GEORGE WASHINGTON
BICENTENNIAL EDITION
THE WRITINGS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON
President of the United States
Chairman
Vice President of the United States
Speaker of the House of Representatives
United States Senate
Simeon D. Fess , Vice Chairman Ohio
Arthur Capper Kansas
Virginia
Millard E. Tydings Maryland
House of Representatives
Willis C. Hawley Oregon
John Q. Tilson Connecticut
Joseph W. Byrns Tennessee
Virginia
Presidential Commissioners
Mrs. Anthony Wayne Cook Pennsylvania
Mrs. John Dickinson Sherman Colorado
Michigan
New York
[Note:Deceased. ]
Virginia
Oregon
Albert Bushnell Hart Massachusetts
Joseph Scott California
Executive Committee
The Senate And House Commissioners
Mrs. Anthony Wayne Cook
Joseph Scott
Historian
Prof. Albert Bushnell Hart
Associate Directors
Representative Sol Bloom
Executive Secretary
William Tyler Page
Dr. J. Franklin Jameson , Chairman
Chair of American History and Chief of Manuscripts Division
Library of Congress
Dr. Randolph G. Adams
Librarian William L. Clements Library
University of Michigan
President J. A. C. Chandler
William and Mary College
Editor, United States Department of State
Dr. Charles Moore
Chairman United States Commission of Fine Arts
George W. Ochs-Oakes, ESQ . *
Editor, New York Times
[Note:Deceased. ]
Brigadier General John M. Palmer
United States Army, Retired
Victor H. Paltsits
Chief of Manuscript Department
New York Public Library
Page
To the Committee of Congress, March 1
Rank disputes -- Conflicts of authority -- Appointment of general officers -- Greene and Du Portail. 1
To Bryan Fairfax, March 1
Friendship unchanged by political differences -- His proposed voyage to England -- Great Britain does not want peace -- Artifices of the enemy. 2
To John Coryell, March 1
Flatboats to be carried above Trenton -- Cannon and stores. 5
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, March 1
Report of British ships -- General Wayne's detachment. 6
To Count Pulaski, March 1
Seniority between infantry and cavalry -- Assistance to General Wayne. 6
To Francis Hopkinson and John Wharton, March 1
Removal of flatboats -- Sinking of galleys. 7
General Orders, March 1 8
General Orders, March 2 12
To the Pennsylvania Navy Board, March 2
Suggests sinking the galleys. 12
To Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, March 2
British failure to surprise -- Destruction of forage. 13
To Brigadier General John Lacey, Junior, March 2
Refusal to furnish guard for cattle -- Orders for a party to rendezvous at Bartholomew's Tavern -- Punishment of people caught going into Philadelphia. 14
To the Board of Artillery Officers, March 2
Their memorial -- Promotion of Duplessis -- Reward of merit -- Rank complaints. 15
General Orders, March 3 18
To Count Pulaski, March 3
To join Wayne -- Resignation. 20
To Count Pulaski, March 3
Brevet of Captain de Pontiere. 20
General Orders, March 4 21
To the Board of General Officers, March 4
Rank case. 21
To Colonel George Baylor, March 4
Augmentation of cavalry -- Purchase of horses -- Saddles, etc. 22
General Orders, March 5 23
To Major General William Heath, March 5
Exchange of a British officer. 24
To Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, March 5
Accusations of Colonel Drake -- Fortifying the Hudson -- Removal of forage -- Filling of commissions. 24
To Brigadier General Henry Knox, March 5
Artillery and arms to the eastward -- Speedy reenforcement of army necessary -- Northern expedition will fail -- Lead, flints, etc. -- Possible attempt to rescue Convention troops. 26
To Brigadier General Ebenezer Learned, March 5
His health. 27
To Colonel Theodorick Bland, March 5
Purchase of horses for dragoons. 28
To Major Warham Parks, March 5
Remaining in the service. 29
To Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, March 5
Suggests attempt to abduct Sir Henry Clinton. 29
To Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, March 5
Forage at Haverstraw. 30
To the Committee from Congress, March 6
Command in Rhode Island. 31
To Major General John Sullivan, March 6
Captain Sullivan's claim. 31
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, March 6
Payment for board of lady prisoners -- Howe's charges of American cruelty to prisoners. 32
To the Board of War, March 6
Want of arms and accoutrements -- Virginia recruits -- Scarcity of leather -- Cartouche boxes and shoes. 33
To Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, March 7
Building of scows and boats. 35
To Colonel George Gibson, March 7
Wagon difficulties -- Courts-martial -- Cloth. 36
To Major John Jameson, March 7
Purchase of horses for dragoons. 37
To the President of Congress, March 7 -- 8
Violation of a flag of truce -- Complications attending an exchange of prisoners -- A resolution of Congress, an infraction of his engagements with Howe -- Steps taken and the authority under which he acted -- A new condition annexed -- Settlement of accounts -- Prevailing sentiment in favor of an exchange -- Care not to shock notions of general justice and humanity -- Evils to be apprehended if policy is adhered to -- Circumstances urging an exchange -- Howe's ambiguities -- Prospects of an agreement. 37
To President Thomas Wharton, Junior, March 7
Misconduct of quartermasters and commissaries -- Desires to depend upon civil authority -- Necessities of the army. 45
General Orders, March 7 48
General Orders, March 8 49
To Colonel Elias Dayton, March 8
Reasons for his resignation. 50
To Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, March 8
Attempt to capture Sir Henry Clinton. 51
General Orders, March 9 51
To the Board of War, March 9
Artillery sent to Farmington -- Exchange of Convention officers -- Frontier regiments and deserters -- Clothing. 52
To Henry Champion, March 9
Beef supply. 54
To Sir William Howe, March 9
Exchange negotiations -- Release of General Lee. 55
General Orders, March 10 56
To Major General John Sullivan, March 10
Command of troops in Rhode Island. 57
To Major Benjamin Tallmadge, March 10
Contract prices -- Purchase of horses. 58
To Marquis de Lafayette, March 10
His apprehensions of censure for Canada expedition -- Diversion against New York. 59
General Orders, March 11 60
To Lieutenant General John Burgoyne, March 11
Exchange of courtesies -- Sympathy for his situation. 61
To George William Fairfax, March 11
Management of his Virginia property -- Personal news. 62
To Captain Amos Wilkinson and Captain-Lieutenants Patrick Duffey, John Bryce, and George Cottnam, March 11
Promotion of Captain-Lieutenant Turnbull. 63
To Colonel George Gibson, March 11
Meat supply -- Militia guard of stores -- Warrants for execution -- Other courts-martial sentences. 64
To Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, March 11
Leather for accouterments. 65
To Major Thomas Forrest, March 11
Complaint of rank. 66
General Orders, March 12 67
To Captain John Barry, March 12
His success against British ships. 67
To Governor George Clinton, March 12
Provision supply -- Criticism of Putnam. 67
To Robert R. Livingston, March 12
On removal of Putnam from the command of the Highlands -- Defense of the posts on Hudson River. 69
To Sir William Howe, March 12
No distinction injurious to Hessian officers -- Exchange of General Lee. 70
To the President of Congress, March 12
Exemptions of citizens from captivity -- The exchange of General Lee -- Enlisting prisoners and deserters -- Successes of Captain Barry -- Regulation of prices. 72
General Orders, March 13 74
To the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, March 13
Employment of Indians. 76
To Reverend Israel Evans, March 13
Thanks for his sermon. 78
To Major General William Heath, March 14
Seizure of Daniel Heister by British. 78
To Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, March 14
Delay of his march. 79
To Governor William Livingston, March 14
The Light Horse -- Provisions and deserters -- Pulaski. 79
To the President of Congress, March 14
Pulaski's position in the army -- His proposition to raise an independent corps -- Suggestions. 80
General Orders, March 14 82
General Orders, March 15 84
To Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, March 15
To appear before Congress. 86
To Brigadier General John Glover, March 15
His presence in camp. 87
To Brigadier General George Weedon, March 15
His presence in camp -- His claim to rank. 87
To Lieutenant Colonel William Bradford, Junior, March 15
Safety of armed galleys in the Delaware. 88
To Captain Stephen Chambers, March 15
Shoes -- Cavalry and wagon horses. 89
To the President of Congress, March 16
The command in the Highlands -- Appointment of McDougall -- Proposed expedition into Canada -- Albany an improper place for an arsenal or magazine. 90
To the President of Congress, March 16
Captain Sullivan's claim to pay and rank. 92
To Major General Israel Putnam, March 16
Congress inquiry into loss of Forts Montgomery and Clinton -- McDougall to command in the Highlands. 94
To Major General Alexander McDougall, March 16
Court of inquiry on Putnam -- McDougall to command in the Highlands -- Instructions. 95
General Orders, March 16 97
General Orders, March 17 98
To President James Bowdoin, March 17
Enlistment of deserters by Massachusetts towns -- Evils and dangers attending the practice. 98
To Major General Alexander McDougall, Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, and Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, March 17
Instructions for inquiry into loss of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. 100
To Governor George Clinton, March 17
Garrison of the Highlands -- McDougall to command. 101
To Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, March 17
His resignation. 102
To the President of Congress, March 17
Confusion in management on North River -- Slowness of fortification works. 103
To Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, March 18
Delay in Highland fortification work -- McDougall to command. 104
To Lieutenant Colonel William Bradford, Junior, March 18
North Carolina troops on galleys to be returned to camp. 105
To Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, March 18
Carriages for cannon to be taken from the galleys. 105
To Reverend Timothy Dwight, Junior, March 18
Dedication of his poem. 105
To the President of Congress, March 18
Embarkation of British. 106
General Orders, March 18 107
General Orders, March 19 107
To Brigadiers and Officers Commanding Brigades, March 19
Subinspectors and brigade inspectors. 108
To Major Peter Scull, March 19
Offering a subinspectorship. 109
To Colonel Israel Shreve, March 19
British troops sent down the Delaware -- Shreve to march to protect salt works and collect cattle. 109
To Governor William Livingston, March 19
British force gone down the Delaware. 110
To the Committee from Congress, March 19
List of Pennsylvania field officers -- Colonel Putnam's rank. 111
To the Board of War, March 20
Stores at Reading -- British teams captured -- Musket, bayonet, and cartridge supply -- Battering artillery -- Mortar -- Hurrying on of recruits. 111
To Marquis de Lafayette, March 20
His return to camp. 113
To Brigadier General John Lacey, Junior, March 20
Prevention of Quakers going into Philadelphia. 114
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, March 20
Command of the cavalry -- General instructions. 114
To the Commanding Officers of Dragoons, March 20
Discipline of dragoons. 115
To the Officer Commanding at Alexandria, March 20
Inoculation of levies. 116
To Major Peter Scull, March 20
Requesting his presence. 116
To Brigadier General John Cadwalader, March 20
Urges him to active service -- Suffering of army -- Recruiting prospects -- Howe's designs. 117
General Orders, March 20 118
General Orders, March 21 119
To Major General Alexander McDougall, March 21
Recommending Colonel La Radiere. 119
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, March 21
Removal of forage -- Maryland recruits. 120
To Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, March 21
Advance of British -- Protection of cattle -- Prevention of Quakers going into Philadelphia. 120
To Colonel Charles Lewis, March 21
Resignation. 121
To Baron Steuben March 21
Case of Mr. Ternant. 122
To Governor Thomas Johnson, March 21
Difficulty in procuring Maryland wagons -- Provision supply. 123
To the President of Congress, March 21
Lafayette and De Kalb to join the army -- Troops ordered to the Highlands -- Doctor Rush's charges against Doctor Shippen. 124
To Lord Stirling, March 21
Lieutenant Colonel Wilkinson and the Conway-Gates letter -- Arrangement of regiments -- Colonel Burr's leave of absence. 125
To Colonel James Hendricks, March 22
His resignation. 126
To Colonel George Gibson, March 22
British prisoners -- Sick -- Camp kettles. 127
To Colonel Thomas Procter, March 22
Disputes between Major Forrest and Colonel Crane -- Amicable settlements. 127
To Lieutenant Colonel Adam Hubley, March 22
Court-martial of Doctor Smith. 128
To Sir William Howe, March 22
Rank of Ethan Allen -- Protest against arrest of Robinson and Galt -- The case of Brooks; of McMahon and Cameron -- Exchange commissioners appointed. 129
General Orders, March 22 132
General Orders, March 23 133
To Colonel Thomas Procter, Captains Winthrop Sargent, John Doughty, and Jonathan Clark, March 23
Bravery of Duplessis -- Scarcity of clothing. 134
To Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, March 24
Protecton of cattle. 135
To Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, March 24
Offer the post of subinspector. 136
To Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Sherman, March 24
Court of inquiry on his conduct. 137
To the President of Congress, March 24
Probable intentions of Howe -- Position of the army -- General officers -- General temper of the army -- Troops from North Carolina and Virginia -- The posts in the Highlands. 137
To the President of Congress, March 24
Resignation of Colonel Lewis. 140
General Orders, March 24 140
General Orders, March 25 142
To the Board of War, March 25
Inoculation -- Strength at Fort Pitt. 143
To Major General William Heath, March 25
Officers' resignations -- Removal of Convention troops -- Massachusetts recruits -- Deserters as substitutes. 144
To Major General Alexander McDougall, March 25
British embarkation at New York -- Need of recruits -- Hazen's regiment ordered to Highlands. 146
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, March 25
Places where cavalry can be quartered -- Condition of dragoons. 147
To Colonel Charles Armand-Tuffin, March 25
Raising his corps. 147
To Colonel David Forman, March 25
His salt-works guard to join the army. 148
To Governor William Livingston, March 25
Colonel Forman's salt-works guard -- Places for quartering cavalry -- Inability to check British incursions into Jersey. 149
To Governor William Livingston, March 25
Suspicions of Mr. Bankson. 151
To Captain Stephen Chambers, March 26
Tory property -- Intelligence from Philadelphia. 151
To Colonel Alexander McClanachan, March 26
Ordering him to camp. 152
To the Officer Commanding at Albany, March 26
Hazen's regiment to go to Fishkill. 152
To Jean Baptiste Ternant, March 26
His appointment to subinspectorship. 153
To the Commissary of Purchases, March 26
Indian meal for inoculation. 153
Address to the Inhabitants of Virginia, March 26
Vouching for Johnston Smith. 154
To Abraham Hire, March 26
Introducing Johnston Smith. 154
General Orders, March 26 155
To Major General Alexander McDougall, March 27
Route of cattle and stores coming from the eastward. 157
To Major General John Armstrong, March 27
Delay in reenforcing army -- Chance of British attack -- Supernumelary officers -- Teams furnished to enemy -- Mischief done by British officers who are prisoners -- Hopes General Potter will return to army -- Pennsylvania Militia quota. 157
To Governor Patrick Henry, March 27
An anonymous attack -- Invites censure when deserved. 159
General Orders, March 27 161
General Orders, March 28 162
To Governor Patrick Henry, March 28
Desires approbation of his country -- Doctor Rush the supposed writer of the anonymous letter -- Object of the cabal -- Virginia's exertions for clothing -- Commissary management. 164
To Francis Hopkinson, March 28
Case of Captains Robinson and Gait -- Removal of stores. 165
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, March 28
Removal of hay -- Embarkation at New York -- Safety of his cannon. 166
To Brigadier General William Woodford, March 28
Instructions for his guidance in Virginia. 168
To Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Temple, March 28
Equipping his dragoons. 168
To Governor Richard Caswell, March 28
Clothing for North Carolina troops. 169
To Reverend John Ettwein, March 28
Continental hospital at Lititz. 170
To the President of Congress, March 29
Movements of British. 171
To James Lovell, March 29
Probable evacuation of Rhode Island -- French encouragement of West India trade. 172
To Brigadier General George Weedon, March 29
His rank. 173
To Sir William Howe, March 29
Meeting of exchange commissioners. 173
General Orders, March 29 173
General Orders, March 30 174
To Colonel William Russell, March 30
Assembling his regiment. 175
General Orders, March 31 176
To Major General Nathanael Greene, March 31
Location of grain and hay magazines. 177
To Major General Alexander McDougall, March 31
British troops sent from New York -- Practicability of attacking that city. 178
To Brigadier General John Lacey, Junior, March 31
Removal of inhabitants not practicable. 179
To Major Isaac Beall, March 31
Resignation. 180
To President James Bowdoin, March 31
Untrustworthiness of British deserter recruits -- Need of Massachusetts levies -- Inoculation of recruits -- Need of clothing. 180
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, March 31
State of the army -- Howe's intentions -- Levies should be sent forward -- Connecticut troops well provided for. 181
To Baron von Riedesel, March 31
His exchange application -- Exchange negotiations. 184
Thoughts upon a Plan of Operation for Campaign 1778,
March 185
General Orders, April 1 194
To the President of Congress, April 1
Arrival of British transports -- St. Clair's trial. 195
To Thomas McKean, April 1
Witnesses from Philadelphia in the trial of counterfeiters. 196
To Lord Stirling and Other General Officers, April 1
The settlement of rank. 197
To Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot, Esquire, April 1
Resolves of Congress for their guidance. 197
To Captain Henry Lee, April 1
The offer of an aideship. 198
To Ezekiel Cheever, April 2
Cleaning of arms. 198
General Orders, April 2 199
General Orders, April 3 201
To Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, April 3
Forwarding recruits. 202
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, April 3
Dragoon escort for exchange commissioners -- A spy suspect. 203
To Colonel Josias Carvil Hall, April 3
His sentence for disobedience of orders. 204
To James Mease, April 3
Clothing for the 16 Additional Continental regiments. 205
To the President of Congress, April 3
Recommending Captain Lee for promotion and an enlarged command. 205
To Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, April 4
Instructions for inspecting hospitals. 206
To the Officers Commanding at the Several Hospitals, April 4
General McIntosh's commands to be obeyed. 209
To Brigadier General John Lacey, Junior, April 4
Neutrality of Newtown. 209
To Colonel Israel Shreve, April 4
Powder and ball -- Civilians taken in arms to be delivered to civil authority -- Tories at Billingsport. 209
To Colonel David Mason, April 4
Inoculation of recruits -- Resignations -- Incapable men received as recruits. 210
To Colonel John H. Stone, April 4
His wound and resignation. 211
To Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot, Esquire, April 4
Powers as exchange commissioners. 212
To Major John Jameson, April 4
Purchase of horses. 213
To Sir William Howe, April 4
His objection to Germantown as place of meeting of exchange commisioners -- Newtown. 213
To Louis A.J.B. Chevalier de Cambray Digny, April 4
Congress the appointing power. 215
To Captain Denis Nicholas Cottineau de Kloguene, April 4
His arrival with supplies. 215
To the President of Congress, April 4
Sensibility wounded -- Embarrassed by Congress in exchange negotiations -- Difficulties -- General Lee, Colonel Lee, and Major Swasey -- Captain Cottineau's cargo. 216
General Orders, April 4 220
General Orders, April 5 220
To President Thomas Wharton, Junior, April 5
Mrs. Pemberton's request. 221
To Mrs. Mary Pemberton, April 5
Referring her to the State of Pennsylvania. 221
To Major General Alexander McDougall, April 6
Kosciuszko to join the army. 222
To Colonel Israel Shreve, April 6
Court-martial matters -- Tories at Billingsport. 222
To Colonel Morgan Lewis, April 6
Colonel Hay to join the army. 223
To President Thomas Wharton, Junior, April 6
Permission for Quaker ladies to pass. 223
General Orders, April 6 224
General Orders, April 7 225
To Major General William Heath, April 8
Appointments -- Recall of furloughed men -- Delay of recruits. 226
To Major General Alexander McDougall, April 8
British Fleet from New York -- Surprise attack on New York -- Furloughed men -- Inoculation. 227
General Orders, April 8 228
To Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, April 9
Application for leave of absence. 229
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, April 9
Drafts for Pulaski's corps. 230
To the Committee from Congress, April 9
Appointment of officers to Pulaski's corps. 230
General Orders, April 9 231
General Orders, April 10 232
To Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, April 10
His rank. 233
To Major Michael Ryan, April 10
His disputed rank. 234
To the President of Congress, April 10
Authority to call out militia -- Inexpedient to exercise it -- Arrangement of the army -- Necessity of making provision for officers -- Personal interest in the matter -- Prospects of recruiting in New England and elsewhere -- Evils of delayed action -- Resignations in the Virginia line -- The question of clothing -- Lafayette and De Kalb expected in camp. 235
To President Thomas Wharton, Junior, April 10
Pennsylvania's wagon law -- Exemption of wagoners from militia duty suggested. 241
To Major General Arthur St. Clair, April 10
Appointment offered Major Scull. 242
To Colonel Rufus Putnam, April 11
His rank. 243
To Brigadier General John Lacey, Junior, April 11
Trial and punishment of civilians. 243
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, April 11
Neglect of cavalry officers -- Their arrest -- Lieutenant Craig's rank. 244
To Lieutenant Colonel John Parke, April 11
His arrest and trial. 245
To Robert Erskine, April 11
Wishes to see him. 246
To Francis Hopkinson and John Wharton, April 11
Case of Captains Robinson and Gait. 247
To Governor William Livingston, April 11
Captain Arnold -- Trade with the enemy -- Future need of militia. 247
To President Thomas Wharton, Junior, April 11
Need of 1,000 militia. 248
General Orders, April 11 249
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, April 12
Troops to be withdrawn from Wilmington -- Orders for his march. 250
To Major Henry Lee, April 12
Promotion. 251
General Orders, April 12 252
General Orders, April 13 253
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, April 13
Stores at Head of Elk and Charlestown -- Postponing march. 254
To Colonel Matthias Ogden, April 13
Disapproval of attempt to liberate American prisoners on Long Island. 255
To Governor William Livingston, April 14
Regrets inability to station Continentals in the lower counties of Jersey -- Mawhood's summons and Hand's answer. 256
To Lord Stirling, April 14
Meeting of general officers. 257
To Colonel Israel Shreve, April 14
Sentences of deserters. 258
To Colonel Lewis Nicola, April 14
Punishment of thieves. 258
To the Officer Commanding the Second Continental Dragoons, April 14
Poor condition of dragoon horses. 259
General Orders, April 14 259
To Captain John Barry, April 15
Officers' paroles -- Varnum's men to be returned. 261
To Governor William Livingston, April 15
Sentences of civilians by court-martial -- Case of Morse. 262
General Orders, April 15 263
General Orders, April 16 264
To Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, April 16
Entrapment of British parties. 266
To Colonel David Mason, April 16
Illegal court-martial. 267
To President Thomas Wharton, Junior, April 17
Frauds in quartermaster and commissary departments -- Character of Patrick Maguire. 267
To the President of Congress, April 17
Introducing a Mr. Ernest. 268
To James Mease, April 17
Difficulties caused by his distance from the army -- Complaints -- Stoppages for clothing. 269
General Orders, April 17 270
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, April 18
Tory insurrection -- Trade with the enemy. 272
General Orders, April 18 273
To Colonel Theodorick Bland, April 18
Untrained cavalry -- Inoculation of recruits -- Natives for cavalry. 274
To the President of Congress, April 18
Sending gazettes in which are forged letters. 275
To the President of Congress, April 18
Confidence of Congress -- Exchange negotiations without results -- Calling out the militia -- Lord North's conciliatory bills -- Congress should expose the injustice and fraud. 276
To Governor Patrick Henry, April 19
Purchasing commissary appointment -- Change in Commissary General -- Fattening cattle. 278
To Sir William Howe, April 19
Exchange of Stephen Lowery. 279
General Orders, April 19 280
General Orders, April 20 281
To the President of Congress, April 20
Authenticity of the Conciliatory Bill. 281
To the General Officers, April 20
Plan of campaign to be decided upon. 282
To Joseph Kirkbride, April 20
Trial of civilians -- Dismantling galleys -- Shooting tories. 283
To John Banister, April 21
Delays in arranging army -- Resignation of officers and the remedy -- Contrast between position of officers in British and American establishments -- Patriotism not sufficient to mantain army -- Army should be put on a respectable footing -- Army's value in an accommodation -- Attitude of France -- A European alliance desirable -- Need of ability 284
General Orders, April 21 293
To Major General Charles Lee, April 22
His exchange -- Military suggestions. 295
To Governor William Livingston, April 22
Lord North's bills and speech in Governor Tryon's letters -- Forged resolution of Congress -- Suggests that the States pardon Tories. 295
To Major General Alexander McDougall, April 22
Gates to command the Northern Department -- Provision for officers and pending resignations. 297
General Orders, April 22 298
General Orders, April 23 299
To Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell, April 23
His exchange. 300
To the President of Congress, April 23
North's propositions -- A forged resolve on drafting -- Plan of campaign -- Clinton to succeed Howe. 300
To Francis Lightfoot Lee and John Banister, April 23
Additional bounty for Virginia troops. 302
To Governor George Clinton, April 24
Efforts to trace a box of money. 303
To Major General Horatio Gates, April 24
His presence desired in camp. 303
To Major General Thomas Mifflin, April 24
His presence desired at a council of war. 304
To Baron de Kalb, April 24
His presence desired. 304
To Major General John Armstrong, April 24
His presence desired at a council. 305
To Thomas Turner, April 25
Present of pistols. 305
To Gouverneur Morris, April 25
The composition of the council of war -- Commander of artillery should be present -- Antagonism in Congress -- Resignations. 305
To the President of Congress, April 25
Arrival of commissioners from England. 307
To Colonel Israel Shreve, April 25
Americans captured at Cooper's ferry -- Positions of his troops. 308
General Orders, April 25 308
To Major General William Tryon, April 26
Circulation of the conciliatory bills in the army -- Asks Tryon to circulate a resolve of Congress among the British. 309
To Governor William Livingston, April 26
Deserters attending flag -- The case of Hatfield -- New Jersey Militia -- Letter for Tryon. 310
To President Thomas Wharton, Junior, April 26
Pennsylvania armed militia. 311
General Orders, April 26 312
General Orders, April 27 313
To the President of Congress, April 27
Action of Congress on North's bills -- Council of war -- Need of money. 313
To the Board of War, April 27
Few workmen making cartridges. 314
To Robert Morris, April 27
His report of inactivity at elaboratories. 315
To Samuel Chase, April 27
British imprisonment of civilians -- Exchange of Bedford. 316
General Orders, April 28 317
General Orders, April 29 317
To Major General Israel Putnam, April 29
Recruiting prospects -- Plan of operations. 319
To Major General William Heath, April 29
Departure of Burgoyne -- Enlistment of deserters -- Their conduct. 320
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, April 29
Difficulty in equipping cavalry -- Untrained horses. 322
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, April 30
Court-martial of John Derrick -- Arrival of news of recognition of independence by France. 323
To Governor George Clinton, April 30
Conduct of Indians -- Gates's command -- Protection of western frontier. 324
To Pierre Penet, April 30
Acknowledging presents and sword knots. 325
To Henry Laurens, April 30
Crisis at hand -- Representation in Congress -- Nothing short of independence can do -- Necessity of providing for officers -- Submission of question to States -- Washington's lack of information. 326
To Thevenau Francy, April 30
Letter for Penet. 328
To the President of Congress, April 30
The inspectorship -- Steuben's fitness for the place -- Organization -- Fleury's employment. 328
To the President of Congress, May 1
Oath of allegiance to officers -- Provision for their future -- Intelligence -- The treaty with France. 331
To the President of Congress, May 1
Papers on loss of Ticonderoga. 333
To the Board of War, May 1
Exchange of General Thompson -- State of elaboratories -- Armorers. 333
To Major General Alexander McDougall, May 1
The French alliance. 335
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, May 1
Training the army under Steuben -- Advantages -- Vicious step contracted. 335
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, May 1
Assistance to a deputy quartermaster general. 336
To Comte Pulaski, May 1
His enlisting British prisoners. 337
To Lord Stirling, May 1
Payment of a claim. 338
To Colonel George Baylor, May 1
Horses and recruits -- Need of arms, swords, and pistols by dragoons -- Corner appointments. 338
To Colonel Theodoriek Bland, May 1
Expenditures. 339
To Francis Wade, May 1
His quartermaster appointment. 340
General Orders, May 1 341
General Orders, May 2 342
To the President of Congress, May 3
Employment of Indians -- Counteracting British temptations. 343
To Colonel George Baylor, May 3
Appointment in his regiment. 344
To Brigadier General John Lacey, Junior, May 3
British surprise of his force. 345
General Orders, May 3 345
General Orders, May 4 346
To Colonel Josias Carvil Hall, May 4
Recruits to march to army. 347
To Governor Thomas Johnson, May 4
Recruiting the German battalion. 347
To the President of Congress, May 4
The French alliance. 348
To Major General Israel Putnam, May 5
Forwarding recruits. 348
To Major General William Heath, May 5
Necessity of effort in spite of French alliance -- Forwarding recruits -- Exchange of prisoners. 349
To Major General Nathanael Greene, May 5
No relaxation of effort. 351
To Major General Alexander McDougall, May 5
Forwarding recruits from the east -- Danger of confiding too much in the new alliance -- Possible movements of the enemy. 351
General Orders, May 5 353
General Orders, May 6 356
To the President of Congress, May 7
Chevalier de la Neuville. 357
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, May 7
Purpose of his detachment -- Disorderly conduct of troops. 357
To Colonel Israel Shreve, May 7
Suppression of intercourse with Philadelphia -- Force sent into Jersey -- Arms. 358
To Major General Benedict Arnold, May 7
Epaulettes and sword knot. 359
To Commodore John Hazelwood, May 7
Arms for Colonel Shreve. 360
General Orders, May 7 360
Council of War, May 8 363
General Orders, May 9 366
To the Board of War, May 9
Survey work ordered by the board -- Engineering work. 367
To Richard, Lord Howe, May 10
Request for release of Chase. 368
To President Thomas Wharton, Junior, May 11
Pennsylvania Militia -- Difficulties -- Can not dispense with militia -- Disuse of substitution practice. 369
To Governor Thomas Johnson, May 11
Galling out militia -- Difficulties -- Preparations. 370
To the President of Congress, May 11
Howe's offer to exchange prisoners. 372
To Major General Alexander McDougall, May 11
Substitute frauds -- Gates to command on North River. 373
To Brigadier General John Lacey, Junior, May 11
His relief by General Potter. 374
To Lord Stirling, May 11
Slowness of fortification work -- Oaths to officers. 374
General Orders, May 11 375
General Orders, May 12 377
To Governor William Livingston, May 12
Strength of militia -- Impracticability of drawing together a large force -- Loss of Continental frigates. 377
To the President of Congress, May 12
General McIntosh to command at Fort Pitt -- Exchange of officers -- Case of Lieutenant Colonel Dirks -- Loss of Continental frigates -- Ethan Allen -- Message from the French King to the Court of London. 379
To Lieutenant Colonel Morgan Connor, May 12
Release of a prisoner. 382
To Major General William Heath, May 13
Completing Massachusetts battalions -- French alliance. 382
To Major General Philemon Dickinson, May 13
Destruction of Continental frigates. 383
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, May 13
Captors of British Light Horse. 384
To Major Benjamin Tallmadge, May 13
Condition of dragoon horses. 385
To President Thomas Wharton, Junior, May 14
Council's stoppage of arms. 386
To William Henry, May 14
Detention of arms by Pennsylvania. 386
General Orders, May 14 387
General Orders, May 15 388
To Major General Philip Schuyler, May 15
Disposition of the Indians -- Not wanted at the main army -- Tousard's party should be sent back -- The French alliance and its effect on England's measures. 389
To Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Junior, May 15
Thanks for raising cavalry -- Carbines -- France's aid. 392
To Colonel George Baylor, May 15
Purchase of horses. 394
To Governor Patrick Henry, May 16
Thanks for present -- French alliance. 394
To the Board of War, May 16
Transportation of stores from south -- Case of Captains Robinson and Galt -- Establishment of stages to eastern States for transportation of stores -- Pay difficulties. 395
To Major General Nathanael Greene, May 16
Forage supply on road to North River -- Spy to go into New York. 397
To James Mease, May 16
Complaints -- To come immediately to headquarters. 398
General Orders, May 16 399
To Major General Horatio Gates, May 17
Coming evacuation of Philadelphia -- Retention of eastern recruits and other precautions. 401
To Major General Nathanael Greene, May 17
Expected evacuation of Philadelphia -- Wagon and tent supply -- Magazines on the route to North River. 403
To Governor Thomas Johnson, May 17
Need of militia to guard stores at Head of Elk. 404
To Major General Alexander McDougall, May 17
His position -- Uncertainty of British intentions. 405
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, May 17
Militia guard for stores at Head of Elk. 406
To Brigadier General Henry Knox, May 17
Artillery to be in readiness -- Small arms. 407
To Major Samuel French, May 17
Cartridge supply. 408
To Colonel Ephraim Blaine, May 17
Magazines of provisions on road to North River. 408
To Ezekiel Cheever, May 17
Forwarding of arms. 409
To Philip Van Rensselaer, May 17
Need of arms. 409
To Marquis de Lafayette, May 17
Refusal of officers of Woodford's brigade to take oath -- Peculiarity of the refusal -- The key to their scruples. 410
General Orders, May 17 411
General Orders, May 18 412
To Gouverneur Morris, May 18
Half pay -- Regulation of quartermaster and commissary departments -- The council at camp -- Mifflin's conduct -- Conway again scheming. 413
To the President of Congress, May 18
Announcing half-pay resolution to army -- Reported evacuation of Philadelphia -- Detachment under Lafayette -- American prisoners in the hands of the enemy -- Arms and clothing. 415
To the Board of War, May 18
Militia at Easton and elsewhere. 417
To Major General Horatio Gates, May 18
Approaching evacuation of Philadelphia. 418
To the Marquis de Lafayette, May 18
Instructions for his detachment. 418
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, May 19
Court-martial of Jetson -- Can not permit flour to go into Philadelphia -- Scarcity of arms. 420
To Colonel William Russell, May 19
General McIntosh to command on the western frontier. 422
To Colonel David Mason, May 19
Return or resignation. 423
To President Jeremiah Powell, May 19
Need of drafts -- Prevention of enlistment of deserters and prisoners -- Preparations to evacuate Philadelphia. 423
General Orders, May 19 425
To Major General William Heath, May 20
Relief of guard at Reading -- Officers resigned. 426
To Brigadier General John Stark, May 20
Orders to join Sullivan. 427
To Colonel Robert Lettis Hooper, May 20
Guard for wagons from Boston. 427
To Captain Nathaniel Hutchins, May 20
Guard of wagons. 428
To Major General John Sullivan, May 20
Strength of his force -- Belief in coming evacuation of Philadelphia. 428
To Governor William Livingston, May 21
Indications of coming evacuation of Philadelphia -- Clothing from France. 429
To the President of Congress, May 21
McIntosh to command on western frontier -- His expense account. 429
General Orders, May 21 430
General Orders, May 22 432
To Brigadier General Charles Scott, May 22
Virginia drafts. 433
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, May 22 -- 23
Removal of stores -- Militia -- Chance of an attack -- Intentions of the enemy. 434
To Colonel Israel Shreve, May 23
Case of Hamer -- West Jersey drafts to be returned -- East Jersey to come on to camp -- Lieutenant Rhea -- Preparations of enemy. 436
To Major Benjamin Day, May 23
His resignation. 437
To Elias Boudinot, May 23
British treatment of prisoners -- His presence in camp -- His successor. 437
To Governor Patrick Henry, May 23
Recruits from Virginia -- Deficiency and resignations. 438
To the Board of War, May 23
Troops sent to Fort Pitt -- Lieutenant Colonel Butler, Colonel Gibson, and Colonel Crawford. 439
To Sir William Howe, May 23
Exchange negotiations. 441
General Orders, May 23 441
General Orders, May 24 442
To the President of Congress, May 24
Prisoner matters -- British move against Lafayette -- Memorial of North Carolina officers. 443
To Major General Philemon Dickinson, May 24
Intention of enemy -- Opposition to British if they march through Jersey. 445
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, May 24
Concentration of cavalry -- Ill-conditioned horses. 446
To Major Richard Campbell, May 24
Move of the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment. 446
To Major General Horatio Gates, May 25
Movements of British -- Exchange of British convalescents. 447
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, May 25
Orders for his guidance in case of evacuation of Philadelphia. 448
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, May 25
To take position near Chadds Ford -- Employment of spies. 449
To Richard Henry Lee, May 25
The spurious letters -- The French alliance -- Movements consequent upon an evacuation of Philadelphia -- Want of regimental regulations -- Recruiting in Virginia. 450
To Robert Morris, May 25
Present from Mr. Governeur -- The situation. 453
General Orders, May 25 453
General Orders, May 26 454
To Governor Nicholas Cooke, May 26
Case of Mr. Chace -- Expected evacuation of Philadelphia. 455
To John Parke Custis, May 26
Deed for the land -- Land as investment -- Public matters. 456
To Sir William Howe, May 26
Captains Robinson and Galt. 458
To Major General Horatio Gates, May 26
Interference with arms shipment -- Arms in camp -- The shipment to come on. 458
To Major General John Sullivan, May 26
General Stark to join him. 460
To Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, May 26
Appointment to command on western frontiers. 460
To Brigadier General John Stark, May 26
To join Sullivan. 461
To Captain Lachlan McIntosh, May 27
Appointment to Western department. 461
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, May 27
His brigade's want of shirts. 462
General Orders, May 27 462
General Orders, May 28 463
Arrangement of Army and Route of March to the North
River, May 28 465
To Vice President George Bryan, May 28
Death of President Wharton -- Rumor of Lafayette's appointment -- Measures taken on expected evacuation of Philadelphia. 467
To Major General Philemon Dickinson, May 28
Preparations of enemy -- Condition of army. 468
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, May 28
Countermand of orders for cavalry -- Unfit horses to be sent to the quartermaster department. 469
To Colonel William Russell, May 28
Ordering him to army. 470
To the President of Congress, May 28
Evacuation of Philadelphia -- British activity there and at New York. 471
To the President of Congress, May 28
Introducing Colonel Gibson. 472
To Governor William Greene, May 29
Congratulatory. 473
To Governor George Clinton, May 29
Indians -- Reasons for inability to accomplish anything against British. 473
To Henry Laurens, May 29
Disagreement among the Commissioners at Paris -- British peace commissioners -- Delay in military arrangements -- Half pay. 474
To Major General Horatio Gates, May 29
Neglect of States to furnish their quotas of troops -- Army under marching orders. 476
To the Board of General Officers, May 29
Lieutenant Colonel Regnier's rank. 477
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, May 29
Gates's stoppage of arms -- His position. 478
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, May 29
Orders if the British cross Jersey. 479
To Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, May 29
Imprisonment of Hammell. 479
To Colonel Thomas Hartley, May 29
Court-martial proceedings. 480
To Lieutenant Colonel James Innes, May 29
His return to camp. 481
To Colonel Josiah Parker, May 29
His return to camp. 481
To Colonel Elisha Sheldon, May 29
Ordered to the North River. 481
To Governor Thomas Johnson, May 29
Intercourse with Philadelphia. 482
To Gouverneur Morris, May 29
Rulers of mankind -- British politics and intentions of their army -- No brigade can be spared -- What to do with Putnam -- Exploit of Lafayette -- Some fixed rules of promotion necessary -- Contributions to be levied on Philadelphia. 482
General Orders, May 29 486
General Orders, May 30 487
Instructions to Major General Charles Lee, May 30 489
To Governor Patrick Henry, May 30
Return of the Virginia drafts -- Route of the enemy. 490
To Brigadier General William Smallwood, May 30
To disencumber himself of prisoners and Tories -- Protection of stores at Head of Elk. 491
To Landon Carter, May 30
Recollection of friends -- Distresses and perilous situation of the army -- Canada not joined to the Union -- Condition of the army -- The Conway Cabal -- Congress not involved -- North's bills -- Future prospects -- The spurious letters. 492
To Governor George Clinton, May 31
Rule of promotion. 496
To Sir Henry Clinton, May 31
Declining an interview. 496
General Orders, May 31 497
To the President of Congress, May 31
Enemy still in Philadelphia -- Stores and supplies in the city. 498
To John Augustine Washington, May
Spurious letters -- Other forgeries of the British -- Crisis of affairs -- Prices -- French alliance -- Recruits. 500
Declaration on Prisoners, May
Exchange principles. 502
General George Washington's oath of allegiance
to the United States, May 12,1778 Frontispiece
Congress publication of resolve decreeing
the death penalty for killing or kidnaping
citizens, February 27, 1778 Facing page 72
A general return of sick from Valley Forge
at the Manheim Hospital, April 1, 1778 Facing page 170
The Pennsylvania Gazette containing Lord
North's conciliatory speech of February
19, 1778 Facing page 300
Congress publication of resolve recommending
exemption from militia duty of all
British deserters, May 22, 1778 Facing page 404
The following symbols have been used to denote the place of deposit of Washington letters not found in draft or letter-book form in the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress: Indicating that the letter is in Washington's own handwriting Chicago Historical Society Clements Library, University of Michigan Connecticut Historical Society Harvard College Library Haverford College Historical Society of Pennsylvania Huntington Library John Carter Brown Library, Rhode Island Maine Historical Society Maryland Historical Society Massachusetts Historical Society J.P. 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 Society of the Cincinnati University of Chicago Library University of Pennsylvania Library Virginia Historical Society Virginia State Library
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