton post, 14, 15, 17,
37, 45, 188 n, 227, 371; letters to, 96, 109, 174, 210; incapacity, ioow;
and possible British movement, 175, 177, 188, 266; militia, fines,
186, 180, 210; severity with prisoners, 268; Sullivan's jealousy, 290;
spies, 385;
removal of supplies, 449.
Quakers, conscientious scruples, 35, 79.

Quartermaster department, funds, 128; and cavalry, 191; police, 451;
intelligence expenses, 482. See also next title; Baggage; Commissary; Express; Quarters; Tools; Transportation.
Quartermaster general, deputies, i6n, 115. See also Mifflin, Thomas.

Quarters. See Tents.
Querry, Richard, court-martial, death penalty, 353.

Quibble Town, N. J., removal of supplies, 97.
Quick, Col. Abraham, conduct of
militia, 16; services, 16 n.
Raids by British. See Danbury; Peekskill.
Ramsay, Col. Nathaniel,
letter to,
334; continuance of battalion, 334,
Randall, Henry, court-martial, 483.
Randolph, Lieut. Robert, cavalry guard for commander in

Rangers, recruiting,
officers,
6, 7, 14; size
210; loyalists, 256;
of
company,
Wyoming,
chief,
494 n.
14; harassing British, 16;

484.
INDEX
541
Rank,
militia and general line officers, 93; regimental disputes, 145, 320,
391, 405, 420; arrangement in new army, 153, 157, 162, 209, 244,
326, 327, 346, 384, 389, 393, 479; foreign volunteers, 170; captain
commandant as prudent rank, 201; Arnold and Lewis passed over,
Washington's appeal, 234, 235, 251, 252, 352; Woodford-Muhlenberg- Weedon controversy, 239; Sullivan's fancied slight, 290; state
disputes, 393, 397.
Ransom, Capt. Samuel, rangers, 484; death, 484 n.

Raritan, N. J., letter to officer commanding, 285; troops
at,
285.
Ration, horse, 98, 324; recruiting, 257, 258.
Raven, H. M.
S.
See Rover.
Rawlings, Col. Moses, exchange, 10; regiment, ion, 1147*.
Reading, Pa., prisoners of war, 186.

Rebels,
Washington on,
4.
Reconciliation, Apollos Morris's attempt, 67 n, 77, 78, 217, 218; Lee's

plan, 148/2, 224, 225, 225 n, 252, 343, 344; effect in France of efforts,
148/2, 226/2;
Adams
on, 148/2.
within state only, 6, 8; funds, delay by lack,

H272, 122, 135, 139, 140, 143/2, 148, 165, 209,
330, 347, 389, 406, 460; general instructions, 7, 8; no British deserters, 7; long term, 8, 121; expenses of rejected men, 8; recupera-
Recruiting, rangers,
6, 7, 14;
7, 51, 58, 74/2, 81, 112,
tion furlough
on reenlistment,
11, 219/2; Indians, 12, 102; artillery,
410; cavalry, 24, 25,

470/2; reenlistment, lack, 27, 139/2; slow, appeals to hasten and
artificers, 20, 21, 82, 88, 136, 138/2, 139, 145,
forward by detachments, 30, 43, 56,
58, 66, 69, 112, 157, 159, 164,
177, 181, 194, 198, 200, 201, 203, 205, 217, 227, 233, 236-238, 241,
244, 245, 251, 254, 259-261, 262/2, 264, 265, 269, 271, 274, 276-279,
286, 289, 292, 305, 307, 314-316, 318, 322, 323, 327, 330-332, 342,
345, 347, 349-35 h 353~357, 361, 3 6 9, 37, 372-374, 3^4, 39*, 393,
396, 398, 401, 403, 405-407, 413, 426, 429, 437, 439, 446, 448, 451,
453, 456, 459, 464, 490; pay, 39; proposed Canadian and West In-
dian corps, 40, 169 171, 174, 429; state defense or continental line,
4244, 89, 103, 156, 241, 349; substitutes, draft, short term, volunteers, 43, 217, 292, 316, 334, 351, 354, 397, 407, 408, 425, 443, 450,
451, 456458, 467, 469/2; state quotas, 43/2; evils of short enlistment,
52, 395, 397, 407, 439; allotment of clothing, 58, 60, 112, 127, 156,
202, 229, 421, 429, 472; equipment, by state, at Philadelphia, 72, 78,
105, no, in, 194, 200, 219, 242, 244, 245, 249, 250, 261, 264, 279,
331, 372374, 401, 437, 446, 453; marching, routes, disease precautions, 72, 75, 76, no, 261, 359, 362; progress, 74, 93, 156, 158, 165,
259, 396, 397; inoculation, 105, 157, 216, 217, 219, 220, 230, 233, 237,
238, 245, 261, 271, 277-279, 283, 292, 307, 314, 315, 331, 332, 334,
349, 353, 355-357, 46, 49, 4 l6 , 4 2 3, 43 J 43 2 , 44 6 , 459, 4 60 , 49;
542
Washington's hint on need of mercenaries, 149; correcting earlier

errors, 179; Washington's confidence if plans are carried out, 199;
returns, demand, 218, 238, 246, 257260, 264266, 268, 276279,
306, 307, 3i8, 370, 371, 373, 374, 391, 416, 439, 446, 454, 479; sickliness and pay arrears as check, 244; orders for company, 245, 246;
question of released prisoners of war, 259; returns on arrival at
camp, 391; loyalist, 403, 410; state orders as hindrance, 395; family
objections, 413; exemption of ironworkers, 464; general officers on
duty, 489. See also Additional regiments; Bounty; Discharges;
Militia (dependence); Officers.
Reed, Joseph, resignation as adjutant general, 5, 190; letters to, 14, 17,
36, 190, 368; Putnam's movements, 14, 17; and command of cavalry,
190; horse for, 191; plan against desertion, 191; arrangement of
wagons, 192.
Reed, William
B.,
Joseph Reed, material from, 16 n, 18 n.
Regiments, parade, 41; uniform, 248; keeping together, 424, 437; no

special appellations, 435. See also Additional regiments; and by
number and name
of state.
Regnier, Lieut. Col. Pierre, appointment, 167, 172, 182.

Relief,
Washington's personal, of
officer's
widow, 482.
Religion, as complaint against officer, 186; church order, 407. See also
Providence.
Remsen, Capt. William,

Reprieve, of
Reprisal,
U.
Returns and
condemned
S. S.,
light horse,
Washington's thanks, 37.
soldiers, 204, 285, 311, 324, 351.
206 n.
arms and ammunition,
67, 70, 80, 167; clothing, 69,

184; general, 92, 161, 168, 176, 222, 254, 286, 288; stores, 107; discrepancies, service, pay, recruiting, requisitions, 143, 218, 306, 307,
316, 459; recruiting, 218, 238, 246, 257-260, 264-266, 268, 276279,
rolls,
306, 307, 318/2, 370, 371, 373, 391, 416, 439, 446, 454, 479; exchanged
prisoners of war, 242; convalescents, 320, 321; daily rolls, 374; troops
at Philadelphia, 374; rolls against straggling, 391; surgeons, medicines,
and instruments, 466;
militia, 467, 468.
Reynolds, Sergt. Elisha, court-martial, 484.
Rhode
Island, troops for state service
and the
line, extra
bounty, 42-44,
89, 91, 13972, 241, 349; quota of battalions, 43/2; inoculation of

troops, 128, 131, 446; recruiting, short enlistment, special methods,
158, 217, 237, 260, 277, 331/2, 351, 353, 356, 397, 451; arms from
Massachusetts, 209, 217, 349; circular letter to line colonels, 277; no
line troops for state defense, 350; counterfeits in, 403, 435. See also
next titles; New England; Newport.
Rhode
Island, governor of. See Cooke, Nicholas.
INDEX
Rhode
Rhode
543
Island First Regiment. See Greene, Christopher.

Island Second Regiment. See Angell, Israel.
Rice, Joseph, artillery commission, 127; service, 127 n.
Richards, D. W., letter possessed by, 220 n.
Richardson, Col. William, circular
letter to,
279 n.
Ridgefield, Conn., action, 488 n.
Roach, William, court-martial, 485.
Robb, Lieut. John, movements,
145, 410; service, 145 n,
410 n.
Robbillard d'Antin, Lewis Joseph Henry, foreign volunteer, Washington's
dilemma, 133.
Roberts, Sergt. William, court-martial, reduced, 183.
Robinson, Ma]. Thomas, at court-martial, 483;
service, 483 n.
Rochefermoy, Gen. Mathieu Alexis de, for Ticonderoga, 486.
Rodney, Gen. Caesar,
letter to, 159;
Washington's thanks for
service,
160.
Rogers, Ma]. Robert, loyalist recruiting, 403, 410; capture desired, 410.
Rogerson, Thomas, mulatto, inquiry
for, 451.
Romand
de Lisle, Charles Noel Francois, foreign volunteer, Washington's dilemma, 133.
Root, Col. Aaron, and line
Ropemakers, sought
in
command,
85.
army, 203, 204.
Ross, George, committee
on
British conduct, 108 n.
Ross, Ma]. {Lieut. Col.) James, promotion, 326.

Rouville,
of St. Johns, question of exchange, 185.
Rover (Raven?), H. M.
Rowlwagen,
S., 5.
Lieut. Frederick, court-martial, cashiered, 19, 412.
Rush, Dr. Benjamin, on inoculation, 132 n.

Russell, Capt. Andrew, account for absence, 443.
Russell, Col. William, circular letter to, 279/?.
Russia,
rumor
of mercenaries for British, 317.
Rutgers University Library, material from, Sn.

Rutherford, Thomas, and military appointment, 303.
Rudedge, Edward, loss to Congress, 222 n.

Rutledge, Gov. John, letter to, 298.
Sacket, Nathaniel, bears letter, 92; spy, 9272, 221 n; letters to, 101, 371;
allowance, 101; intelligence, 257, 292; instructions, 371, 372; fictitious
St.
name, 372.
Augustine,
Fla.,
proposed expedition, 297-299.
544
St. Clair,
Gen. Arthur, brigade major, 25;
mand,
at court-martial, 140;
major general, 234^; letters to, 372, 428; forwarding

374; and adjutant general's work, 382.
Sally,
Salt,
com-
posts, 161, 184, 267, 358, 429; brigade, quarters, 184, 200;
troops,
372-
328 n.
removal, 185, 402.
Saltonstall,
Ma).
Saltonstall,
Gen. Gurdon,
Samtown, N.
J.,
troops
pay, 489.
at,
letter to, 488;
term of pay, 488.
452.
Sayres, Lieut. Col. John, promotion, 312, 313; death, 3127*.
Schuyler, Gen. Philip, letters
to, 26, 68, 123, 161, 196,
incapacity, 100 n; need of troops, 113, 118, 120;
272, 446, 453;

fur-
on arms, 230;
lough to reenlisting men, 219; at Morristown, 359; at Philadelphia,

forwarding recruits, 446, 453, 454. See also Ticonderoga.
Scotch Plains, N.
J.,
post, 73-75.
Scott, Col. Charles, skirmish, 105.

Scott, Capt.
Scott,
Scott,
George, company, 201
n.
Gen. John Morin, Heath's expedition, 94 n.

Capt. William, letter to, 14; appointment, 419.
Scouting, instead of fixed posts, 416.
Sea power, British command, 437.

Sealing wax, need, 32.
Seamen, land enlistment, 178.

Sears, Isaac, affairs, 151.
Second
Artillery, 115W.
Secret committee of Congress, clothing, 248, 422.
Sectionalism, in army, 124.

Selin, Capt.
Selleck,
Anthony, detachment, 357.
Noah(?),
loyalist, 403.
Sentinels, leaving post, 483. See also Guards.
Sergeant, Jonathan Dickinson, and Washington, 169 n.
Seventeenth Regiment, British, 455.

Sever, William, equipment of troops, 383, 390; letter
Seward, Capt. Thomas, artillery company, post, 467.
Shackles,
Shaw, Samuel,
loyalist,
letter
Sheep. See Cattle.
correspondence, 317.
written by, Sn.
to,
390.
INDEX
545
Sheldon, Col. Elisha, equipment of cavalry regiment, funds, 51, 58, 81,
appointment, 419;
122, 135, 304, 305, 368, 440; on cavalry pay, 193;
to,
letter
440.
regiment,
424;
use of
Shepherd,
information, 478.
Sherbrook, Miles, correspondence, 317.

Sherburne, Col. Henry, letter to, 132; raising regiment,
command,
132,
4 J 9-
Sherman, Roger, on oath of allegiance, letter, 10672.

Shippen, Dr. William, jr., hospital plan, 45, 647;, 71, 149, 250;
smallpox and inoculation, 73, 75,
71, 75, 220, 261, 320;
temporary hospitals for marching recruits, 261.
Shirley, Sir
Thomas, question
letters to,
105, 129;
of exchange, 451.
Shoes, supply, 241.
Shot and
shell, for
Shott, Capt.
Northern army, 275; foundry, 275 n.
John Paul, appointment, 419.
officers, 187; conduct, 227, 236; letters to,

416; at court-martial, 412.
recruiting,
31872,
278/2;
236,
Shryock, Lieut. Col. Henry, circular letter to, 27972.
Shreve, Col. Israel, regiment,
Sick, furlough
on
reenlisting, 11; absent convalescents, 320, 321, 417.
See also Health.

Silliman, G^72.
Gold
Selleck, letter to, 269;
Danbury
raid, 48772.
Simrall, Lieut. Alexander, court-martial, cashiered, 483.

Simsbury, Conn., committee and prisoners of war accounts, 316.
and Duyckink,
Skinner, Gen. Cordandt, loyalist corps, skirmish, 169;
movements,
expected
455,
Brook,
Bound
427;
415; service, 41572;
460, 474.
precautions, 38, 44;
Smallpox, Northern army, 38; need of checking,
hospitals,
76; ravages,
recruits,
76;
of
72, 75,
avoiding infection
409. See also Inoculation.
letters to, 265,
Smallwood, Col. (Gen.) William, depleted regiment, 29;
279; and recruiting, returns, 265, 280, 479.
Smith,
spy, 368.
Smith, Capt.
question of
Smith, Edward, bears

Smith, Col. Isaac,
command,
210.
letter, 29772.
letter to, 12; militia in
New
Jersey campaign, 12, 13.
Smith, William, committee on British conduct,
Snagg, Sergt.
10872.
provost, 154.
wagonmaster generalship, 36; purSnickers, Capt. Edward, letter to, 36;

chase of horses and wagons, 192, 303.
546
Snyder, Ensign Philip, movements, 145; service, 145/2.
Somerset County, N.
J.,
militia, i6n.
South, lack of arms and clothing, 229, 274; lack of militia regulations,
251; recruiting troubles, 274.
South Amboy, N.
J.,
expected British movement, 262.
South Carolina, quota of battalions, 43/2; not included in circular letter,

82/2; proposed St. Augustine expedition, 297, 298. See also South.
South Carolina, governor
of.
See Rudedge, John.
Sparks, Jared, on Heath's expedition, 9472; on arms from France, 21672.

Specie, for prisoners of war, 191, 435.
Spencer, Gen. Joseph, British at Newport, 24-26, 114, 173, 233, 270, 354;
letters to, 25, 114, 232, 270, 353, 446; incapacity, 100/2; Sullivan's
jealousy, 290; and recruiting in Rhode Island, 349, 416, 489; clothing, 421.
Spencer, Col. Oliver, appointment, 419.

Spies, into British lines, 49; Sacket, instructions, 92/2, 101, 257, 292, 371,
372; British, loyalist, executed, 158, 361, 414-416, 462/2, 478/2;
American apprehended
as British, utilizing opportunity, 368; need,
385; information, 462. See also Intelligence.
Spotswood, Col. Alexander, promotion, 312;

cruiting, 370; drill, 371; post, 486;
men
letters to, 370, 494; re-
for
Commander
in Chief's
Guard, 494.
Springfield, Mass., artillery establishment, accounts, 139, 146, 332;
arms
for magazine, 369.
Springfield,
N.
J.,
post, 74.
Stacks Ferry, 152.
See Adjutant general; Adjutants; Brigade majors; Clothier genCommissary; Engineers; Judge advocate; Medical department;
Military secretaries; Mustermaster general; Paymaster general; Paymasters; Provost; Quartermaster department; Wagonmaster general.
Staff.
eral;
Stanhope, Capt. John, British naval
officer,
5>
Stanton, James, flag of truce incident, 272/2.

Stanton, John, flag of truce incident, 272.
Stark, Col. John, not promoted, 237.
State regiments,
Rhode
Island,
Washington's opposition, 42, 89, 241.
See also Militia.

Staten Island, British occupation, 146, 431.
States, necessity of
ters; states
proper military measures, 266. See also Circular
by name.
let-
INDEX
Steel, Capt.
Steel,
547
Alexander, appointment, 419.
Capt. John, appointment, 389.
Stephen, Gen.
Adam,
at
Morristown,
5; letters to, 6, 443, 473; recruiting
instructions, 6; post, 55, 75; and barbarity, 103, 109, 152, 155; major
general, 2347*; regimental rank question, 321; and absentees, 365;
expected attack, 438 n; information, 454, 462; disregard of orders,

473 474Stevens, Col.
Edward,
circular letter to, 279 n.
Stewart, Col. Robert, captured goods, 492 n.

Stewart, Col. Walter, circular letter to, 278 n.
Gen. William Alexander, lord, letters to, 33, 100, 201; trouble
with militia, 33; movements, 33; post, 100, 101; major general,
234 n\ aide, 407; and Duyckink, 415.
Stirling,
Stith, Capt. John, conduct, 215; at
camp, 325; cavalry commission, 325 n.
Stock. See Cattle.

Stocker, Capt.
shipmaster, 328 n.
Stockton, Richard, return of papers, 92.
Stockton, Maj. Richard W., skirmish, capture, 169, 196; in irons, 268.
Stone, William, court-martial, execution ordered, 404, 405.
by militia, 17, 18, 37; returns, 107; from France, 2i6;

removal from possible British advance, 380, 385, 402. See also
Commissary.
Stores, carried off
Stoughtonham Furnace, Mass., 441 n.

Stragglers. See Absence.
Strength of forces. See Returns.

Strieker, Lieut. Col.
George,
German
Battalion, 20; objection to
promo-
tion, 381; resignation, 382.
Stringer, Dr. Samuel, dismissal, 23, 28 n, 70; letter to, 28 n.
Strobagh, Lieut. Col. John Martin, detachment, 410; service, 410 n.
Succasony,
N.
].,
magazine, 461.
Suffern's place, in the Clove,
N.
Y., 427.
Sullivan, Gen. John, raids, 15, 97; post, 55, 7375; letters to, 73, 97 n,
189, 290; and Wallace's plate, 107; Howe's reconciliation proposal
through, 148 n; fancied slight on separate command, 290, 291.
Supplies. See
Commissary.
Surgeons, need of regimental, 202, 220; pay, 220, 286, 430, 440; provision for mates, 436; returns, 466. See also Medical department.
Sussex County,
N.
J.,
disaffection, 404, 476, 493;
corps, 455, 460, 474.
movement
of loyalist
548
Swaine, Capt. Nezer, appointment, 419.
Swan, Capt. John, cavalry appointment, 470.

Sweet, F. G., acknowledgment to, 429 n.
Col Heman,
ment brigaded,
Swift,
Talbert,
and
circular letter to, 277 ; recruiting, 316, 439; regi-
355.
artillery
commission, 127.
Talbot, Capt. Jeremiah, detachment, 357.

Talliaferro, Maj. William, bears letter, 393.
Tallmadge, Capt. Benjamin,
letters to, 219,
304; cavalry, horses, 219,
3<M> 35-
Tallow, conservation, 80.

Taxes, loyalist payment in counterfeits, 435 n.
Taylor, John, conduct and case, 109.
Taylor, William, intercourse incident, 210.
Temple, Capt. (Lieut. Col.) Benjamin, cavalry promotion, 338.
Tenth Regiment,
British, 431.
new campaign, 270, 300; material, 270; for

466; distribution, 482; destroyed, 488 n.
Tents, preparation, 83; for

officers,
Third
Artillery,
467 n. See also Crane, John.
Thirty-eighth Regiment, British, 431.
Thirty-seventh Regiment, British, 431.

Thirty-sixth Regiment, British, 455.
Thomas, Lieut. William, detachment,

Thompson, Robert, penalty, 459.
184; service, 184/2.
Thompson, Gen. William, question
of exchange, 84; parole, 224.
Thornton, Maj. John,
appointment, 308, 321.
letter to, 307;
Charles Mynn,
captain commandant, 201; skirThurston, Capt. (Col.)

mish in Maryland, wounded, 229, 322; raising regiment, officers,
2 95> 2 9 6 > 3 o8 3 22 > 3 6l 3 62 4 J 9>
>
>
Ticonderoga, term-expired men, 27; garrison, 27 n; new levies assigned

to, route, 28, 113, 117-120, 124, 125, 131, 132, 147, 162, 197, 209,
216, 233, 237, 275, 283, 318, 330, 332, 335, 383, 396, 429, 473, 485,
486; arms, repairs, ammunition, 28, 67, 70, 163; smallpox, inoculation, 38, 162; militia for, pending new levies, 69; ordnance and
stores, 69, 162, 275, 485; general officers, need, 104, 123, 126, 128,
England gar206; Pellisier's fortification plan, 123, 196, 275;
New
rison, 124; artillerist for, 125, 127; attack not expected, 209, 216,
273-275, 280, 282;
ill
feeling over 1775 expedition, 234 n, 35272;
Gates, 268/2, 471; as separate
command,
291; funds, 485.
INDEX
Tilghman, Tench,
written by,
letters
28/2, 3072, 36/2,
400, 420, 52/?,
549
372, 572,
ion, 1472, 2372, 2472, 2672,
580,
6072, 6872, 7072, 72/2, 7672,
5772,
78/2, 80/28372, 8672-8872, 9372, 9672, 10672, 10872, 10972, 11172, 11372,
II972, 12272,
12772,
12872,
13072, 131
72,
I3672,
I4O72,
I5I72, 15572,
I5872, 16672,
16772,
171
17372, 17972,
l8072,
18372,
18572,
72,
18672,
220 72, 22172, 23 1 72, 23872, 24972, 25572,

26372, 266fl, 26872, 2707227272, 282 72, 28372, 28972, 30472,
I9372, 20472, 20672, 20972,
260 72,
30672, 30772, 31572, 31772, 31972, 32772, 33272, 33472, 34672, 34972,
35 1
**,
353> 354> 357* 359"> 3 6on > 3 62 "> 3 63> 3 66n > 3 8iw >
72, 4167241872, 42272,
38672, 39072, 39972, 40272, 40472, 40672, 4II
42972, 43072, 43272, 44072, 44172, 44672-44872, 45172, 45572, 46172,

46272, 46772, 47172, 47372, 47872, 47972, 48172, 48272, 48672, 49172,
49372.
Tomahawks, proposed
as
equipment, 83; supply, 301.
Toner Transcripts, material from,
3772, 24372, 28072, 29672, 29772, 41472.
Tools, transportation, 270, 284, 301; care, stamping, 284.
Towers, Robert, returns of

Towles, Capt. Oliver,
stores, 107.
475; and resignation, furlough, 475;
letter to,
service, 47572.
Transportation, regimental
wagon
allowance, 9; ammunition and tools,
chaises marines, 83, 270, 284, 300; supply of wagons, 83, 192;
hiring wagoners, 77, 143; removing wagons from British front, 94,
104, 119, 146; clothing, 249; calculation of needs, 284; provisions,
362; preparation for move, 423; trespass on fields, 442. See also
Communication; Horses; Navigation; Wagonmaster general.
Trenton, N.
J.,
proposed post opposite, 386.
Trowbridge, Capt. Caleb, question of exchange,

Troy, N.
J.,
troops
at,
85, 87, 88; death, 8572.
201.
Trumbull, Gov. Jonathan,
letters to, 57, 83, 10672, 112, 122, 130, 135,

173, 229, 253, 316, 332, 342, 368, 412, 449; advance of recruiting
funds, 58, 81, 135, 368; new militia call, 253, 257, 260, 318, 332, 339,
340, 425, 450, 491; Washington's trust and appreciation, 255, 450;
and Governor Franklin, 317, 344, 450, 476; and delay in recruiting,
355; short-time draft, 456.
Trumbull, Joseph, commissary general,
letters to, 160, 325, 491; absence

rebuked, 160, 183, 325, 326; irregularities in department, 304; de-
stroyed stores at Peekskill, 347; flour
from
Mohawk
Valley, 485,
491.
Tryon, Gov. William, Danbury
raid, 48772.
Tudor, William, judge advocate,
resigns, 382.
Turnbull, Lieut. Charles, court of inquiry, 25, 47; service, 2572, 41 172;
captured, 411.
550
Uniforms, regimental, not expected, 157; harmonious regimental clothing, 248; cavalry, 421; as preventative of irregularities, 422; for
Commander in Chief's Guard, 452; Washington's buff and blue,
452.
Union, in raising of troops by
states, 43;
and extra
state
bounty, 138.
See also Allegiance.
Van
Van
Buskirk, Lieut. Col. Abraham, loyalist regiment, 493.

Cortlandt, Col. Philip, circular letter
to,
277 n; returning detach-
ments, 424; reproved for furloughs, 467.
Vanhorne,
Van
P., loyalist, sent to British, 37.
Schaick, Col. Goose, blankets, 69; regiment for Ticonderoga, 118;

letters to, 277 n, 362; returning detachments, 424.
Varick Transcripts, material from, 200 n, 226 n, 480 n.
Varnum, Gen. James
Mitchell, letters to, 237, 260, 27772, 33172, 356;
promotion, 237; and recruiting, 237, 350, 353, 356, 397, 489; and
inoculation, 446.
Vaughan, Ma). Joseph, appointment,

Verstille,
Ensign William, bears
Virginia, regiments in
new
New
244/2.
letter,
369.
Jersey, depleted, 6, 29; militia call
pending
quota of battalions, 43/2; cavalry, 51, 103; frontier

regiment, 102, 180, 181; information from headquarters, 199, 200,
levies, 30;
295; recruiting, conditions, 200, 201, 219, 264, 265, 397, 407; arms
factory, 214; circular letter to colonels, 279; volunteers, 319, 346,
397, 407, 408; absent officers, 323, 365; and inoculation, 409. See
also next tides; South.
Virginia, governor of. See Henry, Patrick.
Virginia Dragoons. See Bland, Theodorick.

Virginia Eighth Regiment, promotions, 313. See also
Bowman, Abra-
ham.
Virginia Eleventh Regiment, forwarding detachments, 453.
Morgan, Daniel.
v
See also
Virginia Fifteenth Regiment. See Mason, David.

Virginia Fifth Regiment, paymaster, 153; absent officers, 365; letter to
commander, 36672; rank controversy, 391; short enlistments, 443;
forwarding detachments, 453; post, 453. See also Scott, Charles.
Virginia First Regiment, promotions, 312; absent officers, 365; letter to

commander, 366; clothing, 366; rank controversy, 391.
Virginia Fourteenth Regiment. See Lewis, Charles.
Virginia Fourth Regiment, absent
36622;
rank controversy, 391.
officers,
365; letter to
commander,
INDEX
551
Virginia Historical Magazine, material from, 154 n.

Virginia Ninth Regiment, promotions, 313; rank controversy, 320; absent officers, 365; letter to commander, 366 n.
Virginia Second Regiment, promotions, 312; forwarding detachments,

453. See also Spotswood, Alexander.
Virginia Seventh Regiment, promotions, 312. See also McClanachan,
Alexander.
Virginia Sixth Regiment, 6672; absent
officers,
365; letter to
commander,
rank controversy, 391; forwarding detachments, 453;

453. See also Buckner, Mordecai.
Virginia Tenth Regiment. See Stevens, Edward.
366*2;
post,
Virginia Third Regiment, promotions, 312; recruiting, forwarding detachments, 322, 453; absent officers, 365; letter to commander, 36672;
rank controversy, 391; post, 453. See also Marshall, Thomas.
Virginia Thirteenth Regiment. See Russell, William.
Volunteers, as substitute for regular troops, 407, 408, 439.
Vrecourt, Comte de, engineer commission, 388.
Wade, Capt. Francis, commissary irregularities, 304.

Wade, Capt. Noadiah, company, 365.
Wagonmaster general, appointment, 36, 65, 303; rank and
pay, 36;
clerk, 36.
Wagons. See Transportation.

Walcott, Lieut. Col. William, cartel negotiations, 141, 155, 232, 236,
252/z, 313, 375, 388.
Walker,. Lieut. Col. John, letters written by, 44/2, 220 n, 2j6n, 438 n,
44m; aide to Washington, 161; purpose of appointment, Washington's
comment,
199, 200; sent to Congress, 213, 221.
Walker, Capt. John, prisoner of war, treatment, 208, 214.
Hugh, lost plate, 107; Franklin correspondence, 317.

Walton, George, letters to, 143 n, 202, 220, 226, 400; Washington's apology and commendation, 203; at camp, 297.
Wallace,
Ward, Col. Andrew, conduct, arrest, 99, 105; regiment, 431.

Ward, Gen. Artemas, letters to, 174, 231; retirement, 231,
232; muni-
tions accounts, 384, 441.
Ward, Col. Joseph, letter to, 447;

Ward, Stephen, house, 31 n.
duties as mustermaster general, 447.
Ware, Col. Francis, circular letter to, 279/2.

Warner, Gen. Nathaniel, militia brigade in New Jersey, 9, 29, 30; post,
74/2, 101; and British foraging expedition, 97; letters to, 97/2, 119,
143 n; removing supplies from British front, 119.
552
Warren, Dr. John,
letter to, 192;
tion, 432; service,
new
hospital plan, 192, 193; inocula-
432 n.
Warren, Joseph, honors to memory, 387.

Washington, George, on his trials, 53, 117, 225, 323, 464; on oath of
allegiance, 105; commissions to kin and friends, 154, 295, 321, 361,
362, 479, 480; antagonism in Congress, 16972; neglect of private
affairs, 181; on critical period, 192, 198; and errors, 195; confidence
with proper army, 199; on unreserved correspondence, 221; illness,
268/2; portrait, 296; on impartiality, 393; desire for retirement, 394,
414; personal relief of officer's widow, 482. See also American Revolution; Commander in chief; Land; Mount Vernon; Proclamations.
Washington, John Augustine,
Washington, Lawrence, of Stafford, commission for son,

Washington, Martha,
visit to, at
Mount Vernon,
154.
197; at headquarters,
361.
Washington, Robert, of Stafford, commission for son, 154.

Washington, Samuel,
at camp, inoculation, 295, 360; commission,

295, 361, 362; return to Virginia, horse, 360, 361.
Washington, Thornton,
Washington, Capt. (Maj.) William Augustine, promotion, 321.
Watch
coats, supply, 16.
Waterbury, Gen. David, question of exchange, 84; parole, 224.

Watts, Cornet (Lieut.), William, cavalry promotion, 338.
Wayne, Gen. Anthony, on Ticonderoga, 162; letter to, 405;

ordered to Morristown, 405, 486; on absent officer, 429.
brigade,
Webb,
Col. Charles, conduct of regiment, 180; circular letter to, 27772;

recruiting, excessive requisition for arms, 259, 306, 307, 316, 439,
459; regiment brieaded, 355.
Webb,
Webb,
Charles,
Col.
jr.,
adjutant, 307.
Samuel Blatchley,
ment, slow progress,
letters to, 372, 120*27772, 369; raising regi-
9, 120, 369,
370; appointment, 419.
Weedon,
Col. (Gen.) George, acting adjutant general, 5, 190; service,

572; promotion, rank controversy, 239; letters to, 265, 321; and recruiting, 265; absence limited, 323.
Weissenfels, Lieut. Col. Frederick, and colonelcy, 93.
Welch, John, court-martial,
183.
Welles, Jonathan, imprisoned relative, 258, 260.

Welles, Maj. Samuel, question of exchange, 258, 260.
INDEX
Wells, Lieut.
553
of Connecticut, 431.
Wells, Ma]. Levi, question of exchange, 84, 1140; service, 84 ft.
Went worth, Gov.
John, intercepted
letter,
300, 317.
Wesson, Col. James, regiment for Ticonderoga, 485.
West Indies,
trade through, 1070; proposed corps from, 169.
Westchester County, N. Y., removing forage,
22m.
See also Neutral
Ground.
Westfield,
N.
J.,
troops
at,
473.
Wharton, Carpenter, deputy commissary general, letters to, 112/z, 182;

complaints against, 160, 183, 185; removing stores inland, 182, 185.
Whippany, N.
Whipping,
J.,
troops
at, 438/?.
as military punishment, 183, 184, 412, 483, 484.
White, Anthony Walton, Washington's thanks, 37;

acter and possible appointment, 309, 310.
Whitley Prison Ship,
letter to,
309; char-
5.
Wickes, Capt. Lambert, prizes, 206.

Wilker, Jacob, court-martial, 485.
Wilkins, Capt. John, appointment, 389, 419.
Wilkinson, Col. James, Gates's aide, 374.

Willcocks, William, Stirling's aide, 407.
Willett, Lieut. Col. Marinus, raid
on
Peekskill, 329 ft.
Williams, Nathaniel, court-martial, 484.

Williams, Ma]. Otho Holland, question of exchange,
10, 114; service,
114ft.
Wilson, Lieut. Col. George, death, 326 ft, 484 ft.
Winds, Gen. William,
New Jersey
campaign,
16; letter to,
368 ft.
Witherspoon, John, committee on British conduct, 108 ft.

Wolcott, Gen. Erastus, militia brigade to the Hudson, 450.
Wood,
Col. Joseph, circular letter to, 278 ft; recruiting, returns, 454.
Wood, William,
court-martial, 183.
Woodford, Col. (Gen.) William,
letter to, 239;
promotion, ranking,
New
Jersey, 240; service,
Washington's appeal, 239; ordered to

312ft.
Woodward, Thomas Lewis,
possible spy, 175.
Wooster, Gen. David, New York front, retirement, Washington's rebuke, 221 ft, 256, 271; letters to, 271, 404; letter, 271ft; Danbury
raid, killed, tributes, 271ft, 488 ft.
554
Work, Capt. William, court-martial,

Woromonroke plantation, 54 n.
cashiered, 337.
Wyllys, Col. Samuel, recruiting, 259; circular

brigaded, 355.
Wyllys, Capt. (Maj.) John Plasgrave, bears
letter to,
letters, 83, 87; release
parole, 85, 87, 230; service, 85 n.
Wyoming
277 n; regiment
Rangers, 484.
Yates, Bartholomew. See Yeates.
Yauncey, Cornet Robert, cavalry commission, 339.

Yeates, Lieut. Bartholomew, barbarity on, 15, 108, 152.
York, Pa., artillery establishment, 19-23, 32, 139.
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2010 with funding from

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Original Manuscript Sources

George Washington Bicentennial Commission

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1777-April 30, 1777

Government Printing Office

UNITED STATES GEORGE WASHINGTON

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Fess, Vice Chairman

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Mrs. John Dickinson Sherman

Albert Bushnell Hart

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Representative Sol Bloom

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William and Mary College

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New York Times

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To Sir William Howe,

Cruel treatment of naval prisoners

General Orders, January 13

Nathaniel Gist, January 13

Raising of ranger companies.

Recruiting Instructions, January 13

General Orders, January 14

President of Congress, January 14

To Major General William

Nathaniel Gist, January 14

Isaac Smith, January 14

Joseph Kirkbride, January 14

Joseph Reed, January 14

Putnam's movements inexplicable

General Orders, January 15

Joseph Reed, January 15

To Brigadier General Henry Knox,

Establishment of magazines, laboratories, and foundries in Pennsylvania and New England.

General Orders, January 16

Colonel Benjamin Flower, January 16

To Major General William

To the President of Congress, January

General Orders, January 17

General Joseph Spencer, January 17

General Philip Schuyler, January 18

for the lake forts.

To Doctor John Morgan,